Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1091) (1904 12)
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”AW < < CopyricHt, 1887, sy Brapte & ADAMS. [_—_—— h Mie er a. MILLIONS on the TURN, BY W. R. EYSTER, AUTHOR OF “HANDS UP,” “ PISTOL PARDS,” ‘SOFT HAND SHARP,” “‘ HAIR TRIGGER TOM,” ‘ PINNACLE PETE,” ETC, CHAPTER I. THE “ FUN” BEGINS. “ Taxe back the heart that thou gavest; What is my anguieh to thee? Take back the freedom thou cravest, Leaving the fetters to me.” So sung Mr, Frank Foxton, as he ambled Bayly along on his mule, A wonderfully good-looking little fellow he was, with his fresh face, smiling eyes, and natty suit of clothes, His voice was rich and clear, so that his song floated away from him in gen- uine waves of melody. To see and hear him cone would think that, unless it was of a senti- mental nature, he had not a care in the world; nor, for that matter, that he would know what to do with them if he had any, M. J. KWERS & CO., Publishers, JAMES SULLIVAN, Proprirtor i Cehts iB 55h Vol XXXVI (JAMES SU , PROPRIETOR), 379 Pearl Street, New York. $1.00" =o: s a LAN ai THE EXECUTIONERS STARTED BACK IN SOME LITTLE SURPRISE. FBESH FRANK WAS STANDING BOLT UPRIGHT IN ONE BND OF THE GRAYAR, ANY a TO THEIR ASTONISHMEST
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' Jevel best, 2 He caroled through the verse of Claribel’s old love ditty, and then broke off with a laugh, ‘*A dozen years since I heard it, aslama sinner! In that time I think I sung it once. Wonder what put it in my head this morning? I must certainly be going to think of Madelaine, I once rendered it for her benefit, but the little witch didn’t half-appreciate it, Sentiment was not in her line! I wasn’t half-bad to flirt with, but for serious business she would prefer to talk toaman, Ahem! If I bad known how badly I really was smitten, I might have told her that I was that identical article from the ground up. Fresh Frank is dandy enough, but not the kind she took him for, I guess there were two of us fooled, and that’s a fact.” Then Foxton gave vent to something very much like a sigh, and hummed the second verse of the song, filling its last lines with any amount of suppressed fervor—to break off into a heartier laugh than before, In an absence of mind that was rare for him he had touched his bridle-rein, As a result, the mule stood stock-still, with its long ears pricked back. He might be listening to the music; but it was more likely that he was waiting for orders. ‘Orpheus galvanized a heap of life into things, but he never turned a mule into a stone, My music has just knocked poor Rhadamanthus stiff, Ah!” In an instant Foxton had become quite a dif- ferent individual. To his ears had come the sound of a pistol-shot, In this section of the country that meant dan- er. The crack of a rifle could not have put im half so much on his guard, for a rifle might mean a hunter, acamp, something to eat, chance friends, company for the next night. A pistol probably meant man at man, a fight, robbery, murder, a gang tbat bad better be avoided, “Thanks, Rhadamanthus! But for your extraordinary, hybrid-horse sense I might not have heard that. There never was such a fel- low to throw the onus of going ahead on the shoulders of some one else. At the same time you have been the property of yours truly lon enough, I should think, to know that in al doubtful cases it’s my plan to getrthere es soon as possible, Forward, old man! If there is any fun going on in this delectable region, count me in on the ground floor, if I never get to Brace Box,” He touched his revolvers as he spoke, and then gave a dig at the sides of the mule with his spurs. The beast hesitated no longer. At the touch of the steel he gave a plunge for a starter, then bolted down the narrow, rough, and even dan- gerous trail, which led straight in the direction from which bis master bad heard the shot. For a quarter of a mile the headlong rush was kept up. Then Foxton found himself in the thick of encugh ‘‘fun” to satisfy even a rattle- brain like bimself. Right there the trail widened out into a little glade. Of course he knew nothing of what was to come, but he had his eyes open for a possible picket or two, which was fortunate. As he came along at full speed there was a sharp hail, and the well-known “‘ Hands up!” en horsemen, one on either side, guarded the road, ‘ There was no question about their being fair me. Frank had decided on that the instant e saw them, which was: a trifle before they ke, iten that wear ponchos by daylight, when the sun shines, and carry black masks on their faces, are individuals to shoot or to run away from, Their sharp order was not needed to prove that, Unfortunately for them they were in the habit of speaking first and shooting ufterward. They did not suspect that the man who seemed to have both hands engaged in trying to stop a runaway mule, had also his fingers on a pair of triggers. They did think of a shotat Rhada- manthus, but, before their idea was half-formed, - Foxton punctuated their ‘‘ Hands up!” with ex- clamations from the derringer in either hand, The result was the falling inflection. The two men reeled away, stunned, if not slain, while Frank, dropping the derringers into bis pockets, rode on all the faster. ithin the next hun- ste yards the fun would probably come to a ocus, “ They’ve got ’em, sure enough,” was his men- tal exclamation, as he caught sigh tof the little group in the trail ahead. ** As usual, Pye been in too ‘thunderin’ big a hurry. Might have known it would all be over by the time I was ready -to chipin. Still, as * there’s a lady in the case, I ought to do my nd as Dve got into the mix I hate torunaway. Here we are and all to stay!” Drawn up by the side of the trail was a vebi- cle, closely resembling an army ambulance. Harnessed to it were four mules, that were just now held by two men, though the quadrupeds did not look at a}l desirous of making a move, There was a young lady sitting by the side of the ambulance. Her face was very pale, ber lips white and twitching nervously, but altogether she was enduring the situation remarkably well, especially if the gentleman in the foreground, ee ————$ LL a a ge Se . with bare head and blood trickling down his face, was her father. Doubled up m a heap, just where he had fall- en, was one of the masked men, with a ghastly hole in the very center of his face, while the rest of the gang, to the number of a half-dozen, were standing around the traveler, who had at least got in one good blow in self-defense, The odds were large—too large for one man— but Frank Foxton was not in the habit of con- sidering such problems when there was no money involved. He went at them full speed and trust- ed to luck to carry bim through. He came down on the cutlawslike a hurricane, only reserving his fire until he could be positivel certain of his aim. A man on a horse at full speed is an uncertain mark; and if the horse hap- pens to be a mule, so much the better, Though the mule continued to go on, Foxton canie to a sudden balt before he was quite ready to open the ball. He had passed one outpost and hed no idea of there being another, so that, when a long, snake-like coil shot out, he bent bis head just too late, The noose was tightening on his neck and shoulder! Luckily for him his feet were already loosened in the stirrups: and he flung himself out of the saddle without much regard to where he went, He Savane a tremendous fall, but he saved his neck. For about five minutes he knew as little as a man could know and still remain alive. What followed immediately after his pause was, there- fore, unseen by him, He accomplished at least half of his object, if the method was not exactly as he planned it. When he tumbled out of the saddle the re oe ty of the outlaws turned their attention to him. If be had been ever so much alive he could not have arisen under the human avalanche that poured down on him, ** Is this fool’s neck broken?” was the question of the outlaw leader, as he saw that Foxton did not wince, in spite of the rough handling to which he was subjected. ‘** Nary break, boss!” growled the man who had thrown the lasso, ‘ ‘‘He’s quick ez a cat, an’ ef I hedn’t put a fancy jerk on the rope he’d ’a’ lit.on his feet, an’ been pluggin’ somebody. Shell I put my knife inter him?’ ‘* Hold hard!” exclaimed the chief. Then there was a sharp rattle of hoofs be- hind them, causing all to. turn about, in some dismay. The gentleman who had been hauled out of the ambulance had his wits about him, When everybody had left him, with the exception of a man at bis shoulder, he saw his chance, Back went bis foot with a terrific swing. Next, he wheeled and struck out from his shoul- der. The kick doubled the man to the front; the stroke sent him backward. Before any one noticed the little affray, the prisoner had sprung to a convenient horse, flung himself upon its back, and darted away! Then some scattering shots were fired at the fugitive—none of them seeming to take effect— and then a rush for horses, The chief was the only man who retained his coolness, “Steady there! The first four mounted fol- low. The rest look after the prisoner! Tie this fellow up, and watch the woman till I get back !” He dashed away in pursuit, and being splendid- ly mounted, was soon the leading man. It was a good half-hour before they all re- turned, their horses showing signs of having bad a furious gallop, and their own manner telling pretty plainly that the chase bad been unsuccessful, ‘* Now then,” said the chief briskly, ‘‘ has that idiot come to life? If so what has he got to say for himself?’ * ** He’s all alive, an’ don’t yer furgit it; but he ain’t b’in sayin’ a blame word, e ain’t b’in tryin’ ter make him talk, neither, Ef we hed got his tongue wogglin’ thar’s no gamblin’ on what mou’t hev i tape to him.” : ‘Stand him up, then, and let’s hear what he has tosay for himself. The girlisall right, is she?” ‘* Hezn’t moved ner whimpered, She looks all broke UR “ ‘Hold her, then, and take no risks. She’s worth her weight in silver, anybow. So, young man, you’ve i into this game with a per- fect freshness. hat do you think the Hest thing we can do with you?” ‘* That depends, partner. There seems to be a crowd in this gang, and you dealt. Reckon I’) hold the age till I see what the rest say.” “Better name your vanity at once, and be done with it. Of course you'll have to croak; but, as we like to give every man a fair show it’s no more than right to ask you just bow you’d best admire to go over the range.” The chief looked at Foxton keenly as he spoke, but his gaze did not seem to disconcert the fresh sport, as he answered: “Ob, if Pst going to give me my choice I'll be like the Irishman--hang me on a goose- berry-bushb. If you are going to leave me any sort of a show, open itup; and if you’re not, get down to business as soon as you can. I always did hate to be in suspense.” ; As he spoke a man came staggering duwn the ~ Ne PS ae Tal aS eS a ee ee © EI ER RE Oe ae a erat Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. trail, He was bleeding freely, and his face wag ashen-white, ‘* That’s him!” shouted this man, ‘‘He’s done fur Ad, an’ he’s put daylight clean through me! Plug him, quick, afore he kin git a chance fur more fun.” *“So you’ve turned up, have you?” grimly asked the captain, turning at the sound. ‘* You let this man get by; and then'come here to raié a howl! I’m not caring much if he has cleane you both up. When the man got here I wasn’t sending to see what had happened there. Keep a button on your lip now, end let men talk.” The discipline of the road-agents was perfect. Although the wounded man seemed ready to drop, not a soul turned an eye toward him until the captain, by a crook of bis thumb, indicated that he might looked after. He bad heen caught napping on outpost duty, and for suck there was very little mercy. But, Frank Foxton was under no particular | discipline. When generally spoke—regardless, He spoke just now. ‘You're a leetle rough on the r fellow, captain. It wasn’t their fault if a cyclone struck them; and if you havea better pair of men it’s as well i didn’t have them there, You would have been just so much out on the live stock,” ‘Tbe cyelone blew itself ont mighty sudden, then,” responded the captain, dryly, and with~ out a trace of anger in his tone, ‘I suppose the boys have gone through you ” for all your wealth?” ‘Every ducat, my lord.” “Then we'll take @ look at your photograph, If I'm not wide off, youre the very rooster we were keeping an eye out for, tobring to pot. Per- haps, to save trouble, you would inform this court and jury whether you ever answer.to the name of Fresh Frank~otherwise Frank Fox- ton, sport.” “Hit it, pard, the first chatterf But the trouble generally only begins about the time my humble coguomen is heard on the breeze, Will you state to the prisoner at the bar of what deadly crime he is aceused? And, ag there’s only one method of defense Worth shucks, in such courts as this; perbaps You'l} then untie my hands loose, and let me go at it, tooth and nail.” The captain heard, but he was carefully ex- amining a letter he had drawn from his pocket... He returned it slowly, , ‘‘Sorry for you, young man; but in this case no defense is allowable, and salt wov't Save your mortal remains, To say nothing Of the fact that your life is forfeit .from having killed one of the Black Eagles, there are Tea. sons, amounting to one thousand good. harg dollars, why you sbould die, As I’ve known one of my boys tocuta man’s throat for a V, and throw @ grave in, you can judge. ere, you Numbers One and Five!’ K}l] him when the procession Moves on,” Tt was all so coldly said, in sucha stern, mat~ ter-of-fact way, that there could be no doubt as to bis meaning. Number One and Number Five stepped forward, loosening their pistols. Then the girl, who had been listening in silent horror, sprung to ber feet, and rushiug. for- ward, flung her arm around the neck Of the sport, as she cried: “Back! Do not dare tu harm him. He shall not die.” wees CHAPTER It, ALONE IN BIS GRAvy, “Tr appears to me,” said the captain of the Black Eagles, ‘‘ that you have about enough to do to run your own affairs, without humping yourself in front of a perfect stranger, till, 1f you think you can_manoege it, you might ry the yiffle. If you fail, I doa’t see that you vill be so much worse off. About how mnch money, do you think you could convince Us you van have the use o6f—that we couldn’t pet held of any other way? There’s no use to begin on a, smaller ante than five thousand. ; “Five thousand dollars to spare his life, and set bim free, do you mean?” “That is what I am hinting at. Hebasno money or friends, gay a I ttle rooster as he he had anything to say be © looks to be. He is going down South to meke a / big strike; but, we can’t wait until be has had time to develop, Bless your soul, pretty one, by the time he bes five theusand to fork over we may all be banged, In fact, the chances are bat we will be.” E ‘ “Why herm him at all? Tle has thrust bim- self into danger to scrve us, and common grati- tude compels me to speak a word forbim. But I bave no five thousand to give you. Nora dollar of my own. “You po | stop right there, then. Wa don't want to be barsh with a lady—especial}y with one who has a good market value; but wa con't go back on an old side pard who fancies that the sport mey be in his way, for lecs than five thousand. You can say good-by to the young gentleman, and give him any messages You would like to send to your father, since no doubt they will meet soon, somewhere iD the summer land, But, really, we must be Wov~ ing.” a : '
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: 1 : Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. 3 - Have you no mercy at all?’ asked the girl bitterly. ‘‘ Not a week ago he saved my life in the flood at the risk of hisown. Now, must he die for hak bg Se more to help me? Kill me if you must, but let him go!” “TI guess you're a bigger fool than you look, marm, Isee you haven’t eyen noticed the neat little hint 1 gave you, so I won’t try to break your heart putting it plainer. If you’re done cuddling the young man, we had better be moy- ing, as I said.” e waved his band, and before the young lady could utter a protest, she was swung away by two ‘men who had approached her from behind. ‘Put herin the ambulance, It’s going to be ‘easy to carry her that way for awhile, and then we can turn the mules loose, Might Joad A that infernal driver and take him along. No use to he too poet ebae 6 Foxton’s countenance kad been perfectly im- movable during this conver-ation, When he . could do nothing, it was not the correct thing, according to his notion, to either help or make a woman bandy words with any such individual as the Captain of the Black Eagles, The mention of a driver interested the sport however. So far, since Fred’s arrival, he had not been seen or heard from. They hauled him out from a blanket that had been thrown over him, jut where he lay, on the further side of the ambulance, after he had been ’ gagged and bound. queer-looking, fat cld fellow he was, with long, sag f gray whiskers, and a circle of long gray bair low down around tke skull. He wore a roundabout and pantaloons made from bear’s hides, dressed with the fur on, and moccasins on his feet. He looked around sharply enough, since the blanket had before. preven his see- ing what was going on, and little if any of the conversation had reached his ears.” He had very scant time for observation, since * te was bundled into the wagon without more ceremony than if he had been a bale of hay, but in the glance that Foxton had of him, he recog- nized ** Old Sirene,” as he was universally called when spoken of. ‘In the name of the sacr2d grizzly, where did they pick the rascal up? It’s a premium on * bad luck to have that measly old Jonah in the outfit. Since the hour he was scalped he’s had hot water every day, with trouble by the peck _ every night. If [had known he was on this ean Md have gone around the other way. He’ come out all right, though; and it’s not just so certain I won’t go up the flume. I don’t seca ghost of a chance to break lcose, and, unless I ean, the outlook is decidedly bilious, This roos'er is not the man to do nothing but bluff, and I guess in a minute I'll see all the cards that are out against me,” Foxton’s reflections were not altogether of a cheerful nature, but be allewed no shade of - dismay to appear on his face as he watched two corpses and a badly wounded man loaded in, Then the captain turned to him. ‘* By-by, young man, for good!” A few such jobs as this would make. an awful hole in the agles. Sorry fer you, as you're a gritty sort of a@ little cuss, but you’ve been too fresh this time-—-entirely too fresh, and. it’s our only chance to get even, The boys will attend to you—if they don’t bring in your scalp [ll attend to them, I won't shock the lady’s nerves by fixing it up, ae but will get there all the same, “All right! I never beg—at High, Low Jack, or any other game. I'll play youa hand of. eucber for five thousand a side and send you the coin if you win; or I'll cut for Jack and the one that gets the high heels blows the otber cold and is boss of the Exgles, If that don’t suit you, drive on your bearse! Living or dead, we'll meet again, and your humble servant will be getting things level.” “Sorry, but the offers don't suit. five gota better thing of it here, and we'll walt for the hereafter to come, Farewell, sonny—u long fareweli!” “ Au revoir /” answered Frank, lightly; the captain sprung on his horse and led the way, the ambulance, all of the men but two, and the led horse, cnagelee They were hardly out of sight when one of the masks turned to Foxton. ‘*Now then, boss, ef yer wants ter drive a barg’ia we're hyar listenin’, Spot cash yer on- derstands, We'll hey ter skip, an’ can’t dono ere lit game.” “ Thanks, boys, for the offer; but it won’t work, TfIhad a little cache and an you on it you’d only be that much ahead and I would go out of the wet all the same, Talk to me ncxt week and Vil see what I can do for you.” “It's jest ez ther capt’n sez, Ye'r" too blame fresh fur yer own good. Yer think ye’r’ mighty sharp—an’ mebbe yer ain’t so fur off, I'd hate ter go plum back on a man hke ther cap’p, even fur coin, An’ ef I don’t, orders is orders. Ef you hedn’t chipped an’ gi’n bima chance .ter git away we'd ’a’ bed ther other ger- loot in a hole, an’ right thar, whar be’d hey bin, we're ter put you, Ketch him by ther other shoulder, Johnny, an’ ronst him along.” Between the two, Frank was forced away from the trail, for a while the success of nearly every person in the camp was phenomenal. There was plenty of room, and every person that got down to the rae river-bed had a chance to: make a little for- une, They bad the chance, but it took extra hard work, A man had to labor a good while with- undismayed. out the remotest chance of finding color before ** Ah, very neatly done! A collar to a dime— | he could strike pay gravel. When be found it, | Strictly on time, you understand— that there though, the buckskin filled up mighty fast. was an Irishman in the detail, Nobody else In addition to this, there were plenty of men can handle a spade quite to the same advantage. | who claimed that there were tons of gold in the Why in the name of wrath didn’t you stick | mountains that lay a mile or so away from the your stiffs in there, instead of hauling them all | town. No one had fairly investigated as yet, |; round the country?” but it was the opinion of many that the quartz *“Wouldn’t hev left room fur you, boss. An’ | was worth more than the sand, it don’t make no dif'rence who gits a sight at They said as much, and the fame of the dig- your corpus; but mebbe it wouldn’t be quite so | gings, and the prophecy of future greatness snifty fur all ther world ter see theirn, Git in; | went abroad, until men could not get there fast we're a-waitin’.” f | enough. Foxton had been I-d quite to the edge of the | ‘There were miners there—and other miners, | grave. He looked dubiously down. As bis | Nearly every one bad a claim on which be | hands were’ tied bebind his back, :t was not | wished to realize a fabulous fortune: but some | cltogether the pleasantest hing in the world to | worked one way and some another. Fora good attempt the operation, | two months after it was founded, Brace Box : When they had gone a dozen rods they came | to the hole, and that did more to prove what | sober earnest they were all in than ever so much talk. No men would have taken quite so much trouble in digging a grave, if they bad not ex- pected to have a corpse to put in it. Still, the fresh sport remained unmoved and ‘*Ob, get in!’ growled the other rufflan, as . was almost too lively to describe, The gam- by a Cexterous kick he knocked the sport’s feet | blers, shoulder-bitters, shooters, and roughs from under him, so that he fell heavily into the | from all creation seemed to have got there, | hole, ) The first reports and subsequent investiga- “T thought I heerd a !eg break,” be ecn- | tions indica that it y ould a permanent tinued, looking down at Frank, who lay per- | town. It was a lively, rattling burg, clean on | fectly still. | the very outskirts of miming-cemp civilization, ‘le I did, he takes it stiddy. But it don’t | People that went further came back and stayed there. lf they were too late for a corner lot they took something «lse, There was a grave- Without hesitation, they begzn to throw in | yard at the outskirts of the town; and the citi- the soil with a brace of shovels. zens loudly proclaimed tbat, one way or an- make no great diffrence, aryhow. Load ro Fortunately, the ground was loose and gravel- | other, they could make room for cyerybody. / | ther dirt.” ly. Two or three of the bowlders that had been One could see representatives of almost every taken out lay beyond the radius of dirt, nationality under the sun, and pretty good After a couple of minutes’ work, the two | specimens they were. stop to rest. Of course, with such a rapidly-increasing list ‘* He’s a game bird, if ever one went into the | of citizens, the presence of a stranger, or a hun- pit,” remarked one, as he thrust his shovel into | dred, for that matter, would hardly be noticed, the ground and began to dig with his knife at a | The people had not got shaken together, though splinter in bis hand, the old settlers were beginning to get acquaint- **V'll bet you he’s a terrible fighter, on his | ed through the medium of the saloons, and own-heels er with ther gaffs.” grocery stores. As yet the town was uot in the “You kin see that. He laid out two men | Postal Directory, but an enterprising store- afore he war reddy ter start. Ef it bedn’t bin | keeper bad started a private institution that fur Mike an’ his rope, he’d ‘a’ made it all-fired | was almost as good as the simen-pure article, lively fur ther boys.” He put upa sign, got on a lot of stamps, and ‘But he got hisself elected, all the same. | arranged with the stage company to take his Say! I don’t more \ner half like this byar job. | mail-sack to Jumptown until such time as the Ef he’d git up an’ yow) fur ter git erway, it | Government would extend the star route ser- wouldn’t be so bad. What's ther cuss doin’ | vice to Brace Box. On the return the driver now? Take er peep at him,” brought mail back from Jamptown, where the Now that the subject was started} curiosity | present regular service stopped. drew them both forward, They micved tothe; Jared Brown was the name of this self-ap- edge of the hole and peeped downward. pointed ; ostmaster; and he bad found consider- The executioners started back in some little | able honor and much profit in the arrange- surprise. To their astonishment Fresh Frank | ment. was standing bolt upright in one end of the Late in the afternoon of the day following grave, and though seemingly buried to the | the iuterment of Frerk Foxtcn the crowd at shoulders, the top of his head wes nearly level ; Brown’s store was a little larger than usua). It with the surface of the ground. He was secure- | was aliout the time the stage usually got there, ly anchored, but, unless the ground was pretty | and there seemed to be a general interest con- well packed and heaped over him, there was no | cerning the expected mail, danger of immediate death, Everybody was looking to the front; and yet “He give me a skeer, and that’s a fact,” | very few noticed a tell, fine-locking man, of Jaughed the one who head proposed taking the | middle age, x ho came quietly into the store, look, After a glance around, to get his bearings, “Tt ain’t much likely there'll be any gerloot | this man advanced to the counter at the further along ther trail, but ef ther’ war, it’s just cz | end, where a Pease Lox was visible, well ef he can’t woggle that *tater-trap ov | There he asked if there were any letters for Edward Raleigh. “No: sir,” was the re se of the clerk. “There was notbing in the last mail: and that hissen. Hold on tell I fix him up, ’cordin’ ter Gunter!” It seemed like a senseless cruelty; but the two were built after tbat fashion, or they would | for today has not come in yet. We are ex- not have been intrusted with the work. Reach- ting if any momert. Won't Poe wait; and ing down, the man applied a gag that he had | is there anything else ycu would like to purchase, or look at?” “ Not uytil after the mail. That will decide whether t> go on or not, I may need considerable of an cuifit. Ill call again. lateron.” ~* He turned and went. out, ab parrotly uncon- scious that a pair of keen bleck eyes watched him, their owner presently coming forward to the counter. ‘‘ That man—his name, } lease then?” ready in bis pocket. “Thar, blame yer! I guess you'll hold yer yawp. Now, Ben, chuck it in, an’ we'll tack it neat under his chin, Wel go ther limit on this job, an’ leave him a chance ter say a fw prayers fur our pard ez he’s sent over. ther range.” Foxton’s face never altered its expression, nor did.a muscle twitch, He continued to stare straight before Lim while the men threw in the “ Raleigh, sir; Edward Raleigh.” dirt faster than ever. ‘‘A thousand thanks. It isastranger. Yet to The pit filled rapidly, At the opposite end | me his face looked like the face of an old friend, the mound was higher than the head of the un- | Another time em I mistaken,” fortunate captive, He bowed Jow with the court! ace of a aoe they bandled the work more carefully. | gentleman of the Mexican race; one then stepped From Foxton’s neck there rosea funnel-shaped | to the door, opening. Packed by the spades, the little wall He was in time to see Raleigh cross the street arose until it was higher than the crown of the | in the direction of Jim Bower's hotel, He was fresh sport, At the distance of a few yarcs bis | also in time to come face to face with a tall, head was entirely concealed in what looked to | stontiy built man, in the red sbirt and heavy be a freshly-sodded grave. boots of a miner, : he two men gave a last glance. Their work The start that he gave showed that this man seemed well done, and escape impossible. was not altogether a stranger: and when he “Ther complerments of ther Hagles!” sail | heard a low whisper of ‘*wait for me,” he Joit- the greater :uffian, ‘ When yer killed one ver | ered along urtil the individual rejoined him. scratched all, Yo} thar ter stay. So-long!” “You here?” he said, turning bis head, to get Then they turned and strode away, leaving | a view of the face tbat was almost concealed Foxton alone ia his grave. from sight by a heavy. brown heard, “ Of course, my darling! Why wouldn't I be CHAPTER IIT. here? It’s always the best plan to have head- ‘A RESURRECTION, AND SEVERAL REAPPEAR- | quarters chuck up tothe Jine of operations.” : ANCES. “ But if you should Le recognized?” For some little time Brace Box bade fair to! “ Ain't in the wood. There’s none of the become a plece of importance. The rush went gang, even, that know the boss when he’s off there on the report of rich placer diggings, and duty; and you wouldn't if I hadn’t told you. Ob, LS SS a me veer
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i @. don’t you forget it that I’m looking ont for my own precious neck, A man don’t count on fol- lowing this line of business any great length of time, and if he’s got an ounce of borse sense be will have an eye open for the future.” ** Yet some day some one may recognize you.” ‘A mighty cold day it will be for some one, that’s all.” “*T believe you, my friend—your name I have not yet heard?” ‘** Wilson, John Wilson, at your service. Say that over slow, so you won’t forget it; and don’t you call me anything eise till further orders,” **Tben, Mr. Wilson, I see that our friend got through in spite of you, I told you that he bad Satan’s own luck; and nerve for a dozen,” “Yes, He seems to have, got away allright: but [had him very foul until another friend cf ours chipped in, on a full hand, Then, wo ada streak of industry and good lnck com- bined; raking him in just as the other got away.” ** And who was it, this second man?” “T had your photograph of him in my pocket, or I wouldn’t have known him froma side of sole- leather.” ‘© Not Foxton—the fresh sport! It is too © good! You killed him?” ** Hush! ~ Don’t speak so inconveriently loud. We buried him, If he gives you any more trouble [ reckon he will have to come back over the range to do it,” : “*T ean forgive you for losing the other, since this was doubly dangerous, ,We must get at Raleizh before he leaves Brace Box; and it will take him some days to do that.” ‘* Longer than that, if he is half white,” “ How so?” * Because, if we didn’t keep the father’ we held oa yery tight to the daughter. The young Jady is still in our hands, and that’s what ‘brougaut me down to Brace Box, I want to see what sort of a deal cam’ be made all around.” * His daughter?” The Mexican scemed more than astonished. He looked at Wilsoa suspiciously, and after that exclamation was silent. ; “Yes, if appearances and her declaration are to be believed. <A little angel, she is, on tin wheels, Handsome as a dream, and with nerve enough for anything. I’ve only enjoyed her eharming society for a few hours, bat I'm all gone already. {ft will take coin to tear her away from my protecting arms.” “*T do not profess to understand you. He would not be so wild as to bring a girl with him on sucha venture as he wants to make. Was not his old experience enouzh?” » “From certain observations of the. young lady Iam inclined to believe that she brought herself, very much to his disgust, “You know what ayoung woman is? She found out that her fathor was going to see the @ountry and decided taat she would have a look | at it, too, “Now, what are you soing to do about it?” “My dear fellow, hat can Ido? Of course Tean't appear to bave any band in the abduction of his dauzhter.” _ “© Gat off, there! You know what I mean! “What do you offor for the girl? When you ‘buy her you have the nippers on ber father. ‘OF course you don’t appear to them in the trans- action unless you want to; but there are vari- ous ways in wuich she might be made useful. With ber in your hands you can strike a better bargain than if you bad bim,” “That may be so; bit the bargain was, I got his secrets and you got bis cash. With the girl there is no cash for you to get.” “You're putting up the cash as a starter. You giv? moe a thousand in addition to what you already owe me and I will guarantee the title and take half of the receipts for the balance of my expens’s. Between us, then, if we can’t seoop in all bis available cash, credit and secrets Tm a bald-healed, knock-kneed, double-jointed Dutchman, with my toes turned up.” Tbe Moxican saemed inclined to tga the offer; the other to push it to the front. Come! Talk fast, ’m not yearnin ger around camp. Here’s my best, For five thousand you may have her in any sbape you -want her—dead or alive—or Vl use her for you - to the best advantage, and then go on with the old man, if necessary according to the original arrangement. You can hold him here with her a8 great deal better than if you used a club.” * Are you sure she is his daughter? He said nothing about her.” “ Only have their word for it; but if she’s not Paliohldjadce it was so much the better. She's a woman fora man to go wild over, and any- how, they are traveling tovether, Of course, it’s jast about as easy to kill him here in Brace eyes and ears, and they are Box as along the road, and [ guess it can be done before he puts any one on the scent, and starts a rush for the lost bonanza,” There was a cry of surprise from the Mexi- ean; whieh was ore mimicked by Wilson. “Oaramba! Yrs, You did not think I knew what you were driving at. I generally have ey 2 alweyu open, You pi have told me a little plainer what up es to; but of course it makes nm ra re i an 7 Ne fe Fresh Frank, the Derr to lin- you | — ee eS eee in the long run. The principal inducement with | us for a massacre en route was to get at his eoin. As he didn’t have any with bim I’m fair- ly well-satisfied that yesterday was not my day on: of course we know he has it somewhere, and I propose toenjoy it, That’s anotber reason why he shouldn’t croak for the present.” **T understand, It has been a surprise to me, but I have not a doubt but that you are correct, It is a Jarge sum of money that you ask, but perhaps it is werth it. Yet must I see her if it be possible, or, at least, know something more about her.” ‘*Koe-rect, Never buy a pig in a poke, as I did when I tackled your fresh sport. If you want to see her— Ha! By the heavens! there she is uow!” Thera was no mistaking the surprise in the tones of the road-ageut captain, as he Frist? at an ambulance that was rolling toward tbe spot. The dead had evidently come to life, and the captive had been set free. Miss Raleigh was leaning forward with an.animated face, to speak to the driver, while Old Sirene cracked his whip and urged along the pair of mules in front atarate that kept the mule fastened behind putting a good foot forward. By the side of the young lady sat Mr, Frank Foxton, a satisfied smile on his handsome face, As they passed the two men Fresh Frank looked them full in the face, at the same time gracefully raising his hat. ** They're all loose,” growled the captain, in an undertone, ‘*and what’s worse he’s dropped to me. I'll never bet again on what I don’t see.” ‘* What—what are you going to do about it?” asked his companion, nervously. “Do? Why, kill him of course. myself. He cies to-night.” CHAPTER IY, MAJOR RALEIGH HAS HIS SUSPICIONS, Tue two men had walked on out of town as though they were returning to their cabins, When the ambulance passed there was no one else in sight, and itis likely that the Captain of the Black Eagles had some wild idea: about s)ooting on sight. His hand was ready on the the butt of his revelver—but the eyes of Fresh Frank were on him, and the captain was wise enough to know what that meant. He was will- ing to wait for a more convenient Sscason. Foxton gave one of his short laughs, The young lady heard the sound and turned away quickly from Oid Sirene. ** What is it?” she asked. “You see.our friends, yonder? The captain had more than half a notion to try a shot for good luck. That fellow along with him must be the silent partner that he hinted was back in the bushes. Tye got his measure, anyhow,” ‘Surely, you must be mistaken. Fe would not dare to venture so near a town.” The young lady showed thatif she had been less of a doubter she would have been thoroughly startled, ‘“No particular risk about it under ordinary circumstances. Probahly he lives there. From what I have heard of Brace Box he is about as good as the average citizen. It’s a lovely plece to go to; and—you really must excuse me—if it was any one else I'd say there was something wrong in your father’s upper story to think of taking you there.” “Oh, but he didn’t think of taking me here. When I found out where he was going I made up my mind £ would coms; and a hard fight it was getting his consent.” “Then that lets him out, and when I see him I won't be compelled to speak my mind quite as lainly as I intended. Fact is, maybe I had tter say nothing at all, You tell him from me, though, to keep his eyes open while in Brace Ox. * But do you think we will find him there? You are sure that you have not been speaking so positively to keep my spirits up? I have my fears.” ; The mention of her father altéred her mood. At the last moment she was losing her nerve, They were half-way to the center of the camp, and it seemed now as though she could never wait until they passed the few hundred yards that separated them from Jim Bor er’s hotel. Foxton was considerate, He admired too much the courage that she had shown in the face of danger not to overlook the trace of weakness now, “T gave it to you as I sawit, Miss Raleigh, straight as a string, When he got out of the mix he knew you were reasonably safe if he opened his pocketbook, and I’ve no doubt he is here, waiting for a proposition. Yes. If my eyes don’t deceive me, there he is now.” 4 Miss Raleigh uttered a cry of delight, as sho recognized the gentleman at whom Fred was_ pointing. Edward Raleigh was not only in Brace Box but having recognized, first the team, then Old Sirene, and finally bis daughter, he darted | straight at them, with a shout of joy, anda thorough carelessness of who and what might ‘be it the road phar yehs, Sis, ff oda!” he exclaimed, ashe sprung | I must save -Icould. without getting a bitch on eu ; Pager ck Old Sit c 6 Phen Truck Ol Siren, ‘How does this happen? dared to draw m from you. ligence I obtained would be a demand tor mon from the wretches in whose hands I had left you. Were shey milder than their manners, and have I done them a rank injustice?” ** You could scarcely have thought too hardly of them, If it had not been for Mr. Foxton, the gentleman coming to our assistance at the time you made your escape, I certainly would not have been bere now: and there is no telling what might bave happened to me hereafter.” They were both trying to be cool, though in spite of their words they were more or less ainfully agitated. Raleigh looked around quick- y, and his eyes féll upon Fresh Frark. - It was not hard to see what manner of man the young sport was; but Raleigh held out his hand anyhow, with a hearty gesture. ““T think, pobaps, thet you can understand something of what I feel without any explana- tion from me. Ido not care to say more just how, since we are at the botel; but by and by [ want to hear the whole story. Anescape fror: such men as the Black | Aa must be wort). hearing of,” “ Allright! There’s very little of a yarn in it, but such as it is you can have itand welcome. I see you are stopping with Jimmy. Right enough! One might go further and faro worse,” ‘* Yes, The house is better than I had hoped for. Come with us. I must know all that bap- pened, and no doubt Rhoda will be tco tired to speak, Jimmy Bower was out in front as the ambu- lance halted, to belp down his guests, Their baggage was not very heavy, for the Black Eagles had cleancd that up pretty thor-. oughly; but Bower understood all that, end, treated them to the best he had, upon the hint A of Foxton. “Pm a talker, Mr. Raleigh, from 'way back, ~ bxt [ must have breakfast, dinner and supper, all rolled into one, before I car say another | word, and if I’m not off several yards Old Sireno and your daughter are just ready to paddle, in the same hoat. I suppose you can attend to us, Mr. Bower?” m1 { ee ‘You kin bet,” responded the host, «*Sernb off ther soil and slick yerself fur ther Jay-cut. By that time it'll be ready.” ; A few miuutes later and the four oceupied a corner of the rough table to themselves, and Bower was bringing on the hot biscuit and cold meat as fast as they packed them awry. **Now, then, I feel a little fresher,” remarked the sport, after twenty minutes of strict atten- . tion to business, ‘If there’s any credit to be given to any one I guess you had better give it. to the mule, I always knew he was’wey up in the altitudes, but I vever guessed he would fig- * ure as the defender of injured innocence,” ‘* Your mule!” Mr. Raleigh seemed surprised. Yes, hen they roped me off, Rkadaman- thus went on till he came to a convenient placo and then switched off the trail, He knows when to take to cover, and men nor angels could find’ 3 him when he is lying low. “By and by, when pretty well over, he came_snifting back. By that time, if I wasn’t dead I was pretty decently buried, in a regular, six-foot grave, sod over and a neat head stone ordered from the nearest monumental artist.” I have scarcely breath while I waited to hear I felt certain that the first intel- he thought the fun was “ee y, 7 A “They buried him alive!” exclaimed Miss _ , Rhoda in a breathless sort of burst of interest, that was almost a sob, ‘* They covered him, all but his face, and left him there to die—tho heartless wretches!” “That's about the fact,” continued Frank, unmoveil by the recollection. ; ‘* They allowed my eyes to rest on the distant tree-tops, and my fevered brow to feel the soft breezes, For fear the prospect would be so overpowering tbat I would yell, they puta gag in my mouth, and the last look they bad of moe my hands were tied behind my back.” y ‘How, then, in the name of Heaven, did you getaway? ‘*T wasn’t tied quite as fast as they thought I was; that’s a fact. I slipped my hands out of the strings and worked them up about as fast as the dirt fell in. se quite so deep, I would not have asked odds of mule, agents, or anybody else, but when the dirt got over my shoulders, there Iwas until © Rhadamanthus came browsing along, and pre- sented his tail. I got bold of that, we gavea long puil,.a strong pull, a pull all together, and out I came.” ; : ‘* But one would have thought-that the weight of the ground would have crushed you.” “So it would, piled in at one-dump; but I had a chance to settle it up a little, and you ur- derstand I serouched considerable—as much 2s or a whack’ over the bead with a reckon you know as much about the mountains as I do, so I needn’t tell you how I struck off on the trail, caught the mules with the wagon, =e Ifthe hole had not heen | eee : as:
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cbered my spirits, I think I would bave broken - a different and a dangerous thing es ! he bad lost the trail, and turned him loose with 2 letter to you—asking for cash, of course, “Sirene 1s no man’s fool, and don’t you for- | grtit. We talked the matter over, and con- cluded we'd take a look at things before we went ov t» Brace Box, “ How we made tke rifle you can guess. The captain and half his yung went off on busi- ness; and the rest scattered around, careless like. We took in a couple of them, picked up this young lady, and bere we are,” **Nobly done, aud ifin anyway Ican repay you for what you have done for me and mine, command me.” Raleigh reached over and once more clasped the sport’s hand warmly, while Rhoda exclaim- ed that he had not told half of the story, and ad led a pumber of explanatory items that made it all.seem doubly thrilling. ‘Ob, spare my blushes,” laughed Foxton. “J'll look around the town a little, and see what sort of a burg they bave kere. If it’s half- way up toits reputation it’s a city on wheels, As i'm not going to stay. long I'll have to harry up to take it all in.” “Which way do you think of going from bere?” “South, I’m gomgto explore Mexico a lit- tle. They say it’s a land cf benanzas, and it’s nbout time I struck something rich,” Raleigh’s face showed ssmetiing of his sur- pri.e. He had opened his mouts, os though he jatended to speak on the spur of the moment; but Le changed kis mind before the words drop- ped out, When he spoke, it was after a little reflection, “T'm not greatly in love with that country, Nough as it is, I should prefer Brace B.x, However, while you are here we hope to see a good dealof you. Perbaps before yon cau get ready, you may not decide to go at all.” v “No telling, 1'm liable to take any kind of a notion when lam flush; and _ to sing very low when I’m not. At present I’m not so over- burdened with capital that I will be switching cff on what seems a better opening, T’ll let you know if I do, though.” ’Tben Mr, Foxton, with a charming bow, took Limself off, leaving father aud daughter to- gether to talk over the adventures of the past uwo days, And tiey had a great left the dining-room, ‘‘Tg was running a terrible risk,” said Mr. Raleigh; ‘‘ but what else could 1 dof It was imoney the rascals were after. I could deal with them a great deal better from the outside than the inside, especially as I had to be on the out- side to get any of the needful, I knew that I would hear from them soon on the subject of ransom, and then I could decide whether to pay or . * That was just what Mr, Foxton said. What I feared was that you might bave been killed or badly wounded while trying to escape, If he bad not core to the rescue, and afterward deul to say, after they down altogether.” — - ‘* Yet, this is only the nning. Your head- stiong folly will be apt t» lead you into dangers you. have not even dreamed of. And I have been just as foolish in consenting. Think, Raoda, if it be not best for you to turn back cven it After we leave this place it will be tvo late.” “But you did consent, papa, And if Mr, Foxton is always on hand—this is twice he has saved me—” ! ‘© Twice!” Raleigh was 2vidently surprised. “Yes, It was be who drew me out of the torrent when the silage was w awny. J did not know his name, but I recognized him the moment I again saw him.” To save a young lady from danger once was very praisewortby; to repeat the operation in the course of a few days, seemed to Mr. Raieigh ‘In such a case,” he said, slowly, ‘‘ the reason for going back is all the stronger. I want to be sufficiently grateful to the gentle- man, but be is bardly the style of individual I wou.d desire you to choose as an intimate ac- qaaintance.” Fi “And iu such a country as this it seems to me that he is the very identical individual to choose. In the dangers that ere all the time coming along, nb pone to see just what is to Le done—and ten he does it without delay, What etter could you ask?” “ What better. than a gambler, a reckless, soulless, bardened man, who, by his own_con- fession, is known as Fresh Frank ‘and the Fresh port? Why, he revels in death and danger! they do not come otherwise, he provides i a ‘them, both for himself and for his friends. I ea md afraid we will see too much of him.” “Too much?” “Yes, It is true that the evidence is slender, and that it is only a few minutes since my sus- picions took shape; but lam almost confident that he is following us. Whether you are the attraction, or whether he has some other reasun, I have not yet decided. Hither case is badenough” = Fae oe _ ‘He looked sharply at his daughter as he thus pe FT ~ Cant, strange lambs. | the liquor, and then pushed the bottle back for! a bang. | 2% sa a : pahiekc 4 Then he stared at the two astboughbe did not why res pl a ml pat a Senet amy dp Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. { spoke plainly; but there was no answering flush | in her face, and he decided that if she was | undvly interested in Fresh Frank, she was not | yet aware of it, CHAPTER V. WOOLLY WALKER FROM ’WAY BACK. “1 don't think [ever saw a sweeter looking sec‘ion of Pandemonium since I started on my travels—and I’ve seen some pretty hard places, So thought Frank Foxton that evening, as he } stood at the door of Kid Glove Hank’s'** Hoje in | the Ground.” He had descended some half a dozen steps, and could see the long, low, canvas-roofed cellar, | that was known as the very. worst place in bigh- | ly immoral Brace Box. For the average citizen it was not so had, if he was willing to take his chances. The wolves generally made snapping and snarling enough; but they seldom fell to devoyring each other until there had been a continued scarcity of | “Tf John Wilson wants to go on the war-path —as of course he will—this ix about as likely a Nace as any fcr him to load up for the search, sides I shou!dn’t wonder if batt the cut-throats | in there were Eagles, while that fellow bebind | the bar looks like the old friend that tried to cut | my throat the first night I struck the diggings ! on Featber River, ever so long ago, Decidedly, a sweet place for my mother’s darling; but we'll try it anyhow.” ‘oxtou had not altogether wasted his time while he strolled around town. He had recog-" nized the Captain of the Eagles, as that worthy had feared, and by Juck anda few questions learned the name he chose to be known oy wheu he visited Brace Box. He even discovered that he had been seen at the Hole in the Ground, though his informant did not seem to care to es- cort him to that delectable place. *‘ Just one word, stranger,” added Frank, at last. ** Does Hank keep any decent whisky at all? : I'll run the chance of the bullets; tut I'll be | ey if 1 want to be poisoned.” * Thar’s a little black bottle under the bar, ez | gen‘rally kerries ther pure mount’in jew. Ezyou | kin git him ter sot that out yer woat hev ter, sneeze wien he draws ther cork.” “And there’s alwaysa chence fer a game | there?” “se Allers.” “Then Pil risk it.” That was the outlook before he got there, and | when he arrived at Hank’s he found that things | were even livelier thun he bud expected. Having once made up bis mind the Fresh Sport was not of the kind to hesitate. He stepped briskly through the doorway, and jauntily on to the ber; where he balf tarned and looked back over the room as he softly murmured: “Things are lively here, pard, quite lively. Hope you have your animals under fair sub- | ection, for I swear I don’t remember ever see- ing a tougher set—not even when you andI | where on the Plumas together, But you lock | chipper as ever, This sort of thing seems to agree with you.” He did not even glance over his shoulder to | see the start given by the mun behind the ber. | If he was right in his conjectures, when viewing | the room from the doorway, it took some nerve | to put his head within such tempting reach of those Herculean arms; to say nothing of the nat- ural curiosity that one would have for a closer look at the burly proprietor. There was nothing delicate about the physique of Kid Glove Hank, He was built from the ground up, with the face of a gambler, but the shoulders of a heavy-weight prize-fighter. He and Foxton were the only well-dressed men in the room; and Hank, if aay r, was the daintier clad of the two, hen ho came to Brace Box he made his excuses with bis muscle. After he had broken S'ugger Bill's ccllar-bone, and set Wrestln’ Eph on his heed, he was allowed to air his broadcloth and fine linen ween further objection. It remained to be seen whether the lambs would allow Fresh Frank to pass unchallenged. ‘Don’t know you, pard, from a side of sole- leatter, aud I can sweer I never met you on the Plumas, because I’ve never been there, If you crowd ’em tbey are slightually tough, but as long me ou ae bat oa Sale, sbey: ii Jet yuu ss in the crowd, we can do for you Carer re coy Hank waved bis hand—perhaps at the bar, | or perhaps at the tables that were scattered | along the side of the roo'n, He was always | rea ly to drink, gamble or f ght. \3 { “Ab, mistaken again. I thought maybe you | would remember something about Billy McFad- | den’s, and the high old times the boys used to | have there, This is something like it. Now you'll just set ont that black bottle that’s under the bar, we can take a ccsey drink together, abe barge et i av 7 home.” f ere’s the vial, but I don’t remember an Billy McFadden,” £ “No,” said Frank, as be carelessly tossed out bi Hank to help himself, bi | enough for a fair ante. | got out of cards, end fun is wbat if }: posited a heavy “But the Hole runs along. about after the same pattern, and this looks to be as good tipple: as Billy set up for the friends that wouldnt go: his forty-rod. Has Johnny Wilson been in yet. this hbo rg, ‘Don’t know him,” promptly responded Hank. ‘You're a stranger around here your- self, ain’t you?” “Kind of betwixt and between. T’ve beem here before, though the Hole wasn’t running then. As I live pretty much all ’round, I’m al- ways at home, and a stranger nowhere. If there’s any coin in Brace Box, I guess it will do for headquarters for awhile, anybow,” ‘“There’s coin enough bere for a man that knows how to gather it in. There's some fel- hug’ f’rinstance, that are dcing fair for their ine, He nodded with his head toward a party that was P ying poker at one of the side-tables. Rough, whisky-ridden men they were, and two of them’ were evidently winning freely enough to put them in a good humor, The visible capital on the board might baye amounted to twenty-five dollars, Frank shrugged bis shoulders, “Do I look like that kind? Thankee, pard; but they can’t club their wealth and raise lL just dropped in to see what the Hole was like. If Istey, you'll be apt to see me again,” The two talked together the pleasantest way in the world. Hank was sizing up bis visitor who, for his part, was taking in Hank and everybody else. If any cne else had talked to either of these men as the other did in the out- start, there would probably have been war. Hank, however, bad an _ interest in learning what Frank Foxton might be after, while the latter was not atall anxious fer a difficulty; tut only spoke after the usual] freshness of his style. Perhaps he bad an eye to meking an opening for Mr. Jobn Wilson, if he happened to be about, and wished to come in, “Sorry am J,” said Kid. Glove Hank, “ that none of the chiefs are about to-night; sooner. however, than you sbcu’d go to bed diseppointed | Pll try how your luck and my luck fit together. I don’t kvow much gbout cards, ycu understand} but I must keep things moving in the Hole.” “You're my man then, for a doller or mcre, I feel my luck upen the boom and I want to make bay while the Sun shines. Where do you went it? : ‘Oh, right bere will do as weil as any where, Ihave to keep an eye on the lambs or they might benkrupt me while I was away: but you needn't fear they won't treat you white while I am, around. When | ncd the gang generally sneezes according to order.” “That's the style, exactly. I mind it of old. Nothing could be prettier,” said Frank, looking around enthusiastically, : “That's one reascn why I like to rm ffle the asteboards with the boss of such a shebang. There's no outsiders chipping in to explain how I'm learning the hands ought to be played. : te I've got to be more every year, and you'll find pretty hard to crawl, and throw around! There’s a heap of fun to be live cn. dollar ante will do to begin or—end I’ve gota vhole boat-load of cart-wheels in my pocket.” Frank threw himself carelessly ly the sice of a little, rcugh table, just at the end of the bar; and Kid Glove Hank, who had turned tings over to an assistant, seated himself oppcsite the game began, Mr. Foxton was fresh in tongue and manner, | but be understood draw-poker, and played the game for aboutiall that it was worth, while the si rietor was not throwing away avy chances, men were reascnably suspicious of each other, even if the outside world could not sce it. It was not long before there were a dozen or more interested spectators; but, as Foxton had binted, they had little to say, and that little was very quietly ¥ bispered, The fortunes of the game were varied. 4 First one was a winner, and then the other. Kid Glove Hank,after a few hands, took the lead for a season and won rapidly. Then Juck seemed to change and Frank won back bis losses and began to get well in front, When the ante is a dollar and bets range from five | dollars to fifty the game may not be very bril- liant aud yet the circulation of coin will be repid. | twenty better, and he looked again at his own hand tosee what it would carry. _ “Tl bave to.go about paypal better, just — to keep the pile on the table , so | ridicnlously small: but I wish some of the chiefs. woulda come in, I like to bave a cbance for niore money at the same risk, don’t you see, and there’s room for two or three more good men in this game,” Fs gre “‘Hyar’s one ov yer chiefs now _ A coarse, hoarse voice. ” vacant sides of the table, and witt a grin on his” bratal features . Come! Give us a chair ~ ank seemed to think so as Foxton went ttered theexclama- tion, a chair came beavily down at cnecf the — a man stated bimeifend de buckskin bag on the beard with = = : as, are | +“ ae Cite -
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| much care whether they accepted his challenge | at cards, or turned the game into a rough-and- tumble. Above the clatter, however, arose the crisp, clear tones of Foxton: “A bean of truth in what you say, Hank, and I guess I’d better call. There’s your. twenty- five, what have you got?” Hank was just as unmindful of the interrup- ‘tion. As soon as the twenty-five dollars was on the table he strung out his cards, showing three jacks, ““Not good,” said Frank. ‘I ought to have Yun the thing up a little higher, but somehow I'm always afraid to mention a very big sum on the gentle damsels, even if ve got three of them, As a rule, the*sex is bad medicine for me, There they are, and I suppose they are good for the moderate sum on the board.” Kid Glove Hank bowed, He was actuall cheerful over the fact that he had lost so muc less than he might have done if he had been sci- entifically led along, ** And now, who is this gentleman?” continued Frank, as he drew in spoils and deck, and turned to the intruder, who had been eying the stakes with a longing look. **He don’t look much like a chief, but you can’t most always sometimes tell,” ** You can’t prove it by me,” responded Hank, pushing his chair back a trifle to settle bimself ‘or a steady stare, “That's the disadvantage of your location here,” went on Foxton. “Tt’s a blame sight harder to chuck a man of his side up the stairs than it would be to tumble | him out of a window. Jf you have many cal- lers of this kind 1 suppose you would prefer calling on the boys to help you carry out the | corpses, Such cheek ought to make its own | brass tombstone.” The stranger did not appear to be at all dis- concerted by the gaze of the two players, or by the audible laugh of the spectators, Slowly ho chinked his bag of dust and nuggets on the table, and stared, first at one and then at the other, **T heered ye’r’ wishin’ fur a chief, an’ I come beca’se [ thort ver might be men ov sand. Eza stranger, Woolly Walker don’t stick his nose a inch furder then he’s wanted: but ez a chief at keyards he never takes a dgr’?, An’ byar’s ther friends ez are willin’ ter say be lays ¢l’ar over ary sport at Brace Box with deck and derringer, But, ef ye’r’ fraid—l’m willin’ ter go. Mebbe there’s sport in this hyar burg, Ef ther’ are, I’m goin’ ter find it, er bu’st a wheel.” “S> you're achief, are you? If you are really in earnest, you are showing more pluck than brains, I am considerei an average sort of player myself, but I don’t generally call on two ‘ood men to pool their issues and rake me in, resh as they call me. So, Mr. Woolly Walker, I suspect that you’re nothing but a chump after all, Open out your buckskin, and if there’s over a hundred in it, ’l meet you at any game you want, and let Hank come in ou halves if he says so. There's nothing small about me,” “‘Mebbe not, ’ceptin’ yer size. But ef yer mouth ain’t ther biggest part of yer, I’m wide off. Toss’round fur deal, my hearties, Uncle Woolly’s all on board,” “How is it, Henk? Do you want to go along through the riffle, or will- you lay by till I take the conceit out of this blower?” “T was just thinking,” retorted Hank. “Tf you ain’t pards, there’s a heap of cheek in asking me to wait my game till you lose your stamps anid mine. If you are, then it strikes me you're trying to rope me just where you say ‘ou’ve got him. I’m a ’commodatin’ orphan, ut I don’t just feel like lyin’ back and keepin’ still while my own throat is cut. For about a dollar ’'d—” Hank had been speaking freely—too ya rhaps. fora man of peace; but he suddenly roke off in time to half smother the threat that was evidentl at the end of his tongue. “Youd what?’ asked Woolly Walker. “Speak it slow, now, an’ vaine it mighty stiddy. Yer onderstands I'm a mighty old hogs on ther war-path. I’d sooner gamble ner fight, yer onderstands, but ef ove man er a dozen comes my way, he finds me all at home. Jest look at me, an’ take me all in. I’m a white man, an’ heavy accordin’ ter my size.” Hank listened to the tirade without one sign that fuel was being added to the flame, man with his reputation cvuld afford to take it coolly while a stranger vapored. Meanwhile, his eyes rested on Frank Foxton with what the latter could not fail to under- stand was a suspicious stare. When Woolly ceased speaking, he thought it about time to say something for himself, **T must remark, Hank, that Brother Walker puts a heap of sense into his platform, At the same time, talk is cheap, and it’s money you have to use when you want to buy land. There's ro dollar; now let’s see what you're going to 0. “Well, to tell the truth,” retorted Hank frankly, “I quit talking because I happened to remember that you were abouta hundred ahead, and I want a chance to get my money | back, Until I see that, perhaps it might be Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. just as well tolet you check it a little and con- fine my attentions to this ring-tail roarer, who seems to want his jaw broke. Take your dollar back and I'll put him out for fifty cents,” Up to that moment Foxton had been possess- ed of the idea that if Woolly Waiker was not a pr al not a very silent one either—of id Glove Hank, that the latter knew very well who he was, and was willing to play into his bands. Theactions of the two men convinced him that he was mistaken, Woolly bad been drinking, perhaps, but he had all his wits about him, and as he rose from his chair and faced the proprietor of the Hole in the Ground if was not tard to see that if his skill and will answered to his build and general appearance Kid Glove Hank had quite an ex- tensive contract on his hands, “You understand I’ ve been giving you a hint, | I suppose?” continued Hank, slowly advancing, his hands held low down, but ready for a catch | or a blow, ‘* Blame er kin’ git ) bye come in hyar fur sport, an’ ain’t keerin’ much what kind yer wants ter set up so yer comes fur me heavy. I’m Woolly Waker, ther owl with glass eyes an’ limber legs. Hoot-toot- toot-too-too!? Walker closed with a pretty good imitation of the bird he named, smacked his hands to- gether, and then ran in on Hank as the latter made a tigerish spring. Locked in each other’s arms the two swayed backward and forward, panting, straining, with now a twist, again a trip, and then a Herculean heave. Very much to their surprise . er hints! I don’t take ’em onless | y em in with ther toe ov yer boot. the two found themselves so evenly matched that chance would have to decide which was to be called the better man. By this time the Hole in the Ground was pretty well. packed with its usual patrons who mustered in strong foree that mght, and with some outsiders. who had ‘rushed in about the time the report went out that there was trouble brewing at Hank’s, ; A dense ring was formed around the wrest- Jers, the spectators cheering to the echo their every move, Both men were keeping their tempers remark- end well, and the crowd was encouraged by: the fact, If it had seemed likely that one or the other would let go and begin to shoot, the spec- tators would not have been so anxious for a ti in the front rank, and there would have eon more glances to the rear to see if the ay- enues of retreat were still open. At the beginning of the fray Frank Foxton moved a little to one side and dropped his hands into. the side-pockets of his coat. He did not consider it his funeral, but he was willing to look on from the corner, though he felt that if Hank succeeded in putting out, the stranger his own turn might come before very long. Mean- while he had a chance to see a racket at | the Hole in the Ground. } Gradually the two worked away and the crowd swung in, so that Foxton was left on the outside, He could no longer see the contestants and was just about to spring upon a table, from whence he might obtain a better view of the proceedings when he heard some one almost at his side exclaim in a guarded tone: ‘* Thar’s ther man!’ Then half a dezen men who had formed a lit- tle knot at the outskirts of the crowd, threw themselves silently and savagely on him. Quick-witted as he was Frunk knew they had come to slay. CHAPTER VI. MR. FOXTON GROWS TIRED. As the man spoke he threw out his arms and embraced Foxton in a bear-like hug, at the same time endeavoring to lift him from his feet to ci him to the floor. he hug was all right; it wes powerful enough to almost crush an ordinary man—but as long as he retained his senses it took something more than pure strength to bring down Frank Fox- ton. ® was quick as a cat, sinuous as a snake. Taken at a disadvantage as he bad been he would not have despaired of the issue had his assailant been alone. When the gripe tightened on him his bands were on his derringers. If he could writhe around so as to bring one into line he intended to shoot from the pocket, for be felt sure that it was bis life that was at stake. This was only a thought, though. When, by a dexterous swing, he had evaded the effort to throw him, the other men were on him, while his arms were still pinioned tightly to his sides. Foxton saw the rush, and that the foremost of the ruffians held a knife in bis hand, the blade lying closely along his wrist and almost con- cealed, As this man came within striking distance he thrust viciously, aiming the blow full at the Jagular of the Fresh Sport. he man who had seized Foxton understood the programme, since his gripe tightened still more as be ein ue to hold the victim steady for the stroke. man without resources would have been slain then and there. Foxton had keen wit and plenty of nerve. He had been holding himself up; now he forced himself down so suddenly that “4 almost slipped from the clutch and nearly evaded the knife, Not altogether, though, The point of the keen blade slipped along the upper part of his skull, cutting a narrow gash, whose depth was only limited by the bone, The blood came streaming out over his face, but he did not notice it in the excitement of the moment, His right arm had worked free, and he had a chance at last. Once, twice he promptly fired, first at the man with the knife, and then, with the muzzle of the double-barreled weapon resting against his chest, at the leader of the assault, Neither shot was wasted, for the two men went down; but before he could turn the hand that held the derringer in the left pocket, four | men were on him in a mass, striking sure and hard blows at him with knife and clubbed re- volvers, The gang were not cowards, at all events, for they had taken the desperate chance of being able to lay out Foxton without attracting atten- tion from the contest between Kid Glove Henk and the tough who had handed in his card as Woolly Walker. Bad as was the crowd who frequented the Hole, Foxton had to a certain extent become identified with the proprietor, and they would not have allowed toh an attack witbout calling for a hand in the game, These men were entire strangers, A blow from the butt of a revolver hurled Frank to the ground, and before he could even make an effort to recover, the work was well- nigh done, @ was nearly senseless, and no wonder. The heavy boots of the ruffians were brought into play. Under their desperate trampling it woul&_” not have been strange if they bad kicked and stamped out his life, With his hands out- stretched, his face and neck covered with blood, he lay, no sign of motion save in the nervously- twitching limbs, The reports from his derringer had nct at- tracted attention, but the fear that their revol-_ vers might prevented the men from using them, * It had been understood Leforehand that they were to be saved for a last resort. The man with the knife lay silent, bis fingers stiffening round the baft, but the leader stag- gered to his feet, bis hand pressed tightly against bis bosom, and glared around bim. A single sweep of his eyes took in the whole situation, ** Ther dog’s dead!” he growled, hoarsely. ‘**Mendez are done fur—leave his corpse an’ look out fur yerselves.” ‘ At the command the men scattered as if by magic, and not a moment too soon, A wild cheer arose above the dull thump that » announced the fall of one of the wrestlers, and © then Kid Glove Hank’s clear voice was hearge-- cutting cleanly through the din: ‘Make room there! 1| said be was to go, and out be goes; but he’s the best man that ever I closed in with,” Woolly Walker was down on his back. In ‘spite of his strength and skill, Hank had got a lock on him eat last, and flung him to the floor with fearful force. As the crowd parted, mak- ing a lane to the door, Hank seized him by the collar and dragged him away onarun,— - “ Along the full length of the saloon the heels of the senseless man rattled on the ficor, and then on up the steps, Into the gutter, or what served assuch, Hank pitched him, returning then, with a cool and measured pace, pushing his way carelessly through the men who either thronged in his way, or were trying to get out, - It was then for the first time that the outsid- ers understood that ancther game bad been in progress, and: that very likely it would prove just as je phi. 9 The sharp crack of a pistol called the atten- ace of every one to the further end, near the ar. Frank Foxton was staggering to his feet, wip- ing the blood away from his eyes as he tried to see the result of the shot he bad just taken. He did not often miss, but this time be was not so sure that his aim was true, since the blood, has- tily wiped away, had once more blinded him a second before be pulied the trigger. His suspicions proved to be correct, for the leader of the assassins bad vanished. “Hello! What’s all this?’ shouted Hank, as his eyes fell — the single figure staggering forward from the corner at the end of the bar, ‘* Who’s double-teamed you, pard, in my she- . bang?” ‘“‘ There’s one of the gang,” responded Frank, ° pointing at the prone figure of Mendez, ‘There was_a round half-dozen, and if you can’t throw Woolly Walker in to make a good count you may call me a Dutchman, hen you tackled bim they tackled me, and Pll bet a ' dollar I Jook like it,” ; Without further explanation Hank seemed to understand the ides. “Here! Mike! Ben! Three or four of you freeze onto that woolly fraud. You'll find bim fx { Rie i te — } re sed SRS { 4 — aie el
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aaa ae te: 4 a oe in the gutter where I slumped him, It would take a hand-wagon and six horses to get him away for the next half hour.” ‘*Bet you a dollar he’s not there now. The whole gang has aripped except this one poor galoot that Iserved.. By the way—if you want to bold an inquest on him you'd better have it now. I’maoawful fellow for fun; but some- times [ have to pay for it the next morning. By to-morrow my bead will be as big as a barrel and won't be fit to be seen in a Caristian com- munity.” And then he gave a short, hard laugh at bis implied compliment to the company present, Kid Glove Hank really appeared to be the more excited of the two. ‘Take it easy, stranger, We'll get down to bed-rock in tbe matter before we quit. It’s not often there’s a peaceable outsider double-banked at the Hole in the Ground, and it’s the first time they ever set up a game like this on me. I’ve heard of nerve; but this beats the gall of a cast- iron monkey.” * Yes, it does take the cake. I wouldn’t have thought much of it if I had been slugged on the street, but to get in their work with a hundred men at their elbows, and none of them the wiser till the cireus was over, speaks so well for Brace Box that I don’t want to whisper another word,” ‘But, stranger,” interrupted a bystander, ‘‘ why ther blazes didn’t yer sing out?” ‘« }’m not one of of the singing kind,” remark- ed Frank, dryly. ‘* A man that don’t take care of himself stands a pretty cold chance in these regions. Suppose ‘you take a look at the fellow on the floor. If you know bim you may be able to spot some of his pards for me. You point ’em out and I'll ‘ring them down,” ‘'s Foxton suspected, it turned out that Men- lez, as the leader had called him, was totally unknown in tbe room, The knife in his hand showed why he bad been slain. ** All right, [ didn’t think any one here would ‘ba. apt to place him, but it did no barm to try. He was one of the Black Eagles, Pll gamble a little on that.” ‘* The Black Eagles?” ‘“Yas, The fellows that are collecting toll up the road, They were ull here, right at your fluagers ends, and like as not Woolly Walker was the chief of the outfit, I never thought of it before.” Various exclamations Of surprise showed that tae name was not altogether unfamiliar, Hank looked uneasily toward the door. It was time ‘ there was some news from outside, and he thought he heard the footsteps of bis men on the stairs. If so they were coming empty-handed, “No use, Hank. Your man has skipped the camp, and hasn’t wasted much time in doing it. He looked mighty tired when you were drag- ging bim out, but such fellows can rest up too «uick, Jimmy Blair saw him going and some o. dis pards were with him, for there were half a dozen in the gang.” “That settles it; give me some water if you have such truck around the establishment, I want to wash up a little and then crawl cff to bel. Tre joke is on me, but I don’t mind say- ing those fellows understood their busiuess, and did their work all the way and back again. I won't be able to move for a week when I once get anchored,” ‘* But what is.it all about?” asked Hank as he produced a basin and towel from under the bar and began to examine Foxton’s injuries which were much more extensive than he had sup- s0sed, sae It’sa swoop of the Black Eagles. I had ‘some little trouble with them on the way, and the boss of the outfit thinks I have bim spofted for future reference, Maybe he lives around here. Anyhow, it was about as close a call as T’ve had lately and the meanness of it was that they took me foul—didn’t give mea chance to put in a ord endways, so to speak, until they ‘had almost finished their say-so. Thanks, You're a better man than I thought. If I stay ‘round here I'll give you a call and will try and finish that game out, Just now I'm off for bed.” With considerable washing and a little ban- cdaging he had become more presentable, though he looked bad enough as it was. Even Hank did not think it advisable to raise any objecticn, but gave him a hearty good-night, and an invi- ‘tation to call again, As Foxton reached the doorway he came up- On a familiar face, Mr. Raleigh had gone out with Old Sirene for a few minutes’ stroll before retiring, and in spite of the unsavory look and reputation of the place had entered the Hole in the Ground, attracted by the rumor and drift on the street, Something appeared to be going on there that was worth the seeing. He did not get much further than tbe door, ‘but when the crowd spread out after the ejection «of Woolly Walker, he was one of the first ‘who saw Fresh Frank rise from the floor, though be did not at first recognize him, beaten and ‘bruised as he was and covered with blood When .be saw the wonderful transformation ‘that a little brusbing and water assisted bim to muke, and the eaney, way he stepped off, after -having endured enough to kill an average man, ————— ee ee he not only, recognized the fresh little sport, but more than ver recognized the nerve and skill that made bim an uncomfortable antagonist. And in spite of the two-fold assistance Foxton bad rendered his daughter, Mr. Raleigh scarcely knew whether to class him as friend or foe; though he had a strong suspicion that practically he was the latter. Whichever way it was, Raleigh did not hesi- tate, He was indebted to Foxton, and until the debts were canceled, either by 2 return in kind, or by the open action of the sport, he did not in- tend to ignore the fact. He stepped forward. ‘I'm sorry I was not here in time to do any good,” was the quiet remark. “You seem to have had a pretty narrow squeak of it, but a miss is as good as a mile, Sirene and I were on our way back to Jimmy’s, 80 I suppose you won't object to our company?” “Thanks, Raleigh! I don’t see how you can be in the way, and if I said no, I reckon you would come all the same. Catchon, I’m rather feeble, but I guess I can keep up with the rest of the procession. If I can’t—don’t bury me until you are sure I’m dead. Come along now.” Mr. Foxton was as genial and jovial as if he had not just been beaten almost to a mummy, and ruffled away with Raleigh and Old Sirene in his wake, followed by a good many admiring glances, The crowd at Hank’s could appreciate a man of sand, The fact was Frank had strung himself up to a high pitch for the benefit of the company; but as soon as he was out of sight he let himself down considerably. ‘No use, Raleigh! If they chipped in now— and like as not they will before five rods—I’d have to throw up my hand and let them run the game, I’m nearer played than I’ve been for a month of Sundays. I tell you, it was touch and go. Like the interesting idiot that I can be on occasion, I was watching the wrong man.” He slackened his pace a little, and Raleigh at once slipped an arm into his, Without makirg any great show he was giving some assistance, and was ready to zve more, Hardly bad he doneso, however, when® Fox- ton’s hand on the other side came up with a jerk, and as the derringer it held struck something like a level the hammer fell and the report came, Mr, Raleigh started back in some dismay, while Sirene drew his revolver with an aptness that showed he uncerstood the beauty of quick work ; yet neither of them saw the flitting shadow at which Frank had fired, ** Just as well, all around, that vou and Sirene ; froze on,” explained Frank, “They wanted to give me one more shake and I guess they’d have made the ripple, Lf can’t shoot for a centand I’m all broke up. Put me in my little bed. Ah!” Then the gay and festive Mr, Foxton bung on Raleigh’s arm ina total collapse, and the two men had the pleasure of carrying him to the Bow- er Caravansary where he wus a fixture in bis room for about a week. CHAPTER VII. THE MAN WITH THE GUN. “*T Guess I had a heap of fun at Hank's,’*re- marked Foxton, to bimself, as he sat on the porch some seven days later. ‘ ** The fact is, [ generally find fun wherever I go, but in that underground retreat I got an extra bucketful, not down on my programme— and all because I took it into my fool head that Hank was.in with the gang. Next time I'll have a little more sense, fre been expecting a call from friend Wilson while I was flat on my back, and if 1 didn’t get it there must have been something more important in the wind, or else he caught onto the fact that I could still dick trigger, and was only giving myself a ealthy little rest. ‘“* And then there was the man with the shot- gun. I tell you, Raleigh’s not a half-bad fel- low, if he did skip out bag and baggage, includ- ing his pretty daughter! There’s not one man ina bundred would have thought of it, but he wasn’t taking any chances, and seems to have picked out a pretty honest fellow to watch at my window tilll could look after myself. I hope that time bas arrived; but it seems that I am going to have some trouble getting rid of my guard, And there the miserable old man of the sea is now. Shall I give him his dis- charge by word or boot, if he won't take it in any other shape; or shall I take bim along? He’d bea terrible bother to take care of; but then he'd be an awful lot of comfort and com- pany. We'll see what he has to say about the ee He looks real interesting, and that’s a art. The soliloquy shows about what was the po- sition of affairs when Mr, Foxton considered himself entirely recovered from his night of dissipation at the Hole in the Ground. Raleigh had taken the opportunity to vanish. Indeed, it seemed to him quite provicential, for he had been very seriously revolving the ques- tion of how he was to get rid of the Fresb Sport, in case that straight-shooting individual object- ed to being dropped out of the party. He had admired the nerve that bad held the little man Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. 7 together under the cowardly attack, but he was jafraid both for himself and daughter. Foxton ‘Was handsome and full of resource; and Raleigh had reason to suspect had followed him thither “how an intention of forcing himself into his af- airs, Accordingly, when be saw his chance, just when it was wanted, he quietly made bis ar- rangements, leaving word with Mr. Bower that business called bim unexpectedly away, but that he had procured a man he thought was reliable, to watch over his safety and care for his interests, though Bower forgot to deliver the message till the next morning. The first thing Foxton saw or heard of this man was that night, when he was tossing un- easily on his bed, and exclaimed aloud: ‘*] wish to Heaven I bad a drink of decent water! I’m just about choked, and don’t feel strong enough to go on the hunt.” “* Hyar’s yer water, boss!” sounded in his ears a few moments later, very much to bis surprise, and through the open window at the head of his Led was thrust a tin dipper. ** Many thanks,” said Foxton, as be tossed down a mouthful, and then stopped to question the unknown. ‘*T was dry as a fish; but who the thunder are you?” “Me? Ob, I'm Jones—old, Bob Jones—and I’m hyar with er shot-gun, lookin’ after yer, wich ther same a man by ther name ov Raleigh hired me ter do till be come back.” “Raleigh, eh! You're sure you got that name right? Perhaps be didn’t tell you that I shoot quick; ana probably you didn’t know I bad your head covered and finger on the trigger when you stuck your mug up at tbat hoie in the wall.” “That's all right, that’s all right! He hired mé by ther month, an’ I took them chances in ez rt ov ther job. Ef it'll make yer feel easy yer in ask Jimmy, am’ be’ll tell yer I’m solid ter tie to, Ef thar’s ary thing else yer want you kin spit it out. Ef thar ain’t, i better jest lie down ag’in an’ go ter sleep. Thar won’t any one come skirmishin’ ?round while I’m hyar— bet yer bones! I’m lockin’ out at night, an’ you kin hoe yer own row by daylight.” ‘** And what’s become cf Raleigh, by the way? He didn’t say anything about leaving when he was in here this aiternoon. I <*old him I would he cut and around to-morrow.” **Reckon he’s about ten mile on ther road at ther present speakin’, an’ hesez you or’tn’t ter move fur a week. Notiin’ like a good rest when a gent’s bin all broke up, You kin do ez'yer please, but I’ve drawed pay fur a month, an’ fur a month you'll hev me ‘round,” **Get out, you old sinner!” shouted Frank laughing in spite of himself, at the positive tone. : ‘‘You can-watch that window to-night. If you see any one trying to get in, plug him. To- morrow I'll look you over and if you seem half white I won’t object to: beving you around till , I get on my feet, Confound it! I’ve gotnerves if nobody does believe it, and it wears on them, rs oe with one eye open. I’ve been on the move fora year or two and it would do me good to sleep right through fcr a week. Good- night, ol man. You keep your eyes open and I'l) keep mine shut.” Mr, Bower, when applied to as reference, proved ‘satisfactory; and Bob Jones, when ex- amined by daylight, might have* locked more disreputable witbout much effect. Foxton was accustomed to sizing up men, and without more than a glance decided that Jones would do, For three or four nights be slept:more soundly and at length than be had for years. At the end of that time be did not remember to have ever felt quite so well in bis life, and decided that being abundantly able to take care of himself it way about time for Bob Jones to go. He hinted as much on returning one night— looking out of the window to find Bob at his usuel post of observation crouched up under the window, with the barrel of iis shot-gun resting carelessly on his left forearm, Jones retorted that he’d be blest—or some- thing else—if he was going. That be had made a square contract and taken bis pay in advance for a month, Until the expiration of the month be intended to stick closer than a brother. ‘*That’s your say-so and I don’t mean to argue about it tonight, You come around to-mor- row, right after supper, and we'll talk it up. Bring your shot-gin—and if you intend to put on those favorite frills of yours you might as well bring along-a coffin if you happen to have one handy in the house. By the way, kave ot a horse?” ** A sorter one—toler’ble ter Jook at, an’ num- ber one ter go.” ‘Bring bim along, too.” So it was that when Fred Foxton looked up from the porch and saw Bob Jones approaching, - also saw the shot-gun and the ‘sorter orse. “On time, are you? That’s the style I like to see in men that hang about me. you see yonder mule?” Jones squinted in the direction indicated; and could not well help seeing the animal, which
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8 Fresh Frank, the De was duly caparisoned, ready for the road. He that the movement of the shot-gun was only one admitted that he did. ‘““That mule is just about starting ona journe . somewhere near a thousand miles neighborhood of the middle of that journey. Are you sure you want to go along?” ‘* You goin’ ter ride him?” “If L don’t nobody else cangand I don’t cal- down south.’ When your month is up you will be in the | ez green ez he looks. of instinct, and there was no real idea of shoot- ing behind it. “Oh, don’t tear yer linen! Bobby Jones ain’t But when yer see them in ther distance, 1t’s jest ez well ter be reddy ef any ov ’em turns up nearder on, I guess they ain’t gunnin’ fur us this time.” ‘‘T am not so sure of that, Robert. Besides, culate on his going without somebody on his | I owe them a great big one, aud the boss of the back.” ‘““Then I reckon Til be in ther percesh’ te}] | 1 must ty and find out what the ther mcnth’s up,” responded Jones, with some- e 4 a ‘+ 1t's tuff on me mother’s | If they are going to travel on this, I would just thing like a sigh. outfit two or tree. If they haven't spotted us, are up to. It may make a difference in the trail I will take, -oldest, but 1 ain’t throwin’ off on a man when} as soon take some other, unless we could sur- Vve oncet took his money. I jed are woite, an’ kin be relied on? payin’ all expenses.” “You're a man to tie to, Robert, as you have | lowed copy without arguing. ’ ey Fle said he war go Mr. Raleigh | round them, and start off on the other side.” While he spoke Foxton was slowly backing Rhadamanthus from the track, and Jones fol- It only required several times remarked. Sure you will bave|a few steps to take them out of chance of no wailin future? don’t like to tempt a family man from the line of bis duty.” “Nary. I’mther hull, onadulterated fambly, b’iled down inter one,” wife or weeping children in the near | sight. * Now, bold them here till I goon and se@ what is the racket, When a man has such luck as we had it means that he must follow the streak and see where it comes out at. Thisisa ‘‘Then you can mount that mustang at your | miss or hit sort of a game that I’m playing any- earliest convenience. I hadn’t any idea of tak-. how, and one thing is about as good as an- ing you along last night. In fact, I half ex- | other.” pected to start you in an entirely differeut di- Foxton dismounted as he spoke, threw the rection, - But it begins to seem kind of natural | reins to his companion, and witbout further ex- to bave you around, and as I can’t get rid o? you, I guess it’s the best I can do. Ill be ready in a moment,” planation glided away. : If things were as they seemed in that one brief glance it would not be bard to learn some- It was a pretty long moment; but Frank Fox- | thing of the men whom he was almost certain ton paid his bill, gathered his portables, and } he recognized as some of the Black Eagles, ‘was out by the side of the mule in very prompt style. They were masked, as was usual with them when upon the road, and evidently had no sus- Jones was seated sedately in his saddle, his | picions whatever that their movements were ob- face betraying no excitement, “Ye’r’ sure you uin’t leavin’ no woman be- served, since they were leisurely filing off from the trail, and one by one were being lost in. the hind” he inquired, as Foxton vaulted into his | canopy of branches that offered them a retreat, seat with all his usual ease and grace, and gathered up the reins. “Tm like yourself ; “Then we're goin’ ter find one. The sorr easy lope, no kith nor kin,” G@ lang!” 'vxton’s «ule went off at a trot, and the two spee 'ily vanisbed from the view of Jim | that’s the way they love, Bower, who watched them from the porch, whereon Foxton had but a few moments before been so comfortably seated, with a look in his From ths conformation of the ground Frank was led to believe that they were about to camp in a little dingle—perhaps for the night, or, more hkely, until the time arrived for some looking mustang struck into an | stroke of business. ‘Cool hands they are,” he thought; ‘ but Hope they won’t send an outpost forward and stumble on Jones—at least till I get through with my observations, It might make the rest look around too preter- rringer Daisy. ' so sure it would not be me. =. ae ee > a aliens. | with them, then, — eyes that was half-wonder, half-disgust. He | natural sharp.” had unexpectedly lost a very good customer. It was just about sundown, which might ac- The two men were facing southward, and | count for the Black Eagles’ sight having been rode out of the camp in silence. less keen than usual, The light, what there was “'Spect ter ketch up with ther kurnel soon?” | of it, bad been in favor of the two wayfarers; asked Jones, at length breaking the silence, and the semi-darkness was in Foxton’s favor “The colonel?” a ae now. First, he had a chance to note the proba- “Yes, Kunnel Raleigh.” ble route be had selected; by the time he was “The deuce is in you to ask such a qnestion, | done guessing it out the rapidly increasing dark- Of course not. It’s considerably doubtful if I | ness gave him a better chance to follow it with- ever see him again, If I hadn’t struck a bad | out det.ction, streak, ['d lay three to one against it, and I He was cautious but quick. Sooner than he wouldn’t mind takivg even money, anyhow.” had expected the low hum of voices vame to his * How *bout ther young lady?” ears, waruiug him that he was not far off from “Which young lady are those?’ the objects of his search, ' “Ther kurnel’s darter, ov course.” He had made no mistake about the conforma- “She’s in the same boat as her father. If I | tion of tne ground, and looking downward could miss tha one Til hardly meet the other. And | now seea faint glimmer of light in the clump now, Mr, Jones, it will be necessary for you to | of trees that occupied the little hollow. place a button on those lips of yours—for the Satisfied that he could not bear enough from present, at least, If you are in shape for asking | his present position to furnish information worth them on the way back, I wouldn’t mind a rea- | his risk he at once decided to run more risk for sonable few; but at pr I don’t know much | a better location, and began skirting the edge of more than you do, and that’s enough, so don’t | the »«mphitheater. ; ask questions.” ; Having reached the southern side he found ‘Jones made a grimace, and then subsided, | that nothing could be better for his purpose. A He bad an idea that he had indicated their ob- | thicket ran right down the face of the bank, en- jective point in his questions, but doubted if it | abling him to approach the talkers under cover, would be prudent to press them any further, Of course there was a risk of being heard, for “ Excuse me |” he retorted, men like the Black Eagles have sharp ears; but “1 ain’t askiu’ things fur fan, but ter see how | Foxton was willing torun the risk, unpleasant as ther lan! lays, so ez I kin git ther bang ov | the journey was. things all ‘round, Mebbe I hedn’t orter ivquire | The distance was not great, but it took some whar we're goin’ ter spend ther night, Fura} time to pierce thé thicket. When, at last, be man ez hez jest bin sick, it won’t do ter camp } found himself on the outer edge the conversa- ‘round too permiskus-like.” ; tion became quite andible in spite of the fact “ l expect, we'll pass a good share of the night | that it was carried on in low tones. in the saddle. I’ve got too much coin about to ‘‘T never heard his voice before,” was Frank’s run many chances on the Black Eagle boys. I | first thought, ‘‘ but it’s the Comstock to a gopber want to Jeave them well behind by the time | hole that its the Mexican friend of the Captain morning dawns,” of the Black Eagles. I wish they would move __ * Ye're o-u-t, then!” exclaimed Bob, hastily | around a little,'so as to give me a chance at their throwing up his shot-gun, ‘* Thar they be, | faces.” ' : now!” “De As if in obedience to this wish one of the men —for there were but twoconversing—lit a cigar- Seer da 36 hese The flame of the match, lasting as it did f seep is) e flame © match, ing as or , aOUNSUREROTED VASTENER. only a few seconds, gave the opportunity of see- “Hotp hard on that!” Whispered Foxton, | ing the face of the smoker, and it was the face erry reach over slightly to tap the | of the Mexican, who, after a couple of nervous knuckles of Mr. Jones with the barrel of his | pnffs said: left hand derringer. pa ; ‘* He has, then, what. you call cleared out, I ““When you come in with this party, you | have been away on what you call business, and must hear him talk before you undertuke to | I trusted you to keep an eye on him, By this a: it your say-so. Let’s see wuat they’re all |time he is beyond present pursuit. What have about, The mustang and the mule had stopped short at the original motion, or by this time they would undoubiedly have been discovered, So far the men who were taken for Black Eagles by Jones, seemed entirely unaware of their nee, and to tell the t ff that it showed he bad r sight to have noticed them so pro 24 p _ And then, they were going the other way, so 3 ‘ “ly ir ‘ a fs vs easily?” ought to when he’s got a hole in his s . bw broken a ing bei gating na _or sober, up or down, above 1, bons Pada far | below it, he has bacomnt lives as an old ce markably ae as as good a man as they make ’erb t , well, away with me twice. now, and any other living man on ‘is foo rive et a i v vena Ur ro St you been doing that he should escape you so Nursing arpa up like a good little youth tstool can say. The third time would be the charm. Some oue would go over the divide, and ’'m not I think, if he'll let me alone I'l] let him alone, till I have the time to give him my whole attention.” *“Of who do you speak, what man do you mean? Though I think I can guess,” “Your confounded Fresh Frank. We put up ‘ ajobto do him right in town. Big Fred has been wanting a fly with Hank for some time, to show the boys what he can dc,so 1 put him at him right in the Hole in the Ground. While the fun was bighest a half-dozen of us mounted your cinnamon-scented ) oung sport,” ‘‘ Bravely done, But the end?” The captain was a httle slow about finishing his stury. In spite of the ccmical side he was trying to show the affair was not pleasant to explain. After a little pause: ‘‘The end? Well, that was short and sweet. Hank got away with Fred, as I would have bet even money at the start; and Mr. Fred Foxtop got away with us.” ; “ Caramba !” ‘“ Well, yes, It’s a thing to swear over: but that don’t do much good, I’m the most present- able of the boys that were in it, and ’'m carry- ing a shoulder with a hole in it, Perhays it’s early to mention it, but we’ve left to you the loving task of crecting a tombstone to the mem- ory of Senor Mendez, The kids request you to have inscribed on it, ‘ Died paddetty, at the post of duty.’” The Mexican gave a growl of disgust. . ‘* What do I know or care about your ruffians . —if they don’t succeed? This man bas gene on So much the worse.” “Oh, no. Where we got gruel by the bucket he must have swallowed some by the spoon. He’s been taking a siesta ever since, with a queer old fish by the name of Jones on guard his window. e were making arrangements . kill them both to-night, when I got your call for a conference. Then I figured it up, and decided that I didn’t waut any more of bis in mine—not for the present. What I do want is a thousand cash, to square the old account. Then, if you’ve anything new to propose, Vl be willing to listen.” ‘““T have brought you the thousand—Raimon- do never fails. But nothing new have I to propose. Work can be bad cheaper where be is: going, and they never fail—those men of the knife, 1 willrely on home talent.” “Exactly. You have a good class of laborers: in the dtetibirb God. and don’t care to see the market flooded with more of the same sort. You think the Black Exgles would not be an ' acquisition. Perheps you are right, If we should come, however, you want to treat us well, or hire an a)my.” } “Tam plain spoken, too, I care not to see the Eagles there; Lut their captain will be ever welcome,” bi “ And will, no doubt, be made a high- ay surrounds the Carjador Hacienda. Senorita Banzos, for instance! Would she not be charm-_ ed to meet such a warrior bold, even without his army at bis heels?” ** Carajo! How know you anything of Made- laine Banzwe?” ’ ‘* How did I know anything of Edward Ra- leigh, or the fresh Mr, Foxton? A little bird must have told me. When I do arrive, look out that the birds are high enough. I might be found on the other side.” ‘“*There is no other side. Man alive! The young lady you mention is my—my—werd, ae you Americans call it. Dare to barm her— dare even to threaten barm to her and I wili slay ha where you stand!” . “Oh, don’t slop over into high jinks. Some other evening, perhaps, but it won't be this evening. boys are looking after that now. Just squint your eyes in that direction and note how the firearms glisten. ard two or tbree of them pointing this way. Ob. I know you would just as soon I would retire. You can bea ed desperate man, but let me give you one little piece of advice. Hereafter, do ycur own work, or don't try to go beck on Se a “And when the partners, as you call them, take all the gold of the concern and fail to do their work there’s monies & think of but—this,’” The Mexican tapped his waist gr ioggretirng Ke and his fingers touched the haft of the knife in bis girdle, He did not seem alarmed, in spite of the odds against him, and the watcber under the boughs could not help but admire the cold scorn with which he faced the outlaw cap-. tain. : ‘ The chief of the Black Eagles was just ae ccol, With bis bands he carelessly threw back the lapels of bis coat, exposing bis broad breast. “« There's a place to fit it, right there, and the sooner you aa talk and attempt business the sooner we will find « We've been in the business once or twice before rae ah : «ae MSy ls hes this, and I don’t. remember ever yet asking for the last yment until the work w finished. If you think I baven’t played you fair in getevenasquickasyoucan.” = = = The words seemed to call the other to Senses, he #y alorum in the charming circle of society th 7% ~~ out which isthe best man. |
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4 4 4 = q a: ; | ' Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. “Forgive me,” he said, frankly, hoiding out hold up a hearse, you had better be going. Our his hand, , “T do not believe that my old-time friend would treat me unfairly, but the disappoint- ment bas been great, and to mention my family affairs puts me beside myself. Take my hand and forget.” **Don Raimondo Carjador, I don’t know of a whiter pard than you are—when your head is clear, It Struck me you were a little off your base in the opening of this conversation, and I thought I'd keep back an important fact until the wind-up, to see if you were the sort that was entitled tu it. I guess, maybe, you are, though it’s an awful temptatiom, There’s more money in it then you’ve given, und perhaps as much as ne yoare to pila up in the hand of yours truly. Wilson was holding tho hand of the Don in his own, and if there had been light enough would have been looking bim strniglut in the eyes, He was quick and shrewd to find out the value of things, and he had an idea that this thing he spolte of was wortu as much as he kad hinted,” ‘* In the name of the saints, what is it?” Raimonéo did not seem much excited, though he could not help but feel a curiosity, Wilson meant something, if it was only a practical joke, or And you will pay me what it is worth if I open cut?” “Certainly. Did I ever refuse?” “Aben! Your jobs dor’t seem so important when you are making tbe contract; but some- how, when tho contract is closed, and you begin to break ground, they pan out immense,” “Speak, man! 1 have not time for folly. By morniug I must be far from bere.” ‘¢ Well, of course, when I raked in Raleigh I also got away with bis luggage. Not meta- phorically, but in actual faci, “T found it mportant as a collection of docu- ments, if not overcrowded with actual wealth, Among otber papers was the original grant for the Guadana purchase. Also, others bearing on the same subject. Raleigh might get along without them if they have not been filed as of matter of record; but if they turned up in the hands of another party who had braius you can see yourself how it would be.” There was no mistaking the fact that Raimon- do gave a start before he drew his hand hastily away. “The Guadana grant? I knew not till the other day that you had ever beard of it; [can See where you got your information, Without these papers you think—” ‘That his tecth would be drawn? Yes. And with them in your hanes the bonanza, if there is ene, would be ours, He may have bougkt the grant, but we hold the deed.” ‘*Let me see these papers, then. If they are 0 important you may ask what you choose for them,” “I’ve suggested my price, and you can take a little time tu revolve the matter. Of course I <flon’t carry such valuables with me, and we vould hardly reach the cache to-night. Besides, I will be the more welcome when I bring the package to the hacienda, where we can look it ver at our leisure.” The captain’s banter had a dead earnest tebind it that Raimondo understood. Whether or no hereally believed that the outlaw was telling the truth iu regard to the absence of tha grant, he appeared to take the statement as a matter of fact, and said quite coolly: ‘* Until that time, then, we will consider what we cap make out of it. Yet it must not be long, The American is in earnest. He is alsoon the way. I must met him—how, I will know better when our plans are laid.” ‘*Oh, [ll be after you to-morrow. I'd go along with you to-night but there’s a matter of profexsionel work on the carpet that has an en- ecouraging look, and wo will bave to finish it up. We intended to look after Foxton, too, but tuat can wait. “‘ Before you go I want a little more informa- tion about the ins and outs of the country... You eau guess pretty well the route Raleigh has taken; suppose you post meuponit. I'venover been down that way but once, and you know there’s a good many ways to the s.” Raimondo settled himself back quite coolly, and responded without hesitation to the ques- tioning of the captain. He told enongh about the country to show that he was up on local geograpby; and a great deal more than he would have cared to tell if he had suspected that Frank Foxton was receiving the benefit of ae The conversation lasted for fully half an our. Tben Raimondo rose, **T have been disappointed, but it is best for old friends not to quarrel, This may all turn out for the best, though time would have been saved if you had told me the other day about the Guadana grant, ‘* But, my dear Carjador, I wanted to get an offer first from the other party.” “* Ah, and he offered, how much?” *‘Not a cent, to speak frankly, He has the nerve of a sand-burr. As it was only curiosit —for the ference, sen en Pa ee RE ae ne ne Sn ee eS PT ee Te ee ee Tee eee Jo enieceae cs Soicah theSc ta tih cetstaenicartletndiai en taacha nadia inhi til die aeitied rabbits time here is about up, and I don’t think you care to ride on the war-path with the Black Eagles.” aimondo Carjador certainly did not, Con- science would not have hindered him; but, though he was willing to use the gang for bis own purposes he was rather above being a road- agent, as long as be had a chance for something better, At this hint he lingered no longer. He said good night shortly, mounted his horse with- out a word to the men he passed on his way to the animal, and the captain could bear him clattering off along the road that led to Brace Box, as though his time was valuable. ‘What a thundering scoundrel he is,” said the road-agent, aloud. **He used to be a bad man from ’way back when I knew bim in the States, and prosperity haso’t hurt him a bit, Wonder if I didn’t make a mistake in telling him about the papers for that old grant?” ** You bet you did,” whispered a voice gently in his ear, while at the same time, or a second or two precedent, the barrel of a heavy der- ringer came boring into his ear. “They won't be safe a boly minute in your keeping after this, so I’m going to relieve you. Keep silent now, and shell out.” CHAPTER IX, THE FRESH SPORT BEGINS TO GET EVEN, CAPTAIN WILSON, to give bit: the name he went by when personally addressed in Brace Box, was beartily ashamed of the way he had been caught napping. Some inen would bave madea quick catch for the pistols that rested so bandily in his belt -—and would have been perforated accordingly. He reasoned very rapidly when he heard that Se re ere / Then I'l turn you loose and you'll come back without any one being the wiser, After that the game will go on as before—each of us wilf . play the hand he happens to hold when we meeG again. I'm giving you ali the chances I can afford, and if that don't strike you as about the ‘ square thing, why, so much the worse for you. 111 kill you now.” Very pleasantly spoke Mr. Foxton and yet he meant the whole of it, as Captain Wilson - was thoroughly satisfied. He’ was responsible ~ for two attempts on the life of the sport, and three men out of the four would not hesitate ~ under the circumstances to slay bim without mercy. Frank Fexton’s reputation for truth veracity, skill.with deadly weapons, and cold courage stood him in very good stead just then, ‘* My hands are up, Foxton, and Pll follow if he promise fair that you mean all you say; but won't say I won’t kick if I see the chance, or that the boys won’t chip if they drop to your httle game, One of us may te dead before you get out of this hole. If not 1’}l swear some one will drop the rext time we meet,” “That’s all right, that’s all right! You wouldn’t be yourself if you didn’tsay so. But just now. we're talking about sometbing else. ou observe, the least crook of my finger and down you go?” ‘““You bet I’m otserving.. Its what’s been holding me steady.” “Then continue to observe, and step out stra‘ght for the bushes. Don’t go to slinking, but walk as though "oe were walking. If any of the boys turn up Ill tell you what to say.” Foxton knew well enough that he had never been in tbe sbadow of much greater danger. He did not want to kill this cutlaw in coid blood, much as he had cause to hate him. If voice, and about made up bis mind that the man | any of the men turned up, wtre it only to ask a who could so successfully get the drop before | question, something of that kind would bave to his presence was suspected would probably be | be done, and eveh then the chance of escape sharp enough to hold the advantage or shoot to | would be very uncertain, kill 1f needs be. He was taking the risk, however, believing The captain temporized, but without making | that Wilson would be far enough from the men any unnecessary noise, ‘You infernal idiot! what do you want? Don’t you hear the boys over yonder? Don’t you know that it only takes a loud word to bring them here?” **T hope the loud word wil not be spoken,” was the cool response. ‘Somehow, by nature, Iam squeamish about wholesale slaughter, and as your gang would sooner stay than run, I would be under the dicanreexvio necessity of shooting them all. I suppose you recognize me by this time. I am Frank Foxton, anyhow. You may fool the Don, but it won’t go down with me, You can retain your wealth, but that wallet of papers that was in your breast pocket belongs to me as much as it does to you, If I find, on looking it over, that there is anything peuliorly your own J’ll send it back, I’m only interested in the Guadana bonanza.” By the time Foxton was done speaking he was in possession of the wallet he had mentioned. The darkness favored him. With the skill of an expert the papers passed into his possession before the captain was aware of their loss, Wilson was too much occupied with wondering how to most safely best this ccol sport to note the one suspicious movement of Frank Foxtoun’s left hand, ‘“*So you've been listening, have you?” growled the captain, still in an undertone. “Chalk down that one truth, in big red let- ters. Listening to every word; and I didn’t hear apything new, either. I knew that Car- jador was a rascal from the moment I saw him with you, back at Brace Box; and the reputa- tion of the chief of the Black Eagles is too well- known to need mention. Much obliged, how- ever, for the shape your information comes in. I think it can be made all the more generally available,” ““ Why, blast your cold pictures, do you think you'll ever get out of here alive ?” Unconsciously the captain in his indignation raised his voice a little. “Softly, now. Of course I do, or you would have been a corpse long before this, You've taken the advantage of me twice, but the third time is the charm. I have it now and I mean to play it for all itts worth or else see that the game between you and me is closed right now and forever. Are you going to play to my lead, or dr’n’t you?) Speak quick and speak easy. If you’re not [ll play the other way. It’s Fresh Frank that’s talking, without a bluff but just on the strength of his hand.” “You're fresh and frank, I'll be hanged if you’re not! You've got the reputation of al- ways being as good as your word or I would have tried you a rustle before this. But the thing can’t Jast forever and the wonder is that some of the boys haven’t been poking along be- fore this,” ‘**So they would have been if I had tried to rush matters. And then there would have been shouting, shooting and all that sort of foolishness, But everything is going along as straight as a string, That’s the beauty of having the boys under discipline, They don’t Who are you, and resent, at least—that made no dif- | intrude till they’re called on, You and I will ow then, unless you want to help go away together till we get out of earshet. a on the other side of the leafy screen to provent more than the hum of voices reaching their ears. Probably the captain had indicated that he wanted no one- prying around; and if so, they would not approach unless they beard some suspicious sound. They had heard the buzz of convei sation so long during the presence of Carjador tbat its continuance would seem only a matter of course, Such ideas as these were in Mr. Foxton’s brain, but he hardly gave them such difinite shape as, derringer in hand, te leisurely follow- ed his prisoner out of the little dingle. A few steps and they were enveloped in darkness, Yet Foxton’s left band was on the captain’s shoulder, his derringer at his ear, so that a movement cculd not be made without bis being aware that it was coming. In whispers the course was laid out, and Foxton was as careful now as he had been seemingly careless Lefore. The time of actual danger was just at hand. The work wasa little slow, but Foxton and Foxton’s good luck made it sure. In less time than he bad thought possible Frank heard the bammers of the shot-gun belonging to Bob Jones go back. As be went away single, and was coming back m double harness he heard a low, warning hail. “ What in blazes?” The exclamation was a mild one considering the situation when the cutlaw tramped out of the bushes witb a derringer at bis ear, and Frank Foxton behind the derringer. “Don’t swear, pard, it might break the luck, and I don’t want tbat, for it’s just been running ‘way up. Get the animals ready, for, in about ten seconds after I turn this lion loose, we want to be breaking for Brace Bux at the rate ofa mile a minute.” ‘* Why don't yer take him along? Brace Box *u’d jest shout ter see him, an’ Kid Glove Hank —oh, be’s dyin’ ter sbake hands.” *That’s all right, but a promise is a promise. I said ’'d turn tim out to shake his heels, and the only thing todoisto keep my word and swing foot lively.” “ He bits the turn when he strings his chips along that way,” said Wilson, as be coolly flung himself: down on the turf. As Frank bad re- lieved him of bis weapons he was not ready for anything else. “ There’s no other man living could have taken me out of my camp the way he has done, but I figured it down fine and made up my mind I'd sooner be kicking my heels around to-morrow thatt lay cold to-night. When the Fresh Sport bolds the drop and talks biz you may as wel? come down if you’ve got nothing better to do.” **Glad you take it so easy,” retorted Foxton as he crawled on Rbadamanthus, “T’'ve given ycu a square show, and want to treat you white clean through. Don’t how] too soon or too lond and you'll have an elegant chance to make things comfortable for me in the near hereafter. Ta, ta! My headquarters are with Jimmy Bower and I'll be glad to see you in Brace Box.” Before the outlaw could guess that he was go- ing Foxton had touched spurs to bis mule, and was off like a shot, with Jones at his side.
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— he resh Frank, the D a rringer Daisy. “Shows what it is to havea good reputation,” laughed Frank, as they dashed away. “Got off with him, bag and baggage. The biggest chief I ever saw don’t want to die if there’s another turn in the box and nobody look- ing on to see him take water.” *Reckon you ain't goin’ ter talk about it in Brace Box thongh?”’ asked Robert. “Brace Box, thunder! When that interest- ing burg sees me again it will be after to-night. We've got to surround this outfit and make a straight shoot south. If he don’t yell too soon wecando it justas easy. The Black Eagles have business on hand to-night, and won’t throw awaya chance for good money following too far after us if they think we're going iuto town,” ‘*Hev yer own way, I’m hired by ther month. It "pears ter me, though, ez if he war shoutin’ now, Sure enough, a sharp whistle rung out on the night air, In the silence of the shadows it could be heard a mile, “Let him shout, we make the turn right here, and unless they take some cut-off that I don’t know anything about it’s ten lemons to a goose- berry that they don’t get any nearer to-night.” He turned the head of his mule as he spoke and led the way into a narrow trail that branched off from the main one, leading away to the south west, Whether it was that the doubling back de- ceived them, or that, as Foxton had said, their business a detained them, Captain Wilson and his Black Eagles were seen no more that night. CHAPTER X, THE FACE BY THE FIRELIGHT. Raopa RaLErGs had not been quite so heart- less as Frank Foxton might have supposed, She went away without bidding. him good-by; but not before assuring berself by a quiet peep, while he was-sleeping, that he was in no par- ticular danger. Moreover, it was at her suggestion that the services of a guard were procured, look after his safety at night. Mr. Raleigh would gladly enough have dis- pensed with his daughter’s company, bad she re- mained withiu the limits of civilization; but he rather preferred taking her along to leaving her installed as nurse to the fresh young sport. When she insisted that Jones should be engaged he could only yield. When that had been done she was ready to accompany him without ques- tion. The rough experience of the ways and wiles of this out-of-the-way region had not frightened her from ber purpose—of which, by the way, her father knew but little. In return for her lack of confidence Mr, Raleigh gave her just as little information as to his plans as he could. Rhoda was prudence itself, and there did not seem much likelihood of her finding any one to whom she would make an undesirable revela- tion, yet after her first declaration tbat she . would go along, Raleigh was reticence itself. When he found her thrown so very confidential- ly into Frank Foxton’s company he was es- pecially glad of bis reticence. Jt was about sundown the second day out _ from Brace Box. The loveliness of the afternoon a passed had been intense. Not a human ing bad been met, and scarcely a living crea- ture, As it was understood that they were to camp for the night at a spring some indefinite distance ahead, Rhoda might have been pardon- ed for showing fatigue or nervousness when the ambulance continued to grind along long after the hour when she was accustomed to take her r. ; er father seemed moody and Old Sirene ‘ouch less talkative than usual. Neither was - supplying unasked-for information; and how- ever much Miss Raleigh would have liked to know what sort of camping-ground they were to have, and what were its advantages and dan- gers, she asked no questions, but remained as silent as the other two, It was something of a surprise, and consider- able of a shock w from the gloom ahead, there rung out a sharp voice: - “Halt! Who comes thar?” “ Good!” was the major’s ariswer. - ~“ Qlad to see you’ve commenced b “having your eyes open and everything sbipshape, Is that you, Destiny Dave?” _ * Tt's what luck an’ hard livin’ hes left ov me, I jedge it’s Major Raleigh thet’s talkin’ but I don’t see ez straight ez 1 mou’t., Sp’ose yer jist _ step forrads migbty keerful an’ considerin’ thet - thar’s a peck ov lead p’inted an’ all ready to : the spring and Ww come your ee “Nothing like carrying things through ac- cording to rule,” laughed Raleigh as he stepped rd ote with bis hands up, to satisfy the sen- tinal? A few words of conversation in a low tone appeared to be satisfactory to both, for the major came briskly back and sprung into the ance, ‘ae »% s . ye. Si. It’s a long half-mile to Id like to get, there re ht goes entir pent a . ’ ae irene & page oven See rales Me . = anxious to get to the camping-ground him- self. Quite romantic it looked to Rhoda when she saw the fitful flashing of the fires some little dis- tance ahead. This meeting with an army was unexpected, though it gave her a welcome feel- ing of safety, even if the main body appeared somewhat careless. As the ambulance halted a number of figures came clustering around, but only one stepped forward to greet the major. ‘Destiny Dave, he reckoned you'd be ’round / *bout sundown ter-night. Guess yer met him back on ther trail. . He’s bent on keepin’ a guard out, an’ ez thar warn’t nobody else anxious he went hisself. I does .think it.ain’t no great use throwin’ pickets out inuch afore midnight, Thar’s two men down there south-ways, which orter hold everything level.” Safe enough for the present, but it’s no harm | done keeping a sbarp lookout,” said Raleigh, shaking the outstretched hand. “T want to get things in shape for the night, and a mouthful of supper. Then I'll be ready to talk thinks over. There have been some devel- opments, Dave will be in in an hour, and per- | haps it would be better if some one relieved him, Iam not sure, but itis very likely that I have been followed, and though there might be no danger of an attack on the camp, or any otber immediate harm, still, ’'d like to know if we had any undesirable neighbors.” While Raleigh was conversing Sirene was busy. A couple of the loungers had relieved him of his mules, and were staking them out, while he had appropriated a side of one of the camp-fires, and was preparing supper. For the present Rhoda retained her seat and ) watched the scene. She had been in the camp of a band of outlaws, aud bad to confess that this looked a good deal like it, though there was a comfortabie difference. She was a prisoner there, while bere she was A guest; and she bad every confidence that her father could only be engaged in some legitimate enterprise, little as he had explained to ber the particuiars. The ambulance made a tolerably comfortable home, if the accommodations were somewhat contracted. Thongh tired with the long journey of the day she did not feel like leaving, at least, til) her father was ready to serve as her escort around the camp. Sirene’s style of cooking was primitive but substantial, Ina very little while he served up | an excellent supper, and after that Rhoda had | the chance she was waiting for, to inspect the | camp under her father’s guidance. Quite in military shape she found it, now that | darkness had actually set in. The ambulance was about the center where the man on guard in camp could keep an eye on it at all times during his vigil, Another sentinel kept watch over the horses and mules, The men were all heavily armed, and seemed to be of the rough and ready class; though perfectly respectful in their de- meauor in her presence, “ Something of a surprise to you, I suppose,” said the major, waving his band toward the men who were again clustered near the fires, smok- ing their evening pipes and conversing in Jow tones, i -T have said but little to you in regard to the object of the trip and I heartly wish I had said less. If I had thought that the announcement of business in Mexico would have led to your pera, Wray I certainly should have kept si- lent, hy under the sun you should be anxious to risk the hardships and dangers of the trip is more than i can understand,” ‘‘ Well, father mine, the fact is that we have both been rather raticent. You said you were going to Mexico; and I[ said that I was going along. Probably I have certain unspoken rea- sons, also,” “What possible reason can you have for visiting the heaven-forsaken region, through which I expect to pass ‘*What do you want there yourself? You prevt large field of usefulness as it was. I should judge that this expedition has cost you a pretty little fortune already; and as you made it all in the last few years, you seemed to be doing well enough where you were, without tempting fate here.” : ‘* Nonsense! What were the few thousands I had slowly raked ether? This has a fortune in it that is worth possessing. A thousand times a thousand—perhaps millions are in it.” “T am not presuming to dictate, or to ques- tion your judgment, so there is no use for us to quarrel. Ihave long had a fancy to visit the very portion of Mexico whither you are going, and when I saw the opportunity I could not resist the temptation, Certainly I could never ge.in better and na She spoke lightly, but her joking manner did not. have much effect in dispelling her father’s ill humor. He looked at her keenly, though be could only see the outline of her face. _ _“T hope that Frank Foxton has nothing to do with this very inconvenient desire,” “Mr, Foxton? What an idea! Until a few days ago I did not know that there was such a person in the universe,” terms rt? - ‘| too long going into action. Bad men ~ Nevertheless, you found yourself on confi- | eyé open. ) dential with him in a remarkably briet | ora, mebbe. Heap silver, though. time; and he. spoke as though it was his inten- tion to journey in the same direction as our- selves. Tosay the least, it Jooks suspicious.” ‘Of course it does, and it relieves my mind mightily when you growl about the gloomy prospects ahead. We have the chance of meet- ing him in the sweet by and by. From what you say, and what I have seen, he is a valuable man to have about. I only wish he was here now, and wonder that you did not make am effort to attach him to your party. It would have been worth your while to wait a week rather than lose bim,.” ** My child, it’s all right to catch a Tartar, in the way of war; but it’s all wrong when the Tartar catches you. This Fresh Frank is a Tartar. I do not fear that, of bimself, he could seriously interfere with my business; but he could be a very dangerous. man if he tried, and bee up a partnership with those that I know ° “With the Black Eagles, for instance? But. then, after the little I have seen of them, I bave my doubts if any sort of partnership could be patched up hetween them.” ‘Perhaps not. And yet he is scarcely mak- ing this trip alone, unless it is a preliminary to spy out the land.” “ Bot I thought you said that he was follow- ing you? I am hoping, perhaps again hope, that oe is, When the dangers that you talk of are around, 1 want Mr. Foxton to be around with them. Now, let us talk of something else. I am tired enough to be yearning for rest and sleep, and this stuff grows monotenous, How many days’ journey is our destination away?” “T can hardly tell. If we travel fast, and our journey is uninterrupted, it may be but a few days, Yet it is possible that we may be weeks on the way. I will perbaps bave a better idea when Destiny Dave comes in. He is the guide for the expedition, and I trust largely in his judgment. He should be here soon, haps you had better go back to the ambulances I do not wish you to run any risks until we are better acquainted with our men.” The little stroll they had taken relieved the cramped feeling caused by the long ride of the day, and Rhoda began to feel honestly tired. The advice of her father was not hard to take and when she stretched herself upon a long seat that served as her bed by night, and tucked a soft pillow under her head, the restful feeling was delicious. She clesed her eyes to enjoy it, and before she was aware that she was sleepy, consciousness was Jost in slumber, When ber eyelids raised again it was long after midnight. The camp-fires had burned low, only an occa- sional flicker showing where they bad been. Al? around her was silent, and as far us the ambu- lance was concerned she was alone. She listen- ed a moment tocatch the breathing of the major, whose place was on the opposite seat. He was usually not a very light sleeper. When she could not hear the long-drawn — breathing, as she expected, Rhoda felt a little thrill of apprehension, : Another moment of thought reassured her, however, Probably Destiny Dave had delayed his com- ing, and either the major was now conferring with him, or had gone toseek him. The idea of pers being anything to fear was simgly ridicu- lous. Yet in spite of the fact that she could hear no sound she was conscious of @ presence, Her nervous suspense grew beyond bearing, Slowly she rose to peer out under the curtain and at that moment the fire gave a bigher flicker than usual, sending a faint stream of light inte the . vehicle, and slanting as it came across a dark, fierce face buta few feet from her. It wasa scar- red face, a painted face, the face of av Indian, CHAPTER XI, FOUND AGAIN, RwHopa was not much given to nerves so she did not scream, unexpected as was the sight that bad met ber eyes. There was only a mo- mentary glance of that savage face, for the fire died down as rapidly as it had risen, and in the darkness she could see no more andathe only sound was the click of her revolver as she forced the hammer back. : : “Big Injun me; big friend, heap big; white irl go slow, hear what Rattlesnake say, Speak ow,” j The voice came after a moment’s interval, in a thick, guttural whisper; and the head bad Svidently been, withdrawn from it’s close prox~ imity to ber own. ¥6 o are you; what do you want?” Rhoda, under the circumstances, was inclined | to think tbat the best plan for her was to fol- low his advice. She spoke low, but firmly, and held her revolver ready. ce the affair with the road-ageuts she prepared for action at once. in all donbtfu) cases and did not intend to delay “Me Rattlesnake, big chief, Hear what white man talk, See whitegirl. Heap sorry. in way. Make big trouble. Kee Much fight. Much blood. No get | See s Per- - \ a ; vs ys ge =. ai . a. oS ys = VY ak 2 he ~~ 2 « % .
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apne site - the whites a good deal. _ Ave all of your tribe so tender-hearted?” ness I might feel on account of my peculiar _ might give trouble enough later on CR ae cs r= ST Ae is bas J a hin Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. open an’ look fer Rattlesnake, He be ‘round, | big chief on wheels.” t was evident that the chief had been among Though his sentences | were short he spoke plainly, and Rhoda had no difficulty in comprebending his meaning. She had ceased to feel any great alarm; but she was | fairly puzzled, be rf am much obliged to you, Mr. Rattlesnake, for your information and good wishes, but I don’t understand why you should concern your- self about my danger, or my father’s success. The Indian shook his head, ‘* Rattlesnake heap friend father. He save | life of Rattlesnake father heap moons past, | when him big medicine. Squaw not know; Rattlesnake know. Tribe fight for bad men; Rattlesnake hate bad men, Want git even. You trust every time; no git left, You tell | white men keep eyes peeled; keep eyes wide open—all get scooped. White man come, you tell what ttlesnake say. So long. See you bimeby soon.” Without waiting for an answer the Indian slipped away as noiselessly as he bad come, not another sleeper in camp having been disturbed. Rhoda listening could hear nothing of him, though she did hear the sound of approaching footsteps—Destiny Dave and her father, who . had just finished a conference outside of the | camp. . They separated as she looked out at them, and Major Raleigh came directly toward tke ambulanoe, A movement made by Rhoda showed that she | was not asleep, and he spoke somewhat aix- | ionsly: ‘“T hope you have not been alarmed. Duve and I were talking over the journey. He will have to shange his route a little, on account of your presence, which had not originally been counted on. Of course, with the men around you, there could be no occasian fcr fear,” “Tam hardly one of the fearful kind or I would not have been here. Besides I had a | visitor. His cheerful conversation would of itself have been sufficient to allay any nervous- position.” ‘* A visitor!” Elward Raleigh showed both surprise and anger at hearing this intelligence. If bis men were intruding. so early in the march they ‘Yes, a gentleman who styled himself Mr. | Rattlesnake. After all, he was more earnest | than amusing.” ‘** Which one of the men was it?’ asked | Raleigh, ae anf ; 33 Would you know him again? What did he | look like?” “Very much like a full-blooded Indian. He | styled himself a mighty chief, and 1 have no r n to disbelieve his word.” ‘Then he was not one of our :nen at all. Did ae not see him? How did he get into the mp?’ ¥ They did not seem tu see him either come or go; and he left word for you that if you did not keep better watch you would all ‘scooped in.’ He-was very friendly, and, I should judge, a man of solid sense.” ‘But what didahe want; how came he to speak to you?” . “He was anxious to scatter good advice around, As we never met before I could not well imsagite that I fascinated him.” Then, dropping ber tone cf badinage Rhoda told the particulars of her little adventuse, in- cluding the very words of the chief, so far as | she could remember them; winding up witb: u see that I have found out some- | a So (7) thing of what you have ia view, iv spite of and pe Fi have wasted on tha scheme,” ~« the darkness . SC “My ) ar ‘a. | is a cache of the res. well for you not to worry about what ase’ | may happen to me, You have discovered | enough of the truth to force me to tell you the | rest, unless I keep silent altogether. As you | say, there is a mine. If it was worked after our | American methods, it would turn out equal to | the most fabulous bonanzas. Legally the title belongs to me, but in Mexico l am not sure that | is any great advantage. The authorities, such as they are, seem to prefer to lay in with the | rascals, “I may be able to hold and work this mine, | | In that case it would take but a few years to satisfy ny most ardent desires for wealth. _ “IT may not be able to bold this mine, which is lecated on what is known as‘ The Guadana Grant;’ but this much I. do know: It has been worked before to pit good purpose, and there alt that is the first object of tbis expedition.” ‘Perhaps you way find some difficulty in | either discovering or carrying away this buried | treasure, No doubt there have been other | searchers for it, who may have succeeded in un- | earthing it long ago. Others know of it and ! are watching, or will be watching you, if they have not already found it. You may make a | convenient cat’s-paw,” . “As I have said, I must take my chances, | though I fear not that the hidden fortune bas been found, unless it be by the Indians, ‘fu the latter case it might still be there, | safe enough, Thoy have little use for the pre- | cious metals, though sometimes they use them for ornaments, or now-and then take in to | settlements a few small nuggets to exchange for whisky, or some necessity. It is generally agreed that the Indians know the secret diggings and hidden mines, but they keep the cooetedan to themselves, They are ouly too anxious to avoid the rush that follows when such secrets are made known,” ‘* And bow is it that you know all about this secret, which otherwise seems to have been kept for so many years?” ‘“‘ It was never a secret to me,” responded the major, a trifle gloomily, ‘** Those that bide can find. yet it all seems as clear as though it happened yesierday. But there! I am in no mood for talking more to-night, The real journey begins to-morrow, and as an early start should be made, there is none too much time for rest, It was years ago il miles uway the dim outlines of extensive build- in Raleigh pointed them out to his daugbter, ‘it is worth while tosee them, since they are the only signs of population we will be apt to meet wits on our way.” ‘Yes. It looks as though one might be will- ing to live there. Who is their owner?’ Rhoda spoke as though they were at home, where the owner of every noticeable property was known to about everybody: Her father laughed. “If I was well enough acquainted with the country to say, I would not be paying Destiny Dave quite su big a salary to act as guide, Some rich rancher, doubtless.” ‘* Do you know?” she asked, turning to Dave, who happened to be riding near. “T don’t know, ’ca’se I never bin thar, an’ don’t jest recomember hearing ary one say: but I sbhouid jedge thar’s on’y one ranch like that hereaways, an’ that’s what’s called ther Banzos Hacienda. Ef it are, ther’s beaps big money thar, more cattle than you kin sbakea stick at frum now tell next day, an’ a rattlin’ leetle gal ter run ther ranch.” ‘““The Banzos Hacienda!” exclaimed Rhoda. “Then let me tuke a lovk at it. I bave an idea tbat it is worth the seeing.” She stood up as she spoke, and steadying her- | self by two of the posts to the top cf the ambu- lance, took a long jock at theclump of buildings that showed hazily in the distance. .Then, with them as a center, she Ict ber eyes sweep around until she bad taken in the whole lay of the land. Then she dropped Lack in her seat, ‘* And so that is the Banzos Hacienda! Who would have thought it?” — major was watching his daughter curi- ousiy. “You seem strangely interested. What es- pecial interest has the place for you?” ‘Ob, I bave heard of it. I must say the view surpasses my expectations, and some day I shall try to take a cleserlook. Would it be much out of our way to go there now?” F ‘* Very much indeed,” responded Raleigh, ryly. 4 ? think if we made the visit it is very doubt- ful if we found this trail again. But we will not discuss the subject now. There is no time to waste on side excursions, I cnly hope that we have not been seen from over yonder, I Some otber time I will tell you more—perhaps | think not, though. Against the mountain line when we have reached the goal it may seem all the more interesting. As I have taiked frankly. you might return the cumpliment. You know now what it is that draws me on this dangerous quest, but you have failed tosay what has been —beyond a romantic love of adventure—the peculiar fascination for you.” “For me? Oh, I um going in the hope of meeting an oll friend. Now, not another word eth 9 po I have had ali the news I can digest, and I am going to slice; .” It was the first intimation that Raleigh had of his daughter's inner expectation, and it was a pains surprise. He kad noidea who the friend might be. He thought of Frank Foxton first thin from what Rboda had previously said, the friend could hardly be be. Who else was it then? Of course, if there was another man in the case, she would hardly be apt to yield to the fasciuations of Foxton, which was some con- solation ; but who was the other man? In spite of bis intimate knowledge of bis daughter, he was about to open his mouth and ask. He closed his lips again when he remembered | that nothing bat stern parental command would force ber to speak after she had declared the conversation clused, Under the circum- stances ke did the two were unbroken, though they were up by times, and preparing for the tized that was ; but | hebind us we should make but little showing,” ‘And yonder are two gentlemen who seem to have much the same opinion,” said Rhoda, pointing back ‘over the route by which they had come. “ They are either following us, or are keeping out of sight of the hacienda.” ‘*Heavens!” exclaimed Raleigh. “ Tt’s Jones and that infernal Foxtun.” CHAPTER XII. FOXTON HOLDS THE DROP. Ir was nothing but a guess, yet Rakigh guessed very shrewdly. Foxton had flanked the outlaws, as he had desired: and then ambled along southward, accompanied by bis retainer. How they subsisted on the route was a conun- drum it might have puzzled them to answer, save by saying they had lived off of the country by the aid of the shot-gun., It would have been hard to bave made the major believe that they had not been following his trail; while the fact. was that as yet they | bad not struck it. The Fresh Sport was on a line of bis own, The conversation of the two at the very moment Raleigh uttered his impa- tient exclamation might have enlightened semew hat, could he bave heard it. © “Dm afraid the old man has lost bis chance for this time. ‘Thought we’d strike bis spoor for — eos this. Not that it yr sames eng ifference as long as no one goes through me, for my wealth and collaterals; but I think he'd rest easier if I conld put in bis hands the — 3 gage of his T received from Captain Jobn. He can wait, though. The good Samaritan didn’t let side issues interfere v much with his af- fairs afterall, and [ don’t think I will either,” The longer they journeyed together the more freely Frank cpoke to bis aide. Jones and his shot-gun had r ally been very comfortable at- ts. Pees ‘*Ez I dou’t know whar ther major’s goin’, I cain’t say fer sure, but I'd jedge it won't be long afore we strike Lis tracks, onless he’s slid over ther other side oy ther mount’in’, Yister- day mornin’ war ther fu'st real good chance, an? ez we didn’t hit him then well be ther more apt “Very true, if we kept on traveling, but, I pears: Bas ene . and : tak- : an
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12 take much stock in them. And you forget the | awful much like a neck-tie party with the vil- luck that always brings me out right side up. Why, it’s just ten to one that by this time to- morrow morning we'll own a ranch, ten thousand lains at the wrong end of the rope. Let me see, a little; let me see,” He scepped so lightly that not the slightest bead of cattle, and each of usan undivided half | sound followed his footsteps. By s. doing he of a silver mine. I mind making that much | bad the chance of hearing a conversation that clear, once, in twenty-four hours; and it warn’t | was earnest and fierce. As he spoke Spanish much of a season for mines either.” like a native—or a little better—there was no ** Ef he’d paid mo fur a year stid ov a month | trouble about understanding what was said; I wouldn’t mind takin’ them odds, but I cain’t | while the scene that met his eye when he had rake up ’nuf ov rags ter make it wu’th yer while ! gained a concealed point of observation, spoke ter try it on, money in the wood,” ‘+ Oh, yes there is, Robert, if a man has the I kin remark thar ain’t no sich | better than words. ‘** And so, senors, you would slay me?” It was a woman’s voice that spoke the first nerve to play for it. Yonder are the cattle; up | words that came distinctly to his ear. there are silver mines by the cord; all! that’s need- ed is to get together the man that owns them. You might go out.and steer him in, while I look nround to see what sort of a country itis, any- how.” “Not any sich foolishness in mine,” was Robert's answer, He did not seem to know ex- / As their mellow cadence reached him he grip- ped the stock of his ready revolver a little harder, A singular smile played on his face while his eyes ran over the fitt e knot of men clustered around the one woman in the center, ‘* Just as cool as they make ’em,” he muttered; *‘let’s listen for the answer; there’s only four, actly what to make of the sport’s proposition, | but if 1t’s not an actual ——— I don’t see n It sounded like serious earnest as a proposil, | that there is any pieasure in kill and arrant nonsense according to the doctrine of probability. ** Them Greasers kin skin ther hull rest ov ther worl! out at monte like lightning, which are ther only game you kin git ’em ter buck,” “* But supposing I order you? Lunderstood | from slaying yourself. them all. It’s really lamentable the amount of slaughter one has to do anyhow.” The conversation being interpreted ran after this fashion: ‘*No, no, senorita, We would prevent you See, now? We are that you were hired by the month to look after | needy rascals, who long have bad a mind to ask my comfort,” | “ Not by daylight nohow, ez long ez that lasts. I tho’rt I hed a puddin’ when I struck ther job, but I didn’t count on ' come right to us. this dog-goned picnic.” “ Well, then, you stay here and I'll look around. If L shouldn’t turn up by to-morrow, hunt me out. I don’t know that anythingis go- ing to happen, but it’s just as well to castan an- chor to windward in this blarsted country, don’t _ you know?” ** Yer mean it?” ‘* Every word.” “Then [I’m stayin’, an? off duty fur ther night. Yonder seems ter be ther spot I'd admire ter lay off at, an’ you'll find ine thar ef nothin’ aap pens an’ yer want ter try tercome my way; only don’t try, too much -foolisness; it’s what they don’t admire down byar, an’ they'll jump yer quickerner scat,” Jones had pointed to the entrance of what seemed a bough-shaded dingle, sunk in among the bills, It was perhaps half a mile distant. They had not visited it as yet, but as far as out- ward appearance went it was just about the place for conceal nent, which was what Jones was after. Foxton no Ided, gave a glance around to fix the location in bis mind, and then, turning to the right, role slowly down toward the plain, Had he accompanied Robert to the dingle he would have seen and crossed the trail of Raleigh’s caravan; and. perhaps changed his present in- tentions altogether, --'In a few moments the two men were out of sight of each other just as they had long ago dropped out of the range of vision of the major and his party. _ “Well,” thought Foxton, as Rhadamanthus sedately picked his way downward. ‘‘I have - rid of him for the present. He’s not exact- \ly the sort of squire one would want to knock - for him at the Castle Gate, and yet there’s some- thing about the blamed idiot that makes me think a man might have a worse pard at his back when the game was running rough, There’s something deuced cool about bim and his ‘ hired by the month,’ that hits me about where I live. It’s a satisfaction to kuow he’s there, at the other end of the striug, if things gocrooked, Butnow for a glance around, It’s a fact I might be ina better looking shape, but a fellow don’t step out of a bandbox when he lands here, and like as not Pll find more fun than pleasure, I gen- erally do, in spite of the bluff I was trying to give Jones a moment ago.” As he let such fancies run through his brain he smiled to himself, It was an amusement for him to guess at what, if at all anticipated, might make s»me very good men pause, or per- haps take a back track. But Foxton kept bis face in one direction, and that was toward the Banzos Hacienda. He had a glimpse of the speck in the distance which marked that location <a he bad called a halt, but.nothing like the clearer view of the major. Jones had said ipsa in regard to the ranch; and if he had not seen it Frank was not going to see his attention to it. : he speck bad vanished before he had ridden abuodred rods. That was on account of ths rollin the land, The points of the compass re- mained fixed in the mind of the Fresb Sport. For several miles he ambled on after his usual careless fashion. ; rs. Then he suidenly sprung to the ground and threw the reins over the head of his mule, Something ahead demanded his attention, One foot he alvanced to its investigation. New series, adventure number one,” he ‘softly murmured, “ A regular frolic, with all I’m me own boss | intrude. . . the trimmings and side dishes. It's awful, the amount of fun I have to suffer—all b won't shut my eyes, or travel’ the ‘ se I “she . } othe wi Cm But what is going on here, anyhow! Me looks ton. se 3 ; coms Sa Roof" de ie ae alms at the hacienda, but were too modest to So we staid up there in the mountain and starved. But to-day, holy saints! You What can we do but tell you our needs? We do not threaten, but those that slight our prayer seldom live long. Providence cuts off the bard-hearted ones, even in the bloom of their youth,” ‘“ A quite poetical villain,” thought Foxton, **though 1 don’t know but what | prefer the Black Eagle style. The senorita don’t seem to be suffering, so I may as well wait to see what she willsay. ‘The little witch! She looks more charming than ever.” ** Providence must even work its will since no alms have I to give thee. Yet hasten slowly. There are those who seem to love me hving, and once dead they would hound you to your holes and take a fearful revenge.” ‘* We will risk the revenge so long as we find other things are satisfactory. Of ‘course we do not suppose that the senorita carries her fortune with ber when she rides upon the plain, but it would not be bard out of the abundance of ber wealth for her to make us wretches happy for life. Ten thousand pesos, for instance. It is but a drop in the bucket, and she could spare it so easy,” “Not as easy, perhaps, as you think. If it was cattle, now, that you wanted, I conld say, ‘Here, Tomaso! there are a thousand, two thon- sand, ten thousand head of cattle; take what you want of them.’ But the cattle you can get anyhow,” ‘ ‘“T understand. But it brought to us,” ‘“*As TI bave not a dollar in the world there might be some difficulty.” “Pardon me, senorita: if Iwas a woman I would say that too, even if I was told that I lied by those I was trying to deceive, Cattle are no ee to us; it is money that we want.” ** And I have none,” : “Sorry then, You will bear us witness that we have given all the chance to come to terms that we possibly could; now we must try some measures a little stronger. Take your last look at the world around you. It is a lovely one, is it not?” ‘** But what would you want?” “The key to that safe that sits .ver in your room. There are fortunes in it.” ** But I swear there is no coin; and the key I had has been lost.” ““No nonsense, now. For the last time I ask rou. Will you furnish us the key or the con- ents? Will you promise us the ten thousand pesos? We'll keap you safely till they come if you do. Otberwise, we end it all right here, for you; and sack the ranch when every man who might help defend it is out looking for its buried mistress, How shall it be, Senorita Madelaine Banzos?” ‘I am in your hands by an accident and my own foolishness. I cannot say that I am sorry I cannot comply with your request since { doubt if I would if I could. There is only one thing L can do, I have done it already, and assure you again that you cannot and will not get from me the ransom you demand, while the only person who might help you to it, Raimondo Carjador, is away. There is no money in holding me senors; and there is a great deal of danger. It you are wise you will take my promise to say nothing of this outrage, and set me free. Some other time perbaps you may find me with things in more favorable shape for your interests,” She was a dainty little lady, the perfect ty of a brunette beanty ou a slightly reduced Bd i She spoke without fear or hesitation, neither sinking under the threats of ber captors, nor shrinking at the incredulous scorn with which words were received, you can send it or have . worth a cent. vee ke Ser bey Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. _evidently an American, aud had two revolvers, eae alree ta see Re as she can keep her courage up it may be as well to stay in the bushes and see what these fellows are after, That one seems to be pretty good- looking, in spite of his disguise. He must be the boss of the outfit. The cthers are just an ordinary-looking set of ruffians. Ah, it struck me there was something more than dollars and dimes at stake. He begins’ to show his hand. A man might light a match at bis eyes, They’re red-hot.” The spokesman was answering the young lady, and for the first time there was a gleam of pas- sion in his tone, ‘So you think if we can get no coin weshould turn yuu loose, Never! There is something al- most as good—revenge. If it wereonly the truly would I have seen thee ‘strangled before would have moved a step against thee. But re- venge! Ab, perhaps it is not too late for thee to see junto whose hands thou bast fallen?” The cheeks of Madelaine flushed a trifle and she shot a piercing glance at the speaker, Yet a puzzled look crept over her face and she slowly shook her bead, ‘* Never have I seen thee before, if my memory serves me rightly. Nor doI know that I ever harmed one so that he should seek such revenge as you speak of.” “Not thou, but thy accursed race. Thy lover —Carjador—thy friends. Theirs are the sins for which thou must begin to pay. Ob, I will have such vengeance—” “Good Lord, man! Hasn’t this thing gone far enough? If it basn’t I guess the balance of the conversation had better be addressed to me, Hold bard there all of youordown yougo, IT have the drop, and there’s not a living man that knows better bow to make the most of it,” Foxton saw that threats of the villain were having their effect on the senorita, and thought it. time to interfere. He stepped coolly out of the bushes and a ya ced toward’ the outlaws with a cocked revolver in each band, and his mouth full of Spanish words and English idioms. CHAPTER XIII. SOMETHING IN A’ CELLAR BESIDES WINE, In spite of herself a little cry of delight es- caped the lips of the senorita as she saw Foxton with his revolvers, and beard him so coolly call a halt in the proceedings. If she fanced that be had a troop behind bim it was no more than bis actions.seemed to her to warrant. In ber view of things if one man was attacking Lalf a dozen armed desperadoes he would begin to shoot while he beld the advantage of being unseev. She hardly understood the et- iquette of ‘‘ the drop.” | The outlaws, or whatever they were, evident- ly did. There was a something in the tones of this men that meant business. Besides. be was He might have bad half a dozen knives and they would have laughed at him; but a pistol was a different thing. ; The spokesman with a mechanical movement did draw a knife half-way from its sheath, but the motion stopped there, He was locking right into the muzzle of the weapon in Foxton’s right hand, and it seemed to him, in the first shock of — bis surprise that he could see init the substance of approaching death, ‘*Open to reason are you laughéd the Fresh Sport, as he noticed that be had his men well in an . ‘* Now, that’s something like. I’m not going to harrow your feelings asking you to hold up your bands, but I'll simply remark that the first man that tries to handle a shooter goes over the range. You understand me? I always speak the truth, and I can shoot to the line of a hair. My friend, you! What were you going todo with that rope?” i aS He nodded toward a noosed cord that had ai eee from the leader’s band when he grasped is knife, **Who are you? By what right do you inter- fere?” was the answer, given in the sharper tone of a reviving courage. ‘* Know you not that we are five to one, and that if we bot reise our hands, the fall of them — would crush you? Pass on, senor, if you are wise, and leave this woman in our hands, where she belongs, Look her in the face and see if it does Fes . w o it < ane tr Is as anks for the explanation, but the t as it is covers about all the ground Peas to take in for the present. , We'll accept all that for granted; but what I asked was, what were you going to do with that rope?” “t er , it was to hang me with; at least, so they said.” There was as yet no personal recognition, but Madelaine saw that the man to the rescue was an American, so that she spoke in his own tongue. are: ‘“And you intended to bang the seuorita,” ta shocking villain . ay doebis about your and if tbe
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they had simply recovered from the shock of his suddén appearance, Anyhow, with a sinuous, scarcely. perceptible motion, they clustered closer together. A mau as wise as. Foxton in the ways of the wicked, could tell that they were each and all, without any concerted plan, crouching for a spring. Madelaitte saw that—and thought she saw somctaing, more. Though scarcely willing to believe the evidence of ber senses, there came to | her the certain knowledge that the face of the sport was pot altogether unfamiliar, and she | remembered where she had seen it last, so many bunodreds and hundreds of miles away. She was not altogether charmed with the semi-rccognition. The gentleman that she had kn-wa then did not seem, in her remembrance of things; to be the sort of man she most wanted to come, afoot and alone, to her aid. The outlaws, with eyes ovly for the sport, had been shifting to one side—she bad been as quietly shifting to the other. They no louger surrounded her, There was a chance for ac- tion. It seemed like a desertion on her part, put what better could she do?” Quietly she held cut her band bebind her and made an unobserved motion. It was to no human being that she beckoned, | yet the signa) was answered promptly enough, Cautiously and quietly a piebuld mustang stepped toward her. holding him bad dropped bis bridle upon the ad- vent of Mr. Foxton. ‘The Macel.ine did. not wait. fixated on his bark like a bird, striking bim sharply with her palm as she settled into the saddle, “Hold them off if you can; I will havea doz-n men here in five minutes.” As the horse sprang away she shouted back her promise, and almost immediately vanished from sight. Not that Foxton f. lowed her with his eyes, Such side issues never diverted him from the occupation in band, It was the outlaws that turned slightly and:hot after her a mad glance of baffled hate. on foot; and Mr, Fox on was in the way, ” “Steady, there!” he gritted, shrewdly guess- ing that if the fusilade once began, some of the bullets would be quite apt to come his way. “You can’t touch her, anyhow; but the first man that makes a fool of himself trying it Se j ets measured for a wooden overcoat. An fell need it bad, mighty bad, even if there’s not an uudertuker around here to fill the bill, and the weather very sultry.” “The stranser spenks sense. Be silent a trifle Icenger. Sincesle has fled from us, vain would it be to ony to overtake her, for her mustang goes like the wind.” “Level, very level, for a head that is as thick as yours sometimes seems,” laughed the sport, “T don’ believe you hold me in any good will Lut. youll hardly try to get away witb the great tornado of the Southwest after «ll he’s said and done, and the good advive he is going to give you. - “What you want todo is to evacuate. I shall unsling my Winchester and provide for my safety white { watea you going. After that shall depart myself. Sbe suid she would be back in five minutes, with a dozen men, I guess sue meant it, and I declare I don’t want to be compelled to stand on guard till she ar- rives. It would make me think I was an ac- complice in the bloody murder that will follow immediately after ber coming.” “Who are you?” asked the outlaw leader sharply, oace more,turning toward the sport. “Por future reference only, el? Put it in the day-bouk and post it to the ledger with a big red hne around it? Still it’s a satisfaction to hear it after such a fizzle, though you may know that I bad a big hand in the backdown, Foxton is the gentle cognomen by which I want to be called to grub while I linger in tivis vicin- ity—Frank Foxton. Do you know a better!” “Tt is all the same. Thou hast lost us our chance and our prisoner, and for the present [ would see no more of thee. Go thy way and we will go ours; but prepare to die when next we meet thee.” pes “ Thanks for the kind warning; though, when you know me better, you will understand that I am always ready for that—or the other thing. Good-day! I hope I see you going With the hint bé swiftly dropped one revol- ver in its sheath and brought bis Winchester over bis head to a ready. His precautions scarcely seemed to have been necessary, Abruptly the leader of the gang turned, and his men followed his example, Without a word they strode away. “TY guess the neatest thing for me to do,” \ thought Mr, Foxton, ‘is to arrange myself on -‘Rhadamantbus, If I understand these gentle- men their courage rises the higher up they get on horseback, and no doubt they have steeds, and perhaps pards, somewhere not far off. I’m not exactly prepared to guard on foot against . The senorita might get back a cavalry charge. in time ig Be 2 not, Anyway, 1 am not t 1am ready to meet her.” g ’ ee et ae The fellow that bad been ; icbald was som tag, De rapidly, but | Le moment he was . nearest to her she made a quick spring, and ' She was mounted; they were a Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. certain that an attempt to flank him would not be made, and he might run himself right into | danger, Nothing did he see of the Mexicans, however, and in a few moments he was once more on the back of his mule. / ** And now, I guess I'll amble along toward | the ranch, J can get there by sundown, and if I know anything about hospitality they won’t ; turn me away. rhe little witch! She is charm- | ing as ever—and just ascool. It seemed to me | that she had a horrible suspicion that she recog- nized me at the very last. It might have been worth my while to have made certain, but then It really wasn’t safe to | L was so very busy. | look the other way.” Very regretfully did he murmur bis plaint while putting Rhadamanthus to :his paces, and | doggedly holding his course toward the build- | ings he had not long since seen in the distance, | passing the spot whtere he bad just parted from the quartette without seeing any one. | If Senorita Madelaine had heen alone un- | doubdtedly the Fresh Sport would have looked for | her trail to follow it to the end. From her | words be believed that she had companions or servants at no great distance and he did not care to ride to the ranch in their company, while he scarcely thought they would trouble themselves making much search for him. The trails would sbow that the outlaws had gone one way, and he another. It took some little time to get clear of tbe foot-hills, among which a dozen different parties could be within shouting distauce uf each other without know it. Finally the ranch was in view, with a great herd or two of cattle, and a little knot of horse- men scouring over the plain. At the lst be looked long and eaynestly, striving to see if he could recognize the flutter of femmine garments. It was too far off to distinguish objests very clearly, yet he was almost certain that a woman—of course that must be Madelaine—rode at the head. He shrugged his shoulders, cbhirruped to Rtadamanthus, and rode on more silent than usual, If it was Madelaine he saw she must | have deliberately abandoned bim to bis fute, | That was more than he expected. It took something more than an earthqu to shock Frank Foxton, but at that moment le’ felt a | _ trifle disgusted, to say the least, | If the party saw they did nt appear to notice | him; and after a little they disaj-peared from | the range of his vision, | He was not surprised at this, though they had | been traveling on what seemed to be a level ‘plain. He understuod that they hsd entered | some depression in the ground—perhaps a bar- ranca that stretcbed across the plain, and | througb which ran the trail to the ranch. He ; marked well in his mind the spot where they | had vanished and held bis own course toward it. He saw nothing more of the party, but, he | found the marks of their footsteps at length, and ,_ followed them straight down a steep and un- , comfortable path. | “I reckon it’s the ranch or China now, and ‘ that’s a fact, Maybe it would bave been as | well to have seen first where the flock came out | at, but I guess I’m not far wrong, And which- ever way it takes me, it’s a safe bet that there | will be fun at the other end, Bnt what en elegant place this would be for Raimondo to murdera man, If he got in abead and knew I was coming—whew!” Fuxton’s reflections, as he made bis way along the silent, shadowy trail, were, not what the ordinary citizen would consider strictly cheer- ful, though they did not give bim much real | trouble, He looked up carelessly at the thread of daylight above him, at the walls of riven rock, or crumbling clay; and down at therough rocky road beneath him, That was all the | Prospect be had, but he was not seeking for | prospect. He was following in the wake of | some careless riders who evidently knew the way. How far the barranca extended he never found out, since, after «a journey that began to run into the hours he reached an upward path which he took without hesitation though he bad no means of knowing whether it haar been ) followed by his unconscious guides, Prudently, however, he dismounted before he began the ascent. At a —— he had decided that the path was practicable, but it might have | been safer, . “Aman andaclub could keep down about | two dozen here,” was bis mental comment, as be | Save a great tug at the bridle and landed the mule on the plain above, “ And thank our lucky stars, there’s the ranch © at last! I wonder if IT will want to get awa faster than I came? If so,I bad better lock , around for landmarks. | place in the world to find by moonlight.” | Landmarks were not at. all plenty, so Foxton | made some. He tore a silk bandkerebief in two , and placed the balf on the: path a little below | the level of the plain, To one a few yards "away, it was invisible; but it was easily seen by riding close to the edge of the chasm and look- ing downward, > 5 ! Cautiously Foxton fell back, for he was not | ; | this, and Foxton knew it. | able to tell them apart in case he was called on ! to make a hasty retreat. Why he should have | conscious This is rot the easiest j 13 There were other spots that looked much like It was well to be any reason for that be could not have told—un- less, indeed, Raimondo: was somewhere ahead of him—but the sport was a strange mixture of care and carelessness, A bundred yards further 6n he-dropped the remainder of the silk by the side of tte almost | imperceptible trail as a sort of danger sigral, warning him to be on the lookout. Then he stood up in his stirrups and looked around, for he was carefully taking his bear- ings, and. at the same time Jooking for bis un- guides, Of the latter nothing was to be seen, tut the ranch was now so near, the buildings iv such plain sight, that, unless be encourtered an ur- passable gash across bis course, be needed no barf He could harcly miss his way if he tried. And be reached the ranch shortly before sun- down. Of course a geutleman so fresh as Frank | Fcxten would feel no Lesitation in billeting him-. | self almost anywhere for a supper anda night's ‘ loging, and he succeeded bere to his heart’s | desire. : Only, when he gravely meade cautious inqui- | Yies in regard to the proprietor, be was some- what troubled to kear that she was not at home. That she bad taken a fancy to visit the Carjadcr Hacienda, a dozen miles or so distant, and had started in the early morning with some of her vaqueros. It was not likely that she would re- turr before the morrow, But that should make no difference, The dcors of the dwelling of a Banzos were always open to a wayfarer, and the . Senorita Madelaine would grow wild if ske heard | that an Americano bad been turned aw v5 He , might rest easy since Lis couch bad already been prepared for him. . After such fashion the grave-faced Mexican | majcr-domo spoke, and Foxton was furced to be content. After all there was little hkelibood , that Maceleine had come to harm; and if not _ this was no unwelcome char ge in the pregramme since ke was tired enough from bis journeyings, . He felt hinself luiled to rest by the very thought | of a comfortable night on an orthcdeox couch, | About the hour he bad expected to begin his in- . ae with the prcprietress he was scund asleep. So very deep was his slumber that even a no } and on bis shoulder did not at once awaken him. . Only when a noored cord slipped over Lis wrists ! and he was nrareey helpless did be make bis first vain effort to spring from his bed. ‘Struggle not, my friend,” said a low, stern voice, that be recognized as belonging to Rai- mondo Car jador, “There are dungeons as well as wine-cellars under the Banzo- habitacion. Once inside of them aud you trouble me no more forever, if my aim be nct otherwise reached.” 4 j ! | CHAPTER XIV. RHODA REACHES HER GOAL. ACCORDING to a well-known adage, there is snch a thing as being tco previcus, and accord- ing to eppearances Mr. Fcxtcn Lad been guilty of that self-same thing. Hardly was he out of bearing of the en where he had come upen the cuilavs and Madelaine, when that young lady returned, but coming in an entirely different direction frcm that in which he would have expected Fer. She was not precisely alone; nor cid tbe tave such reinforcen-ents at ber back as she bad inti- | mated she would bring when so hastily leaving | the men at bay, The way of that was this: The information that Fcxton afterward re- ' ceived in regard to ber intention of visiting the Carjador Ranch was correct enough as far as it went; but rbe bad no such design when setting cut in the morning in company with that very rty Frank bad followed. But having sudden- made up her mind when the p limit of | their excursion kad been almost reached, she | bade one of Ler vaqueros follow her, and turned suddenly aside. — It was shortly after this that she fell into the ha of the enemy, who uncercmoniously tumbled Jose, ber esquire, off of bis mustang, and carried patna to a still more se estered ; ak than the one where their ambush bad been - a ‘ 5 | She thought and they thought that Jore was ‘ oo vakor tin en ee 8 sieved she 1 the r ie ~w ; ¥ would be able to fareecenh a i sarc Un- Jess time had fown inuch eee 1an she though it had they could not, in ' pane gist age her weer? far = ro ee
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It was a shock and a bitter sony Each ig to see them a mile or more nearer the ranch than she was, and going like the wind. _ “Qaramba!” she exclaimed, the oath falling quite heartily from her pretty lips. ‘IT made sure that I could catch them here, but 1 am too late. I could not stop them now, before they reached the canyon, if there. Yet I have Jeft him in woeful danger, all on my ac- count. Heavens! cana Banzos be so ungrate- ful? No, never! Yet—the villains got my re- volvers before I even thought it might be neces- sary to use them. If I could only recover them I would go, if alone. Without them, what use is there for me? And the American! It must be he; yet how did he come to get here? I could have sworn that by this time be had alto- ether forgotten me, And if he had not, that he would never risk bis precious neck for the best woman living. Doubly is it my fault that he.is in danger, if not dead, I must go,” So she reasoned, or was trying to reason; and | she gave a little cry as.she turned, and sawa mounted cavalier riding toward her. He was neither Mr. Foxton, nor one of the desperadves; but only Jose, mounted, armed, and searching | fer ber. He looked a little the worse for wear; but his sigbt was clear and his brain cool. With effu- sion he greeted her, and would have begun a hundred questions concerning her escape. ‘“*No time is there to waste, Jose. found a friend; or, at least, a friend found me, The brave young American saved me when they had me already at the endof the rope, But what could I dothere? Unarmed, I could only flee, | and leave him to their clutches when they chose to close their hands. But I promised to bring aid, and. 1 wili keep my word if I die for it, Give me one of thy pistols and then ride hard for the ranch, A light weight hast thou, and Brigada and the rest may yet be overtaken.” ‘When thou art dead and buried, and they are in their first sleep, perhaps,” responded Jose, ** Could .I go as the crow goes it could not be done—and—thou knowest the road. The re- volver thou mayest have, but its mate and I go with thee. An American? Some of them are very fiends, and would think little of facing five bandits, or fifty.” “Yet this one, I fear me, is not of that kind, though gallant enough a cavalier back ib the city of the States where I met him. But if thou art willing to take thy life in thy hand, take it andcome. We twoalone will ride to the rescue. But. be silent. prise he would have fared but illy. earn a lesson from him, little as should ever teach me one,” So, as silently as possible they rode on; though, ‘in fact, they made noise enough to be hear twice the length of an ordinary pistol-shot. With their weapons cocked and poised they rode down into the dingle—to find it vacant. é . ‘There has been no battle here,” said Jose, calmly looking over the ground with the eye of ~ @ connoisseur, -. *'Phere is no blood on the grass, nor scent of powder in theair. I will wager when once thou wert no longer there to hold them to business, that all hands ran away. Ob, I know them. There are plenty to fight for a beautiful senorita, who will only run fur their.own ugly selves.” “Great is my hope that you speakest the truth. Yet, how canst thou know? Look about thee! Find the trail. It may have been that they turned the tables on him: that they found their courage, or he lost his: that they carried him away with them to where they might more safely take vengeance for his interference. A hundred esos will I give thee to stand close by me now. - Jose was not a very brilliant trailer but it did not take him Se to discover the direction. the outlaws went after they had mounted their horses, ; _. To find at all the trail of Frank Foxton was a different thing. — He was not altogether a novice in such mat- ters, and it had seemed to him that the lighter he ee the better it might bein case the brigands took a fancy for a still hunt, He went away so carefully that he left no trace to speak of. Had not Madelaine told him had,” 3 4 Rhoda suddenly came back to her every-day ae {tk senses enough to remember the major. She gave her brief introduction with her arm over 3: Madelaine’s sboulder, and Jooked as ris ESS Raleigh might attempt to tear heraway. The LO. major bowed. ; i “Tam charmed to meet the younglady,for® = | my daughter’s sake as well as formy own, But. ae before any more time is lost Jet me ask what it stem 3 was that Sirene intended to explain. In what- Sat. Say ever it is possible for me to do or say, command ee Gus, me,” Cd Bets He spoke in a courtly way, recalling Made- laine to the cause of her presence ace With- out delay she told her story. ; BIR ‘*Foxton? Ah, yes. I know the man, and Se Fert S have seen bim at work, but, it is not likely that 5: he will intrude bere to-night. Unless my eyes oad deceived me he is, as Sirene bas said, safe encugh. ees. Perhaps, even, I can conyince you. Yes. Wait = a moment.” The major gave a glance downward toward the plain. He had chosen for his campa spot where there was a full view of the savanna beneath them, and he could see in the distance a little spot that was moving straight toward the ha- eienda, ‘ Having marked the spot, he turned to the ambulance. There was a very good spyglass there and this he handed to the young lady. “Yonder goes a young man; isit your young ae man? Look at him well; be has been in sight ce for some time already, and it is not hard to guess : whence be. has come.” : “* Ah, it isa relief,” she answered, after a long, steafast look. “He came to my help so bravely J would never neve forgiven myself if anything had happened to him while I seemed to have deserted him, And yet,” she added, in an undertone, ‘*he might have waited until I came.” > He: - The major laughed. oh ‘* Do not be troubled. The tleman isac- ie cnstomed to taking part insuch frolics, If there is any trouble going on anywhere near him he always takes a hand, They call bim the Fresh Sport where he is best known, and before you ad eng hg a with him you will Le apt to admit ans ; bat he deserves the title. He seems to be look- Ee ee ing for you where you live, end I doutt not you = = 4} will find him waiting there to grcet you as an ie Ee old friend.” é' Ra!) er Tbe major spoke jestingly and without much = thovght of his words, so that he did not notice = . the suspicious glance the senorita cast in bisdi- ase rection, His words strucka good deal closer ‘ than be knew to the truth as Madelaine fancied she saw it. ee Nevertheless, she shrugged ber shculders as : she answered: “Well, then, he will have to wait; that is all. The ride to the bacienda is longer far than it ; looks, and I certainly. shall not take it to-night. © nig From here we could not reach it by midnight. BS I shall camp with Rhoda, and to-morrow will ; guide you all tothe ranch. Of course you were i COniae tote REG NE so gee “Rhoda kept her own counsel, and the knowl- *_ edge that she had a friend here was a genuine | sur; ise when it burst on me a short time 'T taucy thet er object ; all along was: musos Rabch, thongh that was the. ie hts, I am on my way |
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52 eee Or eRe f i mE cS Ps » fs é ~*~ would not Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. and, at least until my return, must defer ths honor and pleasure of being one of ig Be sated ** But Rhoda shall not,” answered elaine, after the positive manner that sat so prettily on der, ‘“‘Tf you cannot tarry, she must be left be- bind. The dozens of times that we have talked this visit over when we were at school together! ‘You shall not say a word against it!” The idea was a little startling; but not alto- gether unpleasant to the major. Rhoda had been the worry of his life since they had. started on this trip, and to drop her bere, if only for a few weeks, would be a blessed relief, ** Thanks fur your very cordial invitation. I . will consider it, and it may be that I can see my way through for Rhoda to accept, You have promised to be our guest to-nigbt. In the morning I will give you my decision.” ** And it will certainly be, yes!” eried Rhoda, clapping ber hands in glee, such as her father bad seen ber show but seldom, * Rest easy, Madelaine, When be considers he is lost. I will be your guest at last!” So the two girls, with their arms entwined, jouvuged about the camp, talking to each other in a muffled tone, and were as happy as two kittens. Tho result was hardly a matter of doubt, The major abandoned the ambulance for the night, and the young ladies talked till they were tired. Then they slept quite soundly, and were ready for an early start in the morning. The major did not go with them,. He could wot take his train to the ranch, nor had he the time tospare, The distance did not seem as great asit was, and be and Sirene rode with tham some little distance. He bad no fears for them. The outlaws bad not turned up again, and be doubted that they would very soon, If Aix, Foxton had interviewed them after his own emphatic way, it might well be that they were in no fit condition to do so. But he gave them a caution about wandering too much without an escort, and advised them to keep their eyes open, Then he turned back without baving fixed any particular time for Rhoda’s visit to end, and only full of the idea ‘of making up for lost time. Jose led the way toward the ranch; the two young ladies rode side by side, keeping up their conversation and not much interested in any- thing else. Of course Rhoda had something to say about her own adventures; and Frank Foxton figured prominently in them. Madelaine had listened with a puzzled air, ‘but it was only when they had swung loose from the major that she spoke frankly. ‘*Rboda, dear, I don’t understand. — This Foxton must be a terrible man, if all accounts ‘be correct,” “Not so terrible to any one but evil-doers,” replied Rhoda, ‘‘ Father seemed to have a peculiar prejudice »sainst him; tome he seemed very much of a genutlemap when be was where such a thing was possible, It was only wheu it was life and deuth for somebody that he became a little des- perado. And then he always placed himself on the weaker side, I think it very fortunate that there are such men; and still more, that we have met him.” ; ‘* But to look at him one would never believe it. To thiok of Frank Foxton driving away four desperate men—just driving them away as if they had been so many sheep or cattle—to. say nothing of what you have told me of your own experience! I really would not have be- lieved it.” ; see? Liave never told you, but I meta Mr. Frank Foxton in the East. Our acquaintance did nut last long, but I must sa be made the most of bis time while it lasted. Ho was very agreeable, Rhoda; but I thought I had a modicum of common sense, and decided that it would not do, He looked like the sort of man one would want to lean on out ' there; for I must tell you that between rebels ‘and outlaws, refractory peons, stampeding ‘herds, bad ane trate poe thoes ife in the saddle, enty of hard work, the man that se es the Banzos Hacienda has no sivecure, told the little villain so, and he ouly laughed. If he had even taken me toa | shoct ng- ry and shown me what he could do! 1 was afraid that in spite of myself he -would grow too interesting, so I ran away with- out leaving any ad ‘From that day to esterday, I never found or beard anything of phi How do you suppose he learned anything _ about me?” “And you never told me anything about him?” Rhoda said, achfuily. “How could I? I have not seen you since; and we bad agreed that we were not to write— in hopes that we would grow desperate and see each other the sooner. Ha, ha! What children can be! But, do you think it is the same young man?” | “If the name and ance are the same I ya . If I bad only known iend!” e now, R * Sn * not pe iets 2 too 7 Phat dunces’ e-least bit! How could you help it when he has saved you twice, and he so bandsome?” “Nota bit of it. I thought him very agree- able, that was all. If father had not warned me so thoroughly to be on my guard against his fascinations it is possible I would not have found him eyen that, He shall be all your own, if you want bim,” *“Oh, you are going entirely too fast, I did like bim, and it will be a relief from the mo- notony to have him put in an appearance. But there can really be nothing serious,” ‘Then, don’t it strike oa that Mr. Foxton will have made a remarkably unprofitable jour- ney, and a peculiarly unpleasant visit? am sorry for him in advance. “So sorry that you would almost be willing to comfort him. Ha, ha! Don’t fear for him dear, He will not break bis heart. If be bad shown his true colors sooner be would have Stood more chance now. At all events, he could not have come at a more appropriate time, and we will try te make his visit agreeable.” And so a rattled on; sometimes about Mr. Foxton, and sometimes about people and things that are entirely foreign to this story. There were nu adventures on the way, though to Rhoda the entire journey seemed to be one, and the road through the barranca the acme of romance, ‘* They will have told him that I have gone to the Carjador Ranch, and will most likely be back to-day. Doubt not but that we will find him waiting to receive us. But we will say Ty till we hear his story.” So whispered Madelaine as they rode up to the buildings, and saw that. their coming had been noted. A dozen or so of the retainers of the house gathered in almost no time—but there were no signs of Mr, Frank Foxton. Instead, Rhoda saw a tall, splendidly-dressed and darkly-handsome caballero, come forwar and receive Madelaine as she sprung lightly to the ground. ‘*My dear child, how imprudent!” he mur- moured in her ear. ‘*There will always be welcome for thee at the house of Carjador; not only for thee but all thy train. Come not alone, then, for the jour- ney is long and the way dangerous. Besides, had I known I would have awaited thy comin or met thee on the trail, Neither of us woul have bad a vain ride, and thou wouldst have been much the safer.” ‘No vain ride have I bad, Senor Raimondo, Truly it was the chance of my lifetime, since I found my dearest friend, whom, else, T would bave missed altogether. Rhoda Raleigh, whom I knew and loved when I was in the States!-— Rhoda, this is Don Raimondo Curjador, the friend, the guide, the guardian of whom I have spoken.” Raimondo had experienced his surprise al- she had at last <a 0 ‘Ww ; e abject of her tion te satisfaction, For the. next few wooks she auticipated thorough a | ee ee 15 ment, and soshe could afford to take her im- mortal ease at present. But something broke in on her slumbers, It was not a muffled roar, nor yet the roll of distant thunder; though it had a faint resem- blance to both. She heard it without being fairly awakened, and listened like one in 4 dream, When it was repeated she raised somewhat in in the hammock in whick she was reclining. ** Madelaine!” “ Yes, dear.” vey sleepily came the answer, but it showed that she listened. “T can hear either an earthquake, or the braying of of Mr. Foxton’s mule. . * Well” The senorita hardly comprebended all that the statement implied. “Tf Rhadamanthus is here, or hereabouts, where is his owner?” The question brought Madelaine to ber senses, “Sure enough! I was not awake yet when you spoke, ou are sure it was a mule that be rode? But of course. I remember now, I saw it myself, but be was so far away I bad almost forgotten. Then you think?” t our gallant knight is somewhere near, and that Rhadamantbus wants him. Perbaps sometbing has happened? Perhaps be was here after all? We ought to make another effort to find out. ‘* The effort shall be made if I have to ques- tion every man, woman and child on the place,” Rhoda smiled at the sudden earnestness, but made a warning gesture, “Net too loud, and not too emphatic. It strikes me that there may be some mystery here, Of course I don’t want you to suspect too hastily, but if I were in your place I would not do the inquiring myself. You might only get the same answer over again. Get Jose by him- self, and quietly give him his instructions. He isan honest young fellow, entirely devoted to you or Lam very much mistaken. In an hour he can find out more than you would be alle to do in a week,” ; **But what do you think? Heaven bless us, this is not a den of thieves!” : ““T do not know what to suspect, except that it seems to be to somebody’s interest not to have Mr. Foxton reach the ranch, or his presence be known if be got here. Jose, perhaps, can find out enough to explain the reason.” “The first thing, then, will be to find Jose, I suppose it will have to be done without any one else being the wiser. It seems ridiculous; yet we will try it,” ‘ ** And the fates are in our favor. There is Jose now, with a saddle over his arm, You can stop him for a moment, as though to ask him where he is going, and no one will suspect what it really is that-you tell him in an undertone,” / ready, and had recovered from it. He acknowl- **-You are a terrible schen-er, Rhoda, but you. edged the introduction with one of his grandest | will find me an apt yupil Wait a moment bows, and then turned ‘eagerly to the senorita | and you shall see me send our man on the for explanation, giving Rhoda an opportunity | trail.” to study his face. Madelaine tripped away. There was something familiar about the man, It hardly tcok the minute for ker to give Jose though for the life of her she could not remem- | his orders, of which he seemed to need no ex- ber where she had seen him. | planation, He nodded carelessly but his eyes ** Yes, she is a brave girl, Her father hadoc- | showed bis earnestness, He started first to casion to visit these regions, and sbe came all the | look for the mule, and then for son.e intelli- way along with him, just on the chance of see- | gence concerning the mule’s master. : ihg me, ou cannot imagine what that means; Of course, after that there seemed to be noth- but I—ob, when I had been nway fora year or | ing for them to do but to wait, and they did two, though I loved wy home it made me shud-} that co patiently that they almost forgot about der to think of coming back to it. It is so far! | the Fresh Sport. Pa It is so wild and desolate to one who has lived They might be pardoned for that, Take ge res in a great city.” - felt, somehow, as though they had shifted tt “You need not attempt to convince me. I be- i prime rg i mer they bad Jauncbed Jose on lieve it fully, already. But for one who has kad | the trail; when they met Raimondo he certain- the courage to come it is not bard to make the | ly did his best to make them forget everything visit pleasant enough to be long remembered, | but himself, : Seldom it is, Miss Raleigh, that strangers tothe | So pleasantly did the time pass that they region find their way to the Banzos Hacienda. | were surprised enough when Jate bed-time came. Rest assured that you are welcome here, and | The Don could be a very entertaining fellow that my own Fumble dwelling, with all that is | when he chose, and this evening he chose, since in it, will be at your service.” the last thing that he desired was for R . The Don spoke English as well as Madelaine, | suspect him, or fancy that_sbe r d “He also seemed so much in earnest that Rhoda | The glimpse she had at Brave Box might or found ber first unfavorable impression vanish- | might not have left his image in ber memory, ing. She even hoped they would see more of him, | much as he had changed bis looks. —_—- : when she had For the present she felt| The few questions asked concerning her more like rest than anything else. father were so adroitly worded that the Don The senorita understood her and cut the inter- | appeared to speak only after the manner of one view short. Being wise she knew that Rhoda | interested for politeness’ sake, If he gained no could sooner sleep than talk, and carried her | infermation be showed no signs of being vexed. away accordingly. So it was, after all this conversation al Yet a little later, when they were alone, she | when Soe’ f were uot expecting it, that — made her plaint: heard from Jose, eee + vey singular it is. but one and all deny } having had a visitor last night. If he came not to the ranch where could he be now?’ And revolving the important question they | hesitation. — threw themselves down to take their rest. : CHAPTER XVI. — ‘ Ps Hhineaid har! ede a oe ateecn ead. ? tlie senorita lest it = ODA was enjvying an afternoon To | the senorita lest i : git back halo chviantsen' ee rso long a spell at | er afraid.” - mata te ‘Savagery was regular bliss; — . that was no one t ur
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16 old friend. He had just saved me over yonder at the mountains, at the risk of his life, and I have let him go away without thanks!” . ‘Pardon me, senorita, but I was away to- day. I would not have lied to thee, And, se- norita,the man did not go away—he was taken.” The girl’s voice dropped to a whisper, She looked about her as though fearful of some un- seen listener, and motioned to Madelaine to re- press her emotion. ‘* Whither?” The senorita suddenly grew calm. She began to see something more than she bad been willing to suspect in all this, Yet quietly as she spoke the word, there was a depth of passion under- neath, The ty pointed downward. **Tf I*mistake not thou wilt find him in the vaults below.” After that there was no rest from » pooeeyre until Madelaine and her friend had heard the whole story of how Teresa, being up at an un- earthly hour, had seen the manner of Mr, Fox- ton’s taking off, and bad kept the secret, with many qualms at being its unfortunate possessor, until the shrewd questioning of Jose had sent | her to her mistress. Madelaine knew something of the vaults, though she had not visited them for years. They were extensive, gloomy, lonesome; she shuddered at the idea of visiting them in the night. Perhaps she shivered as much at what Raimondo would do, “Tf he is there, alive or dead, we must find him,” she said, looking up at Rhoda. “Tf he was wicked as the worst, such a crime should not be done in my house. Yet, I own to ou, 1 dare not openly demand his release, un- ess all other methods fail. With Jose we will visit the cellarage, If my memory does not fail me, I know where to look for him, You will go with me, Rhoda, will you not?” **He has never been my lover, but he has been my friend,” was the ready answer. ‘* And my friends can count on me through thick and thin, We must be sure to make no failure, That is the only oe | I could fear.” The two grasped hands at that, and Teresa— who was puzzled at the unknown tongue in which the two conversed—was dispatched in search of Jose, who was found conveniently near, The prospect of a journey to the vaults secm- ed to have no particular terror for him, though he shrewdly asked one question: PSs Don Raimondo—sbould we meet him? What en?” ‘Spill no blood if it can be avoided; but I have promised Rhoda that we will not fail. Three of us armed with revclvers should be able by threats to make one man stand aside, If not, then there is the lead,” It seemed hardly likely, with such a secret, so hidden, that the Don would sleep very soundly. The davger most feared was that he would met. with, prowling around to look after bis prisoner. Very cautiously taey moved, Jose in the advance and Madelaine following, with re- volver in one band, a bunch of master keys in the other, Good fortune and the lateness of the hour served them well. They gained entrance to the cellarage without meeting or heariog any one, Then, by the light of Jose’s lantern, they made their way bebind a seeming barricade of casks, and found the bidden doorway that led to the cells beyond. “ Hist!” Jose held up his hand, ““The way seems open—some one is here be- fore us.” ‘Hide the light then, and let me lead. But keep the lamp lit. We may need it at any time.” Through the door they passed, and into the blackness of the narrow corridor beyond. For a moment they stood there moti nless, listening for the slightest sound that might in- dicate the presence of prisoner or guard. ** Come,” whispered Madelaine, ‘The cell I have in my mind is at the further end. If he lives, we will find him there.” Inch by inch, as it were, they advanced until, at last, Madelaine halted, The silence was so intense Leg Se almost— aber ge altogether—hear the ting of their ea “ A light, Jose; turn up your lantern, I feel seeping before me and dare not go another step.” rom under bis cloak Jose drew the little lan- tern, silently increasing the flame. Right at the feet of Madelaine Jay a motion- less man, His right arm was doubled under bim, there was a great splotch of blood on his face, and on his breast was pinned a piece of per, folded letterwise. There had been, most ikely, desperate work—were they too late? CHAPTER XVIL KNOCKED OUT IN ONE ROUND. VERY oblizingly Raimondo left a lantern when he clanged to and locked the heavy door of the cell and oper. Mr. Foxton his wits about him very thor- oughly by this time, though he had been as quiet 2 ee ee Fresh Frank, the Derringer, Daisy. as a manof sense usually is when there is a knife at his back and he knows that it will go in at the first struggle or noise, out a Winchester and other firearms; but if I can find Rhadamanthus and my saddle all right, Tl forgive him for them till [ get a chance to When he was alone he opened his eyes and | = in my bill. I guess you know the way out looked around him, ‘‘ Mighty clever man that Raimondo is; though it’s a toss-up whether he obliged me with a glim to’cheer my solitude, or to show me there’s no possible chance to escape, With this chain around my waist, and that staple in the wall, the chances look slender enough for yours truly to be satisfactory even to the Don. And then those doors and that passage, and nobod oe who at the other end of it! Yes, Mr. Foxton, if Carjador means it you’re elected, and that’s a fact.” So Frank Foxton thought; and the principal question remaining, was, what Carjador really meant? He intended to come back or he would not have left the lantern; but what would he do when he came? There was plenty of time to consider, and to gain an appetite, for it was fully noon the next day when a dark-faced Mexican came arr Oe | along with a lantern, a basket of provisions an a jug of water. He entered, crept cautiously toward the Fresh Sport, and, exchanging the lanterns, deposited the food within easy reach, Then be went out as silently as he entered, and Foxton fell to with right good-will, ‘‘One meal a day, and the supply of water limited! Certainly it is tame to be seeking more comfortable quarters,” So Foxton reasoned; but as he had been try- ing for a dozen hours tu get rid of the band around bis waist it was no yery new or brilliant conclusion, ‘A big mistake, I made, when I filled myself up with bis provender. The longer I did with- out it the simmer I would have got. Why, in a week or soI would have been able to jump right out. Once out of it and this cell wouldn’t hold me, Confound it! If the man it was made for had been a trifle bigger, or if I had been a trifle smaller, the Don would never have seen me agaiu until be met me on the war-path.” Foxton seemed hopeful even then. Tha Don certainly could not have guessed what sort of aman he was or he would not have left him quite sv much alone, or would have been more careful of his own precious neck when be ven- tured near him, Carjador came, sure enougb. When he left the presence of the ladies he went straight to Frank Foxton. What it was tbet ke bad to say was destined to remain forever a mystery. ‘The sport waited until he was just in proper distance, and then his fist shot straight cut, Raimondo Lnew some little about the prisoner, and had what he considered proper respect for his prowess; but knowing next to nothing about shoulder-hitting he would bave sworn that such a stroke was impossible, It caught him on the neck and hurled him back clear chrough the open door of the cell, “Lay there, old man, I’ve evened up a Jittle on you, but it’s an everlasting pity 1 couldn't have knocked you the other way. You ought to have the keys I wantin your pockets, and I should have propped you up against the wall so as to have you at my leisure. Bet you a dollar I'd have put him in my boat, and sailed out in his. And I might have had the chance if { had waited. Nouse! The buys are never wrong. I am just too fresh for anything, and I deserve all Iget. But it does a man good to see him lie there anyhow. Hello! He begins to move. Mast have hit him too high up though my knuckles don’t feel much like it. Ab!” Mr. Foxton had been carelessly leaning against the wall, watching the victim of his stroke, but now he braced himself up, He heard no footstep in the pestee, but some one was there, who had lifted Raimondo and was dragging him toward the light. ‘Huff's an’ horns!” exclaimed the new- comer, ‘Hit ther tack ther fu’st rattle. Plumb center fur Bob Jones! Tel) yer, boss, when I’m hired by ther month, I ginerally “low ter kerry my end ef it’s ther northeast quarter of a coffin, I’m a leetle late, mebbe, but I bed ter nose round a bit afore I could find yer ter *port fur duty.” ) The sport was astounded, to say the least; but that did not prevent his feeling glad all over. **Couldn’t have hit it better, old man; and I’m gladder to see you than flowers in’/May. Don’t stop to shake. Feel in the gentleman’s pockets for the key to these shackles, and then pass me his revolver. How in the name of the great five aces did you nose me out?” ‘Coming up ter report ‘cordin’ ter order, but I come kinder keerful, an’ war lucky ernuf ter heyar a leetle chin-chin. A feller hed seen yer mule, an’ war axin’ whar mou’t be ther owner oy it. He bit ther leetle Mexercau maiden wo't knowed all erbout it, Mebbe he'll be "long by’m-by, an’ mebbe he won’t; but I come, rigbt now, Jones worked as he talked. The shackles fell off and Foxton recognized the revolver that was placed in bis hand as one of his own. ‘* Correct you were, and as they don’t seem to want. me up-stairs, and I don’t rat fig h 3 down-stairs, I think I'll leave instanter. Ill be tter than I do, so put your Lest foot for- ward,” There was not a bit of delay after that save that Foxton hastily scribbled a note and pinned it on the breast of the still insensible Don, About the time Madelaine and her friends were cau- tiously feeling their way toward the vaults the rt was adjusting his saddle on Rhadaren- thus, preparatory to making his escape gocd. “A very elegant residence, Robert, aud the people are just too hospitable for any use, but when I come to finish my visit I think I'll ke sure that the proprietor is at home.” So they struck off from the building, leaving a couple of peons, who had been so uvfortunate as to meet them, lying around loore in about the same condition as Raimondo Carjador. Of course it was the body of the latter that Madelaine found, and she recognized him at the second glance, ‘Is he dead?” she exclaimed. “See, thou, Jose. I dare not touch him.” ‘““Not so dead as he might be,” interpbeed Rhoda, who was bending eagerly forward, ‘*] think be is regaining his senses. Here is a letter that may tell us all that we want to know, After the foul play of some kind that has cer- tainly occurred you surely have the right to know what it says. As for Raimondo—have no fear for him. I bave seen men before that bad been knocked out and that is what is the matter with him. His neck is not broken, his heart: beats, and this blood is only nature showing it- self at his nose, {t might have been more seri- ous, otherwise.” Until this matter was more thoroughly under- stood the Don was not likely to receive much sympathy. Gentlemen who descend to act as unautborized jailers are apt to lose favor with the fair sex; while Jose did not like the Don anyhow. “ Read it, read it!” exclaimed tte senorita, who bad been taking a glance into the vacant cell. Jose held up the lantern while Rhoda read: ‘““My Dear CAaRJADOR:— ‘You have found out what an American can do— even in chairs. I might leave you as you left me, but I don’t care to bandle a man who can't speak for himself. When we mect regain it might be best for he to look out for your scalp. I got away with your friend Wilson, and after thot you can consider your chances. Yours, ** Fox on.” “That will do,” said Madelaine. ‘‘ There is war to the knife, henceforth, hetween these two gentlemen, and just now my sympathy is against my unfortunate relative. We will put the letter where we found it and allow Raimondo to take his own time for reviving. But remember thie isa secret. Not a word of it to-morrow, but be on guard.” hey all flitted noiselessly away, and just in time, for Raimondo was rab © a It was some little time before be could sit up,, rub bis neck tenderly, and stare around in a dazed, wondering way. He did not suspect the escape of the prisoner, much less the late presence of the senorita and her friend. When at last he had recovered suf- ficiently to glare in through the open door, be saw the empty shackles and then the nute pinned to his own bevhat. He read the parting words, and bis profanity was entirely too deep for utterence, Very quietiy be picked up his two Isnterns and made his way out by a hidden pees tbat led from the cellars to a concealed trap-deor in a little summer-house, Just outside of the summer-bouse he fcvund one of bis men, senseless as he had been, and not uite so well ed as to what bad struck him. He was satisfied, then, that Foxton was beyond any silent pursuit, end be did not want to sound anything like a general alarm. A couple men more or less in his confidence was one thing; and Madeleine and a]l ber retainers let into the secret was another. And then be was rid of the Freeh Sport, any- how. No doubt Foxton would retire some little distance, if vot beat a retreateltogether, There was a chance to strike bim before he could see the senorita. Unfi-rtunately fer the Don's plans the s norita had already seen the sport, and had he known it, the pone oi i! silence she had maintained in regard to the adventure would of itself have seemed to him suspicious. He was thinking in some such way as he poured some brandy down the throat of the senseless man, and tried to bring him to bis sen- ses. The fellow opened his eyes at length, gave a few gasps, and then staggered to bis feet just as Raimondo had done. ¢ When the Don asked for an explanation of the plight in which he bad been found he mut- tered sometbing about baving been kicked by & mustang, at which the Don smiled grimly. “Hold to that story then, to-morrow, whem thou art questioned, for some answer must needs be ready. Get to your quarters and be silent about the American,” Sn -
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Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. Then Carjador having tke entree at all hours went off to his own apartment a badly baffled man, CHAPTER XVIII. RAIMONDO SHOWS HIS HAND. Or course, the Don saw nothing of. the two young Jadies, as he stealtbily approached the nouse, and little dreamed that tLey were watch- ing bim. ; It was something of a surprise to see him coming that way, for they had_ firmly expected him to appear from the cellars direct. Itshowed that there was some other way of egress than tue oue by which they bad returned from their ex edition, However it showed also that Raimondo had most likely given up all idea of pursuit, for the night. “+ There is some satisfaction in knowing that he bas not dared to follow; or else could not find the trail. And to think, Rhoda, that I told the little fellow that, while there never liveda geutleman better fitted to carry on his side of a flirtation, he would be of no earthly use in such a country asl lived in! How he must to bim- self, have laughed at me.” ‘But perhaps, at that time, you only told the truth,” said Rboda, * You know that was a good many years ago?’ “+ Not so many as it seems, my dear. And [ think his education was pretty well completed ev:n thev. It would have been s9 easy to ex- plain, yet he oe, answered dryly. ‘ Perhaps you're right, but ’m an awful fellow for fun— don’t you know?” ‘Well, you know more about him now, and I expect your knowledge is ony just Dep iaming And Madelaine, be frank. Who is this Rai- mondo Carjador, aud what is he to you?” ‘‘Not another word to-night, pet; but to- morrow Lam going to tell you all about it, Go to sleep like a ¢ child, for the present there’s no one in danger.” Theres was notso muchof the night left to sleep in, but they made the most of what re- mained, and being young were fresh enough and fair the wext morning. The Dun was ready for them, with his respects, but looked pale and beayy about the eyes, Mr, Foxten had been as good as his reputation, and that said he could hit hard enough to drive a spike. Prhoda watched him more keenly than ever, since she had now recognized him as the com- panion of the Chief of the Black Eagles, whom she met going into Brace Box. This man seemed to be dangerous to everybxdy—to Madelaine, to her father, to the Fresh Sport, to berself. [a spite of his courtesy she shuddered inwardly when he addressed ber, and almost wished that the blow of the night before had been a little harder, ““] jeave you to-day, senorita,” he said, in his silkenest manner. “T bave been away from home so much that my affairs press me and I can spare no longer time. “Yet I thought it best to look after your af- fairs first—-and they seem to be in very good state—thea to tell you some things I have learned of late, and which you should know, Grant me a few moments of your time before 1 leave.” ‘“‘ With such seriuus preface it must be some- thing alarming thou hast to say. Yet will I try to bear it. My time is at thy disposal.” Thome her eyes twinkled as she spoke, she shrupk from the interview. What it would end in, was not hard to guess, till, she kept up a bold front, and when the Don galloped away, some fifteen minutes later there was a dark scowl on his face that savored more of hate than love. “JT am afraiil have come ata bad time,” Jaugbed Rhoda when her friend rejoined her. “But for me Mr. Foxton would have been an honored guest; and now I have driven Carjador av ay in despair. I begin to think [ bad better hunt up my friends in the mountains,” * Because, if you find them yon will probably find Mr, Foxton at the same place. If you did ou would bardly be generous enough to inform Ties that a welcome awa) bim atthe Banzos Hacienda. There, Rhoda, forgive me! I did not intend to be snappish, but, really, C have been worried beyond eudurance. If any otker girl was in the same predicament I would say she was in danger of her life.” _ z “ An elegant place to come visiting,” retorted Rhovia, just on the verge of something like bad beng “Tf you are to be murdered what is to necome of me?’ . ‘ ‘Nonsense! Noone would think of harming you—or me, either—while you are around, Come! Forget what I have said. I will summon Jose and we will have a gallop over the plain be- fore the sun gets too high.” There was a warning little gesture as she spoke that induced Rhoda to yield. There was a lis- tener, Somewhere, that could not be trusted, Oace on the plain and Madelaine’s mood changed, She was inthe best of bumor, and with courage for adogen, Sbe hardly thought it necessary to name the dangers she had said so em ol et LC CCC LC ELL lately threatened her, though she told her story at last, without hesitation or circumlocution. “Well, Rhoda, if you must know, the Don wants to marry me; aud I don’t thivk he will be very particular as to the means’he uses to ac- complish his end, “He is frigbtfully jealous of poor Frank, be- cause I told hini some months ago that he was the only man that I could care for, If I bad be- lieve) for a moment that he would ever turn up here I should never have been so foolish, Of course [ believed that be was dead, or the past was forgotten.” * But, Madelaine, he is your guardian, or he was your un‘le. He is years youreld’r, He | ‘Not so wild, either, if you look at the other | sice. as had the management of my affairs for some years, and will have untill am twenty-five. I[ can’t get rid of bim if I wanted, free as I seein to be; and a3 there is half a million, more or less, belonging to me, on certain conditions, he has no idea of dropping me.” *“ Uniess he has used up the better part of that half million and wants to conceal the fraud?” suggested Rhoda. go too. It is not what he bas had but what he bas not had, and not only intends no one else to have but himself intends to have! for an explanation? If there was any one else in the college that learned in three years more of ** Don’t be so flighty, Madelaine. think Raimondo will turu io the end. are not afraid for your life, after all?” * Well, there might be a mistake. When a entleman begins by depriving an unwilling | ady of her liberty it sometimes ends in the decease of all parties concerned. If Raimondo would only take no for un answer,” “‘T am afraid,” said Rhoaa, slowly, “ that you think too much of the dashing villain. Heisa worse man than pears you believe, I know that he offered the outlaws who captured mea large price for Mr, Foxton’s l.fe; and I believe | that he wished to have taken my father’s life and mine, I understand that he has control of your property, and not of you?” “That is it. My poor father made his will in that way. So far his wishes have been very | fairly carried out.” “Take my advice, then. Run off! He can’t | make away with your property—the law will | not let him, He will be compelled to allow you | a decent support. In avery short time you will | be master of your purse as well as person. Or, if you can be any the happier, take Mr, Foxton | at once and put an end to the villain’s chances.” | Madelaine shrugged her shoulders, “This Mr, Foxton seems like an ignis futuus, | He shines a moment and then disappears. Per- | haps you can tell me where I can find him?” ‘Let him alone. If be is in earnest, as I think | he is, he will find you, fast enough, I begin to | be afraid for myself, and to think I ought to | warn my father. Suppose we start in and fcl- | low his trail now! I will wager that Frank will | come into our camp not over an hour behind | us, I begin to | Then you } ‘“‘{ wouldn’t mind the journey to the moun- tains, but I would hate to find Mr. Foxton | there. As nearasIcan gather from your ac- | counts there is little to choose from as between | him and Raimondo on the score of morals, And | the more available. As to warning your father | —of what are you to warn him?” “That Raimondo is here. If he knows that much he will be on his guard, “* Against what?” “Do not ask me for I donot know. Every- thing. Nothing, know not what to expect except the worst.” The conversation that started in just began to | be very serious, earnest, if the expression on the girls’ faces indicated anything. Madelaine drew rein and turned to the rear, | awaiting her attendant, who, from the setting | out had been following at some little distance. | ** Jose!” she said, as he came near. “‘ Not Jose, senorita, but Tomasso, Jose could | he sends me, bis cousin,” “You look enough alike to be brothers, but so little bave I seen of thee that I know not if thou art worthy of trust.” “Jose is my cousin, senorita, and as like we | are as two beans from the same ped. To offer much is a kind of denial. Try me.” twenty horses and a wagon or twof’ c Whilst my mustang lives.” And art handy with thy rifle, not being afraid to shoot if 1 tell thee?” vs I am first cousin to Jose. Thou shalt see.” Cross, then, the great barranca, and find the trail, such as I have told thee, running south, beyond the foot-hills, It will be an adventure, ag ng e last sentence was spoken to Rhoda, who would have been more cireriesi had she not something of the kind; and lam sure [ thought | must be wild to entertaia such a notion.” ; He is only a relative, so far as being a | pee friend of my father makes him ove; he | D ‘‘If the millions were gone I think he would | | dangers, the way through the canyon is not | always the safest.” How is that | a foreign tongue than I did I am not aware of | ) drop After what bas happened I not come on account of sume affairs; therefore ““Canst thou follow a trail two davs old, some 17 known of old the impetuous nature of her friend. Tomasso took the request as a as it was iven. Without asking explanation he wheeled is mustang and, with a touch of the spur, shot out abead, Had Raimondo been upon the roof of the ranch he might lave seen the three shoot- ing over the plain in the direction of the spot where Frank Foxton kad emerged from the barranca, The plain at large had been trampled by thousands of hoofs, cattle coming and cattle | going, mustangs with riders and witbout them. There was ro direct path or trail to be seen, and the llano was very broad. To strike the only feasible point from which to desce: d into the yawning gulf was not altogether an easy task, Tomasso found it without ever slackening bis gallop, during all the long ride. “‘ He knows whither he is guing. sure enough,” was Madelaine’s comment, as their guide slack- ened up to speak a word of warning. “Good Tomasso, hast theu ever learned to speak the language of the American?” “ Heaven forbid—though Jose did. But keep good hold on the head of thy mustang. A tum- ble here were certain death. If thou canst u-e | those weapons that seem to hang so handy, be ready with them at all times. Betwixt the Apache and the outlaw, with certain other “To say nothing of the fact that hotels are scarce, and we have no provision train with us. If we are really going to follow up my chance suggestion, there is a chance of our having a hard fight with bunger ond thirst.” Rhoda's remark was to Madlaine: of her Tomasso, in a hesitating way, asked for an ex- lanation. "When he bad received it, he laughed lightly, and threw up bis rifle. At three hundred yards there stood a yearling that had, in company with a few other cattle. i away from one of the berds that roamed the plain. There was no lingering on the aim. As the muzzle fell in line the report followed.. and down dropped the yearlizg. Like an arrow away went Tomasso and his mustang. “Shall we dine now?’ laugh d the young man, in a few moments returning with a quar- ter of the unfortunate calf, “The fare may seem slender, but thou wilt not starve; and as we go, weshall find more of it. Then he showed a haversack of bard, dry cakes, and a little package of salt. He was an invaluable attendant, as Madelaiue told him. Both the young ladies disclaimed any present hunger, however, though ke was bidden take good care of his commissariat. After this prac- tical display of the manner in whicb he pro- vided for emergencies, they were about to begin the descent into the barvanca when a word of warning caused them to take a backward look over the plain. . Half a dozen horsemen were racing straight toward them from the ranch. * Raimondo!” was the exclamaticn of the young man, and Raimondo it appeared to be. * He rides in no good humor—isit to overtake us?” asked Rhoda of ler friend, who seemed even more interested than herself. “J fear it is,” answered Madelaine; ‘‘but be shall have a long chase and a fruitless one if we can make it such,” ‘*The villain,” she added, muttering to her- self in an undertone, ‘ Did be think I would not believe‘in his threats when he afterward for residence in Mexico the Don is a great deal ; tried to explain them away? I shall prove bim a liar, though he bas to be shot to do it.” Then she struck her mustang sharply with the riding-whip she carried, and dasbed first of all down the dangerous decline that led into the barranca, “Hold bard!” shouted Tomasso after her, urging his own steed in pursuit, while Rhoda, confident tiat she would not be deserted, fol- lowed more cautiously, Nor was Miss Raleigh mistaken in ber con- clusion, though ber reason for it proved wide of the mark. Madelaine was not thinking of her just then, nor fcr t-n minutes afterward, The sure-footed mustang sbe rode kounded down the steep and rocky way with certain, catlike bounds, until the very level of the barranca wes all but reached. Then, with a snort of terror, he thrust his fore-feet straight in front, and halted more quickly than if ke had teen stricken by a bullet. Practiced horsewoman és she was, the senorita had thought nothing shert of av earthquake could unseat her. ere the incline of the trai? was sadly against ber, and with a cry of con- sternation she went sailing cver ber horse's neck right into the arms cf a huge grizzly bear. CHAPTER XIX. TOMASSO BEATS HIS BCAST. THE mustang of Temascso would have swerved—perbaps gone Lerdiong down some twenty feet to the level of the barranca below— bad not his rider been on the alert and quick to act, Suddenly as the danger came, bands of iron were on the reins; knees of steel held the sides
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on bate \uont. ihe eee PA a. a _ drop * miracle, ' his attention. ing. Raat caused her to lin of hastening back to Mad 18 of the frightened animal, while the long Mexi- can rowels were dug into its flanks, so that its swerve turned into a forward plunge. As the steed of the senorita was in the way there was ut one chance for Tomasso, and it was his good fortune that he was able totake that, cordially grasped bis hand, and mur- mured: ‘Thanks, my good Tomasso, until I haye the chance to fill thy pockets with pesos ; and then thy courage shall not be forgotten.” ‘Nuthing to speak of,” retorted the fictitious yma coldly wiping the stains from his nife, ‘“Jose is a good lad; but it is as well he was not in my place, Mount now, for it seems that I hear hoofstrokes away off,” ‘It was the same warning that Rhoda had just urged, and Madelaine did not slight it, Her | strength had come back, aided very materially | by a swallow or two. of the contents of the flask the sport had placed in Rhoda Raleigh’s ‘band. She scarcely touched with her foot the | tips of Foxton’s fingers as he tossed her into the saddle, while Rhoda was mounting unassisted. “Thad not thought so much time had been lost bere, or that they were so near,” thought | Mr, Foxton, as he stood with hand on neck and pommel, | **Still, Pll stake a thousand that, with the weights up, we have the heels of them for the present. And when feet fuil—derringers, do your “eh Ob, there will be fun by the cubic ton, or this court don’t know herself, which she thinks she does,” The retreat once begun, Mr, Foxton brought | up the rear. Madelaine of course knew of the trail that left the barranca on the opposite side, and it was safe to trust her to find it, though when the time came he would keep an eye out to.see that she did not overlook the place, One caution only he gave the girls, til they catch up with me you are in no danger, ahd if you get too far ahead you won’t know when you are safe,” There was another and a better reason. Mr. 1 wo gifs gall rank, the Derringer Daisy. ‘Keep your beads cool. Remember that un-- | business, fs X t that they could faintly hear the clatter of the coming hoofs behind them. | OF course Raimondo would be gaining if be | kept up the speed he had been showing on the plain, and anticipated their course sufficiently | to follow into the barranca; but to a man like | Foxton, that counted little. If the truth had | been told he might have acknowledged that he was almost willing to be overtaken, so as to | know just what be had to expect. ‘“‘They are coming, sure enough,” said the Fresh Sport, after a long, silent gallop. | Behind him he could hear the clatter and ! cling of hoofs that were nearing rapidly. Foxton never quickened bis pace, since a | glance about him had told him tl at the side treck out of the barranca was not far albead, and the ladies bad probably reached it. There | was little doubt but that he could be on the up- ward course before the party beh.nd could come | within pistol shot distance. Nevertheless, it was something of a relief to / see that Madelaine had made no mistake, but | was already leading the way upward, though ooking backward to see that he followed, | He swung his band above bis head to show | that no halt should be made, and once fairly on | the sloping ledge dismounted. A touch of the ; hand sent his mustang on, while he followed for some little distance on foot. He remembered the lay of the ground very | thoroughly. Just at the distance of long pistol- range there wasa convenient nook, where he could shelter himself and yet command the base of the barranca wall. Here he ensconced himself, bis rifle at a | ready; and here he had not long to wait. | Raimondo and his men slackened their speed | as they came in sight. They knew the way | better than the Fresh Sport, nor were they ig- norant of the advantages in positicn thats | might make the most of. Asthey gazed up- ward Foxton rose into sigbt. ‘Don’t crowd me, senors,” he said, looking downward. ** The way is too dangerous for all of us to be on itat once, and if the attempt was made, some one would most likely be burt, IfI was in your fix I weuldn’t follow a foot further, and that’s a fact.” . “Villain! Vile dog!” retorted Raimondo. “Fire but asingle shot and thou shalt be torn limb from limb, and thy heart given to | the vultures. Throw down thy arms and sur- | render!” the coolest proposals that ever went. anywhere. | See here, my friend, I have you where the fur’s the very shortest. If I was after your life, men nor angels could save it, You couldu’t hit the bigness of an elephant from down there, while I could drop every one of y:u with my repeater before your second shot was fired, st time of warning! Fall back, or die.” Mr, Foxton looked like Tomasso but spcke like himself. The barrel of his rifle came down into his left hand, the muzzle covering Rai- mondo. ae It was as good as a show, and Mr.’ Foxton smiled grimly to see the way the Don and his allies hunted cover. **Gvod enough!” he thought. “I can kee them there until the girls have a chance to ge out of range. Once clear of this hole in the ground and I suppose we are in for a scamper to the foot-hills. We can’t stay up there fcrever to keep them down here. Ab! There’s something not according to Gunter. What's up now?” Rhoda had retraced her steps, and was call- ing to him. & ok! Yonder!” she cried, pointing up- ward, Rigbt where the trail debouched from the barranca into the plain a little knot of borse- men were standing, their carbines at a ready, and their eyes peering downward as though they luoked for some expected sight. F ‘* Ah,” said Mr Foxton, ‘‘tbhere’s lots of fun in that. I may be a whole mile off, but if I was talking for truth I'd soy I guess they've got us surrounded, — et : \ CHAPTER XX. THE MAN WITH THE GUN GETS WAY IN FROBT. Mr, Foxton might be one of the best shots in the world with both Wincbester and revolver, and he might know it too, but he was not mad enough to think he could safely charge up.the ledge against these men whose muzzles, if only held breast-highb, would sweep the path. Eo wight pick off one or two while they were peer- ing downward, but if the rest fell back a yard or so they would bave bim sure about the time his head raised into sight. “What now?” asked Madelaine, sbarply, She might not have believed that these were Rai- mondo’s men, and foes, had she not seen them handling their firearms in a way that betokened ‘Shall we surrender, Tomasso, or hast thou some fair plan i escape? Speak quickly, for it’ were better for me to - jE eng hast nof, > surren- er to the Don, and make terms that you two | go through unchecked.’ as ee = = he supposed Tomasso was cool as - Sa Ye = Sete ie ys: age es SY OTe Ts ee a ‘*For a red-hot, raving maniac you do make
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Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. 19 With deliberation he rolled a cigarette and light- | ed it witn flint, steel and fuse, ‘Keep an eye on the villains above, and I will see that the Don advances not from below, It is a trap so long as daylight lasts, but when B the darkness comes fear not, The rats will 7) gnaw out and go free.” ‘ ‘*But if they come down and the Don comes re” ea up, we, between the upper and the nether mill- any time, but coma at once, as though the Don | want to break my neck to gét there. I'd sooner bats SR was just behind : nd gaining at every stride,” risk a 44 cal. than a tumble back yonder. aig “ But if you fail?” : : Wouldn't you, now? Say?” . Hie -Rboda spoke avxicusly. Such a thing might The answer was not just what Foxton ex- eae Gates happen; and she had not tbe least idea in the | pected, for it came in the shape of the sound of +e world what could be done in such a Contin- | a good, solid thump, With his experience in. S eae gency. : such things, it seemed as though a hard club fe Fe fs, "** ail? Humph!”, said Mr, Foxton, some-| had been properly app ied to some one’s skull, i mon what disgusted. iy : and had sent the receiver endlorg, heels over a See *T never provide for that. Do the best you | bead. fe. SS ean.” ; et 3 Then there were shouts and yells, the rattle of ais. Then he drew off his boots and fastened them | firearms, and all the sounds of a general com- pe to his saddle, examined bis knife and revolvers, | motion, In the midst of which Frank Foxton tied carefully swung his rifle from his shoulder, and | dashed up out of the gully, his weapons in hand, . Som began bis task by standing up on his mustang, | just in time to see the horsemen who bad been S bias and pecking Se for the ledge, which ended ab- | holding the trail go scampering over the plain, = fo _ ruptly just above bis head. while a single man hastened their departure by hip cael AES arefully drawing .bimself up be started on | a salvo from a double-barreled shot-gun. S his journey. ; : Se During the daylight withoutseeming to do so, g and perhaps without knowing that he did it, ¥oxton had carefully scanned the line of bis in- tended march, noting where the way seemed plain sailing, and wbere the difficulties appear- ed to come in, ¥ : It was well that he did so, for now the dark- a ness in the barranca was complete. He could re ere s. tae tee = : i | ary use *thout interferin’ with my dooties ter | Mister Foxton you kin jest name yer vanity.” | Rhoda, who had a retentive memory and | thought rapidly, believed that she recognized the | man and nodded, approvingly. “I did not think you were going to be of such direct, personal benefit to me,” she ssid, ** but it goes toshow how we can be gocd to ourselves : without knowing it, when we try to be good to others, I thank you very much if you have helped disperse our enemies, as you seem to bave done; but we are under the care of this gentle- man. If you wish to serve us further, and can take the time to do it, you will receive your or- ders from him.” Of course Rhoda end Madelaine did not know the particulars of the litile affair, ard so did nct imagine tbe real extent of their indeLtedners to tie man with the gun. “Here we can rest a little,” interrupted Fox- | ton, who did not care as yet to explain bow bad- ly his movement bad failed. / ‘“There isa fine fire started With the chips that are around us Ly the million, and we pre- pare.supper, since to stop again may not be safe.” He was just ascool asthcugh there was no Raimondo to force his way upward, and no chance of the panic-stricken party recovering their senses and charging back. e said notk- ) ing of the prisoner that be and Jones bad trussed up, but be sntended to examine him when be was | ina more examinable shape. Mesntime it vas \ as well to prepare somewhat for the hard work that was before them, that might Le fun for Mr. Foxton, but would te anything else fcr the ladies. Even the reckless sport recognized that he bad the labor of his hfe before him. With» man like Raimondo in pursuit, a gantlet of a btndred miles or more to run, anda floating party of treasure-seekers to find, tke situation wculd have been difficult for himself alone. To guide two young and celicate women on such a mad excursion might have seerned a hopeless task to any one Jess hopeful than Frank Fc xton. Yet he would not have refused to make the effort for a million, CHAPTER XXL.» AN HONEST DEAL. MaJor RALEIGH, having thcught the matter over, had no idea of seeing Rbcda again while his feet were on Mexican soil, It seemed to bim that it was aJucky chance that enabled him to leave her in the safety of the Banzos Hacienda. Having cnce settled on this, he dismissed her entirely from his mind, | pushing on with all the speed the expedition could make, Fay : There was no effort made to hide ‘the trail, With a party so large that cculd only result in failure if any ove attempted to follow it. Be was not unmindful of the fact that Cerjador would compass his death if he could, and that if the Black Eagle banditti knew his mission— which he more than half-believed they did—they might, or probably would, follow. : aleigh did not pcaeiaee object to their comivg, for be bad neither forgotten nor for- given them, With the force be had with him he thought he could square accounts, and pro- vide against trouble in tke future. The danger tbat he really did fear was from those be might meet, rather than from those who might follow. Ruttlesnake’s warning to. Rhoda showed that his cbject was understood; and he knew something about tbe way the In- dians had attempted to guard the secrets of | these otherwise lonely recesses, e8 With them he had expected from the outset to have trouble. For several days the little train wound ‘along among the foot-bills. No one was seen, save row and then a berder or two in the distance, perhaps searching for strayed stock. Then they ee boldly into a pass that seemed to lead directly into the heart of the mountains. So it seemed; but the trail led them higher and bigher, until at last they stood upon the crest of an intermural range that was but little lower than those that flanked it. Before they kad reached this spot they bad found a spring from which they bad filled their vessels, and they were ready to camp where the wagons halted. . 4 : : “We'll stop hyar ter-night,” said Dave, care- fully scanning the land beyond. ‘ “*Pears ter me things looks a shade diff’rent frum what they uster did, but ter-morrer we'll try er stroll through this bad nd. Ef [ recomember right an’ you ain’t throwed off on me in this byar matter, thar’s some thirty mile ter travel thet’s wuss ner a bundred sich oz we war throwin’ behind us ter-day. _ “IT think we have hit the point, as-you answered Raleigh, who stood at bis shoulder. “And yet it does not seem exactly 2s it In spite of_all the years since last I stood bere I thought I could recognize it ata glance.” ; y Dave scratched bis head as he looked — penne ie . nder nat’ral; but wuss ner ever, _ leave the waggins tc-morrer er _ » oe say,” % é wy: on -
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20 Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. next day, wich war what we ’spected frum ther | vutstart. Ef we kin only figger it out ter git along ourselves Pll be thinkin’ ther run ov luck are better ner it looks,” ** Tt don’t seem as though foot of living man ever pressed that ground. Are you sure we have made no mistake?” ‘(Bf [sabbe what ye’r’ drivin’ arter thar ain’t hin no mistake so fur. When 1 know a thing Jn vettin’ on it that 1 know it, Ef arything hez’gone wrong it’s ther mountings theirseives, D n’s it look ez though thar’s a piece dropped off, over yonder; and a piece er two piled up thar? Sonce you an’ I’ve be’n hyar ther hez Liu a shakin’ up, er I’m a bald-headed liar, Now, don’t yer furgit it.” Dave slapped his thigh vigorously as he spoke, anil poincea with his left hand. Raleigh followed the gesture, took in the points of the landscape, and was more than half convineed, It gave him a shock, An earthquake in these regions was the very last thug he bad thought of as standing between him and his buried treas- ures. Men he couli fight, but if fate was going to take a hand and play in the game against kim, what hope ey there be for him to win?” ‘*T5 dows look something that way; but nota word of that to the men. I made a mistake in erganizing so large a party. With you and Old Sirens I might have accomplished the work with more safety and Jess expense. We can stand a sulden attack better, but for a siege or flight, if we fiad an eneny in force, we are all the worse off, especially in this Heaven-forsaken coaatry, Tue willfulness of that girl governeil my plans, and then. she slipped int» safety just wien tae danger bogan. A blessing that she is not here if we have trouble in finding the can- yon of the cace,” ** Find it er not, this byar sin’t no geod place furagal. Wekinrustle’round fur ourselves, an’ be all right, but it’s diff’rent with weemin, But taar ain’t no use ter chin ary longer now. To-morrer night we'll know all about it.” With this assurance the conference closed, With the men in their present mood it did not do for the two to be seen talking by themselves too lonz. Tue trip had already taken longer than was expected, and the difficulties in the way were just beginning to show themselves. If they once suspected that the major was either losing his grip, or growing doubtful of his course, there was no tolling what sort of an emeute might follow. / Had they known, or had Major Raleigh known all the facts in the case, they might not have felt easy about waiting for the solutions of the morrow, There was no danger in sight, and no surface indications that it was coming, but there was a hand behind the curtain that was beginning once more to pull the wires, In other words, Raimondo was on the track. When he returned to the Banzos Hacienda with half a dozen of his own men, wbom be had found waiting for him at an appointed spot, he Ivarned that the ladies, with no escort save a young vaquero, were out on the plain, lt gave kim the double opportunity he longed for, and without any hesitation or disguise, he swung away in pursuit, The men who win, in that country, are the men who need not fear to face the world. Of Tomasso (i':e real), he knew but little; whea he cam» across the body of the bear lying in his way his respect for that bumble and al- me unknown youth increased about a hundred- fold, He did not yet anticipate any seri vas resist- ance, but if it seemed to be coming he was quite ready to meet it cautiously, A man who could slay a bear in single combat migbt oven slay iim. But when he cautiously, if bastily, approached the spot where a stand could be made to advan- tage, and recognized the voice of Fresh Frank, he stopped instanter. He began to think there had been a mistake somewhere, and he bud vo desire to set bimself up as a target for Mr. Fox- ton’s marvelous shooting when there really seerned to be no need for it, There were some men on the plain above whom he had signaled, These men knew both Rhoda Raleigh and the Fres Sport, and would, if they captured them, bold until he came to take them out of their hands, It was a trap as good as any he could have set, since the fugitives could not come out above or below without capture, and could not remain in any great length of time without starvation. This, more than actual fear to risk the prom- isad ballets, caused him to wait su patiently. ‘Tf our friend above,” he thought, in sub- stance, ‘‘takes them it will put him in good Lumor, and hardly make him a whit more ex- to: ti nate, In any event a night in the bar- ranea, pevebed on that narrow trail, will do es much toward bringing Madelaine Lack to her senses as anything I know of.” : A short time after dark he heard the faint notes of a fusilade above. They ceased almost as suddenly as begun. He doubted not that the crash of flrearms meant the death of Frank Foxt:n, and with him out of the way there could be no trouble about the rest, ~ He was going upward quite gayly when be heard the voice of the Fresh Sport. “Sorry for you, Don, but Pye been there and that’s a fact. I couldn’t think’Of letting you up an inch higher. If you understand what is good for you, you will keep your linen. untorn until to-morrow mourning. We are going to vacate this camp just about daybreak, and after tout you can have it to work at your pleasure.” The Don cowered back into the shaduws, He did not redescend, but he kept himself invisible, wondering how the always lucky Mr. Foxton had got himself out of the remarkably bad box he had dropped into, When perbaps an hour had passed away, without sigu or soun.!, be made a cautious effort, and reached the top of the barranca, The fires had burned down, and Mr, Foxton and the rest bad quietly taken themselves off. There was just ove living thing there and Raimondo cane very near to missing that. When he had found bis friend, John Wilson, lying there, trussed np like a foul for the spit, he recognized that bis antagonist had a fund of resources to draw on that was even larger than be had expected, The captain of the Black Eagles was raving. The worst of it was that he knew nothing of bow be had been foiled. One minute he held the drop on Fresh Frank; and the next be knew nothing. Vainly the two hunted around for a few mo- ments, They could find no signs of a trail ex- cept that made by Wilson’s own men in their panic-stricken retreat. By mistake they followed that for some little distance, and then fell upon a survivor, who was cautiously returning to see what had become of bis captain. There came very near to being a case of mu- tual misunderstanding, but fortunately for each other recognition began before the shooting, and then Captain Wilson had a chance to express his opinion, which he did without any hesita- tion, ‘* Looks rough, boss,” was the man’s answér; ‘*but it war ther best Icould do. Thar wasa hull regiment kim down on us ter once, au’ they shot like blazes. Bart hez it in bis thigh, an’ Dandy bezn’t much ov an arm left ter speak ov. It war jest blind, bog luck thet helped ’em ter git out ov range, an’ I bin a bindin’ ’em up ever sence. Jest as soon ez I could leave ’em fur a leetle I come sneakin’ back ter look what hed become ov you, Angels wouldn't, er couldn’t, hev done no more, I warn’t furgittin’ you, but ther big chance war thet you hed gone under: sol jest stayed py ther neardest, w’ich I knowed war jivin’,” ** And you mean to say you didn’t see avy- thing of where the regiment went to, They weren’t hardly angéls; but I'll swear they didn’t leave any tracks.” **Nary thing did I see ov them, tain’t no easy job takin’ up a trail at midnight, onless yer know whar they’re goin’ to, I war too P * That’s a fact,” said Wilson, turning to the, 0r. “ Unless you can tell which way they intended to head after leaving the barranca, we may as well rete for the night. We can cast around here till daylight and not find a thing to travel on, I suppose I must look after my bey. As I’m in the same boat 1 can’t swear at them for etting scooped, and [ only hope they’re not as bad as the first report,” An idea came to Raimondo. cn “ How many men bave you within an easy distance—that you could gather before morn- He spoke sud- ing?” ** Eight, without the two that are Jaid off for repairs, Do you want us?” ‘Yes, To try to follow the trail to-night is useless; but there isa charce to get first to the other end of it and gather all in together. The way it looks now, it bas been fortunate that we failed; bat who would have suspected that the child would go off m such a mad chasc?” “Your game then? Speak it out quick, and speak it out square. You don’t want to try any foolisnness with the boss of the Black Eagles. Remember, I was in waiting for you here; but I don’t back your cards until I know that it pays me to throw up my own band,” ‘Toss it up then, The man knows where to lay his hand on half a million. I furnish my own men—we capture him on the ground, and divide the spoil. The foolish girls are following him, and we save them tco,” “Ttsa bargain, though you get the biggest share of the spoils, It’s lucky I don’t take much stock in the other sex, or I’d drive a harder bargein. In two hours you can be ready for the road, and you want to take mighty good care that you don’t lead me into a snap. IfIfind you play me fal-e Pll kill you anvhow, You've told me so many lies with this bonanza business in your brain that I never know when to believe you, so Pll keep my eyes open all the time.” But Raimondo was trying to make an honest deul, atlast, and intended to be as good as his word, He received the threat without flinching; and a couple of hours later took the lead with: —$—_—_——_—_— ——— ———— ————————— sss nests out hesitation, riding straight as the crow goes. No wandering for him among the foot-hills, So it happened that Majer Raleigh was out- paced, and that in the canyons beyond more than one enemy lurked, waiting for him to un- earth his treasure before making their swoop, CHAPTER XXII, HEADED OFF, ANOTHER day’s journey hardly bettered the position of the explorers, though the major knew they were nearing what should be the end of their journey. It was a day of hard travel and slow pro- gress, Twice they had to own themselves beaten ati oue point and retrace their steps some litile dis- tance to try from another. Had not Destiny Dave found a spiing gushiog frcm under a rock in the most arid cf mountain wastes, just at the time and place be j rophesied, there might haye been mutinous work in the little cemp that night, Very good men of their kind bed Raleigh gathered together, and very gucd wages had be promised to pay them; but they were grcping somewhere in the dark, Americans will follow to the end and back again when they know where they are going end pass their word. When they begin to fee] that tkey ere, so to speak, being led by the nose they sometimes make things very uncomfortable. That was the trouble bere. Raleigh bad engeged them to take possession of a mine, and had frankly statid there would bea spice cf danger alout it. He egrecd to run the risks with tbem, and if it turned out that it was unwise cr impossible citker to take or hold the bonanza, that be Lin ed at, he would lead them in retreat, and their pay would go on until they got back 10 their starting-pcint, They were ready to*start ov the back trai} now, Had Rhoda been with them it might have been different. With a cCelicute young lady along it all seemed like a picnic. When she mt dcff it made the danger more plein) visi *e and the bardship a great deal more dif- ficult to bear. If Destiny Dave bad not heew known, and the major suspected, to be bad to fool with it is more than likely the disecntent. would bave been spoken a great deal more freely, There were some expressions of pleasure when they heard what Raleigh had to say after the day’s march was over; and all but the outside guards were gathered in the center of the camp. ‘*One day more at the outside, and then, when there is another march, it will be toward home, There are landmarks erough to recog- nize, but I won’t deny it, boys: there has been a shake-up that has turred things well _- turvy since I was here. To-night, though, Dave and I can see things pretty straight, and have got up a programme to corresy.1d. The wagons will be corraled here, with ¢ ; rird; ond the rest of us will goon, If the 1¢r6 trims out. to be as good as we hope, it won't teke long get evel cra bunched together ag:in. And T wouldn’t wonder if, Ly noon to-mcrrov, we had reached tbe end of our jourrey. ‘Ile cistance is nothiug, if we can make tre tire.” ‘* An’ ef we don’t strike a bigger sneg than we've scen yet,” chimed in one of the hevys. “Ef I know beans we struck Injun sign ter- day, an’ yer gen’rally hits ther reds Jess than twenty-four hours later. Oh, thar’s a heep ov fun about this hyar picnic; but fur glory it don’t pan ont wu’th a cent.” ‘Don’t be so doleful, Dan,” laughed the major. ‘‘ Everybody else feels gcod all over, No Indians are going to attack us, There can only be a small squad here, anyhow; and if the guards will keep their eyes cpen, Ill insure against any attack. If you feel like it, sta with the wagons to-morrow. I'd leave you alt bere and take a scout ahead with Sirene or Dave, but I know you ere all dying to see what the promised land is like.” “Ef yer feels like it,” retorted Dismal Dan— as he began to be call-d of late, “you'd better do it, then. Pop on double guards to night, and to-morrow go it alone, an’ go it mighty keerful. I feel it in my bones that some one hes an eye on this leetle train; are all goin’ ter make ther riffle?’ Dismal Dan spoke as though he meant it, and his warning impressed the major; for the mam was an old plainsman. It was no secret that they were on Indian ground, and though the promise of Rattlesnake to Rhoda might mean a good deal as far as she was concerned, Raleigh was not so sure that it would hold after she bad cropped out of the expedition, He answered slowly: : “Tt won't hurt anything to sleep with one eye open til! we find out bow the land lays, though et don’t seem to me that the danger is any greater than common, I'd sooner have a tribe of red-skins than half a dozen mountain outlaws to rustle with. As to the double guard—I might bave suggested it some time ago; but I don’t want to put more ov you boys than T must. To-night I sooner would than not, Dave will tell the guard off, and be and 1 wil? keep watch with you, You can rest ass
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Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. that I don’t intend to be scooped at just the las? moment. To-morrow we will bunt tor the sign | that Dan speaks of, and see what they amount | to.” The result was, very little sleep for any one in ‘camp that nigbt, and as there was no alarm of any kind by morving, Dismal Dan’s warning | was a joke that everyboly else felt sore over, ‘and the major’s decision that they shoul: re- ‘main and rest while he and Sirene explored tie ‘ground thoroughly in front, was greeted wita ‘about as healthy entnusiasm as he could expect see, Their stock of provision was large enough ‘to stand a siege, but the supply of fresh meat was low, and Tndians or no Indians, some few | of the boys intended to try their hand as soon as | Raleigh got fairly out of the way. From the | very start that morning they looked livelier | than they ha¢. done for a week. } Raleigh would have preferred to take Dave | with him to search for the cache, but he was needed badly in camp, and as it was only the | general lay of the country with which he was | acquainted, perhaps it was really better that he ) should remain bebind, in spite of the major’s preference. It left only one mind to make up | about the ground to be explored, which WAS, | perhaps, another advantage. In the camp Destiny Dave could hold the men weil in hand and if needed bring them along in Raleigh’s wake as no one else could, He was | the only man that had been thoroughly trusted so far. Laaving everything in appirent good sbape, Raleigh and old Sirene rode directly southward | into the gorge that had been visible the night be- fore, and whose broken floor seemed almost im- passable. Sirene shook his head as they entered. “Mighty good chance to lose hoss-flesh ef we | bev ter git back in a hurry! ‘Pears ter me it | mou’t be ez well ter leave ther critters an try it afoot-back. The furder we go ther wuss it'll ube “Don’t worry about the road. It looks so | from here, but unless there has been the biggest kind of achange it will be all the other way, It’s a lonely old place we are going to, yet there ought to be something about it to malce it beauti- ful to my eyes. I'll be woefully disappointed if {don’t find itso. Hurry along a little. The road is uot half as bad as it looks,” rh The major quickened his pace and old Sirene followed him closely without question. He was as wise as Dismal Dan, if he talked less. If there was any danger at all it was most likely to be found here, If he could bave his choicehe would not try this route at all. : The result, however, justified the predictions of the major. As they advanced the way grew smoother until at length it was hke a floor, over which the hoofs of their herses clattered with a sound that seemed to roll far ahead of them throuzh the narrowing defile, Again the route led upward ina gradual slope, upon the crest of which, balf an hour later, Raleigh drew rein. Set = Bes “Take your stand bere,” be said, with some little excitement in bis tone. “ Watch well, and ifa living soul comes in sight fre your revolver atonce. I will join you, This can be made as fair a man-trap as I know of. Though there are two ways out, you don’t want to be long about taking one or the other when the time arrives to go.” : “ An’ ef this end gits shut an’ you skips by t’other un, when yer hears that shootin’swhar am I goin’ ter come out at? Pard, I does hate ter be left; an’ ther boys hez bin sayin’ thar’s signs ov ome oue a-lenvin’, nn Do you mean to say?” and Raleigh turned on him fiercely. * J ain’t aoe much ov arything, but ’'m nieanin' a beap. Ef you think ov goin’ at ary ti ne you'd better Le arrangin’ ter take Old Sirene along. He’s bin livin’ round ther border an’ gettin’ in sich snaps quite er few times, an’ he’s allers so fur come out a-smilin’, wich ther same can’t allers be sed ov them ez tho'rt he’d be stay by you and I mean it yet. all come right. Fail me and you throw yourself and your pards into more danger than perhaps you think for. This is ” Then he tossed his bridle-reins to Sirete, and striding duwn the furtber side of the slope was quickly lost to view. : “The old rascal would sell me out in a mo- ment,” was the major’s thought. * And yet, in his way, he’s about as good as the averaze. Lswear! If I find my bonanza I'm bal€ afraid I will not dare to move it, The u 1grat-ful curs are not safe to be trusted, I think Dave is stanch, however, and Sirene will be, as long as he sees plenty of ore in sight and not too much danger. Three good men could hold a dozen ain check, while no blood has been spilled, and if danger comes from the outside they will fight it from instinct. i will not borrow trouble till I i) eh co cn ce | and parterre, with a spring trick see whether I can find my bonanza. Half an hour will tell, now.” Yet considerably-over balf an hour passed be- fore the major found the little dingle he was looking for, Had Sirene been with him he would have felt more surprise than he bad yet experienced in his wanderings, In the arid guiches and canyons a green Jeaf had Leen almost a rarity. Away aboye them trees had waved, to be sure, and there were signs nearer of otber stunted vegetation, That was all ata distance, and almost out ¢f | sight, Here, in the dell that Raleigh entered, there was an almost tropical verdure, It was forest and prairie, bush, copse, jungle, garden ing down the rocky wali and finding its way into a natural basin, At first glance it would have been hard to believe that the hand of man had not been at work here; yet human foot had scarcely pressed that sod for half a dozen years. For a moment Raleigh stood on the outer line of the velvety green and gazed around him with a strange look on his face, ** Just so I saw it last,” he muttered. “The fairy ring, the haunted dell, the spot sacred to ghosts and medicine-men! It’s like a sacrilege to think of Dismal Dan, Old Sirene and men of that ilk here. It used to be a spot of safety, but [ am afraid_their presence here would break the charm. Yet there is no time now for mooning. At the worst there’s a for- ; tune in those rocks beyond, but that takes time. Better to be content with a competency, such as ought to be here to my hand, Let me remember. Ah! Yonder is the memorial stone. A dozen paces from that, northeast by north—” He stepped off the twelve paces as he spoke, and then kneeled upon the ground, _ A man of steel could scarce have helped show- ing some traces of excitement, and though he was a man of tried courage and varied experi- ence he had nerves to boot. In addition, be knew some of the legends and superstitions con- nected with this spot, and somehow, just now they all came back to him. He thought of them as he had not thought for a dozen years, until he could almost feel-a weird presence, and the fingers trembled, that held the broad bend- ed knife he had taken from the belt at his waist. ‘* I’ve kept my oath, pard. It’s a dozen years since we left here together,” be muttered. _ ** Tt’s not iny fault if I come back alone.” ‘‘ Not so very much alone,” grated a harsh voice from behind. “Sorry am I for you bald-headed business and nothing else. Hands up and nary a wiggle! We are the true part- ners in your little cache, and [ reckon we're just in time to divide the bonanza. Much ob- “ized to you for marking out the spot to dig fer i pard; but we mean “With a genuine thrill of consternation Major Raleigh r nized the voice of Captain Wilson, of the Blaek Eagle, CHAPTER XXIII THE FRESH SPORT BACKS HIS HAND. A MAN’s thoughts can fly fast when he isin what be knows to be deadly danger, When the words of the road-agent captain fell on his ears, Mapt Raleigh ‘knew that be was in a bad way. hat he thought, though, was of some- thing else that made Kim almost furious, Knowing the ground thoroughly as he did, the major was certain of one of two things. Hither this man had slain Old Sirene, or the aoe had failed to fire his warning shot as or- ered, No one was hidden on the way along, as he came. That he could have sworn to. To ap- proach him from behind required the one who did it to have passed within plain sight of the one sentry. ‘The man is a traitor after all,” thought the major, and while he was déing so he quite for- got to obey the order, thorgh his life might ang on hig obedience, “That's right,” continued the voice, chang- ing i one Oe, ‘ ‘I see you en’t thought of pulling a . and that has been saving your pte Blow. if ou’ve thought it all over, last time of warning. nds up—or drop! Choose what you want, and choose it quick, before I crook my finger!” The major’s bands went up at that, fast enough. There was nothing else for himto do, He held only a knife. Before he could draw a re- volver from bis belt and turn to face this enemy be would be riddled, “Got you where I want you; now, let’s see what we make out of the hole in the ground. If it’s not plunder and great coin, I’m away off my base, Don’t try to wiggle or you'll never kick .but once more. My pards, here, cover = craw, and it’s an awful bad place to be i The major understood that there was no use to attempt any escape for the present. Wilson strode forward and stood by his sice, but there wa; something ic his careless abandon that said there were men behind, without the click- aoe eas * 21° ing of the hammers that came to his ears and told that they were on guard. “Your pards = shoot or not, just as they choose,” answered Raleigh, coldly, for he recovered from bis surprise. “If they do before you get done digging in that grave, I'll guarantee that you will shortly be rendy to kick yourself for bringing them along. It begins to strike me you've been on the wrong scent altogether. Of one thing IL can assure you, There is neither coin nor bullion here,” “You do that well, old man; but I'll chance it anyhow. Unless some one bas lied most aw- | fully, there’s half a million somewhere near, lying around loose.” “‘ Ha, ha!” laughed the major, mockingly. “Sat the individual that says itdown asa liar, What there may be in yonder rocks I capnot say. As faras 1 know there’s not an ; ounce of gold or silver within fifty miles, I have no objections to your putting the matter to the test. It will be a satisfaction to see your disappointment.” “For a solid bluff, that’s about as good an offer as I ever struck, but we'll dig anyhow. I think I'll fiad more in the ground than dirt.” As Major Raleigh seemed to have been about to commence operations with his knife, Wilson ysed that weapon. The ground was mellow enough, and moist. | Without much effort be hollowed oct a bowl | several feet in depth. Then the blade grated against a flat stone. Wilson uttered a cry of satisfaction, He had not believed the major’s assertion, and yet there was a sense of relief in finding evidence to justify his course, It would bave heen awk- ward to have fallen upon the major too soon, Had he bern watching bis prisoner's face be might have felt differently. Tbe flat stone was of good size, and s!anted considerably. From its position one would have supposed that it was the hand of nature put it there if there had been no especial reason to think differently. It took some labor to move it from its place, As it turned ont to be tle lid or covering, of a stone-box Wilson felt more assured than ever as be drew out a package, thongh his face fell when he observed the weight, and that it was the sole contents of the box. It was a package done up in parchment, fold after fold and knotted around with strings of the same matz2rial, Once opened a finer parchment was disclesed, on which there was writing in cochineal red. An oath broke from Wilson’s lips as be looked at one of his companions, “Curses on if, imondo! The villain has fooled us after all. - Read that and see,” The letters were heavy, as though they might have been traced with a sbarpened stick; but the writing was clear and legible, It ran like this: “We have this day made this agreement in re- gard toa certain cache we have tegether made. case either rty, or both, should escape, neither shall visit this spot, or the cache, singly unless upon actual evidence of the death of the otber, for a eriod of twelve years from this month of August 871, At the expiration of twelve years, either, not having heard of the other as living for five years, ma eB oer to his own use, subject toa future claim of the other to one-half, the contents of te cache, upon first openin : this agreement and writ- ing. hereon his name, the day of the year, and an address where he may be reached for five years thereafter. Either party appropriating the cache without complying with these conditions, entire. shall be liablé to the heirs of the other for one-half the value of the cache, which would otherwise have been entirely his own, The. consid: raticn for this agreement is mutual assistance that Las been rend- ered in an effort, not the Indians, among w for some years, ens concluded, to escape from om we have been prisoners Epwarp RALFIcH, NatTHan BuckTHORNE.” * That’s all ht,” said Wilson, as Raimondo stared at him in a puzzled way after reading the dorument. “Now, Raleigh, where is the cache?” The brusque, matter-of-fact question was only an off chance, and the questioner scarcely ex- pected a much more sa sfactory answer then the one he got. “The world is wide and you seem to have plenty of time. Suppose you look fcr it.” “That's the line you’re going to take, is it. Really, major, ’'m sorry for you—justtoosorry for any use, Because, you see, we'll get the in- formation out of you anyhow, but as I bave an idea that you’re a man of some nerve I’m afraid that you'll be pretty nearly in small pieces te- fore we get through witb the operation. Better make up your mind to talk i, ro cff the Lardle. It’s the same thing in the long rup, only you save yourself.” “T suppose you mean what you say but you're just as wide off fron: the@ruth as a rap can get when he’s talking atout sone thing he hasn't seen, You will get no information frcm me. “Spoken like a little man; and if I didn't know myself from the ground floor to the top story I'd half believe you. But I’m used to dealing with refractory individuals, In my business we meet them quite often. What we
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ye go 9 22 Fresh Frank, the Derri don’t know about. making a bird sing that can | ‘Perhaps we can divide the other camp. 1 sing and won’t sing needn’t be mentioned. Why ; have some little interest in Carjador, who is a man alive! rope around your arm would make you howl | fore treated me.well enough. ) Then, | ing to believe that so fur his ouly crime is being fur mercy in less than half an hour, there’s the slow fire, and dragging it out of you witb four horses, Why 1 could give a wild . Indian lessons and not half try.” Tne deadly coolness of his threats migbt have ' | | moved some men, even then; but the major only | smiled coldly, Whichever way the question in ‘ regard to the cache was answered he believed . that he would not leave the spot alive: and Ra- _ leigh had not lived among the Indians without ~ learning something of their stoicism. “ All right!” said the outlaw, changiag his tone, ‘* Let itdrop.” Right over the major’s neck fell a noose, that tizhtened on his throat and then flung him back- ward. ‘* We'll try the simplest plan first,” continued Wilson, swiftly binding the wrists of the pros- trate man, “ Tuis is a regular little garden of Eden, Even the trees are not left out. Drag bim along and throw tie end over that limb. We may as well choke Lim quiet while we build a little fire. It will give Lim something to think of when he wakes up.” Taere was no question about obeying the sav- | age order, while Raleigh made neither struggle norery. Inaninstant be was dangling in the air, while Wilson watched him with an icy curi- osity, till he was startled by a voice: “Loads of fun in that, old man, but if you know what real happiness is you'll let him drop. No! . You can’t see me and it’s the only time of asking. I’ve got youcoveredand I mean to hold you foulif you don’t throw up onthe game. Don’t you do it or ll plug you sure! 1t’s Fresh Frank that is talking now.’ At the first suggestion the major came down with a crash. Foxton’s easy drawl was not hard to recognize, Then the captain glared savagely around in search of the speaker, while his hand went back toward a weapon. The little bit of amusement had thrown the operators off their guard, and they were taken without fingers on the trigger. ** Down he is,” said Wilson, in vain trying to locate the noise. He suspeeted that its owner . was playing some ventriloquial trick on him. ‘* Shows your sense. Now, see here, you know . that when I pick steel I mean tokill; but I don’t ae e ~+ 7% want to killa man in cold blood if I can get along without it. As near as I can make- out you haven’t had much satisfaction out of him. If you had, I would have had to send you waltz- ing over the divide. I'll offer you a bargain, and you don’t want to waste time. Skip back the way you came and PH let you go.” ** And if we don’t?” “Tt'may be mighty rough papers on the _ major if you all carry the sand I think you do; but you'll die sure, and if my pards shoot straight I think the whole outfit wil! go up the flame.” It was evident that Mr. Foxton had a position from which he could see everything that was going on, He was not the man to offer such a gratuitous by rrenig He saw that in default of anything better Wilson had managed to cover Edward Raleigh. Tbat meant that he in- tented to shoot him if the fracas began. ‘You really mean that, do you?’ he slowly asked, as though turning the chances over in his mind, ‘Bet your last check on it, for you'll be sure to win. Lf I hadn’t given my pards a say so, you'd have been down before this,” ‘* Obip, then. I’m tired of being bluffed.” His hand raised visibly then; the muzzle of his revolver lying all ‘the time in range with Major Raleigh’s brain, while faintly along the canyon crept the sounas of a distant discharge of fire-arms; the noise telling as clear as could be that the major’s camp had been attacked. CHAPTER XXIV, MADELAINE CHANGES HER MIND. Ir half a dozen yards had separated them there might have heen some slight chance for the major to get out living, if the shooting once began. With the hammer back and the muzzle not four feet away there could be no possible hope. A man like the captain of the Black Eagles has been known to aim and fire a fatal shot after recéiving a wound from which he al- most instantly died. Ifa dead man can shoot it las been done more than once, Mr. Foxton knew all this, and would not have insured Raleigh’s life for a dollar, at fifty per cent. premium, Asa man of his word he would bave, nevertheless, as coldly shot down Mr. Wilson for a commencement as he would have / done a wolf that he had stalked down; and * probably transferred his attentions to Raimondo owe - and the remain®g outiaw by the time they had located him through the flash. As his brow contracted, and his finger was: about to tighten on the trigger a hand grasped his and raised it steadily and firmly. “One moment, wait!” said Madelaine, in a tone ea reached ‘the ears of all parties con- cerned, Just to take a turn or two of that | guardianof mine, and who, I confess, has hereto- I ani almost will- | found in bad company. I would save his life, which no doubt he would lose if the firing once began.” If the captain had only known of the gesture that accompanied ber words he might have ushed the fighting all along the line, but the idea that he was covered by a revolver in the hands of a man like Frank Foxton gave him prudence, While be hesitated Raimondo spoke: “Tt is on thy account that we are here, These demon Americans have bewitched thee. We know not which is the greater villain; but on both we would have vengeance. They have dragged thee away from home and friends, cr they have lured thee toward a doom that one so young and pure as thou has never even dreamed of. To trample them under foot as we find them is scant justice to wretches such as they, When thou ert in thy right mind thou wilt own as much,” The Don spoke with a fire and fervor that seemed too natural to be manufactured for the occasion; the senorita answered with an earnest- ness every whit as great, and much more real; ‘* Raimondo, thou art mistaken, The Amer- icans have been my friends, and as such I would befriend them. The man tby comrade has at his pistol-end is the father of the girl I love most of all things in this world, and the other | senor, whom thou styled a demon, bas saved her life and mine not once only but half a dozen times over. Thou didst seek to take his life in the vaults under our bacienda, and he fled from thee in the guise of Tomasso, my vaquero, Had I known it was not he, not a step would I have | gone with him.” ‘* An honest senor needs no disguise. Had I not known what lamb the wolf was after I had let bim escape, When I found bim in the fold | how could I? “It was a foul blot on our bospitality; yet, let that go. My friend feared for her father, and I, who would have given my life for ber, thought nothing of daring the dangers by the way, of which thou knowest some, to place her again in bisarms, To that end we followed bis trail; and came none too soon. It is but a short time I have known it was Senor Foxton and not Tomasso, that led us, but well for us was it that so it was, ‘And now, forall of us, there is danger in the air—and most of all for these friends of mine by whom I have sworn to stand. Behind us, in their camp, there is war, and they are needed | there speedily. Stand asice, then, and let them pass, Twill remain, and return with thee, so Jocation as indefinite as ever. The captain, with a graceful smile, nodded to the silent Raleigh. ““T am bappy to say that the interference came just in time tosave your bacon, Of ccurse the suspension of hostilities ia only temporary. You are at liberty to withdraw.” From the moment thet he knew Foxton was taking a band the mejor head quietly waited. When Madelaine spoke, he knew that Rh da was not far away, and Ler presence mace him more Cautions than ever, It-edded to the com- plications of the position. He wovld net have had ber fall into the hands of the Black Eagle chief for tie cache twice over. With such a weapon égainst bim he would be ; owerless to fight. ‘* No thanks seem to ke due, since the freedom comes in such questionable stape. Do you think that I would take it, or my Cuughter vould sanction me in Going so at the cost cf sucha sacrifice by ber friend? Jf Foxton wi] take my advice, he will shoot ycu dead, and leave me to take my chances,” Then the major looked the man firmly in the face, bracing himself a little, as though more than half expecting that the answer would bea death-sbot. “Unfortunately, Mr. Foxton bas made bis game, and bas vo use for cutside advice. Yeu will go as agreed «n if I have to knock you down with a club and carry you there, Ain’t thatac- cording to Gunter, sport?’ *“ All down but nine,” laughed Frank, ‘If be don’t start, bring bim along.” There was @ warning glitter in the eye of the outlaw, and be advanced his left foot until he stood in the easy attitude of a pugilist, bis left elbow slightly swung back, his right dropped naturally as a guard, If he bad not been so thoroughly wicked, he would Lave looked a very handsome fellow jnst then. ; In answer Raleigh shifted his weight and easily threw up his arms to be ready fcr an at- tack. For a moment it leoked as thougly the two would settle their differences tken and there, with nature’s own weapons, the fist. **Oh, come off the roof, Raleigh!” shouted the Fresh Sport. “There’s a little war up at ycur camp, and if you don’t want to be left bad, you had better put yourself in the hands of your friends, Yow may make things lively here, but what's the use? The young lady is bound to go anyhow, and you're just losing the whole earth,” Yet the major might still bave hesitatd, but for the sudden action of Madelaine. ‘*Good-by, Rhoda, dear,” she hastily ex- claimed, ber arms about Miss Raleigh’s neck. Then, to Fexton: “You are a different man from what L that thou goest at once, taking with thee all thy. thought, and now I am afraid you are only toa men. ‘Take heed of thy answer, Raimondo, for it is thy last and only offer.” “And I music is not throwing me off my base worth a | cent,” inte Foxton. “T still have his Serene highness, the duke of the Black Eagles, lined. The young lady iast speaking is at liberty to make what bargain she chooses, If the other side don’t carry out in nen faith any promise they may make Frank ‘oxton will be heard from unpleasantly soon; there will certainly be oneeye, and possible two, kept on the Banzos habitation.” he key to the situation was undoubtedly in the hands of Captain Wilson. Raimondo cast an anxious glance in higdirection, He was not altogether certain what answer he should make to this proposition, since he did not know what the captain might. think was treachery to the common intersamaesbth. ** Accept,” wh d Wilson, ‘The-sooner | we are out of this’ the better, There is other work we should be doing. But I do hate to be blaffed by that infernal Fresh Sport.” ‘* Madelaine, if is but to recover thee that we | et if ome! are bere. True, I would kill the snakes; thou sayest, let them live—soit shall be. Over the backstrail we shall go at once!” ‘A fair exchange, then. Open the way. When Senor elds h is safe I shall put myself in thy hands cheerfully, since the object of my journey has been accomplished.” Wilson had been thinking everything over, It looked more profitable to have Raleigh living than dead, since bis secret would live with him, Once dead and it would be lost for- ever, In addition, there was too much of a chance that his own demise would not be far off. He~ had loeated the senorita by her voice; but was not so sure of Mr. Foxton. A dozen shots might not reach that gentleman who would be fatally busy meantime, He took up the thread of the argument, “Somebody has got todo some trusting; if you won’t we will. Foxton, give us your word that if » e turn the major loose, you won't raise a hand against us or interfere until there’s a new deal.” “Promise goes; turn bim loose and send him up to the senorita, You can leave his tools there and be can get them afterwards,” The Fresh Sport did not seem to be over- whelmed with confidence, since he left his own | good for this country. Keep him covered til} on sea that they do not play me false; then want you to observe that this chin- | forget me.” And with ber revolver in ker kand the se norita sprung away, emerged fiom the shrub, bery, ran down the slope, and in a moment stood by Raimondo’s side, ber left band on his shoulder, ber revolver held suspiciously ready. ‘Now go,” she said, sharply, to the major, “Go at once, unless you wish to ruin us both.” ; Sa ‘Lam powerless to prevent, and Can object no longer,” he retorted, as, withouta look at the others, he turned away. Evidently he was an- gered by the movement of Madel@ine, and an- gered at himself that she had forced him to ac- cept what be could only deem an appalling sac- rifice. ‘‘ You have my thanks,” he flung back over his shoulder, ‘‘ and perkaps you may yet | be saved, in spite of yeurself,” now,” nodded Wil- ““Good-day, we’re goir in tke direction he son, casting a careless loo fancied Foxton to he... “At present it looks like a kind of a drawn game, but I reckon we'll see you later. Yoo manage to hold over me every time, but such a run of luck can’t last forever, When it does | turn I think it will make you weak.” Then Mr. Foxton was holding the dingle without opposition, gazing somewhat ruefully after the departing Madelaine, while Majot Raleigh was holding his dangbter to bis heart, CHAPTER XXV. A CRY AND A CRASH, OxLp StreNE was largely responsible for the complications just described. Depending upon him the major bad been caught napping. Otherwise he woul have had his eyes open, and would probably have met Foxton and his con- voy. That would have made quite a difference in the fortunes of all parties concerned. Sirene did not design to betray his employer, but, unfortunately he did not obey orders, ‘‘T war ter shoot,” be muttered, ‘ef I seen a livin’ erittur; an’ ef I ain’t seein’ one now I’m *way off; but then a feller can’t be sure, an’ a orful thing it would be ter roust em ell up fur a false ‘larm. Ef I kin jist gita head on ther prowlin’ skunk mebbe I kin throw him’ cold, wicb’ll be a blame sight better than ter shoot now an’ let bin git erway. It’s a red, sure ez bo
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i - would doubtless escape unless - Raimondo’s presence. Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. Keristofer Kollumbus, an’ he’s spotted the major.” On foot, with his rifle at a ready, Sirene was | watching an‘Indian, who in turn appeared to be | keeping an eye ov some one as he cautiou-ly made bis way downward assisted by a long | Tasso, He was half bidden among the bumps of prpsecteng rocks, but vould soon come toa level edge, where be would be 1n plain view and long | range, Tanase when Sirene wag ready events proved that he was too late. Sone one. or something struck him a crushing blow on the back of the head, and he fell in a heap, The next thing he knew he was bound hand and fovt, tre blood on his neck was crusting, his head burt awfully, and Captain Wilson was looking down at him, without any sign of pity in his hard-s. t face. : “You infernal nuisance, what are you doing here?” he asked, “Tf [wasn’t certain that the major would | kill you for being asleep on your post I'd blow you through. How many men bad he with him, znd in camp; and do you think they fought or ran?’ Sirene looked at Wilson once, and was satis- fied. He didn’t think anything he could say would make matters worse; and as he always looked out for number one—heretofore with pretty fair success, in spite of plenty of bad luck—he had hopes of making things better. He answered the first question promptly; and the second after his belief, “T reckon they kin fight, an’ ef anybody crowded ’em they’d jest give ez good a "count of Yemselves ez any gang ov ther same size ever got tergether, but they ain’t hed no chance ter fight yet, an’ you'll find ’em all bunched at ther kerrel, Major an’ me war jest ont, sorter scout- in’ like, an’ } guess he left me when you turned “ up. Sirene had heard nothing of the distant rattle of firearms, which had begun anid ended while he lay senseless, ‘« Where is this lay-out of yours, and how does the land lay around it. Talk fast, ’'ve no time fer long yarns or big lying.” There was a pistol in the outlaw’s hand that was inconveniently suggestive. Sirene briefly sketched the position of the camp. ‘“Thats enough. You haven’t been talking fer nothing, and I think you've been telling a straight story. If I come by this way again Pl let you kuow.. So long.” “Bat, say! stop! hold on! ain’t give it to yer straigbt.” Captain Wilson bad already turned and was striding away. He was twenty yards distant when Sirene wailed ou’: ; “Pm burnin’ up fur drink now, an’ Pll die ef er leave me hyar,” ee You bet oh will!” retorted Wilson with a savage laugh, and half-turning as he spoke. “T guess that will fix it.” His hand shot up as he spoke, he pulled the trigger; and at the report turned again and hurried on as before. : “Curses on it!” he muttered to himself, “this comes of our infernal carelessness. Raimondo’s red-skins couldn’t wait, and we thought we had a sure thing of it when we got the major alone. No doubt they’ve cleaned up the camp and gone on to some other town, _ We need them bad just now to head bim off if he and Fresh Trash try to get out by some back door, Carjador had better have stayed with me and sent the git] back to camp with ove of his men, There’s vever gue so big a fool as the fool that isin love. If it wasn't for old times’ sake I'd kill him and get a new pard.” In spite of his unpleasant reflections the out- law hurried on in the direction uf the camp, There bad been just four in the party. One man was keeping watch and guard from a secure hiding-place at the exit from the dell, and one had returned with Raimondo who would not at present desert the senorita. They were to hasten, and s’nd the remainder of the force to Hope may die ef I Wilson’s assistance. Meantime Wilson was after their Indian allies; with whom be had bad one interview in Although it was un- known to them, and apparently to Raleigh, there was another entrance to the Medicine Bowl—as the dell was often called among the Indians, Foxton had asneney tonne a chee d the unsuspected, and DO always found pec I eg ovat Ea barred. F : Just now Raimondo Carjador was caring for none of these things, He was selfish enough $ but the feeling be hed for Madelaine was some- thing more than his selfishness, if not stronger. To win her be would sacrifice the cache without a murmur; and not altogether because the value of her furtune would outweigh bis share of the other, two to one, If he hat known be- foréband that the daughter of Major Raleigh was the friend of the senorita’s beart he would have thought twice before be would have enter- ed into bis alliance with the captain of the road- agents, "The courage with which Madelaine had servng forward to the rescue of her friend’s father di : not fail her when the excitement of the moment | was over. She had made ber bargain, and meant to hold to it so long as Raimondo did, For a few moments they were both silent, | after separating from Wilson near the spot where Old Sirene then lay senseless, The journey before them was no pleasant one, It lay among the rocks and bowlders cf a net- work of canyons and gulches, where it was an easy thing to miss the way. adelains had asked no questions and knew nothing of where this camp was located. They were to reach it as soon as possible, and after that, as she understood the contract, they were to take the back track for the hacienda, Wilson, of course, was bound to nothing; but separated from Raimondo, and with Raleigh and the rest on their guard, she hoped that he would not prove so formidable, Their progress was slow and for a time they walked well apart, Raimondo would have look- ed triumphant if he had not beeu troubling himself what to say first; while Madelaine glanced at him from time to time, in mixed doubt and anger, It was the woman who first found something | to say. * Raimondo, thou hast come for me witb an army. If blood has not been shed it is not thy fault.” Her accents were reproachful, yet Carjador imagined he could detect something of an old- time tenderness in them. His face brightened in spite of the reproach, a ‘““An army was needed to follow thee here, Without it at my back [ should have fared ill when I met the Captain of the Black Eagles. It would not have been worth his while to be my friend instead of my foe. And though it may not seem so to thee, now, it is I that have saved thy friend and thy friend’s daughter. His train, by this time, is taken; his men slain; but there is a chance for him to escape, if he now takes the back track. He is wise, never fear.” “Yet, Carjador, why hast thou been his foe? What secret reason is there? what mystery?” ‘*No secret; no mystery. His foe have I not been, save so far as I tried to care for my own. Years ago I found a poor dog starving, and gave him a bone. It was too late, yet he was thankful and told me something of bis life, be- sides making me his heir,” ‘* He was starving yet made his will. legacy he had no doubt, to leave.” “He starved, yet, if his words, as he died, fell true, he was the owner ofa million. He and his friend bad long been prisoners among the Indians. They found great treasures among these mountains, and hid away what the dying man said was a million. He gave it all to me— his friend was slain when they attempted to make their escape—and tried to describe the place where it was buried, but death came too soon. He said mee | of a spot called Spirit Spring, and Medicine Bowl; but it-was all vague. I came in this direction and searched a month, but all in vain.” “er pe Raleigh, what hath he to do with this?” Madelaine was interested in the brief story, the truth of which she did not for a mothent doubt. It Fo? a cea something that she had not unders ‘**In some way he hath heard the story—from an American bunter, I had in my company, most likely, Like his race he would do any- thing for gold. With his band he has come, to ransack the region but what he will find the lost cache, He would steal my gold; and Ido not trust him that he would not steal thee.” ‘‘ And the buried treasure that he seeks is really thine?” s ‘* Mine by gift, and mine by deed, since it was age ek on land that was mine.” “What! here! Thine! Much good would a thousand Jeagues do thee here,” ““T have a thousand leagues—make them but thin enough,” replied Raimondo briefly. ** And a thousand. warriors-to the league! It a thousand strong to keep A rich would take an arm thee on thy estate for a single cos af “The grant ‘says naught of that. And, moreover, I made tbe warriors my friends, Right well did I treat them, and I swore to them that but for me they would be driven from the bones of their ancestors.” “What need, then, to join hands with that villain?” “The need that one has. to take athief to catch a thief.” He stopped right there in bis story, which, garbled as it was, had much of plain truth be- hind it. Save that he had ever been made the heir of crazed and dying Nathan Buckthorne, he was hewing closely to the line, though he said nothing of the older grant that overlaid his own. But a cry from Madelaine halted him, and he saw her pointing upward, He followed the direction of her finger, while his hands dropped to his hips, and saw a re- vengeful face, a pair of fierce eyes glaring down- ‘ward at him. Then came the crash of a carbine, the Don’s fingers loosened from the butt of the revolver they already clasped, and were clapped con, St Se ee | vulsively to his breast. He reeled and fell back- | ward, while four men came scrambling down | the canyou’s side, CHAPTER XXVI. THE WAY OF A WOMAN, It was only by chance that the senorita saw the skulkers in the first place: ard by their actions recognized them as foes. When Ran- mondo went down, and the feur raised from their semi-concealment, sbe knew them again at once. It was the very quartette that beld her when Fresh Frank carne to the rescue, On that occasion she vowed that never again would she be taken off her guard; nor was she now. Confident through past experience that the men were about to seize her as they did before: “Hold, there!” ske exclaimed, a pistol sud- denly appearing in either hand. The challenge and the sight of the weapons was such a genuine surprise that the ru:bh ves stopped, though probably the check wculd have only been momentary. But the halt was all that Madelaine asked fer. She was not certain enougb of ber aim to risk a shot at a running man, for somehow ske felt that bullets were precious, With a stationary man the case was different. She could shoot a very good string when prec- ticing at a mark, and a man who deserved no mercy was a great deal bigger than any mark she had ever fooled with. Without any deley the work began; end her first shot brougbt down human game. Then, with a yell, Raimondo’s man fell on their rear. He had teen entirely overlocked as a factor in the game, and he came just when he was needed. : The leader of the four seemed to be a cook villain. He dropped back in the ctarge, ard when Madelaine began to shoot he fell quickly to the ground. He was not hurt, though. It was that he might gain a fair view of the field, There seemed to be only one woman against him, but she was shooting; while so far as Raimondo was concerned his venge#nce ap- peared to be complete. If Madelairé had. Leen away he would have given the’order to retreat. He crouched for a spring; and at the same in- stant was struck by some one from behind, That left but two of the ruffians on their feet; and they were already running away. A couple of shots only seemed to increase their speed, for the senorita cared little to harma flying foe, It was defense alone that she had been thinking of. The moment that it could safely be done she turned to Raimondo, who was very white and motionless, but bis eyes were closed. He did not look like one déad; but like an exbausted sleeper, who might be near to death. adelaine bent over bim with cheeks almost as white, and touched bis brow lightly with her hand. It felt cold and clammy, yet she did not think it was the sign of approaching dissolu- tion, The story that Carjador bad been telling her seemed to explain so much—she did not deem him quite so great a villain as she bad done a few hours before. She began to think she rather preferred him to Mr. Foxton. There was something so lurid about the latter when he was at work. . From the Don’s face she Icoked to his wound, There was a rent in the clothing over his breast, through which blood had teen cozing, and bis fingers were stained where Le had clutched at Lis hurt; but she noted that Lis breath came. feebly with a curious bubbling sound. “Oh, be cannot, cannot be dead!” ske ex- claimed, ‘No, Senorita,” answered a voice at her back, “but he will die. The bail is through and through his lungs.” “No, no! I will not telieve it. I will nurse him myself, Come! Help me to carry him to your camp. It canriot be far.” She mpne wildly, but her words had their effect. It was no easy task that she proposed, yet enthusiasm can acecmplish almost anything —if not in one way, then in another. “It cannot be done, senorita: but wait. will tuke no Jonger. Igotothe camp and get aid. Ina moment will I be back. There are sticks there, to make a litter, and men to bear it who are more able than thcu, See that the vil- lain I struck does nob come to and do thee harm.” He departed at once on bis mission, leaving Madeluine kneeling by the side of the Lon, Now that the first shock was over she was a reat deal calmer, and it struck her that per- a there was something she could do that would be more profitable than holding his head or bemoaning bis fate, With the knife that was in his belt she cut away the clothing arcurd the wound on his breast, and plugged it with Jiner, Then gently turning him somewhat she found where the bullet had come out of bis back, and plugged that hole also, She worked like a beaver, and when she had drawn a bandaging scarf around his breast, and fancied that she had added at least a little to his chance for life, she began to feel surprised at ber own skill and strength. She would have It i
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24 om { forgotten all about the two of their assailants that were down, had not one of them come to ‘his senses with a noise between a grunt and a groan, The senorita caught up the cocked revolver that she had placed by her side when she began her surgical experiments, and wheeled, just in | time. The leader of the quartette was still weak and | dazed from the blow he had received, but be was already fumbling for his missing weapons, “Hold, sir! Attempt a movement against | me and you die!” Her order rung out, clear and strong, and bad | its effect. Either he recognized the courage be- hind it, or his own nerves gave way. He held his hands bigh above bis head, as he staggered to his feet. Then, slowly wheeling till inte baci was toward the senorita, he suddenly bounded away. His companions had gone down the gulch; the direction of his flight was just the opposite, There was little danger of their meet- ing. She looked back to the Don and found that his eyes bad opened, and were fixed on her with | a curious, yearning gaze, There seemed so much in tham that she doubted almost if he had been unconscious at all, When his lips moved feebly, she bent closer. ‘‘ Madelaine,” he murmured, ‘‘is it thou?, I would have lost my soul for thee—-to lose life seems but a little thing. But thou wilt stay by me to the end?” ‘‘ Pear not, Raimondo. I have forgotten thy threats, which were not like thee; and the force thou wouldst have used to bend me to thy wiil. tt is a man’s way to be strong when a woman is obstinate. How can I blame thee? Thy hurt is sore, but death shall not come. Thy men will be here soon to bear thee tocamp. After that, rest and nursing shall save thee.” ** Happy wound!” He ceased talking, for he was weak, in pain, and tormented by a great thirst, However much he might care for Madelaine he could not forget his danger or drive away the aches and ills of his body by trying to think of her. Fortunately they were not far from the camp, sand Madelaine, who could do no more, had not jong to wait. Half a dozen men came soon, and between them Raimondo was carefully borne along. Of course the moyement increased the present suffering, but what better could be done? The | senorita walked by his side, sometimes holding his cold hand in hers, sometimes moistening his lips with water from tbe canteen which the party had brought with them. _As for the corpse of the man Madelaine had shot, that was left behind, witbout even an examination. To the surprise and delight of the senorita, , . she found that the camp was a snot almost as beautiful as the ‘* Medicine Bowl.” It was a little glen, the lower end of which, : opening out, gavea view down the mountain- side, and over a broad plain below. There was a velvety turf; green branches waved softly overhead; and water was to be bad for the tak- ing. She bad not thought to find two such spots in the dreariness of the mountain range. The wound of Raimondo was serious, but not necessarily fatal, and since the hemorrhage had not been great, thé senorita had her hopes, Hour after houfshe watched, altogetber for- getful of the fate of her friends, whom she had either deserted, or for whom she had sacrificed herself. Which, it would have been hard for her to tell. At odd times she thought of the captain of the road-agents, and feared that ke might come, though she ho that Foxton and the major would fill his bands with other occupation, As she knew nothing of the undelivered order, it did not surprise her that the men all remained with her, some on guard and others waiting near, to aid Raimondo if they could. “I die not, after all,” said the Don, at last, looking up at ber with a wintry smile, - ‘* A few days of such nursing and we are in the saddle and away for home. I lose the cache on the Guadana purchase, but, I think, I have found sometbing better.” It is doubtful if his repentance was very sin- cere, but it satisfied Madelaine while it lasted. For once he was trying to tell the truth. CHAPTER XXVII. DESTINY DAVE’S LAST DEAL. Mason RALeiGH gave his daughter one em- brace, and then wasted no more time. .- Fresh Frank was standing not far off, watch- ing the Bowl, but when the major looked about pia, the sport came forward with an extended and, ‘* Always around,” he laughed, as he felt the clasp of the major in rather warmer shape than he had ever before known it. “Tf there's a racket within a thousand miles you notice I generally arrive—on time, and all dressed up. * But i’s getting awful monotonous, and I think if I ever get fairly out of this Pll throw away my guns, burn my Jecks, and go some- where where it’s all on the square, and there’s no gambling, Wall street, for instance; or the s Fresh Frank, the | knew it. I doubt not that Corn Exchange. For a quiet, restful place, I always did hke New York.” ‘“* You came when you were needed most; and as it has turned out, thanks, though I do not understand how she happens to be here when I bad hoped she was safe and well at the Banzos Hacienda.” “It grew sultry there, very sultry, They had me cooped in the cellar; and the Don made some grand threats about tbe senorita, Miss | Raleigh had one eye for Madelaine’s danger, and the other about equally interested in yours and her own, I think she might have stood Carjador, but there was the chance of the Cap- tain of the Black Eagles appearing on the car- pet and turning his attention to her, They de- cided to join you, and as I was then masquerad- ing in the guise of one Tomasso, they asked me to see thom through, Here we are.” ‘*As I bave already said, glad am I to see you. You seem to have found your way to this i by some route that I have never seen, though I thought I knew the place as no other aimondo and the rest are waiting for us yonder. Beyond them are two paths, but we cannot reach them. Can you find our camp tbrougl this back door of yours?” ‘It?s the furthest way around, but I guess it’s the nearest way to get there, though perhaps you hadn't better be in too great a “turry to arrive. The massacre is about over, and if you give them time to sack the campI think they will peacefully retire,” ‘‘ Massacre? Retire? Who do you mean?” ‘In the language of the border, Injuns, To judge from the way the racket died out they were getting there in fine style.” “Then we have no time to linger here, Let us go at once.” ‘Softly, now,” answered Foxton, though leading the way. “‘ There is a little lady to look after, who has partes put herself in some danger on our account, must know where she goes to, Miss Rhoda can possibly giveyou some sort of an idea about the way if you cannot wait; butif you wish my valuable services you will have to tarry a bit in the first secure spot we find while I explore a little. She seemed to go very willingly, but I ought to see what she’s going to,” ‘* Very true. Yet with so much else at stake, and my daughter to see after, it is not strange that I overlooked that. We will go with you.” “Oh, no, One man is better for the work thav a million, and your daughter don’t want to take many extra She can Jead you to the spot where we camped last night, since, if you scramble up yonder gulch, you cannot miss the way. L[ will join you in anhourorso, If I don’t find you there I can follow your trail if you don’t make it too blind.” The major and his daughter went on, in the direction indicated, since Frank, without wait- ing for answer, turned and strode back in his quest for Madelaine, He evaded the sentry, who had but eyes for one spot, quickened bis pace toa long, tireless Jope whenever the nature of the ground would pie and got within easy pistol-shot of the on and his companions a moment or two before the attack that struck Carjador down. If, the senorita had not been in range Foxton’s revdlver might have taken account of the leader of the assailing party, though he was not altogether in his usual haste to chip in. The sport was not going to be either jealous or heart-broken, but his enthusiasm was de- cidedly calmed as he saw the quiet, confidential i § they were conversing together. hen the fight was dope, and Madelaine was weeping over the wounded Raimondo, Foxton smiled grimly, and quietly stole back, ‘““What’s the use? If the gentleman gets up, he has the inside track; and if he stays down she will never forgive me. After all, she’s onl a woman, and according to Mexican morals he’s not the worst man in the world. The pot shouldn’t call the kettle black, and Mr, Foxton counts himself out of the game. Yet, if she bad given me a little more time to extend myself, I think she would at least have withdrawn her old-time objection, and admitted that I was a rustler from ‘way-back. Faith! I believe it’s the woman that has-read me the lesson. Ill devote the balance of my time to seeing the major through,” The sport had only remained long enough to see how Madelaine was engaged, so that he missed the little flurry that followed the resus- citation of the man that bad been knocked senseless. He had already got some distance away from the scene when he heard a hasty footstep in bis rear, An ejaculation of disgust at his carelessness rose to his lips, but he flung himself down at full length anyhow, facing about to the rear and hugging closely the wall of the canyon into which he bad just turned, The man who was approaching saw nothing of him until h> rose again with finger on trigger. Hands up, colonel! I've got you again, and this time I want to put you through your paces, Derringer Daisy. cannot help but say [ am | glad to see you. And for the care you have | | taken of my daughter, you have ar warmest : What's all this murder and assassination about, psc | he man halted promptly at the call, and threw up his hands; but, for the rest, made no answer. Between the senorita, the Don and the Raleighs, there had been so much English going ‘of late that Foxton quite forgot to speak in Spanish, an oversight that he made haste to re- medy. cs When a man has slain the brother and ruin- ed one near and dear to thee, murder and assas- sination are but too good for him.” ‘* And highway robbery and pillage can scarce- ly even the matter up! So you bad a crow to pick with the Senor Carjador? Goed toy! I hardly know whether to say amen or not, But ou got a little more than you bargained for as it was; and if you had stood only a foot or two to the right or to the left you would bave had | the chance to go over the range whistling.” “But I had no thought to injure thee,” hastily spoke'the stranger. ‘‘Ido not know thee and care not to ever see thee again. Let me go if thou dost not wish to have ay blocd on thy bands. They will follow me to the death.” ‘Thats all right. Thbat’s all right. But ain’t ou a little off in what you say about net know- ing me? This is the second time I’ve held the drop on you; the third time ge be the charm. Isee you are weaponless and alone. You may go now. I don’t bave a word to say about your getting even with Raimondo, whom you may shoot several more times if you care; but if I ever find you meddling again with that young lady—off goes the roof of your’cabeza. Here? Turn down that way and git like ligbtving.” In a few words the spcrt bad reached the bet- tom of this man’s hate for Raimondo, and de- sired to know no more. Under the circumstances | he would searcely care to turn avenger, so he cast him loose to run his chances. / The Mexican went one way; Foxton anc ther, and they never met again. | It was scarcely an hour since he bad left the major and bis daughter that Mr, Foxten came | scrambling up the gully into which be had di- rected them. The advantages for defense were admirable, and for concealment could bardly be better, If think of looking so close to the spet where be had left the major; and if he found his querry the way to dislodge it was a conundrum that would take some time to solve. The s, ort bad seen the courage of both the major aud his daughter tried. As they were armed and on the alert, a good deal of powder ought to be burned, and a good many corpees be lying arcund loose before the little nook at the upper end of the steep gully could be carried. ‘Tf he only hasn’t got tired waiting and pulled out!” was Foxton’s thought. ; ‘*T suppose I’d have done it myself; but if he’s one further he'll be apt to fare worse. Funny e don’t hold me up if he’saround. Seems mighty quiet up there.” Asif to contradict the thought he heard the sound of a deep groan. the crest of the acclivity he saw a man stretched out, hacked, bleeding and alinost deaa, It was Destiny Dave. A glance around showed that Rhoda and the major were gone. “My friend, it’s nearly sunset,” he said bend- ing down over Dave, whose eyes opened and lips moved faintly. “J wish I could do something for you but you look like a man tbat don’t need to be teld the truth. Ican only moisten your lips from my canteen and wish youa safe journey over the range, I suppose Pe belong to the gang: did ou see anytbing of Raleigh and his daughter? Vert them here, as I thought, in safety.” “Rubbed out,” whispered Dave. ‘* Yander ou kin see his blood; an’ ther gal’s token. uck’s clean ag’in’ us, an’ Destiny Dave's froze out in ther last deal—dead !" Eg eyes closed, his jaw dropped and be fell Cc . CHAPTER XXVIII WILSON GETS ANOTHER PARD. ‘CAPTAIN WILSON did not linger after leaving Old Sirene. He rather expected that Raimondo would be lukewarm, now that he bad recevereti Madelaine, and felt as though he ought to kill him if he was. He Sg omg Bi not intend to let any bargain that had been made stand be- tween him and his purpose. If he had known that Carjador had reached his camp,shct through and through, it would have been all tke s: me. He would have wasted no time iu nursing him. In the race for the cache, since all bnew about the spot aimed for, the three parties chose their own and different Vines. As the major bad been cramped by the need of finding a road for his conveyances he had lest the start be bad and ar- rived a little the latest of all. Foxton had recious scant time to search for the major: and the Indians were there, or thereabouts, all the time, At least, Carjador hed no trouble in find- ing them when he arrived, and seemed to be ' recognized by them as a friend. | Had they proved hostile the Mexicans and the ‘ eight men of the Black Eagles would not have beex. more than a mouthful for the tribe. Wilson returned with a force be would scarcely - Springing forward over »
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| from duty by means of the lasso in the hands of \ feet, — * Dave!” exclaimed the major, fogs e's ‘cu here, aah tally wood What does iy gu ie ; prams cr raat: Nevertheless, Wilson was more than pleased at an unexpected meeting. His own men had heard the sound of firearms, and though they knew what it probably meant, they refused to stuy in camp, in spite of the protest of their ‘lexiean allies, who did not recognize any lati- tade in obeying arders, Tbe captan telt a good deal easier with seven meu at bis buck, wi.o could shoot as they could; ‘ und when be first saw them, had a hali-furmed | idea of at once returning io the Medicine Bowl. A moment’s consideration, however, convinced : him that he could not expect to find Raleigh there, or even the festive Mr. Foxton. If they bad retreated, as no doubt they had, the least hope of getting them in hand again was to in- tercept the r flight. Lf they attempted to come out throug the pass by which the major and he Lad entered, po doubt thesentinel would give a cod eccount of bimsclf, If he had been aware of the fuct that this sentinel had been relieved the red-siin Old Sirene had scented, he would not bave fel* so confident of that. ‘Keep your eycs open, and follow me,” was his «rder to the men, as they joined him. ‘“T reckewif we str.ke the reds they’il play us fair, and ugly looks don’t go fer much unless iuey really chip in. When I say so shoot for what you're wortb, but don’t try it on before.” Vith this for the order of the dey he quietly lut steadily advanced toward the late camp of the major. When they weré almost within view of the spot a yell announced that they bad been discov- cred, “Chen a chorus of whoops told that the reds were there in fere>, aud they caught sight of a score or more of the savages who were as- sembling at the cry. thes Wilson halted his men. made a gesture to show that he was a friend, and then stepped fearlessly forward. From the renks of the savages a warrior came cut to meet him, showing that be had been corte, arte) ‘* The friend of Tigertooth and of Carjador.” was the captain’s greeting, spoken in Spanish, which he knew the other understood. ““ The scalps of the enemies of Carjador hang in the belts of Tigertooth and his warriors. What else does the white brother want!” ‘*Tbhe white brother is glad to see that Tiger- tooth has been as good as his word; but be would show him otber scalpe for the taking if he will find the way for him teward where they are try- ing to hide.” * Tigertooth knows the mountain as well as he knows his own men. Let the white brother but tell bim where to look, and he will follow the trail to the end.” Partly by words and partly by signs the cap- tain explained tbe situation. He hud dealt with the aborigines b fore. He kept an eye out for treachery, and his men were close at bis back. They went through the camp of the major. There were traces of a fight and signs ofa great plunder, Several men nm slain, and the rest |.ad vanished, with a moiety of the rec-men in pursuit. The portable spoils had been appropriated, while fire was rapidly de- stroying the balance. The major bad brought too large a party for concealment, and too small aone for an open a Perhaps, if he had been present to bandle them, the result would have been different. Unfortunately, after Raleigh left, the majori- of the men left also, and the camp was but thiale guarded when the surprise was made, Destiny Dave did bis best, and his luck seemed to stand by him to the last. He fired a number of shots,saw the men in camp fall, and then man to escape unfollowed and unseer, though badly wounded. When he was fairly gone his luck ran out, since, by chance, Tigertooth led the way almost directly in his foo and before long came on the drops of blood that betokened his Jate resence. - The direction he was blindly taking happened to be exactly that which Tigertooth wished to follow, so that his being overtaken was doubly sure, 2 Yet, had he been less sorely hurt, Dave might have escaped altogether, for he was shrewd and skiliful in such matters, and hid his trail reas- onably well, Hedid not see the tell-tale evi- deuces that marked his flight, and had he done so it would bardly bave been of much profit, In removing one drop of blood be would have scattered a dozen more. et On he went, turning and twisting through the narrow gulches, whose net-work was so com- plete that at a dozen yards he would have been totally invisible; but all the while, certain as his own fate, he was approaching the spot where the major and his daughter crouched in hidin a uietly that Raleigh, who fora F) He came so > f moment had failed to watch the precipitous roadway while he talked earnestly with his daughter, was not aware of his nearness until he had crept into his ver piveeec, and lay, panting with weakness and exertion, dt his very 4 Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. the way out is more difficult s+ill. be Ate 5 sept, have occasion to do so. e are 2 this mean? Here! let me bind up your burts, green, and sunk down on his knees by the side while you tell what bas bappened. The camp! | of the opening. How are things there?’ | Then he uttered a cry of rage. A single “ That Injun war right,” muttered Dave. | glance showed that it was not as he\bad le(t it. ‘Ther bull pot are scooped, an’ I’m ther only be opening was larger. Some one kad digged two-legged critter left runnin’ on ther buff.” | it much deeper. “‘ But, good heavens! Was there no resist- | ‘ Trapped, tricked and befuoled !” he cried. ance at all? Such a foree should have stood off | ‘Some one else haus guessed what i alone five times their number—at. least till nigit | knew. There is nothing here!” came.” i Yet he threw bimsclf at the opening as if in ‘‘ Ef they hed pulled tergether in the traces | the hope t at he might be nistuken, and dug they c’u’d ‘a’? Gone it; but some sed they war | recklessly into the yielding exrth with bis bare gcin’ ter look fur sbeep, an’ some war squar’ out | hands, until his eye Lappened to light upon a~ an’sed they war goin’ ter look fur gold. They , second flat stone, the fac-simile of the one that took the’r guns an’ slid mght out. | had covered the hidden purckment. It lay by **T reckon they war gobbled up fu’st ov all, | the side of the other. an’so quiet they didn’t know what burt’em. | Atsight of that his coclness suddenly came Ef they hed jest fired a shot er g’n a yell, if | back, He desisted from bis useless labor. mou’t a’? saved us. But when ther redscome | ‘‘No use, no use!” he saic, with a shake of his inter ther lay-out they come a-bilin’, An’ toat | bead, ‘and for Rhoda's sske, I must give up settled it. lleft when ther luck ran clean ther | the search I might ctherwise make, I might other way. What. boys warn’t down tuk ther risk the danger to myself, Lut I dire not even back track, sol tuk t’other, an’ dropped ‘round | think of allowing her to fall into the bands of hyar *thout a soul bein’ ther wiser. Thar’s heaps | these wretches who surround us, Could Foxton ov rocks in ther way, but I reckon I’Jl make | bave suspected? Hardly, when the outlaw and ther riffle yit.” his ranchero friend seen.ed so utterly foiled. I The major anxiously watched the little gully | will go back to Dave and my daughter, and while he listened to Destiny Dave's brief story. | wait for the sport, He is a man of resource as When it was finished he examined the wounded | well as good fortune. If he comes he may help man, lus, If he does not there is no tine lst. Our As Dave bad intimated, he was serious! | hiding-place is as secure as eny that can be nct mortally wounded if he bad anything like a | found, and we would not dare to attempt a chance, Although the major would bave vastly | move before night.” | ; | | | { } { but referred that be should have taken his flight Staggering somewhat, as though he bad re- y'some other course, he left nothing of the kind | ceived a blow, Raleigh made his way up from slip from his tongue, but renewed the bandages | the glen, and toward tue hiding-place v here he wherever needed and was glad to see that even | bad left Destiny Dave. in the short rest the man had already gathered His late discovery Lad so far bewildered bim some strength, and was begining to examine the | that he was off «f his guard. His eyes were set location to see how it was fitted for concealment | only upon the route be. was taking, and even or defense, that he followed mechavically. » “You'll do, Dave, better than I dared hope Then there was a Jow brrtling in the air, but when I tsaw you. You have held on to he scarcely could bave heard it, es be surk your rifle and revolvers; between us we could | down just when he had turned to leave the bed make a stand here against quite a force,” | of the canyon end ascerd the gully, while the “You bet I hung on. When I drops my belt | feathered shaft of ep arrow showed how he Lad ou kin see geynent clean through my ribs. I | been stricken from afar, — in shoot plumb center fer quite a bit, yit. In As he settled to the ground he uttered a sin- a spot like this two would be good fur a dozen. | gle, low moan, and the sound was echoed by the Ef thar war two dozen they migbt git tookenin, | crack of a rifle from somewhere near, follor«d but you kin bet they wouldn't run erway, They | by pistol-shots, wild yells and s wemen’s scream couldn’t fur a fact. in the little nook where the Raleigbs had songht _ ‘You are improving when you can begin to | concealment. The t had Leen fonnd, end jest. No! The way in is not too easy, while | again there was wild work amcng the mcun- Yet it can | tains, ; though I hope we will not, for the ea The cry from Rhoda was not forced from her ere | through any danger of her own, but because, looking downward in anticipation of her father’s coming, she had seen Lim fall. waiting for a friend—for Fresh Frank—who has gone to see whut has become of that lady friend of my daughter. He brought them both here but | Thesight froze her bl.od; the silence of the I am afraid the senorita has fallen into bad | stroke made it all the more tcrritle, When the bauus since she left us of her own free will with | riflo cracked 1t seemed posri\ le that his life had that villainous Mexican. I dare not go far, yet | not been taken. Before sbe «culd clear her eyes I would have you be on tke watch here while I | of the mist that had come over them there was look around for at least a little.” a danger to herself and Destiny Dave, and it “Skip, then, pard. You kin do ezmuch good | was near at hand. out ez in, av’ ef I ain’t wide off we can leave | The way of retreat, were they attacked from hyar fur good afore night.” in front, bad seemed difficult enough. Now, Without waiting to give instructions, or a | its steepness was no bar to an attack from tbat word of farewell to bis daughter, the major | direction, She did not see vbo fred them, tut hastened down the slope, and turned his foot- | half a dozen shots in quirk successicn come steps directly toward the Medicine Bowl. He | crashing down into the niche from above, trtil was not yet done with the matter of the cache. | Destiny Dave ley at her feet, oA ea ag Oe of the Blac gies sprung to her side, flung his dene CHARTER 541%. arm around her waist, and lifting ber from ber APTAIN OF THE BLACK EAGLES BEGINS | feet bore ber bodily away down the precipitcus in TO FILL HIS HAND. ; th, and_then along the canyon, toward the Ir. things at the camp are as Dave 4 edicine Bow], , there is no chance for the gold,” muttered the _ She washalf-senseless, though she knew vague- ma jor, J ly that the revolver once in Ler band bad tecn And yet without gold the mine cannot be | knocked from ber grasp, and she afterwerd ves worked, It costs a fortune to bribe officials | conscious of having cast what she feared was & and maintain an army: to say nothing of the | last glance at where her father lay. fact that I might have some trouble now in| She'failed to see him, though why she ccvld showing my title to the bonanza corner of the | not guess. Of only one thing was sbe certain. Guadana Grant. ‘ She was a captive in the bands of Captain VW il- But there is nothing like having three | son, while at his back were tis cutlaws, strings to one’s bow, here has been renk Both Foxton and the major had been n is- treachery or wonderful SEIOAER since what | taken us to the lay of the land beyond the we}. little I have said seems have been known. | The spot was more casily found frem the sicr Fortunately, on the most important point of all, ‘ Wilson entered it than the otber, Tigerte: it: - ! I have kept silent. It is running a fearful risk, | would probably have come with bim had be eri? - but it’s a chance between losing all and getting ; his men not been led away in pursuit of one of away withafortune, If I make the move now L the deserters from the expedition. One of lis I dare not be captured again.” flankers caught a glimpse of the majer ire The major hastened onward, keeping a keen | dropped bim on sight to fall an instant later Fe- look out im front as well as rear, He didnot | fore a hall through his brain, know what moment the Fresh Sport might re--| The fugitive white men was given credit 1 turn, and his mission was one tbat bad to be ac- | the work, and the pursuit stream«d away nv re complished without a witness, He trusted no | eager than ever. So it happened thet Dest y one now, not even Mr. Foxton. Over the semi- | Dave saved his scalp; and Wilson was able te wutiny of his men, and its quick punishment. | carry away his captive wit! cut ewig say hd lenger. he wasted neither time nor regrets; but was | Tigertooth the question to v hem she forming his plans for -himself and Rhoda as “Tye got you, my drisy, end if I can Vl heey though the rest bad neyer lived, and the last | you. The «ld gentleman sppears to bave as dozen years had not rolled away. many lives as a cat, When the frolic is over He halted a moment at the spot where Foxton | P've no doubt that be will come up all fresh end and the young ladies tad stood in ambusk, and | smiling. au viewed carefully the Cingle, and the opening be- | begin. There’s wealth somewhere abcut. end T yond, _ expect to get a great big slice of it heforeT Not a living soul was in sight and the velvety | finish, Perbups I had better pot yon in a place carpet of grass seemed to bear no imprint made | of since he had left the place. aa man.” oaks 3 Silently be hurried down to where the broken | He locked sharply et Rhoda. She might te turf showed a little darkly in the midst of tte | able to give bim some information as to the About thet time the bargaining will ey ay tien safety before I Legin scouting for the okt wo") Vp antl - ye MS nals —
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26 whereabouts of her father and Frank Foxton, for be had well a:sured himself that neither were hidden in the. niche. Almost at the side of the little excavation he set her down, though his hand still gripped her shoulder, ** Now a word, my gentledamsel, Heretofore I’ve been just as soft as silk, but when I talk to you I ealculate on pons saying sometbing as long as ou’re able, Just gather your wits together. ou see this revolver. It's resting right against -your regal head. Where is your father?” **Dead!” answered Rhoda, in a despairing, dusky whisper, CHAPTER XXX, FOXTON FINDS MORE FUN, THERE was not the least doubt in the mind of the outlaw that Rioda spoke the truth as she knew it. Her look, her tone convinced him of that, and for the moment he was staggered. The mie, if such existed, might be fonnd; but in that his interest was not so immediate, He bal ten rather lukewarm about that, except ss part of the machinery to wring handsome wuzes from his Mexizan confeder- ate, But a cuche of undetermined though great value was something else. From the time that he knew of it—and Raimondo concealed the knowledge as long as he could—his enthusiasm rose. There was a great difference between working a bonanza, and suddenly falling heir to what the bonanza baa produced. - So, the further he went along the more in- terested he became, until be was willing, at every hazard, to take up the work where Rai- mondo left off, At first Cajador’s aim had been ‘to-keep the major away from the’! mine which he hoped some day to find himself; but later on the object was to wring or wrest the secret from him. If Raleigh was forever? Wilson asked himself the question, and as he id so his eyes by chance fell upon the bole that he himself had dug at the spot where they bad captured the major. There could not be a question kut that it was farzer than when he had left it. { In tie loose ground by its side he saw the print of a foot, Was it the majors? Mad he returned to the spot and unearthed the trea- sure? And where was Frank Foxton—where the corpse of Kuward Raleigh? Ie asked the questions of Rhoda but her an- swer was a burst of tears. Even a woman with ‘such courage as she could be broken down—not ly fear but ly grief. — ‘7 believe cn my soul the are both dead,” aanraured the captain, 4 ‘*Fuxton may not care for the girl but she cores for him; that is certain, With father and lover zone over the divide it’s no wonder ifshe is all broke up. If she knows anything she willsay it now, With all the world lost, what docs a woman care for a secret? “Yet, who killed them? Where ate the bodies? Tigertooth has missed them, and itl Raimondo, the pitiful fool, is thinking of noth- fats ing but the black-eyed witch who is playing re him fast and loose, I verily believe they are ‘bad enough to desert ber if they thought by so _ doing they could throw dust in my eyes and -- -eseape with a fortune. Raleigh deserted her | guece before and she came to no harm; he may % think itsafe to try the same game again, If Bets you do, Major Raleigh, you will find that the | + -ehief of the Black Eagles is after wealth, and Y does nob care much bow he gets it! If he is living, and has tried to play such a game I'll sbow hia.! He cannot well get away from me 2 eleape { a dg 78 keeps faith, If he does break ) mroogy ‘Il wager he hears some other time Bry what has hecome of his daughter.” os PA cr, Me ground out the threats savagely and ps? aloud, and he put so much of bis own cruel self | . - into them that Rhoda shuddered in spite of her a ve roe YA he knew the foulness of the slander on her father’s memory; and there was something ter- bcs -rible in the idea of taking vengeance on a cee corpse, Shoe turned somewhat and faced Wil- som, her cheeks flusbed, her eyes somewhat Mois she: fey by A avg oi i but her | -—~——s whole frame qnivering with indignation. + arte a am alone ‘nt the world, sir. Lover I have dead, was his secret also dead, ~ _ ‘had none, and not five minutes ago I saw my - father fal . ys my father’s aftairs I f ed fi her fall a i. _ know nothing save that he visited this region to search for a mine of wl ich be once knew. “Of the affairs of Mr. Foxton I know still jess, save that he was an old-time admirer of ‘the Senorita Bayzos, and, I think, was in search of her, Perhaps he has followed her; more likely he is dead, You haye nothing to gain én me; why shoul you talk of vengeance, or ‘burden yourself ae woman? Take me, or ct me to. Madelaine, and you will have thanks, She may, perhaps’ have influence vith the to have bim recover the ‘ - “bury it decently, and | to belong” Tate ce Ty them it car _——— OO ——— r the alert, He had not made a dozen stey be balted and crouched; then began te Tetrace his way. | an enemy. ve Be fore he Ww F i out; but my thanks may profit you more than my hate.” ‘‘Humph! If it’s only a funeral you want I might gratify you myself. Where is the body of your father? From the way you talk it cannot be far away, and I’m willing to lose a little time to show myself a Christian gentle- man,” ** You could hardly have failed to see it since he fell just when he was turning from the can- you toward the spot where you captured me, t was an arrow that slew lim.” “Tl look into it, and if there’s any truth in the story Pll set it down to your credit. Here, Jackson,’ go back and see; you keep an eye on the lady. If she gets away—you know me.” The captain thought well enough of the story to investigate; when he reached the place, though no corpse was there, there were traces and stains, showing where someone had welter- ed in his blood. How had the body disappeared? There was very little to show, yet the faint indications he thought he could detect seemed to point toward the Medicine Bow], Perhaps the body had been carried that way by the Fresh Sport, Hea came back to where Rhoda stood, tremb- lingly awaiting the result, ‘““T guess you were trying to tell the truth,” was his ambiguous greeting. “You needn’t worry about the bod longer—if you went back now you would find that it was no longer there.” ‘You have hidden it then, Where? One day I may want to stand by the side of his bones,” ““Scarcely, I think that just now the less in- formation you have the more manageable a piece of calico 1 will have in my bands. Come along. You talked alittle too much when you unfolded your plan to secure Raimondo's protec- tion. I don’t trust bim, anyhow, and will hunt upa new camp. I'll provide for your safety first, and then take a close look around in this quarter. I've not lost all hope of the cache yet: and, anyhow, Pye got you. Tigertooth may have secrets to sell, and a handsome young Asietlehn squaw ought to have a big market value.” Hardly as much threat as reflection were the man’s last words, but they were all the more terrible; and they brought Rhoda back to her- self more than anything else he could have said, She could forget her father and Frank Foxton in the face of such a danger as that. She went with the outlaw, and her manner seemed as un- resisting and dazed as ever; but now she was only biding her time. If Wilson had been a little less hurried in his movements, or had not decided to keep his pris- oner out of Raimondo’s sight, he would have stood a fair chance of hearing from Frank Fox- ton. It was not more than five miputes later that the sport was bending over Destiny Dave receiving from him the little information he had breath left to utter. It was very meager indeed, but it was enough to start Foxton on the war-path, “It’s a pity for the poor fellow,” was his thought, ** but there’s nothing I can do for hint now, and there are duties to the living. Con- found this Wilson! I supp under the necessity of killing him yet, and then the fun will all be stopped. When I meet a man that gives me suclya healthy old racket as this has been, staying by me to the last gasp, I begin to think too much of him to turn his toes up to the daisies. He never knows then, how bad I’ve beat him. But I’ve been too everlast- ing careless, and that’s a fact, I must be lame, blind, deaf, and an infernal fool besides, not to have caught on to what’s been transpiring until yonder poor fellow told me. If the haven't taken me in and dressed me down it’s not my fault.” —~ As jauntily as ever ran bis thoughts, yet Mr. Foxton was turning his attention to very serious things, He did not understand how a struggle could have occurred there without his having heard a breath of it, but the fact was, while the little peoets was going ov here, he had been watching delaine, and he heard only the nearest revolvers. The roc y floor of the can- br would show no traces of the footsteps that ‘pressed it while he was absent, but it was strange that he should have passed unobserv~ ingly through the dingle, or that he did not notice the splotch of blood where the major fell. It was time to make up for all that now by extra diligent work. ’ He laid Destiny Dave quietly in the most ded part of the nook, and, after one more any ‘s pees around in search of eet fein Bog might ously to descend ayo uh Lackily for him his senses were once more on when . wly to ‘e | me one was Sotsing down the canyon, and the chances were al that it was tell bim a story, began caut the gull rater Or had quite reached cover his rif ent up for na tind'n fair sae tate to M Gown .e intruder, Had it been WHs ia Ea away any chances unt e I will bave to be | anyhow, and what you get will befor keeps. Ill just bold the fort up bere and you rat-catehing down there, but crowd me and I'Jl make you just too sick. Last warning, and if you don’t take it the fun begins, bain: up in the first rag flaunted before a bull, not lose his head the rest did, especially when tation they began a charge upward, | At the same tie aes Paxton began in ~ Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. SS hapa enresneenennenennnnaneneeroneneeeeenneene Tigertooth’s braves, and there were a dozen more close bebind him, though as yet out of sight. With a bare hope that he might retire unseen, Frank held bis band and turved into the niche just as a Joud yell announced that bis presence was discover+d, ‘Once more the fun begins,” muttered Fox- ton, ‘Theresa dozen below, and by heavens! there’s an army coming down on me from above,” ~ CHAPTER XXXI. RATS IN A BOX, “Tr I could just shunt around one of my two eyes into the back of my head bow convenient it occasionaily would |e, Unfortunately I can’t, and so [ll bave to take them as they come, Meantime they won't ‘be getting very much of the dead medicine on yours truly.” The case was desperate enough in all ccn- science, for if the gang had suceeeded in clean- ing out the whole of Major Raleig’s party what chance would one man bave egainst them? That was the way it looked; but that wes not the way that Foxton felt. He had heen in a good many remarkably tight places during his eventful life, and, though cempelled sometimes | to temporarily sit under a clond, be bed so reg- ularly come out in the end with flying colors that be had become a rank fatalist, having thorough confidence in his charmed luck. Be- © sides that, he knew that bis nerves never went back on him, and that of all the crack shots he had met, not one of them could shoot a more perfect string, He was rather glad that he bad been seen, sinca no doubt un. attempt would bave been made to searvh the spot, and he did not care about having to tegin operations by firing on an unsuspecting foe. When he heard a hail in broken Spanish, and a summons to surrender, it was no more than be had expected. Hah ‘As there was no answer to the summons it. was repeated, this time by the chief himself, The scramble around throu: b the canyons had amade him keen for blood, but hed not caused . him to forget his caution, ‘Hello yourselves, down there!” was this time the sport’s response; spoken in straight English, too, ‘“ What do you fellows want? I’m tke most peaceable ehild you ever saw if you'll cnly give me plenty of room; but I can’t stand crowding, Vil plug the first man, and every other man, that tries to mount those stairs.” Bc alle Of course be kept himself -ecncealed from those both above and below. While he could — not expect to refrain from exposing bimself somewhat in one direction or the other, after the ball fairly opeued, he was not begs il it was necessary. Had Rhoda and Destiny Dave been as careful they might have been with him yet. ates. Somewhat to his surprise Foxton heard old Tigertooth reply iu the same language: ‘White man shoot, whiteman burn a heap. Tigertooth got all scalp him want but must bap white brave out. Give gun, give keap-shcot pistol, then white man kin come back.” git, so him never ‘*Oh, that’s entirely too thin, It won't wash When you get my guns you'll get me n go on with your orry if [ intrude, be Indians understood enough of this tomake — out tkat it was both a defiance and a warning; yet it seemed foily to think that one man would attempt to hold out against them all after they had offered bim terms. They were so flushed with success that they would have charged rig bt he had not Tigertcoth re- strained them. far be bad lost’ but one brave and the thought struck him that although be had hitherto believed otherwise, this was the man who bad fired the fata] shot. Foxton’s defiance was a good deal like a red If the old chief did their howl was answered ew same kind of a yell from somewhere way a ve. Witkout besi- | Luckily for him be could give an almest un-— divided attention to what wes coming up, since | the red-skins above had not ble down in force. k Once, twice, bis revolver cracked, each time the bullet going where he thought it would do the m ood Then te bt rains } rush ¥ toshoot, yet begun to scram- Ns A } ij f Hie +O), ' v ¥. rae {<5 4 7
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Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. ——EEEEEEE—— SS Br | “Then he caught up the corpse and sent it whirl- ‘ae ing down the acclivity, full in the face of the ad- vancing braves, As it fir-t broke from cover there was a yel i of joy, for they bad an idea that some lucky ta shot had brought down their foe, The advance cae slackened. ed But when Mr. Foxton opened out with both hy. thands, and a yell that seemed as loud as their own and abcut twice as wicked, there was some- ae like a panic. They wheeled and went tumbling down a great deal faster than they had tried to come up. There was stumbling and struggling, and men going heels over bead, while ‘the rearmost Indian, recognizivg the fact that the was in a pretty tight place, caught up the body that bad come from above, anc slinging it over his back made the descent with the legs se i about bim, he sport took the opportunity to recharge his revolvers, He had'no idea of being able to kill them all, but he wanted to read a whole- ‘some lesson. and reduce the situation, as soon as ‘possible, to a state of siege. Woaile be could not ‘shoot as effectively in the darkness, his only chance, as far as he could see, was in getting away under its cover. lf he could stand them off until nigbt came he had some hope of get- ting out of this place, which was just as good a trap as it was a fort. While he was watching the retreat he uncon- sciously was exposing his rear, Zip! went an arrow, just over his shoulder. Then, so close that the sudden report caused him to drop at full length, with revolvers thrast out in anticipation of «a hand-to-hand struggle, there cracked a rifle, He would not have been more surprised if ‘Tigertooth and half a dozen warriors bad gained the nook and were ready to fling themselves on his shoulders. Destiny Dave was sitting up, braced against a rock, bis ju t discharged Winchester between ‘his knees, looking almost as much as ever like a dead man, yet with strength enough to be dan- gerous, He had caught on to the attack from above and had protected Frank Foxton’s rear, just in time. ** Hello! Luck has turned, and the tide begins to ve the other way! What’s the matter with OU: There wasn lull in the battle, and the sport had time to ask questions, _“T ain’t much breatha left ter spare, but IT sh’d jedge I’nrcomin’ round ef ther heavy work don’t flatten me out ag’in. You keep: ’em straizht down thar an’ IP) hold ’em level up above, ez long ez I last.” ' Dave’s voice was very husky, but, as Foxton thought to himself, it beat that of any ghost ever invented. Still, there was no time to dis- euss the miraculous revival until it was settled what the = ae do. Rate beet in, to guard the path below, while Dave kep He eiee fry fixed upward, . ay They watched this way, in silence, for, some time, but there was no movemeut from either endof theline, The Indians had evidently re- ceived a lesson; the questiim now was, what they were going to learn from it. : “They're holding a pow-wow,” said Foxton, at length, casting an eye on Dave, and noticing that his strangely-recovered strength had given no sign of failure, but that, if anything, be was in better suape than the last time he had seen him. , “Bet your life that there’s not more than a couple -at one endor the other, Ifwe knew which, it wouldn’t be a bad time to break. We ~ could mop the rocks up with half a dozen and be away before the rest got ’round to us.” Pard, Lain't makin’ ez many breaks ez I used ter was; but ef you think you kin git thar don't wait on me. All thet’s left fur Destiny Dave are to bite ez deep ez he knows bow, an’ when he's made his last scratch, git outen ther amp.’ . ah as z “Sure enough, old man, I wasn’t thinking. We'll stay here together till night, and then ‘we'll do the best we know how.” “Jest ez you say. I ain’t | talk, when it’s dog-gone doabtful ef I kin work my own passage. But I’m thinkin’ they'll find some way ter smoke us out afore night.” As ifto prove the truth of the suggestion there was a loud crash, and a bowlder of nearly half a ton in weight came rolling down, / Then came another and another. The reds _ worked in perfect silence, and with a regularity that indicated they intended to keepitup. — “Te the supply of dornocks holds out, and they take their time, I should judge they can ot no claim ter - fill the galcb,” suggested Foxton, as a fourth | new man,” f dozen feet, and out of danger, in an instant. bowlder flew past. ; : Perhapd it was sheer wil!-power, but more en he progtessed more slowly until after 10 | “Of course if we get in the way that’s our | likely he was recovering from the shock of his | little labor, he drew CE ily out cf risk, and what they’re praying for. It’s pretty | wounds, and his magnificent constitution was | the BBUTC, acu el Sag, a Nclusst sure, though, that’ they can’t come up or down spite: Laceertig to assert itself. Hecaught up| “All right, pard,” whispered a voice, “I | - while this thing is going on, and as long as the | his that he bad allowed to rest by bis side | tho’rt 1’d hit yer bout where you li o, It’s, rock whoop on through, they might amuse | since there seemed to be no use for it, and | been a ong day, butI can’t saytut what — nselves a heap sight worse. Say not, | scanned narrowly the roadway. bra | I've enjoyed it. Toul’ hip afore sundown = = hi Sans, ht Rae In the nook where they lay the sbadows of | ’ca’se | by ther month an’ nothin? — ered | evening were already beginning to fall, though | throwed in fur extry hours. But I'm hyernow, ie —_ still see the glow of sunsbi boat te rode nule’s in ther 1; aint it time ter cks beyond, 1 PR eS as EINE 52 AAO ame May Ft W, 3 Dek Yee Ber Bun Cee Rue Gi Wal eastaniesen ies OS? Hh ak PE EES ae ti Me hate ‘ RS Nt why y woe ih ae htt ry tx feet from him, and he had fired another shot. ‘* Well, if they get the run of the cushions, ter kill, an’ I'll feel a heap better ef I’m dcin’ | and put on enough English, I should judge it would.” | Foxton skipped around quite lively before be spoke. One of the rocks had thundered into the nook, struck the wall, and in the resultin if they're dead yet; and then the rats won't bite fast and hard? Of course not.” I'd like ter save my top-knot, but I can’t bold on no longer. Sutbin’s got ter be did, an’ ther carom bad nearly made an end to the Fresh I it the rocks, and so was brandy, but the sport ha amine them since the first cursory glance, when only medicine he had found opportunity so far and that did not seem to have altogether reach- When I say move you'll move; and ‘not a mite CHAPTER XXXII, THE RATS BEGIN TO GNAW., ‘““THEY'VE got us hyar, like rats in a hole,” groaned Destiny Dave. ‘**They’re gwine ter rub us out without givin’ us ther fu’st show fur our white alley. You hit ‘em too bard in ther fu’st fly, pard, an’ hyar we be, We won’t see another red tell we pass over. I'm a dyin’ cripple, but I can’t stand this. Next time a rock goes by I’m goin’ ter foller, an’ have jest one more whack at ’em down berlow.” **Oh, no,” retorted Foxton. ‘“ You can’t af- ford it. I never yet lost my sand till I was dead burst, and we’re not that by a long sight. Im saving a stake for the darkness; and that will be along soon. Watch out, now, and Ill help you to dodge. Maybe if we keep very quiet they’ll stick their heads in the hole to see t wasa trying situation without question. No wonder was it that Dave's nerves had given *way, and that he talked wildly. Foxton knew that he meant what he said and exerted himself to calm him, while crouching to prevent, if need be, a rash charge. “Vm a dyin’ man,” continued Dave, speaking to bimself, ‘tan’ I'm burnin’ up with. thirst. wet your lips now and then—I wish I could Jet We may need it more when we open real business by and by. I guess the holes have all stopped themselves up pretty much, but I’Jl you drain it, but I daren’t. Then Ti look you_ over. Sport. sooner 1 pass in my chips ther better I'll like ‘Water was a scarce article up there amon a little of each that he was busbanding care- fully. He had forgotten the fever of Destiny Dave's wounds, and in fact bad not time to ex- he thought the borderman was dying. The to administer was the medicine of his tongue, | ed the right spot. “* Now, see here, Dave,” the sport said, sud- denly and sharply, ‘I’m bossing this outfit, and I’m not going to have any nonsense, There’s a little water in the canteen, and I'll try and fix them so they won’t open. Afte that I don’t want to hear any a sooner, if I hav¥e lay you ont, cold as. wedge. You sabe?” wt 2g row It was about the only way to talk to the de- spate man, If be had been in his ordinary strength when Foxton began that way, he would bave begun to fight.’ Now, he took a sudden turn, nodded, and whispered: ‘All right. You’re a ocd little man, if you are mighty fresh, Boss the: lay-out and Til do ther chores.” . _Several more rocks bad rumbled by while they were talking. Frank had become accus-— tomed to them, and by a little prospecting had decided that at this rate it would be some time after sundown before they would begin to } in their place of refuge. He drew Dave int the safest corner, gave him a few sips of water, and examined his burts, doing what little he | could for the newer ones, — re ‘“* What do you make of ’em, pard? ” anxiously Dave, asked “Tt ain’t about gittin’ well Pm talkin’ ov; but kin I travel when you're ready ter skip” n’t stand “Ym not fooling you, Dave. J cc’ reckon you can carry up under them; but [ 1 them if you try right hard, Anyhow, I’m not leaving you till you get ready to go. That's Frank Foxton, all over and every time. Keep the upper lip stiff, and I'll lay odds you’!l do, If you can’t, you want to shuck yourself of that name, and get one with a httle more milk and water in it. Where's your ae it won't take you out of a little hobble like this?” ‘‘Kerrect ag’in, It ain't often yer finds me off my base; but yer see, pard, bein’ staff, dead, an’ laid out, a man’s sorier infant-like when he comes ter life ag’in. Takes him a bit ter stiffen up an’ learn ter walk, But I’m thar now, an’a Th | nervé to come down that way with me waiting | just then went thundering by. sutbin’.” | ‘*'Pake care you don’t get mashed while you're trying it, then,” the sport cautioned; but Dave bad already fired and fallen back, while a howl from above told that one of the human cat:- ie bad incautiously exposed himself, and ave’s shot bad struck bome, The rock that he was helping to move did not pass through on | time. | There was so long an interval that Dave began to feel some concern, **Mebbe I hedn’t orter doneit, pard. They may take another plan that'll work a heap bet- ter. Ef they hed dropped all thea bowlders plump down from overhead—waal, we wouldn't never be needia’ ‘no tombstones now,” ‘*They can’t get there, which is the cheerful- est feature in the whole progremme. That is, they can’t get any rocks there; and from what | I noticed of the lay of the land, I sbould say it was a mighty uncomfortable place to take a promenade, anyway. I never saw the sense cf an earthquake before, but I begin to think there’s nothing thrown away. Tkat’s what helps us out just now.” | “It'll jest about take another one ter finish ther job.- Will yer go up er down when yer | makes that break, after dark?” | \** Bless Fae soul, my dear old fellow, if I'm | half as bad as my reputation [ guess I’il do both. ' You seem strong enough to stand it now, so rll give it as my honest opinion that a cat couldu’t _ get out of either end of this sluice now, or any other time, until they believe we are cead. The | noble aborigines have come in furce ana come , to stay, while it strikes me I have latterly seen | some of the Black Eagles cavorting around neer’ , headwater,” “But ef thar’s no hope what’s ther use ter ' fool erway time? Mou’t ez well go down an’ git shot, ter end it.” ; : Dave spoke gloomily again, for Foxtor.’s epin- ° , ions sounded more than discouraging. The le‘- | ter laughed carelessly. ‘© Oh, 1’m holding the break for fun. fone- thing will come along by and by—it’s bound to come. You go in fer fate; but Um clean gone on luck. It’s the daisy that sees us through us long as it lasts; and when it goes for govud cone | might as well die, anvhow.” ‘ | -** Fur we've got to, sure.” | Dave threw in his words by way of brief an- , swer, and then was silent. if Foxton led no | plan it was time fcr bim to be odestoe a abcut one, Moreover, it stited him better to think than talk, especially if there was nothing n.ore encouraging to be said. eye As night dropped down more darkly Tiger- | tooth showed that he was awake, and waiting. Even in the blackness of the night he did not care to risk an attack while the Fresh Spert who had taught him such a lesson, was ov the alert, while the glare of o fire at either end shewed : that Foxton was not to have the chance to shuk _ _ out unperceived. fs rp All the time the bombardment continued, “It’s no use, Dave. I’ve setued myself Le ee ee Foxton, atlength: ‘“ We can’t get out unless we an fi “ Hist!” was the answer, and Da toa | y awa yy" e tcuched ne on us this” wn from e1 bove. his hand in the darkness, ey a got the dead medici | time. y’re comin’ straight do I bear the ropo a-danglin’.” “That's queer, mighty queer.” » “i Foxton heard the sound alse, and spoke re- flectively. gly. ot ae ¢ ere’s never a red in that outfit has the tor him bere, Just hold on till stme one loans cae a quarter. There’s more in the cellar than — Ta c i? : > é. x The rope hubg out in the direct line of the gully-way. It was somewhat danger: us to at- tempt to reach it; but Fcxton did, drawitg it toward them in time to escape a bowhiert at On the end of the cord was tied a large stone, evidently intended to force it down over the un- even edges of the fissure above. en Reg “Softly whisper ballelujab, Dave! The im- possible has happened. We've found a friend with nerve and brains, He’s twitching on the string now, totellmetocomeup.” = = yes “Twitch on the string, then, an’tellbim ter come down till we see what he locks like. — ; bet er m r an’ : e ag’in’ a ring-tail — racoon thet ther color ov bis skin’s red.” _ Done! Book it, please, But Ped Ie 8 when we let the down he ir A. re goes!” 7
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game, ’m not going hat upas my platform several bg and | himself; but that, too, could be arranged, _ ter. ordinary man, Jones bad given some starting i CHAPTER XXXIiI. : A NEW WAY TO GET BEARINGS, “You couldn’t have done a neater thing if you had tried a year,” whispered Foxton, grasp- | ing Jones’s band with enthusiasm, ** You do exactly beat the Jews, You needn’t : say a word till wegetsomewhere. I understand | the whole game. But I’ve gota friend down there that has been badly broke up. We'll have | to take a pull on him before we can be ready to , move,” ‘ ‘*Fish him out! Thar’s a heap sight ov run- | nin’ ter be did afore mornin’, an’ I ain't jest so | sure we kin git out ov hyar. When they begin- | ter miss them gerloots they may hit ther trail ov yourstercommand, Blame ther dif’, though! | I’m hired by ther month, an’ Pll do my dooty.” | He jerked his thumb over his shoulder toward | acouple of dark forms that lay suggestively | silent; and meantime Mr, Foxton lowered the / rope. When they knew that the cord was around ; Destiny Dave they hauled him up as caretully | as they could, and, fora badly wounded man that didn’t say much. The manof destiny was really in better shape when he appeared than Foxton had boped for. - ‘¢ And now, see bere, Rohert, I'll give you the | lay-out as it isin short meter, and you talk ac-.' ecrdingly. I guess I needn’t tell you that the | ma jor’s party have been taken in, and those who | haven't had their bair cut for nothing have been | badly. scattered? I brought the girls through safe, and the senorita is provided for; but where in blazes are Raleighand hisdaughter? I’ve got to know before I look for a back track; can you give mea bint?” | ‘ Ain’t seen nothin’ ov ther boss, an’ I guess | he’s went under; but I passed Rhoda ezI kim | along. Might ov chipped but it war too airly in | ther evenin’, I ain‘t on dooty tell after sundown, | an’ nobody hez sed turkey wunst when they’re talkin’ about extry hours an’ work w’ot ain’t | down on ther small bills—I’ll pint out ther spot —it’s whar our mut’l, John Wulson, ther miss- yenery: are cam Ef you feel like shakin’ is hand i'}] hold a club ready. Warm gratty- tood are "bout all he’s fitfur. By ther 9 eZ T come erlong I also seena cuss they ca old Sirene. He war tied in a double bowknot an’ a kink in each leg. I straightened bimup an’ turned him loose, givin’ him a p’inter er two, Mebbe he'll give an ercount ov hisself ez he goes | erlong. Ther blamed old Jonah! Idon’t want | him in our outfit, not fur nobody an’ nothin’.” The latter part of this Was spoken ina low | tone as they scrambled down the “‘hog-back” by which Jones bad reached the fissure. Previ- | ous to starting, and in order to give Tigert oth | something to think about, as he afterward ex- plained, he bad ms OY a couple of bodies into | the narrow chasm, the corpses belonged to him’ Mr, Foxton had no pretext to object, and jast now he would not, for the world, have bad a serious difference of opinion with the irrepres- | sible Robert. Leaving the siege still in progress, and with a | hope that nothing would break it up before they | were well out of the mountains the three hurried on without mishap for some time, until they were once more gliding through the crevices and | canyons that: they had attributed largely to earthquakes, ‘* And now, boss, I won’t deny that you know ‘most as much about the lay of things as I do. Bi it were daylight I mou’t hev an idear whar we stand, but ez she areI kin only gamble a leetie, an’ swear if I don’t win, It’s rough ter | he dragzin’ this wounded pard ov yourn ’round | but ef be wonst drops out of ther percesh Vl never tell yer whar he left, an’ it’s oddsef he turns up ag’in tili the last horn blows.” ‘T kin walk tell I drop,” was Destiny Dave's | answer, more like himself than ever, ** After that, don’t you bother. Maybe my checks "Il all be counted an'I'll git ther right chanze back, an’ mebbe ll jest be waitin’ fur | ther keards ter be shuffled fur anew deal, It ain't Dave that’s playin’ this game, anyhow. It’s jest fate.” . ,, “Come, Dave, that’s good enough when the | cards are running your way, bug I notice when ‘ou getia a bad hole—well, I won't castit up | to you, If one gets out of this mess, the others | won't be far off, and that settles it, But all the | k on a woman, I’ve | put t all the time. The next thingin order is for | Robert to fiud where he saw the major’s daugh- | Ifhe don’t just remember the spot be can | make a healtby old hunt for it, though we can’t. | do much in that line before the moon rises.” Foxton. was asking impossibilities when he suggested Jones leading them to Wilson’s camp, while Roberi’s talk, in view of the actual facts, | was the biggest kind of braggadocio, ' Toan ordinary mortal their LS pra so far | would have seemed nothing short of a miracle. | Down in the gulches the darkness was almost | thick enough to feel, and, as the way was none | tov even, the wonder was that noone had broken | bis neck. Aj ry man would have seated | on hiraself then and there, aud considered that ke- — eouldn’t movea foot, { Peete | S-ill, as the reader knows, Foxton was not an Tee 4. ; captain declare evidences of ability, while Dave, had he noti Fresh Frank, the Derringer Daisy. ‘ 1 “The furniture is on the way from Paris, been so severely wounded, wou.d bave been able | however, Until it comes 1 guess we can make to hold bis own in almost any company. Therefore they did not sit down, but went slowly on, Jones jJeading the way as he guessed at it, until he suddenly gavea low, warning hiss and stood stock still. It was just as well that they were proceeding : shift to get along some way or other, Rest as comfortably as you can, my child, If you have any habits of walking in your sleep, talking in Hit your dreams, or .the like, I should advise you to Salen get rid of them before you retire. My boys : have an uncomfortable practice cf shooting in quietly, and that conversation, always carried | the direction of any noise they co Lot under-~ on under breath, had Jatterly languished, else they would scarcely have beard the tread of moccasined feet that now fell faintiy on their ears, They waited in silence until the sound had eutines died away, Then Foxton whispered: “It’s a red, and he’s going somewhere—where, we'll follow and see.” There could be no question about the direc- tion in which they had heard the sound, since it was right before them in the gulch, How long they could follow it would depend on whether it kept straight ahead or turned off in one of the side fissures that here aud there led away. There was also the chance of its Jeading them into an ambush; but that didn’t count. They had left the nook in the rocks and its besiegers at least a mile behind them, and boped that they would have no more to do with Tigertooth and his army. Jones was still in the advance, thouzh they kept so close together that they could almost touch elbows. The noise of the footsteps was not heard again, and they followed the trend of the gulch for what seemed to be a long while. ’ And then there was the sound of a heavy blow, followed on the stroke by a grunt from the man with a gun, who appeared to rise in the air, and fall back so heavily that he sent the otbers staggering as he struck them on his way to the ground. Foxton made no effort to withstand the shock, but threw bimself down as lightly as be could, his revolver advanced, ready for an attack. He could see nothing at which to shoot, and he never fired at random. He didn’t know whether he was pleased or raving when he heard Jones, in spite of the position, swear savagely. “You infernal idiot, jo you want to get our scalps taken? Put a button on till you’re cool enough to tell us what’s the matter.” “You're the boss, blame yer!” retorted Robert, viciously, ‘‘an’ I’m hired by the month an’ pay in advance; but dog-gone my draggle- down tail-feathers ef I let myself out to be kicked ter death by your infernal, hip-shot, gotch-eared, mangy-tailed dromedary. It’s yer mule, cuss ye, it’s yer mule!” Rhadamanthus was around, and, as usual, d got bis work in with both feet. CHAPTER XXXIV. SHE MUST DIE. BELIEVING that her father was dead; his men dispersed orsslain; her friend, the. senorita, false; and the majority of mankind her foes; Rhoda Raleigh had not been caring much whether she lived or died. If there was any preference at all it was for the latter, Assbe could de nothing else she wevt unre- sistingly with the Captain of the Black Eagles, When the time came she had decided to make a desperate effort to escape, and be killed in the attempt, After what Wilson said she recogniz-d her folly in mentioning Raimondo’s name, though at the time she had pot known that he and the chief of the outlaws were camped together. Even if Madelaine was a prisoner like herself it would have been a comfort to be near her, The chances were that the senorita was more than a prisoner. Rhoda was a woman herself, and knew the power of the sisters of her sex alse they once found the proper chords to uch, There was no trouble about Wilson’s finding a spot suited to his purpose, A temporary re- treat was what he wanted, until he could confer with Tigert.otb, and see what Raimondo in- tended to do. As he did not care to trust the chief too far he intended that it should hea strong position, kept well guarded. He had seen the very place, ‘ It would not be so easy to look after the horses if the Don was inclined to dissolve the rtuership and claimed the present camp for jooked around her when the that their journey, for the present, was ended. ‘The comfort was colder than even that of the preceding night, and be- Rhoda scuree youd that she hardly cared to see, They turned intoa gully, very much like that by which she and her father had sought refuge a pasting with Frank Foxton, and like it oue man could hold the way against a score, After- ward the path changed into a narrow ledge, still tending upward until it ended on a rocky floor, that was overhung. by a huge mass of rock, jutting out from the table-land above, — It was, in fact, a large room, with two sides, a ceiling and a floor, all of solid stcne, “IT did not anticipate opening so early for the reason, and our uphol terers have not yet finish- ed their work,” ssid Wilson, with a wave cf bis hand toward the naked rock, A *: stand; while, if you touk a j,rome:adein yon- { der direction, you would ke apt to huve en op- a portunity to try your wings, It’s a Lundred feet down, and jagged stone at the lottem, Here’s a canteen of water, and the guerds wilk have supper in due time, wken you can jcip them, have business with Tigertecth and Raimondo, but I wou’t be gone leng.” Leaving three men to lock efter his prisoner Wilson departed on bis expedition, The location of the Medicine Eowl was firmly fixed in his mind, and he ex) ected to find the Indians somewhere uear it, He was not mistaken. If ke had not known the way the sounds of tattle would bave guided nar him in the right direction, He can.e up shortly after Frank Foxton had succeeded in repelling , the attack, }) It was not a gocd time to ask for a conference a then. If he bad known how things were going he would have given Tigertocth a wide birtl,. Impudence and nerve cerricd Limthreugh, He went safely evay with an sppointnent for ‘ Tigertooth to meet him at bis «amp, just as. svon as the Lusiness in hand was satisfactcrily adjusted. Then be went on to seek Carjadcr,, and look after his Lorses. He found Raimendso doing as well as could be expected, Madeleine silently watcbing the wounded man, apd Carjedcr’s followers as a> steadily watching the cutlaw, V-hile he rc-. mained in camp their eyes were never off of him, and they looked es though they intended ‘ to shoot on the smallest provecatien, vinta Wilson had suspected something, or he wor'd Y athe hardly have troubled himself to hunt up Rei- : ee mondo. I: was a surprise to find him badly » ih wounded, after being prepared to learn that be ri and the senorita were already on the way tothe nae hacienda. The sight of him brought to Medelaine’s mind bs the memory of her friends. & Here and now she did not fear the captain ' of the Black Eagles. It wasin a tone of some- _, thing like con'mand tbat she asked after the: 5 a ir and bis daughter, b head e captain laughed lightly and shook bis “T only wish I knew. I thougkt perhaps they bad_ taken rhe here, and carre to in- quire. This poor fool seems to bave got hin.self counted out of the game, and to find the Raleighs appears to be about my cnly ig to =ane a stake, When I catch cn, il let you now. ‘‘ But surely you bave seen sone signs, You must know if they are living or diac- whether i are bidden among the hillsorbavemede . their escape toward the plain?” f ‘The best authentic report makes the sof nad dead and his dangbter in the hands of the In- dians. If I hear any differently Ill let you know. Fcra piece of disinterested friendship Tll give you the advice to get cutof here as. soon as possible, or yeu may drop into some- thing of the same kind.” Just what honesty there was in the advice Madelaine did not susect. How cculd she know the thought that flitted acrcss the mind of the captain? nat ¢ ** Faith! this black-eyed Lesuty is more to my taste; and there’s a bigger fortune there than in theother. If I wassure that Tigertcoth weuldn’t stand by bim it would te wisdcm tolocst bim a little faster over the range, and go in fcr the sorrowing maiden. Those Mexican herdsmen would try to bite, no doubt—tbey look as though they would like to now—tut they would be no he against my nountain tcughs, By the end! If there’s nothing left in the geme with Raleigh, V’ll try it.” : It may bave been hest for Rhode that she bad never inspired anything like a passicnate re- ard in the beart of her captor. He Lad only hinted at it to Raimondo in the way of tusir ess, A little strange it was, teo; and cnly to be ac- counted for ly the rvle of ccntrasts, Few but would bave admitted her t eauty was the greater. “Tf I was only full-banded! This is what comes of leaving helf the gang behind, J y ight. beve known I would bave a chance to vse them A all and a few recruits beswes, 1f ] can't find the Sai major, there is precious little use to look for his: ’ cache; while a mine in this corner of the globe. aie is no good v ithout » fortune te run it.” It was a little befcre sunset when he reached his camp in the rocks, His mer were not likely , to fail im watchfulness, with red-skins as neigh- y hors and a captain whose rule, when on busi- ie ness, was like a red of iron, We Sa Rhoda was crouched in cne corner of the re- . cess, and looked at him coldly asbe came. ‘You have beard nothing of my father?” Bis ‘‘ Nothing.” . pert mi be He threw bimeelf lezily down, and busied = | himeelf with bisown thoughts; sg The darkness came, and though a litt ) fire ie ee ¢ » =\ an"
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fina) t ies ws cot! p : Sth an instant be was bimself agar. ¥ < ( was lighted m one corner of thé recess the gloom ssive. witigertooth seemed to bave had some trouble in arranging the Americans to bis satisfaction, | since his coming was lovg delayed. Wilson, | by aud by, threw himselt down for a pay Wh | ! en he awoke it seemed tu bin that be must have been sleeping for hours, and one of bis men was standing over Lim. R . Ther’ red hez come, captain. Shell we let him in? Tom held him off on wer ledge tell we orders.” : ie Correct, Pass his royal highness in, Then et well down toward the canyon and keep a Close. lookout. It’s darker than the ten of spades, and if he's not playing me fair I want to “take no chances. : tothe man departed, while Wilson threw some lizht wood on the smoldering embers of the fire. It blazed up SeGUY, and by its cheery aw Tigertooth. Ble chief looked in rather worse humor than he had done in tke afternoon, and under almost any other circumstances Wilson would not have cared to tackle bim, He understood, however, the-tie, ifso it mizht be called, that existed be- tweén him and Raimondo, and that the latter bad once saved his life, for which be ought to be fai:ly thankful. It was really to meet Rattuondo that the chief had come thither, pre- ferring to do so rather than to have the white “men in his own camp. ‘cia é “You come late, chief,” was Wilson’s greet- ing, “bat tho scalp of a great. brave is worth more toan,taat of a boy. 1 did not think you wonk! leave till you had Criven the tiger from its Jnin” — ; . tate bites too haid to drive out; he | will lio wader a mountain of stones and save his scalp. Where is Carjador?” — ; : The chiet looked around him, bis eye resting | for a secoud or two on Rhoda, _“Carjador lies in bis camp, with a bullet | through his back, and cansot come. His fves are your foes, and [ am his f riend, Will you go to him or will you treat with me?” ‘* Raimondo js a brother but Tigertooth can- not go to him to-night. He will bear what the friend of Carjador ‘aas to say.” “ Carjador will be ail right in afew days. It was a foul shot at his back and it was a chance he was not killed, The chief kuows for what bis white brothers have come?” “Onea before Raimondo came, and went away empty. If Tigertcoth could help him, he lsh He knows nothing of nines—tie yellow tocks lie away to the east.” **Bué there was gold hidden years ago, Has it ever been found? Cre man who bid bas come th search for it with a tribe at his back, Tiger- tooth has slain bis arnay, or sev ttered it, but the man himself may bave slipped clear. Yonder is his daughter.” ‘Thera was a gieamof the eye, a nervous clutch of the band, that betrayed the interest there was tothe cluef in that asnouncement, though ‘“ While the cache remains unfound,” con- tinued Wilson, ‘‘there will always be searchers after it, ‘Wereit once known in a mining-camp across the border, a thousand men might move ' in a nig Even Tigertooth could not keep | them at. bay. imondo heard. part of the | story f om thé other man who nade the cache, | and bold it only to me a'sun or Lwoago, Others | muy hear of it, and tell others, till it wall no | longer be worth Carjador’s. while to help drive | them out, Tell us what you know of the treas- ure, and name your own price.” Wilson spoke calmly and carefully. Ha be- lieved the old chief knew the secret if any other | than the ‘najor did, He believed, too, that something beyond the red-letter agreement had leen found in Medicine Bowl, If so, and Ralsigh was dead, Tigertooth, if any one, should know what it was. The chief looked at the outlaw captain for a full minute in silence. Then bis eyes roved to Rhoda, and extending his long, bony finger, be hissed: ‘She must die!” CHAPTER XXXV, AN EVENING UP ALL AROUND. THs solemnity of Tigertcoth'’s declaration did not appear to impress pe, se Wilson a article, There was ae ig nD sel, ig ike murmur of bis voice as he answered. ‘ Certainly; I have not # particle of objection —provided I first find the cache. She may know something; and if her father is living he will come fo find her and will meet me, In cne way or another she must bring me his secret, ‘and I'll nurse her tenderly till she does, If you can tell me all { want to know, and show me al I want to see, you can take her right along.” “ Tigertooth can tell what he knows, but such hidden treasure a kis white friend speaks of-— there isnone, If her father, the slave medicine- ‘man, lives, he dies too,” . ‘ **Tell your story, then, and we will see what it is worth. Ll have an idea Raimondo and I have not got to the bottom of things yet, and may bring us a little nearer.” steehiy Then the chief gave a history such as Rhoda i oot ey oe é Fresh Frank, the had sometimes suspecte, but never before eard, : Years before, two men were captured by bis tribe. They bad made their escape from. the Yaquicountry, where they appeared to have also been prisoners. During tue taking they managed ic bits pretty hard, and would have | been put to the torture had not one of them ap- . nounced himself a medivine-man, and proved it by curing the head. chief, who was then lying at death's door, The affair was unfortunate, since it nearly broke up the tribe. The fmenis of the dead wanted to goon and slay the prisoners, while the friends of the living and iately cured chief wanted them to go free. : A compromise was made; and. the two white men were he:d as Sr entes sy thenceforth | called. The Slave Medicine Man and bis friend. For several years they were held, and..right good medicine did they wake in the Medicine Bowl. Unfortunately, after several years of notable service, in which they bad almost gained the confidence of the tribe, they nearly extinguish- ed several families, ane made their escape, The father of Tigertooth was among their victims and ho had sworn on ths boues of his an- cestors to have revenge, “Interesting,” was Captain Wilson’s com- ment, ‘* but where does the cache come in?” ° There was none. Even if they bad founda mine among those mountains they could have saved but little in their secret mining, and the | hidden treasure was not worth looking after. Besides, who can find it? Tigertooth became more earnest. As Wilson stepped back he followed, | the shelter of the overhanging rock, and Rhoda, bd + who beard all, was near to them. Wilson shook his bead, “I’m a medicine-man myself, with a big M. I know how itis, They may havedeceived you. The goldis somewhere, and the girl yonder is the key, somehow, with which to unlock the secret. She stays in my lodge until it is found,” “ The bones Of my father hang, white and dry, in the air, and I have sworn to place a scalp there to make ‘his breath laugh,” » “ So cache, no scalp,” Wilson grew bolder, if anything, in the face of danger. “She is the daughter cf the white medicine, and should stand in the fire.. As the brother of Raimondo, I would not barm_ thee; but. stand thou not between, She must die!” It was but a single spring to her side, and he made it, his left Land clutching et her wrist, his right brandishing bis war-ax, He was indead- ly earnest, and it seemed as if there was no hope. ‘**Frark! Mr, Foxton!” Rhoda cried, unable to meet her doom silently, and calling in her extremity for the man who bad more than once saved her, ; ‘* Coming, my dear,” answered a voice above ber head, and yet within th iscavern. And: with the voice came a pisto click as a second hammer s shell, Wilson was as cool and deadly as ‘ever, At ck on a damaged report of the derringer he drew his revolver. Foxton had chosen his derringers. fer the work because, at that distance, they were more cer- tain to stun, and sure to kill,” When the cur- tiidge in the second one failed bim, fora moment be was at the ouflaw’s mercy. Rhadamanthus had given Jones his bearings and he had led them directly up to the table- land from which, that evening, he had watehed the camp, pass ‘ ._ When they reached the.edge of the overhang- ing rock the conference had just. begun. Al- though the speakers were beneath them, with twenty feet of rock between, every word, came distinctly to’ their ears, Foxton thought it worth while to listen, but when he detected the rising anger in the voice of Tigertooth he deemed it time to act, F "Oe “Dave is no good down tere but he can keep an eye on the ledge, and make it sultry for the Eagles if they try tocome in, Fasten your rope somewhere, Robert, and lower me down, 'll take a hand in this chin-chin myself.” _So Foxton hurriedly whispered, and just in time he came dropping into sight of the tragic scene, , There was no time to hesitate, His foot was ina stirrup, and in either hand he held a der- ringer, A few seconds more meant Rhoda’s death. Tigertooth’s blow was a ready launch- ing. With his right hand he shot the chief through the brain; with his left, the arm still wound around the lariat, he took aim at the greater rascal—to hang a second later, at bis mercy, ‘Too fresh, by balf!’ laughed the outlaw, “Its been some time getting around to it, but you live, Good-by, Mr. Foxton, and remember me to Tigertooth and the rest.” He raised his hand, the bammer back and his forefinger on the trigger, | was a crash, a little shoot of flame; but it was not Mr. Foxton that was lying on the ground with a bullet through his heart, and just Derringer Daisy. They stepped: under | ot, followed’ by @ | the sound of the voice he sprung back; at the on this occasion I think I'll take you just | 29 | the shadow of spasmodic life left in his finger ends and toes. **T reckon he’s lied!” croaked a harsh voice | from the top of the rocks, beyond the gash and | the ledge along which was the entrance to the lace. pn He played dirt on Old Sirene, and rubbed it in; but blamed ef he’s seen me later,” |} Rhoda Raleigh never felt more ccmfortablo ' in ber life than she did for just the first instant | after Frank Foxton’s arm went around ber, | though the Fresh Sport never lost his head. In | the unoceupied hand he was holding a revolver, ‘ and his eye was on the trail, | “*Hands up, there!’ he called crisply, as the | Black Eagles, alarmed by the firing, came rush- ing up. ‘We've taken the boss into town, and we're | reudy, now, for you.” Jones had already slid down the rcepe, With | his double-barrel he commanded the path, | While above, on either side, Old Sirene and | Destiny Dave were handling their guns. One by one the outlaws stepped into the line of the . fire with their hands upraised, They es. | that voice, and Enew that it generally told the | truth. As Foxton bead no earthly use for prison- | ers he simply disarmed them, ard turne lk pose down the canyon, ““ Well, boys,” said Foxton, when the smoke | had fairly clearcd- away, the cutlaws and the | corpses had been disposed of, “if we don’t | see "em sooner we'll have Tigertooth’s hounds on the trail by daybreak. 1] needn't say there’s | little fun, and_ less press fighting them. The | fact is I’ve bad all the fun 1 want till I take a | rest. If we started now we might stand a better | chance to’ take that rest at the bacienda or ' Brace Box, thaw somewhere around bere, under a rock. I vote to go at/once.” “But my father?’ said Rhoda, in a troubled voice. She had already whispered her thanks, | ** You can do nothing for him except double his danger. He is in the hands of his friends : and you can’t reach him, If be’s not beard from Pll come back and Jook after him; but just now you don’t want to stand on the ceremony of your going, but goat once. If the-reds get to cur horses before we do it’s good-morning Mr, Fox- ton and party. Riadamanthus 1s down there, | Somewhere in the darkness, but be can’t carry the gang. And Destiny Dave, up there, is a | pretty badly wounded man.” It seemed a terrible alternative to Rhoda; but Frank Foxton’s judgment began to count for a | good deal with ber, and she agreed togo, CHAPTER XXXVI. THE DAMSEL AND THE DIAMONDS. _ SOME time after daylight the fugitives were | in the saddle and were industriously sceking the Jong valley through which they expected to make their retreat, : oxton saw in the. distance, upon their left flank, a page horseman, who, on closer inspec- | tion, turned ont to be an Indian, He mde gestures of amity, and seemed to desire to speak with them. ‘ Looking about to see that there was no prcba- bility of an ambush, Foxton sent the party on, while be quickened his speed somewhat and de- flected from his course. The red-skin came to meet him, and finally, riding side by side, so that no ey Ns lost, they held sation, en tbey separated, and the sport re- joined is frishda jek “Good news!" he said to Rhoda, as he came up. “Yonder buck: is quite a free lance—what they call a dog-soldier further east. He is fight- ing around on his own hook, . g pretty much as he seesa bead, Desired me to remem- ber him to you as Rattlesnake, your friend, and tbe friend of your father. ~, o “Your father is still in the land of the living, and he seems to think will come cut all right. Raimondo, also, is doing well; Rattlesnake hes captured the ambulance, and is sending the two wounded men and the senorita back in tbat, After the little stock operation of last night he does not think it advisable for us to join them. As the friend of the defunct Tigertooth, Rai- mondo and his company, with the smuggled major will probably be allowed to go in peace, but if we were traced to the train there would be war from ’way back.” Rhote father is safe, then!” joyfully exclaimed a. “Yet I saw him fall right in the way of out- laws ind Indians. How did he escape?” “Rattlesnake takes the cucumber, He firat avenged his fall, and then carried away the body, to tring it to epalp I is an ardent admirer of the unreliable Don, and it seems big risks to put two such foes together in the same wagon; but he wasn’t throwing away achance tosave the major. When the reds get tired filling rocks in that hole they'll be after me—and any one else they can strike in- cidentally. He puts a great deal of trust in the power of the senorita, whom he left in command, ye a strike them on the plain beyond the f 8; but the chances are the first thing we see of them will be at the haci- them ey quite a ccnver- - I don’t think he’ 2 ri enda, where I propose now to get as ea .
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They rode on as they talked. As yet there were no signs of pursuit, and even Destiny ~ Dave was full of hope. ‘Poor father!” said Rboda, at length. ‘*Tt was his last throw. He bas wasted a * little fortune. and will scarce be able to try , again, The fate of his cache will remain a . mystery; and the mine will rest unworked.” The sport smiled encouragingly. ‘*That’s a very good way to look at it; but ’ you ‘lon’t seem to take into account the presence ‘ of Frank Foxton. Unless I was one of the . gentry, a friend of the Government, and in - with the »tiests, for a mine in Mexico I would- - n't give shucks, The gold the medicine-men buried was unearthed by the reds long ago, and scattered with the careless profusion of animals who have vo use for it, Now, from what Rat- tlesnake says, there’s more silver than gold in the secret shaft. A very good thing it would be to have in front of Trinity Church, but not cf much account here, “As to the third object of the major’s search—if you will observe, Mr, Foxton has been around,” He reined in bis mustang, and unloosing a strap under his coat, drew from bis back a golden cross set with five diamonds, every one 7 of which looked as though it might be a ransom | for a king. ‘* Lout from a monastery, somewhere down in Centcal America, I should judge. Your fatuer was a solcier of fortune there for some years, an he and his pard, when their side failed, fled -porthward, carrying the cross, with them. I supposed it escaped the Indians, as being part of his medicine parapbernalia that could not be examine too closely. When they set sail from here they carried principally gold-dust. This was the cache your father was most anxious to find, and it was luck ina cap that he badn’t finished digging when the chief of the Black Eagles and Raimondo asked for hands,” ‘And, after all, it falls to you!” sigbed Rhoda, looking a little wistfully at sport and diatoonds, ‘Yes, the damsel and the diamond; while \ the major keeps the coach, I do think I’m ahead on the division,” laughed Foxton, lightly. he Then he added, with an earnestness that he seldom showed: , “Ofcourse I am keeping them for you. You . will be quite an heiress, or your father will be a - rich man, when we reach the hacienda,” They had their little adventures along the - road, such as starvation, dying for water, and the like, but from human foes Mr. Foxton’s re- ; _ volvers had a rest, and in the combined wisdom ! of the party they managed to reach the Banzos - Hacienda some Pibieabe fe + hours ahead of the ries , ambulance that broug ni and Don Raimondo Carjador. ‘Phe latter was in a subdued condition. laine and his wound had been about too much for him, and be was ready to piay the reformed ie villain with the best of intentions, He and the major, who was almost as good as new, bad not eta only patched up a truce, but had almost ar- J ranged a partnership in the great silver bonanza that afterward took Carjador’s name, It 1s to be hoped that each got bis full half-loaf. -Madelaine, in spite of her customary aplomb, t ) she bad broken his heart, but did not eaere she was willing to admit she had not treated q vhs him and Rhoda altogether fairly. Then Mr. Foxton, divining the state of the case, whispered: Besar, “Don't e troubled about me. It was all for fun, no doubt, and there’s n0 one dead or bad] pie and let me know, I’ll shake Brace and sacrifice to the shades of Captain Wilson.” After that she was quite at her ease, and she said to him one day, looking at Rhoda tripping across the patio from a visit to her father: mest I have an idea that it would not hurt you to Mtr, Foxton spoke accordingly, which I sup- pose accounts for his being in business on Wall vie g with bis father-in-law, and Raleigh being the first letter in the name ris the senior partner ‘be Great Guadana of the firm that floated ‘ we * ~~ “fresh ” tiJl he dies; but with a wife who under- Re ae hi ; he will Bia <f- I «ret ooh rat ean him, and several bloom- ties, he has given such - ; ud - 5 having no farther . from sight, and the reader has reached oe ce cy eee ‘END aS Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-8cont. ae j r - ia Sa — fi * BV se a : » or, The Dn Pard: Nesters spel i Sern Zacatcn ae estenty tt, the Dane of the ent sER Toad * a ards or, the Geld Rise fa My« of G od Giant, Fresh Frank, the D t Madelaine, the major | Made- | was inclined to meet Frank Foxton shyly. She. wounded, If you can find out how Rhode feels | ands with the Don. Grant Mining Company.” He will no doubt be i iy BY BUCKSKIN 8AM (Major Sam, 8, Hall.) | 284 Old Rocky’s ** Boyees;” or, Benito, the Young Horse- Breaker. ' 246 Ginnt George ; or, The Ang’! of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack ; or, Giant George's Pard, 297 The Tarantula of Taus; or, Ginn George’s Revenge, 807 The Strange Vard; or, Little Ben's Death Hunt. 818 Ker-whovp, Ker-whooy or, The ‘| aritula of Taos, 827 Creeping Cat, the Cuddo; or, The Red and White Pards, $82 Frio Fred: or, The Tenkaway’s Trust. 844 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. 844 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. BAT The Ranch Ratdersa; or, The Siege of Fort Purgatory. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. 75 Chiota, the Creek ; or, The Three Thunderbolts 881 Bandera Bill; or, Frio Frank, to the Front. &bY2 Romeo and the Reda; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. 404 Little Lartats or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 414 ‘The Dalsy from Denver. 427 The three Vralflers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 Bluff Bills or, The Lynx of the Leona. 4.85 Little Lone Star; or, The Belle of the Cibolo, BY J, ©. COWDRICK., 860 Stlver-Magk, the Nan o! Mystery. BG? =taste, (he Gold bk bre ¢ or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’ Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name. 424 Cibuta Johny: «1, Red-Hot T mee at Ante Bar, 45) *undy Sam, the Street Scout. : 46T Dinco Pau. the Daisy Pude 400 Brondway Billy, the Boothlach Bravo. HOS Redlight Hath; the Prince of the Road, 534 Broadway Biliy’s Boodle. 424 The Engineer Detective BLA Rrondway Hilly’s “Pit hilty.” BAR Mart, the Night Express Detective. 557 Broadway Billy’ Death Kacket. BY J0 PIERCE, 897 Rob o’ the Bowery ¢ or, The Prince of Mulberry Street, , 41% The Vagabond Detective ; or, Bowery Bob's Boom. | ABB Notspur Boh, the Strect-Boy Detective. | 460 The wyer’s Shadow; ¢r, Luke’s Legacy, 472 Juunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. | 494 Rurly Stm, the Young Ferryman Detective. | 604 Five Points Phil 509 Jack Jaggers, the Butcher Boy Detective. | | 516 Tartar Tim; or. Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. B88 Wrestling Rex, the Pride of the Sixth Ward. BAL Jeff Flicker, the Stable Boy Detective, 6551 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. | 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. BY ROGER STARBUCK. 25 The Boy Captain: or, The Pirate's Dyemhter, 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. | 259 The Golden Marpoon: or, Lost Among the Floes, | 848 Fire-HMeela: or, Old Skinflivt, the Death-Shadow. ¢ | B54 Rig Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp; or, The Odd Pards, 861 The Phantom Light-houre. 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner. BY CAP. J. F. C. ADAMA, 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. ‘b4 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper, 56 Nick Whitites’« Pets or, ly The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indlan; or, The Scout of the Yellowstone, 70 Old Zip’s Cabin} or, The Greenhorn in thé Woods, 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie, e Buck Buckramt or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 2A7 Olid Grizzly and His Peta; or, The Wild Huntress) ; 251 light-honse Lige: or, Osceola, the Firebrand. . | 867 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp. 288 Che Sealp King; or, The Human Thundervolt, BY MAJOR FE. L. 81. VRAIN. 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. B01 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Redtop Kube, the Vivilante Prince, . 288 Brimatone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, BBb2 Tombatone Tom, the Arizona Boy of Sand.” BAY Duranyre Wave, the Vo une Chiu) hn} restiets 871 Kingbolt C the Young Hard-Shell Detective. 8S0 Avalanche the Foothille Guide, 890 Jaguar Joe, «!t ount.in Mail-Line. BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS. Bill Biddon, Trapper, Beth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier, Nat oaet or, The Fate of the Sloux Captive. | he Frontier Angel. ‘The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman, The Half-Blood 3 or, The Panther of the Plnins, 271 The Huge Hunter ; or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY EPWARD WILLETT. Asn Scott, the Steamboat Boy. Featherweight the Boy Changin of the Muskingum, Ozark Alf’; or, Featherweight Ariong the Outlaws, | The Typo Detective: or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. | 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Qnartzville, 8 Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon's Vendetta. 840 Clip, the Contortion{et: or, The Montana Vigilantes. BY LIFUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. sae The Boy Runaway} or, The Buccaneer of the Bay, 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Key't. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY HARRY WAZARD. | ack or, The Scourge of the Mines, or, The Demon’ Trafl, , vil: or, Yellow lack, the Outlaw. BY COL. A. F. HOLT. ‘ 99 Ruckaking or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon. ptt ~ the Knife-King. ; ty Reisen Fe he Mountain ; 486 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. BY J. W. OSBON, | The 1 Glants« of Nowhar’. m u the rra Shadow. bea Poser Phi. the Boy Miner. | BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, / 11 The Two Detectives; or,. The Fortunes of a Bowery Girl. as gee cy hg ae aR , § ol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 8 Joe Buc of Angela and His Boy Pard. 2 New York Nat. A Tule of Tricks and Traps in Gotham, 458 New England Riek s or, Thy Fortunes of a Foundliug. 464 Nimbl Sie the Cirens Prince. ! a A498 Taos Ted, tor Arizonn Sport. ‘ , 510 Col Colorado, the Half-Breed Detective. | 518 Cool Colorady in New York, | q y yy i | Pootisners, 0 Win : bar is erringer Daisy. | 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies. A Story of Toxas- | 14 Aladdin; er, The Wonderful Lamp. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, 546 Captain Cactua,the Chaparral Cock. 6648 Tie Dandy of Dodge. : 569 Brovklyun Ben, the Ou-His-Own Hook Detective, BY CHAKLES E. LASALLE, 50 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. na 52 The White Buffalo. A Tole of the Northwest 2 o BY WM. G, PATTEN. ; 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Double Faee of Bed Rock bi Captain Mystery ; or, Five In One. &S1 Daisy Pare, the Sport from Denver, BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the Sen; or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desmond; or, The Gambler's Big Game BY C. DUNNING CLARKE, 185 Captain Pauly or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains, 230 The \ aakee Kajah; or, The Fate ot the Blick Shereef, RY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON. 278 The Three Trepperes or, ‘The Mountain Monster, 283 Indian Joe; or, The White Spirit of the Hills, BY WILLIAM |. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tivers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank ; or, Dandy Darke's Go-Down Parda, BY OAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 7S Blue Dick The Land 187 The lelplers or, The Yellow Chiei’s Vengeance. : trates: or, Phe League of Devil's island. © Hand cr, Backwoods Retribution. 239 ‘Lhe Goid-secker Guldes or, The Lost Mountain. BY GEORGE C, JENKS, 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown, 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor, BY CAPT. MARK WILTON. 256 Young Kentucks or, The Red Lasso, we ey 70 Blizzard Ben; or, The Riot at Keno Camp, A 256 Josh, the Boy Tenderfvot. Po * 7 ay, » wv BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. 8. A. “RS . 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; of, The Doomed ' Thirteen. oe) 194 Buffalo Bill’« Bet; or, The Gambler Guide, BY ARTHUR ©. GRISSOM. 440 Tittle Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid, 1158 The Sure-Shot Pards. es { BY JOHN J. MARSHALL. mr 40 Roving Ren, A Story of x Young American. N 97 The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harpes, BY BRACERRIVGE NHEMYNG. 89 Laland Jim, or, The Pet of the Family. 91 be Captain of the Olub: or. The Rival Athletes. 101 Jack Markaway in New York. — fl BY JAMES L. BOWEN ; 107 One-Eyed Sim: or, The Abandoned Forest Home. —_ ’ 1 BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE. R6 Dandy Roek the Man from Texas. ‘ 90 Whe Bend Rider ; or, The ‘Texan Duelist. 99 The Viger of Tuowr; or, Dandy !ock’s Angel, 115 The Mad Miner + or, Dandy Koek’s Doom. 181 The Golden Hand; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Rock's Pledge; or, Hunted to - 178 Dandy Rock’s Rivals or, The Hannted * MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt Mayne Reid and / Frederick Whittaker. ; ® Ac t { Baron M ausen, ie Bevatene Weoreln. ty Hens ei : ee i “ aid of Tate. ¥ 16 Robinson Crnaoe, on pill 18 Sindbad the Satlor. 22 yue See Serpents or, The Boy Robinsoz Crasos. By Juan Lewis, 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates nf the — Carribees, | By 8, W. P { a} . erce. " 86 ahs Boy Clowns or, The Queen of the Arena, By Frank $. Finn, : : BS Ned Wylde. the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. ‘ 1 he Boy Riles; or, The Underground-Camp. By Archie C, lrons, ‘ 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi- By Lient.-Col, Hazeltine, v j 98 Robin Wood, the Vutiawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve, ; 106 Old Rube. the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captalm Hami Holmes. c he Mad Hunter; or, The Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe. Gleeson. } Caven ney Be Adven tures of a Boy. By J. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Atken. \ * er 206 Killb’ar, the Guides °7, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trall- B: inn Camstoc ie ; y Captain Com Lively Lad fread insavthde By. Lee- 828 The Sky Ibe*cetives on : Eh Aad Y, i By Ne Bun tline. 112 T ; pes the Texan; or, The Young Chatnyign. By George 148 Sharp Samy or, The endl Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward Emerson. Ensign C. D, Wi 817 Peacock Pete, the or Mickey Free. Roothlack Detective. By A. P. 124 Tippy. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate's Stronghola, By Alexander Patten, 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New ¥ ne Boy. By George ) arren, é R298 Hea Claw, the Onebyert Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff. tenant Alired Thotne. \ 850 Ked Ralph, the Ben’s Double Match, By George H. put He stery. ais Bil Be Batre a3 poh Dick and His Three Invinctbles, By Henry J. Thomas. W ivard- the Dandy Sport. By Arthur F. Holt. a bas The Cow ber uke. hy Edwin Brooke Forrest. 552 Aricl, the Athlete. By David Druid, an ty ‘ Th A new issue every Tuesday, lalf-Dime Library is for. lets, five cents per copy, or it of six cents each. BEADL 4 Nes ay OE e by Bf
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Py A é' hy sy “wn .% Published Every Wednesday. Hach ~ “READLE'S*[ IME*] IBRARY. Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers. ‘ti BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, Shooters, wer, owers. or, Si ver Circle Knights, ; or. Vath Bound to Custer. (829 Buffalo Bill’s Pledge: or, The League of Three, 189 Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Des Dozen, 175 Wild Bill’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress. 168 Wiid Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot, By Buffalo Bill, °* 978 The Dread’ Shot Four Texas Jack, the Lasso King 839 The Rarich King Dead-Shot. White Beaver ’s Still Hunt, Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist. Wild Bil, the Deaa-Center Stot. Fie eal be ee Pais e ot Nine; or, My Pards of the \414 Red Renard, the indian Detective. 401 Gne-Armed Pard; or, Borderland Retribution. /397 The Wizara Brothers: or, White Beaver’s Trail, 894 White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte. \819 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler. The Pilgrim Sharp: or, The Soldier's Sweetheart, | 83 Gold Bullet Snort; or, Knights of the Overland, 52 Death-Tralier, the Chiet of Scouts. ‘\ By Leon Lewis, Ned Buntline, ete, 778 Buffalo Bill’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue. {82 Buffalo Bill’s Secr.t Service Tram. 629 Buffalo Bill’s Daring Role; or, Daredeath Dick. 1617 Buffalo Bill's First Trail; or, he Express Rider. ‘158 Buffalo Bill, Chief «f Scouts \117 Baffalo Bill s Strange Pard; or, Dashing Dandy. 92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King, BY HAROLD PAYNE. jss3 The Man from Mexico in New York. 872 The King-Pin Shark; or, Thad Burr's Ten Strike, 861 The Tenderloin Big Four $53 The Quaker City Crook. $44 Tracked to Chicago. 896 The Policy Broker’s Blind. 829 The Frisco Sharper’s Cool Hand. 821 The Tramp Shadower’s Backer. §13 The Sham Spotter’s Shrewd Scheme, 808 The Grand Street Gold-Dust Sbarpers, 798 Detective Burr’s Luna‘ic Witness ! The Wall Street Sharper's Snap. Thad Burr’s Death Drop. __ 142 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs, 734 Detective Burr’s Foil; or, A Woman’s Strategy. 728 Detective Burr, the Headquarters Special, 713 Detective Burr's Spirit Chase. '%06 Detective Burr’s Seven Clues. 698 Thad Burr, the Invincible; or, The “L” Clue, 690 The Matchless Detective. 680 XX, the Fatal Clew; or, Burr’s Master Case, EY COL, THOMAS H. MONSTERY, 095 The Czar’s Spy.” 986 Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster. om Champion Sam; oar, The Monarchsof the Show, 50 Ei Kubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen, = BY J W. OSBON. iv, Shadrach, the Sport Detective, Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy Sport. 4 hasta Sam, the kparkter. Cool Creede, the Dead-Shot. Boat nk from St. Louis, Richard, the Thoreughbred, ALBERT W, AIKEN’S NOVELS. Dick Talbot Series. $91 Dick Talbot at the Mines: or, Kentuck; the Sport, 983 Rocky Mountain Rob $76 Overland Kit: or, The Idyl of White Pine. 741 Dick talbot’s Close Call. 7a? Diex Teibot in Apache Lend. 783 Dick Talbot. the Ranch King. 729 Dick Talbot's Clean-Out. 725 Dick Talbot in No Man’s Oamp. 854 Dick Talbot; o1, The Brand of Crimson Gross 86 Dick Talbot; or, The Death-Sbot of Shasta. Aiken’s Fresh of Frisco Series. BY 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 Fiynn, the Flash Detective. 871 The Creok Cashier. 859 Clew-Hawk Keene’s Right Bower. | 847 Hiram Hawk, the Hariem Detective, 840 Major Bullion, Boss of the Tigers. 831 Shadowing the London Detective. 817 Plush Velvet, the Prince of Spotters, 808 The s Broker’s Right Bower. 788 The Night-Hawk Detective. / | 779 Silk Ribbon’s Crush-out. 825 Fresh, the Race-Track Sport. 766 Detective Zach, the Broadway Spotter, 660 The Fresh in Montana; or, Blake’s Full Hand. 751 The Dark Lantern Detective. 652 T..e Fresh’s Rustle at Painted City. 647 The Fresh at Santa Fe; cr, The Stranger Sharp, 556 Fresh, the Sport: or, The Big Racket at 4 > Sut, 537 Fresh Against the Field; or, Blake, the Lion, 497 The Fresh in Texas; or. The Escobedo Miliions, 461 The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio Grande. 97 The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; er, Bronze Jack, Alken’s Joc Phenix Series. 965 Joe Phenix’s Mascot. 959 Joe Phenix’s Double Deal. 954 Joe Phenix in Chicago. 949 The Doctor from T+xas; or, Joe Phenix’s Clue, | 944 Joe Phenix’s Rigu.c Bower. 865 The Female Barber Detectiv ; or, Joe Phenix | 736 The Never-Fail Detective. 724 Captain Hercules, the Strong Arm Detective. 711 Dan Damon, the Gilt-Fdge 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-Fanded Ferret. 664 Monk Morel, the Man-Hunter. 654 Sol Sphinx, the Ferret Detective, 642 Red Pard and Yellow. 608 Silent Sam, the Shadow Sphinx. 592 Captain Sid, the Shasta Ferret. 5879 Old Cormorant, the Bowery Shadow. 569 Captain Cobra, the Hooded Mystery. 559 Danton, the Shadow Sharp. 550 Silk Hand, the Mohave Ferret, 548 The Magnate Detective. 532 Jack Javert. the Independent Detective. 523 Reynard of Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective 512 gs Velvet’s Big Stake. 505 Phil Fox, the Genteel Spotter. 496 Richard Redtire, the Two Worlds’ Detective, 487 Stinshine Sam, a Chip of the Old Block. 480 Haw ar, the Man with a Secret. 458 Coldgrip in Deadwood. 460 Captain Coldgrip, the Detective. 458 Captain rin + *s Long Trail. 447 Voicano, the 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; er. Injun Nick. 400 Captain Coldgrip; or. The New York Spotter. 892 The Lost Bonanza; or, The Boot of Silent Hound, 382 The Bonanza Banu: or, Dread Don of Cool Clan. 874 Major Blister, the Sport of Two Cities, 865 Keen Kennard, the Shasta Shadow. 352 The rate Dozen. 347 Denver e, the Man with “ Sand.” 840 Cool Conrad, the Dakota Detective. 385 Flash Dan, the Nabob; or, Blades of Bowie Bar. 821 California Claude, the Lone Bandit, 294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy. 941 The Shadow Sport from Frisco. BY WILLIAM HH. MANNING, 948 The Red-Gloved Detective. 931 Frisco Frank at Glory Gulch, 920 The Montana Miner fin New York. 905 The Doomsday-Den Detective. 899 The Double-Quick Detective, 893 Yellow Gid, of Dark Divide. 885 The Expert Detective’s Shake 875 aap 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 bit 823 The Athlete Sport About Town. 808 TheCrook-Detective’s Pull. 790 zlonger Pete, the Race Track Detective, 782 Roval Rock, the Round-up Detective, Silver City. 799 Joe Phenix’s Great Blue Diamond Case; or, The New York Sport at Long Branch. 798 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. t 628 Joe Phenix’s Combin- ; or,the Dandy Conspirator 620 Joe Phenix’s Silent Six, 601 Joe Phenix’s Shadow; or,the Detective’s Monitor 419 Joe Phenix,, the King of Detectives. — 161 Joe Phenix’s Great Man Hunt. 112 Joe Phenix, Private Detective; or, The League, 79 Joe Phenix, the Police Spy. Aiken’s Miscellaneous Novels, 980 The All-Around Athlete. 940 Captain Jack, the Scalper ~ 935 The Hawks and Wolves of New York 932 Detective Gordon’s Grip. 926 Old Sunflower, the Silent Smiter. 923 Old Sunflower, the Hayseed Detective, 901 The Hotel Swell-Sharp; cr, The Siren Shadowee.) = ecg eel peas ogee , 0) utton rt; or. e Miner Sharps, , 842 Teton Tom. the Half-Blood. ae The King-Pin Detective. 814 The New Yorker Among Texas Sports. 775 King Dandy, the Silver Sport. 758 Gideon’s Grip at Babylon Par. 717 Captain Pat Riocowsn, the Greencoat Detective, 674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective. 670 The salad eight Detective. ; 665 The Frisco Detective; or, The Golden G ste Find, 613 Keen Billy, the Sport. 607 Old Benzine, the “ Hard Case” Detective. 594 Fire Face, the Silver King’s Foe. 586 The Silver Sharp Detective. 577 Tom, of Calif crnia; 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. 440 The Hign Hor ¢ of tbe P if ; e High Hor. e of the Pacific. w74 Steve Starr, the Dock Detective. 423 The Lone Hand; or, The Red River Recreants. We pee ngw, ork Sharp's Shadower. 408 Doc Grip, the Vendetta of Death. Oe Gabon tee en eee een 381 The Gypsy Gen tleman: cr. Nick Fox, Detective abe Gall, the Gambolier from Great Hump, 876 Black Beards: 1. Lhe Ric Grande High Horse 703 Spokane Saul, the Samaritan Suspect 870 The Dusky D Pau ete ctive: or. Pursued to the End. m4 ete a ire vee mee ike a x, | 363 Crowningshield, the Detective 648 Dark Jobe tie Grim Gea mark. | 320 The Genteel Spotter: or The N. Y. Night Hawk, ohn, the Grim Guard. 252 The Wali Street / ood; or, The Telegraph Girl, 638 Murdock, the Dread Detective. ee stery. 623 Pop Te Dave, the Never-Beaten Detective. oom Eg te gs ps ag plonmcamee . 3 611 Alkali Abe, the Game Chicken from Texas, 596 Rustler Rube; the Round-Up Detective. 101 The Man from New York. 585 Dan Dixon’s Double, 570 Steady Hand. the Napeleon of Detectives 563 Wyoming Zeke, the Bote of Honcysuckie. 551 Garry Kean the Man with Backbone. 5349 Old Doubledark, the Wily Detective. 581 Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prairie Centaur, 521 Paradise Sam, the Nor’-West Pilot. 513 Texas Tartar, the Man With Nine Lives, 506 Uncle Honest, the Peacemaker of Hornets’ Nest. 498 Central Pacific Paul. the Mail Train Spy. 492 Border Bullet, the Prairie Sharpshooter. 486 Kansas Kitten, the Northwest Detective. 91 The Winning Oar; or. The espe et Aes Daughter. 84 Hunted Down: or, The League of Three. 81 The Human Tiger: or, A Heart of Fire, | 7% Gentleman George: or, Parlor. Prison and Street, | 72 The Phantom Hand: or, The 5th Avenue Heiress, 56 The Indian Mazeppa; or, Madmen of the Plains. 49 The Wolf Demon: or. The Kanawha Queen. 42 The California Detective ; or, The Witches of N.Y, 81 The New York Sharp; or, The Flash of Lightning. 27 The Spotter Detective: or, Girls of New York. NEW ISSUES. \ 000 Buffalo Bill’s Grim Guard. By Col. Ingraham, 479 Glad f Sassajack. : 470 The Dake oe Boise? ware ” 1001 ae Brand-Burvers of Cimarron. By John W. 463 Gold Gauntlet. the Guich Gladiator. sbon. 455 Y; I) Hustler of the Hill 1002 Silver City Sam. By Jos. E. Badger. 449 Blad Burke Kine of the Rockies, : * | 4003 Gold Dans or, Dick Talbot in Utah, By Albert 442 Wild West Walt, the Mountain Veteran 437 Deep Duke; or, The Man of Two Lives, 427 The Rivals of Montana Mill 1004 Buffalo Bill’s Death Deal. By Co). Ingraham. 1005 Ioot-Hills Frank. By Jos, E. Badger. 415 Hot Heart, the Detective S py. 1006 The Sea Cadet. By Col. P. Ingrabam. 405 Old Baldy the Brigadier of Buck Basin. 207 Colorado Rube. the Strong Arm of Hotspur. JUST IEZSSUED. %8 The Gold Dragoon, or, California Bloodhound. 994 1,,10n Dick. the Shasta Dead Shot, By Aten. RY NED BUNTLINE. | 997 Hotspur Hal, the Sport from Hard iy Jos. BE. Badger, Jr. = Long Tom, the Privateer. 998 Captats Seavalt, Privateer. By Ned Bunting. | ¢ ef © t : or, The Iron 621 The Red Privateer: or, The Midshipman Rover. 999 The Velvet Han p ing, SBA Wire Baather the Homanesr Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. ‘eather, the ca 29) - 517 Buffalo Bill's First Trail. A new issue every Welnesday: 861 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. THE PIME LIBRARY is for sale by all | | W. Aiken | | 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot ws Newsdealers. tom cemts ve* cwpy ar cept by mail or 111 The Smuggler Captain; or, The Skipper’s Crime. f peice, iim ; = 18 The Soa Ha ; Or, The Queen of the Isle. receipt o Misi spr 3 16 The White Wizard: or The Seminole Ra oot, Beery
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Each Number Complete. — te q ae. | | BUELL Scout to the Rescue. By Col. P. Ingraham, Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower; or, / ~ Gola Rive: ‘By Cok pee Ingraham, O00C0B8V00 GRe ERS E ES ~ mn BA yet z ‘or9 Buttalo Bill’s Relentless Trail. By Colonel}820 White Beaver's Still Hunt; or, The Miner|653 The Lasso Kin g’s “League; or, The Tigers of | " rentiss Ingraham, Marauder’s Death-Track. By Buffalo Bill. Texas, By Colofiel” Prentiss _Ingrah: am. 973 The Dread Shot Four; or, My Pards of the| 316 Ruffalo Bill's Rea Trail; or, The Road-Rider| 649 Buck Taylor, the, Saddje Ar ting Buffalo Bill's 1 Plains... By Col W. . Cod A Renesade’s Run Down. By Col. P. Ingraham. Chief of Scouts, “By Col.’P. Ingraham. \ 964 Buffalo Bill’s Inv broek or, The Sable Shad- S12 Bu‘talo Bill's Death-Knel]; or, The Red Hand} 644 Buffalo Bill's Bonanza; or, The Knights of oe ‘Sublime erifice.” By Col. P. Ingra-| Riders of the Rockies. by Col, P. Ingraham. the Silver Circle. By Col. P.) Ingri : ‘ OT Will Bil, the Wild West Duelist; cr, The Girl) 689 The Gola King; or, Montebello, the Magnin- { 980 Prades ‘Bul's) Blue Belt Brigade; or, Sun- Mascot of Moonlight Mine. By Burttalo Bill. / cent. By Buffalo Bill. 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 Buffalo Bill's) Volunteer Vigilantes: ‘or, The! Grande Ralph, the Cowboy Chief. By But- Dick, King of the Cowboys: By Leon Lewia. j cha ng Man in Blue. By*Col. P, ead falo Bill. ‘ 509 The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Partds of the, ee 794 Buffalo Bitl's Winning Hand; or, The Masked Plains. By Buffalo Bill. 5 co eee i 950 zee Buu at Bay; of, The Gold Seeker's A ning DUE Pies gee it peeeieg Caen Buitalo Bill's First Trail; or, Will Cody, the 4 y 1. P. Ingraham. eo ons et : Pony Express Rider, By Ned Buntline, i 043 eo lato Bill’s Block Game; or, The Mounted| 2" a in Fo Pinta Nal Ral abe ipo Tesch 414 Red Renard, the Indian. Detectives, pr, Whe ) r Miners of the Overland. By Col. P. Ingra- Bele asta nahin Bob igts® x at norpmn *Gold Buzzards of Colorado, By Bu Bi. |B ham. 781 Buffalo Bill's Brand; or, The Brimstone} go, The One-Armed Pard} or, Red Retribu Jon. dn 600 Buse ve, Blade Pata; gr, Te, Gold |anr Pearman, BY, oy Pecnten taatam, |" Bovooraat By Buta a joomer: , > aw} 46 > 5 6 ~ =e : y ; Boom en Big sia By Col. ©. Ingra Men at Grand Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham. 397 jes Wizard Brothers: OF. “White ‘Beavers a 927 Buttalo Bill's Bluff; or, Dusky Dick, the| 7" ga! gia a Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue.|/ 994 white Beaver, the ‘Band of, the Platte: or, } mt: Sport. By, Col. P. Ingraham. ak SIO A eee a A Wronged Man’s Red Trail. Buffalo 4 921 ‘Buffalo Bitl's Quandary; or, Velvet Bik's| 7? rg bay ae Sweepstake; or, la woe. “OU Bill. a : Vow. By Gol. Prentiss Ingraham. __, at Last Chance, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. | 369 puftalo Bill's Grip; or, Oath-bound to. Custer. A 915 Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon Scout; or, Go- 765 gh Billg pew: St. Silk Ribbon Sam. By Col. Prentiss Inyraha “ “ig "wan-go, the Redskin Rider. By Col. : > ie ay ©Ol, $8 ingranham. s 229 Buffalo Bill's Pledges or, The League ot A - graham, 761 Buffalo Bill aseot; or, The Death Valley Three. By Col, P, Ingraham, S ¢ ‘900 Bustalo Bill's League; or,’ Red Butterfly, By|,_ Victim No. 18. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. | 319 wild Bill,’ the Witeiwind of the: west! \py j Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 757 Buffalo Bill's Double; or, The Desperado De- Buffalo Bib. é 44 * } 904 Buffalo’ Bill's Tangted Trail; or, Getitleman|, ‘etive. By Col. Prentiss: Ingraham. dod ‘Texan’ Jack) the. Bramtee Batmert or, TH) \ A ) Wace She: Man of Many Masks. By Col. Pp. | 750 tg ok re, Bis Pooks, OF Custer’s Shadow. Queen of the Wild Riders, ate Butt alo ‘Bill 4 Ingraham y Co ngraha 243 The Pilgrim Sharp; or, The Soldier's Sweat: 900 Buffalo Bill's Rough Riders; of, Texas Jack’s| 743 Buffalo Bill's Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack's heart. By Buffalo Bin, Gpvernshsal 1 reid 1 Sharp-S@ooters. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, a Bravos. . By Col. sihypaage aa ‘it ae pana ada ona seen is > Buffalo Bill's Blind; or e Mas river}, 4 s Go rail; or; ie * esperare } 895 oe red » ge ahs red el end Texan's of Death’s Canyon. By Col. Prentiss Ingra- Dozen. By Cel. P. Rs doo am. beds en ‘ 2am. 175 Wild Bill's Trum ard; or, lan My 390 Sapte Lait tg eine: The Pledged 735 Buffalo. BUl and His Merry Men; or, The Heiress. By Col. Prentiss Ingraha } pee | Robin Mood Rivals. By Col. Prentiss ingran 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot} hat UGasaer nae 882 Pe rl Sig i (Mao eens tos) Fors ham, Don’s Double. By Col. Prentiss ingraham. q ~Box r a i mn By Col, P. Ingraham, | 781 Buffalo Bill’s Beagtes; or, Silk Lasso Sam.|158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts: or,’ @ Doomed ae 874 Buffalo Bill’ $ Buckskin Braves; or, The Card By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. Dozen. By Dr ies Powell. ee 4 a ueen’s Lust Gane. By Col. P. Ingraham. |727 Buffalo Bill's Body Guard; or, The Still Hunt} MT Bene Pena Wi. ee esting yee hickte : 86 Bulfalo Bill's s Road Agent Round-Up;.or, The| of 9 6S By gut Prentiss Ingraham, gee A Mees side ahh) “aa rt vs erious Masked Man in Black. By Col. Buffalo Bill on the War Path; or, Silk Lasso q © } Ingraham, Sam, the Wiil-o'-the-Wisp. ay ‘Col. P. In-| 2 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin Tie. or,” ane a } 863 Putian, Bill's Death-Charm;, er 1d, ee a graham. | Bure. Ne iy . “y ‘ e@ pear, Pren ngraham. | 716 Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers: or, Emer-| 88 Gold Bullet Sport; or, The Kni nts of abi ©) ris * ae Buffalo Rill’s Royal Flush; or, The Pony Ri- ald Ed of Devil’s Acre. By Col. P. Ingraham. Overland. By Buffalo’ Bil - 4. - der's kr ag By Col, Prentiss Ingra-|749 alo Bill Baffled; or, The Deserter Des-| 52 Death Trailer, the abet. Scouts: ext Life )§ 4a fev "i a gn ? oP do's Deflance. By Col. P. Ingraham. a Love in a sae Buffalo{ 4. , ($51 B alo Bill's Double eat or, The eo ’ 9 . ; ; ; + ey Scout's Big Three. By Col. P. Ingraha ai i 7 Botfalo Bill's Buckskin Brotherhood; or, Ae oP m. ~ | ~- Opening Up a Lost Trail. . By Col. P. In- NEW ISSUES TO COME. Un. 845 Buffalo Bill's Redskin Ruse; or, Texas Jack's graham. - Th v ‘ Death Shot. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 001 B ffalo Bill's Blind Trail; or, he Daughter} 954 oe ae Pye P'S or, r., Thee Sam. | 839 zap Rene Bu Deaa-phat: or, Texas Jack’s| — the Regiment. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. lie Chicte ‘Govan a Wikies mand ee Gee Ye yi ana Py tear te 682 Bustalo Bitt's Secret Service Trail. By Major yar ti as We: 830 Buffalo Burs Boys 1 In Pb venta | ~ Dangerfield Burr. a sd Valet's sag Game, By A. P.)/] ek Band's ot-out, 667 Buffal ’ : fa Dyes ® Bill's ahi ; or, the King of the! 983 Ki ’ the ort, I.-C. Cow- /| . | $26 Buttalo Bill's snses tasotetaa or, The Surgeon | 97 Buffal Bare Pee a oe oe d Glove Kris c' Spo ‘By a. G, Cs Montebello the! 658 The Cowboy Qian; “HE. DIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers, ‘ten cents per copy, or eelpt af price. ‘ 984 Buffalo. Bill’s Life affle; or, The Doo: By Col, P. ngraham. Ready nti drick. Ready Aug or, The Tigress of Texas, *R By Sid a Prentiss Ingraham, Three. sent nd bees sathdeee on re- . “? ~ 000000000 “PS PEL @00000002,