Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1093) (1905 02)
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\ \ a \ IM \ S Ger bem \\ SALVA A SPORT IN SPECTACLES; or, THE BAD TIME AT BUNCO. BY WM... RR. HYSTER, AUTHOR OF ‘*PISTOL PARDS,” “ SOFT HAND SHARP,” ‘‘ HANDS UP,” “ DANDY DARKE,” ‘‘ FARO FRANE,” ETC., ETO Copyriaut, 1884, By BEADLE & Apams. Rpe els Se ae aoe chaswatindest ase pbavtvtia Feehar vee pewadadteube-dencteeetes Gib 6 CGR os ede es o OURO Frs., 1905. 0 Published Every Mm. J. FEVERS & CO., Publishers, 10 Cents a Copy. M th (JAMES SULLIVAN, PROPRIETOR), $1 00 a Year 0 > . where 379 Pearl Street, New York. > . . - 77. dete AGG 7 (F: 7 Us tj Z SS Ee Wl Ny / / ih zai ,f- Y bata, ify Me Ui . AAAUUINY \ WEVA MS nb} x \ Wik “yen AIN'T NO SLOUCH, YALLER SKIN, AN’ PLUMB CENTER PETE AR’ PROUD OV YE.”
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} | ) 2 A Sport in Spectacles ; THE BAD TIME AT BUNCO. BY WM. R. EYSTER, ‘gurHOR OF “PISTOL PARDS,” ‘(HANDS UP,” ‘wo COOL SPORTS,” “ MAGIC MIKE,” ETO. CHAPTER I, Ay RETROSPECT. Bunco was then in its earlier infancy when mining meant muscle and not capital, when it was thé cradle and not the crusher that brought to light the hidden wealth that was waiting for the lucky finder, and when 4 man would sdoner have bung himself off-hand than have gone to work for wages. Bunco was two weeks old, and had a popula- tion of two bundred, but the noise of the wash- ings there had gone abroad and the rush had started, Just at the head of it came Hunter Browne, with the dying man he had picked up in the Narrow Canyon. Don’t fool yourself about Bunco. It had several lawyers and doctors, with probably a fair sprinkling of preachers incog. For the latter no one thought of there being any use in a professional way; but one each of the former stood by the bedside of the dying man. As the doctor bad pronounced him beyond hope, the lawyer was engaged in drawing up his last will and testament, a process that was materially aided by the fact that in years gone by Hunter Browne had known him well, and not only had bis confidence now, but was able almost by intuition to know what it was that Edmund Farrell, the devisor, wished to say. He was evidently sorely troubled by the plight of the old friend whom he had found by the merest chance, and it was only Farrell’s cool- ness that kept him at his work. ' “Come, old man, dry up on that,” said the dying man. “It has to come some time, and I ess I’m as near ready now as I ever will be. t’s not for myself that I care; but it’s going to be rough on the kids, though there will be enough to keep them-going for the present, with a chance for something big in the future. I want you to look after.them, though.» They’ll need a friend. You'll stand by them both, old man. Won't you, now?” **You know I will, Farrell—as though they were my own.’ But where are they?” “The boy must have got here with the train. “If Thadn’é strayed away from it perhaps I’d have been g for twenty years yet. himup. Ed Burke is the boss, He can tell you all about him. And my sister has the girl, Huldah bates me, though. Don’t believe & word she sayss And you're to take charge of the girl, too. Have you got that down, uire ‘ e “Squire” Bradley gave a brief affirmative. He was inclined to fear that his client would die before the important document was duly signed. Yes, Huldah hates me, but she ain’t a bad, woman. Give ber five thousand dollars fer-a starter, out of the box that’s in tke wagon. Burke will know which it-is. en the ki get the balance, and all I left back East, If one of ’em dies the other gets it all, and if both die before they grow up-and get youngsters of their own, the whole of it goes to day and so do my discoveries. It’s rough to play out when I’ve found where to strike it rich. Ob, it. will make our mouth water when you see that vein! nere’s a map of it in my belt, and I did enough work to hold it till ¥ou can get down to it; but play fair with my youngsters—and that’s about all. Haye you got it down, squire” , Again the lawyer gave “an affirmative. ‘Thon Pll sign it, and Hunter can give you a hundred out of my belt. If it stands fer twenty years, call on him and he'll give you a thousand more. Put that a too, and give me a pen. I'm going fast. Can’t wait for the tide to turn.” The addendum was scribbled. Edmund Far- rell affixed his signature, which was duly wit- nessed by # brace of men who were called in for the purpose, and then the mangled man very leisurely died. 4 There was one observable fact—that he did not ask for any search tovbe made for bis child, He whispered that the boy would have trouble enough im Course of time without bunting him up now fo see his father die. If he bad any other reason he kept it to himself, and wher the morning dawned Hunter Browne was left in possession as executor, ‘He regulated the mat- ter of the funeral), doing everything that was needed after the regula manner, even to the finding of the child in Ed Burke’s corral, and bringing him—after taking cbarge of the box before mentioned, and other visible effects—to witness the burial. Somewhat to the surprise of Neil Beaders the lawyer who drew up the will—everythin was found just as the deponent had stated; an A Sport in Spectacles. Hunter Browne continued to attend to. things inthe same energetic way in which be had e e was not a family man, so far as was pub- licly known, but he looked after the comfort of bis little charge, and wrote to Mrs, Huldsh Waring, inclosing a copy of the will. As he was executor under a carefully-drawn instrument, no one questioned his right to the papers of the deceased, even if any one thought anything about them; and he certainly did not lay them open far public inspection. f he was quietly doing alythiog with or in regerd to them, Bunco was not iuformed, but went on its way prospering while its placers lasted, It soon became a canvas city of some thousand popu- lation, and the circumstance of Edmund Far- rell’s death had been forgotten by all except those most nearly concerned, when a lady made her appearance at the Jefferson House, inquir- ing for Hunter Browne. - That gentleman was not bard to find, nor was he surprised to learn that the feminine stranger was Mrs. Waring, who had answered his communication in person, e She was a young woman, and a handscme woman; but in a very brief period of time Hunter Browne found that Edmund Farrell had not exaggerated the state of his sister’s feelings toward bim. “T could have killed him myself,” she said, frankly, ‘‘so you need not expect me to feel much sympathy for him, He did mea wrong I can neither forget nor forgive. He killed m husband in cold blood. He murdered him! If Thad known where to find him I sbould have tracked him to the gallows, If he bad any money he stole it from my poor husband, and I shall certainly claim bis effects to satisfy the debts undoubtedly due me.” > Hunter Browne listened quietly. Some men might have been moved; he oa appeared amused, He did not believe much in human nature, anyway. He heard her through witb- out any interruption, until she bad develo ed the nature of her intentions, then he remarked men 4 “here seems to be some misunderstanding on your part, Mr, Farrell, was possessed of some property but, it was all, with the excep- tion of a trifling legacy, left to his children. I — pupowered to pay. you five thousand dol- ars— “ What nonsenseis that? Edmund Farrell had no children.” ‘Granted, but there were certain children that he said were his—a boy anda girl—and so long as we can prove their identity the money, less the legacy to you, will go to them. You have one of them in your possession, a girl, Ethel by name. I must insist on my guardian- shipever her being acknowledged.” : any the existence of any such child.” * inly. Thatis your privilege. I shall inquire ina general sort of way. If she is dead there will be so much the more for the boy.” “There isno boy, either. . It is a seheme for a barefaced robbery which I sball fight as bit- terly us I know how. If Edmund Farrell had a doliar when He died it belonged’ to my husband’s estate, and I, as my busband’s only heir, am en- titléd to it.” “Possibly; yet you will hardly be so foolish as to throw good money after nove atall. You Ed |. understand that I am theexecutor? That word is fully comprebended, even in this wilderness, If there isno boy then J.am here, In, my cffi- cial capacity, acting under the last will and testament of the.deceased, I simply defy on fe get a dollar more than the five thousand léft"to you by your poor brother. I offer you that asa matter of grace, and if you do not choose to -accept it within a reasonable time the offer will be withdrawn. It will be that much more for the executor.” Mrs, Waring had found her match, After consultation with the pag ett ihe of Bunco, who happened to be quietly accepte which she gave a receipt.in due form, refu to look at her young nephew, and took her de- ad made on ber entrance. If Mrs. Waring had remained two days loug- er she would have been joined by an ally who might bave helped ber to make a better fight. As it was, Hunter Browne met and conquered the evemiy in detail. man—a pale-faced, hollow: chested man—though po doubt be was wiry enough when not quite sonear to death’s door, _- ; His name was Prim, He wasa detective by trade, and he was making as vindictive a searc for Edmund Farrell as any mortal could well make, It was really a satisfaction to Hunter Browne to note his intense dissatisfaction when is a the facts connected with Farrell's eath. “Dead, is he?. Then fer Half a cent I’d dig his corpse up and hang him.” “@uess not,” interposed Hunter Browne. “We're men here—white men. Wouldn’t try it for no such money. Wouldn’t be enough to pay for a store box, let alone digging a grave.” if Mr. Prim felt like getting on the war-path eil Bradley, she | the five thousand dollars, for, arture with as little flourish of trumpets as she. The next person that sought bim out wasa i nen ne nn A aE SSA aed a second glance into,the coolly resolute face of Browne altered his intentions. “Well, what’s this story I bear about his having fallen over the side of 4 canyon! f don’t swallow it, Icut him all to pieces my- self, if he did crack my skull.” ‘Cracked your skull, did he? Needs investi- gating. He didn’t say anything about it; but perhaps you pushed him over? Don’t feel for & weapon” I don’t ever do anything rasbly. What was the racket, anyhow?” “He killed a man and Pve followed right along on his trail—except when | missed it. I’m hard to beat. I caught up with bim, but be must have smelled me coming for be jumped the train just a little before I reached it, and I struck him alone in the woods, “ He was a good man, I'll admit, and rather bad the best of it when 1 clincbed in on him after I thought be was done for, He must have hit me with the butt of bisrevolver. Anyhow, the next thing I knew I was waking up at Plum Gulch, where tbey'’d_nursed me through, But I’d have had him. You're sure there’s no mis- take about it, eb?’ “Moderately sure. If Ed ain’t dead he cam stand being buried alivé longer than most men.” ‘“‘ There’s no other man such luck would hap- pen to. Look here, I want to see that signa- ture. - Maybe I’m after the wrong man.” This sudden suggestion was received by. Hun- ter Browne with the same coolness that had characterized him all along. Mr, Prim not only had a sight of the signature, but an inter- view with the subscribing witnesses. ‘“* Perhaps you would like to see the kid?” in- quired Browne, kindly. ‘If you had been here sooner you might have met Mrs. Waring. Vil show you her receipt for five thousand if it will do you any good. Anything at all in réason. I've got a contract to manage this business and I want to start out on a square founda- tion, The “kid” was actually inspected as well as the receipt, and Prim gave up vanquished. “You wouldn't like to engage in a_ little game of draw?” began Browne, in a hesitating: way. Prim gave him a Blance of disgust. “ What do you take me fer?” he said, brutally, and left the honest executor without a word of thanks. His exit from Bunco occurred the following morning, and for twenty years nothing more was seen of any inquirers into the affairs of the, deceased Edmund Farrell, and the town bad for- gotten that he had had any, No wonder. Of the original hundreds not twenty people were left. y The placers had long since been worked out— the town had passed through a period of great depression, and now, Phenix-like, bad risen out of its very ashes into a place of some im- portance. , Hunter Browne was still to be heard of. He was in quartz up to his elbows, and doing well With the Shadow Streak Mine, and it was ru- mored that he would do a great deal better with something else if he could find out how to man- agesome extra-refractory ores In the Bunker ill shaft. ' : He was still a bachelor—a hard, healtby-look- ing man of fifty, and spear alone in tbe world, Hugh Farrell had goneaway years ago to be educated, and bad pever come back: and Judge Bradley was the ouly man in the “ city” that ever gaye & thought to the matters that in the infancy of Bunco had excited the public at large. «It will be remembered that Neil Bradley had a pecuniary interest, however, and, pros- erous as he now was, he did not intend to over- ook it. He had waited a long while, with bis -eve on Hunter Brown, but the time for the set- tlement of the estate was at hand, and he hoped. at last to realize. - a CHAPTER II. A SPECIAL COACH FOR BUNCO. From Walnut: Bar the trail led southwest,. ssing through the thriying mining camp of unco, : \ The stage made a trip.a Week each way, and very often there was~a coacg on the road to convey passengers who could not wait for the sees and to whom time is as money. t was gn extra that was standing in front of the station. : It had come in hel}f av hoursince and had dis- gorged a fair load of passengers, with appetites all ses for the bountiful nee Rogers’ hostelrie. As the driver-had informed the passengers that he intended to makea halt of an hour, they had plenty of time, and Jeis- urely enjoyed their meal, afterward strolling out on the covered porch. At least a majority of the passengers did, and to give the probable reason why the move was so unanimous it may beas well tosay that Slim Jack, the renowned driver of the vehicle now en route for Bunco, never had a fairer fare than a certain blue-eyed little damsel, who took the wor in the pig ve ~ t is really astonishing how information i spread.’ There was not a passenger, ona e Wailo,the Celestial with almond eyes and a rovided at John:
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—— ot edeicnste: asses 2-98 A Sport in Spectacles. 3 eue, that did not know the name of Miss Kinie Vandeleur, and every one seemed only too delighted #o do her honor though Professor Elderberry, the young man in goggles and store clothes, rather had the inside track, much to the disgust of the rest, and especially to that of Plumb Center Pete, whose glances at the lanky looking professor were anything but kindly, though Elderberry was not the sort of person with whom be could conveniently pick a fight. Miss Vandeleur had an @scort of her own, a gray-beaded gentleman with a pacific and re- tiring aspect, who had little to say, and who rather left the young lady to her own devices, This fact allowed the masculine portion of the cargo to pay her numerous little attentions, whieh they effected more or less gracefully. Professor Elderberry evidently understood what was due t6 the sex; but there was a stiff- ness and angularity about his movements that was next thing to awkwardness; and he seemed to know very little about the local history of the region through which they were passing, so that, though be bad been thrown more or less in her company all the way from San Fran- cisco, he was not as intimate as might have been expected. At various points of interest Pete Blockey— otherwise known as Plumb Center Pete—came prominently to the front as historian, lecturer and genera) instructor; an office which be filled in a satisfactory way, though his speech was of the rough, free and easy style natural to the man who had been knocking around the slope since ’Forty-nine. Occasionally only washe at fault when, by chance, any name was mentioned; and be always had a ready answer to the questions that Miss Vandeleur asked—and she had as much curiosity as the average woman. When the travelers reached the porch after dinner a little knot of citizens stood within ae aig «oyu talking about some one, to, i Miss ie, of course, unknown. Nevertheless the chauce words which she heard interested ber, ‘‘T tell you it’s bim, sure enough. It’s a bad sort of a day that I don’t know Derringer Deck when Isee him. He’s up to some sort of a game, and don’t you fergit it.” “Well, that ain’t the sort of a man I took him to be, nohow; and he bain’t been doin’ nothin’ very bright here—jest bummin’ ’round town. He looks to me like the biggest flat that ever struck the burg.” ‘Looks! That’s all you know about him, I never seen the man yit thet knows how Derrin- ger Deck looks er orter look. You jest go over an’ try ter mount bim, er holler ‘draw’ at him, an’ see how soon he'll land yer on yer back. No, that’s him, an’ he’s got a game on ‘hand sure. Hush up, aes @’s pintin’ this way; an’ they say he don’t like ter hear hisself talked about.» Miss Vandeleur heard the greater part of this, and noting the furtive glances with which they were eying some one in the distance she strained her eyes in the same direction, though it was some little time before she was certain fhat she bad singled out the right individual, Then her first feeling was one of disappoint- ment, ; He was, as far as outward appearance went, au ordinary looking chap, of medium build and dreesed after the average manner of the coun- try. He had the broad brimmed hat, high boots, heavy revolvers and broad-bladed krafe that, to Millie, seemed the most necessary part of the true western costume and he carried, sometimes in his hand and sometimes tucked uhder his arm, a whip. The latter adornment, however, was different from the quirt that the cowboys were the most familiar with, being a comparatively short “snake,” braided from one piece of rawhide, with probably halfa yard of stiffening in the handle. Face and hands were bronzed and roughened, and now and then there was a curious gleam in his eye; but no one would be apt to take bim for a man that would set the river on fire. Nevertheless, there was something attractive in his face, as Miss Vandeleur decided when he came nearer, and she watched him with an earnestness that was unusual. It happened that she alone of her party had heard the conversa- tion detailed. When she noted that he steered straight for Slim Jack, the driver, she gave a little start, and turned away. It was possible that the desperado, or whatever be might be, was about to become a fellow-passenger. Pete Blockey bad stolen away in search of the bar, and was coming back, temporarily “re- freshed.” He seemed just a shade confused at the sudden meeting, though Miss Millie did not at all notice it. “By the way, Mr. Bperey have pat the genealogies of the different bad men—did_ you ever hear Of such a person as Derringer Deck? His name was mentioned in my hearing a mo- ment ago, and from what was said I imagine he has a history, that really might be interesting.” “Derringer Deck! Well, I should smile! Why, miss, he’s too bad a man, in bis way, fer you to know anything -about, though he isn’t apt to show his face down this here- aways. Not thet thar’s much danger ov his showin’ his ellegant phisiog’ any whar atpresent, ez it’s ginnerally allowed that he’s gone over ther range.” : “Over the range? mean, Mr. Blockey?” ‘* Ha, ha! I will furgit, miss, bless yer soul. I must recomember thet you’re ez lam’like ez I war when I come hyer a tenderfoot in ’Forty~- nine. Over ther range means up ther flume, miss—outen ther wet—passed in his checks. In fact, he’s dead,” Miss Millie gave a gesture of surprise. Which range do you “T didn’t understand it in that way. Dead? | Why—” Then sbhe checked herself, and might bave turned the conversation in another direction if Pete Blockey bad been willing to allow it, but Blockey had been applied to for information, and he intended to give it—by the cord if need be, “In course you wouldn’t understand; an’ I orter knowed better. But, Deck Bright war a hull team, an’ther yaller dorg under ther wagon, besides. When he cut loose suthin’ drapped, you bet.” ‘* But, what did be do?’ asked Miss Millie, her interest again aroused. As she asked the question she gave a furtive glance around to see that by no possibility the man could be within hearing distance. ‘““TH tell yer what he did, fur one thing: he beat faro every time. He could jest skin the man ez invented keyards; an’, by gum, he did it too! An’ be war holy wrath when be got on ther war-path. He’d waltz right up to ther nozzle, ova pair ov sixes with ther hammers drawed, ’thout keerin’ a continental fur ther finger ez war on ther triggers; an’ thar warn’t no man ez could say when be had ther drop on him. He hed a way ov shakin’ his derringers outen his sleeves ez wer’ jest too sweet fur any- thin’, Nerve! oh, git out! He war all nerve, an’ he’d been gyratin’ round yit if he badn’t tackled ther wrong gang—a gang, mind yer— ‘ez laid him out when he warn’t expectin’ it. Yer see Doe Brown are a bard man ter climb, | They blowed him an’ Deck orter knowed it. inter so many leetle bits thet ther corpus never war found; but, allee samee, he’s bind! dead— er somebody, beggin’ yer pardon, bez lied most orful.” The brief history seemed satisfactory; and just as it came to,a close the voice of Slim Jack was heara, shouting: ‘¢ All aboard!” There was an immediate bustle and rush; but even in the excitement of starting out again on their journey, Miss Vandeleur saw, perched up by the side of the driver, the man whom the obliging citizen of Walnut Bar had pointed-out as being beyond peradventure, the redoubtable sport, Derringer Deck. CHAPTER III. THE FLAT FROM WALNUT BAR. Ir is not every ordinary man who can safely aspire to’ the post of honor by the side of a pag ig | by the side of such a driver as Slim Jack. If the no-account-looking ac- quisition at Walnut Bar succeeded without question to that position, it is most. likely that it was in Consequence of a good and sufficient ce of collateral, lumb Center Pete looked up with a snort of disgust, and then crawled inside, He could not be in two places at the-same time; but he had started out in the position now oceupied by the stranger, and it seemed to te next door to an insult to have the place so filled. He growled out something about Slim Jack’s aie of taste, which was overheard by Miss Milne, “ Whatis the trouble now, Mr. Blockey?”’ Probably it was a suspicion'that there was a chance for further‘énlightenment that caused her to ask the question. ‘‘Why, nothin’; on’y dog-gone my tail- feather, ef it ain’t enuf ter make a hoss sick ter see that gerloot up there puttin’ on airs.” “ Which person do you mean, Mr. Blockey?” “Ther feller ez jest got on—ther Flat from Walnut Bar. Tenderfoot Tom they calls him thar. Why, blast him, ef what they say about him are ther truth, be orter be satisfied ef this outfit would take him along in the boot.” Miss Millie was evidently astoffished—not at the impudence of the Fiat from Walnut Bar so much as at the rapidity with which Plumb Center Pete gathered his information. An ex- 5 oh to that effect resulted in an additional 8 > **He calls himself a cowboy; but. he hain’t got half sense enuf fura shepherd even. An’ they give him every chance; but he never wlied his irons once. I dunno what ’n thunder e’s goin’ down ter Bunco fur, a place whar they jist make bad men.” “I am going there, myself, Mr. Blockey; and I have never given much indication of being an expert with revolver or cards, I have heard of it as a business place, and perbaps this Tenderfoot Tom may be a business man. He really seems to be a quiet, unassuming fellow.” Blockey rubbed his forehead, and was silent fora minute. The possibility that a man might be a worthy candidate for a position in Bunco society, without being able to hold his own witb the roughs and toughs of that unsanctified town, had not before suggested itself, and being presented by a non-combatant, whose opinions were worthy of consideration, he was willing to give it due attention. ‘* Wal,” besaidat length, with due solemnity, “T don’t think much of men ez calls *emselves rich, thet can’t bold their own end level. Ther’s a place fur ’em, no doubt—but it ain’t hyar. A feller ov thet kind’s jest throwin’ bis life away when he steers down towards Bunco,” Millie Vanceleur’s blue eyes twinkled, and she uttered a pleasant little Jaugh. ‘‘Then you think that my friend here, Mr. Allbright, and myself, are making a mistake, and you mean that asa gentle warning. Thank | you. But I don’t intend to be frightened; nor do I intend to turn back. Bunco may be bad, but I don’t believe it will barm any of us.” “* Oh, bless your soul, miss, I didn’t mean it in that way: ‘You'll jestdo Bunco proud, you an’ your friend; but it’s sich no-count’, triftin’ chaps ez hina thet bringsa town a bad name, They’re layin’ ’round, beggin’ ter be tooken in an’ dun fur. Ef ther boys was angels they couldn’t help it; an bein’ jest mortal men, the grease the’r boots an’ swajler em’ hull, Mr. All- bright area perfessional man, ef my eyes don’t mistook me; an’ perfessional men an’ ther sex ain’t surposed ter bandle ther irons, onless they sets up in thet line. But a cowboy thet don’t fight at ther drop ov ther hat, an’ actooally eats sand—waugh! Kerry me out!” ‘‘Eat sand? That is another of your Arizona terms that I don’t—well, as you would say, I don’t catch on to yet.” ‘¢*7)}] tell yer how that were. Though itvain’t earebee 2 known ther gelloot come inter ther ar lookin’ fur one Kunnel Johnson. Sez be war ter meet him byer, an’ he put on frills enough ter make a cat sick. Bz everything war run- nin’? on wheels thar warn’t no trouble till ther | other night, ’round at a fandang’, some ov ther boys got ter pluggin’ at bis boot-heels, an’ you kin jest take my straps ef he didn’t turn sick an’ beller murder, | Boot-heels. Again I don’t understand, You must think I am awfully ignorant.” “Tl sallivate ther man ez sez-so. It’s a way ‘they hez, Ther sone cowboys an’ rustlers, they kin shoot fur keeps, an’ so, when ther darice is a-goin’ on, all on a sudden ye’ll hear a bangin’ away like a young army at work, an’ then boot-heels’ll begin ter fly, ’cause they shoots ’em off on each otber, They ain’t no danger, onless a feller kicks ther wrong way. Ther’ ain’t no rustler ez’ll try it on onless be kin do it, an’ ef he hit a man they’d hang him, sure. But yer see ther cuss didn’t hev ther nerve. Now he’s goin’ down ter Bunco, still a-lookin’ fur Kis Kunnel Johnson,” “Ts Bunco a dangerous place, ah?” Professor Elderberry had not apparently been listening; but the question showed that Blockey’s words had fallen on other ears than those of Miss Vandeleur, and there really seemed to he a quaver in his voice as he asked. Plumb Center Pete turned toward him with a look of disdain. ‘“Ther’ ain’t no place yer ever seen thet wa’n’t dangerous ef yer time was nigh at hand; but I don’t think it will be extree dangersome ter you, ef yer keeps outen the road, Now, J’m goin’ down there ter see what I kin make outen Hunter Browne. I heerd he wants a boss fur his works, an’ I’m jest bis meat. That suits me—but [reckon it would bedang’rous fur you: You wouldn’t last two days there. But you kin sell pain-killer, er corn medercin’; er any sich ez comes nat’r’l in yer line ’thout stirrin’ up much bile. ‘You've got your line, an’ I’ve got mine. When I sling lead it goes plumb-cen- ter; an’ when you sling pills, I s’pose they git thar, too. “You’s goin’ ter start a doctor’s shop, I shed judge. Eb?” Professor Elderberry looked as though he might be a young disciple of Galen; and Plumb Center Pete had seen the name in full, Dr. George Elderberry, op, Mass,, so that his ess was not altogether without warrant. till the professor did not seem at ail inclined to advertise his intentions, aud only responded in a general sort of way: ‘I had thought of stopping there a while, ah, provided I found, ah, an opening commensurate with my abilities; but, ah, I do not like to Jearn that it would be accompanied with, ah, avy personal risk. What—what is the especial danger that you will be subjected to, ab?” ‘** Bullets, steel, pisen! When yer hey a gang o’ men ter manage, ther butt-end ov em are bad. When yer knock one down bis ea sometimes plugs without stoppin’ ter argy. You hey ter shoot quick, an’ plumb-center. That's me. Down hyer it don’t take skill ter run a mine so much ez terve, an’ that’s what Browne wants, I’m a-bettin’; an’ that’s what I travel on, an’ you don’t.” As Plumb Center Pete—actually without meaning it—took on rather a bullying tone, Pro» fessor Elderberry looked more than ever uncom- fortable, and said nothing further. He gave a speculative ata moment later at Miss Vam- )
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deleur, evidently wondering how or why she could enjoy conversation with such a ruffian. But Miss Millie had her own notions, reasons and schedule of rates, and as Plumb Center Pete was careful to say nothing offensive the fair passenger continued ber quest for information, ‘You spoke of acting as superintendent’ for one Hunter Browne, his own #ffairs.. What sort of a person is he?’ * Bunteg Browne? Well now, [tell you, he’s jest ole vizgness—” ’ He ceased speaking suddenly, for at that mo- ment from the roadside there rung out the harsh, but well-known order: “Halt, thar, an’ hands up! Douw’t you move, Slim Jack, or we’ll drill you.» Hyer’s the toll- bar, un’ we’re the depity tax collectors! an’ top side git ready ter shell eut casb or brains, it don’t make much difference’ which.” At the very first words the coach stopped, Perhaps the horses understood the game as well as the cargo; perhaps Slim Jack had an occult way of drawing bis teams toa halt. Miss Van- deleur gave a little nervous scream; Mr, All- bright) looked very uncomfortable; Professor Elderberry sat bolt upright, as if too frightened to do anything else, while Plumb Center Peta swore softly. . The latter was just as wise as any map, and small blame to him if he recognized the fact that for the present there was nothiog. else to do, but all the time his ears, were open to’ catch all that was going on without, ‘ Slim Jack was a veteran, and as he knew that so long as‘no one started a circus be would be erfectly safe he retained a marvelous coolness, is foot. rested firmly on the brake, and his hands were held high, though, as he threw bis T should suppose if he was | a@mau worth working for he would look after | | origina! intentions. aside | body backward, be kept a strong pull on the reins. C-rtainly there was not the signof a quiver ip bis voice as he answered back: “Go slow, Mister Men! This cargo won’t fight nohow, an’ all yer got ter do is ter rake in ther duckats; so ther’ ain’t uo use ter. be p’intin’ them irons this way.” '* Never mind them things. They’! be mighty bad medicine if any one tries to cut up rough; and you needn’t mind ’em if they don’t. Who've you got inside?” ‘*All tenderfeet but Plumb Center Pete, an’ he’s got a level head, an’ no coin.” é ‘* You insiders, there, get ready your plunder. Ther’s a woman thar—I heard her scream. We don’t want to be rongh with the sex, but I can tell you the first crooked move we’il just stand back and ventilate that coach.” “Oh, thunder!” put in Slim Jack. ‘‘Do yer think I got nothin’ ter do but sit hyar with my hends up in ther air? Ifyou want yer plunder, come an’ take it,” : ‘All in time. The ughealthiest thing you could do would be to get so tired as to drop esman at the front now, your hands,” Eris! {t was a new s and as he uttered the warning, by a wave of his hand he caused his followers to advance, Outside, the Chinaman, who had scarcely. uttered a word from ihe very commencement of the journey, bad turned su pale that he was actually green, , 4 . Tenderfoot Tom’s hands had gone up at the very first-order, whip and all, and be sat there very much like a photograph of hard times, his eyes and mouth wide open, Inside, Miss Millie was in a world of trouble. ** Will they take all that we have?’ she asked at large. : *] wouldn’t give a dollar fur what they leave in ther line ov cash,” responded Blockey. “This gang’ll be dead bu’sted when they get ert i ‘Then we may as well die right here.” She clasped ber hands, and looked almost as though she meant it, f “Pm sorry fur ye, little woman; but it ain’t no place’tur ter raise a circus, Ef I hed a sida pard- byar [ might jump ther hearse an’ try it on; but I can’t kerry the whole contract. Hunt Browne wouldn’t hev no use fur me afore’ I got half-way thr _ Plumb Center Pete kin shoot, but be wants a show fur bis white alley afore he begins.” The condolence bad one effect; it seemed to rouse the anger of the young lady. Her eyes” flashed, and she was about to make some sharp answer, when there came & warniog bist from Pete Blockey. : - \ ‘“*Hyar they be, sure enuf! We'll hear the balance when the fun’s over.” Straight up to the stage came the road-agents and from the clatter of boofs it seemed pretty certain that there were at the least half a dozen of them. ; It was no discredit to Plumb Center Pete's courage if be more than half expected to remain quiescent. He bad very litile to lose except his life, and he didn’t intend to throw that away without knowing a better reason why than the probable loss of a few dollars. Nevertheless. be bad slyly turned the knob of the door, so that a touch would spring it open, and now be leaned back, fairly out of sight, but wait oe fe ry, ris eon gt Elder- ry lee wel] forward, as tb the scene wee, was about to ensue bag a fascination for - ’ ‘ Sport in Spectacles. “f : ; Tenderfoot Tom had said nothing, and no one expected him to do anything. He held _ his arms up so high that they were straight, and behind the left oue lay the whip that bad gone up with his hands, It never seemed to occur to him to drop it, and in the way it was held it was not likely to attract attention, The outlaws evideutly believed that they bad asure thing, and probably reconsidered their The well-laid ambuscade was br ken up, and though the leader remained in the background, the rest advanced with drawn revolvers, but without much caution: They were disguised in a sortof roughainiform, and each face was masked. Que beld Slim Jack in check, two others paid more particular attention to.We Wailo and Tenderfvot Tom, while the rest looked after the inside, ‘\No nonsense, hyar,” warned one, rapping sharply on the ledge of the window with the barrel of his revolver. ‘‘ We’ve got you down fine, and kuow just what meat we're after, The rest uv yer hes ter shell out, in course; but there’s a Mister Allbrigbt byar, thet bes a thousand cash, an’ ef be don’t roll out that amount, there'll be a merry little war byur;an’ there’s a Miss Millie Sometbing-or-other that lugs along a purty stiff boodle. If she don’t fork over her share, there’}! be trouble, Ready, Mre Allbright? Shell out!” ‘Yes, yes,” said that gentleman nervously. “The nroney—bhers and mine—is in my valise. Take it and go,” Ard atthe same time a revolver was being pointed up toward Bowers, while its owner growled: ; ““No nonsense, now. Out with yer stamps, er there'll be a dead duck!” . “Oh, now, come,” pleaded Bowers, finding voice under the pressure of necessity, ‘I ain’t got barely more ver enough ter take me down ter Bunco an’ keep me goin’ till Kunnel Jobn- son comes, I'd sooner see yer later, ef it’s all ther same ter you.” é The tones indicated an exasperating good faith, and the road-agent was angered accord- ingly. ‘ * What er take me fer? Shell out, er I'll ref yer offen thar in ther shake ov a buck’s tail. - To emphasize bis words, he pushed his horse up nearer, and allowing the fhuzzle of bis re- volver to droop, he made a gesture as though he intended to carry his threat into instant exe- cution, Then occurred a very remarkable phenome- non, : Mr. Bowers, at the near prospect of complete bankruptcy, became suddenly gulvanized into action, and he moved in a way that was as. novel as it was unexpected, bard The whip that had been hanging along bis left arm, described a circle with lightning speed, and the lash fell with a sbarp swish across the brow of the road-agent, cutting through the mask right down to the bone. Ther he leaned over and gave anotber swish, and reached another road-agent, | A third time his whip fell, but this time on the wheelers, and as the horse$ gave a furious spring there was a short sharp crack, foilowed instantaneously by anotber, two xroad-agents dropping to two derringer-shots, Four men were put hors du combat in little more than four seconds; and Plumb Center Pete had not yet had a chance, if he wanted it, to begin get- ting his work in, All the show he had was a snap shot at the astonished chief as the coach flitted past, and there was at least the satisfac- tion of seeing him throw up his bands with a sudden start, as though bard bit. Probably to the satisfaction of every one, there was no pursuit, Once baving his teams in motion Slim Jack kept them going, and left that dangerous neigh- borbood at a far greater rate of speed than he bad dared to hope for, and to which his passen- gers made no manner of objection, They were in high spirits now. The inter- ruption had come just in time for Mr, Albright o escape banding out his valise, and if Pete lockey had not taken as prominent part as he might bave liked to he had shown his good Ph high-heeled top-knot, if that og-goneemy high-heeled top-kno ha ain’t ther neatest thing out on candeameaun” be said excitedly as be drew in bis bead froma look to the rear, ““ Who'd a-thunk Tenderfoot Tom war sich a snorter when he cuts loose? Didn’t be tuck ther braid to’em? But, what I’d like to know is who fired them shots. It warn’t po slouch, an don’t yer furgit it.” ‘“ Which shots, Mr, Blockey?” asked Miss Mil- lie. *‘ I thought it was the road-agents firing at us until I saw two of them fall. Didn’t they do the shooting at all?” ‘‘Nary time, an’ that’s what gits me. Slim ae wouldn’t ’a’ done it, not fur rocks, piles of “Don’t you think it was the man you call Tenderfoot’ Tom!” pteaghe He ain’t ov ther shootin’ kind.” ‘IT think then,” interjected Professor Elder- berry, who had ally recovered his equa- j ; » x seemed to know nothin _attentious to emer. ners = « nimity, ‘‘tbat it must have been—ah—the Chinaman.” If the choice had not been narrowed down so closely, in» Blockey’s mind, he would have laugbed such.an idea to scorn, As it was, be caught at it in an amazed sort of way, ‘* A heathen Chinee! ob, jumping Jebu, I can’t swaller that/? — . But av. that very minute the upside down face of We Wailo appeared at the wiudow, his eyes twinkling with satisfaction as, for the first time, they beard bis voic ; ‘*€hinee. sho@tee belley. wellee, allee sames "Melican man. Allee louydee, ebleg timee:” * Ga CHAPTER IV. THE FIRST SYMPTOMS OF THE BAD TIME, Bunco was wel] aware of the fact that a sec- tion of the gang of road-agents that had terror- ized the road betweeu Glory Gulch and Walnut 3ar bad lately been paying some attention to the traveling public at a poiot nearer than usual to the tbriving camp that was by no means yearning for their presence, When the coach drew up in front of the Jef- ferson House, still hg prueine! botel in the place, there was quite a flutter of excitement at the appearance of the passengers, which was soon to be intensified by a knowledge of the dangers througb which they had posted. As it was the evening hour, before sunset, the usual loungers were on the piazza. Hunter Browne was there, talking lazily to Senor Manuel Pereira, a sleek little man, clad in black, with a dark face, large, white teeth, and hot, glistening eyes, who smoked his cigarette in a slow, methodical manner, that somehow contrasted strangely with his general appear- ance, As Hunter Browne was a prominent man among those having mining interests, so Man- uel Pereira was prominept among those having purely commercia! ones; and it was a megs supposed that the two together could buy up considerably more than half the camp, thoug they were not at all related as to business, and Pereira was comparatively a new-comer. Besides these there were half a dozen other men of more or less standing, who boarded at the Jefferson House. The appearance of Miss Vandeleur was an agreeable surprise. Young ladies were not plenty in Bunco, and handsome ones were very searce. Senor Pereira threw away his ciga- rette, and Hunter Browne uttered a little excla- mation that probably meant satisfied astonish- ment—though he was almost old enough taserve on a pinch as the young lady’s grandfather, Every one was interested in that young lady, but these two particularly so, though they did not suspect it until, as she passed through the portal of the Jefferson House, their eyes were in some occult way drawn toward each other. What each saw produced a revelation as to his own feelings! Immediately upon the stoppage of the ve- hicle Tenderfoot Tom rolled off on the street side and disappeared. He had made some in- quiried of Slim Jack, and was satisfied that the «fferson House was not for him. We Wailo, who had made no irquiries, and of Buoco or bis own wishes, discreetly waited until the inside por- tion of the load was disgorged before climbing down. Then be scrambled off and stood con- templating the Jefferson House with an insinu- ating smile on his face, pe Plumb Center Pete was on the point of follow- ing the others up the steps, though by some chance the professor bad gotten ahead of bim in Miss Millie. Some remark, made by a bystander, put him in mind of the China- man from whom he bad not heard since the an- nouncement, just after the fight with the road- agents, x e turned around abruptly with outstretched an : ‘flyer, heathen, ye’r’ a solid man ter tie to ef yer be a leetle nigh onter yaller When it kims ter bizaness yer thar, every time, Shake!” — We Wailo’s smile became a little more idiotic, but he put his paw in that of Blockey’s without the least hesitation. ‘Yer ain’t no slouch, Yaller Skin, an’ Plumb Center Pete ar’ proud ov ye,” loudly announced the Bouncer; ‘‘an’ ef yer ever lubricate it will do me big to set ’em up. Kim inside, an’ I'll show ’em all a Chinee bero, an’ no mistake.” “We Wailo muchee fladee ‘Melican man no likee.” & The Chinaman bad probably had some ex- - rience with the keepers of prominent hotels, tnd was doubtful of bis recephion at the Jeffer- son House. If Blockey had not insisted he would b we patos any’, in search of a house more suited to his social position. But Blockey did insist, and led bim in witha flourish, . “Thar, gentlemen, is ther nighest to a eivil- heathen thet they make ’em. Ef he didn’t droptwa pol yh are a condemned liar, ep’, set em up for the Mungullian.” ‘As Miss Vapdeleur and the two had disap was call . en ed, the attention of the lounger S rinait Caater Feta, whe bad*the advantage of not being sitogetber o stranger in “
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ther job I don’t banker ter help in. here ~ — = —— ee : ————— A Sport in Spectacles. Bunco; and the mention of road-agents made matters more interesting. In almost no time there was a circle of questioners, and the history of the :ffair, as supplemented by Slim Jack, was received with enthusiasm. If Tenderfoot Tom had only waited he might have been as much a hero as any of them. His exploits with the whip were all that the driver could vouch for, but as Jack took on trust the statements of Plumb Center Pete and We Wailo—though the latter had not very much to say for himself—the Chinuman’s repu tation was made. ‘* And now, George Washington Jefferson,” added Blockey, addressing the proprietor, ‘ef er want a bang-up, A Number One, black-yer- ts-fur-a-quarter, wasbee washee, that’ll bea credit ter yer house, this byar Chineeman are open fur an engagement, an’ yer had better rake him in,” Plumb Center Pete spoke first for the China- man, and with success. Jefferson had an open- ing for just such a man, and before the other arrivals bad had time to seat themselves at the | comfortable repast prepared for them, We Wailo had become a regular attache of the house. After supper Blockey bezan to look after his own interests, and approached Hunter Browne in regard to the superintendency tbat he under- stood was at his disposal. / “T was wantivug a man, Blockey,” was. the thoughtful respouse; ‘“‘ but I’m not sure that you will fil the bill, I know you got along first-rate in the old Red Jacket, and all that; but this is something else. I wanta man who can man- age my new strike, l’vye bad several hands at it, and they just couldn’t do anything at al); but 1 think ’ve.got the man I’m after now, if recommendations go for anything. Ill see bim by-and by; when his grub has settled a little, and if he pans out well, I’ll have to give him the job.” ‘All right; no harm done,” responded Pete, cheerfully. ‘‘ What’s he like? Does he know beans when ther bag’s ontied?” ‘You ought to know. . He came down in the stage. His name is Elderberry, and he has first- class recommendations from the college sharps back East and a couple of mines that he worked in with ores something like mine.” ‘Goggle Gawge! Well, I will be hanged! Kerry me out!” ‘“ What's the matter.with him?’ asked Browne sharply. . ‘‘ Nothin’—oh, nothin’ !” answered Pete, spread- ing out his hands iz a quick gesture, indicating that he might speak but did not want to. ‘‘ Anything wrong abouf him? Ain’t he a square man?” ‘May be square enough in bis way, but you want a man with sand. He’s a tenderfoot, I don’t keer what mines he’s worked in. Ain’tno more idear ov aregular jamboree ’th guns an’ knives—oh, he’d be jest fresh meat fur ther boys!” : ‘ There’s something in that, Pete, and 1 ought have thought about it. I've got to have a n with brains to get out what I know I have, and I reckon Pil bave to run a combination team. Do you think you and he could pull to- gether?” ‘‘No, sir-vee/ Sorry, Browne, but ef my pratickle ways don’t suit I'll hey ter go furder, an’ you'll lose a mighty good man. I can’t yoke in with no calkege-feen case. When they take J ‘they jest bu’st things wide cpen ti they e sense hammered inter ‘em, an’ that’s 4 I, I toots my own horn an’ peddles my own fish.” _ Blockey did not apeeet to be angry, but he bay obstinately bent on not baving anything to with the new superintendent. He seemed to consider the conference closed, but Browne had wet = 7 further to say. ie ght; no offense; and if you should re- consider, you know where to find me. Now, a Snes I noticed a young lady in the cargo creole, can, you tell what brings her down “You've got me; onlesg it’s th ly-lockin’ Allbright thet hes her rosy Beta at scaly-lookin “ right? You mean the old ] her, Wo is ve, i gies gentleman sed plumb up he war lookin’ fura jo ‘ washee- n’ I wrung ete looked curiously at the mine-owner and ie answer, - ft don’t know her, more’s the pity,” re- | { | sponded Hunter Browne, slowly shaking bis head. ‘‘Her face reminds me of some one, I don’t know who; and she’s as bandsome as a dream If sbe needs a friend here, sbe can call on me; and you can suggest as much if you keep up your acquaintance.” “Qh, gatas she'll nod when we pass by. Thar’s nothin’ stuck up about ber. But don’t you furgit it, Browne, ef she wants a friend Plumb Center Pete are ther man fur her to ketch on to.” : ‘Don’t be jealous, Blockey. I’m too old to make a mash, and | don’t suppose you'd go seri- ously gallivanting around a kid of her age, either. Wecan both be ber friends, can’t we? I don’t like the Jawyer, though.” “Neither does J, though I[ tell yer he’s got heaps ov hoss sense. He never speaks when it ain’t needed. Ef heain’ton ther square with leetle divinity she’s got a mighty tough road to travel,” “‘1f he’s not on the square I want to know it, Pete. I've got some little ivfluence here, and I'd run bim out before he would- know who was after him.” ~ “‘Hyar’s with yer, Browne.” If there bad been any lingering hard feeling about the superintendency it seemed to have disappeared when Pete Blockey extended his band, in a gust of enthusiasm. “Putittbar, pard! Put it thar! Eh? What'n sanctified blazes be those?” Browne gave a start. Blockey gave another; but along with it be made a motion that was like a flash. Before the miveowner could wink twice Plumb Center Pete held a cocked revolver in each hand; just as there wasa great crash, eud a jingle of breaking glass. Then a man came flying. out of the Jefferson House, window-ways, taking a lower sash with bim, As the man struck the ground Plumb Center Pete looked up, and then, in the window frame, he caught a glimpse of We Wailo, who shook his fist once or twice, in evident wrath, and then disappeared, in time to escape the possible gaze of the victim, who sprung to his feet and stared wildly around, ‘‘ Caramba !” bowled the man, “Who strikes me? His life will Lbave; the coward, the dog!” knife of extravagant length was making circles in the hand of the maddened man; and the man was so other than Senor Manuel! Per- eira, the well known capitalist: and prominent citizen of Bunco. CRAPTER V WE WAILO IS STILL * ALLEE LOUNDEE.” WHEN he had once taken in the size of the row Plumb Center Pete. was quite at bis ease. His revolvers dropped back into their respec- tive receptacles, and he advanced toward Per- eira. ‘The senor .was bewildered, Though mad enough to fight, and aware that some one bad done something to him, be did not seem fo un- derstand exactly what it was, or from whose hands, 1 be = He stared wildly at Blockey, who was not at all concerned, but patted him lightly on the shoulder. Vag ter be doin’ sich groun’ an’ lofty tumblin’. How’s yer appletite, an’ did yer sleep well las’ night? Ef it wa’n’t you, ole man, I’d sw’ar yer hed ’em; | ain’t cm a td yer ain’t.” “Sancta Maria—what?” howled Pereira, though somewhat soothed by the. kindly, re- spectful tone, ‘Jim-jams,” answered Pete, without hesita- ton. . “Ef yer knows what’s good fur yer you'll try ter quiet down, an git some sleep.” Probably nothing but the thoroughly uncon- cerned and matter-of-fact manner of the speaker saved him from immediate attack. ereira glared at him for an instant without speaking; and in that brief fit 01 silence cooled down amaziugly. It was only when excited that the speech of the senor was so idiomatic; and he was a man of too much strength to how! around long with- out doing anything. Besides he knew who Blockey was oy sight and reputation, With an effort he curbed his anger, and putting away his knife, bowed quite politely, as though just seeing Plumb Center Pete. ; ‘* Pardon, senor, well might your mistake be made, as astranger I am to you though I bave seen you before, TI forgot myself, that is all. Some one attacks me from behind, when [ have no chance to resist and the first thing I know I find myself here.” He waved his hand around, and then pointed downward to the ground on which he was sane ‘ “Reckon Pll have to believe you; but when saw you coming feet first, out through ther winder, banged ef I didn’t think it war a case OV man with ther poker. Who was he? What had you been doing?’ see him ‘Pears ter me yer orter hey more sense than |- you needn’t a Altogether there came a very deadly coolness over Manuel Pereira, which Plumb Center Pete noticed, but for which he did not care a par- ticle. For reasons of bis own, though not in- tending to start it, he did not at all cure if be did have a little unpleasantness with the worthy senor: but as he was pretty well satisfied that We Wailo had had ample time to make his re- treat he was not sufficiently interested to fur- ther interfere. “ The s. nor took two or three steps toward the house. Then be turned abruptly and strode back toward Blockey. “There! see! bebold! Jt is the truth I have told you. On my neck seé you if I cannot feel the marks of this band.” It was an actual fact. There, on the back of Manuel Pereira’s neck was the imprint of a hand. The gripe that had left is there must simply bave been enormous, “It’s thar, sure enough, old man, an’ I don’t want ler git any of that chap’s finge:s in mine. Ef you’re wise, you’ll keep outen bis way till be ain’t quite so much on the rampage.” “Wise am I; but five bundred dollars will I give to know just who put such marks there. See! If you know, tell. It will be good for you. The money waits,” Pereira looked keenly at Bicckey, and un- doubtedly he had a vague suspicion that if that gentleman would speak he might be able to tell a thing or two. He might as well have talked to one of the posts of the piazza. “That's a heap o’ money, senor, when a fel- ler’s bu’sted ; but I can’t tell a lie.” That was cnough. The senor went into the house, never heeding the half-dozen that tiied to stop bim, **Queer sorter racket, that; don’t yer think so, Browne? Kinder strikes moevef he hedn’t b’en up ter somethin’ crooked we'd ‘wu’ beerd bim sbout consicerbul louder.” Hunter Browne concurred; though be was in too deep thought to more than balf get the idea, Ashesimply ncdded Blockey said noth- ing more, but strode away, entering the hotel a moment or so after the senor; but, as Pereira turned in one direction Plumb Center Pete, once inside, took avother. He wanted to see the Chinaman; firstly, to know what it wes all about; and secondly, to give him warning. We Wailo bad dropped to the gecgiaphy of the place as if by instinct. Pete wet bim bhur- rying toward the rooms of the new-comers with a trunk on bis shoulders, and stopped bim right in front of a door, ‘‘Hyer, Chinee, bein’ ez I’m yer foster-cad, (m aftera pint er two, an’ I'll give yer a warn- in’ fur nothin’. He don’t know who bounced bim, an’ I'l] never tell; but you’d better keep outen his way «z much ¢z yer kin er he may drop to yer. Now, what was it all-about, an’ who helped.yer?’ : The eyes of the Celestial expanded to their _ widest extent, and he shook bis bead. “We Wailo no sabbe.” “Don’t try ter play that on yer uncle Ezra, I axes yer fur what yer throwed ther Greaser outen ther winder. a’n’t I thar, an’ didn’t I oY SoMelican much dlunkee—jumpee out win- a mi ‘Buch obstinate innc cence was more provoking than convincing, and when We Wailo made a movement’'to take upthe trunk he bad set down Piumb Center Pete's face grew dark. And just at that crisis the door at which they were standing flew wide open, and Miss Vunde- leur making her appearance, addressed We ailo, point-blank: ’ or it was ycu that came to assistarce. Allow me to thank y6u; though, after the first shock was over, I have no doubt but that I could have held my own very well. Don’t be afraid. Mr. Blockey will not betray you, tei- ther will I. Accept this, if you please. 1am glad to be able to give it to you.” Miss Millie held out her hand; and the China- oe without a word, ex d bis, pccketing he five dollar gold piece with such rapidity that Pete scarcely saw the coin as it passed between the two. Then he suddenly swung the trunk into the room, and without waiting for any fur- ther orders skipped away. “Guess, miss, ther heathen are right. "Twould- n’t be healthy fur him ter go blowin’ ‘round what he’d done. Might git bis cbunk put out afore he knew what war goin’ on. Ef yer really are thankful, ther less yer say "bout him ther better. Manuel Pereira are a real bad man.” ‘Pereira? Ab, that was the name of the map I found in my room when [ came back from supper? He sprung at me and I was so fright- ened that I ran into Mr. Allbright’s room. Then I heard a little noise. and only guess the rest.” “That’s enough. ‘You bave it down fine, an’ ; no eo phe rege se ene ef anything bappens, 6 yours tru e round, Tm my ow nian yt an’ ef yer needa friend that kin see inter a grindstone er shoot plumb-center you'll find me in town.” “Thanks, thanks; but 1 hope I will not need rou.” “Dunno *bout that. Reckon female angele don’t iim all ther way ter Bunoo fur notbin’, : : 4
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* small. er: 2 6 ee se, >» - A Sport in Spectacles. ae eS ‘Yer wouldn’t like ter tell what’s on board? Mebbse two hands are better than one ter build frum.” The girl looked sharply at the speaker. The two had been on easy terms since almost the first moment of meeting; but this was some- thing else. After a monmient’s hesitation she spoke. ‘No, sir—I will not—I cannot—now. Yet I do not expect to blind your eyes to the fact that I have a mission and asecret, I must know the truth first, After that I may also have some- thing to avenge. ButI cannot tell you more, and I beg of you neither to ask me nor to men- tion what I bave said.” *“ Allright, I ain't ther talkin’ kind. Ef yer needs me Call ’round, an’ don’t furgit ter keep an eye on P reira. He's a condemned snake, anyhow, an’ be’jl bate ye like p’isen arter this, So long.” Miss Vandeleur nodded and then looked after the retreating form in a questioning way. Per- haps she would have been delighted, if sbe had dared, to give him something more tangible, but she returned slowly to her room, thinking. ‘‘No, no. You bave the good will, perhaps, but I dare not risk you,since it may well be that you are one of those whose interests lay counter to mine. Your friends are more than likely to be my enemies, and to trust you would be mad- ness. And yet, if things were different, it might well be to my interest to have him with- in call, if he is such a man as he represents him- self to be. I wish I could see him tested. I wish [ could trust others more thoroughly, and that I was not working soin the dark. I must get more light for myself.” The girl was evidently in a thougktful mood; and hesitating as to her proper courso. ‘“‘T must make no mistake. He miay be the most arrant coward alive. The other man snever hesitated when the road-agents were around. I feelas though I could trust him. It is certain that I must get a view from anotber stand-point, so that I can know whether I om being truly dealt with. As for Blockey—he talks too much, and he is too willing. Il even half-suspect be knows something of the mission, If so, appearances have been wonderfully kept up. I will see.” : CHAPTER VI. THE PROFESSOR STRIKES TROUBLE, Tue Jefferson House was not by any means destitute of the ordinary conveniences of a mining-town hotel. Looking around her little seven-by-nine room Miss Millie discovered a bell-repe, and as she had some questions to ask in regard to the town and its inhabitants she gave a tug at the tassel, hoping to gain infor- anation from whoever answered the summons. Sbe was not aware of the fact that on the / ~ average one might ring loud and often without attracting Mes! much attention. As she was an exceptionally favored boarder, however, some one did answer the call. Pretty soon there was a soft scurrying of feet in the hall outside, the door flew open with a bang, and We Wailo a into the room, with a smile a yard long on his face, “Bell lingee; We Wailoallee loundes, What for ’Melican glil lingee?” Millie looked thoughtfully at the Chinaman, She was in search of e true koight, but evi- dently We Wailo would not entirely fill the bill, though be had given evidence of being something beyond the average Celestial. She had not forgotten the affair with the road-agents; and, besides, a man who could so me find a place in Bunco, and so een! y spose of such a dangerous character as Senor Pereira appeared to be, was certainly a man of resource and nerve even if bis muscle was Nevertheless, though he nights be able to take care of himself, the prejudice against 2 race was likely to such that it would be unprofitable to attempt to bring him pecu- ; Marly into her service. ' ith all this in mind Miss Vandeleur_decided on a few questions. . 5 nneeing loth We Wailo listened and kept up is end. ‘*] did not think I would be apt to see much of you after we had reached our journey’s end, but it seems that we are fated to be under the e roof. w did you manage to get a foot- Ing here so soon? I suppose you understand?” We Wailo sabbe eblee timee. Him ketchee light onee. Much likee ’Melican manee’s cat; on him feet eblee timee. Jeffelson wantee good manee; We Wailo lightee in town.” . “The facts speak for themselves, though I would not utherwise have believed it ible, I begin to think, too, that we are more indebted to you than I first understood in the matter of the road-agents. It does seem as though you and that man with the whip were the only per- sons possessed of true courage. Were you not afraid to run the risks of such odds? Even that self-styled desperado, Plumb Center Peta was. a RL Wail not. saree aay ting pad a oo m big ons ee, top-side g’low, eblee - timee, thie tater e _ From some hidden receptacle in his raiment . ae even lighter than We Wailo suddenly produced a brace of revol- vers, which he flourished around in a very loose and unorthodox fashign, the muzzles covering in succession the door, the window, and finally Miss Vandeleur herself. ; That young lady did not.seem as nervous as might have been expected. She simply waved ber hand, with a gesture that might indicate satisfaction or anything else, “ That will do: L have no doubt but that you can use your weapons well enough on a proper occasion but-there is no use for them now. bit them up and listen, From some things I bh. : seen I believe that you are disposed to be a) friend. “Hai-yah! We Wailo fi’end whattim he can. Lookee out numpa one come topside. *Melican glil next, Dat ae plopla pidgin. Yes, that is all right. Look out for number one first; and after tbat, my ioterests come next. I believe you are willing to aid me, and I may call on you. aud I will pay you well for whatever favors I may ask.” ‘‘We Wailo no takee wun piecee tin canda- roon, Him habnip te kashe, much plenty g’low. Him flin, ’way uppee.” And to show his earnestness the Chinaman drew from a pocket a bandful of cvin, gold and silver, and held them out, ‘‘Thank you, I believe you without that; but I would prefer to pay you, nevertheless, when I put your Sais tage to this test, as I think of doing even now, You remember the man with the whip, do you not?” We Wailo’s smile faded into a look of grave attention, as he nodded and stood in a listening attitude, : ‘Do you think you could find him and bring him where I could have a few moments’ conver- sation with bim?’ ay You betee, Bling him this side bellee quick. ail’ “Do so then—say in an hour from now, I would have a little quiet conversation with him, observed by no one. Suppose you tell bim that I will be watching for him, and if he passes along the street I will give him a hint of where we may have our conference unobserved.” We Wailo snapped bis fingers, nodded, and left the room witha hop, step and jump. He asked no further questions, and st out on his errand as though the affairs of George Wash- ington Jefferson and bis hotel, were a very sec- ondary matter. As be had prudently learncd in advance of bis arrival the names of the dif- ferent proprietors who would furnish second- class accommodations, his quest for Tenderfoot Tom was not so likely to prove vain. As he had the names he only had to look for locations, and Bunco was not so large that he would have much trouble, In about fifteen minutes he came hopping back, and after a prudent rap stuck his head in at Miss Millie’s door. ‘We Wailo finishee first chop. ; wood man, glil hab pidgin inside he mouth, him ko-hom, (rasswood man say man-man heapee hungley, ko-hom by’mby, soon, Allee lightee. We Wailo be loundee ch’boy! Hiyah’.” With the parting and meaningless interjec- Yous the Chinaman took timself off, and Miss andeleur waited some little time, now and then glancing uneasily out of the windows. It was growing darker than she had ex and the hour was somewhat late for a promenade through Bunco,_. Her nerve did not failher. Something like half an hour later she slipped noiselessly out without stopping to inform Mr. Allbright of where she was going. As her door closed behind her a man leaned from the window of the next little ance of a room, and whispered to another man, who was lounging below: ‘Eyes open, pard, she’s a-comin’. Do yer ugly best ter keep on her trail, fur I tell yer she Tellee grass- ted onely Eh? | the man gave an anxious glance toward the fur- ther end, To his suprise the girl bad already vanished. He had wished to time his exit so as tobe able to catch a glimpse of her in the distance; but she bad been quicker or he slower than he supposed. A low growl of disgust came from bis throat; but be hastily closed his door and started in pursuit, As she was out of sight no particular caution was now needed, and he dashed along the hall at so rupid a rate that he did not notice the sud- den appearance of a shadow in the diginess tn- til he came in sudden and violent collision with a man who bad emerged from one of the rooms along the hall. Kale Carter was decidedly the heaviest weight, and of course the other man went down; but somehow in the going his feet flew out and his legs became entangled with those of Carter, so that the two fell headlong. ‘Good gracious, ah!” exclaimed the under man, in a tone that was very suggestive of his having been sat down on. “ Where, oh, where are you going?” “Pm goin’ fur your necktie,”growled the otber, as he sprung up, and swung one foot back, with the evidert desire of kicking the life out of the unknown man who had caused his downfall. The kick was given, and was followed by a howl—from the giver, as his toes struck the wall. To his disgusted surprise the intended recipient had been a shade the quickest, and scrambling out of the way had darted into his own room and slammed the door shut behind him with an energy that showed that he believed his life to be in serious danger. Kale Carter’s hand went down to his hip and he hesitated a moment, while alook of wrath convulsed his features. There was no better way in the world to drive him wild than to slip out unburt after such’a ridiculous imbroglio, If he had not bad an ur- gent call in the other direction, he would pro- bably bave forgotten prudence and gone to get even. As it was, he only hesitated for a moment, A sbot through the door would be unsatisfactory, besides bringing a crowd around him, which was the last thing that be wanted, } **Never mind. You’re the bigh old sport in spectacles. I ain’t time ter bu’st ther door down now, but I'l git even with yer yit. Ef I don’t iv’ll be because yer scalp won’t pull. You git afore I kim back er I’ll skin yer alive.” The last words were flung back over his shoul- der, as be hurried away. F The time already lost was at the moment when it could be the least spared, When Kale Carter struck the street, Millie Vandeleur had been swallowed up in the darkness, and he had no idea in which direction she had gone. “Ther luck bas been coming my way, an’ ef ther bottom ain’t dropped out I reckon ther plan are ter bang straight ahead. I can’t go wrong. Et J do Billy "ll be thar on ther trail. ther trouble are [ daren’t b’l’eve him on oath. I ought to have been around so that he couldn’t ring in a bouncer on me. Ab!” Osan As be hurried along, Carter had been com- muning with himself at length, but somewhat after the foregoing fashion. Now. he stopped suddenly. Billy Gray was in front of him, Fie valane BN with both a coe against his face, e he was struggli Me repress the groan that was ate etry toe out. a Some men might have hesitated over the identity of the person thus found; but Kale Car- ter was not for an instant ata loss. He strode forward and his fingers sunk deeply into the. shoulder of Gray as he caught him, and shook him like a terrier worrying a rat. “« What in the fiend’s name are this, Bill Gray? means bizzness, sure. lll be down behind her | Have yer let’em skip, er did they put up som r $ is it? Speak quick. Which ef she don’t gimme ther slip.” game on yer? Wha _ Tbere bad been an unsuspected listener to the | way did they go?” conversation, and Miss Vandeleur was already a marked young woman. “Hanged ef I know,” answered the other in a lower tone, “Et yer kin show me Pll give e The eavesdropper was cautious enough about | yer a sight fur yer money, ®n’ turn upa being seen. It was certain that if bis presence was noticed any further information could not be gained in the same way. It was not Pereira, however. . This man would make two of the senor; and he was American a birth beyond a doubt, He wasa tall, well-built man, with a keen gray eye, who had been an inmate of the Jefferson House for a week or more, and was known by the name of Kale Carter, Who he really was and where he came from were questions that bard] troubled the people of Bunco, since he had Ang so far, troubled them very seriously; but they had their suspicions, . A man of keen locks, who appeared to have no especial interest in the regular business of the place was more than likely to be a gambler, and might be awaitin a favorable opportunity to set up for a chief. If he should turn out to bea real bad man no one would be very much surprised. Kale Carter came out into the hall with a at of ie Vandeleur, bere was a miserable little lamp burning in the now darkened and deserted corridor and tenderfoot fur stakes, Curse ’em, ther flat with ther whip, muster smelled a mouse fur he brung ther lash got oe sight, an’ then him an’ ther gal skipped! Kin yer hear’em? It’s on’y a minnit ago, an’ they can’t be fur.” : ‘‘ Hear them, no; but they kin hear you. You kin bet they’ll lay low. The game’s: BOW, an’ we may as well go back before they find out who weare, But I would have given a slug to es what she'll say to that long-legged ga- oot.” if “Git yer slug ready, then; fur Ill tell yer when I back. 1’m hard ter beat. An’ I’ve got it in fur that tenderfoot; and when yer see him lyin’ around in ther mornin’ with bis throat cut wide-open don’t yer say & word. Billy Gray’s bin thar.” “ Kill him if you want to, but hands off the irl, We'll take a try to find ’’em. You go bat way, an’ l’ll go this, an’ keep yer ears open. ype rsation | d th e low-voiced conversation cet and the two men left the spot, going in different direc- tions, bim, | q
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wan ” ——— — — — — ————————————— CHAPTER VII. ‘MISS VANDELEUR'S CONFIDENTIAL AGENT. ‘Bruty Gray hardly cared to explain to his ‘partner the precise nature of the way in which te had been taken in. Miss Vandeleur had left the Jefferson House some little distance behind ‘her before she became aware of the fact that ‘she was followed. In his eagerness Gray had «crowded up too close, and when she halted he came so suddenly upon her that she gave a little ‘scream of alarm, He was surprised himself, and answered with a rough growl, % Then tbe whip fell, sharp as a knife-stroke; ‘and Miss Vandeleur vanished, Tom Bowers showed that he was not by any means an idiot, whether be was or was nota tenderfoot. He caught the younglady by the arm—though sbe already recognized him—and drew her away, without a word. The two walked rapidly, making a turn or so, and by the time that Kalo Carter had learned that his game had, for the present, es- ecaped him, they were well away. ** Pollered yer, did he? Blast him, I'll bet rocks I marked his ugly mug. I ain’t much on ther shoot, an’ I don’t keer fur a row, but I kin just swing a whip nasty. Now, miss, beggin’ yer ardon, I’m-in town; what’s ther round up? ‘That Chinaman’s pigin-English ain’t none of the plainest, an’ 1 don’t know whether I sized up ther rights ov it er not. Ez nigh ez I could make out, you want ter talk at mea leetle, an’ ’'m ‘willin’. Drive on.” - ‘Thank you for the permission. I suppo e he ’ told you that I wanted: or might want to secure your services.” ; “Thats what got me. I ain’t the sort- er man you'd be wantin’. I kin sling a whip an’ drive mules, that’s bout all. Ireckon you ain’t goin’ inter stock very heavy; an’ ef yer war I couldn’t do yer no good in ther long run. I’ve got er boss on ther way ez |’m jest a-waitin’ -on—Kunnel Jobnson. Mebbe you’ve beerd on him?” - ‘*T am sorry to say I have not.” ‘*He’s a good man, he is; one to tie to every He sent me word ter try Walnut Bur an’ then lie ’round Bunco ’bout this time, an’ he’d “be thar. He’s sorter dependin’ on me, don’t yer see, an’ | wouldn’t go back on him fur no smoney.” ‘But meantime you would heve no objec- tions to enter my service if 1 paid well enough? Perhaps you might find it to your interest, ‘even, to furnish your friend, the colonel, with a substitute if he came before my object in visit- ding this place was obtained.” iss Millie’s smile was entirely thrown away in the darkness, but something of its sweetness was in her voice, and Tom Bowers would have ori more than an ordinary man if he bad not felt iv. He hesitated a little, however. os ip yer see, it wouldn’t look well fur me ‘to be crackin’ my whip fur anotber par when ther kunnel kim in. He’d think I'd throwed ‘him off, sure, An’ I'd hate ther dangedest ter chev ter quit a job jest when I war a-wboopin’ *em inter ther pen. No. I’m afeered it won't work. What yer want me ter do?” There was a quick change in his voice that indicated a sudden wavering in his purpose. Miss Vandeleur marked it, but at that minute ‘ad ber own nye one she answered slowly: “Toere is a good deal of truth in what you say. A person who goes in with me must stay with me clear totheend. And yet I had hoped for—even counted on—your assistance,” “T ain't much of a man, miss, beggin’ yer pardon; an’ I’m afeared I wouldn’t do yer much good, onless it war on mules,” 1 ‘‘ How about two-legged mules?” — “T ain’t a-sayin’, them ain’t in my line. ‘Ther kunnel allers manages t . I ain't a sshuter. When there’s a ructiod I gets in what work I kin with ther pare ben then gits under ‘ther table. There’s heaps better men than me. Why, bless yer soul, ther fellers call me ther Fiat from Walnut Bar a’ready. I heared ’em while my back war turned, an’ [ s’ they’d jest ez soon do it afore my face. I don’t want ter take hold onless yer sure I kin fill taer bill. ‘What kinder two-legged mules yer mean? Ef ‘yer confides in me you kin bet I'll never tell.” “T believe in you that much, though | hardl ‘delieve the first part of what you have said. - You were pointed out, by one who ought to know, asa man with a record; and your courage since then—first, in the stage, and second, in the -quick, resolute way you dealt with that villain, leads me to suspect that you either are not doing .yourself jastice, or have sume reason for con- -cealing your identity. Felice test “Now, in plain words, what I want is this— and mind you, I am willing to take you entirely ata venture. Perhaps you have come to Bunco with a parpose--# certainly have. It is not very probable that ourinterests will clash. To- night, for instance. I came out alone and ap- parently unprotected. [ expect to do so again, and more than once. For one thing, I want to have bg around to see tliat no barm comes to uae. Whip, fists or pistols—I am uot particular how you dispose of the enemies who may arise aim my path.’ mole caties aed Egon’ a ae ee ee Meee - interruption. A Sport in Spectacles. -“ Ef 1 war goin’ ter stay in Bunco, that would be jest my name. I am sure I’d try ter be ‘round every time. ‘* But I want ter hev a good send*off. Gimme ther drop on ’em, an’ I kin bring ’em right u to ther rack; when they git ther drop on me, sing—ob, lordy, sosmall. What else?” ‘You can make researches that I cannot. I have even an idea that you are particularly fitted for the part of adetective. I will confide in you even more than I had at first intended todo, Nearly twenty years ago there was a tragedy of some kind enacted near Bunco, It was a long time back, but 1 must know its true history.” . ‘“‘Twenty year are consider’ble bigness ov time, an’ it ain’t bard ter furgit a heap in that long. Fact are, miss, 1 wouldn’t take a story on George Washiugton’s oath twenty year after it bappened!” < ‘‘] know that it is discouraging, but I bave taken an oath myself, and it is one that I shall keep at all hszards. There were half a dozen men concerned in the affair, as I now believe, though some may have been innocent and some guilty, some on one side and some on the other.” ‘Gimme the names, then; an’ ther p’ints. Pll do what I kin.” “There was an Edmund Farrell, that was killed; anda Hunter Browne that profited by his death. There was a Huldah Waring, sister to the dead man, and two children of Farrell. There was a detective who bunted him to bis death, and a lawyer named Bradley, who drew bis will. Between them all, they know the truth, and I must learn it. And I must know what has become of Edmund Farrell’s fortune, and the children that were to inherit it.” ‘s “5 A purty good job fur ther Flat from Walnut ar : The man Jaughed low, as though the idea of turning him into a detective was amusing, but not altogether unpleasant, “ve bin wantin’ ter see ef I ain’t good fur somethin’ besides mules, an’ here’s ther chance. Count mein. Now, I should jedge it’s time ter be gittin’ back towards ther Jefferson House. I ‘don’t s‘pose yer left word at ther cffice thet yer were goin’ out, an’ ef yer are missed, there'll be a lively ole racket. One thing more, though. I'll keep my ears open fer them ez you named; but it’pears ter me ef you kin pump George Jefferson, you kin git ez much satisfaction to ther square inch outen bim, ez-outen ther rest ov ther town put tergether. Heé’s bin byar since ther first rush.” “Thank you for the suggestion; itis a good one, and I will follow it out.” “Don’t rush matters. Mebbe he’s one o’ them kind ez talks when nobody wants ter lis- ten, an’ when they does is dumb ez a clam.” “Right again. Ob, I was not mistaken, I see, when I came to you for aid. I have much I might say but this is not the time or the lace. Come, walk with me as far as the hotel. really care not who meets me now.” ‘* Mebbe you don’t, but I can’t say I’ve any use fur the feller I stroked with this ole mule- compeller. If.I didn’t cut his eyes out it wouldn’t be wonderful ef he war layin’ fur me. Ef so, an’ it’s all ther same ter you, I guess I'll: retire on sight,” _ “Do.as you choose; I have confidence in your courage and skill, When I want to see you again I will send the Chinaman for you. When he says come, do not hesitate.” After all, the interview had been rather a tame one; but Miss Millio had had an access of caution after setting out; and she bad eames said enough to throw Tom Bowers into a hig state of excitement, Now, as they had got off pretty well toward the edge of town, they turned about and began to make their way straight toward the Jeffer- son House. They saw nothing of the two spies, and came almost within stone-throw of the hotel without Then Bowers begen to sniff suspiciously. ‘’Pears ter me ef I’m goin’ inter this hyer thing ther less you an’ me is seen tergether ther better chance ther be all ’round; this hyer’s fur enough. 1’ll stand an’ watch, an’ ef ary thing turns up in course I'll come gallopin’ up, an that’s "bout ther best we kin do, Ez fur ther collater’| you was talkin’ oy, thinkin’ it over maybe it ’u’d-be kinder better ef you’d make a small deposit, jest ez an encouragement, you kno,” | : Miss Vandeleur was not at all surprised. She had not much believed in bis protestations of disinterestedness, though the change of base was a little more sudden than sbe bad looked for. Without hesitation she held out her band, with a gold coin between her fingers. **Don’t misunderstand me. I have vo money to throw away, and I do not expect to pay more than your services may be wortb. Here is what I think I ean afford as a pledge of my intentions; after this you will get what you earn, perbaps a little nfore. You can go back now as soon as you free Podge: pore. already f me Qn_a trail that I want to follow up my- wf ? self, and I leave it to your own judgment | in what direction you are to work. -night!” ever, and Bowers stared after her as if puzzled, until he had seen ber run nimbly up the steps of the hotel. % Then he wheeled. As be did so a powerful hand dropped on bis shoulder, seizing it with a gripe of iron, while in front of him another man Tose up and dashed straight at bis throat. ‘* Ho, ho, Mister Man! we hey you anyhow an’ it’ be dog-goned curious ef we don’t git right down ter bed-rock now! Bunco’s a durned sickly place fur a sneakin’ spy ov a detective ter put up in, an’ you’jl wish you'd ’a’ farmed out ther job ter some one else aforé yer gits through with it. I'll git even fur that lick, too, afore ye’r’ many hours older. Jest lift yer feet How, an’ kim right erlong!” The speaker was Billy Gray; and from the way he tightened his bold on Tenderfoot Tom’s throat, it was evident that the very feel of the flesh did bis soul good, The Flat from Walput Bar was taken so whol- ly by surprise that he was completely in the toils before be bad-.a chance ‘to begin re- sistance. The gripe on his throat grew tighter, and the man at his back transferred bis grasp from shoulder to elbows, growling out in an under- tone: “Dry up, Billy; you talk too much with yer moutl.! As fur you, if you make a sound I'll lift ther whole top of yer brain-pan—you under- stand? Come along with us; we bave a leetle matter of business ter talk over, and bere aid’t the place to do it. Let up on him, Billy; you choke too hard. If you shut off his wind, ther next thing we know he won’t know notbin’.” Even when Gray loosened his gripe, Tom Bowers could do nothing; and to tell the truth, he did not seem very anxious to make any effort, The suddenness of the attack had unmanned him, and its violence almost rendered him speechless. He just dropped into his captors’ arms, and allowed them to prope) bim forward at their own sweet will. What fate was in store for bim he did not ask, but he ratber thought he was going likea lamb to the slaughter, and had about as much volition as a thoroughly drunken man has goin down asteep hill, The man behind him pushe him forward, and Billy Gray, who had pro- Seren and cocked a revolver, trotted at his side. But as he went along be was made conscious of a sudden diversion in his favor. There wasa snap bebind him, something less than the report of a pistol, and the two hands loosened from his elbows, as their owner fell against him witha force that almost knocked him from his feet. ** Run!” shouted some one in his rear, as Billy Gray went to grass from a second blow that followed only an instant after the first. Then some one caught him again by the elbows, whirling bim around and propelling him back toward the heart of the town. This time the grasp was a friendly one; and without stopping to learn from whom it came be took the advice, and got over the grow with long strides that rapidly bore him away from the spot. The grasp on his arms remained there, how- is unseen friend followed with a bent that made him seem part of the same macbi : A few moments later, Tenderfoot Tom halted under the glare of a huge red lantern. At the same time the hands dropped away from his arms, while he heard a voice that was not alto- gether unknown to bim, 2 “We Wailo allee loundee, , eigacd topside low eblee timee, first chop etlikee allee samee ican man.” The Chinaman was very much around, and Food ‘wid laugbing, while Bowers panted for rea CHAPTER VIII. DUTCH COURAGE. AFTER some minutes, Kale Carter recovered his senses sufficiently to scrdmble to bis feet. Though bis head was by no means clear, he could understand without any questions what bad bappened to him. Some one had applied a bard fist to the back of his head with such force that it seemed to him the bones must be cracked, Witb one band he rubbed bis eyes: with the other he tan out a revolver, cocking it as it came, - lt was op a level with a dark form in front of him and it wasonly a cbance that he had not pulled the trigger before be discovered that the oe figure belonged to the disconsolate {Billy ray. ; “« Fire and furies!” he groaned out, “Who did it? Curse you, can’t you speak? Which way did they go?” “Dinno, They’ve fired an’ fell back, I sh’d jedge it war a man witb a sledge-hammer; an’ be meant ter drive us inter keep. y- ways, they’re both gone.” eh, 5 “Both? There were a dozen of em. Cusses on ’em, I feel as though I’d been trampled to death with wild mules. Why didn’t you shoot? If Id bad a cocked pistol out it seems to me I'd
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4 had not open doors various 8 have had a corpse er two to show for the frolic.” ; ‘* Mebbe so; but I didn’t see nothin’ ter shute at. LIveeckon they must ’a’ come outen a b’loon. No use ter cuss me. You bad yer claws on him; what yer Jet go fur? Bet yer sweet life yer can’t take bim in that way ag’in. It wara slick job, sp’iled in ther finishin’-touches, an’ we may ¢z well bunch ther kierds now.” “Bunch be banged!” growled the other, and he had in a great measure changed the tone of his voice, “Tl have bis scalp on my belt afore mid- night, J'll show bim a thing er two—” “A durned pity it would be thet be couldn’t gee it, when you got through. But ef yer lay fur htm ter-night bow much will yer know about him ter-morrer? Td’a’ bin willin’ ter send him right vp ther flume wben we tackled him ef yer hadn’t sed, lay low till we kin git some p’ints.” * That’s so,” answered Carter, more calmly. “We know ther size of bis lay-out, an’ next time we won't do arly foet’s work, Kill him on sight ef we git tuer chance, an’ skeer ther facts outen ther girl. I feel it in my bones they’re settin’ up a double game. I half-b’lieve Trouble bez sold us ont. I got word, straight as a die, that Johnny Ssort wer’ down this way. Trouble ain’t ther man ter make a divvy on a bundred thousand ef be kin gic out. Ther pile’s too big. I wouldn’t wonder ef he war sellin’ gal, gray- beard an’ ther gang, an’ I know ther gal’s tryin’ ter sell him. S'posin’ ther flat were Jolinny Short, after all, Ey?’ “Now ye’r’ shoutin.’ Anyway, he’s some- wheres in Banco, an’ I ax vrothin’ better thap to find bim afore mornin’. Ef it’s a straight killin’ match it won't be bard ter pick arow, aun’ I'm byer ter take ther job, I tell yer. I want ter git even fur that whip work, an’ I’m goin’ ter do it. Men per angels can’t stop me.ag’in, an’ you needn't try, Kale Carter.” ‘Don’t be alarmed. I’ve been there once. Shoot bim on sight, if you choose, but look out fer yer own precious neck, I can’t efford ter lose a man like you. Tve got something to get even fer, too; and I tell you, when Bunco sees how I do it, taey’ll just all howl, You hear me?’ ; There was no trouble about hearing him, eitber. The two men were in deadly earnest this time, and Tenderfoot Tom bad two enemies on his trail who meant murder from the word go. Meantime, while Tom Bowers was recovering his wind, We Wailo had quietly slipped away, ‘When the Flat from Walnut Bar looked around bim he discovered that.he was alone. “So ther Chinaman war around ag’in?’ be Observed to himself. ‘* Wouldn’t ’a’ thunk it ov no leetle heathen like him ter bit so straight frum ther shoulder, but they do say ther’s some orful sluggers among’em, av’ Ill b’lieve it after this. Now, whar am I; an’ what’s ther next racket in ther bunch?” _ ' The red light above-his head wos a sign manual of what was bebind it, and the Flat from Walnut Bar considered a moment, aod then ’ went in. There was such an air of Sabbath: stillness about the place that be was of the opinion if must be a safe resort, If his com- pany was pot wanted they could fire bim out— catastrophe that bad occurred to bim more than once a atore in such establishments, As he pushed open the door he saw that he en mistaken in the character of the establishment, ~ ‘The b Iding. was a stylish One, with a large main room, from which several smaller ones were reached by side doors, At one end there was a bar; through the parties could be seen, en- gaged in games of cards. ong the front of e bar a party of half a dozen was ranged, sampling the liquid lightning papectelly aeilicd a for the patrons of Hazard Hi verythin was quiet and orderly, and just at that momen there was no one but himself going io or out. Tenderfoot Tom bad learned a thing or two, and when he ambled up to the bar he cast an insinuating look at those already standing there. Sine?’ be said briefly, with a wave of his band toward the array of bottles bebind the i. ‘*Our name, stranger,” answered the nearest of the half-dozen. “Set ’em up, then, barkeep’. means I’m ez lib’ral ez they make ’em, when I striko or new town, When I seen ther light I mor thar mou’t be fua inside an’ drifted in. at’s all right, ain’t it?” ~ “Ef it ain’t we’re ther boyees ter make it right; ain’t we Jimmy?’ The appeal to the bartender was followed by a laugh and a nod. * E¢ L didn’t say yes you'd mop the floor up with me, eh? Oh, well, ez long ez ther stranger behaves hisself he’s éz welcome byar ez any- whar else, Take yer p’ison an’ give some one a chance.” me was set out, and Tom Bowers and his newly-found friends imbibed and fell back, just as the door opened to admit a still later A party came in, laughing and talking. ~ expec! ter see things bu’st. Accordin’ ter | that rooster wilt down. A Sport in —— the lead was Hunter Browne and Senor Pereira; while between them, coming quite reluctantly if looks went for anything, was Professor Elder- berry. Behind this trio was Plumb Center Pete, and bevdrs) of the regular loungers about the Jefferson House. They did not approach the bar; but went through one of tue side doors, into a room where most of the work done in Hazard Hull was got in. “Did yer see them gerloots?” asked Big Frank, the leading spirit of the half dozen with whom Bowers had been drinking. , “They’ve got avictim in’ tow an’ what he bas in bis pockets when he leaves this byer s’loon wouldn’t open a sweat cloth game at five cents a throw. It’s a dog-gone shame.” One of the otbers made a low bissing sound | with his lips, and jerked bis thumb, in a covert sort cf way toward Tom Bowers. ‘Oh, we’re all gentlemen hyer an’ I don’t reckon he’s goin’ ter be skeered at what 1 say. Kim along, an’ we'll see what sorter game they set up. Cuss ’em, we may wring in yet afore everythin’ ’s played out,” Big Frank led the way into the room, already in the tenavcy of Hunter Browne and bis friends, es well as others, The bartender Jooked uneasily in this direc- tion, but said nothing to them, The gambling- rooms were outof bis direct jurisdiction, any- how, and from what has already been seen it 1s doubtless evident that he had no desire fora row. He had not heard the conversation since the gang stood a little apart, and talked in low tones, that did not reach bis ears with any plainness; but he had his suspicions, In their anxiety to see what Hunter Browne and party were up to Big Frank and his men overlooked the fact that Tom Bowers dropped back; and when they bad preceded bim, he turned and went tothe bar... “Nother like the last.” he said, without raising bis voice more than was necessary, **An’ez ther room’s purty nigh ter empty an’ them ez are hyer are strangers, s’pose ver jine me yerself.” ‘ The barkeeper nodded, set out the glasses in an. abstracted sort of way, ard made a sem- blance of drinking; but all the time bis eyes were toward the still open door, : , “Purty friendly sort ov fellers,” said’ Bowers, Indicating the set by a motion of his thumb. ‘““Se1m ter hev ther eenterest_ov every critter’s wellfare under their wests. What sort be'that Big Frank, anyhow?” * Young man,” answered Jimmy, solemnly, ‘ef yer kuOws when ye’re weil cff ‘ye’ll leave Big Frank alone. He's a cbief, be is: an’ ef he rakes ther notion ter begin ter shoot he won’t keer er Continental ef ye'r’ standin’ right in ther way. I'd give a dollar, right now, ef he war somewheres else. He an’ bis gang looks purty much ez ef they’re ready fur ther ramp- age, an’ ef they starton ther war-path yer kin If I war you Vd jest slip right out an’ git whar ke canb't find yer fur I tell yer, he’s marked yer fur bis game.” ‘* He’s a bad man, is be?’ asked Bowers, with enlarged interest. ater “Bad! that ain’t no name for it. ~He’s jest Satan on wheels, An’ he’s a boss—there’s no use tryin’ ter go back on that, Hekindraw an’ plug quicker, shoot furder and plomter center than the man w’ot invented sixes. He’s got it in him fur Mr. Browne, I’m afeard, an’ I only wish I could tip bim the wink.” -“What’s ter hinder?’ asked the Flat from Walnut Bar, witb innocent surprise. ©. “Ef yer ain’t no one ter leave in‘yer place I'll tend bar till you kim back.” “You be gosh blamed. Big Frank’s ter hinder. If he seén me doin’ a thing of the kiod he’d objet mighty bard, An’ when he objects somethin’ drops.” On, I guess he ain’t that bad, Ul tell bim ef ye'll pint out ther one yer call Hunter Browne,” “You dry up, won’t you? Ef ye’r’ a nat’ral born fool try an’ not show it. Ef Frank would go fur me be’d jest slaughter you. Why, when he winks in this camp, every man thet sees it jest hes ter blow his nose.” ‘Ob, git out! Yer think Pm going ter stand by an’see a man murdered ’thout giving ’im warnin’, Jest watch me an’ see how a man kin git ’roundit. I ain’t afeard, I tell yer. I jest wish Kunnel Johnson war hyer, He’d make ‘An’ ef they tetch me they'll hey the kunnel in the’r wool, so they will; an’ ef they say anything ter me that’s jest what I'll tell’em, So long. Pmsgoin’ fur ther tiger.” g The bad whisky was probably beginning to work, for with a parting wave of bis hand, the flat from Walnut Bar staggered away toward the card-room, CHAPTER IX. hea HARVARD TEACHES ABOUT EUCHER. 5 te found that the room in o which he passed was not near as large as the har-room, and that it was quite wall filled. Quiet as everything had beeg there was somewhere in player there e neighborhood of twenty plavers, at a num- In fe behing y vs pl er of tables, and was a friend or two, who was looking over his sheulder and giving hirits as to the safest plan. Hunter Browne and bis set bad already got. to work. i] From appearanc’s ap expert would bave been apt to judge thateither Browne had been warned! or something had arisen to excite his.suspicions, He sat in one corner of the room, between the table and the wall, and there was a window near, that, in case of need, would furnish an ex- celient line of retreat. Pereira sat next to bim, on the one side, and Plumb Center Pete on the other, while nearest to the crowd was Professor Biderberry, who looked as little at bome as a. hog on ice. The game had already opened, though it was not running altogether smoothly. , Not that there was any difficulty about money’ matters; for very little of that was going, and the playing “was seemingly more for amusement than for anything else. No one was going to be | very badly burt as long as it was four-handed. cuca, at fifty cents a corner. : ‘Indeed, gentlemen,” the professor said, as Hunter Browne gave a grunt of disgust at a movement of his, ‘‘ I would a good dea) sooner: look on. Why,I baven’t touched a card since I left college; and somehow the games have ehanged since then. They don’t play them now as they did there; ]’ve got an assisting band, and of course I assisted; and now Mr, Browne says I ought to have kept my mouth shut till it. was my turn to cross the suit. I don’t under- stand what he means.” ‘*‘ Don’t be worried, professor,” answered Hun- ter Krowre, more amicably. ‘In those days, I suppose, when your partner assisted youcould go it alone; but wedon’t play- that way here. With a bower upif you could- n’t goalone you ought to give me a chance, or lay back for a eucher when they made it next, I guess we'll manage to make a point between us.” * The game then went on, and the parties scarcely suspected that the amiable altercation bad attracted any attention. Big Frank and his pards were taking it all in, though. ‘““What fur confounded anamile are he, any- how?” growled one of the men at Frank’s heels, **T'}] be durved ef he ain’t got a b’iled shirt on, an’ I wouldn’t put it past bim ter mount a plug hat an’ begin ter rustle ’round town fur a boss. Shoot ther cuss! It u’d do me good ter see even Hunt Browne go through bim. Tom Bowers was where he could overhear, end his good intentions were not checked much when these words fel! on, his ears. He slipped past, and before any one bad noticed bim he bad edged in behind Plumb Center Pete, so as to be near enough to Hunter Browne to speak in a low tone if he could once attract his atten- tion. Before making any efforts in that direction, he took a glance around at the hostiles, He saw that Big Frank had noted his appear-- ance then; but in addition he saw a pair.of very fierce gray eyes fixed upon him with an angry stare that was enough to make the cold chills tun up and down his back. Mr. Kale Carter had tracked him down, and-was standing there, looking at bim ina way that seemed to say he was ready to begin business very shortly. “Pwo points,” raid Hunter Browne, turning the deuce of clubs.up Over the last spot on the tray to indicate four. fy “Tf my partner hadn't been quite so fresh we'd have spelled O U-T, im big letters. But. we're in litck, so what's the difference about 4 playing. Go ahead, Pereira, nnd deal,” he gan asbuffle, while Plumb Center Pete had time: tolook around him, | The very first thing, bis glance rested on Tom. Bowers. At the sight bis eyes opened widely. “Well, 1 e durned!” he exclaimed, a grin of pleasure lighting up hisface. ‘Ef it ain’t. Tenderfoot Pommy, ther Fiat from Walnut Bar. An’ he’s live an’ kickin’! Sbake, ole man, Yer did yerself proud out thar among ther road-. agents, and I’ve been wantin’tosay so.” He beld out bis hand with such an undeniably friendly air that Bowers grasped it on “p,m “Whar did yer git to, Tommy? I looked round ther Jefferson, fur it war my treat. I put ther beathen right inter a soft place, an’ mebbe I c’u'd ’a’ wrung you in somewhar till that kunnel ov yourn gits ’round. How in crea- tion did yer git hyer, though? I tell yer don’t. — slide out now, I want ter talk atyer by-an’-by. ~ Jest now— $8.”?~ He had mechanically gatbered up his cards — glance at ae with bis left hand and give Pereira scowled—both at Bowers and h n drew the cards together and be--
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fw I ean’t keep my end up, an’ yourn are be- ginnin’ ter sitp over. Say, byer’s jest about a match fur Goggle George, an’ I’m goin’ ter give him my cheer till I see how ther keards run, We'll be settlin’ down ter draw next, an’ then it won’t be so purty ter hold all pof-keards an’ po two alike,” © Pete Blocky was ‘n the best of good-bumors, but he meant whet hesaid. Rising, he caught Bowers by the shoulders and forced bim duwn ‘into the seat just vacated. * Gents, this hyer’s Tendérfoot Tom, ther man with nerve an’ a whip, an’ ther Fiat from Walnut Bar. Don’t fool yerselves on him, though, fur be means biz all ther time, an’ kin get in trcm ther word go. Fur keards I jest opine he’s about er match fur ther perfes-or, an’ I want ter see ’em at it. Tommy, this byer’s Manuel) Pereira, ther chap what owns ther on- dervidei balf-interest, spot cash, ov Bunco; an’ this bver’s Hunter Browne, ez owns ther rest. Jawge Elderberry an’ you bev met afore,” Tenderfoot Tom smiled at large. He drop- ped bis whip from under his arm toa position across bis lap, and laid bis bony hands on the table. ‘7 ain’t ser sure ez I Wn do jastice ter ther keards like Pete, but [’m allers agreeable ter try. LIain’t broke yet, an’ ~ben 1 are I'l) jest queal an’ drop out. Ther kunnel ‘ll be ’round 600n, an’ be’ll see ez I don’t suffer.” : Then he leaned over toward Browne, and looking bim straight in the eye, added in a low whisper: 5 “Keep yer peepers peeled. Big Frank, there, an’ his gang, is a-layin’ fur yer, an’I said I’d tip yer ther wink.” r “Can't say that I ever seen you afore,” an- sswered Browne, with seeming irrelevance, and in a loud key. ar “ Aw I don’t know who vou mean by the col- onel; but strangers that do the square thing are always welcome at Busco. Now let’s bave more cards and less chin music— Elderberry, ® go abead with your deal,” Pete Blockey bad not risen with the intention of watching the game, and béat once drifted out into the other room, leaving his friends to their fate. It was likely that bis bringing in Bowers was more inthe nature of a practical > joke on Pereira, than anything else, e knew “ bis own value as a partner in a game that f ; gradually increased in interest; and that the Mexican capitalist would do anything but relish the change after the introduction he had given the new man. } Every one else was satisfied, or appeared to - be, so there was no room for complaint until it was proved bow interesting Bowers could make things. At the admonition of Browne the pro- fessor began to shuffle, and then the play went OD. ‘Pete Blockey had held no great cards, but he had at least played them for all they were wortb; ‘Tenderfoot Tom held a little more than the average bands, and couldn't bave played them worse if he bad tried. Of course no one but Bowers knew the secret of his own nervousness, e for po one else noted Kale Carter’s black look or was aware of the little controversy that ba been going on not long before at the edge of the ; town, It they bad it is likely they would have ta _ Been puzzled to kiow what was the secret of the eu; ‘delay, Kale Carter was one that looked as ed though he would bardly let bis vengeance cool; +i Pl something there evidently was to make him st { esitate. He looked more keenly than ever at ie ‘Tenderfoot Tom. ae A band dropped lightly on his shoulder, and ce Le er he found Big Frank staring at bim in a ane ‘puzzled sort of way. pats “Look hyer, a minute, pard,” said Frank : with a j-rk of the head. '‘‘Are you after any ov those galoots? Ef yer be hyer’s yer old side- spard, workin’ on ther same level,” go a CHAPTER X. vee KALE CARTER'S LITTLE GAME. At the low-voiced suggestion, Kale Carter >, -wheeled sharply. tea “ What’s that? Say that ag’in an’ say it slow.” 7 / Ee “ Slow er fast thar’s not much in it, ef yer pee ae a * don’t want ter bitch hosses an’make a team. ss 2 SS Yer look es though yer were itchin’ fer ther doors ter open, an’ I thort I wouldn’s mind Bc ~ showin’ ver a back way inter ther racket, °c il take keerful work ter crawl ucder ther can- et vas, fur thar’s a couple men thar ez are light- baa min’ on ther draw.” — pe Sor “Tm after ther feller that jist sat down, ther tee rest I don’t keer about. I'd my & hed him down ber afore this, only I don’t like ter lead a picnic in Bhi @ strange woods.” ‘ ‘“* Wi ther thunder are he? I thort I know’d ey all ther bad men thet drift ‘round thesa regions, sa but I’libe blest ef I know him. Ef he ain’ta am nat’ral born foo) yer ye t be ain’t no slouch —I'll bet he ain’t. Didn’t he jest play it off up ‘ter pavur’?’ 4 “Right you are. He’s the kind that it ain’t > ‘safe fur you an’ me ter bev ‘round.” Ob, I kin see it. I'll bet rocks he’s hard to |, What's he been a-doin’? You ought ter ow. “Never mind that. I’m after him, and him wnly. I don’t care a cuss fur ther rest. Now, ET ‘began to give bis undivided attention to the a ~ A Sport in Spectacles. what’s ther best way ter get a shy at bim with- out stirring up Judge Lyncb. I’m ’most a stranger bere, an’ I’m not sure how much Bun- co ’l] stand.” “Ef you don’t bit ther wrong man, an’ make yer bet stiff enough, there’s a good show ter bluff Bunco. They don’t keer ter mix in a game where there’s no profit. If that consarned flat war ther only man in ther case, Pd tell yer to wade right in. But there’s a couple big men | there that I’m layin’ fur myself, an’ it’s best ter go a Jeetle slow. Ef yer wants ter know my idear, though, 1 kiv give it to yer.” Kale Carter and this man bad never met be- fore, yet they fraternized at once, and Garter | was honestly in eurnest about taking advice from a kindred spirit. He nodded and whispered fiercely: ‘*Spit it out, then. Iswear, bell be balf over ther range afore you begin to talk.” ‘ Don’t be flustered, I’m layin’ fur ther other ’uns, but we may make a clean job. of it, Me and my pards byer bey been lookin’ ther n atter up, ar&tber best thing we've struck is ter sit down at ther rext teble an’ git up a leetle circus of our own, Then if you misses ther man yer plug at, an’ bits ther pidgeon sver thar—'speshuily ef you hes a clear case, es I kin make it fur you, it’s yerown fault, I’m jest that bad a- man, an’ that well-known, tbat I don’t keer what. ther game is,J kin kerry it through an’ not be a durned bit further below par. Say, now, stranger, what be yer name, an’ how much yer give me ef I set ’em up fur yer on a leetle game ov draw?” **For my name, I’ve been around bere long enough for you to know who Kule Carter is when you hear them talk about him; and as for the game, J’m willing to let you swindle me out of a hundred. After that, when you play~ an advantage I’j] kick—and kick bard. I guess we all'sabbe, and if we are going to doanytbing of the kind itis time that we begun.” Biz Frank winked shrewdly. * Allright. Ud do it fur balf that money; but you @on’t want bim yery bad er you’d offer twice rhat pile. Mebbe you ain’t well heeled, yerself. If yer ain't we'll take yer note fur any balance you’d like ter throw in.” ‘Not adime. It’s not often I pay any man fer playing my game, but I'll do it to-night for more reasons than one, if you'll quit gasing and get to work,” , ‘Work it is; an’ thar’s ther table we've bin a-waitin’ fur. Squattyvoo, afore some ‘un else slides in,” : As if to belp them the party at the very table which they were wishing to occupy rose—one or two of its members having so nearly gone burst that there was no fun in_ continuing the game. f » , ‘Hyer yer are, stranger,” said Big Frank, in a tone Joud-enough to be heard by any lis- tener. **We don’t offen take a dar’ ’round hyer, an’ me an’ my pard, are jest men enough ter play yer anything from bigh, low, Jack to draw poke, til: yer toe-nails drops off.” And regen tf touched by the bantering tone Kule Carter threw himself in the cbair that faced the Hunter Browne party, while Big Frank and two of his pards occupied the re- maining places. Then the game n While this bit of by-play was going on, the Fiat from Walnut Bar was so nearly on needles that it was a wonder the other plavers did not notice it. But when he saw Kale Car- ter and bis men with whom he had been talk- ing taking their places his game underwent a sudden and wonderful improvement. Humer Browne, perhaps, guessed at the reason; but be said nothing, and probably did not suspect the whole truth, ‘ . Bowers in fact felt that immediate danger was over. Though for a little, he kept a cau- tious watch on the persons who were not so far away but that snatches of their conversation could be beard,” yet after a time, when the fact was patent that luck was coming his way, be work at hand. ; As bad been anticipated by more than one, Pereira pr a change; and the result was that Tenderfoot Tom was holding wonderful hands, the professor was just about bolding his own, while the more experienced players were losing about as heavily as they chose to put up their monay. : At a sign from Big Frank a couple of bis fol- lowers occupied positions between the two tables in such « manuer as to keep the way cleared of every one else; and as they bad an inkling of what was to happen it was probable that they would have gumption enough to get out of the road when the time came. Big Frank understood that it would not be well to push on to the riot at once, It generally takes some drinking and considerable playing to get to the point they were waiting for. fore he bad heen playing very long he began to see that if he wanted any laurels in that game he preg have to work all be knew how to win m.. ¢ “Say, Mister Man, you haven't been setting up any drop game on yours truly? LL to thet pair like a major, and blame me, if Idon"t | half expect yer hez roped me in, an’ think ov raking up my shekels, This ain’t ther fu’st time you've thumbed Satan’s preyer-book.” ‘* Not the first. time; and I bope it will not be the last. If you’re afraid draw out while you have the time. I tell you, I'm a rustler on wheels when I get to rolling down bill,” “Til rustle yer; an’ ef yer bin a-rustlin’ me fur my siamps you’}l be so sick to-morrer an’ where’s yer heels. You heer me?” ‘lm rot deaf; and when anv oe says cards they find me bard to beat. Rv file cff those pic- tures and let the sport preceed.” ‘‘Hyer they go, then, I thert mekbe you'd bave nerve envugk tolay up a leetle blind, some one, ao’ a couple straddies on top ovit, Ll want it lively while it lasts. What ere yer all doin’?” The different players threw in their Giscards, obtained the number they wanted, end opened up mildly. When Big Frank raised fif'y dollars it looked as though se was tlufkrg, and when | Kale Carter saw it and went filty better it ; seemed as though he thcugbt so, and | ad a tol- erably good band to ask the qurstion on. Big Frenkx looked over }1s cards cnce more and ther saw the fifty and, went ten beitrr. “Tll see it,” said Carter, throwing the ten carelessly down with the other stakes. ‘It’s always worth while to find out on what kind cf | a bend estranger wants to win your money.” | “Tbree jacks,” answered Frank, inquiringly, stil] keeping bis cards in his hand, ‘*Good enough for me if ycu stow them, I’ve | got two pair.” | “There they are,” answered Big Frank, ' dropping the three bigh-heeled gentlemrn, or their picturos, rather, upon the board, at the same time drawing in the pot. As tbe others bad staid out after the first fifty-dollar bet he was alone with the stranger. ‘*Hold on there. Drop that,” said Carter sharply, half rising, and a fierce look in his eyes. “I’ve got a band that must talk for itself. Maybe it’s bigger than I thought for—jest as you've got another jack, back,” “Don’t keer a cuss what you’ve got back, er what I’ve got back. Ef yer two pair make four kings that’s your loss, ’cause yer said that three jacks would take the money ef I showed ?em,” With provoking coolness Big Frank began to stuff the money, in his pocket. “T’m not talking again. There's my two pair, and they just make four queens, Jf they don’t lay over your jacks I want ther boss of ther Louse to say sp, and, you drop that money out again while somebody that knows beans takes the matter ail iu. Drop it, you bear me? ; His voice suddenly raised from the guarded tone in which only it had been heard, and rung through the room, loud and firm.” At the same time his hand snatched hastily at his revolver, and his eyes, looking beyond Big Frank, rested in a piercing glance on Ten- derfoot Tom. It was a very pretty quarrel as it stood, for Big Frank’s bands went pistolward at the same moment, and every lounger had his eyeson that table, just in time to see the two men spring ~ their feet and their bands go up. CHAPTER XI. SOMEBODY MOPS UP THE FLOOR AT HAZARD HALL, Kae CARTER was no man’s fool, and knew weil enough what be could do with a snap shot at a dezen feet. He would have given big odds that Ste gg Tom would drop just after bis hand went up. ; And be never would have been worse fooled in his life. . The ery that he made to call the atrention of the bystanders to the nature of bis quarrel was his mistake, for it bappened that at Hunter Browne’s table a fresb deal was justin progress, and as Pereira was running off *he cards Ten- derfoot Tom was looking that Ole It may have been a premonitidfi of dan- ger; it may have been that bis nerves were just in that condition when almost anything would startle them beyond control; it may have been that he had had his suspiciong of the scheme. As Carter rose Bowers rose also, and, if anything, the quicker. His loag form swayed forward, aud then a dark, snake- like line shot forward and upward. There was a sbarp crack: the lights seemed to shoot from where they were hanging up, against the ceil- ing, and then they came down to the floor with a flaming crasb, just as there was the sound of balf a dozen nahin followed swiftly by the jingle of breaking glass, By the merest chance, as it seemed, the lamps, that bad been attached to a four-armed candelabrum, and suspended from the roof by a rope, were ex- tinguished as they fell For a few moments the room remained i, darkness, and pandemonium appeared in that Setar? Sad larder aew ardoen ae drew up ' cuously. mornin’ that yer won’t know. whar yer bead is, rie he Po eS ae
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f with a , 1 A Sport in Spectacles. ——— In the midst of it all the door leading into the Jarge room, which, in some way had been closed, flew open, letting in a stream of light: The lamps in the other room helped the mat- ter somewhat; and Charley Cole, the pro- prietor, with a powerful bull’s-eye in one hand and a navy revoiver in the other, helped if still more. The firing ceased, and every one looked =, curiously, to see what damage had been one. Several minor individuals were more or less severely pinoked, Kale Carter lay stretched mo- tionJess on the floor, his face covered with blood, Hunter Browne had a revolver aimed in perfect line for Big Frank’s heart, and bis finger on the trigger, while Pereira, Professor Elder- berry and Tenderfoot Tom were missing. ““Glory Moses!” said Plumb Center Pete, pushing past Cole, and looking keenly around. ‘* What’s all this, Browne? Looks ez though you’d throwed off on yer old side pard, an’ started ther circus jest when he wern’t ’round. Who’s been ravin’ round byer in ther dark an’ tryin’ ter take yer buildin’ down? Jest p’int him out an’ you'll see him drop.” ‘*Oh, dry up, Pete. I don’t think there’s any one much got hurt, unless‘ it’s that man on the floor; and a Philadelphia lawyer couldn’t figure it out who hit him. Not me, for I’ve got all six barrels loaded yet, and I guess the shooting is over—unless Big Frank, over there, wants his checks called in. I had an idea he'd been looking my way, but I didn’t want to shoot,till T knew it. **But whar’s Pereirer an’ ther perfessor—an’ ther Viatfrum Walnut Bar? Some on’em must *a’ got left.” ‘*T shonld judge that hole was about the size of their bigness. I heard the glass smash as some one put a chair through it, and that’s the way they skipped.” “Tommy. didn’t, fur thar be goes now,” responded Blockey, looking over his shoulder rin on his face, as Bowers, with his whip tucked under bis arm, shot out from the corner behind the door, where he had been crouching, and scudded away without a word. Mr. Bowers was evidently more scared than ‘Then Pereira and the professor went by the window, and I suppose it was the little Mexican that left his card for that gentleman with the sore head. I saw the flash just as Elderberry went through.” ** An’ w’ot war it all about?’ <9 Blockey had edged his way over to Browne’s side and their conversation was in a low, unex- cited tone, ‘ “Thav’s what I’m thinking. Tom Bowers “may be a flat, or a fool, or a tenderfoot from Walnut Bar or from ’way baek, but I tell you he ain’t a bad man to have in the house, and he ‘knows how to take care of his own royal self about as well as the next man. He tipped me the wink that those galoots were after me, and just as they wore sailing in he upset the lights with his whip and slid out of the way. It saved me the trouble of using the pill-boxes, and I sha’n’t forget bim in a hurry. But what’s that? Our friend with the bloody nose is com- ing to. Either he hadn’t any brains or Pereira didn’t blow them all out. Queer, too. : I never .gaw such luck as that—for, of course, that near, in the dark, he couldn’t have done it on pur- pose. The Mexican ain’t much of a sbot, any- way.” , tf An’ Goggle Gawge don’t shoot at all, er this court don’t know herself. Let’s see whar be war ed.” Ke e Carter was really coming to his senses, and without having received any serious barm. A ball from some one’s pisto] bad creased his head, cutting a small vein on his forehead, | bringing tbe blood that covered bis face. As Plumb Center Pete came over to look at him he gathered himself up, staggering to his fees with one hand against the wall, while the other held the revolver from which his grip had never laosened. : “Where is he?’ he mumbled thickly. “Did I bring him? Curse the hound! I'll have the soul out of him yet, if I didn’t.” Then he ares around with rapidly increas- ing strength, ’ ‘When the lights went out,” said Hunter Browne, with refreshing coldness, ‘* you shot-a little too high. You see, it takes practice to do peat work in the dark. Here’s your mark. ‘You can allow for variations better, the next time you try it on,” He. pointed up at a bullet-mark in the wall, about’on a level with the crown of ‘his head as he stood up. ; / If Browne looked for any sudden explosion to follow he was very much mistaken. With something like a snort of disgust Kale Carter turned away. “Ef ye’r’ lookin’ fur Big Frank I seen him a- oin’ out ther door a bit ago ez though he hed zzness up street. Go fur him ef yer want ter ketch him.” : ‘Plumb Center Pete’s os, ae hit the right cord, for, without a word of response, Carter staggered off, his revolver still out and cocked, ther ain? Big: Frank ie A aes : A bystander who had been in as much danger an’ he ’volver lound. Me talkee he, but hin as anybody Wut who took things so coolly that | ’m-chung he was open to a suspicion of having hada hand in the cannonading, made the remark as he gezed after the retreating figure: - ‘* An’ I think he’s solid ter make cold meat. He’s one er ther kinds ez only knows how ter argy a p’int at draw with his shooters, He’sa lightnin’ puller, be is; an’ he won’t shoot wild ag’in! I think Vl foller in ther distance an’ see ther fun.” The disappearance of Kale Carter and Big Frank, together with some of the men who were known to train in the company of the lat- ter, had its effect cn the crowd; dissolving ita great deal quicker than Charley Cole’s revolver and lantern could have done. Some were con- tent to stay and recount the history of the rumpus to new arrivals, who looked into the room first, but immediately afterward reported at the bar, ‘*T guess, as the others have jumped the game, we may as well go too,” remarked Hunter Browne. ‘ We’il see what bas‘become of Elderberry; I'll bet he made qtarter-horse time, and be couldn’t well miss the way to the Jefferson House.” “You're ther doctor,” responded Blockey, ‘an’ Tm ready ter take most any dose. It kinder tickles me about Tommy though. He can’t play fur sour apples, but somehow he come outer this game ’way ahead.” “Don’t worry yourself about Tommy. If he wants a job let him come my way. I can’t get it out of my wool that he saved my bacon to- night; and the Jad that does a good turn to old man Browne don’t have to ask for interest when he gets it back.” The two were striding away from Hazard Hall, and were so engaged in conversation that they hardly heeded their steps as well as they might have done. Had any one attempted to follow them or been crouching near they might have noticed it, yet Hunter Browne walked straight ahead until he stumbled over a man that was lying in his way. ‘* Blazes! What’s that?” Blockey, with a start, : Then seeing the dark form over which Browne bad fallen, he stooped. When he laid his hand on the heart of the prostrate person he found it was perfectly motionless, To all appearance the man had been dead for an hour. CHAPTER XII. A SERIOUS CHARGE, ~ ‘* Doe blast my hide!” At his discovery Blockey was unpleasantly surprised, though he was no mere novice in the matter of dead men. And it was not altogether that the ffhd proved to be a corpse. ‘Tt’s too cussed sing’lar fur anything,” he continued to Hunter Browne, who had speedily recovered his equilibrium, ' ‘* What in high ole he-goats war he a-doin’ *round hyer? I tell yer, it jest knocks me stiff, 80 it does,” “What's the matter now? Who is he? Do ou know bim? It ain’t the whip-man, from alnut Bar, is it?’ “Blame yer whip-man! Ye’r’ crowdin’ him down my throat till ’m jest sick on him, No, it ain’t him. I wouldn’t be so surprised ef it war, But it’s that lawyer-looking cove thet didn’t have anything ter say fur hisself, an’ come over in the hearse—Allbright are his name, What I want ter know are, what war he doin’ round byer?” “* And who killed him?” added Browne, stoop- ing down to obtain a better view. ** No need ter ax that last, ef we've knowed ther fu’st. Ef we could tell whose road he war in, we’d know who killed him. But ketch on! It won’t doter let him lie hyer. He b’longs. over at ther Jefferson, an’ I guess we can stag- ger under him that fur. Ef George Washington lets his boarders wander ’round Bunco this time er night, he orter told ’°em what‘they might ex- t. ejaculated Pete 2 . = 4, With some repugnance Browne assisted to raise the body, and between them they carried it to the hotel, wheré they were received by We Wailo, the Chinee. ' “ What for you blingee dead man? Him no b’longey heah, Jeffersor® House loosee facee. Fu’st x chop house. No co’pse wantee. way, ‘“But he does belong here,” answered Browne, earnestly. He was afraid that We Wailo would shut the door in their faces. ‘This is Mr. Allbright, who, in company ‘ ‘with the poung. lady, came in the same coach as yourse e’ve just. found him dead, and if he don’t stay here over night, I don’t see where we could get him in.” ; “Dat culis,” answered the Chinaman, shak- ing his head, but no longer opposing their en- trance. ‘* What fo’ he~do lunne lound? Make se no plopla—’Melican kwei big as housee in Bunco, an’ might know he catchee bim fu’st pop. W’at fo’ he no takee We Wailo, give be fai dolla’; then he maskee much Bo when Wailo zung, no bittee use. Bling he in. Bettee lun fo’ pill-man.” “Tt ain’t no case fur a doctor,” said Plumb Center Pete, shaking bis head gravely; ‘* an’ E don’t see ez a crowner ar’ wanted very bad. Hyer’s his last sickness. It ’u’d be throwin” away time ter ask twelve mén what he died ov. Whar’s his room? Better kerry him thar, tuck: him in, an? tell Jefferson ter ’range fur a. funer’] in the mornin’.” ** Allee lighty. We Wailo topside gallow ebley time. This-a-way.” The Celestial took matters quite coolly after the first surprise was over, and led the way with cheerful alacrity, followed by the two- men bearing their ghastly burden. They had as mach as possible avoided making a noise, and no one appeared to interrupt them in their progress, Without stopping to ask what, view Jefferson would take of the matter, they laid the body of the unfortunate Allbright on the bed—which was so solid that it was not likely to cause any distortion. ‘*Quite comfortable he looks,” said Pete,. taking the light from the Chinaman and hold- ing it down so that the face of the corpse was brought out in strong relief. And just then Hunter Browne gave a start and acry that caused Blockey to look up at him. in surprise. ‘*f know bim—I’ve seen him before!” ex- claimed Browne, pointing excitedly at the ‘ace. ‘* Where did he come from? What was he doing bere?’ **Can’t prove it by me; but don’t make sich eyes over it. I sw’ar, Browne, yer look ez though yer hed did it yerself,” “ As he did, by his brain, if not by his hand. Hunter Browne, will lightnings never blast ou? If this is another victim, I swear itshall e your last.” he two men turned in quick surprise, not unmixed with horror, The voice was a woman’s voice, and on the threshold, peering nto the room, was Miss Van- deleur, She bad heard them as they approached the building and from ber window was an unseen witness of their conference with We Wailo, She bad hastily thrown a wrapper over her night-dress, and as she stood there, her face. pale from excitement, her large eyes gleaming, her uplifted hand quivering, she seemed quite a different being from the inquisitive, but free and easy mannered girl with whom Blockey~ had traveled. | Hunter Browne seemed to note the difference;. tgo. a He passed his hand over his eyes and stared’ <4 - as though he had suddenly seen a ost. Evidently there was more in this affair than: appeared on the surface; but Plumb Center Pete was not the man to hesitate when he saw his: companion at fault. ‘““xcuse me, miss, but that’s rather a rough charge you’re making, and I guess you're jest a leetle bit wild. Browne are a solid man at Bunco, an’ you can’t burt bim; but ef you war: ter talk ’round loose that way ‘bout some men, it might be enuf ter gi’n ’em their last sickness, It don’t sometimes take much ter start a mob; but you’ve no idear what a nasty thing they be: ter handle when they git ter goin’. Sing a leetle small, Miss Millie, ef yer don’t want ter do more damage than them purty eyes o’ yourn: would keer ter look at.” She listened, rat 25 her os was glued upom. the form on the bed. As he ceased speaking, she drew herself up to her full hight: ‘*Perhaps you are partly right; but for all’ that, [ bave spoken but the truth, That man expected to have trouble with Hunter Browne, and it looks as though he had bad it hot and. deadly, To every one else in Bunco, he was a stranger; no living soul else had any interest in bis removal, Examine bis pockets and see if he has not left a statement to that effect—and see, too, if he hasbeenrobbed. Only one that killed him for vengeanee would leave bis valuables untouched. heard shots in thf distance— mncaay fe it was one of those that brought him. own.” : ‘ “ But, glory Moses, miss, do yer see what yer ilin’on me? Hunt Browne an’ I be in ther same oat. Ef he cleaned out ther old rooster, I must ’a’? badahandin.” c Plumb Center Pete seemed dazed by the un- expected charge, the full bearingy, of which he understood betteg than did Miss Vandeleur her- self, ‘“No. Youare his victim, too,” she answered — obstinately. - ‘t Perhaps, when the deed bad been done, he. found you, brought you to the spot, and be-- guiled you into a seeming implication,” ‘Wait er minnit. picked up Goggle George—whbich ther same are ther chap ealled Elderberry—went off on er quiet leetle racket ter-night, an’ when I got on it, I stayed thar. I ain’t hed my eyes offen him sence supper, ‘cept when I left em playin ’seven- up, an’ went inter ther next room ter saturate. an’ me left Hazard Hall together; we w . by Bens, , | oe , ise ais, @ hve Sat an’ Browne, hevin’ -
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A Sport in Spectacles. NN eT ““an’ nothin’ like this ever happened in my happened it was hard “Pye been 7-2 ‘ eal a together when we picked up ther corpus, an’ we're together now, Youkin make ther best ov it, an’ ther wu’st ov it; but pears ter me, ef I war you, I’d’ retire an’ think over this till mornin’. off ther rats, an’ I’ll see he’s decently planted. More ner that no man c’u’d promise.’ “Talk is cheap, but ’m enough of a Western woman to know that it takes money to buy land. You are two men; Iam one woman. I[ ask you to search bis pockets and give into my hands the damning proof that I aver you will find there.” : i Browne stood now with his arms folded. His coolness had come back to him, but he was tak- ing no part in the conversation. His interest, one would have said, was more in the girl her- self than in what she was saying. ; By neither word nor gesture did he caution Blockey what to say. ; “Tt’s no nice job yer puttin’ on me, miss, I’ve seen meat fur breakfast on ther bill ov fare off’en enough, but I don’t fancy feelin’ in er dead man’s pockets. But ter obleege yer I will. I guess ef there’s any vallybles you’re ’bout ther right one ter bold ’em. ‘Yer seem ter hev his ‘ints down fine enough ter be a side pard ov isn, anyway. Hyer goes; you watch me, so you kin sw’ar it war on ther squar’,” Very deliberately be took out the stub of a pencil and an old memorandum-book, that still had in it a few blank leaves. Then he began his unpleasant search, jotting down the name of each article as be removed it from the “Ah!” exclaimed Miss Vandeleur, at length; “you have it at last. Read that! He told me it was written.” : In her excitement she stepped fully within the room, and with only a momentary hesita- tion moved between Blockey and Hunter Browne. : Plumb Center Pete unfolded the paper—a half sheet of legal cap—and looked at its contents with a curious eye. : The writing was a clear, round band, and he had no trouble in deciphering it, little as he was accustomed to reading manuscript, “To Whom it May Concern:— .. “Ido solemnly declare that it is my belief that Hunter Browne is a. figitive from justice—an un- tried murderer. Should anything happen to me, it will be at his hands, and I charge whoever finds this to see that justice is done. more detailed account of the case will be found. “Sinas ALLBRIGHT." right. [t* looks as though the robbers bad been here, and taken everything of any value. We wy to have noticed that window ourselves,” . Tbe Chinaman’s discovery put a new face on the aspect of affairs, and even the cool-headed Blockey did not care to linger there longer un- less the proprietor of the house was brought in ‘to take notice of how things looked. This time @ Wailo was dispatched in earnest, and soon the coatless Jefferson arrived, rubbing his eyes and cursing at large. When understood more fully what had say whether wrath or consternation predomi Bas hyar twenty year,” he howled, Ww TI Phe é . ae + Ther Chinee ll look ’round an keep ong my effects, a- house afore. I'll a-goin’ ter be an’ all-fired expense, an’ blast ’em, they ain’t left ernuf ter pay fur ther w’ar an’ This hyar burg bes jest got ter pass round ther hat an’ put up ernuf ter jestify ther berryin’ er This hyar’s too tar ov a coolin’ board, Jet erlone a coffin. you'll b’ar suthin’ drap. much,” Disgust at the mercenary nature of Jeffer- son’s lamentations @rove Miss Millie away a good deal sooner than all the common-sense that Pete Blockey. could have uttered. She watched in silence the search that was made, and when it was certain that the intruder had made a clean sweep she flitted from the room. In the hall she met three men just stealing in. Pereira led the way, looking neither to the right nor the left, and Tom Bowers, followed, keeping a tight hold on the elbow of no less a person than Professor Elderberry. The latter looked the worse for wear, and evi- dently had intrusted himself, body and soul, to bis companion, who was in decidedly good cen- ceit of himself, though they had been dodging around town, keeping out of the way of the bad men who had crowded them so at Hazard Hall. It was only a chance that brought them together, but a happy one, since Professor El- derberry expressed his delight, while Tenderfoot Tom had made up bis mind that this wasa good 55 Seg to transfer his head-quarters to the efferson House, « The meeting with Pereira was just as cordial on the part of the two men as it could well be. They had come across him standing on a corner as though at a loss which way to turn, and had brought him straight along with them, as being able to show them the way in at that hour of the night. After the rough handling the Mexican capi- talist had received on account of Miss Millie, it was not very likely that he would care to meet her—and she did not give bim a second glance —but she looked sharply.at Tom Bowers, and made a little motion of her hand, as if toindicate that she had something’to communicate. . If he saw the gesture he gave no sign, and as the ball was but dimly lighted it was likely that it eseaped him. He went on with Elderberry, and turned_ipto his room, If it seems strange that Tom Bowers would place his head witbin reach of the lion’s mouth, it may be as well to add that he had not the slightest suspicion that It was indeed a woman who had made the unlooked for assault—and that she was in dead- ly earnest the knife beld in the uplifted hand gave grim evidence. Surely if'was something more than a mere lucky chance that enabled Millie Vandeleur to clutch that wrist before the ane fell. po ‘ithout knowing it her grasp tightened, and suddenly the knife dropped to the floor with a ringing jingle, while the woman herself doubled yA & swoon that was too complete to be a raud, are cotapee wR, of eee what is all this?” sa iss Vandeleur, as she ste hastil: back and lit her extingui bed lamp. ee .! ive a hundred dollars to find out who bu’sted that window; an’ throw ina rope ter hang ther infernal cuss. This hyar’s The cold lips gave no answer, and Miss Millie / proceeded to raise the prostrate woman and throw her on her own She was not as ten- der about it as she might have been under other circumstances; but after what had happened small blame to ber for that. Then, by the light of the lamp, she narrowly scanned the face before ber. It was that of a perfect stranger. ‘*Who can she be? Certainly I never saw her before. Is she an ordinary thief; or is there something beyond what I can see on the surface. It may be as well to have her beyond the power of doing harm when she recovers ,her senses,” : The idea was too good a one to neglect, and her fingers deftly knotted strips of cloth around wrists and ankles. - After that the study of the face was resumed, CHAPTER XIV. TWO WOMEN AT WAR, THE person, whoever she was, seemed to be little more than a girl as to figure, and Miss Vandeleur, who was a shrewd guesser, fancied that she was about her own age, or a little older. It was a wonderfully handsome face that she read by the lamplight—in almost everything the opposite of her own. It was dark, in spite of the present pallor of coma, and there was a great mass of jet-black, crispy, curling hair, that was clipped short as though it belonged to a boy, though there could be no mistaking the delicate contour of the features. Miss Millie was more puzzled than ever. A happy thought struck her. ‘Surely I never saw that face before; but it looks tome like a face with a purpose. Sup I examine her pockets. It will be hard indeed if there is nothing there to give me a clew to ber identity.” But no clew was there on her person. While engaged in the search, the closed lids opened, and the first thing Miss Millie knew a pair of midnight eyes. were watching ber with. very much the expression of a hopelessly-trap- ped wild beast. ; ‘‘Ah, you are coming to your senses, are you?” asked Miss Vandeleur, as coolly as if this was a room-mate, recovering from a slight in- disposition. “You didn’t think I was so well_able to take care of myself, did you? I’m sorry for you, my unless you throw yourself in my road; and unless you are afraid for some of your friends— and, by the way, I am almost certain that I never saw any of them—it is almost a sure thing that you came in bere to steal, Are you here on your own account, or did you come for some one else? It makes good deal of differ- | ence both to you and to me which it is.” “T have told you once,” answered the gir), in a passionately low tone. . “ Now, after that last insult, I refuse to speak again, Kill me if you choose; give an alarm and bring all Bunco here if you , I will not say more. But beware what you do. e@ way or another youare cer- — tain to die; but if it makes any erence to yee ~ te Osers . Kale Carter had his head-quarters at the Jeffer- | little friend, though, as you probably came’ in CHAPTER XII. son House, _ here to kill me, my regrets are,of course, thrown % i Shitkse Hees: Something like a curl of disgust distorted Miss | away.” a ‘ i Millie’s usually finely chiseled lips, but she made No answer; and, between the reddening lips, Fora thoment after reading these few lines, | no other effort to attract the attention of the | the speaker could see a set of perfect, gleaming ra which he did to himself, Plumb Center Pete | Flat from Walnut Bar. If the three men had | teeth. " stood fairly nonplused. ; not enough curiosity to take a second glance at “Tam sure I would like very well to know in Then he turned to his companion. a handsome woman wandering around the ho- | what you crawled through that window for.” Thar’s suthin’ in what ther gal sez, though | tel at that time of night, she did not intend to “To kill you,” came the answer, in a savage, | - not ez much ez she thinks. This speaks about a | trouble them, especially when she had enough | but well guarded, whisper. ns bill ov perticklers round hyer somewhbar. Ez | already to occupy her mind, “ Ah! Then you are either an idiot or a mad- ; I've knowed of Pb end on end, fur nigh ter She bad entered her room, and closed the | woman. Of course you see by this time that I res twenty year, 1 don’t think it’s much account; | door bebind ber before she noted thatthe light | do not intend to be killed, though I confess 1 5 but ther gal orter bev a squar’sbake. What do | she bad left burning dimly had been totally ex- | don’t understand exactly what to do with - yer say, Browne? Be yer goin’ ter give her a | tinguished. ou.” ot clean swing, er be yer goin ter cut uprough?| Vexed at this, which she thought her own “Kill me,” responded the girl, still in the t Pm yer friend, Browne, an’ I don’t ax yer ter | fault, Miss Vandeleur was temporarily thrown | same low tone, . oA a help yer git inter a scrape, but ther gal hez | off her guard; yet at best it would have requir-| “If not now then one day or another it will 5 i started ther ball, an’ ther best plan are ter let it | ed sharp ears to have detected the presence of | be your life or mine, 1 give you fair w ’ as 5 roll. s : 1 ms %i , | any other living being there until the instant | so why should you hesitate, There is my. nad So And roll it shall, while my ife is spared! that a gripe settled upon her throat, closing | knife over yonder where it fell, Take it and, S Sts exclaimed the girl, excitedly; but Blockey only | with a nervous euergy that seemed to indicate | thrust it into my heart. It is your only. = ; ae looked ee, at the miner. that the one who gave it meant to slay. chance.” ee me Have it as you will, Pete,” answered Hun- _ Not even an attempt at a cry passed Millie’s| Was the girl mad? ¥; ss ter sempre ese “op ee still folded, his | lips; but quick as a flash her hands went up in|} Surely, if her words went for anyttiog, she ty 34 eyes still fixed upon the girl. tt an answering grasp, and her fingers closed in on | was; yet Miss Vandeleur thought, in the. 3 . oo Perhaps : nig ara get on my dignity, and | hemassailant, sullen recklessness, she could see traces of the , S ee all that; but ee really better for. her to make | Then she uttered what was even from ber | hidden meaning for which she looked. ene _ herself sure, if she can, that there is some foun- | handsome lips a grim laugh. Her one hand “« Really, my dear, you are too foolish forany- ara . dation for this string of nonsense some one has | caught a round, shapely wrist, the other closed | thing. Why should you want to killme—if you. a Re ae been stuffing her with. Look around, and | upon a slender throat with such vehemence as | can—and why should you think I would allow es a ee whatever you find turn over to ber; but you'd | to break the gripe upon her own, such an undoubted madwoman to perambulate ae better have Jefferson up here before you begin. | She did not hesitate either, but gave a vicious | this region?” ee They don’t administer on ine sew and chattels of | spring that forced her antagonist back. ““ Why did you come bere then, thief that you re ici a deceased in yee so Oe thine & manner as Once started, Miss Vandeleur never halted | ars? I have been watching for you fora —s pe Zt did when I first struc os camp. _| until the window was reached. There she | and when, this night, 1 knew you had come me Se There was a peculiar gloominess about forced the unknown downward, until the pale | struck at once.” : ne ee Browne’s tones that made aoa nter Pete light streamed in on the prowler. “You didn’t strike, my dear. There is where ae ee ey and gaze inquiringly at = but before ‘“* Ah, as I thought,” said Miss Millie coolly, | you made your mistake, You wan all © wi e made answer the Celestial was beard from, | and in a discreet whisper. ; me you were going to do it, That’s a womamall a | “We Wailo tinkee lobber man aot ge tim be “Lucky for you that I recognized the touch | over. And you answer question by aski a | heah, cleaney ebley pgs he ae find mon- | of a woman’s hand, Iam bere with my life in| another. That’s. woman-like again: Now, if Soe a ley,’ paplee, anyt'ing. Window spoilum ebley | my hand, and I am ready to do as the people of | you are going in for man’s weapons, drop the | mk Son! te Ving muchee dolla wylo ch hoy. 4 Bunco do. I can pull a trigger as well as the | woman’s. Give it to me square and solid. [ — 3 We a y thunder, Browne, ther beathen’s- "bout | best of them, if need be. But who are you?” | don’t know how I*can do any harm to you Ns = wy . -
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‘ u/ ‘ / , An open confession is good for the soul. I don’t | 12 m how, you will handle me carefully. I have | riends.” ‘*No doubt, But see here, little one, was it | one’of your friends—or a dozen of them—that | killed Mr, Alibright, and robbed his room of whatever valuables he had with bim?” “ What do you mean?” answered the girl with | a pereeptible start. ‘J know nothing of any man by the name of | Allbright.” * Perhaps not. He may have bad half a doz>n names in his time, and one of the others may ‘| have been more popular. One thing is certain. | Within the last hour or so some one killed him on the street, and rifled his room, Thelandlord | and some of his guests are examining the matter now, I was just over lookiog at the corpse oF [ would have probably shot you as you came,in. I tel you, my hands can protect my .head against fair odds every time. He came here with me, It is natural to suppose thatif we are | both attacked on the same night it is by the | same party. Yes. That is the only conclusion. | | | You wanted torob and murder me as you have robbed and murdered Silas Allbrigbt.” ** tt is fals’!” uttered the other, ‘ You know | it is false. My business is with you alone, I would die before | took pag’ of yours save er life, I know nothing of the man, or what as happened to bim,” ** 80 you say, but who will believe.you? Come. | want tosee harm come to one of my sex if.sheis truly repentant. Who were your accomplices, and what clid they murder him for? If it was not simply for bis money then tell me what was Allbright’s errand bere, Unburden your conscience by full confession and I swear you shall go tree. Make haste, though. You can hear that the bouse is aroused. If anything should prompt them to make a search and you were found here I could uo longey save you.” * You are mocking me now,” answered the irl, a glint of anger papacite the fire of bate n her eyes. ‘ You talk, perbaps, of some man who never lived. You think you can wring out of me all you want to know when I tell you to$Show you bow far wide you are of the mark, Iam nota ‘ocl. What story I will tell to the others you will only know when they come. Now I am done,, From me you do not get another yvord,” Her lips c/osed tightly and there was an obsti- nate look in,her eyes that showed how niuch she was in earnest, Miss Vandeleur bad a white elephant on her hands and no mistake, : She was fairly puzz'ed what to do with it. The idea of charging the girl with complicity in the Allbright affair was repugnant to her, and, besides, there was an uncertainty: as to the style of justice meted out in Buneo, It might be sudden and riotous, or it might be of the kind that views the prosecutor with the most suspicion, She bad not even succeeded iu ob- taining the name of her prisoner, or found out whether or no she was a recognized citizen of the town, ‘“*if Tlet you go will you swear to me not to. come back?” she asked at length, after some moments of silent consideration, No answer. sae | og be foolish, but yeu seem so much in earnest that Ido not care to barm you. At the same time it would never do to have to hirea gare every time I wanted to snatch a few urs of sleep. I haye an idea that I can trust to your word, snd am willing to try it. Will you promise? Mind you, I say nothing of what may be doné elsewhere. I only ask that you or any one sent by you will not try again to enter here;—out of this [I will take care of myself as best I can.” She spoke earnestly and at last her words seemed to have some effect, In spite of herself, the captive spoke. “There must be something good about you, and surely you are very brave. Yes. wil promise that much. Let me f° and I vow you will not see me here again, There will be war; but it will be when vig come outof your den, Now, keep your word.” : Without speaking Miss Vandeleur removed the bandages from her wrists and ankles, If she kept a watchful eye on the girl as she did it was without any sign of fear. , here was no need to donbt. The moment that she was free the girl bound ed from the bed lightly to her feet, . For an instant she stood ina listening atti- tude. ; There had been hurried steps and the sound of voices in the ball, but at this moment all _ without was quiet. be A smile of satisfaction curled the full Jips. Without further hesitation the would-be assas- sin, instead of retreating through the window, coolly threw open the door and looking once backward with a singular glance, walked away without caution or hesitation. CHAPTER XV. THE PROFESSOR TAKES POSSESSION. THE little affair at the Jefferson House hardly Sede a dipole ot ee — of its im- 4 - “ | entirely out of in Other men had been found dead on the street | before the luckless Allbright, and. as he was so totally a stranger to the people of the burg they very naturally were wiling to wait for bis friends to’come and hunt the matter up. Of course no one of any consequence thought | unter Browne | with the affair, and those few who had heard | fora moment of identifying Miss Millie’s charges the night before very pru- dently kept the matter to th: mselves, siuce the young lady did not refer to it the next morning, | Neither did she refer to the singular adven- | ture with the unknown assailant, though she | kept ber eyes open on the chance of seeing that interesting young lady by daylight. Professor Eiderberry crawled out, looking the | worse for wear, and after.a moderate breakfast hunted up Mr. Browne, to report for duty, Hunter Browne bad been quietly making all necessary prepsrations for the funeral, in pur- | suance with an arrangement entered into with’ George Washington Jefferson, That dutv baving been performed, he was ready for business just about the time tbat El- |'derberry seriously began to search for bim, The professor bLustled up with outstretched | hand, ‘*[ was afraid, aw, Mister Browne, that some- thing, aw, had happened to you, I sbould have | seen you-egain last night—aw—but | left that den of wickedness in such haste, aw, that I did not have time to make an appointment, aw.” Browne smiled, j ‘* Your lead was undoubtedly level, and I be- gan to entertain a high respect for ycu just ebout the time 1 saw you polka out of the win- dow, Jt’s notevery tenderfoot that wculd have bad sense enough to catch on when he saw | Pereira show alead, How did you get in? All right of course, or you wouldn’t be here this morning. I bad intended to look you up lest nigbt and see, but I bad some rather unpleasant a(lventures after we separated, that drove you mind.” ‘Don’t remember it, aw. I meta late fellow- passenger, who was very kind, and then we iwo tellin with Mister Pereira, who,aw,led us'to this piace. I do not know, aw, what we should have done without bim, though, aw, he was a man of very few words, The other man—a Mister Bowers, last from Walnut Bar—was the gen- tleman who took bis seat at our table when Blockey left us. After we got here 1 took him to my,room, aw, because he seemed undecided v bat to do; and we bad a long talk. He seemed quité adrift, aw, as to the future, having been disappointed in meeting a Colonel Jobnson, whoni be expected to find here. As, aw, he had a limited stock of money, be would accept al- most any position, aw, that would pay his ex- penses, and J promised bim that I would repre- sent the matter to youin its proper light.” ‘* Well, Ul be banged!” said Hunter Browne, with ashort laugh. ‘‘That’s «qual to getting the cart before the horse. He must jane solia lightning when ke talks confidentially, and have the cheek of a bress monkey. I’s not so sure that 1 can do anything for you, let alone your friend, If you can’t do anything with the re- fractory ore that’s in sigh!—and there’s millions of it—I won’t want you, the Flat from Walnut Bar, or anybody else, I'll close up the Bunker pt shaft quicker than you can say Jack Rob- nson, ** Don’t be excited, Mister Browne,” drawled. the professor, not at ali excited himself. ‘* You have no idea what I can do for you, aw, with time and tools. It’s not like a new thing, aw, You know the gold is there, and I know, aw, that [ can get it out.” : ‘That's so. I’ve been hére a score of years, and, between you and me, I bave known tbe spot where we have sunk the Bunker Hill shaft for pretty nearly the whole of that time. And 1 knew just as well that I could do nothing with it. Now, it’s die dog or eat the hatchet, aving you try your I wr ee ap to pay for hand at it, and if you succeed you can just about name your own price,” ‘* Aw, you will find me as good as my repre- sentations. It may takea few days, aw; it may take a few weeks, aw, Sooner or later you will find me there The first thing, aw, is to inspect, I can soon tell you, aw, whether you will havea place for Thomas Bowers.” “Very true, very true. Come with me, I fm on my way to the spot, and it will be better for us to find ont hy inspection than to take a month, Get ycur Flat from Walnut Bar, if you want him, and we'll take a look at things. You'll find I’ve got a start with ore that will work,” _ Professor Elderberry, no doubt, believed this, for he indicated*that he was ready at once, and that Bowers was waiting to see what would be the result of the interview. ‘Bring bim along, then,” said Brown, ‘And ou might intimate that it’s not healthy to be 00 curious when be first drops among strangers. My men don’t believe in people tbat ask too mauy questions.” . \ The professor answered promptly that he would vouch for this young man, and went off to inform bim of the chances, Then the three went out to look after the ore that was being mined in the Bunker Hill shaft. . A Sport in Spectacies. _—— ee Once there Professor Elderberry took hold like a man that understood his business, and finally stated decisively, that Hunter Browne— baving machinery and capital—had the best thing that was known in that section of the territory. He thought that in a few d yshe would have things running to the satisfaction of every one, Having heard this report with a smile that indicated that be took it for what.it was worth Hunter Browne departed, leaving the professor to make any further researches Le wisbed, and to get better acquainted with bis surroundings, As for himself he had various matters on his hands, including tbe disposition of Mr. All- bright’s corpse, and other effects, At the chaft considerable progress had al- ready been made, ani Elderberry found things so well to his band that it was not kard to guess that he was brought in to try for success when others bad failed, He bad his coat off and be- gan really to look like work when Tenderfoot Tom came hurrying in. ‘See hyar, gosha’mighty, there’s trouble in ther air au’ you’d better skip afore ther cyclone bu’sts loose, Looks like Browne hed put up a job ter see what sand ycr kerry; an’ it’s a dog- blasted mean one, too, so it are.” ‘‘What, aw, is the matter with you? Mr, Browne said be would have a place, aw, for you if I made a success out of this, and I'm go- ing to doit. Jf you want to go back to Bunco, aw, go. Ican find my way back alone,” ‘“You don’t ketch on, The trouble ain’t at Buneo, by a Jong slap; but right hyer. Ther nien are goin’ ter feel ov yer right now, an’ see who’s goin’ ter_be boss. Some on ’em wanted Plumb Center Pete fur boss, an’ ther rest didn’t want you; £0, €z Browne ain’t hyer, they're go- in’ ter get up tber ripest size ov a row, I heered *em, an’ ef ye’ll take advice I say, scoot.” ‘yhe professor stuttered and stammered fora moment, ‘‘ Aw, aw—I don’t—the—the men, aw, can’t be crazy, If, if the shaft shuts up they must stop work, I’m their—tbeir friend, don’t you see—aw ?” ‘ “T kin—but, dog-blast ’em, they can’t.’ They’re jest on it bigger ner a wolf, an’ it’s too late ter talk. They're hyer now.” Tenderfoot Tom’s announcement was only too true. Every last man in the employ of Hunter Browne bad dropped his tools, and gathering as if by some preconceried plan they came in- to Professor Elderberry’s presence” with a rush, . It was pretty certain that they did not come in a friendly mood, either, though there was a good deal of coarse laughter as they clbowed each other, each one trying to get a near po- sition to the trawestiodadnn fellow who led the gang, and who was now, as on Other occasions, their spokesman. ‘ Coolness came back to the professor with sur- prising suddenness, He had already drawn on his coat, and as the crowd balted within a few yards, the only sign of nervousness that be gave, was the short, quick way in which he adjusted Lis spectacles. Then, from under his glasses he. peered at them benignantly, giving first a little half-nod at Buck Beans, the buriy leader be- fore mentioned. As for Tenderfoot Tom—in default of a con- venient table under which to crawl, he had subsided into a orverehind the professor, and certainly did not intend to attract more atten-. _tionthan was absolutely necessary. The unwavering attitude of the new superin- sg poet bad some effect, ait If be was too innocent to be frightened, there was little likelihood of his offering any serious resistance. With all hands sober, instant mur- der was not at all what they were after; and there were men there who would have a al bis part sooner than bave seen him set upon be- fore receiving any warning. hy So Buck Beans, not at all uneasy under the steady gaze, after waiting a reasonable length of time for a question, was forced to open the ball bimself. **See byar, mister. We come in ther fu’st place ter ax a question er two, an’ then, mebbe, ter lay down ther law. Be you, - ben’t you ther superintendent ez cld man Browne’ hez brung in ter show us no-account gerloots how ter run ther Bunker Hill?” } Professor Elderberry adjusted his spectacles once more before answering, and then folded his arms bebind his back. ‘* Aw, 1 am the gentleman that bas been, aw in correspondence witb Mr. Browne; and, aw had the conditional cffer of the, aw, superin- tendency of the mine he purposes developing here. It will take a scientific man to do any- thing here, and, aw, I believe that I bave the ability. When I have, aw, convinced Mr. Browne, I understand that I will be placed per- manently io charge, aw.” The length of the professor’s answer was suf- ficient to bring out prcminently the peculiarity in bis speech, which wes more noticeable page than under other surroundings, When ceased, there was a roar of bay " bh ge Byte ny Leys rain a se : “ie » Woat yer e us furf Xer th Us DO! ' want any sich ak entifick cuss far a as bors ’
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( A Sport in Spectacles. ther’s a bull man like Plumb Center Pete layin’ "round loose?” ‘*But, aw, gentlemen, allow me to reason with you a little. Mr. Blockey is an extra- ordinary man, vo doubt, but he can’t do any- ‘thing here. Jcan, aw. Mr, Browne won’t want your services unless they bring him in some value, and so, really, aw, ’m your best friend. Give me a week, aw, and I will convince..the worst of you.” : The professor tried to be impressive; but to the men of Bunker Hill shaft he was only ludi- crous. A howl of derision was the immediate answer. Then Beans struck in: “You think er man with er b’iled shirt an’ goggles kin Varn usanythings Waugh! Next thing you'll stick ona plug hatan’a yard er frills. We don’t want-yer byar, an’ I’m er com- mittee erpointed ter say, git.” ; *“Thet’s so. We caf’t stand no sich, byer.” “Better lay yer tracks with ther heels this way!” Slug him!” ; **Rua bim out.” “No b’iled shirt an’ goggles hyer. He ain’t said drink once.” Half a dozen voices joined in a medley of.a’ chorus, and it was evident that the crowd was becoming more and more in earnest. ‘‘Gentlemen, aw, I heard some one say some- thing about drink, aw,” interposed the profes- sor, hastily. - “*Perbaps it was en oversight, my not men- tioning it sooner, but, aw, I am not yet thor- oughly accustomed to your ways. As a new- comer, aw, I sball be happy to invite you all to drink at my expense, aw—to-night. A barrel, aw, if necessary.” . “Ro out yer barrel, then, and right now. ‘Hooray! Let’s take him right down ter Bunco,” The mention of a barrel of whisky was a _master-stroke of policy, if it was unintentional. ‘‘Excuse me, gentlemen, but I couldn’t go mow, Your time, aw, bekings to Mr. Browne, and he might, aw, be justly angry. To-night, though, aw, my time will be at my own dis- posal. Go back to your work now, and meet me, aw, at tho Jefferson House, aw, at half past seven,” “You'd play us‘fur flats, would yer? Cuss you, you'll go now, er we’ll jump yer quickerner dightuin’.” ‘** And I say, aw, gentlemen, I, aw, won't go.” CHAPTER XVI. THE POWER OF KNOWLEDGE ASSERTS ITSELF. GocGLe GrorGE, as Pluinb Center Pete had ‘nicknamed the professor, spoke with an increas- . ing coolness, and as be spoke he deliberately ‘turned his back upon the assemblage-and with his nose in the air and his arms crossed bebind him under bis coat-tails, took a step or two away, though with hardly the basté of a re- treat. “The idea of one man defying the crowd—and ‘there had been at least a score facing bim—was so extravagant that it took the breath away of some, and perbeps saved him from a general attack. Of all, Buck Beans was the only man that sprung forward. t His band: dr. ypped heavily on the shoulder of ‘the newly-fledged superintendent, while he shouted neue! B 4 p ‘Blast yer white-livered karkiss, we’r'e shout- " jn’, an’ e” yér know what’s good fur ye ye'll sing small. Come out of that!” Beans gave a powerful jerk, one that would have almost brought a cinnamon bear out of a small bole, It ey oe the professor, Only, it brought) him so much more easily than Beans had expected that be was entirely unprepared. If anythin in the movement, and landed against bim with unforeseen violence, just as Tom Bowers, in at- tempting to ers out of his corner, was imme- ‘ diately at bis beels. Over the Flat from Walnut Bar went Buck Beans head down and beels up, striking with a thwack that was enough to make a man’s heart sick, Up jumped Tom Bowers with a yell, and off he went with a tolerably torrect idea, that his life depended on the rapidity with which | he could vanish, Professor Elderberry recoy- ered his equilibrium, again adjusted bis spec- tacles, and now faced the crowd alone, As usual Bowers was iu luck, He evaded. the grasp of two or three hands, thrust out to detain him, and shot down tke billside with the speed of a lightning express train, and there ‘ as tot a semblance of pursuit. Buck Beans was not exactly knocked sense- less by the concussion; but be was so far dazed that he only raised to a sitting position, when he sat speechless for a minute or two until be could take in the fact that Arn fellow-workmen were actually laughing at him. Then he sprang vo bis feet, bis face livid with e, and glared around him, ‘Knocked out ther fu’st round; bully fur old Goggles!” exclaiméd a laughing yoice. “ Bay, Buck, hedn’t yer better haul in yer horns? He : aint much eer at, en seems ter be a holy terror on ther war pa sai Past then occurred one of those sudden revul Elderberry belped | sions that will sometimes happen. Buck Beans was fairly exploding with wrath; butit was all directed at the Jast speaker. “You think ye’rea slugger, Mike Madden, Blamed ef yer sha’n’t try him yerself. Dog- gone him, ef he do w’ar a b’iled shirt an’ a black coat, he’s full ov sand clean up to ther maz- zard, an’ |’ll bet yer can’t make him holler, ef yer kills him. I ain’t used ter cripplin’ babies, bat’s yer line—wade in.” ‘*Curse you, Blick Beans, do yer mean ter say l’m not'ez good a man ¢% you be any day? I'll mash bim fu’st, an’ then I’ll bu’st yer jaw. Stand outen ther way, an’ let me at him.” Tbe lauzhter was all gone out of Mike Mad- den’s voice, There had been a rivalry between him and Beans that had not as yet led to blows, but M.dden was by no means averse to settlisz in that way who was henceforth to be the leading spirit of the gang, though the turn- ivg over to him of the new superintendent would be the firstepdint in his favor. ‘Alt right, Pl attend ter you afterward. Fire away at him; but give ther little man a chance. A man ezcool ez he be kin ginerally handle hisself; ez maybe you'll find out. Fair play, an’ no gougin’, Sail in ef yer dar’.” ‘““A minute gentlemen, aw, if you please, I have not the physical strength, aw, of my pro- | posed antagonist; but it is pessible that, aw, I may buve science, that will be compensatory. I have paid some little attention, aw, to the subject of self-defense, champion, will, aw, this matter stand adjourned until we meet as friends, aw, at the Jefferson House? Some such guarantee as that [ certainly should have, aw.” ‘*You bet,” responded Buck Beans, ronniv’ this gang, an’ ef you kin git to ther Jefferson House an’ be’round fur ther frolic ter-night, we'll kerry yer on our bands, we will. Shuck yerself now, an’ hand me yer specs. If Mike drives’em ia yer peepers, yer won't hev much use fur ’em, er anything else.” “Thanks, aw, but I prefer to keep my prdp- erty, aw, where it will do the most good. If Mr. Madden will advance, I will do my humble beste I cannot have much influence, aw, with you men unless I can meet you on the same ground,” Mike Madden uttered a couten}ptuous growl as be pushed up his sleeves and sprung for- ward, “No hitting a man when he’s down, aw,” said the professor, speaking a little more rapid- ly than usual. - *‘Nary bit,” answered Buck Beans, stepping to one side and motioning the crowd back, even while Madden lunged forward with a powerful, though reckless blow, that was heavy enough to fell an ox. Professor Elderberry immediately assumed a sitting posture, and very coolly thrust his spec- tacles in the breast-pocket of his coat. Whether he had been scieftific enough to drop just in time, or whetber he had chanced to miss the full force of the blow, were subjects for discus- sion, The patent fact was that he had not been seri- curly. armed, 1 adden would no doubt have thrown himself upon the man, but was checked by-a warning growl from the crowd, who had begun to take a sudden interest in the stranger. “He sha’n’t come ther drop game too much, Mike,” — the self-appointed referee; ‘but, onless ther’s willful foul, I tell yer it’s oin’ we be fa’r an’ squar’ stan’up work. Time : Professor Elderberry’s arms were held pretty much straight up and down, and he danced over the ground with an agility the beavier man was incapable of. ; Again Madden led off with what was intended to be a:stunner; butythis time the professor parried neatly, and seit in a one—two—three, given so quickly the blows could hardly be seen, They were all sharp, chopping hits, that cut wonderfflly, Phonahi the had no stunning ef- fect. When be danced back, blood was visible on Madden’s face, though he was-sniffling bard to prevent its droppitg from bis bugle. ‘‘ Fu’st blood fur ther superintendent! Didn’t Isay he carried gravel?” } Madden ground his teeth as he heard the ex- clamation of his rival, and dashed in for close fighting. Such blows as he bad received would not whip him ina week. He would cheerfully take a dozen of them to get a gripe on Goggle George. Bat Goggle George was not to be had. To the left or right be shifted as the case required, dodging, parrying and striking, flinging in bis blows left or right as was most convenient, at times beating a regular tattoo, - “ At-yah! I've got yer now!” howled Mad- dep at last, as he flung bis left arm around bis nimbie persecutor, and drew back his right to strike, He only asked for one crushing blow, se la looked as though here was his chance to get it. ‘* Not yet, eb!” drawled the professor. With wonderful skill and promptness he wey x fo A wot / “* He’s a bad little man from F ten ae he said Blockey, in continuation, “ an’ ther ' ay he eT . ny ~~ * . “= 37h ‘fon Noe. slipped bis right arm around Madden, catchin that wortby’s right arm just below the e bow. Ae}! t 4 : : If, aw, I -castigate this | “ I’m | | : | Then three times he struck full on the mark with his left. : They were only balf-arm hits and round at that, but they captured Mike Madden’s wind, and as he doubled up from the bot ones in his bread basket Elderberry let go, and tbrew his whole weight into one, ligbtning-like blow, that went straight for the butt of the ear. The professor bad the chances in his favor~ but the chances were just where he had put them. The blows on the mark, coming in so bot- ly and unexpectedly had set Madden all abroad, and the right-hander wes the coup de grace. * Didn’t I told bim so?” shouted Beans. This was a diff-rent thing from bis own over- throw, and Mike Madden had been whipped on his own merits, More than that the professor hed, for the time at least. gained a victory over the rest, Buck Beans after so far espousing his cauie could not well go back on him, nor did he seem to want to, while the men followed up the cue they bad 1aken from him so nearly unanimous- ly that Madden’s friends, seeing they were in the minority had nothing tosay. Some of them Cragged off their champion, who looked as though he had had a close call to a broken neck, and if they growled, it was not likely that they would try to bite, ‘Put ber thar, Goggles,” continued Beans, holding out bis band. “If yer kin do ez well handlin’ refractory ores ez yer kin bhandlin’ yer fives this hvar gang are willin’ ter give yer a trial, A feller kin sometimes be a man ef be does wear a b’iled sbirt.” ‘ a ‘‘Thet’s so, Buck, thet’s se. He’s a sacred ole slugger frum Slaughter Town, ain’t he? I talked the matter over’ with Hunt Browne las’ night, an’ I guess he’s ther man yer want. Dve struck a job anyhow, so yer don’t want ter razee him‘up on my account.” Just as the professor and Buck Berns clasped bands Piumb Center Pete stepped forward. Un. seen he had been a witness of the pugilistic con- test. Beans looked over his way. ‘*Ye'r’ bloody right; but it ain’t every day a man gits fair play like we.give him. Ef they'd ’a’ begun ter shoot whar would be’a’ biv? It’sa reesk, ter hev sich a man fur a figgerhead, fur what’s his good ef outsiders begin ter crowd us an’ he don’t know a navy six from a hand- saw?’ ‘“‘ But, aw, I can learn,” said Elderberry so earnestly that there was a roar. With phe ah his position was established, and though there was some good-natured cheff for a while, the threatened emeute was over and the men soon went back to work. ** Aw, I think it would be well if some one informed Mr. Browne that everything hed heen arranged here. If that, aw, fugitive gives bis version, he may, aw, be brought out here for nothing.” The professor spoke in a low tone to P.umb Center Pete; but that worthy only laughed. “Don’t yer worry ’bouf Hunt Browne, an’ he won't worry bout you. He ain’t hirin’ men ez can’t take keer ov theirselves, an’ ef you can’t he wants to know it. Ef J see him Vii let him know. Pitch in_hyer, an’ keep things movin’. Look out fur Madden, an’ keep on ther right side oy Beans. So long.” Blockey took bis departure, dnd on the fol- lowing Saturday the pay-rolls would not bave shown any loss of time for the day on which Professcr Elderberry arrived, had nothing else occurred, e , CHAPTER XVII. | TENDERFOOT TOM ANTICIPATES TROUBLE. , TENDERFOOT ToM could bardly help having a glimmering idea that he bad not appeared to ,the best advantage in the little effeir at the Bunker Hill Mine. He had warned the pro- fessor of what was coming, crawled into a cor- ner when the trouble began, and at the first opportunity ran away. e did not run all the way to Bunco; but when once assured that pursuit had been given over, be balted and listened. Not hearing anything for some time, be be- gan to creep hesitatingly back. He did not in- tend to venture into danger, but he did want to find out the result of the : ffair before be spread the intelligence of the actual death of the new superintendent, > e had sharp ears: for after some time bad — been wasted in tacking about be heard the voices of two persons in conversation, who were epproaching him from the direction in which his interest was centered. . Having no desire to be seen, Bowers darted into the busles and threw bimself down upon the ground. Ot course be listened. ri Tbe speaker was Plumb Center Pete; the other, whom he did not fairly see, was a person that Bowers did not recognize, though his voice. seemed to be somewhat familiar. The two were evidently talking about what had just oc- rm we oe
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~ round-up’s over. cod A Sport in Spectacles. handled hisself war jest a caution, It’ll take a good man ter dump bim out ef he once gits hold. I dunno when I war more fooled on a man than I war on him. Ob, it war jest too lively fur any use, an’ Madden got fun by ther cord. An’ him a-lookin’ ez innercent ez a mue). Next thing be’ll be a-shootin’.” ‘*But what became of the other man—the greenhorn, you know?” ‘“*Tenderfoot Tom? Oh, he skipped, a good deal more scared than hurt. He jest knows when’s ther time ter git. Fur a real, up-an’- down ijeot, be hez more sense an’ kims out nigher ther top than I’ve ginnerally seen ’em.” "Idiot be hanged! They don’t make them mouch smarter. He’s not down here nosing around, fer nothing; and if some onedon’t drop him in his tracks something will break. I’ve @ot my eye on him, and | tell you if he tries any of his games my way I’]l pull and cut loose, It will take a man to down bim; but if he spreads too freely the man will be foun.i.” “Hello!” ejaculated Blockey. ‘‘He’s been stompin’ on your toes, bez he? Browne thinks he’s a bite; an’ some others thinks he’s a durned fool. What’s your ’pinion?” ‘*T think he’s as near ready for sudden death as men generally get before they go off the books, That’s enough. If he ran away he ran to grind anax—when he comes again some- body had better be waiting for him, if they don’t want to get the edge.” The two men passed on out of hearing; and it was not at all necessary for Tenderfoot Tom to hear“any more. He had learned that the pro- _ fessor bad pulled through without harm, and that he was in some danger bimself. When the way seemed clear he arose and followed from afar, reacbing Buoco without interruption, As he entered the Jefferson House the China- man touched him on the shoulder, ‘*Glil wantcbee see grasswood man belley muchee. Hop lound first chop ch’hoy.” “Tell her I’m ‘round; but ter sing low. There’s b-d men on ther move, and I’m ber only hold.” “We Wailo tink grasswood man all look-se- pidgin. No mattee, Chinee allee hunkee dolle, gialow. Hai yah!” With the contemptuous expression of his belief that Bowers wag all a sham, We Wailo skipped away to attend to his duties, which were numerous if Jight; but be found time to bring Miss Vandeleur and the Flatfrom Walnut Bar together, shortly. “« Well?” she said, interrogatively. “ Well, I didn’t do jist so bad er jist so good; but ef things work right I think I’ve caught on, sorter. Ther perfessor toted me along out ter Browne’s mine, an’ they talked ez though I hae go ter w’u’k thar. Thar wa’ a leetle racket got kicked up, an’ ez thet warn’t per- cisely in ther bill, Icut out; but I'll come ag’in. I kin tell yer fur one thing, ther’s more ner you an’ me got eyes on this byer Browne.” * And why? Who else here has an interest in him? What have you learned?” “Not much; but [Pll know more, Mebbe ther’ll be a racket hyer ter-night, an’ }'ll hev ter ae but ez long ez I kin stand ther pressure ye’ 1 find me doin’ my level best. I ain’t much look at, but ef yer jist trust ter Tom Bowers you'll find him in town, when ther All I’m afeard on is that some ’un’ll be nosin’ ’round axin’ what ner blazes you're after. I wanted ter gi’n yera hint. Good-lookin’ gals are ska’se byer; an’ Banco’s mighty suspicious.” “Than#you for the warning,” answered Miss Vandeleur, who had been regarding him with a steady stare. “T have already given an account of myself. that will disarm suspicion—and have bad an interview with the landlord, here, that turned out better than I Had dared to hope. I a indebted partly to you for some hints and I wil - still trust you; yet doubt you at times, Beware if you would play me false.” **What yer take me fur?” exclaimed Bowers, ind was “For sdmething, perhaps, that you are not. Enough of that, There is one thing I want to mention to you, Last night my Jife was threat- ened by a woman—a woman young and hand- some, To-day I can find no traces of her in Bunco, I want you to search for her, and see if you cannot do better. Be sure and excite no suspicions, If you keep your. eyes open you may find some one watching me; and then the chances are that it will be she. It may be that my life will depend on this. For some reason she bates me—l wish I knew why.” | ‘*Mebbe she’s a friend ov Browne’s?” suggest- ed Bowers, who at once seemed interested. “« What were she like—dark er fair, old er young, big er leetle?”’ “Young, dark, of medium bight, It does not seem possible that she could be a stranger here; but why should she wish to kill me, upon whom sbe had never laid eyes before?” ** Bet yer ther’s a man in ther case,” saia the His words had an instant effect. Miss Millie’s ace suddenly flushed, her eyes flashed and her ‘parted ag thougb for speech. . Then, without a word in answer, she turned ¥ - matter. will aoe his nose out. hand in an’ away and closed the interview. If she could trust Bowers she had said enough to put him on his guard. If she could nut trust him further words might only barm herself. Bowers looked after ber thoughtfully. “Suthin’ ov the spittire "bout her—ain’t all mush an’ merlasses. Dunno what ter make ov sich er gal, Wonder ef it could be me ther black-eyed gal are arter? Oh, glory! Tom Bowers on ther masb! I k#& see it—over ther left—but I wonder what ther perfesser would sav ter that?’ » d That the professor might be angered at the way Bowers left him in the lurch never seemed to enter the thovghts of that individual, and his own conscience was evidently at ease in the He loafed around Bunco for the rest of the afternoon, eat his supper with a good appetite, and afterward with unblusbing frank- ness held out his band to the late-arrived Elder- berry, who seemed to be another man of much the.same kind. ‘*Yer skinned ’em alive, so they say; but I bin a-waitin’ ter hear full pertick’lers. I didn’t leave till my time come, an’ I wouldn’t ’a’ done no good by stayin’,” . The professor shook hands wn ae ‘* Aw, ther’s not much to tell. Ihad, aw, a personal difficulty with one Madden, aw, and I was the victor. I, aw, learned once how to strike and guard, and, aw, 1 don't forget much,” : Then the professor gave a brief history of the row, as already related, and Tom Bowers shook his head when he heard that the gang he had seen wildly elamoring for blood would be turned . loose in town an bour after dark. He had little faith in such sudden conversions, and so he said, and he promised himself that be would keep out of range when the bullets be- gan to fly; for the professor did not seem to mind his warning a bit, and went off to speak to Hunter Browne, who had left the house shortly before his superintendent had arrived. It was while the Flat from Walnut Bar was communing with bimself how he could best and most safely spend the evening that Plumb.Cen- ter Pete found him. y ‘*V’ve@ b’en lookin’ fur yer, Tommy, an’ it’s jest a good ole chance I found yer. I want ter gi’n yer a p'int thet may er may not be wu’th sutbin’ ter yer. Ther’s a man ez moves when yer pull on ther handle ov Kale Carter, an’ he’s hot fur slaughter soon ez he sees a chance ter pull yer in. Ye’r’ a good leetlé man, an’ I'd hate ter see yer checks passed in jest ez ther game war gittin’ interestin’, W’ot yer b’en a-doin’ to him? I tried ter pump him, but he wouldn’t tell.’ Bowers shook his head. ** Bless yer soul, Mr. Blockey, I ain’t b’en doin’ nothin’ ter nobody; an’ ez fur Carter—I don’t know him. Couldn’t you tell him how he’s mistook, an’ argy ther matter? I’m a peace- able man, 1 be, an’ I don’t want no trouble j ” ‘*Tt ain’t no use. He won’t listen ter reason, an’ honor bright, he’s an awful bad man, Ef I war you I'd make up my mind mighty sudden, an’ I’d either fight er skip. Ef not, pay fura wooden overcoat, cash in advance, an’ save ther charity fund ov ther town ther funeral ex- penses,” ‘‘Sure, you don’t mean that. Why, Mr. Blockey, I ain’t no fightin’ man, an’ I didn’t never do no harm ter this Mr. Carter.” ‘Tell that ter ther marines, Tommy. I guess when ther pills are in order you'll see Kale git his full dose. I only thort I'd gi’n yer warnin’.” ‘‘Thankee, Mr. Blockey; but why don’t yer help me out? I've got suthin’ ter do hyer, an’ ef I’m all ther time a-watchin’ fur him whar’.] Lkim out at? Keep bim off an’ 1 sw’ar I'll give yer suthin’ handsum’, \I kin go ez high ez five dollars right now.” : Plumb Center Pete laughed. The size of the offer was not as ridiculous as the tone of th man who made it, and Blockey was inclined to enjoy himself at the expense of the party who could allow his fears to run away with him. “Don’t laugh,” continued Tenderfoot Tom. ‘*’m jest made fur gittin’ inter scrapes—an’ it’s. only hog luck ez-gits me out. Ther kunnel ain’t ’round—he’s surter my guardeen—an’ ef yer war squar’ ye’d help me out till he comes.” ‘Oh, dry up on that. One way er t’other, yer’ ther dog-gonedest fraud outen jail. Ye'r’ playin’ it on me, er yer playin’ it on Miss Van- deleur; an’ I wouldn’t half mind takin’ a shot at yer meself, I warn yer I wouldn't go outdoors ter-night, not fur no money. Thet’s all, Ef yer does they’ll be a racket.” Pete would listen to no moré after that, and simply shrugging his shoulders at the appeal that Bowers was about to make, be hurried away before the first half-dozen words were spoken. ‘“‘Mebbe I kin skeer him off ther track,” ~ gested Blockey to himself. “Ef he’s what think, it’s a shame ter kill bim; an’ ef he ain’t, Kale Carter ’l) bring him, sure; an’ either way Ef it don’t I'll take a ry what he’s made ov.” ery shrewdly taken; but perbaps even Plumb Center Pete did not entirely understand the tenderfoot, ; CHAPTER XVIII. : IN TOWN. For some little time Buncohad been on its good behavior. Several bad men had been lately killed off, and a lull had occurred in affairs, though no one would be very much sur- prised at learning that they bad opened up again with all the vigor that had given to the toWn the full meed of her reputation. The single fact of Mr. Allbright being picked up ia the si'reet in a condition necessitating a funeral, caused no excitement; and if any one heard of the raid on the town that was contemplated by Buck Beans and the rest of the men in the em- loy of Hunter Browne, it gave no uneasiness. hings went on just the same—even to the fan- dango »t Hazard Hall. Everybody went there at times, and though now and then there was a fracas on such nights, the place had, peshaps, a better reputation than it deserved. Tbe large room was full of dancers, and the jollity was at its hight, when a terri c whoop announced a new arrival. Tbrough the door came a number of men, with Buck Beans at their head, half dragging, half leading, Pro- fessor Elderberry. The new superintendent looked very much the worse for wear, though he had cnly fairly started on the night’s dissipation. If be wasin such company the inevitable corollary was that he had been drinking. ° The truth was he had been pouring-down fire- water freely, and instead of making him foolish it appeared torender bim sullen. He said but little, as he paid for drinks for bis men, and then stumbled away from the bar toward a corner in which there chanced tobe an empty table and a seat, into which he dropped without any _one attempting to hiader. For a little while he stared around with an owl-like gravity; then he turned around and dropped bis arms on the table. He was not asleep, as was indicated by his occasional move- ments; and if any had noticed him, it would have been thought he was simply trying to re- cover the wits that bad started to wander. Just then no one did notice him; for the crowd at the bar drew the majority of the eyes thitherward, and the dancers clini the bal- ance. With music ringing, feet going, the bar busy, and Optime Charley dealing faro in one of the side rooms, things were very much livelier than they were the night before, when the bours were dedicated to short cards and the casual drinkers. As for the ladies at the Hazard Hall, they. were the quieting feature that generally pre- vented bachcanalian revelry, and the fatal fra- cas, They were, for the most part, daughters and even wives, of the miners, and by a general tacit understanding, they were all masked. The disguises might bave been more thorough, but no one was inclined to be critical, and in case any one was puzzled, he accepted the situa- tion with alaugh. If he attempted to be in- quisitive he got a bint, and if the hint had to be repeated, it came again in such a solid shape that somebody or other got burt. The presence of Buck Beans and his gang was rather a menace, for they Magee fillip up ina way that showed they were after whisky rather than dancing, and they were not of the stamp to swallow much.fire-water without its bering a bellicose effect. A few men were preparing for row; but the dancing and music wenton with- out cessation, the devotees of Terpsichore mak- ing the most of their opportunities while they te > ‘What's the meaning of this?” _ Plumb Center Pete had come out of the card- room upon hearing the racket, and the first man he met, so to speak, was Hunter Browne, wbo touched him on the arm as he asked the question, ‘“You orter know,” answered Blockey, with a snort. . : “Goggle Gawge are on a tear, an’ bez brung his crowd erlong with him, He's a brisk youn man fura evcieriy. ez yer kin see ef ye’ll cas yer eye over ther gang frum ther Bunker Hill, Ef he’s got ’em thet bad used up ther fu’st night, what’ll they be when he’s hed ’em in his private trainin’ fur a month er so?” Browne stared at Blockey, and then stared at Beans. He did not catch on to the drift of Pete’s remarks, . ‘Ob, mebbe yer didn’t hear w’ot a riotin’ ole time they bed up thar this P, M., after you left. Thet sport in spectacles jest waded through ther crowd ez though he traveled on his muskel, an’ gloried in it. He slaughtered Mike Madden, laid him out stiff erneugh ter cut up inter whalebone, an’ then axed ‘em all in fur a big drunk ter-night. They’re hyer.” “T see they are,” said Browne, dryly, and then there was a shade of annoyance on his face. ‘‘I heard there was some little trouble after I left, but understc them into a good bumor, and work went on as usual, Confound him, be drawls over every- thing so that ag the time I can’t make head or tail out of what he says, unless it’s oteas usi- ness: Then he's a different man. he talks ore he’s right there, everytime, = . . the professor talked —
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A Sport in Spectacles. a - iii nena as —— 15 Fm nn ne EEE SET RAR RE SS SOR RT SS SR EN SR CE en Sw ene ee ones ae naeeeoeeee* <-| **Mebbe you didn’t s’pose there’d be a racket ef yer went away an’ left him alone with them -innercent lam’s q’. yourn?”’ Browne gave a short laugh. “T guess you want to find out what kindofa “man you've got hold of wien you put him to ‘work in a place like mine. They would have known better than to be too rough; but if they could have run bim out, easy, I'd have bunched the cards and started infor a new deal.” ‘“‘Not much mud erbout ther perfesser;.he’s -all sand, assorted sizes, an’ sixteen ounces to ther pound. Only, see ayer, Browne, take keer he don’t run you out, There’s things bin did that wer’n’t half so likely. But I ain’t sayin’ anything ag’in’ him, recomember. He may be ssquar’ ez a die, ez fur ez I know.” “Don’t fret yourself about that. I’ve got a square hold and I'll keep it, unless some one jumps the claim that’s got more nerve and sixes than I carry.” “But it strikes me ef all ther boys kin he ‘brung off ter Bunco on a racket, it wouldn’t be a bad time fur some ’un ter slide in. Eh? Who's thar now?” : ‘‘Don’t ask foolish questions,” responded the mine-owner, shortly. ‘This isn’t the place to laver over them, anyhow.” “ Thet’s so, This are the place fur sixes, an’ I hope yer hey yoursalong. It strikes me ther facket are about begun. i! There had been some crowding and harsh talk around the bar, and at this moment there rung out the sharp crack of a pistol. Sc Fortunately the sbot went wild, striking over- head, and without an instant’s delay, the man, who had fired at the bartender, was caught up, his weapon being wrenched from his hand, and he was givena fling toward thedoor, As yet the fighting era in the night’s history had not set in, Up went willing hands to catch the unfortu- nate shootist, and from one to another he went, sailing overhead, his progress never ceasing for an instant, until finally he was tossed fairly into the street. No one went out to inquire whether any bones “were broken. Only Browne, Plumb Center Pete, and a few others had seen bis final exit, but every one knew what bis fate would be, and cheerfully -concurred in his mild punishment, tf was Plumb Center Pete’s curiosity as to whether he knew the man that led him to look after bim with more than ordinary earnestness; -and he gave vent to an exclamation cf surprise that caused Browne to follow the direction of his eyes, hrough the doorway came two persons, who chad made a narrow escape from a collision with the unfortunate. One of the two was Tom Bowers, who halted just inside. His companion was masked; but in spite of a change in garments, and an attempt- ed a in her walk, Blockey recognized bis ate fellow-traveler, Miss Vandeleur, : She was better at home than her escort, and dropping bis arm, she immediately mingled with ‘the crowd. * By glory, what does she want hyer?” was “Pete’s mental comment; and it did seem a natu- -ral ove. * The girl was very well disguised, and perha “Blockey would not have recognized her if he had not seen her company. ‘But Tenderfoot Tom was not likely to have made many if any cquaintances in Bunco; and if he bad brought Millie Vandeleur there it was mot likely that be had done so of bis own idea. For tbat reason Pete Blockey asked himself what she wanted there, and added: ‘“Tf.she had ter come, why ner thunder -couldn’t she hev caught on ter me? I'll keep an eye on her, fur [ reckon if there’s one ov ther old time rows Tommy’d look out fur number ove,” “Hunter Browne saw the Flat from Walnut ‘Bar, and took no interest in him. While Pete was cogitating he seized the opportunity to glide away, never recognizing Miss Vandeleur at all. ‘He did not even notice when Kale Carter brush- -ed past him, witb av angry gleam in bis eye, Blumb Center Pete was more observant. He caught the expression, and for some reason it did him good. He turned away, and then gave a slight, quick movement backward. — The result was he came into collision with “Carter, who uttered a wicked growl as he looked -to see who it was that bad so clumsily got into his way. : : Blockey was innocence itself, and bis eyes baad a far-away look. ‘‘Where are you pushing to, man?” rapped -out Carter’ and just as he spoke Plumb Center Pete saw Bowers, who had taken alarm at the ‘first movement of Carter, dodge out of the door in instant retreat. C52 CHAPTER XIX. (THE FLAT INVESTS FIVE DOLLARS ON THE ~ QUEEN. _ Wuen Kale Carter, after his exclamation, ‘turned again, he found no trace of the gentle tendaetogt, and though be was shortly on the sspot re be bad seen bim last, and makin ecautious inquiries there was no one who noticed his exit, or would give him any infor- mation, . ; As it appeared likely that he had mingled with the crowd, Carter seemed to decide to bide his time, and leaned against the wall with fold- ed arms, “He war goin’ fur ter git even, war he?” chuckled Pete, “Ef yer don't watch a weasel apt ter find that be ain’t thar. blazes are Goggle Jawge after?” The professor had risen from his seat, and without a glance around was making straight for the door. ‘*Good-by, ole man. Ef yer strike some ov ther Bunco toughs yer leetle game won’t be doin’ yer much good, onless ye’r’ a durned site more sober ner ye look. I wouldn’t wonder if, ina few minnits, there would be sounds frum home outside. - I b’lieve 1’Jl go out and listen.” . There was a shade of delay in making his way to the door, and by the time he reached the open air the professor had made more progress than was expected. Inthe distance his rapidly re- treating footsteps sounded faintly, while close at band there was a coarse Jaugh. “Yer come at him too fierce, Billy,” said a voice. ‘Ef yer hed gi’o him more time he'd bin too skeered ter skip. It war acaution how he run away.” “Yes, curse bim, he run like a house afire; but he'll pull up afore long. That’s ther good ov havin’ two strings to.ther bow. Listen an’ see ef yer can’t hear him drop,” There was no answer. The two men, as well as Plumb Center Pete, were intent on what was to take place further on down the street. ‘* Curses on it!” suddenly cried Billy Gray, as a couple of flashes flared up, beyond which they could distinctly see the figure of the still ran- ning professor, ‘* He got by ther careless galoots, an’ they hed ter use the’r. irons,” ‘Er somebody else hez chipped in, Come on; we'll go down an’ take a hand in,” ‘* Guess not, boyees!” said Plumb Center Pete, his words exploding like fire-crackérs, and the sharp clicking of his pistol-hammers emphasiz- ing his a : “Fair play, boyees, When two mounts one, Pete Biockey are around!” The surprise, and the mention of his name, completely demoralized the lurkers. Tbey wheeled and fled the other way, while Blockey, the coast being clear, hurried off in the direc- tion whence he had heard the shots. When he had about reached the spot, he found there bad been a mistake somewhere, Two men were doubled up in a heap, perfect- ly motionless. If they had tried their band at shooting, they bad certainly got the worst er consarned ow, what ner of it, ‘‘Humph! Dog-goned curious,” he muttered, as he bent over the fallen men, ‘*Looks as though some one else had chipped in an’ bit ther wrong pigeons. Vil swear he didn’t stop long énough ter lift his sixes—if he kerries sich useful artickles ov household an’ kitcben furniture. ive five dollars ter know jest who’s bin stackin’ ther keerds.” ‘*Flo’k ovelee! We Wailo’ bin loundee, shootee ebley time way uppee, No let lobber lun ’way with Gog; Vy Jawge. Hi-yah!” ‘You consarned heathen! you mean ter say fa hev bin shootin’ down Christian white men? ain’t killed er victim fur a week, an’ I’ve half a notion to begin on you,” Blockey spoke in such good earnest that We Wailo disappeared with the same mysterious suddenness with which’ he had come. To be sure, be only jumped into the shadow of a shanty and then me ag away, but there was something weird-like in bis coming and going. “T bed orter shoot ther frisky heathen,” sighed Blockey, regretfully. ‘Ef ary 'spicious cha come along, yt might think ther two stiffs belonged on private diry. Lemme see ef I know ’em. Sho!” The men were not dead after all. They moved, and one of them sat bolt upright. At sight of that, Pete Blockey took a leaf out of We Wailo’s book. Sliding into the shadow, he left the two men to their own devices; and as neither the professor nor the Chinaman were in sight, he made bis way back to Hazard Hall, wigs things were going on much as when he ett, His first movement was to look around for Miss Vandeleur, It was not 80 easy to pick ber out now, for there was a good deal of sameness about the ap- ‘pearance of the ladies when viewed through ne crowd; but finally he thought he had found er, She was standing in the corner Jately vacated by Elderberry, and Kale Carter was trying to engage her in conversation. was not hard to see that his presence was undesired, and tbat the girl was looking for a line of retreat, “‘ He’s foolin’ ’round er gentle leetle cyclone,” thought Pete, as he edged toward the t 5 though taking care that his progress in tha direction should not te ea aie tae ib Seen Chance favored him, for just then there was a general movement that brought him right in their neighborhood, without the least effort on his part. While his attention was apparently directed elsewhere his ears were open, and in spite of the medley of confused sounds he heard something of the conversation. ‘*Yer needn’t look after ther flat; he knows when ter take a through ticket an’ go. He knows I’m goin’ ter kill him some time but he ain't in a hurry about passin’ in so he’s slid out, an’ now I want a leetle squar’ talk with you.” “Threatened men have a double lease on life, and if you really menace the man who accom- panied me here—be will dance after your fune- ral, Be careful that be don’t help to lay out the corpse. Iam not to be frightened; and I wish to hear nothing from you.’ ‘*Mebbe not, mebbe not; but I want to hear something from you. You, Allbright an’ ther capt’n set up a game an’ draw’d usin. Because Allbrigbt’s dead we ain’t goin’ ter let go. Ef he didn’t tell yer I tell yer now. We're yer pards an’ yer don’t throw off on us nohow. Ef yer try it there’ll be blood on the moon, even ef Capt'n Trouble hez sold us out an’ backs you up.” ‘“*T do not know what you mean. The name of Captain Trouble I never heard before, and if Mr. Allbrigbt had any dealings with you they were not authorized by me.” “That won't wash. I knowed last night yer hed changed yer base—an’ ter git rid of us you’d sell us out, We got word hyer ter watch Trouble when he come back; an’ we’re doin’ it, Ef you, an’ him, an’ Johnny Short thinks ter git away with us, ther sooner we strike in ther better. There’s no go between now, an’ this are yer last chance, Make yer bid an’ play us fair,” “‘T bave no bid to make, and fair or foul I will hold my own. Bunco will give even a wo- man a chance.” ‘Such a chance as it give Allbright—a wood- en overcoat,” “Very well, try to fit it on and there will be a call for a dozen.” Miss Vandeleur was at her best, and dealt with Carter as man to man. ‘*More. I don’t believe that I will fill one either; I don't know who you are; and I don’t believe I care to know, in spite of the interest you profess to have. I only give you warning and pass on.” She attempted to move away, and the appar- ent confidence in the movement actual] Trew Carter off bis guard. He gave back the least bit, and she took advantage of the opening for escape, He wheeled an instant later, but she had al- ready entangled herself in the crowd, and if he desired further converse with ber it was not hard for him to see that he had lost bis chance, No doubt she was aiming straight for the door; and in that direction Kale Carter cast his powder.” The man with the whip did not seem alto- gether easy in his mind, He hesitated a mo- ment and then came slowly forward, looking this way and that, though by chance his gaze never reached Carter. . “ Ef ther galsees him an’ freezes onter him he'll take ber away, an’ then tber frolic'll begin out- side. Ef not Carter ain’t quite sich er fool ez not ter work ther matter up so ez ter save his own neck—he can’t shoot bim right down, byer in Bunco—an’ it strikes me it’]l be worth seein’ how he gits down ter biz, An’ -mebbe Tomm ain't sich a fool ez he looks, I'm goin’ ter sti by an’ see it out.” Miss Millie did not appear to see him, and it was doubtful, after a little, if she would since she had rs 4 so thoroughly out of view that Blockey began to believe that she must have left the room. Instead of seeking the bar Bowers turned into the faro-room, and by the time that Carter and Pete Blockey had got near tc him the Flat from Walnut Bar bad obtained a good position, close to the table. ‘Ef he’s lookin’ fur a chance fur a row Pll sw’ar he couldn’t bev picked a better place,” thought Blockey, as he took in the situation. There was a good deal of wild peaytn going on, and though a semblance of order bad so far observed there were too many half-drunk- rere not to make the chance good fora difficulty. = ~ Buek ns, the leader of the gang from the Bunker Hill, was there, and bad been at work for some time, paying oe a diversity of luck that was more exaspersting thanla steady streak of losing would bave been. At that , ment he was about even, ha just lost half dozen small bets, one after another.
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~ braced himse Be - 16 When he threw down half a dczen chips on the queen and won, Blockey shook his head. ‘“Phar’s somethin’ rotten right hyer,” he muttered. ; “Be ther thing keeps on there’s goin’ ter be ther dog-gonedest time outen jail, I’m stayin’ hyer, ter see.” At that moment the Flat from Walnut Bar dropped five dollars on the queen, CHAPTER XX. IN HOCK. Tux balance of the deal went through with solemn regularity, and the queen never came out once, There was a very good reason for that since the gentle females had all made their appear- ance early in the deal, as Mr. Bowers might have seen if he had taken the trouble to consult ’ the cue box. “ Well, Il be dog-goned,” was his: surprised remark asthe last card came into the door. “That's the best luck I’ve bed in Ar:zony. All that fun, an’ it bain’t cost me a cent.” ‘“Not a cent,” said Mr. Cole calmly, as he swept the stakes up into bis own heap, and then looked up with a quizzical leer in his eye. Dog rot. yer oly what yer mean?” howled Bowers. ‘*D’yer think yer kin come any ov yer skin games over me? Jest lay that back er they’ll be war right byer. I ain’t no tenderfoot ter stand sich crowdin’ ez those.” “Go slow there, Tommy, and don’t try to get upa muss here, If you’re one of the squealing kind you ought to ask after tbe rules of the house before you plank down your money.” It was evident that Co!e had full confidence in his heelers for when he had delivered bis opinion be began to sbufile the cards without paying furtber atfention to the man at whom he had just aimed his broadside. If Bowers did not know how to frame an an- swer iu words be had one in deedsall ready. It was natural that bis instincts should go to his whip, which was a weapon that he. could use, as bad been proved on several previous occasions. On this it started to come into play once more, His band griped the stock, and the lash gave a; flirt into the air. If be had struck straight for Optime Charley’s face as be very well wight bave done, nothing could have saved the juunty dealer; but there was a preliminary flourish and while the lash trembled in the air a set of strong fingers closed upon it. When he attempted to bring it down ‘the result can ensily be imagined. There wasa ae a howl, Tenderfoot oy was wheeled half-way around; and Kale Carter was left in possession of the whip. “ ° What follos ed was.as hard to describe as the antics of a hurricane, As the Flat from Walnut Bar wheeled, a chair rose from_right at bis side, apparently f its own volition. The man who bad been sitting in it wert sprawling, and Carter, who drew with one hand as he snatched at the lash with the otber, went staggering back, just as Billy Gray and another ruffian Jike-to him sprung at Tenderfoot Tommy. _. Bowers steadied himself, and shot out two blows, left me right that took effect, avd then f for therush that inneuiately followed. ‘ It was, for the time being, one man against the room, for the outsiders ba broke up a e when there were few losers had no friends, bere were plenty of men then ripe for a gen- eral row; and that fact bad an element of safety in it, as the nsual pistol practice was postponed until after the assault with fists had had its turn. Somehow the blows intended for Bowers failed to connect after the schedule, and as they had to reach somewhere there wer» some hard raps given and taken, that produced the natural ect, Before another minute had passed Kalo Garter and his chief of staff were under a score of trampling feet, and each man whocould re- main upright bit wherever he saw a head, | Bip, bip; bang, bang! The blows poured in and there was the liveliest racket going ou that Hazard Hall had seen for many a day. In the midst of it all two men shot out of a _gide door that led tothe rear of the building. Plumb Center Pete bad locked his fingers to- ether and dropping his arms around the ten- Serfoot, so as to pinion bim comely: had, by main force dragged him out of the melee, : _ As they came in’o the open air they fell ‘apart, and then, quick as a tiger, the man that Plumb Center Pete bad hauled out sprung upon him, with a gleaming knife in bis band. “ Cuss yer, stend aside, Kale Carter’s my _meat, an’ I’m goin’ ter trim him up afore this frolic are over. Git outen ther way; 1 don’t want ter burg yer.” : ; **Guess nof, Tommy. Yer uncle Ezra hez suthin’ ters y bout that, You let Kale Carter be, er pow’) hev ter settle with me.” — ioe ey was cool as an re. Se he yet he drew a twelveinch bowie and himself s uy. across the track of his ould-b antagonist, 10 ceased bis mad rush » w 7 A Sport in Spectacles. “ Look cut fur yer ears, Tommy. I’m goin’ ter Yarn whether they be iron-clad, copper- fastened, Al clipper-rigged, fast-sailin’. Do yer paricen, fur afore this fou’t are over I’m goin’ er sce whether you bea man er not, You've a9 puttin’ on innercence long ernuf ef it’s alla am,’ * Git out o’ my way, Pete, ef yer don’t want ter be hurt, I tell yer it’s Kale Carter er me, some time er other, an’ this hyer ya my night on. Next time he won’t spring his rattles, an’ I won’t hev no show.” ** Not to-night, sg, Y’d sooner yer took water; but ef yer don’t, fou’t yer must.” “Fou’t it be, then. You're too big fer yer britches, anyhow, ay’ hyer’s ther boy ez kin give yer a lesson.” Plumb Center Pete, outside of the danger of the chances, was taking a yery good way of gaging the amount of sand the tenderfoot car- ried. If he backed down, of course, that was a settler, If he fought, it would take a wonder- fully good fencer to get the better of 'Blockey with a knife. , Without longer hesitation, Bowers advanced, and the two bladescrossed with an angry clang. The knife is the test of courage every time; and the man that can bold hisownina scientific duel with an expert is to be counted no slouch. Blockey feund before long that he had bis hands full.. When the sharp steel touched him once or twice, drawing blood, and he felt his own careless thrusts easily oes he began to understand the nature of the contract he had undertaken. In addition, he lost his temper somewhat, and began to show an eagerness to make his blows count, that he had been far from feeling. : “So yer reely think yer kin get et ole Pete with yer rib-persuader. Ah, how’s that? Missed, did she? Hyer’s another, an’ hyer’s-another, Eb, glory!” \ Blockey jumped back like a cat and stared at his antagonist. It was not that every one of bis straight vicious thrusts was avoided, but that Bowers, instead of taking advantage of an open- ing, kad made a clean and almost successful ef- fort to disarm him, a ' “T reckon some one bez been mistook in this hyer circus, an’ Kale Carter kin git on his knees fur thanks ez 1 sashayed yerouten reach. Yer a desprit fighter, an’ I dunno right what-ter say *bout this byer affair.” Thoughtfully Plumb Center Pete began to ick his teeth with the point of his bowie. Vben hesaw that the Flat from Walnut Bar was as coolly strapping his blade on the Jeg of his boot, he broke into a short Jaugh, “That’s ernuf. I wanted ter be sure yer war up ter some game, en’ now I know it, Go "long in, Ef yer strike Kale Carter, you kin give a good acecunt ov yerself, an’ I won’t feel called on ter cbip.” iy “Yer did more damidge than yer awar’ a’ready,” answered the other. ‘I war on ther war-path with blud in me eye, an’ ther luck my way.’ Next time it'll be diffrent, an’ ef Tom Bowers goes outen ther wet,his gbost ’ll ha’nt yer. An’ef any harm comes tera leetle woman (z Im tryin ter keep an eye on, ye'll hey ter settle By I'll use er thing with er hole init, You bear me?” . The tone of the speaker was so harsh, and bis gesture so threatening, that it is likely enough Blockey would have felt called upon to take up the quarrel in earnest, Just as bis hand drop. ped toward bis hip, a feminine figure slipped out of the door, ~ Fe The woman halted suddenly, looked sharply at the two, and then advanced with confidence. It was,Miss Vandeleur, > “ Come,” she said, extending ber hand toward Bowers. ‘‘This is no placefor us. Those whom TI sought are not here; and I have only thrust myself into. frightful danger. They are killing inen in there—take me away.” No wonder that the tones of the girl faltered a little at last. “The noise of the riot within bad deepened into an infernal racket, and they could hear shouts and shots at the front of the a 5 facia: Plumb Center Pete listened an instant, and then did not linger. “Yes, git her away from hyar, Tommy, it ain’t no place fur you an’ her; but I’m goin’ in. 1 reckon I ain’t too late fur ther fun.” He rushed in through the door, which they beard him close, and lock bebind bim, and the two looked at each other in an inquiring sort of way. ae “Tam in earnest,” interposed Miss Millie, “I bave seen enough, and more than enough. was mad to come bere. Let, us/hurry away, while we have the chance grays without at- tracting any attention, Unless I am again greatly mistaken in you, I doubt not but that bs are as anxious as I to get away from this ateful place,” - ‘*] ain't sure ez I- wants ter go. It’s Kale Carter ez I’m gunnin’arter, While be’s a-livin’ there’s danger fur both ov us; an’ now would be | a bully good time ter turn bis toes up.” “He said you were a coward, and I believe him. Would you short ta in the back like avy desperate assassin? Come with me at once or you will find that if I om only a willful EPEAT iS ASAT FT STGP REE LE eR IO A SIT TESST LS LT TRE A woman, I at‘least know how to work my own: way.” She put her hand to her breast in a manner that was suggestive, and the man’s eyes dropped before the blaze in hers. . ‘‘ Hey yer own way,” be answered sullenly. “Tll take yer back to ther Jefferson House.. After that I’m my own man till I git even.” In silence the two went away, witbout a back- ward glance. In a few moments the where We Wailo and had their interview, Abont them all was quiet. They could hear the noises that they had left bebind them, and. the sounds of running feet in the distance, but. here no one would have suspected that there: was a single element of danger. Yet that night the darkness seemed to be peopled with lurkers. Bowers balted and dropped his hands to bis revolvers, but he was. a shade too late. With a swish, something struck himsbarply on the arm, and then a rope: wound itself round and round him, until he re- ceived a blow from the heavy ball at the end, while Miss Millie, who had taken the alarm and given a bound or two, felt the grasp of a steel- like hand on her neck and was flung beavily to the ground. The two had run into an ambus- cade, and in another moment were prisoners, bound and gagged. CHAPTER XXI. A STRANGE STORY. HuntEerR BROWNE bad the reputation of being in the presence of danger a cool man, bard to handle; but he was not apt to anticipate or see the trouble until it ran plump upon him, When he had taken ordinary precautions, he let the. future provide for itself. H He bad no premonition of evil when he strol!- ed into the Hall of Hazard to see what was going on there; and even after the surprise at seeing the most of his employees and the semi- warning 0 Blockey, be had no anticipaticn of impending danger, though he was corcious of a slight yneasiness, Without making himself conspicuous, he took occasion to draw Beans to one side. ‘“‘What's the meaning of all this, Buck? I don’t more. than half like the way things look.. Tf there’s trouble here, there won’t be much work done at the Bunker Hill to-morrow.” ‘Don’t you fret, Mr. Browne. Ther new boss hes jest axed usin fur a leetle fun an’ he set ’em up all round town; but we ain’t on ther tear, ez big ez we look,‘an’ we'll be gittin’ cut shortly. Mike Madden didn’t feel much_lite comin’ out ter-night, so be an’ his chum, K.- - stone Black, are on ther watch, Ef ye’d ruthicr hey a couple more men thar I'll send ’em out.” “Ob, ’m not uneasy, and I guess it will all be right. Don’t are lively, and P’il risk the chances. I see Elderberry has crawled off. He's not much of a drinker.” “Not much; but he’s ther best Ieetle man ez ever wore spectacles, and when yer git’ things in shape fur him ter git in his work things are goin? ter hum.” ‘“T hope so,” answered Browne. The fact that Beans was so much more sober than be looked had a tranquilizing effect, had come to the spot: lumb Center Pete had a eS , though Browne had received a distaste forthe amusements of the evening. A few minutes — Jater be sauntered out, and turned toward the Jefferson House, without having any definite object in view, A 4 e stopped, at several places on the way, con-- euming some little time, and without happenin to pick up any acquaintances. As he Covel away from the post-oflice be heard a familiar voice; “ Cunlee Blowne, ho, ch’hoy !” eis He waited at the call, and We Wailo came skipping up. ‘““We Wailo lookee ebleywha’, no findee.. Glil wantchee see Cunlee Blowne muchee bad, Say heap shu’ comée ifi hap owl, numblee sixty-fou’, Jeffelson House, Hap owl, go longee. Wailo take bim find glil light side top side glow. Him come longee.” _ Browne nodded acquiescence, — strodeaway in a manner that kept the little Chinaman trot-. ting. He understood that there was a young lady in sixty-four who bad been anxious to meet him, and he knew that sixty-four was the number of Miss Vandeleur’s room. From the moment he first saw her he bad felt a strong interest in ber, and so he wes not at all averse to an interview. If the balf an hour—rendered “hap owl” by We Wailo— bad elapsed it was not likely to make any gr. at difference, At the door of the Bo hand on Browne’s sboulder: “Cnunlee waitee beyab. If Wailo no come back ten minites Blowne Gartat ht sixty-fou’. Glil no wantcbee see ’um We Wailo come back shuah.” ; é With this arrangement Browne, in view of the numerous duties of the Chinaman, was con~ tent, though he bad an idea that Miss Vam deleur might have found a more intelligible 2 m to arrange things. When, after io inutes of waiting, he Chinaman Se Ge appear be accorded a five minutes’ grace, and 1 the Chinaman put his: ‘
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—— “ge PA hata . re 3 sptpia BGS ~~ yre = a te brig. i dar. * a 136 when che mangled corpse was that was supposed to o_o ———. “than walked straight to sixty-four, and gave a gentile rap. An unmistakable feminine voice told him to enter, and he did so without hesitation. There was a lamp burning brightly. and the room seemed to be tenantless but as the door closed behind him Browne heard the key turn in the tock. Whirling briskly he saw that he was in the presence of a young lady; and that she wasa perfect stranger. He smiled at the idea of locking the door, if the intention was to keep bim in. The flimsy walls of the Jefferson House, would scarcely cage a kitten. : © Huoter Brown,” said the young lady, eying him sharply. ‘‘I sent you word that I wished to see you, and J am glad that you have come. There is mucb concerning which I would speak to you, much about which | mustand will know the truth.” ‘‘ Excuse me, miss, or madam, I confess that ou have the advantage overme. Do youthink tam of the kind to give my confidence without knowing who receives it? And ceftainly you are a perfect stranger. ITeame bere expecting to meet a Miss Vandeleur—who are you?” ‘*Who am I? Well, sir, caution. was never one of my virtues, and whether for better or for worse I tell you the whole truth at once, I am the daughter of Nita Goytisolo.” ‘+ Ah, indeed. And who may the hereinmen- ticned Nita be? The name is unfamiliar, and I cannot see that the question can be one of in- terest to me, but courtesy requires that I ask it.” ‘‘'You are one of those, then, that forget very well. I will bring certain truths to your re- membrance. Of course you do not remember her. Sne was only Hunter Browne’s wife. I am her daughter.” ‘It is false,” answered Browne, quickly and sharply. “‘ His wife was no outlandisu foreigner, but an American woman, good and true, who died years ago. Her vame was Florence Styles. The records will show it.” . “Years ago. What of that? Hunter Browne is no infant—nor am J, Years ago I was a happy child, playing in the sand, waiting with- out impatience for the father that never came back ualess by stealth. I have waited long enough; if is time to search for him, Perhaps he has been lost,” — Sbe spoke ia a quiet tone, that.-gave little token of tho exci ement that Browne. knew must be rag ny within, —He stared at her with- out answering. “Oh, you need not keep silent until you can conjure up some plausible falsehood,” the girl continued. “ They kept the truth from me for years and years, but it had to come out atlast. When it did I swore a great oath that justice should be done, and I am here for that, and nothing else. No rest have I know night or day. There is hot blood in my veins,.and on ove side at least I come of a race that has always moved quick to their revenge. I give you the choice—justice or death.” ’ “My girl,” interposed Browne, speaking in the culm, even tone of ope who weighs his words, ** vou have certainly been wofully de- eeived. Your mother I.never saw, If I bad done s9 you have not yet made it clear why I. sbould die in consequence. Who was she. where did she live, and what crime is it that you charge againstme? Remember, I am nota fool- hardy boy, that might take delight in stirring a feud, or warring with an unknown woman. During the last part of m ylite I have striven to be just to all; it you could show me that you had any claim upon me, I would be just to ou. wa y “{ have told you I would speak only the truth, I mean to tell you all as briefly as | can, If it is bitter the greater is your fault, | “ Years ago you werea gold-seeker in Mexico, a wanderer in a strange land. Wounded by Apaches in a desperate fight in which your two companions were killed you crawled down from where you had hid in the mounfwins, and begged your life at the hands of my mother, “You were young then and brave, and 1 doubt not that you were handsome, In my brother's absence ‘she took you in, cared for ou, dressed your wounds and kept the little lite you still had in your body. : “It was the old story over again—as it al- ways has been, and always will be, She saved ou; you won her beart, Then you married Fg and a yer afterward I came into this y eyes never rested on you un- ’ world, though til a few days 2go.” % “ Ahem!” said. Hunter Browne, interrupting for the sake of interrupting, “ I’m not so sure that they rest upon me 50W ou left ber, and brought back, e yours, the light of reason went from her eyes forever. Her heart ow. ; oe is no jesting matter, as you will find out ere x: am done with you. was broken, and though she lived ber reason ‘was gone. Hor peers the, trot ae et ead pot may would not have been a 1 mo! C learned it by chance, A Sport in Spectacles. heard bow Hunter Browne came back to the friends that bad deemed him dead. He—my uncle — sought for revenge, but the villain escaped him. Now the hour when the hand of justice sball fall is ready to strike. One chance is left you, wrought. Fail in that and your doom is sealea !” If the young lady was theatrical she was in earnest, as Browne could very Well see. He did not seem to be very much affected by her story. ‘*Do L understend that the elder lady in the case is still living?’ ‘* She is.” _TLe eyes of the girl were fixed eagerly upon 21m. ‘* And is a lunatic?” ‘*Made so by yuur fiendish desertion—yes.” **And your suggestion is that I adopt ber as Mrs. Hunter Browne—of course taking you into my fold as my daughter?’ : “It is.” “Thank you, then, I think I would rather not. In all this story, so far as I am concerned, there is not a word of truth. I never saw your mother, never was married to ber; strange as it may seem, never was in Mexico. I have-lived an open life here for twenty years, and there is not a Jiving soul who would believe such a yarn. I have no wife, no child, no rejatives, no nothing, except what I have in Bunco, and that I intend to hold on to with tooth and nail. It must have been some other Hunter Browne,” **T expected no other answer, yet I would not see even you attacked without fair warning and fair chance. Now, I say the priest lives who wedded you; the records exist; your course every day, from the time you passed over the mountein range to the present bour, has been tracked. All will be proved ; and then—after that comes nigkt and death.” The deadly earnestness of the girl would have shaken many men; it had no effect on Hunter Browne. “Very well; prove it all, and I will still figbt. Now, having said your say—and I admit that you have spoken remarkably well for a young woman brought up on the other side of the border—I must bid"you good-night.” ‘* Ah, [had not told you that. For years I have lived, in the East. In many waysI have become an American. All that is only another added wrong. How -it. happened, was too young to understand. Only, my mother, with a glimmering cf reasob, says that . Hunter Browne, not satisfied with the ruin he bad wrought, sneaked back to look on his victim, and@jest some day it should rise in judgment against him, stole the child away, and then abandoned it to the bands of strangers who were more merciful than he, I bave been well and no thanks to him. Go, now—you go to your doom,” ‘‘One question, Are you the woman who came in on the stage Jast night—the young lady known as Miss Vandeleur?” 4 Browne halted at the door for an instant as she shot after him viciously the answer! “No, A thousand times, no!” ‘So much the worse. for you, then, night,” ‘ Good- _ CHAPTER XXII. i THE BUNKER HILL GOES UP. Tue interview between Hunter Browne and the girl woman who claimed to be bis daughter bad been a trying one, though each wore a mask-in the presence of the other. When Browné retired with something very like a threat Nita Goytisolo—for such was the name she had borne previous to ber appearance at Bunco—sunk back on a seat and covered her face with ber hands, The room was nota lucky spot for ber since twice had she suffered defeat in it. : ‘ Hunter Browne did not give way to his feel- ings, but when he reached bis own apartment he was evidently in a thougbtful mood. He lit a cigar, threw bimself into a cbair, and a hard, stern look came over his face. For perbaps ten moments be remained thus, thinking deeply, then be arose and flung his half-consumed cigar out of the window with a vicious jerk, as he remarked to himself, in a dis- tinctly audible tone: “ And the meanest part of the business is that the story is all true. I’m getting too old to fight for fun; but the uncle is going to keep me busy if 1 mistake not, unless he’s going in for heavy black-mail, The girl is in earnest; and some- bow I feel as if there was going to be a general round-up,” ; He was rising, whether to go out again or to retire be did not know bimself, and thought on the question of what he would do was checked by hearing a sudden rush of footsteps along the hall, that came to bis door and then ceased. Some one without was listening. fs Then came a cautious tapping Come in.” said Browne, and the party en- tered, shutting the door behind bim with a fe ty that s a he a8, suxiom to se Et 4 ’ d ' | As well as you can, repair the | harm you have done, the misery you have | Se SS ee ae ee 17 “Hello! It’s the professor—what’s up?” The mine owner recognized the ciothes, and above all the spectacles; and bad an idea that George Elderberry was about to inflict on him some tipsy covfidences, “’Sh!”” answered the new-comer, stepping forward on tip toes, “Y aint Elderberry; but don’t yer breathe a | word ov it.” It was Tenderfoot Tom, and in a high state of suppressed excitement, ‘* What confounded game is this!’ asked Browne, sternly. nad ‘For a first day my new superintendent is doing well. It’s nofenough that he must do his best to prove himself a drunken beat: but he must masquerede as a howling idiot, What do you want? Speak up.” ‘©Go slow a minnit, an’ ye’ll hear suthin’ ez’ll make yer ha’r stand on eend, -Tber perfesser ain’t no more drynker than you be, He's jest a solid lectle man frum ’Way Back.” “IT don’t care what be is—or you are. This thing won’t do.” ‘Hold on, jest till I git my breath, This: hyer’s ther way it war. Ther gal took er notion ter freeze on ter me, an’ bein’ ez the kunnel ain’t come, an’ I war hard up, I sed, letter frecze, Sbe wanted ter go’round to ther fan- dango ter-night, an’ I hed ter take ber along. There I struck Kale Carter, betwich him an’ me thar bein’ some sort er onpleasantress, an’ I skipped. Then the perfesser come in an’ said ther gal mustn’t be left thar alove, an’«z I'd brung her thar mebbe be couldn’t git her away ef she knowed it war bim, so he tole me ter shuck meself; an’ he crawled inter my clothes, an’ I inter hissen, an’ he went back, an’ jest raised ther biggest time outen jail. “Then I beired ther noise an’ ther shoutin’, an’ crawled out, keerful Jike, an’ now I'll tell yer what I heared, Thar was two ov ’em a-talkin’, an’ one ov ’em said: ‘Mike Madden are goin” ter skip ther ranch, ther boyeesare goin’ ter pile in; an’ to-morrer Hunter Browne kin jest cpem bis eyes an’ Low), We've gota priur title, with _ ther law on our side, an’ be kin dust er starve whichever be wauts ter.’ An’ Elderberry an” Miss Millie are tooken, an’ thar’s ther very dick- ens ter pay, anyhow.” Tom Bowers bad not tried toshorten hisstory,, or he might have saved a minute or two of yal- uable time. Now, when be expected an answer, question, or recognition of some sert, be got none, verbally; and the next instant he found himself lying oa bis back, too confused'to kiow what bad happened, Hunter Browne had hae ed bim out of bis way with a side sweep of his hand. that was a knock-down blow ineverything” but che name, - When Bowers staggered to his feet ke heard a noise without, and looking from the window caught a glimpse of a man on a mustapg. Hun- ter Browne’ was already mounted and speeding away for the Bunker Hill find. If he had} nowm the true state of affairs there, be might, per- baps, have’ been a littlé slower in starting, and reached the spot a little better able to cope wi.k tbe new and untoward orcer of things, When the majority of the men employed av the Bunker Hill had turned their faces toward Bunco that evening there was no thoughtof any danger menacing the property of their em- ployer, Browne himself was largely to blame. He was not aware of the fact that. the men - knew that he bad been applied to by Plumb Center Pete, or that there was any dissatisfac- tion in regard to the choice that he had made, Had he known, be would have been more cau- tious, . _ Wishing to test the stuff out of which the professor was made he had given Buck Beans a pretty strong bint. How that hint was acted upon the reader has already seen. : The result was a triumph for the peniiewae in spectacles; and when be invited all hands to. meet him at Bunco tbat evening it was nothin more than was expected; nor was the refusaLof Mike Madden and bis principal chum likely to cause any suspicion. adden’s reputation asa bruiser had suffered, and it was natural that be would feel a little sore over his defeat. Hardly bad tbe gang, headed by Buck Beans, left the shanties, in which they usually spent. the night, when Madden made his appearance: with a bundle under bis arm, ‘Yer comin’, Ned?” he called, looking toward. a neighboring but. ‘No, I’m hyer,” was the answer, and a stout squat-looking individual emerged, bearing a twin bundle. ~ 2 ; “T's not very like Pd be stayin’ back an” axin’? Browne ter be takin’ a divy outen my sheer ov ther leerJe pocket you an’ mie hed ther luck ter strike. Fur half a cent I’d put a ligbt- under ther shanty an’ send ther bull tb; ry kingdom come.” - é se “T ain't sayin’ I wouldn’t like ter do it,” re- torted Mike, “but I ain’t sot on passin’in my checks jist now, so I’ll wait. Ef we skips, not knowin’ 'bout ther et ez we cleared out, we 1 ered op; things When we stopped yon we y j , 1D en we ou you d keteh up.” ani t bet he’
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ee , : Oe “ Be quiet, though, till we get settled. 18 ' s Orrect yer be. Hyer’s luck ter ther gals we leave behind us. hope no one’s goin’ ter Tun away with things. Ef they does, guess they can’t kerry ’em so fur thet Hunt Browne can’t find ’em.” The men joined in a coarse Jaugh, and set off together, bending their course toward @ narrow smountain trail at no great distance, Four hours, perbaps, had passed before the stillness was again broken. hen a Jong Jine of men—a score or more ‘there were of them—came in sight, from the ‘direction of Bunco. They approached carefully, for the cabins ~were so arranged as to be an almost impreg- nable little fortress, and hajf a dozen good men, well armed, could have laugbed at five times ‘their number. Just out of pistol-shot range the party halted, and one man crawled up to the cabins and dis- | mupenred. n five minutes he bad completed his explora- tions, Then he gave a low whistle’which caused ‘the immediate advance of the rest. ‘‘Come without a fear,” said this man to his nearing allies. ‘‘Senor Madden has been so ood as his word. He has gone, taking his friend with him; and the rest are all gone also, | It is late and the ruffians, they may be returning.” The warning came in time to check the cheer | that was just beginning to go up as the men | crowded in, | “We're in fur it now, Pereirer,” said the foremost man, ‘‘Thar’s hot times ahead, an’ youll hey a chance ter show whether your gripe are ez good ez Hunter Browne’s nerve.” ‘Tr is your gripe and my nerve that are at stake,” answered the senor. “To. hold the mine for meI pay you. M share of work will I do at Bunco, and in it, if it fails will there be the most of the danger. Do not give up. Keep them outs An army ‘cannot drive you bere unless you basely flee. Before many days Bunco will all be on my side, as the most of it is now.” “Don’t yer be afeard. That’s what we're hyer fur—honest miners we be from Glory ‘Gulch, an’ above thar, kim up ter help ther annercent, an’ we'll hold on till ther cows’ tails -Grop off.” “TI can trust you to do that; and if there is to ‘be a fight I’m not sure but that you wiil make it welcome. Now, since Ihave seen you in pos- -session, I must go back, There are other strings yo and it is time that | was at them.” e gave afew hasty directions, and then bur- ried away. Evidently Pereira had bad no in- tention of doing anything more than directirg ‘the attack. He burried down the trail until near the ver spot wrere Tom Bowers had ambushed himself not so long before. ; Then be heard the hard gallop of an approach- ing mustang, and drawing aside, Hunter Browne dashed by. Pereira’s hand rested on a revolver, but the ** Somehow, ~weapon was not drawn. “Better not,” he muttered. - ‘the Satan’s luck always bus been his, and I aight miss him again. The friends abovea good account will give; and better for me will be if they slay him. That madgirl else may force meinto barm. His wealth itis first to make sure of. en her life.” Browne suspected little of his danger there; ‘but he was not the one to fall into a trap above. His eyes were on the alert, and he suddenly reined up as he caught sight of half a dozen skulking forms beyond, who. had not. sought cover in time to elude bis gaze, No friends of bis could they be, and he jerked up his pistol ‘and fired a single shot with unerring aim, then -wheeled, just as a regular voliey rung out in answer, There was some pretty close shooting done, for Browne heard the bullets whistle over, un- comfortably near, as he dodged. down in bis ssaddle, Before there could bea repetition, he ~was beyond range. ? Then a mocking voice called out: “Keep erway, Hunt Browne. You're ‘bu’sted up root an’ branch; an’ we're in perses- sion fur the rightful heirs.” CHAPTER XXIII. SURPRISES ALL AROUND. - Miss VANDELEUR and ter escort were whisked away so suddenly that they had hardly time to consider who bad taken them away before they were out of the extreme limits of Bunco, and on their way into the intricacies of the moun- tains. . After that the chance of aid or rescue was slender enough, - a It might have been less appalling for Miss _ Millie, bad sight and speech been allowed her. As she was both gagged and blindfolded, all she could know or find out was that, mounted in front of a man of seemingly herculean ‘strength, she was being conveyed with reckless -rapi ity along a rough and ever-rising road. The way beemed interminable, and as there was nochance to pay much attention to her / «omfort, by the time a halt was made, she was, | brave struggle with what she half hoped might she had been deceived, A Sport in Spectacles. between wear and worry, in almost an insen- sible condition. : : Heroine or not the attack was too much for her. She did not even hear a harsh voice up- braiding her captor for not having treated her more tenderly. When released she simply sunk down in a little heap upon the rude couch uear which she bad been placed, and knew nothing more for hours, Morning had dawned when she awoke from the troubled yet long sleep into which she had fallen. Sbe opened her eyes and gazed around with wondering uncertainty. The place was strange and very cheerless. It was not even a cavern. Overhead there was a ceiling of overhanging rock, but it was simply a buge niche in a rocky mountain wall. On threesidesand above there was rock, on the fourth side the niche was open, and she saw beyond a broad ledge, with a narrow passageway at either end. As she turned around she noted a man seated at the further end of the niche. There was something familiar in his appearance, and ber first thought of course was that it was Tom Bowers. It required a second glance to-tell her that she was mistaken, and that it was none other than Professor Elderberry. It was the spectacles that first convinced her. After seeing them she was able to recover her wandering wits, and then became more con- fused than ever. What was the meaning of bis presence there; and what had become.of Tenderfoot Tom? She stared up at the professor wildly enough; while be regarded her with a benignant smile. “What has happened?” she asked, making a prove a nightmare. ‘“‘T am sure, aw, 1 cannot tell,” he replied, with bis customary deliberation. “If I could, aw, distinguish a possible motive I should say, aw, that we were prisoners,” ‘Prisoners! Why, how, and to whom?” ‘“The, aw, conundrums of daily life are always peculiarly exasperating, aw. Their solution requires patience and waiting. If, aw, they intended to remove us permanently it would have been done at once, Consequently, aw, some one will appear to explain the mystery, pi pee meantim» Iam, aw, very uncomforta- ‘“‘T should think so, And hungry besides, But bow did you get here and what bas become of Bowers, the Flat from Walnut Bar as they will call him?” - ‘*I was taken at the same time as yourself, aw, while escorting you home from the ques- tionable place of resort known as, aw, the Hall of Hazard. Mr. Bowers, with commendable rudence, aw, left earlier in the evening.” “ What is the use in any such rigmarole; you know there is no truth in it, If you tell mea deliberate falsehood, and one that I know is such, [ have nothing left me but to believe that you arein some way responsible for this out- rage. That—or that you were too drunk to know what really happened. Which is the most charitable supposition?” Miss Millie was in earnest, Her eyes glitter- ed. She rose to her feet with all of her courage and most of her strength recovered. “ Aw, neither are necessary. It is ible that there is some misunderstanding. You in- terrupted a little affair with that singular man who is known as Plumb Center Pete, But for him and you I would, aw, have returned to the Hall of Hazard, which would have been the better course. Instead, I led you away, aw, and we were suddenly set upon and cher- ously taken. We are, aw, in enforced com pee and, aw, I do not think it advisable at we sbould quarrel. If, aw, I appeared to resemble Mr. Bowers, that, aw, was one of the necessities of the case. If pine would wait in pationne, aw, events would doubtless give you a further explanation, aw.” Tbe professor did not deem it worth while to rise to his feet. Miss Millie looked down ee him with ‘scorning eyes, and then turned her back upon him, and marched to the furthest side of their prison pen. With such a manashe appeared to be, it was disgraceful to bendy words, Elderberry, to be even, turned his back to- ward her, and contemplated the rocky wall above his head, Miss Vandeleur held the most unpleasant sus- picions in regard to this man, for she bad not the remotest idea that on the previous evening It is true that since their brief acquaintance had commenced he had been very much at her service, but she had only accepted his attentions because she could oa no better, Now his presence began to be hate- ul, Perhaps hunger had something to do with her feelings, Before breakfast one is not always at bis or her best; and if the meal is too long delayed, a quarrel with even a bosom friend is the most natural thing in the world, _ After a few moments of silence Miss Millie thought ofa dozen questions she would like to ask, and gave a sly glance over her shoulder. formation; for all he seemed to care for her she might have been a thousand miles away. She saw him raise his finger, 4nd move it along as though be was tracing the strata in‘hn ecstasy of scientific discovery. That he bad forgotten her was an added in- sult, She had hated him as hard as sie could, a few moments before; but still he was a man, and might offer a reasonable sugyestion as to when breakfast might be ready. “What are you doing there?” she said, mary: “* Geologizing, aw!” responded Elderberry. “You are. Don’s you think it would be bet- ter if you were turning your attention toward devising some means for us to get out of this? Where are we?” “1 am sure, aw, I don’t know.” “ Have you looked about to see?” ‘“Naw.’ ‘* And you cannot tell what there is to hinder us from marching out through yonder opening and finding our way home without farther molestation?” ‘Naw, I have not looked, Itisnouse. If aw, we were put here it was, aw, to stay. I sball wait, aw, upon developments.” ‘““You may if you choose, but I am going to see, I shall probably find either a way of es- cape or a chance for my breakfast, and one or the other would be very acceptable just now.” There was some shrewdness in the suggestion, but it did not present any attractions for the professor, He retained his seat and manifested no desire fo continue the conversation. He was simply and thoroughly resigned. Miss Millie arose and looked around her more sharply; with no evidence of guards or barri- cades, it angered her to think that the idea of flight bad not sooner suggested itself to her mind, She might at least have obtained some sort of an idea concerning the spot where she found herself. But Miss Millie had lost time that was more or less precious, for as she moved out from un- der the overhanging rock she beard the noise of careless steps approacbing, and immediately afterward a voice which had something strange- ly familiar in its tone. ‘¢ All right in thar, is it, boyees?” “ All right, capt’n. The two hez woke up an’ bin a-chinnin’, Dunno what they said, but we bin a-lookin’ fur "em ter come out a- whoopin’,” ; ‘“Let’em whoop, I'll go down an’stir up ther anamiles,” The speakers were evidentiy on a higher rade, That explained the reference to goin own, There was a noise that might be ca by one eud of a coil of rope being flung some little distance, and shortly afterward some one eee lightly to the stone floor of the ledge ond. iss Millie folded her arms. Her captor whoever be might be, was coming at last, and she made ready to meet him. Without hesitation the man advanced, turned the corner of the wall of rock, and stood on the ledge, facing Miss Millie with a good-humored smile on his face. Of all the surprises she might have imagined, this was the last, : fi man before her was Plumb Center ete. ‘ ‘*You!” exclaimed Miss Vandeleur, in amaze- ment, ; “Yes, me myself, individurally — Captain Trouble, the man with the tin ear.” ne Blockey laughed cheerfully. Evidently he enjoyed ber amazement, and bad uo desire to conceal his identity. “Yer see, my dear, we've started ther round- up, an’ it looks ¢z though our berd war goin’ ter pan out well. I wa’n’t quite ready fur you, P’ll admit; but as Johnny Short was needed bad, an’ you two war thick ¢z thieves, we bed ter pull yer both in.” “J don’t understand,” began Millie. ‘‘ Who is Johnny Short, and what is the meaning of this outrage?” ‘‘ Johnny Short, my dear, are brief fur Ten- derfoot Tommy, ther boss mountain detective, and the man that came down to Walnut Bar ter take Captain Trcuble en’ make a thousand dollars. That's who he is, an’ he’s got ther points down fine on yours truly. It’s a con- demned shame he won't never hey no chance ter.use’em. Eb! what ner blazes are this? Plumb Center Pete ceased speaking, and stared in wonder at the professor, who had | turned so as to face the two, The surprise was evidently genuine, and after catching that look Miss Vandeleur felt that she could no longer believe that these me# were in- collusion, Blockey carried at his waist the usue/ para- hernalia of weapo instantly to them. When he bad satisfied bim- self beyond a doubt that this man wos Profes- sor ny neeres he advanced with a menacing scowl, iat 5 “Hyer, you! What’s the meanin’ ov this nag gery? Whar’s Tom Bowers? How do Op Ses a you yer?” a, s Tbe professor was still intent on the geological ' ‘ Bowers, aw,” replied Elderberry, with ag- J 5, ie r) j - ed ns, and bis hands éropped — « ‘
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gravating coolness, ‘‘in the language of the poet, aw, isin hisskin. He begged me to take bis place, and, aw, as I am tender-hearted I con- sented. You, aw, could have no feeling against ‘me, and as it is natural, aw, that you should desire to remove Mr. Bowers, asI have so far known him, the substitution was, aw, tosay the Jeast, judicious. He tells me, aw, that the basis of your hatred lies in ibe fact that he got the ‘better of you ina fight with knives, had in the presence of this young lady, aw.” Blockey was a little puzzled by the calm, ah even sp ech of the professor. He even looked sharply around tosee if Tom Bowers might not So be lurking somewhere near. It was not easy to = understand how the substitution could have ) been effected. ‘I’m kinder sorry,” said Plumb Center Pete, atlength. ‘‘ You might ez well have kept outen ‘this racket. I intended ter kill Johnny any- how; but ez you know too gaul-durned much * 111 bev ter kill you too.” By As he spoke Pete cucked and drew his most ex convenient revolver. CHAPTER XXIV, im hes A DREARY OUTLOOK. ‘a As there bad been a change in her opinion, » even though she did not know what to make of her companion in distress, Miss Vandeleur could not see unmoved the preparation for his slaugh- ter. Without a thought of ber own danger she sprung lightly in frout of the professor, holding up both bands, and shielding him as well as she could, “Hold!” she exclaimed. ‘“‘What harm’ has he done to you? Would you murder him in cold blood?” “That latter are about ther siza ov it. It’s not ter be expected ez you kin git ther rights ov it; but it’s.a elear thing he’s got ter disap- pear. Things bez run too contrairy fur any use, an’ we’ve got ter make ther best ov ’em.” ‘‘But why—what? Oh, I cannot believe that ‘such a wretch as you would make yourself out to be can live.” ‘“Thankee, miss, but ther hard facts ov life ‘bring.out wretches ky the bushel; an’ I guess I'm ’bout®ther averidge. I’m sorry fur you; tut mebbe we kin arrange your affairs. We've ‘ben fooled most oudacious by ther perfessur; an’ ez be kin give ther bull thing erway we've got ter take himin.” ‘ E ‘* Why have you been deceived 4 him? Had ov let bim alone it is certain that he would not ave troubled you.” ‘Thet’s it; thet’s jest it. He wouldn’t ’a’ ’ 4roubled us—he war on a different lay alto- gether; but thet infernal tenderfoot hez jest fooled him right inter this; an’ hyer webe. I'd give a hundred dollars ter know whether he ‘seen you go; an’ bow much he knows about me, an’ my sheer in it, : “ inreseaedevee thet’s neither hyer ner ‘thar. Tl allow I orten’t ter git riled, er shed gore in ther presence ov a lady, I won't kill im jest now, an’ I'll talk it over with ther boys. Mebbe we'll see our way cl’ar ter use him. Thar’s another party after bim, an’ they jest missed puttin’ bis light out las’ night by er ha’r’s breadth. Prebaps we could make er trade. ‘Take it easy. Wel) send yer down some grub, an’ you kin be thinkin’ over ther vanities ov life fur ther balance ov yer days, I s’pose there ain’t no use 0’ my axin’ you who sold us out.” Blockey turned sharply to the professor, who by this time, had edged away from behind Miss its Se ET ERE TY EE ee SEL ae, . rat ats *.—s 5 - Le eT , Foi ts ah , S05 FSP IY I PTET ee Pita aid iE A a - bya P 2 7 A oe illie. : He shook his head gravely to the question. “I know nothing about it, aw, except that you are @ villainous reptile. Do your worst, Aw. ; es Oa through with yer,” responded Pete. ‘It’s a SE cold day when Captain Trouble gets left on a ae job; eg make our money outen yer mutton vg it jong. Ten J And then, with something of the air of a lion- Bee fi. oe - ‘tamer as he departs from bis den of beasts, : a Blockey stepped backward, until he was hidden _ beyond the wall of rock. a fb oe Then he went quickly along the little ledge, es We and catcbing at a rope, which hung down from ae. SC above, made his way upward with wonderful th agility. : Wh Srhé ascent was scarcely above a dozen feet, : When he had crawled over the ye of the rock a and regained his feet he stood in V © presence of iy three men, who were armed after the same is ‘style es himself, and had a rough, desperate Jook. ’ “Well, Cap,” said one who appeared to be the recognized spokesman. out ov "ern? How’s ther 2 oe ter pan out?” “ Pan thunder!” snarled ockey. ‘“‘ You’rea » -sweet-scented pa 2 ‘black hearts, you've got ther wrong man, “Then it’s acause yer pointed ther wrong man out,” answered the first speaker ina wie tone, that showed be was by no means Pp eased ~with his treatment. 250! ehaso, obitok a at rae t Pits “ Mebbe it’s ther wrong gal, eae eevee the ledge, an’ we'll go bac new dea “@No. The girl is right enough; don’t yer dar’ ter harm her till yer git ther word, unless ~T ‘*What yer make | be possible, aw, until I do. And ck o’ pap-fed calves. Dash your | fur a | ae enki entrar —— ew A Sport in Spectacles. 19 yer see suthin’ happen thet she’s bound ter git away. Then it’s life er death; an’ she may hev ter go. She’s come ter an appetite an’ I guess mebbe it’s ez wellef yer gives ’em both a squar’ feed. Blamed ef I know what ter do.” Plumb Center Pete was discussing an impor- tant problem in his mind. ‘* Who is this bloke, then?” _ Blockey answered the question without look- ing up. a ‘I reckon be’s‘about what he lets on ter be— ef he ain’t he’s in ther pay ov ther other part ez hez rung in ther Bunker Hill. Ef so I don’t jest keer ter -take him off. It makes a mix. Hold him hyer‘an’ Vl go back an’ see how things look at Bunco. Ef Johnny Short hes reely dropped ter me you*kin look fur a riot; but I’ve got ter stand ther chances, an’ so hez he, though I'swear I hate ter send him over ther range till we know who give us away. There'll be no livin’ in this gang till we find out ef thar’s atraitor. Ef ther’ are I don’t guess thar’s any doubt what’s ter be did with him,” “ He swings,” responded the other, “Then git yer rope ready, Dandy Dave, fur I'll show yer ther victim afore another twenty- four hours is over. Keep an eye on them two, an’ see they don’t give yer ther slip, I'll be back by night an’ tell yer ther news. It’s goin’ ter come thick an’ heavy now.” Pete Blockey left his minions to their own devices without further instructions and went his way. When fairly out of sight Dandy Dave proceeded to prepare the breakfast according to orders he bad received. It was plain and sub- stantial, being bread and meat, with a jug of coffee. Placed ina blanket it was lowered by means of the rope with which Blockey had de- scended, and then Dandy Dave hailed the pris- oners who, su long as they were in the niche, remained invisible. : ‘Hello, down thar. Hyer’s yer grub. Ef yer wants it one ov yer come an’ take it afore it’s drawed up ag’in.” The call was welcome enough to Miss Millie, who looked at the professor. “You hear that—don’t make them ask twice. Iam starving. Go for it.” “Thanks; but. aw, it strikes me there must be some deep laid scheme and I would rather not. They may want to shoot me, aw. Go yourself and I will watch how the land lays.” Too disgusted to answer Miss Vandeleur stepped straight out from the shelter of the rocks, and advanced boldly to the wall, at the foot of which lay the bundle of provisions. When she had possessed herself of these she looked upward and saw Dandy Dave leaning over. The outlaw had not an unhandsome face, and something of his appearance can be judged from his sobriquet. The men at his back could not see his features, and so did not note the smile that was on them, or the undeniable wink that he gave when Millie’s eyes met his. That young lady saw it, and was uncertain whether to be. offended or hopeful. It had its meaning, no doubt, and she was inclined to take the best out of it. She nodded lightly. ‘*How long do you think you are going to keep me in this miserable hole?” “Don’t talk to ther guard,” answered Dave, ina good natured rebuke. ‘It’s ag’in’ orders, an’ "ll make yer trouble.” : “Oh, I'm not anxious to talk, unless it is business. I only want to remark that if you desire to get any ransom out of me it is just as well to begin at once. There is no One in the -world that would put pe og cent for me, and I’m not going to. grow rich while you keep me cooped up here. I have just one thousand dol- lars, byt it is at Bunco. If one of you will ac- company me back I will hand him that amount, swear to say nothing of this, and be can go on his way rejoicing.” ‘““Thankee, miss, but money can’t buy us. Go, eat yer grub an’ when ther capt’n comes back you'll bear somethin’ furder.” * And yet while be spoke Dandy Dave repeated a sion that somehow gave ber confidence, “You are an elegant man for a ted-party,” was ber exclamation, as she rejoined the pro- essor, “Thad half a notion to make you go out there for your breakfast, or let you stay bere and starve. What are you good for, anyhow?” Professor Elderberry heaved a sigh at her beers ¢ address. ” y t present, aw, toeat. Some day, perhaps, aw, you will find out how you have mistaken my character, I know, aw, many things, but not efactly how to handle these people. It is tter, aw, to keep out of danger as much as wouldn’t talk much, aw. I think they*are listening.” _ With such a man, on such a platform, it was little use to reason, and not much satisfaction to talk. They only seemed to have one point ia common—the rations, = They discussed them in silence, and in fifteen minutes were much refreshed. CHAPTER XXV. ‘ _. RECAGED. . ALTHOUGH the place seemed so secure that the outlaws bad not even attempted to impress : A, —_— upon the minds of their captives the futility of any attempt at escape, Miss Millie was not to be satisfied without investigation. Having courage for two she went boldly out to the edge of the ledge and took a cool survey of her sur- roundings. To the right tbe way was blocked by an over- hanging wall. To the left was the alcove she had entered to receive the provisions. In front was a sheer precipice of perbaps fifty feet, at the foot of which was a small plateau, which looked green and inviting.» It wasreached by a narrow passage, bounded on the one sids by a further precipice, on the other by a bank. No one was in sight, though sbe could hear the near murmur of voices. Satisfied that there was nothing more to see, she returned to the professor, and described the position. He looked from one side to the other of the niche, rubbing bis hand through bis hair, and readjusted his spectacles. “lf we were able to drop down there with- out bei g seen, aw, do you think our condition, ayy, would be in the least improved?’ He spoke in a busky whisper, and the unex- pected interest shown was sufficient to give the girl a thrill of hope, ‘* We would be no worse off, and might be better. At any rate it is worth the trying. Yet how can we gef there? The precipice*be- low is like the one that hangs over our heads.” “Wait andsee. It is too soon, aw, to run the risks, By and by they will be less vigilant, and then, aw—a graduate of Harvard can do some things as well as others.” The professor had a profitable opinion of him- self, after all; but as he stood tips of the fingers of his right hand pressed against those of the left,‘and his head thrown back, Miss Vandeleur was not afreid that he would set many rivers on fire, If she had not found talking to him such slow work she might have worked herself into a state of enthusiasm, but as it was she gave a bitter smile as he ex- pressed an opinion in favor of waiting, and threw herself down once more on the couch that had served for her resfing-place the latter part of the night before. Her thoughts were more bitter than her smile had been if the varying expressions of her face went for anything; but in time the very excess of feeling wore ber out, her eyes closed, and she dropped into a troubled sleep. It may seem strange that slumber should overtake her-under such circumstances; but though she was a girl capable of more than ordinary physical endurance, her rest for some nights had been so broken that se felt the need of rest and bad the force of will not to re- sist its wooings. - She slept for some time, as sbe knew by the ition of the sun when awakened. Professor Elderberry was standing over her with his finger raised in warning. é Looking upon him in a startled way, for it had been bis touch that bad aroused her she saw him point toward the ledge over whose edge she had peered so hopeless! y “Quick. Follow me. bave heard their steps moving away. We have a minute to get out ot the range of their sight. Have courage, keep your head, and we baffle them yet. In his earnestness be had lost his drawl; he spoke firmly and with confidence. : Taking her cue from his whisper she nodded and rose, with a gesture that meant he should lead the way. aoe He did so. Without wasting time in telling her to precede him the professor swung him- self directly over t#e ledge by a rope which was fastened to a huge bowlder. The sight of it was a surprise, but she lost no time. “Come,” said his whispering voice, and lean- ing over sbe saw that be bad loosened his hold upon the cord, and was standing upon a narrow shelf, barely visible from above. ' Some women would have sickened at the risk ; but Miss Vandeleur grasped the rope without hesitation and lowered herself band under hand until her feet rested upon the shelf. ‘‘ Pity, aw, that we cannot get the string. Those whelps way see it, and though it is only a few feet long it might belp us. But, aw, I think we can make the drop, aw, at the bot- tom. This shelf makes a regular path almost — all the way down, The trouble, aw, was te reach it.” The professor told the simple truth. It required care and labor, but clinging al- most to the face of the rock the two won their way safely down until they came to what was the jumping-off pince. ” There the professor lowered bimself by his bands as far as was possible and then let go, With nothing more serious than a bard shock he struck the ground, and gathering himself to- gether almost instantly be lookéd upward to- ward his companion, bracing himself as he whispered: eee At ae “T will catch you, aw; I assure you it is per- fectly safe!” Fo ; Nie Tex There was nothing else to do so she . siotreachen arta, mate seme into his o * ety Stock in the mu r prowess of the pri fessor Se agtyw unadned woreaee. snught force of her | Miss Vandeleur, breaking there, with the -
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so neatly that she struck the ground as lightly as though she had only sprung from a horse. “Thanks. You seem to bave the strength of a dogen ordinary men. I know of no one who could have done tbat so well.” “Gymnasium,aw. Ltookeverything I could obtain at college. And you are superbly gifted. But, aw, there is no time to talk.” Again the professor led the way, aiming for the natural gateway to the little glade, The supposition was that those on guard above bad no notice of their departure. For ‘this reason they went on with some confidence —and all the worse it ‘was for them. Rising, es if by aspring, and from the ground, two men appeared before them, ; They came with the drop, too. In each hand each wan held a cocked revolver, and one, with a mocking Jaugh, exclaimed: : “Hands up, sonny! ba! ha! chances. If yer crook yer finger, jest, we'll take yer all apart. It’s shoot fu’st, an’ argy afterward.” , ““Crook be hanged,” growled the other in a deadly tone. : “Stand aside, miss, a: watch, ef yer want ter see him jump. We've hed foolishness enough —he’s dumb ez a boiled clam—an’ 1’m_ goin’ ter shoot.” Ry Professor Elderberry looked straight into the muzzle of the poised pins and he could see, by the ominous knitting o the man’s brow, that the shot was 2 bout to come, yet be never winced or started. Hesimply halted, asif to listen to what sort of communication these suddenly | | called away on duty it seemed hardly possible ; that he missed hearing the shots that had been ' fired, and if be was really desirous of prevent- ' ing ber escape, he would have put in an appear- appearing men might bave to make, Miss Millie was not so cool. She gave a sharp cry, and then stood, with dilated eyes and clinched hands, waiting for the deadly shot to come.* Sometimes there is some- thing in a tone of voice that tells beyond a | doubt that its owner means business, and she recognized it here. For herself she was not afraid; but at that moment she realized that there was no hope for her companion, ‘ There would not have been the shadow of a hope for him if he had flinched a particle. The least movement on his part would have caused the finger on the trigger to tighten; and afier that came certain death. * Really, aw,” he drawled, ‘it strikes me that, as | showed you a point not down in your books, common gratitide would assure, aw, a more cordial reception.” “We're not dealin’ in gratytood,” chuckled the outlaw, ‘‘but ef yer growlin’ over this, ~hat yer goin’ ter say when we makes it hot ? Sorry fur ye, pardy, but we hed orders ter kill yeref ver tried=ter escape, an’ dash yer eyes, e’ve actooally did it. Say yer prayers, if yer she any, an’ then sail up ther flume.” ‘Prayers, aw, belonged to the elective course at our institution; I shall not say them to you. If you wart to shoot, shoot me in the back, aw. You «in't fit to have a man face you. Good-by, Miss Vandeleur. I\can take my departure as well as the best of them.” , The professor drew himself up with all the dignity in the world, quietly dropped bis arms behind bis back, crossing them under his coat- tails, and turned upon his beel. His manner was@worth the study, and the finger lingered a joment on the trigger while the outlaws glared at the rara avis that was so coolly defiant. ° Tben there was a short, sharp, double report two cracks almost blefiding into one, foliowed by the sound of a well-known voice cutting the afternoon air: “We Wailo allee lounde samey use’l, fu’st chop ebley time. Shoot allee samee ’Melican man, ‘way uppee, Hi-yah!” \ ‘ And We Wailo showed himself on the crown of the bank along tbe entrance to the glade, a revolver in either hand, while stiffening in sudden death lay the two outlaws, a bullet in the brain of each. . Miss Vandeleur was startled by the sudden re- ort, and shocked by the fall of the men; but beysnd all her face showed surprise. “ Whatis the meaning of this?” she said, go- ing over to Elderberry, turning bim around and luoking him square in the face, ‘Who fired those shots?” ‘* What shots, aw?’ drawled the professor. , ‘*Nonsense, Do not think to hoodwink me longer. There is re aaa strange about all this. I want to know who killed those men.” ** Are they dead?” He stared curiously at the motionless bodies, ering from under his spectacles, but not offer- ng to advance, ; bile she looked We Wailo came skipping into view, flourishing bis revolvers, ** Ab,” said Elder probably. Ask bim.” | ‘Fool me no longer. This is not the first time. He takes the credit and some one else does the work, Are you afraid to father it?’ ‘What do you mean, aw? I turned my back on the scoundrels and, aw, left them to do their worst, I did not know, aw, that 1 bad the means at my command, aw, td make aa elec- ry, ‘‘there is the man fhe display. If ony 5 ae not shot perhaps they were, aw, struck er lying.” We ain’t takin’ | 4 A Sport in Spectacles | ‘*Melican glil battee no mo’ah chin-cbin. We | | nest, and his advice.was worth taking. Wailo loundee now; follee him come out first chop, e’hoy. Lettee Goggley Gawge do owney talk-talk. No good stay heab,” The Chinaman was more than usually -* ear- n his round-about pidgin-English way he explained that he had discovered the abduction of the pair end had followed as well as he could, arriving on the carpet just in time. He was sure he could lead the.way back to Buncog which was a num- ber of miles below them; and\he was confident | that if they could reach it before dark there would be little danger of falling in with the out- laws, unless there were others on guard besides the two at whom he gave his thumb a signifi- cant jerk, The conversation did not last os long es it takes to write its outlines. Without hesitation they left the spot, We Wailo acting as guide. Seeing that Millie gave a troubled look at the bodies, the profe.sor waved his hand with a motion that meant disgust. ‘Give them no second thought, Miss Vande- “leur. Their comrades, aw, will no doubt find them and provide for their disposal, aw. I would sooner they should find them than us,” That was so plainly true that the girl hesi- tated no longer. Neither of the defunct foad-agents answered to the appearance of Dandy Dave; and that fact was rather a satisfaction to Miss Millie, since she believed he was inclined to befriend her if he had the chance, and might not be so keen to intercept the fugitives. Unless he had been ance before this, But moments passed, they won their way rapidly downward, and still no one barred their progress. Darkness began to close in, but at no great distance glimmered the first lights for the even- ing. Bunco was hardly a rifle-sbot away, It seemed strange that they had met no one. The two or three cabins that they passed wero deserted. Several times they had halted to rest, and then scarcely looked behind them, so , fearless now were they of any pursnit. They made a last halt, and gazed Bunco-ward, Miss Vandeleur, who had scarcely been able to drag one foot after another, brightened. We are nearing safety, and I feel as though T could draw a long breath. One or the other, or both of you, deserve my thanks for either courage or skill. Perhaps by daylight I will see more clearly. You have stood my friends when I needed friends most, and [shall not for- get you, since to-morrow 1 must be in Bunco.” Miss Vandeleur looked from one to the other as if trying to decide which was wortby of ber warmest thanks; and with her words lingering ‘| under the sod, was an entirely different sort of on ber lips there rose at her backa harsh, mock- ing svort of Jaughter. -‘* Ha, ha! Hands up thar, an’ fingers empty— you! Ihbev yer foul. You could take in them oor shotes; but, Dandy. Dave's around now, an’ e’s a-talkin’, You h’ar him?” They did hear bim. Miss. Vandcleur’s nerves must have been all broken up, since, at the sound’ of that voice she sunk silently to the ground, Stranger yet was its effect on the others. © We Wailo uttered a shriek and sprun away—Professor Elderberry moving a secon or so later, but keeping up the same headlong gait. They did not stop to listen or to fight; but without ceremony went at once, their speed accelerated by a couple of pistol bullets that went singing past, too close to be comfortable, though in the darkness, it would take fine shooting to hit a mark the bigness, even, of a man. “Sorry fur ye, little woman,” said Dandy Dave, as he raised Miss Vandeleur from the ground. ‘‘Them fellers ain’t wu’th shucks on a pinch, an’ you'll hev ter consider yerself a pris- oner ag’in’.”” \ } CHAPTER XXVI. PLUMB CENTER PETE. DROPS. » BUNCO was a very nice place when every- thing was going on well, and fate was stroking its fur the right way. But Bunco, under a cloud;,with half a dozen prominent citizens ready, or almost ready, to go town, If he had not already taken it pretty well in, Professor Elderberry would have thought twice before be recognized it as the sure enough article after Lis return from’ the puzzling, but involuntary journey into the mountains. Enough had happened to stir up all the bile in the inkabitants. by é first thing that the professor really noted was a heap of smoking ruins where once stood the building known as the Hall of Hazard. The riot of the night before bad culminated in a conflagration. As an informal sort of coroner’s jury was viewing the remains of three or four men, all of whom had “died with their boots on,” and bullets in their brains, George Elderberry’s ad- vent excited no attention, and he had an oppor~ tunity to learn what was the state of affairs, without asking any questions that might bring him into prominence. : It looked very much as though there was go-, ing to be civil war. Kuck Beans and several of | his men were in a beap of trouble, and no mise take, for Charley Cole had been killed, and hi’ death lay, or was supposed to lay at the door of the party from the Bunker Hill Mine. Cole was a popular man, and at his fall thert rose a yell for vengeance that was caugbt up by Plumb Ceuter Pet», who caine rushing in from: the scens of his difficulty with the supposed Tenderfoot Tom, Through the drifting, thicken- ing swoke he fired twice, and each bullet found amark, Then balf a dozen men sprung to his side, and he led them on in a straight-forward charge, ‘*Go fur Beans! Whar i- he? Cuss ther ras- cal, he’s slipped out! Ab, thar they go! Pump. ther lead inter ’em, posie,, yer, can’t go wrong, They’ve downed Charley Cole an’ robbed ther bank!” Blockey’s cry was taken up by bis followers, but there was little time given them for action. Buck Beans was something of a general, and he saw that he was in a tight place. A regular: set was being made against bim and his men,,. and if he remained there the result would be a general massacre. His gang was under fair discipline, but. it was no part of bis policy to kill at large for the sake of killing. and mixed up as they were with the regular habitues of the place, they could not pick their actual foes: from those who were at the least indifferent, Ata signal, bis men gathered around him, just as Plumb Center Pete’s had done; but when Blockey charged, Beans was in full re- treat. r Out from the Hall of Hazard they burst in a compact little mass, clear ahead of tbe rush, and went up the street inaswarm, If nothing had interfered, they wuld have found their way to the Bunker HillWn a very brief-time. But an interruption they were fated to meet, for not a hundred yards away they were con- fronted by a ringing call to halt, and with it. came a shower of: pistol-bullets from an unex- pected foe that threw itself right in sbeir path.. an at Buck Bean's shoulder went down,. wile two or three fell back wounded. This new enemy hit hard and shot very straight. If it bad been daylight, Hunter Browne would have made a little fortune the next pay-day. Meantime, Plumb, Center Pete and his crowd were coming up from .the rear, firing as they came, Buck Beans saw the danger, and without hes- itation, took his own way to meet i*. Cafchin up the fallen man, with an encouraging yel. he turned squarely to one side, and flung bim- self at the door of the nearest house, In the party burst, and in an instant were at bay, just asa dull explosion, and sfter thet a rapidly growing flame, told that scmething had gone wrong at Hazard Hall, Although his party was so largely outnum- bered, Buck Beans now had the advantage of position, and when one reckless charge had frit- tered away before his steady fire, the people of Bunco sat down just outside of easy pistol-shot distance, and Beans found out that be was sur- rounded and in for asiege, If Hunter Browne expected any of his friends to aid him at the Bunker Hill shaft he was certainly doomed to disappointment, for- none of them were willing to march out to face certain déath, Neither side weakened. There was an occa- sional exchange of shots, but no great damage done. Bunco yelled to tose in the house to come out and be hung; while those in the house. sho ved that they bad no intention of doing any- thing of the kind. So, hour after hour, the siege lasted. Not so many men were on guard and there was a fre- quent change, but the discharge of a pistol pee have been sufficient to bring the town ere. ‘ That was the situation when Professor Elder- berry yaelgenns stepped into the Jefferson House, after making a few inquiries and obtain- ing a hasty sketch of affairs as he came along. be landlord received him, and evidently with some surprise, ; “ Hello! I'll sw’ar ef it ain’t ther perfessor, ir specks, turned up ag’in. *bout you, Mr, Elderberry. Some sed eg how you’d bin tooken in at ther row at Hegard Hall; an’ some sed you an’ Hunt Browne hed charter- ed a.charyut an’ gone ter glory tergether; but L sed yer would kim back safe. A real gent never skips his board bill, an’ I knowed yer wouldn’t mere tell yer hed settled all counts. Ain’t thet; solid? ; he Jefferson spoke heartily, and thumped Elder- berry on the back with a familiar greeting that might have endeared him to a mule, but made the professor wince, | Then the latter looked around cautiously and. said in a low voice 4 “T, aw, got away from that den of thieves as: rapidly aw, as I knew how, and would, aw, have beén safe here with you, aw, if I bad not met with a most extraordinary adventure. which, aw, 1 will only tell to ne privately, There’s bin weepin’! i ee o>) Smee tT:
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= “att ihe casted Sage ale . mo map, if I did not do it. \ _ berry, hastily. I ee SEA NTRS SS Z Lam hong } A Sport in Spectacles. when, aw, I ask your advice, But, aw, do tell ame, has abything happened to Mr. Browne?” ‘“Happened? I dunno; siranger, how you’d call it, but it’s ther general b’lief he’s passed in, D’yer mean ter say yer didn’t know ner hear nothin’ *bout it.” The professor adjusted his glasses nervously, and answered that he*bad heard nothing in re- gard to bis employer for the ] st twenty hours -or so, and asked for further particulars. “Ts a long story when yer spread it out thick, an’ Ji only chip off ther corners a leetle. Brown come in byar with ther rush nigh twenty year ego. He-picked up an ole side pard as were booked fur kingdom come, an’ side pard made er will, leavin’ his youngsters everythin’ he bad an’ makin’ Browne the’r guardeen. ‘*Browne, he took it all in, deescOveries an’ all. Buneo seen some rough times arter that till this last boom come on, an Hunt drifted away several times, but allers come back. Nofr, ther kids hez both disappeared an’ Hunt Browne gobbled everything in, meanin’ ter makea stake wu'th talkin’ about.” ‘Excuse me, ah, but I don’t see who has a better right to it.” ‘But that’s ther p’int. JI dunno whether Pereira’s b’in layin’ fur bim all along, er ef he’s on’y jest tecbed bottom; but he’s found out ez Browne war wiped out las’ night at the Hazard Hall row, an’-that Browne war a runaway husband ov his sister. ‘When Browne turned up missin’ he went fur ther widder’s rights on sight; be jumped th r Bunker Hill an’s boldin’ it pow toorh an’ nail, To-morrer ther case comes up afore Judge Bradley, ez war ove ov ther ’rig’na? settlers too. ‘ “Ther Bunker Hill gang gittin’ inter trouble hyer kinder kept them outen ther mix, an’ i\’s s’prisin’ bow few keers ter interfere, now ther camp thinks Browne's gone under. There’s bin a few up perspectin’ round, but thar wa’n’ta man ez wanted ter shove into ther biz when he wa’n’t round ter lead’em. That’s one side ov ther story anyhow. Mebbe there’s a dozen amore.” -. ™ ‘“* Aw, the cowards! Hunter Browne is not dead. When, aw, he comes back, he will make them fly.” ‘““Don’t be toosure. There’s a gang up thar hard ter handle, It would take an army, don’t yer see, an’ one man erso ain’t no business thar.” : - ‘*T have,” responded Elderberry sternly, “Mr. Browne, aw, employed me to look after fis interests, and in his absence, aw, I would be When the law does not act it is time, aw, for honest men to take hold. Can you lend me a pistol, aw?” At the earnest question George Washington. Jefferson laughed, “You bet—half er dozen. But be yer sure ar know which end are which? With Big rank at one end an’ you att/other Id give Sigh odds thet you’d drop, even if yer hed ther hammer drawed, Hyar yer be, an’ don’t yer fool yerself thet sbe ain’t loaded,” y With an oily chuckle the lavidlord extended a revolver of respectable dimensions, which Professor Elderberry grasped firmly, if awk- wardly, by the stock, and then wheeled sudden- ly and stood face to face with Piumb Center Pete, who Soon in the opposite doorway. “Drop that!” exclaimed Blockey, sternly, and even as be spoke his hand shot out, gar- nisbed with a r nM revolver. “No foolin’, Goggle Jawge. What ner thunder ver doin’ byer! You try any tricks on me, an’ l’Jl mount yer high. Sabbe?” The position was fullof danger, since Plumb Center Pete not only bad the drop, but his pis- tol was a self cocking one; and the hammer was raised by the pressure of the steady finger ; almost to the last notch, The professor had “a revolver in his hand to be sure, but the muzze was down, and the best pf experts could hardly have raised it without giving Blockey @ chance to fire twice, The professor did not attempt it, and tHough he evidently made a desperate effort to retain his hance oe eed was & perceptible quaver in his voice as he spoxe. ; “ Excuse me, ah, Mr. Blockey, but I meant, ab, nothing personal in regard to vou. I came here and found my friend, Mr. Browne, had dis- appeared. I was, ab, just saying that, ah, I him.” bat Ton mtae t er. That’s jest it. What I’m sayin’ are, how in blazes did yer git hyer?” my declare,” answered Elderbery quaveringly, at the fiercely-put question, “‘ 1—1 don’t know, ah ” “Of courss yer don’t. Yer orter-be out at ‘ther shanty with ther gang. Ef I hearov yer doin’ any more blowin’ round byer Pil lift ther hull top oy yerskull off. Now jest lay that six on ther bar, take yer night-cap, an re off ter bed, till ther boys sez what’s ter be . pAb yer. I reckon they’ll tell yer ter leave in ther mornin’.’ ; is T obey, aw, under protest,” responded Elder- ITY, . “Mr. Jeffersop, bere, aw, is our weapon.” ; j < Jefferscn had watched the interview with in- terest after he had stepped a slight distance out ' of range. He knew nothing of what had oecur- red in the mountains, buf he saw that fer some reason Blockef¥ was willing to pick a distur- bance, and he saw, too, that the eyes of the sport said ‘* shoot.” He stood scarcely a pace from Elderberry’s shoulder, and the Jatter turned and handed bim back the weapon without a word, in spite of the jarring laugh of three or four spectators who stood near, and the grins of as many more, They felt little fear that Piumb Center Pete would miss his mark, and bit them, And just at the moment there was a loud re- port, and Plumb Center Pete went down like lead, whilesa strong smell of gunpowder per- vaded the room. There was neither flash nor smoke-burst to indicate the hand that had fired the shot, though the report seemed to come from the litidle group that stood near to George Washington, Jefferson. Professor Eiderberry gave a howl, and snatched back ihe weapon. “ They’re going to kill me, aw!” he shouted, ‘“They’re going to killme! Stop them! Stop them!” Then as the crowd rushed toward the fallen man, he darted out of the rear door at the end of the bar, brandishing the revolver as he went. “Plumb Center Pete all bloke uppee,” ex- claimed We Wailo, as be skipped in from the door by which the Professor had left, and pranced toward Blockey, ‘‘ Wautche collonel mutchee bad. Who hittee him?” The question was easier asked than answered. As We Wailo had just entered, and the iwo doors were not in line at all, it was pretty cer- tain that he was not the culprit, thongb any one else there was liable to suspicion. : ““Mayzwell kallee him off an’ belly him. Passee in him check—hi-yah! No undlestande. Him bettlee ten dead mar—looksee bettlee, heap, ’way uppee. Look out!” The Chinaman bad been more practical than the rest, sipca he had quickly stooped down and raised the head of the fallen man from the floor. ft was for this reason that he, fir8t of all, be- came scquainted with’ the astonishing fact ee Piumb Center Pete was not dead after ail, ‘“‘That’s Derringer Deck’s work, T’ll bet a ton!” said a harsh voice. ‘* He’d always sooner crease a man than kill him. ‘Whar is be?” The crowd looked curiously around, but could see no unfamiliar face, while if Derringer Deck was present he gave no answer. CHAPTER XXVIII. @ PEREIRA’S STRANGE, PARD, BuNco was more than half inclined to believe that Hunter Browne had passed in his checks, either in the roy at Hazard Hall or at the time the Bunker Hill property was jumped, Under other circumstances there might bave been more questions on the subject; but with the riot in town, and the received opinion that those who were interested in the affair atthe mine had certain legal rights that. would be clearly shown at the legal investigation prom- ised at an early date, the better part of the citi- zens maintained a masterly inactivity, waiting to see what was to come cf it, and turning a credulous ear to all sorts of flying rumors, cf which there were plenty. : The town was livelier than it had been fora tong time, and the end was not by any means yet. ; For such reasons as these Professor Elderberry was likely to have a monopoly in any efforts to be made to assist Hunter Browne, and his sud- den exit from the Jefferson House was not like- ly to exalt the opinion of what he might effect, though be was not as scared as he looked, “ é Nc one offered to pursue, and be-did not seem to anticipate any trouble of that kiod or care much if it came, He stuck the revolver away somebow under his waistband, and his specta- cles in his vest pocket. Then-be glanced in each of three directions—tbe Bunker Hill shaft, the Jefferson House, and the shanty where Buck Beans and his gang were still-imprisoned. It struck him that Beans was in no great dan- ger there. So long as he kept away from tie Bunker Hill there were some men that would not interfere, and Elderberry guessed that fact as wisély as if he bad been on the inside of the ring, : Yet, if he seemed to hesitate in which direc- tion to turn, it was because he was uncertain whetber he could do Browne the most good by oing directly to the Bunker Hill or by first r y ing what could be done for Beans, t was fortunate that he lingered. A man came slouching toward him in the darkness; and be recognized in the skulker Ten- derfoot Tom, : it Bowers would hove gone by without a word he bad been allowed the opportunity; but just hi he was passing, with a furtive glance over 's shoulder Elderberry held up bis hard. whe that you, aw, Thomas? If so, hold on.” Ne tone was a jittle more eraphatic than nepal, but it was not hard to recognize. “Blows halted on the instant. ess yer soul, perfessor, is that you? I'm = ra Lae phe ess ane, _— ~ ‘fraud as tbe rest allfired glad ter see yer. Oh, I’ve hed an orful time sence you left. Whar yer bin?” “‘Never mind, ab; I’m back now. Did you let on, aw, to a Jiving soul of the change we had made?” “‘Nary soul, I jest kept dark; an’ you. kin bet yer stogies ther’ ain’t no sich swappin’ names ag’in.” “Tt might have been worse for you if it had not, ah, been done. They carried me away, ab, thinking they bad hold of you; but 1 dropped my top coat over a canyon, ab, and put on an- other pair of spectacles, and in the morning, ah, there was fun.” ‘Yer don’t say. How did yer git away?” “Never mind that part of it, ab. I did. that’s enough. Anda pretty mess there is, here, ah, What bas |-ecome of Mr, Browne?’ “Now ye’ torkin’. Yer wouldn’t think it, but I’ve got ther thing on a string; an’ Vil never tell. When ] knowed yer hed gone off ter danger I got so wurked up I couldu’t stan’ it, an’ started ter foller. keerful like. “That way I hed a chance ter hear what war goin’ on up at ther Bunker Hill I strikes back ter hunt up Browne, an’ be thort I were you till he see’d better, an’ when I told him ’bout ther game they were settin’ up on him he jest knocked me down sn’ stomped on me, an’ ther’ ain’t nobody but me ez bez beared whar be went to sence then.” “‘And where bas he gone to, aw, and how, aw, do you bappen to know?” ‘* Hist, there’s a woman in ther'ease. He’s runned away from ber, an’ she’s goin’ ter bring him right down ter bis milk. Don’t yer furgit it. Pereira’sin ther mix, too; an’ are runnin’ balf a dozen jobs fur all they’re worth,” The professor had seemingly overlooked the contradiction; byt he came back to it now, “‘T thougbt, aw, you said you had not told any one of our exchange.” **No one but Browne, an’ he don’t count. Ez I war sayin’, I overbeard some things I told him; an’ bein’ round Joose this evenin’, with thet dog-blasted, bonary cuss, Kale Carter, out- en town, I hed a chance ter ‘bear more, My ears are open, an’ don’t yer furgit it.” “‘Not very likely, aw. What was it you beard?” ‘- That Mexican cuss talkin’ ter his two pards; en’ hy ther livin’ glory they war both women. -ot’em coopei up in a shanty hyer, right in a, He must be an orful bad man; but Poreirer stock aré up terday, an’ I ain’t sayin’ nothin’ eg’in’ him.” ‘““Two women,” said the professor thought- fitly, ‘That isstrange. Who are they?” “Not knowin’ I can’t say; but I kin show yer whar they hang out, ef ye'll take ther resks, an’ foller 'er leetle bit.” ; ‘*To be sure I will, aw. Propel.” Tom Bowers moved cff cautiously, and kee ing a watchful eye on bis surroundings. He seemed uncertain at times whether to go on or retreat, but at no time was be at a Icss to find his way, and as n6 one appeared to hinder his progress in a short time, he had halted near the shanty of which he was in search, “Thar ye be,” besaid, pointing it out, “‘ Now, ef ye’r’ going any furder, go; but I’m) pullin’ - out, ‘You'll find me at the Jefferson House when yer want me, an’I wouldn’t advise yer ter want me much afore mornin’. I ain’t one ov ther old rounders, an’ I heven’t bed a squar’ sleep fur a week. By-by.” ‘Odd sort of genius that,” thought Professor Elderberry, looking after him with a shake of the head. i “It is just possible that he may be as big a fus. Ifso, what is his game? Vl look after him when I'm done vith the matter I bave in hand. ow for Pereira’s barem, watch-house, cffice, or whatever it ma turn out to be, There’s something there wort the knowing. If the Mexican does not drop to my good intentions, I think he will leern.a little before I get through with him—and so will I. Perbaps this is only a waste of time, I will soon see.” : The professor was as noiseless and stealthy as a panther, as be approached tbe building upon hich he kept bis eyes so curiously fixed” #2 It was a stout little shanty, its one window securely shuttered with slabs, and it was evi- dent that the occupants did not intend to be taken by storm. | ; When en, began his advance he bad just assured himself that no one wes watching. After that, unless it was by one of those chances against which po man can guard himself, there was little danger of his being observed. He, took advantage of the shadows as well as the most experienced of Indian trailers could bave done, and made bis way to the point he desired to reach with rapid secrecy. — rr Once in the shade of the building itself, he paused and listened, looking keenly at the sbut- ter, ° A few faint lines of light crept out from chinks that by daylight would have been in- visible, hut within all was silent. The professor lay at full length cogitatine. He barely bad expected to be much the wiser for this in tion, yet he bad a strong desire to see the two women of whom Bowers bad
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22 spoken, and thought it possible that he might succeed, If he did not there would not be much time lost. After waiting a few moments he madé the circuit of the house, a thing not hard to do, i since, though other buildings were near, this Be one stood by itself. : No one was moving, the neighboring houses being probably empty of occupants; and had it not been for the faint streaks of light he would have believed that this one was also. Still hearing nothing he crawled closer; and immediately was rewarded. : The building was made of logs, and right where he approached it there was a place where ¢ the chinking had fallen out, Elderberry de- tected it at once, and by trying with his hand found that some articles of clothing hung against the aperture on the inside. As he gent- ly gathered them in his hand, which he was able to put through the opening, a great eye of light appeared causing him to withdraw his hand quickly for fear it might beseen by some one at a distance, who might be watching the \ spot. Although his eyes had as yet fallen upon no one he was confident that from this point of ob- servation he could command the whole inside of the room; and now he waited to see what “was to come next. . _ Sometbing did come—so qnietly that he had to drop to the ground suddenly and lie there without motion, and almost without breathing. Some one had approached so near that had he stooped he could almost have touched the pro- fessor. Round the bouse, once, went the man, ina furtive cat-like way, and then Elderberry heard the noise of a key turning in a lock and the new arrival entered the building, closing the door carefully bebind him, “ Hast thou found’ him?” asked a voice that was feminine, though it bad lost all the fresh- ness of youth. **Not yet; but be patient a little. Caram- ba! He cannot have flown away. Some traces must he bave left, and these to-night will be found.. No bloodhound closer to the trail can stick than Gomez, and the eyes of the others are not closed. Wait, little one, in patience. The end is not far off.” An indistinct murmur was the answer— words spoken so low that the listener could not catch their meaning. Doubtless they were a complaint, since Pereira—for the late comer f aa that individual himself—responded cheer- ully; : “Not for so long have we trailed,him to lose See him now. Though he run like a hound we wilt ; overtake him, and then, sister mine, thou shalt work thine own sweet will on the man that has crazed thee. A day more; that is all that I ask of thee. Be patient one little twenty-four hours yet. To-morrow will all be settled, since no one is there here to take his part, and ke dares not come for himself, even if he can, No outlet was there for him to escape; no chance is a there for him to hold his own. hen we own ae the mine, and the wealtb that he has here, and thou bast drawn out his heart’s blood, then wilt thou be satisfied?” <2% - “Yes, then, then, then!”. : oe Her voice went upward in, its pitch, until it rose into a shrill scream. . A moment later the woman grew calmer, and ; — she asked: ae a To-morrow night, you will take me to i ed “Yes,” was Pereira’s cold response, ‘ To- be morrow. Wait.” v CHAPTER XXVIII. ee ELDERBERRY IS SURPRISED SEVERAL TIMES. < Proressor ELDERBERRY smiled and shrugged his shoulders at the promise that was. a threat rad ; as well. P oan “ And what will I be doing?’ he thought to Pt, himself. 4 ; iA “Thavea cenaly if I follow them up to- os morrow night, for I’ll strike Mr. Browne at the r. end of their trail. But I bave an idea that eee A black-faced Mexican knows where he is now, and may try to get his work in between now ae and then, [ll look around and see if I can’t be checkmate in this little game. I would like t? Ses ‘see who he’s talking to, however. It is worth the trying.” ‘ey Very curefully Elderberry pushed aside the garments that obstructed his vision and peered io. , Pereira was there, and. facing him was a aa fonse figure, rather undersized and clad in er e* ack, bay" More than that he could not see, since the face ee was in the shadow, the other occupant of the. rags cabin, if there was one, being evidently so close oe to the wall against which he leaned as to be in- . visible. While he was craning his neck around, in the c effort to get a better view, Professor Elder- (2 ei berry met with a sudden surprise. ae" Some one silently but lightly dropped from ss the roof of the cabiu to bis side. j Re. 5) _ He was not at a loss, however. His left hand fore “3° : made a ae on the instant, and closed on pes e - flesh and | Ms ; aM , “swered the man with a low laugh, ‘‘I tell yer, A Sport in Spectacles. “3h! Don’t be fool fu’st chopee—We Wailo loundee ebley time.” It was none other than the ubiquitous China- man, who cringed under the gripe on his neck, but gave no sign of discomfiture. Without a word of answer Professor Elder- berry led him away.. When they had put a hundred yards between them and the spot Elderberry loosed his hold, ‘** See here, aw, for once yon stand on your own merits. 1 wasn’t on that house, and I'll admit that you were. Mebbe, aw, you are as big a fraud’as J am, but what did you see there anyway?” “We Wailo see glil in black, setteé back, iookee likee cly. See othlee two allee both, samee as Goggly Gawge. You heah ’em, Cbineeman no can tell bettlee. Whatche wantee know?” ‘* You didn’t, aw, shoot any neqnenens3 you didn’t help Tenderfoot Tommy; you didn’t, aw, throw Pereira out of the window; what I want to know is who are you? What is your game?” ‘* We Wailo nocan tell what Goggly Gawge wantchee, Him vo humbug; him on’y loundee ebley time, see Plofessler no get hu’t.’ “Who hired you, aw, to spy on me? You haye followed me like a shadow, aw, and I begin to suspect aw—” ‘That We Wailo lun away. Good nightee, Goggly Gawge. Wo hapuse you jist now. See you bymby, soon. Ha, ha!” The latter part was shot back by the China- man, who had twisted himself out of Elder- berry’s loose grasp with marvellous rapidity and started away on a run. The _ professor heard the short laugh, and then We Wailo vanished in the darkness. Elderberry made no attempt at pursuit. He walked away with his head down, and his arms crossed behind his back under his coat tails— evidently. his favorite attitude when in danger or doubt, Just now he was thoughtful—per- haps too much so, or he might have noted a little more carefully whither he was going. Before he recognized his surroundings, he was within a couple of bundred yards of the shant. which was still occupied by Buck Beans and bis men. He looked up with a start on hearing the low tones of a speaker who was not very far distant. ‘This hyer’s all dog-goned nonsense,” . re- marked the unseen individual, ‘“‘ Buck hes jest camped right down thar, an’ he’s goin’ ter stay ’thout a small army watchin’ ov him, Ef he’s wanted, ther only way are ter bring him out; an’ ef he ain’t wanted, and ther’ ain’t tergbe no hangin’ match, why, what’s ther se ov half a dozen good men a-starvin’hyer. ’m tired.” ; ‘‘Oh, hush! Yer make me sick, It’s a heap more safer outen range than in it, an’ ez long } €Z We git paid fur sottin’ hyer, 2m agreerable. By-an’-by, when ther frolic begins, you'll find that small army ’round; an’ ye’ll wish they’d stayed in winter-quarters. It’s our biz ter keep them hyer till ther ole man comes; then you kin bet, ef ther’s a show, I’m goin’ ter slide outen range. Whist! 1 wouldn’t wonder he’s comin’ now.’ Sure enough, there was the noise of a steady footstep. f The professor had dropped “quietly . to the ground as soon as he halted. Now he partially raised up, looking keenly in the direction of the approaching man, who halted by the side of the videttes and spoke in unmistakably the voice of Piumb Center Pete. ‘* Are they thar yit, boyees?” “‘-You bet they’re thar, boss.” ‘‘Keep a close eye on ’em. » Ther boyees are all waitin’ at Flamin’ Fred’s, an’ when I git back an’ give ther word, ther doors open ag’in, ther band strikes. up, and ther circus begins over. They’re all mixed through each other so ez a Philardelfy sharp couldn't tell t’other from which, an’ I want ther Bunco men ter kerry all o’ their end, an’ ez much ov yourn ez yer kin onload onto’em. ‘This byer is ter be a popular’ uprisin’; an’ poor Charley are ter be ther pass- word fur ter- night.” ‘‘ Eggsaktly; but s’posen Bunco won’t come.” “Git out, All I’m afeard are they’ll git down ter solid work afore I git thar. It’s ter keep ‘em squar’ ter ther rack thet I want you fellers hyer. When they’re straight on ther war-path, then light, an’ git out to ther Bunker Hill ’thout foolin’. Thar’s whar ther fun kimsin. I begin ter b’lieve there’s been a leetle mistake; but thar ain’t no harm did yet, an’ everything’s goin’ on wheels, ’cept ther money ain’t pannin’ out ez rapidly ez we hoped fur.” “Pm gittin’ mine; thet’s you’re lookout,” an ef ther cash wasn’t paid down, you’d see me scootin’.” ' : ‘*And you would see me shootin’, Ye’r’ in this till ther finish, an’ don’t yer furgit it. Eyes open, now, an’ 5 eg till yer bear me comin’ back at ther head ov ther rush.” ; i ‘We're hyer, I tell yer,” answered the man, a little impatiently, “ Don’t keep us waitin’ too ong. That's all. ; t “Allright. Work will begin soon. Pass the word along to ther rest.” » Blockey departed in haste. He did not wait e, 4 ad to see whether his order was obeyéd or not. If he had done so and been cautious he might have seen a third man rise from the ground shortly after the other two had set out. Professor Elderberry was making a commendable effort to see the matter through, and in the face of the late unpleasantness at the Jefferson House was taking more risks than most men would have been willing to run. « Flaming Fred’s place,a shebang where red- hot fire-water was sold and a great deal of wickedness was concocted, was some little dis- tance away—Bunco might have fairly been. called the western city of magnificent distances. Plumb Center Pete had not got more than half- way there when he met a man coming toward bim, who gave a low, peculiar whistle. Blockey answered it promptly in kind and held out his-hand. “Hold on, Pete, there’s bin suthin’ like a fresh deal, an’ Cap sez he must see yer quick. Ez he hez his beavy harness on be don’t wanter promernade Bunco, an’ you must kim out fur a minute while he gives yer ther points.” “Bosh!” answered Blockey, harsbly, ‘I gi’n him all ther p’ints. It’s ther sand runnin’ out thet’s ther matter with him, Thar’s holes in his boots, that’s what ails him.” ‘Ef it is I ain’t ther man ter tell him so; an” ef yer reely think it yer better gosay ityerself. There’s extree coffins fur all ther kickers, an’ ef yer don’t want ter ’bey orders yer best plan are, ter crawl right inter one.” ‘“You tell me [’m afeard ov Kale Carter er’ any Other Se ed man ov this hyer foot-. stool? Blast yer iH an’ see how he likes it. An’I wouldn’t stop much ter drop you. Whar’s heat?” giv it to him straight now The messenger had managed to put Blockéy in a tearing passion, and seemed to have some: doubts about the propriety of having done so, He answered a good deal more respectfully: ‘“ Excuse mé, Mr. Blockey. I know that’s all right, an’ I didn’t mean ter make yer mad. You'll find ther captain waitin’ close by. He sed he didn’t want ter keep yer more ner @ minnit.” While he spoke he led the way—and Profes- sor Elderberry, who had been taking this a)] in, followed at a respectful distance, though some- what in doubt, since at times he shook his head. and looked as though he would like to utter his. protest. His judgment was not at fault. When they had got out of range of probable stragglers, while the guide was saying something in a low tone he suddenly Blockey’s waist and uttered the same whistle» that Elderberry had heard before, but louder. threw his arms around CHAPTER XXIX. THE FALL OF THE KNIF: AFTER all his gilt-edge reputation as pistol- 7 shot and sport, Bunco knew very little about Pete Blockey. For that matter, the most of the towns where he flourished were in the same: = He was a drifter who had been among the camps almost from the time of Sutter, He knew a good de t was certain, and had positively been connected. with some very good men. bout mines and mining, that. No one at Bunco suspected him of baying any dealings with road-agents and outlaws, Profes- sor Elderberry had learned that much by a few” carefully-worded questions, and then thought it expedient to hold bis peace, even though he might expect a ‘‘circus” the next time they met, Of course, the taking away of the man that: had so. latély threatened his life was interesting ; that be should continue to follow, after having seen the development of Kale Carter’s hand, may seem a matter of surprise; but he had his reasons—of which Plumb Center Pete might not have approved. : That wortby had been hit to stay, Instant death was not what his assailants were. after; but they meant to have no more non- sense, nor did they, since it was a good fifteen. minutes before their captive recovered his senses and found himself bound hand and foot. He peeped warily around through his half- opened eyes, being careful not to call attention to his reviving condition, and in an almost im- perceptible way tugged at his bonds to see if . they were tight beyond loosening, The outlaw fingers had been skillful enough. He might bave lain unmolested for a week and have been a good deal further off from esca than he then was, They carried hin) along with very little show of tenderness, and it required a good stock of nerve to stand ‘& treatment that. would have made most strong men groan with anguish. His arms were knotted together at - the. wrists, his ankles secured in the same way.. A stout pole thrust between wrists and ankles was carried by four men, twoat eitber end, and — as he swayed there it was bard.to believe that be could recover his wits, except to lose them. again. Nevertheless he did, and had just fairly identified his surroundings when the procession | halted and be was thrown to the ground with a careless cruelty that was enough to- rack every” bone in his body, °
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Pha ES Shins) SET age rages: vad y ak. , 28 Su At A Sport in Spectacles. “* He’s hard ter hurt,” said one of the men, with a reckless laugh, ‘‘ but ef it breaks a few bones it won’t make a dif a biterence. I reckon he won’t hey much use fer ’em after ter-night. ’ Ther feller thet plays bugs on us, pards, are ome mighty apt ter find we git even in ther long run.” “You kin-risk Yer hull stake on that every time,” responded one of the others, as he brutally jerked the pole away. ‘‘ Wake up, Pete, wake up! Hyer’s the capt’n an’ all ther boys jest ready ter glory in yer spunk, when yer trots over ther devide, boots on an’ nary a grunt,” So saying, he spurned the seemingly uncon- scious form with his foot. Pete gave a low, gurgling gasp and moved we # “ Ail right; he’s coming to, Send word to all hands, This thing wants ter be did ter- night. I'l) bet he ain’t half ez dead ez he seems.” . “‘ What yer goin’ ter do?” gasped Blockey, in a scarcely audible whisper. ‘*Goin’ ter show up yer gen’ral cussedness fu’st, an’ hang yer fur it afterwards,” “Don’t shout too loud, er yer mayn’t hey breath enuf left ter spell a-b-l-e!” answered the captive with explosive harshness, At the sudden return of strength, the man nearest him leaped back so quickly that there was a laugh at his expense from the others. “Ob, I ain’t dead yit,” continued Blockey; ‘fan’ when yer git this thing down ter bed-rock . somebody else’ll be in my place, er I'll know ther reason why., There’s white men in this gang, I'll still allow, an’ somebody hez took ’em in. What I want ter know are, who he are an’ what he sez I’ve bin a-doin’?” “T am ther man that puts up ther charges against yer, an’ I say you’re a double-dyed trai- tor that has sold us out to Johnny Short—or . would, if you had the chance to deliver yer goods, He ain’t one of ther kind that pays in advance.” ; ** It’s a lie, Kale Carter! You’ve been settin’ up a job while [ waraway. You an’ yer bums hey drawed ther wool over ther eyes ov hon- ester an’ better men. Ef yer dar’ give me a show an’ fight it out, I'll prove it on yer head with knife, pistols er ther bar’ hands.” “‘Not very likely we’d give yer ther chance now, You've got erway with enough men as it is. Noone is ae thet yer don’t know how ter use ther tools as well as any man here; but when you begin to use them on us, it’s time that you retired. There’s them ez sez you went the ure quill in ther stage racket, here's Dandy ave an’ his two pards that we gers you to run your little game with at Castle Mystery?” As well as he might, Plumb Center Pete shrugged his shoulders at the question, f “ Thet’s their conunderum, en I war thar they was safe enough, Ef a gal ez big ez yer fist, an’ a half-baked idiot, could git away frum ‘em, they ain’t wu’th the’r salt!” ‘That's it. They couldn’t get away unless some one hed hel them. You was thar, an’ no one else, Pete Blockey, you sold us out! “ Bring in ther bodies.” ' Blockey could not at once frame an answer, Of course he knew that an of some kind had been engineered the moment he caucht a glimpse of Professor Elderberry at the Jeffer- | son House. He had attempted to scare the on fessor into silence, but he had not as yet had time to follow the thing up and discover just what had happened. If the Man in Spectacles had got away with Dandy Dave and his two assistants, then Goggle George was a good deal better than any one had given him credit for being. 5 While Pete cogitated four men ey pe out of the shadows, each pair bearing a y. “Thar are Tucson Tom, an’ his brain-box kerries a hole in it jest ther same size ez ther derringer of Plumb Center Pete,” So said the spokesman on one side of the ti tte. ~~ * a * » An’ byar’s Bad Mike.” About him I says: Ditto.” “Plumb Center Pete, what have os to say?” asked Kale Carter, as the bodiéS were laid down close to, and in plain view of, the bound mer say, whar’s Dandy Dave? ee — all I kin give it ter ye straight eza vote.” Ther gal bribed him; he’s turned ther prisoner loose, an are off with a good-heap of 8 Te > ar FF lie, Pete, you know you do. No one but you knew where they were confined; no footsteps but yours point toward the spot, and you alt ca trie pear together. Pete, you've sold us out, ahd you'll have to die. , “Ye'r’ pilin’ up a heap er words, but ver ain’t provin: acent’s wu’th. While ye’r’ foolin hyer with me things are jest. goin’ wild at Bunco, an ou’re counted out ‘ov ther racket whar, maybe, ere’ll be more slugs than glorv.” ‘Proof, is it, thet yer-want? Hyer yer hev it. “ We've sed thet your steps pointed thar; an: none other. That’s something, but not the most. Hyer are two derringers that you can't deny are yours. They were found empty near _ the spot where the two Bodies lay. What's ther talkin’?” : use Blockey’s mouth closed with a snap at the sight of the derringers. He recognized the weapons on the instant, ‘Nothin’ ter say ter that, hev yer?” “Say! hat’s ther use er sayin’? Do I took like ther man ter be throwin’ such tools ez them around?—ther best I ever looked over? In course they’re mine, an’ ef you'll find ther man ez stole’em you'll know who shot Tucson Tom an’ Bad Mike,” He spoke with a confidence that he did not feel, and the harsh laugh that went around the ea told that his explanation was not be- ieved, *‘That’s too thin, Pete; a good deal too thin. They’re men yer hed a grudge at, an’ men yer couldn’t buy. Mebbe Dandy Dave hesn’t passed in, an’ aes 4 he’s in cahoots with yer; an’ ef so it’s dead open an’ shut you've both sold out ter Johnny Short. It’s a pity, Pete, fur yer hey yer good p’ints; but in course we hed it all down fine afore we brung yer hyer- Now my vote sez yer got ter die.” ** An’ mine,” ** An’ mine.” So the word ran around the circle, voice after voice taking up the refrain. Of all the hardened, desperate-looking men there, not one gave him a relenting glance. Evidently they believed him guilty of the treachery charged, or worse; and in such a case they would have no pt A Bound as he was Blockey managed to straightervhimself up. He could stand, and *taat seemed to be all. He gave a cold glance around. “You've tired ov a boss thet gives yer all money an’ no murder; an’ fur fear he might squeal ef yer turn him loose yer want ter settle ,bim, It’s Kale Carter’s work, an’ let Kale Car- ‘ter finish ther job. Ill bet yer he ain’t got ther nerve ter settle a man, You've got a knife thar, Kale; use it ef yer dare.” He put all the sneerin emphasis possible into his tones, and looked Kale Carter who stood he fronting him, full in the face. More than ikely was it that Blockey had hit the truth for there could be no doubt about the hate in the eyes of the other, who did not hesitate an in- stant but tore out his knife. “We'll gee who has nerve, Pete Blockey,. Take that.’ ; The knife glistened even in the semi-dark- ness. It rose and fell. CHAPTER XXX. PETE BLOCKEY TAKES A NEW SIDE PARD, THE fall of Kale Carter’s knife was followed by a succession of surprises. With marvelous coolness and quickness Blockey threw his bands up so that the blade passed between his wrists. If it cut his hands it cut, as well, the cord that he was straining almost to rot ag, Then Plumb Center Pete fuirly fell upon Carter, and ground him down to earth, snatch- ing from his yielding fingers the knife, and a pistol from the convenient belt. : A second later pee limbs were entire- ly free, and the rattle of firearms had com- menced. Just as fast as thumb and finger could work, two or three shots were fired; and not one of them was altogether wasted. So unexpected was the movement that not one of the outlaws had a weapon out, and if they had been almost any other sort of men there would have beena panic. * They were used to bullets though, and had been trained to act, until to draw and fire was almost mechanical. Quick as Blockey was there came an answering volley that swept the ground, and should have annihilated him, as it would have done if he had only been there. But he knew the power of the men to stay, and just in time bad given a backward spring, and then darted behind a bowlder. . As he disappeared a sharp voice from some one ensconced behind a neighboring rock, rung out: ; ; ‘*Hold on, there! Take water or bite dirt! We've got you in a box, and mean business! Hands up!” : The last words were punctuated by the crack of a pistol and an outlaw dropped motionless at Plumb Center Pete’s back, his revolver being harmlessly discharged as be fall. He was a man who had been left on outpost duty, and had slipped back so quietly that Blockey had “no notice of bis approach, and would have been n from the rear in another moment. At sound of the shot and the strange voice the outlaws took to cover witha rapidity that —— they were not altogether reckless of anger. : Age “T reckon we’ve got yer now,” sung out Pete, as he peeped warily over the rock that protect- ed bis front. . “Me an’ my pard, hyer, are in town, -all dressed up; an’ ef we leave a bull scalp in this outfit, yer kin call me a_ bloody liar. Hoo! Wake snakes! we’re comin’! ippedaeer after this ee chiet grt Block- ey, as quiet as a mouse, slip backward a dozen feet, threty himself over a ledge, dropping ~ dof” ’ - a ten feet, without noise or injury, and then started on a run down the mountain-side, He had nét gone a dozen steps when he heard. a low, ‘‘ Hist!’ The man who had chipped in to back _ his. game was still with him. bd , At last, as he wheeled at the sound, pistol in hand, a dark figure dodged behind a tree with- out offering a shot at the inviting back only a few yards in front, “Don’t be a fool, aw, Peter. By this time aw, you ought to know that I can shoot; and I've got you foul if I want your meat.” “Goggle Jawge ag’in! Allright! If yer want ter psrd in, fur this night only, I'm yer man. But I’d ez soon fight ez eat, an’ I’m only goin’ ter fire an’ fall back.” “ Honest Injun, aw?” ‘*‘ Honest it are! You helped me through ther drag, an’ now pen find me squar’. Kim on! Ther hornets ’ll be buzzin’ round lively goon ez they take stock o’ damages, an’ we ait got. time ter tarry.” : Without the least hesitation Professor Elder- berry sprung out from behind bis tree. “ Agitate your extremities, aw! You'll find me with you in a foot-race till we can get where the advantage, aw, is not all on the other side,” “You’ve bin hyer afore?’ said Blockey, as shoulder to shoulder, they hurried down the narrow trail. : : It isso reported, aw. If you don’t believe it follow and see.” ‘‘Ef yer know the short-cuts better ner I do peel ’em off. Them ole side-pards ov mine are playin’ fur keeps,” “Come!” : With the one word the professor darted to the side. Without protest or hesitation Blockey followed, : ‘“‘Durned ef this don’t beat cock-fightin’,” the! latter said, after a few moments of silence, ‘*“ Who'd ’a’ thunk thar war a short-cut like’ that? Why, blamed ef it ain’t a mile ’round, I) don’t give shucks fur ther -chances ter ketch up now. ‘I wouldn't give, aw, shucks for them if they) did,” responded Elderberry. I want to know is, where is Colonel Browne?” “Tt can’t hurt yer ter know, young man. | reckon * Saha find him in ther Bunker Hilt shaft, ef yer must know it. That’s what we figgered outen it.” > “Dead or alive, aw?’ , “All alive, ef he hain’t starved ter death., Bet yer sweet life that gang don’t know he’s thar, He’s layin’ low, waitin’ fur Beans ter) jine him,” * “Bat, how did he get there?” “T kin show yer, ef yer think it’ll do any} good. Now it’s my turn: Whar’s ther gal?” “T left her in- charge, aw, of Dandy Dave.) He was shooting at the time, aw, and I did not. wait to inquire what he intended doing next.” “You git out! You ain’t foolin’ me no more.: My leetle racket’s bu’sted, but I ain’t playin’, inter your hands onless I kin see my way ter a. divy. Fingers on ther table now. What's ther game! Dry up on that drawl, and give it. to me straight.” “Straight it is, aw. I am backing Hunter- Browne’s cards; and I want to make the others show their hands, all ’round.” ; ** An’ how about ther leetle woman—Millie? Strikes me yer bin a-lookin’ that way purty, sharp, Eh? What's she to you ?” ; “*] couldn’t tell you, for sure, aw; but I some- times think, aw, that she is—my sister,” “Well, dog my cats ef that ‘ain’t a sockdol- ager! Why, consarn it, I thought he was ther other feller. I'd laid that up fur Tenderfoot Tommy, ef he didn’t turn out ter be Johun Short. Old Allbright sed so, an’ I war haif’ beginnin’ ter believe it.” * And Allbright and you, aw, were in part-! nership?” ? “Partly, partly. May ez well blow ther- game, ez ther chances now are nixey.. . : “This Millie had ther ole man in tow as kinder her agent. Ther ole man got me ter take hold ov ther stringter easy things out bis way, but he left me half in ther dark, I took in pards north, south, east an’ west. If we'd got hold we'd ’a’ kept; an’ ef Kale Carter hedn’t. been a fool, we'd ’a’ caught on, spite ov Pereira. . To-morrer ther gal would ’a’ proved who she are, an’ ez we'd ’a’ hed things our way I don’t jest guess thar would ’a’ bin strength enough in all Bunco ter turn us out. An’ we wouldn’t ’a’ went ontil we hed our share, either,” “I guess not,” remarked Elderberry sar- castically. ‘ Now, who killed Allbright? Was that some of Kale Carter’s work?” “Til never tell, Kale thort he was playin’ a double game, but if it were a ing-match Ta ete stamps on the little Mexican fur ther a 5 % = “ What, Pereira?’ ‘ nity “Ther same, He’s ther fly in ther ’pothecary’s *intment, but 1 ain’t got down ter ther depths ov his wickedness yit. Allbright bed a will an’ some papers. Oh, I'll own up, Pereira hez always kept one day abead.” ; ‘ “F's not necessary, Pete, it’s not necessary to know more. What, aw, do you propose to fH ATE FORE at — rar 7 = . ‘ & **Now, aw, what. -
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24 A Sport in Spectacles. “Skip by ther light ov ther moonlight, pard; skip by ther light ov ther moon. ‘With Kale ‘Carter’s back up, an’ you an’ ther gal fly ter ther, facts about Captain Trouble. I don’t think it’s h€althy byer.” ‘* Don’t be a fool, aw. Better go to get even. If Kale Carter is not dead he won’t hurt you n-uch, and we can be deaf and dumb. I need your help badly, aw, for I’ve got the-contract to clean out the Bunker Hill to night. Things are not as I thought they were, and, aw, I must Set them up on the other alley,” “I’m with yer. It'll jest snatch Pereira bald- headed when we come down ter work. Hyer’s with yer. Make yer game, gentlemen, while ther ball’s rollin’.” ‘* And play it mighty careful, aw. Isuspect—I barely suspect—that we'll find Millie there, and may be in trouble.” -* Heavens an’ earth! Yer don’t say so! Why, ard, ef she bs the game's all broke up, Ef ereira gits ther chance he'll make cold meat ov ‘her an’ Browne, all both, an’ swing out fur ther ‘bull stakes, Ef she went thar—sbe’s jest a dead gal.’ = : Blockey’s tone was low and earnest, and he ‘turned bastily, as if he was anxious tv instantly settle the doubt. _ Tt is, aw, dreadful to contemplate, but, aw, Peter, she went. I sent her with Dandy Dave to keep her out of Pcreira’s hands.” CHAPTER XXXII. | » MILLIE VANDELEUR STRIKES A DEN OF WOLVES, | To be so unexpectedly wrecked when just in sight of port was more than Millie Vanueleur could stand. The unaccountable cowardice of Professor Elderberry in running awey without even venturing one shot gave her, moreover, a shock hard tostand. Somehow she had had confilence in him in spite of herself, and bere she fouxd at the first real test that he was worse than worthless. Dandy Dave found that he bad a fainting girl ‘on his hands, He looked at her curiously, and shook bis head with a gesture of dissatisrachign. ‘*Hyer’s yer gal with nerve, played out ¢z bad ez ther wu’st. ov ’em,” he said to himself. “She'll be round all righf, an’ listenin’ ter rea- ’ gon, afore long: but that ain’t doin’ no good jest now. Dandy Dave, yer in a ticklish persish, an’ -yer five bundred dollars—ef yer git it—won’t be apt ter give yer much comfort ef yer once strike ale Carter an’ tber boys. Tuer’s a blessin’, though. Ef she won’t come ter terms there’s some one else eZ will, She seems ter be bracin’ upa bit. Lot’s trv what we kin do anyhow.” He had placed Miss Millie in a leaning posture against a tree; when she recovered a mceiety of her strength and resolution he was standing just in front of her, eying her with the same not altogether unfriendly look that she had already moticed, ‘Don’t ba too much skeered, miss,” he said, with a cheerful grin, » *“T don’t want ter burt yer onless I hey ter; an’ ef yer got half ther sense | think yer hev, ou an’ me kin come terterms ’tbout much time n ther dicker, Yer seé, I’m a sufferin’ orphun, an’ a fit subjick fur charity; on that line about how big are ther size ov yer ante?” ‘*T do not understand you,” was the response, given with returning vigor. “What do you expect to gain by this treat- ment?” ‘That depends on what yer think yer life’s’ wu'th,” 5 “What, would you kill me?” ‘ ‘ “ Not er bit ov it—onless yer force me ter do it. I want ter save yer life; ef it’s wath ther ‘savin’, In course 1 can’t go round reeskin’ mine fur nuthin’; an’ it wouldn’s be noways safe ter let yer go ’thout some sorter a an- tee, Now, what’s it wu’th? Put up er shut up. WS. : ‘“ I believe you want to bargain with me for my life—* “ ‘Fur ther savin’ ov it, miss. Fact are it ain’t altogether safe fur evén me ter crawl inter Bunco, an’ fur you it’s certain death.” “I do not understand. If you have any fears turn me loose and allow me to run my own So, from different throats the cries went dp, and balf a dozen of the more reckless ones ac- tually threw themselves under the big’ heels of the lorees in an effort to drag out the unfor- tunate that they were houndiig. To the surprise of all the intended victim was very much alive and in full possession of his senses. He eluded the hands that were clutch- ing for bim, sprung up in the midst of the Lorses, placed a hand on the back of either wheeler, and with a vigorous swing threw him- self up on the foot-board, ‘* For goodness’ sake, gentlemen!’ he shouted, “hold on! It’s only me, Tenderfoot Tom, ez they call me, tber Flat from Walnut Bar, I’m only out byer waitin’ fur Kunnel Johnson. [ ain’t nothin’ ter do with Hunter Browne, an’ I didn’t raise no row. Ii’s all a mistake!” ‘* Mistake er not, we want yer. Tbrow him down, Jack, er we'll hev ter drill yer.” __ The threat was re-enforced by the clicking of a pistol-lock, while one or two men began to climb up over the wheels, “Up with your.brake and drive on, or Pil blow you cold,” uttered a grim voice in Slim Jack’s ear. This was something else. Tho order came short and solid, and Jack felt the bard muzzle of . revolver pressed against the base ot his skull. 4 : ** Don’t yer do it, boss,” he answered, twistin bis eyes around in an unsuccessful effort to loo back over bis shoulder, : ‘‘There’s too many of ’em. I guess it’s cnlya leetle fun now; but they’re bowlin’ tigers when they git the’r dander riz, an’ you an’ me can’t fight ther hull ov Bunco.” Jeck knew to whom he was speaking, He bad two passengers inside and one bebind bim on top, It was the latter that. had just seid bis say. | Strengthened as the appeal was by the cold touch of the revolver, it might bave proved in- effectual, for the driver knew well enough the temper of the mob around him; but st that moment Bowers took up the argument ith bis best hold of the whip. Come what might, he never dropped his most effective weapon; and once more it saved him in an emergency. y Down it came, with mightily stinging force, Slim Jack’s foot loosened brake, and the team: plunged forward, “ Allright boys,” shouted back the man on top, as the mob fellapart at the sudden rush. “Goa little slow. We've got home calico in- side, so just hold your horses, Ve'll go up to Jefferson’s and dump them out. Then you and l can argue the matter about Tommy, 1’ll see you alllater.” the
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- %em.I wish I’d never seen ’em.” A how! that was as much of amusement as of anger, was the answer, the coach rolled on with rather increasing speed, and the crowd trotted after, while Bowers, after one eager glance, shouted in happy tones: * Bless my soul, hver’s richness, it ain’t ther kunnel at l«st!” “ Rigbt you are, my boy. For driving mules and getting into. musses you heat the world, As usual, I’m just in time. What have you been up to now?’ , “Me? Jain’t bin™doin’ nothin’; jest lookin’ *round er leetle till:yer got byer. But Isw’ar I thought you’d never come.” ~ : ‘* Perhaps it would have been safer for mea if Thad staid away,” said Johnson coldly, as he took the band that was thrust at him. “There will be a circus when the hearse stops: but I'll do the best I can. /If we don’t pull through it will be the first time.” “Oh! Lain’t afeard. Thbey’ll listen ter rea- son when you spoutit at ‘em; but they don’t care fer me any more than fer old shoes,” ‘‘ Hello, what’s that?” ‘ Jobnson looked over bis shoulder at the sound of a pistol-shot, well off to their rear, and was surprised to see the crowd in their wake suddenly halt, stare about, and then go ramping back. Buck Beans, seeing the way clear, had made a sortie, and wason the high road to getting clean away. The vehicle coming toa sudden stoppage at | the Jefferson House, allowed Bowers’s answer to be more plainly beard. ‘‘ There’s war in town, an’ I guess ther crowd’s goin’ ter drop me an’ feel fur Buck Beans. Cuss Hanged ef “And who is Buck Beans. and what have you to do with his crowd?” ‘* He’s Hunter Browne’s right-hand man, an’ | somehow ther camp hbez.riz at ’em, though | cussed ef I kin understand it, Oh, there’s lots ov trouble hyer, an’ when that goes, my luck gits me in ther thick ovit.” ‘« Hunter Browne, ah!” Colonel Johnson repeated the name aloud and thoughtfully as be climbed down, Jeff-rson was already out, and looking after the interests of the inside passengers, who, as Jobnson had stated, were of the feminine sex. One was an eloerly lady, clad in an old- fasiioned, stuffy-looking dress and who held on | to a grip-sack as though if was worth a pile of | money. “Bless my soul, landlord,” she wheezed. “The town is worse now than when I was here the other time, and it was bad enough then. Where's my niece? She ought to be out here to me®@ me. Oh, dear, this is a horrible country !” ‘“Excuse me, madam, but I don’t recollect you exactly, and I’m sure I don’t know who your niece kin be. =But comein. Wekinmake you comfortable, and to: morrow you can look around,” ; _ “Don’t know me, don’t know me? I suppose not. it’s a good many years since [ was here, looking afier my brother and it seems té me that | met you then. I’m looking, now, for a man named Hunter Browne. I am Mrs. Huldah Waring—or what is left of that much - ipjared woman. | rs. Waring was inclined to be flighty in her conversation; the non-appearance of her niece had already ceased to trouble her, and she al- lowed herself to be led in by Jefferson, who looked as though he thougbt that there was enough left of her yet, and that it would be wisdom for bim to hold his peace. “Supper,” she said, sharply. “I am almost famisbed. We should have been here hours | | | ago. a All ready, madam, and waiting. Scrub off a little of the dust and by that time I'll put you down to a lay-out such as you don’t find every day in your life. The town is a little upset; bet every thing goes on all right, here, ter ou’ve had your feed we'll look over them ques- ions ov yourn, an’ mebbe I kin answer ’em ” re bee’ That reminds me, Is Millie here? The girl was to be at the best hotel. Perhaps there is a better llgectp rete Bunco. I don’t want to ake any mistakes, mteMillie?” seapeneey Jefferson thoughtfully scratching bis head. He was getting down from his stilts and lapsing into his everyday style of conversation very ‘ast, “Tye heared that name before. P’raps yer mean Mies Vandeleur.” “Yes, That is the name. Where is she? Why does she not show her face when Tye come here, all the way, in ber interest?” “ Well, the fact are, she’s jest stepped out, Mebbe she'll be back afore yer git through with rub, Ef she don’t we kin send out an’ see, Rfake yerself at bome, now. It will all be right. “Hyer, We Wailo! Where in thunder are that Chinee! Ef he don’t stick ‘round closer I'll bounce bim. He won’t earn his salt.” — We Wailo did not come, but Mrs. Waring was shown toa room, and, with ber went the other feminine, who was as silent as a mute, and mped along as though she was simply a \ A Sport in Spectacles. Mrs, Waring did all the talking and the other the listening. In a little while the two reappeared and took their places at the long table in the dining room behind which We Wailo suddenly skipped. At the other end of the table were seated two men, who- between mouthfuls, conversed in a lowtone. The two were Colonel Johnson and his satellite, Tom Bowers. It seemed that the crowd had chased the latter mainly for the | sake of seeing him run, and had speedily for- | gotten all about bim ia their renewed interest in Beans. The Flat from Walnut Bar had a good deal to say; Colonel Johnson listened to him closely, Both looked up in some surprise at hearing a ery from Mrs. Waring. hat lady had risen to her feet with a care- lessness that came near to wrecking chair and table, und was vigorously prodding with her forefinger the air in front of her while she ex- claimed; ‘“ Who are you; who are you? I would know your face in a thousand.” Then she dropped back into her chair and stared sternly, like one who had just received a great shock. § CHAPTER XXXIII. A MAN ON THE ROPE. Danpy DAVE was silent as a wolf in a trap,. and just about as vicious on opportunity. He . showed his teeth but made no snap, since he saw no chance for his teeth to meet. Millie | felt that there was no help to be éxpected from | him. There was just one chance left, and she , ad been too much startled to try it sooner. She | turned on thi man who stalked by her side, ‘‘ Perhaps there has been some mistake. If | you have turned Mr. Browne’s men out in | whose interest was it done? Do you or did you | know a man ly the name of Silas Allbright? Is he your employer?” * No,” answered the Mexican, bricfly. “ But Allbright talked of procuring some men to do this very work; indeed, 1 think he had his arrangements made, though he said it was | best for me to know as little as possible about | that part. He was my friend, Are you cer- tain that you are not injuring one it is your duty to protect?” ‘No difference does it make, Work we for Senor Pereira. He killed the American dog | himself, Thee will ho kill also most likely; | yonder man certain. Speak nothing, my ears | are closed.” ‘** But if you wereall enemiesof Mr. Allbright, | how does it come you are not friends of Browne? | Perbaps I have misunderstood you.” Ti.t could hardly haye been ossible, but | when Miss Vandeleur halted and asked the | question she certainly could doubt no longer. | “Browne! Curses on him!” shouted the Mexi- ean, his face suddenly convulsing with rage. ‘“*Ah, the vile thief! If Manuel had not stayed me, the hand of Gomez Cavillo bad slain him in his blood. What is gold when revenge must wait? Beware. If aught thou ert to Hunter Browne thy blood will flow with his. We will crush the whole brood av once,” In the semi-darkuess Millie could see his eyes gleaming with a threatening flerceness, and she did not doubt but that be would be as good as bis word. She closed, her lips tightly to repress a scream, and bad nothing more to say, Cavillo waited an instant for an answer, and then, with an impatient tugat her shoulder, urged her on. “In there,” be said, pointing straight gnto the darkness; and she went forward blindly, as though there could be no choice in the evils that were before her. : It was neither a cave nora well into which she descended ; es al a slope, leading into tbe Bunker Hilf Mine. For all that it was ter- rible enough. The spirit of many a girl would have broken down entirely, After _a little there was a feeble glimmer of light. To the leftrana narrower pa way, reaching to a cell-like excavation in which was burning a lantern, as ‘ ae d up thy two hands,” ordered Gomez, a : Without hesitation Millie held up her round little wrists, aud about them Cavillo speedily kvotted a cord. He looked at her sharply, half doubtin whether she was secure enough; but as she sun noiselessly down, apparently exhausted by fatigue and her emotions, he thought there could be little danger of escape, with the solid mountain behind her, and the men on guard at the point of egress. “Stay there. When the senor comes will thy fate be decided. He and bis sister hold thy neck in their fingers. For me—I could crush it.” He received no answer, and thought the girl terrified beyond speech, though, actually, she was silent as much cbr wonder at what Hunter Browne could have done to awaken so much hate. 5 The quick steps of the Mexican sounded along the ——_ and finally passed beyond hearing, ss hours in spite of the fact that the mind of the girl was busy with the dangers and the duties of her situation. In that time she had thought of a thousand things, and last of all came to her an idea that contained a spark of hope. e lantern burned but dimly, yet it might eid her to remove the cord around her wrists. She arose steadily and moved over to where it was standing. With the utmost care she ban- dled it, since it was possible in her efforts that the light might become extinguished. To be in total darkness was the only added horror tbat was needed to break her down completely, It was av oil lantern, the cup fitting into the lass, and secured by a spring. Her wrists bad een bound back to back. Taking the handle of the Jantern in her teeth she pressed back the spring, and after several efforts drew down the cup, exposing the flame. ere she set the’cup down, and then held the knot of the cord in the blaze until it broke into a slow, smoldering flame. It was not as hard to do as she had feared. There was a little scorching ana some pain. That was all, for she did the work slowly. When the knot was through the rope loosened. With an effort her bands were free. Hope grew stronger. Leaving the lantern she went, out into the passage, and was about to feel her way to the right toward the opening, when she was startled at hearing a noise behind her, that seemed to come from the inner recess- es of the shaft, while from the outside came two men running. She drew back at once, and just in time. Tbe men stopped at the very spot, apparently listening. She heard one of them say, with a careless laugh: ‘The old fox sticks hard to his hole. I reckom if we badn’t caught him sleepin’ he’d hey down- ed more ner One ov ther boys,” ‘‘Hush yer gab,” answered the other. ‘““They’re bringin’ bim. Ef ther boss knew what war what he’d finish things up in thar. Ef he gits outside he may talk too loud. I ain’t altergether easy yit, fur he’s a man that’s hard ter beat,” ‘“* Hard er not’‘the job’ll be did afore murnin’. Ther pile are byer somewhar, an’ we'll hey ther secret outen him ef we hev ter roast his heart out, The Mexican may how] ef be wants to.” Tho steps from the depths of the miae came ™ nearer, and from the noise Millie judged that a captive was being dragged along by half a dozen men, He was silent enough, now: but. from what she heard no doubt be had struggled bard, even though he knew the struggle was hopeless, 2 Behind her she suddenly heard a dull thad,,. that caused her to start and then turn quickly. To her surprise on the rocky floor lay a few coiled rings of rope, and an end, reaching up- ward, was lostin the night above. Strangely enough she had not thought to ex- amine the ceiling before, though little good would it have done, since all she could now see was that the rope went up until it was no lon- ger visible, It had not been there before, and it bad not. come there of itself, Possibly there was some. one near that would aid her, : She called as loudly as she dared, but there was DO answer, She tugged at the rope, and round that it re- mained firm, and seemed to reach a great way up. tae ‘Wherever it goes to I can reach the end; and I can be no worse > een Pin wm bere. Good. for me that Ihave bad the training that few other women beve bad. If Iam not more worn out than | feel I may give them the slip. Now, wrists, do your duty.” So she said to herself in thought and cooll catehing bold of the rope she began to clim beg tg dh! > get x ; The cord was a ah og one, that filled her hands fairly well and when she hed gone twenty stent binge was a buge knot that made en elegant resting-place. Swinging in air Millie reached out a band cn eithér side and found the: wall of rock all around her, The place seemed like a Jarge chimney, though her-eyes could not descry as yet any opening at the top. Making a sbort rest she resumed her upward journey, when she was startled at feeling the rope vibrate, as if moved by some one above who was descending. “Tt must be a friend,” Miss Vandeleur thought, ‘and if so it will be safest to give bim — warning.” ' Ten, aloud: P ‘“‘ Hillo, above there! Do you want to shake me off? Climb b ck and give me a chance to get out of this. I’m a woman, and those vil- lains below would murder me.” “Can't do it. Hold still! Be careful, and’ let me go past you. There is no danger; you will find a friend above, aud when I get at the. thieves below there’ll a merry little war, and ark i forget it. J’m in town, all dressed up —to kill.” ee The voice was a careless, almost laughing one, - while Vandeleur was alone with the damp- | and totally unfamiliar to e, ‘The owner of _ gr geet ona and silence, nih it was as- expert as berself, he let-bim ve, ten minutes passed, that seemed like’ down without even touching ber bands as he , ne ee ‘i = *t Si ah Ae ~ om “am abe pe eat gare eta oe ee Sr pe pia ue Pree dss "Sw era tae bw <i Tie, ee ee ior
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> ’ notion to chuck you over and let _ outer air. -moe lightly. It would 26 . her, and then slid on rapidly not heeding ther warning to halt. There was no time to waste in speculations; ‘the strain on ber wrists was becoming too great ‘to admit of any delay, though fortunately there was another knot only a few yards above, on which she braced her feet and took another brief rest. Then upward she went until she ‘heard a hoarse voice almost in her ear: ‘* What's ther racket? Comin’ back ag’in? I thort you'd lose sand when yer saw what sort er a hole was afore yer.” ‘* Don’t fret yourself about sand, but help me out of this,” gasped Millie, who, at the prospect of near assistance felt herself suddenly grow- jing weak, There was a grunt of surprise, followed by an exclamation of delight. ‘Good girl! Ef sbe hain’t played roots on ‘em all my name ain’t Plumb Center Pete! Hyer yer be. Stiddy by jerks!” An arm went around Miss Vandeleu:z’s waist, and with one wave of strength she was swung from the rope to a footing on the solid rock, ‘Say, yer hain’t seen nothin’ ov Hunt Browne; hev yer?” asked Blockey, transferring his grasp from ber waist tober arm. ‘‘Mean' my pard, ther perfessor, hez come in ter back his game, an’ now ‘we wants ter find whar he spreads his layout.” ‘“*T do not know,” gasped Millie, her breath ‘half gone from her recent exertions, ‘* They are all thieves and murderers below. They havea prisoner. [ could not see him but I believe they said it was Browne. Oh, they are all wicked men to whom killing is a joke. ‘What can we do?” * Are yer sure it war Browne? - Ef he’s down thar bow in blazes did his rope git up byer?” Miss Vandeleur bad no answer ready for him so the darkness answered for ber, ** We Wailo bling lopeuppie. Chinaman allee loundee, top-side ebley time! Whah Goggly Gawge?” ‘“‘ Cussed ef it ain’t ther Chinaman ag’in,” ex- sclaimed Pete, with a start. ** You bettee. W’bah’s th’ plofessle?” “*He’s down thar, Chinee: and I’ve a good ou go hunt ‘him. How in blazes did yer ever find yer way thyer? Ye’r’ beginnin’ ter git dangersome.” “Huntee Goggly Gawge. No can _findee, Bee blownee clawl appee and We Wailo heab come too. Nocan climb down lope; pulle lo Allee same Blowne no lun away. Eb, Be heap fun heah soon. Eblee bodde comee, Wantsee Huntee Blowne heap self an’ _ take cah plofesslee, What ’Melican glil want- > hee?” ‘*Never mind the girl—hark! I hear some- ‘thing bett-r worth listening to,” Nellie’s keen ears bad caught the noises that ~were barely audible. She turned toward them. _At a little distance she saw through an orifice stars twinkling, and broke away to reach the In a dozen steps she had reached a rocky ledge, and gazing downward saw a strange sight. CHAPTER XXXIV. A RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD. . At Huldah Waring’s cry We Wailo bad sven astart, The finger of the woman pointed ‘very much at large—no wonder if he might think it was pointing at bim. It was the voice of Colonel Jobnson that undeceived him. , “Pll be teetotally condenséd if it ain’t, My ars or my one are not worth a cent any more or I'd have -_ out of this mix. Yes, don’t lower at me that way. It’s your former hus- sand, alive and very much kicking. Now touch be a shame to spoil the harmonies after all these years of separation. Ah, sbe must bave broken, Confound it if she thasn’t fainted, Why, she used to bave more nerve than a iron camel with a bronze hump, and now throws up her beels just be- cause she thinks she bas seen a ghost. Chuck a ‘pail of water over her, Chinee, and see if you can bring her round, I’m really too bungry to waste time with such fooling.” And then the colonel actually applied himself to the edibles with a vigor that showed suck a ances Pond a fainting Woman could have no effect mb oon i The Chinaman was more solicitous for her -welfare; and the woman who was Mrs, War- ing’s companion was not backward. Between them and nature the fainting woman returned to consciousness about the times that Colonel _ Johnson bad taken the sharpest edge off of his ic, A nhs aring, isit really you? No, no, it cannot Then followed three or four little cries, some- ~where between a sbriek and a groan. “Ob, come now,” said the colonel coldly. ‘If ‘ou keep on like that you’ll bave the whole bouse ere, Maybe you believe in ghosts, but I’ll swear Il don’t. , of them are deader than I am they’re thundering frauds, I’ve been orien Kiki for pretty we.l on to twenty years —l've div enter and nged . % in 4 my e legall act of legisleture abot the pay aa ant now it’s about time fi oAecar stg 7 os + “inn glee: eo eae $ ee A Sport in Spectacles. \ to have a general clearing up. I suppose you are aware that [am not dead; but, on the con- trary, very much alive.” ‘© And Edmund Farrell did not kill you?” ‘Small blame to himif he didn’t. He thought well enough that he had done so, and for about @ month 1 thought so myself.” ‘You worthless wretch! And on your ae- count I hunted my own brother to death. Ob, I was mad, mad, mad. It was on my account he quarreled with you; I sent after him-the de- tective that hounded him to his grave.” ‘“Scarcely, my dear, scarcely. I had no de- sire to put an oar in—I don’t -hate Ed Farrell half as much as I once did—but now that the matter is broached, I may as well give the whole thing way. Unless be has handed in bis checks in the last few weeks Ed Farrell is still alive,” “It is false!” cried Mrs, Waring. ““T saw his freshly-made grave, and the copy of his will which left mefive thousand dollars. More, I got the money.” ‘*He could write the will a great deal better if he was living than if he was dead, couldn’t he? And I wouldn’t think much of a man who wouldn’t give five thousand dollars to be rid of you and the detectives together. I gave four or five times that. The fact is, Huldah, that while you were @ very honest woman you were a per- fect screamer,’ ‘* But I do not understand yet.” “Whew! you have changed. Twenty years ago if I had said that much, there wouldn’t have been a whole plate left on the table by this time. What is it youydon’t under- stand?” ** How could such ‘a deception be possible?” responded Mrs. Waring, ignoring the reflection. on her temper. “Simple enough, After our little racket, out of which I came out second best, he got away, and so did I—in different direc- tions.” ‘* Your detectives were after him—o]most had him. It was necessary to do something to throw them off, uvless he wanted to go entirely to the bad. He stumbled across Hunter Browne when the latter was just climbing the range to pass over. Your brother bad been pretty badly cut up, but he kept that to himself, and Browne was really dying. ‘*Ed had some money and had made some discoveries; Browne was in a worry about a little girl of his that be was afraid would come to want. Farrell proposed a change of names, and he would provide for the girl. He had a girl of his own, but he was willing to let her drop in the background. There was a boy in the matter, too, but I don’t know rightly oe, son be was. At all events Farrell agreed to take care of the children until the youngest was twenty-one, and then divide between the boy and Browne's girl the ostensible fortune that be then had. He figured that by that time he could make another fortune for himself, and if he didn’t, it wouldn’t make much difference. What do you think of that fer a story, eh? Isaw Ed Farrell not a monthago. He’s quit the disguise that fooled his own sister, and he bas no idea of the neat little revenge I had on him. He’s lost twenty years of bis life to-save himself from being hung for a man that isn’t dead, I’ve been thinking it all over since then, and when I heard the games that were being set up against him I weakened at last. I’m going to straighten thinggup the best I know how, end then Tom- my, hére, and I will go on to the next campand drive mules.” Colonel Johnson told his long story with a coolness that was both wonderful and convinc- ing. His former wife shuddered and listened as if fascinated, though when hb ceased she was able to speak quite calmly. “T have changed since those days, I hope; but no matter. I know that I have done wrong in something—I, too, came here to make an ef- fort to set things right; crid yet, what « mezea I was in. J have been searching for my bro- ther’s daugbter'and found her, She had been swindled by those in whose hands she was placed, and had had a hard life of it, yet had grown to be a handsome, courageous woman. A true woman, I hope, though she was a trapeze performer, A man by the name of Allbright—a broken-down detective I think— had lately given her an idea of who she was— or rather was supposed to be—and she was = jam here to t for. ber rights. Poor girl. She intended to fight ber own father.” - be mrapese performer? I think, my dear, you are off your eggs. What was ber name?” ‘* Millie Vandeleur was her stage name—and, indeed, the only name to which she had ever answered,” “Then you are just as wrong as you ever were. The daughter of the real Edmund Far- rell—the man that goes now by the name of Browne—was brought upas Nita ee ana the oddest thing is that-sbe looks li can senorita and isn’t; and the other girl doesn’t andis. It’san elegant but we'll straighten it out in oa morning. ‘We Wailo bad remained judiciously in the background but he had listened with uncis- “ies. w =a | ke a Mexi- | ave you taken it all Pt na Pes Pee ral 4 bred Fas * ous eA ry aera sy ee es ears CORD «at $ 3% — oa) See ig interest, and was in no way disconcerted y the sudden question. ‘We Wailo genlee allee loundee. Takee in bellee well, topside, glow. Wantee ax who Dellingel Deck.” ‘‘ How did you come to know anything about re) it. Derringer Deck ist he boy in the case.. He went by the name of Farrell for years, but whether be is son of the living or the dead, Hunter Browne—as the¥ call him now—alone can tell, Hello! what’s the matter with you?” ‘*Heap sollee. Hunter Blowne in bad sclape, no get out sodn kickee bucket all ovelee, e Wailo lun see.” The Chinaman pranced off; but Colonel John- son shook his head as he saw him go. He had detected symptoms of a deeper interest than he could understand. Had he watched the Celes- tial be might. have seen him slink from the J: fferson House, and when once fairly away break into a ruv. He was going straight to- ward the Bunker Hill Mine. The reader bas seen how he appeared there; but the explanation of his haste is yet to be given. ; CHAPTER XXXY. A MAN AT BAY. THE disappearance of Hunter Browne had been partially explained by Plumb Center Pete; but even be had not anticipated the little game of We Wailo, that cut off the possibility of re- treatand left him walled in, with the mountains on one side and Big Frank and his gang on the other. The brief conversation overheard gave the facts of his capture, He had been taken asleep; and now was dragged out for a pur- pose, There was a little circle of a dozen before him, and though the light was so dim and un- certain that anything like recognition was al- most impossible, the men were all masked. One stood a little apart from the rest, and addressed Browne in a muffled voice, though his words seemed for the otbers: “Ef this man keers fur life he’ll bev ther chance ter show it. Ef gold are wu’th more than a bull skin he kin figger it out in jest one minnit. Brethren, tie him to ther post.” Willing hands knotted the ropes around Browne’s wrists and ankles. Ina trice he was fastened almost beyond the power of motion, while behind the post stood a man holding a scarf, ready to stifle any scream, should it be necessary. “Now, Browne,” continued the spokesman, ‘‘we know yer hevn’t bin runnin’ thingsskyer all fur fun. We've bin a-watchin’ yer wei er least thortit. Wekmow yer hev put outa eap, but there’s a cold hundred thousand somewhar, an’ that’s ther pile we’re after. It ain’t yer money er yer life; but it’s yer gold sure, an’ maybe yer life afere we git through gittin’ it. Are yer ready ter p’int out whar yer hid it, er must we do worse?” Browne looked haggard and worn, but there was no sign of quailing as he answered: “Tf I had a million you shouldn’t have 7 ounce. Do your worst. I defy you all! It looks like your time now; mine will come by and by,” “Mebbe yer don’t know who ye’r’ dealin’ with. This ain’t no milk an’ water gang. We're jest bizness from ther ground up.’ ‘*] don’t care who you are, or what you are. You have my answer,” ; ““Mebbe you think we dassn’t go through with ther job? Ef yer do ye’r’ badly fooled. We’ve changed ther deck an’ begun’a new deal. It’s ther gold we want, an’ then we'll skip. Ef yer kin ketch us you kin git it out oy our hides, an’ ef you don’t ther Bunker Hill will soon make you even ag’in. We ain’t jumpin’ yer claim byar; that war ther other ang. . it makes no difference who you are, or what you are,” responded Browne, sturdily, ‘ You get nothing out of me, and I’ll be eyen for this work or die trying. Now, do your worst,” At the challenge, two men stepped gravely forward, Each held an end of a long rope, which they i stretched between them. hey moved forward until the center of the rope touched the body of the prisoner, and then walking in great circles, they wound the cord round and round him. At first, it was no great torture. ; At least, it was one that could be borne. » Butinch after inch of Browne's body was covered with the tightening coils, until at he began to feel only too well the ingenuity of the scheme for torture. Then another pair cf men stepped out, and — tock up the work where tbe first pair left cf. ‘Don’t you fellows make any mistake,” called out Browne. “‘ My gold you will never get alone know where it is, and I’ll never tell. You are going to kill me inside of the next, ten min- utes, and I just want to say it straight to you before I go, that you’ve been curseedly badly fooled, Good-ni you villains all, I’m on the road now, at Bit yoake the foil efore morning. If you’d given me a show, I would © have kon the heft of you along till the reads
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forked. Curse you. all for cowards. I’m off, but my ghost will-come back to haunt you.” His bitterness moved no one in the slightest. “They simply wént on winding slow death around him. He felt the paralysis of the checked circulation, and the horror of an un- certainty about the end, Then came the sound made by horses gallop- ae ig rock lenis along the trail that led to the spot. i he noise gave the fainting man a little thrill is >. -of hope, and at the same time puzzled the in- : es quisitors. There were men on picket-duty, be- a yond, who should have given notice of the approach; yet the new-comers advanced with- ie out challenge or hindrance. E ; A moment later they knew the reason, Pereira, with eyes flasbing, hair flying, a re- i 2 volver in his hang, dashed into the circle. He a -had leaped from his horse just at the limit of e i, the little clump of shanties, and without hesi- & Le? tation or fear, sprung to,the side of the prisoner, -and as he sprung he shouted: ‘ ‘**Back, you dogs! Gomez, where art thou? § Art thou a traitor, too? Mexicans, stand by me if you would share the gold. This man belongs to me and mine,” ° As he spoke his knife ran down between pris- -oner and post, the razor-like blade under his whole weight and skillful. management passing through many of the rings of rope and loosening “the rest, while the revolver he had transferred ‘to his left hand menaced the crowd before him, ‘Though Huoter Browne was still bound beyond ‘the power of motion the crawling death had ‘been turned back. At the challenge of Pereira one of the mask- ers stepped quickly forward. ‘They said that thou wert false to us, That thou badst led us into this trap to take posses- sion for thee, and that then thou wouldst come upon us with the Americans from the camp and cheat us of the gold which thou alone coultl find. Evenvif thou hadst done this thing I would care nothing. Gomez Cavillo is here for revenge. No other band than his can take ven- y eance on yonder dog for his wrongs to my ay Nita. He won her and cast her aside. So I =e helped him to his death-agonies what was it to a me if it be Manuel Pereira or Big Frank who »: stood by my side? We would not harm thee but aside thou must stand, I hate thee, Manuel Pereira, sinve but for thee I would not have lost my Nit». As her brother only I can not kill thee Yet if thou art across our way thou must fall,” His hand had been on his revolver. At the -__ elosing threat it sprung up in true line with the : senor’s heart, covering him with deadly aim, just asa great blaze shot up from one of the neighboring cabins. “ At the flaring light all save Gomez turned in spite of themselves, since it seemed hke a signal finstant attack. As they wheeled there came ; the crack of several pistol-shots, followed by a mocking png; ‘You'd set Dandy Dave up to toast, would you? Ha, ha! Into you it goes chuck up! Take’ sue ef yer kin!” One man dropped dead, another staggered saway, wounded. If Dandy Dave had held a ir of sixes be would bave stayed for the gang. Unfortunately for bim when he bad worked Hi by ‘himself loose the weapon of which by chance he ae ed himself held only two loaded cham- | Pee , When he had touched a match to the oil the had scattered and fired his two shots he ran ' fleetly away in the long, dark shadow at the rear of the house. &: | Pereira was startled—Gomez never moved his seye from itsaim, Neither noticed two shadows oe flowin from either side. a x: The first shadow resolved itself into Prof ssor | Elderberry, with spectacles on bis nose, and a | wevolverineach hand. if Goggle George dro his draw age » Boek it to "em, boys!” he yelled. “ Don't | throw a shot away. Shoot to kill, and I'll pay | __ for the corpses. Throw in your men from the | rear, Beans, and we'll hold up this end. Here / you have it!” Ri - The punctuation of bis sentences was a little irregular, but it was done with his revolvers, | and the grand stop came when he abruptl ‘| flung out his fist sideways. When Gomez Cavil- do went down at the first fire Pereira turned, | uplifted knife in-band, toward tbe very man | ~~ -whohad coms to his-aid. Such poker ane. could hardly be expected or guarded against, yet the | -‘professor met it, Just when he was in true ~ | range he dashed the butt of his revolver into ) Pereira’s face, the one blow striking the Mexi- / €an senseless, Then he had to turn to meet the | rush of Big Frank, who had gathered his men - ‘by the cry: . "All together, here! It’s only one man! eer Sey i as they came, and the professor Pe = d iy! revolver fm the ah epg | ‘bullet went through the flesby part o ‘ ‘but at the same titne he took a snap-shot behind CEN oe PIERS SHON fe, Le ee ee cd ere * i, : oe with Manuel Pereira, Like the of ber race ¢ knife was her Sgetialtin another mo- ent she would have had it in the beart of Hun- * Browne. A Sport in Spectacles. 27 The bullet struck fairly on the blade and the woman reeled back from the unexpected shock, A shout went up from Big Frank’s men. Six of them were down, but as the seventh fell Professor Elderberry toppled over. : Small blame to him! There were five bulle in his body! “Now, out with that fire! We'll have all Bunco up byer ef they see it. One of you take that madwoman away and a couple of you see if there’s any life in this carrion.” “*You bet there’s life in it,” howled a harsh voice in response. ‘‘I ain’t never gone back yit on a man I made my pard. yer’s Plumb Center Pete, come ter kill,” Again the shaft disgorged—this time Plumb Center Pete and We Wailo. The latter ran straight to the Mexican woman who, recovered from her shock, bad again flung herself at Hunter Browne. ‘** You fool you!” he hissed, “ This is not Hunter Brown at all, It was he that fired the shanty! He has gone and you never will see him again.” For answer Nita gave a great cry and bounded toward the burning building. We Wailo with ready revolvers turned toward Pete Blockey. That individual talked a good deal, but he knew a thing or two about a fight against odds. The crowd was between him and the fire, Just in time to barely miss the volley that answered his defiance he threw himself full length upon the ground, his outstretched hands bolding his self cocking sixes, and his work egan. of us cripples can be moved down to Bunco. Beans can bold on here, now that he’s in posses- sion, especially if you and Dandy can stay and see the thing through the drag.” “Rigbt you be. With all this dead meat piled up hyer, ther ghosts alone could keep ther ranch. ou bet they don’t want no more of Plumb Center Pete in theirn.” “Get Brown) and the women away before Bunco comes out after Beans. And look after Pereira a little. He tried to kill me just when I was backing his band the heaviest, and 1 hit him for all I was worth. I didn’t want to kill him, though; ard if he’s not done for handle him kindly. He may talk, and he knows a heap.” Without much searching Pereira was found. He was just recovering his senses, but the butt of the professor’s pistol had flattened bis nose almost even with his face.. The so-called Hun- ter Browne bad already regained his strength, and had been giving a few hasty directions, He had even darted into the shaft to see, of course, what mischief had been done, As he came out, bis face lit with a satisfied smile, he saw Pereira, who bad been bound as a prisoner. Millie was just behind him, but of hef he took no note, “So you wanted to get me and my mine, did ou--and your tools went back on you? Better uck next time, I’ve a mind to turn you loose to try.” “Curse the mine,” retorted Pereira, savagely, ‘thou it was that I was after, and thy mine was but the bait. What was gold when we la- bored for revenge?” **That’s it, old man, I can make some allow- ance when I think what an idiot you have been, You're after the wrong man. Hunter Browne died—well, close toward twenty years ago, I took his name to save my neck, but I didn’t shoulder his misdeeds at the same time. If the Goytisolos want him, supposing they go look for him in some other world. I can swear that I never harmed them, If I set you free will you take your niece and jump the camp?” “My niece?” ' Pereira had been startled by the statement of the man he bad known as Browne; but the word niece seemed to strike him most of all. ‘*Mistaken art thou? The child died when an infant. Only Nita and I are there; and Nita— my sister—is mad.” “Not so mad as you, I guess. Anyhow, take ber and go. It is the gospel truth I toM you; but if you ever want to try it on again, I’il take better care, They say she went as my finger ‘| points; follow her. Should you still doubt, I can give you proof ata better time. Four the present, we don’t need you here: It’s too great a temptation to murder.” Pereira hesitated, even when his limbs had been set free. - “Ts it the very truth * Ae tell me?” “The very truth. yname was Farrell, and I bad killed my man—just_as you no doubt have done. Go, now, or my offer will not hold CHAPTER XXXVI. THE GENERAL ROUND-UP, PLUMB CENTER PETE was cool as an iceberg, and deadly asfate. Almost invisible, save by the light of his pistols’ flashes, he had fair marks for such wonderful good shooting as his, and yet, until be could reach Big Frank who seemed to bear a charmed life, the end was in doubt, Everything was passing with blinding quick- nes:. Shot after shot Blockey fired without waste, while, in return, the bullets whistled eround him, or sunk into his flesh; but the deadliest danger came when Big Frank, spring- ing in from the side, stood almost over him. “Curse you!” he shouted, “I have you now!” His finger was on the trigger when there was a double report as loud as a young cannon. - “ We Wailo loundee ebly time,” shouted the Celestial-looking little one, a smoking pistol in each band; and, as if in answer to bis words, there came a hoarse cheer, followed by a cry of dismay. There was no shamming now. Buck Beans and the remnant of his men were indeed around. At the time of the diversion caused by the pleasantry with Tenderfoot Tom ke had made ood bis retreat, and by a devious journey, came Back to the Bunker Hill just in time. As he and bis men charged in with the cheer, the remnant from the savage fight broke away. Up to this they had taken their chances. The fewer the survivors the fewer there would be to share.the hundred thousand dollars’ worth of gold they were sure Hunter Browne had hid away. Now, with the odds all the other way, there was no hope to hold them, and their greedy courage was gone. Plumb Center Pete, though wounded more than once, rose coolly to his feet to meet the new-comers, i “ “ Ye'r’ late fur ther frolic, boyees, but ye’r’ in ** It bas all been a mistake,” answered Pereira, in a subdued tone, ‘‘ You hold the whip hand, and I submit. Yet beware of Bunco! Your foesthere are not all dead yet, even if I be not there to urge them on.” He turned then and went his way, looking for his sister. Neither of them ever came bac alone unravel. He had met Wariug coldly, and yet with a certain Bledgure, and he reve that he bad had bis shock a month before, w good time fur ther funeral. Look after ther | be had almost positively recognized the man boss. Some ee lead may hev reached him; | whom, for so eer be he had killed. otherwise he’s all right. I’m afeard m i was brief. story ; “TI do not object to telling everything now. Ibad always intended Ores to the letter of my agreement with poor Browne, and if I have not done it altogether, it was not ent Br. ‘* We had known each other years hez gone up ther flume, but ef he bas ther’ never war a better man ner Goggle George went out ov ther wet with his boots on,” Hunter Browne, as he still may best be called, in spite of the revelations of the ct devant Waring, was not seriously injured, and We Wailo was already caring for him. Buck ans, after a hasty glance in his direction, turned.bis attention toward the rest. “Oh, I’m all right, Pete. There’s a reason- ably fair lead shaft in my anatomy, but I’m as See as three dead men yet. It was only the Shock. Derringer Deck-is hard to kill; though this is the closest shave he's had yet.” ** Dog gone our sages i . Blockey took in the disclosure with surprise. So yer bin playin’ us fur flats all ’round, an’ made ther turn, All right; I’ve heard oy you afore. Close mouth an’ handson ther board. I don’t want ter skip jest yet, an’ I won’t onless you give me away.” “There'll be ‘trouble’ if Ido. O. K., old man! We'll see how the land lays. And, by the way, if you_see anything of Dandy Dave take bis part. He’s an old side-pard of mine, and helped me through the riffle. If we both slipped up a little on girl, she’s safe anyhow. Now tie me up. If you look you'll find n fuller of holes ahaa piiicadine »? gi ‘* An’ none of ’em very d,” answered Pete, who had Ciready tage hi work, a 3 _ "Giad to bear it, How’s Browne? I hopeall whom I would call after the senorita he had ree ps 7 a 5 12 % ; cae =) = =) -liy ; * i Pte ie Ge betas ba —- en on i
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28 “ There are two Nita ,Goytisolos,” answered Browne, gravely. ‘‘Theone left with a Mrs. Hammond, in San Francisco, was my daughter. The older one claims to be the daughter of the dead Hunter Browne. Yet Pereira told me that the child died. I cannot understand.” “Whose daughter be We Wailo? Eh? Much flaidee kin no findee plopla papa if bim i | a time, the woods seemed full, Just before he | left he said to Derringer Deck: ““{' suppose you’ve caught on to ther fact thet | I whooped ’em up fur ther Chinese because he war, ez I thought, salivatin’ ther other gang; ‘but, mebbe, you don’t know what became ov Jobnny Short. 2’m him! I war just experi- mentin’ on ther profits in ther road-agent ring— don’t speak soon. Any cash piecee going him | with mebbe an eye to ther divy when I raked loundee ebley time.” The Chinaman had remained in the back- ground unusually long, for bim. He slipped | forward now with a simper on his face, and ex- ecuted a low salaam, then stood, with his hands folded and his head bent down, in front of Browne. ‘* How in blazes do you suppose I know, hea- then, if you don’t? But if you ‘know what is gaod for you you’ll draw out. : This is a family reunion, and outsiders are not wanted.” ‘“We Wailo belly much belongee top-sidee fambly. If you don’t bileeve um ask Goggly Gawge. We Wailo no him blothlee anyhow choy but bim loundee ‘neah, eh, Dellenglee Deck?” The tones of the Chinaman changed; he look- ed up saucily ifto.the face of the professor, smiled cheerily, and throwing hima kiss from the tip of a very taper finger skipped hastily out of the room. “What sort of a lunatic is the Celestial, any- way?” inquired Browne, puzzled and looking at his young superintendent for an explanation, “Tt means—wait and you willsee, I begin to believe that more than one of us has been de- ceived, and that be has the means of removing a haunting fear that drove me here to learn the worst, if need be, He will be back soon. You can prepare for a sui prise.” “And, meantime, to repeat the question, whose daughter am I? Is Millie Vandeleur out of the mystery altogether, and only the poor trapeze girl she was when Allbright found her?” / Millie stepped forward and gazed around in- quiringly. “‘ Allbright?’ said Colonel Johnson uneasily, as he filled his mouth with tobacco, and gave a covert glance at bis former wife, ‘* Allbright? That’s tbe same old coon that used to be called Detective Prim, and he’s had his eye on’ you for a long time, my dear—on you and your mother, though he never suspected the relationship be- tween you. [am not sure that you will rejoice in your relations, but I have reason to believe that you are the daughter of Huldah Waring, and that I have the honor to be your paternal ancestor, If there is any mistake in the infor- mation I regret it exceedingly, but I give it for what it is worth. I stole you away from your mother in your infancy providing certain traces ointing toward the decedsed Farrell’s family, ‘but I now rejoice in the reunion with the proud consciousness of one who has done his duty. More facts to follow, All previous declarations to the contrary are hereby recalled,” Huldah Waring gave a cry and fell into Mil- lie’s arms just as a beautiful girl glided into the room.. ' “Nita Goytisolo!” exclaimed Hunter Browne. “ Yes; but—your daughter as well. The story £ told you the other night was a ples one, not through any fault of mine. had over- : peers the vaporings of a madwoman and took hem all for truth, though I had the prudence not to reveal myself until I could know more, _understood tben—she wheeled suddenly and ced Derringer Deck—“ what it was that drove _you away from my side, and sent you on the apa eocee share that finally land Ras here, ll you forgive me if I was madly jealous and followed rout Will you forgive me if you par that that jealous: nearly cost another and an innocent one her life?” “Tam all amazement, but’I feel as if I had nothing to forgive, You were—” ] “We Wailo, and always ‘belles’ much loundee’ to take on myself the credit of what ou had done. As the world generally believed yhat I said, your wife has certainly been a credit to you. Trust me, I shall never offend 80 again.” It is wearisome to the reader to enter too closely into explanations when the closing pages ve the heroes and heroines all alive, and fairly wrishing. What need tu say more? ~ Until the Bunker Hill was stocked and nged into a corporation it N eseee i finely | under the management of Professor Elder- berry, who, with bis charming wife, remained for several years at Buneco—Hunter Browne who bad lost neither the mine nor the boarded Id residiny with them. The professor, how- ever, discardell spectacles, except on emer- gency. His sight was as keen as that of an eagle, but with the glasses he had had ground cially for the purpose he could see what was going on behind him, The trick is well known; put it to practical use. Pereira and bis sister disappeared, as did the fragments of the bands once headed by Kale Carter and Big Frank, but Plumb Center Pete ruffled rage Godiva Bunco several days before ure for Fon pastures, The cal ever rightly knew what be and the pro- fessor bad to do with the corpses of which, for , '’em allin. It don’t pati out well in ther long run, an’ [ won’t do so no more:” Huldab Waring took ber daughter and went back Friscowards. Tbe companion went along. Sbe was the woman to whom Col nel Johnson bad intrusted his daughter, giving her the name of Vandeleur, but leaving some few tokens that it might be farrell. @ was a cold- hearted sort of fraud, for he seemed to have for years utterly forgotten her, Tom Bowers, after all the pros and cons that had been weighed, was the Flat from Walnut Bar and nothing more, He was a master hand with the whip, but beyond that relied on the colonel. Johnson had sent him to Walnut Bar and Bunco with orders to fin@ out all be could about half a dozen people he named and be -did the best he could. The two drifted away to- gether in search of mules, or something else. He might bave fixed the murder of Allbright on Pereira, but for what use? He remained silent, The Mexican was adjudged to be dead; an administrator took charge of his effects, which didi not pan out as inimense as expected, and the little town again went round on wheels, THE END, Half-Dime Singer's Library 1 Wuoa, Erma! and 59 other Songs, 2 Caprain Curr and 57 other Songs, 8 Tue Garnspory’ Har and 62 other Songs. 4 Jounny Morcan and 60 other Songs. 5 iu Srrme You Wire A Frarurr and 62 others, 6 GrorGEe THE CHARMER and 56’ other Songs. “ 7 Tae Bette or RockAway and 52 other Songs, 8 Youna Freiuan, You’re Too Fresx and 60 others 9 Say Youne Grru and 65 other Songs. 10 I’m THe GoveRnor's ONLY Son and 58 other Songs, 11 My Faw and 65 other Sougs. 12 Comm’ Tro’ tur Rye and 55 other Songs. 13 Tae Rowticrine IrtsHMan and 59 other Songs, 14 OLp Do@ Tray and 62 other Songs. 15 Wuoa, Cuartim and 59 other Songs. 15 In tats Waear By AND By and 62 other Songs, 17 Nancy Lex and 58 other Songs. 18 I’m Tae Boy THAtT’s Bound To Buaze and 57 others, 19 Taz Two Orprans and 59 other Songs, 20 Wear ar&t THe Wild Waves Savina, Sister? and 59 other Songs. : 21 InpiaNantT Potty Woe and 59 other Songs. 22 "Tne OLtp ArM-CHAIR and 58 other Songs. ° 23Ow Conry Istann Bracn and 58 other Songs, 24 Otp Simon, Tre Hor-Corn Man and 60 others, 25 I'm in Love and 56 other Songs. 26 PARADE of THE G@uaRDs and)56 other Songs. 27 Yo, Heave, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 28 "Twit Never po To Giz rr ur So and 60 others. 29 Buve Bonners Over THe Borper and 54 others, 80 Tue Merry LAvanine Man and 56 other Songs, 81 Sweer Forert-me-Nor and 55 other Songs. 82 Leerte Basy Mine and 53 other Songs. 88 De Banso AM DE INSTRUMENT FOR Me and 53 others. 84 Tarry and 50 other Songs. 85 Just Tro PLease THe Boys and 52 other Songs. 36 SKATING ON ONE IN THE Gurrer and 52 others, 87 Kovorgep Kranks and 59 other Songs. 38: Ni DesperanpumM and 53 other Songs, 89 Tue Girt I Lerr Beninp Mr and 50 other Songs: 40 "Tis sur A Lirrite Fapep Ftower and 50 others 41 Prerry WaHILHELMINA and 60 other Songs. 42 Dancina 0y THE Barn and 63 other Songs, ~ 43 H. M.S. Prnarore, compiere, and 17 other Songs. Sold everywhere by Newsdealers, at five cents per copy, or sent post-paid, to any address, on re- ceipt of Sia cents per number. ' BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pusrisners, 98 Wra14M Srreeet, New Yors, The Dime Dialogues No. 31. Containing twenty Minor Dramas, Extravaganzas Burlesques, Farces, Dress and Humorous Pieces, for the Amateur Stage, Parlors, Schools and Exhibitions. All original and by favorite authors, professors, teachers and amateurs. For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, post-paid, on receipt of price—ten cents, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pustisners, 98 William Street, New York, A Sport in Spectacles. BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS. \ Speakers, Each volume contains 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collec: tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Recitations. J The Dime Speakers embrace twenty-four volumes, viz.: . ee 1, American Speaker. 13, School Speaker. . National Speaker. 14. Tudierous Speaker, . Patriotic Speaker. 15. Komikal Speaker. . Comic Speaker. 16, Youth’s Speaker. 17. Eloquent Speaker. 18. Hail Columbia Speak> 9 er. 19. Serio-Comic Speaker. 20. Select Speaker. 21. Funny Speaker. . Elocutionist. | . Humorous Speaker. . Standard Speaker. | . Stump Speaker. . Juvenile Speaker, . Spread-Eagle Speaker . Dime Debater. 22. Jolly Speaker. . Exhibition Speaker. 28, Dialect Speaker. 2%, Dime Book of Recitations and Readings. These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, etc. 75 to 100 Declamations and Recitations in each book. NK OS MIM om corto tl bk Dialogues. The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em-- brace thirty-one books, viz.: Dialogues No. One. |Dialogues No. Sixteen. Dialogues No, Two. |Dialogues No, Seventeen. _| Dialogues No. Three. | Dialogues No. Bighteen. Dialogues No, Four, (pieloguas No. Nineteen. Dialogues No, Five. Dialogues No. Twenty. | Dialogues No, Six. Dialogues No. Twenty-one. Dialogues No. Seven. | Dialogues No. Twenty-two, Dialogues No. Bight. |Dialogues No. Twenty-three, Dialogues No, Nine. Dialogues No. Twenty-four. Dialogues No. Ten. Dialogues No, Twenty-five. Dialogues No. Eleven, | Dialogues No. Twenty-six. Dialogues No. Twelve, |DialoguesNo, Twenty-seven. Dialogues No. Thirteen. | Dialogues No, Twenty-eight. Dialogues No. Fourteen | Dialogues No. Twenty-nine. Dialogues No. Fifteen, 'Dialozues No. Thirty. ; Dialogues No, Thirty-one. 15 to 2% Dialogues and Dramas in each hook, Dramas and Readings. : 164 12mo Pages. 20 Cents, ‘For Schools, Pario:s, Entertainments and the Ame ateur Stage, comprising Original Minor Dramas, Comedy. Farce, D ess Pieces, Humorous Dialogue: and Burlesque, by nected writers; and Recitations: -and Readings, new : nd standard, of the greatest: celebrity‘and interest. Edited by Prof. A. M. Russell, ' — DIME HAND-BOOKS. Young People’s Series. Beaptr’s Dive Hanp-Booxs ror Youre PropLe cover a wide range of subjects, and are especially adaptea to their end, ies’ Letter-Writer. ents’ Letter-Writer. Book of Games, | | Fortune-Teller. Book of Etiquette. | Lovers’ Casket. Book of Verses. | Ball-room Companion, Book of Dreams. . Book of Be x Hand-Books of Games. Handbook ef Summer Sports, Book of Crequet. Yachting and Rowing. Chess Instructor. Riding and Driving. Cricket and Football. Book of Pedestrianism,. Guide to Swimming. Handbook of Winter Sports—Skating, ete % Manuals for Housewives. » 5 Cook ou | MH Family Le tages x Dressmaking an 3, Housekeeper’s Guide, linery. © Lives of Great Americans I.—George Washington. | Vi,—Daniel Boone. Il,--John Paul Jones. VIIL.—Israel Putnam, TII,—Mad Anthony Wayne —Tecumseh. TV.—Ethan Allen, .—Abraham Lincoln.. V.—Marquis' de Tafay:| Xil.—Pontiac, ns ette. . Xil.—Ulysses 8. Grant. . Song Books. Brape's Dre Sone Booss, Nos, 1 to 34, containing: the only popular collection cf copyright songs. Melodist. School Melodia, ¢ Muste and Worde. Joke Books. Pocket Joke Book, _ Jim Crow Joke Book, inate Wink doke hee ee The a publications for sale by all newsdealers -or will bt re ten on Heke Moras Tian vty 4 * iy
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BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 4928 Old Sobersides, the Detective of St, Lopis. 925 White-Horse Wheeler, the Revenue Detective. 918 The Double Edged Detective. ‘907 Maverick Mark. the Man from Nowhere. 898 Silky steele, the Stay-in Sport. =: $84 Tie Spotter-SpoM’s Neck-Tie Party. . Re eM 870 High-Water Mark; or, Silver-Tip Sid. a [362 Riata Rob, the Range Champion. 3855 The C.whoy Chief's Sure-Shot. 848 The Riva! Red-Hat Sports. es $37 Curlv Kid, the Cheyenne Sport. ‘oa -824 The Sofs Hand Detective, bee. 815 The Soft Hand’s Clutch. Dan Dunn the Soft-Hand Sport. ‘796 The Frisco Detective’s Thug-Tangle. 489 Sam Cary. the River Sprt. 80 The Dead Sport’s Double. 471 Prince John, Detective Special. ¥63 Dardy Don, the Denver Detective. ™%4 the Man from Texas; or, Dangerfield, Doctor Detective. ; . 744 Sweepstakes Sam, the Silver Sport. 720 The Secret Six; or, Oid Halcyon. 712 The Man of Sik. " 905 Bantam Bob, the Beauty from Butte. $93 Kent Kasson, the Preacher Sport. 83 Bob Breeze, the Rounder Detective, . ; $75 Steel Surry, the Spore fr..m Sunris¢ . - $68 Solemn Saul’s Luck Str. ak 661 The Get-There Sharp. ; Potd Siitestip St-ve, the Sky Scraper from Siskiyou, Gopher Gabe, the Unseen Detective. 636 Dandy Darling, Detective. _ : 627 Mossback Mose, the Mountaineer. “ Roy Ranch; or, The imps of Pan Handle. #02 The jess Sport. Peg the Duke of Derringers. ' = , "inp. | pane! ne? = Hills. ae : i the Man with a Record. hi, ‘ Ea) fe Fmsh;: or, Dan Brown's big Game. ¥ Gam: to! Aygo the Mad Athlete. = = West Nick, the Border Detective. - asked Mark, the Mo De = Spread Eagle Sam, the Hercules Hide dunter. Gees Charley, the Gold Ly eer 4 Frank Lightfoot, the Miner De ve, Moke Horner, the Boss Roustabout. 286 Pistol Jonnny; or, One Man in a Thousand, 283 Sleek Sam, the De Ph of the yer "Way a. Tr Digeings: or, an Back Saas Eth ee A te DgZO. 241 Spitfire caquin’s Death Hunt rizona, the the Saddie King. ut, Tom, the Bul'y of Red Rock. or, The Yazoo Man-Hunters, Denver; or. The Detective. Geonne; or, The Five Outlaw Brothers. 4 peveals lool Blade: or, Mi ns } KH Jack Rabbit, tne Prairie Sport, BY WM, G, PATTEN, 810 Fire-Bys, t Thug's Terror. ‘k, the Crook Shadower, Le Migat Haw, York Crooks. the Madison Square Detective, oice Dan's Double Disguise. 915 Reus Foes Dan on Deck. a) ba. £89 The n a te “the Cow boy Hotspur. Y. $63 ‘Tho Giant Sport; or, Soki to Satan. $56 Old Prag U . the Rouch and Ready. id Glove ‘the Man of Grit. rec Jack, the Desert Nomad. Opal, the Santa Fe Sharp. Ceptets Nameless. the 2 oo he de Old Bismal, the —, : rry, the Hustler Ha boy Sport, SSRSELES ggets. i 4 a ¥, ec _— aan BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER. 916 Two Dead-Square Sports. 902 Soft Velvet, the Man from Sandrock. 891 Genteel Jim, Sport-at-Large, 881 The Clubman*Crook’s Cat’s-paw. 867 The Frisco Sport, 852 The Straoger Sport’s Shake-up, 828 Kirk King, the Man from Kirby. 818 Gentleman Dave, the Dead Game Sport 783 The King-Pin Tramp. 767 The Sport of Silver Bend, 718 Une’e Bedrock’s: Big Bounce. 707 The Rival, Rovers, 687 Double Cinch Dan, the Spert With a Charm. 677 Mr. Jackson,y the Gent from Jaybird. 659 Gilt-Edge Johnny; or, Roldan and His Rovers. 650 Lucky Lester’s Lone Hand. 634 Old Handcart’s Big Dump, 622 The All Around Sports. 603 Desert Alf, the Man With the Cougar. 590 Gentle Jack, fie High Rolier from Humbug. 578 Seven Shot Steve, the Sport-with a Smile. 568 The Dude Detective. 558 Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Halcyon. 549 Belshazzar Brick, the Bailiff of Blue Blazes, 533 Oregon, the Sport With a Sear, 508 The Dude from Denver. 478 Pinnaele Pete; or, The Fool from Way Back. 459 peg! Sunshine, the Man of Y tepid Lives. 429 Hair Trigger.Tom of Red Bend. 402 Snapshot Sam; or, The Angels’ Flat Racket. 396 The Piper Detective; or, The Gilt Edge Gang. 375 Royal George, the Taree in One. 356 Thr e Handsome Sports; or, The Combination. 333 Derringer Dick, the Man with the Drop. 268 Magic Mike, “he Man of Frills. 229 Captain Cutfsiceve; or, The Little Sport. 214 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch. 182 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon. 160 Soft Hand, Sharp; or, Tho Man with the Sand. 145 Pistol Pards; or, The Silent Sport from Cinnabar BY NED BUNTLINE. 657 Long Tom, the Privateer. 633 The Sea Spy. 621 The Red vaveer; or, The Midshipman Rover. 584 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer King, 517 Buffalo Bill's First Trail, 861 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabbérday, the idiot § y. 111 The Smuggler Captain: or, The Skipper’s Crime, 18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Quéen of the Isle. 16 The White Wizard; or, The Seminole Prophet. BY JACKSON KNOX—‘' Old Hawk,” 8388 Old Grips Still Hunt, 827, Detective Walden's Web. 778 The Butler Detective; or, Old Grip’s Grip 770 The Showman Dete tive. 762 Old Grip, the Detective. 740 Captain Clew, the Fighting Detective, 732 The Hur ne Detective. 643 Castlemaine, the Silent Sifter. 616 Magnus, the Weird Detective, | 606°Lhe Drop Detective. 595 Wellbasn, the Upper Crust Detective. | 582 Joram, the Detective Expert. 574 Old Falcon's Double. | 561 The Thug King; p 4 Falconbridge. 6 Sphinx tive, : ‘536 Old Faleon’s Foe; or, The Detective’s Swell Job. 515 Short-Stop Maje, the Diamond Field Detective. 509 Old Falcon, the Thunderbolt Detective, 501 Rpricasicet Steve, the Retired Detective, | 494 The Detective's Spy. 485 Rowlock. the Harbor Detective, ; 477 Dead-arm Brandt, 7 467 Mainwaring. the Salamander, : 462 The Cizcus Detective. 451 Griplock, the Rocket Petective, 444 The Magie Detective; or, The Hidden Hand, 424 Hawk Heron’s uty. y 886 Hawk Heron. the Falcon Detective. BY J.C. COWDRICK, — 752 The § Sport of Daisy Drift. 626 Ducats Dion, the Nabob Sport Detective. 612 Sheriff Stillw ood, the Regulator of Raspberry. 598 The Dominie Detective. 591 Duke Daniels, the Society Detective. “$80 Shadowing a Shadow. 565 Princes Paul, the Postman Detective. 557 The Mountain Graybeards; or, Riddles’ Riddle, 519 Old Riddles, the Rock 499 Twilight Charlie, the port. 472 Gilbert of Gotbam, the Steel-arm Detective. 452 Rainbow Rub, the Tulip from Texas, _. 436 Kentucky Jean, the vias from Yellow Pine. 422 Blue Grass Burt, the Gold Star Detective. 890 ‘I'he Giant Cupid; or Cibuta John’s Jubilee. BY EPWARD WILLETT. 483 Flush Fred, the River Sharp. 368 The Canyon King; or, a Price on his Head. pe Dillon, heey 3 of Crosscut. Old Gabe, the cunt Tramp. 3287 Terrapin Dick, the Wildwood Detectiv: 815 Flush Fred's Double; or, The Bduatters® League 308 Hemleck Hank, Tough and True, : 298 Logger Lem; or. Lif> in the Pine Woods, 289 Flush Fred’s Full Hand. . 274 Flush Fred, the ba hee Sport. 248 Montana Nat, the Lion of La to Camp, 222 Rill the Blizzard; or, Red Jack's 6. 209 Buck Farley. the Bonanza Pr s : 129 Mississippi Mose; or, a Strong Man's Sacrifice. BY CAPTAIN MAWNE REID. M7 The White ay, 284 The Hunter's Ieest. . 2: The Wild Huntress; or, The Squatter. 200 The Rifle Rangers: or. Adventures in Mexico. of the Rifles: or, The Lake Queen. . 66 Specter Barque. A Tale of the Pacific. 65 The Scalp Hunters « Romance of the Plains. er or, The Falcon Detective’s Foe. | 207 Old Hard Head; or, \ BEADLE'’*] )IME*]IBRARY. Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers. = BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. | 911 The Blue Blockader; or, The’ Coast Grayhound, © 906 The Cuban Cruiser. : 854 Tne Ocean Gipsy. : 834 The Wild Steer Riders; or, Texas Jack’s Terrors, 819 The Rival Monte Cristos, i 805 The Last of che Pirates; er, Docm Driven. 801 The Water Wolves’ Detectrve; or, Trapoing: thé Grave Ghouls. 791 The Coast-Raider’s Death. Chase. 748 Arizona Chartie, the Crack-shot Detective. 704 Invisivle lvan. the Wizard Detective, ‘ 685 “ Rbvers The Red-skin Sea Rover. 679 Revello, the Pirate Crniser; or, The Rival 672 The Red Rapier; or, The Sea Rover’s Bride, 662 The Jew I tective: or, The Beautiful Convict. 640 Tne Rov r’s Ret ibution. 635 The Ex Buecanue-r. «r, The Stigma of Sin, 6% Red Wings; or, The Gotd Seekers of the Bahamas, 61 The Three uccaneers. 610 The Red Flag Rover;or, White Wings of the Deep, 605 The Shadow. Silver Ship. 600 The Silver Ship: ct, The Sea Scouts of °76, 593 The Sea Rebel: or. Red Rovers of the Revolution, 587 Conrad, the Sailor Spy; or. True Hearts of °76, 581 The Outlawed Skipper; or, The Gantlet Runner, 560 The Man from. Mexico. 553 Ma. Mont®, the Mutineer; or, The Branded Brig. 546 Tt’ Doomed Whaler: or, The Life Wreck, - 530 The Savages of the Sea. 524 The Sea Chaser; or, The Pirate Noble, 510 El Moro, the Corsair Commodore. 493 The Scouts of the Sea. 457 The Sea Insurgent: or, The Conspirator Son, 446 Ucean Ogre, the Outcast Corsair, F 435 The One-Armed Buccaneer. oh 430 The Fatal Frigate; or, Rivals in Love and Wan 899 The New Moate Cristo. ™ 893 The Convict Captian. 877 Afloat and Ashore: or, The Corsair Conspirator, 869 The Coast Corsair: or, The Siren of the Sea, 864 The Sea Fugitive: or, The Queen of the Coast. 341 The Sea Desperado, 386 The Magic Snip; or, Sandy Hook Freebsoters. 325 The Gentleman Pirate ; or, Tne Casco Hermits, $18 The Indian tiuccaneer : or, The Red Rovers. 807 The Phantom Pirate; or, The Water Wolves. 255 The Pirate Priest; or, The Gambler’s Daughter. 246 Queén Helen, the Amazon of the Over wrt 235 Ligntning the Man of Chance. 224 Black Beard, the Buccaneer. 220 The Specter Yacht; or, A Brother’s Crime. 210 Buccaneer Beas. the Lioness of the Sea. 205 The Gambler Pirate; or, Lady of the Lagoog, 198 The Skeleton Schooner; or, The Skimmer. 184 The riet pos ont aw The Sea Nemesia. : 104 Montexuma, the Me 5 f 103 Merle, the M ;or, The Red Anchor Brang BY PHILIP S. WARNE. . 802 Dan Dirk, King of No Man's Land. 583 Captain Adair, the Cattle King. - } 567 Captain Midnight, the Man of Craft. % soe The Cham of Three. < e Cham pion 502 Bareback Buck, the Centaur ef the Plains, 472 Six Foot Si; or, The Man to “ Tie To.” = pay Kit, oS Always on Hand. : ver or. “ y ” : 880 Tier Dies Pledge: or, Tne Golden Serpent, $59 Yellow Jack. the Mestizo, $38 Jack Sands, the Boss of the Town. — 289 Tree of a Kind; or, Dick, Despard and the Sport, 251 Tiger Dick vs. Iron ek i irlwind and his Mare. 171 Tiger Dick, the Mau of the fron Heart. — 114 The Gentleman from Pike. 80 A Man of Nerve; or, Caliban the Dwarf. 54 Always on Hand; or, The Foot-Hitls Sport, . 29 Tiger Dick, Faro King; or, The Cashier's Crime, 4 The Kidnapper; or, The Northwest Shanghai, BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON. $23 Hotspur Hugh; or, The Banded Brothers, $11 Heavy Hand; or, The Marked Men. 805 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover. 291 Horseshoe Hank, the Man of Big Luck, 285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror. 276 Texa : Chick. the Southwest Detective. 271 Stonefist, of Big N Ber. 266 Leopard Luke the of Horse-Thieves. 288 Iron-Armed Abe, the iback 258 Bullet Head, the Colora:’o vo. 237 Long-Haired Max; or, ‘fhe Black I g corphetiey op bry tn nyon Day e Man of thé Moun % * thers; on mae Tom's Misai¢ ar at Gu 191 Don Sombrero. the Ooms Road 178 Lady Jaguar, the Ro Queen. BY CLL COOMES. _ 619 Kit Bandy & Co, the Border Detectiver, . 148 One-Armed Alf. the Giant Hunter. i 99 The Giant Rifleman: or. Wild Camp Live, 43 Dakota Dan. the Reckless Ranger. BY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERT. 296 Champion Sam; or, The Monarchs of the Shoe . 150 Ei Rubio Bravo, King of thé Swordsmen, BY DR. NOEL PUNBAR. = The Sea Scout; or, The Patriot Privateen 4a new lasue erery peo Readle’s Bime Library is for t Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by oa receipt of twelve cents ea~
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caer DIME pie Numbers 1 to 24, inclusive. Each ah 100 pages 12mo., containing frem 50 to 75 pieces. ng —- —_—_— —- —. rns American Speaker, } Ne. 1. America, +i Washin Ww, ot on wo ghee ee inna, J. Jeboom’s Oration, n, | A Dutch Cure, The Weather. oe ee ‘Term, Dime Elocutionist, No. 5. SEC. I Precreces or Tavs Byveciation.—Faults in Enuneiation; How to Avoid Them. Special Rules and Observations. SEC. Il. Tae Arr or Oratory. Sheridan’s List of Italian Struggle, plied, dence, An an Old Batiad, i Penny Wise, Pound Foel- : ty of Man, True Cleanliness, lish, Character of the Revo’n, | Sat’d'y Night's Enjey’ts, The Frufts of the War, “In a Just Cause,’ The Sewing-Machine, ate nee with Oppres- True Manhood The Mystery of Life, A Talo of a Mouse, —o Ups ane De Seem, A Thanksgiving Sermon, Ses | The Cost of Riches, at ring ond Ris’g, sok eat Lives Imperishable ard’s Oration, The Prophecy forthe Y’r hue Nationality, Unfinished Problems, Our Rated Day, Honor to the Solferin Immortality of Patriots, ntelli aos the Basis of | Webster’s Polit’] System, e id ee Libe’ ry. jf oen in the Forum, Chargu o rigade, @ Press /After the Bolte, Woman's Righ ‘The Glass RaHroad Right of the ¢ pevtnend: \Gase of Mr. Macbeth, Ld Ladder, Hawt on foe or logy, . oman, Haakon & Name, The Rebellion of 1861, Bey’s Syren, ( Disunion. Dime Natienal Speaker, No. 2. Union and its Results, «| Ohio, #ur Country's Future, Oliver Hazard Perry, ‘Tho Siatesmman’s Labors, | Our Domain lity stems of Belief, et the Childless Weep, Indian Chief, iy "s Glory, fe Independent Farmer ir a Househol, - eh ng aero ae “ya = eae Bell, ow the Mone mes, The Seholar’s Dignity, Future of the Fashions, be mena a rene, Loyalty to Liberty, Chant, Our Country First Last, of Christianity, and Always, True Higher Law, Influen he One Great Need, Defense of Jefferson, Ship and the Bird, National Ha 4 ‘ecurmseh’s Speech, Murder Will Out, nsion, Strive for the Best, a Hopkins, Ear . bfal Man’s Story, of ness, ich and Poor, Seren. and Poor, —— Bolipse, A tieodist, Gem Bea of the Law, Purity of the Struggle, lang! Git oR Old Age. e Rats of Beautiful and een, = Glory of U.8., | The roe of the Tee Washington, nage of the the Hawie, ur ur Great Inheritance, | W: ton, egy on Henry Clay, The D luge. Dime Patriotic Speaker, No. 3. merica to the World, of Our Flag, ve of Count FM er's Add: fore of sa preserva: + We Sows tet the jaa [tion, | Lincoln’s ecg A Kentue! ‘sg , | Last Speech o phen Kentucky A A. es: | 6, Timidity is Treason, Great Be land, f The New Year and the Behe | Rac caee, ’ e An hae The Preciows Heritage, The Buds of pee Blement, , | Freedom tie Watchword n’s ch. 4 :| Grisis of Our Nation, ehristy’s | Dut; 1 Reg of Christian Pa-\ Let Alone, ¥ ots, ae ‘Turkey Dan’s Oration, The Braft : A Fearless Pleu, Union Square Speeches, |The Onus of Slaveny, uion, “@ | e r’s ute, Our "s Call, - { e Zouave Phe Stery of an Oak Tree, | Catholic Cath -g On My Leg, ‘The *‘ Speculators,” Dime Comic Speaker, No. 4. Ae Binliy Cons on the Be of vA tana ere eae eR The The Wasp me the Bee, The Mountebank, father a Sor Se coma: Seoul A. Ward's rion, . 2) foc Do k, Bameo and Juliet Ph is meo . , | peor J y Crockett to Office-seekers t Who Is 8 My Oppo st aon ‘ Political Stump : ow te! Lag te Comic Grammar. BReod git to the Bottle,’ cal Acc'tof Mimself, | fae Smack im School 2] cc’ ‘Pairs Ac Phrenology, Sliek’s Definition of Wife, rrtttEs,;, ; zee ot a Soaetane’ iergece ir Lier Pe we / , . ’ cry eo Cae wre. este? gt Bawt em Dew rs : ‘ + é » « * fhe Passions: Tranquillity, Cheerfulmess, Mirth, Raillery, Detostiery Ty Joy, Delight, Gravity, In- Hota Attention, M felancholy, Despair. Courage, asting, ride, Obstinacy, " Serpientty, Fiy Grief, ‘ear, Shame, ea” pene = Commanding, Forbidding, Affirming, Denyin Differerce, Agreeing, sneer tte gg ibe os kearoy. ing, Acqu a 5 eee mgs) Jismissin, ing, Arguin pendence, Peneration, eaching, Pardon- & Refusing, Granting, De- ope, Desire, Love, , Giving, Wonder, Admiration, Gratitude, Cu rioaity, Persuasiov, Tempting, Promising, Affecta- tion, oth, Intoxication, Anger, etc. SEC. UI. Tum Component ELeMeNTS of 4x ORA TIon.—Rules of Com ae as applied to Words and Phrases, viz.: urity, Propriet y, Precision. As applied to Sentences, od Length of Sentence, Clearness, Unity, Stren; Exordium, the Narra ton, t ures of Speech; the es Proposition, the Confirmation, the Refutation, the Peroration, SEC. IV. Representative Exercises, IX PROSE AND Verse.—Transition; A Plea for the Ox; Falstaff’s Soliloquy on Honor; the Burial of Lincoln; the Call and Response; the Bayonet Charge; History of a Life; the Bugle; the Bells; mcs Mache! and the Dagger; amlet' '8 Soliloqu King W Look Upward; : Old teen liam R “t the Bye; Essa Onto Musik; jy anne of Galileo. SEC. V. OssprvatTions oF Goop AUTHORITIES. Dime Humorous Speaker, No. 6, A Sad Sto Poetry Run Mad, A Stri of Onions, Right Names, A Tragic Story, Scientific Lectures, Cats, : The Ager, Courtship, The Cockney, ’ Debt The Codfish, Devils Fate of Sergeant Thin, Dow, Jr.'s Lactarem, The Features’ Quarrel, Ego and merican Voodchuck, Fachionahl Wotan’ The ond of a Thousand Fern Thist les, Strin eod-Nature, The Last’ of the Sarpints, Gottlieb Klebeyerg ‘O88 The March to Moscow, Schlackenlichter’s sn The Mysterious Guest, Hosea Biglow's inions, The he How the Troney The Sea-Serpent, Hun-ki-do-ri’s “'s Fourt of | The Seoret, July Oration The Shoemake: If you Mean No, Say No, | The Useful Dogtor, Jo Bows on Leap Year, Waterf: Lay of the iag hogy To the ors’ Union Lot Skinner's Elegy, de States ey Nothing to Do, es of Popping the Old Caudle’s Umbrella, eons Old Grimes’s Son, What I Wouldn’t Be Paddle seed Own Canoe, | Yankee Doodle Aladdin, rody “ee: s Moskeetare, Daughter, » Dime Standard ecaker, No. 7. a World We Live In, | John Burns, Gettysburg, Woman's ) t in Meaven Authors of our Liberty, Prude’s Tea-Party, The Real ag ot tal fe Power of an I The Citizen’s eritage, @ Beneficence of ‘the Italy. guitrage Sea, The Mechanic Dream of the Revelers, Nature and Nalnre’s God | Hi Laid the Cable Inde “gy Bell—1777, 2 The xy Tones, The True Scholar, Ne, 3 ret ‘Infallible, Instability ‘of Suecessful Agrienulture, [Crime, The Peo Always ‘Con- Music ree [quer, — and Austria, How Oyrus n, | The Prettiest Hand, Paradoxical, Little Jerry, the Miller, The Blarhey Stone, The Student of Bonn The Brok _| Heroism and Daring, A Shot at the Deeanter, Dime Stump Speaker, No. 8. ‘| Hon. J. M. Stubbs’ Views Woman's Suffrage, All for a Nominati The Limits te Feppinee® Good-nature a Blessin Sermon from Hard-shell l-enders, [Baptist, Heteurie Diequisiticn, Ct Be Sure You are Right, Cheer ee : reatness . Gotd- -water Man, ming ; Permanency of aap Astronomical, Liberty of pees e Ler New England and Vatow, Dut Bh American Citi: The Unseen Battlefte The Ma Plea for the Repuplie,” Pearptotionn of Citles, Am erica, [Fallacy, | Broken Resohutions, ht of Secession *’ a | There is no Leath, Life’s Sunset, Races, Human n Nature, % bese Discourse, hi wyers Frenchman’s s Dinner, { Wrongs of the Indians, Unjust National Aecqui'r Coachman CS cour in behalf of Am. | The Amateur series of War,[Liberty, | John Thom: *s Bau’r A Lay Sermon, House &, v A Dream, It Is Net Your Bagyiess. Dime Juvenile Speaker, No. 9. A Boy’s Philoso cophy, Hew the Raven Becam# Hoe Out Your Six-Year-Old’s Protest, The Suicidal Cat, The 3ame, A Valediction, Whe eens Popping Corn, A Sheep Ste: The tor, A Little Correspondent, The Same, in rhyme, One Good Turn Deservet The Fairy Shoemaker, My Dream, ” anctbes, What Was Learned, ty ’ Press On, T'll Never Use Tobaccq, The Horse, A Mosaic, The Snake in the Grass, The Old Bachelor, Tale of the Tropics, hag to Léght, Bromley’s Speech, Little Jim, The Same, second extract | Angelina's Lament, The Fisher’ s Child, Johnny Shrimps on Booty Shaks jan Scholar, M -— en's Psalm of Life, A Mixture, Richard’s Pilea for Skates, Who Playin ot Ah, Honesty Best Live for Goinething Heavy Luy of the Hea Poked The Outsid Fashio the Woif and Lamb,” hais, Lion in Sail hcg tm Asking fora King, | Casabianca, co Country r* Town Mice, Man — Womaa, —, Hom The Lotus-Planter, i tle hi § A Baby’s Soliloquy, ce, A Plea for i nahi, | BR Short Legs, Shrimps on Amusements, Preseri on for thet Dime Spread-Eagle Spenker, No, 16 Buster’s Oration Hape \ Vou Spiegel’'s ae, A A’Hand shell Serm ae The The a abe The Ba ) Devil, > 1 ane A Stock of Notion Speaking for the Sheriff, | ll Daking a Bhweat, Then and Now, ' Josh Billin s Lectar'ag, Dector De Blister’s Ann Co ments, Dan Bryant's Speech, an ant’s Scieattuter, © 8 ) au er, Nobody é Who Wouldn't be Bire Train of Circumstances, | Don on Paddan Good Advice, | Musi of The Itching Palm, The American hnsign, Debater and Chairman’s Guide No. 11 1.—DBPBATING SocrIETY. 111. —CHAIRMAN'S —— Its Office and Usefulnegs, | Ordinary ari sll Donets ae og The Organization, itution © By-Laws of, Order of ‘Business amt Rules of Government, Local Rules of Order, The “Qu m.”? How ¥ Local Rules of Debate, can be Treated, ; ores of Discussion. The “ Question, ! Hew « —How To ew ee be Wit there are few good tothe Bs a’ au pe a. eam! to tori- tke Cat ‘cal Success ie Pe 1g Yeas and " , tg Logic of DoF Dokaie, e Rhetoric ef Debate, Maxims to Observe, ; The Preliminary Premise, | tions, Qrder of Argument, | prelimineny Otyemiontioe Summary. ag a *- . “~ a = ; - > Pe; ” > ae capes BP “°° 2 ig roné, JOB « Y a S Pure ats do.) Caley ae +S uae Bee
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ee ta. oe K -- ae an 5 BREADLE'’S*| )IME*] LIBRARY: BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 994 Buffalo Bill’s Lone Hand. $89 Buffalo Biil’s Marked Bullet, Buffalo Bill’§ Life Raffle. Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail 964 Buffa'‘o Biil’s Invinctbles. 960 Buffalo Bill’s Blue Belt Brigade. 156 Buffalo Bfll’s Volunteer Vigilantes. 1950 Buffalo Bill at : ‘948 Buffalo Bill’s Game. 936 Buffalo Bills Black Parad. ‘927 Buffalo Bil’s Biuff; or, Dusky Dick the Sport. Burffalo Bill’s Quandary: or, Velvet Bill’s Vow. 5 Buffalo Billand the Surgeon-Scout. Buffalo BR’s League; or, Red Butterfly. Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Trail. Buffalo Bilt’s Rough Riders. Buffalo Bill’s Secret Alty. 890 Buffalo Biti’s Life-Stake. , 882 The Three Bills: Buffalo Bill. Wild Bill and Band- box Bill; er, The Bravo in Broadcloth, 874 Buffalo all’s Buckskiv Braves. 869 Buffale Bill's Road-Agent Round-up, ‘863 Buffalo Biil’s Death Charm. 857 Buffalo Bill’s Reyal Flush. 851 Buffalo Bill's Double Dilemma, 845 Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Ruse. 830 Buffalo Bill's Bovs in Blue. 826 Buffalo Bill’s Sharp-Shooters. 822 Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower. 816 Buffaio Bi'l’s Red Trail. 812 Buffalo I's Death-Kuell, 794 Buffalo Bill's Winming Hand 787 Buffalo Bill's Dead Shot. 781 Buffate Bill's Brand. 777 Buffalo Bill’s Spy Shadower, 769 Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake. 765 Boffalo Bill's Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam, 761 Buftalo Bill’s Mascot. 757 Buffalo Bill’s Doubte. 750 Buffalo Bii’s Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow. 743 Buffalo Bill's Flush Hand. 788 Buffalo Bill’s Blind: or, The Masked Driver. 5 Buffalo Bill and His Merry ag pe 781 Buffalo Bill's Beagles: or, Silk Sam, 727 Buffato Bil’'s Body Guard. 722 Buifato Bill on the War-path. \718 Buffalo Bill's Scout Shadowers. ‘710 Buffalo Rl Baffied: or. The Deserter Desperado. ‘697 ss Vill’s Buckskin Brothérhood. 691 3 jo Bill's Blind Trail; or, Mustang Madge. 667 Buffalo Bill's Swoop; or, The King of the Mines. 658 Fhe Cowbov m; or, The be gw of Texas. (65 *s League; or, Buck Taylor in Texas. ‘649 Buféaic B's Chief of Cowboys; or, Buck Taylor \ Buffalo Bill’s Benanza; or, Si:ver Circle Knights, { Buffalo Ball’s Grip; or, Vatrm Bound to ter, (829 Buffalo Bill’s Pledge: or. The League of s \489 Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen. (1% Wild Bili’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress. 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot. By Buffalo Bill, : Beaver ’s 1 Huat. Wild Bill, the Wid West Duelist. ye oe Stot. ‘s Gold King. Sh ot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains, Renard, the ladian . Armed Para; er, Berderland Retri 7 Wizard Brothers: or, White Beaver’s i Beaver, the Iixile of the Platte. the Whirlwind Lot Sey West. Jack, the Prairie rs Aharp: or, The Soldier's Sweetheart. Bullet Sport; or, Knights of the Overland. -Trafier, the Ohief of Scouts. By Leon Lewis, Ned Buantline, ete. EZES3S25 ene BS ff &i7 Brl’s First Trail; or, The Express Rider. 158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts 117 Buffalo Bill 6 Strange bs at er, Dashing Dandy. 2 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King. BY HAROLD PAYNE. Man from Mexico in New York, Ss ahs King-Pin Shark; or, Thad Burr's Ten Strike, 1 The Tenderloin ur The Quaker City Crook. Tracked to Chicago. The Policy Broker's Blind. SBP ‘Tao Frio; Omalower's Backer, ) - 821 The Tramp ee farewi Scheme The Grand Street Gold-D arpers. 78 Detective Burr's Lanaiic Witness %& The Wall Street Sbarper’s Snap. W84 Thad Burr's Death Drop. $42 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs. 734 Detective Burr’s Foil; or, A Woman's Strategy. 728 Detective Burr, the Mleadquarters Special. fae Deecave burrs Gores Cites. tective Burr’s an Clues. ane had Burr, the Invincible; or, The L” Clue, 690 The Maichiess Detective. ‘ 689 XX. the Fatal Clew; or, Burr's Master Case. BY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERY. 86 Ine Caries fra. rdmaster, ; Swordm \ Coavtesen’ Sam; sel, The Monarchsof the Show. io El Rubio Bravo, King.of the Swordsmen. BY J. W. OSBON. ¥87 Shadrach, the Sport Detective. 922 Gilbert Go: ur, the Dandy Sport. ‘905 Shasta Sam, the Sparkier. 877 Cool Creede, Bead-Shot. a4 The from 8t. Louis. . Thoroughbred, BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES. 929 Gentleman George, the Showman Sport. $12 Genteel Joe's Lone Hand. ee 803 The Bogiis Broker's t Bower, 788 The Night-Hawk Detemive 779 Sitk Ribbon’s Crush-out, 766 Detective Zach, the Breadway Spotter. 751 The Dark Lantern Detective. 736 The Never-Fail Detective. 724 Captain Hercules, the Strong Arm Detective. 711 Dan Damon, the Gilt-Rdge Detective, 701 Silver Steve, the Sranded | Sport. $94 Gideon Grip, the Secret Shadower. 664 Velvet Van, the Mystery Shadower. 678 The Dude Desperado 81 Jason Clew, the Silk-Manded Ferret. 664 Monk Morel, the Man-Hunter. 654 Sol Sphinx, the Ferret Detective. 642 Red Pard and Yellew. 608 Silent Sam, the Shadow Sphinx. 582 Captain Sid, the Shasta Ferret. 579 Old Cormerant, the Bowery Shadow. 569 Captain Cobra, the Hooded Mystery. 559 Danton, the Shadow Sharp. 550 Silk Hand, the Mobave Ferret. 548 The Magnate Detective. 582 Jack Javert. the Imdependent Detective. 523 Reynard of Red Jack; or, The Lost Detective 512 Captain Velvet’s Big Stake. 505 Phil Fox, the Genteel Spotter. 496 Richard Redfire, the Two Worlds’ Detective. 487 Stushine Sam, 4 Chip of the Old Block. 480 Hawks . the Man with a Secret, 468 Coldgrip in Deadwood. 466 Captain Coldgrip, the Detective, 453 Captain C ip’s Long Trail. 447 Voicano, the isco Spy. = The mp “pee % er Lynx, the Wonder Detective, 421 father Ferret, the Frisco Shadow. 413 Captain Coldgrip in New York. 407 Captain Coldgrip’s Nerve; or. Injun Nick. 400 Captain Coldgrip; or, The New York r. 892 The Lost Bonanza; or, The Boot of Silent Hound. 382 The Bonanza Band; or, Dread Don of Cool Clan. 874 Major Blister, the Sport of Two Cities, 865 Keen Kennard. the Shasta Shadow. 852 The rate Dozen, 847 Denver Duke, 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. 204 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy, $41 The Shadow Sport from Frisce. BY WILLIAM H. MANNING, 948 The Red-Gloved Detective. 931 Frisco Frank at Glory Gulch. 920 The Montana Miner By New York. 898 Yellow Gid, of Dark Divide. $85 The Expert Detective’s Shake-up, 875 Trap om Cee Race-Track Judge, 864 The Special’s Dilemma, 849 The Genteel Sharper’s Combine 841 Graydon’s Double Deal. 888 The Sport Detective’s Grip, 828 The Athlete Sport About Town. 808 TheCrook-Detective’s Pull. 790 Plunger Pete, the Race Track Detective, 782 Royal Rock, the Round-up Detective. 774 Steve Starr, the Deck Detective. 764 The New York Sharp’s Shadower. 738 Detective Claxton, the Record Breaker. 714 Gabe Gall, the Gambolier from Great Hump, 703 Spokane Saul, the Samaritan Suspect 692 Shot Paul, the Deep- e lorer, 635 Strawberry Sam, the Man with the Birthmark, 646 Dark Johu, the Grim Guard. 688 Murdock, the Dread Detective. 623 Dangerous Dave, the Never-Beaten Detective. 611 Alkali Abe, the Game Obicken from Texas. 596 Rustier Rube; the Round-Up Detective. 585 Dan Dixon's Double, 570 Steady Hand. the Napoleon of Detectives 563 Wyoming Zeke, the eeteycr of Honevysuckie, 551 Garry Kean the Man w Backbone. 5349 Old Doubledark, the Wily Detective, 531 Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prairie Centaur. 521 Paradise Sam, the Nor’-West Pilot. 513 Texas Tartar, the Man With Nine Lives, 506 Uncle Honest, the Peacemaker of Hornets’ Nest. 498 Central Pacific Paul. the Mail Train Spy. 492 Border Bullet, the Prairie Sharpshooter. 436 Kansas Kitten, the Northwest Detective. 479 Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassajack. 470 The Duke of Dakota. 483 Geld Gauntlet. the Guich Gladiator, 455 Yank Yellowbird, the Tal) Husteer of the Hills, 449 Bluff Burke, King of the Rockies. 442 Wild West Walt, the Mewntain Veteran 437 Deep Duke; or, The Man of Two Lives, 427 The Rivals of Montana Mill 415 Hot Heart, ths Detective SPY. 405 Old Baldy the Brigadier of Buck Basin. 297 Oolorade Rube, the tig, Fr 5e of ur, 279 The Geid Drageon; or, BY NED BUNTLINE, 657 Long Tom, the Privateer. 633 The Sea Spx @i The Red ateer; or, The Midshipman Rover, 584 Wire Feather, the Buccaneer King. : 617 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail. 861 Pombstone Dick, the Train Pilet. 12 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot Spy. 111 The Smuggier Captain; or, opens Crime, i of the Isle. 18 The Sea Bandit; or, The 16 The White Wizara- ar Seminole Prophet. lifornia B) oun, | | | | : | Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers, ALBERT W. AIKEN’S NOVELS, Dick Talbet Series, $91 Dick Talbot at the Mines: or, Kentuck, the Sport. 988 Rocky Mountain Rob. 976 Overland Kit; er, The Idyl of White Pine. 41 Dick Lalbot’s Chose Call. 737 Dick Taethot in A e Lead. 783 Dick Ta®bot. the King. 729 Dick Talbot’s Clean-Out. 725 Dick Talbot in Ne Men's — 854 Dick Talbot; or, The Brand i Crosr 36 Dick Talbot; er, The Death-Shot of Aiken’s Fresh of Frisce Series. 825 Fresh, the Race-Traek Sport. 660 The Fresh in Montana; or, Blake's Fuil Hand, 965 Joe Phenix’s Mascot. 959 Joe Phenix’s Donble Deal 954 Joe Phenix in Chicago. 949 The Doctor from Texas; or, Joe Phenix’s Clue 944 Joe Phenix’s Rigut Bower. 865 The Female Barber Detective; or, Joe Phenix in Silver City. . 799 Joe Phenix'’s Great Blue Diamond Case; or, The; New York Sport at Long . 798 Joe Phenix’s Decoy; or, The Mau of Three. — — eres el # : oe Phenix's Bulge, 745 Joe Phenix’s Mad Case. . 708 Joe Phenix’s Siren; or, The Woman Hawkshary 700 Joe Phenix’s Unknown; or, Crushing the Crook, 681 Joe Phenix’s Specials; or, The Actress Detecti 2 637 Joe Phenix in Crazy Camp. 632 Joe Phenix’s Master Search. $ 628 Joe Phenix’s Combin-¢; or,the Dandy Conspiratox: 620 Joe Phenix’s Silent Six. 4 6091 Joe Phonix’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. Alken’s Misc eHaneous Novels, O40 Geptain Jak, the Sealper ack, - 985 The Hawks and Wolves of New York 982 Detective Gordon's Grip. $26 Old Sunflower, the Silent Smiter. = King Dandy, the Silver Sport. Gideon's Gri at Babylon A 717 Captain Pat McGowen, the Greencoat Detective.: 67 Uncle Sun the Bern Detective. Up. btw eight Detective. Detective; or, The Golden Gute Find. , the Sport. 607 Old Benzine, the “‘ Hard Case” Detective, 504 Fire Face, the Silver King’s Foe. 686 The Silver Sh arp Detective. 577 Tom, of Calif ormia; or, Detective’s Shadow Act. 870 The Actress Detective; or, The Invisible Ha 562 Lone Hand, the Shadow. 520 The Lone Hamd on the Caddo, 49 The Ione Hand in Texas. etective, 440 The High Horee ef the Pacific. 4% The Lone Hand; ar, The Red River Recreants. 408 Doc Grip, the Vendetta of Death. 881 The Gypsy Gen tlemam: or. Niek Fox. Det $76 Black Beauties o1, The Rio Grande High 870 The Dusky Detective: or. Pursued te the End. 8863 Crown 1eld, the Detective 820 The Genteel Spotter; or The N. Y. Night Hawk, 252 The Wali Street Mieod; or, The Phir opt Girl, 208 The Donble Detective; or,The Midnight Mystery. 1% La Marmoset, the Detective Queen. 101 The Man from New York. 91 The Winniag Oar; or. The menteopes's Daughter, 84 Hunted Down: or, The League ef Three. 81 The Human Tiger: or, A Heart of Fire. 75 Gentleman George: er, r. Prison and Street. 72 The Phantom Hand; or, The 5th Avenue ferress.’ 56 The Indian Mazeppa; er, an of the Plains...’ 49 The Wolf Demon; or, The awha Se 42 The California Detective: or, The Witches of N.Y. 81 The New York Sharp; or, The Fiash of Lightning 27 The Spotter Detective: or. Girls of New Yoek. NEW ISSUES. | 1000 Buffalo Bill’s Grim Guard. By Col. Ingraham,| #6 The Brand-Burpersof Cimarron. By Jehn W.' n. 1002 Silver City Sam. By Jos. E. Badger. ‘ Tat il By Albert | 1008 Gold Dan; or, Dick Talbot in W. Aiken 1004 Buffalo Bill's Death Deal. - Cel. Ingrabam. 1805 Foot-Hills Frank. By Jos. Z. Badger, 1006 The Sea Cadet. By Col. P. Tngrabem. JUST ISSUED. ~ 4 Shot, By Aiken. 997 Hotspur ial the Sport from Nard Luck. By os. E. r, Jr. Captai teer. By Ned Lo x 989 The nin Sporwait, SOP The a Grip Injur Dick. By Albert W, Aiken. A new issue every Wednesday. THE DIME LIBRARY is for sale by al Newsdealers. ten cents ve" cspy ar sent by mail o receipt of price; Meme ~. Daath, “PO
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Each Number 1 | 964 950 890 882 874 869 826 822 sh) oa) 1c S19 sis os) sis sis s\;S Complete. Buffalo Bill's Relentless Trail. By Colonel | 820 Prentiss Ingraham, The Dread Shot Four; or, My Pards of the | 516 Plains. By Col. W. Fy. Cody. Buffalo Bill's Inyincibles; or, The Sable Shad- | $12 ower’s Sublime Sacrifioe. By Col. P. Ingra- ham. Buffalo Bills Blue Belt Brigade; or, Sun-! flower. Sam of Shasta. By Col. P. Ingraham. $07 OT Buffalo Bill's Volunteer Vigilantes; ot, The} Mysterious Man in Blue. By Col. P. Ingra-| haz. 794 Buffalo Bill at Bay; or, The Gold Seeker's Doom. By Col. P. Ingraham, Buffalo Bill's Block Game; or, The Mounted Miners of the Overland, By Col. P. Ingra- ham. / Buffalo Bill's Black Pard; or, The Gold Boomers of the Big Horn. By Col. P. Ingra- ham, Buffalo Bill's Bluff; or, Dusky Dick, Spert. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Quandary; or, Velvet Bili's Vow., By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. the Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon Scout; or, Go- wan-go, the Redskin Rider. By Col. P. In-|, raham. , 761 Bulfalo Bill's League; or, Red Butterfly. By Col. Prentiss, Ingrahem. Buffalo Bill's Tangled Trail; or, Jack, the Man of Many Masks. Gentleman By Col. P, Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders; or, Texa#Jack’s| 74% Sharp-Shooters. By -Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Buffalo Bill’s Secret Ally; or, The Texan's Deuble. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Life-Stake; or, The Pledged Three. By Col. P. Ingraham. The Three Bilis; Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill and Band-Box Bili; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth. By Col. P. Ingraham. Butfalo Bill’s Buckskim Braves; or, The Card Queen's Last Game. By Col. P. Ingraham. Ruffaio Bill's Rodd Agent Round-Up; or, The} Col, | Mysterious Masked Man in Black. By 722 P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Death-Charm; or, The Man With the Sear. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. | 716 Buffalo Bill's Royal Flush; or, The Pomy Ri- der’s Death-Run. By Col. Prentiss Ingra-/ 719 ham. Buffalo Bill's Double Dilemma; or, The Great 697 Scout's Big Three. By Col. P. Ingraham, Buffalo Bill's Redskin Ruge, or, Texas Jack's Death Shot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 691 The Ranch King Dead-Shot; or, Texas Jack's Proxy, By Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill's Boys in Blue; or, The Brimstone Band’s Biot-out. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Sharp-Shooters; or, The Surgeon Scout to the Rescue. -By Col, P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Best Bower; or, Montebello the} 658 Gold King. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. i 682 667 0000080000 0000000080 White Beaver's Still Hunt; or, The Miner Marauder’s Death-Track. By Buffalo Bil. Mmyffaln Bill's Red Trail; or, The Road-Rider Renepade’s Run ‘Down. By Col. P. Ingraham. mutialo Bil's Death-Knell; or, The Red Hand Riders of the Rockies, By Col. P. Ingraham. Wilt Bil, tlhe Wild West Duelist; cr, The Girl Mascot of Moonlight Mine. By Bulialo bill. Wild Btll, the Wild West, Duelist; or, The Girl Grande Ralph, the Cowboy Chief.. By Buf- falo Bill. Buffalo Bill’s Winning Hand; or, The Masked Woman of the Colorado Ganyon, By Col, P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Dead Shot; or, TheSkeleton Scout of the Colbrado. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, The Brimstone Buffalo Bill's Brand; or, Brotherhood. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Spy-Shadower; or, The Masked Men at Grand Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham, Buffalo Bill’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue. By Leon Lewis. ’ Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake; or, The Wipe-ou’ at Last Chance. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Buffalo Bill's Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Mascot; or, The Death Valley Victim No. 13. By Col. Prentiss Ingtaham. Buffalo Bill's Double; or, The Desperado De- tective. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. , Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack's Bravos, ,By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Blind; or, The Masked Driver of Death’s Canyon. By Col. Prentiss Ingra- ham, Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men; or, The Robén Hocd Rivals. By Col. Prentiss Ingra- ham, Buffalo Bill’s Beagles; or, Silk Lasso Sam, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Body Guard; or, The Still Hunt of the Hills. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill on the War Path; or, Silk Lasso Sam, the ll-o’-the-Wisp. By Col. P. In- graham, ft Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers; or, Emer- By Col. P. Ingraham. or, The Deserter Des- By Col. P. Ingraham, Brotherhood; or, By Col. P. In- ald Ed of Devil's Acre. Buffalo Bill Baffled; perado’s Defiance. Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Opening Up a Lost Trait. graham. : Buffalo Bill's Blind Trail; or, The Daughter of the Regiment. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Secret Service Tratl.. By Major Dangerfield Burr. Buffalo Btl’s Swoop; or, the King of the Mines. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. The Cowbey Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas, By Gotonel Prentiss Ingraham. E DIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail, pre-paid, on re- ceipt of price. Libraty. The Lasso King’s League; or, The Tigers ‘of Texas. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 649 Buck Taylor, the Saddle King. Buffalo Bill's | Chief of Scouts, By Col. P. Ingraham. 644 Buffalo Bill's Bonanza; or, The Knights of the Silver Circle. By Col. P. Ingraham. The Gold King; or, Montebello, the Magnifi- cent. By Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill's Daring Role; or, Daredeath Dick, King of the Cowboys. By Leon Lewis. The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plaing, By Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill's Firsts Trail; or, Will Cody, the Pony’ Express Rider. By Ned Buntline. Red Renard, the Indian Detective; or, The Gold Buzzards of Colorado, By Buffalo W.ll. The One-Armed Pard; or, Red Retribution in Borderland, By Buffalo Bill, The Wizard Brothers} By Buffalo Bill, 653 639 | 629 599 517 | 414 401 | 397 Trail. 304 haa ea Man’s Red Trail. By Buffalo Buffalo Bill's orig: or, Oath-bound to Custer, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 229 Buffalo Rill’s -Pledge; or, Three. By Col, P. Ingraham. f 319 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. By Buffalo Bill. : 204 Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler; or, The Queen of the Wild Riders. By Buffalo Bill, The Pliigrim Sharp; or, The Soldier's Sweet- heart. By Buffalo Bill; Government Scout and Guide. Dozen. By Col. P. Ingraham. Wild Bill's Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Don’s Double. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill, Chief of, Scouts; or, The Doomed Dozen., By Dr, Frank Powell, 117 Buffalo Bill’s. Strange Pard; or, Dashing Dandy, the Hotspur of the Hills, By Major b. Surr. 92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King;, or, The aa i of the West. By Major Dangerfield urr, 83 Gold Bullet Sport; or, The Knights of the Overland. By Buffalo Bil. Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; ¢r, Life — Leve in a Frontier Fort. By Buffalo NEW ISSUES TO COME. 981 The Gold Lace Sport; or, The .T Sam- son’s Wide Swath. By Jos. E. Badger, Je. 982 Chris ‘Crewley’s Winning Hand; or, The Rageally Valet’s Double Game. By A. P. Morris. os 983 Kid Glove Kris, the Sport. drick. Ready August 25, 984 Buffalo Bill's Life Raffle; or, The Doomed Three. By Col. P. Ingraham. Ready Sept. 1. —_ el = @ a © By J. C. Cow- 4 4 009000000; sis ole els Slo sis ole sie slo s/s ¢ve00e000 or,, White Beaver’s White Beaver, the Dxile of the Platte; or, } The League of ) Wild Bill’s Gold. Trail; or, The Desperate } Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot; or, Dagger