Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1090) (1904 11)
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=-sg ANN ( = z Month. 379 Pearl Street, New York. $1.00 a Year. CopyricsT, 1887, By BeapLe & ApaAMs. is Be 6s dat pea ap a TT é sesavhdess a taal acess deen’ = 6 dee cidavich Fab Fates wulewameanes Naks Nov., 1904. a — ——- — - ~ — — —— ’ : M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, No 1090 Published Every (JAMES SULLIVAN, PRoprreror), 10 Cents a Copy. Vo] LXXXYI e . om e wor OR, The Bounding Buck From Buffalo Wallow. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, Jr., AUTHOR OF “LAUGHING LEO,” “oLtp 49," ‘* NOR’ WEST NICK,” ‘‘DAN BROWN OF DENVER,” ETC., ETC. : AIHE | \ eS = SS ; = CHAPTER 1. « “THE DAY WE CELEBRATE.” ““FRIENDS and neighbors; ladies and gentle ‘| men:—Wnrez ! pause to ask you what day is this on which—” ‘*Chewsday, cunnel, ef my notch-stick ain't all wrong.” The 21st of April.” Colonel Hugh Falconer bowed his thanks, with ~*' just a little more than customary stiffness in his neck. Friendly though the interruption was, it threw him a little off his mental balance, for greatly as he mightewish to shine in that direc- tion, he was hardly an accomplished or a fluent orator. & BIMGHT BLADE FLASHED IN THE SUNLIGHT. SEVERING KOPP AFTER ROPB, That be had given the matter some study, was i
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9 at once evident from his statuesque attitude; literally so, siuce it had been carefully rehearsed while standing before a print of ‘‘ The Godlike Daniel.” With one hand thrust between the buttons of his close-fitting coat; with the other clasping a roll ot papers racefully gesticulating Colonel Hugh Falconer floundered in the mental quicksands, vainly seeking for the clew which that unfortunate if honest response had driven from brain and tongue's end alike, “The anniversary of San Jacinto!” Soft, sweet, inspiring came the words, barely loud enough 'to reach the ears of the disconcert- ed orator. One swift glance in that direction— to meet a bright, encouraging smile from the owner of that musical voice; to see her almost regal head bend slightly, bidding him plainer than words to start afresh with the cue she had given him, ‘* Ay, the 21st of April, ladies and gentlemen! The day of all days which we, as good and true daughters and sons of Texas, should celebrate! The day which should be marked Independence Day in our calendar, instead of the one which our more-or-less worthy law-makers has feen fit to give us. Theanniversary of the day when Glorious Sam teetotally chawed up the Greasers and kept old Game-leg to top off with!” Colonel Hugh Falconer managed to make himself heard even to the end of his exordium, but then paused for breath, smiling blandly at the noisy enthusiasm which his words had aroused in the audience. Why not? There were a few men within hear- ing of his voice who had played a sturdy part on that far-away day when proud Santa Ana was humbled in the dust. There were others who had drawn their first breath of life within the confines of the Lone Star State. And many more who had elected that same State as a foster-mother. There were a few whose sallow skins, whose snaky locks, whose La eee garb, all pro- claimed the people who had fought on the losing side, that memorable day, but no one with clos- éd eyes could have told as much: for if the voices of the true Texans rose louder, those of the Mexicans rung out shriller, more persist- ently. Possibly time had wiped out all rancor, so far as they were concerned, Possibly they hardly understood what they were cheering, be- yond the one plain fact that it was ‘‘ the boss” who spoke, Possibly they were casting an an- chor to windward, and guarding against a still more offensive outburst of race prejudices. Be this as it may, Colonel Hugh Falconer was fairly himself again, and with this propitious ** send-off,” his ‘‘few remarks” were extended to cover a full hour of time. And, like all men who find their success far beyond their utmost hopes, he bade fair to work his own discomfiture through that very intoxication, But there was a watchful eye upon the orator, and when its owner detected signs of growing uneasiness among the congregation, that musi- cal voice came to the colonel’s ears in a warning whisper. “Tt is long enough, my father,” in liquid Spanish. ‘1t is glorious—it is like strong wine tothe blood—but these beasts: they have lips for mescal, for pulque! It isnot they who can on reason feast—no! A little while they cheer. A little while more, and they will say—what you call cheese it ! Only Colonel Hugh caught the wry grimace which a daintily gloved hand partially disguised, as Nadine Falconer glanced over the crowd of cowbbys and herders, of ranch-owners and cattle barons. She was not mistaken. Jolly, good-natured, indulgent though the majority were bound to be on an occasien like tLis, they were beginning to show signs of failing attention, eloquent though the speaker was. It would be well enough as a political meeting. or anything of that sort; but on an occasion like this— “ Ain't the gent rubbing it in just a shade too deep, mate?” yawned a huge, bearded stockman to his nearest neighbor. ‘* For one who married a Greaser?” with just the shadow of a sneer. ‘Well, that may make adifference. Needs a heap of talk to bury such a slip out of sight. But Queen Nadine— “Ts choking him off, or I’ve forgotten how to read the eyes of a fair woman.” ts ‘ And such eyes! Why, mate, Greaser or not, ( oe The big ranchman stopped short with some- thing like an oath as he was rudely jostled, and one hand mechanically moved toward his hip where hung an ivory-hilted revolver. But it went no further. The man who had jostled him turned sharply around, staring him full in the face. Anda cold, hard voice uttered: “Did you speak to me, Mr. Browning? If so, please repeat.” é : ‘‘Tts you, Nash Whildon?”’ “ At your service, sir!” more coldly than ever. ‘“‘ Asfar as the grove, then,” smiled the smaller of the pair, with a cordial smile, pushing be- tween the two men, “It would hardly do to moisten the dust out in the open, eh?” “Thanks, but I never drink,” and Whildon turned his back upon them mithout even the ghost of a smile or bow. Again that strong hand moved silently toward a weapon, but Parker Mandrake gripped the wrist, and forced his big comrade aside, ‘None of that, mate!” with a frown as he muttered the warning. ‘‘We can’t afford to get into a row with the fellow to-day.” ‘But you saw him—” ** And he heard us! You kriow what the com- mon talk has it: Whildon’s dead-gone on the queen, and so—” The whisper died away as the two friends passed out of the crowd. Nof even those standing nearest the trio so much as suspected how narrowly they escaped witnessing a tragedy, for one and all were feel- ing. freshened interest in the speaker, olonel Hugh was wise enough to feel that Nadine Falconer would hardly whisper such a without being sure of her ground, and though he secretly chafed agaist the necessity of Chedistibe, just as he “ was doing himself proud,” he promptly accepted the bint. ** But, my good friends, I did not invite you here to-day to listen to a twice-told tale. ou are here to enjoy yourselves, each after his own particular fashion. And why not? All work and no play makes Jack a mighty dull boy! ‘*One man can't work miracles, but I’ve done the best I knew how, and for what is lacking, you must accept the good intention instead.” There was a hearty cheer as the colonel bowed low, then stepped down from the improvised rostrum, very well satisfied with himself, Modestly as he had spoken of his own efforts, he was secretly proud of them, and counted on reaping a generous reward therefrom. For Hugh Duictner was hardly a man to put himself ont simply that his neighbors might enjoy them- selves, e was of the earth, earthy, and ver seldom inade a move that was not meant to di- rectly profit himself, The surprise was quite as complete as he could have wished. Until the evening before, not one of his neighbors had the slightest suspicion of his intentions. Not until couriers bore the in- vitations far and wide, was there any thought of celebrating San Jacinto Day, dear as that anniversary is to the hearts of all true Texans, And now, as the older members of the assem- bly flocked around the colonel, congratulating him on his speech, on the happy thought, and on the grand arrangements which he had made for their comfort and pleasure, the younger con- tingent scattered to interchange greetings and to “take stock,” as it were, of the sports to come, while Nash Whildon, with curiously con- flicting emotions written on his handsome face, hastened to the site of Nadine Falconer, CHAPTER II. “WERE TOTHER DEAR CHARMER AWAY.” A FAIR enough magnet, too, this Nadine Fal- coner, half-slightingly gs ie ‘David Brown and his particular crony, Parker Mandrake, had alluded to ber. Se A Spanish woman, Americanized, Tall, when tated warnin n pe pe han with others of her own sex, ut so pertectiy proportioned that the most crit- ical could hardly have wished her different. In the case of a less beautiful woman, her skin would have been called sallow; with her, it combined admirably with her full, red lips, her glorious eyes, large and lustrous, full of slumbering fire that needed but a breath to fan into scorching blaze. Her lithe, graceful figure was well displayed by the close-fitting riding-habit, the long skirt caught up by loops, now that she was afoot, af- fording a glimpse of small feet in boots of russet leather, spurred at the heel, On her queenly head a light turban, from which floated feathers, dyed a bright scarlet. Beneath this her hair, luxuriant in growth, in color almost black, but in the sunshine showing a faint tinge of bronze 7 gm modification of her father’s brick-red ocks, About her trim, supple waist was buckled a morocco belt, supporting a brace of pearl-handled revolvers, rab in ‘size, but carrying a ball heavy enough to be of service’against either man or beast in case of need, And from between the gold buttons of her ang eee waist, peeped the jeweled hilt of a keen-pointed, double-edged dagger. All this Nash Whildon saw as he hastened to- ward Queen Nadine. Not that it was anything new to him, As she was now, so might she have been seen almost any_day in the year. But when a man is as deeply in love as was this hand- some fellow, the old is ever new, ‘‘T dreamed all night of having the pleasure of riding over from Falcon Ranch with you, this morning; Queen Nadine,” Whildon whispered, as he bowed his blonde head over the daintily- gloved hand. “And in a dream, lost the reality,” with a laugh that was music itself. Nadine spoke Spanish only to her father, as a rule. Just now there was not even the faintest accent to betray her nativity on her mother’s side. And her usual fire, the animation which formed one of her greatest charms, was lacking as her % gees eyes roved from the rancher’s face to a little group some distance away. The Ru tler Detective. * Nash Whildon saw this, and a frown flitted. across his face. He was keen-witted enough, even though in love, to read that glance aright. And into his face came a shadow that seemed to age him half a score years; almost the same look that had caused big David Browning to turn pale and shrink back oply a brief space before. ‘* One would almost swear the se: vant was the master,” with a nod that pointed his speech. ‘‘ Are you alluding to Mr, Archer? coldly asked Nadine. ‘To the foreman of the Falcon Ranch. Per- haps I should have called him an officer, instead of a Lamevte, from the frills he is putting on,” “What you call him matters little, so long as you are beyond his hearihg. . What J call him is —my good friend.” ** And suitor, why not add?’ with a forced smile. “T might have a worse one—Nash Whildon, for’ instance!” > The words came with a smile and a bow, but there was a gleam in those dark eyes that warn- ed the rancher to swallow the words that rose so hotly in his throat. Nor did he venture to de- tain the lady as she turned and swept away without further speech, ‘Have your head for a little, my dashing filly!” he grated between his strong teeth as he scowled at the young man who had so uncon- sciously won him this rebuff. “It will not be for long, though! Before the sun goes down I'll put the curb on and tame you down—or break both our necks in the effort!” Notelegant; almost brutal; but Nash Whildon was a gentleman only in outward seeming’, What his past life had been before he settled down as a raneh-owner and stock-raiser in Texas, no man save himself seemed to know: but few doubted the existence of ‘‘a bad drop” in his veins. During the earlier days of his new life, some people had rather Brae hinted at his ‘* putting on too much agony,” and more than one attempt had been made to put him in his proper place. What that place was, Nash Whildon had alto- ether different ideas from the one entertained i his critics, and in proving their errors, he made for himself a record far more satisfactory to himself than to their friends. He showed himself master of bullet and steel, and never took the trouble to count the odds against him He went into a fight, as he came out of one. with a cold, sneering smile upon his thin lips but there was a fire in his blue eyes that fairly scorched as it fell upon the face of an adversary. Nash Whildon made no secret of his passion for Queen Nadine, and of late days those who might otherwise have scorched their wings while fluttering about the bright light, rather fought shy of temptation, the more readily that the lady of Falcon Rapch gave none of them even the ghost of encouragement. With the eyes of a thorough coquette, Nadine seemed to care nothing about exercising them. Unless-— It seemed ridiculous on the face of it, yet there were not wanting those who half-smiled, half- frowned whenever they thought of Pink Archer, the stalwart Sha, keg gin of the Falcon Ranch. And Parker Mandrake, who was noted for his ‘sure thing” propensities, even went so far as to invest a snug sunr‘‘at evens” on Pink Archer as against Nash Whildon in *‘ the Falcon stake!” If Pink Archer had serious thoughts in that direction, bis actions on this occasion were peculiar enough. ; A grave, quiet, straight forward young men was this foreman. Not nearly so handsume as was his reputed rival, but with a better face in every respect; a face which won upon one the longer it was known; the face of a true friend afrank enemy. — ‘ _And just now it was a handsome face, too, yee u with a smile that betrayed the honest delight he felt in the companionship of the olden-haired, blue-eyed little Nellie Angell, who lushed so charmingly as she avoided his eyes— the ¢ yes in which she had just read the manly love his lips had hardly dared utter as yet. No one in their sober senses would have thought of drawing a comparison between oon Nadine and this little Nellie—‘* Ang: | ‘ell ”as those nearest and dearest the little girl w re wont to call her. The rte so proud and haughty, so regally beautiful in face aud figure, so rich in her sole beirship to the great Falcon Ranch, with its thousands of hoofs and horns, its almost boundless ranges, And tke other: only tine daughter of ‘‘ Angel Sam,” A Aatypn title was the only thing celestial about im. And yet, as Queen Nadine saw how gently, how tenderly yet deferentially young Archer bent over that dainty, gold-crowned head. something close alin to envy sprung up in her proud, passionate heart, It was this that mace her turn so abruptly away from Nash Whildon, lest his coldly keep eyes should read the jealousy in her flushing cheeks and flashing orbs; a jealoucy that made her wish a thunderbolt might descenq ¢,; m the clear sky and make Nellie an ange} jy fact as she was ee te ghir that lon It was this fierce p at led h * toward the spot where the trio Wonton pat Angell rarely permitted Nellie to pass bey out
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@ + ee a his protecting shadow,such was his fear of ill be- falling her. Not even to her own heart would the queen admit that she was jealous, least of all of a pink-and-white doll like this! And yet, she drew a quick breath of relief as | she caught the voice of Hugh Falconer calling aloud her name, and her step was lighter as she turned to obey the summons, The colonel was unusually affable for him, that morning. The celebration was wholly his own idea, and already he was convinced that it was to prove a complete success, so far as his hidden inotives were concerned. He had spared neither pains nor money in carrying out the preliminaries, and unless some- thing unforeseen should atise, he knew that the time and dollars had not been spent in vain. The natural advantages were great, and a more convenient scene for the prearranged fes- tivities could hardly have been made to order; a mesa-like elevation in the otherwise leve lain, comprising several acres of fertile ground, n the center was a miniature lake, clear and cool, fed by an unfailing spring whose waters bubbled up from a bed of white sand. A thick carpet of short grass reached to the very edge of the waters, stretching back beneath the trees with which the mesa was crowned, Beneath these trees a number of new tents vere erected, for the use of the ladies, Here and there were swung hammocks, and at the foot of almost every tree were spread skips and robes of tame beast and wild, from the shaggy mat of the grizzly bear to the parti-colored hide of ** paint mustang.” To the rear, partially screcned from sight by.a fringe of smaller trees, were men and womén busily ehengne in culinary operations on a grand scale, In another secluded nook stood several kegs, behind an ag cline bar which glittered with glassware; smiling, white-aproned negro pre- sided over this bar, aud early as the day was, his position proved to be no sinecure. ‘Dey ain’t no chalk, an’ de slate is done bu’st- ed, sah!” Ebony Tom bobbed and griuned as he shook his woolly head at the offer of gold. ‘* Settle wid de boss when he han’ in he bill, ged sah! Hope you done draw de breff ob ife untwel you git dat ‘count, sah! Yes, in- deedy !” : And what was the secret of all this prepara- tion? Hugh Falconer, knowing that he was not liked by his ins, get had especial reasons for wishing to stand higher in the good graces of several, If the lavish expenditure of gold could bring this about, he felt that neither time nor . money would be wasted, Possibly he would not have worried so much over the matter had he not been able to contrast his own reception with that which had ever awaited his brother, Pierce Falconer, before that . relative’s death. Cold, reserved, almost austere though the for- mer owner of Falcon Ranch bad been, he was both respected and loved by his neighbors. His lightest word seemed law to them, and a grasp of his firm fingers was worth riding half a day to gain. And when word came back of bis death, there was sincere mourning in almost every home for leagues and leagues around, Hugh Falconer fell heir to the property, but he not as yet been able to “ fill the shoes ” of his brother. It would have been a difficult task for, the best and wisest of men, and the colonel was neither one nor the other. A shadow fell upon Falcon Ranch with the death of its found- er as a ranch, which still hovered over it, per- sistently though both father and daughter sought to lift it off. Colonel Hugh was still uncomfortably con- scious of this fact, even while smiling blandly at the many compliments his enterprise received, and it was this feeling more than aught else, that led to his summoning Nadine to his side. With her support he felt better able to maintain the struggle. Pink Archer drew a soft breath of relief as his keen eyes noted the change in course of Quven Nadine, Devoted as he seemed to Nell, be was not quite blind to his surroundings, and a few words which had dropped from the red lips of the ranch mistress on the past evening kept ringing in his ears with painful distinctness, They brought a flush to his bronzed cheeks as he glanced down at the shy, half-averted face of his companion. What if she were to suspect them? her hearing? ¢ His honest brown eyes flashed brightly, yet with sudden sternness, and his square jaws set hardly for an instant. Just then he looked more like an avenger than a lover. hat if Nadine were to repeat them in: He knew that he was foolish in thus acting, | after those’words from the lips of Queen Nadine, but this was his first opportunity of seeing and listening to Nellie for more than a week—an age, he told himself. ; The respite was brief. Nadine paused only a few minutes with her parent, then, with a defiant glance toward Nash Whildon, who was keeping a jealous watch upon her actions, she glided across the grass to the spot where the young foreman stood, Sam Angell saw her coming, and an uneasy BEE peer Peter uve. frown darkened his wrinkled face as he hastily ion pe the arm of his daughter, muttering: ‘** Le’s take’ a walk, birdy—they’s somethin’ I want to show ye, An’I reckon the leddy wants to see Pink on business. I reckon—” Pink Archer made a motion as though he would check Nellie, but the clear, musical voice of Queen Nadine caused kis hand to drop back to his side as he turned to confront her. “Hurry, birdy!” muttered Sam, drawing away, with a clumsy pretense of ignorance. ‘‘They’s heaps to see, an’ef we don’t keep movin’ we'll lose the biggest half o’ the doin’s, so we will, now!” “Sorry to interrupt you while so pleasantly engaged, Mr. Archer, but as father depends mainly on you for carrying out his plans, you must postpone your flirting until a more favora- ble opportunity.” Clear, cold, cutting the tones, and Sam An- gell grated his yellow teeth as he saw Nellie ush and then turn white, as be felt her arm | Hand | though it had been in different hands up toa quiver painfully in bis grasp. * Never he mind, birdy,” huskily muttered | the old fellow, his tall, gaunt figure drawing erect as he flashed an angry glance over bis shoulder et that proudly scornful face, ‘ It ain't no leddy that’s talkin’, high an’ mighty as she thinks herself jes’ now! She’s lookin’ at the two o’ us like we was lower then the dirt onderneath the feet o’ her! Who keers? Ef I wanted, I could lay her pride lower. then that same dirt! I could whisper words that would turn her—stiddy, ep !” as Nellie tripped over a slight obstruction which she could not see for the mist that filled her blue eyes. Angel Sam passed a sinewy arm about her little waist, drawing her under cover of a friend- ly bush, his little gray eyes flashing hatred | and defiance back at the regal figure of Queen ) Nadine. His lips parted as though to Ray more, | but before he could speak, a wild tumult arose | on the air, coming from beyond the edge of the | mesa, And after an instant’s pause of startled amaze | the crowd rushed in the direction whence the alarm arose, more than one hand mechanically seeking the ready pistol-butt. CHAPTER III. A HART ROYAL. As before mentioned, the mesa was surround- ed by an almost perfectly level plain, covered with grass that, even at that early day, looked brown and sear. For miles upon miles there was not a tree to be seen, save upon the mesa itself. Here and there a stunted bush or clump of briers were visible, but that was all, Nothing romantic or | pirturcmtyt, but an admirable range for cat- tle Nearer to the mesa, with one of its nearly per- | pendicular walls forming part of the barrier, | strong pens and corrals had been formed, for this portion of the Falcon Range was a favorite | one for use during the semi-annual ‘‘ round- | ups. Colonel Hugh Falconer had determined on ' fiving his guests something more than a feast, | for he felt that that alone would hardly prove | sufficient to attract all whom he most wished to ) conciliate, He had made all necessary arrangements for what might be called a “Texas Tournament,” | and aside from tbe really liberal prizes which | were to reward the successful contestants, there | was honor to be won by those deserving the | laurels, For days past his cowboys had been‘scouring the ranges, cutting out and rounding-up the | fiercest, most active bulls they could find among the many thousands of heud that occupied the | Falcon Ranch, One by tures—ns much like the civilized bull as a royal | tiger is like the tamed and trained inmate of a} menagerie Cage—were driven to the mesa and | bl penned securely until wanted. And while Colonel Falconer was addressing his guests above, a lot of cowboys were leisurely inspecting the captive animals, shrewdly specu- lating on the sport which each animal might be expected to afford. ‘They ain’t no goose-hair thar, I’m. shoutin’,” sugely observed one veteran, with a shrug of his | broad shoulders. ‘The boy. that gits away | with the pick o’ the lot, bain’t l’arned his busi- ness sleepin’ with the boss, now you want to lis- ten to my chant!” Enigmatical though his speech may read, it | was familiar enough to those who listened. To the uninitiated it may be added in passing that **a goose-hair bed,” “sleeping with the boss,” | or ‘‘ridiug ten horses,” is the cowboy. paraphrase | for ‘‘ a soft snap.” There was no denial, for the assertion was self-evident. The cowboys employed by the | colonel ha | done their level hest. to carry out bis | instructions, and the lot of bulls would ‘have | made a g!orious showing in the most bloody bull- | ring of Old Spain. . 4 | *“Durn the tailin’ an’ sechlike,” grunted an- | other veteran, with a side glance toward the ! first speaker, ‘‘ That’s only boy’s play. alt told, | when you git down to hard-pan. What I’m | ' bankin’ on is the wind-up ‘tween the pick o’ the two ranches. Thar’s goin’ to be the fun fer my . one these savage crea- |. hard cash—wish’t thet I only hed more to squan- der onto it!” “Wish you did—an’ me too,” with a half-de- fiant grin. “Turn out the hull muster, an’ mebbe Falcon Ranch kin lay over the Open Hand, fer the same reason that a rijiment kin git awa with a single comp’ny. But—an’ that but is bigger than all the rest o’ the tree, you want to mind, pardner! But—man to man, leavin’ out the runts an’ the scrifbs an’ the tail- in'’s; waal,ef the Open Hand don’t git thar, then I go bu’st fer a year to come!” Otber voices chimed in, earnest enough, but without anything like malice, though each par- tisan stood up stoutly for the ranch on which he was employed, but their speeches need not be re- corded here, since the result must speak for it- self in due time, For years past there had been a generous ri- valry between the Falcon Ranch and the Open Ranch, now owned by Nash Whildon, | short time before the death of Pierce Falconer, Each ranch claimed to possess the best men with rope or rein, and though the dispute had never been put to an actual test as yet, each round-up was rendered more iuterest- ing through this rivalry. And now, by routual conse 1t, the owners of the two ranches were to send an equal number of their selected champions into the field to do battle for the coveted honor. Naturally enough the cowboys were deeply interested in this part of the projected sports, and for some little time they were oblivious to all else—in their eager discussion. But then a pair of restless eyes noted a tall, scantily-clad orseman near the end of the corral, quietly gazing at the restless bulls within the pens, “Injan, by mighty!” he cried, with savage impatience such as only one born or brought up on the border could fully appreciate. ‘‘ The boss said this was to be a free-fer-all, but durned ef I reckoned on hevin’ to pard in with red nig- gers!” Sharp and clear his angry voice rung out, and one brown hand instinctively moved back until it rested on a revolver-butt. Though the day for Indian raids was long since over, the preju- dice against color remained as strong as ever, and few Texans could see an Indian without a ga for taking his scalp, or his life, at east. At the first ejaculation the red rider glanced swiftly in that direction, and as though he deemed prudence to be the better part of valor, he reined back his horse, turning as though to seek more congenial quarters, But that was not to save him, though after the first instinctive motion toward their guns, the cowboys had no further thought of slaying in cold blood. But the keen-eyed cowboy wha made the discovery let out a shrill yell of warn- ing, then cried: ** Dollars to cents that I make the fu’st fast!* That was enough for his excitement-loving fellows, and amid wild tae and wilder laughs, each man {plunged for his horse, eager to have the cream of the fun—as they regarded it. The Indian was watching them warily over his shoulder as he rode slowly away from the corral, as yet seeming ignorant of their real in- tentions. That bis presence was unwelcome he must have divined, and the readiness with which he accepted the hint showed a laudable desire to avoid trouble. As the cowboys rushed for their animals, with the wild yells that startled the guests on the mesa top, the red rider tightened his rein a bit, settling himself more firmly on) the doubled blanket that served him as saddle, He still watched the cowboys, but though bis horse ste out more lively, there was nothing like a solute flight in his actions. “Skin out, you red nigger!” yelled the hot- _ looded cowboy as be spurred away from the corral, taking the neatly coiled lasso from its resting-place, ‘‘ Give us a show fer our money, an’ yar goes fer the fu’st rope!” The yellow horse on which the Indian sat darted ahead for a few rods, as though fright- ened by the wild yells and cries, then slackened its pace under the strong grip on thé reins, its rider still looking back cver his shoulder. Even yet he seemed unable to realize bis peril. snaky coil came hissing through the air its wide-spread noose hovering over the head of the Indian, and already the cowboy was laugh- ing recklessly at his triumph over his fellows, | when the red-skin flung up a rifle, grasped by the middle with one’ muscular hand, and the lasso was swept aside just in time to save bis neck from the loop, ‘Nother day, Johnny!” langked the broad~ shouldered cowboy who had first spoken in de~ fense of the Open Hand champions. ‘‘ The Open Hand boys is the boys fer money orsand! Fu’st rove fer—huh !” With lesso swinging at bis side for an under. hand cast hy which to end the chase and win the laurels at one and the same time, without, actu- ally endangering the life of the fugitive, the Open Hand cowboy shot past his discomfited rival. He, too, was sure of success, only to be foiled quite as adroitly as his predecessor. The aim was ti ue enough, but seemingly of ita
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own volition, the clay-bank horse bounded abruptly to one side, thns escaping the noose . which was intended for its legs. **Falcon Ranch!” ** Open Hand ferever!” With rival cries mingling, the now thorough- ly excited cowboys spurred their steeds on in ursuit of the ing low along its back, with rifle grasped by the middle in one hand, while the other held a glit- tering knife ready for swift work in case of need. Not in a stra ght-away flight, for that would make the work of tripping bimstill more easy, j but in an erratic circle he sped around, now warding off a whistiing coil with rifle, now deft- ly slashing at another with his gleaming knife. Right well he played his part, and those stand- ing along the brink of the mesa wall cheered en- h thusiastically at each change and shiftimg, for the most part taking this to be the opening scene in the promised exhibition. But the fugitive now knew that it was in vi- p cious earnest, sport though it had been at first for the cowboys. oud of their skill with the rope, it was bitter as death to be repeatedly foiled by a “red nigger,” and those whose lassoes had been severed by that flashing blade, pressed closer, more viciously upon the Indian, resolved to win by foul play since fair means had failed them. ‘Mill the durned nigger, mates!” grated one of the cowboys, casting aside his useless riata. ** Ring ’round an’ then close in an’ hammer him clean down to Chiny!” Here and there the yellow horse leaped and dashed, snorting and showing its perfect training even amidst its fright at the savage yelling of its pursuers. Lower crouched the Indian, now lying along the side of his horse to escape a double cast, now whirling rifle or knife to strike down the snake-like ¢oils that hissed above his as head. He was making a gallant fight—was do- Bie ing what not one man ont of a thousand could mol patty Se tot oro *“You bet it is/” grated one of the riders whom he had so deftly removed from the sad- dle, springing to the back of bis horse again, dashing a hand across his eyes to clear them of dust and dirt. ‘* Hold hard, Boston!” thundered a stern voice from the rear, asa sterner-faced horseman came dashing toward the scene from.the mesa. ‘* Any more want to ey Sel cried the stran- ger, swinging one armed hand around to cover the new-comer, ‘Don’t be bashful, I beg of you! The bigger the crowd the more credit there'll be in clearing you out!” Pink Archer paid no attention to the weapon | that followed his movements so closely, one hand motioning the angry cowboys back as they } SS ge for a united rush upon the twain. | And his voice was full of stern menace as he | added: “Back, you snarling curs! I took you for white, but I see now that I’ve been color-blind allalong! Twenty against one—” ““Two, pard!” cried the stranger, with a reck- | less laugh, as he added: ‘* Two, when we ain’t in | motion: then we’re a thousand! If it’s on our account yow’re chipping in, don’t waste your tissue, But if it’s through fear for your precious dou h-boys, that’s a horse of another color, and we'll put up our patent spankers until we run across a tougher crowd!” ‘** You hear him beller, boss!” coaxingly mut- tered one of the riders who had so unceremoni- ously vacated the saddle a few moments before, te You won't stick out fer a back-down now, will | ? ‘*T’m ashamed of you, men of Falcon Ranch!” | eried Pink Archer, without paying attention to | either speaker, as he faced the sullen, crestfallen horsemen, ‘I thought you were men, instead of cowards—and worse! It was bad enough for a score to set upon a single rider, but to let him play with you after this fashion! Where are your ropes? What means that dirt between your shoulders? Bah! you are not my men! ou are a lot of smooth-faced impostors run away from school to play cowboy!” ‘We ain't your men, any way, critter!” growled the broad-shouldered fellow who championed the Open Hand Ranch. ‘ Ride over him, ef he don’t cut dirt, boys! Down them two whelps, ef it’s the last—” A sharp whistle broke from the lips of Pink Archer at this hot-headed outburst, and the swift response on the part of his men showed how perfectiy he had disciplined them, In- stantly there were two forces confronting each other, seemingly ready to fly at each other’s throats at a single word. “Open Hand ag’inst Faleon! An’ thar comes the boss!” ; ‘Button your lips, Lazy Seip! !” sharply cried Nash Whildon, as he dashed up to the spot, eepeng 2 by Pink Archer and his men with- out giving them even a glance. ‘*Do you take this for a bear-garden? Do I pay you for kick- ing up a rowat a peaceable gathering? Silence, you dog!” ~— as the epithet came bissingly through his clinched teeth, the Open Hand owner flashed forth a revolver, thrusting its muzzle almost into that sullen, scowling visage. “ Another grewl, and I’ll do you up for keeps!” “Not on our account, pard,” cheerily called out the yellow-baired sport, riding forward with a bland smile playing over his handsome face, ‘Let the fellow go, and call it square, for my sake, Nash Whildon flashed a dark glance over his shoulder at the interruption, then wheeled his a and confronted the speaker, pistol sil in an “Who asked you tochip in, anyhow? Who are you? Where did you come thon, and what do you wnntr’ : 2 * You're from the land of yellow pumpkins and apple-sass, or there’s no truth ih the old saying, i canege the stranger, light] swinging one leg across the neck of bis black s sitting ‘* Jady-fashion ” as he added: “ ]’m Royal Hart, arustler and a hustler, by rame and occupation. I'm from Buffalo Wallow, and my go-to-meeting title is the Bounding Buck from Antlerdom. As for what I want—room according to my size and aspirations. If you feel crowded, there’s a county adjoining this, and maybe you can find an unoccupied corner by close search!” . You’ve got a precious glib tongue of your own, anyway.” ate “T was born with it, my dear fellow,” with an affected yawn a curved pala that “Ta ta ts aici en came a sudden lete c . He sat erect in his saddle and placed one hand upon the arm of the Indian who had silently moved to his side. His handsome face hog and Sere wns thinly-vailed emotion tones as e added: Only — pard, and when you tread on his corns, it’s my voice that cries ont “A glib tongue. ' Secrevieed wins sie ae Te . Te - 2% =: ou sai ger,” a sh Whildon, © T'acknont,
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“areas a ig : i * eT TS Sh. Steet Maire ao oe te “ah 2b a ’ r. ri > cz ae “3 * a, S > aah’ - my 4 a a ; | ¥ D3 “A ‘ oh x a ———— speak for two: for Red Clam, as well as my- self ‘“And right there you’ve got the solution, gentleman. My pard is dumb, or he’d be doing of the talking for himself.” ‘What brought him here?” frowned Whildon, keenly eying the red-skin as he sat his horse like a statue of bronze. ‘We've no use for his ” ‘* He followed my lead, But perhaps you have no use for me, either?’ - “The range is free for all who behave them- selves,” said Arcber. “‘ That’s my best holt, stranger.” smiled Royal Hart, with a bland bow toward the young fore- man of the Falcon Ranch, “I’m mild. as new milk when I’m the only one assailed. If any one among this crowd was cruel enough to smite meon the jaw, I’d turn unto him the mate, with tears of meek and lowly resignation in the two eyes o’ me. But,” and his voice rung out clear and stern as he added: ‘* But if you want to see my hair turn the wrong way of the grain and electric sparks flash out of each tine of my crown, just try to impose on Red Clam, ““ My pard, gentlemen, with all that title im- plies. Red outside, but whiter than undrifted ¢now within! An Indian, but the truest friend mortal man was ever blessed with. I owe him my life, thrice over, I’m ready to pay back the debt whenever the time comes, though a thou- sand instead of a score of ruffians tackled him. ‘““T came here to join in the jollification, but if you don’t like my looks, kick me ont forthwith; tan my hide to twist into quirts; take my scalp to brail into a head-stall; and Pll never whim- per. But—look crooked at Red Clam, and you'll see me transformed into a howling cyclone with the businessend right where the gang crowds thickest!” / And if ever mortal man was in eaarnest, they saw him then, CHAPTER V. THE PRICE OF A STEEL TONGUE, TouGH and recklss though they may be, ow- ing to their ‘surroundings and ‘associations, no class of men in all the world are truer and firmer friends than the much-maligned cowboys, Try to ‘‘ put on frills” before them, and they will never rest unti] they have taken you down to eat ‘‘ humble pie.” Meet them on a common footing and they welcome you as an equal: the ighest and proudest in all the Jand bas no icense to claim more. Thus it came that a speech which would have intensified the worst passions of really evil men, served to conciliate the cowboys on this occa- sion, and when Royal Hart ceased, a cheer broke from bearded lips as the men who had but afew minutes before burned to “ down him,” now crowded around eager to grasp his hand as a worthy comrade. : “You too, Injun!" cried the hot-head who bad started the affair, sapping: Red Clam on the shoulder with one hand while he spat into the other and raised it to add emphasis to the of- ferei grip. ‘‘Be durned ef I ever thought I'd say it, but you’re clean sixteen to the dozen, ef you hev gota Sopeee: hide onto you!” This was the rule, though several of the Open Hand gang rode silently away from the spot at the heels of their chief, who hardly paused to hear the last of Royal Hart’s response to his m questions. Among them were the two fel- ws who kad been so deftly unhorsed by the blonde stranger: Lazy Lupton and a slender, wiry Mexican. A grim smile came into the bonest face of Pink Archer as he noted this, and saw that Royal Hart was glancing after the retreating frown corrugated his white brow. His blue eyes seemed burning with a light that turned them almost black. His strong teeth came together ith a click as he jerked up his horse cause peng eee gained his side, while a mo- tion sent the other men on ahead, “Who is that fellow, Lupton? Where did he | harsh] come from, and when?” “D1 never tell you, boss!” with a surly. vicious glance over his shoulder. “‘ Never see'd him afore this day. But I'll see him ag’in, ef it’s in the wood! See kim—an’ he’ll feel me, you t!” % short, mocking laugh broke from the lips of © his master, and there was an open sneer in bis as he uttered: mace hye up, you think? You must have felt 7 " ee! aaa rat 4 ; aes ee et a ey a MS: oe Se a The Rustler Detective. challenge, after aJl! .-If you can’t make out a, than that, my good money is gone to the ogs! : Lazy Lupton showed his teeth in a vicious n. wei That was in fun; this’ll bein dead earnest. a the Open Hand don’t git thar in good style )—" ‘' See that it does get there, my fine fellow!” grated Whildon, giving his horse free rein and a vicious touch of the spur, dashing past his sullen- browed men and leaping from the saddle as he gained the foot of the mesa, up which he nimbly climbed, “Nothing but a stray red-skin,” he coldly uttered as a number of interested spectators crowded around him with questions as to the outcome. ‘‘Just a bit of frolic on the part of the boys, for lack of better amusement.” ‘Wasn't it your brag pair of riders that—” “Stuffed clothes, of course,” with a bland smile that was flatly contradicted by the fire that flashed in his blue eyes. ‘‘ Still, my betting book has a few vacant pages, if any of you gentlemen wish to speculate on the closing event of the day. Don’t hurry. Think it over and put your good money where it bids fair to brin you the best interest. Meantime—a word wit you, colonel, please.” Smooth and even enough his tones as he uttered the request, but a peculiar shade ore into the face of the ranch-owner as he caught its meaning. Nash Whildon turned away as socn as the words passed his lips, walking toward the other side of the mesa, like one who took it for granted his request would be complied with. And so, after a barely perceptible hesitation on the part Hugh Falconer, it was. The owner of Faicon Ranch strode after the other, a forced smile upon his harsh, rugged features until after he bad cleared the little group of gentlemen with whom he had been discussing the exciting scene on the plain below, ‘Cut it short, will you?’ he snapped, with a furtive glance into the cold, set fave of Nash Whildon as he came up with that worthy, near the edge of the mesa, where they were safe from Saree OPP: ‘‘Time the play was opening, n wos ‘The day is still young, and we can spend a few minutes in coming to a better understanding, my dear fellow.” Calm, even courteous the tones, but Hugh Falconer frowned darker than ever as he stole another swift glance into that handsome face. One who saw his face just then, would have guessed he knew what was to come, and dreaded having his worst fears confirmed. “We understand each other fairly well, I reckon, If not—curse it all, man!” with sudden fierceness, ‘‘ Whonrre you to put on such a sanc- timonious face before me? hat do 1 owe you, anyway?” “A calm and courteous hearing, Colonel Falconer,” was the cold interruption. ‘ Time enough to flare up when I have to use threats! Which I trust will be never, for your sake, even more than my own. ‘* I wish for peace, Falconer, I Won't want to make use of the weapons which a lucky chance has placed at my disposal. I don’t want toeven name those weapons mere clearly if I can possi- bly get along without it, But—mark this down in your books, will you? *Pve got the poe if I am compelled. to make use of it. know the weapons chance flung in my way, and I know how to use them to the best advantage—to my best advantage, of course!” cnt A low, short laugh parted his lips as he made the correction. Hugh Falconer for the first time looked him uarely in the face, his own hard-set and grim his red-veined eyes glowing with an ugly light as he barshly demanded: ‘What are you soya Gos roses you, anyway? Do you care hint that there’s any- thing crooked in my past life?” For a brief space their eyes met squarely, a half-mocking, half-scornful light m the clear blue orbs. Then, as the colonel shifted his gaze uneasily, Nash Whildon spoke, smoothly, placid- Yiyou choose vour words poorly, my dear colonel, I never hint, I say in plain words that I hold you under my thumb, 1 say that can drive you out from Falcon Ranch, sn ou cast, a fugitive with a noose in hot chase. J say this—and you dare not deny its truth!” “T do deny it, curse you!” grated the colonel, arshly. ‘et Nash Whillon laughed again, harder, more ashe gd Mearns ik “i sik nd in den as, you give D Proot of the full. truth of my Taatement: rt ied—if I exaggerated one iota—you would shoot me down without stopping to bandy words further!” ““T don’t want to raise a row just now!” _ “Nor do I: and for this reason Pve drawn you aside where we can come to a full under- standipg. Look here, colonel: I'll turn over to you every scrap of eviden ‘ ‘ and yours, for a consideration. Promise me the band of yeur daughter in marriage, and Pl % " ~~ oe . ce I hold against you: v 5 at ene ‘fe are SF Parra sh. re eo Kanha: Fos sl = . bury the past so deep that.even the crack of doom can’t resurrect it!” : Yee oo Falconer forced a laugh, but it came’ only rom his lips, “You're a mighty wise man, according to: our own saying, Whildon, but if you reckon Nadine by that rule, you’re ’way off! If ste says no, what would my saying yes amount to?” “te T am willing to run the chances, you hardly ought to kick,” with a fleeting smile. “Then T am to consider the promise made?” | Hugh Falconer kicked doggedly at a p:bble imbedded in the dry ground, his brows corru- ted, his lips tight 1im keenly, Nash Whildon waited) for an an- | swer, with the air of a man who fecls himself ' master of the situation, | “Look here, Whildon!” glancing up with | darkened face and stern voice. ‘‘ You’ve made it mighty hard for me to say what [ve always been more than willing to say since our acquain- tance first begun. If I say yes, you'll think it is because I’m afraid of your covert threats!” ‘*Consider the words unspoken, dear colonel,” | smiled the other. “So far as ['m Sine ge fe are at liberty | to win Nadine, if you can. ave been willing from the very first. You are well fixed, and as the two ranches adjoin, it would be a grand thing to bring them both under the same rule. | Yours, if you like, after I am gone.” ** And you pass your word to this effect?” “I say you need fear no objection on my part, if you can win Nadine,” a little doggedly. “Curse it, man! would you have me do your wooing for you?” “‘ Not exactly,” with the ghost of a smile flit- | ting across his handsome face. ‘But I’d have you do your part: and the first move in that direction is to get rid of that infernal foreman of yours!” ** Pink Archer, you mean?” “‘Have you so many foremen? Pink Archer I mean—yes! A good enough foreman, no doubt, but unless ’m wide off in my guess, the impudent rascal Jooks higher than that! He’s playing a cold hand for-the Falcon Ranch, and Queen Nadine is not too proud to give him pointers either!” Hugh Falconer flashed up sharply, his eyes ablaze, his face derkening with passion, his voice harsh and even menacing: Bs and choose your words, Nash Whil- on “Do you think they taste so sweet between my lips?’ with a fierce sneer. ‘' Do bab pene I would utter them without knowing ample proof to-back them up? Use your own eyes to- day, and satisfy yourself if you doubt my truth! Watch Nadine when she is near that cool scoun- dre], Try to see her eyes, and tell me what you see there!” ‘‘T'll turn bim off in the morning, if you say so,” muttered the colonel, kis red face turning a shade paler than usual. ‘I like him as little as you do, but I had no fair excuse for kicking him out. You know he has been on the place so long; and the boys think a heap of him, too! He gets double the amount of work out of them that any common man could, with'one half the friction. Still—” ‘* Why not, when he looks on the place as al- most his own,” with a short, ugly rte “Why not, when he must see that Nadine is ready to ni ig his arms at— Satan fly’ away with im! ° . : As Nash Whiidon lost his composure, the colonel seemed to regain his, and as though re- peeing a hasty error, be shuffled back: “Tf IT could only hit on some plausible excuse for dropping the fellow overLoard, I'd do it, go eS pS SS eh gladly! But you see how it is, Whildon. I’ve got a mighty bard row to hoe, as the case stands, The neighbors don’t cotton to ws worth a cent, a they might raise a nowl over a discharge a good cause to back it up. Now,.if you only—eh?” Pig got to go—if he has to go feet fore-- m 43 poten too resi’ yo ate gre of an ng happening to the fellow, isn’t it with sickly smile, f He’s one of the surest seats I w of, and lucky too! Never has met with an accident since he took the positicn of foreman. Too much to think cf cne happenin today? And yet—it’ll be lively work, when th ote And—” ses nes get fairly at each hat are you driving at, colonel?” softly uttered W bildon. Hugh Falconer cast a swift glance around them, then muttered: “T can’t discharge the fellow, ¥ ou know, without cause, but—if an accident hap- pen to him in the melee—eh?” . CHAPTER VI. TAILING THE BULL. Tat cold, handsome face told no tales, but something flashed into Nash Whildon’s blusteyes that caused the colonel to wheel about a flash, one hand mechanically moving tow weapon. z ed ee compressed, Watching. | | He caught sight of Pink Archer, just gaining — Seatac: ride ype cee = tt ie peeseN sain Pe gece fiom at a slp Ne ep ey cme pet Aes ie ‘ ae ewe ee Pn ee 2a es — SS ee oe
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quick glance around showed him his employer, ‘and advancing to the spot he addressed him: “Everything is in readiness for the first event, ' -whenever you please, colonel.” “And we're ready for it right now,” with a half laugh that could not entirely conceal his nervousness. ‘‘ Never do to let the griddle get wold, you know! Keep up your end, Archer, even—you're going to try your hand at the tail- ing, of course?” ‘T hadn’t thought of it, but—” : “ Saving himself for the last act—and wisely, too!” sneered Nash W hildon, in an affected aside. ** My boys are tough nuts to crack!” “The ground is rather hard, over yonder murmured Archer, in the same tone, with a lance toward the spot where Lazy Lupton and Deorio the Roper hud met with their downfall at the hands of Royal Hart. ‘Got you there, pard,” chuckled the colonel, with a dig at the ribs of the ranch-owner. *‘ lt was good for sore eyes to see those heels cut the air, and ever since |’ve had firmer faith in Fal- con Ranch and its champions! But hike out, Pink, and set the ball to rolling! Work up the boys, and show ’em you're not above lending a hand, even if you are foreman. I’ve got money on you—but that don’t count. Pull out!” The foreman nodded, then turned on his heel and strode rapidly away to the winding path which led to the plain below. None the less briskly from catching sight of Queen Nadine and her burning black eyes. A few moments later all was bustle on the mesa top. The sports were about to open in good earnest, and all were making their way down to take saddle who preferred that point of observa- tion to watching the tests of skill and strength from the mesa top itself. Nash Whildon strode toward Queen Nadine but slackened his pace as he saw her gloved hand slip through the arm of a smiling rancher from up the range. His white teeth closed over his thin lip, but only foraninstant. Then he smiled blandly to himself. He felt that the game was fairly within his own hands, and he could afford to give a little rope at first. Under the cool head of Pink Archer, the cow- ” . boys were gathered together and culled out, only those of known skill and adroitness being set aside for present idleness, leaving the larger por- tion ready and eager to show what they could do at ‘tailing the bull.” The vet@rans were flattered at this distinction, and the younger hands were led to believe their own superior merits had led to their election. Pink Archer knew how to handle his men. Lots were drawn from a hat, to decide the order of running, and the young master of cere- monies briefly stated the conditions. | A bull was to be turned out of the cofral, and the first man on the list was to follow after, his object being to fling the animal on its side, without use of rope or other aid, save its own tail and a pair of strong hands. “You know all that, though, without my tell- ing you, lads, You've tailed many a one for pure fun. But, mind you, there are ladies watching you now, and these bulls are the pick of the entire range. Keep cool and you'll get there in good shape, but lose your head and your seat will go with it—sure!” “Waal, I do reckon!” drawled one of the *‘ reserves,” with more malice than thoughtful- ness, as he noted the sober looks with which this warning was received. ‘‘ Heap difference from ickin’ out a stunted yearlin’ or a stuve-up steer era end over in fun! Heap difference when you come to upset the biggest part of a ton 0’ clean moskle an’ pure devilishness, jest by a tail-holt!” “ An’ that tail so chuck full 0? lectricity that the fu’st grip’ll drive the nails out ©’ both boot- heels, too!” grinned another veteran, “They do say the boss hes writ’ out a notice fer new han’s to fill the places o’ all he counts on losin’ this day!” “'Mhat’s easy counted up, anyhow!” with a inning glance along the line of horsemen who strove hard to show no signs of hearing these gibes, and by that very effort showing how keen hey pricked, ; Pink Archer, who had drawn his number with the rest, quite as much to keep the younger mem- bers in countenance as through the half-express- ed wish of his gen passed over to the cor- ip rit let down the bars, entering with whip in nd. Uttering a low, savage bellow, the selected bull, a gaunt, yet powerful creature, with mas- sive shoulders and cruel horns, lowered its sly front and isang am blindly at the footman. 1, collected, knowing just what he was about, the foreman stood still until the horns were within their own length of his person, then sprung lightly aside, plying his whip with a force that sent tiny puffs of severed hair flying on the air with each stroke, And with 4 still more savage bellow, the bull bounded over the lowered bars. It stopped short as it seemed to feel its freé- _ dom, tossing its bead high, lashing its sides with its tufted tail, glaring around at the mounted men pa a Noone ayaa before dashing away at speed ty Sieh ’ i Pa | z at The Rustler Detective. In almost any bull-ring this creature would have been greeted with enthusiasm as a kingly victim, but Pink Archer knew its weak points, and had decided accordingly. It was sport the party were seeking, not a tragedy at the out- set, And there is nothing so encouraging as an early success. ‘‘Go for him, David!” cried the foreman, as the gaunt bull sped out in a direct line from the mesa, where all could witness the performance. ‘** Cool and steady does it! Show the old hands what young blood can do m a pinch!” That was one thing which made Pink Archer such a favorite with his men. Where others gave curses, he offered encour- agement. And as long as a man was willing to do his level best, no more was asked of him, The jeers and mock consolations of the ‘“‘ reserve corps.” had just a little unnerved the young fellow whom fate had elected for the first vourse, but those cris» sentences brought all that back with re-enforcements, and with hard- ly a thought of failure, the young cowboy dashed in chase of the bull, overtaking it, grasp- ing the tajl with a turn, then—with a furious bellow, the bull was flung fairly on its back! To rebound, cat-like, to its feet and charge viciously at the shying mustang, thinking of revenge rather than flight. Pink Archer led the cheering which greeted the adroit feat, and a smile came into his face as he saw how coolly, yet swiftly the cowboy eluded the charge, bearing in mind the phates instructions about keeping the sport within easy range of the mesa. “ Your turn, Perry,” with a nod to the second man. ‘'Do as well, and we'll have the old hands hunting for gray hairs on that girl's chin of yours before the sun goes down! No hurry; Dave is holding him.” And so the sport went on, with slight varia- tions, until the bull had been flung four several times. Thon, at a sign from Pink Archer, the half crazed creature was permitted to seek safety in headlong flight, all the fight being driven out of its carcass for the time being. The young foreman had drawn the fifth num- ber, and while a nod sent a couple of men to the corrals to turn out a fresh animal, he quietly leaped into his saddle, ready to take his turn as humbly as any one of his men, It was part of the day’s work, and as such he would perform it. Yet—he would have been less than human had not a thrill of pleasure shot through his heart as he saw how pale Nellie Angell bad turned at sight of that powerful, foam-flecked creature now plunging out from the corral. Even Pink Archer started as he recognized the animal, for its reputation was wide as the range, and he had selected it for quite a differ- ent purpose... How the boys had.come to forget his cautions puzzled him, until he saw the dark face of Lazy Lupton grinning at him from be- yond the bars. Then he knew. And his square jaws set firmly as he followed after the routing bull, touching it up with biting strokes of his rawhide quirt, driving the raging brute further away from the interested crowd. He knew that the Open Hand men had little love for him, Knew that they would take particular delight in seeing him come to grief in any shape or form, Knew that Lazy Lupton had usurped the duty assigned one of the Fal- con Ranch men with that particular end in view, For himself he had na fears, He knew that he was competent to subdue even a mad beast like this, but he knew that the ugly brute was just as apt to chargo the crowd as himself, and in the crush somebody might easily come to grief. For that reason he sought to half-drive, half- wease the routing monster further away before tailing it. And after a few minutes of really admirable horsemansbip, he succeeded. Then he dropped his ey and bent over to grip the muscular tail with hisright hand before the bull could turn upon bim— only to feel the stirrup-leather part beneath his weight, so unex~- pectedly that ho was pitched headlong to the ground ! With a frightened snort his horse sprung aside to escape those cruel horns as the bull wheeled with a furious bellow, and before Pink Archer could spring to his feet, that ugly front was al- most touching his breast. Confused by the accident, ally stunned b the shock of falling head first to the dry ground, the foreman was still alert enough to grasp those polished horns, swinging bis body aside with the same movement, trying to apean his footing. Fiercer yet routed the savage creature, tossing high its head, swinging the foreman clear of the ground, even striking at him with a forefoot in its vicious rage. Blinded with dirt and blood, Pink Archer felt his grip slipping along the smooth horns as the bull swung its mighty head from side to side, up and down. He knew that death was certain should he lose his hold, and life was full as dear to him as to most men. He tried -to tighten his grip; tried to cleer his eyes; to feel the ground firmly beneath his feet if only for an instant. . Even above the savage bellowing of the mad- dened bull, he could distinguish the excited cries from the distant spectators, but he could see ge ‘ 1 rou ok, v ‘ a | - nothing, could not even know that belp was com- ing on the bite of the wind. Swift though that was, it wou another inch or two—should those vicious p ings either cast bim off or swing his body be- neath those sharp hoofs. Back by the mesa, mounted on her pet racer, Queen Nadine watched the deft maneuverings of the foreman as he worked the mad animal] to a safe distance from the interested crowd. There was a warm flush on ber cheeks, a bright glow in her lustrous eyes as she gazed with parted lips and heaving bosom. Then, if never before, Nash Whildon knew that the love of the woman whoni he had sworn should . become his wife, was all lavished upon the hated servant of ber father. With a vicious rage boiling within him, he was shifting his position to one nearer bis love, when a sharp cry told of an accident. And be- fore even his keen eyes could rightly comprebend what had happened, Queen Nadine was clear of the crowd and racing swiftly to the rescue! She forgot that. she was a woman—forgot the eyes upon her—forgot all save that the man whom she loved so tiercely, because almost hope- lessly, was in peril of his life. « Dil save him, or share his fate!” came pant- ingly through her lips as she dashed closer, re- volver in hand. Only to discard the weapon and grasp the jeweled haft of the dagger which rested in her bosom, Then— Without touching rein she leaped from the saddle, one small hand grasping a polished horn, the other uplifted, to descend with the flashing blade, sending its keen point and double edge through hide and bone just back of the horns, severing the spinal cord. And as though stricken by lightning, the monster dropped dead in its tracks! CHAPTER VII, THE GREEN-EYED MONSTER. QvuEEN NaDINE was flung to the ground as the death-stricken animal plunged forward on its head, but with catlike activity she regained her feet, grasping her revolver and sending bullet after bullet into the curled frout of the monster. This was needless, out all life as surely as though the keen blade had dropped head from its trunk into the dust. Nadine saw this, in another moment, and dropping her smoking weapon she sprung across to where Pink Archer had been flung as the mad bull plunged headlong, dropping to Ler knees at his side, catching his head m, her arms, pressing it agaiust her panting bosom as it lifted fromthe dirt, pressing her blanched lips to his blocd- stained face, “Tm all right--you shouldn’t—” With anything but flattering haste, Pink Archer freed himself and staggered to his feet, brushing a band across his eyes to clear his vision, just in time to spring aside and escape being knocked down by the horse of Nash Whil- don as the owner of the Open Hand Ranch rcde up to the spot at the head of a score of others, ‘© Out of the way, you clumsy brute!” grated the rancher, with a vicious scow] as | e lea to the ground and stooped to raise Queon Nadine to her feet. J Had he faced his rival a single instant, a sturdy blow would have avenged that insulting address, but then Pink Archer turned away, glad to free himself from the gathering crowd, some curious, others thinly vailing their trium) bh at his downfall. . ‘‘ Where's my horse? Where’s—” He saw the trembling, frightened creature in ssion of the yellow-haired stranger who had introduced himself as Royal Hart, and with steps still far from steady, he moved in that di- rection, ‘“‘Not burt, I trust, pard?”’ and there was a touch of friendly solicitude in the voice of the stranger 2s the words passed his lips. Shaken up a bit, but no worse,‘ reckon,” faintly smiled the foreman, as he took possession of the horse and started to mount again. A touch of the hand sent the spirited creature half-way around, bringing its left side toward the crowd now gathered alvut Quen Nadine, And then, with a hard, significant smile on his face, Hart said: “A mighty smooth break, pard, don’t you think?” “Cut, by the eternal!” flashed Pink Archer. ‘* From the inside, where it wouldn’t show, and three-fourths through botb leathers. Ten pounds extra weight would snap it like rotten pa r— did snap it, I should say!” added Roya fart, keenly watching the changing countenance of the foreman as he fingered the smcoth-cut edges, *t Looks like somebody wanted to get you out of their way, pard! And it isn’t their fault if they failed, either!” Pink Archer cast a swift glance around as though to make sure no other ears were within hearing, then muttered, earnestly: “ You're white, or your eyes lies, pard. Will ° you keep a still tongue about this, until I give you leave to talk?’ ~ ‘** You know what they’ll say, of course,” with a aga “That you've forgotten how to ie!” PO BBS, 8 d be too late should bie ds ip ° ung- That one deft stroke had let °
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a” a a . Hugh Falconer, whose face was harsh and angry “scowling blackly. The Rustler Detective, A short, hard laugh came from those lips in | ro ‘Then they'll have to eat their words before | the sun goes down:” ‘*There’s one voice won’t be heard on the wrong side, any way.” Pink Archer glanced around, to catch sight of | Queen Nadine moving through the crowd to- ward him, and though he knew that he owed his life to her plucky action, he was not ready to | meet her eyes then and there. With a light | ‘spring he filled the saddle and dashed back to- ward the mesa, where he caught sight of Nellie | Angell, with grim Sam by her side. Among others, Colonei Hugh saw this move- ment on the part of his daughter, and quickly intercepted her, a harsh frown oa bis florid face | and a menacing glow in his bleodshot eyes. ‘‘Curb it, girl!” he grated, barely above his | ‘breath, so her keen ears alone could catch the words. ‘Think where we are—think who all ‘are watching you! Curb it—or I will!” Queen Nadine saw Pink Archer spring into the saddle and dash off toward the mesa, and plainly as though*the had made full confession, she knew that it was purely“to avoid her, A spasm of rage disfigured her beautiful face for | an instant, aud one hand shot up to her bosom where she habitually carried her dagger. Only for an instant. Then she regained her wonted‘ composure, and a gay, careless laugh parted her lips, **Give me air, good people, unless you would witness an exhibition of swooning! My poor, | poor nerves!” ‘*T wish JI only had ’em!” enthusiastically cried one of the ranchers. “ Got to do it, or Su st! Three cheers and a tiger, gentlemen!” The air was filled with hearty voices, and Queen Nadine, blushing, confused as a convent- reared girl at her first compliment from mascu- line lips, bowed her thanks, the very person- fication of modesty—to all outward seeming. Then) laughing lightly, her coquettish eyes send- ag thrills through many a bold heart, she Bald: **- You are heaping coals of fire upon my poor head, gentlemen, and showing me what a terri- | bly unconventional act [ bave performed, As a lady, I should have covered my eyes and | screamed in holy terror, at the very least, but— | I didn’t! [simply saw that Falcon Ranch was ina fair way of ese a very convenient fore- man, and so—I bumbly ask forgiveness of my sex, and Ryman front yours!” With a half-mocking courtesy, Queen Nadine turned away toward her steed, accompanied by a3 they drew further away from the company. * Will you never get over acting the fool, girl? ‘*Who was my teacher, father?’ flashed | Nadine, a dangerous light leaping into her dark eyes. %G The devil himself, I more than half believe!” | “One of his satellites, would sound more modestly, coming from a, lips, father of mine witha low, mellow laugh that contrasted sharply with the fire which filled her jetty orbs. “* But what have I done out of common, to stir | ‘you up so thoroughly? Was I to sit still and ‘see a servant of yours butchered by a brute like that?” . ‘* Tt wouldn’t be more than bis cursed clumsi- | ness deserved if you had!” flashed the colonel, ‘* And after all the bragging I’ve done over his seat—that cuts deepest! Devil | fly away with me this minute if I don’t send | him tramping to-morrow!” “No you will not, father,” with deliberate de- cision. “Pink Archer is far too good a man ‘and servant to discharge for the fault of another. | Why, you don’t for an instant imagine that it | was his fault that all this has happened? His | stirrup-leather broke, and—” ‘And you, had to make an infernal idiot of ourself before the eyes of the whole country! here’s dust and a speck of blood on your lips | this minute—brush it off, but it's too late, girl!” with a hard and almost savage Jaugh. ‘It caught other eyes than mine—worse luck!” “What of it? Who will dare even think twice of it to my face?” Hard and fierce as his own tones sounded her voice just then, and Hugh Falconer instinctively flinched a little as he stole a side glance into her pale, set countenance. But be tried to hide his -shakiness by still harsher words. “Who, you ask? Will that Archer forget?” ** T hope not—I pray not!” Barely loud ble 'g to reach hisears. Stra Jy soft and musical the tones. Full of love the words, and the glance which turned toward the ‘mesa was loving and tender as Angel Nellie her self could have given the lord of her pure heart. ' oo for an instant did this softness last. Only long enough for Queen Nadine to distin- guish two forms standing partially hidden by a «clump of vine-wreathed bushes near the rock wall, apart from the company: the fi of Pink Archer and ‘a woman—Nellie Angel. Hugh Falconer followed her eyes, and he saw ‘the same thing. It was just what he wanted ) most, for it gave him a favorable opening such } as he had hardly dared hope for 30 soon. | take a single step to foil him. Hesaid that only “To laugh over it in company with that girl of Angel Sam! Ten toone he’s telling her right now!” “If I thought it—” “Take it back, with a short, ugly laugh, as he covertly watched the changing countenance of his daughter. ‘‘I’d lose, sure! If the fellow is talking of love at all, be sure you are not the one whose praise bis lips are sounding! But let him go, for now. I brought you over here for a little sober warning. Can you understand me?” ‘““Why not?” was the cold retort, as Queen | Nadine turned her dark eyes upon his flushed face. ‘‘Am Ian idiot? You mean about Whil- don.” Hugh Falconer gulped down a sigh of relief. After all, his task might not be such a difficult one as he bad feared. Nadine was not like other | girls. No nonsense about her! ‘¢‘ He’s dropped to our secret, some way, and unless we can stop his jaw, he'll make this sec- tion too mighty hot for our good healths!” ‘““What! not that—” A broad palm hurriedly touched her red lips, and Falconer added: “Just that! He spoke to me only a little | while ago, and plainly put the case before me. Either we've got to pay his price, or all’s up.” “* And that price is—what?” coldly asked Na- dine, her voice steady, but her face turning per- ceptibly paler as she waited for a reply. ‘It might be worse, you know,” hesitated Falconer, something like a flush of shame creep- ing into his face as his eyes shifted nervously. ‘* He’s well fixed. The two ranches join. And once—when you are his wife, it’ll be to his in- terest as ieell. as ours to keep dark.” Once more Queen Nadine glanced toward the mesa, where those two figures—now very near together—were still visible, A shade of bitter pain crept over ber face, but with a hissing phrase in the tongue of her mother, she flung it off and averted her eyes, ‘* There is no other way, then? I am to pay the whole forfeit, then?’ “Tt hadn't ought to be so hard, girl. He's handsome, rich, respected; and he loves the very ground you trample on. While that Archer—” Sharp and stingingly a gloved hand crossed his lips, father though he was. And there was a dangerous glow in those great eyes as Queen Nadine spoke swiftly: ‘Don’t bring his name into a black mess like this, or I'll forget that you are my father! I warn you, once for all,” The colonel mechanically wiped his lips, but resented the stroke after no other fashion. He knew what a rs temper he had to deal with, and what his child was capable of doing were ) she driven fairly beyond control. ‘* Tt’s that or worse than ruin, child,” he mut- | tered hoarsely. ‘‘ The insolent devil let me un- derstand so ntuch, If you throw him over, he'll | blow all to the world, and that before we can your hand as his wife would stop hisjaw. That | given, he would side with us to—to remove all— obstacles.” , Hugh Falconer had to force the words from his lips, as it were. But vague though they sounded, Nadine evidently comprehended his ere “Go tell him to keep to himself this day, at least. Make him understand tbat Ill have so long a breathing spell. If not—then let him do the worst! Good man as they call him, [ know a better! I'know an arm that would strike him down at the first hint of wrong-doing on my Almost unconsciously Nadine gazed once more toward the mesa, where Pink Archer was still standing with Angel Nell, There was more of sadness than of angerin her face just then, but a fierce rage lea into her eyes as the soft, smooth voice of Nash Whildon uttered: fs 2 vine pair of turtle-doves, surely! Would the ‘ isease were catching, and that you might— ith a sharp, fierce cry, Queen Nadine whirled about, revolver in hand. And before the startled ranch-owner could lift a hand, she fired point-blank at the face of Nash Whildon. CHAPTER VIIL “TITTLE EARTHQUAKE,” Norxine less swift than instinct could have saved the owner “of Open Hand Ranch m death, that moment, for the turning and dis- charging were almost simultaneous on the part of Nadine Falconer. There was no time to catch her wrist or to strike aside the weapon; no time even to com- rehend her deadly impulse; and it was purely hrough an instinctive flinching that Nas Whildonmescaped. As it was, the bullet and ex- losion carried the hat from his head and ruffled e blonde locks along his temple. For a single instant it seemed as though the enraged woman would repeat the shot, this time with a surer aim, but as sharp ejaculations of stirprise and half-anger came to her ears from the lipsof those who still lingered near where the sae bull had met its death at her hand, she lowered her pistol, a clear, ringing laugh is- rutaes : o* — 7 sued from her red lips, followed by the distinct, half-mocking words: **AmI not Queen Nadine, recreant knight? Dare you address your sovereign with uncovered head? Loud enough to reach the ears of the ranchers who were starting toward the spot with drawn weapons, eager to avenge any possible insult or injury which might have been offered to her. ell enough feigned to thoroughly impose upon them, one and all. And then, in low, fierce tones that could be distinguished only by the startled, white-faced ranger, whose temple bore oe black mark of burnt powder, Nadine ad- ‘‘Don’t you care crowd me too hard, Nash Whildon, or I'll shoot straighter next time! Keep your distance—and bridle your tongue!” Until then Hugh Falconer had neither spoken nor moved, like one too completely dumfound- ed for action. But as be saw the ranchers com- ing toward the spot, he picked up the bullet- pierced hat, forcing a laugh as he thrust a finger through the hole, trying to crack a joke, but my showing his own agitation. ash Whildon, now 2! cool as ever, took the hat from his hand and with a low bow to Qbeen Nadine, drew it far enough over his face to cover the reddening marks of the explosion. Nadine drew back with a profound courtesy, smiling and laughing like one whose heart and brain never knew care or chagrin. Then she turned away and met the still excited ranchers, her tongue running glibly, yet her manner so natural that the last lingering suspicion was quickly banished from their minds, ** You took her by surprise, you see, pardner,” muttered Falconer, with a little shiver of un- easiness as he noted the vivid, almost savage gleam which filled the blue eyes of the rancher as he watched and listened. ‘‘ You didn’t give me time to steady her, like. And—” Nash Whildon turned upon the speaker with that vicious light deepening in his eyes, with his white teeth showing through the blood fringe overhanging those brightly red go Strong, reckless, iron-nervel1 man though he had lon since won the reputation of being, Hugh Fal- seoner shrunk back, almost cowering for an in- stant before that burning gaze. With an effort he recovered, flushing hotly as he thor ‘What's got into you, anyway? What have I done that—” ** You didn’t tell Nadine to take that pot-shot, then?’ “Do dare even bint as much?” Nash Whildon laughed shortly, contemptuous- y. ‘* What 1 dare surpasses your limited compre- hension, my good fellow. The bint was in your heart, if not upon your lips. But let that pass for now. You and I can’t afford to come to an open rupture, while there is so much at stake.” **] don’t want arow with you, of course,” with a surly growl and a vicious side-glance. ‘‘ But when you jump out at me with a hint of that sort, I’ve got to kick! I was doing my level best to fit your book, but as I told you, it might take time and patience before—” | ‘** Let it be my time end patience, then,” curt- ly interposed the owner of the Open Hand Ranch. “You say vou have broken the ice?” ‘ve told the girl what Ser wanted—yes,” ‘* Then consider yourself discharged from duty. Tl look after the rest, and win or lose through my own playing." ; ith a shrug of bis broad shoulders Cclonel Falconer watched the other as he turned and strode toward bis horse, now grazing at some little distance. His face was schooled, but there was anything but a love-light in his reddened eyes as he growled ip his throat: “Satan stocd by you then, you scoundrel! But will be always be so kind? Will you win the next trick? Not if I can stock the cards on eee if you make even the shghtest false Meanwhile Queen Nadine was playing her part to perfection, slowly moving back to where lay the slaughtered bull, with the jeweled baft of the doubled-edged dagger still showing brightly back of its horns. Only a passing reference to the shot she had fired, buf sufficient to leave the arf eager cn all minds that 1t was but another of wild pranks to which all of her friends had long since grown accustomed. . With mock imperiousness she bade@one recover her horse, anotber remove the dagger frem its bloody sheath and cleanse it thoroughly, and still others dust her soiled habit with their ’ker- chiefs. And entering merrily into her present | mood, the ranchers served her rigbt royally, Thus surrounded, Nadine made her way back to the mesa, giving no sign as she saw those two figures still in partial concealment, still in close converse, though the sight sent a pang of fierce pain to her heart-core, For a brief space she fought against tempta- tion, but only to yield, as she ever did when ye ing to resist her ev‘] half, A sharp touch of t ilt spur sent hers eed bounding across to where Pink Archer was s‘anding with Nellie Angell, and as they glanced around, half-startled, the beautiful amazon sprung 1 ghee: the saddle, a smile upon her glowing lips, ‘
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EN EE OEE The Rustler Detective. ‘¢ Am I so hideous, Miss oye that you trem- ; ble and look so frightened?” she cried, with a i musica! laugh, but with a look so bright, so - strange, so close akin to fierceness that it drove the warm flush from the maiden’s cheeks, ‘ So sorry! IfI only had a mask, for your sweet sake!” ‘‘ Have you any orders for me, Miss Falconer?” % coldly inte ink Archer, seeming reluctant to permit Nellie to move from his side, even then. “If so—” ‘No orders, but a request, my good friend,” was the quick response, as Nadine reached bis side, one gloved hand busy with her hair, the other gently, almost caressingly touching his broad breast, “Do you know what the rabble out yonder are saying? Do you know how they are smiling and sneering over your downfall, over the hu- miliation of Falcon Ranch through its cham- pion?” ‘‘T neither know nor care,” moving back a with a side-glance toward Nellie, who was urning away to meet her father as Sam cam toward them. ‘ For myself, I mean, of course,” with a slight flush at the ungracious sound of his own. speech. ‘If they throw dirt at Falcon Ranch, let them take a look at my stirrup- leather,” “They say your own knife did the cutting— the idiots!” with a laugh that was almost vicious. “They say Faleom Ranch is weakening and seeking an excuse for defeat in the final test. Bah! it sickened me to listen, and I came here to warn you—to show the whole world how I scorn the base insinuations! ‘* Look!” and she deftly pinned a scarlet bow be upon Lis bosom, taken from her own jetty locks. x ‘With this I elect you my knight. By this I i. adjure you to perform your devvirs right gal- 4 E lantly, Under my colors you must redeem your . eredit—in the eyes of the rabble: you have won, oe rather than lost any, in my estimation !” Clear and distinct her voice rung out; audible - not only to Nellie Angell, but to all those who iy were curiously watching her movements. eee ‘Pink Archer flushed hotly and seemed ill at x ease, but what could he do? Not run away, = though more than one who saw him then felt is that he was strongly tempted to do so. ; ee “You are my chosen knight, remember, Sir Be Arthur,” gayly added Queen Nadine, one dainty tis | gloved hand sinootuing the bow upon his bosom, ye the other slipping through bis arm as she slowly es: led him away, flashing a covert glance toward Beds ©. Nellie Angell as she added: ‘‘ Do your devoirs pis gallantly, and your reward shall Le—” Her voice grew softer, inaudible to all save the foreman. : ‘Let her go, durn the critter,” growled An- gel Sam, as be led his daughter away. ‘An’ we'll go, too! Durn the frolic! They ain’t no .fun into it fer the likes o’ us, birdy. I’m too old, an’ you—yowre too young, an’ true, an’ tender-hearted fer the same air that sech as she breathes! We'll go back home, an’ I’m fit to cuss the notion that tuck this trail, so I be, now! Nellie forced a laugh, the naturalness of which surprised the old man, and as a burst of merri- ment from near the corrals just then grew dis- t tinct, she turned the veteran in that direction, seeming as light-hearted as any joyous child. ‘+ Little Earthquake!” That curious title broke from a score lips, and amid general laughter nearly all who had been more or less 0. enly watching Queen Nadine and the young foreman, turned toward the co Not so much to see, after all: only a meek- looking broncho, stan in a clear space, with hanging head and drooping ears, with one eye closed and the other sleepily winking. Royal Hart, by this time on admirabie terms with the cowboys whom he had, only an hour before, faced with cocked revolvers, slowly walked around the meck animal, seemingly puzzled to account for the general interest. And even Clam, grave, dignified, looked around as though to ask an explanation. _ “Ts it alive, or just a stuffed animal?” asked cowboy him,, “If it’s an infernal ma- chine, where’s the fuse you touch off? Not that T'm too curidus to wait the limit, but my nerves —I want time to stop my earsif there’s any ex- plosior on ha " ; = ? Waal, ef you doubt vad pi jest ee into that saddle fer once!” grinned the cow- Won't’ need no tellin’ fer to hop back ag'in!” ‘* Don’t skeer the stranger fu’st-off. is!” sundown!” “Jump on, and show us how the old thin; works, won't youl” asked Hart, to the Jas speaker. If it is alive, I mean, of course.” The cowboy shook bis head sadly. Would ef I was saddle-wise, pard. Do it in a minnit, jest to *bleege ye, but my private - physician’s shet down on my takin’ any extry res Heart’s willin’ enough, but he says = constitution won’t stand it Tell ye what I do, bein’ it’s you: Ill gree os Waa rf fh 2 ree to pick Se bats t ye off when Pad vier down ag’in!” ‘Hart w softly, his brows arching © ure, and ‘T've counted on Little = cactonhareneieiiaetntiany Stepped ot | Royal Hart, in a confidential whisper to the | nearest hi “A rag baby could ride him from now tell | a Py a ae ote so a ae eee ke auaeaaie eS as he once more moved around the sleepy crea- ture.. He began to sus the nature of the beast, but for the life of him he could bardly be- lieve those suspicions. There was so little life about the broncho. It was so small, so loosely put ba, yar The weight of a full grown man seemed enough to make the poor creature stag- ger aad brace its thin legs to keep from being crushed to the ground. “ Straight , pard?” half doubtingly, as he cast a keen glance around the grinning circle. “ Sure it isn’t the ghost of a bluff toturna laugh against doubting strangers?” _“ Heap laugh wropped up in that hide, but J ain’t singin’ jest what sort o’ chune it’s sot to,” laughed the man addressed. ‘! Don’t take my word fer it, pard, but give it a whirl anyway, jest fer luck!” “No charge for riciogg then?” andthe Bound- ing Buck drew nearer the sleepy-looking bron- cho. “ Not fer gitt'n’ on, but fer gettin’ off—” ‘“‘ Prepare to snicker, then!” cried Hart, risi from the ground in a nimble spring that place him in the saddle as by magic, * But that was all. Little ‘Rarthquake woke up, Just how it was done remained a puzzle to the keenest eyes, but’. an instant later the ‘‘ Bound- ing Buck from Buffalo Wallow,” was whirling through the air, heels up! CHAPTER IX. QUEEN NADINE S CHAMPION, Just as a skillful acrobat whirls through the air leaving the springboard, so Royal Hart parted the atmosphere #n instant after he struck the saddle worn by Little Earthquake, End for end, and a double revolution went the Boundin Buck, finally alighting on his feet with a cat-like recovery, amid the roars of laughter from the throats of the convulsed spectators. howlin’ liar right from Storyville!” ‘““Didn’t know ’twas loaded!” “ Hold yer grips, fer the airthquake hes woke up fer keeps!” ; ‘ Hardly the last, if the choking cowboy allud- ed to Little Earthquake. Just the effort neces- sary for hurling the degrading burden from its back, then the little broncho stood motionless, with drooping head and blinking eyes, with a slight quiver of its pendulous lips, as if sleepily smiling at the ridiculous figure cut by the auda- cious stranger who dared to doubt its powers. ‘Be blamed ef he ain’t goin’ to try another whack!” cried a cowboy in surprise as Royal with slow, measured strides walked back to where the broncho stood so listlessly, “Twenty-one feet, with an inch or two for good measure,” calmly announced the sport, glancing mildly around at the grinning faces. “ Not quite up_to expectations, but it will do for a starter. Who comes next? Who wants to be the first man to wipe out the pattern set by the Bounding Buck from Buffalo Wallow? Don’t. bang back because the springboard is a little awkward to start from; the clumsiest among you will soon get used to it, if you only try often enough.” ** Treckon we've done tried a-plenty, stranger,” chuckled a cowboy. ‘ They ain’t a boy on the range as hain’t bin throwed jest as clean as you was throwed jes’ now.” the very picture of astonishment, ‘Is that “Wasn't you throwed, pard?” ; “Bf they’s any doubt in bis mind, we’re will- in’ fer bim to try it ‘nother wback!” grinned another of the company. Royal Hart glanced soberly around the mirth- fu) circle, his blue eyes opening more and more widely, like one whose brain is just beginning to pierce a mystery. And if be was not in sober earnest when he spoke, then he proved himself an admiral actor. “That's the kind of a cat itis, eh? I heard somebody speak of a spring, and I thought 1’d stumbled up against a new kind of patent. I was bit in a tender spot, for if there’s any one thing I can do better.than another, it’s leaping— where crops out the Bounding Buck part of my cognomen, you see, And so—I set @ pattern, touching it] ghtly at first, not to discourage you too -oon. But if it’s riding—” “It is riding, and part of the regular pro- me for the day,” thé voice of Colonel ugh Falconer was heard, and accompanied by Pink Archer bearing a truly magificent sa: dle, eget weighted with silver ornaments, the ranch-owner stepped to the side of Little Earth- uake, . © ‘ rr I don’t need to touch on the merits of this bundle of springs and electricity,” langhing softly’as one hand patted the drooping head of the broncho, ‘The majority of you have seen him put through his paces, as far as any man has been able to test him on this range. I’ve tackled bim, and bit dirt for my temerity. Ive seen a score better riders give Little Earthquake a whirl, and though he never repeated his tricks, "he Bot there all the same! We are assembled here for sport and pleas- Earthquake to ' » ret yy A eee aan eae RSet Toy ATU & Sas SPY te Pu ee ieee at OE SL ee Ee, 7 ED me 7 “Tetched the eng fu’st clatter, or I'm a> “Thrown?” echoed Hart, with arched brows. ; ¥ 4, ant = best ide aye oe er Aer Rea nreRe Te i Dey Se ie ae Ng: ees ag Nee, 4 Hex entertain us all—save those wko yee back him! And as a salve to them, I’ve thought of this saddle. If any man can stick to Little Earthquake through the performance, the saddle is his reward. If all fail, those who make.the venture can have the saddle to sell or win by lot, just as best suits them. ‘The game is open, gentlemen. Who will be the first to enter?’ There was a brief silence, and many a rueful grin as though of disagreeable memories. Then one of the cowboys nudged Royal Hart. ‘Go ferit, pard: Strangers hey the fu’st pick *mongst white men!” ‘Don’t you want to see other jackets get dusted?’ in the same guarded tones. ‘Time enough, if the critter is half what you claim. When the fun grows stale, | may chip in for the saddle, It looks worth hap ies | from here.” “Who gits it'll airn it dou le, you hear me preach.” ‘Falcon Ranch against the rost of the world! came the clear, musical voice of Queen Nadine. “JT accept the challenge op behalf of the Open Hand,” coldly lononded Nash Whildon. “Hoping to meet defeat at such fair hands, of course,” with an elaborate bow toward the fair amavon. ‘ That would be sweeter than victory over any other adversary.” ‘¢ A truce to compliments, Mr. Whildon. Pro- duce your champion. Little Earthquake is go- ing to sleep, and if your man is good as he should be, to pose as a champion, perhaps he can win before the broncbo fairly wakes up. You see, I am so confident of winning that I give you every advantage possible.” There was just the suspicion of a sneer in the musical tones, but Nash Whildon showed no signs of annoyance as he bowed again. “Your wish is my law, Queen Nadine.” At a wave of his hand, a small, wiry Mexi- can cowboy came shambling forward on bowed legs that bad shaped themselves in the saddle from infancy. The men of Open sent up a subdued cheer as they ized the cham- pion, for they knew that if amy man on the ranch could conquer Little Bavthauake it was this same, Mexican. And yet, more than one face clouded as its owner recalled the important. act with which the tournament was to end: the test of skill between the picked men of the rival rauches.. “*Tain’t fer me tosay,” growled Lazy Lupton, surlily. ‘‘ The boss is the boss, but ef I was in his boots I wouldn’t be resking the bones of a. picked man like Pedro, jest fer a saddle, with all that’s to come!” His comrade gave a knowing shrug, mutter- ing: “Tain’t no saddle much as it is a wife, I reckon, pard!” Ata word from Colonel Falconer, the specta- tors fell back leaving ample room for the per- formance. Only Nash Whildon and Pedro re- mained near the broncho. The ravch-owner whispered briefly in the ear of his champion, then sprung aside as the wiry Mexican leaped into the saddle, With deft skill Pedro settled himself, feet in stirrups, all in an instant, but Little Earthquake never moved a muscle, its head drooping, its eyes sleepily blinking, its pendulous lips shehtly shaking under the shock of the man’s weight. ‘* Patience on a monument, smiling at grief!” gayly laughed Queen Nadine, with more malice than mirth, however. ) Phe pated her end, for Nash Whildon sharply rated: ine bim, you ape! Fan him until he wakes: up And startled out of his wonted coolness, Pedro drove his long rowels viciously into those tucked- up flanks, Only the one stroke; then Little Earthquake leaped forward double its length, as swiftly swaying to one side, to throw himself suddenly oyer, balf turning while in the air. _ Had Pedro not been ‘‘ rattled "by that mock- ing laugh and savege command, he might bave saved himself, even then. As it was, he lost his nerve with his coolness, and in: tead of alightin clear of the falling brute, he was caught beneat the broncho as it rolled over. Little Earthquake: nimbly regained its feet, but the Mexican lay still; covered with dirt and sand. Nash Whildon was at bis side in an instant but turned away with only a s ngle look, . If n dead, Pedro was sensé’ess, and out of the race. . “Take bim away, some of you fellows. If I - had caught bis breath before, I wouldn’t bave picked out a drunken lout for a champion. owe you an apology, Miss Falconer, and admit the n Hand’s defeat.” “1 never take what I have not earned, thanks,” with a cold nod, Mr. Archer!” The young foreman bowed gravely, He had ‘* My champion is ready; you,, anticipated as much, after what had passed, and) he by no means coveted the henor, he: ow he could decline it if cffered.. that Nadine was actuated mainly’ ve him a chance to thoug! did not see He believed by a generous wish to gi Ss. all soqseercat Cate against his skill as a. ‘rider, born of that treacherously cut Se leather. And then, he was . ‘a servant,
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a. subject to her orders fully as much as the lowest employee on the ranch. In silence he entered the ring as Pedro wus borne out of it by Lazy Lupton and another. Not a muscle of his face altered as he caught the tenor of the eager betting—or offers to bet, rather. For long as were the odds offered on Little Earthquake, ro one seemed inclined to back the rider. Not even Nadine Falconer, for she came riding across the ring to where her champion stood beside the broncho, her beauti- ful face lighted up, her ark eyes glowing vivid- ly as she bent over in her saddle, her red lips almost brushing his bronzed cheek as she mur- roured ; ““Remember—you bear my colors—you are my chosen champion! Conquer Little Earth- quake, and, you win more than the saddle—you win his mistress for life!” A sudden light came into the face of the young foreman as he drew back his head, his voice ringing out clear and distinct: “7 will do my level best, Miss Falconer, If I fail, [ swear to resign both the offered reward and my position to a better man!’’ Ho did not stop t> no‘e the ghastly eter that came into the fac: of Queen Nadine, to note the fierce rage that filled her eyes at his clear tones, lending the words a double meaning, one of which she alone could rightly interpret. With a graceful spring Pink Archer alighted in the sa dle, the reins firmly grasped in his left hand. And as Little Earthquake bounded viciously forward and sideways, Queen Nadine drew back to leave her champion a clear field. Alighting stiff-legged, the broncho shook him- self violeatly for a moment as though hopiag to thus relieve his back of that disliked weight. Failing in this, he darted straight ahead, away from the mesa, Pink Archer yielding to his every mo*ion, seemingly limp and boneless down to the saddle seat. Straight on for a hundred yards at top speed, to stop short with feet planted firmly for an instant, then rearing up and falling backward swift as ——_ An involuntary ery parted the lips of Queen Nadine, but was as instantly checked as she saw the rider safely on his feet, agg Ba! leap into the saddle the moment Little rthquake re- gained its feet. ¥ That was immediately, but none too rapidly for the cool, steady-nerved foreman, who seemed resolved to win if he could. When the broncho rose, it bore its rider. : Queen Nadine smiled in triumph as she glanced toward Nash Whildon, but he seemed unconscious of her look. White and stern, look- ing far older than usual, he was watching the struggle as though h's every hope in life de- pended on the result. Bucking like a bewildered deer, Little Earth- quake bounced back and fortb, now whirling around in a dizzying circle, nov making cat- ‘aans to and fro, croucbing down only to arch its back and try to hurl its rider into the air. Time and again he was rolling on the ground in a cloud of dust, seeking to crush the man or break free from his steady grip, only to meet with repeated defeats. Again he darted for- ward at full speed, as though about to reprat his first performance, but instead of stopping short and falling over backward, he struck his nose against the ground and turned a clean somerset forward! And as the eazer watchers saw Pink Archer coolly regain his seat, a wild, enthaisiastic cheer fairly rent the heavens. It was glorious! This was well worth coming to see, even if— The cheer suddenly died away, for Little Earthquake was still unconquered, still fight- ing against defeat like a veritable demon, And then, as he again flung himself backward, a simultaneous breath that was almost a groan burst from the crowd. And a shrill voice cried out: “ Now be has got it, fer keepa /” Pink Archer was pinned down by the body of the broncho! ‘ CHAPTER X. A POINTED DEFIANCE, A THRILL ran through the breathless crowd: a thrill of horror to some, of bitter anguish to at Jeast one, of vicious exultation to the master of Open Hand Ranch if no others. The broncho had fallen Lo differently from either time before, simply rearing up and top- ling over backward ~ith its long neck bent orward between its knees, so that the massive saddle would receive the first and greatest shock, provided the rider was adroit enough to fall clear of the trap. On each occasion up to this, Pink Archer had swung clear of the sad- dle, dropping deftly to his feet, watchful and ready to resnme his position the instant the broncho tried to regain his feet. But even through the cloud of dry dust kicked up by those hoofs, all who gazed could see the young foreman had met with some mishap. “And after the first breathless instant, it looked as though Pink Archer had been pinned to the ground ea the saddle-bow, driven through his by the weight of the broncho itself! at one startlin then Queen Nadine g cry— drove her spur -owels deep into the quivering ‘ ping hiv: nn ey The Rustler Detective. flank of ber horse, dashing toward the fallen ne with blazing eyes, with face so pale a2 to be ghastly, gripping a revolver as she sped along. Little Earthquake, after a brief kicking and tumbling on its back, rolled over to one side, but mede no attempt to arise. [t seemed to know that the victory was won, but as it had been BR yikes the hardest battle of its life, so it seemed resolved to reap all possible revenge. Hugh Falconer uttered a warning yell as he saw Nadine, revolver in hand, but cut his cry short as Nash Whildon — his side, gripping an arm with fingers that seemed to fairly meet in the flesh, hissing: “Shut! Let her shoot! when—” He did not end the sentence, for it was unne- cessary, .Their evileyes met, and Falconer di- vined the rest: with her shattered nerves, Na- dine was as’ apt to strike human as beast with her shots. But it was not to end after that fashion. Swift as was the sncrting steed ridden by the queen of the tournament, there was one still more fleet carrying a yellow-haired sport, and ust as Nadine came near enough to risk a shot, oyal Hart dashed in front of her, keeping in line until the great black horse shot past the broncho, leaving its master behind. Without checking his borse in the slightest the Bounding Buck leaped to the ground and catching Little Earthquake by the tail and one hind lég, jerked him aside with one superhuman effort. And just as Nadine came dashing up, second to reach tbe spot, Royat Hart was lifting the young foreman to his feet, with a cheery laugh: ' “Only a tailor wourd, or I’m a sinner—and that’s a powerful oath! Don’t say I've played the idiot too big, pard! Chipping in when you were only giving Little Earthquake a breathing spellin mercy! If that’s so, I'll go hunt a grass- pee to kick my brains out with!” gloved hand almost struck him a blow on the chest as Queen Nadine sprung from the sad- dle, her face still pate as death, but with a glad, hopeful light chasing that look of frozen horror oe “You are not killed—you are not—thank kind Heaven!” Few young men could have done it, but Pink | Archer shrank plainly from the beautiful crea- | ture who was so openly betraying the mad love | with which he had inspired her. He bowed coldly, but declined the trembling hand that was extended. ‘Tl am unworthy, Miss Falconer, since I have failed to uphold your cause as it should ever be sustained.’ ‘You are worthy!” Lpiicine 5 began Na- dine, twin spots of vivid color flashing into her creamy cheeks, to break off short as she saw Pink Archer step back a pace, his hand remov- | ing the dusty knot of scarlet ribbon from his | breast. For the first time Pink Archer lifted his eves to those of the woman who loved him so madly. His own were cold and steady as the tone in which he spoke: “T did wiat I knew how, as in duty bound, Miss Falconer, under your communds, 8s a ser- vant of the ranch. I failed to upholds its repu- tation, and having failed, I keep the pledge I gave in return for your roger non Hs a I resign both your colors, and my situation as foreman.” There was more in his» manner than in the words, to Queen Nadine, as he stepped forward, bowing humbly as he placed the scarlet gage in her trembling hand—that same hand whose mus- eles had driven the bright steel through the spine of the maddened bull to save his life only a short time earlier in the day, She knew then, whet she would not before acknowledge, that she had lost where she hoped to win; that the love she craved so madly, al- most insanely, would never be hers, Instantly all tremor vanished, and her queen- ly figure drew erect as those cold words met her ear. She said nothing. She dared not trust her voice just then, lest it toe plainly betray her fierce chagrin. Luckily for her, there came an impetuous in- terruption just at that moment. m the colonel, who pressed through the interested cir- cle, his voice hasty, his florid face redder than ever. “None of that, Archer! Resign—Dbut I'll not accept vour resignation, man! Just now—when Falcon Rancu needs her picked men more than ever? Are you crazy, man alive?” The colonel was plainly in earnest, for the moment furgetting how recently he had ex- pressed a savage desire to get mi of this very man, even at the cost of criminal means: The young foreman flushed with brief pleasure at this bluff testimonial, and as the men of Fal- con Ranch broke out in a wild, prolonged cheer, ringing the changes on bis name and his merits until their breath failed them, he stood silent, blushing like a very lad beneath unexpected se. And into his brown eyes came a dewy oat that shadowed the face and figures before im, ‘You hear, man?” laughed the colonel, clap- heartily on bis shoulder, grippiag 4 What’s a broncho, i Tl a Selene ned bende aside i aiainenn ti taptan tthe ae Tae HI SE te ee 3 hand with vigor at the same time. ‘ Does that sound like good-by? Do you think the lads are howling after that fashion for joy at thought of another foreman? Get out, you! Tl bave nothing of the sort, I tell you! The man don’t live who can break in Little Earthquake, | you gave bim the toughest tussle of his life! Pink Archer ceased through scantiness of breath, then spoke, gravely, resolutely : “You heard what I said when Miss Falconer so unfortunately picked me out as the champion of Falcon Ranch, colonel. choice, but as a servant I dared not try to get out of it, Then and there 1 took a vow to resign if I failed. I have failed. I bave run up against a horse that I can’t ride, and a man who does that has no business acting as foreman on & ranch like yours. I resign, with or without your Jeave, sir.” “ But just as I need you most?” ‘« If you wish, I’ll serve the day out, of course,” with more cordiality in voice and manner. ‘“TIsn't this making heap row over mighty lit- tle cause, colonel?” called out Nash Whildon, moving his horse nearer the inner circle. “ Let the fellow slide. It’s time to quit riding when b> loses his nerve. Let him slide, and fill bis place with a ten times better man, until you can do better.” There was an instinctive division among those who were closest to the speaker as he uttered these cold, contemptuous sentences, A waving back on either side, such as one will see ina ZAhis when lead is expected to get in its deadly work. Falconer turned his face with a frown, but as he encountered that cold, yet burning glance, he flushed hotly and drooped his eyes. Once more he looked like a slave wh» bad unexpectedly met his master, Pink Archer never even glanced toward the speaker, though the gray shade that shot over his bronzed face was evidence that he beard and rightly interpreted that insolent interruption. He added, as evenly as though nothing had in- terrupted his speech: ‘‘ AJ] I wished to make clear was this, colonel: It is my business toride. As foreman over them, the boys naturally look to me as an example for their imitation, Since I have made a wretched failure in public, can I still hold that position? You say yes, but Isay no! I'll serve you to the best of my ability until this business is over, then I must insist upon your accepting my resig- nation.” He bowed respectfully to his employer, thea stepped swiftly past the colonel, his brown eyes glowing hotly as they gazed squarely into the handsome face of the Open Hand owner, bis voice clear and cutting; “Now Dl talk to you, Nash Whildon. Will you kindly rey..at the words you spoke a moment ago?” Queen Nadine turned -with a partly out- stretched band as though to interfere, but then paused short. She saw that Pink Archer made no motion toward drawing a weapon; saw bis hands resting easily at his side, even while the rancb-owner sat bis horse with right hand doubled up and supported akimbo, in convenient proximity to his revolver. : She saw that the young foreman was cool and steadv as fate itself, and she knew that so long as this lasted, even Nash Whildon would not dare attempt to use a weapon. ; The owner of the Open Hand stifled a yawn as he drawled: “Js your memory so short, my good fellow?” Pink Archer curled a lip at the covert sneer, and coldly added: ‘* Shall I save you the trouble? You hinted that Ihad lost my nerve, because I failed to stick on a broncho you sre too cowa: dly to even attempt to back. You offered to fill my place with a better man.” “Which offer still holds good,” nodded Whildon. “T am still in harness, still a servant on Falcon Ranch while this day lasts. While not claiming to be the best man among those thus employed, I am ready to uphold its honor against all comers from beyond its bounds, Narrowin the circle down to Open Hand, I can spea with much more confidence, and without laying myself open to the suspicion of boasting when say that I’m ready and eager to meet and con- quer the best man it bas on its Jist, from lowest herder down to its master, Nash Whildon him- self! Icy cold\though Nash Whildon prided himself on being, this last sentence cut him to the quick. He turned white as ashes, and his eyes shone as though the sockets were filled with living fire. His right hand dropped to the butt of a pistol, but before it could do more, Q Nadine. sprung between the men, ber right hand clinched and uplifted in almost fierce warning, her voice ringing out sharp and com- manding: “Is this the place and time for burn der? Where is your hand, Nash Whildon “Wholly at your service, Miss Falconer,” owed the ranch-owner, removing the offend- ing member, bowing low in the saddle. See that you put it to no worse use, then.” . and ~- silent until the colonel - I knew it was a bad ~
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«x 20. with a short, hard laugh that imposed on very few who heard its notes. ‘‘This is a day of peace, or so intended. The man who breaks that peace, is no gentleman, to say the very least. Not particularly to you do I address my words, but to one and all, singly and collective- ly,” she added hastily. * For which pray accépt my bumble thanks,” blandly smiled Whildon. Queen Nadine turned abruptly toward the oung foreman, just in time to arrest his steps fh retreat, With a deft, rapid motion she once more pinned the scarlet knot upon his breast, above his heart. The action was performed before Archer fair- ly comprehended her purpose. One hand par- tially rose to tear off the badge, but his hand swept back as Queen Nadine spoke rapidly: ‘* You are still a champion, until another sur- sses your record, Pink Archer. Yow are still The ick of Falcon Ranch, and as such,” with another swift turn and pointed bow toward Nash Whildon, “I stand ready to back you against all comers! Ay! to the last horn and hoof on Falcon Ranch—and give you the choice of tests, noble sir!” Once more cool and steady to all outward seeming, the ranch-owner bowed his head, a bland smile playing about his lips as he looked /up to meet that burning gaze. And softly, meekly came the words: “That settles it, and I humbly confess my mistake. You have spoken; and—the queen can do no wrong!” CHAPTER XI. AROUND THE FESTIVE BOARD. ‘*THANK the Lord!” bluntly ejaculated Col- onel Falconer as, just at that moment, the notes of a horn rung loudly across the plain, coming from the lips of Ebony Tom, standing on the rock wall of the mesa. ‘' Dinner~is ready, and I eon we've had breeze enough to give us all a good appetite. The ladies are looking and waiting for you, gentlemen!” To more than the colonel this interruption was a welcome one. On such an occasion few velish a squabble, and with marvelous celerity the gathering broke up, hastening back to the mesa where the large majority of the fair guests were stationed, through choice or from ae Nash Whildon politely offered Queen Nadine his escort, and she smilingly accepted it. Both were ashamed of their recent heat, and were glad of a chance to show that it was only a pass- ing ebullition which really meant nothing. yal Hart paused to whisper a few words to Pink Archer, then, with Red Clam following like a shadow, he joined the main company about the festive board. Such it proved, in reality. Colonel Falconer had determined to make the event one to be remembered for all time, and had spared nothing that could possibly lend suc- | cess to the occasion. For weeks he had been making his arrangements for the day, spending gold like water, and the result bade fair to fully “est his most sanguine log WF pa ‘imble hands had set up tables and decorated them, while the sport went on below. There was room for all, even down to the humblest roe a on the grounds, though these were a little removed from the seats occupied by the ladies. Still, even the most jealous could not even draw an insult from this, for the arrange- ments otherwise were identical. The tables were spread with snowy drapery. Here and there were scattered silverware: Tittle oases of gleam and glitter amid the glass and chinaware—more than half of those present had ever beheld on any other single occasion, The cooks had done their Baty: and everything was neatly served, _Ebony Tom, at the head of an efficient staff, took care to keep all fully supplied, not only with food but generous vin as well, . Spark- ling champagne for the es and others who preferred it; whisky for the stronger heads and more seaso whisper his choice, for a light-footed, nimble- handed waiter to supply his wants, extravagant or simple. Aa 20! the first few minutes Colonel Falconer covertly, anxiously observed his guests, but this did not last long. From the very first hum of gratified surprise, it was plain to be seen that none there had even the ghost of a fault to find, And satisfied that, thus far, at least, his venture was a complete success, the colonel gave himself over to feasting and chatting gayly with his guests. - ._. A dlear-witted observer might have noted * -gome of which bade . fruit before the next setting +» “main table, on the her left was Parker Mandrake, installed in the ‘place Nash Whildon sought to claim, but which Krad ine le many a a eB gre in the scene, and to produce disagreeable of the sun, _ Nadine Falconer, as the acknewledged queen of the tournament, was seated at the head of the ht hand of her father. To » laughingly denied him with: Y, mY g remember, and none such can find a med palates. And a guest had only to | t cavalier, we are still rivals, | The Rustler Detective. welcome near my throne. It isan armed truce between ycu and I, until after the great passage of arms, Then—” ‘Then I will present my humble petition to your Majesty,” with a low bow, more to hide the evil gleam that shot in and out of his eyes than from a desire to carry out the merry pretense, ‘*Then—I will listen. or stop my ears, just as sweet fancy dictates, gentle sir,” laughed Nadine, turning to her chosen cavalier. ; _ As the feast Ay Ba 9 Queen Nadine was never more gay and brilliant. Her eyes flashed and glittered like diamonds. A soft flush tinged the creamy purity of her cheeks. Her lips were red as sun-kissed cherries,. And cool-headed steady-nerved veteran though Mandrake prided himself on ew her ious demeanor set his brain in a whirl, and he pledged her glass for glass. If Nadine glanced across the mesa to where Pink Archer was seated in company with Sam Angell and his daughter Nellie, her eyes were oe swift for even Nash Whildon to intercept them. Grave, cold, silent, wholly unlike his usual self, the owner of Open Hand Ranch paid far closer attention to the queen of the feast than to either food or drink. At timesa half-smile lifted_his drooping mustache as he noted bow rapidly Na- dine emptied her glass. He saw that her gayety was almost wholly artificial, though so admira- bly disguised to all ordinary observers. He knew that she was suffering ten-fold his own torments and he was just malicious enough to secretly re- joice over the fact. He looked often toward Pink Archer, his eyes an with mingled emotions as he saw how nderly devoted the young foreman was to fair Nellie Angell. It may have been chance that led Royal Hart to take a seat close to the one occupied by the Open Hand owner, and it may have been noth- ing more than chance that caused the Bounding Buck to mark those looks expended in the direc- tion of the young foreman. - But it was hardly chance that led the yellow-haired sport to open- ly comment upon them, as he did after a, bit. ‘‘Hope you don’t envy the young fellow, ard?” . A hot flush came into the face of the rancher as he turned to frown upon the speaker, but the terrors of that scowl were lost, since just then Royal Hart was busied with his plate, ‘Were your words addressed to me, sir?” coldly asked Whildon, * Just to keep my jaws going while I carved another mouthful, you see,” smiled the sport, with a side glance and confidential nod, ‘‘ Never could bear to waste a moment, Got to keep go- ing. Born that way,I reckon! Full. of elec- tricity, soul, body and tongue!” s specially the last,” sneered Whildon. “Glad you think so,” with a bland nod and broader smile. ‘‘Everybody ain’t built that way—worse luck for them! Wouldn’t be so many clumsy pRoeches made, if they were. For instance: I fairly shuddered when I heard you lay yourself open for the keen thrust Queen Na- dine pave you down yonder; I did, reall ‘i = Whildon bowed stiffly, his blue eyes gleam) dangerously, smooth and even though his words, came in response; : ‘Sorry to have shocked you so horribly, sir, It is a way I have, when the wind is in the east. Perhaps you would be safer were you to change your location for a few days?” “ After coming so far to join in the sports?” with widely opening eyes, a delicate morsel halt- ing midway to his lips, P ‘ Our loss might prove to be your gainyyou understand?” . Royal Hart made sure of the tidbit before making reply, and there was just the shadow of scorn in his smooth tones as he finally spoke: ‘That may be true, too, though you hardly intend me to swallow it after that fashion, Honestly speaking, I came here with heap big- ger expectations than I now anticipate carrying away again. I heard so much down-country about the horsemen of this favored section; heard so often that no ordinary man could hold a tallow dip to their electric light; that, do you know, IL actually expected to learn a few wrink- les by taking this litttle trip—I did, for a hu- miliating fact.” peotee “ And now?” purred Whildon, smiling icily. ’ Royal Hart cast a half-apologetic glance to- ward Pink Archer, and lowered his voice just a trifle as he responded: “Mind you, ’'m not saying a word inst your men, as men, All 1 dosay is this: If the fellows I’ve seen put forward as champion riders are really among your best, then I’ve had my trouble for my pains. I could have learned more by staying at home.” ‘Where youare classed among the champions, of course?” “Tf Red Clam wasn’t actually a clam, so far as human spostly is concerned, I’d_ bashfully refer you to him for an answer to that query,” laughed the Bounding Buck. “‘ As he is rightly named, and as there isn’t another representative -of my stampiag grounds within easy reach, I'll choke down my natural modesty and reply—no, sir! There can be but one champion, and I’m that modest individual,’ a More blandly than ever smiled Nash Whildon,, as he gently asked: “ Athome, of course? Butup here? Wehave a few champions, in a modest way; one of then» you have seen, in Little Earthquake.” ‘Just such as I train my little boys on,” coolly empt ing a pe Then Nas hildon flashed out in almost sav- age earnest: . ‘Talk is cheap, but acting is another thing. Dare you try to back Little Harthquake— again ?” ; ‘“‘And time and skill is worth money, you ought to add. Could I coax you to back your champion with sny of your good money?” ‘* Wive hundred dollars that you can’t stick to. Little, Earthquake for ten minutes!” sharply cried the ranch-owner, in tones that startled the entire company, as he slapped his wallet on the table before him. ‘t Money talks, and in accents far sweeter than even grub like this!” CHAPTER XII, RIDING AN EARTHQUAKE. As the words passed his lips, Royal Hart dropped a fairly p me note-book by the side of the ranch-owner’s wallet on the table, addiny: “It’s one of my merits to never miss a g thing because a better offers, provided 1 can surround ’em both just as easy as one. Will you see if I've got dingbats i to elinch your bet, while I lay in a pound or two more ballast? Awful cheeky, isn’t it? with a little laugh, as Whildon curled a lip. ‘‘ But you don’t seem to be hungry, and J feel as though I hadn't eaten a bite for six weeks!” As coolly, as business-like as though ignorant of the fact that the eyes of all within earshot. were sacerly fixed upon him, the Boundin Buck from Buffalo Wallow resumed his meal, eating like one thoroughly hy ste ve of the good things which were set before him. Cold and silent Nash Whildon waited, the two wallets lying untouched on the table before him, His thin ap was slightly curled, but there was a half-troubled light in his blue eyes from time to time: a faint wrinkling of his brows like one trying to recall a forgotten past: as he stole oc- casional side-glances ut the bronzed face of the yellow-haired sport from the lower country. Of all who listened, none showed_ keener in- terest than Queen Nadine herself, and from that tin-e until the ending of the feast, Parker Man- drake found himself at liberty to follow his own sweet will. _Royal Hart was still feeding when Queen Nadiue arose from the head of the table, but the mute signal was not lost age the stranger. ““Good enough—end enough is gocd as-a. feast, to all except an animal whose every-day name shall never be mentioned by lips of mire in such choice company as the present. And now, gentle pilgrim, unless your mental back- bone has weakened, we'll proceed with our little ping operation: the joyous amusement of eads I win, tails you lose!” H: picked up his wallet, opening it and with a deft motion of his nimble fingers, set the ends of numerous banknotes fluttering tantalizingly before the eyes of the rancher, “You heard my offer to back Little Earth- quake, sir,” stiffly retorted Whildon, rapidly selecting a number of notes from his wallet end dropping them on the table. ‘Cover the money.. Stick to the broncho for ten mmutes, and you take the pile.” “That is pie, and I just dote on pastry!” laughed Royal Hart as he covered the amount with a like sum, holding the notes down with the of a shapely finger. ‘Sorry for you pard, bat I’m a man of business, you see, an one of my rules is to always make expenses when I can. And, as a business man, I’d feel just a little more at ease about the future of this wealth if you would kindly select some respon- sible person as a temporary safety vault, to—” **Do you think I can fill the bill, my dear sir?” smiled Queen Nadine, gliding forward, her cheeks flushed, ber eyes all aglow, “‘ Will I be permitted to act as stakeholder?” : Royal Hart looked end acted like one literally stricken dumb by such unexpected condescen- sion, With a profound bew he placed the notes in the queen’s hand, and in very meek, subdued tones ventured: : ‘“* Would it. be presuming too far were I to beg your Majesty to name the time and decide upon all the little preliminaries for—” “There is no time like the present, and out onder stands Little Earthquake,” sharply in- te sed Whildon, turning cn bis heel. ueen Nadine flashed a glance after him, hut said nothing until she cnce more gazed keenly into the really handsome face. of the yellow- haired sport from the lower country. «What she saw there gave her restored confidence, but she said. almost gently: ; “Tf you prefer a delay, for any reason, sir, you have only to mention it, My power extends that far, at any events!” ; Royal Hart smiled blandly, his speech smooth. and fluent; . — : ; “As a man of business, it’s a rule of mine to make sure of a speculation just as soon s° c’r- cumstances will permit. As a member o1 t=
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cat ot = 2) ‘ aay $3 6 = . whispersd Parker Al humane society, whose motto is the prevention of cruelty to animals, 'm in duty bound to put the gentleman out of his misery as speedily as possible. ‘lhe sooner I get to work, the Jess time he’ll. have to waste in vain hopes thata broken neck may save his filthy lucre!” ‘* You weuldn’t mind investing a trifle more on the same term we dear fellow?’ blandly andrake, with a hand sug- gestively upon his pocket. Queen Nadine sharply interposed. . ‘I forbid any further betting on this match!” she cried, with a frown that emphasized her words, ‘‘ The man who offers to do so, may consider himself an enemy of mine from that instant?” Her word was law toall within hearing of her voice, on that point, at least. Only Royal Hart would have put up money against Little Earth- quake, and as he humbly bowed his submission to the queen, that branch of the subject was | closed once for all. Cool, business-like, just us though he had not even the shadow of a doubt as to the ultimate result, Royal Hart left the mesa and passed out over the level, where the bucking broncho was standing at ease, apparently none the worse for the mony struggle he had so recently passed through. Royal Hart laughed softly as he noted the eye nearest to him opening with a sly side-glance that lasted only an instant. ae ee. are you, beauty?” he smiled as one hand slipped through the bridle to lead the sleepy-looking creature back nearer the mesa, ** Not so much to look at, am I? But wait until you feel mein the saddle, and if you don’t re- call the fable of the singed cat, I’m mixing up a mighty mess of grief for my own delectation!” This could hardly be termed boasting, since there were no human ears near enough to catch his words, Dropping the rein when a few yards away from the great group of spectators, Royal Hart quickly, deftly prepared for the contest of man against brute. There was little to do, but the manner in which he set about it, told those who watched, this stranger was no novice in the saddle, : He gaye Red Clam his belt of weapons, bis coat and hat, He knotted a silk ‘kerchief tightly about his head, protecting bis eyes from the long yellow curls. He changed his spurs for another pair with longer, stronger rowels. He looked to bridle and saddle, satisfying him- self both fore and rear cinch were firmly fast- ened. ‘* A good deal of fuss and feathers for a past master in the art of riding, isn’t it?” sneered Nash W hildon, at length. ‘Simply to let you down easy, dear fellow,” bowed Royal Hart, with a light laugh that cut more deeply than an angry retort. ‘‘ Justa bit of salve to your pride in your champion Earth- quake. Your good money is gone, of course, but I'll make believe I had to work hard to win it! As the last words left his lips, the man leaped lightly into the saddle, settling himself as by magic, though Little Earthquake lost not a second of time in beginning the struggle to un- seat this bold rider. Despite the fact on which Colonel Falconer had dwelt in his introductory speech, the broncho pursued much the same tactics by which he had already conquered two picked horsemen, racing ahead, only to stop short with a backward fall, or sudden flin ing up of his hind parts, supplemented by cat-leaps from side to side, with an occasional bound high into the air, or still more artistic bucking. Even at this early stage of the contest it was plain to those experienced hands whose eyes so eagerly watched and followed each change and shifting, that this yellow-haired sport was no ordinary horseman. If he had a fault, it seemed to be that of over- confidence in bimself and his skill. Tf anything, he seemed entirely too much at ease! “ That will throw him, if anything!” mut- tered Parker Mandrake. f ““Now comes the tug of war!” cried Queen Nadine, as Little Earthquake suddenly subsided for a brief space, his head drooping sew as though the creature was on the point of, falling asleep. ‘If the fellow is caught nen Royal Hart sat in tfe saddle, seemingly loose- jointed and limp as a piece of buckskin. Both orse and rider looked as though on the point . of falling aslee Z Then Little Farthquake uttered a most un- earthly squeal, arching his back like a bow and bringin mg Seals close together beneath his body “ ashe “bucked” high into the air. seeking to shake the seat of his rider. But lisnp as the man seemed, he never rose an inch from the sad- die, and as the broncho came to the ground with every ie stiff and unyielding, a savage jerk forced its head up, the long rowels rake: the hide along iis ribs, and the heavy quirt whistled swiftly from side to side across its withers, : 5 Little Earthquake was not used to such sharp unishment. Since his evil reputation became rmly established, those who ventured to mount his back had confined themselves to retaining their seat as long as —— feeling that they | his lip sharply as he interpreted the real intent had more than enough to do to remain on the | of that broken sentence. For only too well he defensive. And this punishment seemed to | knew that Nadine meant an entirely different | drive the vicious brute fairly wild with rage | ending from the one she had given it, with a | and fury. pause just Jong enough to tip the shaft with _ Its squeals were more unearthly than ever. It | poison. | kicked up bebind until, por the strong reins Royal Hart, taking it for granted that he was | and stronger grasp upon them, its bared teeth | to have his own way, turned-to Little Earth- could reach the ground, quake, who still lay at length on the torn-up It tore up the turf in mouthfuls, then reared | ground, its red nostrils widel dilated, its eyes / aloft, flinging the frothy mixture over itself and | no longer sleepy or tricky, but filled with a | rider, It rushed swiftly ahead, only to bound | cowed terror such as had never before shone backward the next instant, leaping to one side | from them. | or the other the second its hoofs touched earth Stooping, the tamer patted the broncho gentl : ener . “aca oe: again, shaking itseif until the saddle rattled loudly. » It fell backward, only to find the man in the saddle as quick as it tried to regain its feet. It phim headiong, rolling over and over, with the same result. It whirled round ' and round in short circles, abriptly reversing, on the wet neck, passing upward to its head, lingering a few moments about his eyes, then on over the arched nose to the quivering nostrils, Whether it was animal magnetism, or simply the result of gentle compassion, must be left to the reader for decision, but certain it is that the or else shooting to one side with a slip and a ; convulsive shivering grew less violent. The wild shake, look in the eyes of the broncho softened and its The stipulated ten minutes had long since ex- | lids relaxed. Its pantings grew less fast, and ; pired, bu. no one thought of calling time. All| when Royal Hart gently twitched the reins, | were too intensely absorbed in the thrilling ex- | Little Earthquake slowly rose to its feet, stand- | hibition of siill and stubbornness for that. | ing meek and subdued, making no effort to ; ven Nash W bildon drew his breath rapidly, his | escape, even when its master dropped the bridle eyes aglow, all thoughts of loss fled from his | and stepped backward, And at a gentle com- mind; even he forgot all chagrin in his admira- | mand, the broncho followed the sport back to | tion for such matchless skill. where the spectators were murmuring their His body swaying to and fro to suit the swift, | wonder and applause. erratic motions of Little Earthquake, but his; When onlya few yards away, an uplifted lower limbs clinging as snugly to place as though | hand checked the broncho. Royal Hart lightly they formed part of the animal he was bound to | leaped into the saddle, touching neither rein nor subdue, Royal Hart attended strictly to busi- | stirrupas he sat thus for a brief space. Then, ness, His steci-like grip kept the head of the | with deft agility he sprung erect, standing side- broncho well up. His strong spurs at each leap’| ways in the saddle, his arms lightly fold and bound raked first one side then the other,! ‘You see, my dear friends, some things can until the red blood sprinkled the torn-up groun!. | be done just as easily as others, if you only go The hide-bound handle of his quirt more than | about it after the right fashion,” the yellow- once knocked Little Earthquake back as he at- | haired sport said, with a bland smile and blander tempted to fall backward. And the cutting | tones. ** Still, you mustn’t run away with the lash, by a scarcely perceptible movement of that | notion tkat Little Earthquake is ft oroughly flexible wrist kept hissing from side to side, | converted, for he isn’t. I don’t advertise to ac- stinging the animal to still more furious plung- | complish marvels and give a gurantee after a ings: . single lesson, But I do say that until Little ntil now the broncho had been given time at | Earthquake has had ample time to forget bis spells for brain-working, for those who ventured | lesson, he is safe for an infant te ride.” to back him were ordinarily glad enough to ac- | With a bow, the Bounding Buck lea to the cept even the briefest truce, forgetting that by ound, ajust as Queen’ Nadine pushed forward. so doing they were lessening their own chances |; And before any one in the company could an- of ultimate success, But now the mad broncho | ticipate her Sa eg she sprung gracefully from had no time for devising new tricks. Under | her own saddle into that just vacated by Royal spur and lash he was driven to insane fury, and | Hart, touching Little Earthquake keenly with being so coolly met at each crook and turn, | her spurred boot.” One quic leap under the every outburst was surely bringing the end | goad—a leap that brought a sharp ery of warn- nigher. |ing from the crowd—then the broncho trotted As often as he attempted to pause, even foran | quietly off in a circle, Queen Nadine turning instant, his rider mercilessly forced him into re- | and directing his movements simply by the newed struggles. Cruel as this may seem, it | swaying of her lithe figure, without touching was polly merciful, and the spectators who | rein. watched the contest were well aware of the From a trot into a gallop, from a gallop toa fact. They had seen enough to know that, bar- | run, swiftly veering around until headed direct ring an accident to saddle or bridle, the yellow- | for the gathering. And ata single sharp com- haired stranger must surely conquer in the end. | mand from the lips of its mistress, Little Earth- And granting this, the quicker he could bring | quake sto short without other restraint, Little Earthquake to realize as much, the less Queen Nadine sprung lightly to the ground ‘the broncho would suffer, her beautiful face flushed warmly, her great Another desperate struggle; angther break- | eyes glowing with excitement and Traise as neck plunge headlong, rolling over and over, | they rested on the calm, smiling countenance lashing out with every hoct as though hoping to | of the man whose skil] had wrought such a thus disable the cool sport who fell upon his | marvelous transformation. feet, who still maintained his grip on the bridle, “You have won the stakes, sir, and I gladly ready to resume his seat the instant his antago- | hand them to you,” she said, holding out the nist sought to arise; then Little Earthquake | folded bills, when Nash Whildon cut in eagerly: gave one sharp squeal of savage rage—after “And in losing. I still count myself a win- which he lay motionless, save for his rapidly- | ner, Mr. Hart! [I’ve seen more and better rid- heaving flanks and quivering muscles. in an hour than I ever saw in my life And Royal Hart coolly seated himself on the ; before!” side of the conquered broncho, striking a match “You make me blush, my dear sir,” bowed and lighting a cigar with careless grace. - Royal, with affected bumility, but not neglect- ing to secure the money while so doing, . CHAPTER XIII. ‘And Pll double the sum as a gift, if you'll IN.THE QUEEN'S NAME! engage as head rider with me for a year to Wir a united cheer, amidst which could be | come,” quickly added Whildon, bis eyes aglow, distinctly heard the clear; musical notes of “Name your own figures, and consider them Nadine Falconer, the enthusiastic tors ; accepted without a word of dispute,” inter- surged forward, only to. draw rein abruptly as ) Queen Nadine, one gloved hand closi Royal Hart leaped’ to his fect, imperiously | firmlo upon bis arm. as ber other band me motioning them back as he cried: g i tioned the master of Open Hand Ranch back. “Keep your distance, good people, until the | “I claim the first say-so. Who dares dispute circus is over, if you please!” m ht?” ‘You have won—don’t torture the poor brute if Nat I, most assuredly, your Majesty,” smiled and further!” came sharply from the red lips of | Royal Hart, bowing. Queen Nadine as she drew rein. “Then you accept? You are ours—you will “Til be merciful es Little Spies Syd will | engage to Falcon Ranch, on your own terms?” permit, but I never leave a job half jobbed, | cagerly rsisted the fair amazon, flashing a our Ma: esty,” with a cool bow that pointed his | glance of almost. fierce triumph over her shoul- words, ‘I’ve broken his spirit; I] break him der at the darkening countenance of Nash so a lady ean ride and guide him with a rein of | Whildon. gossamer, if you only grant me time.” t “Yours—until death doth us part, your ‘You have won the right to commarit; and Majesty!” é we obey,” laughed Queen Nadine, waving back | ‘The smile faded, and a half suspicious glitter the more ardent of her guests. “ After all, it is | filled the great black eyes. And there was a no more than justice. Littles Earthquake had a long day, and the proudest must acknowl- edge a master some time!” “Tam glad to hear you admit ‘so much, | Nadine!” muttered Nash Whildon, ace for- | turning of each ward. until his blonde mustaches brushke a ear. ; the queen, my gentle cavalier!” ough to . y _ Hand | bide my blu Ranch reined his steed back a few feet, biting ee a es as I confess—”
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i at panes = ea. ~ ee es a ie = pmaaae ee —_— 12 The Rustler Detective. laughed Colonel Falconer, as he pressed forward of sorts, and—but let that pass. You will learn and gripped the yellow-hai sport by the | to know me better in time. All I wish to say is hand, shaking it vigorously. ‘‘I don’t care if | this: a score of sheriffs are at your heels! Tll agree to stand ’em off until the sun sets, anyway; and by that time, with you among my men, the Fal- con Ranch will be on top of the Open Hand— and that’s what I hunger for most! No hard feelings toward you, friend, of course,” with a nod toward Whildon. “I'm not kicking, old friend,” with a cold smile. ‘I feel almost as deep an interest in the success of Falcon Ranch as you do, and only for form’s sake, 'd own up defeated without run- ning the thing off.” “Then it is settled, my fine fellow?’ persisted the colonel, turning again to Royal Hart. ** You will enter my employ? You willconsider the engagement to begin from this very min- ute The Bounding Buck cast a quick glance in the direction of bis own horse, held by the Indian; then asked: : ‘You are willing to hire two, instead of one? Red Clam ‘can’t well get along without his tongue, you know! And not even Falcon Ranch _ can win me away from my pard, red though his skin is!” What can he do?” hesitated the colonel. ‘‘ What he has done, you have just had a sam- ple. All I know aboutriding, Red Clam taught me, And even to-day he can give me odds and a beating, without more than half-trying!” Falconer laughingly shook his head. ‘You can hardly expect me to swallow all that, but Iil tell you what I will de: I'll pay you your own price if you'll agree to ride for me to-day. If you want to extend the engage- ment, we'll talk it over after the show, and un- less. you ask the entire earth, I reckon we can come to an amicable arrangement, How does that hit you?” “Right where I live,” with a low laugh as their palms crossed. ‘‘ You ean count on both Red Clam anl your humble servant from this time on, until we have a falling out!” Colonel Falconer looked around in search of Nadine, but she had vanished during the con- yersation, and eager to inform her of. the bar- gain he bad made, the master of Falcon Ranch weacies away through the crowd, which rapidly scattered, now that the show was at an end. Royal Hart passed over to where his red pard was waiting, and rapidly donned his coat, hat and weapons, But he bad scarcely done so when the sound of a light footstep caused him to turn around. , Nash Whildron met him with a frank smile and extended hand, saying: “J ask perdon for my hard words up yonder, my dear fellow. Shake, in token that they are forgiven, if not forgotten.” “Tf you are satisfied, I surely ought to be,” was the laughing response as their palms cross- ed. “Dye made expenses, and secured a com- fortable situation for the pair of us. Notso ‘bad for an hour’s work?” “Tt may turn out even better than you im- -agine, if you play your eards right. May I ask you to take a little walk wit me? There is something I would like to say, which—” “Why not?’ bluntly interposed the yellow- haired sport, with wide-open eyes. “It’s only a ¥oel who throws away a chance of learning the ropes in a strange locality. And whatever else I may turn out to be, the man who thinks to buy’ ane for a fool, is going to get left—bad /” Nash Whildon led the way to the right, pass- ing part way around the mesa, like one who wishes to make sure against being interrupted ‘before he has said bis say out, ithout a mur- mur Royal Hart followed this lead, patiently biding his time, though there was just the ghost of asmile playing about his mustache-shaded lip. Rivas it born of his own expectations, or did it ‘come through catching a gumpse of two figures partially concealed by the foliage on the mesa Hop, seemningly engaged in earnest discourse? 4°7 wanted to engage your services myself, as ‘ou must have seen, pard,” began Whildon, com- ing to a pause, witha — glance around them. + Of course I could only give way when Miss Falconer chipped.in. After all, it amounts to pretty much the same thing.” “Sits the wind in that quarter?” murmured the Bounding Buck from Buffalo Wallow, with ‘a furtive glance toward the couple on the mesa top, now plain enough to recognize as Nadine and Pink Archer, “Tes an open secret, as you might sav,” laugh- ed Whildon, without noting the direction of the shy glance. ‘I have as close an interest in Fal- con anol as my own, to tell the truth, And yet—you are n») fool, you hinted, I like that! “A fool might do much harm without knowing it, where a wise man could turn much to good. lace of yours. You'll find of a fool, mixed pretty te. But he don’t count You have seen something ** About this new the coldnel somet thoroughly with the so much as the lady. her temper to-day,” : "Spiritel—quite spirited, { should say,” mur- mt Ve b roou es this day. was y this day. “Iwas out | “You will put money in your purse by serv- ing my interests whenever or wherever you can do so. You can insure yourself a paying situa- tion for life by sticking to my side, even though it may seem to lead ng contrary to the wishes of—you understand?” He broke off impatiently as he saw the yellow- haired sport was hardly giving him the close at- tention he desired. Royal Hart was smiling broadly as he gazed up at those two figures on the mesa, Andas Nash Whildon foliowed the direction of his eyes, a vicious curse ‘hi through his grating teeth. ‘“ J reckon Ill chip in on the side of the young lady, pard, if it’s all the same: to you,” cooll drawled the Bounding Buck from Buffalo Wai- low, smiling into bis inflamed countenance. “Have it so if you like, curse you!” snarled the master of Open Hand Ranch, turning away. “Til just add this much for you to chew on: That girl will be my wife before this month is out!’ He strode rapid] ane et the front of the mesa, leaving Rove art smiling after him, and softly murmuring to himself: “Talk is cheap, and you sling it out mighty thick; but I’m stacking my ducats on the other side—you just bet I am, pardner!” CHAPTER XIV. ALL FOR LOVE. QurEeN NapINE might have lingered longer, until the bargain with this marvelous horseman was fully clinched, only for one thing. Even as she cast that defiant glance back at Na:h Whildon, her keen eyes caught sight of a humon figure rapidly scaling the mesa by way of the generally used pathway in front, Seen but for aninstant, and thatata considerable dis- tance, but that was enough. She recognized Pink Archer, and instantly decided that he had stolen away in hopes of securing another inter- view with Nellie Angell. And when Colonel Falconer pressed forward so eagerly, Queen Nadine yielded her place, slipping away, almost wholly unobserved fy the hero worshipers. She did not stop to count the cost. She was more t_an half beside herself just then, and it is only just to state that she had drank far more wine at the table than she had any idea of. Her veins seemed filled with liquid fire. Her brain buzzed and whirled as though a swarm of bees had been let loose within, She bad thought for only one thing: to tear Pink Archer from the side of that puny child, Angel Nell. This was all she though of during those few minutes before she gained the mesa top and glanced around in search of the lovers. She must separate them—must keep him from pledg- ing. his vows to her until—unti!— bat was as far as her whirling, unsettled brain could carry the thought, just then. And, curious as it may seem, as it did seem to her even then, it was with a confused sensation of pan soy cor t that she caught sight of Pink Archer, standing alone, near the rear edge of the mesa, Angel Nell was not with him, was not to be detected by the swift, comprehensive glance which she cast around. The eng foreman of Falcon Ranch caught sight of her, at almost the same instant, and a flush shot into bis strong face. With an invol- untary movement he partially shielded himself by the trunk of a stunted tree, but even as he did so, Queen Nadine rapidly advanced, speak- ing his name, She paused when but little more than arm’s length away from bim, the flush fading from her cheeks, a reproac gleam softeatnn, ee too vivid fire in her prs black eyes. k Archer involuntarily glanced at his own breast, where but a short time before Queen Nadine had pinned ber colors, but which were not there now. ‘Where is it? Have ycu dared give it to her ?” sharply demanded the fair amazon, scarce realizing what she said in that moment of bitter pain. ‘‘Or are you too proud to wear my favors?” nk Archer silently drew the ribbon from bis bo-om, and held it forth in resignation as he quietly uttered: “AS a defeated champion, I have no right to wear it longer, Miss Falconer, It was a mis- take your giving it to me in the first place. I am your father’s servant, and as such too humble for such a choice. Give the knot to one nearer your own station in life.” A swift motion of her clinched hand struck the bit of color from his fingers, and as it fluttered to the earth, Queen ecgoransente $s ae ground it into the dirt with her - heel. ‘““Do you think I am blind? Do you think 1 was for a moment deceived. by your clever act- ing out yonder? Bah!” with a short, bitter laugh that told how deeply she felt the truth, “T saw it all! You rode i long enough to re- trieve your reputation as a horseman, and then, as an excuse for flouting me, you pretended de- feat! For a little while I thought you killed or , and during those few moments I suf- a seen of the damned! To learn That by a sing] you could bave single effort i ous ie apts ae aa E 23 a ae " <~] freed yourself from the saddle, free to renew the struggle when Little Earthquake arose!” She ceased, her voice choking with tions, strangely omg The foreman ed his eyes, turning a shade er, but without making any reply. He knew that she was charg- ing him with a truth, and knew that even were he to lie, he could not alter her belief. ““ Why did you do this, Pink Archer? Was it because of the last words I whispered in your ear? Was it because I said—” ; “T have fergotten—I pray you let the matter rest, Miss Falconer,” muttered the foreman. ‘Those words should never have been uttered, even in a spirit of pique, because—” A low, soft laugh cut his hesitating speech short, and surprise forced his drooping gaze to lift. For an instant he felt the hot bl turn- ing his face scarlet, for that laugh sounded like mockery to his ears, Only until his eyes en- countered those great black orbs. He saw that Queen Nadine had cast all re- straint to the winds. He saw her insane passion glowing in her eyes, in her crimsoned cheeks, her arted lips. And though he shrunk back a pace, it was only to be followed as quickly. «Tf those words came from the ~_— bottom of my heart, Pink Archer? If when 1 uttered them I was praying with all my soul that you might prove victor over Little Earthquake—and over his mistress as well? If I repeat them now what would be your answer?” Even a balf-wit could not bave mistaken her with that face before his eyes, with that light beaming fairly upon him, And though the honest ears ellow drooped his eyes once more, he ew that further evasion would be worse then useless, ‘* ¥ should say what I thought at the time, Miss Falconer: that it would be far better for us both had you spared your breath. I am only a ser- vant on your father's ranch, and—” “« How long need you remain a servant?” * Only until to-morrow comes,” uickly catch- ing at fhe opening, and hastily adding in defi- ance of herimpatient gesture: ‘‘Then the posi- tion of foreman will be vacant, unless you can induce that stranger, who calls himself Royal Hart, to t the office. You have just secn a sample of his work, and from that you can readily calculate how much Faleon Ranch will be the gainer.” ‘““T am talking of you, not Royal Hart,” was the persistent response. ‘‘ How long need you remain a servant, as you choose to term the place you now fill? Are you blind?” with almost fierce intensity as her clinched hands tapped him swiftly on the chest. ‘J could almost wish I was—and deaf—Miss Falconer,” was the grave, almost sad reply. Queen Nadine turned pale, casting a swift glance around them. They were partially bid- den behind the shrubbery from view of the ser- emo- yants beyond, who were far too deeply cccupied with the remnants of the feast to have eyes for © aught else. And though the same glance show- ed her the figures of Nash Whildon and Royal Hart out upon the plain, she cared naught for that. Be was ears, not eyes she wished to guard ains The foreman saw something of this, and tried to escape the ordeal, more on her account than his own. Butat his first step Nadine checked him by barring the way. ‘Patience for a little, Mr. Archer,” with a faint smile that suddenly altered to a look of mingled rage and grief as she burriedly added: “JT have said too much notto say more! You shall listen, though I blow ay brains cut from very sharne the next momen ‘Another time—when you are calmer, Miss Falconer.” “Am I drunk?” with a strained laugh that sent a little shiver over his strong frame. “It so, itis with more than wine! Tt is with—I must say it, or suffocate! I am drunk—drunk with love for you, my darling! Say that you will not cast me off! Say that you will have pity on me, even as you hope for mercy here- In —— came the mad words, and Queen Nadine would have flung her arms about his neck, regardless of all, forgetful of all else, only for t! equick, strong grasp that caught and held her hands down. In low but resolute tones the foreman replied to the half-crazed woman, his honest eyes striv- ing to calm hers: “T tried to stop you—tried to spare you all this, Miss Falconer. When you grow calmer and recover your usual good sense, you will be fully as sorry for your mistake as I am now.” With a swift effort, Queen Nadine freed her hands, stepping back a pace, ber t eyes blaz- ing steadily as they encountered his brown orbs. And her voice was clear avd cold as she uttered the words: “You think I am mad? You think this is only an insane freak on my part, born of an ex- cess of champagne?” oat rot oe ae e ; “JT will try not to think about it at all,” ae * SF Fes CEU Sy Sl PU TS SEI SS
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| | | ie - ? “7 gn ar ert A . wd * a .4 # ¥ sae TV STN a; he to flueuce his life for either good or evil? Bab! it , low and sweeping a “Have no right to accept, even if my heart | The circle on the plain was being formed. A be me do 80, — I pad aed love another,” calmly interposed the young foreman. “*You mean Angel Rellt Have you told her as much? And she?” “T have not spoken as yet, but I mean to do | this, while others fo so at the first fair chance. As for her reply—I have dared cherish hopes that—” A gloved hand rose and cut his slow short. And almost viciously Queen flashed forth: ‘If you love her, never dare tell her as much! For, sure as fate, it will kill the woman who dares accept the love you deny me!” CHAPTER XV. IN THE SADDL¥, AND OUT OF IT. Wir those fierce words, Queen Nadine turned and swept away without —* for reply or comment, And, pale, uneasy, Pink Archer slowly followed, leaving the mesa for the plain below, just as Colonel Falconer was on the point ef climbing tbe steep path in hopes to find him. “Hustle around, Archer, and get your boys ready for the tilt with the Open Hand gang!” he muttered, excitedly. ‘* We've ¢ot ’em where the wool’s mighty short, and I’m bungry for the cheering time to come! T’ve «ngaged both Hart and the red_ nigger who taught him how to rile, and Whildon can’t © yucal even if he wants to, ever so bad!” The programme contained other sports, but ly general desire they were considered off, such was the eagerness to witness the grand ‘‘ passage cf arms” between the long rival ranches. Something concerning this bas already been rcnti ned, As will always be found to be the case, both Talcon aud Open Haud Ranch took pride in boasting of their skilled riders, Each believed cr at least boldly claimed, its superiority, and though there had, at each round-up, been im- }romptu tests of skiil, up t» the present time the matter really hung in doubt. A:dtoadd a double attraction to his venture, Colonel Fa!- coner had privately wagered a goodly sum with Nash Whilion that a picked lot of his men could defeat the best riders to be selected from the Open Hand staff. 2 . And while Pink Archer was prepering his men for the tournament, Colonel Falconer, in company with Nash Whildon, thered the eager guests together, plainly stating the rules which were to’ govern the contest. “‘ There will be twelve men on each side, and they will be entitled to muke use of any ruse adine . or trick that does not actually endanger life. They will be turned out in a circle, three hun- cred yards in diameter, inside of which the struggle must be decided. If borse or rider cro s that line, the one so doing must at once re- _tire as a defeated man, If a rideris dismounted, even though he retain his feet, he is to be con- éidered defeated, and must retire with his horse et once. In brief, the main ead is to see which sids can keep their seats the Jongest. “A man is at liberty to use a knife to cuta rope, when he is in jeopardy, but if he dares to strike an adversary in anger with a weapon, the contest musi stop short, and the offender will be punished to the full extent of the law.” Colonel Falconer turned inquiringly toward Whildon, as though to ask if he had any amend- ments to offer, but the master of the Open Hand Ranch simply nodded, then wheeled his horse to look after his ep 8 er Ever since the fall of Pedro, the Mexican, the raen of Open Hand had looked sour and sullen, but when their master declared his purpose of joiuing them, they b: htened up wonderfully. They knew that, things considered, this addition would serve tostrengthen them. Whil- don was a fine horseman, and with so much at stake all knew he would cast aside his assumed listlessness, and ‘‘ go in to win!” “That hits me right where I Jive, lads! chuckled the colonel, as he visited his — riders, rubbing his bands ag oro in high glee. “ Take the starch outof the fellow,anyway! Tli ive a montn’s wages to the man that tumbles him in the dirt—I will, by—!" “6 Pity to soil his good clothes,” laughed Royal Tart, ‘‘but what the boss says is law and gospel to his men. Mr. Whildon is booked for a mouth- ful of dry dirt, lads!” “You don’t want to throw away a chance, though, mind you,” seriously added the colonel, ‘*He'’s no slouch in the le, and good as a Mexican with the riata, He's got a few prime devils to back him up, too!” “ While we are all little tin angels on wheels!” smiled Hart, turning on his heel and drawing a little aside with Red Clam, to whom he whisper- ed earnestly. : Colonel Maicooer: eyed them curiously, but the face of the Indian told aim nothing, and that of the yellow-haired rt was hilden from his view. Just the shadow of a frown came into his face, and there was a light in bis eyes such as no man fully at ease ever ex, ~ And as he inwardly muttered: what had ? How could these strangers in- h | cou ‘ants alone remained inside the magic circle, was La a mad fancy; be had never seen loop before it co either, of the pards, red or white, before this day! owner, x a arene, ee eee ———— == —— — — : a 13 A hoarse cheer broke from the purple lips of Colonel Falconer at this adroit action, for: though the chagrined lassoer was ring, : of his lariat. “ Make him your foreman in place of Archer; and no ranch in Texas will dare send yeu a challenge to ride for the pennant!” cried Parker Mandrake, his little eyes glittering as though full of fire. “He's mine, if I have to take him in as part- The Rustler Detective. | stake was planted in the ground, a ring slipped over it, to which was tied a measu line, to the other end of which was fastened a picket- pin. One man ang. 8 scored the ground with owed after, spreading a broad line of slacked lime, showing so clear and bright that not even a hard-pressed horseman d fail to note the warning limits. Each champion took especial pains with his riding gear, testing every strap and line, secur- ing the double cinches with jicular care to ; ner!” ; ener against slip or turn. nd every stirrup- And just at that moment the eolonel was eather was carefully overhauled and tested | mote than half in earnest when he made the | mindful of the treacherous trick through which declaration, too. Pink Archer had so narrowly escaped a horrible “Ready, pard!” softly uttered Royal Hart as death. he passed once more in frout of the silent Kick- All this took time, but owing to the defer- | apoo chief, who was intently watching every ring of other events, the day was still young | move his partner made, ‘ He’s getting ready enough to insure ample time for the closing | to take a nibble, and—” scene, and there was far too much at stake | He-slowly passed around, covertly though for either side to risk defeat by a single care- | keenly watching the master of Open Hand less move, : Ranch. Finally all was in readiness, and a chosen man Cool and steel-nerved though he counted bim- conducted each dozen into the charmed circle, | self, Nash Whildon was chafing and growi stationing them on opposite sides, within aslight- | impatient at these unanticipated tactics. cc) ly murked out square, which they were to retain | saw that, moderate as was their pace, his men until the signal was sounded that bade them | were taking considerable out of their steeds, open the contest. and as yet the only triump, had turned against A few of the guests were stationed on the | him. ; mesa, from whence an admirable view of the | He was tempted to order a simultaneous maneuvers could be had, but the large majority | charge from cll sides, but bold as he was, there preferred the saddle on the plain below. Among | was something in this stranger that ‘rattled ” these was Queen Nadine, bright and almost | him, feverishly gay, showing no signs outwardly of If he could only break that compact, yet open her recent defeat in her dearest hopes. clump! If he could only once make an open- When the guides came back and the contest- | ing! ery, wordless, | Once more he uttered a sh Colonel Falconer waved his ’kerchief, and keen- | but seemingly fully comprehended by his fol- eyed Ebony Tom, stationed on the mesa with | lowers, for they spurred up their horses until horn in hand, caught the signal and sounded | racing around in a gradually narrowing circle the onset with all the power of bis strong lungs. | at. almost tep s . And then, in swift suc- Simultaneously the two parties dashed for- : cession their snake-like lassoes shot out, some ward, seeming intent on coming at once to close | curling along the ground, others hissing through uarters. But there was a change after the | the air, but each in succession aimed at the first few strides, While the champions of the | rider on the big black steed. Falcon Ranch kept straight on, the perty com- But Royal Hart was not a man to be caught manded by Nash Whildon divided and swept | napping, and at a word his steed bounded for- around in a widening semicircle, or ‘‘ Indian , ward, shooting clear of the main body and fashion.” : | heading direct for the master of the Open Hand Each man held his lasso in readiness for use, | Ranch. but for some little time not a single cast was With a fierce cry of exultation, Nash Whil- made by either side. And Falconer laughed | don whirled his right hand forward, feeling sure sharply as he saw his men slackening their pace | of his main bope for an instant, believing that as they neared the center of the ring. the short charge wes made wholly in order to ‘* Not to be caucht so easy, my Iad!” he cried, | elude those snake-like loops. But the black fairly purple in the face from excitement, which ' horse sprung to one side as nimbly as ever Little was shared in greater or less degree by all who Earthquake had performed the same feat, then looked on. “Thought they’d break and chase, | stopping short as its master sent out his own did ye? Not any!” | noose, sem, 8 the dust directly in front of the Not all present shared his exultation. Some horse ridden by Whildon. among those who really favored the Falcon; Instinctively the rancher drew hard upon the Ranch champions, fancied they had lost a point | reins, sending his spurs home at the same time in thus perinitting themselves to be surrounded | to clear the peril with one miglity leap. But by their adversaries, If they on x in a compact , just. as he acted thus, Red Clam shot out from clump, as now, their casts would be hampered. | his position and duplicated the cast of his part- And if a simaltaneous attack was made by the | ner, calculating so nicely that the leaping ani- men now leisurely circling around them, among | mal struck fairly witbin the almost circular so many a few must surely fall. trap. And back the clay-bank bounded, the Only a few took the trouble to reason so close- | greased noose closing knee-high on the horse, ly, however, preferring to watch and wait, cheer- king its feet clear cf the ground and burling ing each fine point as it was made. | its rider clear out of the saddle, to turn par- e Falcon Ranch champions seemed content tially over in the air, then strike the ground to wait for an opening, keeping in a fairiy open | with a thud that reached the ears of the wildly circle, with faces to the front, paying attention , cheering colonel! only to what ws going on directly be ore their eyes, trusting to their fellows to guard their CHAPTER XVI. “SAVE YOUR LOVER, IF YOU CAN!” rear, : ; AND clearer, higher, more malicious rung the Then, as Nash Whildon uttered a shrill cry, first one man and then another of hischampions | voice of Queen Nadine as her stecd was sent u veered a little closer, shooting out a lasso over | to the very border of the inclosure, one glov the ground, plainly trying to catch a restless | hand waving a snowy ’kerchief high above hoof, but as often as a failure was made, the | head in applause, obedient steed. veered sharply to one side and | ‘Yet it was not altogether wild enthusiasm fell out of the circle, while its master swiftly re- | awakened by this si, triumph on the of coiled his lariat. her champions that to her actions. Woman “ Steady, you!” grated Colonel Falconer, fair- : though was, she had long since known Nash ly drippin: rspiration in his excitement as he | Whildon to be as venomous as his temper was saw Roya! Hart move @ little in advance of the | hot when once he lost his practiced self-control, main party, wheeling around them as though in | and she hated him just enough this day to take daring a rush. 1 delight in foiling his efforts. “He's after Whildon, dead sure!” muttered e trap was an adroit one, worked to perfec- Parker Mandrake, end the truth of this asser- | tion, and a cooler headed performer than the tion soon became evident to all. master of Open Hand Ranch might easily have Careless though he seemed, no one in all that | fallen into it. : white ring was more in earnest than the yellow- | It was with thought of something like the gen- haired sport from the lower country, Perhaps | eral attack which was made upon himself and it was because he felt in duty bound to serve his | horse that led tet ty Hart to single himself from new master to the very utmost of his ability. | the main force, It was both to elude the curl- Perhaps be felt a little grudge against the mas- | ing loops and to still further throw Nash Whil- ter of Open Hand Ranch for irying to tempt | don off his — that he sent his good steed him to serve one master while ta ing ay from } stillfur therfrom the remainder, And knowing another, Perhaps there was something lying | right well that he could place iroplicit confidence bick of all that led him to plot the downfal) of in his red pard, be made bis own cast. the opposing leader above all others. ven then the master of Oren Hand Ranch Be that as it may, he was ecting through cool | might have escaped, had he retained all the delibera‘ion, rather than reckless bravado. ness with which he entered the heehee wive a secret signal from Nash Whildon sent | But he forgot all else in his fierce longing to dis- ' two lassoes in swift succession at the heels of the | pose of this dangerous stranger, and when Red proudly-prancing black steed, only to grate his Clam’s lasso jerked the feet fram under his teeth with chagrin as he sa Royal Hart leap | horse, he was hurled from. the saddle before he across the danger-line at the first attempt: to | could even tighten the grip of his legs, whirl face to the enemy at the second, bending! Far abead, turning over while spli the eaming blade across ons air, to strike the hard ground with his bros be jerked back by its shoulders first shot Nash Whildon, tu end ft RE for end with anything but graceful i . APS RS et in the, would be seriously crippled by the loss;
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The fall itself seemed severe enough to kill or cripple ay poser agi A being, but the master of Open Hand Ranch showed a cat-like elasticity in bounding to his feet, one hand dashing the dirt and sand from his eyes, the other instinc- tively grasping a revolver as though he meant to thus avenge bis humiliation. Right or wrong, so Queen Nadine interpreted the action, and her snowy ’kerchief floated to the ground as she flashed forth a revolver, send- ing a bullet whistling close past the head of the irate rancher, added to the warning her sharp, : angry vd : ; | “Steady, Nash Whildon! Break the rules, and you shall pay the penalty, though I have to play judge and executioner myself!” er stern warning was supplemented by a 3 general chorus of excited shouts, yells and g cheers from the guests, followed by a rush for- ward that threatened to destroy the sacred limits for a time, at least. iS In vain Colonel Falconer yelled for his cham- pions to press their advantage. The golden op- portunity was lost as Royal Hart checked the charge that woud almost surely have resulted - in serious damage to the cause of the Open Hand gang. And during the brief flurry, one impor- tant point was won by the cool dexterity of Osorio the Roper, who stole close a to dash in and clip the lasso of the Bounding Buck before his object could be divined or frustrated. Nash Whildon uttered a sharp whistle that served to gather his men in a more compact shape, even while he himself was recovering his wel gobo cag: ha iy from whose legs Red Clam had deftly shaken his lasso the instant his end was accomplished. Leaping into the saddle, the master of Open Hand Ranch rode out of the ring, seemingly cold and composed, though his Be blue eyes were fairly ablaze. The two bands of riders were now confronting each other, seemingly undecided just what to do next, casting Si unéasy glances toward the spot where Colonel Falconer was wildly gesticu- lating and hoarsely shouting forth words which his own ears could hardly have interpreted with- 2 out an error, He was fairly beside himself for the time be- ing, and was hardly conscious of the words that = rolled chokingly from his throat. His heart ies was 80 set on victory over the Open Hand! And Ne ss out in a circle. Say! to see that victory almost assured, only to be a neglected, all through the hot-headed action of Nash Whildon and Nadine! It was hard, for a ‘act. > “T thought you never lost your head, Mr. Whildon?” sneered Nadine, as she urred her steed forward to meet the master of Open Hand Ranch at the point where he crossed the white : eircle. “If that isso, what did you_intend do- ke ing with your gun? You helped form the rules pea and conditions, [ believe?” “Tf I lost my head, you found jt for me,” witha short bow, and a grim smile upon bis flushed face, ‘: Was that bit of lead only a Buss : warning, or—did you, too, have unsteady nerves when you puiled trigger?” It was not hard to rightly interpret the mean- ing so thinly vailed by those crisp sentences, and Queen Nadine made no effort to dissemble. Her . red lips curled, her great eyes glowed as they boldly met that suspicions gaze. ‘¢- You think I shot to kill orcripple? Bah! do I often miss a target of that size when my soul is bent on sending the lead direct? Itmay come ; _to thatin the end, but just now—TI fancied you rt would suffer more by having to face your defeat eats with open eyes!” Nash Whildon shrugged his broad shoulders as he glanced out over the ring, sounding a signal that set his men in motion once more, “Tt is not the first pair of dusty shoulders lve had to bear, My skin is not so thin as you seem to imagine. me one had to make an opening, and why not your humble servant, as well as a better rider?” “Then you admit—” ‘“« Anything and everything you wich toclaim, > Queen Nadine. Why not? If Falcon Ranch on; comes out top of the heap, is not the victory fen fully as much mine as yours?” : A sharp sound, that was almost an oath in her yan ae mother’s tongue, escaped the red lips of the amazon at this cool speech, but she resented it in no other shape just at that moment. There Se. : was a change in the scene before them that held A her eyes and tongue spellbound for a time. et The rival squads had mechanically resumed their former tactics as soon asthe unanticipated interruption was ended; but this did not last : long. Effective as it had proven for his side up Sy eer to the present moment, Royal Hart might have a been content to py as he had begun, but the ey champions of Open Hand Ranch were of a dif- = ferent opmion. Ata signal from Lazy JLupton, : who took command when bis chief was van- yee quished, the riders regulated their pace so as to gradually form two divisions, though still strung ; Then, the rearmost spurrio ‘ aes faster while those in advance reined in, a quic shifting brought the two squads close enough for their pur - oe A hoarie yell from Lazy Lupton sent them for- ward, front and rear, charges swiftly upon the > _ Falcon E “ tistling of ti acaba ——Es The Rustler Detective : others low, while the rest kept their lassoes ready to both guard and attack just as seemed most favorable to their cause. Swift as was this maneuver, it did not catch Royal Hart napping. A sharp cry from his lips divided his party into equal parts, sending them out at right angles with the course taken by their adversaries for a few rods, then spreading out in a fan-shape, and wheeling to attack in turn. After this the changes and. shiftings were so rapid as to bewilder the keenest eye on watch to follow and analyze them. Each man seemed to be acting on his own hook, guarding himself and seeking the down- fall of an enemy at one and the same time. Now here, now there a horse would trip and stumble, putting a rider out of the list for good, as a rule, though wild yells of praise broke from the excit- ed guests as they saw one or two of the horse- men sticking to the saddle at risk of broken bones until the struggling steed regained his feet. Not a sound escaped the tight-closed lips of Nash Whildon as his blazing eyes followed the rapid shiftings, though for the most part con- fined to a very small portion of the contestants. More frequently on the strong, graceful figure of Pink Archer, however. There, too, the gleaming orbs of the fair Ama- zon seemed to find the deepest interest, and twice a ringing cheer came from her throat as the young foreman performed a feat of cool dexter- ity, once emptying a saddle for Open Hand, then saving himself from a double onset. Nash Whildon clicked his teeth viciously as he saw this last escape, and his brows wrinkled sav- agely as he smothered the curse that leaped up in his throat. He seemed to care nothing for the fall of his own men, or of the steadily thinning ranks op-: posed to them as the contest waxed furious and caution grew less prominent. 1t was not the general result that lent his eyes that burning gleam, that caused his blood to course so hotly through his veins. As he said, he cared little how the trials ended, just so Pink Archer went down in shame—or death! . And then—the longed for moment came! And forgetting his usual prudence, the master of mn Hand Ranch laughed viciously as he turn- to Queen Nadine, hissingly ejaculating: “* Look, Nadine! Look—and save your loter if em can |” t the same instant two loops dropped over the head of Pink Archer, cast from opposite di- rections. And the men who cast them were turn- ing their horses to dash still further apart. When ee double shock came, it would surely mean eath! CHAPTER XVII. THE TOURNAMENT ENDED. Ir was this for which Lazy Lupton and Osorio thé Roper had been planning from the very beginning of the contest. It was for this that Nash Whildon was looking and hoping, eating bis heart out with savage chagrin as, time and again, the unsuspecting foreman foiled the efforts of his skillful enemies. - But as he made a cast at one of the opposing side, te left himself briefly ungarded, and swift advantage was taken of the opening. At the sarné instant Lupton and the Mexican made their casts, that of the latter being from a shorter distance, and his pliant noose dropping fairly over head and shoulders, a swift. pluck drawing the rawhide coil about the foreman’s arms, The second noose, which he was unable to avoid while thus hampered, stopped at his neck, and with a savage laugh of venomous | hatred, the burly rascal who manipulated it, wheeled his horse to dash away though he must have known that death would follow the oppos- ae ‘ this so swiftly that even Queen Nadine, who saw it all, had not time to utter a warning ery. She felt her heart turning cold as ice, She closed her eyes and av her head, ignorant even of the we baer speech from the lips of the rancher which so plainly betrayed his mur- derous hopes. - ; *A warning shout went up from the alarmed spectators, but that was powerless to change the result, and onl for prompt and united action on the part of the two stranger pards, a tragedy must surely have followed. Royal t was oe scrambling to his feet by the side of bis fallen horse, when he saw the. treacherous intent of the two men. A sharp ery escaped his lips as he drew a revolver, bring- ing it to a level and firing without the loss of an instant. And at the same breath Red Clam a a gleaming missile hissing through the air. : The shock came, but it was only from one side. Pink Archer was drawn backward until his bread shoulders fairly brushed the baunch of his good steed, but that was all. With an effort, he retained his seat and drew himself erect as the bullet-weakened lasso parted with an audible twang! And over’ bis breast hung the end of the lariat severe? smooth and clean by the knife so deftly hcrled by Red Clam, the Kickapoo! Sonbe | | * Foul play, you cur!” screamed Nash Whil- don, spurring horse forward in frenzied rage and baffled hatred. ‘“‘You were out of the fight, and had no right to—” ‘*T interfered to save life—to foil a dastardly attempt at murder, sir!” sharply, coldly cut in the yellow-haired sport as his smoking weapon rose to a level, covering the infuriated rancher. ‘* Hold!” came the ringing voice of Queen Nadine as she shot between the two men, rein- 7 pale face of the ranch-owner. ‘“ il ill the man that dares to fire a shot or strike a blow!” ‘* Stop the racket! I call on you all, gents, to aid me!” thundered Colonel Falecner, rushing forward, fairly beside hiniself with excitement and agitation at the unexpected turn events had taken. ‘“‘Hold hard, all of you! Tl butcher the rascal that dares move a finger until I give him leave!” Swift as thought Nash Whildon shot out a hand and knocked the pistol upward, his fingers closing about tbat supple wrist, just as the weapon exploded, sending a bullet whistling over his head. For the second time had his life heen saved by instinctive quickness, for he saw that the fren- zied woman intended to send a bullet through his brain, His brain seemed cleared, his coolness restored. by his peril, and a short, hard laugh escaped his lips as he secured the weapon, opening it and casting out the shells with deft rapidity, passing it back to its owner as he said, coolly: ‘‘ It will be safer thus, Miss Nadine, With shells in it, the gun is altogether too light on trigger to be safe in the hands of a lady!” © Sbe snatched the weapon from his hand, wheeling her horse away to mingle with the excited spectators who had flocked into the ring. She passed through them, dashing up to Pink Archer, who was casting the severed loops from his person. “You are safe? You are not seriously hurt?’ she breathlessly exclaimed, her tones hoarse and unnatural, ‘Thanks to mry good friends, yes,” bowed the young foreman, riding past her to where Royal Hart stood, patting the quivering nostrils of his good horse, face, gazed after for an instant, then wheeled her horse and rode back to where Colonel Fal- coner was excitedly talking to Nash Whildon. She did not stop to catch the discussion, but coldly inte: ri “ Thecontest must stop, right where it is now! {t should never bave begun. An idiot might have known the ending must be unsatisfactory. It is sport we came here to enjoy, not a tragedy!” clined to be a stickler, I might claim the yictory. A man unhorsed, isa man defeated and out of the ring. That fellow had no right to strike another blow on his side.” “Not even to prevent murder?” sneered Na- dine, her eyes flashing, ; Nasb W ees turned to Colonel Falconer, his voice icy cold, “Do you indorse the charge of intended mur- der, sir Falconer flushed uneasily, but shook his head. “Don’t mind what the girl says, pard, The excitement has proved a little too much for her, and she don’t mean all she says.” “T ask, because if a man were to charge my fellows with an attempt at murder, I conte tell him he lied. Since the words come from the lips of a lady, J can only regret her mistaken judgment. ‘ The words were pointed by a low bow toward Sapa Nadine, who the keenly, intently into the cold, emotionless face of the ranch-owner for a brief space, as though she sought to read the lain truth written thereon. If so, she was oiled. Once more Nash Whildon was the steel- nerved man of the world all who had dealings with him usually found. ry Let it ‘o at that then": she A gs: bir s an outwar pging of one gloved hand. all 2 Econ more than that ee a the match a draw, if youp J will never consent to, if I have to enter the ring as a wep apt tg ligt “A draw it s e, then, your Maj Mp bowed Whildon, reining ‘his horse back votil in a measure clear of the om. then lifting his voice in qa signal that sent his men slowly out of the circle, back to their recent quarters. - A general cheer greeted this decision, for the majority of the spectators felt that no better ar- rangement could have been made, They seen enough to know that such a contest could hardly be jo out to an end, without too greot a risk to life and limb. ““T don’t generally favor draws, but this seems to be an exception to the rule,” nodded Parker Mandrake, seriously. ‘‘ Of course Miss Nadine was a little off, but—” It was a hiatus which no one seemed eager to fill, Though it was bard to think such adas- _ tardly scheme would be attempted before so © True, the | many eyes, yet the fact remained. excitement was intense among the spectators, and of course must have been a ally as stroy among the contestants; bat cou y ven ment blind old riders to tho fact that ing in to thrust her revolver fairly into the - Queen Nadine, Sei and aged-looking in the m urport of their “Tam willing it should end, but if I felt in-» ma _ RHE Ya NE ees oo ne hee , & o] we a a ay a tre * £ ~ — ttre el UN
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a —— af ve yY ee Barn NRG > Be A os i AE eS FR, = nas ony i= , Meee ae ae “ Te " \ a Sten aye YD ake een ss Pwr 8 | - ve Pee et ae ter his hoe! and striding rapidly away. |For a mo- : ent the | none U : w & Chok- ing sous tiog, believing Whildon meant to act The Rustler Detective, 15 thus caught could escape death when the oppo- ssite strain should come simultaneously? Colonel Falconer was a sorely-troubled man ‘during the next few minutes, He knew that Nash Whildon had plotted to kill or cripple the oung foreman of Falcon Ranch, and though @ bad, not so many hours before, haath agreed to the *‘ accident,” its failure was troubling him far more than would have been the case had rfect success rewarded the dastardly attempt. Then, the tragedy itself would have covered anything unusual in his looks or manner, but now he felt that every man who happened to look toward him, was mentally wondering how nearly he had been concerned in that ugly cir- cumstance, He bustled about, trying by doubled activity -and volubility to cover his mental anxiety, and though he soon su ted that Whildon was ‘seeking an interview, he tried all he knew to avoid being left alone with the master of Open Hand Ranch. It was labor spent in vain, as he was speedily convinced, Whildon coldly persisted, and when sonve cornered, Faleoner dared not attempt any further evasion, but led the way apart where none could overhear them. “Drop that, if you please,” coldly uttered Whildon, as Falconer muttere? Spit it out, and without any further chewing, if you want me to pull fair!” More after his usual manner spoke the owner “of Falcon ch, and viciously as he was feel- ing just then, Nash Whildon was keen enough to realize that he might push his authority too far for bis own . His manner was still hard and peremptory, but that. stinging veneer was no longer used. ‘*T wanted first to make you comprehend how thoroughly { am in earnest in this part of the programme, I wanted to show you that if necessary I could hold your nose to the grind- stone, without mercy on my part, or a chance of escape on yours, 1 think you understand me now. ‘What I want you to do is this: Contrive to ohagashe me a private interview with Nadine. raw her apart from all others on some pre- tense, and when I come up, take yourself off when I give you the wink. If she insists on sticking to your side, then shut your ears and pretend you are a dough man.” that he must obey, but it was with great re- luctance. _Notso much on the score of delicacy, or of consideration for the a of his own daughter. He felt that Queen Nadine could hold her own, even with this insolent schemer. But he knew that soniething had gone wrong ‘with the woman that day: knew that she was in one of her most dangerous tempers; and he feared this enforced interview would end in an outbreak too sharp and vicious for smoothing over to his guests. And he had staked so much -on winning their good favor thisday! Those keen blue Sg were watching him close- ly, and their owner had little difficulty in right- ly re) WS tenia the brain by the face, “Will it smooth your sips any for me to Seek her out in the thick of the company? Either that, or follow the trail I’ve lined out for you,” was his cold, ing comment. “He saved the other a decision, by turning on o Even then the colonel hesitated. He knew each other. on his threat, “But then, as he saw him mingle with the cowboys instead of the guests, he took fresh grace, and set out about obeying orders. Queen Nadine was feverishly gay, cae tens restlessly from point to ache dropping a laug here and pointing a malici more than one of those who wondered even while j | ‘You said, or hinted, that you were not anx- | | | they admired, would bave found it no easy task | to decide whether they were unusually dull, or the queen of the tournament particularly bril- liant that afternoon. Somé there were who secretly smiled as they recalled the sparkling champagne of which Queen Nadine bad emptied so many glasses, but they were wronging her when they p ced her fever- ish temperature to that account. It was not her brain, but her heart. She had cast all on one desperate play, only to lose. She had thrown her panting heart at the feet of the man for whom she entertained such a fierce, unreasoning passion, only to have it spurned as worse than valueless. Only her imperious nature kept her from breaking down altogether during those early hours of sickening torture. Only her pride made her seek to hide her hurts under a mask of Bay ory fter all, Colonel Falconer found the task set him was much more easy than he had dared to hope. Without an effort to elude him, Nadine rode away in obedience to the signal which he ave, and, though a white shade came into her autiful face as it was hidden from the guests, her voice was clear, and steady enough, as she asked : ** He sent you—Nash Whildon ? Falconer mumbled something, he scarcely knew what, so completely was he taken by sur- prise. Nadine laughed shortly, her red lips curling. ““Tsaw him draw you aside, and knew from his high-and-mighty manner that he was putting on the screw. What is it he wants?” ““A talk with you,” he says, stammered the colonel, looking anything but comfortable. ‘* He's bound to have it, Nadine! We've got to give him rope, unless we want a general smasb- up ! * A rope—and a noose at the other end, if he wishes,” Iaughed the fair amazon, turning in her saddle and lifting a gloved hand in open — to the master of Open Hand Ranch. “You can draw out of the game if it pleases your hand best, father. I fancy I can hold this fine gentleman level.” ; “Don’t stir him up—don’t ruin all,” hastily muttered the colonel as he saw Nash Whildon briskly advancing toward them. “Sing as sweet as you know how, until we can do better ! He mustn’t make a bad break, or—careful !” The keen-eared rancher was too close for fur- ther speech to be wise, and Falconer tried hard ious to prolong our little tete-a-tete. If in earn~ est, remember that I sent for you to listen to certain words. Remember that Iam not a man to be choked off easily. I will have my say, if ous barb there, until | I have to speak with the entire company for an audience!” Queen Nadine gave him a mock bow as she sweetly uttered: ‘* Tt is better for one to suffer than for many; consider me a meek and patient martyr. But— pray condense!” “You deceive yourself if you think you can turn this matter into a jest, my dear,” smoothly retorted the rancher, without giving a sign of anger or annoyance. ‘‘ It has long been serious earnest with me: and I mean to show you that your interest is to the full as deep as even mine can be. “As a woman, with eyes and instincts as keen as woman was ever gifted wich, I need not waste time in telling you how long ago I first began to love you,” “ As a man, not nearly so big an idiot as he sometimes tries to make others believe through his esha need not be reminded that your love was fed only by your imagination,” curtly retorted Nadine. “TI loved you, almost from the bour of our first meeting,” coolly added Whildon, paying no attention to her interruption, ‘‘I swore then that I would never give over until I made you my wife.” ‘And swearing, perjured yourself!” flashed Queen Nadine. *T laid myself out to win your love in return, with more care and painstaking than I bad ever before wasted on one of your sex. I loved you better and deeper, every day, until I felt that I would be willing to give my life if I could there- by ‘win your whole love for a single day. Was that nothing?” : ‘* Worse than nothing—to me !” For the first time since that strange wooing began, Nash Whildon showed signs of losing his temper. His eyes flashed almost fiercely as they met her lustrous orbs, and his voice grew hoarse and hard: ‘** You will have it so? All right! I thought to pave the way with smooth words, but if you prefer them with the bark on, you shall have your wish! “If [had that, where do you think you would be?” with a soft, ‘yet malicious laugh as her hand pointed to the trampled ground just before them. ‘ Lying there, where you’so gracefully measured ees proud length but a few minutes eo Be hildon !” é shot hit hard, despite the effort which the rancher made to cover the sting. And before he could make reply, Nadine added: . **T have listened to you, with as much patience to force a smile as Whildon rode up with a bow | as I could summon to my aid. Now it is time as ceremonious as though this was their first | for you to hear my silvery tongue. I will bea meeting that day. **'You honored me, Miss Falcouer ?” he said blandly. Nadine’s lip curled with scorn at there was a fire in ker dark eyes that sent a shiver of fear np and down the weakened spine of the colonel. Surely she would not be so mad —so Insane as to drive this merciless scoundrel to his worst? “Did you count on disobelience when you sent your orders to me, through my father?’ coldly uttered Nadine, ‘Drop your silken mask, Nash Whildon, and let us meet on a fair footing.” Me ‘Nothing suits me better, Nadine,” was the prompt response, then turning to the colonel with: ‘You can take a walk, pard, and seo that we are not crowded for a few minutes.” ** Don’t go too fast, either of you,” muttered Falconer, but with his eyes d imploringly upon his daughter. “‘ We'd ought to be able to fix up a combination, somehow. it, and—” “ As the first step, suppose you leaye us to- gether,” coldly inte the master of Open and Ranch, Without venturing another word, the colonel turned his horse and rode away toward the gen- eral congregation, leaving the pair alone with ‘*Shall we let our nags keep in motion, Na- dine?’ asked Whildon, in softer, more respect- ful tones, with a slight nod toward the merry ests, ‘“‘It may keep others from paying too close attention to our movements,” “Anything to hasten your ish tongue, Sir ht of the Dusty Shoulders,” with a mock bow as she slackened rein a trifle and moved ahead at a walk. ‘* As for me, I have naught to say that I would not be perfectly willing to publish in letters a yard high, for all to read!” Nash Whildon moved along at her side, out- wardly cold and composed, but with a fire glow- ne in his eyes that should have warned her. atever may be thougit of his methods, no one could doubt his sincerity. “ This is not pecciesly the manner in which I d me wide on, my dear,” with just: aor ms. A ee at es he Been h, if not in matter. me from almost the trifle more merciful—in len * You say you have lov "My wishes did not cheat ~. eyes ? | first bour of my meeting with you. 1 say that his, and | I have hated, contemned, despised you to the full as long a period. *“You say you have sworn to win and wear me, I now swear that I would ten thousand times rather give my hand afd troth to the 1 Indian whose skill sprawled you out there, a laughing-stock for all onlookers!” An omit that ladylike assertion, I repeat that you shall be my wife; that you shall pretend to love me above all the rest of mankind, even if you perjure yourself in so swearing; that be- fore we part this day, you shall be my plighted bride!” Clear and cold came the sentences, and those blue eyes. steachly met the burning gaze which i Nadine maintained until his voice ceased. hen, low and strained came her mse: ‘*Dare you threaten me, Nash Whildon?”’ “Since smooth words fail to win you, Iam ready to make the most of m wer. Call it threaten, if youlike., Itist ust the same!” Swift as thougbt her right hand — a cocked revolver fairly against his side, the action being invisible to the distant F niger owing to _~ ne positions, and she cried in fierce um ph: “How now, Nash Whildon? Who holds the trump card?” : CHAPTER XIX. FES THE VALUE OF A SECRET. His life bung bya single thread, and Nash © Whildon was keen enough to see asmuch. He never flinched. He made no effort to strike the deadly implement aside. He ‘simply smiled in silent amusement which, if counterfeit, was wie ee houpion yeu ik? Wading: ti you do, Nadine, from your face.” he said, without the slightest tremor per> ible in his voice, even to ber keenears, __ ‘And do I not?” she cried, almost viciously, pressing the revolver still closer until its muz was buried in the clothing directly over his heart. ‘A single contraction of my finger, and equally as loathsome to my other senses!” _ * And the result—to my dear” greete d ; 1 rys : are carrion to the eye, even as you have —
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, = vam : 16 The Rustler. Detective. eC Re rr SE A a A APT NA AA OIE EE 2 ETP ISI mean? That I served a villain just right for causelessly insulting a lady!” ‘And no doubt your cath would find cred- . ence,” still with that peculiarly exasperating coolness. ‘‘But when the man whom I have named as my executor, in case aught should happen to lay me out before the game is fairly played to an end, steps forward with certain documents; what then?” ‘* Bah! so transparent a trick can’t save you!” ‘Then it will avenge me, which ought to be faint consolation to a man cut short in the very rime of life by the hand of a lady,” smiled hildon, with unshaken nerves, though he ex- cted with each passing moment to feel a bul- et tearing its way to his heart. ‘‘ And if lam not to win you, be sure no other.man will feel inclined that way, when once my last will and testament is published broadcast!” It was a risky move, but the result justified his expectations, Something in his manner, even more than in his words, shook the vicious resolution which Queen Nadine had almost sealed by action, and as he saw her cheeks suddenly pale, the rancher added in softer tones: “Come, Nadine, put up your gun and show your good sense. You can kill me, but in so doing you will simply bring worse than ruin upon the beads of your father and yourself, If aught should happen to me, the hour that pub- lished my fate to the world, would ee to light full and ample proofs of your past life. eed I say any more?” “You are lying! Ican see it in your eyes!” “And you are trying to choke down sober reason, my dear,” with a low laugh, soft and smooth as velvet. ‘‘You know that I am speaking no more than the simple truth. You know that if the whole truth was told, not even your sex would prevent yonder people from turning upon you, thirsty for vengeance, And knowing this—put up your gun!” Sharp and stern came the last words, and almost unconsciously the amazon obeyed. She lowered the hammer, and returned the weapon to its appropriate place, still gazing into his handsome face like one held by a curious spell, against which she could not even struggle. “You were very foolish to fight = your master, my dear,” the rancher said, in even, leisurely tones, as he gently signaled the horses to resume their slow movements, ‘‘ You natu- rally hate to come down, but you can’t always expect to ride your high horse. Now we'll talk business, if you will be so kind.” ueen Nadine was struggling to regain her suddenly lost nerve, and partially succeeded. “J have heard enough for once, You have e too far, Nash Whildon! Too far and too Fast! T would have killed you—I am wondering right now why I didn’t kill you—” ‘Because you are too young and full of life to relish the idea of committing murder and suicide in the same breath, my dear,” was the cool insertion, accompanied by a mellow laugh. 1 Because I resolved that you shall make your fou] hints good in the eyes of all the communit before paying the penalty you deserve, rather!” with cold empbasis, “Let it go at that, if it eases your mind, adine, Be sure I will not be in hiding when you or your worthy parent makes an open and public demand for documents and proofs.” ‘*You have none—there is none!” ‘‘May you never crowd me into laying them before the public, Nadine,” with sudden serious- ness _ could not fail to impress her dee ly, recalling, as she did, the words uttered by Co O- nel Falconer. ‘ As long as I Jive, or until my last faint hope of winning you for a wife is ut- terly extinguished, the world shall be no wiser for what I bave Jearned since my first meeting with you. But lamnota generous man, I am not one who fears or disdains to make use of any and all arguments in order to win an object on which my heart is bent. I will keep this secret sacredly until you force me to make it public property, Then--you can picture the conse- quences!” *« Prove your words, you cowardly calumnia- tor!” almost hissed eens Nadine, pale as a corpse, but with eyes that literally glowed, as though filled with liquid fire. “ Show your docu- ments, or admit that you have lied from start to tinish Nash Whildon laughed softly, his lips curling as he responded: “Will he never understand, Nadine? A bit ago you insinuated that I was an id@t, but 1 am not quite so far gone as all that comes to. I en- tered this game to win. I naturally preferred fair means, for, believe me or not, I do love you as mortal man seldom loved woman before. ‘would give my good right hand just to be sure that Me did or ever would love me one-half as wholly!” . Queen Nadine laughed shortly, contemptuous- ly. - “That is so easy toimagine! You are actin so loverly, so gallantly, so courteously. Bah! i ‘you must talk, talk common sense!” “1 am doing still better; I anv talking the truth. I never realized what love was until I moet you. I had known what I mistook for love scores of times, I admit, But when I saw you, I learned my mistake, From that day there was but one woman in all the world for me, and you were that one, Nadine.” ‘“‘T never hated myself until right now!” mocked the amazon, ‘«T loved vou so well, that I understood your heart and head even better than you knew them ourself,” he persisted, in the same subdued but intensely earnest tones. ‘‘I loved you so wholly that when I saw you were learning to dislike me, that love only rendered me more firmly re- solved to conquer in the end. It was then that I began to look up your past life, to find—need I say just what?” ‘* Speak plainly if you must speak at all.” ‘*T unearthed a secret which I soon saw would rove a powerful weapon in my hands, I per- ected it, then laid it aside until I was forced to bring it into play. For, if I could, I wanted to win you through the power of my love alone. ‘“T studied you so closely that I knew, even before you suspected the fact, that you were be- ginning to feel an interest in—” With a swift motion a gloved band struck him across the lips, and panting, trembling, Queen Nadine hoarseiy uttered: ‘Silence, you cur! Dare to taunt me with that—” ‘‘ Let it pass, since you are still tender on that point,” bowed Whildon, with a half-malicious smile. ‘ Unless my eyes have played me false this day, I will have little further to fear on that score.” ‘“TDo you dare—” “To think Angel Sam will shortly have a son- in-law? Why not? You will be my wife before that time, and can afford to laugh at what was, at the worst, only a passing fancy or idle whim,” It, was risky work, but the master of Open Hand Ranch was resolved to show no merc until the victory was fairly won. He halt. anticipated another attempt upon his life, and held himself in readiness to foil it without per- mitting the distant guests to even suspect the presence of such trouble so near at hand, But Queen Nadine only shivered as her proud head drooped lower, For the first time in all her life she began to feel as though she had met her master, It was a sensation so new, so strange, that it seemed to benumb all her faculties save the one of wounded pride, If Nash Whildon divined this, he made no sign. He was bent on a complete victory, and as they slowly rode on, turning at intervals in an irregular course, never passing far away from the mesa, he spoke on: “In studying you so closely, Nadine, I learned your temper pretty thoroughly. For a woman, you could be terribly dangerous, and all the more so because a man could not well strike back; at least openly. ‘*T decided that there was but one way to con- quer you and to gain my coveted prize: that was to carry you by storm, trusting to time and devotion to reconcile you to your fate. ‘“ When your father proposed this affair, I made up my mind that my time had come, and arranged matters accordingly. My first move was to carefully arrange the proofs I hinted at, writing out all I had collec in addition, seal- ing them snugly, and then placing them in the hands of a tried and trusty friend, with strict orders not to break the seal or bring them to light until 1 called for them, or he learned be- zee the possibility of a doubt that I was dead. “In case of my death, he was to open and read the papers, then act in strict accordance with the directions [ had inclosed. I swore bim to faithfully carry out my instructions, then came here to rule or ruin as fate should decide.” “* Are you through?” slowly asked Queen Na- dine, after a brief period of silence. “T think I have stated my case with suffi- cient clearness for present purposes—yes,” with a cold smile. Lit 5 hat is this discovery you pretend to have ef bal pe a soft laugh the pointed question was rried: ‘*{ will keep no secrets from my wife, of course. Until then—a secret let it remain, my precious!” “And you insist on my being that wife? Do you forget that I am of Spanish blood—that I carry a knife?” = ores nothing, Nadine,” with sudden seri- ousness, his blue eyes filling with powerful es sion, his voice growing even tender as he added: “Tt am willing to force you into marrying me, simply because you decline to be won after any more gentle fashion, But when I have once fairly caged my bird, I will soon teach her to answer my tenderest love-notes, with even added fervor if that can be!” “T would kill you before the first day was ended!” fiercely. _ “am willing to run that risk, Nadine. For one month after marriage I will leave those docurrents in the hands of my friend. At the Queen Nadine laughed hardly, unnaturally as she retorted: os As < ** And you think I will consent to such a oue~ sided arrangement? That I will take your bare word for proof? Bah! you are mad!” ‘*Mad from love, if you like, but perfectly sane on all other points, as I hope to prove to yon satisfaction,” was the smiiing retort. “TI ave named my terms. Your father has 2lread agreed to them. You will do so in the end: then why not let that end come at once? It. must come before the sun yonder touches the sky-line !” with sudden decision, ‘It will come with your death, then. Prove tome that you are not trying to trade on an imaginary secret! Prove to me that you know a fatal step of mine in the past! Nomore hints; the truth!’ Impetuously Queen Nadine shot forth these words, Her great eyes glowed vividly as she turned her horse to fairly face the rancher. The smile faded out of his face, and his tones grew cold and hard as he asked: ‘“What proof do you wish? My papers are, as I said, deposited in the hands of a trusty friend, who.-” An impatient gesture cut his speech short. ‘“You have a tongue that runs glibly enough. One word—what is this pretended secret of yours?” “Tf you will be content with no less—listen!” bending forward as though fearful the light air might ca his words toofar. ‘I know the whole truth concerning the death of Pierce Fal- coner, and why he was killed!” CHAPTER XX, A WORD OF WARNING. Ir was some little time before Pink Archer could fairly extricate himself from the throng surrounding him with their hearty congratula- tions on his happy escape from what all conceded to be a most awkward position. “That was the one tender point in the scheme from the start,” admitted Parker Mandrake, though with a gentle sigh as he recalled his bets, which would have to be drawn as well as the contest. ‘‘ And yet—I wouldn’t mind seeing just: such another bout, right now!” The young foreman laugbed softly, frankly. He bore no ill-will against those who bed, con- sidered from a cowboy standpoint, “‘ rubbed dirt all over him.” In a tournament of this sort, some one must lose, and he was no better thar the rest. “T dare say it was fun to look at, but—my dear fellow, if you really want to get at the bot- tom facts, and to taste the real flavor, go in with the boys and make part of the circus! Between og Bat me, it isn’t half what they crack it up Some of his bearers set this down to real or mock modesty, but Pink Archer really meant. what he said. He had entered the sports simply because, as a servant, he felt in duty bound to obey the wishes of his bi oa Sind e took pre- cious little pleasure in making an exhibition of such skill as he possessed, and he was heartil glad when the “circus” had reached its termi- nation. Royal Hart, with Red Clam as his constant shadow, also came in for a generous share of the praise and comments, and he seemed far more at ease under the ‘circumstances than the youn foreman. He took the many compliments al- most as a matter of course, but with such a enlling velvet grace tHat his new friends never once thought of charging bim with vanity, “Tf your horse hadn’t stumbled quite so soon, though!” plaintively uttered Parker Mandrake, still w ing with his undecided wagers, “It was gallantly done, you know, and all that, and I'd rather ten times over have lost every bet than see Pink Archer come to grief in serious earnest, but—if you had only the right, you know!” ‘* Curse your bets, man!” perey cried Brown- ing. ‘1 was on the same line of fence, but 1’m not howling. We're nothing out, and Archer is right end up. And Whildon tcok the first tum- ble! Don’t be a hog, pard!” In these words lay the key to the almost gen- eral cheerfulness. It showed how popular the young foreman was with the community, and proved how very few stanch friends the master of Open Hand Ranch could boast. Archer was preserved from what, for a single breath, had looked like certain death. Nask Whuildon was doubly defeated; he had lost his seat first of all the champions, and though a draw was agreed upon, nota man present but was free to admit that Falcon Rainch had by far the best of the struggle as far as it was permit- ted to go. As soon as he could do so without actual rude- ness, Pink Archer extricated himself from the friendly crowd, knowing that he would have his bands full of work before many minutes, as foreman and general director. But he was not permitted to have many minutes to himself, just then, for Royal Hart followed after. “All right after your little necktie experi- ence, pard?” softly laughed the yellow-haired sport, flashing a keen glance around them, like end of that time I will have you so completely | one who prefers to bave no other auditors than won that I vow you shall proof in existence: Can I say more?” ve every scrap of j those of his own selection. ‘Right as right, thanks to you aad your Fe ae e
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| ———OooooeeaeaesaoooeeaeSSeS “we ryote The Rustler Detective. pard,” frankly responded the young foreman, geasping the bronzed hand and pressing it warm- ly, then treating the silent Kickapoo after the same fashion. ‘‘I hardly know bow you got in your fine work, it ell passed so swiftly, but IT reckon I’m your debtor for whole bones, if not for a life.” ‘“‘ Never mention it, pard; it cost us nothing, laughed the Bounding Buck from Buffalo Wallow. ‘It was a dirty trick, at the best, and in knocking it endways, to say mots of getting a white man out of the snarl, we had plenty reward.” r Light though his tones were, there was some- thing in the manner of the dashing sport that lent a double meaning to the words he uttered, and for the first time a suspicion of the black truth entered the mind of the Falcon Ranch foreman. Still, he refused to give it credence. It was too ugly, too vicious for belief! “It might bave turned out worse, but a man has got to take such things as they come, Ina match .ike this, a fellow soon comes to think of nothing but how he can do the most for his own side. That increases the chance of accidents, of course,” Thia was not exactly what Pink Archer wish- ed to say, but somehow that peculiar smile seemed to tangle his tongue all up. ‘* And you still think it was an accident, their getting you foul?” “Ido. Atleast their both catching me, and what followed.” “ And it was an accident that spread you out “8a carpet for the hoofs of that bull, too, no doubt!” Pink Archer frowned a little as his eyes began to glow. ‘What are you trying to get at, anyway, nard?” he demanded, with a trace.of anger in is voice, Royal Hart turned toward Red Clam, speak- iug quickly: “You know how to use your eyes, pard, if your tongue is way below par. Am I barking along the i trail, just now?” _ The ee Kickapoo nodded bis head quickly in assent, “ { thought so, but there’s nothing like being positive,” with a soft laugh as he cast a glance toward the serious face of the young foreman. as oe were you so ready to use your knife on that Greaser’s riata, r The Indian swiftly worked his fingers for a few seconds, and in a low tone the Bounding Buck interpreted his pantomime. _ “Saw them miss the turn twice in succession, and knew they’d re for the charmer, eh? You hear ee ee urning quickly toward the really startled” foreman, and speaking in more serious tones; ‘* Red Clain saw just what I saw, and interpreted it after precisely the same fash- ion, It was no accident that led to your being caught in that double trap, but a cold-blooded attempt at murder!” Pink Archer turned a shade paler, but shook his head stubbornly. He could not—would not believe it! “It may seem so, to you, but I can’t go it,” he muttered. ‘““Wasitafriend that cut your right stirrup- leather?” “ Pve seen just such tricks played before, without any real malice at the bottom. This may have been such another.” “May, but was not. Let it pass, for now. Was it a joke or was it-cold earnest that made those two fellows—Lazy Lupton and the Mex- ¢iau—try three distinct times to catch you foul: and each time attacking you from directly. op- posite sides, at the same instant?” Archer hesitated for a little before makin answer. His suspicions were being conerund, yet he ep hard against yielding to them. “It would a little out of the common run, but those two men are among the keenest, shrewdest of all ths force of Open Hand. They looked at meas a sort of chief opposed to them, and naturally made me their mark. When T laid myself open, why sbouldn’t they both see it? And to see a chance to count, would be enough for them to chip in.” Royal laughed softly at this rather Jabored explanation, and renewed his grip upon that honest hand. “You're ’way off, pard, but I can’t help liking you all the better for it. Most men would jump ata chance to get even for a trip, but you blister your tongue making excuses for your enemies! Magnanimous, but mighty poor judgment!” “Suspicions are not legal proof, and without proof positive I wouldn’t accuse my bitterest enemy.” quietly retorted Archer, “ All right, pard. I thought it no more than fair to tell you just what wesaw. No offense, I’m hoping?” ; ‘‘My heartiest thanks, instead,” was the prompt response. ** Consider them recorded, pard! And now— ou will keep all eyes open? If you won't be- ieve, you will at least watch?” ‘ to steer clear of snags, of course.” “ The woo see toughest, knottiest snag of all lies over y' muttered Royal Hart, with a glance aud ' !” barely perceptible \ Se eee 1) P nod in the direc- he said, trying to tion where Nash Whildon was riding slowly along at the side of Queen Nadine, ‘He's mighty bad metticine, pard! It’s his split hoof that has been stirring up all this mud. He no- tions you’re in his way,and I’m open to bet long odds that it’s his extra pay that made those two rascals so mighty keen to down you for keeps, a bit ago!” ‘“There’s no love lost between us, I’m free to admit, but you’re off the trail when vou hint that lin in bis path. He has a clean field for | all of me!” luck than that smooth-tongued rascal!” “That's hearty, and I reckon I'll hire with | “That won't be so bard,” Jaughed Archer, | their departure. lot. after they have once taken your measure; rough and tough, at times, but stuff you can count on from sun to sun, as long as you treat them white. It will come heap casier to you than I found it. They have sized you up pretty accurately already, and will be willing to meet you half-way.” Royal Hart saw that the honest young fellow hardly knew how to break off the interview without appearing too blunt, and generously solved the question by turning away with a a saying: ‘No time like the present, eh? Reckon I'll begin to circilate, and show the lads my best points, just for a flyer!” bg Archer made no effort to detain him, be sure He saw Angel Sam preparing the horses which had carried him and Nellie to the mesa, and lost. no time in seeking the side of the blush- ing girl whose very shyness proved how much she prized his coming. ; A frown, more of uneasiness than of anger corrugated the weather-beaten face of Angel Sam as he saw the young couple slowly move away together, Nellie with drooping head and downcast eyes, Pink bending over her and seem- ingly talking with great earnestness. ‘‘Tt’s human natur’, I reckon, but I’m wishin’ it didn’t crop out so mighty plain jest now! Of all the wimmen in the world, fer it to be that spit-fire!” with an almost venomous glance over the level to where Queen Nadine was confront- ing Nash Whildon. et there was nothing very serious passin between the young foreman of Falcon Rane and Angel Nell. Nothing that could have | brought a pang of jealous rage to the heart of even Queen Nadine had she been near enough to have caught every word either uttered. With bis unusually keen sense of honor, Pink Archer felt his tongue tied as long as_he re- | mained in theserviceof Falcon Range. Though | OE Ut ere ee ee Ce ES ee Se ane Neen ee ee ee ee ee he felt that be had naught to blame himself for; though he knew he had never given Nadine | Falconer even the faintest excuse for believing he had or ever would love her; while she re- mained his mistress, he could not. bring himself | to talk of love to another woman, He was telling Nell how he had resolved to fake up his position, and was elmost timidly | inting at a visit which he hoped to make their house before many days, when a hurried foot- step startled them, and they glanced around to sce Angel Sam limping up, bis hard features filled with mingled anger and fear as he mut- tered harshly: ‘Pull out, young feller! It ain’t white—it ain't noways kind, the way you're gittin’ the proud miss down onto my little gal, no it ain’t!” Pink Archer flushed hotly, and exclaimed: “JY am her servant only until this work is smoothed over, then-—” A sharp, warning hiss came from the old man’s ; lips, mingling with the rapid trampling of a horse’s hoofs. CHAPTER XXI. CLINCHING THE BARGAIN, , As those words came almost hissingly through the white teeth of the master of Open Hand Ranch, Queen Nadine shrunk back, pale as : death, shivering as though an icy chill had | seized Ee her. | Nash Whildon showed a gleam of triumph in his keen eyes as she recoiled. If he had doubted the truth of his suspicions before, he did so no longer. Only one with a guilty secret would so lainly betray it in face and actions. “You forced me to utter the words, Nadine,” vicious triumph Ilo ey gi q at the effect of his speech. ‘‘ You can not blame: =s me for doing just what you dared.” Quickly as she had recoiled, just so swiftly did Queen Nadine recover herself, facing the rancher” boldly, her face hard-set, her great eyes blazing. defiance. And her voice, though strained and unusually harsh, showed no signs of fear as she spoke: “Is this your mighty secret? Is this the bolt you have been so carefully forging, Nash Whil- don?” bt “Ts it not sufficient, Nadine?” Se ‘‘No—a thou-and times no!” was the swift re- : > =] = co ° z ot i-¥ 2 ct =) c z 5 5. 3 g a Zt we £ 8 “ss If he sides with you when I tel] him—” Without taking the trouble to conclude the sentence, Nash Whildon beckoned for Coloneh Falconer to hasten to the spot. He was alread ; on the way, unable longer to restrain his b - 4 ing fears of an outbreak on the part of his fiery- = tempered agg il Di ble as he knew it es; must prove, this acting as buffer between two oo such hot-heads, it was far ok ag ed to risking: P such a fatal unmasking as Nash Whildon might any bring about by telling all he had discov- e . Nerved to the task, the colonel at once at- tacked kis daughter, his voice harsh and brusque: “Are you crazy, Nadine? Would you pub- lish all to the world, just when we need to use 3 the greatest caution and reserve?” a “She declares there is no secret to keep hid- : den,” smiled Whildon. ‘She says there is es: nothing to keep hidden in that—” *« Drop it, curse you!” grated Falconer, turn- ing white as his florid complexion would per- mit, one hand ping a revolver. “Isn't it: enough that I own up you've got us foul, with- us =; out— , dae $3 A hard, reckless laugh from the lips of Queer ; Nadine cut him short. z * Talk about.a woman being unable to keep a ~ secret! Only for kd folly, father, I could have fought him off to the bitter end! As it is—he was not lying when he swore that you a had confessed ?” er ‘““Be frank, colonel.” purred the rancher, i showing bis teeth. ‘ Once for all, bave I not: ee”: got you foul? Don’t I hold you in the hollow —? of my hand, to save or destroy just as sweet a fancy dictates? Out with it!” | “Tt’s the truth, Nadine,” sullenly muttered the colonel, brushing a hand across his danyp brow. ‘‘There’s no use to kick age#inst it. . We've got to knuckle, and the less we boggle over it, the easier it will be.” “Because then I will have just as deep av interest in keeping the secret from eading = as either one of you,” gently supp rented : Nash Whildon, “ use I would defend my = wife against the whole world besides!” : “ And if I still decline to be your wife?” + “Then I will tell ali I know, in tones loud “pe ponies for every ear to recognize! I will rule or , as I said before!” a Colonel Falconer hye be between the two, s. catching the rein of bis daughter’s horse, turn- ine ing its d about as he hurriedly uttered: 3 Nie ‘Give me a few minutes to talk it over ae with her, Whildon. “Ill try to bring it out all a. right,” * For your sake, ea as much as mine, re- member!” nodded the rancher with a cold rho smile as he reined back his horse for a few ee He made no effort to catch the words that mee passed between the two, He felt satisfied that ree victory was bis, and was content to wait a ong few minutes longer for his final triumph, aes _ Almost savagely as he had pressed his woo~ —— ing. there was love lying beneath it all; strong, “ ardent, passionate love such as he bad never * ee expected to fee) for living being. A year ago he would have laughed at the bare idea of ‘cae forcing a woman to accept-his band. Now— | he cared not what means he u:ed, just so his 55 end was gained. a, He could see that Colonel Falconer was es speaking most earnestly, like one who a realizes the serious nature of the case. could see that, though pale, Queen Nadine was gradually losing her hot rage, and long before Pi they moved in bis direction, he believed he | ae could see unmistakable signs of her yielding to ; the arguments brought to bear hy her parent. “You have thought better of it, Nadine?” he: os exclaimed, spurring his borse forward, his face =| age. with triumph as they made a move im d his direction, ‘* You will forget all, save thas ve you!” ; viet erehes se ? ‘n
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a ne “ Forgetting does not come so easy, Mr. ‘Whildon, but I bave concluded to make the best of a mighty bad bargain, and yield to the inevitable,” retorted Nadine, in a hard, reckless tone that drove the love-light from his face in an instant. ** You agree to be my wife? And when?” he demanded, coldly. ‘+ At as distant a date as possible, of course,” still in that bard unnatural tone of voice, * We won’t quarrel over that point, be sure,” hurriedly interposed the colonel, dreading a lo:s of ground which had been so a ained, **Tt bad ought to be enough for you, W ildon, to have her promise, without crowding too af Let the day wait for a bit aah oe ‘* You have promised, then?” persisted W hil- don. ‘You swear you will become my wife Le I ask you to go through the ceremony with me? “T promise, I swear, if that suits you bet- ter,” was the cold reply. * Then—” ‘‘ Pll leave you two gentlemen together to agree upon the minor details,” brusquely cried Nadine, wheeling her horse witbout paying any attention to the hand which he reached ont to clasp bers. : Nash Whildon frowned darkly as he watched her dash away toward the mesa, but as Colonel Falconer tapped him on the arm, he turned back. Ror *: It cuts mighty, deep, you see, pard,” apolo- & getically. ‘‘ Not that sue won’t come to look at A it better in timne, but she’s got a terrible hizh spirit, and the best of ’em: don’t cotton to being driven, you know.” Falconer felt that his tongue was unusually clumsy, even for him, but he bad to say some- thing. After cll, it was a pure matter of busi- ness, and sentiment could not be expected to figure gracefully in it. “Tam satisfied, since I couldn't get better terms,” calmly said the Open Hand master, “I leave her taming to time, after this first lesson ‘is fairly over. But about our wedding: the sooner that comes off, the better for all parties. As long as she is her own mistress, she will chafe and pull on the halter, When I have her fairly bound, my love will tame her the most surely,” Colonel. Falconer feebly objected, but he was bardly in a position to make conditions. Ho knew that he was helpless, and fought with a faint heart at best. It was now drawing quite late in the after- noon, ani the guests were already thinking of making a start for their respective homes, As a matter of couse they wished to say a word or two of praise for the entertainment, and Colonel Falconer was only too glad of a chance to break off the interview with this prospective ‘son-in- ‘ Jaw of his, . Nash Whildon offered no opposition, quietl vermitting the colonel to leave him behind. Phere was a hard, disagreeable glitter in his blue eyes as they roved toward two figures dimly perceptible near the side of the mesa, Ono was a man, the other a woman. Possibly it was this meeting, which he had no- ticed from the first, that made bim so hard and obstinate in resolving to lose no time in making his victory complete. He sat watching those figures until a ringing cheer from the guests announced the end of the colonel’s neat little. speech in response to their congratulations, Then, his white teeth showing in a cold smile, Nash Whildon rode up to the Pa side of the Falcon Ranch owner. “Qne word before we separate, ladies and gentlemen,” Whildon said, his voice rinelo out . lear and distinct. ‘‘ You bave just ended one ecvlebration, and I trust Se have not entire] wasted your time, This hope and belief embol- dens mé to prepose another meeting which, if not of the same nature, should be equally as thappy—tenfold so to me, “One week from to-night, Miss Nadine Fal- coner will honor me by becoming my wite, the ceremony to take place at Falcon Ranch. In ber dame, as in my own, [ invite one and all to honor us with their presence!” . CHAPTER XXII. A FORLORN HOPE, As Nellie and Pink turned, Queen Nadine rode briskly up to the spot, twin roses in the cheeks which so seldom wore color, a gay smile wu - ber lips, and her great blaek eyes full of anima- tion. estinctively the foreman Me in front of his shrinking companion, recalling the mad threat with which Queen Nadine had last parted from him, but if the fair amazon noticed the Rg.” “of com ehending its Bad - pts “* Going Miss Angell? May we hope that you shave not been altogether disappointed in your ay 7 ei Nellie murmured something, she hardly knew what, but evidently Nadine accepted it as fa- smile grew more cordial, her fod mellow. 3 are $9 dent p ogate taf 4 moe Sir See ey ae = “ ven as it is aL: <u; ‘ding movement, she gave no outward signs: my escape without making his fears painfully con- The | Rustler Detective. hope to see more of you, ‘You sbrink, little girl?” with a low, soft laugh that held a pained echo to the marveling ears of the foreman. “ Tam so unused to—to even the company of my own sex, Miss Falconer,” faltered Angel Nell, blushing warmly as she felt the encourag- ing pressure which Pink Archer contrived to give her trembling hand, as he fancied, unseen by Queen Nadine. “And I might almost. say the same,” still with that vague sound of pain and regret lingering in her rich tones. ‘‘ Those that I have known most intimately, perhaps, were too nearly of my own wild, reekless disposition, You, little girl! ItI had known you longer, better, I might have been a happier woman this day!” Nellie was silent, and even Pink Archer knew not just what words to utter, while Angel Sam stood staring with open mouth and dazed eyes, plainly unable to credit the evidence of his own senses, Truly Queen Nadine was that day proving herself a bewildering bundle of contradictions. ‘You will come to Falcon Ranch, some day, Nellie?” she added, her full, rich tones sounding very musical indeed, ‘‘ You have never been there, I believe?” It is so far, and then—” hesitated the girl. * And then—the reputation which dame rumor has given the mistress forbade any wish on your part to lessen that distance!” supplemented Queen Nadine, with a laugh that sounded far more like the self which Pink Archer knew best. **But you must not believe all you hear, even— hark!” with a swift turning of her head toward the spot where Nash Whildon was just be- ginning his announcement of their coming mar- riage. So still the air, so clear and almost painfully distinct was his voice, that not a syllable eseaped the ears of the quartette under the mesa wall. Instinctivelly Nellie drew a little closer to Pink Archer, but for once hé was hardly conscious of her presence. His eyes were fixed upon that pale face, looking as though carved out of marble. Yet, statuesque as Queen Nadine sat her horse, he moment}y expected to see a fierce outburst on her part, Surely there could be no truth in the an- nouncement Nash Whildon was making? So brief a time had elapsed since the woman whom he claimed as his betrothed had cast her panting heart at the feet of another! There was so little of love or submission in that pale, proud face! And yet, when the master of Open Hand Ranch ceased speaking, when the voices of the surprised guests were heard in more or less hearty congratulations, Queen Nadine grace- fully sprung from her saddle, a smile upon ber red lips as she bowed to the young couple with mock humility. And there was not a trace of mockery to be detected in ber voice as she uttered: “Strange, but true, my good friends! And from the bottom of my heart, Nellie, I trust and hope that I will right speedily have a chance to congratulate you after the same fashion. Nay, nay, little one,” with a low laugh that was music itself, as Nellie shrunk back from her ex- tended hand; ‘it is too late, and my eyes are too keen, That charming blush betrays your secret, and—” She broke off abruptly, as a horse was heard rapidl approaching. he turned to confront Nash Whildon, the bright, playful smile fading from her beautiful face as by magic. “Tam not quite ready to leave, and a little longer delay will give our good friends time to prepare their pretty speeches,” Queen Nadine uttered, before the rancher could open his lips, “Take care of my horse, please.” as She flung bim her reins, then turned her back as coolly as though the one addre was but one of her servants whose duty it was to obey her lightest whim. ; , An ugly peas came into the eyes of the rancher, but he made no ns in words, He took the reins, and moved quietly away with the animal. ; o Nellie gave a little shiver of mingled surprise and uneasiness. It wasall so strange, so unex- ted. And there seemed something unwhole- some in the air. “T's time we was gin’ to’rds home, m, drawing his birdy,” mumbled An : princiga toward their horses, as he indistinctly a ; “Thankin’ you fer all the fun an’ grub, an’ sech like, mum, 0’ course!” Pink Archer Be turned to bear them com- pany, but Queen . adine touched him on the arm in token that she was not yet willing to rt. ; pe You’ will lose nothing by waiting, Mr. Archer,” with a curious laugh, that but served to increase his uneasy ain “Angel Nell will have all the more time to think over the words I dropped in her ears, Give her time, and you may find they have taken root in her heart of hearts!” Pink Archer bowed stiffly. He did not like the situation, after what had passed between them that day, but he hardly ‘knew bow to spicuous, — » “T am at your service, of course, Miss Fal- coner, since your father refused to accept my resignation until another day. I will look after your horse, and relieve Mr. Whildon.” ‘“‘Mr, Whildon is doing very well,” quickly uttered the willful amazon, slipping a hand through his arm and slowly moving along the foot of the mesa. ‘‘ Mr. Whildon may as well begin his apprenticeship now as an hour later. And you--have you not one word of congratu- lation to offer? Are you the least bit sorry to see that I am determined not to wear the wil- low, Pink?” ‘T congratulate you, Miss Falconer,” gravely uttered the foreman, ignoring tbe closing sen- tence. ‘*I wish you all imaginable bavpi- ness.” Queen Nadine laughed shortly, irritably, ‘In a voice as grave and ominous es that of araven! A blind man would fancy you lament- ing over the utter ruin of a friend, instead of celebrating her ever-enduring bliss!” Archer made no response. He felt that there were breakers ahead, and racked bis brain in search of a plausible excuse for beating a retreat while he was yet clear of the reef. Queen Nadine dropped bis arm, turning until they stood face to face. The bright color was gone. Her face was white.as marble. There was a wild, fierce, yet imploring light in her great eyes. ** Js it too late, Pink?’ she uttered, her voice strained and barsh with the intensity of her emotion. *‘* Must this sacrifice be made com- plete? Do you hate me so bitterly that you can stand by to see a man like Nash Whildon ruin my entire future?” Pink Archer was strongly affected by her emotion, but he steadied his voice as he made reply: t I could wish you were to wed a better man— a man more worthy you, Miss Falconer. Though but a servant, you have ever treated me kindly, generously. If sincere wishes and prayers can bring you peace and happiness, be sure they will not be lacking.” © Peace—happiness—with Nash Whildon?” and a berd, scornful nua’ came through her teeth as they clicked sharply together, So intense was the hatred, the loathing, ex- pressed in her tones and face, that Archer was thrown still further off his guard. “Surely that_man_is not. forcing you into marrying him, Miss Nadine? If I thought so for a moment—” “You would save me?” softly breathed the 1 woman, as he broke off with an uneasy con- sciousness of having gone toofar, ‘‘ You can save me from a merciless villain, Pink! Say that you will! Say that you will Mave pity, and it is not yet too late!” Now that the worst bad come, Pink Archer met it, as he met all dangers, openly, resolutely, He did not pretend to misunderstand her Reediy coherent sentences. He knew that only perfect frankness could avail them in this crisis, aad that frankness he used, “Tf I can save you by forcing Nash Whildon to eat his words, I am ready to do it, Miss Fal- coner. If you say the word, I will pick a quar- rel with and kill him; fortunately he kas this day given me plenty of excuses, So no one need know my real motive. This is the only way I S see of saving you from the false step you havo. — ‘Jet him take,” Queen Nadine fung out a hand with swift impatience. . ’ “Tf T sought his death, I would not need to seck another hand. Thereis yetanother method —another way, if you—” “None that [can take, the grave interruption. Her proud head bowed, and a gasping breath from her painfully laboring breast told how severely she was suffering. Pink Archer turned %. % fully as pale, but he did not falter. He felt that <3" there was more than his own future at stake, é and firmness now was his only course, ft “Tf it was only my own happiness Miss Falconer, I might hesitate. But—I must say it! —there is a little girl who loves me, even as [ love her, I have never told her this—never asked for her secret in return; but I know that my hopes are well founded. It would be sinning against three, were I to ask you to marry me, a I fear you would. be the worst sufferer of all! ms fe There was a brief silence, Archer was pain- : co eae fully conscious that he had not spoken just ashe — E wished or intended. But he dared not attempt ' re hae to better it. The subject was bitterly painful to ie. BE his sensitive, honest nature. And wild, reckless, og. ungoverned though he knew Nadine to be, his re kindly heart fairly bled fer her then. ; Only a brief space of painful silence. Then, with another of the sudden and complete changes with which she had so often ised him, Queen Nadine lifted ber nead, a smile upon her ey face, her voice clear and steady as she extended oe | king of Neili Angell, of ou are speaking of Neilie course Mr. Archer?” : : _ The young man bowed assent. A shadow came into his face, as he recalled the fierce threats which Nadine had breathed against Nelie that Miss Falconer,” wes hr. Al eee day, and he half e “s in’ 5 SS Se eee 33
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the same vein. But in this he miscalculated widely. A Queen Nadine showed no further signs of agitation or passion. She looked and spoke like one thoroughly at ease, “She is a dear, good girl, judging from her looks. I know little about her, of course, since we have met but once or twice before to-day. Stil, I think she is a woman tosuit you, to make your future life complete and_ perfect. She loves you, or her shy eyes spoke falsely.” “T will soon know my fate,” slowly uttered Archer. ‘ After to-morrow I will be free to go andcomeas I please. Not but that I have found my employment very agreeable, but—” ‘* Yes, it is better that you resign your position, after my mad folly to-day. It would hardly be pleasant for either of us to meet too often. But we will see you at the ranch before you leave?” Pink Archer bowed assent, but before he conid speak, Nadine added: *™hen I may have more to tell you. Still, fet ~e say thismuch: My best, kindliest wishes go vith you! I trust you will meet with the zewnard you so richly deserve, and I offer you my congratulations in advance, As for Nellic A..gell—tell her that I beg she will permit me tz give the bride away! And be sure she shall no%4 come to her husband with empty hands—to the only man in all the world whom—” Without completing the sentence, Queen Nedine hurried away. CHAPTER XXII. HOW FALCON RANCH CHANGED HANDS, Tha tournament was ended, the company dis- persed, Before taking bis departure, however, Colonel Hugh Falconer sought out both Pink Archer and Royal Hart, bidding them be sure and come to the ranch on the succeeding day, when the vexed matter of the young foreman’s resignation vould be finally arranged. ‘here was considerable to do at the mesa and as ® matter of course it fell to Archer to supevintend the arrangements. He had a suf- ficieut’ number of men detailed to do the work, and both Royal Hart and Red Clam remained to kesp him company. erly in the evening all matters were put in order, and the three men were seated around a com‘o:table, cherry fire built on the mesa. As the foot-path was impracticable for horses, the co*boys naturally,preferred camping on the level bec w, and none the less merry because they were plentifully supplied with food and drink, “of which so great an abundance remained after the feast. é Thus it came that the trio already named were the only occupants of the mesa top, and conld converse without grading their tones to suit curious ears. ; Fine Archer, as might have been expected from all he had that day been called upon to endure, was inclined to gravity, but gay, ghb- tongued Hart would not have it that way. “Caro killed a cat, pard, and youve only got ome life. ‘Brace up, and make believe you are chuck full of fun, even if you know it is a lie! Take sxpuiple by me—a model, if I do proclaim ay own title!” © opened one of the bottles of champsigne, and insisted on Archer helping him and Red Clam empty it. “To the happy pair!” he bowed with mock solemnity. ‘* May the lady c#mb the gentleman’s head with a three legged stool as often as he ought to say his prayers—and that will keep them both too busy for quarreling, if the gentle Nash hopes to be suved through his devotions!" “Tt is hardly a matter for jest,” gravely muttered Archer. ‘ That infernal scoundrel is nci worthy to tie her shoestring!" “T never run 4 against a wiser man, pard, for you agree with my private notions every time!” and the Bounding Buck nodded approy- ingly across the fire. , say B= unconsciously to himself, Archer was drawn on until he was talking freely about Fal- con Ranch, its past as wellas present. He did not suspect that he was being PE ia for if this stranger was to find employment on the ranch, it was natural enough for him to wish for a little posting beforehand. | “fT heard some one mention another Falconer to day,” at —_ uttered Royal Hart as they sat smoking before turning in for the night. “Prince, or Price, or, something of the sort. Who waste? Any relation to the old gent?” 46 Pierce Falconer; the colonel's brother.’’ . Archer grew grave almost gloomy as he replied, but Royal Hart was not one to take a aient int bear he had anything to gain by free and asked: ni Dead, I suppose? Party—name unknown to the deponent—was cracking him up as arider such as you read about. o was he?” > Archer roused himself up at this question, and though his manner was grave at first, he spoke frankly enough. “The origina on Falcon Ranch, you bad better let the subject rest. ‘Nothing crooked, of course?” with a slight arching of his brows, ‘“Not to my knowledge,” was the prompt re- sponse, ‘‘ But the colonel has a mighty uneven temper of bis own, and it cuts him deep to hear any such talk. He knows that he is not nearly as popular as his brother was, and he suspects a slur in every such allusion.” ‘* Recorded, to be remembered in season and out,” nodded Royal Hart, adding briskly; ‘* Brother departed; what sort sort of ticket?” Archer frowned with an impatient gesture. “Don’t make a jest of it, or you and I will nlay quits rigbt here and now, stranger. Pierce “alconer was my friend and benefactor. He took me up when I hadn’t a dollar to bless my- self with, He nursed me when [ was sick—a thousand miles from home and relatives. He could. not have done more for an own son— and I a stranger, a beggar, flat on my back with a nasty fever.” ““T was wrong, pard, and I beg your pardon for my carelessness. He was white, and you are right to stick up for his memory,” soberly responded Hart, stretching a hand across the fire to grasp that of the young foreman, “Let it drop. I’ve forgotten it already,” with a faint smile. “And the story with it, if you’d rather not recall the facts.” “Why not? You must learn them from some ong, and that might as well be me. lt can be boiled down without tangling up the main facts, and of course they are all you care about just now.” Knocking the ashes from his pipe, Pink Archer embraced both knees with his clasped bands, ‘gazing into the fire as he talked. “You say you are from down country, but you must know something about the troubles we have had in this quarter with the rustlers and raiders. Not so much of late years as be- fore my time, but still freqnent enough to make a man keep his weather eye open when the sign is right. ; ‘ As I said, Pierce Falconer picked me up and set me on me pins again, after I had about abandoned all hopes of a more comfortable future than a wooden overcoat under ground. He did more; be put me on his ranch, first as a sort of aide, then, as I grow stronger and more of a man, giving me the position I have filled up to this day. **One night a heavy raid was made on Falcon Ranch, as well as several others at the same time; Open Hand among them, It was a big affair, and the rascals who engineered it, came from down country—from across the Grande, you understand? ‘““The trick was well played, and almost lost beyond recovery when we dropped to the facts. When we did get our eyes open, be sure we lost little time in getting to work the best we knew how. “Tt was my first practical experience with that sort of cattle, and being foreman, I natu- rally held myself responsible for the loss; at least, in a great measure. That drove me fairly wild, and kept me from weakening, as I might have done otherwise.” : ‘¢ Yes.” drawled Royal Hart, blandly gazing through the fragrant blue curls of smoke from his pipe. ‘‘ You look cut out for a coward.” Archer flushed a little, but made no comment. ‘© With a few of my lads I run up against a gang of the rustlers, and in the row that follow- ed, I got laid out with neatiess and dispatch, When I came to myself, it was broad day, andI couldn’t lift a band te help myself. Only for this bit of crooked luck, I might have been with my friend and’ master when he was killed—to share his fate or have saved him!” ‘He was killed, then?” ; “Yes, He was joined by a number of cthers, and they had several brusbes with the raiders, though they were not strong enough to whip them out and out. They had sent out for ie 5 and tried all they knew to hamper the gang un- til aid could reach them. This they did, and so saved the greater part of the stolen stock, though the river was in sight when the rein- forcements came up. “Pierce Falconer, who had lost some of his best men during the skirmishing, ise: pecans 4 let his temper run away with him, and follow: the raiders as they fled across the ford. Some of them turned upon bim, shooting him dead. ‘His brother, the present owner of Falcon Ranch, with a few men, followed down the river, and managed to recover his body. It was so horribly mangled, and the distance so far, that they buried him near the spot where his re- mains were recovered, “It cut me deeper than my burts when I learned bis fate, but as the colonel Legged me to stay with him, filling the same position, until he could fairly get the hang of matters, I consent- ed. And so, naturally, I lingered on until the present time.” = Fink “Then those two were living with their brother and uncle at the time the raid was made? Had an interest in the place, of course?” ‘They had not been here very long. As for an interest in the ranch, 1 bandly thiak it, Stil, The Rustler Detective. ‘ + 19 as the relatives of the owner, they naturally came in for the whole property.” ‘*Then Pierce Falconer didn't will the place to them?” Archer stared open-eyeil at the speaker, whose voice had a peculiar echo as he asked this question. “| heard or saw nothing of a will; but what matter? As his nearest of kin, they naturally were his heirs.” “What's the matter with his wife and chil- dren? Where do they come in at?’ coolly de- manded Royal Hart. ‘‘ Wife and—I never knew he was married!” gasped Archer. CHAPTER XXIV. “yOU ARE A MARKED MAN!” Roya Hart uttered a low whistle, his brows arching more than ever es he stared across the fire at his startled companion. * And you knew him well, Horatio?” * As well as though he were my own father, for nearly five years!” was the instant response, “ And you claim to know him even better?” There was a barely perceptible hesitation be- fore the answer caime, ‘“] began to believe I did, but now I’m not half assure. Ionce knew a man called Pierce Falconer, but he was married and had one child toward a family of his own. The name is not so very common, and I naturally got the couple mixed up—if there really were a couple?” Royal Hart spoke glibly enough, but there was a half-hidden eagerness in his eyes as he uttered the last words that brought a faint smile to the face of the young foreman. “You'll have to look further, pard. Your man and my friend couldn’t be the same.” “The one I’m thinking about was a trim- built, wiry little fellow, with hair and eyes as dark as those of Red Clam, yonder.” ‘* The man J knew was tall, broad shouldered, with a bundred and eighty pounds of sinew, bone and muscle,” lapghed Archer, now fully recovered from the shock he had received. “That settles it, then!” nodded Royal Hart, replenishing his pipe and settling back with an air of lazy comfort. ‘*‘ Nothing like coming to bard-pan. Care killed a cat, you know, and [ was really beginning to pine away through pure curiosity—I should say benevolent solicitude ou behalf of the supposed disinherited kids! But. of course, if yeur Pierce Faleoner was an olk bachelor, that Jets him out.” ‘*7 knew him for nearly five years, and dur-- ing all that time I never heard him mention having been married,” gravely uttered Archer. ‘‘He was rather peculiar about some things, but he seemed to trust and even to like me—” ‘© Wonderful!” softly ejaculated Royal Hart, mock surprise filling his -handsome face. ‘* Really took a fancy to you? The poor fel- low must have escaped from some lunatic asylum!” if he fully comprehended their purport. He sat gazing into the glowing embers, talking more to himself than to bis new friends, ‘‘T think he would have mentioned his mar- riage, even if death bad long since bereaved him. It he had, I would surely have remem- bered his words, No—I could almost take oath that Pierce Falconer was never married!” “Case of two men with one name, no doubt,” carelessly commented the Bounding Buck. “ ie they had been the same, it stands to reason that the wife and kids weuld kave put in an a pearance long before this, to sbare the loaves and fishes. There has been time, | take it?’ “The raid took place more than a year ago.” “Seems tome [ can recall something ubout it, come to think, though just then I was in a mighty desolate part of the universe my own self. But that don’t count. You say the pre- sent boss was anon the party that recovered the yeh He was living here, then?” “a An curious glance into the face of this persistent questioner. ; ; Royal Hart was quick to note this awakened Archer pela no attention to the words, even. y had been, for some little time,” with a - curiosity, and frankly encountered it, leaning - forward and agg Be lowered tones: **You think I’m taking heap interest in the matter, pard? Well, you ain’t so far off the trail! I want to learn all I can about my future bosses, of course, but I’ve got still better reasons ee, Will you take me on trust for a few ays 3 ink Archer met those blue eyes for a few seconds in silence, then made reply : tend to understand your mean-
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ecco NTs a 1 afi tn et rte rey Se 20 _—— The Rustler Detective. een Ee es a “Then of course they must have been the ure quill. Of course the young lady was with er father when he first put in an ap ce?” “ They came together, yes. I met them on the way, and guided them to the ranch itself, Natur- ally } felt a little curious—” “That goes withou saying,” laughed Royal art. “ And so I took closer notice of the manner in which they were received than I might have done had I not acted as their guide.” “ Affecting? Long-lost brother style, eh?” “Cordial enough, but Pieree Falconer was never very demonstrative. He int-oduced them | to me, calling one his brother, the other his niece.” | “That straightens the record, sure enough!” nodded the yellow-haired sport, with an air of satisfaction on his handsome face that but added to the enigma in the mind of the young foreman, who looked for disappointment instead, though it would have puzzled him to have explained just why he should. ‘‘And you are perfectly sure, pard, that’ you bhaven’t any tender gone- ness in that quarfer? You are confident you’re out of the game for good? Won't chip in any more?’ ‘Tr you mean—” | “Which I certainly do,” laughed Royal, as the other hesitated. “T never had any pretensions in that quarter,” ony. “That leaves me foot-free, then, and if our sweet-scented neighbor who brands his horns by slapping them on the quarter with an out- stretched. pats, don’t get a right royal shaking up for ti:e prize he flatters himself is good as won, I’m & iop-eared cripple with a broken horn! | Not that I’m land or cattle hungry, mind ye oe But it would be a burning sbame to stan and sce taat ’scape-gallows carry off such a | glorious prize! I’ve got to chip im, you see! ‘ave 30) Can't help it?” Archer laughed at the almost ridiculous ear- nestness displayed by this stranger from Mex- ico, and Royal Hart joined in with him, not a bit abashed. If he entertained a good opinion of himself, at all events he was not afraid to let others know it. “Tt fills my heart to slopping over with joy to have your assurance that you don’t intend to chip, pard,” he laughed. ‘ You’ve had the in- side track for so jong, you see, it wouldn’t be an easy matter to freeze you out if you were in earne:t. Brother Whildon seemed to take that | view of the case, only looking at it through a more serious pair of glasses. If not— Pard, though you try to blind yourself to the fact, you're a marked man!” The abrazt transition from gay to grave startled Archer. Royal Hart was deepiy in earnest as he leaned across the little fire, his all aglow. AF OT Whilton has got it in for you, and only for good luck and a suspicious nature on my side day, A wouldn’t be here now.” Archer frowned, shaking his head slowly. “T can’t think as you do, pard, It eon ar - happened so, just as it might have happened any other man.” ‘ Provided that man stood in your shoes— precisely. You know what I told you down baryon about your stirrup-leather? Red Clam told me he saw that slouching rascal, Lazy Lupton, coping net the horse you rode. The chief didn’t think anything of it then, for there was nothing to show whose animal it | was,” ‘Ssill, that don’t convict Whildon, Lupton never did faacy me.” , “While bis master is over head and ears in love with your humble self—prezactly! It loo'xed like it, when his two knaves were trying on level best to whip-saw you in the free-for- all. “Drop. it, if you please, Hart,” gravely ut- tered the yor inan, ‘It is vot such an agree- able subject. And even if you cou!d prove the complete truth of your suspicicns, how would that better my case? After to-morrow I will be , free to go and come asI please, Iam no longer | in his way, even in fancy.” : “So you know, but will he think as much? Even if he believes he bas corraled the main man, rising to his feet and stretching himself with a lazy yawn. The Bounding Buck from Buffalo Wallow was silenced, if not wholly convinced, and dropped the subject then and there. But little more conversation was indulged in, for time was passing, and there was early ris- ing. for the morrow to be remembered. he cowboys below were still astir, and plain- ly eujoying themselves when the foreman de- scen to give them a friendly warning. He was forced to drink a night-cap with them, be- fore returning to the mesa top, where Royal Hart and Red Clam had already completed their simple arrangements for retiring. With saddle for a pillow, and saddle blanket for covering, it did not require much time to get in readiness for sleep. The night was warm enough to render a fire mr guava 8 but Royal Hart or his red pard had replen shed it freely, and the bright glow was playing over their recumbent forms when “2 Archer returned from his tour of duty be- ow. A few moments later he was lying quite as still as they, dropping asleep almost imme- diately. Time crept on, The fire peg to burn low, its bright glow contracting by gentle degrees until the figures of the trio lying on the mesa “= were barely perceptible. he cowboys on the level, remembering the friendly warning of the foreman whom they loved fully as much as they respected, dropped off one by one, until complete silence reigned over the place. It was long past the turn of night when a snake-like head was lifted above the rear wall of the mesa ; snake-like in action and silence, if not in shape. Through the gloom cast by the overhanging trees, twin-eyes gleamed like those of a prowl- ing cat, and without a sound to betray its pro- gress, a lithe, slender figure crept up over the escarpment, flattening itself out on the grass, slowing moving its head from side to side as those greenish eyes strove to penetrate the shadows which hung about the dimly glowing camp-fire. There was no blaze, and the living coals were coated over with gray ashes. They gave forth only a ghostly light, barely sufficient to betray the recumbent figure which lay directly between the embers and that ugly phantom of the night. Inch by inch, foot by foot the buman snake crept along over the grassy carpet, one hand clutching a murderous knife, the other care- fully and silently clearing away each and every obstacle in front that could by any possibility betray its progress. Twice the crested head flattened to the ground as there came a slight stir from the shape by the fire, only to move on as quiet reignedouce more. Only the restless movement of one whose sleep is broken by dreams—phantomis of the exciting. events of the day. Then—a sharp, vicious cry rung out through the nigh, and Pink Archer sprung to his feet, hand on revolver as he glared about him. To ‘utter a cry of angry wonder as he dis- tinguished two figures that seemed but one as they fought desperately at his feet! CHAPTER XXV. HOW THE ROPER CUT THE KNOT. Brerore he could make another move, the two men rose upright, oue standing ercct, while the other kept on rising until he writhed ae arm’s length above the other's head. One instant, then he was hurled to the ground with a force that seemed enough t» shatter every bone in his body! “Pouch lightly, pard!” cried the clear voice of Royal Hart, as a bright light shot froma dark lantern full upon the scene, showing Red Clam standing with one foot pressed upon ths back of the creeping assassin, ‘‘ Don’t shut off his wind too quick!” Archer pushed the foot away, turning the body over, to utter a low exclamation of sur- prise as he recornized the face: “The Roper!” “ And here’s his sting,” grimly chuckled Hart yrwe, won't he feel safer if Se makes sare all his | ds he picked up a Jong ugly blade, “ Yet yéu st understand your meaning, — ‘slips are noes ree over?” “I don’t 4.” ' “T. on Il use stil! plainor English. I be- lieve that Nash Whildon set his tools to work | your deat or crippling. 1 believe his —e aid for the cutting of your stirrup-leather. feleve he hired Lazy Lupton and Osorio the Roper to murder you during the free-for-all. And I feel confident that he will. rest. quiet even now. I tell you, pard, you are a marked nian' You are being hunted to the death, | either eer T , or for some other cayse | just as pow And uniess you are on guard all the time, they’ll rake you in from taw, dead sure: ; gat : can't think the same way you do, but I i you for your kindly warning. d—i oniy to please your fancy, pard—Vll sleep with if ee oe and a band on trigger until I pull out of this region,” lightly added the young won't be convinced! Even now I wouldn't mind laying odds you are trying to explain in your mind how the fellow could have wand SO far—in a fit of sonmambulism!” Archer drew beck as the yellow-haired sport ' bent over the captive and deftly robbed him of his weapons. He shivered a little as he saw the Mexican stir, uttering a low gasping groan as of one on the point of death. And be involun- tarily stretched out a hand to check Royal Hart as he saw him clutch the Mexican by the throat with vicious grip. ’ His own hand was intercepted by Red Clam, who shook his head vigorously. And the Bound- ing Buck grated; — ‘Will you? Play "possum? Not any, my gentle sleep-walker !” > et Even as the words passed bis lips, the Roper made an eel-like twist that almost freed -him- self, then struggled furiousty to hey 2 It seemed as though that terrible fall had eo Rape ES failed to injure him in the least: most assuredly it had not crippled any of his limbs. Red Clam sprung to the assistance of his pard, and in a marvelously short time the Mexicam was bound hand and foot. All of this passed so rapidly that the cowboys: below, aroused by that wild-beast-like cry and. the sounds of the struggle which followed, had' not fairly gained the mesa top when Royal Hart: hurriedly muttered: “Give them a bluff, pard! Keep them down- stairs until we've tin.o to squeeze this night bird abit. No need to let any more into the secret than we have to, you know!” It was too late to blind the cowboys to at least | a portion of the truth, but Arcker seid just | enough*to force their retreat, promising to make allclear to them in goed time. And so well had he maintained discipline over bis men that now he was obeyed without a question, When he re’urned to the camp-fire, be found it blazing up freshly, and Osorio the Roper rest- ing in a sitting posture against the trunk cf a convenient tree, where the ruddy glow fairly revealed his features, Grim and forbidding in its rat-tike vicious ness, and even the naturally sanguine Hart felt that it would be no easy matter to force a truth- ful confession from their captive. Red Clam, talking with his nimble fingers with Royal Hart for an interpreter, quickly explained what had happened. e had been awakened by a start aud muttering on the part of the fcre man, and happened to catch sight of the as‘assin only a few yards away. He watched until he saw the phantom-like shape rise above the slee ing foreman, knife in hand, plainly about 4 Then he sprnng upon bim, hand. commit murder, knocking the glittering weapon from The rest, they had seen. ‘*And now, mv gentle sleep-walter,” added Royal Hart, squatting in front of the prisoner and emphasizing bis words with nimble finger. “What have you to suy for your sweet sel{?” “That it is all a mistake—all a foul lie,” grated the Mexican with a vicious show of bis. yellow fangs. . “This is your knife?” holding the gleaming blade up in the firelight. ‘‘ You meant to stab Pink Archer to the heart, or was it to slit Lis throat?” A sudden and complete change came over the captive. His fierceness turned to stolid mdif~- ference, so far as outward seeming went. “Bah! what matter?’ he muttered, with a sullen flash of his beady eyes into the stern face of the. man whose death he was charged witb. having attempted. ‘‘Itisso, I meant to kill the devil.” “ And so turn parricide?” softly laughed Hart, with curling lip. ‘ But Ive talking of an en- tirely different character, understand. You are charged with attempting to murder my friend, Pink Archer. Who hired you to use the knife on him?” . With swift directness came the q esti, buf if he hoped to catch the Mexican cff his guard, he was fated to be disappointed. The reply was ——— enough, but not just what was ex- tec “Tt is even so. -I tried to kill Senor Archer. But hire—!ah! It was not gold, but revenge. It was justice—see? He killed my own brother. Is not that enough to point my knife? Yes!” ‘* When and where and why?” “ Tt matters not, o@ repeat—he kil'ed my bro- ther. {£ swore before tho holy Virgin to have blood for blood, life for life! Itried, and faikd. That is my misfortune, Gold? Bab! I spit upon gold! : “Tbe woods are full ef just such liars as you, Roper,” cooly retorted the yellow-haired sport, running a thuinb gingerly over the rezor-like blade.‘ See how much straighter I can shoot, even with my cyes shut, Younever had a bro- ther. If you did, be was never killed. If killed, he died of hemp-disease. And that. polishes off lie number one. “You were hired to slit the threat of Pink Archer; for nothing less tempting than gold— plenty of it too!—conld bave ah ae tosuch lon chances after the specimens you had this day o: our quality. Now, what we want tu get at next is, who hired you ?” Osorio the Roper ‘contented himself with a | . silent shrug of bis wiry shoulders, Royal Hart. laughed softly. pleasantly. ‘““You believe in the old saying, that a_ silent tonne never hung itsowner, I see. But that don’t always work as it ought, unluckily for men of your caliber. I might sling. that other, about singing birds, but if I can’t be original, [1 be as or'ginal as I can.” “You were caught in the act, and you know what the penalty for such a crime is. The boys peeping over the rene yonder, would be only too happy to enlighten you on that point, but ’'m in a merciful bumor to-night, and Til save your worthless neck if it lies in the wood, “Confess freely who bired you to murder Pink Areber, and I'll save your neck from the rope. How is it, Roper?” The Mexican gave another shrug, with a barsh laugh of scorn, Bs | “Tt is you who lie, row’ I see death in your: eyes, though you try to mask them. It is well : 4 " ‘ = < OF “ “pe Fr - _ v é - ‘ ont a ete ~ Se ka ty FAD
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¥ The Rustler Detective. 21 ‘enough. Why not? I deserve death for being such a clumsy blyunderer! My steel was at his throat, and yet there is no red stain on its blade! Bah! it is time I retired. Where is your rope, cursed Gringo?” “ You are a tough nut, eh?” blandly laughed Royal Hart, with a swift gesture waving Pink Archer back as he seemed on the point of inter- fering. ‘‘ You flatter eign that we can’t begin to crack you? That is very simple on your part, my dear fellow, for you are old enough and ugly enough to know that there is aobhing on earth that we cursed Gringoes can’t bring about when once we set our minds in earnest. : ; ‘‘Wor instance: If you persist in trying to keep your tongue tight locked, we can unjoint it, Hare is a fire: not very extensive, to be ‘sure, but what there is of it is mighty hot when put in tender spots. Not that I am actually yearni to toast you, but—who hired you to put Pink Archer out of the way?” ‘* You, Honorable Excellency !” Despite his coolness, Royal Hart gave vent to an an ejaculation that brought a sardonic e to those rat-like features, ** Am I mistaken?” he murmured, with an ex- aggerated arching of his jetty brows, ‘Then it was not you, senor. I[ will try to think of some other person. It is all the same to me!” ** Suppose you look closer home, Roper,” with recovered coolness, ‘‘ Suppose you rack your brein until you can. recall the simple truth. I know it is expecting almost too much of you, but when a man is drawing so near bis latter en, a change is often beneficial. Try the truth, just for a change. You have a master, His naine is—?” : Royal Hart left a hiatus, but Osorio did not seem in haste to fill it with the name of Nash Whildon. Once more he was cold and sullen, his voice hard and almost emotionless as he 6: “Tt is that way your eyes are turned? Look on, if it pleases you. hat matter tome? I failed. Tam rea y to pay the penalty. Sucha clumsy blunderer has no right to live longer.” ‘“There’s more truth than poetry in that, for a fact, but I'll make you a solid offer, just for luck! Tell us just who hired you to do this bit of blo work. Betray your employer, and you shall skin out of this with a whole hide and asound neck. Take your time to think it over, Roper. Even a rascal like you is not apt to be in love with death such as awaits youif you re- fuse to accept this last chance.” For a fet7 moments the Mexican droo his eyes, and appeared to be seriously weighing the point in bis mind. Royal Hart flashed a look of # im exultation into the pale face of the fore- man, for he felt that his wished-for end was as good _as gained. ‘You say that, but I can look on the other side and scs more,” the Roper slowly, coldly ut- tered, a vivid gleam filling his littleeyes. ‘If it was trus as you hint, if it was true that a master hired me to do this work, what would follow after if I betrayed him? What would my life be worth when he came to know that I sold him to his enemies? Not a tlaco /” Royal Hart laughed harsbly, his eyes flashing keenly. “Toi the truth, and your master will have his hands full in guarding his own life, without time to waste a thought on you {” “That is so easy to say!” sneered the Mexi- can, showing his discolored teeth. ‘The Jie I don’t mind. A man is worse than a fool that re- fuses to speak a lie when it can serve him, But —the punishment!” ‘fae ‘““Nash Whildon hired you to do this work! Out with it, you dog!” “Tt is you that said so, not I, senor,” with an- other meaning shrug. ‘‘I am not such a fool. You can kill me once, if I remain still, 1f I were to betray my master—if it was true what you hint—re would kill me ten thousand times over, even though his own hand was held too tight b,; you for it to lift one finger! And so— you seo senor?” be “ Tsoe that you are ea off your own nose, Roper,” with painfully cold toues as he ‘rose to his feet, ‘‘ Have it so if you prefer. teil the truth, all the same!” He drew his com ons aside, leaving the assassin at the foot of the tree to his own reflec- tions, “ As long as our eyes are upon him, the stub- bern rascal will to bluff his way out,” be muttered, when fairly out of earshot, ‘‘ A few minutes spent in sober thought will do no more to fetch him around our way than all the threats we can hammer him with while his blood is hot.” ‘Pra not so 3.72,” hesitated Archer, his brows gathoring. ‘“ /\fter all, is not bis story reason- able enough? [ may have killed a brother of his, in some of those raids, you know!” * And Nash Whiidon may be an angel, but if so he tekes precious good care to hide his wings,” laughed Royal Hart. ‘Confound it all, man! ou never open as to the plain tri Will you wink and blink on, like an ow! fa the sunligh until that cold-blooded ras- cal gets in bis pret Bg and your eyes are opened—in paradise i You shall | Archer made no rep] ye for just then the voice of their captive came their ears, and with a smile of triumph Hart hastened back. “You have thought better of it, then? Wise man!” with a laugh. Even now Osorio the Roper seemed to hesi- tate, muttering softly: ‘You swear I may go free? You swear to guard my life if I tell?” beat 3 hg tell the plein truth, I swear all you can ask,” “‘ Then—stoop nearer, senor,” with a shiver as he nodded slightly toward the spot where the cowboys were eagerly watching. “If they hear, he would learn in time to set his tools on my track, and—” In his eagerness Royal Hart bent close over the captive—only to leap back with an oath as a hand snatched a revolver from his hip! And with a mocking laugh, Osorio fired a bul- let through his own brain! : CHAPTER XXVI. THE FIRST FRUITS OF VICTORY, Tu forenoon was sti!l quite young when Nash Whildon rode away from Open Hand Ranch, looking far more like a “gentleman farmer.” from many a mile nearer the rising sun, than what he claimed to be, a cattle baron on his native heath, If he saw the furtive wink which one cow- boy sent at another—and little escaped those eke blue eyes of his—he made no sign of annoy- ance or embarrassment at that facetious sig- nal, Why should he? He had publicly an- nounced his speedy marriage, and there was no longer a secret connected with his courtsbip. ‘A secret, bub none for outsiders!” flashed through his brain at that thought. ‘‘ A secret that has well-nigh won‘ me the prize I've been playing so long and earnestly for!” Dressed with unusual care, though he was always rather fastidious on that score. Looking ounger far than his actual years, without a fine to show for the hard struggles of the day last past, Nash Whildon rode briskly alonz over the gently rolling plain in the direction of Falcon Ranch, to pay his first visit to Queen Nadine as her betrothed. “*Tt’s a toss-up how my lady will greet me,” he muttered, with a low, soft laugh that contrasted sharply with the fire that leaped into his eyes, i Whether she will beg me to gaze into her revolver, or her glerious eyes! And it is just this delightful uncertainty that adds the needed spice to my daring courtship!” The Open Hand owner was a brisk rider as a rule, and this day he seemed pemeueney anxious to reach his destination, The distance was not extreme, measured after the expansive Texas fashion, and long before the sun reached its meridian the buildings of Falcon Ranch cane into sight. Of course these were nothing new to Nash Whildon, but as Queen Nadine had persisted in declining his escort on the night before, this was the first time his gaze had rested on them since he felt assured of ultimately possessing the whole. ‘For queen as she calls herself, Nadine will find me a king; ber lord and master in sober truth!” came half-exultantly, half-viciously from his curling lips. oe szt Many along year had passed away since the main buildings were erected; more years than the present master of Falcon Ranch had num- bered, though considerably past the prime of life. The main building was outwardly just what it had been for ages, for aught any of those now on the place could say to the yap The walls were of adobe, several feet in thick- ness, of but a single story in hight, and with the flat roof which forms the prominent feature of nearly every Spanish house on this side of the ‘lobe. Pierce Falconer perceness both building and the greater part of the estate from a S ish- Mexican, who found it growing uncomfortable ae many Americans settling as “ neigh- rs, While leaving the hacienda materially un- changed, save as toits interior, Falconer had added such buil without as seemed conven- ient or necessary. Little by little this was done as his experience grew, and bit by bit he extend- ed his limits until the ranch was noted far and wide as being a model stock f quite as large as any one man could handle with profit. “So they say,” smiled Nash Whildon, as some- thing of this flashed across his busy brain. “But wait a bit! Wait until the two ranges are welded into cne, and I'll open some of these slow coach’s eyes!” His further reflections were cut short by the glimpse which he caught of a fersinine figure on the house-top. It called for no second glance to. recognize Queen Nadine, and as her face turned in his direction, off came bis hat and down sunk his blonde head in a profound bow. When it rose again, the figure had vanished, but if Whildon felt stung by this evident slight, he showed no signs of it outwardly. ; ing over to a slouching, cat- footed Mexican who came skulking out of a stable, the rancher strode briskly through the old archway, no longer filled by the iron-stud- ded gates of the former regime, emerging from the vaulted passage into the co ard in- closed on all sides by the building i Here he hesitated for an instant, seeming in doubt which door to use, but having his indecision end- ed by a clear, cold youce: “ Welcome, Mr, Whildon! Will it be too much to ask you—” >, A glance showed him from whence that voice roceeded, and light of foot as the most ardent over of more romantic days, the master of Open Hand Ranch rendered further speech unneces- sary by springing up a narrow flight of steps which led to the azotea. ‘* T have succeeded in amore difficult flight, my glorious queen!” he exclaimed, his hand- scme face lit up with passionate love as he rose before Nadine Falconer. ‘‘I have mounted to you, and—” ‘*Guard your footing well, for a slip might easily prove fatal!” Though the retort came with a musical laugh and an arch glance as Nadine stepped back with proud head slightly inclined to one side, her great eyes just peeping over the silken fringe of her half-unfolded fan, Nash Whildon felt that it only half concealed a menace. ‘*If I fall, so much the worse for others, my dear,” he laughed, just showing a glimpse of white teeth through the blonde hair that shaded his lips.’ ‘‘ For those love most would surely share my fortunes, for evil as well as S44 A fiery glitter shot into the big black eyes, and Nadine demanded: a Surely that is not intended for a threat, Mr. Whildon?” 3 ‘*No more than your own words, my queen. Why should there be anything like threats or double meaning between us, Nadine? Surely we had enough of that yesterday!” “In whe you were the principal offender, unless my memory plays me false,” was the swift retort. x ** Yesterday is not to-day,” with a low laugh. ‘Yesterday is dead, and with it is buried all but the agreeable. When niy thoughts turn back so far, they can only remember one thing: that yesterday you gave me a promise of mar- riage!” “And feeling yourself so. unworthy, yeu doubted your good fortune on awaking! Is this the reason for your atrociously early call, Mr, Whildon?” maliciously laughed the perverse lady, seeming even more bewitching behind her fan than when in equestrian costume. “Unworthy goes without saying,” was the cool retort, as the master of Open Hand Ranch deftly possessed hims If of her free hand, lifti it to his lips with a warmth that overbalanc his affected humility. ‘‘ Unworthy to tie your shoe-latchet, but bold enough to bold fast all the gods have offered me.” lt was with a quick gleam in his blue eyes that he uttered the last words, more than half- expecting an outbreak of hax on ber part; but Queen Nadine had evidently been schooling her- self during the hours which had intervened. She withdrew ber hand, but it was with a smile tbat robbed her action of its sting. And when she spoke again, her tones were softer, more agreeable, ‘Your most potent weapon is a. tongue, $ Whildon, if you could only remember to use it thus deftly all the time. If—but, as you say, Yootorday isdead. Let it remain buried for ime. “With all my heart, Nadine. I was cruel then, but I believe the day will come when you will give me free and sincere thanks for that very harshness, If not, it will not be because my love—” ““Once more, let it go!” with just a shade of her old-time temper. ‘tA woman of my nature can never forgive until she can forget: and you read me a terribly severe lesson yesterday.” Nash Whildon hesitated, like one unwilling to completely abandon the subject, but his fuce bes ome up perceptibly as Queen Nadine ** Of course we must touch on the little affair that lay at the bottom of it all. The first and most ax gate point is to have a complete end thorough understanding with each other. But the aoe in which you won that is a promise, pered, one arm si as she stood close to the action frum any curious eyes below. » ‘‘ You are ready and willing to repeat that oath?” With a swift, deft movement Nadine sli out of his balf-embrace with a warning frown as she cast a quick glance over the grounds be- promise—no !” adine?”’ he eagerly whis- about her ene low.. But there was a smile on her full, red-lips - as she res’ ed: “It was an oath; why repeat it now?” ‘* Because it is so hard for me to believe that, after so mang Peg of hopeless pursuit, I bave ca my bird of paradise at Jast.” Of one thing there could be no doubt, Nash - Whildon really loved the fair amazon, despite the manner in which he had thou it fit to speed her wooing. There was ns eta in his words, flashed from his blueeyes, Of the earth, it may have been; but such love as his ¢ “7 eee parapet tbat shielded tones, or in the ardent light that
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rf ue, ~ Ply Saba’ Te heats as + * Possibly he has gone to his lady-love a $00 spat fr alc ec = 8 precious little one sterday tor po ; linked . nature was capable of feeling, that love was all | | at the celebration,” he sneered, with an angry, Quocn Nedine saw this: she was a woman, and | vicious curl of his lips, tor her. « Quick-sighted. And if this passionate love was ‘The Rustler Detective. sweetness long drawn out into her shell-like ear Insane jealousy caused him to drop the mask a uvt winning upon her, then she was a most skull- } little too far, and Queen Nadine shook a tight- « ful actross, clinched hand before his face, as she hissed, « “Js itworth all your trouble, all your plotting ; rather than exclaimed: . and scheming, Whildon?”’ she murmured softly, “Tf harm has befallen him,-your hand is at her magnetic cyes fairly thrilling him through | the bottom of it! If harm has come to him, be- and through as they met his over the slightly | ware. _ fluttering fringe of her deftly manipulated fan. A swift movement again foiled bim, and with | . & low, musical laugh the enchantress whispered: “Will you never remember, Nash? There are keen eyes on every side, and—I am not yet your. wife!” **But you will be? You will marry me just asI et to announce tothe company yesterday? ‘You will keep your oath, Nadine?” “As I said then, sol repeat now,” was the | “TY will marry you on the | slow, graye reply. evening Pea named, unless you change your nuind and fail to keep the appointment.” Nash Whildon drew along breath of intense relief. Until now, despite the strong hold he had upon both Nadine and her father, he had not dure-l feel cer*ssin of his victory. He knew lier passionate nuture so well. He knew that she was reckless of everything when once her temper was awat.ened. He had expected to use eoaxings, not unmingled with threats before fairly coming to an understanding. But now! ‘* Phen Heaven nor earth can prevent your be- coming my wife, Nadine!” he uttered, his emo- tions so powerful that his tones were hardl articulate, and hs felt forced to clasp his hands tight} behind bis back in order to conquer the mad temptation to fold her lithe figure in_his arms and thus taste the first fruits of victory. “T would keep that appointment even though dead and buried!” Nadine shivered, and the flush faded from her cheeks as though an icy blast had flashed across her person. She forced a little laugh, but it was unnatural and contained precious little mirth. “You are not near so nice, now! Is it the way of you Griugoes, to make love b talking of graves and corpses? It is notatall nice! If rou do not at once beg my forgiveness, I will lekve you to talk to the plants—or send up to you my maid, Felipe! She is growing what you . vall—ascetic, not? Nash Whildon laughed softly at her affected - idioms, but was by no means displeased, Care- . fully as he had schooled himself on the road, he - was rapidly losing his head. This reception was ’ so much more cordial than he had dared even ? picture in his dreams. _ Nadine turned away with an affected pout, ber t eyes roving over the plain, as they - had more than once since that interview began. Now she gave a perceptible start, and shading her eyes with hei fan, she gazed keenly at an ’ approaching body of horsemen, seemingly for- _ getting the presence of the rancher. _ A frown came into his faceas his eyes followed hers, for he at once knew, from the direction, that this ny Spat be from the mesa, And instantly alt savage suspicions returned in full force, “Are you trying to recognize Pink Archer, Miss Falconer? ouldn’t it. be just as well if - you were to wait a few moments longer?” CHAPTER XXVII. ‘ROYAL HART TANGLES THE TRUTH. QurEEN Napine turned with flashing eyes and sharp voice: _ ** What do you mean by that, Mr. Whildon?” ' Your eyes,” with a half-mocking bow. “Why strain them at such a distance, when b waiting a few minutes you can learnall you wis without running any risk?” ‘Even before he finished speaking, Queen Na- dine turned to the parapet, again gazing keenly, even anxiously, out over the plain toward the slowly advancing horsemen, All her acting was - forgotten now. She felt a strange oppression at her heart. Something seemed to warn her of imp ing evil or dark misfortune, though she was wholly at a loss when she tried to analyze that sensati . on, : Cold, frowning, with an evil gleam in his blue eyes, Nash Whildon stood by her side, gazing at the ee party: His hands were tig ly clinched at hiss is nostrils seemed pinched, showing a double white line near the tip. A brace of minutes thus, then Nadine caught her breath with a gasp. ; * . “Something has happened! Look! what means » that strange > Pink Archer? : ure in their midst? Where is see him not.” As the party drew slowly nearer, a strange ob- . Ject became visible. A figure on horseback, but witha mar te horrible appearance. <A figure ' that was plainly that of a human being, sitting erect in the saddle, but seeming to lack a head, ‘ For one instant a fiercer glitter filled the’ blue . eyes of the master of Open Hand Ranch. } ik of di abolical joy swept across his face, only an‘ leave a cold, emotionless blank as Nadine turned to him with those agitated ejacu- n yesterday for pouring ih under petticoat rule here!” out. I will avenge him myself!” “One would be tempted to think you were talking of your lover,.instead of to him, Na- dine,” with a short, ugly laugh. She turned away again, to utter a lowcry as she saw the party come to a halt while yet some distance away, a single horseman riding for- ward, slow, and with bowed head, like one who is performing. an unwelcome duty. Another glance, to make sure that Pink Archer was not among the party, whom she had long since recognized as the cowboys who had ré nained behind at the mesa, then, without pay- ing any utention to the half-effort which Nash Whildon nade to intercept her, Queen Nadine sped across the azotea to the nearest steps, springing down them with reckless haste, fairly staggering Colonel Falconer as she brought up against him at their foot. ** What on earth are you trying to do, girl?” he spluttercd. catching his breath as he re- coiled from the shock. ‘‘ What—you haven't been playing the fool, I hope, Whildon?? with fierce suspicion as he caught sight of the rancher following after. *“ Hold him!” flashed Nadine, one hand clasp- ing tightly to her heart “as though she could thus control its mad thobbings. ‘‘Keep him until all is known, to suffer the penalty for—” With a desperate effort she conquered her agitation. Even Nash Whildon, used though he was to seeing her marvelous changes, could scarcely believe that this cold, statuesque figure was that which he had looked upon but a single breath before. “Father, the men are coming back from the mesa. Something has happened. Until all is explained, I demand that you keep close to Mr. Whildon. Ifany crime has been committed, he must clear his skirts, or—” ‘*Have you a pair of handcuffs, or do you think’a lasso will be sufficient?” coldly laughed the rancher, holding out his hands, the wrists close together. r “Be aurned if 1 don’t think this ranth has turned into a lunatic asylum while I’ve been asleep!” growled the bewildered master, glanc- ing from one speaker to the other in dismay. ‘* What under the sun—” *Wait—he is coming!” sharply interposed | Nadine, inclining her head toward the outer gateway. ‘‘ We will soon Jearn all. And you!” with a quivering finger directed at Nash Whil- don, “will remain silent until the news is spoken, Then—if necessary, I will kill you with my own hand!” Nash Whildon bowed, his face cold and hard, his eyes glowing like balls of fire. Though he knew that his life was in danger, all the greater because Queen Nadine had so thoroughly re- covered her powers, he showed no signs of fear. aa came to worst, he could defend him- self. ‘Hallo! the house!” came the clear tones of Royal Hart from close without the walls. “Enter!” cried Nadine, her voice clear and distinct, her face pale as a corpse, but seeming cold and hard as ice itself. ; There came the jingling of spurs as the yel- low-haired sport leaped from the saddle, and a moment later he strode through the Passage, stopping short with a slight exclamation as he saw Queen Nadine. Although his face was very grave before, it seemed still more so now, And until his eyes rested on the colonel, he seemed about to Seat a retreat. ‘* The boss!” he uttered, with a gasp as of re- lief. “If you don’t mind, sir, I would like to have a word or two with you in—” ‘*Why not now and here?” coldly interposed Nadine. tate 5 “ Well, ma’am, you see—” * Out with it, man!” growled the still con- fused rancher. “If you're going to serve on this ranch, you might as well begin by under- standing that ever y, from head to tail, is “You bring bad tidings, not?” still with that strange calmness in voice as in face, ‘‘ Speak hat has were Whois hurt?) What is the meaning of that strangely shrouded figure which you left behind with the men while you advanced alone?” While Queen Nadine was speaking, Royal Hart kept his eyes roving swiftly from face to face, as it only his own guilty conscience that made Nash Whildon think the yellow-haired sport from Mexico looked longest, keenest upon his features? “Well, ma’am, if ny insist, IT obey. You lmow we stopped behind at the mesa last night. _ All was quiet when I went to sleep, but a cow- ardly cur stole into camp to use his knife on Mr. Archer, who—” ee “ He was killed? You dare bring such eine to me!” flashed Nadine, whipping forth a revol- ver and leveling it at the speaker. Se + Ne nes ‘ “Was I to-blame, ma’am?” with no percepti- ble flinching, his gaze fairly meeting her flash- ing ors, ‘‘It was all over before [ got fairly awake, and there was nothing to ao but kill the. currish assassin, or—” “* Who was he? Where is he? If you dared to kill him before I cau wring the whole foul plot from His lips, it will prove the blackest hour of all your life!” fiercely cried the amazon, half- wild with rage and vengeance. As ber heat increasei, Royal Hert seemed to grow cooler znd more composed, Heeven smiled as he gazed into the grim muzzle that shook un- til it could scarcely keep him covered. “T never killed him, ma’am, though the: temptation mighty nigh got away with me before | happened to think that it might serve- a good turn if I could frighten him into telling just who it was that hired him to kill Pink Archer.” : Again he broke cff, as Queen Nadine gave a. painful gasp, her rigidly-erect figure shivering as thonzh about to fall. His handsome face was full of solicitude for tho lady, but his eyes were for the most pert turned toward Nash Whilton. And cold, unmoved though that in- dividual seemed, he was alert enough to see that the yellow-haired sport kept a band rest- ing against a pistl-butt. Habit? Possibly. But it looked more as though he anticipated an: emergency taat would call for its rapid manip- ulation, ** And that hadn’t ought to be herd,” coldly interposed the owner of Open Hand Ranch. ‘Of course a poor devil, caught in the act, would confess anything—even to lying—in hopes of saving his life!” “T hope you are right, Mr. Whildon,” slowly uttered Hart. ‘* What do you mean by that, sir?” flashed the rancher, hotly. “Precisely what I say,” was the deliberate retort. ‘We tried it on—Red Clam end I, We gave the rascal a chance for bis life if he would only tell the whole truth. It wasn’t so easy to get him good and scared. He turned out to be a tougher nut than I ever tried to crack! But we meant cold business, and he soon began to weaken. He said that he was bired to put Pink Archer out of the way. he cut the stirrup-leather yesterday. That he tried to break his neck with his lasso. And failing in both, he stole back to make sure with his knife!” ““His name! Speak his name!” harshly cried Queen Nadine. “Osorio the Roper, he said he was called. And he swore that he was hired to kill Pink at by his master!” swiftly added Royal rt. : CHAPTER XXVIII. COMING TO AN UNDERSTANDING. Wir a grating curse, Nash Whildon jerked forth a revolver, covering the messenger as he savagely cried out: “Fat your words. Take them back, or Pl riddle you like a sieve!” There was death in his glowing eyes, death in his white, streined face, and there would have been death at his finger-tip hod Royal Hart made even the slightest motion toward drawing a pistol to defend himself, ut the yellow-haired sport seemed taken wholly by surprise, and his general air was that of a man who begins.to believe be has falien un- consciously among lunatics. With wide-open eyes, filled with a curious mingling of wonder and disgust, be stared at the master of Open Hand Ranch, not even lifting a band to guard bimself or to attack the other, “What's the matter with my words? What have you got to do with it, anyway?” he coldly demanded, a tincture of scorn mixing with the other sentiments so plainly expressed by his handsome face, “Down with your gun, Nash Whildon!” sharply cried Queen Nadine, recoverin measure from the shock which the gig by Royal Hart had given her. sa ; She sprung between the two ren, fairly thrusting the muzzle of her wearon into the pale face of the rancher, her left band closing over the mouth of his revolver at the same time. “Your will is law, of course, but—” idings “ Down, “Obey the law, then!” was the sharp inter- ° ruption. ‘Put up your gun and listen in si- Jence, unless you want us to condemn you off- hand!” ; “Do it for all of me, Whildon,” half-loughed Royal Wart. ‘J never pull on a fellow-being unless I know what I’m doing it for, and I’ve got to do a little prospecting before I sabe why you flare out like this. ours to command, colonel !” The last sentence came in prompt, business- like tenes, dfawn forth by the action of Fal- coner, who seemed utterly tuken aback by all these rapid rege With a vigorous shake of bis head as though he hoped thus to clear his confused wits, he strode forward and caught the pia Na by the arm, giving him a sbake as he growled: by That. - ina. “What is all this racket about, anyway? Who's hurt? Whkodid it” sein git s i aa f ei th Re 4s f deo € oD AS a oes I
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a RIS oF Ja! aid , + RAS RCS matin! ‘ ~1 to gasp: q “It is sof You are not lying? He is alive? Not—not dead?” “Not unless he’s dead of old age within the Iost hour, ma’am,” was the solemn response, ‘I left him riding along just as strong and chipper and healthy as he ever was in all his life, only—” ; Nash Whildon turned fairly livid with savage rage and chagrin, his right hand gripping a weapon, his voice barely articulate as he grated: “What sort of trick are you playing now? You swore Archer was murdered by a Greaser, and ~ - ‘* Dollars to cents you can't begin to prove it!” cut in the yellow-hairedesport, both tones and manner that of aman whose temper is at last be- ginning to give way. ‘I said that a rascall varlot crept into our camp to murder Pink Archer. I said I didn’t wake up until it was all over; nor did [, When my ¢yes were fair] open, Red Clam had the Roper foul, and ail Archer and Thad to do was to look on while pard trussed the critter up for the inquisition. “That's what { said, or what I begun saying. if you hadn’t chipped in before your proper cue, I wouldn’t have to waste good air saying it all . over again.” either of the others, bis whisky refusing to Nash Whildun seemed on the point of speak- ing again, but checked binsself, turning abrupt- ly away, an uneasy light leaping into bis eyes. Though he could not prove his suspicions, he felt almost positive that a cunning trap had been liid for him, And, worse luck! he knew that he bad fairly blundered into it! The colonel seemed worse taken aback than -beraused senses ungiddie the enigma. He knew that | in some fashion, this fellow had terribly excited you trying to get through you, anyhow?” | _“Come according to crders, sir,” stiffly re- | plied Hart, saluting. “Got a stiff out yonder, | and don’t know what to do with it,” “ Got a—you mean that you've brought a corpse here?” “Just that, sir. If you don’t want anything of it, I'll tell the boys to drop it in some con- venient corner where it'll be out of the way. | Or,” turnin stiffly toward the master. of Open Hand Raach, “if you would like to have the disposal of it, Mr. Whildon, I don’t reckon any of the outfit would seriously object.” Nash Whildon flashed an ugly look at the speaker, and retorted: “Dispose of your own dead. I have noth- ing to do with it.” ‘ But—if it is really the Roper?” hesitated Falconer, an uneasy light in his bloodshot eyes. “That is easily decided, sir,’ added Royal Hart, saluting again, then turning on his heel and striding swiftly back through the vaulted passage, Without seeming to hear the voice of the colo- nel who called after him, the yellow-haired sport ree oe into the saddje and dashed away from the buildings, heading for the little com- pany still waiting on the plain beyond. With an addition to their ranks, however, since Pink Archer, looking very unlike a corpse, spurred swiftly out of a long, low depression in the ground, which had served to cover his approach until he voluntarily broke cover. “The boss wants to have a look at the / { Greaser, boys!” cried Royal Hart, with a wave | of his hand toward the house. “Take him along. I’ve broken the news, so I don’t reckon there'll be any collapse when you come to take the blanket off !” The cowboys set forward, Archer and Hart coming together and following after at a slower pace. And the yellow-haired sport muttered: “He's the man we want, pard! He tried a bluff, but it was entirely too iaphanous. There was guilt enough in his face and eyes to hang a dozen better men than he ever dared be!” “You let him see you thought so” “If he didn’t, terror and guilt made him blinder than a bat! is that he can’t find a handle to pick a row with!” laughed Hart, in subdued but hearty glee. “I roughed him with one hand, while smoothing him down with the other, until he’s actuall afraid to take a single step lest he fall and brea’ his own neck! It was just fun alive, I tell you /” ** I only wonder he didn’t try to slip ina shot!” “All it lacked was touching the trigger, and for about ten seconds I looked for that to follow. Tt was nip and tuck, and tuck got there! So much the worse for Mr, Whildon! He'll never come so near clearing the field. again while his head’s warm!” “But he cooled down? How am I to meé@the fellow?” “Just as though you never for a moment sus- pected him of having-a finger in the little pie Osorio the Roper tried to slip out of the pantry, The noose is about his neck, and I want him to draw it snug with bis own hands!” ded Royal Hart, as they drew near tho building, in the geway of which now stood the trio. Royal Hart deftly removed the blanket with which, for a purpose, he had shrouded the corpse of the Mexican. “Just long enough for all present to recognize Osorio the Roper, then a wave of his h bade the men take their ghastly companion away, ‘ This sight seemed to sober the colonel, and drawing the two men a little aside, he listened gravely to their recital. No need to repeat their account in this connection, since the tragedy has already been described in detail. There was but one addition; and both men declared that they put no faith in the pagina confession impli- cating the master of the dead man. : After this, the colonel reluctantly accepted the resignation of bis foreman. . Pink Archer was firm in his resolution, He had ignomini- ously failed before his men, and could not con- scientiously retain bis situation, And he left a better man behind him, in Royal Hart. Meantime, Nat-Whildon was doing his best to smooth matters over with Queen Nadine, suc- ceeding beyond his expectations, to all outward seeming. Each one played well the part they had chosen, and each one ina fair measure im- posed upon the other. But on one point Nadine took a firm stand. earnestly ad- “If ss happens to Pink Archer before our wedding, I will take back my vow, and never be your bride,” she declared, mly, ‘‘ Nadine! one would almost belieye you still loved that fellow!” See lee “Tt is not love, but hate! I have taken a sacred oath to punish him with my own hand!” CHAPTER XXIX. oe de _PINK ARCHER AND HIS ANGEL, - , PosItIvELY as Pink Archer declined to recon- sider his resignation, it was long past noon And yet, the best of it all. | 23 before he finally succeeded in getting away from Faleon Ranch. For nearly a year, Pink Archer bad been deeply in lové with pretty Nellie Angell, and though he had never actually told bis love, he was keen enough to see that his company was not at all disagreeable wo the young lady. Possibly the young fellow was just a little too conscientious for his own gcod, As bhefcre hinted, he had never given Queen Nadine tle slightest actual encouragement; had given her no right to believe her mad passion was or ever would be reciprocated. Yet be knew thet she loved him, and he felt that he could not xvow his affection for another as Ing as he remained ‘a servant on the Faleon Ranch. He could not bring Nellie there to live with him as his wife, under the circumstances, and be could not bring himself to desert the ranch without some plausible excuse. This will account in a great measure for bis peculiar actions at the celebration ccntrived b Colonel Falconer. If defeated even by Little Earthquake, he would have an excuse for re- signing his situation, Yow, with a feeling of freedom such as he had not known for a year past, he was riding at full speed for the humble cabin where Angel Nellie lived, bent on putting his faith to the touch. “ff she refuses—but she will not!” with a smile that rendered his strong face really hand- some, “I saw it in her eyes last night! I read itin her warm little hand! I will succeed—-she will consent to be mine, and then—” “— It was the usual lover’s rhapsody, and the re- mainder may easily be left to the reader's imagination. Sam Angell was what was called ‘‘a nester.? He had only a few hundred head of cattle, with a range of only a few thousand acres to which he could lay claim ; not by right of purchase, but of location. It was before the days of mighty stock com- panies, of fence-cutting und free grass contre- versies, And Angel Sam was permitted to plod on in his own sluggish way, from kand to mouth, without any attempt being made to either freeze or fence him out, His location was a pretty-one, viewed with an artistic eye, though the greater portion of his “range” was of too broken a nature to he - coveted by any really ambiticus cattleman. The little cabin was situated near the base of a rocky hill, in a tiny alcove made Ly nature, It was constructed of stones, laid up with mud for lime, and the nimble hands of Angell Neil had trained vines and creepers on either side of the door, and around the windows, and up over the heavily shingled roof, until the ugly cabin was fairly transformed into a bower of beauty. Pink Archer was not sorry to find’ Nellic alone, Though he really liked Angel Sam— what lover ever disliked the parent of his divin- ity before marriage?—and had little doubt as to his giving full and free consent to his suit, it was Nellie he came to,see, after all. And Nellie? Well, if she had not been look- ing for and expecting company of some sort, then she was a marvel of neatness, of smartness without the faintest shade of vulgarity in dress or ornament, And then, and then— ; It was the old, old story over again. The story that was first breathed in Eden, which has lived ever since, which will end only when chaos comes, Bold, brave fellow though he undeniub y was, Pink Archer found it 4 terribly formidable task to break the ice, even with the encouragement which blushing, shy, happy Nellie so uncon- sciously gave him. But it was accomplished at last, and after the first dash, it all became so easy—so easy and so sweet! ever mind those first few minutes. We all | know more or less of what they consisted, and whiie delicious enough in actual experience, they cannot be called the same when ‘‘ warmed over,” no matter how skillful the chef, By the time it was pretty well i < (eon b both that their future bliss was fully insured, that little cabin seemed all too small to contain them. Even all out-doors seemed hardly large enough to encompass their bliss, without crowd- ing! . : They walked, arm in arm, of course, as far as the spring which gushed so merrily out from un- der a great, moss-covered rock, spreading intoa miniature lake below, then losing i self in the grass, as it stole on down the valley. A shady tree overhung the spring, and there was a neat istic seat at its base, where the lovers shortly after came to a pause. And after a tine Pink Archer began telling show he had severed his conuection with F é — es ~ pas Loy we’ < ae
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24 _ Ranch, and Nellie, with a charming pout, wanted to know how hee ted to live without seeing Queen Nadine, Andher pout changed to a quiver as Pink failed to laugh, or even smile. s already hinted, Archer was really too con- scientious for his own peace of mind. He was quite wise enough to know that one woman never likes to hear of another’s loving the man she loves truly, even while she is perfectly as- sured that her reign is paramount. But he felt in duty bound to tell his betrothed everything, without reserve. He could not begin their new life with even the ghost of a secret between them. Honorable and praiseworthy, of course, but terribiy risky at times! And so, drawing the sunny little head tender- \y to his heart, with his cheek resting against the silken tresses, Archer began to tell of the mad passion which Queen Nadine had betrayed so fully only the day before, It was a difficult story to tell, without blam- ing one too much while clearing the other of guilt or fault, and so he found it as he proceed- ed. Still, it would have been yet more difficult for one who had been less blameless than him- self. He had nothing to conceal on his own art, and so was not forced to weigh his words efcre speaking. “Tf really believe she was crazy, little birdy,” he murmured, in conclusion. ‘* You have seen enough of her to form some idea of her strange, wild, reckless nature, and can understand what I mean by that. Not a lunatic, exactly, but more like one whose brain is temporarily un- settled by strong drink,” ‘*And hers was yesterday—I counted the glasses she emptied, until I grew tired!” a little maliciously murmaored Nellie. ‘That helped, of course. But [I believe she was sorry before we parted, last night. She spoke so kindly of you, and—” “*Did you tell her that—” * She guessed it, little one,” as his arm close] ‘about her shrinking figure. ‘* She saw it in my eyes, I reckon: you women are so sep e keen! And though I told her I had never tok oe I loved you; though I said I hardly dared hope for a favorable answer; she bade me tell you nothing would please her more than to give my bride away; she even said she would give you a dower—” “Pi never take it from her hands!” flashed Nell, slipping from his embrace, her face bright- ly flushed, her blue eyes al! aglow. ‘Of course not, birdy,” Jaughed Pirk, as he deftly drew her back to his side, ‘‘ All the gold in the world wouldn’t add one charm to my An- gel Nellie!” For a few minutes after this, there is really nothing to record which would interest the _ veader. It was a tiny little quarrel, but it re- quired almost as much making up as though it had been a pitched battle, fought out to the death! Pink Archer, having performed what he deemed a sacred duty, both to himself and to the little woman who was so soon to become his wife, was by no means loth to turn the subject. And side by side on the little rustic bench they sat, talking over the golden future in low, hanpy tones, lost to all else. They would unite in coaxing her father—his father, from that day on!—to sell out his little property, and seek some other location, far away from Falcon Ranch. On this Nellie per- sisted, with a stubbornness which Pink had never known her to ash And so busy planning a happy future were ‘they, that neither noted the swift passage of time. Neither heard tho steps of Angel Sam as the old man came down the valley and entered the house, without catching sight of the lovers sitting in the shade beside the rion, Neither of them saw Angel Sam wep back to the door, glancing around with a troubled light jin his keen old eyes, with a shadow of sudden terror darkening bis wrinkled, weather-beaten face. Nor the sudden change which came over ‘it as he canght sight of them so close together: achange that was not altogether of joy or re- jief at finding his first, worst fears without foundation in fact, CHAPTER XXX, ANGEL SAM RAKES UP THE PAST, DvuLLER eyes than his could have read the truth conveyed by that close companionsbip, but thure was more of regret than of pleasure in Angel Sam’s ed features as he left the cabin and strode down the path that led to the spring. Tbe lovers beard the sound as his heavy boo ground on a bit of gravel, and as vheir faces turved in that direction, Nellie uttered a low cry gto Rae from that guar- Pin d would have lip ‘Archer beld her the dian arm, had no more firmly. “T reckon T’d leave her slide, lad, ef I was you,” dryly uttered Angel Sam. ‘‘Sun’s mighty nigh out o sight, an’ the fire ain’t even started fer su ” : “It . all my fault, Daddy Sam, but I'll get square by helping—” “*T dowt eavkon tha gal raavy needs any help, = LLL LL LLL CO LL nae The Rustler Detective. I AL EW 8 AA ITI RIPE I A SA PIR NE ALTRI STRESS TS RAIMI Po Pink. And then—come to think on’t, they’s a bit 0’ somethin’ ’'ve bin wantin’ to tell ye, ever sence=sence way back yender!” The lovers were on their feet now, Nellie blushing and turning pale by turns, her blue eyes downcast, a fit of nervous trembling shak- ing her slender figure as she faintly struggled to get free. Pink Archer a little paler than he ad been a few moments before, but smiling bravely into that hard, enigmatical counte- nance, “It’s as you say, of course. I don’t want to cross you, to-day of all days, But give the little girl one kind word to live on while we talk it over, won't you?” It was a half-jesting speech, but Angel Sam took it for pure earnest, judging from his actions, He stooped and touched his thin lips to Nellie’s brow, and his.voice was almost musical as he muttered: ** Trot along, birdy! An’ pray that they won’t no great harm come o’ this phe 's work!” There was an earnestness in his tones that im- pressed Pink Archor disagreeably. His forced gayety vanished, and he silently released his be- trothed, permitting her to take speedy flight to the cabin. He watched her light, lithe figure until she vanished inside the cabin, then turned to Angel Sam, who was eying him steadily, keenly, almost suspiciously as it seemed to the young man. ‘I’ve asked Nellie to marry me, Mr, Angel,” he said, with a degree of formality that brought the ghost of a smile to the thin lips of Angel Sum, ‘If I had seen you first, I might have asked your permission first. As it was impossi- bie to do that, I ask it now.” ‘An’ ef [say you cain’t hev it? Ef I say I'l never give my ’greement to anythin’ o’ the sort, you'll go your own way an’ leave us to go ourn, o’ course?” with a curious grimace that was only half frown. ‘*T won’t say that. I couldn’t carry it out, even if I were totry. AndI don’t think—I’m mjghty sure [ couldn’t even try!” The flushing lover began moderately enough, but the last words burst from his lips with a force and frankness that denied all control, A short, hard laugh came from the veteran, but it was quickly checked, ‘* Vit it hedn’t ort to be so mighty hard doin’, lad. Nellisa good gal, but look at the stock she comes from! Look at her pap! Angel Sam the critters call me, but I reckon they’d bey come heap nigher the bull’s-eye o’ truthef they’d looked in tother d’rection fer a han’le to bitch afore the Sam part.” ‘““You are Nellie’s father, and that makes everything right,” was the simple response. Angel Sam gazed keenly into Archer’s face at this, but those frank brown eyes stood the ordeal without wavering. That honest face had noth- ing to conceal, and the veteran gave a low sigh as he turned away. Archer watched him curiously for a brief space, then gently touched his arm. Before his lips,could shape the words he thought of utter- ing, Angel Sam nodded briskly, dropping down upon the rustic bench. ‘*Set down, Pink. It’s got to come some time an’ I reckon right now is good as any other. I said I wanted to tell you somethin’ this heap long time. I tried it more’n once, when I hed a idee that things was sorter workin’ ‘round this way, but as often I didn’t—wuss luck.” ““T will listen, of course,” and the lover drop- upon the seat beside the veteran, ‘ but if it is anything about Nell, I tell you frankly that it can’t make a bit of difference in our relations. We love each otter. She has promised to be my wife before Jong. Unless death oat be- tween, I will claim and she keep that pledge,” ‘*Tt’s a growin’ fear o’ death or some dirty trickery that makes me do my talkin’ right now, lad,” slowly added AngelSam. ‘“ Ef it was any less then that, could I say this? Could [I deny the little gal I’ve nussed an’ brung up es my own child?” “ T—don't—understand!”" stammered Archer, his eyes filled with aa surprise. ‘‘ Surely— Nellie is your child?” Angel Sam tried to force a laugh, but it proved a pitiful failure. His rugged features were strangely contorted, but he managed to reply: ‘* Tn love, ef no nearer in law. She never so much as suspicioned this, lad, an’I do reckon it’ll brealc her all up fer a time when she finds it out, but—” ‘¢ Then why let her know?” quickly interjected Archer. ‘* You have kept the secret so long, why not keep it forever?’ “ That’s jest what I want you to help me settle on,” nodded Angel Sam, with a furtive glance toward the cabin, and lowering his voice as though he feared tha gentie breeze of evening might carry an ajarming syllable to the ears of the girl whom he loved so dearly, even though no of his blood flowed through her veins, “ That’s jest the biggest sheer o’ the trouble I’ve bed in sult these months past—ever sence I no- ticed you was comin’ to look sweet to’rds Nellie.” Angel Sam hesitated before he ended his sen- tence, and Archer had acurious sense that these | > —————— a _— ing. There was a secret within a secret, and he must know it all. ‘Tell me all—hide nothing, and I'll do my level best in trying to set you mght, Sam,” he said gravely. ‘* Who is Nellie?” ‘That was what I couldn’; never wring out 0° the man that brung her to us—my ole woman was livin’ then, ye know,” hurriedly responded el. ‘But you knew him, of course?” ** Why not, sence he’d bin a side pard o’ mine fer many a long year afore that?” speaking with greater ease, settling back in his seat as though resolyed to take his comfort while raking up the past. ‘‘French Poley the boys knoved him best by, an’ I wouldn’t like to make affydavy that even I ever heard bis other name. But that don’t count. **Poley was a rovin’ critter, an’ never settled down like I did when I jumped the broomstic {kc with my ole woman, but ef we wasn’t nigh -o often together, Poley never missed a god ehaince fer to drap in on his ole pard fer a day or two, when he hit my part o’ the kentry. Aun’ one day he come ag’in. An’ he hed a mighty cur’ous pack with him fer a man o’ his sort— monstrous cur’ous, I mought say!” “Nellie, you mean?’ with a dark frown. ‘Surely she cannot have been a child of any such man!” ** Poley swore she was, fu’st off, but I knowed he was lyin’. Not that i told him so, then, mind ye!” wita a faint laugh. ‘I wasa pritty tough nut to crack my own self, but Poley was heap sight wuss, an’ [ don’t reckon I'd be here now ef I hed tried it on then! Still, I made up my mind I'd find out the bull truth, an’ that night [ played dirt onto my ole pard: I slipped my licker, an’ kept it up ontel I ned him fuller’n a goose- ha’r tick! An’ then I pumped him as nigh dry as I could. ‘*He said they was a man come to him an’ aid him big money fer to nab a kid an’ shet off its wind. That was a bit out o’ his rua 0’ busi- ness, mind ye, but jest then he was shoal on ihe bar, an’ wanted the dingbats wu’st kind! ‘Waal, they come to a barg’in, an’ Polez ‘lowed he meant to kerry it out to the queen’s taste. He hed to wait while the man that hired prove a halibi, like, ef the row. was kicked up too close to his neighborhood. An’ then—waal, Poley found he couldn’t kill the kid, nolow! Said she laughed up in his face, an’ called tir daddy, an’ hugged him with her little fat arm:! But es he’d tuck the money, an’ spent a part ¢Z it, he done the next best; he toted the kid off ai.’ fin’ly fetched her to us. ‘* He couldn’t ’a’ come at a better time fer the little critter. My ole woman hed jest lost her kid, an’ she tuck a notion that this’ne was tho ’dentical pictur’ o° the baby ber eyes was stil wet fer. An’ so—waal, I don’t reckon Poley ole woman hed a finger to scratch with! “Lucky all ’round that he didn’t want to. It was to git shet o’ her that fetched bim to our cabin, fer though he said it went too durn bard ag’in’ the grain fer to shet off her wind, es he'd promised to do, yit be wasn't a fambly man even so fur; he couldn’t keep the kid. An’ so he give her over to us, agreein’ that he'd never try to claim it back, or ever let out a hint that it wasn’t actilly our own kid.” “ You tried to find out who her parents really were, of course?” Angel Sam shook bis bead, almost doggedly. r No I didn’t, nuther! Fer w by? My ole woman just froze to Nellie, an’ it’d Lin wuss then robbin’ a she painter fer to even try to take astep that way. An’ then—waal, I love her now, but I cannot love her no better then I did in them days!” Pink Archer gave a ar breath of relief, From the first words uttered by Angel Sam, he had feared a revelation that might, despite the bond of true love that existed between, sever him from Nellie, She need never know that Sam was not her father in fact as he had been in love. She had never known her real perents, and even were they still living, they would be strangers to her—she could never learn to re- gard and love them as her own kindred, even were she tu be restored to them. ‘Well make it up to her, Daddy Sam,” ho muttered, a smile playing about bis lips, a love- light in his eyes. “She'll never learn differs ent; never dream but that you are really her father.” “Ht I only knowed that fer sart’in!”’ then hur- riedly adding: ‘“‘ You know when [- tuck that a ¢ own to Santone?” : rcher nodded, Right well did he remember when An 1 Sam went to San Antonio, for the veteran, leaving Nellie alone, begged him to keep an eye in her direction, to see that no hearin came to her. And it was during those guardian ae that Pink Archer learned to love Angel e “T run acrost him down thar—Poley, you know!” Archer gave a start, bis face suddenly grow- ing grave with a premonition of coming trou- e, ‘* What did he have to say? Surely he didn’s words wore not the ones he first intended u‘ter- bring up the past?” him todo the job got out o’ the way, so’s to - could ’a’ got away with that baby es long es tbe ; a
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whit of the love which boiled so fiercely in ‘That is bsg * « That's jest what he did!” nodded Angel Sam’ with lowered voice and an uneasy glance around them as though he feared the presence of an eavesdropver, ‘‘ The fu’st words he said was to ax how was Nellie? The kid, he called her, though, he never knowed what name we give her.” “Tf you had only evaded him—or lied! If you had told him she was dead, or married and lost sight of !” frowned Archer. ‘“‘ Which I tried to k ck myself later beca’se I didn't, but he tuck me so by surprise thet I didn’t hev tine to think o’ lyin’,” gloomily re- sponded Sam. “I let it all out, an’ when I spoke «’ the place I was livin’ at, his two eyes stucix out so fur you could ’a’ hung your hat onto em like a ! “ He fc 9 might sober fer a bit, but then he brightened up an’ acted the flively pard which he al'‘ays was when sober. An’ in his Frenchy way, he let out what hed hit him all o’ a heap, so to speak. He said he fu’st thought as how he’d run the bank him own self, but come to think how I’d raised the gal, it didn’t seem the pure quill fer to freeze me out. An’ then—he gaid he’d found out the name o’ the man who hired him to kill the kid. He said his name was Falconer!” ‘*Then you think” slowly began Archer, choking down his su prise by a desperate effort of will. ‘‘ You believe that—” “ That the birdy ain’t no ways too safe livin’ so cluss to Falcon Ranch!” muttered Angel Sam, with another wary glance around them. “ What?” and Archer leaped to his feet, with glowing eyes. ‘‘ You surely don’t for an in- stant believe that—” Just at that instant Nellie announced supper, and Angel Sam hurriedly muttered as he grip- ped Pink by the arm; ; ‘Not a word or a hint afore birdy, lads! Keep a still tongue in your head ontel I kin say jest what 1t is I’m skeered of!” CHAPTER XXXII. THE WEASEL REPORTS. THatcunumg blundering 03 the part of Royal Hart, bade fair to bring trouble where all had seemed so smooth and pleasant, Queen Nadine had so plainly betrayed her real sentiments—had so clearly shown her unabated interest in Pink Archer—that Nash Whildon began to see how nearly he had been hoodwinked by an artful woman's wiles. And then, as well, he was uncomfortably con- scious of having acted in a decidedly compro- mising fashion when so adroitly led to believe Osorio, the Roper, had succeeded in his bloody mission. ; : ‘ Taking everything into consideration, there was a rather awkward nae of affairs between the recently betrothed couple. Of the twain, Nadine proved to be much t better actor; ibly because she felt not a the veins of her soon-to-become husband, When the mistake was smoothed over, and the actual truth made clear to all, Queen Nadine rapidly recovered her clear wits and steady nerve. She knew that she was playing against a thoronghly desperate gamester, and that lent her added nerve, if any was needed. She declared that though she had once loved Pink Archer—even going so far as to frankly admit that she bad offered her love, only to have it spurned with contempt. “Only for that you would not be here or alive,” she coldly added, without a trace of emo- tion in face or tones, ‘I would have killed you at once when you made those threats.” ‘And so brought ruin on your own head!” sneered the master of Open Hand Ranch. ‘t You forget the hg, I spoke of.” ‘*T would bave dared your friend and his proofs, be they what they may. I would have sought him and them to the bitter end. But since it was not so to be, well, I yielded.” There was no word from Whildon. Just then le felt little in the mood for ‘Paying compliments. With a slight shrug of her shoulders, Queen Na- cine resumed: ‘Why? Hardly through love for the man who so viciously threatened me, to be sure. Be- cause I swore 1 would drink deep of revenge on the one who sneered at my love, Because I prin faked and rule until Pink Archer bad suffered at least_a portion of the agony he had caused me. “That is why I turned upon you when 1] be- lieved your on tee had robbed me of my rights. told you, what I repeat once more, that if aught of harm ecmes to Pink Archer until after our wedding night passes, I will never be your bride, because—well, because you will be wedded to death instead!” Ugly words for an ardent lover to listen to, but Nash Whiidon had to * grin and _ bear it” as best he might. Until she was fairly bound to him, Queen Nadine would rule. After that! Yet Nash Whilidon rode away from Falcon Ranch in a far better humor than may be thought. Nadine, baving covered her slip as best she could, bent ber powers toward placatin the ranc reed geal yd even more success thas , sae had « : 2 ype 7 5 : a The Rustler Detective. briskly away, bound for his own ranch, Colonel ‘Falconer secretly watched him depart, then sought Nadine, only to be repulsed. She was not jin the mood for talking. Never mind—he must wait! And, just as he had done so many times be- fore of recent days, Hugh Falconer sulkily beat a retreet, locking himself in with his brandy. After his departure, Nadine seemed strangely restless, pacing the floor, gazing with a frown through the narrow, iron-grated window which gave a view of the far-away hills where Angel Sam was located. ‘* Will he fail me, also?” she grated, her strong white teeth clicking viciously together as, for the hundredth time, she sought the window. | ‘Tf he has—if he does! Ha!” with a hissing breath of eagerness as she caught sight of an | approaching figure on horseback. “Itishe! I will soon know! And then—” The sentence was left unfinished in words. but her white fingers plucked the jeweled dagger 25 The ferret-like eyes glittered vividly, but the | voice of the Weasel was soft and smooth as ever | when he spoke again: 3 | “Then it was a jest that seemed to sound like truth to Senor Pink Archer, mistress!” “* How know you that, little one?” ‘Because of his face, Jady. But stil] more | because of his actions. Before I came back to | tell you what I heard and saw, the senor was im | his saddle and riding hard on the trail leading | to San Antonio.” | There was a brief silence. Queen Nadine | drooped her Jong lashes until ber blazing orbs: | were hidden. But she could not still the quick | heaving of her bosom, nor entirely quell the sudden trembling which shook ber hands as they | tightly clasped each other in her lap. The Weasel stood moticnless saying nothing. | He knew that his ip a was causing torture, | but he never asked hmnself the reason. The result was all that he cared for. Then, with an affected petulance, Queen from her corsage, and the steel flashed in the | Nadine said: dim lamplight as she swept through the air. “It is well, and you may go, little one. Only A few moments later a cat-like footfall was (I wish I {could have known the senor was heard without the room, and opening the door, | | going totown, Hecould have brought me some- Queen Nadine admitted the spy for whom she | thing. Now I must wait!” had waited so long and so impatiently. The Wéa from his ferret-like face and marvelously supple body as from his naturally prying, inquisitive disposition, Mexican by birth, he had come to Falcon Ranch soon after the place changed hands, and though he was almost repulsively ugly in face, Queen Nadine at once took him un tection, “Well?” sharpl couch upon which she had sunk at his coming. “You have not failed?” She spoke in her mothe:’s tongue, and the | Weasel answered in the same language, his tones | soft and musical, in startling contrast to his re- : then. | allin an instant. Her face looked thin and bag- She motioned the Weasel to depart, and he sel, he was called, quite as much | obeyed, leaving her alone. CHAPTER XXXII. HUGH FALCONER GROWS UNEASY. “Do they know? Do they even suspect the whole truth?” ; Queen Nadine asked herself these questicns, as er her pro- | ae Geced swiftly the length of the room after the demanded Nadine, from the Veasel left at her bidding. The mask was , dropped, and she looked anything but beautiful he seemed to have grown years older, ard. Her eyes, still glowing like balls of living re, seemed to have retreated in their seckets. Her figure was no longer proudly erect, Lut pulsive ‘appearance. ~ ) hent forward, almost crouchingly, as she pesscd Can a failure.” ‘* There was so much to see, so’ much to hear !"’ smiled the Weasel, with a curious writhing of his slender figure, ‘‘My horse is wet with sweat as though he had just swum the river, an ‘“* You followed the senor there? You saw him at that house?” The Weasel bowed assent, and then went on to describe how he had managed tosteal near enough to the little cabin to overhear the words | spoken by Pink Archer, as well’ as the response | made by Angel Nell. He stood with head howed, with hands meek- | ly crossed before his bosom, but his ferret-like | eyes were furtively watching. the changing . countenance of his mistress as she listened, | With marvelous fidelity be repeated whole sen- | tences, even giving them the very tones in | which they had been originally uttered. And _ oe fail, when my mistress bids me suc- | to and fro. ceed ‘You were so long gone that I began to fear the trai “ ae must know, else why has he taken to San Antonio, at the beginning of a | night? Why in such haste to find this vil- lain—this Poley of the French? Why has he gone—the man of all men in m per heart ¢ Ah! if it were any other! Any other save him! How I would fight—how I would laugh them ta scorn when—” Her proud figure drew erect once more, and with her eyes flashing, with a vivid color flam- again. In her right hand quivered and glittered the jeweled dagger with which sbe had saved the life of the man who she now felt was doing his best to bring disaster, if not worse,’ upon her and hers. “Only. for you, he would be dead! You saved his life, for what? To have him scorn your mistress! To have him turn aside from her proud love, to whisper sweet words in the ear of a silly, simpering idiot! If you had known! He would be dead, now! Lost to your all the while, with vicious joy he was reveling | mistress—true! But lost to her—to ull others, in the bitter torture his mistress was enduring. | as well!” Not that he hated her, or had cause for hating | her. He loved Queen Nadine as much as it was in his nature to love anybody besides himself. | He was so thoroughly depraved that he found With a sudden access of passion, Queen Na- dine hurled the weapon from her, laughing harsbly as it struck with a ringing ecbo against the grating at the window, snapping in twain mite only in torturing others. Whether his ' the jeweled haft flying on outside, the brcken en‘l or his enemies was an after consideration. that she feared to expose her feelings to her for she cared nothing for that; she felt that a attempt to speak would choke her, so intense was her rage as she listened, The Weasei told how he had stolen after the lovers when they went out to the rustic seat. Bit by bit he repeated what he had heard and , or omitt nothing in his secret amusement. | he told how Angel Sam came to the scene: how Nellie fled to the house, and of the conver- sation which ensued between the two men. Queen Nadine sprung to a sitting posture as he proceeded, her face wo white, her great eyes glowing as though filled with fire, her bands clinched so tightly that the nails drew blood, Still with the same marvelous fidelity the Weasel continued his apt “even at times reproducing the rough di Sam in sperking of the child so strangely placed in his care, He told of the meeting in San Antonio, and even recalled the name of the other: of Angel Sam’s old partner, French Poley. f ite said—this man of the hills—that his old friend told him the name of the man who paid him money for killing the child. He said the name was Faleoner, my lady!” added the Weasel. He sprung nimbly back as Queen Nadine | lea to her feet, fuirly transtigured with rage and fear. He glanced swiftly toward the door, followed u as though bent on flight, but it was not neces- waa “ee " { adine was recalled to herself by his move- ments, and with a forcedMaugh she resumed her Seat saying: ; Pee, “ Bah! what matter? These cursed Gringoes are such mpeetcons Js. that they would even talk of the Virgin Mary ina clumsy jest!” ‘ . i) lect used by Angel | ; the opposite side of the table, occu; , | blade dropping to the floor within. “Queen Nadine never once interrupted him | during the earlier part of his report. It wasnot Dropping down upon the couch, sitting with hands supporting her chin, and elbows on her knees, the woman stared vacantly at the bit S aia steel, as it lay reflecting the lemp- F : er brain was busy, recalling all that the _ Weasel had reported, and her face accurately _ recorded each change of thought. Not 4 pleas- ant sight, then! Suddenly her face grew calmer, more like the i one she habitually wore. The lines and wrin- | kles gradually out until ber face was full and smooth and beautiful to the outward eye. ' And whatever her secret emotions, when Queen Nadine unlocked her door end left the room, not even the keenest could have even suspected all | she had fought out there alone with the phan- toms born of sin. She had to rap share. at the door opti which Colonel Hugh Falconer had locked him- : before an answer was given. And her _ brows were angrily contracted as she crossed the threshold, confronting the unsteady, blear- eyed rancher. | “Is it thus you clear your brain and steady your nerves? Is it after this fashion you pre- pare for the stout fight? Is it thus you are to soe our enemies? Fool! Coward! Drunk- ard!” : With each epithet, a white clinched fist was shaken viragoishly before the purple face of the rancher. shrunk further back, only to be until he tripped and drupped heav- _ ily into a chair. to her usual self, a low, balf-mockiug lengh bub- bling from her red lips as she drew a seat up te self. - ing into her cheeks, Queen Nadine seemed her- - In a second, as it were, Queen Nadine altered. g it her, “Tt %, de—unlad ik yf} ae ate ‘ Gy rt leting ber white ras cue tal a ee
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aye ‘she gazed across the barrier into the fuce of her rent. ‘But it is working better even than ice-water! Already you are beginning to grow sober. Already i can see the niuddy wits are clearing! See that they do not grow stagnant again, else—my next lesson will last longer, and be tenfold sharper! I want you to talk, and—” ‘You drove me away when I came for a talk,” muttered Falconer. ‘Did I bid you drink yourself blind?” “Nor have I,” with an effort straightening up. ‘ My brain is as clear as yours. My wits areas keen. Try me, if you still doubt!” Queen Nadine nodded approvingly. Past ex- ‘perience told her the best and shortest method of going to work on such occasions, and the rule still p~oved correct, If not actually sober, Col- nel Falconer. was far from being drunk, and growing better with the passage of each mo- ment. “JT sent you away because I had much to think over, much to plot and plan. And then— 1 was waiting for the Weasel to return with his report.” “You sent him—after Whildon?” hesitated the colonel, Qneen Nadine gave a gesture of impatience. ‘“ * After a-better man than that cur ever dared el? The colonel frowned darkly, his hand clinch- ing as it rested on the edge of the table before him, ‘“Yet that cur is the man we've got to keen smoothed down, Nadine! He’s got us foul, and he means ty ‘bold his, grip until be makes his point for certa’‘n! Ugh! I haven’t got over shivering in my boots yet! I thougtt it was all up, when you flashed out Jike that! ‘* Something else would have flashed to a pur- ose only for the explanation given by that ylundering idiot,” grated Nadine, her great eyes flashing vividly as she spoke. “If that dead body had belonged to Pink Archer, Nash Whil- don would have gasped out his live on those stones—and by my hand !” Colonel Hugh was plainly growing more and more uneasy. sed as he was to the sudden vugaries of his daughter, he could not u1der- stand the more recent developments. He knew little concerning the power of love when in- dulged in by a woman of her fierce nature. He could not comprehend why sbe should risk: so much, merely because she liked one man better than another, ** But J thougbt that was all understood and settled yesterday? [ thought you were to buy that secret by marrying Whildon, when it would be to his interest to keep the truth from leaking out!” There was no immediate reply. Nadine sat gazing curiously, keenly into his face, like one trying to solve an important doubt. And so she was: trying to decide whether it would be prudent to trust this man with her whole in- itricate, perilous scheme, *‘Do you know, father, that I begin to think we were playing at cross-purposes, Nash Whil- don, you and 1? Do you know that I think we might have madé much better terms, had we only known just what secret he hinted at so guardedly?” ‘* He spoke of—of your uncle—” ‘Yes, and declared that he knew how and why he came by his death,” was the cool ad- dition as the colonel stammered, the words he sought to utter seeming to choke him. Falconer started from his feet, casting a wild lance around them, like one who fears an eaves- ss r. Great drops of cold Shick, aay en stood on his temples, and his brandy-sodden face turn- ed a, sickly hue. “F@ish, girl! Are you mad?” he gasped, hoarsely, with another frightened Zee around the dimly lighted room. ‘‘ What if your words were to be heard? Who knows who of these in- fernal sneaks may be prowling around trying to ick up a crumb? And let but the ghost of a Pint get out among the men, and even your beanty wouldn’t be enough to save you!” “Tt is not you, but the brandy that talks now, my father!” with a thinly disguised sneer. *¢ Who would dare to play spy on youor I? Not -one who has seen us twice!” ‘“‘ But it’s risky—you know it’s mighty risky, Nadine?” ‘ Yet that risk must be run, my father,” and her voice grew hard and cold. ‘ We must un- -derstand just where we stand, and what ob- -stacles we have to overcome before we can feel fairly safe, And I begin to think that we were magnifying the power of Nash Whildon. True,” with a silencing wave of her hand as the colonel opened his lips to speak. ‘“‘ He swore that he knew all, and we took him at bis word; but after what I drew from him this day, I doubt if he even suspected what you and I be- lieved!” Colonel Falconer smiled faintly. You can’t go by what he wae always, Na- ‘dine. The rascal is cunning as the very Old Boy himself, and believes a tongue was given us for hiding our real thoughts, instead of sticking to the simple truth.” ; “That may be, too, and still a cunning devil deceive himself while trying to deceive others, aa st he The Rustler Detective. supporting her chin upon her joined palms as | So with Nash Whildopv. He has found out something concerning those old raids, and with that as a foundation has built up a theory of how and why a certain man came by his death. This is bad enough, but it migbt have been worse. You know what I mean by that, father,” with a sharp little nod. 5 Fou are sure he—sure he don’t know about—” “As certain as one can he of anything in which a man like Nash Whildon bas a finger,” said Nadine, as the colonel stumbled over his question. ‘‘I am positive he knows nothing about that matter. not even suspect. But we have no time to lose in finishing our work in that quarter. It must be complete before the men come again—you concede that?” “But Whildon?’ hesitated Falconer. * Will he stand it?” Nadine laughed, hardly, shortly. “Tf he is kept in the dark until all is over, what can we do?” ‘* But—won’t he suspect, then?” ‘*Andif he should, what of it? Where can he find anything to confirm that suspicion? Who is he to look to for information?” ‘* Tt’s an ugly affair, and the more [ think of it, the less I like it!” frowned the colonel, lick- ing his parched lips and casting a furtive glance toward the decanter near at hand. ‘*Ttis ten times uglier than you even suspect!” uttered Nadine, leaning forward and speaking swiftly. ‘‘I told you I- was waiting for the Weasel to report. He came, and this is what be discovered. ‘‘Our fears were correct. Angel Sam knows who the girl he calls his daughter really is; or, if not quite that, he is on the right track. He knows that you hired that French rascal to kill the infant. Instead, he spared his life, giving the babe to Angel Sam and his wife, who reared it as their own.” ‘*He knows this?” gasped the colonel, turn- ing paler than ever, , ‘* And he is seeking to discover still more. He has sent a friend to San Antonio, to find French Poley and bring him here to identify you as the man who paid him gold to murder the infant!” ‘‘ Not Pink Archer?’ hoarsely ejaculated the colonel. A look of surprise came into the face of his daughter at this. “What put that wild idea into your head?” she exclaimed, with a low laugh of scornful derision. ‘' Pink Archer was making love to Angel Nell, the, Weasel said, but he was posi- tive neither of the young couple even so much as suspected the part Sam was playing. Itm be that he hopes to give them a glad surprise. {t may also be that he is playing simply to feather his own nest, by extcrting a heavy sum from you, as hush-money: he and this friend,'and this French Poley!’ Falconer seemed stung to fury by this speech. He flung back his head with a defiant flash in his blood-veined eyes. sharp decision in his tones th*n at any time since Nadine ferced her way into the room. ‘“Tf he thinks that, he'll get left—bad/ Tl never wait for them to get a good ready! ru— ‘‘ Remain quiet and patient until I say it is time to make a move,” sharply interrupted Queen Nadine, grasping an arm across the table. | “T have been thinking since I heard this: | thinking deep and thoroughly. I have almost perfected a plan that will not only discomfit Angel Sam, but bury even the ghost of the ter- rible blunder you committed so many years ago.” ‘* He swore he’d do it, and I never thought of | failure, until—” “ Until you saw French Poley in San An- tonio, and lost your nerve when he tried to bleed you on that old score,” with a sneer that she took. no pains to disguise. ‘If it had been me—bah! there would have been a dead man for breakfast!” She rose from her seat, and without another word turned and left the room, Colonel Fal- coner sat silent until the faint echo of ber foot- steps died away. Then he locked the door and returned to his brandy. CHAPTER XXXITII. DON RUEZ, THE RUSTLER. THE sun was just disappearing from view on the day succeeding, when Queen Nadine rode 7 mao fl away from Falcon Ranch, alone and un- attended, She put her good steed to his speed, and cov- ered the ground rapidly until the buildings be- hind were lost te view, then permitted the ani- mal to assume a more leisurely gait. There was time enough, and she knew that the man whom she was riding to meet would wait patiently enough, even though she might be hours later than the time appointed. ‘STf he only knew!” she laughed, with a scorn- ful glance in the direction of the Open Hand Ranch. ‘I almost wish he did! T almost wish his evil fate might send him to the rendezvous this evening! Wouldn't it be glorious? A I am almost sure he does | “here was more of | at; two such hot-heads leaping at each others’ throats.” Her musical laugh floated away over the plain, sounding as gay and free from care as though she was not living over a volcano. The moon had not yet risen, but the stars were shining brilliantly and gave light sufficient to show how smooth, how untroubled, how beauti- ful was her face just then. There was not a sign of care or trouble to be noted. One would a thought her the happiest of the happy, en. A smart touch of her gilt spur sent the coed steed on ata more reat gait, and after cover- | ing several miles more, Queen Nadine drety rein in front of a small timber tsland, where the | trunks were pretty well grown up with bushes | and brambles. She put the butt of her whip to her red lips, but before she could sound the whistle, a dark figure sprung out of the darkness, reaching ber side a moment later, putting up his arms to as- sist her from the saddle, murmuring in a deep, mellow voice: ** At last! My angel!” | The words were in Spanish, and in like notes | Nadine laughed: | * Still the same, my friend? Still. the same | hot-head? Still the same adorer of a poor, coun- terfeit image?” While speaking she slipped from the saddle, half-reclining for an instant in bis ardent em- brace after her feet, touched ground. A bearded | lip touched hers, with a passionate fervor that sent a thrill flashing through her veins. “You do love me, a little, Don Ruez?” she | murmured, bending back her Lead until she could gaze into his face. A handsome face it was, too, though after a somewhat fierce, barbaric style. A face that would involuntarily cause the observer to think OF SHURE ITe; of brigands, of mountain guer- rillas. “A littl—no! An ocean—a world, with heaven and hell combined—yes /” was the quick, | almost fierce response. ‘‘ But why do ask me that? You do not love me enough to feel jeal- ousy! | ‘Would I be here, Don Ruez, if I loved you not?’ Queen Nadine im. precna with pained re- roach in both face and tones, ‘‘ Would your ips have touched mine, and life still be yours, if I loved you not?) Am I not a true Spaniard? Do { not carry this?” Asjender-bladed knife flashed in the starligbt, rising and then descending swift as thought, adous, only »when its keen point actually wricked through the embroidered spenser worn y the Mexican. With another low, musical laugh, Queen Nadine drew back ber hand. slipping the gleam- ing blade into her bosom from whence it had flashed. She bent her bead forward, and ‘pressed her red lips to bis with an ardor such as iw women could have feigned. Then, deftly slipping from his tightening em- brace, she laughed: | “Let that suffice, Don Ruez, for the present, We must not forget that it is business which | brings us here at this late bour of the night— business of more importance than the inter- change of love-vows between two who are so wholly each other’s as we! Is it not so?” ‘* Tf is always so of late!” muttered the Mexi- can with gloomy tones. “ It is always |business first, business last, business all the time!” | Queen Nadine drew back with an air of of- | fended dignity, and her tones rung out berdly as she retorted: ‘* Is it so much harder on you than itis.on me, Don Ruez? Is it so wearisome for you to tele 2 ride—bah !” with sharp impatience, as she turne:| toward her motionless steed. ‘I know who v* 1 | do my bidding, and never once hint at regret’ r ' impatience! I will call on him, henceforwar:’, since you—” | Don Ruez caught ber arm with one hand, th | other extending a knife toward her, haft fcr: - | most his bead bowed, his voice humility itself. | “TI was a fool, my queen; punish me! Strikes, ' and end it all—but do not add torture to punish- | ment by leaving your slave in anger!” Again did Queen Nadine feel that peculier thrill asshe listened. She knew he was m sobcr earnest. She knew that he loved her so passicn- ately that he preferred death to her going away in anger. It was for this submission shé played, but in gaining it, she felt she Was acting a most contemptible role. “Tt would be a stroke worthy the Cid Cam- ador, Ruez!” she softly uttered, gently push- ing back the proffered weapon. ‘Since it would be letting out two lives at a single stroke!” “Then I am forgiven?” tremblingly asked the ) outlaw, with a strangely shy glance into ter beautiful face. “ By this signet you shall know it!” laughed Nadine, dropping a kiss on his high temple, then | drawing an arm through her own, as she turned once more toward the timber island. “Tt is not often that any one passes by this ay, after nightfall, Don Ruez, but it is always well-enough to act with full care, We will enter, and at our old trysting place, talk over from the result, it would be well worth looking this important busimess of ours. Mat Ping
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reward? A wave of her hand caused her well-trained steed to follow them, and taking a »arely per- ceptible path, they entered the timber, passing along until nearly at the center, where a small spring bubbled up from a low pile of rocks. Immediately uround this spring was an open ‘space into which the stars shed sufficient light for features to be recognized even though the subtler changes of expression might escape de- tection. “You have been waiting—how long, Don Ruez?”’ ‘*Sinee before the sun went to rest,” was the response. “Then, of course there is no pane chance for an enemy to have hidden himself in the motte,” said Queen Nadine, with a degree of satisfaction and relief. “If a ghost had tried to steal into the motte, I would have heard it, my angel!” ‘ For’a ghost—that!” and Nadine made a ges- ture of contempt. ‘It is only the living we have to fearand guard against in this world. In the other—time enough when it opens to our veyes |" Don Ruez made no reply. He was eager to get down to business, to remove it as soon as possible, and thus leave room for love-making. Queen Nadine seemed to divine his wishes, and ‘cept f opened the ball. There is no particu- lar need to record her words in full. Enough for present purposes that she spoke without reserve as far as she went, and had there been ‘an eavesdropper hidden in those shades, he might well have opened his eyes with amaze- ment, ' For enough was said to show that Queen Nadine, Don Ruez, and her father, were all law- breakers of the most dangerous sort, They talked of cattle-stealing in the past; of no gling across the border, both north and south; and of raids as yet only projected, by which they hoped to make money enough to forever quis the risky business. ** And then, my queen?” murmured Don Ruez. “*Wow much longeram I to wait for my rich When am I to enter the gates of Paradise?” # Nadine laughed softly, even as she struck downe the band that wa3 stealivg around her waist. “Very soon, now, my impatient knight! Only—there is still work to be done! ork that [ dare not intrust to less competent, hands than those of my Ruez!” ** You have only to say what you wish done, and if mortal mancan bring it to pass, that obstacle shall not long bar the way,” quietly answered the rustler. ‘“¥You love me so well, then, Ruez?” softly murmured Nadine, drawing a little closer, her hands resting on his broad shoulders, her great eyes glowing steadily into his fierce black orbs, “T jove you, my angel, That is all I can say, for what are words? Empty sound, forgotten as soon as uttered! J love you. In those words might be crowded all the world!” “’Y ou love me better than ail the other women in the world?” 5 i “I know but one woman. Youare she,” — “You do loveme, theu!” with a sottexultation in her musical toes thit made his strong frame quiver again. ‘I was wrong to doubt your love, even for a moment, And yet—what proof are you willing to give that you are not mistaken, my Ruez? ** Whatever you ask, my queen, Iam ready —ani waiting!” She bent still closer, until her warm breath fanned his:cheek, “Even if I were tobid you kill? If I asked the death of a woman?” CHAPTER XXXIV. A COMPACT SEALED—AND WITNESSED, NEARER her face drew to his: brighter grew her eyes as they siege sought for an answer that might be truer than the one his lips were form- ing. Butnota shade crept over that darkly handsome face, Even her close scrutiny. failed +o detect the slightest shrinking, the most evan- escent symptom of disgust, or doubt, or of re- luctance. “Though that woman looked at me with my mother’s eyes, I would strike her to the heart at your bidding, fay queen,” Quietly, evenly, without the least effort at display. The manner of one who can be depend- | ed upon to do precisely what is asked, Although Queen Nadine had not really antici- pated a different response, knowin uez the rustler so well, she drew a deep breath of intense relief as his deep, mellow tones came in an- swer. She was in no such hastenow. She knew that ber end was assured, and she took time to glance rapidly over the minor details of the bold ‘scheme in which she wanted this bold outlaw to play apart. It wasa ticklish story she had to tell and Don Ruez was a dangerous tool to play with. If he loved her so intensely, just so he could hate. And with one of bis nature, there is but a single step from one to the other. “Tt will not call for such beroism on your rt, my Ruez,” she at length uttered, her inter - Tooked hogers resting on his shoulder, her lus- trous eyes gazing into bis with a mingled ardor | me to the men whose herds we have 27 gain full possession of Falcon Ranch. Shall he succeed in bis plans, Don Ruez?” ‘“ When shall he go to his father, the devil, Nadine?” Queen Nadine stamped her spurred heel fierce- ly into the ground, a Spanish oath hissing through her white teeth. “Tfit was only him, be would be gone ere this—before the words died away upon his sneer- The Rustler Detective. and proud reserve that few women could have so adroitly counterfeited. “It is a stranger whom you must get out of my path—our path, remember, my Ruez.” ‘“Where will I find ber,my queen? When will you be best pleased to bave the work com- pleted?” ‘*T will tell you shortly. ' First—I am *hout to put your love and trust to a terrible test, Don Ruez!” ing lips! It is not Nadine Falconer who would ‘Tf I fail you, youknow theroadtomy heart, have waited for even you to avenge her!” Nadine.” . ‘* There is room below for others, my queen,” Even then Queen Nadine hesitated, a slight with grim candor. ‘ ‘¢ And that room shall soon be occupied, too! But listen, Don Ruez, and I will show you the scheme I have decided to carry out, “That man took advantage of a favorin chanze, and before all our neighbors exmonneed our speedy marriage. I could not deny him then. I could only wait and plan bis ruin. “For this reason, among others, he must not | die too soon. He must live on until almost at his coveted triumph. Not quite— I myself would kill bim at the feet of the priest, were you to fail me.” ‘* There shall be no failure on pon part. Tell ne shiver running over her lissom frame. ow would this hot-brain receive her story? Yet she must run the risk of feeling his jealous knife in her beart, Heewas all she could reslly depend ween: Without his aid she would be forever ost! ‘If I were to say to you, Don Ruez, within the week, Iam to become the bride of another man?” “T would hunt out that man, and kill him. Then I would come to you, and the world would find us united—in death,” was the slow, eveu re- sponse, thuugh there was an almost scorching blaze in the black eyes that so keenly looked me just what you wish me to do, then forget it into ber beautiful face. , all. Your will shall be earried out.” ‘‘ But if I were to add to those words, in ex-' ‘‘ How long will it take you to collect a dozen planation, that I nied had no intention of keep- of your band?” ing the pledge given this man, my Ruez?” ‘‘ Three hours, I did not know just what was “I would believe you, and wait until after | wanted,so I brought a few trusty hands with the appointed hour. Then, if all proved as you , me.” said, we would drink to the fool. If not—” ** Then that point is settled!” with a breath of The sentence was left unfinished. There was ' relief. ‘‘ And now, for this man who thinks to no need to end it in words, since Queen Nadine | claim an unwilling bride. You know where he fully understood what that hiatus indicated. | lives. You know the trail by which he reaches “You know the master of the Open Hand | Falcon Ranch. And you can find plenty of Ranch, Don Ruez?” places along that trail where you can lie in wait “T have beard of him—have seen him at least _ to capture him at the proper moment.” once.” | “You mean kill him, of course?” - “You would recognize him, even in the Queen Nadine flung out one hand impatiently. dark?” ‘* Kill him, if you like the term) better. All [ stipulate for is’ his silence. Put. to guard would recognize him.” against accidents, there must be a false trail tur “Tn five days from now, that man must be a | curious eyes and busy tongues. Listen: corpse, Ruez!” ‘*T will give you time enough to do the werk “He is no better than a dead man, my ,asit should be done. If you like,I will give queen,” ) you a sign that will introduce you to all the men *“T neve: forget a face, voice or shape. I h ‘There must be no mistake, or on the fifth | on Open Hand Ranch who are membe's of our night I might be forced to become his wife, | organization.” RKuez!” ‘[ have the signs, the passwords, my queen. ‘‘ He shall never see the sun rise again!” with I know some of the men, and through them [ fierce emphasis, | / can easily learn the rest.” For the first time since that strange dialogue | _ ‘‘ Then there will be still less Gifficulty tran I began, the rustler showed signs ot broken qniet. had calculated upon,” with a gratified nod. In one hand flashed an ugly-looking knife, while | ‘* You will see these men. You will Jet them the other was tightly clincher and shaken above , know you are acting by authority. You will his hea ', His tones were deep and harsh, with . bid them get all in readiness for a mock raid on a snarling echo running through them. His | the Open Hand Ranch, just before the time set face was fairly transfigured with savage | for the wedding. And in that raid, which will hatred, be beaten off by’ the brave defenders, the master And, hard as it is’ to record the fact, Queen | will come by bis death! ‘You see, my Ruez?” Nadine laughed softly, admiringty at his vicious “The mast’ r will be killed. . And his bedy?” outburst. ‘*Mnust.be fourd and identified. As he will She felt a strange, wild exultation which it is | have died in open battle, you must be careful to almost impossible to express in words. She | cover your tracks, I do not forbid tcrtare, tut could play on the heart and brain of this strong, | you can make him suffer in mind, even more fearless man as deftly as ever her fingers rabies 3 than in body.” ed the strings of guitar or mandolin, To him, A hard, cruel laugh broke from the rus‘ler’s the slightest motion of her white finger was as | lips. ‘* He will hardly find a bed of roses, I fear! the waving of a mighty scepter. She no longer feared for the result as at first. | But you spoke of a woman: what about ber?” The worst was told, and his jealousy had not “That is another of my reasons for giving overwhelmed her, ~The rest would be compar- | this Gringo so long a grace, Don Ruez. While atively easy for one who had so carefully mark- | waiting for him, you can complete the other work. You know. the miserable Gringo who lives by the hills, east of Falcon Ranch? Angel Sam ple call him,” “Tt know of him. He has a skeleton of 2 herd, too poor for men of our business to bother with.” ; ‘There isa young woman living with him: his daughter. To-morrow night, or any other - night that bests suits you —” “Tt is your will, my queen, that is to rule.” “Then, to-morrow night you will take enough of your men to that place. You will silence every living soul you find in the cabin, then run off his cattle. That will cover your tracks well. ed out a path to follow to the end, “It is true, my Ruez, that the Open Hand must lose its present master, but not just yet. There is work for him todo. He must help to guide the steel to his own heart—see?” ‘* Tt shall be as you say, Nadine,” slowly. ‘‘ He is reprieved, but only for a time, Even you dare not ask me let him live through the full five days!” ; “You would refuse even my request, then?” ‘*T love you.” All was contained in those three words, Not even the woman he so completely loved could tide Nash Whildon over the night set for his — marriage. It will be laid to petty rustlers, and no eyes will With a low mere laugh, Queen Nadine | be turned in our direction. Of course, if you tapped him softly on the cheek with the tips of | prefer, your men can run the bunch over the her fingers. river. [t may be just as well, on second “Tt Ae enough, my Ruez! I will torment thee | thoughts, You can have plenty of aid from no longer, sweet as itis to see how thoroughly | here to carry out the other trick.” - thou art in earnest—precious as such a proud!, ‘ And when all is dohe, my queen?” slowly de- triumph is to the fond heart that beats for thee | manded the rustler, his eyes al! aglow, his face alone!” lit up with strong passions, though his voice was Leas the rustler calmed down. There | held so completely under control. ‘‘ When your was just the ghost of a threat in his manner as | pathway is smooth and clear, what is to foliow.” he slowly uttered: sia |e t leave you to say, my Ruez?” softly “Tt is alla jest? It is only to trygyour power | murmured Nadine. f over your slave, Queen Nadine? ere is no “* Do vou dare say so much?” with sternly re- talk of marriage between him and thee?” pressed fire. A swift and complete change came over the “Why not? It is to be, sometime! Why not amazon at this. Her voice grew more business- | —wait!” springing back with uplifted hand as like, her face bardened under the starlight. | the rustler stretched out his hands to fold her in “Phat is just what I sent for you to bear ex- his bosom. ‘*One moment, rs Ruez lained, Don Ruez. This accursed Gringo has ) ‘Byer thus! But I wait. It is only to drink een playing the spy to good purpose. He has | deeper of bliss when the cup at last touches my discovered that you gentlemen across the border | ed he muttered, falling back in prompt obe- have allies on this side. He knows that Iam _ dience to his changeable love. . one of the family, and by yeaa erg. nine we “That waiting shall soon end, my Ruez! I, ed into ' like you, am growing tired of the long, dreary good gold, he thinks to win me fora wife,and delay. I, like you, yearn for the happy days $ a) ‘ ts ean Hie Zi eae! . Stal 7
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SS OT A A a SS ee Fe We ee or age ons Te iar tire: when we need no longer wear the mask—when you and I will be forever together, with all the world hefore us! ‘But still we must act with prudence. We must wait until this excitement shall have died out. Until there is no more talk of how the master of Open Hand Ranch came by his death on his wedding eve!” ‘* And then? ‘You shall name your own reward, my Ruez!” One fierce, passionate embrace Nadine per- mitted. Then they turned and left the timber 33 island, riding away toward Falcon Ranch, never 3 once suspecting that their every word had been a overbeard, their every action noted by the cun- ning trailer who lay beneath the brambles near the spring. And then, when their forms had vanished in the distance, this spy left the motte, striding swiftiy toward Falcon Ranch. And. the star- light revealed the tall, muscular figure of Red Cinas the Kickapoo! CHAPTER XXXV., THE RUSTLER DETECTIVE, It was mid-forenoon of the day succeeding the interview between Queen Nadine and Ruez the Rustler, that Angel Sam looked up with a dark frown to recognize Royal Hart and bis red pard, the Silent Kickapoo. a Top o’ the morning to ye, daddy!” cheerily cried out the Bounding Buck, his blue eyes rov- ing swiftly around as though in search of an- other. ‘‘ Haven’t heard anything from Pink Archer, have you?” ‘‘He ain’t ’round yere, ef that’s what you want,” surlily, * Well, [| hardly dared hope he had got back from Santone, as yet, but thought it no harm to ask the question,’ Angel Sam turned almost green in the face at this cool speech. He feared yonnes 2 trouble, and he did not know how best to guard against it. : A low laugh broke from the lips of Royal Hart, and there wasa half-scornful, half-pitying look in his eyes as he tapped the old man on an arm. ‘*You’re mighty right, daddy; there ts trou- ble meow tig and you're mixed up in it, too, the worst kind! But, that, trouble don’t come from our direction, mind ye! Instead, I’ve come to give you warning that it is time you were hunting your hole in good earnest!” ey. “] hain’t done nothin’ ag’in’ the law,” dog- Sota gedly muttered Sam. ‘‘ You don't dast to la “4 weight o’ a finger onto me! I’m old, but kin make my teeth meet in the flesh, even yit, ‘ef 'm onto! You hear? es “And heed,” with salem gravity. * Look \ | here, Angell; we’ve come ay to do you a kindness, mainly on account of our mutual friend, Pink Archer, and the lady whom he ! bopes to make his wife.” . ‘ What you know ’bout all that?” gasped Sam startin to explain. In a hurry "Aer i i Pa at 4 fs ee pater ys a “Listen, and I'll eF. though he left you, for Sautone, Pink found es time to look ime up and beg me to keep an eye open in this direction. He told me what he had to fearon her account, and begged me to see that no harm befell her during his absence.” “He never said nothin’ to me!” muttered An- ' gell, dubiously. ‘*How much time had he for saying any- toe with a passing frown. This was true, After consulting over the st:ange and wonderful prospect which seemed to be opening before Angel Nell, Pink Archer resolved to lose no time in seeking out French -Poley at San Antonio. Even with his ti _ haste, he might be too late to find his man, French Poley had said that he intended to set- -tle down in town for a time, but he was a roll- ing stone, and liable to change his mind and his location at any hour. * “T ama friend of Pink Archer, and I want to lay friend to both the lady he loves and her Fat er. Archer said that I could trust you, and in proof that [ take him at his word—look |” ening his clothes over the breast, Royal Hart revealed a deteotive’s badge lying next the skin, Only for a moment? then the tell-tale bit of metal was hidden from view. ; “That ought to show you I’m not an enemy of yours, daddy,” softly hed the detective. As well as you can tell me, I know what th» life ot of a detective is worth in this region; I know pe Seki that were my real business known, nothing short ita of riding a streak of lightning could get me out of the country quick enough to save my life, But [ am not afraid to trust you, for more “at reasons than one,” Sy “T hain’t no great love fer men o’ your cali- - ber, I'm free to own, but ef you’re a fri’nd 0’ ~ Pink Archer—” 4 nodded the Rustler oo eS 2 i RS ot onsen pcre — — rt ne + geo = SS ge eee ea a The Rustler Detective. admitted, he would run me down with his human bloodhounds, too quick!” Angel Sam nodded his gray head, with a grim smile. He could resilily boliove all this, and so believing, he was beginning to look with more favor upon this detective. Surely he could mean no evil to bim or his, else he would hardly have placed such a dangerous weapon in his hands! “That is one reason,” smiled Royal Hart, who seemed able to read below the surface with- outa balk. ‘‘I want to help you and the little lady, for my new ,pard’s sake. I can’t well do that without first winning your confidence. You sabe, my friend?” “Tt ain’t—they ain’t no trouble comin’ from that-a-way?” muttered Angel Sam, with an un- easy glance in the direction of Falcon Ranch. ‘I'd like to say no, but I’m constitutionally opposed to lying when there isn’t anything to | be gained by so doing,” smiled Royal Hart in reply. ‘‘ There is trouble brewing, and it does come from that quarter, I’m sorry to say. And yet—you ought to have known it must come, some time, after what French Poley told you down Santone way!” Angel Sam shivered as though an icy blast had suddenly swept over him. His fingers closed and unelc nervously, His voice was shaky as he stammered: **T didn’t—I couldn’t—what could I do?” flash- ing out in angry 2 le cgi ‘All Pve got in the world lays right here! Ef I was to throw that away, what was to come o’ birdy?” “Property is a mighty- good thing, when a body can enjoy it. But it don’t count for much when that bc y. is a dead body!” ‘They wouldn’t dar’! They wouldn’t dar’, even ef they was to suspect the hull truth!” stammered Angel Sam, brushing the cold drops from his paling face. : “So I might have said, only for the tidings Red Clam brought me last night,” was the ear- nest response. ‘I could hardly believe but what pard had been snoozing, and dreamed itall. I made him tell it all over iy sean 9 as I'd ‘have him tell it now for your benefit, if you were smart enough in sign language to take it in.” “What was it? What did he see or hear? Durn it, man!” with sudden rage, clinching his bony hands and looking as though he would leap at the throat of this cool detective in an- other instant. ‘Cain’t you spit it out? Shell I tar the words out o’ your heart?” : “‘Tll not trouble you so far, daddy,” with a low laugh, ‘‘ You might break your finger- nails, and certainly would soil my rigging. So | —open your ears, and I'll give you a synopsis of the real facts.” Clearly, succinctly, the detective told how Red Clam eavesdropped Queen Nadine and Ruez the Rustler at the timber island. He conceal’d nothing that concerned Ange] Sam and Nellie, bat peoeed: over the plot against Nash Whildon in silence, Sam listened in silence, almcst stunned by a knowledge of the sretny Al which threatened bis “birdy.” And pitying Hart cut his recital as short as he could without g the details. , * Vhat’s the neat little arrangement our ten- der-hearted friends have decided upon, but— don’t they wish they may get it?’ “ We've to go—got to run fer it!” huskily mumbled the old man, staggering as he turned the cabin, only to be checked by the firm but kindly grip of the detective, ‘“‘There’s time enough and to spare, daddy,” he said, with a cheery laugh that was medicine to the sorely shaken veteran, ‘‘Such wolves do all their prowling after dark, and Icng before | that time you the little — shall be in per- fect safety. You will.trust us?” “ Kin Lholp it?” huskily demanded Sam, his eyes bloodshot, his weatherbeuten face even more haggard than ordinary. ‘But ef M bo play her false—ef you try any foul tricks—look out fer Sam! i’m a mis’able wreck, jest now, but that’d make a giant out o’ me—fer her!” ‘IT swear that we mean nothing but good to ou and your daughter,” earnestly responded e detective, forcing the old man to look him squarely in the face. ‘I swear that we will save your child from her enemies, though it costs us both our lives, Can I say more?” “Don’t lay it up ag’in’ the ole man, sir,” mut- tered Sam, his eyes filling with tears such as he had not known for many a long year. “Tin gittin’ played out, I reckon, from the way things shake an’ shiver me alf over! I ain’t no ’count any mo’, pears like! No ‘count ‘cept to love the little birdy as is all I’ve got left in this world!” | . He bardiy knew whkat he was saying, but even Red where Nellie was at work. Sam eagerly dence in hee : a t bey pales Re enti ee ie ‘ r SS Se eye is evident misery, Royal | new friends and protectors, and his tongue was by far the busiest in winning Angel Nell over to. the same view of the matter. And shortly after noon, each one bearing a small parcel of vecessaries, they deserted the little cabin, falling back into the hills. to finally pause at a small but not uncomfortable cave: which Red Clam revealed. And there the two: ards left Angel Sam and Nellie, bidding then eep up good courage, assuring them that tie clouds would speedily roll by, leaving all clear’ and peaceful. meet ety CHAPTER XXXVI. ““YOUR BRIDE SHALL BE DEATH!” NASH WHILDON found thcse seven days diffi- cult to classify, whenever he sat down to coolly, | carefully review their events, At one moment he felt himself in the seventh heaven of delight. Nadine was so gentle, so kind, so loving, so altogether different from the proud, haughty, scornful amazon whom be had. ‘so vainly courted. Already he fondly told him- , self that his mighty passion for this beautiful | creature was winning her love in return. And _if such a change was wrought in a few days,. | what would be the result a month later? | Then a word, a glance, an action, would cast | him back into the depths once more. Nadine was simply making the best of a bad bargain. She hated and despised him for forcing ber into | aunion, She would never learn to love nor to fortrive, adine might have been content with the measure of revenge which she reaped during” those days, but she was not, She knew that. Nash Whildon was suffering, end this knowl- edge lent her renewed strength and subtlety. She needed them, for she, too, failed to find tris: interval a bed of roses. . Still, nothing occurred to change the hour set: for the ceremonv, and as the cfternoon of the all-important day waned rapidly, Nash Whileon mounted his horse and set out for Falcon Rench, where he would have been hours before, «nly for the play cuny serious interdiction cf his blusaing bride-elect. | _ For once in his life. the master of n Arne sag was perfectly happy. Not the slirh'esr | @loud dbscured his’ mental tor‘zon. Nit the faintest doubt came to ruffle his mind, Poor devil! His horse started to one side with a frig tena? snort, but before its master could touch a wea- pon, or even glance around in quest of the | alarming object, the oiled noose of a lasso clcsed over his neck, and a vicious jerk tore him from. the saddle. The fall stunned him, and it was many min- utes before he recovered his consciousness, to find himself bound hand end foot, with his ba: k supported against a tree-trunk, ‘Ha! sluggard with the kcavy eyes! Is it thus thou wouldst o’ersleep the bour of thy wed- ‘ding? Is it after this fashion thou l:eepst tryst with her Excellency, Queen Nadine?” At that name, Nash Whildon uttered a savage \roar of and threw all his powers into the effort to burst his bonds. Not that he suspected the truth. for even an instant, but because he feared a malicious fate was about to rob him of his prize, ov.n as he saw it fairly within bis ' grasp. ; Don Ruez, the Rustler, made no move to in- terfere. He had epplied the bonds, and knew that they would hold a giart helpless. And so psp. he stood motionless, save for the mock- | ing laugh that curled his jetty teard. Motion- : Jess until the captive exhausted his strength in fruitless struggles. Until Nash Whilaon sat: garing ee y into his face—the face of the pant o hated him more than all the world e P | ‘*Who are you!” he gasped, huskily, ‘“ What does this mean? I will pay you anything—I will make you rich for life—only set me free and | — omy wey Don Ruez laughed mocking] or | flashing eg gly, his jetty orbs ; you could cover your range a foot Cee with refined cold; if you sould poche each cna | of your cattle into diamonds of the purest water; if you could do all this, and beg me to accept the whole in return for your life and liberty from thig moment until the sun rose to- a morning, I would laugh at you as I do |. Who am I? Don Ruez, the Rustler! Your bitterest enemy, but Queen Nadine’s deare-t: friend! Ha! t-at stings you. dog of a Gringo?” For the first time, an inkling of the horrible truth seemed t.) flash across the whirling brain of the captive, For the first time he began to see how panda Sig y he had been duped by the woman whom he loved so madly—whom he thougi:t to win by force! In the awful pallor that stole into his face, the | rustler read something of this, and he laughed | again, as @ veritable fiend might laugh over the destruction of abuman soul. Already his re-- venge was begun! Already this insolent Gringo. Nadine : ie your crack-brain whispers; le, miserable = er | (a8 was paying the heavy debt he owed Queen — pitti Matera rg for the m+ >i) 7.7 thief, smug-
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‘have maie! The Rustler Detective. ler, ladrone, footpad, dares make that claim. Tod even beyond that!” with fierce triumph breaking through the thin mask. ‘‘Queen Na- dine is my promised bride! When you are forming a feast for worms, she will be breath- — sighs in my arms!” mee again did the master of Opn Hand Ranch strive to burst his bonds—to fres even a single hand with which to eboke these infernal lies to silence, They were lies! He would never believe that Queen Nadive had betrayed him! And even as the vow flushed across bis brain, 1. was branded as false: for he knew that it was truth this self-confessed outlaw was speaking, ‘*Are your eyes beginning to open to the truth as yet, my friend?’ sneered the Mexican, squatting on ‘his heels before his helpless rival, and deftly rolling up a cigarette. ‘‘Is your brain growing cool and steady enough to under- stand the words I am waiting to speak for your dele:tation before bidding you a bie farewell? If so—I proceed. If not—there is still a little time for wasting,” Whatever the cause, Nash Whildon sudden! seemed t) recover ali his usual coolness, He ceased his struggles, and though his breath came in short, labored pants, that was hecause of his terrible exertions. ‘And when he spoke his tones were steady and clear: “Speak out what you have to say, you grin- ning cur! But beware how you insult the Sar whose name you have already taken iu vain. I will hear nothing against her!” ‘*Queen Nadine? It'is not these lips—the lips against which she has so often and so pa sion- ately pressed hers!—that could say aught against her! I, ber lover, her soon-to-beecome husband? Thrice accursed Gringo, thou arf mad!” Na h Whildon made no reply. Despite his struggles to the contrary, he was fast becoming convinced that he owed this captivity to the woman who had sworn to marry him that same eveuing! It was more bitter than death! — And Ruez the Rustler did not spare him a single pang. Although he had hardly been aware of such a person drawing the breath of life before that night interview with Nadine, the words she uttered then made him hate Nash Whildon beyond the power of,words to tell. Bit by bit he revealed the evil compact be- tween himself and Queen Nadine. Word by word he recalled the instructions she had given him, dwelling longest on the hatred she had be- trayed for this helpless wretch, And so, one after another, the rustler told of their nightly meetings, proving them by repeating the words that had fallen from her lips, making sport of ho: besotted lover. ‘* Tt is even so, poor fool! While the sun shone @neen Nadine forced herself to listen to your silly babble, the more surely to work your down- fall, And when night came, she would hasten to meet her true lover, repaying herself by laughing to scorn your clumsy compliments. “Why did she endure all this dezradation? To save those who were joined with her in solema compact! To blind your eyes and chain your tongue until it was forever too late for you to speak out—to proclaim the discoveries you Not that she believed all you said. She soon learne’l how you lied when you threat: ened her with the written history which you de- clared you had placed in the hands of a trusted friend, to publish broadcast in case aught should happen to you. It was a clumsy lie at best, but you could not even stick to it—you had to let the truth leak out, and so all the more surely seal your fate! ‘ “It is this night you hoped to wed with her— with my queen! No doubt you bave been counting the hours, the minutes, and cursing time for crebetig along at such a sluggish pace. And tlow—the master of Open Hand Ranch shall have his bride, but he will not need to, travel all the way to Palcon Ranch, It will not be Queen Nadine whose glowing lips he will i a they are sacred to me—to Ruez the ustler * As for you—your bride shall be Death !” Despite his natural courage, nerved now by a certainty that bis desperate game had gone en- tirely apein’ him, Nash Whildon shivered with fear as his captor ‘hissed forth those words, It was not the eyes of a human being that glared upon bim so savagely; they were the eyes of a demon, a monster wholly without mercy! | “It is time, accursed Gringo!” added Ruez, drawing a revolver from its scabbard and deft- ly rotating the cylinder across his palm. ‘TI have yet to ride far—for 1 am one of the in- vited guests, remember! Your bride is waiting, senor! It is painful to part with such dear friends, but you will not long remember, you will soon forget!” A brief Rod of awful ilence, during which Nash Whildon stared helplessly into that grim muzzle—then a sharp explosion! — { CHAPTER XXXVII. RISEN FROM THE DEAD. ALL was life and bustle at Falcon Ranch, for | | of Colonel Hugh Falconer’s celebration had : failed to put in an appearance. | Not altogether because a wedding was of rare | occurrence on the range, though that fact pro- | bably had something to do with it. But in this | union there was something out of the ordinary. ‘* Fact is,” observed Parker Mandrake to a few confidential pards. ‘* Fact is, gents, Whil- don must have wrung in a cold deck on the | queen; but I always said he’d get there!” This seemed to be the general impression. Few could believe that Queen Nadine was mar- rying for love alone. And it was with a vague expectation of witnessing something beyond } <9 only to the more’ surely lure him on to death at — the hands of a merciless rival. ' He had escaped—to hasten here, not to keep his wedding vows, but to bring the avalanche down upon her head. At this thought her veins seemed to fill with , fire. She forgot everything else in the one mad, insane lust for vengeaace. And with an almost maniacal scream, she plucked the dagger from her bosom and lea toward Nash Whildon, hissing: ** Die, you cur! Die before you—” Impetuous as was her action, a still swifter hand arrested her mad progress. Royal Hart what was on the programme, that the large | leaped between the twain, deftly wresting the majority of the guests put in an appearance. And outward ches yet sorely anxious within, as she might well be. It was from the lips of Ruez the Rustler him- | self that she first learned of the strange disa arance of Angel Sam and his daughter Nell. Rot a sign was left behind, when the outlaw and his men stole up to the little cabin at the adine? Almost feverishly gay to the | his shoulder, then holding the infuria } base of the hills, to carry out the merciless | commands of his queen. Nor had the mystery been solved : to this hour, stot Goribeet Nadine kept the Weasel at work night and day during the interval. Even that accomplished spy and ferret had to own himself wholly at a a Pink Archer, too, was among the missing, | and though Queen Nadine sent out couriers far dangerous toy from her hand and tossing it over beauty helpless, smiling coldly into her blazing eyes as | be uttered: ** You might hurt somebody, ma’am, and that would be awfully awkward on a solemn occasion Iike this! Pray subside, won’t you?” Colonel Falconer stood like one petrified at the unexpected appearance of Nash Whildon, but as he saw his daughter struggling vainly to free herself from the firm grasp of his newly ap- | pointed overseer, an oath grated through his teeth and be whipped forth a revolver. Only to have the weapon torn from bis hands ys grip of steel! And as he was twisted about, he met the glowing eyes of Red Clam, the Silent Kickapoo. . All this occurred in such swift succession that and wide, even to Say Antonio. one and all | not a hand could be lifted, not a voice raised in failed to bring in the information she so eagerly | protest by the longed for. And with this haunting dread at her heart— the fear that Pink Archer had abandoned every- thing to steal away with the blue-eyed girl for whom he had rejected her love—Queen. Nadine was forced to hide her real emotions and play she learned to hate more intensely with the pas- sage of each hour. And not only this, but sbe must also keep Ruez the Rustler in play. Taken all-in-all, Queen Nadine was paying a heavy price for her anticipated victory over Nash ildon! But she showed nothing of this, as she moved peer » yet geyly, through the brilliantly ighted rooms. Never before had she appeared to so much advantage. Never before so supremely beautiful. And never before had her wit sparkled so brilliantly as now, when she knew that ere long a thunderbolt must fall in the midst of this assemblage. Already the hour named for the ceremony to begin, was past, and no one had seen aught of Nash Whildon.’ Where was he? Why had he not been bere long ago, to help his bride-elect receive the company? Such ‘frills’ might serve in ‘tthe States,” but it was not what one naturally looked for out here on the range, According to etiquette, per- haps, but— r was this the turn which matters were to ke? Such a curious courtship bad ought to ind up with a surprise of some sort, but who would have precicted that Nash Whildon would be the one to take the initiative? Who would have thought the bridegroom would turn up missing? “It gets me—gets me\bad /” murmured Parker Mandrake feebly. ‘If I had to lay a bet, I'd shut my eyes an’ let ’er float where she liked! This sort o’ thing knocks sober judgment galley-west!” ‘ Without, the cowboys from a score of ranches were gathered, for Colonel Hugh Falconer sage- ly said that a man with but one child did not ests until the double arrest wes e. Then all was confusion. Women scream- ed and covered their eyes with trembling hands, Men cursed and drew tkeir weapons, though hardly knowing what they were to do.~ There was a steady rush from the courtyard, and a score of armed men quietly ranged them- — the io of yielding woman to the man whom | selves close along the walls, while Pink Archer, who seemed to be at their head, stepped in front with uplifted band. ‘Hold, gentlemen! This is nota matter for | you to mix in. Keep your temper until you learn just what it does mean, or some of you may not live long enough to repent of your rashness!” Probably no other man in all that company could bave so quickly brought order out of con- fusion. Every one present knew and respected the ex-foreman of Falcon Ranch. Each one was Setar. Be wait at his stern command, at least until they bad a fairer inkling of the real facts than they had at that time, — ““That’s white and level-headed, nts!” laughed the Rustler Detective, as with a dexter- ous motion he brought Queen Nadine’s wrists behind her back and snapped a glittering pair of handcuffs in place. ‘‘1t’s mighty little profit in bucking against the law, you know, and it’s the law that has taken charge of this littie affair.” Colonel Faleoner heard these words, and with a desperate effort he tried to break away. Clam tightened his giip for a moment, then whirled thé colonel around until he fell into the hands of Pink Archer. Then, without another glance at the man, be turned and passed out of the room. ‘* Friends and neighbors!” coldly uttered Nash Whildon, one hand grasping the butt of a cock- ed revolver as his eyes swiftly roved over the startled, lexed faces. “This is hardly the fashion in which I fondly expected to stand he- fore you this evening, but you'll have to make the best of it. I fully intended to keep my part of the bargain, but Miss Falconer was not con- tent to leave well enough alone. She and her have a wedding ih the family every day, and | father are at the head of the rustlers who have this one should be made memorable in the an- been raiding our ranches! They were at the nals of the range. And just as Parker Man- | bottom of a big raid when Pierce Falconer was drake put bis puzzled opinion on record, a loud, ringing cheer arose from a hundred throats at once, and instantly all jumped to the conclusion that the dilatory bridegroom had at last deigned to put in an appearance. ll save Queen Nadine and, possibly, the col- onel. They turned paler, and see to brace themselves for an anticipated shock. Louder grew the cheers of the Ne pag be and Nadine involuntarily stole one hand to t +50, 3% ger that nestled in her bosom, for this was ~ ly the cadence she anticipated: for the angry alarm appropriate to the mock raid which Ruez the Rustler was to make on Open Hand. And then—she stood as though petrified. For through the BS ae door, the tall, grace- ful figure of Nash Jdon strode, his blue eyes fixed upon her ghastly face with a cold, merci- less smile, _ : ‘**Am I too late? Have I sinned against all forgiveness, Nadine? Yet it was not my fault if I have kept the guests waiting.” — Clear, mocking, almost venomous the tones, and Queen Nadine shrunk back with a low, gasping cr egies This was no spirit—n — from beyond the gravel This was Nash Whildon in life, and he Ee fa Sr ate of Ope Hana knew, too, th: er of Open Ranch knew, everything She could read it in had ‘betooted Pie de hy yp ae - Se Ee a, Snares murdered! And worse—I swear that Hugh ‘Falconer killed his own brother on that occa- sion!” * A lie—a lie!” ag the colonel, but giving himself the lie by miserably ghastly face and trembling limbs. As for Nadine, never a sound passed her lips. She stood erect, with ber blazing eyes fixed on the face of the man whom she had so persistently deceived, knowing full well that nothing she could say or do now could keep the black truth from coming out. 1 “T knew this, yet I loved her so madly that I agreed to keep the secret if she would marry me, I make no other defense. ‘I simply say that I loved her— how madly no words can fitly “She agreed, as you al} know. ‘The day was set for our wedding. J would have, played my alee Aine but she—she hired a man called uez to waylay and murder me, He kept his part of the compact as far as permitted. Hi had his revolver at my bead, ready to blow out my brains, when this cooe with a side — nod toward Royal Hart, ‘‘ shot the rascal down . and took me prisoner.” 4 good he ed
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. ter of Open Hand Ranch would resist, but then | ’ tay . acomplete understanding as we can have under | . into the strong handsof Pink Archer, Colonel even the slightest struggle. ~ * of Queen Nadine, Falconer straightened up for - » doubt, Pierce Faleoner was fully reco; y ‘many of the wedding guests, and this greatly . lightened the task of the Rustler Detective. It The Rustler Detective. ssa ae =) smelt he bowed his head and held out his hands for the irons which were deftly snapped in place, “It isan ugly duty at the best, good people,” said Royal Hart, his face growing grave and hard. ‘*I wish I cowd have spared you it. I wish I could bave made these arrests after a more quiet fashion, but there was by far too much at stake torun any risks. You know how little men of my profession are liked in this sec- tion. You know—as I know—that without such | these circumstances, you would never permit me to take my prisoner out of the country with- out a desperate attempt at rescue.” ‘* It isn’t a dead sure thing, even now!” smiled | Parker Mandrake. | “It will be sure death to the man who lifts | the first finger, at all events,” coldly retorted | the detective, with a nod toward the picked | men marshaled by Pink Archer. Instantly a line of business-like revolvers rose to a level. , ‘Simply to show you that I am prepared to hold up my end, gentlemen,” smiled the detec- tive, blandly. ‘I don’t want any row. I'll try every fair means to avoid it. But if it begins on your side, we'll do the best we know to sweep the board,” ‘* You dare to arrest us on the bare assertion of that cur?’ coldly demanded Queen Nadine with a glance of loathing toward the master of the Open Hand. ‘ And hea convict, according to your own telling!” ** As | said, ma’am, that is simply a branch of the play. Tarrest you for attempted murder. l arrest your father for actual murder!” ** Both ag are lies, base as the lips that utter them! Who is it that dares couple our names with so foul a crime? Who i a the charge? Whom have we murdered?” ‘* ] make the charge against yonder craven\” cried a clear, ringing voice, and the lithe figure of Angel Nell passed into the room. ‘I accuse Hugh Falconer of causing the death of Lucille Falconer, the wife of his brother—and of my mother!” “* And I am ready to swear the same!” came a deep, stern voice as Red Clam strode in through the door. CHAPTER XXXVIII. HOW ROYAL HART “GOT THERE.” From the moment the red pard flun him Hugh Falconer had not uttered a word or made At each fresh point that was made against them, a shiver would creep through bis cowering form, and it only required a single glance into his livid counte- "ar for one to recognize the unmasked crim- inal. When Angel Nell answered the fierce defiance an instant, until he r nized the speaker, then shivered and gasped for breath, For one instant Pink Archer felt almost sorry for the wretch, despite all his crimes, but his ip tightened as that deep, vengeful voice fol- owed: as the form of Red Clam strode into the room, pausing by the side of Angel Nell, whose arms clung lovingly to his, whose sunny head leaned con a aa against his shoulder. The form of the Silent Kickapoo, but no pink og with bronzed skin, no longer in savage garb, no longer dumb! “T charge you, ay Falconer, with causing the death of my wife, Lucille Falconer! I charge you with stealing my child, Angela! I charge you with attempting my death—with—” Colonel Falconer straightened up despite the strong grip which Pink Archer kept upon his | arms, e stared into that stern yet handsome face with a look of unutterable horror in his bloodshot eyes. Then— ** Pierce—returned to haunt—” A wild, st | yell broke off the words, and ) he sunk back a liteless weight in the arms of | the ex-foreman of Faleou Ranch. In the bright light there showed a gush of blood from his bearded lips. Before the curiously tangled tale was fully told, the red light of another day was breakin over Falcon Ranch. Each one of the principa actors had to explain the part he had taken in the drama which ended with the death of Hugh Falconer. This took time, and would require ee much space to be recorded in full at this late our. After the first few minutes of bewildered ized b a insured him against molestation, and rendered a close guard over his prisoners unnecessary, | ' go far as a rescue was concerned. 9° 0 . , j ih ; Wi ee eee ea a : RIO? nies Wea aia Sts oa Seay It was by his advice that Pierce Falconer—no | longer Clam the Silent—stepped outside the | ranch and briefly spoke to the intensely excited cowboys, promising them a more ample explan- | ation at an early hour. And it was on his sug- gestion that the ranch-owners, with their wives | and daughters, were told all beforé the party wes broken up, ) _ Before he came to Texas, Pierce Falconer | clew to the identi us te : sel bs ae ne DA! P *; , pal lea at) Pai he. Pe. rc {Ad I es hel hs) Sagat ee eh pany te eee Ope TS) reel ees ee) Ren Oe lived in South Carolina, where he had a fine plantation, a happy home, and all that mortal man could wish for. He was very rich, He owned scores of val- uable slaves, and besides the ‘‘ Home Plantation ” on which he resided for the better part of the year, he possessed much other property. He was married, and had one child, then little more than an infant. There was but one other in whose veins flowed kindred hlood, and this brother, older, more wild and reckless, he had not seen for years, Business called him to Charleston, and while there, word vame that his mansion was burned to the groun|, and that both wife and child had perished in the flames! When he reached the scene of desolation, he was silently shown a few crumbling bones, which alone remained, They were given burial, and up to a few days since; he believed they were all that a terrible accident had left of his dear ones, None could explain how the fire occurred. It broke ouc in the dead of night, and before aught coulu be done to rescue its inmates, the fatal flames had done their work. Pierce Falconer never fully recovered from that awful blow. He lost all interest in his business. And when the civil war broke forth, he entered the Southern army, fighting reck- lessly until the end came, Then, gathering up what remained of his properhy: he turned his face westward, settling in Texas, to finally pur- chase Falcon Ranch. It was here that his brother turned up, after so many soaity bringing with him Nadine, his daughter by a Mexican wife. He received them kindly, end treated them as his kindred, only to m et with basest ingratitude at their hands. If they did not themselves plan the great raid, Hugh Falconer and Nadine were directly impli- cated in it. Their prime imcentive, beyond all reasonable doubt, was the death of their relative, when they would naturally fall heir to his property. There was a fight at the ford of the Rio Grande, and Pierce Falconer was left to float down with the current, supposed to be dead. A body was found, but it was not his. If Hugh Falconer permitted any friend to view the corpse before burial, he first mutilated the fea- tures beyond recognition. Then, with the owner ‘* dead and buried,” of course there was no fur- ther difficulty in taking possession of Falcon Ranch with its herds and droves, But, Pierce Falconer was not dead. How he escaped with life from the river, he could not then explain. How he wandered so many miles into the interior, was equally a puzzle to him. Enough that it so transpired. Enough that for many long weeks he lay in bed, hovering be- nt life and death, unable to utter a coherent word. * When he recovered his mind, he found Royal Hart watching over him. Not as a detective, though. ° Rather as a guest of the rancher who had so einghy taken the poor wanderer in and cared for him like a brother. But when Pierce Falconer could tell his story Royal Hart eagerly entered into the matter, and it was to his busy investigutions, while Falconer was slowly recovering his strength of body, that the rancher owed a knowledge of his brother’s foul play. The result is readily understood. After com- mitting such an atrocious crime, Hugh Fal- coner would hardly balk at another attempt to kill his brother, For this reason, among others to be afterward explained, it was determined for Pierce Falconer to appear on the scene in dis- guise. To perfect this, lestsome keen ear should recognize bis deep, peculiar voice, he pretended to be dumb. And the more surely to mask his features, he parted with his luxuriant beard, | staining his skin to match the character he assumed, “T was on a still bunt of my own, you see,” airily added Royal Hart, taking up the thread in turn, ‘‘ For nearly two years I had been look- ing after a Down-Hast criminal whom the gal- lows hag ached after, and just about this time I tumbled to the fact that I'd find my man in Nash Wildon, as you people have known the gentleman. T knew that you didn’t love detec- tives to distraction, but I wanted my man, bad! “To throw dust into your eyes—for which I most humbly beg your pardon, from biggest to littlest—I tried to play the wild and woolly rover of the mighty West! That accounts for the Bounding Buek from Buffalo Wallow, you see!” He told how a lucky chance first gave him a of Angel Nell.’ Told how “Red Clam” overheard the plot against Angel | Sam and his supposed daughter, as well as the bold game Queen Nadine was playing to foil Nash ildon. He bad come 4 fh in time to save the mas- ter of the Open Hand Ranch, though the call was so close that he was forced to send a bullet through the brain of Ruez the Rustler in order to preserve the life.of the man for whom he had hunted so long. After this, it was an casy mat- ter to'arrange with Nash Whildon—almost in- sane with fury and hatred at his heing so shame- lessly duped by the woma#a whom he adored— . the denouement which they had witnessed. - 4 Pink Archer told how he discovered ‘‘ French Foley ” at San Antonio, lying at the point of death, the result of injuries received in a drunk- en brawl]. Told how the dying man swore he was hired by Hugh Falconer to steal and kill the child heiress of his brother. Swore that he was. discovered by her mother, and to save himself, he killed her, then fired the building and fled witb the child. He told how he gave the child to his pard, Sam Angell. His dying statement was signed and witnessed, : shock of his brother’s return. Within an hour from the stroke, he died of hemorrhage of the ne adine Falconer, still haughty, still defiant, was kept at Falcon Ranch for a few days, but she only received the kind words of her relatives: with curses and threats. Nothing could soften ber, and at last Pierce Falconer placed her un- der charge of a trusty escort with orders to take her across the border into Mexico, there to turn her free with gold cnough' to insure herself against want for life. The escort did their duty, and Queen Nadine was never after heard from. Long before this, however, Royal Hart insist- ed on issuing invitations to all who bad received them before,-begging their presence at Falcon coner, only child and heiress of Pierce Falconer, to Pink Archer. Needless to say that every invitation was honored with an acceptance, Needless to say that the ceremony ‘‘ went off ” with much more smoothness than the prior one. And ‘ for this occasion only!” Royal Hart got gloriously boosy. ‘** Had to do it, you know, pard!” he seriously uttered the next day. ‘‘Had to keep up my end, don’t you see? You were drunk—with happiness. J was drunk—with benzine! Just a difference "twixt tweedle-dee and tweedle- um! ‘And then—who knows? I may have to chase another criminal down in these parts, and what’s a detective if he can’t do as the Romans do when he’s in their territory? So—shake, and call it even!” So well had the‘ Bounding Buck” played his pore since his first appearance on the scene, hat there were many hearty grips of the hand, many a Wish for his speedy return, and more than one moist pair of eyes among those who ge ah to see him safely on his way with Nash hildon in charge, bound for the East, where his prisoner was to suffer the penalty due his almost forgotten crime. ““ Will I come back? Why, bless your souls, gentle people! I couldn’t keep away if-l were to try until my horns dropped off! Don’t wear poor Little Earthquake out with too constant riding, if you love me! Keep him in clover, Treat him tenderly and with care, For I’m coming hack to this benighted region, here to kick up my heels and cavort around like a vear- ling buck with a new suit of prongs, never to depart from your midst until Pve taught every mother’s son of you how to ride!” And before the smiling, yet weeping bride could divine his purpose the Rustler Detective: smacked her loudly on the lips! Then he turned away, leaping into the saddle and rode off with his prisoner. THE END. DIME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS CE AND HOME ENTERTAINMENTS. Dialogues, Nos, 1 to 34 inclusive, 15 to 25 popu lar dialogues and dramas in each book, Each vol- ume 100 pages 12mo. Speakers, Nos. 1 to 2% inclusive. Each speaker 100 pages 12mo, containing from 50 to 75 pieces, YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERIES, Dime Book of Winter Sports. \ Dime Book of Summer Athletic Sports Dime Gents’ Letter Writer. Dime Book of Etiquette. Dime Book of Verses. Dime Book of Dreams, Dime Fortune Teller. Dime Ladies’ Letter Writer, Dime Lovers’ Casket. Dime Ball-Room Companion, Dime Book of 100 Games, Dime Chess Instructor, Dime Book of Beanty, The above publications are for sale by all news- dealers or will be sent, post-paid, on receipt of _—_ OO rOO OO re ' 98 (Wintiam srreet, N, Y, - 4 Hugh Falconer never recovered from the: Ranch to witness the mariage of Angela Fal- . price, ten cents each, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, - oeeoe 7-4 Urea i ee si We A Rs a TRY a ; al me ea.
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EE — BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 994 Buffalo Bill's Lone Hand. 989 Buffalo Biil’s Marked Bullet. $84 Buffalo Bill’s Life Raffle. °¥9 Buffalo Bili’s Relentless Trail. 964 Buffa'o Bil’s Invincibles. \960 Buffalo Bill’s Vlue Belt Brigade. ‘956 B offate Bill’s Volunteer Vigilantes, 950 Buffalo Bill at Bay. $48 Buffalo Bill’s Block Game. 936 Buffalo Bills Black Pard, 927 Buffalo Bill's Bluff; or, Dusky Dick the Sport. 921 Butfalo Bill’s Quandary: or, Velvet Bill’s Vow. 15 Buffato Bill the Surgeou-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 hill Wik Bill and Band- box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth, 874 Buffalo -ill’s Buckskin Braves, 869 Buffalo Bill's Road-Agent Round-up, 863 Buffalo Pill’s Dea‘h Charm, ‘857 Buffalo Bill's Royal Flush 851 Buffalo Bill's l‘oub'e 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 BRI’s Death-Knell, 794 Buffalo Bill’s Winning Hand 787 Buffalo Bill’s Dead Shot. 78i Buffato Bill's Brand. 777 Buffalo Bill’s Spy Shadower. 769 Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake. 765 Brffalo Bill's Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam, 761 Buitalo Bill’s Mascot. 757 Buffalo Bill’s Double, 750 Buffalo Bil®s Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow. 748 Buffalo Bill's Flush Hand. 789 Buffalo Bill's Blind: or, The Masked Driver, 35 Buffalo Bill end His Merry Men. 731 Buffalo Bili’s Beagles: or, Silk Lasso Sam, 727 Buffalo Bill’s Bodv Guard, 722 Buffalo Bill on the War-path. ,716 Buffalo Bill's Scout Shadowers. (710 Buffalo Bill Baffled: or. The Deserter Desperado. '697 Buffalo Lill’s Buckskin Brotherhood. 691 Ruffalo Bill’s Blind Trail; or, Mustang Madge. 667 Buffalo Bill’s Swoop; or, Tbe King of the Mines, 58 The Cowb2v Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas, 658 Lasso King’s League; or, Buck Taylor in Texas. 649 Buffaio Biil’s Chief of Cowboys; or, Buck Taylor (644 Buffalo Sill’s Bonanza; or, Si ver Circle Knights, 1862 Buffalo Bil’s Grip; or, VUatn Bound to Custer, $29 Buffalo Bill’s Pledge: or. The League of Three. 189 Wild Bill‘s Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen. 175 Wild Bill's Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress. 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot, By Buffalo Bill. 973 The Dread Shot Four 969 Texas Jack, the Lasso King 839 The Ranch King Dead-Shot. 82) White Beaver’s Still Hunt. Wid Bill; the Wild West Duelist. 800 Wild Bili, the Deaa-Center Stot. 639 Buffalo Bill’s Gold King. The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains. 414 Red Renard, the Indian Detective. 491 One-Armed Parc; or, Borderland Retribution. 897 The Wizara Brothers: or, White Beaver’s Trail, 894 White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte. $19 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler. The Pilgrim Sharp: or, The Soldier's Sweetheart, | 8 Gold Bullet Svort; or, Knights of the Overland, | 52 Death-Traiier, the Chief of Scouts. By Leon Lewis, Ned Buntiine, ete, [2 Buffalo Bul’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue. '682 Buffalo Bill’s Seer. t Service Trail. 629 Buffalo Bill's Daring Role; or, Daredeath Dick. 'b17 Buffalo Bi'l’s First Trail; or, The Express Rider. 158 Buffalo Bill, Chief cf Scouts : (117 Buffalo Bill s Strange Pard; or, Dashing Dandy. ' Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King. BY HAROLD PAYNE. \s83 The Man from Mexico in New York. : 872 The King-Pin Shark; or, Thad Burr’s Ten Strike. 4 The Tenderloin Big Four The Quaker City Crook. $44 Tracked to Chicago. 826 The Policy Broker's Blind. 829 ‘Fhe Frisco Sharper’s Cool Hand. 821 The Tramp Shadower’s Backer. 813 The Sham Spotter's Shrewd Scheme. 805 The Grand Street Gold-Dust Sharpers. 798 Detective Burr's Luna'ic Witness 92 The Wall Street Sharver’s Snap. ws4 Thad Burr's Death Drop. 742 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs. e enh rh aes Hg oe A Woman’s Strategy. P rr, the Headquarters Special. 713 Detective Burr's Spirit Chase. 705 Detective Burr’s Seven Clues, 698 ‘Thad Burr, the Invincible; or, The “L” Clue 690 The Matchless Detective, p 680 XX. the Fatal Clew; or, Burr's Master Cage. wy COL. THOMAS H, MONSTERY, 95 The Czar’s Spy.’ He Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster, 3g Champion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Show, to fl Kubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen. EY J. W. OSBON. rar Shadrach, the Sport Detective. (922 Gilbert heagy the Dandy Sport, 905 Shasta Sam, the Sparkier. gr7 1 Creede, the Dead-Shot, § from St. Louis, © 7m Peval Bichard, the ‘Thoroughbred, Th 16 The BEADLE'’S*] )IME*]IBRARY. Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers. SY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES, 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, 879 Falcon nn, the Flash Detective, 871 The C Cashier. 859 Clew-Hawk Keene's Right Bower. 847 Hiram Hawk, the Harlem Detectiva,’ 840 Major Bullion, Boss of the Tigers. 881 Shadowing the London Detective. 817 Plush Velvet, the Prince of Spotters, 803 The s Broker's Right Bower. 788 The Night-Hawk Detective. 779 Silk Ribbon’s Crush-out, 766 Detective Zach, the Broadway Spotter, 751 The Dark Lantern Detective, 736 The Never-Fa'l Dvtective. 724 Captain Hercules, the Strong Arm Detective. 711 Dan Damon, the Gilt-Fdg¢e Detective. 701 Silver Steve, the Branded Sport. §94 Gideon Grip, the Secret Shadower, 684 Velvet Van, the Mystery Shadower. 678 The Dude Desperado 871 Jason Clew, the Silk-Handed Ferret. 664 Monk Morel, the Man-Hun'er, 654 Sol Sphinx, the Ferret Detective, 642 Red Pard and Yellow. 608 Silent Sam, the Shadow Sphinx. 592 Captain Sid, the Shasta Ferret. 579 Old Cormerant, the Bowery Shadow. 569 Captain Cobra, the Hooded Mystery. 559 Danton, the Shadow Sharp. 550 Silk Hand, the Mohave Ferret. 543 The Magnate Detective. 582 Jack Javert., the Independent Detective. 523 Reynard of Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective 512 yen Velvet’s Big Stake. 505 Phil Fox, the Genteel Spotter. 496 Richard Redfire, the Two Worlds’ Detective. 487 Sinshine Sam, a Chip of the Old Block. 480 Hawkspear, the Man with a Secret. 458 Coldgrip in Deadwood. 460 Captain Coldgrip, the Detective. 458 Captain any, “Ad Long Trail. 447 Volcano, the Fvisco Spy. 441 The California Sharp. 484 Lucifer Lynx, the W onder Detective, 421 Father Ferret, the Frisco Shadow. 413 Captain Coldgrip in New York. 407 Captain Coldgrip’s Nerve; or. Injun Nick. 400 Captain Coldgrip; or. The New York Spotter. 892 The Lost Bonanza: or, The Boot of Silent Hound. 382 The Bonanza Band: or, Dread Don of Cool Clan. 374 Major Blister, the Sport of Two Cities, 865 Keen Kennard, the Shasta Shadow. 852 The Desperate Dozen, 347 Denver Duke, the Man with “Sand.” 340 Cool Conrad, the Dakota Detective. 335 Flash Dan, the Nabob, or, Blades of Bowie Bar. 321 California Claude, the Lone Bandit. 294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy. 941 The Shadow Sport from Frisco. BY WILLIAM H. MANNING. 918 The Red-Gloved Detective. 981 Frisco Frank at ig Gulch. 920 The Montana Miner in New York. 908 The Doomsday-Den Detective, « 899 The Double-Quick Detective. 898 Yellow Gid, of Dark Divide, 885 The Expert Detective’s Shake-up: 8% Tisppiog 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 G 828 The Athlete Sport About Town. 808 TheCrook-Detective’s Pull. 790 Plunger Pete, the Race Track Detective. 782 Royal Rock, the 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 bs ogame —, “e Deep-Range Explorer, 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 Napoleon of Detectives | 563 Wyoming Zeke, the Hotspur of Honcssuckie. 551 Garry Kean the Man with Backbone, 539 Old Doubledark, the Wily Detective. 581 Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prairie Centaur, 521 Paradise Sam, the Nor’-West Pilot. 518 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. 470 The Duke of Dakota. 463 Gold Gauntlet. the Gulch Gladiator, : 455 Yank Yellowbird, the Tal] Hustler of the Hills. 449 Bluff Burke, King of the Rockies. 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 pig 405 Old Baldy the Brigadier of Buck Basin. 207 Colorado Rube, the Strong Arm of Hotspur. 279 The Gold Dragoon, or, California B hound. BY NEP BUNTLINE. 657 Long Tom, the Privateer. 633 The Sea Pcie 621 The Red Privateer; or, The Midshipman Rover. 584 Fire Feather, the Bucca 517 Buffalo Bill's First Trail, ee 861 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot Spy. 111 The Smuggler Captain: or. The Skipper’s Crime, 18 The ; Queen of the Isle. it; or, te Wizgrd’ ar ‘The Reminole Prophet, ree Pree ax / 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 salbot’s Close Call. 727 Dicx Taibot in Apache I end. | 733 Dick Talbot. the Ranch King. | 729 Dick Talbot's Clean-Out. | 725 Dick Talbot in No Man’s Camp, 854 Dick Talbot; 01, The Brand of Crimgon Crosr 36 Dick Talbot; or, The Death-Shot of Shasta. Alken’s Fresh of Frisco Series. Fresh, the Race-Track Sport. { The Fresh in Montana; or, Blake's Fuil Hand. Te Fresh’s Rustte at Painted City. The Fresh at Santa Fe; cr, The Stranger Sharp, Fresh, the Sport: or, The Big Racket at Slide Out, Fresh Against the Field; or, Blake, the Lion. The Fresh in Texas; or, The Escobedo Millions. Tbe Fresh of Frisco on the Rio Grande. The Fresh in Big Wainut Camp; or, Bronze Jack, Aiken’s Joe Phenix Series. ; Joe Phenix's Mascot. Joe Phenix’s Double Deal. Joe Phenix in Chicago. 949 The Doctor from‘! xas; er, Joe Phenix’s Clue | $44 Joe Phenix’s Rig..é Bower. . \ 8&5 The Female Barber Detectiv ; or, Joe Phenix in | Silver City. 799 Joe Pheoix’s Great Blue Diamend Case; or, The/ New York Spor! at Long Branch. 7983 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. 632 Joe Phenix’s Master Search. i 628 Joe Phenix’s Combin ;or,the Dandy Conspirator 620 Joe Phenix's Silent Six. 601 Joe Phenix’s Shadows 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, 79 Joe Phenix, the Police Spy. Aiken’s Miscellaneous Noveis. 980 The All-Around Athlete. 940 Captain Jack, the Scalper 935 The Hawks and Wolves of New York 932 Detective Gordon’s Grip. 926 Old Sunflower, the Silent Smiter. : 923 Old Sunfiower. the Hayseed Detective, 901 The Hotel Swell-Sharp; or, The Siren Shadowes.) 892 The Country man Detective. 876 Gold Button Sport; or, The Miner Sharps, | f 842 Teton Tom, the Half-Blood ‘ 835 The King-Pin Detective. 814 The New Yorker Among Texas Sports, 775 King Dandy, the Silver Sport. 753 Gideon’s Grip at Babylon Par. 717 Captain Pat MeGowen, the Greeneoat Detective, 674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective, 670 The Lightw eight Detective. 665 The Frisco Detective; or, The Golden G ste Find,, 618 Keen Billy, the Sport. 607 Olid Benzine, the ** Hard Case” Detective, 694 Fire Face, the Silver King’s Foe. 585 The Silver Sh arp Detective. 677 Tom, of Calif crma; 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 Lone Hand in Texas. 475 Chin Chin, the Chinese Detective, 465 The Actor Detective. 440 The High Hor-e of the Pacific, 423 The Lone Hand; or, The Red River Recreants. 498 Doc Grip, the Vendetta of Death. 381 The Gypsy Gen tleman; cr. Nick Fox, Detective 876 Black Beards: o1. The Rio Grande High Horse 870 The Dusky Dete ctive:, or. Fursued to the End. 863 Crowningsmeld, the Detective i $20 The Genteel Spotter: or The N. Y. Night Hawk, 252 The Wali Street Jilood; cr, The Telegraph Girl, $82 sBSSkSR8R . 203 The Double Detective; or, The Midnight Mystery, 19% La Marmoset, the Letective Queen. 101 The Man from New York. 91 The Winning Oar: or. ‘The mya rape 4 Xes Daughter. 8&4 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 Lage: 27 The Spotter Detective: or, Girls of New York. | | | 1 NEW ISSUES. 1000 Buffalo Bill’s Grim Guard. By Col. Ingrabam,| 1001 The Brand-Burversof Cimarron. By Jobn W. Osbon. 1002 Silver City Sam. By Jos. E. Beles. 1003 Gold Don; or, Dick ‘Talbot in Uta By Albert W. Aiken 1904 Buffalo Bill’s Death Deal. By Col. Ingraham. | 1005 Foot-Hills Frank. By Jos. E. Badger. 1006 The Sea Cadet. By Col. P. Ingraham. JUST ISSUED. 96 T Dick. the Shasta Dead Shot. By Aiken. oT Hotspur Hal the Sport from Hard Luck. By Jos. E; ger, Jr. ‘aptai> Seawaif, Privateer. By Ned Buntline. . i 309 The Velvet Hand: or, The Iron Grip of Injun_ - y | Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. . “- A new issue every Weenesday. THE FIME LIBRARY is for sale by al ; Newsdealers. ton cants vet cspy ar sept by mail or receipt of price. a ee ae sit i Sea ee, BE -
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Each Number Complete. ——— eee — BUFFALO | BL 979 Buffalo Bill's Releritless Trail. , By Colonel|/820 White Beaver's Still Hunt; or, The Miner|653 The Lasso King’s League; or, The Tigers of Prentiss Ingraham. Marauder’s Death-Track. By Buffalo ill. Texas. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 973 The Dread Shot Four; or, My Pards of the 816 Puffaln Pill’s Red Frail; or, The Road-Rider| 649 Buck Taylor, the Saddje King. Buffalo BHl’s Plains. By Col. W. F. Cody. | Renezade’s Run Down. By Col. P. Ingraham. Chief of Scouts. By Col..P. Ingraham. 964 Puffalo B!ll’s Invincibles; or, The Sable Shad-| 812 Dutalo Bill's Death-Knell; or, The Red Hand | 644 Buffalo Bill's Bonanza; or, The Knights of ower’s Sublime Sacrifice, By Col. P, Ingra-| Riders of the Rockles, By Col. P. Ingraham. the Silver Circle. By Col. P. Ingraham, i ham. | OF Wild Bil, the Wild West Duelist; cr, The Girl/ 639 The Gold King; or, Montebello, the Magnifi- 900 Buffalo Bill’s Blue Belt Brigade; or, Sun-| Mascot of Moonlight Mine. By Buttalo ill. cent. By Buffalo Bil. flower Sam of Shasta, By Col. P. Ingraham. ;|807 Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist; or, The Girl) 629 Buffalo Bill’s Daring Role; or, Daredeath ) 956 Ruffalo Bill's Volunteer Vigilantes; or, The | Grande Ralph, the Cowboy Chief. By Buf- Dick, King of the Cowboys, By Leon Lewis. Mysterious Man in Blue. by Col, P, Ingra-| aA Sem 599 The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the a | hain. 794 Buffalo Bill's Winning Hand; or, The Masked Plains. By Buffalo Bill. \ 950 Buffalo Bill at Bay; or, The Gold Seeker's M el ah of the Colorado Canyon. By Col. P.! 517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail; or, Will Cody, the Doom. By Col. P, Ingraham, AP eg yo paeee : Pony Express Rider. By Ned Buntline, 043 Buffalo Bill’s Block Game; or, The Mounted} | 787 ee ¢ oad LPs bag Vine? Neder enig als 414 Red Renard, the Indian Detective; or, The )§: Mitiers ‘of the Overland, By Col, P. ingtaelyc, oe. mire tar, nace hyped 3 geht cr > Gola Buzzards of Colurado. By Buffalo Bill. { maga Ot stkecnoods gt = a Brimstone} 494 The One-Armed Pard; or, Red Retribution tn 936 Buffalo Bill's Black Pard; or, The Gold 2,7 36 pon ia mid shea east be x. piers a Borderland, By Buffalo Bill. \ Boomers of tk Bi orn. ‘ol, P. me by | uffalo ill’s Spy-Shadower; or, e Skec Thea re siha' sctive. By» Col, Prentiss Ingraham. the P 1 904 Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Trail; or, Gentl Tr 304 ‘Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler; or, The Tack the Man of Many Masks.’ By Col. P.|70 Buffalo Bill's Big Four; or, Custe’s Shadow, Queen of the Wild Riders, By Buffale ‘Bill. Ingraham. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 248 The Pilgrim Sharp; or, The Soldier's Sweet- 900 Buffalo Bill's Rough Riders; or, Texas Jack's 743 Buffalo Bill's Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack's heart. By Buffalo Bill, Government Scout Sharp-Shooters. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Bravos, By Col. Prentiss’ Ingraham. and Guide. §} 895 Buffalo Bill’s Sec rs ,.1789 Buffalo Bill's Blind; or, The Masked Driver| 189 Wild Bili’s Gold Trail; or) The Desperate ” Double. BY Gol Prentiss Tid ae of Death’s Canyon. By Col, Prentiss Ingra- Dozen, By Col. P. Ingraham. aes : ham. 175 Wild ‘Bill's Trum Card; or, Tt Indi 890 Fr wr. i . 2 4 Dp a he indian three. By Gol P. ohne The Pledged) 75 purralo Bill and His Merry Men; or, The Heiress. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. clita A oe es Par APMIS AAP CLE MOT NT, HE DIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail, pre-paid, on re- ceipt of price. 0000000860 a09000000} s1s si) sis 819 9; 31s s|s ae) s|s 0000080000 @00000000 31s 1s sis sis sts 3)s s)}2 s1s s|s |