Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1082) (1904 03)

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\ ~~ a z = Z z S Peas... Copyxius?, 1884, By Beapte & Apams. By a EA Sah pee OT PER cee Pe ee ee, adda iota’ : Published Every Mi. J. EV eit « co., Publishers, 10 Cents a Copy. 0 ented (JAMES SULLIVAN, PROPRIETOR), $1.00 a ¥ 0 7 c ORGEs 370 Pear! Street, New York, . &. Sear. > = ———=£ een | HERCULES GOLDSPUR, THE MAN OF THE VELVET HAND; Or, THE POKER QUEEN’S DROP GAME. BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES. er be ae C22 WERE BY MY DEAD PARD AN’ IN PRESENCE OV HEAVEN AN’ THE LIVIN’, I SWEAR TO KEEP MY OATH!” AND COLD-DECK CARL’S TENSELY DAAWN VISAGE AND FLASHING EYES REVEALED TO GOLDSPUR, THE IMPLACABLE NATURE OF THE STRANGER SPORT.

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[ | & satisfactory answer, too. 2 Hercules Goldspur. | Hercules Goldspur, The Man of the Velvet Hand; OR, The Poker Queen’s Deep Game. A Romance of Idaho, APs BY CAPT. HOWARD HOLMES. “he CHAPTER I. COLD-DECK CARL, ‘“‘T' hyar in person, an’ I say it ag’in. She's | a daisy! she’s a jomper, an’ the man what says | she isn’t ’s a liar!” These words fell with emphasis from the lips of a clear-eyed little man, whose shoulders bare- ly rose above the counter of the most preten- tious saloon, of You-Bet, a wild-cat city in mountainous Idaho, on the line of the newly-es- tablished Northern Pucific, : He looked like a dwarf among the dark- shirted, dark faced men by whom he was sur- ‘rounded. He was not unbandsome, although he had a great scar over his left eye, and his pants thrust loosely into the tops of his boots gave him a certain devil-may-care appearance, which might have commended him to the popu- lation of You-Bet, No one at first responded to the little man’s assertion and challenge. The crowd seemed to take for granted his emphatic assertion of the merits of some one, and a numberturned away. “Thar ain't a man in You-Bet who dares to say she isn’t a daisy an’ a jumper!” be con- tinued, somewhat nettled by the cool reception of bis first remarks, ‘She kin ride; sive kin play; she kin shoot, Fer a cool hand at craw, give me Lola.” “Trot ’er out, then!” suddenly exclaimed a voice, at the sound of which the little man turned upon the speaker. “ I’low no man tosay thet without producin’ bis dust. Trot out this queen ov kerds!. Whar isshe? I’m kind o’ handy with the pastehoards myself. Lola ye called ‘er, I think? Show up, er shut up, ye little runt!” These words, the last ones especially, bad an instant effect. The eyes of the little man fairly sbed. A stride, and then a bound took bim to the stranger more than two heads his supe- rior in stature, ** Ar’ ye in earnest?” he asked, meeting his gaze with interest, “Tam. My name is Cold-Deck Carl, I’m from Mariposa. ‘Trot out your boss poker queen'!” For a moment the little man did not reply, but during the silence the scar made answer: it suddenly grew livid, **Cold-Deck Carl, eh?” he repeated. ‘ Wal, ef you waut to see Lola, I'll bring her in.” x moment later the figure of the little man disappeared, and a young girl entered the sa- loon and took an often-oceupied station bebind the bar. . ** Thar she is!—the only gal in You-Bet!” ex- claimed a tall, broad-shouldered. miner as he leaned over the counter with a smile. ‘“ Pigm Pete never talks about Lola when this daisy is in the room. Step up, gentlemen, an’ afore the jumper shows up, we’ll drink to the boss female of Idaho!” The invitation to liquor-up was received with words of approval, more forcible than elegant, and the young girl, who was beautiful, with a ir of sloe-black eyes, rich complexion and a aultless figure, began to set out glasses suffi- cient for the rough crowd, “Tola ean’t be Pe ya than this daisy,” de- cided Cold-Deck Carl after a moment’s inspec- tion of the maid behind the bar. gal in You-Bet didn’t some one say?” “Ther only one, pard,” echoed a voice at Carl’s elbow, telling him that he had unwitting- ly spoken aloud. ‘Whar did she come from?” ‘Hercules fetched ’er hyar.” ** Hercules?” ** Don’t you know him?” ‘‘No, I’m from Mariposa, We don’t know him thar.” “ Hercules is a dandy. Whar he js, thar’s always a boss. We hevn’t see’d ‘im fer three months, Went Soutb at last accounts.” “South, hey?” Cold-Deck Carl seemed to take more than a passing interest in the man called Hercules, ** Yes, South,” was the reply. “« What’s his busines?” “ Wait till he comes back an’ then ask him,” While these words were not intended to be insulting, it was pay to be seen that the speak- er was quite willing for the man from Mariposa to take them in any humor he pleased, ‘*Mebbe I will,” be said, * an’ if I do, I'll get At this juncture the man who bad invited the crowd up ta drink to the bar-maid’s beauty swung his g above bis heady and in tones * The only - that sounded beyond the precincts of the drink- t ; at ing place, proposed her health, which was drank while the girl’s eyes sought the floor at her feet, and a flush stole across her fair face, ‘* We'd die fer ye, Zoe,” exclaimed the pro- poser of the toast, brin ing his empty glass down upon the counter. “ Thar ain’t a man in You-Bet to-night, but what would give his veins fer ye. Hyar! look up an’ face the crowd,” and he leaned over the counter and tapped the girl under the chin with a great bronzed finger. : With another glance at the girl, Cold-Deck Carl left the saloon. * Hold on thar, Mariposa!” called out one of the miners as he stepped into the soft moonlight that rendered the summer night so beautiful; * Ain’t ye goin’ ter wait till Pigmy Pete trots Lola out?’ “Pil meet him byar,” he sent back over bis shoulder, and then added, through clinched teeth: ‘*m byar fer a purpose, an’ more than one man from You-Bet will diskiver it, too.” ‘Without more ado he walked away, nor paused until he stood on the railroad track where it ran through a mountain cut whose wails had an almost sheer ascent of three hundred feet. The full round moon was directly above this place, and the mellow light bathed it in much beauty, All at onee Cold-Deck Carl put his ear against the raii wuu listened intently, while he seemed to bold his breath. ‘* Not yet—not comin’ yet!” he murmured. ‘* Mebbe the iron boss ain’t due fer some time, ve found one of ’em, an’ he mustn’t go blun- derin’ inter You-Bet as ther land lays now. ’Twould spoil all our plans. I baven’t lied fer nothin’. L haven't said that I b’long ter Mariposa fer fun. No! We are playin’ fer big money, just. now-—fer the biggest pile ever staked in Idaho, Mebbe I’d_ better go back an’ see that daisy jumper Pigmy Pete talks about.” He turned his head toward You-Bet as he finished and was about to retura to the place when the sound of an approaching train seemed to strike his ears and he dropped upon the ties again. @ “She's comin’!” he exclaimed, his dark but handsome face lighting up with an expression of triumph. ‘At last! I’m glad I kin say that. At last!” The rumble of a train was now distinct, and while Carl waited in the moonlight, he drew and looked carefully at a splendid revolver whose silver chasing fairly glistened in his hand, Then from another pocket he drew a little ball about two inches in diameter. On the surface of the ball a fuse was visible, and as the headlight of the hs apratg on loco- motive became visible be touched this fuse with a match and threw the ball on the track. For several moments it burned slowly, but all at oncé little red sparks began to leap up from it, and as the train came thundering down upon it, it exploded with a puff throwing outa glaring red light which filled the cut from the track to the top of the walls, hundreds of feet above. Cold-Deck Carl stepped coolly from the track and watched the train. He saw it slow up and then stop with the iron point of the cow-catcher almost onto the evbebs ball whose light grew stronger as it urned. He saw, too, the wondering face of the engi- neer as he leaned from his engine and tried to make out the cause of the weird light; be no- ticed the passengers who bad raised their win- dows and were looking at the same attraction. ‘A smile stole over his face, which brightened as “e saw a man leap from: the train and stop j, near the track. “ Move on, thar!” he cried to the engineer who had not yet noticed him. ‘‘Take yer train on ter You-Bet.” In an instant the engineer’s look became a stare. “Goon! I give ou three seconds to open yer throttle,” and the silver-mounted revolver covered the engineer’s head. ‘I’m no train- robber, I ask po man ter hold up bis bands, but I've stopped yer train fer a purpose all the same, Go on!” ; In an instant the face of the engineer disap- peared, and the red light still being thrown out by the burning ball revealed the under work of the cars as they passed over it. Standing’ erect against the wall of the nar- row chasm the man who bad proclaimed bimsalf as being from Mariposa looked gigantic in the strange red light, and at sight of him the occu- pants of the coach drew back from the windows and their bands left the valuables they bad grasped on the first glare of the light. For a minute after the last car passed bim Cold-Deck Car! remained where be had stationed himself; then he turned toward the one passen- ger who had left the train. : Already this individual was advancing upon him, penne’ down the track with much eager- ness depicted on his face, which was darkly handsome, like Carl's, although the heavy mustache that hid bis mouth was iron gray, ‘Here you are!” he exclaimed, balting before rl, ‘* Wal, I should remark to mention,” was the response, ‘That little light o’ mine will stop any train. Ef i hadn’t stopped you hyar you'd hev gone on ter You-Bet?”’ “Wal, we'll go down afoot, It’s the better plan. I’ve found the diamond,” * What?’ “Pye found Zoe.” ia) No.” ‘** By heaven, I bev!” and Carl’s hands shut. His friend gave him an inquisitive look, “Who fetched ber to You-Bet?” he asked. “ Hercules.” ** Hercules who?” “You oughter know. I don’t.” The man with the iron-gray mustache was silent. “T ought to know all my enemies, but I don’t know this one,” be said. ‘‘Hercules? No! JI don’t know him. Butcome, I will know him to-night, What! Zoe in You-Bet among the wolves of Idabo? Carl, you’ve earned all I’ve agreed to pay you,” ““T should remark to mention,” smiled Cold- Deck Carl, ‘If you are ready to go to You- Bet, thither we go.” The two men started down the track, but the had not advanced a rod when the sharp report. of a rifle cut the air and Carl’s companion reeled away. 5 My God! colonel!” ejaculated Cold-Deck Carl, springing after the staggering man whom he did not reach till after be had struck the ground. Across the track la y the Night Express’s late passenger, with Carl bending over him, and gazing into the face upturned to the silver moon that illumined the beavens, It was a strange scene, If the marksman had wanted a second victim bow easily he could have sent a bullet througa Carl’s brain; but the man was not molested, It’s a lie! they baven’t killed ye, colonel!” eried Carl. “Say a word an’ I'll stay with ye till ye’r’ on yer feet again. Tell me—* Cold- Deck Cail paused abruptly then sprung, erect. In an instant he seemed to realize that his companion was dead, ‘‘Pl draw a blood-line around You-Bet for this!” he hissed, CHAPTER II. F “‘wHICH ONE SHALL I KILL?” Tur tragedy just recorded occurred about a mile from the mountain railroad town. For a moment after Carl’s mad threat to draw a blood-line around You-Bet, he stood over the dead man with fire in his eyes and all the tiger- ish part of his wild nature aroused. ‘Won't 1 do it?” he eried, ‘Won't I go on an’ win alone the big game fer which you war playin’, colonel? Who killed you? “[ don’t want foe acre but he ane out! The mar what did it has gone ou-Be » ’s wes Cnn te t, an’ thar’s Instead of moving toward the place: he stooped and lifted the corpse from Phe track and carried it up the cut until be reached a huge bowlder which cast a shadow more than large enough to hide the body of a man, epositing it there, he searchéd the garments and took therefrom everything he could find even to a small gold toothpick; then, with a porting giance at the dead, he started toward is destination, of lis destination, of course, was the saloon to which Pigmy Pete had promised to conduct Lola, the girl whose praises he bad sounded in iE epaceehalce) wondcertul calmness settled over his face a he neared the place, and he crossed the three: old to be greeted with an exclametion of recog- nition oy Pigmy Pete, and Carl’s quick eyes de- tected the girlish face beyond tbe jittle man. % I've fetched the daisy!” cried Pete, gleefully, Some ov the boys said you had vamosed ther ranch, but | told ’em thar warn’t run in ver eyes. Hyarsheis! rot out byar, Lola his is Cold-Deck Carl from Mariposa,” ; Pigmy Pete turned as he finished upon the girl, a sylpb-like young creature, who louked like the youthful senoritas of the Mexican bor- ders, for her skin was as dark as theirs, and ber eyes.as robe and keen. ‘ Such a dark-skinned witch had never before crossed the precincts of You-Bet, and although the miners had repeatedly heard Pete sound ber praises, they now saw Ler, with Cold-Deck Carl, for the first time. If in Pigmy Pete’s language she was ‘a daisy and a jumper,” she was also a girl whose eyes spoke indomitable courage, and who knew much. about the rough men among whom she stood. Cold-Deck Carl did not advance to meet Lola at Pete’s introduction, but' the girl came for- ward drooping her long black Jashes in a courtesy which had much grace. She is a beauty,” went through Carl’s mind as he threw a rapid glance across the counter at Zoe, who stood behind tho bar, an interested witness of the proceedings. He might have wondered if the two girls, se i “uf i : : if Silla ats . wens 4 } |

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. Kaze no ante, senor. The best stent: ata rh inet na beautiful yet so different in color, were destined in any way to become rivals. There was the hot blood of the Southern bor- der in Lola’s veins, and the flash of Zoe’s dark eyes had already told Carl that, when aroused, she was no mean euemy. He felt that the two girls had already met, but whether they had vowed to be friends or not, he did not know. After eying bim for a second from beneath her long lashes, Lola looked at Pigmy Pete. “ That’s the man who said he war handy with the pasteboards,” said Pete, as if in reply to the girl’s inquisitive look. ‘‘I want you to tackle im, Lola. I lifted my voice in You-Bet an’ called yer a daisy an’a jumper. Sustain yer reputation. That’s all old Pete ‘ll ask.” 6 was not old. One might have found a few silver bairs under the sombrero-like hat, with a wide silver band, that sat rather jauntily on his head, but age had not placed them there. Pigmy_ Pete was not well known to the deni- zens of You Bet, not well enough, at least, for them to become familiar with the story of those gray hairs, which dated their existence with the scar above his eye from one of the most re- markable events of his life. “We'll hev thet game,” he went on, moving toward one of the many gambling-tables in the room, ‘* Yer name sounds very suggestive, but no cold decks tonight. However,” and he laughed, “if you kin set one up on Lola hyar, an’ win by it, drive ahead, Mr, Mariposa, an’ set it up! rea play the girl asquare game,” Carl re- sponded, He moved toward the table, followed by the crowd, to the number of thirty men, on whose hips were seen the deadly weapons of the wild- cat towns of the Far West. The only person who did not go forward to witness the game was the fair Zoe, the angel of the place—the girl who was understood to be the protegee of one Hercules, who had been wissing three months from You-Bet, There was curiosity in her eyes, which still regarded Lola, and she did not see the look which Carl threw toward her. Lola’s eyes beamed suddenly with excitement, and as slie seated herself on the bench at the table they fairly danced with delight, The girl was in ber element. The Spanish-Mexican beauty was really a queen ef cards, and the manner in which she took up the pack thrown on the table by Carl and shuffled it elicited much surprise trom the crowd, and a proud look from Pigmy Pete. “Don’t play with the Mariposa tiger,” whis- pered Pete at the girl’s ear, “I want short work made ov him. Swamp him so quick that his head *j] swim.” Lola’s reply wasa rapid glance which told Pete that his wishes should be carried out. ‘“What does the senor stake?’ she asked, ee for the first time in silvery tones as she looked up into Carl’s face, ‘* Mexican! just as I thought,” murmured the friend of the man dead in the gulch near town, “Tl bluff Pete’s protegee in the start.” Then be smiled at Lola. ‘‘What do I stake? A few trifles, my little daisy.” That instant his hand disappeared beneath bis coat and when it reappeared it was filled with a lot of crisp notes the outer one of which was a five bundred dollar bill. **How much, senor?” asked Lola not the least disconcerted, , “‘Nine thousand dollars,” Lola threw a smile at Pigr:y Pete, then drew from ber bosom a little purse not as large as a mole-skin, but 8s soft, and laid it alongside of the stake Carl had thrown on the table. The dead man’s friend looked astonished, ““What’s in that wallet?’ he exclaimed. “Show up yer pile, miss,” “With pleasure, senor,” and picking up the little purse the dark-skinned beauty emptied its contents upon the table, As these fell out and glistened in the light of the reflector lamp overhead, exclamations of wonder burst from the throats of the crowd, Each was a roy er diamond! “What do you value them at?’ Carl demand- ed, in some amazement. ‘Forty thousand dollars, senor—no less.” ‘““Jebu! But that’s your own valuation.” Lola’s reply was the fishing from the depths of the purse of a discolored r which she un- did and laid open for Carl’s inspection, Cold-Deck Carl was convinced at a glance for he saw that Lola’s second prize was a certi- ficate of valuation of the diamonds signed by Craig & Stephens, Jewelers. Virginia City.” “Isn’t it squar’?’ asked Pigmy Pete glanc- ing from the paper into Carl’s face, “bh, yes. But,” to the girl, “you don’t pit thern all against my pile?” “Yes, senor,” was the smiling reply. ‘‘ We'll nd sweeps the board. Cold-Deck Carl bit his lip and took up the cards the girl had thrown across his stake, The crowd drew closer to the table, and frem it Carl turned his attention to his ‘‘ band.” An expression of chagrin darted athwart his countenance, AJthough he had played a thou- 3 send games and kept his composure, this time he betrayed himself. He ha men, but by a girl, never! All atonce he threw bis cards upon the table with a fierce oath and shot Pigmy Pete a mad been beaten by look. | ““My hand is this, senor,” smiled Lola dis- playing her cards face upward and deftly lay- ing side by side as she did so, four aces. ‘I do | not lose the diamonds, do I, senor?’ ‘No! but your partner loses bis beauty!” Another instant a buman wild-cat cleared the table as if it had been a wisp of straw and janded in front of Pigmy Pete before that indi- vidual could realize that he was in the least danger. Car]’s bound took all by surprise. ““T said I would draw a blood-lineé around You-Bet and I will!” he hissed savagely as his hand closed on Pete’s throat, and he litted bim froms the floor. ‘‘ You back thegirl! You put her up to beat me. Now, my little snake, I'll make yer eyes burst!” The crowd drew back, rendered speechless by the sudden assault, and Lola who bad been brushed aside by the men of You Bet was im- prisoned between two burly figures while the precious stakes were at the mercy of the first he Spe are band, t was the most thrilling scene which the gambling-den had witnessed for many nights. Carl was fast keeping his word, As his bronze hand tightened upon Pete’s throat the Pigmy’s eyes seemed to start from his head. Suddenly a man appeared in the open door- way of the den. A look of recognition lighted up Zoe’s eyes as he stepped toward her. He was a veritable Hercules, and as hand- some as he was powerful. ; Two lovg strides carried him to the counter and as he leaned across it, he said: ‘* Which one shall I kill, Zoe?” CHAPTER IIT. GOLDSPUR'S INTERFERENCE, THERE was a good-natured twinkle in the eyes of the man as he put the question to the girl behind the bar, We have already said that he was a giant in stature, This was true, Out of his. boots he would have measured more than six feet, and his broad shoulders added much to his splendid physique. His face was handsome, somewhat browned, but full of expression, with almost soft blue eyes, and a silky mustache which hid the con- tour of his lips. He wore an open jacket, the edges of which were braided, and at the ends of the sleeves was woven silver braid arranged in loops. He did not wear the loose almost baggy trow- sers seen sometimes among men who affect his style of dress: but bis nether limbs were clotbed in tightly-fitting ones, the ends of which could be seen for the ‘polished boots he wore. At the heel of each boot was a heavy spur the metal of which resembled gold, His hat was a sombrero but soft in texture with the rim above his eyes turned up showing all his face ata glance, He was still youtlful-looking, despite his wild life in more than one lawless locality of the great Northwest, and those whom he made bis confidants and they were few in numbers, knew that he had at the date of our romance barely passed his twenty-seventh birthday. Such was the man who strode into the saloon as Cold-Deck Carl was choking Pigmy Pete black in the face, and coolly asked Zoe which of the two men he should kill, For a moment the girl made no reply, but as a wild cry rose from Lola’s lips, she laid her hand.on the giant’s arm and clutched it. * Don’t kill the little man, Hercules.” she ex- claimed. ‘Don’t let the big man kill him.” “T won't, Zoe,” Quick as a flash Hercules wheeled upon the combatants and a bound carried him to the spot they occupied. Cold-Deck, Carl did not seem aware of bis presence until a hand large, but soft as velvet, clutched bis wrist, and the next moment he was wrenched from bis blackened victim with an ease which nearly made him give expression to an exclamation of wonderment. “You don’t choke that infant to death!” said Hercules with a glance at Pigmy Pete who, un- able to stand erect after the severe choking he had received, sunk in a heap to the floor, He still beld Carl’s wrist and as he eyed him the same faint smile with which he bad greeted Zoe was still visible at the corners of his mouth. “Who are you?’ demanded Cold-Deck Carl, with a savageness which told that he was spoil- ing for a fight, . ‘Hercules Goldspur!” was the quiet rejoinder. “‘T never let a big man choke a little one in my presence,” ‘*Oh, you don’t!” sneered Carl, ** Never!” “Then mebbe you have no objection to tackling me? I’m uear yer size.” The handsome giant burst into a mg me He could look over Carl’s head, and 1 was no pigmy. ‘*We won't fight,” he said, releasing Curl’s wrist so suddenly that he staggered back. “You've blackened Pigmy Pete’s face by a process that’s meap and contemptible.” “ Tf you don’t like it, say so plainly,” “*T do say so. The man who would choke an infant that way is a coward,” * That means me?” , “It was intended for nobody else,” was thé reply. _‘* Cold-Deck Carl, I believe that’s your name, I make no pretensions. These men know me. I’m Hercules Goldspur as I’ve already told you. [mall man. Therejs no half-boss, half- alligator about this chicken, I don’t owna foot of land, an’ I never expect to. I never staked a claim, an’ will never be a bonanza king. But thar’s one thing Iam proud of an’ that’s this.” Hercules beld up bis right hand in a manner that riveted Carl’s gaze upon it. The member was shapely, white and fair, and if Cold-Deck Carl tiad touched it be would have found it as soft as a woman’s. “That band has given me a name which Inever go back on,” continued Goldspur ad- dressing Carl. “ In different places men know me as The Man of the Velvet Hand.” Carl's start was noticeable, 1t was apparent that he had heard the name before, ** Are you that man?” he asked. ae I am.” ‘* Then it becomes my duty to kill you.” The crowd drew back at these words, but there was one man who stepped forward and that was Hercules Goldspur. ‘Not yet,” be said before Cold-Deck Cari could draw bis revolver. ‘When I’m anxious to go to judgment mebbe I'll call on you.” His band fell on Carl’s right arm between elbow and shoulder as he utteréd the words, and an instant later by main force he turned him about, ‘*T want to see you,” he said in a significant whisper, and with a look that said still more, * But not here. Come outside.” To the surprise of the crowd, Hercules began to lead Carl toward the open door, and the twain passed from the place more like friends than men who were almost certain to become deadly enemies. Not a word was spoken until the two men had reached the mouth of tbe cut in whose shadows Jay the man Cold Deck Carl had carried behind the bowlder. Then Hercules’s band fell from the latter’s arm, and looking him in the eye as he stepped back, be said: ‘ ne Ps belong to the family of fools, Cold-Deck ari, ? His words seemed to demoralize the man not from Mariposa. His.hand made a move toward his revolver, but he checked it himself, ““"That’s right,” laughed Hercules. ‘Stop your band half-way an’ don’t draw my fire, You stopped tbe train to-night and let a pass- enger off in this gulch?” * And you killed him?’ “No!” and the face of the speaker instantl became calm. ‘I bave killed no man to-night; Lut I know where your comrade is. He lies be- bind a rock not far away. Will you goan’ look at him?’ “ Yes.” Side by side the two men walked from the spot where they had halted, and Hercules: stop- ed beside a certain bowlder, bebind which he looked with bis old smile. “‘He’s byar yet, Carl,” he said, glancing at bis companion, ‘ Hadn’t you better bury him?” Cold-Deck Carl’s teeth fairly cracked as he answered; **T want vengeance first,” * Oh, you do? On whom?” ** On the man what killed him! Dare you tell me who did this? Hercules Goldgpur, dare you nume the man who drove a bullet through this man’s brain?’ ‘** An’ dare you tell me why he came to You- Bet?’ was the quick rejoinder. ‘Answer me an’ ’}l answer you. Truth for truth.” The men stood face to face, their feet almost touching the corpse of Cold-Deck Carl’s friend, Tbe moon overhead revealed their stalwart figures and threw their shadows against tho bare wall of the cut. The thrust bad been direct, but Carl glanced down at the dead before he answered. ‘*No, I will not tell you,” he said. “ Then find out who killed your friend!” “T will, Krife an’ revolver shall not intimi- date Cold-Deck Carl. He war my pardner. Hi came hyar fer a purpose, Hercules. I stoppg the train. My light war a signal which he derstood, but he got off to die bhyar vig boots on, Thar never died a gamer y he. f bave said that I will draw about You-Bet fer this shot an’ I’ll me, dead pard! hear Cold-Deck Cs ther bullet in yer head!” Cold-Deck Carl stoo and of the dead, and kneeling by up into Hercules’s face, “T swear to get ever killed my pard. All the wolves ov You-Bet keep my word to dre accursed town, W,

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_who fired to night can shoot. . ‘crease an inch in stature. ‘the eyes of Cold-Deck - railroad track. lips of the giant who bad halted on the track, -abro:d to bring back a barvest in the shape of of all clasges except the honest, fair-dealing kind. It boasted of a population of several hundred —— colonel an’I war, Our interests war the same, | an’ in death they shall not be divided. I will | win what he started out to win. I will kill the | man he wanted to kill. I will reach the end he wanted to reach. 1 swear it! Here by my dead pard an’ in presence ov heaven an’ the liv- in’, [swear to keep my oath!” and Cold-Dec Carl’s tensely drawn visage and flashing eyes revealed to Goldspur the implacable nature of she stranger sport. -Carl sorung up as be finished. “*Ye’r? bouna to keep up my first estimate ov yer,” langhed Hercules Goldspur. “‘ Ye’r’a full member ov the faily ov fools. Go East | or West—go ter ’Frisco or ter Denver; but | don’t stay hyar and try-ter keep that oath. It: can’t be did.” “1 will keep it!” “Oh, you can’t! Look hyar, Carl,” and against Carl’s arm again fell that soft velvet hand. J will never ask you again what fetched that dead man ter You-Bet. The man what killed | im knew, an’ that’s enough.” ** An’ you say you didn't?” xt | aid. not, but if lhad seen him in time by heavens I would have dropped him,” “ Ab!” “Why, of course, my dear Cold-Deck,” ercules, ‘So you won’sé go back?” ‘No, Im hyar to stay.” * Without a friend?” “T bave friends—the best a man in Idaho can ave,” Cold-Deck Carl threw back bis coat as he spoke and displayed the butts of two revolvers, which action provoked oaly a smile from Her- cules, ‘Then stay,” he said; ‘‘ but let me say that the errand what brought yer dead pard ter You-Bet will never be accomplished by living man. Not while I live an’ not while the man Don’t leave You- Bet on Pigmy Pete’s account, He'll burt no- body; but that black-eyed caisy ov his es more dangerous. Sbe’ll shoot, but I can't say that ov Pete, They ar’a strange pair an’ it’s a mys- tery how they ever got togetber. When you choked Pete to night you had yer bands at Lola’s throat just as much. She'll never forget that. She'll keep your money, too, an’ if you tread on her toes again, Carl, she'll take more than your h. ‘* My life?” “Try it an’ see.” ‘* Mebbe I will.” ‘Well, I wouldn't, big as I am,” and Gold- spur’s eyes twinkled merrily as he seemed to in- “T know these Mexican-blooded women too well for that. Life away up hyar, Carl, don’t cool ’em down one bit. So you are bound ter stay?” ‘‘T have told you, yes.” “To do the work that carkiss came ter do?” “ Yes.” q “Then, good-night.” Hercules Goldspur stepped back, followed by arl till be reached the “Go back to You-Bet, Goldspur, an’ proclaim to the bull population thar that I’m hyar fer a purpose, an’ that I’m goin’ ter win! Vil draw that blood-tine I’ve spoken about—by Heaven! L will. No livin’ bein’ shall balk me. A thou- sand Mexican women sha’n’t turn me back. All the nooses au’ revolvers in Idaho have no ter- rors for me, I was bound to this dead man with an awful oath. I don’t care if the man who killed him hears me now, Lhope he doves. I’m a tiger an’ a devil, an’ the man what crosses my path dies! Idon’t care if Hercules Gold- spur is interested in my comin’ to You-Bet.” ‘*Wal be is,” came in stern tones from the “We undeggand each Other, then,” said Cold- Deck Carl. © ’ CHAPTER IV. THE FICKER FROM SILVER BOW. Ture mining-town of You Bet was known for its rough citizens who bad tounded it before the coming of the Nortbern Pacific. The mines in its vicinity were wey productive, and marvelous stories of their wealth had gone speculators, silver sharps, desperadoes and men souls, all men, sxve the block eyed creature already seen behind the bar of tne most prom- ent gambling-house in You-Bet, Zoe, the girl pen to be under Hercules Goiaspur’s pro- go back to her. bPete bad scarcely touched the floor s from Cari’s unmerciful choking, p Mexican girl, was at bis side with od by fear, and while the unsym- drew back and left ber, Zoe the counter and glided to ber t killed him?” she said, met in Senor . Pete's | seply while the eyes of | ee ee en | fernal fingers. six in stature, a a hee a a Hercules Goldspur. the speeker fairly glistened. ‘I will make bim remember his work. He shail feel the ven- geance of Lila,” ‘Of course. But your diamonds?” he Mexican girl sprung up aud rushed to the tab'e. Not a diamond had been disturbed, but all lay where she bad left them glittering among the notes Cold-Deck Carl bad thrown down as bis stake, Coolly transferring notes and diamonds to her pockets, Lola came back to Pigmy Pete and had the satisfaction of seeing him open bis eyes and put bis hand to bis throat as if to satisfy himself that it was all there, ‘Where is he?” he asked hoarsely, as his eyes searched the room for the man who had admin- istered the severe choking. ** Gone,” said Lola, ‘* Gone where?” * Away.” ** He will come back?” ‘**T hope so,” ‘He willi—he must! [I’m little, but I’m a tiger, Lola. .Ah! you know that. Who raked in the pot?’ “T did.” ‘+ Good!” With difficulty Pigmy Pete got upon bis feet and walked straight to the bar where a mao | waited to set out whatever he ordered. ‘* Four: fingers ov lightning,” he exclaimed in answer to the questioning look. ‘* Cold-Deck | stopped the circulation of my blood with his in- He dammed up the red tide, but Vl start it ag’in. Thar’s comin’ a day ov set- tlement!” And the glass which Pigmy Pete emptied at the conclusion of the last sentence came down upon the counter with an emphasis not to be mistaken. ‘He seems to be a jumper,” remarked the bartender. “Tl jump ‘im!” was the flashing retort, “'Thar’s only one real jumper in Idaho an’ yon- der she stands. Thar’s tne boss gal ov the North- west. She kin out-shoot any man, white er aller, what ever clutched a dropper. Come yar, Lola.” At sound of ber name, the dark-skinned beau- ty advanced toward Pete who eyed her proudly as sbe came up. “TI war just tellin’ ’em that you war ther boss shot ov the Northwest,” he wenton. ‘I’m lit- Ai wae I never lie. Give ’em a sample ov your skill, ‘* With the revolver?” asked Lola. ‘“Yes; ve’re queen on that.” Vigmy Pete and his dark-eyed protegee were of course the observed of all observers in the bar-room, and Lola’s eyes glistened as she ad- vanced to thé center of the room with a silver- mounted revolver in her right hand. Something glittered in her left, something that possessed a clear, metallic ring, and all at once she sent a silver dollar spinning toward the ceiling. — Following it with her eye, she waited till it touched the roof, then, elevating the revolver, she fired, catching the coin in its descent and knocking it tar from its course, ; A murmur of applause rose from the tps of the spectaturs and brightened Pigmy Pete's eyes. ye and again Lola sent coins toward the roof of the'den, always bitting them just as they turned to descend. : Sometimes she would bave two in the air at once, but she never failed to send them flying from their course, 1 ** Now the dollar act,” said Pete, teking a sil- ver dollar from bis pocket and putting it be- tween bis teeth so that one-half of it projected | from his mouth, — Then he strode across the floor to the further end of the room, and at a distance of sixty feet turned one side of his face toward Lola. Quick as a flash up went the girl’s revolver, and without seeming to take aim in the least, ) she touched the trigger and sent the coin jing- ling from his mouth! “ She's a daisy an’ a jumper, I tell ye!” ejacu- lated Pete, wheeling proudly wpon the rough spectators. “Jf you've got a match fer her, trot ’er out. Lola ean’ me ain’t exactly on a ly, as if to admit of the expansion of his body whenever he laughed. ‘‘ Nominate yer p’isen an’ take one with the Happy Rattler ov Silver Bow,” he continued. ‘Tm no lookin’-glass an’ if | war you fellers would see some infernal bomely picters, I allus set ‘em up first in a new town, It’s my style. Durn the expense, my blushin’ kyotes., Re I pe like a bonanza king I'll fetch in my security who kin kick his way through creation ina jiffy. Ho! ye that ar’ dry, ter quore the only scripter [ever caught onter. WVaik upan’ driok with the Happy Rattler ov silver Bow!” His manner and looks bad amused the crowd from the first, and when he finished, with one exception, and that one was Lola the Mexican girl, they stood along the counter ready to do justice to the mvitation just «xtended. Zoe, who was about to quit the room when the man from Silver Bow entered, stopped and fixed her eyes upon him. **T wonder who he is?’ she said, ‘‘ Hercules has told me that strange men might be seen in You-Bet before the summer closed, and I begin to think that he knew what he was talking about. There have been strange men here to- night—Cold-Deck Carl, and Pigmy Pete, though he is not so very strange, and now this man comes.” The Happy Rattler did not seem to take much notice of Zoe, although she eyed bim with in- creasing interest, for while his face was not very attractive, there was something in bis ex- pression that demanded more than a Casual glance, “Now, wy saintly raftlers, Pll call in my pard,” he suideniy exclaimed, ‘‘He never orinks, but he’s got a babit which will go with him to the grave. He's elso a native ov Silver Bow, to ther manner born, an’ the highest kicker now on exhitition. 111 call ’im in. Stepping toward the open door, the Happy Rattler of Silver Bow called “‘ George ” several times, the last call producing an answer in a pair of tremendously long ears that appeared at the threshold, . - ; “* The Loss elevator ov the United States, an- gels ov You-Bet!” said the Happy Rattler. *: He isn’t clothed iu scarlet an’ fine Jinen, ner as ther lilies ov ther valley; but be sustains bis reputation as the da’siest elevator ov the kentry, Waltz in ter victory, George,” and in came a small but strong-limbed donkey, whose eyes seemed to share the merry twinkle that lighted up the depths of bis master’s, ~ =e high Si) counter worth, my gentle shep- berd?” asked the Happy Rattler, leaning over the rough wooden bar and addressing the dis- - penser of drinks bebind it. **T don’t want to sell,” was the reply. “Oh, you don’t?’ with a look of well-feigned dise ointment, “Tl give you twenty.” ‘ 0. io Fifty.” “ No.” “Then I'l] split the difference which is the counter, \ Come up ter work, George.” The donkey advanced straight toward the Heppy Rattler, and at a wave of his hand turned bis beels toward the bar, “You won't sell, eb?’ he asked the bar- tender, ‘‘No! an’ if you let that kickin’ machine ov yours—” ‘ ‘““The reputation ov Silver Bow must an’ shall be sustained,” was the interruption. Now, my dynamite serapb, proceed ter busi- ness! : ' The next instau:t the work began. : The donkey’s heels thundered against the bar with a force that was perfectly irresistible, end the boards flew in every direction, The animal seemed to relish the sport for at times he appeared to stand on his lengthy ears while he elevated his heels above the head of the astonished man who kept his station behind tbe bar despite the flying splinters and de- molished framework. : f Tbe counter was a pine affair, roughly built, and just dry enough to yield readily to the assaults of Kicking George, It was an exciting scene and one that bad its funny side. The crowd, astonished at first, laughed, and starrin’ tower, but we're willin’ ter exbibit | then roared. ufore any audience. I’m part wild-cat, an’ she’s all business. She basn’t done half what sno kin do with the dropper. Wher did I pick ’er up? Wal, I guess not—not ter-night, gentlemen.” And Pete showed his teeth in a grin that seemed to delight him. ‘ , A moment later he stood at the girl's side, and, before one member of the crowd could ad- dress him, be was leading ber toward the door. ‘Hold on thar!” cried a voice that startled every one, and at that moment a droll-looking man stepped into the den, ‘ Take one with me at my expense, rattlers. I allus treat first when I strike a new town, an’ tharfore it’s my treat to- night. Every eye was turned upon the speaker. He was a beavy-set_ man not above five feet about forty years old, and with eyes full of bumor, and with a good natured, '; le Be) Fe Pig Oxo ae ae Meee : za i we Pe. aay 2 ¥- The whole interior of the saloon was in a hilarious uproar in the midst of which the only displeased spectator was the man on whom the loss fell. Kicking George stopped when there was nothing left to conquer. He tad kicked the bar into kindling wood and demolished numerous jugs that had been placed under it for want of room on the shelves, * Thar, my gentle elevator,” said the Happy Rattler; ‘‘ We've split the difference with my « |. blushin’ dispenser of Idaho p’isen—split it inter kindlin’, Nobly have you sustained the re tation ov Silver Bow. You’ve no more world’s ter conquer,” ‘But I have!” grated the bartender striding abe the Rattler over the ruins of his counter. ue ANS, lly tate: “There was a cocked revolver in his hand, * Ps garments fited bim loosely, almost bags “Not yet, aE fairy ov the blozin’ orbs!” said s| hii cade eo M i , eal ‘ , vA ; Peete tht. sea net Mgt OT Sa arial ws ne aw take 2 = ni re are a CSR e: rs Wer! a of ~ a wk

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¥ ~ ay See t a Te Peer Peet y * i ei Hercules Goldspur. ‘Because certain men know that you are here.” “ Ab ” Zoe seemed to shrink from Goldspur as she uttered the brief exclamation. * Because Cold: Deck Carl is here,” Hercules went on with a moment’s pause; ‘“ because there’s a dead man in the deep cut to-night—” ** A dead man?” ‘* A dead man!” “ Who killed him?’ “Ah! not now,” and the arm of Hercules | Goldspur stole around the girl’s pliant waist. | * That is one of the things you must not know | for the present, Zoe.” “That, man was killed because I am here,” she exclaimed. the man from Silver Bow, and his hand closed suddenly on the liquor-dealer’s wrist. “‘ Things hev reached a sweet pass when two citizens ov Silver Bow can’t bave a little amusement. Es- timate yer damages an’ present yer bill. Draw on ther bank liberally, Id die ef George couldn’t demolish suthin’ twice a week.” “Settle with ’im, Joe!” cried the crowd, ‘Draw on the bank an’ we’ll treat the house.” ‘The ire of the bartender suddenly cooled, “ Called it a hundred,” he said. “Phar it is!” and several bills fell into his hands. ‘It’s ther cheapest kickin’ matinee George has had fer a month. Waltz up an’ select yer ratsbane, my bloomin’ sunflowers,” to the crowd. “It’s George’s treat.” Again the crowd surged forward and drank, this time to the health of the cause of the ruin | Goldspur smiled. . by which they were surrounded. “Listen to me, Zoe. The last train that ‘ Thar’s a daisy blossom!” suddenly exclaimed | passed You-Bet to-night was stopped by a sig- the Happy Rattler, springing to Zoe’s side, and | nal-light in the gulch, and a passenger who had a moment later he was saying in rapid tones at | been telegrapbed for five days ago got off an’ her ear: | joined the chap what waited for him. They “You ar’ Ferd Satter’s girl, an’ worth a cool | war workin’ together. Wal, while they war mnillion, Don't you know it? I used ter court | holdin’ their confab on ther track a bullet hap- er mother—I, the Happy Rattler ov Silver | pened atong that way an’ the passenger died ow, They've been huntin’ you fer years, an’ | with his boots on. He war shot squar’ bo- men hey got ter die fer ye right byar in You- | tween the eyes an’ not in the back of the head Bet. One man died already to-night. What | fer the man what teched the trigger shoc‘s his do they call you here?” enemies in the face. The man what warn’t “Zoe,” said the astonished girl, ) shot war Cold-Deck Carl; the otber— not now, “Zoe! It’s a pretty name. It onght ter be | Zoe, not now. There! don’t tease Hercules fer Zoe the Bonanza Queen, You ar’ goin’ ter be | bis name fer you'll not hear it to-night.” the first character ov a wild, bloody drama. I “1 will not ask again,” said Zoe, beating guess George an’ I will stay an’ help ’em play it ) down her curiosity. ‘‘ My God! can it be that out.” | men are to fight like wolves for me, and like | And while the Happy Rattler laughed Zoe | wolves die for a foolish girl? Tell me this shall broke from bis grasp, and fled from the room, | not be, Hercules. You can prevent it all; [| know you can. pees . 7 wo ee - leads to y my father’s ranch. Is leads from this moun- CHAPTER 'Y. tain town where men fight over an ounce of THE VELVET HAND AND ZOE. | silver, and quarrel over the bomeliest’ Indian THE young girl did not pause until she found | girl that strays into camp.” herself beneath the brilliant stars that studded “ Don’t play the infant game, Zoe!” ejaculat- | the vault of night. ed Hercules. ‘ Ain’t this arm strong enough to **He calls himself the Happy Rattler from | protect you? When did you discover that | Silver Bow#@but that name is only a disguise,” | Gold-pur is a boy with neither muscle nor she said to herself. ‘1 never saw him before | brains?’ ) thet I know of, but he knew me ‘at sight, and His look abashed the girl. : that proves that be is a different person from The hot blood flowed to her temples and | the one whom he calls the Happy Rattler. crimsoned them as she laid ber hand on bis arm. | Where .is Hercules? Ob, that he were here ‘*Forgive me, Hercules,” she cried. ‘I have | now!” never doubted your ability to protectme, But | “Tam here, Zoe.” what is this red drama of which I am to be the | At that momeot a man stepped to her side, | central feos Dare you let me into the secret? — the young girl looked up into the giant’s wel nS should go to the Happy Rattler and ace. ask bim ‘You are here, Hercules; thank Heaven!” ‘““Tne fool would be likely to tell y8u,” an- exclaimed Zoe, as she nestled close to the strong | swered Hercules, ‘‘ But come with me, girl. arms of Goldspur. ‘‘I have been frightened, frightened almost out of my wits.” * By whom, my pet?” asked Hercules with a smile. ‘‘Who has dared to scare you? Saow me the low dog—” : “You will meet him soon enough—I know you will,” inserrupted the girl, “ Somestrange events have occurred at the saloon since you left it with the man called Cold-Deck Carl.” It has been invaded by a man and his donkey and the donkey kicked the bar to pieces.” “Is that fellow here?” asked Hercules. ‘‘ He always turns up when I have some important transaction on my hands. Hails from Silver Bow, Zoe; doesn’t he?” | will not keep everything from you vas 4 longer.” Overjo od, Zoe permitted the handsome giant to lead her’ from tbe spot and toward the several mines that lay at the northern side of the town. No sounds but those of their own steps greeted their ears as they advanced, and Hercules who | guided Zoe did not pause until they reacbed an opeving in a hill. ; : ‘** We'll go in,” he said, with a smile, noticing how suddenly Zoe had haltedin front of the aperture. “Thar is the blackness ov darkness in the old mine; but the air is fresh and I’ve got matches,” Zoe looked up into his face, and, as if reas- “So he says.” sured by a glance at his stalwart physique, “And calls bis livin’ kickin’ apparatus | went forward without hesitation, and the twain George?” quickly disap Q : Lei iniy 6, Twenty minutes later the glare of a little match dissipated some of the gloom of a cavern, and then its light was communicated to a more | pretentious stick, one end of which Hercules — thrust into a crack iu the wall. * Now, Zoe, you will see something I have | preserved a long time,” he said, taking from a natural stone shelf a little iron box which he | opened and took therefrom a piece of rough | yellowish r, “Til read it for you—every sentence, every word,” he continued as the girl’s eagerness drew her closer to him, ‘* Here we go.” “STOLEN BY APACHES! “PIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD, “Know all men that on the 23d day of May. 186-, my daughter Zoeta was carried of by a band of Apaches under the leadership of Chief Grass Snake. In order to stimulate search for her, while I shall use all efforts possible for ber recovery myself, I offer a re- | ward of five thousand dollars in gold for her return, | and the same sum in the same metal for er scaip of f the Apache chief. I will treat withno A e Indian | for Zoeta s return, for I despise everyt Indian; but I will have vengeance for the infamous deed that has pennies me f of a beloved daughter. “ ign “As a kickin’.machine that donkey has no rival,” laughed Hercules, ‘I saw him back up to a camp-fire ov Sioux an’ his heels kicked ’em in fade directions. So he is here, Where is e, Zoe i wie him in she pos , ‘ everything within reach of the don- key’s heels kicked into splinters?” ‘ ** Pretty much.” ** But you say he frightened you.” ‘ He did—with what he said.” “Wal, what wor that?’ “He called me the child of Ferd Sutter—” be » Aa ig i ; d said that I would become the re ina bloody drama—” OP Renirat '* IT guess that’s avout right, Zoe Hercules Goldspur with WN Rich; nar’ Binney Wikar th ier ‘Then, for Heaven’s sake let us get aw from bere!” she cried. “If that bad ag | Rr phet, do not let me see the light of another ay in You Bet. Idon’t want a drop of blood spilled for me, Take me back to the old ranch which I have not seen for many years, If my father is living, let me see him again,” ,” interrupted a coolness that startled “ FERDINAND SuTTER,”’ Se eee 4 mt as ‘ Fade § obliged to make themselv: But they never found the bec ae bth) Wi ities i sey -8 on? \ 4 bee ft ¥ pf . eas peel, \*-y ~ “a arta a a _ P Wai Wess ao ue a rep ‘ = oy wh . —_ “ ini “No, because I am she!” cried Zoe. “ My name has been shortened; why I du not know. Is the offer of reward still good?’ te Yes » *““Why do you not claim it?’ Hercules Goldspur Jaughed. ‘“Why, I might lose you, my bird!” he ex- claimed, ‘Il might lose my little Zoe, the pearl of the mountains.” The girl drew back from him. “Then you — to see my father suffer,” she said. ‘Then, Hercules, you want me to become the central figure of the bloody drama of which the Happy Rattler spoke. Then—” “ Hush!” interrupted Hercules springing to the girl’s side and seizing ber wrist as he gazed down into her eyes. ‘* You have said enough. Iam truly The Manfof the Velvet Hand. There are near me foes who sball Jearn that I havea right to that title. Let the play begin. It bas be- gun. It began to-night in the cut, an’ one map lies dead before the curtain has fallen on the first act. You know who you are—Ferdinand Sut- ter’s child: an’ he a millionaire. But that paper is a lie, Zoe. It does not set forth the truth, Itsays that you were stolen by Apaches, but you were not.” “Then, by whom!” ‘* By white men.” ‘* My father’s enemies?” o Yes,” ‘*Did no Indians help at all?” “They were side actors,in the pay of the man who planned the'theft. They misled your father an’ his friends. If all the Apaches bad been bunted down then, you would not have been found.” ; ¢ “TI know nothing about my abduction,” said oe. ‘Of course not. You were taken from the cradle.” ‘*My mother—” ‘*Had been dead three months.” The girl was silent for a moment, ‘Jt isa wild romance. Will it never end?” sbe suddenly ejaculated. ** All things end,” smiled Hercules. “Men will will figbt for me, you say; but they shall not do it! J will not play in the red — drama Tbe Man from Silver Bow talks about, For the last time, Hercules, take me back to the old man who waits for his child.” +} It was 2 plea spoken in tones that would have made an impression on a heart of stone. If it moved the hafdsome giant, he did not give way to bis feelings. Quick as a flash, be stooped and kissed the girl and then burst into e laugh. ; “Give you a 4 Northwest angel?—not et:” he cried. *ve gone through too much or you. Let them * ther at You-Bet for the prize that is here, tthe man I met to-night draw his boasted blood-line around the town if he will; let Lola shoot an’ the Rattler laugh; let the other man kill an’ the red devils come, he ready for all, Zoe, They don’t separate us till 1 am ready for it. I am The Man of the Velvat Hand!” : i CHAPTER VI. “THE DOOM OF THE PARDS. “ Tuts. gentlemen, is the only original Kickin’ George ov Silver Bow,” said t ober” Rattler as he leaned against bis donkey and removed from between his teeth a cigar with which he had regaled bimself as he surveyed the crowd who had witnessed the animal's late exploits, ‘**He’s gentle, but not handsome; kind, but not very grateful. Ingratitude is his only fault. Give ‘im: a squar’ meal to-day an’ to-morrow i | if he gets a chance he'll kick your head off. We'll Jiquor up again among the s of Joe's bar and then me an’ my pard will. travel on, Waltz up, my sweet-scented shrubs ov the mountains, and draw yer subsistence,” Once more, as before, the toughs of You- Bet did not besitate to accept the Rattler’s invi- tation, and when the glasses had been emptied, he led the wonderful doukey from the place. “| knowed the girl the moment I son eyes on her,” be ejaculated to himself when be found himself beyond the precincts of the den. ‘‘She’s got ber father’s eye an’ disposition, an’ would make a boss bonanza queen. | Kind o’ surprised ber when I told ber who she war, She wasn’t lookin’ fer a revelation ov that kind, — and mins war in the nature of a thunder- bolt from a el’ar sky. What am I goin’ ter make ont ov this expedition? How much, George? Io the first place, thar’s the old Injun reward ov five thousand, Tbat war doubled © some to ago. It’s ten now with By Jehu! it’s a bonanza fer this angelic being. Y - a ‘ A strange light beamed in Hercules Gold-| ‘There was a time men tell me, Zoe, when en while I’m in this kentry I might strike 5 “spur's CTR. ” Arizona was flooded with posters like these,” | a yieldin’ claim, is telosea Reng tarty tam P ete It can’t be, Zoe,” be said with determina- | said Hercules when he bad finished reading the | ‘Tal ng thus aloud and in astrain full of glee tion, looking down into her black orbs which | document. ‘Men found them everywhere, on | as he led thedonkey toward the northern con- ber words were a prayer. ‘There can be | trees. rocks, and even in the depths of caves fines of the town, the Baroy Rattler was no reconciliation yet. I note not cause you | like this, Wherever man went he wasc:-rtain building in the air castles which were liable to an pain—not for all the ore in these hills, But | to behold one of Ferdinand Sutter's pope . | be knocked to pieces, . Ate = Sage what you seek cannot be granted. You are | They ome good. The best-men of Ar oe _ He had struck a trail for which behadhunted Ferdinand Sutter's childand beiress. Where he | hunted for the lost girl They never spared an | alongtime. ~ Hedi We si hess Degree he a a | you would be a bonanza queen; buv you | Indian whom they met an’ the A were | His donkey had not kicked topieces Way nate Q a hele scarce for a while. | for nothing, for his last exploit in ine had (on ea ore A .* brought to light the long-lost heir of the Kit of ’ | "Riv . , . ‘ ae a

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Pu B./ ’ j ' b pene ofa me ie Pe .. Oe, aunt game is all sham. _ ward! “ry beng ai * That'd be Bae the Rutten >; {" Heruples: Sotdspiie tic Arizona ranch in the person of Zoe, the pro- tegee of The Man of the Velvet Hand. o restore the girl to her father, to snatch ther, if need be, from the power of Hercules 4coldspur was the aim of his ambition, and while he connted the perils that faced bim, the -old time twinkle left bis eyes and a serious ex- pression came to his face. “We'll pull through, George,” he resumed, striking the donkey with bis fat hand. ‘“*My Jong-eared cherub, we'll rake in the stakes an’ eave You-Bet with flying colors.” ** If T say so.” At the sound @f that voice the Happy Rattler and his pard both stopped. “Great Jehosaphat!” fell from the Rattler’s lips as be caught sight of the man who seemed to have risen from the earth ahead of him. ** Whar did you rise from?” The answer was a low, cutting laugh. i “From the ground, mebbe, Mr. Rattler, will yer please repeat yer words?” - Koout—" “Yes, about that good-sized reward. Mebbe you'll get it, an’ mebbe not. Now, chaw yer words over, an’ spit ’em out.” For a moment the jolly man from Silver Bow remaived as silent as a statue; but he craned his neck forward to get a good look at the man who had confronted him. He. saw a well-built personage, with deter- mined face and a pair of wonderfully cool eyes; a man his superior in stature, if not in strength, and one who held an advantage over him inas- much as his confronter held a revolver. ‘“‘T war just talkin’ ter George hyar about a legacy we'd get one o’ these days from our aunt in Frisco.” said the Happy Rattler, with un- blushing effrontery. ‘‘lt’s only a small pile, but big enough to op-n a game o’ draw, eh, George, my honeysuckle?” The man with the revolver appeared to smile. The falsehood had not deceived him. |. You're a cute one, Rattler,” be said, ‘* You . must be president ov a liars’ club somewhar, Does yer pard possess the same faculty?” ‘* Pretty much, thank ’ee,” “Then ye’r’ a delicious pair an’ no mistake. Comin’ from yer aunt io ’Frisco, eh?” “ 7 “A small pile?? > _ “Smail but comfortable; big enough for George an’ me.” This was too much, : The man who heard these words burst into a jaugh. : _“*Blicker than an eel, by jinro!” he exclaimed, *The Happy Rattler from Silver Bow is the champion liar ov the Nurtuwest, You can’t pull the wool over my eyes, old fellow, That You've told it so often in different parts of the kentry, that you've be- gun ter bieve it yerself., It won’: do in You- Bot. After this don’t talk so loud ter Kickin’ George when you unfold your plans. Goiv’ ter restore the girl to her father an’ rake in the re- arn’t that about the size ov it, Rattler? “ Never. Restore the girl? What girl?” “Fool! I'm not goin’ ter waste words. I’m Cold Deck Carl, an’ I fool withnoman, I’m hyar fera pornoe® an’ thet purpose is to rake in more than the ranch owner’s reward, It wouldn’t last me one night, especially when I have such opponents as Pigmy Pete’s black- eyed daisy. Ever hear oy me?’ . -"“ Freqnently,” said the Rattler. ‘ Did you ever see Georgs kick?” - ; “No, an’ I never expect to.” / ee fever?” . Never!” “T don’t know about that.” ; “T do. Move along straight ahead,” “y. The Huppy Rittler gave Cold-Deck Carla searching look, but | esivated. “Pm in earnest,” be said. ‘‘T have sworn to draw a blood-line about this infernal town, an’ Vm ready \to begin with you, although ‘twould pity ter deprive Silver Bow ov such a. *€T can’t.” Try it.” “I won't. It’s ther mouth ov a mine an’ Heaven knows how deep it is.” ‘*Wal, deep er shallow, you’re goin’ ter find ther bottom.” , ‘George an’ me?” ‘Both ov ye. United in life, not severed in death, eh, Rattler?” The last word was followed by a cutting laugh which seemed to find ap echo in the depths of the old mine, on whose brink the two pards stood, : ‘“*Tam goin’to reach my goal ef I reach it alone, riddled an’ cut,” continued Cold-Deck Carl, ‘“-You’re one ov ther obstructions, Rattler, an’ ez such must get out o’ ther way. Jump!” The sudden command startled the Happy Rattler. ; He looked from Carl into tke black abyss that yawned at his feet, There was death at the bottom of the old rem eiRienees and the loss of the reward he cov~- eted, ° No wonder that he shrunk from the leap into the unknown. Cold-Deck Carl was not going to give his vic- tim any time for preparation, — His last command was quickly followed by another, ‘** Mount that mule!” “1t#’s a good idea,” murmured the Rattler. ‘It’s my only hope fer life. George, 1 guess ovr kickin’ days bave ended.” And he threw himself sullenly upon the donkey’s back, ‘Now, my angel from Silver Bow, inspect the mine. Mebbe you'll strike a bonanza down thar—a bigger one than igs Medd goin’ to get from that moonshine aunt in’Frisco. No more talkin’ now. Jump!” meth The speaker took a step nesrer his victims, but took good care to keep out of reach of Kick- ing George’s hoofs. The revolver crept forward tillit seemed to touch the Happy Rattler’s face. There was an unsparing finger at the trig- ger. “Wal, ing upon as he shook it in his face, ‘*Durn my picter! ef George an’ me ever come up from this black- ness ov darkness thar’ll take place ther all-fired- est kickin’ spree ever seen in Idaho! It won't be | ward ef be hears me. jump it is,” grated the Rattler wheel~ rhe: to meet, old-Deck Carl and clinching bis hand | onel. wi -— OF He carried the corpse away and halted half- way up a little hill well covered with furze and with narrow paths running hither and thither like the trails of rabbits, “Vil plant him byar,” he said, depositing the body on the ground. ‘‘He war my pard, an’ I sent fer him ter come byar ter die; but I didn’t know it.” Without another wordhe fell to the labor of making a grave for the dead, and this he ac- complished with the assistance of a pick which he had brought from the mines. Nobody heard the sounds of the implement as it dug the last resting-place for Cold-Deck Carl’s rd, and the little clods that rolled down the ill did nothing more than slightly shake the bushes through which they pene: It was a wild and lonely burial, one that at- tested the faithfulness of man, rough and hard- ened though he was, to a companion wko had possessed not a single good trait of character. When Carl turned to the corpse and lifted it to transfer it to the bollow his pick bad formed, the coat opened and he saw—what?—a paper fastened to it on the inside, a paper covered with writing. : ‘*Somebody’s been with the colonel since I left him!” he ejaculated, and tearing the paper off he beld it up in the moonlight and tried to decipher the inscription. “Cold-Deck Carl,” he read aloud. *‘ When you have planted the colonel I beg you to turn your at- — tention to me, for You-et is too little to hold both of us since I know what brought you here. Draw your blood-line about this town an’ start in with me ef you want to. You can’t have the prize what brought you to. You-Bet. I’m her protector, an’ b the eternal stars! thar’s not men ner wolves enoug: in Idaho to loosen my grip. ‘“ HERCULES GOLDSP” R, “The Man of the Velvet Hand.” After reading the paper Cold-Deck Carl glanced over it again and then smiled derisively. “Ther Man ov ther Velvet Hand, eh?” he ex- claimed. ‘ You-Bet too small fer both ev us! That's a hard cold fact, Zoe’s ther prize we’re playin’ fer, Goldspur. I’m glad yougannounce erself her protector, fer I know just who I’ve You say you didn’t kill the col- T doubt it. Vm ivelined ter Wlieve you a liar. Ef you didn’t. who did? Not the Rattler, not Pigmy Pete. Who else is byar to do it? Let the man who wiped the colonel out. step for- Let the sneaking coward counters au’ jugs then, but 'twill be ther anato- | show himself if he dares!” my of thet mean skunk what calls himself Cold- Deck Carl. Come rge. Trach crushed ter Seren rit rise ag’in, an’ I’m truth, by Jebosa- phat! ** Jump! an’ be quick aboutit!” = The next moment a pair of spurs touched the flinks of the donkey, and in the twinkling of aneye the two pards from Silver Bow disap- peared from sight, Is was an awful Jeap! Two strides carried Cold-Deck Carl to the edge of the shaft, and leaning over it be listened intently for some moments, Not a sound came up from the darkness which no human \eye could penetrate, and at the end of five minutes he rose and put up bis revolver. * One,” be said significantly. ‘‘ One meddler out ov the way, an’ he promised to be a trouble- some one, too. Whar ar’ ye, Rattler, an’ when an’ whar will yer pard kick ag’in?” With a light Jaugh Cold-Deck Carl turned away and left bis victims to their fate, He looked like a man who was bound to keep his oath to draw a blood-line about You Bet. He had already begun his work. He went straight toward the saloon where Kicking George had performed his last exploit. The door stood open, but the denizens of the trap were not to be seen, he only person visible was Joe, who was athering up the remains of bis bar with a do- orous look, as if be thought of the labor that prominentcitizen, Mareh on! If you move a! would be required to produce a new one, foot either way trom the trail Til leave’ George ter kick bis way through the world alone,” darned Nag tyterow y,” remarked ge guess ‘ll move on.” There was no rep) except the menace of the revolver in Cold-D-ck Carl’s hand, and the man _ The trail was narrow ae led toward the mines, but the many brilliant stars, and the and bis donkey began to move on. ‘moon that rode the heavens, showed it to man and mule, Rattler, ‘ triumph in them, the triumph of i Gold Deck Cort followed, with his eyes fixed e y desperado who rejects no means that prom- certain ends. or ¢ e to q] b la cl 1 *Gala-Dee Cold-Deck Carl surveyed this scene for a mo- ment, and then stepped inside. Joe’s first knowledge of his presence was con- veyed by the hand that dropped upon his shoul- der. “ You back?’ he exclaimed, recognizing Cold- Deck Carl as he sprung up. ‘“ Whar ar’ the Hippy Rattler an’ that boss kicker ov his’n?” “Where they'll never demolish another bar, J, I'll fake a whisky flush. I feel like a morn- in’ star.” And the speaker patted Joe’s shoul- der and laughed again, | CHAPTER VII. ) SILKEN FINGERS. Tue drink whieh Cold Deck Carl poured out emong the ruins of Joe’s bar was tossed off with the gusto of a well pleased desperado, and a ‘poe later the bartender found himself alone lost among the mines, H an hour afierward he reappeared, bear- | ing: ‘gars me hody of a yn i whose face : hite dw eyes stared blankly at the ans Pies, I Carl. walked away, and was soon ward the but, 1 aacthior add esto,” ed these p era fain ta eee 4 a oY oa eh There was no reply, aud thrusting the paper into an inner pocket Cold-Deck Cari proceeded tu inter his comrade. e was not disturbed at his lahor. and when he went down the hill, having flung the pick among the bushes, a few fresb clo¢s told where slept the man who had come to You-Bet with a scheme which he would never eccomplish, “Td like to meet him,” grated Carl through clinched teeth, ‘* but most. ov all I'd like to find the girl just pow. She stays about Jce’s, I think, but the events that happened thar to- night may have frightened ber off.” went back to the saloon, but bis inspection of its interior failed to find Zoe. je Joe’s customers, many of them at least, had come back and money was being lost and won over the various tables that were scattered about the den. \ ‘*She isn’t thar, so I'll bave ter look fer her elsewhar,” he said turning from the door from which he bad taken an observation. —_- He turned back somewhat disappointed. ‘“Wher will I look fer ber?” b “Tt isn’t necessary that 1 sbould find her to- night, but, then, I'd like to,” ee he last word had scarcely Jeft Carl’s lips ere a man emerged from a cabin hardly twenty yards away, “The very man I want,” exclaimed Car). “Tl shoot his manifesto through his head! By heavens! they’ve raised a devil in You-Bet.” The man who bad stepped into the starlight had a magnificent physique, and was in every res and looked grand with his wealth of: black hair that brusbed bis shoulders, and with the broad- rimmed hat which was elevated just enough to show his lofty forehead. It was The Man of the Velvet Hand! —s_—y How Cold-Deck Carl's eyes flushed as they watcbed him! va My victim,” passed bis lips in’a hiss. “ Yes, ou- left one end pro- his apetp thres r took a reath as be wate e ejaculated, © he-thrust it into » appeared to be- t a giant, standing easily on the ground, — ‘ .

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_ Carl could hardly kee meedn’t tronble himself about it, for he’s about ter get the first one back,” By this time Goldspur bad placed the paper against the door of the cabin and was in the act of writing something upon it. The strides that carried Cold-Deck Carl for- ward were cat-like, for they were absolutely without noise. When he stopped he was not six feet from the man writing slowly in the moonlight, bis broad shoulders almost filling the doorway. Carl’s arm went up till it was on a level with Goldspur’s head, and the white tip of the rolled manifesto which protruded from the barrel of bis revolver almost touched The Man of the Vel- vet Hand. ‘ All at once Cold Deck Carl dissipated the somewhat thrilling tableau. “Turn!” he cried, and as Hercules Goldspur wheeled upon him, be continued “ I've broaght your manifesto back,” The growl of the tiger about to spring upon his bunter: was in Cart’s voice, the glaré of the jungle: o “ct/s eyes was in his, iy ou ant it, Hercutes#’ Carl went. on. “Tiss i. . out ov my dropper an’ I’m goin’ t:rsh.ot it inter yer brain! Writin’ another, war ye?” ; For a second there was no reply. Never before had such a splendid target been Lereatas to a mad marksman like Cold-Deck arl, Hercules Goldspur looked more magnificent than ever in bis rich lace-trimmed jacket, tight pantaloons and high yellow- topped boots whose eels were ornamented by the spurs which had given him the name he bore. **Shoot!” he cried looking into his tracker’s eyes. ‘‘Drawin’ yer blood-line around You- Bet, eh? I don’t want the manifesto you’ve poked inter yer dropper, an’ I’m not goin’ ter take it, either!” © With the last word there was a pantherish Jeap forward of a human hand. Curving slightly upward as it shot out, it sent Carl’s arm from its level, and pushed on to his throat. The lightning-like spring was the work of a second, Brain and arm bad worked together, and in an instant the velvet hand of the giant Apollo of Idaho was at Cold-Deck Carl’s throat. ‘How about shootin’ my paper through me now ?” laughed the victor whose black cyes glittered with victory. ‘‘Don’t you think something ov. postpovin’ ther job, Cold-Deck? » You had me awhile ago an’ you Jet ther oppor- ‘tunity slip, Fool!” ; _ Cold-Deck Carl saw the eyes of Hercules Gold- pa aa like dervishes; but he could not speek, The grip of that velvet hand at his throat seemed to paralyze all his powers. Toe strength of the laced giant was pro- digious. “I want to introduce you tosome friends who have just come to You-Bet,” continued Her- cules. ‘Come, my train-stopper. They want ‘to see you; I know they do. Ou, what a fool you've been to-night, Carl. You bad Hercules Goldspur at the muzzle of your revolver an’ you wouldn’t shoot. Tbe manifesto will never taken back. Ho! bo! How do you like the grip ov the velvet hand?” 3 ith bis silken fingers still at Carl's throat, Hercules began to drag his victim away. This seemed no task at all, though Cold-Deck his feet, so merciless was tie choking be bad already received. He kept his consciousness by the workings of a righty will power, for he wanted to see the eat arrivals mentioned by the Northwest Her- cules, Bye Past the cabins and around the base of a bill he was conveyed by his captor, then’ into the mouth of a gulch whos high wails shut out the moonlight and filled the place with as = ' Would Hercules. never stop? And whither was be taking his vietim? , » At last Curl heard for@ moment a confused murmur of voices, and all at once the giant came to halt, ; ** We are hyar!” he said to Carl, The captive attempted to straighteh himself but that awful hand was an incubus he could not shake off. ite _ The following moment be saw a number of indistinct’ figures, and then—he was hurled from Goldspur’s hands, _. “There!” cried Hercules. ‘‘There! red wort the silver trails, is one of the men ou want!” And as Carl fell among twenty _dadians, the giant waiked away! _ CHAPTER VIII GETTING OUT OF THE TRAP. ; RIM / wreathed the lips of Hercules ikea fusturthe apne where tr eek Car, the red-skins whose : before be could defend ptanescape. . nted a victim aud they have. we 8° Hercules Goldspur. were they, and what had brought them to | You-Bet? Indians were not uncommon visitors to the wildcat city along the track of the Northern Pacific. | They came and went at their own good pleasure, trading with the miners drinking Joe’s worse whisky, ond it was bad, or lounged | about the town for the purpose of stealing any- | thing that was portable. They were, for the most part, Sioux, strap- ping big fellows with hang-dog visages, ready to Make a man hold up in the mountains, or to plunder a cabin when its Owner’s back was turned. On several occasions prior to the date of our | story, the exasperated citizens of You-Bet had held lynch court and treated several of these red thieves to a well-adjusted noose; others bad been hunted down and shot without the shadow of a hearing, and badly spelled placards warn- ing the Indian to keep his distance had been posted on rock and tree. This summary work had produced a certain effct for a season. The savages had remained away for so Jong a time as six months, when some of the bolder | ones ventured back with good horses for trade, | and a few ounces of dust, ; These articles condoned their past offenses in the eyes of the roughs of You-Bet, and Joe | added to his exchequer, while the Indians | depleted his. stock of liquors and lost silver and | steeds, : Things went on as usual until the red-skins fell back into their old habits of pilfering which called another Vigilance Committee into existence, and the inoffensive Sioux was sum- moned to depart to healthier regions. Again You-Bet bad rest, rest for several months, or until ‘the night that witnessed the scenes described in the preceding chapter. The iron-horse whose first appearance in the wild Northwest had frightened the Indian, frightened him no longer. | he shriek of the locomotive possessed no ter- rors for bim now. He rode his horse up to the track and gazed placidly at the train as it swept past him; he | even rode on it, the red-skinned lord of the | smcking-car; and got off at the first station to | plunder the first cabin found unprotected. Indians of the description just mentioned were those who had come to You , Twenty in number and well-mounted and armed, toay were ready for anythihg that might turn up. 5 Their leader was a mai who was Hercules Goldspur’s equal io physique. Tins red giant was the first man to catch Cold- Deck Carl as he was flang from Goldspur’s hands into their midst. His arm pushed the arms of his followers back, and his glancemade them keep their dis- tance. It was some moments before Carl recovered, The grip of the velvet band was something terrible, : He felt it in every fiber of his system, and the fingers seemed to be crusbing his windpipe, although he knew that Hercules was already far away. Meet } The stalwart Sioux held his prisoner at arms’ length and for some moments gazed in silence into bis face. 5 8 Goldspur’s last words still rung in Carls ears. “There, red wolves of the silver trails, is one of the men you want,” Did the Indians want bim?” cot lf they did, for what? ‘* White man fail in to the Sioux’s hands at last!” suddenly exclaimed the giant who. beld him: ‘‘Him no more lift his nand an’ say, * Hang Indian! biw only 4 dog!” ‘“‘L never did that,” replied Carl, “By my soul! Hercules Goldspar has lied. I never sat in judgment on a red-skin, an’ I never will.” “White face lies like a Pawnee squaw!” flashed the Sioux. ‘ Goldspur.no lie to Indian, Him no split tongue.” ahi; ‘ “Tf you intend thet fer a_joke, it’s a daisy,” laughed Cold-Deck Carl. ‘‘ No! Hercules Gold- spur won't jis, Pardon me, my cherubs. I[ slandered bim when I aceused him of false- hood. But he handles th truth in a reckless manner sometimes. Hercules Goldspur! The time will yet come when I will skoot your in- fernal manifesto through your head.” ‘* Mebbe so, white-face.’ 4 That remark seemed to bring Carl back to his present situation, ** Wal, are you goin’ ter keep me on the word ov the devil who has ont walked off?” be asked. “He said you wanted me, didn’t he? Wal, what do you want me for?” ‘‘ Big Wolf bas spoken. White-face bas said, ‘ Hang Injun!’ an’ the men of the camp have pulled ’im up. ‘*T sav it’s a lie!” cried Carl. ‘I don’t care who told you so. It is an infamous lie. The man who uttered it dares not face me. It's a case of mistaken identity. I never saw You- Bet 1 to-night. I have condemned no In- iy se fas ‘You have heard the lie of fanianert meanest coward in ldato—Hercules | phe: ert hw SREP PME = 7 He elevated bis voice as be finished, in hopes that The Man of tbe Velvet Hand might be within hearing, but no answer, not even a laugb of derision, came back. He saw that the Iudians took no stock in his asseverationDs, Disbelief was traceable on their countenances, and he saw that unless he esccped from their clutches be was doomed. ‘‘ White-face come along,” said Big Wolf in resporse to his denouncement of Hercules, “The big white man no lie to Injun.” ‘Of course not,” sneered Cari. ‘One thing you daren’t do, an’ thet is to take me back to ou-Bet, an’ let me meet him face to face.” Big Wolf shook his head, and his grip tight- ened on Car]’s arm. “* Come,” be said. The desperado’s eyes flashed defiance, ‘** Not a step till you tell me what you are goin’ ter do with me,” he said. “I’m no infant ter be dragged over ther ground by a lot ov ainted skunks. Not a step will you speak. emember that I am Cold-Deck Car!, not from Mariposa, but fresh from Pistol Guleb, in Ari- zona.” For a moment the stalwart Sioux regarded the prisoner with a Jook of contempt, then bis eyes changed suddenly to a flash, and he stepped c ‘* White-face find out by’m by,” he said, and as Be pane wens upward the whole band leaped at Carl. They seemed about to tear him to pieces, for he was cought on every side and lifted clear of the ground before be could resist in the least. Hercules Goldspur might bave struggled in vain among those red-skins; as for Carl, not so + pes as the giant, he was helpless from the rst. Before he could collect ‘his senses, scattered by the sudden laying on of hands, he was car- ried from the spot and placed upon the back of a borse which stood in the midst of a number of steeds, whose saddles were dirty blankets, fast- ened on after the Indian manner. In less than a minute, it seemed to Cold-Deck Carl, he was fastened to the horse by a rope which passed under the girth and secured bis ankles, and then at a signal from Big Woif, the whole band dashed away. The only extra horse in the lot was ridden by the prisoner, and he hada chance to study bis captors as they galloped along now through a gulch, now over a httle plain and tben across the railroad track almost in the far-spreading glare of a locomotive’s head light More than once Cold-Deck Carl ground his teeth till they seemed to crack. ; Fifty times he clinched his hands and uttered oaths of vengeance. . He was going from You-Bet against bis will, Jeaving all the actors in the wild Northwest drama bebind, leaving Hercules Goldspur tri- umphant, the Happy Rattler at the bottom of the mine, and all his schemes abortive! These thoughts were bitter ones. ‘Pll have to wait an’ see what the red skunks ~ ar’ goin’ ter do with me,” be said at the end of bis musings. ‘‘I’d give a million if I bud it fer a solid grip on my revolvers. Thar’d be some dead Injuns byarabouts. Hercules, curse him! knew t. whom he flung me balf desd. He an’ Big Wolf bev an’ unverstandin’. I'd like ter go Lack tee You-Bet an’ tell the men ov that devil’s © bold tbat the gold-leced gentleman is in league with a thievin’ Sioux who hez fetched twenty red skins hyar fer a purpose. By heavens! will go back! Hevn’t I sworn by tke colonel’s corpse thet I would win iff this game fer gold? Didn't 1 send fer the colonel, tellin’ him thet the girl war in You-Bet an’ thet byar we’d be- gin ther game together? They killed ther col- _ ovel au’ left me. Tbey spared ther life ov one who always bolds trumps at ther epd ov ther game. Cold-Deck Carl plays a bad hard. Her- cules Goldspur—a bad hand,-Mr. Big Wo'!f—a yaa hagas band, you whoshot my pard, Ltber col- onel, These words fell in hisses from the lips of the man who, Indian-surrounded, was leaving You- Bet still further bebind bim. All at once Big Wolf appeared at his side, The Sioux bad dropped back from the bead of the band, and his eyes were an avaricious ques- tion as they met Carl’s geze. “ What White-face got?” he asked. “Got?” repeated Carl, his dark fuce lighting up at the question. : “More than the yer clutebes.” “Silver?” i i ees ro oar in the peek solee in Idabo.” — ig Wolf’s eyes glistened. ’ He laid his red fae ou the lowers. ; Civne-s rie ‘We see, White-face,” he said in a whisper, and then went back to the bead of his band, A minute afterward the Indians who hed surrounded ( pture urged tl / Sarl from the ce steeds into a ‘aster gallop and passed L 7 bape iz Dene, Lid tial hes be _ Jn an instant be spoke to his horse and the = animal as if glad to obey thecommand stopped | while the words siill sounded, yey age dq gombler-sport’s arm, and sent a swift glance among his fol- devil who threw me into mer #0 “id

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«eye Tah Shen “ Fortune’s strikin’ me hard!” he ejaculated. “By the eternal heavens! to-1norrow will see me back in You-Bet. Then, look out, you ov the ther velvet band! We'll begin ther second act ov ther play, when I gitthar. I know who [’ve got ter fight now—you an’ ther feller what dropped ther colonel, I don’t care fer Pigmy Pete. Lkin make terms with him. Thet black- eyed Mexican ov his I’ll hey on my side afore long. I'll come out on top at ther end ov there fight. Hello!” be exclamation was caused by the appear- ance of a borse and his rider who came from the direction taken by the Indians who bad dis- og erg old-Deck Carl awaited the man with much interest and soon found himself fate to face with Big Wolf. ** Where is the silver?” asked the Sioux. ** Where mine?” _ “Back yonder,” and Carl’s band pointed to- ward You-Bet miles away. * How much?” ** Hevn’t I said—a tun!” ** An’ it shall be Big Wolf's?” ae Yes,” There was the glitter of a knife-bladein the esl gleam, and Cold-Deck Carl found his limbs ree, A shout of triumph which he could not keep back burst from his throat, “*Ipjuns ride off,” resumed the Sioux chief. “Now, White-iace, we will take the silver trail. The big man offsred Big Wolf no silver an’ without silver an Indian can’t play in the moun- tain camps. Come,” The listener looked searchingly into the In- dian’s face. : ‘ Any way tect back to You-Bet,” he mut- tered. “Tm goin’ thar; but I don’t own the first rock of silver, but what ov ic? T'll get rid oy ther Injnn, He’s betrayed Hercules an’ he'll betray me. Back ter You-Bet! Look out fer ther man what ar’ comin’ back ter kill!” He turned the head of his horse toward the wild-cat city by the railroad, and he and the red-skin rode rapidly forward. They watched one another as if afraid of treachery, and not a word was spoken for sev- eral miles, : “The red devil is actually goin’ back ter ther town,” murmured Cold-Deck Carl at length. “Hs got more grit than [ thougbt he bad, My shauowy bonanza tempts bim. My silver ne!” and the gambler laughed to bimself, Suddenly he leaned toward the Sioux, and saw his chance. The next second his hand darted at Big Wolf’s throat, and as it closed there, the long arms of the Sioux fel! about bis body, and the two men fell to the ground in a struggle for the mastery, “‘T want no Injua traitor with me in You- Bet,” hissed Cold-Deck Carl, “ I go back alone, er stay byar fer ther buzzards!” CHAPTER IX. PIGMY PETE'S PARD, Tue Happy Rattier from Stiver Bow and his strange pard, Kicking George, were not missed when they left Joe’s saloon to meet with the catastrophe which we have seen overtake them. ‘ Nobody thoughts of following them, and the singular pair were left to shift for themselves. If the Rattler bad been followed no one would have thought of looking for hiw in the depths of the old mine, and Cold Deck Carl was not the man to go back and lend a helping hand to the person be bad sent to a terrible doom, The ‘man from Silver Pow had come and one, F He was eccentric and migratory, and was known througtiout the Northwest for his jolly good natitre. He had never been known to think seriously of one thing for a moment, and everybody had looked upou him as a crack-brained mdivicual, never without money, and alweys hunting a bar for bis donkey to kick to pieces. But, as we have seen, the Happy Rattler had settled his mind on one thing and Ubat was that ye was the long-lost child for whose return to a certain ranch in Arizona there was a long- standing reward, and bis language has led us to infer that be had come to You-Bet with a well- defined nad get connected with the lost beir. Cold Deck Cur! seemed to be aware of this, else he wovld not have forced the two pards down the mouth of the mine, In doing; this Carl was on! Lape 3 bis way. We cannot say that he really feared | natured individual from Silver Bow, but as he knew who Zoe was and moreover was in his wer he thought it best to get rid of him. ; was very Jate on the night with which we | have been dealing all along, a little man with a quick nervous gait crossed the main thoroughfare of You-Bet, and walked toward the mines. J It was Pigmy Pete alone, and evidently with Deen ape in view. ss * Had fingers at my throat to-night, the kind a go nage A oe oi alee & too,” the dwarf said to bimself as his shoulders, “‘ By my life! Cold- jgness, I saw that by his ds bluffed him, an? he too j oes a ns ——) nmi =" | a") the good- é his spite out on me. He felt like he had ter do suthin’, an’ so he jumped at my throat. Gods! he’s a tiger, that fellar is; got a grip like a steel-trap. I war an infant in his hands, an’ if Hercules hadn’t interfered I wouldn’t be hyar now. Nary a spectator war going to interfere. Ther’ seems ter be q standin’ rule in You-Bet ter let all fights take keer ov themselves. Hercules came just in the nick o’ time an’ I’m all bunk, barrin’ a slight soreness about my windpipe. It war a close call, Lola. I kin do without any more ov ther same kind,” Past the mine that held the pards from Silver Bow went the little man, and disappeared among the shafts north of the town. | He did not stop until he reached a pile of | rocks, one of which, at the foot of the heap, he | raised and looked beneath it. This stone was of peculiar shape and was easily distinguished from the rest. It lay at the edge of the heap and made a good mountain | post-office, Not satisfied with baving looked under the stone, Pigmy Pete felt around with his hand in search of a letter which, owing to the uncertain light, might bave esvaped his eyes, His search which was diligent snd continued | for several minutes revealed notbing, and | Pigmy Pete rose with asigh of disappointment, ‘Not yet,” he said in audible tones. ‘* Mebbe I'm a little too previous, but it strikes me be ought ter bebyar. Ain’t you comin’, pard? Me an’ Lola bey played our part of the comedy pretty well, but you oughter be byar ter help ther thing out. No letter an’ no man. You | couldn’t miss this stone-beap, fer I sent ye word just bow ter find it without mistake.” Pigmy Pete’s disappointment was genuine, and he was about to deepen it by another search when a slight noise made him turn, and he stood face to face with a man whose arrowy figure rendered him ghost-like in the pale silyery rays of the moon. “*Great God! you at Jast. Ferd—” ‘*Husb! no names here,” said the man as his hand fell on Pigmy Pete’s arm, ‘1 am here myself and that’s why you found no letter under the stone. What do +7 know?” ** A good deal, pard.” **That’s ood,” “Me an’ Lola bev found out a few things, ef we baven’t been a year in You-Bet, I warn’t | more than in ther town than a fellar got his | finger onto my throat an’ choked me inter Star- dom. Cuss him! pard. I[ will return ther compliment one 0’ these days. I will pay ’im | hack, er my name’s not Pigmy Pete, Queen Lola’s pard,.” The countenance of the listener betrayed bis anxitty while Pete talked, showing a pair of mad little eyes while he rattled off bis words. In person the man who had come to the stone- pile insteed « f the letter was a head taller than the Happy Rattler, whom he resembled in the color of bis eyes. He was tall, wiry and quite handsome, and was clad in rather rough clothes, which did not seem to be his usual garments. He had doubtless passed the fiftieth mile-stone of life, for bis abundant locks were iron-gray. Nobody could see the contour of his mouth for | the mustache that covered it. * Armed with two revolvers, the butts of which were observable to Pigmy Pete, the man looked ba mee of contending with any enemy. e was quick and keen-eyed, one of those men whose first glance is a deadly aim, **T have asked you what you know, and you have said a govd deal,” said this man after | Pigmy Pete had finished. “That isn’t very Satistacwory.” ° * Well, she is byar.” “What! am 1 so near her, then?” and the speaker recoiled a step. *‘ My God! Pete, can it be that after so uany years | am about to fold ber to my heart once more?’ “T don’t snow about that,” remarked Pig- my Pete, looking at tbe man in his agitation. * Phat dep nds on circumstances, Thar seems ter be a few difficulties ia ther way. Yes, she’s hyar in You-Bet tris very minute, but she’s got a pertecter, an’ he’s a jumper what you read, about, Thatisn’tall, ‘Thar’sa man byar called Cold Deck Carl. Says he's from Mariposa, but thav’s a lie, He may bev a pard somewhar in the vicinity—” “ He bad one,” interrupted the grizzled man, quickly; “ but he left bim down in the gulch,” ** Afraid ter show bimself in You Bet, eh?” “No, 1 made him stay in the gulch, “You, Ferd—” “Yes, I killed-bim!” Pigmy Pete recoiled astep and stared into the face ot bis companion. “ Have you begun ter kill already?” he ejacu- lated. ‘‘ Wby, you baven’t been byar six hours,” A faint smile brightened the face of the stranger. @ " “ [ would be recreant tomy beaven-registered vow if I had not shot that man on sight.” he rosa suddenly relaxing into seriousness, ‘“When my eyes fel] upon him, all the wrongs he past years surged up in my heart, and I shot “Then it was—” it | The colonel, of course.” ae + . ita S z J 3, ¥| ae | A moment’s silence followed this announce- ment. ‘*'Thar’s one less for us ter tackle hyar,” said Pigmy Pete when he spoke again, ‘But Cold- Deck Carl is still on hand. Then, The Man of the Velvet Hand is here.” “ Heis the other man I must have seen to- night.” ‘He’s a daisy giant, isn’t be? Saved me from Cold-Deck’s fingers, thet closed on my windpipe because Lola bluffed him with her diamonds, I owe that jumper one.” ‘** But if necessary you’d forego the pleasure of thanking bim for bis service?’ “Try me. I’m yer man for anything. [ belong ter yee body an’ soul an’ [ guess I speak for Lola when I say this. Them diamonds ov ber'n ’d bluff anybody on top o’ ground. I like Hercules viens) fer what bis velvet band did fer me to-night, but say ther word an’ I’ll hate: bim. Do you know that he’s Zoe’s stand-by?’ ‘*That soft-handed Hercules?” “That’s just what he is—Zoe’s pertector.” “My child’s friend! Zoe, lam here for my long-lost girl. Are you going to go back to the old ranch with me, or will you cling to Her- cules at to? The Man of the Velvet Hand?” ‘You'd better ask her thet question; Pm not capable of answerin’ it,” said Pigmy Pete, “*T kin say, however, that she’ll go back with you. We bevn’t come hyar fer nothin’. Lola an’ me bevn’t played travelin’ spies all these long months fer fun, an’ now that we’ve found yer child, Ferd, we'll see that she goes home, ou saved my life, Hercules eee but if my master says kill you, your life will not be worth a digger’s breakfast. I’m Pigmy Pete, but ?’m as handy with the revolver as Lola is with the cards,” : : Not a word replied to the little man’s out- burst of devotion. He looked into his companion’s face, and saw him turn slowly away. ‘** Heaven, can it be that I am really near my child?’ he said in whispers. ‘After years of search have I reached ber at last? Help me to go on to the end, to take her back to the old home and see her strew her mother’s grave with flowers, Zoe! Zoe! all my beart flows out to you to-night. 1 am bere—your father, with hair whitened by suffering, yet with a determina- tion to fight bis way, if need be, to bappiness and success. I have already killed. The blood of the man who planned your abduction, Zoe, is on my ha nds, and 1 may be compelled to- redden them again. I am ready! I bave not bunted all tbese years to shrink from the end. Iam bere for you, Zoe. If necessary bk am here to kill a thousand times!” Tbe last word still quivered the man’s lips. when he turned upov Pigmy Pete again. He came forward, calm and _ self-possessed,, showing biroself ready for any emergency. “To work, Pete!” be said. ‘**The work be- gins to-night. 1 want tosee my cbiid. ‘‘ Where is she?” This way,” was the reply, and Pigmy Pete started off with an eager man at bis heels, ~ * You, an’ me, an’ Lola in You-Bet wil] keep ther pot b’ilin’ ef they give us any trouble,” * At that moment a man stepped out from the — shadow of the stone-pile. “You can't have the girl, Ferd Sutter, Jsay no !” be said, It was Hercules Goldspor. CHAPTER X. LOLA’S MISSION. BEAUTIFUL beyond description was the morn- iog that fodowed the uight whose scenes we have attempte. to record in the foregoing chap- ters, One of-the first. persons astir was a keen-eyed little man wbo was seen leaning sgainst one of the cabins with his arms folded upon bis breast. ‘* Missed ber, bey?’ he exclaimed. *t The Man ov the Velvet Hand has taken ther first trick, an’ me an’ my perd ar’ stumped, Must hev smoked ’im out last night an’ vamosed with the daisy. Just in time, too, fer ef Ferd gits his fingers on bis own, nothin’ kin tesr ‘im loose,” Although daylight bad fairly broken upon ‘the mountain-town, Pigmy Pete was the only person seen in his immediate vicinity. He looked fresh, as if be bad enjoyed a sleep, probably in the cabin against which he leaned. » ; : The little man bad passed a few hours of You- Bet’s memorable night beyond the tbreshold- near which he stood; but be was not the sole tenant of the place. It was then occupied by the person who had accompanied bim to You-Bet, the deep-eyed Mexican girl who had staked her diamonds against Cold-Deck Car1’s bills. la, who had just risen, stood at the little window of the hut, her eyes sparkling with ex-. citement, and her mind at work. ‘Why doesn’t he come?” she suddenly said: aloud in an impatient strain, . ‘‘ Hercules Gold- spur bas run the girl, Zoe, If they "t. watch, he wi 2 rove more than a match for +4 revealed the _ | tho je Where Pete?” my Hyar,” and the opening door “ ‘ Pat gh ere 7 ay y

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‘ ok +>) figure of the little desperado. ‘*1’m always on hand, Lola, when I’m wanted. What’s up?’ The girl's eyes lighted up at sight of the speaker, * Way doesn’t Ferd come?’ “* He will, when he realizs that Zoe is gone,” replied Pete. *‘Tae news hit him like a ham- mer, 1 thought be wouldn’t give in that way. He says that he came too late ao’ then talks abous havin’ Hercules Goldspur’s blood. When he gits thet, Lola, it’ll be a cold day in You Bet —a sorter chilly wave.” * Why, Pete?” ‘Because ther giant’s no fool. He war upter snuff last night. Ther first trick hez been scooped in-by ther Velvet Hand.” “And Ferd?” “ Mad av a bull, he’ll foller.” Lola was silent for a moment. ‘i pity him,” she said, aeunely: Just when he expected to fold his child to his breast, dercules Goldspur steps in between, I couid kill thas man!” The hands of the Mexican beauty clinched as she hissed forth the sentence threatening The Man of the Velvet Hand, “You kill him, Lola? Why, my little girl, thet velvet hand ov bis couli crush ye!” Instantly the girl’s eyes flasbed. ““T will give bim an opportunity!” she ex- ‘claimed. ‘* He shall know m : before we’va done with him. I thanked him last night for saving ou from Cold-Deck Carl’s grip—now I bate im. daughter. He bas run the girl off to keep her from bappiness and the old ranch in Arizona, He saall give up his prize, I say so, I swear it!” An impulsive stride carried ber to the door, and she was aout to rusb from the hut when Pigmy Pete wheeled up on her. ‘* Woar ar’ ye goin’!” he demanded. ‘**T shall strike the trail while it is hot!” “* Alone?” “Why not? Haven’s I told you that I am not afraid of that silken Land which ‘charms people even while is chokes them? I kuow where mv hors: is.” A good-by glance followed the last word, and a bound on the giri’s part left Pigmy Pete the sole occupant of the cabin. “She'll go!” he ejaculated. blood an’ you makea she wild-cat ov her. couldn’ . keep ’er back. §.1e’s got a head ov her own, aa’ she’s willin’ Confound ber! let er go!” As for Lola she walked rapidly from the ‘town to a thicket near by, which she penetrated and found two horses, one of which she led away, ‘‘Pigmy Pete may follow if be desires. I shall not ask him to belp me,” she said. **Waat! Lola afraid of Hercules Goldspur? The thougut is ridiculous!” And a light, fear- dess laugh rippled over the lips of the black-eyed beauty. In less than a minute afterward the girl was mounted on the horse wuose head she turned to the north as if confident that Hercules Gold- #pur had gone in that direction. By this time You-Bet was fully astir, and as she rode past the gambliug-den a man rushed aut and seized the bride of ber steed. {t was Joe, the proprietor of the suebang. ‘Goin’ away, eh?” he exclaimed, looking up into Lola’s faca, ** It looks like it, doesn’t it?” “I should semark. You'd better not go. agra A r fujuns in the neighborhood.” % * af “Fact! They war withio a mile ov town fast night, aa’ the Express nearly ran inter a gang ov ’»m near ther Devil’s Gap. You'd bet- ter not go.” Lola liughed, : “Tf was partly raised among Indians,” she said, ‘ You'll bave to frighten me some other way, Joseph,” “By George, I will!” ie sir Kickivug G-orge, do you mean?” smiled che girl. “Not by a long shot. If you're goin’ arter Hercules, let me aavise you to stay byar,” Lola started sligutly. ‘* What do vou know, Joseph?” “That the Velvet Hand took a big trick last might,” was the a response, in a lowered ‘tone of voice, ‘He took Zoe away, an? left this a gt # * This as a bit of paper which Joe dis- piayed to Lola’s gaze as he finished, and tne girl took it eagerly from bis band. _ Tbe n-xt minute she had read: “To Whom My Acr Drspreases:— “Zoe an’ Lare pards. Don't follow us. ; My hand daever forgets its cunnin’, nti the boast, ast [ERCULES GOLDSPUR.”’ From the brief messige lets bebind, Lola looked down into the qnizzical face of the saloonist of You-Bet, ‘“**Don't follow us!” aa : ‘my hand never mad. ast Th ose ast hed. forgets its cunning.’ _ ‘words would stop you. Joseph?” _ _“*Hong me ef they oughtn’t to check any one who knows ther dandy clipper what writ ’em,” ; eanswer. ‘1 wouldn’t foller him now 1 He bas robbed Ferdinand Satter of bis | “Stir that girl's | { look out fer another poker queen.” ter put it ag’in’ Goldspur’s, | fer a dozen bonanzas. What's thet girl ter you, Lola?” | ** Nothing much; but she’s a good deal tera ) certain man who came to You Bet last night.” ** Workin’ fer another, eh?—riskin’ yer throat fer some one else? Why, Hercules would as lief choke a woman—” “Enough!” broke in the Mexican girl. ‘‘I shall not shrink from that velvet hand he brags ov. I bave registered an oathin Heaven. Iam going to hunt kim down. He shall give Zoe back to her father. I Lola, have sworn that he shall! JI, too, have a game to win!” “Try iton, That’s my answer, not my ad- vice,” said Joe. ‘ But you'll rue the dav you started out ter hunt Ther Man o’ the Velvet Hani, Couldn’t Pigmy Pete do anything with er? ; ‘*No,” laughed Lola, and before Joe could speak again, the girl spoke to her horse, and left him standing alone in front of bis ranch, After gazing after her for a moment, be walked back into the place and refreshed him- self with a glass of bis villainous decoction, ‘Gone ter bunt Hercules, en?” he ejaculated, | as he set the glass d wn witha hearty emphasis. | * Pll bet ten ter one that she gets scooped ther first game,” ‘Pj take thet bet ef it lays me flat on my | back,’” | Joe wheeled instantly at sound of the voice | and the speaker walked forward with a pair o | sparkling eyes in his head. * Way didn’t you stop ’er, | as he recognized his visitor. | Stup that girl? stop Lola?” exclaimed Pigmy | Pete. * Kin ye stop a Northern Pacific Express by standin’ on ther trick?” ; Pigmy?” cried Joe, “ Wal, hardly, Pigmy?’ “Then L coulda’t stop Lola. She war bound ter go” The next instant Joestrode to where the dwarf stood, and bis haud tell Jike a trip-hammex upon his shoulder, i iH Ar’ ye married ter Lola?” he asked. ” ‘‘ That’s a blessed thing for yer feclin's, fer ef ve war, Pigmy, an’ she foois with H-rcales Goldspur’s plans, ve’d be a bloomin’ widower, an’ no mistake. She’s only yer pard, bey?’ | “'Thav’s all,” “ Wal, my opinion is thet yell soon hey ter | ‘*)i) trust thet.gal. Lsaw her tackle a griz- zly once, an’ I gues Hercules is no worse,” ‘* Worse than twenty bars. It’s not ther fel- lar’s eyes ner bis strength, but it’s that infer-’ nal hand, ez soft ez cotton, but sure as death itself.” i Joseph, otherwise plain ‘‘ Joe,” seemed to have a dread of the giant’s hand, and a shudder passed over his frame az be went back to his usual station. ; ‘Changin’ ther subject, Pigmy,.” he said, ‘I wonder what’s become ov ther Happy Rattler an’ his long-eared pard? Kicked ther dayligbts out ov my b’ar last night, yer know, but a hundred paid all damages an’ gave me a decent rofit besides, _He’s a jumper, he is, an’ eorge, his pard, talks business with his hind egs. At that moment the Happy Rattler and his donkey were not in the most comfortable of sit- uations, pres or CHAPTER XI. ON \8IS MUSCLE, Hercuies GoLpspur and Zoe had left You- Bet coget her. ae ‘In the night, shortly after Ferdinand Sutter’s vow to take his child back to the bome in Ari- zona, the door Jeading to Zve’s little a was opened without noise, and the stalwart fig- ure of The Man of the Velvet Hand room with the tread of acat, — His hand fell upon the white wrist of the sler ping girl. i “ Tue time has come,” hesaid in reply to Zoe’s s.iare,. ‘‘ We leave You-Bet,” ‘Never to return?” * Circumstances must decide,” ‘You are taking me from those who seek me?’ a Yes,” ; : “Feom mv father «That is true.” Zoe hesitated and drew back, * We must go,” said Hercules in determined tones, his soft hand tightening perceptibly around Zoe’s wrist. “I have said that they should not have you without my consent. I cannot give it now.” “Why not?” ** Because, to the words I heard to-night, I | have said No. I promised you, Zoe, that before ong you should decide between us all. Iam The Man of the Velvet Hand,, There are worse men than me in Idabo—in You-Bet, at this very moment, Mebbe I'll diseard my nick-names one of these days, But I can’t talk here. Come, 0074), 6 t Without further remonstrance Zoe left the the ‘| Too A the gisnt. bis hand stil! at her wrist, and the wo glidea from the building across the ride. Ty #, ’ eS eciat are + ‘ Oe » i + Ls : SET 5b et DALE ROS is ORI isi ae Pied ; ty . a ry Taking the gir] in his strong arms, Hercules Goldspur placed Zoe upon one of the steeds, and mounted the other himself. Triumph lighted up the giant’s eyes, and they flashed with pride as he regarded the girl at his side. Away went the two horses side by side, and their boofs sounded over the mountain trail as they left You- Bet behind. Pen Hercules burst into a laugh. ** Zoe,” be said, turning upon bis companion as it ended, ‘“‘you ought to have seen me give the red-skins a feast to-night!” ‘The Indians?” exclaimed Zoe, come back to You-Bet?” ‘Yes. I caught a victim, dragged bim to the red devils, and flung bim headlong into their midst. Ha! ha! bow be must bave cursed me ere they finished him. He’s the chap who war oin’ ter draw a blood-line round this district. e’ll never do thet, Zoe—never!” Tbe girl heard the giant through in silence, but witb her gaze riveted on his face, She seemed to understand, yet his tones seem- ed to couvey a mystery to her ears. * Zoe,” he went on, ‘the manI served thus wanted you.” ‘Not my father?” (a9 No. ” * Cold-Deck Carl?” ““That’s the fellar. He pitched headiong among ther red-skins when I gave him a gentle tors. Whar is he now? He'll never play ag’in’ Lola’s dismonds any more,” For some miles farther on neither spoke a word, and the first sound of a human voice was the slight one with which Eercules stopped both steeds. ' ‘**Thar’s suthin’ ahead,” he said. with a glance at Zoe as he dismounted, and then she saw bin enter the bush-fringed pass at whose mouth they bad halted. Although Zoe watched him intently she soon saw bim disappear. — - With a revolver in his left hand, Hercules Gol'ispur glided down the gulch, making no noise whatever with bis feet, which seemed to choose the ground over which they advenced, an at once be halted and then put up his istol. , ‘**Pshaw! two bands ar’ worth a dozen revol- vers ina plece like this,” be murmured, ‘‘ Zoe an’ I ar’ not the only people out ter-night, Hyar come some snesks whose wind will be choked off before they know ’'m around.” ~~ His keen ears bad beard the sligbt noise made by the two creeping figures that were edvanc- ing up the ravine, and a moment later his watchful eyes delvcted them. ‘“*Red-skins!” he almost hissed, ‘I hevn’t felt an Injun’s wiud pipe fer a year, but I hevn’t lost my grip. Come on, my red chemubs, I’m hyar with the usual compliments ov Hercules Goldspur.” Nearer and nearer came the gliding red-skins now plainly seen by the man whose figure could not be seen for the bushes among which he crouched. ‘ A faint smile played with the white man’s ips. He watched the Indians, confident of victory. At last the two red skins were opposite bis stutiou, and all at once be derted at them, with a low ery which brought them upon their feet. * On, i's me, redcies!” fell from bis lips. Atthe same moment a band shot at each of the Indians’ throats, aud closed on them with wonderful veivet fingers as he smote their beads together with the «ase of 6 Symon. . *DTm.in my element row !" Le ej>culates, as thwack! thwack! Went the skulls of the red- ‘ Have they rtment | skins together, with a noise thet was terribly suggestive of broken heads. ¢ handled the bucks as le cor“ -re han- dled a pair of beliigerent. eh ci ' Ine ut- most ease, and without scemicg iv ica bis great strength. “I guess ye’r presentable now,” be said at — last starting toward the spot where he had left Zoe, dragging the Indians on either side as be | moved Over the ground, He reappeared to Zoe with fire in bis eyes. “Two ov my friends, Zoe!” -he laughed hold- irg the uncorscicus Indians up for her inspec- tion. * To; n're the advance guard ov a squad thet ain't a mie essv.. It’s ther same band what trimm @ Cola Dek down, Gcin’ back to. Lethe You-Bet. See! I've bumped ’em together till they've gone ter sieep.” : The signt of two half naked and unconscious Indians with bleeding heads was not a vlea: _ a for Zoe, and sbe turned away with 4 shud-/ er. , ‘‘ We'll leave ’em byar.” said Bereu >, “* Mebbe we'll bev a tussle with the otbers but I won't seek it, Thar ware time, Zoe—” — He stopped. ey The noise that, called forth the girl’s “‘ Hark!” bad also reached his ears. hoes t _ He turned in time to see the that dame from tbe direction from bad dragged bis victims. or Turn an’ ride ter hfe, but stop at ther creck w crossed.” 4 ’ FAB * eo bid « | The next instant the ravine rurg with yel hes ie “Down on mek eres Zoe? cried. vi es. | town to two horses already caparisoned for a a ag / t]

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. tony of th ir tor ‘ 1 eS a) bc win the bonanza yet? Then, whipping out. his revolvers, he threw himself into the midst of the red-skins and be- gan to shoot right and left. “Take me anyway I’m somewhat ov a suc- cess!” he cried in loud tones as he worked the deadly weapons in the faces of the Indians who reeled away. ‘‘ A pic-nic like this Toe Man of the Velvet Hand war never known ter shun.” But tbere was an end to the deadly shots he poured into the rauks of the Indians whose numbers momentarily increased. He emptied the twelve steel chambers, but dis enemies seemed as numerous as ever. ‘““Thar’s another weapon I’m equally handy #ith!” he exclaimed. “I cleaved out Santa Fe Mike’s saloon with it once.” He stooped and caught up the yet warm body of one of his red victims and whirling it around his head, dasiied like a lion brought to bay at his foes. “Ipjun ag’in’ Injun! Oh, I’m handy with any weapon!” pealed from his throat. “Ye varmints, I’m figbtin’ fer ther daisiest girl in Idabo, ez well ez fer Hercules Goldspur. Git out oy my way!” Forced to keep close together by the narrow- ness of the pass, the Indians found themselves -at a disadvantage, and the giant beat them back with the novel but terrible war-club which he swung over his head, At last as a final effort he flung his weapon into their faces where it struck as a shout of defiance made the welkin ring, ‘‘That’s enough fer to-night! Ye know me— Hercules Goldspur!” and he turned toward bis horse again. Twenty feet away he uttered a cry, spun half-way round and then sprung forward, He reached the mouth of the little pass and saw a borse in the starlight, “ Another wound but I’m still The Man of the Velvet Hand!” he age falling against the animal whose mane he clutched as he seated himself in the saddle with an effort. ‘“* I'll set- tle with you yet, red-skins, Winged an’ stag- gered, I still have Zoe! She’s a bonanza for which Hercules Goldspur is ready to die.” Then, as an outburst of Indian yells rose on the air, he wheeled the steed and rode back gree the trail he had made—back toward You- t. Once he rose in his stirrups and with his laced hat in his hand waved defiance at the red ene- mies in the pass. ** You must kill Hercules Goldspur to harden his velvet hand!” he shouted at ths tep of his voice, and the words that went back tcward his foes brought out another yell of fury. CHAPTER XII. HOW A SCALP GOT PARDS, ‘‘ GENTLEMEN, thar’s a ghost in one ov the mines,” said the little man who showed a white face to the group of roughs and toughs that stood in front of Joe’s den as the sun went | down on You-Bet, the night after Goldspur’s | encounter with the Indians in the pass. “T guess not, Pigmy!” laughed a dozen men, “« Shoot me fer a gopher ef thar isn’t!” was the | quick retort and the little man straightened and — his eyes flashed. ‘ Didn’t | hear a noise down | in ther sbaft, Ef thar’s a man ov ye what hez ther a grit, let im foller me.” e’llall go. Come, boys. Efa ghost hez come ter You-Bet we want ter form his ac- queintance.” Led by Pigmy Pete who was confident that be had made a genuine discovery, the roughs of ‘You-Bet rusbed pell-mell to a certain unused shaft over whose edge several leaned and lis- tened with the little mar. ‘*Ghust! the devil, Pigmy!” suddenly ejacu- lated one, ‘It’s a mean sell an’ yer treat, “Not yet,” and Pigmy Pete sent his voice down the bleak shaft. ‘* Ar’ ye thar yet?” he asked. “T sbould remark ter mention, my unwashed seraph!” came back the answer in holiow tones that drove the kneeling listeners to their feet. * Durned of l eouldn’t eat a grizzly an’ George hyar bez injured his kickin’ apparatus. Toss down hyar a decent ration fer ther stomachs ov two skeletons, I’m no ghost; but the Happy Rattler from Silver Bow.” The mp poten of You-Bet uttered excla- mations of surprise. ‘* We'll pull ye up!” cried Pigmy Pete. “‘That’s encouragin’. Pull me up? Do ye hear thet, George? We're goin’ skyward ag Ls daylight an’ a squar’ meal, Won't we k satisfaction out ov a certain individual an’ Pull us up, pards, an’ ther blessin’ ov the Rattler an’ his gentle pard will te leave ye ins = a “Up you come, | er, old yer till we git ready.” bps Preparations were now made to draw the o pards from Silver Bow to the surface once more. 5 ' 4 y ee the minds of the denizens of You- Bet was aay were alive to tell the je down the shaft. i ais - 3 ! et a yore ‘ AS: eS ee ee et ee — . a | | it their escape from desth placed oct nue Laie - 4 Hercules Goldspur. bordered on the miraculous, and not one but was willing to extricate them from their critical situation. In a few minutes a long strong rope was let down, and the Happy Rattler grasped it with an exclamation of joy. ‘*1"l) send George up first,” he said. That kickin’ mule?” “Yes. George couldn’t tie himself ter ther rope ef I went up first.” “ That’s so; but ain’t he dangerous?” “Not when he’s in a fix like this, meek as a rabbit, my blushin’ pinks.” ‘Send ’im up, then.” Five minutes later a voice saying ‘* All right! pull!” came up from the depths of the old shaft, and the twenty brown-armed men who seized. the rope and pulled with all their might brought the rope’s burden to the age After a brief pull, four hoofs lashed close together appeared at the top of the pit, and another effort landed Kicking George safe on the ground. There he lay well covered with mud, but with submission in his eye; to all outward appearances one of the most innocent creatures in existence, His exploit in Joe’s den, the night before was still fresh in the minds of the roughs of You-, Bet, and at a safe distance from the mule’s hoofs a consultation was had as to the safest means of releasing him from the rope. ‘* What! afeared ov thet gentle biped?” came upin impatient tones from below, while the valiant men discussed various projects. ‘‘ He’s as serene as @ dead Injun, ’Pon honor, he wouldu’t kick his worst enemy now. Send thet rope down hyar, daisies, an’ pull up ther Hungry Rattler ov Silver Bow.” This seemed to decide the council, for Pigmy Pete crept up to the donkey, and after sundry pattings and a profuse announcement of his generous intentions, took off the rope, when George instantly got upon his feet asif he had oP cag the bottom of that dangerous shaft. “Killa mule ef ye kin, boys!” laughed Pig- my Pete, ‘Thet crittur will live ter split ev- ery bar in Idaho!” he rope lowered now for the Happy Rattler soon found that individual, and in less than a minute after its reception by him, be was being drawn to the top of the shaft. When he made his appearance in the last streaks of daylight, hatless and well sprinkled with wet clay, he presented a picture that would have called a laugh from the most solemn. ** Not ez I was, but ez I am!” he exclaimed, facing the crowd that ted him. ‘‘ Upfrom re ety ov death, bar’s your lunch-count- er The men of You-Bet seemed to forget that the Happy Rattler had been confined for twen- ty-four hours without food in the bottom of the shaft, for they crowded about him eager to hear the story of bis fall and his remarkable preser- vation from death. ‘““A squar’ lunch first, explanations after- ward,” he persisted. ‘Vil take a b’ar roasted, He’s as | a buffler stuffed with sage chicks, an’, ef not too much trouble to ther cooks, an antelope pot- jie. I guess that’s about ther extent of my rst order. Feel kind o’ lonesome byar,” and he laid his bronzed hand on his stomach. ‘ Joe, my smiling hoori, get Zoe ter dish up a feast fit fer an epicure,” “Zoe!” exclaimed the liquor-vender of You- Bet, as he recoiled a step. ‘Don’t you know she went off last night?” “No. Who did she leave with?” “ With Hercules.” ** Jehosaphat!” ejaculated the Happy Rattler. “ An’ I war wharl couldn’t prevent it! Ef I hed ther man what said ‘jump.’ ’d tie ’im ter George’s bind hoofs, Gone!—Zoe clean gone, an’ with Ther Man ov ther Velvet Hand? It’s another shock on my gentle natur’, Wal, Dll ex thet squar’ meal, ef an Injun hez ter cook The next moment the man from Silver Bow broke through the crowd and started toward the gambling-den. He was followed by his long-eared pard who did not seemed to have suffered by the fall save in a slight limp, and also at a respect- ful cers rom those dreaded hoofs vy the crowd. Joe had erected'a new bar and the Happy Rat- tler leaned against it and called out: “‘ Nominate yer p'isen, my wax-figgers. Walk up an’ drink ter ther Happy Rattler’s return from ther grave.” A You-Bet crowd never displayed any back- wardness when invited up to Joe’s bar, and two eagles changed hands, Now, Joe, bring forth the necessities ov life. Empty yer larder an’ I’ll run a race with hunger an' distance him. I can’t wait fer ther buffler an’ trimmin’s. Set out what ye’ve got —turkey, cow, hoofs, horns—by ge i tackle a potpie ov nails! I wish I could whisper in yer inmost soul, Joseph, thet I’m bungry.” residin ore the Happy Rattler several dishes es of the place at once ! iy yt 4 Fmd ade ‘to which he did ample justice despite their colduess. The crowd stood back and looked on amusea and interested. ‘Ip does me good ter see him eat!” said Pigmy Pete. ‘Twenty-four hours more an’ arter his first meal thar’d be a famine ip this kentry. I wish Lola could see him git outside ov that repast.” : ‘Lola? ah, yes. She hasn’t come back yet, said the man at the little man’s elbow.” ‘*Not yet, Dan. Gone ter look arter Hercule: Goldspur, an’ ther girl he run off last night. She would go. I said no, but bluff a Mexican woman ef ye can.” At that moment the Happy Rattler threw the last well-picked bone on the floor at his feet, his donkey baving been fed in one corner of the saloon, and turned to the crowd, “Tt war a tumble, it war!” be said, ‘ Half- way down thet blamed shaft thar’s a beam an’ on it somehow er other me an’ George caught an’ hung fera few moments. I tried ter climb up but it war no go fer all at once ther beam broke an’ down we went ag’in. When we lit I didn’t know who war on top, but an inves:iga- tion showed thet it war ther Rattler from Sil- ver Bow. George war lyin’ down with bis eye cocked up at ther top ov ther shaft laughin’ ter himself ter think bow he came all ther way ter ther bottom without breakin’ a limb. My listenin’ gophers, I’ve hed falls afore, but thet’s the durnedest one Iever bad. Mud? I should gently remark ter mention,” and the speaker glanced at his garments, ‘1 lift up my hand an’ say ‘Curse ther man what said jump!’ ” **Name’im, Rattler,” said Pigmy Pete. ‘* An’ we'll cuss ’im, too.” For a moment a serious look and a flashing of his large eyes drove away the good-nature that seemed inseparable from his countenance, ‘1 delight ter name ther skupk,” he ex- claimed. ‘I know what brought bim to You- Bet, an’ he knows why Iam hyar, That’s why he sent George an’ me ter ther bottom ov ther shaft. If I had him byar, I'd show ’im how George could spoil his anatomy in three seconds by ther fastest watch in Idaho, Don’t 1 like ther cherub? Why, my bloomin’ roses, I could take ’im to my beart an’ whisper words ov un- dyin’ sffection inter bis ear. George ’d know jm on sight, .Mebbe he’s left You-Bet because Zoe’s gone away. He wants the girl. He'd hold her fer a ransom an’ marry her besides, I'}l name him, pards, l’li—” The Happy Rattler stopped suddenly and with eyes that seemed about to fly from his head, started toward the door, ; ‘* What’s ther use ov namin’ him?’ he ex- claimed, glancing at the crowd, as he poinied » toward tbe portal, ‘* He’s come back an’ saved me thet trouble. Fesst yer eyes on him, chro- mos ov You Bet, Thar stands ther man whe said ‘ jump!’ ter George an’ me last night!” Already the denizens of the wild-cat city were staring et the man who stood in the doorway with a wild, triumpbant flash in bis black eyes. “T am the man!” he suddenly cried, as he came ferward, without a weapon in either band, but with defiance in bis swift glances that took in the entire crowd. “ Lhave first to settle with a man more worthy of my hate than that gentle- man from Silver Bow. Men of You-Bet, where is the cowsrd who calls himself The Man of the Velvet Hand?’ ‘**Gone!” answered Pigmy Pete for the crowd, ** Cold-Deck Car), ye’r’ a little too late.” A sbade of bitter disappointment passed over the face of the gembler-sport. “Gone! but 1 will find bim!” he grated. “A man who would throw a helpless buman amon a lot ov Injuns deserves only ter die! He fea I would come beck, I am here to throw into his face the scalp of the scarlet devil to whom he flung me. This is it! this is the stlll wet scalp of tbe head demon ov the Sioux marauders— Big Wolf.” There was a rush forward as Cold-Deck Carl held up to the gaze of all, the long scalp of the Indian whom be had overcome during the ride back to You-Bet, A_wild cheer greeted the bloody bey ** We'll take ye inter full communion fer thet, Cold-Deck,” cried several voices. ‘Count on the men ov You-Bet fer og pards! We'll help ye play ar hand you P ck up, an’ stand by yer througb thick an’ thin,” An instant later Cold-Deck Carl stood in the midst of the excited crowd whose friendship be had gained by one act—the scalping of the reatest red enemy the wild-cat town had ever d, As for the Happy Rattler, his countenance fell, and finding himself entirely deserted b the men who were about toswear eternal ha red against Cold-Deck Carl, be went sullen] to the corner where bis donkey was still eat- ing his bay and laid his hand on bis back and said ina hoarse whisper: ‘Mankind is blamed unsert’in, pard! Ther men ov You-Bet bey a new love. An Injun’s ba’r did it all. George, you an’ I don’t crawl terany scalp. Ther man whatsaid ‘‘jump!” last night is back. He’s made | 8 ov. al You-Bet, but by ther eternal beavens! he yet be tied ter yer tail.” ree

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Hercules Goldspur. CHAPTER XIII, THE LAUGHER SHOOTS, Yrs, Cold-Deck Carl had come back to the wild-cat city, and the scalp taken after a des- perate encounter with Big Wolf the Sioux had secured him a goodly number of. pards, men who, as oneof their number had put it, were ready to stand by him ‘through thick and thin.” ; The noe pate oone chagrio at finding Her- cules Goldspur absent from You-Bet was ro- ticeable from the moment that Pigmy Pete made the announcement, There was no cowardice in Carl’s breast. Despite Goldspur’s velvet hands, he was not afraid of him; on the other hand, he burned to meet the giant who bad thrown him half-sense- less into the midst of the Indian band with the nope that they would make short work of him. ut he had turned the tables on his giant ad- versary. : The quickly coined but adroit lie about the silver bonanza of which he did not possess a foot bad proved too much for Bg Wolt’s cupid- ity, and secured his release from the Indians as has been already seen, He had come back to You-Bet with the same purpose that had first turned his face toward that place. His pard killed in the gulch along the rail- road track by aman known to the reader to be Zoe’s father had thrown him upon his own resources, hence his determination to draw a *‘ blood-line about the place.” ‘We know that years before the date of our story Zoe had been abducted from her home in Arizona, She was at the timea babe in the cradle, but the crime was as great asif she had been on the threshold of womanhood. Indians had not taken the child, as had been supposed, but the hand of a white man Sutter's rival and enemy had planned and carried out the scheme, The rancher’s heavy reward for the return of his daughter and the scalp of the [ndian sup- posed to have committed the crime availed net : g but long trails and thrilling adventures noe more than to be reverted to here. Ferdinand Sutter passed sleepless nights and ' ‘weary days on various trails, + had been rifle struck his sh _He enlisted good scouts and frontier detec- tives in his service; but they failed to clear up the mystery that surrounded Zoe’s disappear- ance, It was a hunt of years, a long, weary, endless chase after meson de that ae ‘seemed to elude him and his men. At last there came a message from two of his hunters, It came not from the haunt of the lawless Apache, nor from the dens of the mountain outlaws of the southern frontier. _, ft came from the depths of the illimitable at rthwest, recently crossed by theiron track of ‘ne Northern Pacific, and, roused by the hope its misspelled words contained, the father turned his face toward the mountains of Idaho. Reader, that m e came from Pigmy Pete and Lola the Mexican, two of his tireless bun- ters, and persons in whom the Arizonian reposed much confidence, Had they really discovered the lost daughter? or were they eet § on a trail that might prove basses a erdinand Sutter had fina i Indian theory. eg se ct He believed that his child had been taken from him by a man whom he well knew, a man 0 hap ae and > hated him. en, therefore, Pi Pete sent him word that he had learned that a girl called Zoe was living at You-Bet protected among its lawless people by a white man he believed that he had tracked bis arch enemy down. The same night that brought Sutter to the Idaho town had also brought another man to The red light pped ‘The ht on the railroad track had sto; a train ant enabled ies tote to rejoin his confederate Cold-Deck Carl just outside the town. He, the father, witnessed the meeting in the gnlen. e saw the two face to face, hear Cold-Deck Carl divalge bis discoveries and ist. ened, fora moment only, to-the other’s expres- sions of joy. He listened uotil he could no longer stay his n There stood before him the author of years of anguish, the maker of long trails, the robber of his home, the abduc!or of the ranch’s heir, _ He saw in a flash that the robber himself | robbed, and that the two men in the ilck were hunting the same prize he sought— Cold-Deck Carl was the colonel’s pard and spy. When Sutter stepped toward the two men, a for him to see was to make his | tin the red light still burni uate eer e lights urning there was, as we already know, a death-gurgle, and the man who reeled from Cold-Deck Carl fell dead at the threshold of another success! As if satisfied with his revenge the Arizonian turned away leaving the gambler-sport to send forth threatenings of revenge, Better, perhaps, bad it been if he had fin- ished the work begun in the railroad gulch, if he had stretched Cold-Deck Carl beside his master, Then the mountain sport would not bave come back to You Bet to win twenty bronze friends by the display of a bloody scalp, and to swear anew to carry out the plans of the dead pard buried on the hillside, The eyes of Cold-Deck Carl fairly beamed with triumph when he took in the extent of his scalp-bought victory. “IT may need these fellows some time. I’ve bought ’em cheap,” he said to himself. “I’ve clipped the Happy Rattler’s feathers with a few Injun hairs.” e glanced contemptuously, as he finished, at the Rattler and his donkey, who occupied one corner of the den, and then invited the crowd up to the bar. lt was Cold-Deck’s triumph, and he had resolved to follow it up. Watching his opportunity, the Man from Silver Bow seized tbe muddy bridie of his pard and led him toward the door, His glance at Cold-Deck Carl was full of anger, but he did not speak, but slipped so quietly from the place that the hilarious party at the new bar did not notice his departure. ** You an’ me ag’in’ ’em all, George,” he said to his donkey, ‘‘ Wal, ef we ain't up ter snuff thar never war pards thet war. Got new friends by totin’ thet scalp back, didn’t be, my beau ideal? Wonder how long he’ll keep ’em? I'd like ter see ’em tried; hang me ef I wouldn’t.” The Happy Rattler stopped suddenly as he finished the last sentence. “Tm hyar fer a time an’ I might ez well hev it,” he went on, “I'll try them new pards o’ his’n. Happy Rattler, ef you let Cold-Deck Carl buy twenty pards with one Injun scalp, an’ don’t try their mettle, you’d better let George kick yer ter death, Come, my daisy; we ar’ goin’ back,” He turned and walked back toward the place he had lately left, but all at once Kicking George craned his neck forward and seized his master’s jacket in his teeth. ‘What! don’t want ter go, eh?’ ejaculated the Rattler, as the animal planted bis fore-feet firmly on the ground, and exhibited some firm- ness of pu e. ‘*Mebbe ye’ve got more sense than yer pard, George; but ef this jacket bu’sts I'm goin’ back.” , Then the Man from Silver Bow started for- ward witha jerk, and the next second he landed on all-f6urs on the ground some distance away, the piecs of dirty cloth between the mule’s teeth showing plainly the result of the wrencb. ‘“Tt’s a bad omen, but it’s ‘go’ just ther same,” he went on, picking himself - ‘ George, will yer go back on an old pard? e’ve got ter keep up ther reputation ov Silver Bow, an’ we kin do tt best together.” _ When be started off again the donkey was at his heels, as if he had given over his efforts to keep him out of danger, and the two pards approached the drinking-den, As the night was warm the door of the trap seldom shut at ed time, stood wide open, an a malicious twinkle lighted up the Happy Rat- tler’gweyes as a certain voice reached his ears from within. ; “We'll try ther friendship ov ther new pards,” he laughed, and a minute afterward put one foot on Joe’s threshold. 2 The crowd he had left but a few moments be- fore was still at the bar, listening to Cold-Deck Carl’s narration of his fight with Big Wolf. The Happy Rattler heard him for a moment, and then his voice was beard above the laugh that supplemented the gambler-sport’s story. “Hyar we ar’, ther beauty-spots ov Silver Bow!” he vociferated. ‘‘Up with yer bands, every mother’s son ov ye. George kin kick, but I kin shoot, My sweet-Williams ov Idaho, ther Happy Rattler bez ther drop on ye all.” Was it wonderful that the men who heard this voice, and turned to confront the two pards in the doorway, recoiled from the two revolvers that grinned in their faces? As for Cold-Deck Carl, he threw one hand toward the weapon on his hip, but the quick glance of the Rattler caught the movement, ** Draw an’ die, Cold-Deck!” he said coolly, so coolly that the gambler-sport’s weapon was not drawn, ‘Ther rat that falls inter ther well sometimes gits out, Thet’s whiter bya. Oh I'm no ge — it co ‘ rovidential esca) her chap from Silver Bow, bac by age what kin kizk a mine-shaft ter pieces, isn’t an infant by a Jong shot. Touch thet dropper, Cold-Deck, an’ I’ll set these D oral tols ter laughin’ in di earnest. Want ther gal, don’t yer? Want Zoe an’ all o’ ther bo- nanza ye kin get, eh? Thar’s sutbin’ between an’ ss—my revolvers an’ Kickin’ | e- | a wolf—made no trail an’ 11 what bombastic wind-up; but Cold-Deck Carl saw no merriment in the effort. **Come out on one side or t’other, men ov You-Bet!” continued the Rattler. ‘Stand b me er Cold-Deck. Give a man a show in this wild-cat’s den. Ef yer friendship kin be pur- chased with an lujun’s scalp, it’s durned scrub- by timber. Will ye stand it? It’s an imperta- tion on yer honor. Who ar’ ye fer now—Cold- Deck er You-Bet?”. There was a moment’s silence, and then as a lodd voice shouted ‘‘ Fer You-Bet!” a dozen men came toward the Rattler. ‘“*Thet’s bizness!” he said. ‘* Now, Cold-Deck, hold up yer bands,” The command was accompanied by a look that was full of fire,and as Cold-Deck Carl raised his hands with the doggedness of an out- law brought to bay, one of the Rattler’s revol- vers spoke, With a wild, hoarse cry of pain the gambl:1 sport went backward, his face livid, his eyes shing fire, “Hold!” shouted the Happy Rattler as a stride carried him toward the men who had re- mained at Cold-Deck Carl’s side. ‘I guess Pve got the biggest squad on my side. J'}) kill ther first turtle-dove thet drawsa pistol. Thar’s the man 1 want. Pards o’ mine, ef you mean ter maintain ther honor ov You-Bet, seize Cold. Deck-Carl and tie him to my donkey’s tail.” The men addressed by the Rattler started to- ward the sport, who had fallen to his knees; but the next moment his band shot forward and the foremost desperado staggered back with a cry and fell dead at the donkey’s feet! CHAPTER XIV. A LIAR'S OATH. THE death-shot was fired by Cold-Deck Carl, who would have met a like fate if some of his new-found pards bad not rushed between him and the Rattler’s revolver, - For a few moments bloodier work was threatened, but all at once Kicking George rushed between the two parties and elevated his heels in a manner that put an end to the dis- turbance, As for Cold-Deck Carl, be glided behind the counter, and at the first opportunity slipped through a door that stood bandy and ajar, and found himself alone with a limp and bleeding arm under the stars a few yards from the den. “Shot!—winged by that infernal dead-beat from Silver Bow!” he grated, {n no good bumor, as he glanced at his arm and then sent a mad look toward the saloon. ‘* Won't I with him, though? 1 was about ter drop him when thet mule took a band in ther melee an’ scattered the crowd. The Rattler owes bis life to his pard, but I'll cancel ther debt afore long. Wal, I’m back just too late, 95 Seas 2 Hercules Goldspur is gone—ran off with ce Cold Deck Carl took a quick, mad step toward the gambling-den, as ii about to seek it again to try conclusions with the Happy Rattler, but wiser and cooler mental counsel quickly inter- vened, for be turned suddenly on his heel and walked away. With his crippled arm hanging at his side, he hurried toward the north side of the town, where the mines were, but stopped suddenly near the first shaft, for a figure bad risen in his path, and he found himself face to face with a magnificent-looking man whose hair and mus- tache were gray. : “T know you!” hissed Cold-Deck Carl. ‘‘ Yon are Ferdinand Sutter, and the man who killed the colonel.” : A smile on his confronter’s part said ‘I am the man ” Cold-Deck Carl stepped back a pace and look- ed into the piercing gray eyes of Zoe’s father. “Why didn’t you drop me, too?” he exclaim- ed. “1 war at your mercy.” ‘© One at a time; the worst one first,” was the answer. ‘ Y's, 1 killed your pard. God knows I bave bunted him long enough.” ‘* But the shot didn’t give you Zoe.” “No,” in tones of disappointment. ‘It took y gar companion’s life, but it did not give me my child. “Don’t you think you dro ther wron; man?” and Cold-Deck Carl smiled as he finished. “ A bullet in Goldspur’s bead might have prov- ed a bonanza for ye.” For a moweut Sutter did not speak. ‘Don’t question me!” he suddenly ‘Where is that blood-line you were going draw around You-Bet? You ae the killed were pards. His mission has become yours. He wanted the girl called Zoe. He robbed me of her years ago, and so adroitly that T thought the deed was committed by Indians. Not until lately was I led to suspect the truth. When I killed your friend I knew I had struck the right trail at last. Like yourself, I struck You-Bet to-night too late to Hercules Gold- ur and my child. Who ishe? You know, Cold-Deck Carl, and as Zoe's fat er I ask yout A strange smile wreatbed Cari’s “os fora moment. oS ; “ He is the man who took Zoe from you shot,” he ‘said, at Jength. “It years ago. He came an’ Ker . , not cried. ng te. ni the man was 5 a et even _ hee ses a h i

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12 —_—- - I found them hyar I sent word by telegraph to ther colonel, an’ he came on ter be shot by you. It’s very simple. Wal, he’ll never carry out bis plans. I planted bim.” ** But you are left!” and Sutter took a step toward the gambler-sport. ‘‘What are you going to do?” ch question so direct admitted of no equivo- cation, * Oh, I’m winged. Got the compliments ov ther Rattler from Silver Bow in my arm,” and | Cold-Deck Carl held out his wounded arm to- ward Sutter. ‘‘ He shoots an’ laughs, thet dead- beat does, It’s all ther same ter him. What am I goin’ ter do? Why, wait till my arm mends an’ then separate ther pards from Silver Bow!” His eyes flasbed while he spoke. ** But that is not it, What do. I care for the quarrel between you and the Happy Ruttler?” said Sutter. “ You have declared that the colonel’s plans are now your plans, I know what his were—to get possession of Zoe and with her in his power to extort money from me, and to heap upon years of anguish more torture than the buman heart can bear. Are your plans the same that bis were? Answer me, Cold-Deck Carl. Iam Ze’s father.” “Your girl is nothin’ rer me,” he said,in a tone calculated to deceive. “I liked ther colonel. Ma an’ him hev been pards a long time, but I didn’t steal Zo+, because I warn’t with ’imthen. I met him after that, an’ then I got ter likin’ him. But he's dead now, an’ I’m bound ter no man,” Sutter looked deep into the eyes of Cold-Deck Carl, who thus continued: ‘Ef you'll look at my arm, an’ help me see how bazly ther dead-beat from Silver Bow winged me, mebbe you and I could be friends. You’ve got ter find Hercules Goldspur—that’s a hard, cold fact—an’ when you’ve found him he’ll prove no infant ter handle,” Without replying, Sutter made a gesture which indicated that he was wiliing to look at Cold-Deck Carl's wound, and with some diffi- culty the arm was bared for inspection. In the soft moonlight that bathed the spot in weird beauty, the two men locked at the wound inflicted by the Rattler’s bullet, which might have taken Carl’s life if the jolly man had been so disposed, It was found to be an ugly wound, the ball having cracked if not broken the bone in its course, and though the slightest movement caused Car! indescribable pain, he laughed deris- ively as he beld the arm above bis head. “By George! Sutter, ’m a winged pigeon, ain’t I?” he exclaimed. ‘‘Broken wings heal sometimes, and the bird flies as well as ever, It’s my best arm; but what ov it? Ill live ter kill ther Silver Bow dog with it? He'll cuss be- fore he dies the day he only winged Cold Deck Carl, Jl live ter pay ’im back. I'll live ter help Faves in anything, Colonel Sutter. Say ther word, an’ Cold Deck Carl steps ter yer side as ac’in’ Hercules Goldspur, whose greatest boast is that he is The Man ov ther Velvet Hand. Ef you want me, hyar I am! Ef necessary, we tro will draw a blood-line about this wild-cat’s den thatll make it a noted place. Thanks! You've dressed weunds afore, I know ye hev.” Several times,” smiled Sutter. looking into Carl’s. face. . “I do want to find my child, and you say that where she is I will find this Hercu- les Goldspur?” “ee I do,” - ‘*Then I will hunt him.’ “ Alone?” “ Not if you bate him enough to go with me.” “Me hate him? You ar’ talkin’ now!” ex- claimed Carl. ‘* Who wouldn’s hate the man what choked ’im first »n’ then tossed ’im among a lot ov red wolves? Yes, I like Hercules Gold- spur, but we'll never become pards, colonel. It’s ag’in’ ther grain,” ‘Then, sir, we'll bunt him together.” Cold-Deck Carl held out his hand. “Yours truly, Colonel Sutter,” he eaid. “ We ar’ pords now that’ll make things bum in certain localities, Hercules Goldspur, you'll be ealled ter account afore long an’ in a manner that will be talked about. Zoe shall be restored to your arms. I, Cold-Deck Carl, a man-tiger from the best fi thtin’ district in Colorado, swears it in yer presence!” Sutter returned the grip in a way which told that he had trusted the man who had just re- rg on high an oath to belp him recover his child, And this Cold-Deck Carl was the compsnion of the enemy he had just slain, and he bad come to You-Bet with a fsr different purpose than the one to which he bad just sworn allegiance. ‘Stand hy me and you sball never regret it,” said Sutter, ‘I bave another friend here and he will help us,” * An’ thet friend is—” “Pigmy Pete!” ~ A slight, sneer of derision appeared at the corners of Carl’s mouth. ‘Hal you know tim?” said Sutter. “Wal, I oughtrr, seein’ that we met. last night,” was the repiy. ‘‘His gal left bim— been huntin’ him an’ the girl ever since. When I stayed | with him because we made a certain agreement, | Hercules Goldspur. a oe eee ——-- = — —— | bluffer, colonel, Your friend, tno?” “ Yes.” “Do you think she’s squar’?” **Paithful do you mean?” ‘Yes, Do you think those Greaser eyes ov | bers will never go back on yer?” “Pll youch for Lola,” said Sutter quickly. “The diamonds with which she bluffed you last | night belong to me, but one of these times—at | the end of my life-trail—tbey’ll be hers. But | we must strike the giant’s trail. | there is my child! Can you start at the end of | an hour?” | ‘You'll find me ready then,” “Then meet me here. Your arm will heal | while we bunt. You will not settle with the | Happy Rattler to-night?” ‘Not unless they force me to.” “They'll not do that.” ‘Very well, then. The two pards from Sil- ver Bow shali not be separated just yet.” Sutter smiled and drew back. ‘*In one hour. Ramember!” he said. **T'll be hyar.” Half a minute later Cold-Deck Carl found himself alone, and with a curious look he fol- lowed Zve’s fatber with his eyes until bis figure | was visible no longer. “Fool!” he suddenly hissed, and the epithet was followed by a sarcastic laugh. ‘‘I did not think yoa could be hoodwinked so easily, Ferd Sutter. I have been too long with the colonel to forget bim an’sw’ar honest allegiance to ther man what wiped him out without a purpose. ter Hercules Goldspur, I will foller it with yer, Fool! I will be on hand when that trail ends, But you shall never take Zoe back to ther Ari- | zona ranch without ther full consent ov Cold- | Deck Cirl. Thar ar’ buzzards in Idaho, an’ they may pick your bones, fool!” His Litter words died away, and as he walked from the spot leaving it deserted, a low, coarse lauzh tremoled the air. ‘** Fool!” mocked the laugher who looked over the back of a donkey, ‘‘ Ye ar’ ther biggest fool ov the two, Cold-Deck Carl. We'll see whose bones them birds will pick.” CHAPTER XV. ROBBED. “WELL, Zoe, how do you like your new home?’ ‘| heve not got used to it yet,” and the dark- eyed beauty smiled faintly as she looked up into the face of the giant who stood in the door- way of the mountain cabin many miles from You-Bet, “T wonder if they’re lookin’ for us? What do you think, Zoe?” “There is one man who will not leave the trail soon.” “Your father?” a te Yes.” “Ef I hedn’t flung Cold-Deck Carl to the In- juns thar’d be another persistent trailer. I guess we're safe hyer—for a time, at least. This shanty I found long ago in one ov my rambles from You-Bet an’I{ said then: * Ef they ever make the city too hot for Zoe, Vil fetch ’er hyer.’ They’ve made it too hot for ye, an’ you ar’ byer accordin’ ter promise.” Of course the man in the door was Hercules Goldspur, athletic and handsome as ever, and his eyes glowed with triumphant delight as be looked down upon the girl be had brought to the cabin in the mountain by a trail which he thought the keen eyes of the Indian traeker could not detect, His fight with the Indians in the pass soon af- ter his fligbt from You Bet while it had given bim a wound now nearly healed had already passed from his mind, and he was ready to meet those against whom for the beautiful creature who shared with him the cabio he had pitted himself, ** Not for all the gold in these hills will I sur- render Zoe till I'm ready,” he said te himself. “They may hunt us down, but I will show my trackers that 1am still The man of the Velvet Hand, Ferd Sutter, you can’t have your daugh- ter. Ihave said no.” * The last word had searcely left his lip ere Zoe came forward, and her hand fell softly upon bis arm while she looked into his face, “The are two hunters whom you have for- gotten,” she said, ** Name ’em, Zoe.” “ Pigmy Pete and Lola.” Instantly Hercules Goldspur broke into a laugh. “Them two children!” he cried. ‘Why, I could hold Pigmv out at arm’s length an’ choke "im 4t my leisure,” * But Lola?’ A Mexican snake, with ther purtiest eves in ther world except vours, Zoe!” he exclaim- ed. ‘‘Why do you think they will hunt us?” “ Because they are working for mv father.” * His spies. do yon say, Zoe? By Heavens! I wish I had known. that when I interfered be- tween Cold-Deck an’ Pigmy.” ee EE eee i ee A word, afterward dropped by Lola, told went off after Hercules Goldspur. She’s a | Where he is | Go back an’ git ready fer ther trail thet leads | Hercules. ‘I wish I could tell ther hull North- west thet I’m goin’ ter keep Zoe Sutter until FE choose ter give her up. EfI hev ever insulted ber in any form let her say so, and Hercules Goldspur will make amends. 1 Jove too well the woman I protect to make her blust: 1 will | stand by the girl 1 took from Colcnel Dasher | an’ his pard. Nothin’ parts us, Zoe. Let the trackers come—I am hyar! When you go back to the old ranch you gothere us my wife, ef your love does not find a better man before that time. The girl smiled till she showed her pearly teeth, and the giant threw one arm arm around ber and snatched a kiss from her forehead. “Do you know that I dreamed egain last night that I saw men on the trail above our cabin?” she said. “Always dreamin’!” the giant laughed. “One ov these times there will be men up thar,” and he glanced up at the darkening mountain that loomed above the hut, “ Do you think so?” “Why not, if you dream it all the time?” was the laughing reply. ‘I will go up and see; they may be there now.” Zoe wasin a mood to remonstrate, but the giant was too qnick for that, and sbe was alone in the mountain but before she fairly recovered from bis sudden departure. ** 1] love him, and yet he drags me from my father,” said the girl. ‘‘ What kind of a man is Ferdinand Sutter? I bave no recollection of bim, and ‘yet be wants to claim me as his daughter, Why doesn’t Hercules go to him and say, ‘I know where your child is—I can | restore her to your arms? But no; be makes | | : me fly from my father—he hurries me from You-Bet because that father seeks me. When will it end?” Zoe went back into the cabin, and saw the shadows of night wrap it in gloom again. A week bad passed since her forced flight from the mushroom city by tbe railrcad, and yet ber retreat had not been discovered. She did not know that Lola, the Mexican irl, had set out on the trai] she bad made; she ad not heard the oath taken in Plgmy Pete’s presence, nor witnessed the bond of friendship given by Cold-Deck Cer! to the man who had come from Arizona to find ber. If she had been ecgnizavt cf these events, she might buve watched the gathering shadows with some forebodings of impending evil. Nigbt after night, Hercules Goldspur had watched the trails that led to the Lut. He was guarding zeaJously the fair creature whom he loved, and for whom he was ready to use his revolver and his silken fingers. * At last!” ejaculated a voice emong some busbes es Hercules went up to the trails again. *T told Pigmy that I would find them, and I have kept my word. What’s a week’s bunt when I serve the man I love? What's a year’s trailing when it Jeads me to happiness?” - A pair of glistening eyes looked through the — busbes at the cabin occupied now by Zoe alone. There was triumph in every lineament of the fece, nut-brown in color, but strikingly band- some. ‘Gone, is he? He’s left the prize at home, but be would not bave done so, if he knew that I wasso near. Ah! Hercules! I do not fear your velvet band, It will never close on my tbroat, end I will never stand before your lev- eled revoiver. Tl go up and see Zoe,” Ten minutes later, when she had given The Man of the Velvet Hand time to get a goodly Oistance from. the cabin, the speaker left ber hiding-place, and crept forward. ‘*My horse will carry double,” she said. “Hercules, when you come back to the nest you will find the bird—your bird—gone.” It was a sbort distence from her secret place to the door of the mountain but, and the track- er, whom the reader has already called Lola, reached it without, not having, by the slight- est noise betrayed her presence to the person in- side. For a moment she crouched at the door ajar, and listened with glittering eyes. Her breath came and went Jike the breath of the tigress that listens to the step of the spotted fawn. All at once sbe rose and stepped across the threshold of the cabin. The next second there was a startled cry, end Lola sprung toward the girl, who recoiled from her. / “Nota word, Zoe! It is I—Lola!” she said, in quick tones, as ber fingers encircled Zoe’s wrist. ‘J bave found es at last. Thank Heaven! He thought he bad carried you to a home which could not ke found out. But he forgot me. He never thougbt of Lola, Pigmy Poto’s girl pard. Why did be forget me, Zoe?” Zoe could not speak for astonishment, “You mugt eome with me,” Lola went on, “ With vou” ejaculated Zoe, “Yas, I came for you.” “Whither will you take me?” * Back to your fatber,” Zoe gave a gasping ery, **- You shall go!” cried Lola, me all. ‘Then, let them keep their distance!” cried it, and Lola never breaks her oath. I laugh ab i hei Poy, a i ee : Py ; eT eae OF rt 1 Seen ‘*Thave sworn

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Hercules Goldspur. Hercules Goldspur's velvet hands. I hate him use he has baffled me. To your father! “Hesitate, Zoe, and. 1 may leave you dead for him to find when he comes back.” With the last words madly spoken the Mexi- ean huntress clappeda revolver to Zoe’s head and hissed over the polished barrel. “ Oh, I sha’n’t hesitate to killif you resist! I am going back to your father with a report of some kind. Will you go alive, Zoe?” The menacing weapon would have decided the most stubborn. - Zoe stared down the barrel for a moment, ’ and then glanced at the girl who held it, ‘* I will go,” she said in low tones, Lola laughed. ‘“‘] said to myself that I would rob the mountain nest,” she said. ‘‘ When Hercules comes back won’t he swear? But we will not hear him, Zoe, for we will be faraway, Come, We go now,” : Still clutching ber captive’s wrist, Lola led the way from the cabin, Her eyes fairly blazaid, The Mexican huntress was in her element. She led Zoe down ihe mountain trail and into alittle copse in the middle of which the two came suddenly upon a horse which instantly recognized Lola, ‘He'll carry double, Zoe,” she laughed. “*Let me help you up.” A,moment later Goldspur’s love was firmly seated on the animal, and an agile spring placed Lola on the same perch. ‘Now, Hercules, choke. me if you can!” she exclaimed, ‘‘Ilhaye robbed you of Zoe, your littie pard, and I’m ready to defend the prize I’ve taken,” ; Then Lola spoke to the steed which started forward, and io less time than five minutes he had cleared the thicket, and was in a com- paratively open trail. The capture and abduction had not occupied more time than ten minutes, but the horse carrying the two girl’s was already far from the spot. All at once a figure appeared in the starlight in front of the mountain cabin, and the next in- stant a man crossed the threshold. “*Zoe—Zoe! Your dream is, a fraud!” he laughed, but ceased suddenly and started back. ‘*She’s gone!” rung in mad accents Irom his throat, ‘* Woe to the man or woman who rob- bed me oy Zoe! I am a tiger, as men have found out, when I’m roused. She didn’t desert me oy her own accord, No; somebody bas been here!” ; He drew a match from his pocket, struck it against the cabin-wall, and moved it over the ground beyond the door, Suddenly he sprung up, and dashed the match to the ground, ‘She leaves a trail, the Mexican viper!” he hissed, ‘ Her throat just fits my hand, Sbe has follered us all the way from You Bet. Zoe asked me to-night if I did not fear ner an’ Pig- my Pete, an’ | laughed an’ said ‘No.’ Z eknew more than I did about that yaller tracker, wr Zoe’s dream warn’i such a fraud, arter all!” He went back into the shanty, but came forth again a moment later, - Outwitted by a Mexican gal! By George, Mr. Goldspur, don’t yer feel like sellin’ out dirt cheap?! She’s workin’ fer Ferd Satter. She will take Zoe back to her father, if I let ’er; but _ mebbe I'll be mean enough ter block ber game, ‘Shouldn’t wonder ef I did. Robbed oy Zoe! I have sworn thet nobody sould ever do this, but byar [ am at last—alone—Zoe gone—tricked by Pigmy Pete’s gal pard |” e laughed derisively at bimself at the end of the last sentence, and while tue tones yet vi- brated on the air, he sprung down the mountain- oe with a tigerish eagerness to strike Lola’s trail, oe CHAPTER XVI. THE HAPPY RATTLERS’ CAMP, Lowa the Mexican was proud of ber prize, More than once she glanced furtively, yet with eyes full of triumph at Zoe, and thought | of the reward she had fixed her mindon. As for Zoe hersel', she remained silent until the horse reached a small stream, some miles from the cabin, and lowered bis head to drink, ‘What does my father look like?” she asked, no longer able out of curiosity to keep back the an eagle, and the strength of a grizzly. He would wake any woman proud of him. Such is your father, Zoe,” | ” _ ** When did you first meet him?” “Long ago. He came to me and said: ‘T ema to belp me find my child. Pigmy Pete - will help you; I have engaged him.’ But I ed your fatber without any - Ilike handsome men, but us apart, Ab! if ae 7 e ete’s pard,” and Lola Lo es +3 ‘ ihet's y turns on me as he will when a certain event takes place, he will hate the girl he loves now.” “*T do not understand you,” said Zoe. ‘‘ Mebbe not, but you will,” was the quick re- sponse, ‘‘Ah! whata handsome man your fa- ther is, Zoe!” Zoe’s eyes watched Lola for several minutes after her last exclamation but she did not speak. : The horse was quenching his thirst in the starlit stream, and Lola’s eyes were burning brilliantly for her comment on Ferdinand Sut- ler’s manly beauty. . ‘*He is beyond this stream!” exclaimed Lola. “T long to meet him. I am eager to give him back his daughter.” The horse left the water and plunged on, | Suddenly there rung out upon the clear air a voice that drew a cry from Zoe's lips and made Lola draw rein and revolver. ‘‘Halt an’ hold up, pard!” said the voice, “It's my first attempt ter play road-agent, but Pve got ter stop ye.’ ‘*T ought to know that voice,” said Zoe to her- self, ‘I have certainly heard it before.” Lola with her finger at the trigger of her weapon was’ iraning forward, trying tu make out the person who had stopped her so suddenly. “Ts it hold up er a tumble, my beau ideal?’ continued the man. ‘I can’t stand hyar all night, an’ George ar’ rayther impatient ter kick suthin’.” Lola uttered an exclamation which told Zoe that she had identified the man, “It’s bold up till I get the drop on bim,” she grated in tones heard only by her prisoner. ‘‘ I will never ba the captive of that reptile from Silver Bow.” Then she thrust ber revolver back into the pocket from which it bad been taken and her bands went up over her head, “Thet’s sensible, my cherub!” exclaimed the Happy Rattler. ‘Jes’ keep yer paws elevated tilt | hev taken a squint at yer siz2.” And the two girls saw the speaker ride toward them. * Jehosaphat! a: double catch!” fell from his lips as he stopped with a coarse * whoa!” along- side of Lola’s steed. ‘‘I war born in a good sign an’ cut my eye teeth on ther luckiest day oy ther year, Two on’em! Rattler, ye’r’ no disgrace ter Silver Bow. You au’ George ar’ its most distinguished \representertives, Goin’ back ter You-Bet?” tad eyes flashed madly but her lips moved not. ‘Mad, eh? ‘You ar’ sweetest when you frown, my poutin’ pard,” laughed the Rattler. “Ee L can’t git a word out ov one, I'll try the other. Which way, Zoe?” ** Lola says to my father,” was the reply that drew a quick glance from the Mexican. Ay Ter Herd Sutter? I know ’im,” said the man a Silver Bow. “Tl take charge ov you, oe,”? ; Lola drew back with a light cry, ‘You?’ she cried, glaring at tue Happy Rat- tler. “‘ You rob meof Zoe? Never!” “Oh, yes, my honey-bee,” laughed the man, “Tm a wild-cat with his ha’r smoothed ther wrong way when | git riled. Sha’n’t bev Zoe, eb? Wal, we'll see.” He leaned toward the girls as he finished, and his bronzed hand was stretciied forward to take oe, “You shall not!” exclaimed Lola, throwing one arm around her captive as the other darted toward her revolver, ‘‘I am not going to be robbed by you!” : “* By jingo! by nobody else!” was the quick reply. ‘* Look down inter this an’ photograph er face on cold lead!” and a revolver of the argest caliber was thrust into Lola’s face, “I laugh, but [ also shoot. Yes, Dll take Zoe.” The Mexican looked over the gleaming barrel of the revolver. F * Durn me, ef I don’t mean bizness,” the Rat- tler hissed. ‘‘ I’d ez soon spoil your face #s look atit, Lift yer shoo'in’-iron, Lola, an’ the gen- tlemah from Silver Bow ’ll sen AN ter yer grave a maid. Shall I hev the gal?” Lola’s arm reluctantly left Zoe’s waist, and the next moment the Happy Rattler had trans- ferred her to the back of bis donkey. “‘ Ride on ter You Bet an’ report thet owin’ ter circumstances ye could not control, Zoe didn’t come along,” iiewd the Rattler, “Go back an’ bury yer disapp’intment on Pigmy’s bosom. Don’t stay in these parts, ez ther climate may prove onbealthy. Move along, George!” The donkey started forward, but Lola’s eyes followed bis master, and her lips madly ex- on Goes d! thief! devil! wha a in? oward! thief! devil! what are you goin’ to do with Zoef”... pid aieile aye tale _ “Thet’s a conundrum!” was the harsh, Jaugh- ing rejoinder. to do with this daisy sane ov ther mountain I ben’t exactly decided, Thief, eh? Wal, meb- be I did steal Zoe from ye; but who did you rob, bey, my honey?” Rutt er opinion, not ther Happy Rat- | tler's. But we must part. T regret ter hev ter. inform you, Lola, thet this ’ere partin’ grisves » Ci Sas a . Her : ae y ey , puis] as VS rn a¥ ey “Hang me ef it would stump ver Bow fer a solid week, What am T going “A braver man than you will ever be!” cried 4 4 A ey. P my very heart. My constant prayer will be thet we will meet ay’in—” * We will!” flashed the Mexican. “ TH@ Ven geance of Lola will overtake you.” : “Thanks! Ef you don’t fivd me soon jes’ aa- vertise. I’m ther Happy Rattler ov Silver Bow, an’ this distinguisued person is Kickin’ George, E-quire, ov tuer same iccality.” A dig in tne donkev’srits sent him forward again and Lola the Mexican was left alone on the mountain captiveless and almost beside her- self with rage and chagrin. She heard the clatter of the donkey’s boofs miugled with the coaise laugh with which the Rattler had supplemented his last sentence. ‘*Robbed! robbed by the meanest man in Idaho!” fell from ber lips. ‘‘I will never go back to Ferdinand until I can make my own terms, and without Zoe I cannot name them.” She wheeled ber horse in the direction toward which the Happy Rattler bad ridden, but did not urge bim forward. “‘T guess you'd better not foller!” was the ad- monition that came suddenly from the dark-»~ ness, ‘I knowed a feller once thet run ag’in six inches ov round steel and never backed off either.” She well knew it was the Heppy Rattler’s voice, and its effect was suchas to make her keep her place, and Jet him depart with his prisoner. ; ** He’llrun against Hercules Goldspur. I bope he will!” she cried. ‘“‘A man that Jaughs is, of all men, the most dangerous. He shoots while he Jaughs, Take Zoe back to The Man-of The Velvet Hand. Ie»n rob bim again. Ob, lam not going to be baffled because you have robbed meé, Rattler. I will soon re-arm myself with the weapon that will bring Ferdinand Sutter to terms.” She did not move until the Rattler’s cutting laugh and his donkey’s bvof-beats had ceased to sa'ute her ears. Then she turned her horse’s head toward You-Bet, and rode slowly and thoughtfully down the trail. ‘* By hokey! you left You,Bet too soon,” said the Rattler to Zoe when he had put a mile and more between himself and Lola, *‘‘They’ve hed times thar since ye left. One little sbootin’- match an’ a reg’lar Injun raid. My mountain posey, it war a time.” Zuve’s look was a question but her lips did not unclose.” when nobody war lookin’. fer em,” the Rattle: wenton. ‘It war three nights arter Cold-Deq Carl came back an’ made a lot oy new pa with Big Wolf’s scalp.” fe “Ts that gamt “What!” exclaimed - Zoe, sport alive?” 54 “He war at last accounts. Not only aliv but yer father’s pard.” iat Zoe started and shuddered. *Cold-Deck Carl my father’s friend?” she cried to herself, ‘*‘That means something. Ah! lt means that I must ever hate that man.” “Bat let me go back ter ther Injun raid. Jehu! them greasy devils came down on You- Bet like a cataract. It war suthin’ awful. Portland Express hed jes’ left when thar war 4 yell, an’ Joe’s place wur full cv red-skins be- ore a mau could draw his dropper. All ther racket, an’ I guess they war all thar. Thar war some fightin’, but not much, What thar war war done by ther reds. The next stranger thet comes ter You-Bet will hunt a long time fer a drink.” The Happy Rattler supplemented bis last re- mark with a significant grin and a far-away look which did not escape the girl’s eye. _ “ They took the place by storm?” she said, “T should remark ter mention,” was the an- swer. ‘If I war foot-locse an’ ov a speculative turn, I'd go back thar an’ take a mive. Them Injuns, ter be plain, Zce, didn’t leave a snud- giv’ ov Jivin’ anatomy in You-Bet. Tbar war heard ov clean-outs, my robin, but it war ther cleanest one I ever inspected. Joe, an’ nearly all got it, and all because Cold-Deck Carl came back an’ waved Big Wolf’s ha’r over He'll never do it again in You-Bet.” yer father ar’ pards? They’re t wher. Zoe, you must learn to bute +e a “Them red devils came downon ther place Injuns in Idaho wouldn’t bevy made more — a few chaps what got away, but Joe’s wara first-class morgue when ther reds left. I’ve his head.

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“* My father? I don’t know.” ‘More ’n a million, they say,” was the an- ‘swer. ‘‘It’s too much for one man to hev, my dai y jumper. Thar’s goin’ ter be a divy one 0’ hese days, an’ ef [ keep ther hand I hold at this time, I'll be thar when it’s made.” Zve looked into his face and tien recviled with a& shudder of disgust. : CHAPTER XVII. THE ‘' SNAKE” COLD-DECK SHOT. THe Happy Rattler had not exaggerated to Zoe the descent of the red-skins upon You-Bet. Like a whirlwind that spares notbing in the th of its fury, the Indians came and went, leaving behind evidences of red-skin rage aud vengeance. lt was true also that some of the roughs ef- fected their escape, and it chanced that for the most part they were men whose friendship Cold-Deck Carl bad won by the display of the very trop y that had called forth the swoop of the red eagles—the scalp of Big Wolf. It was a wonder that the victors had not ap- plied the match to the wooden shanties after their swoop, but the fact that it was an im- portant station on the Northern Pacific was all that saved the town. Had it been situated away from the railroad the glare of its burning would have illuminated the midnight sky. On the very night that witnessed Zoe’s cap- ture by the rough from Silver Bow, there was a re-union among the mountains that brightened the eyes of at least one man, a tall black-eyed fellow who still carried bis arm in a sling. “ What! You-Bet cleaned out?” exclaimed this indivioual staring at the seven dark- shirted men who bad surprised him at a camp- fire. “Blamed ef it ain’t a fact, Cold-Deck,” was the answer. “They came down on us like a flock of eagles. Ef more than we seven got away with bull hides we don’t know it. Tbar’s jes’ enough ov us ter form a kind 0’ avengin’ brotherhood—a band ov free an’ easy chaps thet will make a name an’ money, Take us in, '- Ccld Deck. We're ther pards you won when yu flaunted Big, Wolf’s scalp in our faces. Taet scalp made ther reds come ter You-Bet; but what ov thet?” There were seven stalwart dark-faced men capable of desperate deeds either singly or under the Jeadership of a man in whom they sted, ‘What d’ye say, Carl? Shall the brother- exist?’ d-Deck Carl dii not speak until he had to the mouth of a cave in: the hillside stened there for a moment, ; en ov You-Bet Jet the band exist,” he said coming back to the seven fugitives from You-Bet. : ‘+ Ar’ you alone, Cold-Deck?” ‘No ” wu Who's in ther cave?” “ A friend.” “The gal?” “e Ni » “ Will he join us?” F “T think not, He ison the trail himself.” ‘‘ Aw’ you war belpin’ *im?” tay Yes. n “Trot im out an’ give him a chance ter join us.” . ‘* It would be folly. He would not join. Let him sleep.” ‘Jes’ ez you say, then. Shall we organize byar?” “No, Follow me,” Cold-Deck Car! led the roughs from the light of the camp-fire and did not p»use until io a - little hollow some distance away, he whirled suddenly upon the seven. “Thar ar’ now eight of us!” exclaimed the spokesman of the seven, ‘By ther eternal heavens! this ken'ry shall think tosr ar’ eight hundred afore long, To-morrow night we'll hegin by makin’ ther Portland pa-sengers hold bi What!” cried Cold-Deck. ‘Ts the object of the brotherhood to be robbery?” i] * Kinder so.” And the speaker placed his ‘bronzed bands akunbo and laughed c arsely. “ Thar hevn’t been a hold-up game pls ved along hyar sinve ther road ’s been built. N bodv’l! he lookiw for it, Thar ’ll be a rich haul, Cold- Deck, wi’ a divy that'll make you smiie, Dare Lee be our chief? Dare you lead us in ther raid?” -Cold-Deek Carl thought of the man he had lately left in the hill side cavern, the hunting father he had sworn to help to the great success for which he longed. Up to this moment he had played his game ,. ‘well, : Ferdinand Sutter had not suepected him of treachery, and he felt that be could not afford at this moment to desert him to lead a lot of d vadoes in an attack on a Northern Pacific apoat when the cha of success were deciaed- ly questionable. : “It looks like you halt between ther man Si diet Leake te ‘a ' = — Hercules Goldspur. wrong man. Go backter yer pard. Lie to’im. | You kin scal men ov You-Bet. Whar’s yer grit?” The eves of the gambler-sport suddenly flashed. His courage was assailed. ‘*My grit doesn’t suffer by your taunts,” he hissed. “I’m no train-robber. Ef I have bluffed in games from Sacramento ter Dead- wood, I don’t stoop to train-robbery. I am Cold-Deck Carl.” A derisive laugh followed this flaehed re- sponse, and ata glance from their leader the roughs ftom You-Bet moved forward a pace. ‘Ov course ye ar’,” he said. ‘‘ We ar’ the men-wolves the reds spared, You won’t lead ats No.” “ Then betray us. Cold-Deck Carl bit his lip. “Til never do that,” he said under his breath, ‘By the eternal stars! I will swear no oath of secrecy for these dead-beats.” He seemed to increase an inch in stature while he stood, without reply, to the last demand, “Sw’ar, Cold-Deck! It’s no more than fair, since we’ve told you what we’re going to do, A a ter be hold up on ther train to-morrer night.’ ‘I'm no traitor!” sudden! bler-sport. ‘‘Go an’ stop the train. for no man.” ‘Not even fer us, Cold-Deck?” ‘*¥or no man, I say.” “Do you hear thet, boys?” cried the leader of the seven, wheeling upon his companions. ‘‘ Shall] we take Cold -Deck’s word?” : ‘‘ Make him hold up bis bands an’ talk.” * Hold ’em up, Cold-Deck.” ‘** Never!” Matters were fast approaching a crisis be- tween Cold-Deck Carl and the toughs of plun- dered You-Bet. His last word, firmly spoken, told the seven that they had cornered a man who would not move an inch. They looked into the eye of the gambler-sport and read defiance there. “Never, eh, Cold-Deck?” grinned the leader of the set. ‘‘ You’ve got but one hand, We've got fourteen—a big percentage.” “No. I bave two hands!” And the band until that moment at rest in the sling leaped out, and in the twinkling of an eye the two hold up yer hands an’ sw’ar not ter ” ° roared the gam- I swear | revolvers on Cold Deck Carl’s hips were drawn and cocked. : “Go an’ rob the train,” be continued; “ but don’t begin the game ov hold-up hyer.” The thunder struck seven recoiled from the revolvers that leaped forward. “I swear no oath of silence fer any man. You’ve struck the wrong man, boys. You'll hev to organizs ther brotherhood without me.” ‘*T guess we kin do thet, Carl,” was the answer. ‘You won’t be with us to-morrer night, but we'll get along. Got ter do suthin’ now: You-Bet’s no good, Them infernal red- skins didn’t leave a drop ov red-eye in ther hull town. Wasn’t it strange? First came the man from Silver Bow an’ hed Joe’s counter kicked ter pieces; then ther reds came an’ cleaned out ther bull place.” The speaker talked with Carl’s revolvers star- ing bim in the face. e was a burly fellow, fully Cold-Deck’s equal in physique, and he spoke, not the least concerned about the weapons at whose triggers rested the deadliest fingers in Idaho, “We part byer, as we can’t quite agree,” he went ou, ‘ We'll not exact ther oath to night.” Carl’s look said “‘ You'd better not try,” and his pistols dropped at his side, but he did not move an inch, : Suddenly one of the seven the front, and, with a leer, sa ‘*She’s makin’ a long trail fer ye Cold-Deck.” * Pigmy Pete!” exclaimed the gambler-sport, **T didn’t see you till now.” “Oh, Big Burt thar hid me.” Jaughed the lit- tle man, who looked dwarfed"beside his athletic compinions, ‘I’m little, but immense, Hevyn’t founder yet, I see?” ‘* Found who?” } ‘Oh, you know. Come, I know a few things, ef you an’ Ferd did give me the slip t’other night, Iam oneof the few what left You-Bet b-cause the reds came, With ther rest what got away, bizness called me away at the most important moment. Move along, boys. I hey a jig o’ bizness with this man.” He stepped toward Cold-Deck Carl as he waved his companions off, and the Evowing poceneee the dwarf and the gambler-sport were alone, “Td like ter see Ferd,” said Figmy looking up into Carl’s face. ‘ He’s wit bsck yonder.” That instant the sport’s face darkened, and he flashed the ae mun a look dire esough to make him recoil. ; “Well, we'll go to him,” he said, beating pushed his way to Pete, h you f | in | down his page. “You waut to see Fer? Come, the hill an’ yer pards from Ycu-Bet!” said the | We dido’t intend to desert you in You-Bet, rough a Carl hexivated. _* We don’t want that | Picmy; but circumstances bastened our depar- xind ov captain, Cold-Deck, we've struck ther ture.” a =p, Se Sire e eS Tee Big Wolf, but you can’t lead ther ; significance, fl ‘Ob, I understand,” said Pigmy Pete, with “T knowed thet only important | bzness would take bim away without seein’ me, | Lola be couldn’t bave seen, for she war gone. An’ senses escent ou are his pard, Carl. Goin’ ter help’im ed oe! I’m glad ov that. Give us yer band, rd,’ The hand of Cold-Deck Car] closed on the one the little man thrust forward, but from under his dark lashes he nb Pigmy fiercely. The pair were walking back toward the cave on the billside, the dwarf with shrewd, glitter- ing eyes as he watched Carl. **T’ve found ’em!”’ be said under his breath. **T know who miade bim leave You-Bet without consultin’ Pigmy Pete, I know vou pretty well, Cold-Deck Carl, an’ if I don’t put a bug in Ferd cores ear, set Pigmy Pete down fer a darned ool, It was not more than three mivutes’ walk to the foot of the hill, and at its first fringe of undergrowth Carl stopped. . Not noticing bis balt, Pigmy Pete advanced another step. Then he heard bis name called. Whirling at the voice, be found himself face to face with Cold-Deck Carl. ‘“*P’'m no fool, Pigmy Pete,” hissed the gam- bler-sport, his eyes blazing behind the cocked revolver that almost touched Pete’s face. ‘You will never see the man in the cave!” The lips of the dwarf suddenly contracted, but bis expression lost none of its determina- tion. 3 ‘“*Ye'r’ showin’ jedgment, Carl,” he said, a faint smile even visible at the corners of bis mouth. “I’ve come a long ways ter die so so clus’ to ther captain. hevn’t I?” “A long distance, Pigmy. Can't I tell bim what you war goin’ ter say?” “ Yes.” “Then out with it, fer by Heaven! I’m goin’ ter press this trigger in less than two minutes,” rh ag Pete seemed to think a moment.. * Dare you convey to him my last message?” be suddenly exclaimed. ‘ Cold-Deck Carl, Kare afraid ter swear thet you will tell Ferd utter what I um goin’ ter say.” ‘I swear fer no man!” was the answer, ‘‘Go on, er keep yer mouih sbut ferever!” “Tell him, then, that he is playin’ with ther meanest snake thet ever crawled,” cried the dwarf, who might well be defiant to the last, for there was no mercy in the eyes that scintil- lated behind the revolver, ‘Tell him thet Cold-Deck Carl is playin’ a game thet will fer-» ever deprive him ov Zoe, Whisper in his ear, if you dare, that you are a traitor, a wolf thet trails with ’im ter eat the fawn when sbe’s caught. Ah! you dare not tell bim this.” At the end of Pigmy Pete’s speech there was a a laugh which the gambler-sport did not relisb, ‘Nothin’ else?” be said sarcastically. “Yes; tell Zoe when you find her that to hate you with all ber beart is ber only salva- tion, > But she'll do thet without tellin’,” — This time the sport laugbed. “Tl tell’em every word, Pigmy!” he said ‘“Thar’s nothin’ mean about Cold-. derisively. Deck Carl. Now I clear my way ter Zoe!” “Clar it; but tnar’s Lola yet,” said the dwarf. ; ‘‘Lola! Thar’s nothin’ snappy about her but her eves.” “Wait an’see! Yes, Cold-Deck Carl, wait an’ see what thet daisy jumper ov mine kin do. Touch the trigger at yer- what thet black-eyed she wild-ca “Tl do it!” ee With the last word there rung out a loud report, and the little desperado who confrovted the gambler-sport leaped into the air, to fall back and lie on the ground without a quiver.” **He died as ther fool dies!” ejaculated Cold- Deck Carl, as he stepped over the body, upon which he bestowed a merciless glance, serve the Mexican pantheress the same way if she crosses my path! Pigmy Pete, ef ye warn’t dead, Id like ter tell ye thet I’m goin’ ter show Ferd Sutter that I’m a traitor ov the first class, But he’ll find thet out when the time comes.” Away went Cold-Deck Carl with a cold, heartless laugh rippling upon bis lips. Ten minutes later he entered the cave in the hillside, and called the name uf his companion, in dense darkness. “Here I am,” said a voice, and the gambler- sport felt a hand at bis wrist. ‘I’ve been dreamin’ of Zoe again. Cold-Deck, tell me, for Heaven’s sake—and tell me now when I will seg my child!” A *Tt’ll be efore along, Ferd,” was the answer. * Did you hear a shot awhile ago?’ m3 do not know; but something broke my res*, “Wal, it war me. I weat down the moun- ‘tain an’ found a snake in my path. Ov course, | hold-up, an’ we must play it well,” I killed it.” The “snake ” was Pigmy Pete. CHAPTER XVIII. HOW THE ROUGHS PLAYED HOLD-UP, ‘“‘Hyar she comes! It’s our first “Pi game ov ~ met

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miles up ther road.” ; ** Yes; but bow long will it take ther train ter come hyar?” ‘* Seven minutes.” Behind the few shanties that formed the little station of Bulldog, hardly ten miles east of You- Bet, sat six men on horses. It was ten o’clock at night, and the moon, which now and then peeped over the edges of the fleecy clouds, saw their weil-knit figures and the masks that covered their feces, The train for which they waited would not stop at Bulldog unless a passeng-r desired to alight at that cbheerless station, whose cabins been cleaned out by the fate of the deni- zens of You-Bet. But the masked men knew that the train would stop there, They were certain that at Bowie Gulch—the last stopping-place—a man had boarded the train—a dark-faced, big-boned fellow, who had paid his fare like a gentieman to Bulldog. They did not know, however, that the train had taken on two passengers, instead of one, at Bowie Guleb. No; they did not see the second passenger—a veritable giant, with broad shoulders, soft, vel- vet-like hands ahd a pair of sparkling eyes, The giant paid his fare to You-Bst, an inci- dent that called a questioning look into the con- ductor’s eyes, “That's Hercules Goldspur!” ejaculated the man going to Bulldog, as he eyed the giant from the moment he boarded the train. give ther boys trouble thar ef he ain’t covered in time. He’s a dandy, with his velvet hand; but Vl get ther drop on him, an’ help my pards win ther game!” Avd from under his broad-rimmed hat he continued to eye The Man of the Velvet Hand, who was going back to Indian-raided You-Bet for a purpose. _ As the train got under good speed after leav- ing Bulldog, the giant settled back in bis seat oas if peta y unaware of the pair of eyes that watched him closely, His observer was but four seats behind him, . but on the opposite side, and in a position from which he could cover him in the twinkling of an eye, PP em seemed hours to the man bound for midog, He grew restless, and never took his eyes from H-reales Goldspur. ah Suddenly the shrill whistle of the locomotive sounded through the passes, and the speed of ‘the train began to decrease. It was Bulldog! . ~~ There was a revolver in the hand of Gold- spur’s watcher, and his eves were blazing with excitement, In a voice whose accents seemed to fill every pert of the coach, the conductor announced the name of the station, but the man kept his seat. _ The moon, round and full, hung over the sta- ‘tion, without a cloud to obstruct her light. Before the few little tenantless shanties, the train came to a full stop, andthen—_ - S x men on horseback dashed from behind the huts, and drawing rein before the engine cover- ed the engineer with their revolvers. It_was the work of a moment. *‘ Hands up!” suddenly yelled a voice at the door of each coach, and the passengers saw a a face and caught the gleam of a pistol- barr ‘Ladies an’ gentlemen, we want watches and money, not life; but we’re prepared ter os thet ef we're resisted. Shell out an’ hold ap. Men brave under all circumstances, shrunk into the corners of their seats, and the few ace the coaches turned pale and gasped for A faint smile played with the corners of Her- cule’s Goldspur's mntothe _Did he know that the man four seats behind fim had partly risen, and bad him covered fale on of the deadliest revolvers in the moun- tains “Show up without squealin’, pards!” shouted the burly fellow, he emer ‘the coach occu- pied by The Man of the Velvet Hand, He came down the aisle with a revolver cock- ed in his a hand, and with his left outstretch- or The Picpctle seemed to have paralyzed every nger. Men sullenly drew forth their watches and wallets and waited for the masked collector with a certain eagerness, as if to surrender ‘their valuables was to get rid of him the sooner. Hercules Goldspur was seen to pull his laced sombrero over his eyes as the command “ Hands ‘up!” rung through the car, “The "ll know ye, Hercules!” ejaculated ‘the wate Aa behind a ss Thet laced bat "ll give ye dead away. "s yer watch, m Sites fin, gent?” - — The collector advaneed swiftly down the 2. _ Here he snatched a wallet from an extended oe eeersc ly and there relieved a passenger of a gold eral It was the first train-robbery on the Northern . ree S bye } i. van) fe yer stakes, ** He'll ; that would loug be remembered, : At length, several miuutes after entering the | coach, the masked desperado reached Hercules Goldspar. : ‘* Yer filthy lucre, pard,” be said, “ Lg and the revolver lowered instantly looked in the giant’s face. The answer came like the bursting of a thun- derbolt. Like a flash Hercules Goldspur sprung at the piece of bronze throat visible under the dark mask, and the hand that knocked the revolver aside clutched the train-robber’s trachea, The man behind him leaped forward, but the giant threw his pard against him with a force that sent him back into his seat and against the window, smasbing the glass into a thousand leces, ee Shell out er drop is it, eh?’ laughed the giant, as his band tightening at the throat he touched shook the revolver from the robber’s hand, “ Ye’ve waked up ther wrong passenger, my daisy jumper. Gentlemen, cone an’ claim He held the robber at arm’s length while he addressed the speechless passengers, ‘Don’t want ’em, eh? Then, by George, he’ll take ’em with ’im!” He began to drag his helpless captive toward eSuddely th passe f d udden C) mgers came forward. “ Clean Yimn out an’ be durned quick about it!” cried the giant. In an instant it was dune, end then leaning over the seat in which the passenger bound for Bulldog was lying, insensible and bleeding from a terrible wound made by the smashed glass, his left hand closed on his throat, “Two at a time!” he lavghed, as he dragged him from the seat and broke for the door with the twain. ‘“‘My name is Goldspur, an’ nobody knows it better than these daisy pards,” He appeared on the platform in the moon- light still clutching bis victims’ throats. Behind him were the uncouth shanties of Bull- dog, before a steep bank which terminated in the waters of a little creek almost a hundred feet helow. “Down ye go, pards!” he said, and the next minute two human forms went rolling down the bank one after the other ina terrible race to the bottom. Hercules Goldspur watched them for a mo- ment, and then turned toward the coach behind the one he occupied. As he opened the door be drew a silver-mount- ed revolver. ‘Halt, thar!” rung out a voice as bis right foot crossed the threshold of the car. ‘* Hold up yer hands—!” , The interruption was @ derisive laugh, and —— Goldspur fired straight at the man in aisle, There was a cry and a tumble, and the car robber lay dead with his pockets full of spoil! c Hev they tackled the sleepers?” asked Her- cules. “No,” answered a dozen passengers. The giant withdrew and swung himself to the last step below the platform, His quick eye caught sight of two horsemen facing the engine, and as he looked he saw two men leap from the steps of the Express car, The next moment the revolver of the velvet- handed man spoke the doom of one horseman, who threw up both hands and pitched back- ward, and a second shot sent another robber staggering to the very wheels of the engine! itbout stopping to return the fire, the re- maining mounted villain turned but the moon- light enabled Hercules to stop with another shot the man on foot. Twice he spun around as the bullet hit home, and then fell forward on bis face. By this time the bell-rope above the giant's head was being jerked violently, but the en- gineer needed no command to move on. “Their game didn’t win,” smiled Hercules Goldspur, as he walked down the aisle of the car he boarded at Bowie Gulch and drop quietly back into his old seat, “Now, if I kin find Zoe at You-Bet ez easy ez I cleaned thet party out, I'll be satisfied, I wonder when they'll stop another train.” ‘ : He was not permitted to remain unmolested ong. ry crowd of thankful and excited passengers surrounded bim, and would have made him the lion of the hour if the engineer, making up for ae time, had not sounded the signal for You: f. Then he doffed his laced hat ere he from the car and waved his hand at the engi- neer as he struck the and handsome in t frame station of You-Bet, ‘ound and stood stalwart “Three cheers for Goldspur!” cried an enthu- siastic passenger from the platform. | nothing else, moonlight before the Follered! by heavens!” he grated. “I’m not. ther only vin’ sol in You'Bet of the In pt ‘ _ j ¥ $ a ‘ ; 15 There was a good response which elicited a smile from the man for whom they were in- tended. ‘*Cheers ar’ cheap,” he ejaculated, “‘ l’d ruth- er find Zoe than hey « thousand. Now, my Mexican wild-cat, Lola, ef you’ve fetched Zoe ter You-Bet we'll meet ag’in.” He started off among tbe silent and ligbtless cabins as the train moved on again, and soon disappeared from the sight of the people whose valuables if not lives he had saved. ‘* Pll look in at Joe’s first,” he seid. “ Ill find information thar if Lola’s come back.” Three minutes afterward be paused suddenly in front of the well known gambling-den of You-Bet, and stared at it standing biack- ened and desolate between bim aud the moon. The door was wide open, but not a sound came from within. ‘‘What’s up?” he exclaimed moving forward. ‘Hey ther pards ov You-Bet pulled up stakes an’ lit out?” He was at the threshold with his last words and just then a gust of wind blew something agaivst his face. Seeing that it was a piece of paper fastened to the door, be struck a match and held it up. There was some writing on the paper end with some little difficulty Hercules Goluspur read: “The Indians came to You-Bet and did pretty ee as they pleased. There's nothing left to tell.” That was all. “That’s a fact, nothin’ left ter tell,” comment- ed Goldspur, and as if attracted by an object on the floor, he stooped with the burning match. ‘*Ther Injuns didcome. Thar’s blood on ther floor,” he said. ‘‘Ef Lola did bring Zoe back ter You-Bet she didn’t stay long. Hercules Goldspur, you ar’ a little too subsequent. The Mexican wild-cat still holds the best hand.” Casting away the match, The Man of the Vel- vet Hand went out from the deserted gambling- den and halted in the middie of You-Bet’s ma thoroughfare, “Tl find her yet!” he grated. CHAPTER XIX. THE VELVET HANDS AGAIN. Ir was natural that Hercules Goldspur should think that Lola had taken Zoe to You-Bet. He did not know that the M-xican huntress bad been surprised and robbed in turn by tho Happy Rattler, an event which the reader has witnessed. som now in the arms of her father, Ferdinand Sutter, : But he was doomed to disappointment. You Bet was,to all appearances, deserted, and be had cleaned out a portion of its late citizens on the train to find himself the only occupant of the well-known place. As he gave utterance to the words “I'll find her yet,” be clinched bis bands and left the deserted gamb:ing-deo with its tell-tale paper and blood-stains, and walked down the street. » For a lurking red-skin or white enemy in ambush he presented a splendid target. The wind raised the brim of bis laced sombrero and mpemee. his embroidered jacket. ‘Blamed ef them red-skins didn’t clean the hull town out,” he continued. ‘lm monarch ov all Lsurvey, ain’t 1? Efi badn’t a jobon my. hands I'd settle down byar an’ proclaim myse king ov You Bet. . King Hercules wouldn’t sound bad after all. But I’ never consent to be king until I could make Zoe queen. Ob, you Mexican witch! Ill show you one ov these days thet yer throat, yallar as gold, will jes’ fit my hand. King ov You Bet!” And at the thought the Idaho Ferre laughed till he awoke every echo of the Indian-plundered town. All at once be stopped, and turning on his heel walked toward the suburbs where the shafts were, ‘* T wonder ef they left the mines untouched? Thar’s a bonanza byar fer some enterprisin’ indi- vidual. Don’t I mind ov hearin’ in Deadwood not six months ago, that thar war a gold lined shaft in You-Bet?/) Mebbe it war a miner’s lie: but Pll find out. Lola ain’t hyar with Zoe an’ I’ve got some time on my hands,” +> 8. He reached the yawning openings in the earth unmolested, and selecting one from among .them all, fearlessly swung himself over the | abyss and began to descend the ladder which epee only where another n. : | Suddenly when in the midst of cimmeriam darkness, he pa and looked up. He saw the stars far overbead, but could see ‘*God!” fell from his tongue as something shot past him with the velocity of a bullet. “ There’s somebody up yonder.” © _ In another instant another unseen Losing Lola’s trail in the mountains he had x boarded the train at Bowie Gulch and come to — You-Bet where be expected to find Lola and | eo ~ went past him, so near this time that it touched the rim of his hat. ; Ne A mad oath shot from between Goldspur’s

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+ ‘| a a - 0H i me ue el yg wate oF 16 i OE as : Set a ing Hercules Goldspur. we WR Hines 4 id aa © NAM e | ee ie ins did leave it deserted when they left! Some- eee he don’t like Hercules Goldspur is up ar. With eyes that emitted sparks of rage he paused no longer on the ladder, but went up- ward. Another missile grazed his shoulder and went to join the otbers that bad preceded it to the bottom of the shaft. He could not tell how large the objects were, but from the way they winded him he had a right to judge that they were bowlders larger than his head, Two hundred feet above him was the brink of the yawning chasm, and the ropes that held in its place tha ladder that supported his weight, were liabil® to be cut at any moment by the foe at the top. Still, despite the terrible danger that menaced him, The Man of the Velvet Hand kept his way starward, . His grip on the ladder against the wall was firm, for he knew that one of the heavy stones coming down at intervals was likely to strike him and stuu, if hot burl him from his insecure stair. ‘You dar’n’t wait fer me!” he exclaimed, with upturned face. ‘‘ A man what would burl bowlders at a fellow in my fix is meaner than a Mexican thief. You are mean, dirty coward, who dar’n’t face Hercules Goldspur, an’ give ?im a show!” - The response to these words was a rock which struck the giant on the shoulder, and breaking one of bis hands loose, caused bim to swing out into the darkness! But he clutched the tighter with his other han’, and re-secured the hold which had been broken loose, Up, up he went, now with a naked: bowie- knife between his teeth, and more than eager to meet the enemy, surely atthe top of the shaft. All at once the ladder oscil'ated ina manner that would have sent a chill to the heart of many a brave man placed in the giant’s situa- tion. **From stone to knife!” he hissed madly, and soundin: his desperate case to the depths, he went up the ladder like asailor, hand over band, ‘* You've ter cut ther ladder loose dutned soon, my daisy, er Hercules will be on deck.” ~ He saw the brink of the chasm ‘while he spoke, _ Toe ladder oscillated more than ever. One side was already cut loose. _. Attimes it swung out iuto the darkness be- neath his owa weizht, and then cama back - against the wa!l of the shaft with a force that _ almost stunned bh m., "But H ercales Goldspur now saw more than a sad Sap mf with stars. ) esaw a figure that leaned over the top of the shaft, and he caught the gleam of a knife- blade, ‘The sight nerved him to renewed exertion, Oh, for a grip on the firm ground above. ‘He would give worlds for a chance at the hu- man throat avove bim. Suddeniy a wild exclamation of triumph grated on his ears. ; It told him that the knife was finishing its _ work, _.. Hereules Goldspur aid _ well-spent breath, but cleared the space between _ him and hiv enemy with a bound, and swooped The next instant the ladder seemed to give way beneath bim, and he made one wil leap at the top of the shaft with his velvet hand. All his agility and strength was in that leap for life. ; of ate | Ashis hands caught the fringe of the shaft, the ladder, cut Joose a second too late, went rattling down the mine, and Hercules Gold- spur was left clinging to a frail hold, from which the bowie that tad deprived bim of bis support might cut him free! ~ “* By the eternal gods! Iam byar!” shot from bis throat, as by a migh*y display «f srrengta, he drew himself up and appeared so suddenly on the firm earth thot the enemy at the shait sprung back with an exclamation of terror, down upon the would-be ki ler like an eagle. “Cuttin? a ladder from under him ‘doesn’t wipe out Goldspur!” be cried, and before the listener could draw a weapon of any kind, The Man of the Velvet Hand bad jerked him from the ground and was holding him at arm’s length as aman sometimes holds a child, only _ one of the terrible velvet hands was at the pris- a oner’s throat, 7 Ny,” 4 shapes. € ty a tik : ‘we iy ’ 0 3 ou'll do!” sa d Goldspur, with a mal oe + "i a ar, but c icious bh that seemed to increase the devilish light blazed in hiseyes, ‘I came hyar ter find t ther person TI thought you w you, on son ~ Not thi giant's prisoner? on f Ni fe eae 4 - + onged = ho) | Oe - d ws > not waiy o cateb his : ‘meif Ididn’tt But you found me, | eb? Wal, it’s all one, I guess, How ’d you like ter go on ther hunt ov thet ledder?? “Ard as the giant laughed, he wheeled and held his | _ prisoner over Be tyne ees the shaft, at. r cou! a he to} ie “You first stole Zoe an’ next. you foller me,” continued Hercules after holding his captive for a moment over the abyss. ‘‘ Don’t you see thet yer throat jes’ fits my hand. Ho! ho! my poker princess; you're a daisy jumper; but ther heel of Goldspur will crush any flower. Whar’s Zoe!” How defiantly the eyes first made reply; but when he removed his hand from Lola’s throat and placed her on her feet again, but still in his power, the mad light waned. ; “No lies! I want the solid truth er you git this, Lola!” and the giant’s right band was thrust almost into the girl’s throat. ‘‘ You stole the girl—you took Zoe from the mountain cabin. har is she!” Then it was that Lola’s black eyes seemed to twinkle, ** Yes, ITrobbed you of Zoe,” she said; “ but if you-want ber you must seek her of the man who robbed me.” ““Who was that—Cold-Deck Carl?” “No; the Man from Silver Bow.” ‘‘The Happy Rattler!” exclaimed Goldspur. ‘An’ he robbed you of Zoe? It makes a new trail for me, Lola, did you know it was ateys fen down the shaft when you begun to send ther stones down?” The Mexican’s eyes said yes. ** An’ you cut ther ladder loose ter fix Gold- spur forever?’ he went on, ‘‘ Lola, you knew that | would never spare the person who robbed me of Zoe. 1 hev sworn thet I'd. bring you ter settlement some day fer thet theft. Iam hyer, lhey you in ther clutches ov Hercu!'es CGoldspur. My Mexican wild-cat ef I spare you I make myself out a liar.” Before the girl could lift a haud be leaped madly at her, and again she was lifted from the ground, “Ye ary goin’? down arter ther ladder!” he fairly hissed. “Til find Zoe without you, my Mexican rattlesnake. VIL run ther Happv Rattler down an’ make’im give up bis prize.” He turned again toward the shaft, a black hole in the earth at his feet. : He held the girl above his head firmly clutched by both hands. ‘Til clean ’em out ez I gorjong!” he grated. “We'll see about thet, Hercules Gldspur!” As these words rung out a horse covered with foam balted a few feet away and a re- volver changed the scene. Changed the scene, we say, for Lola dropped from Goldspur’s hands, and the giant reeled to the edge of the ravine below which be dis- uppeared as the shooter leaped to the ground and dartéd forward, ——— CHAPTER XX. s A LIFE FOR A SOMBRERO, “WrLL, you got him!” exclaimed Lola wheeling upon the man who halted before her revolver in band, “I should grin,” was the answer,and the speaker sbot a quick glance toward the shaft, ** He hed them soft bands ov his on yer, eb! He war goin’ ter throw ye down ther shaft ov ther Black Bonanza, Don’t yer feel kinder grateful to Con Griggs ov You-Bet?” “J am grateful,” said Lola, as she looked into the f .ce of the man whose shot in all probability put an end to Hereules Goldspur’s career, ** Would you have dropped bim if he bad not been holding me over the mine?” “Thet didn’t hasten my shot. What do yer think he did to-night?” ‘*T cannot guess,” “JT should reckon not. Wal, a lot ov us tried ter play a certain game called hold-up in these | parts an’ war gittin’ along boss wken be picked up ther blamedest hand I ever saw a haoman it an’ played it through iu spite ov us alle Ro-night thet happened, Lola—not more’n an ‘hour ago, Jam ther only man what gotaway. Som» be choked, some he shot.” & Whar did it happen?’ “ At Bulldog up ~ road. It wara time I tell yer, gal. [ coulAn’t beat ther train ter You- Bet, but I didn’t lose any time comin’ byer all tohesame. Wal, I got bysr in time ter git a hand thet trumped Goldspur’s , last aces. I didn’t give *im time ter know thet it war Con Griggs, er Crimson Cu thet dropped bim, Will he ever interrupt another game ov hold- up? Wal, my daisy, Iruther guess not,” The man laughed at his success, He was a person who in You-Bet when it was populated by the roughs and toughs who inhabited it at the commencement of our romance, _ Broad shouldered and handsome, with dark eyes and a raven mustache that streamed be- ro either cheek in the wind, was Crimson / SEX Peas er FT ie SS Son, the ore e | Goldspur on the vight train between Bowie Gulch and You-Bet, ‘He left’ Lola and walked to the edge of the shaft when he bad finished bis laugh of triumph and revenge, | if Tbe Mexican be ty saw him lean over the / iis and listen’ with a balf-bent hand be- t ear, eats Ay s a, See, Naa Bate, y 0K sola. hed seen before ger of the men killed by Hercules” ee ee re a bottom ov ther shaft. Eflonly bed thetman’s: laced hat ter exbibit. I’d be satisfied.” Lola gave him a strange look which was a mute interrogation. ‘** Thar’s not arother bat like it in Idaho,” he. wenton. ‘ Hercules bed it made ter order, an’ allus boasted thet he’d kill the man what wore one Jike it. Lola, ] want that bat!” “ Better not,” said the gi girl, as her eyes bright- ened. ‘‘ There may be a live man at the bottom of that shaft.” “Tf thar is I'll turn parson, hang me ef 1} don’t,” laughed Con, “A man with a bullet in his head alive arter a tumble ov two hundred feet? What ar’ ye tryin’ ter give this sage ebick, Lola?” The girl did not reply for a moment, but her- eyes burned half-resentingly. “Tf you think so,” she exclaimed, ‘“‘go and. find that laced bat.” ‘‘By Jehosaphat! ef I don’t, I’m a saint!” He started off and Lola’s eyes followed him» until the shanties of You-Bet and the shadows: that prevailed bid him from view. “T'll wait and see what he will do,” she mur- mured, and did not move until Crimson Con. came back dragging after him an immense coil of rope csp of ra a great weight. ‘*Tt’s the laced hat I’m after, Lola,” he laughed, ‘‘ Thar’s not another like it in Idaho, Think ov thet!” Going to the edge .of the pit, be wi 9 to lower the rope, and the girl who step to his. side, watched it descend with a g deal of curiosity. ‘‘Now fer ther hat!” exclaimed Crimson | Con, as he made fast one end of the rope toa rock near at hand. “ Don’t think I kin climb ther cord? Nothin’s easier, Lola. Ther side ov ther shaft will act «z a brace fer one’s feet, an” he'll come up slick an’ sure.” Ere he lowered himself over the ejge of the mine he drew a ten-inch bowie and placed it between his teeth so as to have it ready for an emergency at a moment's notice, then with a look : nd a smile at the Mexican he clambered. down into the shaft with his bronze hands at the: rope, “If by chance Hercules Goldspur should be alive you'll make the acquaintance of a pair of death hands, Crimson Con,” said Lola, in an un- dertone as the last vestige of the hat-bunter dis- appeared amid the gloom of the shaft, be vibrations of the rope told the girl that Con was still going down deeper and dec per into the dark depths of tbe old shaft, He expected to find the laced sombrero of Bis. victim floating in the water at the boltom of — the pit, and trusted to his bands to secure the coveted priz+. a Lola watched the oscillating rope until sho was satisfied that Crimson Con had reached his journey’s end, for the motion suddenly ceesed. bub not a sound, not even an exclamation of success, fl ated up to her. She waited five, ten, fifteen minutes: but the: rope did not move again. f Con!” she laughed, **Come up at your leisure, turning away. ‘I cannot wait all night for you. hen I see you with the laced sombrero — on your bead Vil believe that the man who — clutched my throat awbile ago will never run off “ith another girl.” : Lola walked from the eee end stopped not until she, like Hercules Goldspur bad lately done, had inspected the interior of Joe’s gamb- ling-den, with its tell-tale paper and blood- stains on the floor, “The Happy Rattler did not bring Zoe back to You-Bet,” sbe said. “T have missed the trail. I wonder where Cold Deck Carl and Ferd Sntter are, and what they have discovered. Ab! it Pigmy Pete were here, I told him when I left: him that I wou!d hunt Hercules Goldspur down and J] have done,so. I robbed him of Zoe, but in turn I have been robbed, and by that dead-beat who calls himself the Peupy Rattler from Silver Bow. Let me find bim again! I will make sure that be never robs another women.” Lola made a tour of the town, but nobody greeted ber. The one swoop of the avenging red-skins of iy the Northwest had been sufficient. You-Bet, had had raids before, but none that : : approached the last in completeness, She saw signs of desolation even in the weird | moonlight that lay on the ground. Cabin oe stood ‘wide open, occupants were gone. he went to vif was deserted, skins had gutted it : Rephigaes, eset oles bore met made by their 3 knives and hatchets, but they had spared the wires, ; ‘I'm queen here.” laughed Lola, get upe game of draw were [ to hammer om every door in You-Bet. ‘IT left here, everything was lively. The indians d They came and C aed ate wonder if th ey didn’t Lask Crimson struck P eae | ' te’ couldn't: : but ayer. a. $ qd the frame station, but it, too, — As if hating everything civilized, the red- + ia lied, and then left You-Bet |

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Hercules Goldspur. you that I would arrange to be alone when you came, I am the sole occupant of the camp.” More than an hour had elapsed since she saw the rough descend into its gloomy depths. If ie had found the laced hat of Ths Man of the Velvet Hand he should be above ground The rider dismounted and leaned against the again, victorious, side of his dovkey, who lowered bis head She was eager to ask Crimson Con wht had | meekly, and looked quite unlike the Kicking become of her pard, the dwarf named Pigmy | Geerge whose exploits the reader has already Pete, and her stezs soon brought her to the | witnessed, shaft. “Wal, colonel, I’m hyer accordin’ ter agree- The first thing that greeted her eyes was the | ment,” he said. “I introduced myself t’other Tope stretched taut from the stone to the edge | day when Irun ag’in’ ye, ez ther Happy Rattler f te shaft. from Silver Bow. I’m thet same individual yet. Suddenly it swayed a little, and then moved | What’s the reward now?” back and forth, as if somebody was trying to Before speaking, the tenant of the camp left make his way to the top by its aid. his tree and advanced toward the Rattler, whom “*Con’s coming up at last!” cried Lola. “If! he eyed intently. he wears the big bat he’l! be the proudest mar “Jn the first place, do you know where my in Idaho,” child is?” Her eagerness to greet the man coming up ‘* Wal, I calkerlate,”: was the answer, accom- the rope took her to the very edge of the open- | panied by agrin, ‘ Ef I didn’t know anything ing in the earth. about her, d’ye think I come hyer?” “Con! Con!” she exclaimed. *Toank / **T would think not” eel you have the hat with the shining| “ ight you ar’, colonel; right! Name the re- ace : : . ward.’ Mle 3 was a reply the girl did nut under- ‘“‘T have done so. It is ten thousand dollars,” stand, With a laugh indicative of disgust, the Happy Rattler turned to bis donkey, and prepared to mount, | “We'll proceed ter a more sulubrious cli- mate, my beau ideal,” he said, addressing the beast. ‘* We ar’ not appreciated hyer, my smilin’ cherub. Good mornin’, colonel.” “Hold!” and Ferdinand Satter, the father of Zoe, sprung forward and laid his band on the shoulder of the Happy Rattler, at the touch of which the mountain dead-beat turned. ‘‘You may have terminated this interview, but J have not. Ten thousand does not seem to strike you, How much will?” ‘*What’s ten thousand fer a man what they say hez ther biggest ranch in Arizona?” he said. Re thet daisy gal ov yours worth more’n thet?’ “The reward is not the price [ set. upon her, sir,” was tbe quick retort as Sutter colored. * What's your price?” ‘Now ye’r’ comin’ at it. What’s my figgers? Wal, they’re a notch higher than yer ten thou- sand. Two bundred thousand dollars,” The rancher seemed to recoil a step as if the sum coupled to the unblusbing effrontery of the mun, amazed him. It was midway between an oath and a groan, poe newr er it was it seemed to hold her to the ; spot. All at once the head of the giant's enemy ap- peared at the top of the shaft, Lola started up with an exclamation of jov. “The hat!” she cried. ‘Crimson Con, Lola can love you if you have it!” _ The next instant a different cry parted the lips of Pigmy Pete’s black eyed pard. Tbe wan she had greeted threw himself from the mine bv a desperate effort. She uttered a shriek of horror. It was Crimson Con, but such a si His clothes hung in shreds about , and water dri eee | from every one. His eye’s had the glare of a maniac’s, and, most terrible of all, there was a rent in his throat as if made by th: teeth of a half-starved | panther! ' Lola recoiled from this awful apparition that had come up from the bowels of the earth, *“My God! You cannot be Crimson Con!” __ welled from her throat. i “fam Con! There is a dyin’ devil down yonder, For God’s sake, Lola, cut the rope!” ght! his person, With acry the girlsprung forward, and three | ‘It doesn’t seem ter strike yer. I thought rapid strokes with a glittering knife severed the | mebbe it wouldn’t,” grinned the ‘Happy Rattler. cord which disappeared down the shaft, “Two hundred thousand fer a Sah you say is : At that moment Crimson Con fell back with ' aterrible yell of agony. Lola lost no time in reaching his side. “T found ther owner oy the laced hat,” the sombrero-hunter. priceless. I’m old bizness, you can’t take ther goods.” The lips of the man from Silver Bow closed firmly behind the last word. His air was iosulting, his face enough to mad- Ef you won't pay, grated * Lola, I’ve fought griz- zlies, an’ tackled Injuns an’ panthers’ in my | den the man with whom be was trifling. ome A a Bi ok 1 struck ther worst pill in “Do you really know where Zoe is?” asked a : utter, ‘ “ Hercules Goldspur?” ** Would I come hyer ef I didn’t?” “ Hercules the Devil! Look h ar, Lola.” The man turned toward the Poker Queen and with his own hands opened the ghastly wound in his throat, — ene With bis hands he did it, Lola,” he said. If I had them velvet fingers 'd never ask for ® bowie. The hat? It’s cost Crimson Con his ‘life. To perdition with that laced sombrero!” The eyes of the throat-torn rough stared girl who knelt in the moonlight "My God! no!” “Let me say thet yer word fer them two bundred thousand is ez good ez gold. Give it an’ yer long bunt fer yer gal shall end.” Sutter stood silent before the dead-beat. What! bargain with snch a lying viper for his own child? The thought chased the hot blood to the father’s brain. pao He took one hasty stride which carried him to within three feet of the Happy Rattler, and the next instant bis revolver looked into the villain’s face, ; ‘**1 mean business also!” he said madly. “I shall deal no further with you. Now, sir, where is my child? Tell me the truth and prove it truth by conducting me to Zoe, or by the eternal heavens! I'll leave you here, food for the buzzards!” r ! Not a muscle of the dead-beat’s face moved under this threat. i é He jeaned composedly against the fore-shoul- ders of his doukey and looked calmly into the weapoa that covered bim. ; “See hyer, colonel, thet’s liable ter go off!” e said, i Na “Indeed it is, and go off it shall if you. don’t come to terms, Decide instemily—I am in no mood for fooling. Years of bitter disappoint- ment have not softened my nature, “Wil you show me my child?’ ‘ hive ‘*Fer how much?” wildly at the ty beside him, and then clinching bis hands on oe 3 ponte, he grated his teeth and fell back _ It was a life for a hat. CHAPTER XXI. THREE TRIGGERS, _ THROUGH the first flash of a brilliant dawn & man astride of a quaint-looking donkey mie his way alovg a narrow mountain There was a smile of self-satisfaction visible on his bronzed face, aud Woatile to oonain sh exuberant spirits that made it, he at times _ ehueckled audibly. ' “Got it? Ov course ve got it!” he would ex- claim. “George you an’ me ar’ about ter strike ther boss bonanza ov our lives. Git slong—a _ little faster, old pard. I promised ter reach ther mountain camp ter hold my confab with bim abont daylight.” “The old d.” : The donkey slowly pricked up his long ears at I saat "Pil bev to,” drawled the Happ: ». and pot increased bis gait, Rattler. “Tl put thet two bundred Bada er At , ter cone from a_ thicket of young trees, which grew so closely that the donkey had with a eae _ way through, the man came suddenly upon a _ little mountain camp and opened his eyes at sight of a man_ who leaned against a trea _.. with arms folded, and apparently waiting for Some one, ; T's him!” he exclaimed. ‘Ef he’s alone We'll soon settle, our little biz'ness.” j ak, nee the man at the tree looked up and caller , ae f : Caught sight of the morn ler, . : p (bis eves, and be down in the loss column. We don’t allers hold ther best hand, an’ on more’n one occasion I've seen a revolver rake in ther pot. Ten thou- me down one hundred an’ ninety thou ye go now?” ‘ es,” ‘ . ** Whar’s yer hoss?” ‘Will you wait for me ila go NE AN ge ae Lowering bis revolver, meeavey sand, Kin ba q A tof < 8) one ————— —————— EE ae . a ith lai i einai ei tana eat acting ahi niet asitllagp sand, eb? It’sa bargain, colonel, ef it does cut |. thet revolver!’ ter Silver Bow with ther bonanza we’ve set our | hearts on, an’ mebbe we won't.” By this time Sutter was seen returning. pped for the jour- mounted on a horse and equi e had forced the ney upon which be thougat man from Silver Bow. | The Happy Rattler eyed bim sbarply from ; under his long lashes as he came up, avd gave | the donkey a dig in the ribs which starf€d him { forward. ‘It is to Zoe at last, thank God!” ejaculated the Arizonian, ‘I will surprise Carl when we meet again. Zoe—Zoe! I long to take youin , the arms that have not held you since j ou were a babe!” The two men rode side by side as long as the trail could admit, of their doing so; but wher its narrowness prevented, the Ruatiler went abead. “When will we reach Zoe?” eegerly ques- tioned Sutter. “‘Afore long, colonel. She’s a daisy girl. I tell you—worth a bigger pile than I’m gettin’ fer my information. I'll bev ter go back to Silver Bow without enough fer one decent stake at draw-poker.” Tbe Happy Rattler turned to Sutter as he spoke a countenance Jugubrious enovgi to open the heart of any map; but it did not muve the Arizonian’s. Ail at once the dead-beat drew rein and reeled in his saddle. ‘ At the same time he clapped a dusky hand upon his breast, and serge: : ** My—old—trouble! This infernal—heart o” mine! Colonel, for Heaven’s sake—” f Without finishing the sentence, he fell for- ward on his donkey's neck. _ : Instantly the rancher urged his horse for- ward and drew up beside the Rattler. . He put forth his band and tried to Jift the man’s head, His heart seemed to stand still, his brain whirled. If the Happy Rattler should die there in the if when would he find Zoe? mountain tra “You shall not die here!” be excianned.. “I calkerlate not to!” rung out suddenly. as the bent figure of the villain from Si:ver Bow | sprung erect. It’s my call this time! Throw | down your hand!” is Sai abo ae | The change so sudden and unexpected startled every fiver of Sutter’sframe. = He recoiled, and bis band shot toward | + revolver; but the Rattler’s words arrested it. “Throw down yer band!” was uttered as Sutter found bimself looking into the muzz c . * a forty-eight-caliber *‘ bulldog” bebind wh‘c » ore the mad, tigerish eyes of the Happy Ra:- tler. Lt , ; The tables had been completely turned; the sudden attack of heart disease was all a sham, _ “Two hundred thousand, my plump sage- chick, er Pll keep all I know!” laughed the ras- cal, ‘‘T’m a daisy when I want ter raise ther ‘| wind. Ilaugh when I shoot, It’s my nature, an’ George grins while he kicks. p yer : head, colonel, an’ say what it shali be—two hundred thousand or scattered brains!” , < The ranchero’s eyes flashed before the leveled weapon. ; if “Treat with you for the sum you name? ; Never!” he cried. ‘* Shoot! deadbeat of Silver Bow. Now I will not give you a dollar for the secret ycu want to sell. Zoe shail die before her father treats with a liar.” z “Then, my stubborn bollyhock, I’!] scoop in both gal an’ ranch, Ill make myself Colonel Rattler ov Arizony, an’ ther two pards ov Sil- ver Bow will end their days in clover!” A coarse laugh followed tbe las: word, but ere the Happy Rattler could give the trigger of | his revolver the required pressure a voice — startled both men: i? 4 ‘Drop that pistol er I'll drop you. Rattler!” ’ There was more than a threat in the startling tones. i Removing his eyes from Colonel Sutter the dead-beat looked toward the speaker, and stand- ing on a rock further down the trail he saw the | k handsome form of Cold.Deck Curl with a rifle pressed against bis shoulder, ahd ‘Down with yer weapon, Rattler! I'd seoner kiil you than.a wolf.” _ * ros Rest ao The Happy Rattler looked a moment and en lowered his revolver with a wolfish grow). “Take ther trick, Cold-Deck,” be snajpcd.. “But I've got ther secret safe.” - CHAPTER XXIL THE RATTLERS ‘* TAI f “ re i nd let the: | ’ neck, ‘‘Jes* — iy shan’. when I held a band t eyes snap, Cold-Deck C:

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18 mishap, and could afford to laugh at the men be had left behind. Five minutes later he stood in the presence of Zoe, whose eyes were full of eagerne-s when she addressed him. ‘* Where is he?” she asked. back alone.” **It looks thet way, Zoe. He wouldn’t accept my tarms, consequently George an’ I came back unescorted.” The bumor of the mountain dead-beat was disgu-ting to the occupant of the cavern. Ir made her eyes flash. “Your terms?” she said, striding up to him rs be folded bis arms upon his chest and watch- ed her with a sardonic grin. “If I had but known this! I bave relied on your word. You promised to bring my father to me.” ‘* Wal, be wouldn't come to tarms.” “What were your terms? You made them after you left me,” “Ov course I did.” ‘Name them, if you dare.” “‘Now, don’t go off like powder, my little witch,” he smiled, “I went to yer father on bizness, an’ ov course [ bed tarms. They war reasovable, but he said no, I said, in mv swveet- est voice, ‘Two buncred thousand fer Zoe,’ but be said he’d sooner see you dead tuan treat with me. Zoe appeared to recoil a step. * Did my facber sav this?” she exclaimed. Nothin’ more, norbin’ less, Mebbe I struck tim too hig; out [ erierwards got ther cai! on him, an’ bed it when Co! -Deck Carl, his pard, got ther drop on my anatomy. Wal, I’ve got ou left, Zoe, an’ il feteb him to tarms yet.” “ Which means tivat for two bundred thousand you’ll restore me to my father?” “Thet’s about ther size ov it.” “Not a dollar of it shall he pay!” exclaimed Zoe, her eyes filling with indignation. ‘I did not know that you wunted to sell me to my own father, “You shall not do that,” “Tm ther serapb what makes ther tarms,” he grinned, leaning against the wall of the cavern, his somewbat dumpy. figure revealed by the fire that burned on the earthen floor, ‘ Look at me, Zoe. I'm not exactly one ov Rapbael’s cherubs, but ef you’d trace my ancestry back you might diskiver thet ther blood ov one ov them pards flows through my veins. Ob, I’m ther daisy jumper ov Silver Bow, somewhat ov a charac- ter; an’ I make tarms with yer father, not girl, *“You have come “Make them and rue them!” cried the Jooking him in the face, “TI havea friend. * Hercuies G idspur, I guess.” Zoe’s eyes brightened. “ Hercu!+sGolispur!” she exclaimed proudly. “Ther man with ther silken hand!” sneered the Rattler! “Thar’s a throat I'll bet it’ll never clutch,” and elevating his chin be smoothed bis throat with one of his brouza hands. ‘I’ve beard ov Hercules. Yor pard, I presume.” “Tre man I love,” " “Thet giant? You're a pigmy beside him, oe.” “It makes no difference. I owe him some- ‘thing; why not give bim my love?” she asked. **He took me from the man who abducted me from the old ranch when I was a babe. He one me frou that wretch at the risk of his life. ‘-But_he didn’t take you home an’ say: ** Fred Sutter, byer’s yer child.” «No, he did not,” **He carried you from one place ter another an’ landed at last at You-Bet. An’ you love thet choker? Wal, I would, too,” The Happy Rattler’s voice was full of insult and derision. “Don’t you see?” he went on. “ Hercules Goldspur bez got tarms ter make with yer fu- ‘ber, He'll bunt ’im up some day an’ say, *Give me ther ranch an’ take Zoe.’ We've ell, ot our price, Zoe, an’ the cherub thet ad- dresses you 8 one ov ther high-priced ones.” “ He has no price,” exclaimed tne = * Her- cules Goldspur would not rob my father of a doller,” “Then, why cid be run you out ov You-Bet ‘when he diskivered thet ver father hed come fer ye? It’s too thin, girl.” B-lieving bis question a poser, the speaker in- eerted histhumbs underneath his armpits and luoked into Z»e’s face with a grin. “Time will tell,” she said, “ Hé will explain all some day.” “Whar do you think he is now? Huntin’ ‘Lola, an’ not ther Happy Rattler. Wal. when he fiuds ther Poker Queen he'll git precious lit- tle information. I may ez well declor’ myself hyer, Two bnodred thousand, er Ferd Sutter never gits his cbild!” “We shall see!” ‘ ‘*So weshall, my robin. WhenI struck yer ‘trail L knew at once thet T had found a new oc- ccupstion. ‘No more lJorfin’ at Rilver Bow till we've cleaned Sutter out,’ I said ter Kickin’ , an’ he winked an’ said: ‘ Rattler, them's my sentiments, ’ I could take yer ter Frisco an’ trade ye to a gold-bu ez. my niece, though I'm not so strikin'ly ba eZ f you ar’; but I prefar to treat with Ferd Sutter, . With a look of scorn, Zoe turned away and | walked to a darkened part of the cavern, ** Se’s worth ther bull ranch—such a gal ez thet! ejaculaied the Happy Rattler, followin her with bis eyes, “1 struck a bonanza when made Lola give ’er up. Euchered by Cold Deck ter win by an’ by. Rattler, you an’ George will go back ter Silver Bow ther dandiest pards in ther Northwest.” Certain that Zoe was safe in the cavern in which she had kept herself concealed during his absence, on a promise that he would bring her | father back with him, the dead-beat of Montana | turned on his heel and left the cave. | He found bis mule where he bad left him, on | the outside, with the lines lying on bis neck, and | locking as deroure and inoffensive as usual. ; Taking the bridle be led Kicking George | away. “ Hark, pard!” be said, suddenly, halting some distance frum the cavern, It was evident that the dorkey’s ears had caught a suspicious sound, for be lifted them suddenly, and kept them elevated while the Rattler leaned forward and listened, All at once the seast jerked back and wrench- ed the bridle from bis master’s band, “Thet means Injuns!” fell from bis lips. ‘The smell ov ’em nearly sets George crazy, Nothin’ else effects im se.” He turned mt cng rcund and looked down ) | ther bo..anza oberg ov Arizony.” ! the trail, while bis hand whipped out the re- volver which he had lately presented at Sutter’s head. ‘‘ Whar ar’ they?” he cried. ‘ [’m a b’izness man from Silver Bow,’ I’m p’isen on foot when thar ar’ Injans about, Show up, my red butter- cups, er ferever bold yer peace. he last word had hardly left the Rattler’s lips ere a stalwart figure sprung into the path about thirty feet in advance of bim, and the red band that went upward made a certain sigu in mid-air. Quick as a flash the Happy Rattler executed a retrograde movement which troug!:t bim to where his excited donkey stood, and as he threw bis figure behind the beast, be les drive ast the Indian in the path. It was a shot of which Buffalo Bill wou'd bave been proud, for the red-skin jieaped into tbe air and fell back, dead before be touched the ound, “ That’s my sign, reddy! I didn’t understand yours,” exclaimed the Happy Rattler. ‘“‘ When compromise with an Iojun lll become a saint, No sirree! Pat me down as an Injun-bater. S.lver Bow is anti-red-skin ter ther bone.” For a moment after the fall of the Indian there was no reply to the Rattler’s defiance, Lut all at once the air resounded with yells, and several bullets whistled over his head. ‘A leetle high!” he said to bis donkey. ‘George, if it warn’t so risky I'd draw ’em up an’ let you kick’em ter ther huntin’-grounds. Mebbe they want Zoe; but they can’t have ’er while Ferd Sutter lives to pay ther two hun- dred thousand.” At this moment a dozen Indians appeared on the trail, and the Happy Rattler raised his head over the donkey’s buck and thrust two heavy revolvers forward, * One ov Rephael’s latter-day cherubs, at yer service!” he ejaculated, ‘Stand off, my beeu ideals,er I'll cultivate death among ye. I’m p’isen on foot, Keep off! Don't rile ther Rat- tler from Silver Bow. It was far from the red-skins’ intention to ‘*keep off,” for their eyes fairly blazed, and the yells that answered the Rattler foretold des- perate work, The trail swarmed with Indians. The deadly pistol-shot had apparently roused an entire camp. Suddenly they charged down upon the repre- | sentative of Silver Bow society with yells that made the air tremble. “We proceed ter bigness,” said the Rattler, ‘Stand yer ground, George!” The next instant the revolvers opened on the | Sioux, who tumbled right and left as they were | struck by the bullets, not one of which ap- peared to be thrown away “It’s a pienie worthy ther occasion!” laughed the Happy Rattler. ** Come on, you red devils! While loafed around Silver Bow I l’arued ter handle ther droppers,” His repid firing seemed to paralyze the In- dians, but he might empty the twelve chambers with deadly effect, and then have a score of enemies to overcome, He did this, With the last shot the foremost Sioux bound- ed forward with a yell on bis lips, and fell one, scalp-lock almost touching the don- ev’s feet. ‘It’s hand ter hand now!” grated the Happy Rattler, shutting his teeth bard, and whipping out a ten-inch bowie, “I’m a trump card with this toothpick, my amiable daisies, Jes’ let me illustrate!” and he made a b over the back of the donkey at the nearest Indian. A desperste encounter was imminent, for the man from Silver Bow was no mean antugonist, but belp was at hand. Ss sss rrr —- ee All at once, at the crack of a rifle whose bul- let whizzed past the Rattler’s ear, tae red-skin with whom he was about to grapple siaggered back, Then another and still another shared the same fate, until the rest recoiled, with mad | eyes staring at the friends who had come to the white man’s assistance, ““Jehosaphat! who’s helpin’ me?” exciaimed the Rattler, wheeling upon the unexpected re- inforcement, ‘Blast my peepers! if it isn’t ther gal!” Yes, a few rods up the trail and elevated so that she could fire over the Rattler’s head, stood Zoe Sutter, filling the Sioux with consternation with the repea'ing rifle, which she wo:ked with the ease of a finished marksman, Back from those deadly bullets the Indians recoiled, and the man from Silver Bow leaped upon the back of the donkey and suddenly urged him toward Zoe at the top of bis speed, Panting and excited, be balted before the fair girl and sprung to the ground, “You're a trump!” be exciaimed, “I'll raise Ferd Sutter anotber fifty thousand when I run across bim ag’in, Didn’t we drop ’em, my gentile pigeon?” CHAPTER XXIIL. GOLDSPUR ON DECK AGAIN, We go back to You-Bet, the Sioux-raided town on the Northern Pacific. The reader wid remember that when last there, we left Lola, the Poker Queen, kneeling beside Crimson Con, who had lost bis life in a vain attempt to recover from the depths of the Black Bonanza shaft the laced bat of his enemy, Hercules Goldspur. Lola did not remain long at Con’s side when she found that he was dead. She sprung up and went to the shaft. Her hand bad severed the rope at Con’s re- quest, and it bad fallen into the abvss, thus de- pens Hercules, if be still remained alive, of jis last bope of bg Lela longed to look into the gloomy depths of the chasm; but her eyes, piercing though they were, were not «qual to the task. ‘‘The mountain eagle will never tear another throat!” she said, while her eyes flashed. “He bas torn bis last one, and his soft talons will molder in the o ze of the mine. Now Lola will go back to Zoe’s trail, She will find the ir] and take her to her father and claim his uve, Lola, the Mexican, then, loved Ferdinand Sutter! She hoped to gain his love by restoring Zoe to hisarms, and for bis affection she was willing to do anytiing—to kill, even. She did not leave the brink of the s)aft un- til she had listened intently therefor many miv- utes, during which time not a sound came up to her ears. Perbaps Crimson Con had finislicd the giant he had found in tbe shaft, Lola knew that a desperate struggle had taken place between the two men, Con’s tattered clothes and lacerated throat were proof of this. “Dead! thank Herven! dead, to molest me no more,” she said, rising and leaving tbe mine. ‘‘A Dois! Senor Hercules.” She turned away with a glance at the dead man stretcbed out in the paren 9 his geping throat hideous even at that weird hour. She went to the edge of the town end there mounted the horse that hed brought ber thither. ‘Now for Zoe—this time not to fail,” she cried. In another minute she had put Y: u-Bet be- hind her, ber thougbts not on the secret of the Black Bonanza mine, but on the victory she ex- preted to achieve by restoring Zoe to her father’s arn's, If she could have penetrated the dark cepths of the shaft, the sight she would bave encoun- tered would have distended her dark eyes. In the water at the foot of the siatt stooda roar a man with flasbing eyes and clinched hands. “| can't doit!” he exclaimed, looking at the coil of rope he held in one hand, ‘I can’t throw this rope two bundred feet toward the stars and up a narrow shaft like this. Some- body cut the rope just ez I war about to foller Crimson Con. Ov course it war Lola, fer Con himself hadv’t strength left to do it. Jehu! didn’t I leave my finger-marks in his throat? It war tough ez bull-hide, but I tore it! Wanted my hat, didn’t be?” And the man it, the water laughed. “A chap what teckles me fer m bat’s a blamed fool. But J onst get out ov thin, He leaned against one of the sides of the shaft and felt it with bis bands. It was not very smooth, but there were no niches to help bim out. “J can’t git thet. tussle out o’ my head,” he went on to himself. ‘Ov course Con thoughy me dead, er he wouldr’t hey ventured down hyer on the rope. When he fired at me, the bullet grazin’ my head staggered me back inter the shaft; but I managed te. catch ther ecce fer a minute, but I couldn’t bold on. Down I fell, an’ ef it hadn’t been fer the ladders thet hed lodged crosswise in. tuev suuit, 1 wouidn’t’ be

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inet fh el F : _ Pees , ae Hercules Goldspur. 19 byer breatbin’ now. It war Goldspur’s luck— taet’s all. When I saw Con comin’ down hand over hand, I remarked gently ter myself thet thar war one hat he’d never wear, an’ wear it he never shall! It war a lively fight, fur Crim- son Con war noslouch. A grittier man I never tackled afore. Goldspur, ye must git out ov hyer. Zoe must be found. Lola doesn’t know whar sheis. She robved me, an’ then somebody robbed ber Turn about’s fair play.” More than once during his self-communings The Man of the Velvet Hand looked wistfully at the stars. Tbey were numerous and far away, and their scintillations seemed to mock his situation, ‘* By the eternal beavens! I’m goin’ ter leave this place!” he cried. But without assistance he could not escape from that shaft, and nobody knew it better than Goldspur himself. Still he did not despsir. He fished in the water with his hands and suc- ceeded in standing one of the heavy ladders against the wall of the shaft. Then he mounted it to the top and felt the wall as far up as be could reach, “TI wish somebody else would come down ‘hyer after my hat,” be suddenly laughed. “‘ But T guess nobody wants it on the tarms I gave ‘Crimson Con. He did not hear Lola’s adieu, nor the sound of _ borse’s boofs as she rode away from You- et, He stood on the ladder with his face still up- ‘turved to the stars, not hopeless, but with a head full of plans for vengeance and final tri- ‘umph io the future. en like Hercules Goldspur never wholly despair, He felt the night wesring away while he ‘stood on the ladder, several feet above the water in which his terrible fight with Crimson Con had taken place. ae ét once he heard a noise that startled im, “Ts Lola waiting for me up yonder?” be ex- claimed. ‘Does she think that I still live? Some one’s up there. 1 know it.” Suddenly a dark object blotted out the light of a star, and remained for several minutes poised over the edge of the shaft. ‘“Mebbe it’s a b’ar,” said Hercules Goldspur, as be regarded the object. ‘ Ther old chap must feel kind o’ lonely in You-Bet. Ef I war up thar he’d bev company.” But it was not a grizzly. Over the edge of the shaft leaned a human figure half-naked to the waist, and with a tuft of feathers for a head-dress. It was an Indian, and hither and thither be- hind him, from cabin to cabin, flitted a dozen more, like specters through the moonlight. Toe Sioux had come back to the place they had plundered, Perhaps they thought there were more scalps for them there, but the only one within their reach was the one that still clung to Crimson Con’s head, “ Come down, old feller, an’ give me a tussle!” suddenly shouted Goldspur to the object he had taken for a bear. “ Thar’s a bat byer if ye want it—ther one Con didn’t git!” Instantly the figure was withdrawn, but three minutes later the man on the ladder saw a dozen pea gana arranged uround the edge of the aft. *Injons!” he ejaculated, “Who down there?” suddenly cried a voice in the unmistaks ble tones of the red-skin. “Whoam I?” he answered, ‘ Hercules Gold- spur. Throw'down a rope. It'll take a long one, but thar ar’ plenty ov ’em in You-Bet.” Several exclamations of astonishment greeted ‘his words, “Indians git brother out ov big hole!” cried one. “ Him no die down there.” “That’s clever; an’ ef [| don’t do you red pards a good turn some day, set me down fer a reaser,” | . The disappearance of all but several heads told Goldspur that a search was being made for a rope long enough to extricate bim from the shaft, and he waited the result with much im- } patience, At last a shout greeted his ears, and told him that a rope bad been found. “Hyer comes deliverance!” he exclaimed, as he beard a rope soph down the mine. ‘Who ever thought that a lot ov sneakin’ Injuns would Save Goldspur’s life?” He watched the snake-like object that dan- gled between hin: and the stars, and made ready tu seize it at the first opportunity, Nearer and nesrer ifcame, end at last with a ery of delight, he gr sped it with both bands and quickly wound itarcund his body. _* Pall, my red pards.” be sent up to the Tn- | dians above, ‘I’m fixed fer ther ascent an’ I } lovg ter begin their hunt fer Zoe.” The Sioux did pull, and Hercules Goldspur soon found himself leaving the depths of the -} mive by the last means through which he had Bs) sw deliverance, _ Crushed over his face was the Jeced sombrero ) Which bad cost one man his life, and protrudin above his belt was the hilt of a bowie which R . a cei eee eg ei it cities eel ananassae isi nnn tate ak ms nents noes sh anne arias narnia, he bad fished from the depths of the Black Bo- nanza, As he neared the top, he held his breath. Unseen red-skins were pulling with all their might, and several pairs of keen eyes were watching for bim with savage eagerness, Suddenly be turew one hand up to catch the solid edge of the shaft, when a red hand seized it, and the Indian pulled hard. This was assistance unexpected, but The Man of the Velvet Hand did not disdain it, but aided by the red-skin, drew himself upon the solid ground, and throwing the rope away stood oun before the fifteen savages who had rescued him. : “It is Velvet Hand!” exclaimed several sav- ages, ““Didn’t I tell vou so afore you began ter pull me up?’ said Hercules, whose eyes glittered like diamonds.. ‘I gave ye fair warnin’ who ye war pullin’ up afore you stretched the rope with this individual at ther end ov it. Hello! who’s thet? Crimson Con, by hokey!” A stride carried bim to the man on the ground, and a look told him the result of the fight at the bottom of the shaft. ‘* 1 did thet!” he said, turning to the Indians. “Ther fool wanted my sombrero, but,” with a laugh, ‘‘ he didn’t git it!” : He stepped back a pace as the Sioux started toward him, and drew his splendid figure to its true hight, q “Stand whar ye ar’!” he cried, with a fear- less man’s defiance, as his right hand waved them back. ‘‘I don’t want the blood of any one who saved my life. Go back to your own trails. Ihave one ov my own ter tread, an’ I’m goin’ ter tread it alone. I want no Injun with me, You want no pale-face with you.’ ‘The red-skins stopped, and stared at the ant. at Accept ther thanks oy Hercules Goldspur,” he went-on. “ From this night he will never shed the blood ov a Sioux. He swears it with uplifted band. The warriors who pulled him from the Black Bonanza bave made him ther friend of their nation, When we meet again, we'll meet ez friends,” There was no reply. Were these the same Indians who had attacked him the night he left You-Bet with Zoe—the red-skins whose comrades he had shot right and left in the mountain pass? * Peace or war—which shall it be?’ he ex- claimed. ‘Shall it be shake or fight? Decide “ys that blamed quick, fer I’ve got bizaess else- whar! Suddenly one Indian sprung from the spell- bound group. “Red Snake speaks for all. It shall be peace between Velyet Hand an’ the Sioux.” ~ A smile came to the corners of Goldspur’s mouth. : “‘ Peace it is, then. Good-by, my new pards, I go back to the trai] [ hoped ter strike by comi’ byar.” ‘* Sioux hunt with white brother.” “With me for Zoe?—never!” flashed the giant. ‘SI goalone. Woe tothe man, friend or foe, that follers me on this trail!” Stepping back as he finisbed, he waved the astonished red-skins a farewell and deliberately turned his back upon them and walked off. “TI couldn’t any more than thank ’em,” he laughed. ‘ Thar they stan’ like gapin’ gophers, Shoot me in the back? not much! uch as Hercules Goldspur bates a red-skio thar’s peace forever twixt him an’ all Sittin’ Bull’s pards.” Halt a mile beyond the suburbs of You-Bet Goldspur stopped, and suddenly threw his laced hat high in mid-air accompanying the action with an ejacnlation of delight. ‘‘T feel like the mornin’ star!” he exclaimed. “Look out, Lola, Cold-Deck , the Rattler—all ov ye! I’m on deck agin. | Ther velvet hand svete lost its grip. I don’t stop this side of oe!” CHAPTER XXIV. THE TRAIL TO ZOR, “Ts it to be an interminable bunt? That slippery villain got away with his secret, and Zoe my child is still lost to me,” “1 wish now that | had crippled him, I had him at my rifle’s mercy, but I spared the wretch, for I did not think be could give us the slip on that sleepy donkey. But we will find him again, Do not give up your child as irre- trievablv lost, We cannot be far from the Happy Rattler, I have embarked on this hunt to find Zoe for you. Cold-Deck Carl cannot he baffisd. We will find Zoe, an’ by heaven! { will drive a ball through the head ov the Man from Silver Bow.” Sutter’s eyes brightened. The escape of the Rattler after the events lately enacted, his demand for the rewerd and bis failure to obtain it, had cast the Arizonian’s spirits down, He bad cause for thinking that bis long life- hunt wenld never end, _ .Coli-Deeck Curl had sworn to find Zoe for him, but days had passed away since the oath, | was in the and she was still lost to him. ui He now believed that his child 2 ik eee white man donbt Happy Rattler's power, but where he did not know. After the dead beat’s escape, they had hunted for Zoe but without success, It the Rattler sometimes played the fool, he was a sbrewd, calculating rascal, and had man- aged to conceal his hiding-place an’ Zoe’s from eyes as sharp as Carl’s, than whom there was no better tracker in the Northwest. lt was a week after the Rattler’s failure to force from Sutter at the revolver’s muzzle a promise of two hundred thousand dollars’ re- ward for Zoe’s safe return to his arms that the words that open this chapter fell from the ran- cher’s tongue, He and Cold-Deck Carl were alone, but not un watched. Crouched among some bushes above their mountain camp was a human figure whose eyes wren as he watched. ¥ ss oe “They haven’t got Zoe yet,” passed his lips. TM meee vs man fer doin’ what 1 bev done, but when I took Zoe from You-Bet I wasn’t ready to give her up to him. I have terms to make with Ferd Sutter. Why no’ make ’em now?” The speaker looked at Cold-Deck C 11 as he finished. ‘* We never can get along, Cold-Deck. Some- how er otber thar must be eternal war between youan’ me. Hello! thar goes that peculiar call ag’in!” The man was no less a person than Hercules Goldspur, and he threw a rapid glance over his shoulder as he uttered the concluding sen- tence. A noise like the peculiar cry of a night bird had fallen upon his ears, and when he looked downon - the camp again he saw that Ferdinand Sutter, the rancher, was the only person at the fire. “Tbat war no bird,” he ejaculated. ‘Cold- Deck heard the signal ov a pard, an’ hyer he comes to thér conference.” Sure enough, Cold Deck Carl bad left the pst and was advancing toward Goldspur’s re- reat, _ There wasa gleam of victory in the eyes of the gambler The call was a signal, not the notes of a noc- turnal bird. ; With eager eyes Hercules Goldspur watched tbe schemer as he came nearer and nearer, and saw him pass so near to his place of conceal- ment that be cuuld have touched him with his silken Land. ‘Now's my chance fer a private talk with Sutter,” he said. “But no! I’m goin’ ter see what kind ov a bird called Cold-Deck.” Instead of descending into the camp where the rancher stood at his fire thoughtful and silent, he followed Cold-Deck Car] so noiseles-ly that the sport was totally unaware of the espion- age, Carl led Hercules Goldspur down a narrow trail, and The Man of the Velvet Hand at last leaned over a buge bowlder and saw two figures standing almost directly beneath bim in | the fading twilight of a summer day. “‘Tt’s a red bird!” fell from bis lips as he made out the figure of the tall and stately red-skin who faced Cold-Deck Carl. ‘Hang me ef be doesn’t resemble the head Injun what helped me out ov ther Black Bonanza a few days back, vut then all reds look alike artersundown,” “So you’re sure thet you've struck the right trail?” said the gambler-sport to bis companion. ‘*When did Red Fox fail to find the quarry?” was the answer as the Indjan shrugged bis shoul- ders, ‘* He can trail better than his white bro- thers. They have been huntin’ Jong time for tbe lost child of the pale-face; but Red Fox him put his foot on the right trail pretty soon.” — . She is in the Rattler’s hands?” © Yes, The yellow snake keeps her.” “But he shall soon give her up!” grated the sport, ‘‘ Curse his face! I propose to spoil it with a bullet, Red Fox. had bim at_ my mercy the other day, but like a fool I let him o unwinged. The next time I’!] know better. § be near?” - Not far off. Red Fox soon find bim, and r How the eyes of Hercules Goldspur glittered while he listened to these words. ’ Cold-Deck Carl had found an Indian ally. _ By promising a reward tempting to the red- skin he bad secured the services of a trailer who had scented out Zoe’s biding-place. __ j ‘Is my brother ready with the gold be prom- ised Red Fox?” asked the Indian, _ “Tt shall ba nes said Cold-Deck Carl ow : biting bis lip. me the girl.” The Sioux appeared to recoilaninch, — — . ‘‘Was that the ain?’ exclaimed Rea Fox. ‘ Was Red Fox show bis brother the white girl first?” ; “Don’t flare up about it,” almost hissed th gembler-sport. ‘I I itly the eyes of t become flushing stars, | pyre “Does Red Fox lie?” he cried. ‘ Does the word? Red Fox mus¢ have the gold first— —" oe Pay +e \. eee ? aera tes em Al ix

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. tion saw Red Fox walk awa ’ the “T can’t give it up before I see Zoe. By hea- vens! if you want independence you'll find some in. me! Wm Cold Deck Carl, an’ I don’t care a continental for your discovery. Ican find Zoe with a little more time. I mace a fair bargain with you. 1 am willin’ter stan! by it, You ar’ the man who wants to break it. Keep yer secret, then!” Goldspur saw the gambler sport step back with an independence that astovished him. The red-skin looked at bim in amaz :ment. ‘Oh, go an’ break the contract,” cried Cold- Deck. ‘‘Tll do my own trailing.” He pointed down the mountain-trail as he _spoke, and flasbed defiance in the Indiau’s Good! Red Fox will go!” was the reply. ‘He bas found the lost white girl, but he will not tell his white brother who keeps back the yeHow money.” ‘*Yes—gol When I trust another Injun, thar’ll be an airthquake!” Cold-Deck Carl turned his back on his hired trailer, and avoided the Indian's blazing eyes. Only Hercules Goldspur saw them, and he saw the red-skin’s hand glide to the hatchet in his belt; but be did not draw it forth, For a moment the two men stood but three feet apart on the mountain trail, and then the Sioux whee!ed, ‘*Red Fox is gone! Let. the white mar find the lost star of the pale-faces,” ‘*By the eternal gods, I will!” thundered Cold-D-ck Carl, ‘‘ You nor the dead-beat from Silver Bow shall bafile me in the game | play ag’in’ all mankind!” He said no more, and Goldspur from his sta- with all the haughtiness he was capable of displaying. ithout a word Cold-D-ck Curl watched the red-skin disappear around a bend in the trail, “Pll. make this tha cheapest secret I ever purchased!” Goldspur heard ‘him biss, ‘ That red Greaser sha’n’s get the best ov Cold-D:ck Carl! I’ve trailed Injans afore, an’ this sharp trader sha’n’t beat me!” The gambler sport took a hasty stride in the direction taken by the Indian, and the eyes of The Man of the Velv-t Hand catight the glitter of the cocked revolver he carried at his side. “Two can trail one [njua at a time, Cold- Deck.” he smiled, as he lowered himself over a rock that bad sheltered im, and dropped like a cat upon the trail. ‘‘ We'll see who pays ther most fer Red Fox’s secret—vou er me!” ; If Cold Deck Carl bad looked over bis shoul- der at that moment be might have caught sight of the buman panther that bad thrown bimself upon his trail; but be thought only of ths In- dian gliding down the mountain-path a short distance in advance of him. “Tl make R-d Fox show me where Zoe is!” he said to himself. ‘ He shall take me to my future prize, whether he wants to or not.” Hercules Goldspur carried no weapons in his band as be hastened after Cold Deck Carl over th which was as bard as a floor, but gave forth no sounds. ‘I'm goin’ ter foller thet red ter Zoe, not you Cold-Deck,” he said to himself, ‘‘ You ar’ etween me an’ ther Injun. Git out ov my way.” gen Te last five words ended in a biss, and the several eager strides that carried Goldspar forward landed him within arm’s length of Cold-Deek Carl. All at once his hand fell like a trip hammer upon the gambler-sport’s shoulder and a low triumpbant laugb parted Goldspur’s lips as he whiried upon bim, ** You?’ ejaculated Cold-Deck Carl. “Yes, me! Them Injuns didn’t want you very bad when I flung you to ‘em. Now ye've jined hands witt ared. Want Zoe, eh, my Poker ing? Toar’s another fellow in ther game. box, an’ it’s Hercules Goldspur. Fol- ' Jerin’ Red Fox, bev? Goin’ ter git his secret ‘oin’ ter buy it at cheap, I s’pose? But I’m ther same price, Cold-Deck!” There was the quick dart of a hand at a buman throat and Cold Deck Carl felt the silken fingers of Hercules Goldspur close behind his windpipe, while bis revolver fell from his back gr hand! AY } * Pil foller ther Injun, not you, Cold-Deck,” artery ‘na self from th Faint thoughts. ~ He might have removed his hand from the. ‘This band ov mine | ae Hercules Goldspur. ee 2 SOR Ru, : | ness overshrouded all things, he fell down— | about to leap into the cavern, when Red Fox's down to doom, His escape would prove a miracle seldom wrought among the everlasting bills. ‘Now fer the red!’ said Goldspur springing down the trail again, ‘Cold-Deck warn't a ee mun ter manage. Wheat will ther Indian e? His struggle with the gambler-sport bad oc- cupied five minutes, and Red Fox bad had time | to get over a good little strip of trail. He might: have become alarmed and left it | altogether, but the victor did not despair, All at once he stopped and fixed his eyes on a buman figure that stood statue-like betweeu him and the ‘stars, * It’s ther red,” he said to himself, and then he beard the [ndian’s voice. “The white-face may follow Red Fox to find the pale girl’s lodge He shall not find ip, There are other trails which Rei Fox can travel, an’ lead him from it. He will give the white man a false scent to follow.” “You will, eh? grinned Hercules Goldspur when he sawthe Sioux dart to one side, and suddenly disappear from the trail. ‘ Hold up, my scarlet seraph! You can’t baffle me,” He almost ran toward the'spot deser ed by the Indian and gained it to find a thread of a path just visible among the ster gleams. - “He did nob stop but glided after the wary red ' ed, Zoe’s fortunes were at stake. Three minutes Jater a hand encircled the red-skin’s naked arm, and the man with whom he was suddenly and forcibly brought face to face, said witha laugh that bad a terrible meaning. “Beat me if you kin, Injun. I buy my se- crets at My Own price. Svow me whar Zoe is, Go back ter the old trail, er l leave yer hyer fer ther buzzards, Take yer choice. Live er die? ‘ _ Red Fox knew his man. ~ His look told Goldspur that he was recog- nixed. “The eagle with the terrible talons has caught the Sioux fox,” he said, ‘But what does the red: man know about another trail?’ “Notaffy, reddy,” cried the giant. \ ““Cold-Deck Carl has changed his mind. I’ve taken his place. You know whar Zoe is, I[ heard all back on ther trail. Lie to Hercules Goldspur an’ hell ¢hoke yer peepers out ov yer head, To Zoe! Thet’s ther cry.” H's grip tightened on Red Fox’s arm as be forced him to the wider trail, and when he struck it the Sioux looked into his face, ** Red Fox will go to the rancher’s cbild.” “'Phet’s bizness. Ther Sicux an’ me ar’ at eace, but "—Goldspur ground bis teeth—‘t you in vreak thet peace mighty easy ter-night. Zoe! Zoe! TP’m comin’ back! Vve taken two reat tricks ter-night. Tbar’s only one more left!” CHAPTER XXV. KICKED OUT OF TIME. Nor for a moment did Hercules Geldspur re- linquish bis grip on the Indian’s arm, As for the Sioux, he eyed the giant furtively, but made no effort to break loose from the hand that F sage a grip of iron. “How far is it ter Zoe?’ asked Goldspur, burning with impatience. v ‘White girl pretty near,” said the red-skin, “Isshealone?? = * “ No. ” A “ Who's with her?” ** A pale-face,” lap? “Ha! Tbe Happy Rattler,” exclaimed Gold- spur. ‘‘ Wal, I'll rattle him.” For more than two hours Red Fox led the giant up one mountain trail and down another, Many a man in Goldspur’s boots would have Syonene that the Sioux was deceiving him, but the laced westerner knew that he was not. serene Goldspur knew Indian character well. | He had passed enough of his life among the red-skins to read, as it were, the Sioux's Indian’s arm and yet trusted bim. At length the red-man stopped. — “We are at the bird’s nest, white-face,” he ‘said, Goldspur looked ahead, and on every side, but saw no indications of being near a human habitation = _ As the Sioux watched him, a curious expres- sion. came to his face. “White-face does not own the eyes of the eagle,” he said. oY ’ 1% No man does,” said Hercules. ‘Show me y ‘ Ne, 7T ~ n xt n curtain of vines, into dark oni ' | vhousand Happy Rattlers dont daunt me, — | got a band that never forgets its cunuin a), band held bim back. yore ‘Pale-tace may be in there,” be said. ‘What if be is?’+xclaimed Goldspur. ae ‘ve bever goes beck on its master.” He dashed the Indian’s band down and sprung into the opening. ‘*f am byer fer Zoe!” be grated, ‘ Woe io the man «ho stands bei ween ber an’ me.” His bound carried bim six feet beyond the | tbresbold of the mouutain den. . | | ) The ceiliug was some distance above his head, but he could bave touched the sides of the cor- ridor witb his bands. He did not pause until be reeched a large room partly illumived by a fire that smoldered on the earthen floor. The sight of the embers made him balt, “Ze, lam hyer!” he exclaimed, ‘' Zoe, my bird, Hercules is back!” Tiere was no response save the mad ery that burst from bis own throat. ‘Is she not byer? Heg thet red skin lied?”. H.- caught up a brand and with « little exer- tion secured a fl me that the better iliumimated the room, ; A glance told Goldspur that the cevern had been lately inhabited, and a lovk showed bim that it was now empty. A cry that might have welled from. the throat of a baffled tiger parted bis lips and with: | a curse he threw the brand upon the floor. ‘They bave taken ther trick thet belonged to me; but they sball’not keep it!” be cried. “Zoe, by the holy heavens 1 will tind vou!” Back toward the entrence be turned eager to find the trail of the Arizonian’s daughter. He did not expect to find the Indian where be bad left Lim, tut strange to say. Red Fox was at his post. a half questioning look on bis stolid countenance, ‘‘Wal, I found—notbin’!” said Hercules. ‘*The lost star of Arizony is gone!” ; The Sioux started shghtiv. **T don’t blume you, Injun,” continned Her- cules. ‘You hev played fir ef veu did it un- der compulsion. You thought Zoe war hyer; but ther Rattler war too much fer ye. find the trail.” ‘ sturlight tis keen eyes began to examine the ground. Goldspur with fold‘d arms, and proudly erect, watched bim until be locked up. “No trail,” Jaconically reported the Indian. . “Thar must be one,” * Let white-face Jook, then.” A “No. I never Ss my eyes ag’in’ a fox's—it’s no use,” smiled Hercules, ‘But when I say tbar wust be a trail, ov course I mean thet thar isone, Tber Rattler ar’ no bird; neither is Zoe. Thet trail must be tound, reddy.” , “* Mebbe cave haye back trail.” ) ‘* We'll see.” Da ite Be cd Into the cavern rushed Goldspur, this time oe gang by the Indian who seemed eager to find Zoe, The discarded firebrand was celled into re- quisition again, and for some minutes the two: pards searched the underground cavern with a. fidelity that seemed to command success, At the end of the bunt tbe Indian touched Goldspur’s arm and showed by his look that he was nonplused, ‘ ‘“* Wharever they ar’ I will find ’em,” said the giant finally. ‘Can Red Fox bunt, too?” “ With me?” ~ “ With bis white brother.” “ Wal, I never hed a red pard, an’ 1 don’t see thet I want one now, but, seein’ thet you want ter help me, I’ll take you, Injun.” Red Fox held out his hand which was quickly seized by the giant and cordially grasped. “Ef you think Cold-Deck is still on deck, an” thet he'll trail you, you fool yerself,” said Goid- spur. ‘Ov course men hev some strange, es~ capes, but his warn’t one oy ’em. Cold Deck over some bard rock, an’ I] guess be’s whar be struck vet. We ar’ pards, | believe? Now fer ther first duty. We must find Zoe!” Hercules Goldspur turned once more toward the mouth of the cavern, and as he sprang be- vond the threshold and showed his stalwart saluted his ears. At the first notes cocked rev: lver. come nigher,” said the laugher. | who do you think did itthistime?”? There was no mistaking the voice.’ himself to be recognized. = “TI know you,” shouted Hereales, strict 1g to ward the laugher. ‘No, sir, Zoe is not hyer. Stand whar ye ar’, Rattler, You an’ Golds ill settle their accounts right byer.” More than one hundred yards separated two men; the man from Silver Bow w: ed slighty | Re Pgs ing d it aan Let us ° Down on his knees went the Sivux andinthe I dropped — - figure to the stars, an almost boisterous laugh: the giant wheeled with “Since Zoe aint at bome ag’in, I needn't ee mereules, Once beard it could not be forgotten, afd ft was not necessary for the possessor of ‘it to show elevat~—

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“To kill ther skunk first, an’ find Zoe after- ward—thet’s my duty,” hissed Hercules to him- self, He was moving with rapid strides toward the Happy Rattler when a stern voice bade him | Goldspur. halt. Hercules Goldspur. ** Whar is she, then?” he suddenly ejaculated. * Let white-face think. If girl did not run away who would steal her.” ‘Who stole her before? Lola!” exclaimed ‘““Is it possible that that Mexican witch is still at work—that she robbed the man ‘* What’s yer intentions?” asked the Man from | who robbed her at ther revolver’s muzzle? It Silver Bow over the leveled rifle that covered | was she who cut the rope in the Black Bonanza Hercules. ‘ What’s thet ye said ’bout settlin’ accounts? Jes’ repeat yer words, sage chick didn’t git ther right grip on ’em.” an’ left me ter perish thar. Look out, Lola! Mebbe this | I’m comin’—comin’ like a cyclone!” The two pards went back to the mine, but bere was grim humor in the voice, but it | could discover no clew to Zoe's wherabouts, ‘was stern enough to admonish Goldspur that he was advancing headlong upon a ig sg dl man- ned by a man who had little regard for human life. The game was all in Happy Rattler’s hands; he held the life of the Idaho Hercules at the mercy of his trigger. Goldspur halted, “If she went through the air, I’) find her!” he said grinding his teeth. “Dll git thar, red- skin, The gray dawn of another day was appear- ing among the movutains when the Idaho giant reached a certain point in an elevated trail and leaned against a huge bowlder alongside of it. He was alone, and the first rays of the sun His fingers tightened around the revolver he | made the lace glisten on bis sombrero, carried at his side, and now that be saw bis Armed with two revolvers and a bowie whose perdi, the rifle and the cool desperado behind it, | hilt stuck above his leatbern belt be looked im- 6 seemed about to recoil. proved in appearance despite the: blow be had “Go on!” whispered a voice at bis feet. ‘The | received at the heels of tne Happy Rattler’s eye of Red Fox covers the Rattler!” A moment later without warning, Hercules Goldspur sprung forward relying on the eagle eye and steady band of the new pard. There was a sharp rifle crack, and the laced sombrero of he of the velvet band was li from the raven hair, but the giant rushed on. Ere he could reach the Happy Rattler an ani- ” What had become of Red Fox, the Indian? If the red skin was near he was not to be seen, and the keen eye of the eagle could not have singled him out. Goldspur’s position was a goodly distance from the cavern which beand Red Fox bad reached only to find it deserted, and if he was on a trail mal pushed himself between the two men, and | he was pursuing it with a great deal of leisure. as a pistol shot rung out behind Hercules Gold- spur and he was litted clear of the Kicking George bad rush rescue, and with stunning effect so far as Gold- round! The trail that ran at his feet soon lost itself a pair of hoofs struck him in the breast, | among the intricacies of the mountain, but the giant did not seem in any burry to take it up “No Zoe, to his master’s | again. ‘* Nothin’ yet,” be said to himself, spur was concerned, for twenty feet from the | no Red Fox, no nothin’, Ther Happy Rattler spot where the donkey had planted bis feet in | even doesn’t show his beautiful physiognomy,an’ the chest of the giant, a stalwart man !ay sense- | thet infernal kickin’- machine called George less and apparently dead across the trail. The victor of the brief combat, the innocent- mare out ov my way.” The giant’s anger rose as he spoke the last sen- looking donkey, stood his ground until a man | tence, and he clinched his bands in a spasm of near by staggered toward him, and threw a leg | rage. across the saddle, P “bet war ther boss kick ov yer life, pard! It b’isted Hercules Goldspur clear ov ther | master, round, an’ played smart with his constitution. Bat bis pard got me. I guess we'll never be- come bonanza princes at Silver Bow. 1 won't, anybow, George. You_umay kick yer way *oogt ther world; but I’m wiped out.” hes aker turned the donkey’s bead up the | an “Thet mule! went on, Don’t I want ter fix ’im?” he “T bate ’im worse than I hate his One ov these days— Hello! what's thet?” A start forward and then a quick halt which omen wide the giant’s eyes followed the inter- ruption. ; The object that had encountered his gaze was animal that had appeared on a little plateau mountain, and dug his heels into bis flanks with | further down the mountain. a madman’s fury. Away went the beast at the i while an Indian bent over the giant lying across the trail and Jaid a red hand upon his beart. “ Did you get im, Fox?’ were the first words that passed Goldspur’s lips as be met the Sioux’s aze “Red Fox forget white-face,” bounded the red-skin to return in a moment witb a report that made Goldspur grind bis | stake, teeth, ‘Got away, eh?” he growled. A second look ahve an exclamation of ps. ; of his speed | satisfaction to Goldspu “Not Zoe, but that kickin’-machine! Now ef I don’t git even with thet counter-smasher, put me down fer a fool.” He started toward the donkey, which was quietly nipping the grass below him, and totally And away | unconscious of bis presence. The welfare of the Rattler’s pard was at for there was dire vengeance in the sport’s eyes. Nearer and nearer he crept to the donkey, un- The Sioux did not speak, but held his hand | watched, as he thought, by any human being. up in a position that made Hercules Goldspur heres the glistening blood that stained it. ‘* Whose blood?” asked the giant. ‘*'W bite shooter's,” ‘His? I'd sooner bev spilled thet infernal miule’s! As a kickin’-machine, Injun, thet | fer kickin’ ‘im last night. avimile’s a grand success ” He did not see the figure half-buried in the grass about one hundred yards from the mule. “Great Jehosaphat! ef thar ain’t ther big pard!” exclaimed this person. ‘‘Can’t I see what he’s arter? Wants ter pay George back Pll cal) my pard in.” A peculiar call, which made Hercules Gold- Anybody but a savage would bave smiled at | spur turn bis head, caused the donkey to wheel Goldspur’s lugubrious countenance, but the Siovx’s face did vot relax. and move rapidly toward the man in the grass. With a mad oath the Idaho giant strode for- ‘“*Buchered by a mule, Red Fox!” continued | ward, the giant. ‘Kicked out o’ time by a pard thet ean’t talk. Let it be a secret fer you an’ Her- cules Goldspur. Ef you blow it, I'll kill you!” CHAPTER XXVL THE SILVER BOW PARDS AGATN, Fortunate iv was for the Idaho giant that the | piant’s gaze. Happy Rattler’s four-footed pard “I’m hyar in person fer a final settlement,” he flashed. while his eyes snapped, ‘Stand! you blamed donkey! Kicked out ov time, I’m byar all ther same.” ‘‘Hyer, drop me, Hercules,” exclaimed the man in the grass, as he exposed his body to the “T’'m ther Happy Rattler from had not | Silver Bow, winged an’ without a shootin’-iron. elevated bis heels a few inches higher, and | Piant yer bullets inter this sage chick, an’ let lanted them squarely in his face. 7, Had this oecurred the endof Goldspur’s bunt George go.” Hercules Goldspur stopped short as if he was for Zoe would bave been reached when he least | about to enter a snare of some kind. expected it. : e did not recover from bis warm r by Kicking George until the man from Bow was far from the scene of the transaction. The donkey by this time had reached his ras- tion | ter, and the two presented a singular picture on ilver | the little plateau, With difficulty the Rattler drew himself up, “Tell an’ ’ll give ye @ passport ter Injun | and leaned over the donkey’s saddle with bis Sioux, heaven,” be said more than once to the It "d disgrace “ Kicked out ov time by a mule! a Digger Injun. sav, reddy? Blood on ther grass? Let me see it. ” Whar is ther Rattler did you | on. eyes fastened on the undecided giant. Oh. I’m playin’ squar’, Hercules,” he went “Thar's a hull in my breast thet’s givin’ ther last trick ter death, Walk up, my big beau ideal, an’ George’ll ask yer fergiveness fer “Hercules Goldspur went to the — occupied | thet kick last night.” oy the Rattler during the brief and almost fatal encounter just witnessed, and assisted by the Indian found blood-stains on the trail. “Vou hit him, Fox!” he exclaimed. ‘ You winged the Rattler. fingers on bim; wait till Hercules Goldspur rips his yallar throat, He knows whar Zoe ” “No.” and Red Fox shook bis head. not know, big white-face.” ** How do you know?” * From what bim oy Goldspur did not rep “Him ” y for a moment. The Rattler held up both hands with the — ont as he spoke, and The Man witb the elvet Hand advanced again. When he reached the Rattler’s side he saw But wait till I git my | that he was terribly wounded. Blood covered the front of bis dark shirt, and his face, bronzed no longer, bad a pallor that was startling. ‘Pm a pieter,” smiled the Man from Silver ei a ou hed a pard last night, Hercules?” * Yes, *“ Wasn't he a red-skin?” * He war.” ee eee ssv—— 21 ‘Ther one I saw prowlin’ round t’other day. But he didn’t git Zoe.” *‘Ov course be did vot.” ** Don’t you know who did?” ** Lola?” ** Thet she-cat ov Mexico!” growled the Rat- tler. “It’s the first time I war ever robbed by a woman, War you ever kicked by an tppar- atus like this afore last night, Hercules?” ‘There !” said the giant sternly as his brow darkened. ‘1 don’t want to bear of that ag’in. The first time it war, Rattler, an’ Hereulee Goldspur hez sworn thet it shall never occur ag’in’ ” ‘*Mad at George, I see, Vent yer spite on me. I told George ter kick an’ kick be did, I'm ther propeller ov this aap I’m ther chap what laid ye out, not George hyer. You ar’ alone, Hercules, an’ I’m glad on it, I don’t trust an Injun; mebbe you do, Ef I hed got ther drop on yer red pard when I saw ’im rowlin’ round ther cave I wuuldn’t be in this xnow. I bad Zoe well in band when Lola came an’ took ber. Lola? 1 know she did it!” ‘ Whar war you?” ‘* Away, ov course; but only fer a brief spell. Ov course thet she-panther war on ther alert. She see’d me go an’ then her eyes snapped. I struck Ferd Sutter too bigbh, but arterward I war fetchin’ him to my tarms when his pard Cold: Deck Carl got ther drop on my anatomy. Thet girl’s’ a daisy jumper, Hercules. She's worth my tarms—two bundred thousand.” “Is that what you wanted for her?” “Yes. Kindo’ modest warn’t J? It would hev sent George an’ I back ter Silver Bow renmagessy inces with cash enough ter start a fare bank. l’ve changed my mind. I’m not goin’ back ter Silver Bow. rge may, but I shall stay byer.” ‘* With yer boots on, Rattler?” “Of course, All thet’s kept me up tbus fur, war hopes of findin’ Zoe ag’in, but that’s played out. want you to find her now, Her- cules.” . Thet’'s just what I’m goin’ to do,” said Her- cules. “You will. Lola gave some ov her plans away ter Zoe. She’s dead gone on Sutter, an’ she’ll never give Zoe up until she sees her way cl’ar ter bein’ mistress ov thet Arizony ranch, a hev stuck ter Pigmy Pete, who is ead, ‘* Dead?” cried Goldspur. **I ran across ther little pard t’other day. Ther buzzards hed already been thar, but I knowed who killed ’im. He run ag’in’ Cold- Deck somewhar, and got his everlastin’, Bit let me gO on. Lola hez played big bands afore now an’ won. She will give Zoe back fer Sut- ter’s love, an’ ez mistress ov ther ranch she'll beggar them two, father and daughter, afore she lets up. Lola war cut out for a Poker Queen. Ef you an’ me could become pards, Hercules— ef thet Injun’s bullet bad passed a lJectle ter one side, thar yet would be a game played thet would wind up lively.” rkled as he finished. The Rattler’s eyes © “Vl play it out! Thet’s what I’m byer fer,” said the Idaho giant. “Glory halleluyah! But there’s one thing you won't do, Hercules?” * What's thet?” “You won't avenge me.” * On Red Fc x?” **Oo thet Injun.” Hercules Goldspur was silent? ‘+ Let bim go,” continued the Rattler, “George will git even witb bim if he ever runs across ther red-skin. Last night I bad ther dropon ye, but yer Injun pard interfered. Curse thet red- skin! He's sp‘iled all my plans!” The Rattler’s lips seemed to quiver beLind the last words, “Come, George; we ar’ goin’ back!” he sud- denly exclaimed, as witb difficuity be threw himself upon the donkev’s back. “ Beck whar?” asked Hercyles. “Ter Silver Bow—home,” wes the answer. “Tbar’s an old cabin thet stands lonely, waitin’ fer its two perds, We b’long thar, George an’ J.” ** But you can’t git thar,” and the soft fingers of Goldspur closed gently on the Rattler’s arm, “Tt's a hard fact terannounee, Rattler, but ye’r’ near ther end ov yer string.” “Me? Nary # bit, Hercules. Three cheers fer Silver Bow. Hooray! hooray! hoo—” Tbe cheerer reeled in his saddle, while the echoes of the second shout died among the mountain passes, and the sturdy arm of Her- cules Goldspur went around bim ere be struck the ground. ; ‘You ar’ ther man whose throat I’ve been wantin’ ter clutch,” be said, gezing down into the Rattler’s face. ‘ But now Ll wouldn’t choke ye fer ther world. A dyin’ man, though he be my worst enemy, always hits me on a tender spot, ‘*)’'m thet kind ov_ a sage chick jes’ pow,” whispered the Happy Rattler. ‘* Whar’s George? Hyer, old boy.” And he threw bis arms a conrd his donksy’s neck and clung to ir, ‘“ He’sa mule, but he’s a daisy jumper, Hercules, an’ we've been pards through thick an’ thin! With my boots on! Not yet. By the eternal skies! : ‘ ' : i * ty ‘ : z > e feb ie ' 1 jane =" | é¢ ; 4y

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se ar’ burt. ‘thought it? I’m not goin’ out, like a candle, afore I sees Zoe safe in Ferd Sutter’s arms!” He laughed behind his exclamation, and slap- ping one hand on Goldspur’s shoulder, ex- claimed: “*?’ll be yer pard yet, Hercules! I’ve changed my mind about dyin’. Mean’ you an’ George will be Ther Banded Three ov Idaho, I’m still ~~ sole an’ original Happy Rattler from Silver Ow, CHAPTER XXVII. LOLA PLAYS HER HAND, HercuLes GoLpsPuR looked at the Happy Rattler, whose voice was now strong and firm and not at all like that of a dying man. “*] want ter git ahead ov Lola an’ thet cun- nin’ devil, who got ther drop on me when I bad Sutter at my mercy an’ war about ter dictate tarms to him,” continued the Rattler. ‘ Every man’s livin’ ter get even with some one else, Thet’s about ther sum an’ substance ov life, Her- cules. Ov course I’m winged—pretty badly, too—but a man with a cast-iron constitution allus manages ter pull through. Shake over Scorers back, fer ther Banded Three ov Ida- 6! . The giant took the band that a over the blood-stained saddle, and the Happy Rat- tler’s eyes glittered with genuine delight. “T ask but one favor, Hercules,” continued the winged rough. ‘Don’t let that Injun pard ov yours cross my path, What I can’t do, George will, fer the honor ov Silver Bow must be sustained even at ther expense ov a red-skin’s spinal column.” “T'll see that thar shall be no collision,” said Hercules. ‘‘ Now, sir, if you will go back to the cave an’ rest—” ‘* Rest?” and the Rattler laughed, ‘‘I want ter eucher Lola an’ Cold-Deck. Do you know whar Sutter is?” **T could find him, * Oy course.” “ Let me bunt alone awhile. But we want Zoe first.” I say thet you Man, thar’s a bullet somewbar in yer chest thet hez weakened you. You must go to the cave.” “Pll install ye doctor,” smiled the Rattler. scl hoc! drag comes sneakin’ round George an’ me, he'll git kicked to death.” Half an hour later, the tall figure of Goldspur emerged from the cave in the hill, and paused for a moment before the entrance, “Tve made a pard ov the man I wanted ter choke,” he laughed aloud, ‘‘Who would hey ercules Goldspur, if you don’t find Zoe soon, Lola will complete her conquest.” With a look back into the mouth of the cavern he started off, the wind fluttering the ends of the lace that encircled his sombrero, and ready for the final game. . He seemed to know whither he was going, for after he bad put several mountain miles be- tween bim and the cave, he turned abruptly from the trail, and rusbing into a small thicket, came suddenly upon a lithe limbed horse, whose snicker told him that he bad been recognized. Still on deck,” he said, smoothing the ani- _ for some days, but you’ve managed — alo _ whar among these mountains, mal’s arched neck. ‘‘ We haven’t been together to get , I see. ‘e must hunt the ey, ih a certain horse. I know’em, They’re some- : Hold on! Why not go back an’ take a look at Sutter’s camp first? We will.” Throwing bimself into the saddle, Hercules Goldspur urged the horse from the tbicket, and was. soon dashing along, looking magnificent on the s:eed’s back, Was be really going back to Sutter's camp, he, the man who had kept Zoe from her father’s promos haga he could easily have restored her to them If be could have looked’ abead he would have seen the Arizonian walking up and down over a little stretch of trail worn smooth by bis rest- les: feet. He appeared to be waiting for some one, and as Goldspur drew rein some distance from Sut- ter, and at a spot where be was not easily noticed, he started saddenly, as though a cer- tain sound had struck his ears, “Shades ov death! Lola!” fell from the giaut’s lips as a slight figure came into view. The rancher sprung forward with a cry of exultation, . ; _‘* What will the Mexican snake say to him?” ejaculated Goldspur, as he slid to the ground, and leaving his steed where be was, crept for- ward toward the camp, “Lola! tell me what you have discovered,” cr Sutter as the black-eyed girl came up. ** Where is my child?” f “Safe,” was the word that sent a thrill through Goldspur’s frame. “Safe! yes, safe in your clutches,” he said, ‘‘Now make yer bargain with Ferd Sutter. Give bim Zoe fer bis love an’ all he’s worth, pa Oy ther bargain, ef ve kin.” * + " ‘- . a nF On wr i: ™ is Hegonled Golds pay, My cbhild—my Zoe found at last! Lola, you make me supremely tappy.” Goldspur saw the eyes of the Mexican glitter. “*T have found her,” she said. ‘ At the risk she quickly lengthened the space between them. by several yards. | A wild ery scarcely more than h«Jf human of my life I tore her from the clutches of one | in intonation rose from the rancher’s lips, man to be robbed by another. Then I robbed him in return, and, senor, 1 have Zoe safe.” “Show me toher, I long to embrace her and take her back to the old ranch. Stolen years and years ago, but found at last! More thau the reward I offered for her shall be yours, girl, Draw on Ferd Sutter to an unlimited extent. I'll cash every draft. Zoe! Zoe! at last! at last!” The joy of the man was unbounded, and he suddenly seized Lola’s arm. “Why don’t you take me to Zoe?’ he ex- claimed. “You forget that I am her father. To Zoe!. My God! girl, are you mad?” “No, senor; but I would sooner bring Zoe to ou.” “Ts she far away?” “ ” ‘* What's the difference if you guide me to her? The ground burns under my feet.” An eager gleam took possession of Lola’s eyes at that moment, and the hasty glance thrown around told her that she and the Arizonian were the only sp a of the camp. ‘*Senor, Lola bas hunted for youa long time,” she said, looking into Sutter’s anxious face. ‘She and Pigmy Pete have been your trailers for many months. They have searched for Zoe with the zeal of bloodhounds; they have tracked ber from town to town; they have never let grass grow under their feet. I have played with armed men over every card-table in the Northwest, hoping to find a trace of your child among them. With the diamonds you gave me Ihave bluffed the wildest devils of the silver camps. I have done this for you, not because I wanted the money you offer for Zoe's return, for I don’t want it, I have won enough to make me a gold queen where gold is ap A Lola basn’t hunted for you for money. She has said that she would restore Zoe fora reward of a differ- ent kind. A thousand times she has yowed this to herself, not even intrusting Pigmy Pete with the secret. Senor, the time has come at last. Zoe has been found, but the reward must first be promised, I have not tracked and played and fought for nothing.” To these words Sutter listened spellbound, Not once did he interrupt the Poker Queen. She looked like a person who had reached a long-sought goal at last. With flashing eyes and a bosom heaving with passion, she end. before the rancher, holding the fate of long-lost Zoe in her hands, ; “Ther Rattler waft right,” ejaculated Her- cules Goldspur. ‘‘She’s goin’ ter play her best card now,” ‘*Tam at the end of my trail if you say so,” spoken since ber last pause. ‘‘I must make a confession. Ferdinand Sutter I gave my heart to you long ago. When you came to me and put your diamonds into my bands, saying, ‘Go and find my child,’ I said; ‘I will give him Zoe for his love.’ For this I have wor ed, for this mingled with the roughs of the North. It is for your love that I ask to-day, Tell me that your ranch shall become my home, Tell Lola that the roof that’shall henceforth shelter Zoe shall sbelter her also, Tell her that you will make her your wife. Zhen your child shall cw 4 pear our arms. Zhen your long trail shall end. These were passionate words for Sutter to listen to. There was a latent threat in Lola’s last words, } If he should not promise to make her his wife, Zoe would not be restored. “Lola, what makes you ask for sucha re- ward?” be asked. ‘My love!” was the quick exclamation. “ The love of Lola knows no bounds, It stops at nothing. Senor, she loved you the first day she saw you, and tha’ was the day you came to her to ask ber to hunt Zoe. Throw your money to the winds. Give Lola your love, She asks nothing more.” The girl stepped back. It was Sutter’s time to speak. “She'll carry the p’int,’ said Hercules Go'd- spur. ‘ She struck him through bis child. It’s more than I kin stand, Thetshe-panther sha’n’t win in this game!” The Idaho giant started up and was about to spring forward when Sutter answered Lola: V4 Show me Zoe first,” be said. ‘My child! then my answer,” j There was cunning in the rancher’s reply. Lola drew back with a laugh. “T have played for substance, not shadows, senor,” she said, like a person who is in a posi. tion to make demands, *‘‘ Keep your love if it cannot be mine. I is not worth it, bunt on, but not with Lola for your sleuth-hound.” e eyes of the Mexican tigress flashed. ‘Take back your wealth. I = bluff =p with my own winnings!” she went on, and a little leatlior rse el at Sutter’s feet. ‘On the gold coast I will find a lover who hasa heart, Senor, find aos child; but not wit 's help. Zoe may now be lest ae BT A ay a Wey Lola went on, addressing Sutter who bad not wanted ter make an’ Now you shall have yer child!” 7 > bial Y Vo 4 She seemed about to leave Sutter alone, for | ** My love for my child? Devil! Is it for this that I threw wealth into your lap and put you: © on the trail? You bave Zoe in your bands. Fer- dinand Sutter take a Mexican adder to bis Ari- . zona home? Not for a thousand loves like yours! _ Go! Il will find ber without you. And by the fadeless heavens! if you cross me I’ll blight / your life and plans at the same blow!” ‘ A clear derisive laugh rolled over Lola’s ips, ‘‘Find her without Lola if you can!” she cried, ‘ Ycu have flung back ber love. Senor, | aie your child falls into your arms she may be dead! ; The last word still sounded when the flashing-- _ eyed beauty turned on her beel. “TH appear on ther stage now,” said Her— _ cules Goldspur, and a minute afterward the man who alighted between Sutter and the Poker’ . Queen seemed to have dropped from the skies, ‘‘Holy Dios!” cried Lola. ‘‘ He has escaped. ; from the Black Bonanza!” f * Thet’s a solid fact, my she wild-cat,” an- — swered Hercules whirling upon Lola. ‘‘ Hold — op! lowe you one for cuttin’ the rope arter | Crimson Con with bis slit wind-pipe got to ther top. Yer throat ‘ll just fit Goldspur’s hand. Tl hold ye up an’ laugh at ther game thet wouldn’t win! | He came toward her with eyes that laughed devilishly while be spoke, but the hand that darted like a rattlesnake at her yellowish throat missed its mark, for with a bound Lola spruog back, and was gone, ‘* Slipped through Goldspur’s fingers, eh? But he’)! get ber yet!” the giant grated, “* You will talk with me first, sir.” Hercules Goldspur turned. The Arizonian faced him, . } f CHAPTER XXVIUI. BOWIE AND BOWIE, THERE was fire in the rancher’s eyes, , lf Lola who had fled the scene had retraced her steps and looked back she would have smiled, and ber eyes would have glittered like. a serpent’s at, the scene in the little camp. \ Hercules Goldspur, giant that he was, tow- ered a bead above the Arizonian. “ With hee first?—certainly,” said Hercules, a smile playing with his finely-chiseled lips, “You know me. That Mexican cat gave me away. Lem Hercules Goldspur.” “The man who has kept Zoe from me all these years, I ougbt to ans pil ung Hercules Goldspur; yes, sir. Sometimes called The Man of the Velvet Hand, I believe.” As he finished the last sentence Sutter glanced at Goldspur’s bands as if he bad heard of them, and their deeds. ‘“That’s my name in some sections,” was the answer, and then the giant continued quickly: “You an’ Loja couldn’t treat, eh? She played a bold hand, but you bluffed her with a uo. Wal, ef she hedn’t slip through my | fingers, we’d play a game that ’d make her © dance.” ae All this time the rancher was eying Goldspur with a deep-seated hatred, Suddenly he broke forth again, “She knows where my child is. Do you? “Not exactly, but I kin find her.” will lengthen the distance between * And vou me and | “*] don’t know about tbat,” ‘‘T dare not trust you. What you have done might be repeated if you had an opportunity,” * That’s so,” smiled the giant. si Mebbe you’d better not trust Hercules Gold- ur. * But I want my child. My God! you don’t know how eager I am to embrace her once more, Then! would be willing to die.” _ Goldspur started forward. ; ‘* Wal, I’ll bring ber to you!” he exclaimed. iy Sutter did not move, ? ‘1 mean it, Ferd Sutter,” be went on. “It’s Hercules Goldspur who talks.” ; *‘But your terms? Onemancametomeand _ wanted to sell me my own child for two hun- dred thousand dollars; then came Lola, the | woman I hired to bunt Zoe down, and wanted my love in exchange for my own flesh and blood. Now what are your terms?” : * “Happiness all around!” was the answer, “The Happy Rattler didn’t get gad an’ Lola left with what she came after. I'l) get Zoean run my chances.” yi **'You will?” hea “JT will, I’m a mountain devil big eg a grizzly an’ wild ez a wolf. I’ve bunted Injuns. an’ white liars balf ov my life. Etthishandov mine hez choked men they all deserved ter be choked. Never, sir, bez Goldspur sbut cff the wind ov any human bein’ thet hed a right ter it. When you see Zoe ask ber what I have — done, an’ stan’ by her answer. I have said thet ou shouldn’t hev yer child till Hercules Gold- pur said fer ye ter hev her, an’ the tarms Lola ‘er anxiety make me say’ ‘ 4 o oy vad

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| to work with our ’ ‘Ther best man wins, an’ any way it goes, you Jer buman’s not seamired at that Me ee ty aeRO es = ee Hercules Goldspur. 23 There was a terrible earnestness in the look and tones of the mountain Hercules, ‘Bind Zoe for me and pame your reward,” 3aid Sutter. ‘‘My friend will help you in the mW friend?” “What frien “ Ab! don’t you know? He is called Cold- Deck Carl.” “Whar is be?” “ A short distance from camp.” Goldspur’s eyes twinkled. “Ther onery skunk got away, an’ thet arter I choked im an’ dropped him over the trail!” he murmured, ¥ ‘He is here now,” suddenly said Sutter. “* Here comes Cold-Deck Carl.” — Goldspur caugbt the Arizonian’s look, and whirled to meet the man advancing upon the camp, j : For a moment a slight curve in the trail bid his figure from view, and then he sw the stal- wart form of his handsome dark-faced rival, In another instant their eyes met, and Her- cules Goldspur drew his figure up as if prepar- ing for a grapple with Cold-Deck Carl. iraculous, indeed, must have been the gam- bler-sport’s escape; but the present was no time to ask about it. A conflict was at hand, for, for the two men to meet was to fight. ’ “Thet’s bim,” said Goldspur, in tones heard only by the man at his side. “ Bf thar’sa meaner man in Idaho than Cold-Deck bis name isn’t on ther devil's directory. Know ’im? Why, ov course! My hand war at bis windpipe once, an’ he knows it,” Meanwhile, Cold Deck Carl was coming on, his dark face darker than ever, and bis eyes fastened on the only man he seemed to see—The Man of the Velvet Hand. Not a hand moved toward a weapon, as though the two men were going to measure arms on‘ strength like two gladiators. Cold D. ck Car! did not stop until but five feet sepurated bim from Hercules, “I’m back,” be said in low, mad tones. “ Back from the clutches ov ther reds, an’ from ther bottom ov ther cliff! I stand afore ther boss coward an’ ther bigueet in Idaho, Hercules Goldspur, I am Cold Deck Carl, ther Bowie- knife ov Monterey an’ Pistol Gulch.” Mo ““At yer servicef” exclaimed Goldspur. I needn’t announce myself; you know me.” “ An’ because I do know you, I am hyer. “ Wal ” The giant’s coolness gritted Carl’s teeth. ‘* How shall we fight?” be flashed. “Ob, that is it,en? A fight? Wal, I m an accommodatin’ daisy, Our hands ar’ about equal, I guess; but what’s the pot?” _ “That man’s child,” said Carl, with @ at Sutter. “Iam his friend—bis pard. sworn to restore his daughter.” “So hev I,” laughed Goldspur. ‘ “It’s an oath both ov us can’t keep. * Thet’s impossible, Cold-Deck.” ae" “‘Then, let the one who survives Wie “het suits me. Warn’t you in Chihuahua ard, the colo- onte King?” lance have seven years ago when yer dead nel, fought Lopez, ther Mexican 1 saw thet fight.” Hey ae al, what ov i “I always liked thet way of fightin’.” “It’s close range.” “So much the better.” ; “ An’ you want to fight me thet way? ra you snag “Tam ready! ' A moment Tater ie right hand of each man ripped a ten-inch bowie, BP This is ther plan,” said Goldspur, turning to Sutter, who bad not said a word since the meet- ing of the two men, ‘‘ We stand back to back, our loose hands lashed together at the wrist, At a signal, which you shall give, we wheel an’ go bowies. It’s very simple, sir, it Zoe in ther end. This is ther way ther Satonal fought Monte Lopez, ez we used call him. I saw thet fight.” ‘* You?” ejaculated Cold: Deck, surprised. * “ Yes. a ther back ov my boss on a trail above yer camp, I witnessed ther bull tussle, It war soon over. Lopez got it in his heart ther first blow. Hyer is my left hand.” Hercules Goldspur extended his hand as he finished. ; In it lay a stout cord, several feet in length, which he bad taken from bis pocket. “ An’ byer’s a hand that Fag nd touched a fel- throat,” said the gambler-sport sarcastically, as be held out a bronze hand to be lashed to that of bis adversary. f The Arizonian looked at the two men with a remonstrance in bis eyes, but one glance told ‘him that the office of the peacemaker was one rticular time and place. orthwest rivals stood face to face, ready it. hout a word, Sutter bound the left hands ther in a manner that allowed the two men k to back. . bes yer gen the signal in Chihuahua?” he ~The "asked, when be had completed the binding and . Real algo ete er; f “J last,” be muttered, “Ther howl ov a wolf up among the moun- tains, but thar’s no wolf hyer ter signal fer us,” said the gambler-sport. ‘‘ Count five fer Hercu- lesan’ me. At ther last number we'll wheel an’ hunt each others’ hearts.” ‘Tn the first place I want a solemn oath that the survivor will stand by me until I have found Zoe,” answered the Arizonian. Instantly up went two knife-armed hands. “T swear!” cried both men simultaneously. ‘““T swear if I live over this fight to restore Zoe to her father’s arms.” : A gleam of satisfaction lighted up Sutter’s countenance. ‘“‘Tam satisfied. Now I begin to count.” — * Drive alead,” said Hercules Goldspur with increasing impatience. The following moment the rancher began to count in a clear firm voice, | At the fourth numeral two hands moved from their owners sides. , At the fifth the rivals whirled and as the glittering bowie blades shot aloft, Sutter ex- claimed: “Fight! May the best man win!” oo the same moment he stepped still further back, “This is for Zoe!” grated Cold-Deck Carl catching the giant's eye. The reply was a malicious twinkle, and then the arm of the mountain Hercules dashed the sport’s bowie down as he laughed: “You'll be the Lopez ov this fight, Cold- Deck Carl!” + ° Ferdinand’ Sutter saw the rapid oe made by the gambler sport in reply to Goldspur’s boast; he saw it met and in the twinkling of an eye rendered ineffective. Then the blade held by Hercules flashed for a second in the beams of the ascending sun, and the man who dropped his bowie and staggered back, fell to the ground. To the ground we say for a rapid cut by Hercules ldspur severed the cords at the men’s wrists, and The Man of the Velvet Hand stood erect victorious. “T will keep my vow!” be said to the Ari- zonian. ‘Cure thet traitor ef ye kin, Arizony, but my opinion is thet he’s beyond belp. I hit bim exactly whar ther colonel hit the Monte King in Chibuahua. When we meet ag’in, you shall take Zoe in yer arms.” “Thank God!” cried Sutter. CHAPTER XXTX. TRICKED AND TRAPPED. : A SKULKING figure witb a lasso ina red right hand, anda pair of eyes that possess the glitter of a creeping jungle tiger’s. The sun has just set bebind a bank of heavy clouds that line the westerp horizon, and the landscape that surrounds the creeper is rough and wildly picturesque. The red-skin whose motions are those of the gliding. panther holds the lasso ready for a cast, Suddenly he stops and bugs the trail as though he was on the point of being discovered, but a moment later he is moving on again. Look ahead of him and you will see a young girl leading a horse down the mountain path, Her figure is somewhat slight but faultless, her skin is too dark for the skin of an American, and her eyes are as black as jet. ‘* Lola!” says the reader. ; Yes, it is Lola, the Poker Queen of Idaho, and the red-skin on her trail with a lasso dangling — his band is Red Fox, Goldspur’s scarlet The girl has thrown her love at the Arizo- nian’s feet to be rejected, as we have seen; she has offered to return Zoe in excbange for her affection, but be bas answered ber ina manner that made her black eyes flash, and once more she is alone among the mountains, still victor if she did not win the bold game she bas played for Sutter’s gold. ~ She walks ahead of ber horse with the bridle held lightly in ber band, for the trail is rough, and the ragged rocks tbat jut out from the wall here and there would rudely brush one from the saddle. : Therefore, it was safer fot Lola to walk and lead her horse. But the tracker with the lasso?—what of him? Baffle an Indian trailer if you can, — Red Fox is. grey. his Opportunity. Now tbe horse’s head is in his way, now a rock. Twice be has stopped to cast the lasso, but each time something has intervened and Lola has been saved. “ies F A brilliant moon is overhead, and it shows the skulking Sioux tbe figure be has followed a long distance. To lose her now would be to go back toGold-. spur, his new pard, with empty bands. | = he would not lose Lola, Fox the Sioux would not miss his mark, As Lola turned an abrupt bend in the trail the Sioux darted forward. a At the turn he halted and saw bis prey peg sbort distance ahead, within the cast of his “ Red Fox has caught the Mexican serpent at eo His lasso, like his arrow | ’yy> never misses!” — ¥ ES took the bird,” said Lola to herself. All at once the coil left his red-hand and shot down the trail at the red-skin’s quarry. It grazed the borse’s neck and hovered for a second over the head of Lola, then dropping over her shoulders in a flash pinioned ber arms to her sides! It was a dexterous cast and as the lasso tightened, the insnared girl sprung back with acry and whirled upon the grinning Indian at the other end. ‘Lola is caught!” exclaimed Red Fox. *‘ The lasso never fails when it shuots trom the Sioux’s hands,” ‘** Dios! it is a red-skin.” There was a revolver in the belt that encir- cled the Poker Queen’s waist, but her hands could not draw it tor the encircling cord. ** Mexican Queen on her way to white girl, eh? Red Fox wiil go with her.” ‘You go with me to whom?’ demanded Lola, feigning an astonishment which for @ moment nopplused the Indian. ‘‘Things have reached a pretty pass when a woman can’t travel without’ being lassoed by an Inoijan. Sacrista ! loosen your cord, dog!’ ‘** Not till Red Fox knows where the lost rose is,” was the reply. ‘The black eyes of the exican can grow bright: but they shall not a the Sioux. Show him the trail to white gir). ““T will—when the stars fall! I’m no fool, Indian. Lola basn’t been rebuked by the Ari- zonian to be trumped by the card you play.” Red Fox now came down tbe rope with bis eyes rivetedupon the Poker Queen. ‘* She must tell Red Fox,” be said to himself. “* He shall find the white girl through the yel- low snake*he bas caught in the mountain.” Lola returned his Jook with interest. “Tell Red Fox!” he said, halt within arm’s reach of the pinioned girl, must speak the truth, or—” ‘Or what, demon?” was the sudden interrup- tion. “If I'lie what will you do?” ‘* Lola see,” was the significant rejoinder. “Well, then, I will not lie; but if you want Zoe, go and find ber.” ‘Ts this Lola’s answer?’ “It is my only one. I tell no secrets to In- ians.” Red Fox straightened up, his eyes resem- bling balls of fire and bis left hand clinched. ‘No tell, eb?” “No!” ‘ ‘* Lola never see her prisoner ag’in!” He flew at the Poker Queen before she could speak the defiant words that came to her tongue, and his strength bore ber to the edge of the trail. ¢ ‘*What are Lola. . There was no reply, but the Sioux forced Lola’s foot from the path and she seemed to hang over a dark, unfathomable abyss, “Hold!” she cried. ‘“‘Holy Dios! I will show you Zoe!” The Indian drew back, and his orbs lighted up with triumph. ‘* Mexican snake no lie, eh?” he asked, doubt- ingly. ny should I?” said Lola, ‘ Who wants to be dashed to death on rocks one cannot see? Yes, I will show you the nest I robbed last. If you think I lie. throw me down yonder.” ‘*No. Red Fox will trust Lola; but he will take her claws from her.” Lola’s revolver and knife were quickly con- veyed to the Sioux’s belt, but the lasso was not loosened. “‘Show Red Fox where thé white girl is, and the Sioux will give Lola her freedom.” “Pll show you.” The pair drew back from the brink of the trail, and Lola started forward with an eager- ness which the Indian did not think suspicious. He never ceased to watch her for his bands were ready at the first sign of treachery to burl her to desth on the rocks which he knew lay a hundred feet beneath them. “Yes Pll show bim the nest from bb 1 ‘IT will take the Indian to the place, and he will find it ian too. Senor Sutter Jaughed at the roffer of Lola’s love, but he shall weep before ong. The vengeance of Lola the Poker Queen sball haunt him the rest of bis life. He shall almost * Lola. you going to do, devil?’ cried go back to bis ranch without his child in bis. arms unless he carries thither the corpse of Zoe, the lost.” She led the wary Sioux mile after mile up: and down the mountain trails until the Indian - lost patience and began to give her fierce looks’ and sae of . SNES ‘We are near the place,” su pel sy ¥ Lola to herself. “] am going to pay the red- skin back for throwing this rope over my head,. Red fool! I have played games before: where my life was a stake.” eine ae ben the girl halted at last and turned upon the Indian there was a gleam of revengein her brilliant eves, 2 er fe oe ( | ‘‘ Now Red Fox shall see that ait niga’ her word,” she said, lowering her voice, ‘We — pie ot white girl. Le bet n! have rought her back to the same nest I robbed.” __ fig 7 jew - as ag hi { id ns . om A ‘+ ised _ PR. eT wae nat ih ; * al Ne we agg" ae ye oe

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24 x her left as she spoke, and Red Fox’s first look drew an exclamation of surprise from him, Tt is the cav: to which Red Fox tracked the Rattler four weeks ago,” he exclaimed. ** Yes, I came here and took Zoe from the man from Silver Bow; but when he went off ona trail from which he will never return I brought the white girl back, and sbe promised to stay here when I am away.” Without replying Red Fox raised the net- work of vines and saw the mouth of the cavern which he and Hercules Goldspur had invadéd to d Zoe gone, “Tf Lola has not lied she isfree,” he said. “Try me. Goin and find the white girl.” The Sioux dropped the lasso and sprung into the opening. Son.e distance ahead like a star glimmering in darkness he caught the flash of a fire. ‘The Mexican serpent did not lie to Red Fox,” be said. ‘‘He has found the white girl for the’big pale pard.” He did not stop a moment to watch the move- ments of his lassoed captive; but, eager to se- cure the prize hunted so long, bounded down the darkened corridor. All at once he landed in the cave proper, and halted in the light of the fire, his fine figure fully revealed and his giant shadow painted en silhouette on the wall. “White girl, Red Fox is here to take you to Hercules!” The next instant there came a tigerish voice from beyond the fire line. “Red Fox, eb? My beau idedl, ve'’r’ ther very chick I’ve been prayin’ fer! compliments—the kind thet kill!” » The red trailer heard these words spellbound ja the middie of the cavern, and witb the last one there rung out the stunning report of a re- volver. Instantly the red-skin sprung into the air and fell without a death-ecry of anykiad, at the edge of the fire, ‘What possessed thet red-skin ter come hyer?’ + jaculated the man who came forward to investigate the sudden shot. ‘He said he had come ter take Zoe to Hercules, dida’t he? Wal, ther gal isn’t byer, an’ bain’t been since I took up my abode in this underground hotel. Blessed ar’ them what wait. Wal, I’m one ov ‘em, fer I’ve waited hyer, an’ ther Injun who seized me t’other night came bhyer fer me ter finish bim!” Need we mention the speaker’s name? As he knelt over the body of the Sioux a tri- amphant laugh rippled over the lips of the per- son who bad listened for the death-shot at the mouth of the cave. ** You lassoed Lola, Red Fox, and then trust- ed her—fool!” the laugher exclaimed. ‘‘I steered you into the clutches of the man who wanted your blood. Tricked and trapped! Senor Red Fox, I leave you with the man | have robbed of Zoe!” Once more the Mexican ‘so loud this time that the and sprung up. “This Injun didn’t come hyer alone.” he ex- claimed, clutching his revolver more firmly as he moved toward the corridor. ‘‘ His pard’s down thar waitin’ fer a dose like ther one l’ve just administered,” He glided down the narrow passage to the end, but found no one there. On the ground Jay a lasso, and in the circle _it,formed be saw the imprint of two feet. “Great Jehosapbat! Lola piloted the red- skin to me!” becried. Yes, the Poker Queen had brought bim ven- geance, and at that moment she was flying up the trail, triumphant, He did not attempt to pursue, but after awhile went back into the cavern to find the donkey bis companion through thick and thin gazing at the body in the firelight. ‘Helped ter satisfaction by an enemy, George,” the Happy Rattler exclaimed. ‘This is one ov them things I can’t explain.” If he had followed Lola she would e led him a long chase to a cavern similar in struc- ture to the one he occupied, and at her call in the gloom be would have heard a vuice that might have startled bim. “Back, Lola?” said the heautiful young girl ‘who sprung to the Poker Queen’s side. ‘* You dave found my father, and—” ‘*T found bim, but he wouldn’t takes you on my terms, But 1am going to give you back to him anyhow.” ‘Thank Heaven, Lola!” ane you are going back to him at last, but ead!” antheress laughed, appy Rattler heard CHAPTER XXX, A BREAK FOR LIBERTY. ZOEn on agg with a cry from the Poker Queen’s side, ‘* Yes, deadi” repeated Lola, following her up. “He wouldn’t accept mv terms, and so I j When he sees you, Zoe, he’ll wish he had listened to me.” Back to the wall of the cavern sbrunk the Arizonian’s daughter, and the sallow but beau- 1 Ls mea aneman els he yer’s my. Hercules Goldspur. 1 tiful tigress who stood before her showed ber a | the short corridor that intervened between the pair of hands that seemed ready to tear her to } trail and tie cavern proper. pieces. The crisis had come, ‘* Ab!” suddenly cried Zoe, “*I know you The next two minutes would determine her now. You have been playing with me. ou | fate, and it was for breath that the Arizonian’s made my father an offer you knew he would ! child stopped near the opening. never accept.” Where was Lola? ‘‘No. I thought he would accept it. With this menial question incessantly re- can’t you guess what it was?” peated the girl went forward again, this time to ** No.” the opening. y She put ber foot upon the trail and then sprung out altogether! No Lola yet? ‘ Fyee! free!” cried the overjoyed girl, as she halted for a moment bei ore the cavern, ‘* Thank: God! I bave escaped from the power of Lola the Mexican,” Then sbe started off, down the trail, but whither she did not know. Safety seemed to lie in every direction; she had but to run at the top of her speed awhile to insure her deliverance, “ Halt there!” suadenly rung out a voice be- fore Zoe had cleared twenty feet. ‘* Hait! or Lola will send you dead to your father.” j But Zoe did not stop. The thought of the person bebind her lent her speed and with an ¢jaculation of defiance she increased her gait until she seemed to fly over the moonlit trail. She knew that Lola was on her track; she felt that her foot-tracks were already being filled by the feet of Lola the Poker Queen. A moment after tbe disobeyed command to halt Zoe beard at the same time it seemed the crack of a pistol and the ping of a bullet. ** You'll have to do better than that to ca out your threat!” sbe sent back with a laugh to ber relentless pursuer. ‘‘My yellow tigress, the bird bas escaped from her cage. You left the door open,” Zoe trusted to fate to lead her aright, and aright meant escape from Lola, *“T will have her back! Santissima! I will not let her go back to Secor Sutter before I have dealt with him again. Did I miss ter? Aha! I will catch her with these bands of mine!” Exclaiming thus, Lola flew after the rancher’s cbild ber bands eager to close on ber once mors, Zoe beard the last words; they told her that Zoe, ‘**Give me your love,’ I said to him, ‘and I will restore your child,’ That was my propo- sition.” And Lola laughed, ** And he repulsed you?” ‘*Repulsed me insulted !” “Good! Tam glad he did it, You become my father’s wife and my mother? I could never endure this torture, now that your ac- tions have unmasked you. If my father is the | man men say he is it is a wonder he did not strike you down,” “Which means that I should have been so served, eh, my bird?” Zoe did not answer, but her look was reply enough for Lola. She saw defiance and intense hatred in the eyes of ber beautiful captive, ‘Vd like to tear you up and then call your father here to see my work,” bissed the Poker pagent “Ob, I'm going to get even with him. He does not think, | hope, that his huntress is | afraid to turn on her employer. I'm Lola—a woman—a tigress—not a child!” As if nrged by a sudden impulse the yellow beauty turned suddenly from Zoe and walked away. te have to be careful how I handle that gir|,” she said to herself, ‘* She's got Ferdinand Sutter’s blood in her veins. I am going to win et. I will strike him a stunning blow through | is own child. Ah! you have not seen the last | of Lola, Senor Sutter. Madre Dios! but I will get even!” Zoe, who was covertly watching her fair cap- tor, saw ber move to the opening of the cavern and Sea geamy “Can I not escape?” she exclaimed. “Tam not safe a moment in the hands of that woman. Can it be that she wanted to trade me for my father’s love? Hercules, where are you? Strike my trail. Find me and take me to the parent | unless something soon occurred in her favor she who has hunted me so long.” would fall back into the clutches of the Poker Suddenly Lola reappeared to the young girl. | Queen. She came toward ber with a look that spoke| All cf a sudden Zoe halted and attempted to volumes, and before she spoke Zoe knew that | start back with a wild ery. she had made a discovery. Tuere was a sudden turnin the narrow brush- “Not a word, on your life,” she said, grasping | fringed trail she had been treading—an angle Zoe’s wrist. ‘I teil you, my bird, that there’s | so acute that she bad not seen it. a man near, but he shall never enter our moun- | ‘“My God!” fell from her lips as she felt the tain home alive. Utter a cry and I'll give you | very earth beneath her feet giving way. this!” And she tapped the hilt of a bowie that | ‘* Merciful beaven! rescue me from the foe be- protruded above her belt. bind and rocks beneath!” A man in the mountains? She fell down, drawn to the trail by the Then that man was the captive’s friend. the loosening earth, and clutched wildly at the Zoe felt like uttering a cry of joy, and but for | rocks that seemed to offer help. Lola’s threat and the depths of the cave, she She had advanced to the very brink of the would have betrayed her position to the moun- | precipice and her v eight had broken ir. tain prowler, The keen eye of Lola saw Zoe’s peril, Who was that man?—her father? She uttered a cry of horror. “It may be Hercules,” she said to herself, The prize through whom she expected to win “Tf it is he, I will not stay bere Jong.” the rancher was slipping through her grasp. Lola seemed to read tbe prisoner's thoughts, She threw herself forward to seize the young for she quickly exclaimed: ‘ girl struggling to escape from the crumblin ‘Don't think that be’s going to find you! I | trail and ber eager bands shot out to accomiplise have tricked him once and I am able to doit | ber mission. But ere they could touch Zoe, the again. Some men fear him, but I do not, | trail itself with a dull noise that was horrible, Now, my little bird, with your wings clipped, | disappeared, and Lola sprung back just in time go back to your bed and forget that you have a | to prevent going down with it! frie d among the mountains... Ab! can’t do t was a thrilling moment, that, eb? Well, dream about him, then, What Zoe was not to be seen, does Lola care?’ The Poker Queen released Zoe as she finished, CHAPTER XXXI. and again went toward the opening of the A COOL TRAILER. cavern, A THRILLING cry rung from Lola’s throat as the trail, carrying with it Zoe, disappeared from A desire to break the bars of her cage and seek freedom grew in Zoe’s bosom. sight. She retreated to the shadows of the cavern, For severa] moments she clung to tle bushes but did not seek the cot Lola’s hands had pre-| that had kept her from following the young pared for her. girl, then she crept to the edge of the broken mountain path aud ventured to Jdok over, Sbe stood on the edge of a abyss that made her shudder. Far below lay the debris of the trail, but her eyes could not detect a sign of Zoe. “Is she lost to me?’ sbe exclaimed. “Can it be Zoe bas been snatched from me by an accident thus baffling me at last? I will not believe it, but better this than to see her fall back into the power of the man prowling tiger-like among these mountains. I will recover Zoe, dead or alive.” She started back and ran up the trail some distance, for she could not leap the chasm formed by the breaking of the trail. When she. paused it was to look down again, and then to swing herself over the edge of the mountain path to another, several feet below. Intent upon finding Zoe, the Poker Queen was oblivious to ht ded else, She thought only of the desperate game she beart seemed in her throat her hopes revived as | was playing for the Arizonian’s love, she advanced. After a while she found herself on a level At last Zoe saw the glimmer of a star, then’| with the debris, and hastened forward. another and another, ‘*Here’s where the eartb-fall struck,” she She was within a few feet of the opening. said, halting on the spot. ‘Zoe! Zoe! are you All at once she paused and hugged the wall of | here?” ‘‘Heaven help me! I will get free or die!” she suddenly exclaimed. “I don’t want the life of the woman who holds me prisoner. I don’t want a drop of anybody’s blood; but free- dom I will obtain!” Armed only with determination, which was indeed a pillar of strength, the rancher’s daughter turned toward the entrance to the cave, Lola was not to be seen, but Zoe could picturé her out among the trails watcbing the man whose presence threatened to deprive her of her captive **Once beyond this retreat, I ean defy her,” she murmured, ‘ Portune will guide me to the man who has come for me, It is Goldspur. I will believe it. His velvet hands will never choke me!” Nearer and nearer she approached to the op*ning. Lola did not stand in her way and while ber - ’ \ f & ee a | ? Bia + hy bee 571 Rites ae fh Ld 4 y oi f tie URS aide ¥ ; sie Ok eT LORE Os el eee ee Se Seen Ure OF with: Came

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& Hercules Goldspur. 25 There was no response to Lola’s agonized call, and she fell to work to examine the crumbled ruins of the trail. course we went at it. Ileft’im ther’, cut pretty deep, an’ beyond ther help ov doctors. We fought ther way they used ter fight in Chihua- If Zoe was buried beneath them but little bua, band tied ter hand, and, until ther signal, hope of her safety could be entertained, for the | back ter back. No, Lola, Cold-Deck an’ 1 will mass was enough to crush the life gut of any one, But Lola did not despair. She scrambled hither and thither over the mass in her breathless search for Zoe, now and then uttering maledictions on the accident which had deprived her of a prisoner. — At last there came up from a crevice in the mass of earth and rocks a faint cry that carried Lola to the spot. : 3 ‘Zoe, are you there?” she exclaimed, putting her face down to the place. ‘‘T am here, but for Heaven’s sake release me!” The Poker Queen did not hesitate a moment, but fell eagerly to work with a strength she did not seem to possess, “‘T will get you out of this, Zoe,” she said. ‘My God! if you had but remained in the cave! But you wanted freedom, didn’t you, my bird?” There was no reply, and fearful that her late captive had fainted, Lola ceased, and worked on. At length she could reach down into the gap and touch the girl buried alive. ; Then she discovered that Zoe was wedged in between two rocks, and was in a precarious situation, This only increased her desire to rescue the girl, an object which was not accomplished until at tbe end of two hours’ labor. sah She drew Zoe out from among the ruins of the trail, and stared at the bloodless face presented to ber gaze, : ‘Saved! but nearly dead, I’m afraid,” she ex- claimed. ‘‘Ah! that cursed trail! moment too soon for Lola!” Zoe had fainted in the arms of the Poker Queen, and as Lola carried her from thé spot | heart. See! it almost touches her skin. It broke a | never fight fer Zoe.” The giant’s revelation was news to the Mexi- can, and her look plainly showed it. ‘*Can’t hev Zoe, eh?’ he suddenly asked, **T have said uo.” Lola’s voice was full of stern determination. “Then Pll hey you—thet’ll set things about even.” “ce Me ? “ ‘* Nobody else, Take Zoe out of my sight, then. You have said she is dead, but she isn’t. I kin see thet now, even by the light ov ther moon. Yes, Pl) hey you. You needn’t ask me what I mean, fer I see by yer eyes thet ye know. When I hunt a grizzly I always git thar, Lola, an’ ye’r’ the b’ar this time, Go!” Goldspur stepped back as he finished, and made a sign for Lola to depart, The giant’s last look was at the Mexican’s beautiful burden, and it was with difficulty that he kept bis hand from his revolver as his eyes shot a mad, fierce glance at the Poker Queen. “Halt!” suddenly cried Lola, but the only answer was the glance Hercules Go dspur sent over his shoulder. ‘ ‘Halt! What fer?” he exclaimed. ‘We can’t trade to-night. You say I shall never touch Zoe ag’in, an’I say I shall—thet’s ther bull upshot ov ther matter. We can’t trade, Lola, so what’s ther use ov stopping byer. Go yer way. Ti git thar about ez soon ez you He started off again, when with a wild cry the Poker Queen sprung after him. “Sacrista! you shall listen to me!” she ex- claimed. “1 guess not,” laughed the Idaho giant. “You shall! 1 hold my knife over Pgs wi she looked like a person who bad played ber last | drive it home if you do not listen to me,” part in the mountain drama, “You kill thet girl? I’m not afraid ov thet, With ber prize again secured, Lola started | so long ez [ don’t jump forward ter take her. back toward the cave-prison. : : Every now and then she gazed anxiously into Zoe’s face, stiil expressi nless and white. j “This is vour fault, Ferd Sutter!” she sudden- ly exclaimed. ‘‘ You rejected Lola’s love and brought your child to this. And you, Hercules Goldspur—you have lost your pretty pard for- ever.’ Just then"the Mexican girl stopped suddenly, and the next moment recoiled with an exclama- tion of surprise. : ; A Therestood before ber in the silvery moon- light a veritable giant, whuse eyes fairly glowed under the brim of bis sombrero. ‘‘ The devil himself—Hereules Goldspur!” fell from Lola’s lips. : A laugh from the lips of the giant was. the first response. : “T turn up ginerally whar I’m not- wanted,” said Goldspur, looking more at Zoe than at her eaptor, “I see that you hey Zjethar. What's tber matter with my daisy pard?” “ She’s dead,” said Lola in tones that startled the giant. ’ ‘Dead? Zoe dead? That’s a lie, Lola,” he flashed. ' “Mag be it is,” said Lola, showing her teeth inagrin, ‘If she isn’t dead, she may be before morning. Stand back!” as Goldspur’s eagerness to taka Zoe threw him forward, “ You don’t touch Zoe without my consent!” The Idaho giant looked amazed, “Don’t,eb? Beware! Ihavea hand for your neck, Lola!” ! * “ And I have something just as deadly for this irl. B-hold it, Hereules Goldspur,” and The Man of the Velvet Hand saw the kuife which Lola bad drawn from her velt and now held above Zoe's bosom. “You don’t touch Zoe without my consent,” she went on, eying Goldspur fiercely. ‘‘T have saved her life to-night, and she belongs to me,” ‘¢ You can’t accomplish your purpose a vainst Sutter through her,’ was the answer, ‘ That’s played out. Now thet ther Arizonian knows what ye’r’ after, he'll be on bis guard. You may stand thar an’ hold thet knife over Zoe, but itll do you no good, You may even send it home. but thet will only end your game.” “ Well, it would boffl> otbers,” snapped Lola, madly. ‘Senor Sutter understands me, He - *knows that uvless be promises to make Lola his wife he will never take his child alive to his breast. I gave him so understand that when I left him, Lola will keep ber word. She will not hesitate to send her knife to the heart of the senor’s child.” (es ‘You ar’ a she-devil,” grated Hercules, ‘I want thet girl as badly ez Ferd Sutter does.” “To give her back to him?” * Sartainly.” ie Then you and Cold-Deck Carl will fight for her.” ; “T reckon not,” laughed Hereules, “Why pot? He wants ber.” _ ‘* He did, but be doesn’t now,” Lola’s look was an interrogation. _“Oold-Deck an’I bey hed it out,” said Her- cules. ‘He came up in Sutter's camp, an’ oy Ah JS Oe ae a Pare ae Bs Pd * he i A ‘ Pct 7 * ms mat Ba wy ' i] You want ter give F-rd Sutter another chance ter win a gentle wife like Lola ther Poker Queen. Oh, no; you ar’ not goin’ ter hunt Zoe, my Mexican viper. Don’t stop me any more, please.” ; A hiss indicative of intense disappointment ’ parted Lola’s lips. She stopped in the middle of the trail, and stared aghast at the mau who, thus situated, could talk so coolly. “I will kill her! This time Lola will not lie!” she almost shrieked. ** Kill ber, then!” With the last word which was a banter, Her- cules Goldspur turned his back upon the girl and once more deliberately walked away. Zve’s eyes flashed and her knife, firmly clutched in her right band, shot upward. There was murder, vengeatice in the gleam, The mountain Ajix did not seem to see her, for he was walking off with the tread of a man who had conquered, not of one who had just been baffled. att But the knife did not sink into Zoe’s breast. Slowly and bloodless it sunk to the Mexican’s side, and she gazed strangely into the white face of the unconscious girl lying on her arm. ** He dares me, and [ don’t kill you,” she said, addr. ssing Zoe, ‘He says I will try Ferdi- nand Sutter again. I will give the American one more trial. I will say ‘ Love Lola and take back your child, Refuse ber, and go home without her.’ Ido not fear this giant whose hand is like velvet. I hold the best hand because Zoe is the stake he and the American are playiug. Lola, one of two things must occur within the next few hours. You become Senor Sutter’s bride or Zoe gets your knife. He says I dare not strike. Ah! the mountain giant shall see!” 2 She stepped back and put up the knife to catch Zoe more firmiy with the band that had clutched it,. oY AL Then, with a parting glance in the direction taken by Hercules, she went back toward the broken trail as if afraid to follow in the foot- steps of the Mountain Giant. : Far from tbe spot Zoe at last opened her eyes and looked into Lola’s face. Tbe Poker Queen met the look with a glance of triumph, ‘ “You are safe, Zoe,” she said. The rancher’s daughter started at sound of the voice. ; “ Safe—in your arms?” she exclaimed, “Why not? Tam Lola.” “Lola, who hates my father!” “No, who loves him; Lola ia who would give her right arm to become bis wife. But, never mind—I will win him yet.” ‘“And become my mother?” “* Yes, my bird,’ a “T pray Heaven that that day may never r “Do you really think so, Zoe? A few days ago 1 thought it was lost. but now I am sure of it,” and the eyes of the Poker Queen fairly glit- tered while she laughed. CHAPTER XXXIL COLD DECK CARL TRICKS THE QUEEN, ZoESs attempted escape from the clutcbes of Lola tne Poker Queen had resulted in failure, and nobody rejoiced over it more than the Mexican herself. ; Several hours after her encounter with Her- cules Goldspur, she was seen to emerge from a cavern in the mountain side and walk rapidly over a trail leading toward the level ground below. ‘“‘Once more I go to him,” she said aloud to herself. ‘‘ Once more I face you, Senor Sutter, For the jast time Lola makes her demand.” Zoe was doubtless somewhere in the cavern, so situated that escape was impossible during her captor’s absence, and the Mexican was con- fident once more that she would win the name and wealth of the Arizonian. She seemed to know exactly where to find the camp, for not long after ber departure from the cavern she came almost suddenly upon a small fire smoldering under the base of a bill, and in the dim light of it she saw a figure well muffled in a bianket. ‘*Heisalone. Ab! I will disturb bis dreams,” With her eyes fastened on the sleeper she crept forward with stealth and cunning, never for a moment looking back to see that Hercules Goldspur tbe man who had laughed at her threats was at ber heels. The sole occupant of the mountain camp was. so muffled in the blanket that Lola could not see his face even when she stopped at bis side and Jeaned over him. At length her finger gently touched the man, and as the blenket fell back from his face she recoiled with an ejaculation of horror. : ‘* Holy Dios!” rung from ber throat, as she stared at the man. ‘ He said he had killed you. ‘There was a hollow, but triumpbant laugh, | ‘Wal, he lied; don’t you think so, Lola? followed the laugh. '“‘Did you think you war wekin’ my pard? Wal, won’t I do just as. well?” Still excited by the man’s face and voice, the Poker Queen could only stare and hold bev ~ breath. \ She bad roused the wrong man, for instead us disturbing Sutter the Arizonian, she bad roused? Cold Deck Carl. ‘Said I war dead, did he?” the gambler-spu: . went on. ‘Told you, probably, that we fougie like my old pard, ther colonel, fought the My xi- can Monte Kivg in Chibuabua yearsago. Wal, that’s just what we did, girl. Sutter tied our hands an’ gave thesignal. We got in a few bad blows at first; then all at once whiz down came hi- knife an’ strack me byer.” The man who was speaking opened his jacket and showed Lola a terrible gash in. the cloth evidently made by a knife. ‘“Thet bowie made me expose my secret. ter my pard,” continued Cold Deck. “ Talk + bout arms! He's got one thet kin almost drive a bowie through three inches ov steel. al, thet knife ov bis’n struck right, but my protector turned it aside. However, ther force ov thet blow stunned me, an’ when J] got up ug’in, fer be cut us loose arter it an’ I fell, he war gone. When he told you, Lola, thet be bed wiped: Cold Deck Carl out, he lied witbout knowin’ it, fer be left ‘my pard believin’ thet be bed trump- ed my |: st kerd with his ten-inch bowie. I’m worth fifty dead men. My protector er’ no slouch, girl. The colonel wore it when he killed the Monte King, an’ before I turied him arter Sutter bad wiped ’im out at You-Bet, | appro- priated it ter my own use, Steel turns steel every time. Show me Hercules Goldspur! I’lh rise before bim like a ghost end show him thet: ther seat ov life lies in Cold Deck Carl’s brain, not on ther outside ov a steel vest.” | c Thé Poker Queen listened to the gambler- sport and did not speak when he had finished. “Wal, vou didn’t make ther riffle with Sutter when you war byer afore,” he laughed. * Struck — im too hard don’t you think? hy didn’t you | bring in thé girl, an’ play yer band arterward? He would hev taken you to ther ranch, an’ thar ou could have woven the cords about bim. ouldn’t it hey been best? Lola, war Lin yer sboes, I would hev played a different game.’ p The black eyes of the Poker Queen seemed to “ ash. “* Where is he?” she asked. tari ‘Whar you can’t reach bim he tee peer irl. Sidhe once. Say to him thet you bave become panei an’ thet you will take bim to his ebild. aeser near at band, ‘In ail my life 1 have never lost | game with ueen thar & game, and I hav: Rip thousands,” =| in less tl ov Bend, Batter, ‘But you will lose thisone,” an’ ther A arabe Ber ae amet ae f- a oP ise bees y * ip

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Hercules Goldspur. Cold-Deck Carl was playing a shrewd game, He wanted to know where Zoe was and he knew that Lola was the sole possessor of the se- cret. ‘* But he will not listen to me if I come to him and say that I will give Zoe up,” she said. “Then throw the girl into his arms an’ say, *Thar’s yer child. Now has Lola lied? Then step back and await results. Thet’s policy, girl. You can’t bluff Ferd Sutter. I know ther man,” “Senor, I will do it!” suddenly exclaimed Lola. “The girl is nearer than you think, I can have ber here by daylight. Will he bé back then?” “Yes; but I will go with you. I will help vou bring Zoe to her father. You forget that Hercules Goldspur may strike your trail. I give you my word, though, thet I will let you do the giving back. It sball be your game. By restorin’ bis child, an’ sayin’ thet you struck him too bard, is ther only way you kin win ther big ranch an’ its owner’s love—ef you ar’ dyin’ fer that,” ‘Are you ready to go now?” asked Lola, “*T am ready.” “Come, then, and Lola will show you the long lost Rose of Arizona.” ‘i Cold-Deek Carl could hardly contain his de- bt. a Keep a strait-j cket on for a while, Carl,” he murmured to bimself, ‘‘ You’ve struck a reg’lar bonanza by lettin’ Lola wake ther wron man, She give Zoe back at Jast an’ rake in all ther credit? Wal, I guess not. Yes,” to the eager girl, ‘‘ 1m rather eager ter see Zoe, so let’s be off.” But Cold-Deck Carl did not vacate the camp before he had deposited under a stone, where it was sure to be found, a bit of writing, which would inform the Arizonian that he, Carl, had gone away on the most important business, and would on his return bring him face to face with a person whom he wanted to meet. Then, ong gar by Lola, the Mexican, he left camp, and the two hurried away over a mountain trail, the eagerness of one vying with that of the other. Lola bad not uttered a falsehood when she told Cold-Deck Carl that Zoe Sutter was nearer the camp than he thouzht, The mountains of the great Northwest are honeycombed, as it were, with biding-places, known only to the cunning fox or the Indian or white man who, by accident, discovers them. Lola bad fouad two or more in ber efforts to eoneéal her beautiful captive from those who wanted ber, and to the last one she conducted the eager, almost breatbless gambler-sport, Cold-Deck Carl's eyes blazed with good-for- tune when Lola, pausing suddenly before the retreat, announced the end of the journey. “Are we byer at last?” he exclaimed. *©Whar’s Zoe?” * Cold-Deck shall see,” Several minutes later a youvg girl shrunk, with a light cry of terror, from the gambler- sport. ‘** Zoe, at last!” cried Carl. ‘Girl, the day of deliverance has come at last, Your father wants to see his stolen child. I am hyer ter take ye to him.” Still Zoe mistrusted the sport. She had been to'd that she should ever look upon him as ber enemy; but now he stood be- fore her, offering to release her from Lola’s power, ahd to restore ber to the arms of the man she had not looked upon since she was a babe in the cradle. What kind of a compromise had Lola and ‘Cold-Deck effected? They were together, and Zoe knew that the gambler-sport bad sworn allegiance to Ferai- nand Sutter, ber father, It'was a problem too deep for the captive’s waind, and rej-cting it on these grounds, she went toward tbe sport. “Take me to him,” she said, with a glance at Lola, ‘For Heaven’s sake, end forever the serrible drama of which I have been a part!” * That’s what I’m hyer for,” was the answer; and the next moment Cold-Deck Carl held Zoe’s hand. / A thrill seemed to shoot to the heart of the desperado, and it was with difficulty that he ‘concealed his delight from the watchful Lola. “Now!” hecried. ‘ Back to the camp where ‘the father waits for his cbild.” **Am I really to see him?” asked Zoe. ““Yos; and afore mornin’, too.” Still holding Zoe’s band, Cold-Deck Carl started down the corridor leading to the mouth of tbe cavern, almost oblivious of Lola’s presence, When a hand fell softly upon his arm, he turned half-way round, and looked down into ‘the passion-liguted eyes of the Mexican, “ Who is*to give Zoe back to her father?” she asked. “You ar’,” said Carl, relinquishing the cap- ‘tive’s hand. ‘“ Bless me, ef I didu’t ferget ye.” “ Lola will give ber back ” The Poker Queen now stepped quickly to Zoe’s side, forcing Cold-Deck Carl to fall back, bicmcaty he did in sullen mood, and with a dark scowl. ure ha, a or ‘‘Don’t step on my toes, Lola,” he growled, tT bite.” Once out of the cave, the three burried alon over the trail, which Zoe was hoping woul lead her to her father by the dawn of another ay. Two miles from the place, Cold-Deck Carl carried himself by a single stride, to Lola’s side, It was the step of the panther, noiseless and catlike, Suddenly his left hand fell upon the Mexican’s shoulder. ‘Pll take charge ov ther gal,” he hissed, as Lola turned. Lola attempted to free herself from the grip of the gambler-sport, but without avail. He was upon her like a tiger. ‘“‘Didn’t you hear me? I'll take charge of Zoe!” be said once more. ‘It’s five hundred feet to ther next trail below this one. Down you go, my yaller hawk,” He forced the Mexican pantheress to the very edge of the trail, leaving Zoe white-faced and spellbound, several feet away, “‘ Dll keep all ther spoil this game fetches me. Not a dollar fer you, Lola—not another stake ter the Poker Queen ter rake in!” The eyes of the doomed woman seemed to be suldenly transformed into Jiving coals, She clutched the arm that held ber off, but it seemed a rod of iron whichshe could not move, Nearer and nearer to the edge of the Joft trail with the victorious laugh of Cold-Dec Carl in her ears! It was an awful moment. All at once a wild piercing cry pealed from her throat, The mountains took it up, and sent it back with a thousand weird echoes, It startled a man io a little camp a mile away, and he listened for another but it was nos repeated. It also aroused another man who, unlike the first, did not wait for a repetition but tightened his belt and sprung away like a deer. A thunderbolt would not have reached the spot in time to have prevented the tragedy that succeeded Lola’s shriek. Cold-Deck Carl shook her hands loose, and then,as he ground his teeth, he threw her from the trail with the madness of a demon! ‘*Go, Lola! Death teaches you never to play ag’in Cold Deck Carl,” Zoe saw her old enemy disappear over fhe cliff, and also saw the gambler-sport lean over it with a revolver in his hand, ‘‘Curse ber! She’s caught in a tree! She hangs! By Heavens! sbe lives!” he cried. Then Carl lowered his revolver and fired three times in rapid succession. With the last shot he sprung up and came back to Zoe. ' “Now fer yer father’s arms!” he said. ‘‘ You sha’n’t stop this side ov ’im, my daisy.” He caught Zoe’s hand and hurried her from the spot. Away went the pair downthe moonlit trail, Cold Deck Carl laughing to himself over the victory he bad just won. Allat once he burst like a thunderbolt into"a little camp where a man stood erect before a fire, The occupant of the camp sprung forward at the sight of the pair, ‘ Hyer she is!” cried Cold-Deck Carl.‘ Fer- dinand Sutter, Cold-Deck brings yer child back to you, Zoe saw the tall and handsome man approach her, and her beart leaped up into ber throat, “That my child!” she -heard him say as his eves became fixed upon her. ‘‘ Have I hunted all these years for this? Cold-Deck Carl that girl! is not Sutter’s child.” Poor Zoe! She saw Cold-Deck Carl start back, and heard bis mad oath, Then she fell senseless at Sutter's feet. CHAPTER XXXIIL HAND AND THROAT. Tue gambler-sport soon recovered from bis astonishment, ‘* Don’t go back on her now!” he exclaimed to Sutter, as be pointed at the young girl lying senseless at his feet, ‘‘She’s your child—lL’l sw’ar to it; an’ oughtn’t 1 ter know, seein’ thet I used ter be ther colonel’s pard?” “Yes, but—” ‘** Soe’s yours I say! Go back on thet girl, an’ you turn yer back on yer own flesh an’ blood! Ef you don’t want ‘er, bowever, she'll find an everlasting friend in Cold-Deck Carl,” The last sentence carried the Arizonian to Zoe’s side, Fes ry. suddenly, he lifted her in his arms, and beld her up that be peer’ study her face, “IT see now!” be suddenly cried. ‘* She does resemble my wife. It is true, thank God! that I hold Zoe in my arms once more!” The eyes of the gambler-sport flashed with triumph, ' Sutter stood before him kissing the white face of the girl he held in bis arms, and utterly ob- livious to his surroundings. ‘ 4 ins, bal ** And you brought her back!” he crie., look- ing up suddenly and then advancing toward Cold-Veck. ‘*The Mexican tigress did not get to carry out her threat. “All the love [ am cap- able of bestowing on any one Il give to this fair creature—my child! bat! me love that yel- low traitress? Never! A thousand thanks to you, Cold-Deck! In the future receive the re- ward due you for your services. Ferdinand Sutter cannot pay you now.” ‘Never mind the pay, pard,” said the gam- bler-sport. ‘‘lam satisfied with seein’ Zoe in your arms; I ask no more. Excuse me fer a little while; you an’ yer child want ter be alone.” Cold-Deck Carl withdrew from the scene and left the camp. The Arizonian, who bad not reengnized bis daughter at first sight, was now overjoyed to know that he actually held her in his arnis, and that be could turn his face toward the old ranch from which she had been stolen years ago, Cold-Deck Carl walked away with the tread of a conqueror. “She’s mine, an’ all thet follers ther con- quest!” he exclaimed. “I bold ther winnin’ card, an’? nobody kin eucher me, It’s been & Jong, shrewd game, but I’ve got thar in spite ov Pigmy Pete, ther Rattler, and Golds; ur’s velvet fingers, Let thet man cross my path ag’in ef he dares. He swore ter restore Zoe to her father’s arms, but he hez failed. I am ther lucky man. Cold-Deck, you’ve struck a bo- nanza!” He did not stop until he reached the spot from which he had hurled Lola, the Poker Queen, over the trail. Leaning over the fringe of the mountain-path he looked anxiously below until bis searching eyes caught sight of an object that made them glitter. “She’s thar yet in ther tree,” he said. ‘I’m byer ter see thet she’s dead an’ out ov my way forever. A feller doesn’t want a tigress like Lola after bim when he’s movin’ off with ther, stakes ov his biggest game. You must be dead, Lola,” It seemed barely possible for a human being to clamber down in safety to the trees that grew out from the cliff-wall many feet underneath the trail, but Cold-Deck Carl bad determined-to risk it. Morning had come, and he could see a certain object among the tree-tops. He knew it was his victim at whom he had fired three rapid shots after bis tigerish work, and then turned away to conduct Zoe to her father, d To go down to Lola and ascertain her exact condition—this was his resolve. She might not be dead; she might be alle to follow him and baffle him in the end, tivress that she was, with vengeful blood in ber veins, So he swung himself over the trai], and, band over hand while be shut his teeth hard, went down the wall which was not perpendicular but slanted in a manner that rendered bis descent all the more dangerous. Any person watching the gambler-sport would have stared aghast at him. ‘*Tt’s all fer Zoe an’ ther biggest slico out ov the best ranch in Arizony!” he sxid to himself. “Ef I tumble, it’s good-by Cold-Deck; but I’m not goin’ ter lose my grip.” Down—down he went, now and then looking beneath him to note bis progress and to see that he was nearing the goal for which he bad started, At last, with an ejaculation of satisfaction, Cold. Deck Car) reached the tree-tcps, and stop- ped on the outside to catch his breath. He was within a few feet of the body lying among the limbs, and bis first glance showed him a pallid face and a pair of eyes that starved at the blue sky far, far above. “Tm rewarded fer comin’ down hyer,” he said. “Lola will never bluff another chap. Death hez trumped her last hand, an’ she hez lost Sutter an’ ther ranch forever!” Having rested, he crept still further down to where the Poker Queen lay. Her fall from the trail above bad been a ter- rible one, but notwithstanding it there were evidences that. it had not immediately killed her. Death had tightened Lola’s hands abouta pair of limbs, and fixed her features, Cold Deck Carl kneit over the body with in- tense satisfaction in his dark eyes, It was his victory. All at once he started and raised one of Lola’s arms, ‘* Who's been hyar?” he exclaimed, Then he tore from the dead igi sleeve the bit of paper that had met his gaze and the next moment he read; “This creature was a tigress, but a woman, I’ve got a hand fer the man who threw her down hyer. ° “ HERCULES GOLDSPUR.” ‘*Ho! you've been hyer, hev you?” cried the sport looking up. _‘' You’ve climbed down from above an’ found Lola hyer? A tigress but a woman! Idon’t know about ther woman part, Hercules. An’ you’ve got a hand fer me? Whar is it! Show thet band ov yours, Oh, My r iy 8 4 of vn eae js peices - ry a en i ape rine he? Fe: a Ras mM

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Hercules Goldspur. 20 I’m ready ter play any game you call fer. Giant thet ye ar’, rt an’ men ¢all him Cold-Deck Carl. Northern Pacific train from pillage by the thar’s one you can’t bluff, | Seven Masks from You-Bet. | That band had a name and a history, and its There was a good deal of braggadocio in | last exploit was about ‘o add fame to both. Cold-Deck’s tones; but his munner did not | indicate cowardice, for of all things a coward he was not. ed Re He tore the paper «ff and crunched it in his hand. ‘The sooner the hetter!” he flashed. ar’ ye, Hercules Goldspur? An’ whar’s thet famous baud ov yers! Good-by, Lola. We meet no more.” : ‘ He drew back from the body lying in the tree-top, and glanced downward at the trail at the extreme foot of the mountain. To climb up to the spot from whence he had started was impossible, and he began to descend still lower. : Half an hour later, after a perilous descent, he stood on the solid earth once more and looked up triumphantly at the difficulties he bad mastered, “‘ Now fer whatever stands in my path!” he «xclaimed, “ I’m ready fer anytbiog.” | . He moved off in a quick gait ond with his face turned toward the south in which direction lay the camp where he had left Sutter and his newly found daughter. Now he was going back in triumph. Five minutes later a man stepped quietly into the very trail which Cold-Deck was treading and there came over the glistening barrel of a leveled rifle one stern word: Halt!” Cold-Deck Carl had already stoppel and while the word still sounded he whipped out a revolver. peers: ‘Hold up!” followed the command, ‘ Dis- obey Hercules Goldspur, an’ thet steel vest ov yers will not save ye this time. l've got a bead on yer face, Cold-Deck. Handsup!” or a moment the gambler sport bit his lips and was inclined to disobey. ‘*Been back ter Loja, eh?” laughed Hercules, ‘+ ound her dead ov course, an’ ther message I left bebig@l. Ye'r’? a bad one, Cold-Deck; but I’m worse. Up with yer bands!” . Sullenly bus because he saw the gleaming eyes visible under the brim of the gold-laced sombrero Cold-D-ck Carl put up bis revolver and elevated bis bronzed hands above his head, Hercules Goldspur took six steps hearer, _“Tbar shall be fair play between us,” he said, ‘ Cold-Deck, take yer bowie an’ revolver an’ throw ’em back over yer head.” “To put me completely at yer mercy ?—to Jet you shoot a man who ‘hez no weapon? he rowled, P 4 “ Heyn’t I said thet we should fight fair?” was the answer. ‘“ This time a steel vest sha’n’t balk me ner defend you. Fair piay, Cold-Deck. This fight is fer Zoe.” Tne gambler-sport dropped one of his arms, and drawing knife and pistol sent them many teet behind bim. ; “Pets fair,” and Goldspur’s rifle fell from bis practiced eye. ‘ Ties he set fh against the wall of the trail avd ina moment divested himself of bis side- arms which he cast beside the rifle. The next moment with a laugh that lenta twinkle to his eyes he bounded down tbe trail like an eager wrestler stripped for the contest. His movements were so quick that the gam- bler-sport bad not time to recover bis weapons before the Mountain Hercules was upon him, “Pair play! band ter band! exclaimed Goldspar. ‘Got on yer steel vest, Carl? It blunted my bowie the last time, hut I thought Thed finished you. Lola told me all afore she died. 1 got ter ther Poker Queen just in time ter bear all.” “ An’ you swore—promised her—ter choke me with thet silken bang ov yers?” ‘* Mebbe I did, Carl!” Cold-Deek Carl drew back an incb and there ed to brace himself, : “eT finished Lola, Igave Zoe back to her fa- ther. The gir] has forgotten you.” “« Thet’s a lie!” The harsh sentence seemed to throw a torch into Cold Deck’s eyes. : E : The next moment he sprung like a lion straight at Hercules, ana aimed at bis head a blow that would have felled an ox. But quick as a flash the stroke was parried by an arm of steel, and the next instant the gambler sport went backward with a soft but terrible hand at his throat! ‘When my band fergets its cunnin” Cold- Deck, Hercules Goldspur will be dead!” laughed the giant. CHAPTER XXXTV. COLD DECKS BEST HAND. Tug strength and grip of The Man of the Veivet Hand were resistless. Cold-Deck Car! fought against the choking fingers, but without avail, They seemed to be behind his windpipe, teer- ing everything to pieces there; they were slowly | ter but surey crushing out bis very life, It was the same hand that bad “Whar | ed, own it, an’ I’m no devil.” be lacerated | will decide, Crimson Con’s throat in the depths of the Black | this time fer keeps. We hev taken an oath ter | was faste Backward reeled the gambler-sport under | that terrible grip, and the possessor of tho | softest but deaaliest band in the Northwest fol- | lowed him up, without for a moment relaxing his grip. “Tt’s fair play!” he hissed in the blackened face of the sport, ‘* Mebbe I possess a little advantage by ownin’ this fist, Cold-D ck, but you got in ther first blow, which didn’t win.” All at once he stopped, as if a happy thought had struck bim. i ‘11 take him with me ter Zoe,” he exclaim- ‘*She’ll hey ter choose ‘between us some- time, an’ it might ez well be now.” Then his grip relaxed, and the man who for several minutes had been held by. that vise of flash and sinew, fell to the ground like one dead. The velvet hand had conquered. With a glance at bis victim, Hercules Gold- spur walked back, and picked up his gun and | if , . i | Cold-Deck Carl wheeled upon the embracing side-arms, Then he returned to Cold-Deck Carl and lean- ing against a rock, waited calmly for his re- turn to himself, There was a quiet expression of victory visi- ble on the giant’s face, as with folded arms he watched the man lying in the life-giving beams of the morning sun. Not until his rival moved did he start. Then he sprung to Cold-Deck’s side. ‘“* We're goin’ ter take a walk,” he said. ‘ Git up an’ come with me.” After several'trials Cold-Deck Carl got upon his feet and glared madly at the man who faced bim, **Come,” said Hercules quietly. ‘‘ We'll go an’ let Zoe take her choice,” Then the gambler-sport seemed to compre- hend his enemy’s intention. “Will you do thet?” he cried. *T will.” ‘‘Then, Lam ready!” Hercules Goldspur received Carl’s eagerness | with a searching look. “ He’s not afraid to let Zoe choose,” he mur- mured. ‘‘ What does thismean? Has Zoe gone back on Goldspur?” Then be smiled at seeing Cold-Deck Car] put his band up to bis bruised throat. * Thet’s a devil’s hand you hev,” said the | | The Man of the Velvet Hand fell at Zoe Sutter’s feet! . | The sport’s oath was his lie. A moment of horror followed the most cow- gambler-sport witb a glance at the hand which had wrought so much mischief. “Does itlook like cne?’ and Hercules held out the member for Carl’s inspection. “It’s a daisy on ther grip—thet I'll acknowledge; but I _ The gambler said no more, but looked anx- jlously down the trail. “Tm ready now,” said Hercules, noticing the glance. “This time Zoe plays the winnit’ band. But dare you sw’ar ter abide by her de- cision?” ‘I dare! dare you?” “Yes,” ** Hands up!” The bronzed rivals raised their right hands, and Hercules Goldspur said: : **T sw’ar ter abide by Zoe’s decision betaveen Cold-Deck Carl an’ I, If she chooses him, I will turn my back upon the girl forever.” The gambler-sport heard bis enemy through, ‘*An’ Cold-Deck Carl sw’ars ter play fair after Zoe’s choice, If it falls on Hercules-Gold- spur, he will throw up bis band an’ quit ther game forever.” he two men did not stand more than five feet apart, and the tableau they formed on the mountain trail was wild and picturesque, The last sounds of Cold-Deck’s oath died away as bis unlifted hand dropped at his side, and with a proud look at Goldspur he exclaimed: “To Zoe! I'm eager ter settle this long drawn game.” They started off togetber, the gambler sport slightly in thelead, his breast heaving with ex- citement, and his eyes on fire, rom under the brim of the laced sombrero he was closely watched by the giant, not with a look indicative of suspicion, but full of triumph. é Almost without warning of any kind, the two men burst into the mountain ene where a few hours before Cold-Deck Carl had left Sutter en- Joying the society of his long-lost daugbter. bey surprised the reunited couple enjoying that reunion still, and not until Zoe, glancing Pes at the sound of a footfall, bebeld them was their presence discovered. Instantly with a start and a cry the youn girl sprung up, and. would bave rushed towar Hercules if bis look and a wave of his hand bad not kept her aloof. “My God! those enemies together? What does it mean?” cried the Arizonian, ‘*We ar’ hyer on business,” broke forth the impatient Hercules addressing Zoe, ‘‘ You ar’ choose between us. Say which ov us shall ver best friend, an’ arter thet ther future It’s ’twixt Hereules an’ Cold-Deck, Bonanza shatt, and the one that bad saved the | abide by yer decision, Zoe. Side by side we said, and the next | Hercules Goldspur encircled her! | eyes upo | goes, he leaves his farewe | this!” | making bi | swore it im ther mountains. Don’t be Logg | You ar’ ter drive one ov us away ferever. If | it’s ter be Hercules he’ll turn his back on yer an’ | walk off like a man. If Cold-Deck’s rejected, | he’ll do ther same. Look back an’ see what I’ve been ter yer an’ then glance over all thet Cold- | Deck hez done. Draw ther line between us an’ | draw it fair. I’m ready fer yer decision, Zoe. | Hercules Goldspur is no coward!” | The girl glanced at her father who under- | stood it all. | “Take your choice,” he whispered. ‘‘ There | they stand. One of those men you will love if | you do not already. It is a choice for life, my | child. May Heaven guide you!” For a minute the fair young creature stood before the two handsome men who faced her | with figures drawn to their truest stature, and all expectancy and balf-subdued excitement. It was a moment of thrilling suspense. All at once Zoe sprung torward with a cry. ‘*T choose the Aa ri man I can ever love!” she moment the strong arms of With a look that seemed capable of killing, couple and fora moment feasted bis furious n the scene. ‘*Tt’s ag’in’ me!” he suddenly grated. ‘‘ Her- | cules Goldspur, ez I might hev expected, you've won the game,” “Yes, | hev won!” was the quick response. ‘Zoe hez made her choice. Now we'll see ef Cold-Deck Carl is man enough ter keep his oath,” “Ov course he is! upon Zoe an’ her mountain He turns his back ferever rd: but afore he in ther shape ov An instant later the gambler-sport stopped, not more than twenty yards away, with a cock- ed revolver in his right hand. ‘*T shoot my compliments through bone and blood!” be continued, fiendishly, as the revolver covered Hercules Goldspur. ‘‘1 break ferever ther power oy ther velvet hand!” Less than these was enough to rouse the Idabo giant. He cast Zoe from his arms, and with a hand | leaping at his own revolver, sprung toward tbe coo! villain. ** Not fer Cold-Deck!” was the hiss that met | him, and with the final word the sport’s weapon spoke. There was a cry end a stagger backward, and ardly shot ever fired in the Northwest. Cold-Deck Carl remained in bis tracks for a second, and then, with a glance toward the young girl whom bis shot seemed to have par- alyzed, he whirled with a mocking laigb. Suddenly Zoe sprung toward Hercules Gold- spur and cast herself upon the body. ‘*This makes me a child of vengeance!” sh exclaimed. ‘* The liar and bis oath shall per@ together.” The gambler sport was too far away to hea the last words; but he looked back and saw for the last time the tableau the little camp con- tained. ‘“* We've settled it forever between us,” be laughed. ‘ Thar’s nothin’ like a six-shooter fer bluffin’ ther men with ther best band.” Then he passed out of sight with the best hand of all in the grasp of a man he had almost for- gotten. CHAPTER XXXV. WITH HIS BOOTS ON, ** Our fer an airin’! By Jebosapnat! I feel like a mornin’ star. Wonder wher Hercules is?’ Ef we don’t run across ’im socon, George, we'll not git ter make ther Banded Three ov Idaho felt. ot away with the sneskir’ Injun slick, didn't we, pard? Thet yallar Poker ly guided him to our hospital. Didn’t I hear her laugh arter I hed dropped ther red? When we find Hercules an’ help ‘im to ther lost angel ov thet Arizony ranch, we'll go back ter Silver Bow an’ set up in ther loafin’ b’izness ag’in.” Need we say from whose lips these words fell? The speaker leaned against the side of a demure-looking donkey with the warm beams of the sun on bis somewhat bleached face, and he laughed at his last words, while bis bronze hand patted the animal’s shoulder. All at once, however, the Happy Rattler start- ed up and glanced at the donkey with a trium- phant twinkle in bis eyes, as he drew a formid- able six-shooter, “Durned ef [ knowed we war a trap, George,” be exclaimed. ‘‘Hyer comes ther meanest skunk thet ever turned j:ck. Walk on, my gentle evergreen. an’ bev ver top branches nip- ped by a cruel frost from Silver Bow. George, you know thet cherub. _H»’s ther chap what in- troduced us to ther Black Bonanz, once,” visible a mountain path, not in » that the gage of a bitter enemy pon him. first “* airing,” after being shot The Ra

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‘us? by Red Fox, the Sioux, had brought him face to face with Cold-Deck Carl, fleeing from the scene of his last dastardly shot m Sutter’s little camp. His «yes fairly blazad while be watched the | gambler-sport, and suddenly, as be left bis long- | eared pard and strode forward, his hand went up and Carl was covered, “T've got you, my beau ideal!” were the words that warned the sport of his danger, for as be recoiled, he siw the man and bis revolver in the path b-fore him. ‘Tarow up them hands ov yers, but first toss | yer weepins over yer head,” continued ‘the | attler. ** Cold Deck Carl, I’m ther gent what inspect- ed ther Black Bonanza at yer suggestion. | Behold in me ther representative ov Silver Bow society. Thet’s sensible! Thet’s a nice revoiver | ota thrown away. Who war its last vic- | tim The lightnings of vengeance danced in Cold- Deck’s eves, Your last pard, I guess,” he said, ‘*Not Hercules?” “Ask the girl whose choice operated my trigger. “*T will when I’ve settled with you. We'll now proceed to bizness.” As be finished the Happy Rattler gave a whistle which brought the donkey forward, | ‘*Hyer! tail about, pard,” be said, addressing the animal, and in a moment Kicking George stood in the middle of the trail » ith bis tuil to- | ward wondering and pistol-threatened Cold- | Deck Carl. “Kick fer revenge, pard,” whispered the Rattier. ‘It’s Cold-Deck this time, an’ not a whisky-counter.” 7 Tben be wheeled upon the gambler-sport, “ Forward! Cold-Deck!” he commanded. The sport hesitated. What! walk straight upon the heels of that donkey whose heel-powers he had already wit- nessed ? Yet, what else could he do? He was atthe mercy of the Rattler’s revol- ver, and between it and the muie’s heels there was little hope, “Av you afraid ov my battery?” laughed the Man from Silver Bow. “It’s a daisy affair, Cold-Deck. That ain’t another like it at this writin’ in Ideho, Just give ita triel an’ ef it suits, please give me a certificate ov its powers. Forward!” “Upon the heels of that infernal beast? “Never!” cried the gambler-sport, planting bim . self firmly on the trail. ‘ m not goin’ ter ba kicked to pieces. You dare not give me a show. Lot. me recover my revolver—” “Forward!” ; “T will not! Sboot me whar I stand!” “Hang me if I don’t!” Hard upon the Jast word sounded the report of a revolver, and Cold-Deck Carl wheeling _ half-way round, grated his teeth, and uttered a mad oath, ‘Only a shoulder shot!” laughed the Rattler. ‘‘Now, my beau/ideal, forward march!” If stubborn before, the gambler-sport was now as immovable as a rock. His almost bloodless lips were glued together, ~ and his eyes confirmed the resolution he had made, “Pd sooner be riddled with bullets than kicked once by a mute,” he said to himself. “Such a death as he would force me to shall nottend Cold Deck Carl’s career.” Then he shouted to the Man from Silver ow, “Ef you mean to kill me, open on me in ear- nest. You kave no power to force me upon the heels of your ox all The dead-beat Jaughed derisively, ** Wer ther last time—forward, Cold-Deck!” he exclaimed, Tbe only revly was a cold sneer that matched well the sport’s mad look, He saw the Rattler’s eye drop to a level with the revolver, and heard what he expected to hear—another report, This time he reeled back several feet, but did not fall. “Shot again—the otber shoulder!” he cried. “The devil is going ter maim me an’ then tie me tu his animal’s tail, My God! have I lived for this?” Down the trail with victory in his eyes came the Man from Silver Bow, the Rattler pause. Cold-Deck Carllooked up. . “Great Heavens—Zoe!” he cried, for it took rlance to enable him to recognize the shanties of the oft-mentione mand, Tf be conld reach the revolver, he might wiu the battle going bard against him, He made a dish for the weapon. The Rattler saw the movement and threw e.citien glance at the girl whose rifle covered nim, “Stand!” she answered, ‘Give the wretch a show which is wore than he gave Hercules.” Co'd-Deck Carl picked up the revoiver with an ejiculation of joy and whirled as its lock click d, ‘You first!” he said with a look at the Rat- tler, and a second later a heavy figure staggered against the donkey’s saddle. “Now, my ravcb rose!” He spruog toward Zoe with his right band raised despite the pain in the wonaded shoulder, but the weapon that cracked a second later was not his. The man who dropped a revolver on the trail and then reccijed to fall on bis back with a -dull thud was one of the most desperate charac- ters of the new Northwest—Cold-Deck Carl. Zoe came down to the tragic spot with a coolness that amazed the man whohad got upon | his feet and was supporting himself against the astonished donkey. * You dropped tim, my bonevsuckle, bet he winged we first,” said this worthy. ‘ You ar’ avengin’ Hercules, | suppose?” ‘“Not so much asI am paying that man for his treachery,” was the reply. ‘‘ Hercules, thank Heaven! will never die by that villain’s band.” ** What! didn’t Cold Deck wipe him out?’ “He attempted to, but Heaven foiled the wretch.” ‘*Thet strikes me favorably. Hercules an’ J ar’ pards; shook hands ter thet effect ther day arter we had a bout among ther mountains. [ guess I ain’t much burt this time. Ther Ivnjun gave me ther worst dig I’ve had fer years.” Zoe had walked forwar! and taken a look at the man lying across the trail, He was dead! ‘Will you go with me?” she asked, coming back to the Rat-ler, “Sactioly. Ef J stay much longer in these parts I’ll go back ter Silver Bow a reg’lar sieve. Lead ther way, my fair conductor.” An hour later the twain reached a certain place, where the Happy Ratsler met Hercules Goldspur, who was recovering slowly from the effects of Cold-Neck Carl's shot ‘*You'll fergive me fer wipin’ out yer pard?” said the Rattler. ‘““What pard?’ ‘The red ‘un. Came inter my quarters, « har I war convalescin’, an’ my pisto) went «ff an’ dropped ’im, He war only an Injun anyavw, Hercules.” The giant smiled. If the reader could bave visited a certain well-stocked ranch in Arizona several months after the last scene described above, he might have seen a fine-looking man, whose most con- spicuons article of wearing apparel was a laced sombrero, enjoying the society of a beautiful young woman, Near by is a fine-looking, elderly man, who puts in a word now and then, and always eyes the! younger couple with a great deal of interest. It is the home of Ferdinand Sutter, the ranch prince of the territory, and tiie other occupants of the porch are—need we say it, reader?—Her- cules Goldspur and Zoe—Zoe, the long-lost, but found, heiress of an old man’s love and wealth, The trails that ended far away are not for- gotten, and the trio often recall the scenes through which we have been permitted to take the reader, from the cabins of Indiin-raided You-Bet, to the end of the desperado’s trail, As for the Happy Rattler and pard, let us say here that if they are not bonanza kings. they fill once more their old pas among the ilver Bow, THE END, THE Sunnyside Library 1 Latta Rooxu. By Thomas Moore.... ........ 10e 2 Don Juan By Lord Byron....-....+++-see+e: » 2c 8 Parapisr Lost. By Johi Milton...... ae 10¢ 4 Tue Lapy or rue LAKE. By Sir Walter Scott... 10¢ 5 Lvctim, By Owen Meredith............-..+.4 10¢ 6 Unprtpor, tHe Warer-Sprrit. From the German ot Friederich De La Motte Fouque.. 10¢ For sale by all newsdealers: or sent, postage paid The Best Weekly of Popular, Entertain- ing and Useful Literature Pub- lished in America! | Its Unrivaled Corps of Contributors. almost all of whom write ewclusinety for its publisbers—embraces the following authors of world wide repute— Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, Albert W. Aiken, Caot. Fred. Whittaker, Capt. Mark Wilton, Joseph. E. Badger, Jr.. Edward L. Wheeter, Charles Morris, Oi] Coomes, C. Dunning Clark, Buffalo Bill, White Beaver, Buckskin Sam, Major Dangerfield Burr, T. ©. Harbaugh, Philip 8, Warne, Williain R. Eyster,. Anthony P. Morris, Launce Poyntz. Each and all of whom give to BrapLe’s WEEKLY their very best productions in all the varied fields of Border and Wild West R mance— Adventure Exploration and Sport— City Life Character, Courts and Ways— Detective and ‘Shadow’ Revelations — Stories of the Great Deep, etc., etc. So that each and every number 1s overflowing with reading of the most interesting and exciting nature; while in its Special Departments, covenng all the needs, and addinz to the general interest and usefulness of the popular journal, Beapie’s WEEKLY is tre paper of ali others for your weekly reading and entertainment, Beadle’s Weckly is cs ie at the Following Rates: Wee NOUS MOLDS | olge Nestacseisiie.- oo cuskees $1.00 For One Year,.. .. SS OT ic atk 's Ohba 4 1) Twe Copies for One Year ........ seesses eeees SO Sirg:e Copies...... Ja baie ae Ak fathheniteee deem Sv pplied by all Newsdealers. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pusuisaers, 94 William street, New York. 1 Wnoa, Eva! and 59 other Songs. 2 Caprain Curr and 67 other Songs. 8 Ture Garxssoro’ Har and 62 other Songs, 4 JonNny Mor@an and 60 other Songs. 5 ut Srarke You WirH A FEATHER and 62 otters. 6 GeorGE THE CHARMER and 56 other Songs, 7 Tue Benue of Rockaway and 52 other Songs. 8 Youxe Feiian, You're Too Fres# and 60 others 9 Say Youne Grru and 65 other Songs, 10 I’« THE GovERNOR’s ONLY Son and 58 other Songs, 11 My Fan and 65 other Songs. od 12 Comm’ Taro’ Tur Rye and 55 other Songs. | 13 Tae Rouiickine IRIsHMAN and 59 other Songs. 14 Op Boa Tray and 62 other Songs, 15 Wuoa, CHaruiz and 59 other Songs, 16 In THIs WHEAT By anp By and 62 other Songs. 17 Nancy Lee and 58 other Songs. 18 I’« THE Boy THAT’S BounD To Buaze and 57 others. 19 Tue Two OrpHans and 59 other Songs. 20 WHat ARE THE Witp Waves Sayina, SISTER? and 59 other Songs. 21 INDIGNANT PoLLy Woe and 59 other Songs. 22 ‘ue ULD ARM-CHAIR and 58 éther Songs. 23 On Coney IsLAnD Bracn and 58 other Songs. 24 Oty Smmon, THE Hot-Corn MAN and 60 others.” 25 I’m yn Love and 56 other Songs. 23 PARADE OF THE GusRops and 56 other Songs. 27°Yo, Heave, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 28 'LwiLL NEVER Do To Gis rT uP So and 60 others. 29 Biur Bonners Over THE BorDER and 4 others, 30 ‘Tar Merry Lavente MAN and 56 other Songs 31 Sweet Forart-mE-Not and 55 other Songs, 32 LEETLE Baby Mine and 53 other Songs. 33 Ds BANJO AM DE INSTRUMENT FOR ME and 55 others, 34 Tarry and 50 other Songs. ; 85 Just ro PLease THE Boys and 52 other Songs. 86 SKATING ON OnE IN THE GUTTER and 52 others. 87 Kororep Kranxs and 59 other Songs, 83 Nit Desprxanpum and 53 other Songs. 89 Tue Girt I Lerr Beary Me and 50 other Sungy 40 ‘Tis put A Lirtte Fapep Ftower ani 50 others 41 Pretry Wainne aia aad 60 other Songs. 42 DaNcING IN THE Barn and 63 other Songs, 43 H. M.S, PrNarors, COMPLETE, and 17 othe Songs. Sold everywhere by be tye gpa ap five cents per copy, or sent post-peid, to any address, on re~ ceipt of Siw cents per number. Fis ae 1 uh eee BEADLE AND ADAMS, } 8S Witiiam Sr: E t > Ts } 4 f r 4 p ‘ a - . ; } | | | | | | ¥ id a ——< eS a So ae

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4s e BEADLE’S*| )IME*|IBRARY. Fublished Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers. pan ISS eel Tere BE oT PIAS oar ies 9 — BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 28 Old Sobersides, the Detective of St. Louis. _ ‘White-Horse Wheeler, the Revenue Detective. 318 The Double Edged Detective. 907 Maverick Mark. the Man from Nowhere. 898 Silky steele, the Stay-in Sport. 884 Tne Spotter-Sport’s Neck-Tie Party. 870 High-Water Mark; or, Silver-Tip Sid. 362 Riata Rob, the Range Champion. 5 855 The C .whov Chief's Sure-Shot. =. $48 The Rival Red-Hat Sports. $37 Curly Kid, the Cheyenne Sport. 824 The Soft Hand Detective. 815 The Soft Hund’s Clutch. 809 Dan Dunn. the Soft-Hand Sport. E 796 The Frisco Detective’s Thug-Tangle. «89 Sam ao the River Sport. y ‘80 The Dead Sport’s Double. é71 Prince John, Detective Special. » | 963 Dandy Don, the Denver Detective. : %54 the Man from Texas; or, Dangerfield. the | Doctor Detective. 744 Sweepstakes Sam, the Silver Sport. 720 The Secret Six; or, O:d Halcyon. ; 712 The Man of Sitk. 70 Bantam Bob, the saat from Butte. 693 Kent Kasson, the Preacher Sport. 683 Bob Breeze, the Rounder Detective. 675 Steel Surry, the Spore from 668 Solemn Saul’s Luck Str. ak 461 The Get-There Sharp. _ 651 SilVestip St-ve, the Sky Scraper from Siskiyou. 645 Gopher Gabe, the Unseen Detective. 636 Dandy Darling, Detective. _ 627 Mossback Mose, the Moun!aineer. - 617 The Grip Sack Sbarp’s Even ue 597 Big Bandy, the Brigadier of Brimstone Butte. | §88 Sandy sands, the Sharp from Snap City. _ 576 Silver-Toogued Sid; or, Grip Sack Sharp's Sweep. _ §64 The Grip-Sack Sharp; or, The Seraphs of Sodom. _ $55 Grip-Sack Sid, the Sample Sport. _ $47 Yhe Buried Detective; or, Sa:l’s Six Sensations. §41 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve. c $85 Dandy Dutch, the Decorator from Dead-Lift t27 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective. £14 Gabe Gun», the gn eee Ginseng. 604 Solemn Saul. the Sad Man from San Saba. 495 Rattlepate Rob; or, The Roundhead’s Reprisal } 4845 The Thor. ughbred Sport. 474 Daddy Dead-Eye, the Despot of Dew Drop. O'd Rough and Ready, the Sage of Sundown rat Dutcb Dan. the Pilgrim from Spitzenberg. - 443 A Cool Hand: or, Pistol Johnny’s Picnic. _ 438 Oklahoma Nick. 433 Laughing Leo; or, Sam’s Dandy Pard. 426 The Ghost Detective; or, The Secret Service Spy. 416 Monte Jim. the Biack Sheep of Bismarck. ‘09 Rob Roy Ranch; or, The {mps of Pan Handle, 40% The Nameless Sport. | B95 Deediy Aim, the Duke of Derringers. 887 Dirk Durg. the Ishmael of the Hills. @72 Oaptain Crisp, the Man with a Record. 867 A Royal Fiusi; or, Dan Brown’s Lig Game. 360 Jumping Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown. 355 Stormy Steve, the Mad Athlete. 851 Nor’ West Nick, the Border Detective. _ 845 Maskea Mark, the Mounted Detective. _» $39 Spread Nagle Sam, the Hercules Hide slunter. _ $31 Chispa Charley, the Gold Nugget Sport, 817 Frank Lightfoot, the Miner Detective. 292 Moke Horner, the Boss Roustabout. | 286 Pistol Johnny; or, Ore Man in a Thousand. 283 Sieek Sam, the Devil of the Mines. | 257 Death Trap Diggings: or, A Man ‘Way Back 249 i) 241 | 233 Elephant Tom, of Durango, Spitfire Saul, King of the Rustlers. The Old oy of Tombstone. ; 2) Pirate of the Placers; or. Joaquin’s Death Hunt 180 Old ‘49; or. The Amazon of Arizona. 170 Sweet William, the Trapper Detective. bm qoaquin. ne Fe aye i oaquin, the Saddie King. _ 441 Equinox Tom, the Bul'y of Red Rock. _ 119 Alabama Joe; or, The Yazoo Man-Hunters, - 405 Dan Brown of Denver; or, The Detective. 88 Big George; or, The Five Outlaw Brothers. . 71 Captaih Cool Blade: er, Mississippi Man Shark, 67 The boy Jockey; or, Honesty. vs. Crookedness. 50 Jack Rabbit, tne Prairie Sport. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 10 Fire-Eye, the Thug’s Terror. : i OF Night-Hawk, the Crook Shadower, 768 Tne Prin e of New York Crooks, 756 Old Burke, the Madison Square Detective, TAT eet eter — s oe Disguise. ; ble-Voice Dan on Deck. F ie ponbis-Volos Dau, the Always-on-Deck Detective $96 Double-Voice Dan, the Go-it Alone Detective, 889 The Sparkler Sharp. ih rN ee ead Hal, the Cowboy Hotspur. 9 Old True Blue, the Trusty. } The Giant Sport; or, Sold to Satan. | Old Piug Uily. the Rough and Ready. / 371 Old Dismal, the Rang? Detective. yi Hustler Harry, the Cowboy Sport. BY GEORGE C. JENKS. 910 The Arizona Detective. 894 Silver Sam. the Shasta Sport. P-te the Broncho-Buster Detective. | 926 Foarless Sam, the Grand Combination Detective, ‘419 Boston Bob, the Sport ctive. §72 Jaunty Joe, the Jockey Detective. Sharp, the Rustler ld Glove Gid, the Man of Grit. The Silver Sport’s Double. Beat Rocket, the Teut Detective. a5 BSESEESE tee Jack, the Desert Nomad, Colonel Cool, the Santa Fe Sharp, Captain Nameless the Mountain Mystery, : The Raee-Course cs tective, 4 Hayseed Detective. : ve to) pealn Corden, the (Twister Detective 5 wih $86 Death-Grip, the Tenderfoot Detective ‘Bl ae Re Detective. : The Giant Horseman 988 Hye, the Pacific Detective, BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER, 916 Two Dead-Square Sports. $02 Soft Velvet, tue Man from Sandrock, 891 Genteel Jim, Sport-at-Large. 881 The Clubman-Crook’s Cat’‘s-paw. 887 The Frisco Sport. 852 The Stranger Sport’s Shake-up. 828 Kirk King, the Man from Kirby. 818 Gentleman Dave, the Dead Game Sport 783 The King-Pin Tramp. 767 The Sport of silver Bend. 718 Uncie Bedrock’s Big Bounce. \ 707 The Rival Rovers. yor i 687 Double Cinch Dan, the Sport With a Charm. 677 Mr, Jackson, the Gent from Jaybird. 659 Gilt-Edge Johnny; or, Roldan and His Rovers, 650 Lucky Lester’s Lone Hand. 634 Old Handcart’s Big Dump. 622 The All Around Sports. 603 Desert Alf, the Man With the Cougar. 590 Gentle Jack, the High Roller from Humbug, 578 Seven Shot Steve, the Sport with a Smile. 568 The Dude Detective, 558 Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Halcyon. 549 Belshazzar Brick, the Bailiff of Blue Blazes. 533 Oregon, the Sport With a Scar. 503 The Dude from Denver. 478 Pinnacle Pete; or, The Fool from Way Back. 459 Major Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives. 429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red Rend. 402 Snapshot Sam; or, The Angels’ Flat Ractet, 396 The Piper Detective; or, The Gilt Edge Gang. 375 Royal George, the Turee in One. 356 Thre Handsome Sports; or, The Combination. 333 Derringer Dick, the Man with the Drop, 268 Magic Mike. “he Man of Frills. 229 Captain Cutsicave; or, The Little Sport, 214 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch. 182 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon. 160 Soft Hand, Sharp: or, The Man with the Sand, 145 Pistol Pards; or, The Silent Sport from Cinnabar BY NED BUNTLINE. 657 Long Tom, the Privateer. 633 The Sea Spy. 9 621 The Red Privateer; or, The Midshipman Rover. 584 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer King, 517 Buffalo Bill's First Trai). 361 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot § y. 111 The Smuggler Captain; or, The Skipper’s Crime, 13 The Sea Bandit; or, The Quéen of the Isle, 16 The White Wizard; or, The Seminole Prophet, BY JACKSON KNOX—Old Hawk.” $38 Old Grips Still Hunt, jo a een gi Web. ac v7 e Butler Detective; or, Old Grip’s Gri 770 The Showman Dete tive. y . 762 Old Grip, the Detective, 740 Capt-in Clew, the Fighting Detective. 732 The Hurricane Detective. 643 Castlemaine, the Silent Sifter. 616 Magnus. the Weird Detective. 606 The Drop Detective. 595 Wellbagn, the Upper Crust Detective, 582 Joram, the Detective Expert. 574 Old Falcon’s Double, 561 The Thug King; or, The Falcon Detective’s Foe. 548 Faleonbridge. the Sphinx Detective. 536 Old Falcon's Foe; or, The Detective’s Swell Job, 515 Short-Stop Maje, the Diamond Field Detective, 509 Old Falcon, the Thunderbolt Detective, 501 aac ap Steve, the Retired Detective, 494 The Deteetive’s Spy. 485 Rowlock. the Huser Detective. 477 Dead-arm Brandt, 467 Maivwaring. the Salamander. 462 The Cizeus Detective, 451 Griplock, the Rocket Tetective. 444 The Magic Detective; or, The Hidden Hand, 424 Hawk Heron’s Deputy. 386 Hawk Heron, the Falcon Detective, BY J. ©. COWDRICK, 752 The Suspect Sport of Daisy Drift. 626 Ducats Dion, the Nabob Sport Detective. 612 Sheriff Stillwood, the Regulator of Raspberry, 598 The Dominie Detective. ‘ 591 Duke Daniels, the Society Detective. 580 Shadowing a Shadow. ; 565 Prince Paul, the Postman Detective, 557 The Mountain Graybeards; or, Riddles’ Riddle, 519 Old Riddles, the Rocky Ranger 499 Twilight Charlie, the Road Sport. 478 Gilbert of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective. 452 Rainbow Rob, the Tulip from Texas. 436 Kentucky Jean, the Sport from Yellow Pine. 422 Blne Grass Burt. the Gold Star Detective. 890 The Giant Cupid: or Cibuta John’s Jubilee, EY EDWARD WILLET?T. 4°3 Flush Fred, the River Sharp. ; 368 The Cenyon King: or. a Price on his Head. 348 Dan Dillon, King of Crosscut. 337 Old Gabe, the Mountain ble 327 Terrapin Dick, the Wildwood Detective: $15 Flush Fred's Double; or, The Squatters’ League 308 Hemleck Hank. Tough and True. 298 Logger Lem; or. Lift’ in the Pine Woods, 289 Flush Fred's Full Hand. 274 Flush Fred, the Mississipni Sport, 248 Montana. Nat, the Lion of Last Chance Camp, 222 Rill the Blizzard; or, Red Jack's Crime, 209 Buck Farley. the Bonanza Prince. 129 Mississippi Mose: er, a Strong Man’s Sacrifice, BY CAPTAIN MAWNE REED. $7 The WhiteSamaw, = 4 The Hunt¢t’s east. a ba | 213 The Wile ntress; or, The Squatter. | 200 The Rifle ers; or. Adventures in Mexico, 4 The - the Rifles; or, The Lake Queen, 66 The peeter e, A Tale of the Pacific, | 55 The Scalp Hunters.. A Romance of the Plains. Ege a rer BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. | 911 The Blue Blockader; or, The Coast Grayhound., - 906 The Cuban Cruiser." 4 y =. ae Sn pair } The Wi teer Riders; or, Texas Jack's Terro: 839 The Rival Monte Cristcs. pe 805 The Last of che Pirates; or, Docm Driven. : 801 The Water Wolves’ Detective; or, Trapving the Grave Ghouls. 791 The Coast-Raider'’s Death: Chase. 748 Arizona Chariie, the Crack-srot Detective, 704 Invisible lvan the Wizard Detective. 685 The Red-skin Sea Rover. 679 Revello, the Pirate Cruiser; or. The Rival Rovers 672 The Red Rapier; or, The Sea Rover’s Bride, 662 The Jew D-tective: or, The Beautiful Convict, 640 The Rov«r’s Ret ibution. 635 The Ex Buecane-r: or, The Stigma of Sin. 625 Red Wings; or, The Gold Seekers of the Bahamas, 610 The Red Flag Hovexson The ver;cr, White Wings of the 605 The Shadow Silver Ship. ot a 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 The Ontlawed Skipper; or, The Gantlet Runner, 560 The Man from Mexico. 553 Ma, Monte, the Mutineer; or, The Branded Brig. 546 Tr» Doomed Whaler: or, The Life Wreck. - 530 The Savages of the Sea, 524 The Sea Chaser; or, The Pirate Noble. 510 El Moro, the Corsair Commodore, 493 The Scouts of the Sea. : 457 The Sea Insurgent: or, The Conspirator Son, 446 Ucean Ogre, the Outcast Corsair. 435 The One-Armed buccaneer. 430 The Fatal Frigate; or, Rivals in Love and Wan 899 The New Monte Cristo. -893 The Convict Captian. 877 Afloat and Ashore; or. The Corsair Conspirator, 369 The Coast Corsair: or, The Siren of the Sea. 864 The Sea Fugitive: or, The Queen of the Coast, 341 The Sea Desperado, 336 Tne Magic Snip; or, Sandy Hook Freebooters. 325 The Gentleman Pirate; or. Tne Casco Hermits, 318 The Indian i:uccaneer: or, ‘ihe Red Rovers. 307 The Phantom Pirate; or, The Water Wolves. 255 The Pirate Priest; or, The Gampler’s Daughter, 246 Queen Helen, the Amazon of the Overland, 2385 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 Lagoog- 198 The Skeleton Schooner; or, The Skimmer. 184 The Scarlet Schooner: or. The Sea Nemesis. 104 Montezuma. the Merciless. ; 103 Merle, the Mutineer; or, The Red Anchor Bramj, ; 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 Champion Three. 502 Bareback Buck, the Ceataur of the Plains, 472 Six Foot Si; or, The Man to “ Tie To.” 431 California Kit, the Always on Hand. 404 Silver Sid; or, A “ Daisy ” Bluff. 380 Tiger Dick's — or, Tne Golden Serpent, 359 Yellow Jack, the Mestizo. 338 Jack Sands, the Boss of the Tewn. 299 Tnree of a Kind; or, Dick, Despard and the Sport, 251 Tiger Diex vs. lrou D: spsrd. 207 Old Hard Head: or, Whirlwind and his Mare, 171 Tiger Dick, the Man of the Iron Heart. 114 The Gentleman from Pike. A Man of Nerve; or, Caliban the Dwarf. 54 Always on Hand; or, The Foot-Hi.ls Sport, 29 Tiger Diek, Faro King; or, The Cashier's Crime, 4 The Kidnapper; or, The Northwest Shanghai, BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON, $23 Hotspur Hugh; or, The Banded Brothers, 811 Heavy Hand; or, The Marked Men. 805 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover. 291 Horseshoe Hank, the Man of Big Luck, 285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror, 276 Texa: Chick. the Southwest Detective. 271 Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend, 266 Leopard Luke the King of Horse-Thieves 263 Iron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyer 258 Bullet Head, the Colora’o Bravo. 237 Long-Haired Max; or, Tle Black League. 227 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho. 223 Canyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain, 219 The Scorpion Brothers; or, Mad Tom’s Missi¢ 202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide. 194 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent, 176 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Queen. BY OLL COOTIES, 619 Kit Bandy & Co , the Border Detectiver, 143 One-Armed Aif: the Giant Hunter, 99 The Giant Rifleman: or, Wild Camp Life. 43 Dakota Dan, the Reckless Ranger. “ BY COL. TROMAS H. MONSTERS. 236 Champion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Show 150 Bl Rubio Bravo. King of the Swerdsmen, oe BY DR. NOEL DUNBAR. is 919 The Sea Scout; or. The Patriot Privateer 886 The King of Crooks, Cine 858 Numher One, the Dead-set Detective. ‘ 730 Duke Despard, the Gambler Duelist. , ike ard, the Gambler Duelist. 804 ah Detective in Rags: or, The Grim Shadower, Bondlove Dime Library is for oy ma + wsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mal wi , shi i-e

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£ Bentwood Dich, the ig of the Road. By E. L. Wheeler. \ B XeHewstone Jack. By Joseph EK. Barger, Jr. 5 Kantas King. By Buffalo Bil, (Hon, W. F. Cody.) he W lld-Horse Munters. By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker. & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. By Ol] Coomes, Double number, 10 cents. Lg Bill Biddon, Trapper. By Edward S. Ellis. "? The Flying Yurkee, By Colonel Prentiss lugraham. 8 Beth Jones ; or, The Captives of th- Frontier, By KE. S, Ellis, ® Adventures of Baron Munchausen, ® Nat Todd; or, The fate of the Sioux Captives, By E. S. Ellis. The ‘Iwo betectives, By Albert W. Aiken, Gulliver’s Travels. A Voyage to Liliput, and a Voyage to Brobdinguag, By Dean Swifs. The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes, Aladdin 5 vr, The Wonderful Lamp. The Sen-Cat. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. Robinson Crusoe, (27 mg me, By Defoe. Ralph Rey, the Koy Buccaneer, By Sol. Prentiss Ingraham, Sindbad the Sailor, From the Arabian Nights, The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. The Double Daggers, By Edward L. Wheeler. The Frontier Angel. By Edward S, Ellis. The Sea » erpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By J. Lewis. Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of 16. By T. C, Harbaugh. 24 Diamond Dirk. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 26 The Hey De tain, 26 Clovyen Noof, the Butfulo Demon. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Ol) Coomes. 25 Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol, By E.L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb Page, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 80 Roaring aes Rockwood. By Harry St. George. 81 Keen-h nif, Prince of the Prairies.” By Oll Coomes. 62 Bob Woolf, the Border Roffian. By Edward L. Wheeler. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound, By 8. W. Pierce. 84 Oregon Sol, By Captain J. F. C. Adams. BS Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval, By E. L, Wheeler. 86 The Boy Clown, By Frank S. Finn. 87 The Hidden Lodge. By T. C, Harbangh, 8S Ned Wylde, the Boy Seout. By Texas Jack. 89 Death-Fuce, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler, 40 Roving Ben, By J bu J, Marshall. 41 Lasso Sook, the Y «sng Mustanger. By Ol) Coomes, 42 The Phantom Miner. By Edward L, Wheeler. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider, By Capt. Whittaker, 44 Kattling Kube. By Harry St. George. 45 Old Avalanche, th. Grent Annibilator. By E, L. Wheeler. 6 Glass Eye, the Great Shot of the West. By J. F. C. Adams. 47 Nightingale Nat; or, @be Forest Captains. By Harbaugh, 45 Black John, the Road-Agent. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 4Y Omaha O11, tie Masked Terror. By Edward L. Wheeler. 50 Burt Bunke , the Trapper. By C. E. Lasalle, 61 The Roy i.ffless or, The Underground Camp. By A.C.Iron, 52 The White Buffalo, By C. E. Lasalle. 58 Jim Blud«oe, Jr., the Boy Phenix, By E.L, Wheeler. 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper, By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 5% Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo Bill. 56 Nick Whites’ Pet. By Captain JF. C. Adams. 57 Deudwoed Dick’s Engles. By Edward L. Wheeler. 568 The Kerder King; or, The Secret Foe. By Oll Coomes. 59 @1i Mickery ; or, Uandy Eliis’s Sealp. By Harry St. George. 60 The White Indian. By Captain J, F.C. Adama, 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Tenm. By E. L. Wheeler. 62 ape Shadow Ship. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, § The Red Krotherhood. By W. J. Hamilton. 4 Dandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. & Hurricane Bill. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 66 Single Hand ; or, A Life fora Life. By W. J. Hamilton, 87 Patent-Leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. The Border Kobin Liood. By Buffalo Bill 9 Gold Rifle the Sharpshovter. By Edward L. Wheeler. © Old Zip’s Cabin. By Captain J. F.C, Adwns, 1 Delaware Dicks the Toung Ranger Spy. By Oll Coomes, Mad Tom W estern, the Texan Ranger. By W.J. Hamilton. 8 Deadwood Dick on Deck. Ky Edward L. Wheeler. By Oll Coomes, l edevtond eet SeENaeEe wen “oe By Roger Starbuck, By Edward L. Wheeler. 75 The Bey Dreli-t. By Colonel Prentiss In¢-mham. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken, ZT? Corduroy Ch rHe, the Boy Bravo. By E. L, Wheeler. 78 Blue Dick. By Captain Mayne Reid, 79 Sol Ginger, theGiant Trapper. By Albert W. Alken. 80 Rosebu ob. | By Edward L. Wheeler. S81 Lightning do, By Cuptain J. F.C, Adams, S32 Kit Hayefoot the Wood-Hawk, By T. C. Harbaugh, 88 Rollo, the Boy Kanger. By 0}! Coomes. 4 wens Girl Miner, 90 ‘ihe Dren By George Wa-do Browne, 91 The Captain of the Club, By Bracebridge Hemyng. 92 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L. Wheeler. 98 The Bey Miners, By EdwardS, Ellis. 94 Midnight jack, the Road-Agent. By T.. Harbaugh, 95 The Rival Rovers. By Lieut, Col, Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers, By Jobn J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Ear). By Prof. Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Tnoa, By Georze Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadyille, By E. L. Wheeler. 101 Jack Markaway in New York. bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 108 The Lion of the Sea, By Colone) Delle Sara. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Edward L. Wheeler. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Captain H. Holmes, 106 Old Froaty, the Guide. By T. C. Harbaugh. *% dme-Eyed Sim, By James L. Bowen. During Pers the Young Bear-Killer, By H. St, George. Deadwood Dick as Detective. By ©. L. Wheeler. The Black Steed of the Prairies. By J. L. Bowen. The Sca-Devil. By Colone! Prentiss Ingrakam, The Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe Jack Moyle the Young Speculator, By FE, lL. Wheeler. The Black Schooner. By ae od Starbuck. The Mad Miner, By eorge Waldo Browne, The Mussar Sepenm, By Col. Prentiss Iugrabam. Hit-Edged Dick, , By Edward L. Wheeler. ill Somers, the Bov D.-tective. By Charles Mofris. Muatang Sar 3 or. The King of the Plains. By J. E. Badger. he Branded Wand, By Frank Dumont. Pipnemen Chip, the Girl Sport. By E. L. Wheeler, Lardy, the Boss Boy. sot RO pp fk et pk CENAARSH“SSoe © =s | Fees Fe = * e = « 3 e tal = y By George Gleason. By Haward L. Wheeler. way use Pete. «Fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Dumont 128 The Young Privateer. By H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double, By Edward L. Wheeler. 180 Detective Dick. By Charies Morris. 81 The Golden Hand, By George Waldo Browne, 2 The Hunted Munter. By Edward §. Ellis. eed 0 eer) en ND By C. Dunning Clark, 86 Night-Hawk Kit. By Joseph &. Badger, Jr. 87 The Ly ing Bend.» Captain Mayne Reid. ill, By Ed L. Wheeler. Solid Sam, the Boy Ron A Handsome Harry. B Rear-Face San By Msn oe ve New York Detectiv Dainty Lanc , dre ©: rret, th York ve. By Wheeler. Captain Fes the "Knight, " By Ol) Coomes. ’ 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. By Charles Morris. 48 Sharp Sum iv J, Alexander Patten. 9 A Game of Gold. Edward L. Wheeler. 150 Lance and Lasse. By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 151 Panther Paul, the Prairie Virate. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 152 Black Bess, Will Wildtire’s Racer, By Charles Morris. 158 Eagle Kit, the Poy Demon. By Oll Coomes. 154 The Sword Hunters, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 155 Gold Trigger, the Spert. By T. C, Harbaugh. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood, By E. L. Wheeler. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. “By Charlea Morris, 158 Fancy Frank of Colerado, By Buffalo Bill. 159 The Lost Captain. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 160 The Black Giant, By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. 161 New York Nell. By Edward L, Whe ler. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods, By Charles Morris, 8 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Ol! Coomes, Dandy Rock's Pledge. By George Waldo Browne. Billy B age, the Railroad Boy. By Charles Morris, Mickory Harry. By Harry St. George. Aan Seott, the Steambout Boy. By Edward Willett. Deadly Dash, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Tornado Tom, By T. C. Harbaugh. A Trump Card, By Charles Morris. Ebony Dan, By Frank Domont. Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George. Dandy Rock’s Rival. By George Waldo Browne. Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Charles Morria, Captain Arizona, By Philip S. Warne. The Boy Runaway. By Lieutenant H. D. Perry, U.3.N. Nobby Nick of Nevada, By Edward L. Wheeler. Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. By Oll Coomes. Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, By Charles Morris. The Sea Trailer. By Lieutenant H, D. Perry, U.S.N. Wild Frank of Montana. By Edward L, Wheeler. wits Hurricane, th- so Captuin, By Oll Coomes, he Hidden fiand, By Charles Morris, 4 The Boy Tratlers. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 5 Evil Eye, King of the Catele Thieves. By Frank Damont, 6 Cool Deamoénd, By Colone! DeHe Sara, 7 Fred Malyard, the Life Boat Boy, By Charles Morris. & Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T. C, Harbaugh. 9 Bob Reckett, the Cracksman. By Charles Morris. 0 pansy Darke, By William R. Eyster. 1 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhncker, By Capt. A. B. Taylor. 2 Captain Kit, the Wi Sage ag By Lieut. Perry. % The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip 8, Warne. 4 Buffalo BPs Bet. By Captain Taylor. & Deadwood Dick's Dream. By Edward L, Wheeler. 96 Shadowed, By Charles Morris, 7 Little Grit, the Wild Rider, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. #8 Arkansaw, ths Man with the Knife. By T. C. Harbaugh. 99 Featherweight. By Edward Willett. 200 The Bey Bedouina. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 201 The Black Ills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 202 Prospect Pete, of the Boy Brigade. By Ol) Coomen. 208 The Boy Pards, | By Joseph KE. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit. By Col, Prentiss Ingrabam. 20% Deadwood Dick’s Doom, By Edward L. Wheeler. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. By Charles Morris. ~~ - SEK SCENATE SW CEENA SSS SSSTFEETPMIEESELAIEMM INN NSTASASAS

BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, | 98 Willirm Street, New Bathe)

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> } BREADLE'S*] )IME*]IBRARY. Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers. BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 994 Buffalo Bill’s Lone Hand. 989 Buffalo Biil’s Marked Bullet, 984° Buffalo Bill’s Life Raffle, — 979 Buffalo Biil’s Relentless Trail. 964 Buffa'o Bil’s Invincibles, \960 Buffalo Biil’s Blue Belt Brigade. 956 Baffalo Bill’s Volunteer Vigilantes. 950 Buffalo Bi'l at Bay. $43 Buffalo Bill’s Block Game. 986 Buffalo Bill s Black Pard, 927 Buffalo Bill’s Biuff; or, Dusky Dick the Sport, 921 Buffalo Bill’s Quandary; or, Velvet Bill’s Vow. 15 Buifalo Billand the Surgeon-Scout. Buffalo Bill’s League; or, Red Butterfly. Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Trail. Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders, 895 Buffalo Bill's Secret Ally, 890 Buffalo Bill’s Life-Stake. 882 The Three Bills: Buffalo Rill Wild Billand Band- box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth. 874 Buffaio -ill’s Buckskin Braves. 869 Buffalo Bill’s Road-Agent Round-up, 863 Buffalo Bill’s Death Charm, 857 Buffalo Bill’s Royal Flush. 851 Buffalo ‘Bill's Double Dilemma, 845 Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Ruse, 830 Buffalo Bill's Bovs in Blue. 826 Buffalo Bill’s Sharp Shooters, 822 Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower. 816 Buffalo Bil’s Red Trail, 812 Buffalo Bill’s Death-Knell, 794 Buffalo Bill’s Winning Hand 787 Luffalo-Bill’s Dead Shot. 781 Buffalo Bill's Brand. 777 Buffalo Bill’s Spy Shadower, 769 Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake. 765 B.ffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam, 761 Buffalo Bill’s Mascot. 757 Buffalo Bill’s Double. 750 Buffalo Bill’s Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow, 748 Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand, 739 Buffalo Bill's Blind: or, The Masked Driver. 735 Buffalo Bill end His Merry Men. ‘731 Buftalo Bill's Beagles: or, Silk Lasso Sam, 727 Buffalo Bill’s Body Guard. 722 Buffa'o Bill on the War-path. 716 Buffalo Biil’s Scout Shadowers. 710 Buffalo Bill Baffled: or. The Deserter Desperado. 697 Buffalo }ill’s Buckskin Brotherhood, 691 ‘suffalo Bill’s |:lind Trail; or, Mustang Mad 667 Buffalo Biil’s Swoop; or, The King of the Mines, 658 The Cowbov Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas, 658 Lasso King’s League; or, Buck Taylor in Texas. 649 Buifaio Biil’s Chief of Cowboys; or, Buck Taylor 644 Buffalo Bill’s ):}onanza; or. Si ver Circle Knights, 862 Buffalo Bull’s be a or. Vath Bound to Custer. ‘829 Buffalo Bill’s Pledge: or. The League of Three. \189 \Vild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen. /1%5 Wild Bill’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress, \468 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot. By Buffalo Bill. (973 The Dread Shot Four. (969 Texas Jack, the Lasso King i839 The Ranca King Dead-Shot. 820 White Beaver ’s Still Hunt. ‘807 Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist- 800 Wild pal pe ent Stot. 639 Buffalo Bill's Gol gz. (599 The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains, 414 Red Renard. the Indian Detective. 401 One-Armed Para; or, Borderland Retribution. 897 The Wizard Brothers: or, White Beaver’s Trail. 894 White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte. 819 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. } Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler. ‘943 The Pilgrins Sharp: or, The Soldier's Sweetheart, , 83 Gold Bullet Snort; or, Knights of the Overland, | 59 Death-Traiier, the Chiet of Scouts. By Leon Lewis, Ned Buntline, ete. 73 Buffalo Bll’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue, uffalo Bill’s Secr-t Service Trail. 629 Buffalo Bill’s Daring Role; or, Daredeath Dick, 617 Buffalo Bi'l’s First Trail; or, The Express Rider, 158 Buffalo Bill, Chief cf Scouts, 1117 Buffalo Bill s Strange Pard; or, Dashing Dandy. / 2 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King. BY HAROLD PAYNE. e Man from Mexico in New York. or The King-Pin Shark; or, Thad Burr’s Ten Strike, 861 The Tenderloin Big Four 953 The Quaker City Crook. 844 Tracked to Chicago, 836 The Policy Broker's Blind. 829 The Frisco Sharper’s Cool Hand. 821 The Tramp Shadower’s Backer, 813 ‘The Sham Spotter’s Shrewd Scheme, 808 The Grand Street Gold-Dust Sbarpers, 798 Detective Burr's Luna ic Witness 192 The Wall Street Sbarper’s Snap, "84 Thad Burr’s Death Drop. 42 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs, 734 Detective Burr's Foil; or, A \\ oman’s Strategy. 728 Detective Burr, the Headquarters Special, 718 Detective Burr's Bpiris Conse. mrss Ss. 608 Thad Pe. hn Invincible; or, The “L” Clue, chiess Detective. 80 Xx, the Fatal Clew; or, Burr’s Master Case, BY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERY, ~ The Gare OY. se ordimaste a pe pay! sae or, The Monarchsof the Show, El Kubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen, BY J W. OSBON, Shadrach, the Sport Detective. Gilbert Golds Ag the Dandy Sport. Shasta Sam, the $ oat 4 87 922 905 877 Cool Creede, the Dead by pe Roy. from St. Louis. be Hichand, the Thoroughbred. 929 Gentleman George, the Showman Sport. 912 Genteel Joe’s Lone Hand, 903 The Train Detective. 896 Kent Keen, the Crook-Crusher. 888 Nightshade in New York. Falcon Flynn, the Flash Detective, 871 The Crook Cashier. 859 Clew-Hawk Keene’s Right Bower. 847 Hiram Hawk, the Harlem Detective, 840 Major Bullion Boss of the Tigers. 831 Shadowing the London Detective. 817 Plush Velvet, the Prince of Spotters, 803 The Bogus Broker’s Right Bower. 788 The Night-Hawk Detective. 779 Silk Ribbon’s Crish-out, 766 Detective Zach, the Broadway Spotter, 751 The Dark Lantern Detective, 736 The Never-Fail Detective. 724 Captain Hercules, the Strong Arm Detective, 711 Dan Damon, the Gilt-Edge Detective, 701 Silver Steve, the Branded Sport. 694 Gideon Grip, the Secret Shadower, 684 Velvet Van, the Mystery Shadower. 678 The Dude Desperado 871 Jason Clew, the Silk-Randed Ferret. 664 Monk Morel, the Man-Hunter, 654 Sol Sphinx, the Ferret Detective, 642 Red Pard and Yellow 608 Silent Sam, the Shadow Sphinx. 592 rae Sid, the Shasta Ferret. 579 Old Cormorant, the Bowery Shadow. 569 Captain Cobra, the Hooded Mystery. 559 Danton, the Shadow Sharp. 550 Silk Hand, the Mohave Ferret. 543 The Magnate Detective. 532 Jack Javert. the Independent Detective, 523 Reynard of Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective 512 Captain Velvet’s Big Stake. 505 Phil Fox, the Genteel Spotter. 496 Richard Redfire, the Two Worlds’ Detective. 487 Stinshine Sam, a Chip of the Old Block, 480 Hawkspear, the Man with a Secret, 458 Coldgrip in Deadwood. 460 Captain Coldgrip, the Detective. 453 Captain Coldgrip’s Long Trail. 447 Voicano, the ft oO Spy. 441 The California Sharp, 434 Lucifer Lynx, the \ onder Detective, 421 Father Ferret, the Frisco Shadow. ) ALBERT W. AIKEN’S NOVELS. Dick Talbot Series, 991 Dick Talbot at the Mines; or, Kentuck, the Sport. | 988 Rocky Mountain Rob 976 Overland Kit; or, The Idy] of White Pine. 741 Dick 1albot’s Close Call. 737 Dick Talbot in Apache Lend. 783 Dick Talbot. the Runch King. 729 Dick Talbot’s Clean-Out. 725 Dick Talbot in No Msn’s Come. 854 Dick Talbot; o1, The Brana ot Crimson Uross 86 Dick Talbot; or, The Death-Shot of Shasta. Aiken’s Fresh of Frisco Series. 825 Fresh, the Race-Track Sport. 660 The Fresh in Montaua; or, Blake's Full Hand. 652 Tne Fresh’s Rustie at Painted City. / 647 The Fresh at Santa Fe; or, The Stranger Sharp, 556 Fresh, the Sport: or, The Big Racket at Slide Out, 537 Fresh Against the Field; or, Blake, the Lion. 497 The Fresh in Texas; or. The Escobedo Millions, 461 The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio Grande. 97 The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; or. Bronze Jack Aiken’s Joe Phenix Series. 965 Joe Phenix’s Mascot. ~ 959 Joe Phenix’s Double Deal. 954 Joe Phenix in Chicago, 949 The Doctor from Texas; or, Joe Phenix’s Clue $44 Joe Phenix’s Rig:.t Bower. 865 The Female Barber Detective; or, Joe Phenix in Silver City. 799 Joe Phenix’s Great Blue Diamond Case; or, The New York Sport at Long Branch, 793 Joe Phenix’s Decoy; or, The Man of Three. 760 Joe Phenix’s Lone Hand, 749 Joe Phenix’s Big Bulge, 745 Joe Phenix’s Mad Case. 708 Joe Phenix’s Siren; or, The Woman Hawkshaw. 700 Joe Phenix’s Unknown; or, Crushing the Crooks| 681 Joe Phenix’s Specials; or, The Actress Detective 637 Joe Phenix in Crazy Camp. j 632 Joe Phenix’s Master Search. { 628 Joe Phenix’s Combin: ; or,the Dandy Conspirator 620 Joe Phenix’s Silent Six. 601 Joe Phenix’s Shadow; or,.the Detective’s Monitor 419 Joe Phenix,, the King of Detectives. 161 Joe Phenix’s Great Man Hunt, ° 112 Joe Phenix, Private Detective; or, The League, Re 79 Joe Phenix, the Police Spy. Captain Coldgrip’s Nerve; or. Injun Nick, 400 Captain Golderip: or The New York Settee. Aiken’s Miscellaneous Novels. 392 The Lost Bonanza: or, The Boot of Silent Hound. | 980 The All-Around Athlete. 382 The Bonanza Band: or, Dread Don of Cool Clan, | 940 Captain Jack, the Scalper 374 Major Blister, the Sport of Two Cities, 935 The Hawks and Wolves of New York 365 Keen Kennard, the Shasta Shadow. 932 Detective Gordon's Grip. 352 The Desperate Dozen, 926 Old Sunflower, the Silent Smiter. 347 Denver Duke, the Man with “ Sand.” 923 Old Sunflower. the Hayseed Detective. 340 Cool Conrad. the Dakota Detective, 901 The Hotel Swell-Sharp; or, The Siren Shadoweg,) 335 Flash Dan, the Nabob, or, Blades of Bowie Bar, | 892 The Countryman Detective. 321 California Claude, the Lone Bandit. 876 Gold Button Sport; or, The Miner Sharps, , : 24 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy. 812 Teton Tom. the Half-Blood. ‘ e Shadow Sport from Frisco. e King-rin De ive. po 814 The New Yorker Among Texas Sports. BY WILLIAM H. MANNING, 7% King Dandy, the Silver Sport. 948 The Red-Gloved Detective. 753 Gideon’s hare, Poa Babylon Par. 931 Frisco Frank at Glory Gulch: ita same Pat McGowen, the Gre gy Detective, 920 The Montana Miner in New York. Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective. 908 The Doomsday-Den Detective. 899 The Double-Quick Detective. 893 Yellow Gid. of Dark Divide. 885 ‘The Expert Detective’s Shake-up, 875 een te the Race-Track Judge, 864 The Police Special’s Dilemma, 849 The Genteel Sharper’s Combine 841 Graydon’s Double Deal. _ 838 The Sport Detective’s i 823 The Athlete Sport About Town, 808 TheCrook-Detective’s Pull. 790 Plunger Pete, the Race Track Detective, 782 Roval Rock, tbe Round-up Detective, 774 Steve Starr, the Dock Detective. 764 The New York Sharp’s Shadower, 738 Detective Claxton, the Record Breaker, 714 Gabe Gall, the Gambolier from Great Hump, 703 Spokane Saul, the Samaritan Suspect K 692 Dead Shot Paul, the Deep-Range Renee 655 Strawberry Sam, the Man with the Birthmark, 646 Dark John, the Grim Guard, 638 Murdock, the Dread Detective. 623 Dangerous Dave, the Never-Beaten Detective. 611 Alkali Abe, the Game Chicken from Texas, 596 Rustler Rube; the Round-Up Detective, 585 Dan Dixon’s Double. 57o Steady Hand. the Napcleon of Detectives | 563 Wyoming Zeke, tte Hotspur of Honeysuckie. | 551 Garry Kean the Man with Backbone, 5349 Old Doubledark, the Wily Detective, 531 Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prairie Centaur. 521 Paradise Sam, the Nor’-West Pilot, 513 Texas Tartar, the Man With Nine Lives, 506 Uncle Honest, the Peacemaker of Hornets’ Nest, 498 Central Pacific Paul. the Mail Train Spy. 492 Border Bullet, the Prairie Sharpshooter, 486 Kansas Kitten, the Northwest Detective. 479 Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassajack. 463 Gold Gauntlet. the Gulch Gladiator, 455 Yank Yellowbird, the Tal) Hustler of the Hills, 470 The Duke of Dakota. | 449 Bluff Rurke, King of the Rockies. Jj 442 Wild West Walt, the Mountain Veteran / | 487 Deep Duke; or, The Man of Two Lives, 427 The Rivals of Montana Mill 415 Hot Heart, the Detective Or 405 Old Baldy the Brigadier of Buck Basin. 247 Colorado Rube, the aaron eyes of otepur. 279 The Gold Dragoon, or, California Bl ound, BY NED BUNTLINE. 657 Long Tom, the Privateer. 621 The Rea Pavate The Midshipman Rov e rivateer; or, The shipma i 534 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer King, ” it 517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail. 861 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. i} ee Somer aay, ae ne oar = e Smuggler Ca n; or, The r’s Cri 18 The Sea Bandit; a The Queen of the Isle. — 16 The White Wizard: o= The Seminole / ! 413 Captain Coldgrip in New York. ' 670 The Lightw eight Detective. , 665 The Frisco Detective; or, The Golden Gyte Find, 613 Keen Billy, the Sport. 607 Old Benzine, the “Hard Case” Detective. 594 Fire Face, the Silver King’s Foe. 586 The Silver Sh arp Detective. 577 Tom, of Calif orma; or, Detective’s Shadow Act,} 570 The ‘Actress Detective; or, The Invisible Hand! 562 Lone Hand, the Shadow. 520 The Lone Hand on the Caddo. 490 The-J.one Hand in Texas. 475 Chin Chin, the Chinese Detective, 465 The Actor Detective. 440 The High Horce of the Pacific. 423 The Lone Hand; or, The Red River Recreants. 408 Doc Grip, the Vendetta of Death. 381 The Gypsy Gen tleman: cr. Nick Fox. Detective 876 Black Beards: 01, The Rio Grande High Horse, 870 The Dusky Dete ctive: or. Pursued to the Ena, | 363 Crowningshieid, the Detective 820 The Genteel Spotter; or The N. Y. Night Hawk, 252 The Wali Street J‘lood; or, The Telegraph Girl, 203 The Double Detective: or,The Midnight Mystery. 196 La Marmoset, the Letective Queen, \ 101 The Man from New York. 91 The Winning Oar: or. The makes Daughter. — 84 Hunted Down: or, The League of Three. 81 The Human Tiger: or, A Heart of Fire. 75 Gentleman George: or, Parlor. Prison and Street, 72 The Phantom Hand; or, The 5th Avenue Heiress, ' 56 The Indian Mazeppa; or, Madman of the Plains. ' 49 The Wolf Demon; or. The Kanawha Queen. 42 The California Detective: or, The Witches of N.Y. 81 The New York Sharp: or, The Flash of Lightning. 27 The Spotter Detective; or, Girls of New York, NEW iSSUES. 1000 Buffalo Bill’s Grim Guard. By Col. I My |, 1001 See eae Peent of Cimarron. By John W. sbon. ; 1002 Silver City Sam. By Jos. BE, Badger. 1008 Gold Dani or, Dick Talbot in Utah. By Albert = P en 1004 Buffalo Bill’s Death Deal. By Col. Ingraham, 1005 Foot-Hills Frank. By Jos. E. Badger. 1006 The Sea Cadet. By Col. P. Ingrabam. JUST ISSUED. 996 Injun Dick, the Shasta Dead Shot, By Aiken. 997 Hotspur Hal, the Sport from Hard Luck. By Jos. BE. er, Jr. vateer. By Ned Buntline. 200 wee vclece 5 ae ‘The Fa Grip of Injun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. ‘ A new issue every Wednesday. THE PIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers. ton cents ve7 cepy, ar sent by mail or receipt of price. Ss» _ -- 75, CR, Ser, & )

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ee eee : : 979 973 BUT THL Complete. BILL | Novels Buffalo Bill's. Relentless Trail. Prentiss Ingraham, The Dread Shot Four; or, My Pards of the, 816 Miains.. i; WF GO WB Cody. Buffalo Bill's Invincibles; or, The Sable Shad- 's12 By Colonel | 820 ower’s Sublime Sacrifice. By Col. P. Ingra- | ham. oT Buffalo Bill's Blue Belt Brigade; or, Sun- flower Sam of Shasta. By Col. P. Ingraham. 507 Buffalo Bill's Volunteer Vigilantes; or, The! Mysterious Man in Blue. By Col. P. Ingra-| ham. Buffalo Bill at Bay; or, The Gold Seeker's Doom. By Col.’ P, Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Block Game; or, The Mounted Miners of the Overland, By Col. P. Ingra-} , ham. | 781 Buffalo Bill's Black Pard; The Gold or, Boomers of the Big Horn. By Col. P. Ingra- vi han. Buffalo Bill's’ Bluff; or, Dusky Dick, the} ‘‘ Sport. By Col. P. Ingraham. ‘ Buffalo Bills. Quandary; or, Velvet Bil ‘sy 769 Vow. By Col. Preuuss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon Scout: or, Go- wan-go, the Redskin Rider. By Col. P. In- graham. ) 761 Buifalo Bill's League; or, Red Butterfly. BY! 3. Col, Prentiss Ingraham: TST Buffalo Bill's Tangled Trail; or, Gentleman | Jack, the Man of Many Masks.’ By Col. p,| 750 Ingraham. ‘| Buffalo Bill's Rough Riders; or, Texas Jack's} TAS Sharp-Shooters. by Col. Prenti: $8 lagraham. | Buffajo Bill's Secret Ally; or, The Texan's} 79 Double. Dy Col. Prentiss Ingcahuin. Buffalo Bill's Life-Stake; or, The Three. Ly Col. P. Ingraham. : ; The Three Bills; Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill and Band-Kox Bilis; er, ‘Phe Bravo in Broadcloth. | By Col. P. Ingraham, Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Braves; or, The Card Gueen's Last Game. _ By col, Pp, Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Road Acont MRonnd-Up; or, The; Mysterious Masked Man in Black. By Col. P. Ingraham, ; Buffalo Bill's Death-Charm; or, The Man} With the Scar. By Col, Prentiss Ingrabam, 710 Buffalo Biil's Royal Flush; or, The Pony Rt- der’s Death-Run. By Col. Prentiss Ingra- oe ham. | Buffalo Bill’s Double Dilemma; or, The Great’ Scout's. Big Three. By Coi. P. Ingraham. | Buffalo Bill's cores, Ne Ruse; or, Texas Jack's Death Shot. By Prentis. Ingrauam. The Ranch Kine Dead-Sh of* or, Proxy. By Buffalo Bin, , Buffalo Rill’s Roys 'n Bue; or, The Primstone Band's Blot-out. By Col. P. Ingraham Buffalo Bill's Sharp-Shooters; or, The Surgeon | Scout to the Rescue. By Cal, P. ‘Ingraham, Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower; or, Montehello the | 058 Gold King. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Pledged 731 AOD tn 697 Col 001 Texas Jack's ‘ te | 68 | 667 J = S —) ~) Ss Ss White 653 arauder Beaver’s Still Hunt; *s Death-Track. Buffaio Bill. ‘Tnlo Pul's Red Trail; or, The Road-Rider Tei 1egacde’s Run Down. By Col, P. Ingraham, siislo BiUls Death-Knell; or, The Ned Hand, 644 Ri ders of toe Rockies. By Col. P. Ingraham. Will Bil, tie Wid Wes Duelist; ce, The G irl 689 Mascot of Muouiight uane, By Bu.uiv Wild Biil, the Wild West Duelist: or, The Grande. Ralph, the Cowboy Chief. By or, The Miner r ™. 649 Hirt | Buf- 629 falo Bill, 599 juffalo Dili’s Winning Hand; or, The Masked Woman of the Colorado Canyon, By Col. P.| 517 Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Dead Shot; or, The Skeleton Scout 414 of the Colorado, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. | juffalo Bil’s Brand; Brotherhood. By Col. 3uffalo Bill's Spy-Shadower; or, The Masked | Men at Grand Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham. Ruffalo Bill's Ban; or, Cody, to the Rescue. ! By Leon Lewis. } Buffalo Bill's Sweepstake; ae Last Chance, By Col. > Buffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, or, The Brimstone Prentiss ingraham. 401 or, The Wipe-ou’ Prentiss Ingraham, Silk Ribbon Sam. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 229 Reffato Bill’s Mascot; or, The Death Valley Victim No. 13. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. | 919 Buffalo Bill's Double; or, The Desperado De- tective. By Col, Prentiss Ingraharna. 204 Buffalo Bill’s Big Four; or, Custe’s Shadow, | By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 243 Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack's Bravos. \ By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. - 3uffalo Bill’s\ Blind; or, The Masked Driver! 189 of Death's Canyon. By Col. Prentiss Ingra- ham. } 175 tuffalo Bill and His Merry Men: or, The} Robin Hocd Rivals. By Col. Prentiss Ingra-| 1¢8 ham. Buffalo Bill’s Beagles: or, Silk Lasso Sam,| 158 Prentiss Ingraham. Col. - . J Bill's Body Guard; or, The Stin Hunt By 7 Buffalo of the Hills. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Tenge hey * eo | ‘ Silk pekelp Pg Bri UA Toland © aay ee tc 92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin. King;, or, The graham Oa tat hone of the West. By Major Dangerfleld ? urr RBuffelo. Bill's Scout Shadowers: or, Emer-| 83 Gold Bullet Snort r, T ald Ed of Devil's Acre., By Col, P. Ingraham. Fivetiand. By Buffary’ me TE RIGUEE OF SRE Ruffalo Bill BaMed; or, The Deserter Des-| 52 Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; cr, Life perado’s Defiance. By Col. P. Ingraham. and Love in’ a Frontier Fort, By Buffalo Buffalo . Bill's Buckskin Brotherhood; or, ey SOE Te PT ee Take Oe NEW ISSUBS TO COME. ab piers , : r 5 981 The Gold Lace Sport; or, The Texan Sam- Buffalo Bill's Blind Trail; or, The. Daughter a I r, of the Regiment. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. bs wwe s Wide Swath, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. mane ND Brey ey ‘ } “2 Chris Crewley's Winning Hand; or, The eepain sg Bervice Pratl,’ By Major Rascally Valet's Double Game, By “A. P. ang 3urr. orris Buffalo Bill's Swoop; or, the King of the! 983 Kid Gloye Kris, the Sport. By J. C. Cow- Mines. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. drick. Ready August 25. The Cowboy Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas,| 984 Buffalo Bill's Life Raffle; or, The Doomed By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Three. By'Col. P. Ingraham. Ready Sept. 1 NE DIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail, pre-paid, on re- ceipt of price, Ten Cents 2. Copy. ME Library. The Lasso King’s League; or, The Tigers of Texas. By Colonel Prentiss I Buck Taylor, the Saddle King. Buffalo Bill's Chief of Scouts. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Bonanza; or, The Knights of the Silver Circle. By Col. P. Ingraham. The Gold Kine; or, Montebello, the Magnifi- cent. By Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill's Daring Role; Dick, King of the Cowboys. or, Daredeath By Leon Lewis. The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains. Ly Buffalu Will, Buffalo Bill's First Trail; or, Will Cody, the Pony Express Rider. By Ned Buntline. Red’ Renard, the Indian Detective; or, The Gold Luzzards of Colorado. By Buffalo Bill. The One-Armed Pard; or, Red Retribution in Borderiand, By Buffalo’ Bill. The Wizard Brothers; or, White Beaver’s Trail, By Buffaio Bill, Vhite Beaver, the ixile of the Platte; or, A Wronged Man’s Red Trail. By Buffalo Bil). Buffalo Bill's Grip; or, Oath-bound to Custer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Rill's i de or, The League of Three. By Col, ngraham. Wild Bill, the Whirlwind: of the West. Buffalo Bill. Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler; or, The Queen of the Wild Riders. By Buffalo BU. The Pilgrim Sharp; or, The Soldter’s Sweet- By heart. By Buffalo Bill, Government Scout and Guide. Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen, By Col. P. iy phe Wild Bill’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot; or, Dagger Don’s Double. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts; or, The Doomed Dozen. By Dr. Frank Powell. Buffalo Bill's Strange Pard; Dashing or, Dandy, the Hotspur of the Hills. By Major GuvdOdOOADTD. - RSE > J ° ) ° Ss © S S O0O0CC0OO0089 my { : : . Re Pe if