Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 60) (1879 01 29)
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tN = 48 ANA il y) SCOPYRIGHTED Complete In One Number. Vol. V. Beadle gf Adams, Publishers, No. 98 WILLIAM STRHBT, NEW YORK. ~~ | ease THE BLACK Hib» A DRAMATIC ROMANCE OF WILD LIFE ON THE BORDER, BY FRANK DUMONT, AUTHOR OF “MARKED FOR LIFE,” “‘HELD AT BAY,” “BOB, THE MINSTREL,” “ DEAD TO THE WORLD,” ‘‘IN THE WEB,” CHAPTER I. THE OUTLAW’S CAPTIVE. “Haut! Hands up, everybody, or you’re all dead men!” A loud, ringing voice shouted the dread sum- mons and warning; the sharp crack of a pistol echoed through the gam | ravine, and the bul- let whi past the hi lumbering stage coach. A dozen forms leaped from the gloomy sides of the defile, and the glitter of polished steel ap- Lae in the fast approaching shadows of nig} Several forms sprung to the horses’ heads, and in an instant the coach stopped and all was com- motion within. : ‘‘Hands up, everybody!” repeated the same voice, and the muzzle of a revolver was thrust through the window of the coach. of the driver of the “BANDITS OF THE MARSH,” ETC., ETC. At the first warning of danger two passengers who were seated behind the coach scrambled hastily down, and rapidly disappeared in the darkness. These two proved to Dennis Fla- | herty, a native of the Emerald Isle, and Wah | Sing, a recent arrival from the Flowery King- d om. With these two exceptions, the driver and the passengers were at the mercy of the road-agents, who surrounded the coach and began their work of plunder. sudden had been the attack and so unex- pected the summons to “‘ halt,” that the passen- gers had scarcely time to realize the situation ere the ominous click of fire-arms warned them | that if would be folly to attempt a resistance. One by one they emerged from the coach and submitted to be plundered. Dennis Flaherty plunged headlong over rocks and through brambles until he reached the sum- mit, and aamaiaiy down into the ravine, saw in the dim ight, the outlines of the coach. Scarce- ly stopping to take a second look, Dennis con- tinued. his flight, and soon put a respectable distance between himself and the ravine. Mean- while the road-agents were disposing of the coach passengers. Part of the marauders, with leveled rifles, kept the passengers at bay, while the remainder plundered the inmates of the coach. Suddenly a low murmur broke from the lips of the outlaws, asa form of surpassing loveliness and youth stepped out from the coach and alighted. Tt was a beautiful girl, scarcely more than eighteen years old. Her long golden hair flow- ing freely over the traveling cloak and from beneath the plain hat fastened loosely upon her
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2 Beadle’s Dime Library. — road another form emerged from the vehicle. It was that of a man, probably not over fifty, but whose hair was al- most white, and whose face denoted care and sorrow. ; The moment he alighted, the fair creature flung her arms about him, as if to shield him from the armed ruffians who encircled them and their fellow-passengers. The leader of the road-agents ped from the circle and approached. A half mask of black velvet hid the pepe part of his features from view. He was tall, well-built, and seemed to be of more refined origin than the rough crew at his back. “Come! come! no delay! {[f you have any i cote eg hand them over at once!” he ex- The moment that the gray-haired passenger heard the voice he started visibly, and peered at the masked outlaw before him as if to pen- etrate the disguise. His face blanched and a tremor passed through his frame. Gently removing the arms of the beautiful girl from about his neck, he strode before the towering form of the outlaw captain, and ex- claimed: “Ts it you, John Ad—” But ere he could finish the name, the robber dealt him a blow with the heavy weapon, and the old man fell to the earth without a groan, the blood staining his white hair and the pale upturned face seemed like that of a corpse. A piercing shriek burst from the lips of the girl as she darted toward the form of the stricken man, but before she could reach his side powerful hands seized her, and two out- laws bore her from the scene, vainly attempting to stifle her cries for help. The little handful of passengers started as if to attempt a rescue, but the rifles of the vil- Jains held them in check. ‘“‘The young lady is all right!’ exclaimed the outlaw chief. ‘I'll take care of her. Into the coach every one of you. Take the insensible body of this wounded man with you, and be quick about it.” The inanimate body was tenderly borne into {the coach, and the passengers resumed their places within it, doing all in their power to re- vive the wounded man. The driver remowgnted ithe coack and seized the reins. “Now, off with you!” shouted the road-agent. “If you stop between here and Custer City, Pll riddle you with bullets the first chance that oc- curs, and you know that Wide-Awake means every word he says.” The driver cracked his whip; the horses plunged forward and the heavy coach rolled on through the narrow Bie on the way to Cus- ter City with its load o} ngers.” The tall person who had announced himself as Wide-Awake glanced after the disappearing coach and muttered: ‘“Curse him! He recognized me in spite of my mask and disguise, but it was an unlucky Piloaninen forhim. Fortune favors me. The girl is in my power. Here, where I reign su- eme master of the wild Black Hills, backed a powerful band of desperadoes and savage ies. She is here; what more could I desire? Fate is unusually kind to me after these weary years of waiting.” The outlaw turned, and motioning to his comrades to follow, he made his way up the steep side of the ravine and soon Gained, a path Otte bardite in charge of 1 e bandits in charge of the yo girl were far in advance, and save the fire. F of the outlaws, a profound stillness reigned in that wild and desolate neighborhood. A rapid walk soon brought them to another deep and gloomy defile into which they descended, and by the aid of a flaming torch the bandits proceeded along the narrow and intricate rocky passage, to a glen below. The flambeau cast a lurid light upon the rocky sides of the ravine and upon the of the masked outlaws following their chief, and the wild, weird shadows of the men upon the rocks hhad the appearance of gigantic fiends pursuing ~ “the desperadoes. As the light rose and fell the ’ shadows assumed fantastic shapes, and the en- tire picture formed a startling scene for the brush of an artist fond of wild material. A sudden turn of the ravineshowed the dan- «ing rays of a camp-fire in the glen, and the udits rapidly made their way toward it. In a few moments they stepped within the circle of light cast by the blazing pile of brush and Jogs, and were safe within their retreat in the glen. It was a wild spot and an inaccessible point for the bandit encampment. Huge rocks tow- «red upon all sides and the narrow defile that Jed down into this glen seemed to be the only «cutlet or entrance. Far under Sade pao - yocks loomed the dark mouths of seve caverns. . Upon a pile of buffalo robes, not a dozen Cee ee Tee ee eee ee a eee ee a a a a a i as yards from the fire, lay the captive maiden, and the entire outlaw crew were moving hither and thither. Wide-Awake strode toward one of the'cav- erns, followed by several of the band, and in a few moments the spoils were secreted and all agne the open air again. The outlaw chief sought the presence of the captive. She turned her head as the sound of his footstep smote her ear. ~ “ Nellie Gordon! lo6k up! Do you know why you are a captive in this placet The beautiful girl shuddered at the sound of the voice, and the bandit stepped within the circle of light and removed his mask. A slight scream escaped from the lips of the lasshe beheld the features thus exposed to er gaze. But, before she could utter a word, the aot og continued: “You little dreamed to see me in the wilds of the Black Hills, and I was just as much sur- prised when {[ beheld you emerge from the coach. You remember our last meeting. You remember how you refused my offers, scorned my love, and imperiously bade me leave your presence. Why? Because you said that I asso- ciated with ine able and peat | hours were passed in the gambli co) cago. All this was true, but I would have renounced all for you. But my case was hopeless. _ You bade me leave and I did so—but not without a vow that you would yet be mine, if I had to wade through streams of blood to possess you. Your father is my mortal foe. I a se- cret that would condemn him for the remainder of his years to a prison. He in turn knows that my hands are stained with the blood of a rela- tive, but it was in self-defense; yet his evidence would hang me, as a large reward is offered for my apprehension by the Governor of Illinois, Here among me desperate comrades I am safe—I am a king among them, and a terror to all others. I am known as Wide-Awake, and no other name. For, should my name be known, even me pey anf lawless band, they might be tempted to me over and receive the large reward offered for me, dead or alive. The name by which you knew me is never to be wh here. yy you seek these wilds, these danger- ous settlements among the Hills, I am at a loss to know, but I thank fate for it all. You are brought into my very hands, and you'll never leave this spot except you depart with me and as my wife.” A broke from the lips of Nellie Gordon, and her face blanched still whiter as she heard the dread sentence 1 i aeadegnae upon her by the bandit. She turned from him and cove! her pale features with her hands. The outlaw gazed for a moment upon the girl- ish form sobb almost at his feet, and spoke again. Oe You need not worry about your father; he isnot hurt, and will receive the best of care.” He paused a few moments as if expecting a reply, but none came from the sobbing girl, and the ruffian slowly walked away from her to re- join his lawless comrades near the fire. During this short interview alistener was close at hand. A form was crouched among the branches of a tree almost overhead. It was the form of a human being that clung to the branch- es for dear life. Underneath several trees, close to the cam fire, sat the greater part of the bandits. The savages comprising part of the band were deck- ed out in savage finery and war-paint, and seem- ed quite at home with their white comrades. A more Villainous-looking crew would be hard to find upon either hemisphere. One of the savages was in the act of examin- ing his rifle, when the deafening report of the pe a followed his careless examination, and the bullet crashed through the branches of the tree where the listener had ensconced himself. Uttering a yell of mortal fear, the person al- luded to Dp) from among the branches up- on the earth, bounding like a rubber ball. A dozen pair of hands seized the intruder al- most instantly. ““Me good Cidsanadis no sabe robber Melican; no got a blamee cent! Please lem go home. Wah Sing, solid man, all samee!” CHAPTER II. om THE APPARITION ON THE CLIFF. Wau Sine fell upon his knees in abject ter- ror, as the glittering knife held in the grasp of a desperado, flashed before his almon -shaped eyes. His very pig-tail evinced a disposition to stand erect Reacts fright. The entire circle of outlaws were for the mo- ment alarmed as the Celestial intruder had made his appearance from the tree in such an unex- pected manner that it threw the wild crew into consternation. Despite Wah Sing’s loud pro- testations he was speedily bound and gagged and hustled into one of the smaller caves, there to bewail his fate and ruminate upon the trou- bles besetting a Chinese “emigrant.” In escaping from the coach the Chinaman had plunged onward in the dark and had by mere accident discovered the retreat of the road- agents. Approaching closer to the camp-fire, t he suddenly espied the outlaw acting asa sentry. With the agility of a yee Wah Sing aa the lower imbs of a tree close at hand, and swung himself into the branches. He remained there a silent spectator of the scene below until the accidental discharge of the Indian’s rifle caused him to loosen his hold for a moment, and in the next, Wah Sing fell from his perch into the hands of the robber crew. Several miles from this glen two persons were endeavoring to pick their way through gullies and ravines that abounded in that section of the Black Hills. Wgnt had settled over the desolate region, and short sharp flashes of lightning heralded an approaching storm. ow and then the two Po would halt and await the next flash of lightning before pro- The Paberdout wasa young man scarcely more than twenty-three years of age. He was attired in a plain suit of woolen , wore high top- boots, a wide-brimmed felt hat and red flannel shirt, which peeped from beneath the close-but- toned vest. A broad leather belt into which were thrust a brace of revolvers, completed his neral appearance. His features were plain, rank and honest, and the slight mustache re- lieved the boyish countenance of its too youth- ful appearance. As he leans upon his rifle he turns to his com- panion and a blinding flash of lightning illu- mined the cafion, and the low rumble of thun- der sounds close at hand. “Well, I think we are lost, Glory!” The person addressed as ‘Glory’ was an aged negro, who started and trembled at every vivid flash of the forked lightning. He was at- tired in coarse gray garments also, and shoes large enough for a giant. He was bare-headed, as asudden gust of wind had carried his hat far over into a deep and inaccessible gully. His pray, wool fairly gleamed in the darkness, and is teeth chattered as the electric fluid aered in close proximity to himself and the youth in oe 4 alae ; pon closer inspection the wool sur- mounting the African’s skull Secrae to be noth- ing more or less than a close-fitting wig, one such as is worn by the minstrels. wig re- ope quite snug upon his bald cranium, and id service as a hat also. Glory constituted himself the Pgs: geste of the young man before mentioned, and seldom did young ‘‘ Massa” Richard Maxwell venture far away but Glory trotted at his heels like a faithful dog. Glory was an old family servant, and was well along in years when Richard first saw day- light upon the Maxwell plantation—a beautiful estate in Southern Georgia. The ravages of war obliterated the beautiful mansion and its surroundin Colonel ell fell at Mission Ridge and his only son, a mere boy, was lef without a protector. e roe forsook the old home, all but one —faithful Glory; he remained, caring for and watching over his young “massa.” An uncle administered the affairs of the estate, and one day strangers came and claimed the plantation, and roe: Richard Maxwell was without a home. e rascally uncle had moi everything, and then suddenly oes Another relative in Alabama shortly after- ward died and left Richard a valuable pa kage of documents. These proved to be claims lo- eated in the gold regions of the Black Hills. _ Our young hero, who had completed his studies and bid fair to become a successful civil engineer, one day called Glory to his side and ied by his sable “ guardian, é tae wilds, of Dakota to ferret out claims, and at the same time carve out a future for himself. f The young & eer found profitable or ment in Custer City, and at the same time look- ed after his claims, and spent a great deal of time p ing among the wild range of hills in the vicinity. . It was Gurtng one of these excursions that we find Richard Maxwell and’ the negro Glory vainly seeking an exit from the desolate ravine into which they had wandered, and the mutter- ing storm close at hand threatened to make the night a disagreeable one for the two wanderers. ‘T think we've lost our way, Glory,” repeated Richard, as he red forward to gain an idea of the surroundings, when the next flash would light up the dark glen. : “<T reckon we is, Massa Richard, and de Lor’ only knows how we is gwine to find de way out! Hallelujah! dat was full of brimstone! The negro’s last exclamation was caused by a vivid flash of blue lightning that ig-zagged across the ravine, and for a moment blinded the African. A terrific crash of thunder followed. ‘A detonation that shook the crags upon either side of the glen, and caused the very earth to tremble beneath the feet of the two men. “@wine to be an ’arthquake,” gasped Glory, as he clung to Richard’scoat. “‘ De Lor’ forgi dis ole nigger for stealing chickens when he was & 3 b
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Wide-Awake, the Robber King. 3 young ’coon; dat’s all de wickedness I ebber done Lite y dat’s a rf - Glory tremble every limb, as peal upon peal of thunder echoed through the glen. 3 Then the rain fell in a perfect deluge—blind- | ing sheets, that caused our two friends to seek shelter- beneath an overhanging rock. Here they crouched and avoided the fury of the storm. The ravine seemed to be illuminated by a con- tinual blaze of the electric fluid, and the thun- der threatened each moment to dislodge the huge bowlders above and crush them beneath the massive rocks. Suddenly an unearthly cry arose far above the noise of the tempest—a shout that echoed above the roar of the elements. Glancing toward the summit of the opposite cliff, Richard saw a sight that almost froze the blood in his veins, Glory saw it also, and utter- ing a yell of terror, the negro groveled upon the | earth in a vain attempt to shut out the awful | apparition. pon the verge of the cliff stood an unearthly form, clad in skins that rose and fell, swayed by the wind. Long white hair streamed from its head, mingling with the long white beard, | that grew upon the wild, fiendish face. The lightning seemed to circle about the ay epee and the blinding rain fell upon it. he thunder shook the very crag upon which it stood, yet the weird phantom stood perfectly motionless, with its long staff extended, as if in the very act of defying the elements and invit- ——- lightning to an attack. i he creature presented a most horrible a pearance, and it was a sight well calculated appall the stoutest heart. ttering another ear-piercing shriek, the un- earthly apparition extended both arms out to- ward the heavens. <A terrific peal of thunder shook the crags to their very foundation, and a | swift bolt struck a huge tree close to the phan- | tom. The tree was immediately riven asunder, and | a pale blue flame burst from the trunk, as it | fell with a dull thud to the earth. The volumes of water immediately extinguished the insipid blaze, and a gloom settled upon the crag. When the next flash lit up the desolate ravine, the spot where the weird creature had appear- ed was vacant. It had disappeared. Richard raised his hand to his eyes, and looked again. He was about to conclude that it was a horrible creature of imagination, when he was roused from his reverie by the negro at his side, who ho: y apr “Bross de Lor’, de horrible ghost is gone!” ** Tt is gone,” a replied Richard. ‘‘ Did | you seo it distinetly, Glory?” } ‘“*Bress you, chile, I reckon I did. Dat was | de debbil, sure! I see’d his horns and de clover foot. Let’s get out ob dis place; it smells just like de sulphur place, and I reckon dis is whar Satan lives when he’s at home, Golly, massa! it don’t do for Satan to defy de ite! too much. Dat thunderbolt come mighty nigh taking his head wernt off. Come on, let’s go, Massa Richard. , it’s done most stop - | in hid Kine rain had almost ceased to fall, as Richard | and his sable comrade emerged from beneath the overhanging rocks. The distant thunder rumbled, and occasional flashes lit up the sur- roundings. But the storm had spent its fury, | and the rain was rapidly abating. Richard turned down the rocky pathway, closely followed by Glory, who hobbled after his youthful master, now and then turning his head to see if the horrible apparition was again in view. Richard suddenly stopped, and motioned | Glory to remain quiet. Both peered into the gloom directly ahead and saw, far down in the glen beyond, a bright light. It seemed like a star in the darkness, ‘A camp-fire,” whispered Richard. “It may be the camp of hostile Indians, or, far worse, the ruffians’ that infest these hills, plundering and murdering all who fall into their hands.” “Den let’s turn back, Massa Richard, I isn’t *zactly afraid, but I hates to lose dis wig. If de Injuns go to sculp me dey won't find any ha’r on de top ob dis cranium, but dey’!I steal de wig, and I wouldn’t lose dat fora million dollars,” | and the negro made ® movement to retrace his | steps. | aS Y’ commanded Richard, “TI said it might the camp-fire of foes. We'll draw nearer and see for ourselves. Come along and move quietly.” | The two then moved forward, keeping the | light of the distant camp-fire in full view, and | gradually drew nearer to it. / Richard was about to leap down upon a lower } range of bowlders, when a scream—a woman’s scream—came from the gloomy depths below from the direction of the camp-fire. For a moment the shriek echoed among the | solitudes of ~ ravines; then the scream was | repeated, this time nearer. ‘Did ‘you hear that? Follow me, Glory; there’s a woman in danger.” Richard leaped down and plunged in the di- rection of the scream and loosened therevolvers in his belt as be iy onward. ; Suddenly a slight form appeared in the gloom a few yards from him, and then the sound of tramping feet in pursuit was borne to his ears — the sound of a gruff voice bid the fugitive halt. The instant that the fleeing girl saw the form of the youth in the uncertain light, she gave a | slight scream of joy and surprise, and almost instantly she darted forward and Richard caught the fainting form in his arms and quick- | <i drew his revolvers as he placed the arms of the girl about his neck, leaving his hands free to manipulate the weapons. He had scarcely done so when several burly figures loomed up directly before him, and started suddenly as they saw the youth support- | ing the half fainting form of their esca ris- oner, while in either hand a heavy revolver was grasped, and the muzzles cove: the fore- most of the bandits as they stumbled toward the object of their pursuit. A curse broke from the lips of the foremost as the glittering barrels of the revolvers caught his eye, and he glared like a wild beast at the youth who thus held him at bay. CHAPTER I. A STRANGE DISCOVERY. For an instant the baffled outlaws glared upon the brave youth. A sound of footsteps close at hand was plainly heard by the group, and in a few moments a y of bandits came upon the scene, preceded by one of the desperadoes bear- ing a flaming torch. © light cast a ey glare upon the strange scene, and friends and foe stood face to face. The tall, masked ~ ke in advance spoke. ‘Hand over that girl to our care or you’re a dead man!” Nellie Gordon shrunk closer to the youth, and in a pleading voice, tremulous with fear, ex- claimed: “Please don’t allow them to take me away, sir! Save me if you can!” “Look up, my poor, trembling little one; you are safe!” replied Richard. “Come, hand over that girl to our care!” shouted the bandit. “She is under my protection!” cried Richard. “She has sought it, and I Yak =A give it. She is a woman in distress, and 2 Nhe i wherever I find her. Stand back! am armed, and the first that es pe 5 will lie a bleeding corpse upon the rocks,” and the brave youth leveled a revolver full at Wide-Aweke. The ruffian turned livid with rage, but his mask concealed his features and their terrible expression from the boyish figure that stood resolutely before him, “You have crossed my path!” he shouted, “and your life isn’t worth a straw.” ‘“Indeed!” sneered Richard. ‘I place quite a value upon my life, and let me again repeat that this young lady is now under my protec- Hop, peta | first that approaches me dies on ) . “‘T have placed you in peril,” exclaimed Nel- lie. ‘For my sake avoid a quarrel. I will re- | turn with them to the place from where I have but just escaped, and trust that Heaven will send me assistance.” “Heaven has sent you assistance. I am here to aid you,” said Richard. ‘I have faced death too often to be intimidated by those bullies— | creatures who call themselves men, yet war upon unprotected females! Be not afraid, miss; I can die but once, at any rate.” “Pd send a bullet through your head, but that would be a waste of powder and lead, and maybe endanger the life of the girl at your sice. See the folly of your resistance!” cried the ban- | dit, triumphantly; ‘we are all against one.” “That’s a lie for you! Yez are all against two, for I’m wid the young man, and be my sowl! I think we can lick the whole pack of yez without any trouble at all, at all!” A voice, rich with the brogue, shouted the foregoing, and a short, lively form leaped down from the gloom above, and with fists doubled up, and capering about like a dancing-master, the new-comer went through his manual of fistic exercises before the astonished group of bandits. ** Who'll have a crack alongside of the head? I can give it to you, for me name’s Dennis Flaherty; and me father and mother were both blacksmiths, and I have a hand on me likea sledge-hammer.” Dennis Flaherty made a lin outlaw, who drew back to avoi at him by the lively Irishman. “Down with them, boys! No quarter if they resist! Don’t harm the at Wide-Awake turned his comrades, and a rapid discharge of firearms followed the out- law’s command. The bullets flattened themselyes against the rocky sides of the ravine, and Rich- ard sent several shots in quick succession into the very midst of the advancing bandits. A groan and a yell followed Richard’s second shot, and a desperado fell headlong to the earth in the agonies of death, | Nellie uttered a piercing shriek, and the next moment the co! at the nearest the blow aimed nflict was a hand-to-hand one. Dennis Flaherty struck out right and left, and the blows of his fist rung out like blows upon an anvil, and generally the bandit receiving it went to the earth like a felled ox. But the odds were too great, and Dennis turned to flee, as an outlaw sent a bullet after the fleeing Irishman. Dennis dropped suddenly to the earth and remained perfectly quiet, ap- parently dead. Richard had been overpowered by numbers, and he had just forced Wide-Awake to the earth, when he was seized by the outlaw’s fol- lowers, and almost instantly our hero’s arms were er Yee a and the burly road- mt strode before his helpless captive. ellie was placed in charge of two bandits, who gig 8 be; their journey back to the re- treat in the glen. They passed the prostrate body of Dennis Flaherty, and one paused to gaze at the apparently dead body of the Irish- man, “ That will make a nice meal for the wolves,” said one to his comrade, and both passed on tow- ard the glen. Wide-Awake paused before Richard a few moments, as if contemplating his prisoner. “You have played a desperate game, but Aa have lost it, and the consequences are abcut to follow. You have pluck and courage, and Pl ive youa chance for your life,” said the out- aw chief; and he proceeded: “The cherce I offer is this—join us; swear eternal allegiance to the band, and your life is saved!” “Join you?” said Richard, his lip curling with scorn and his eyes flashing with indigration. “Join you? Never! T have seen what class of men you are; that is sufficient forme. Release me; give me a chance to stand face to face with you, with any weapon which you may select, and I will take my chances of life.” “Your chances are thrown away. I have ven you all the chances I intended you ehould ave. Your moments are few. You have in- terfered with our purposes, and, for all I know, you are a spy in the service of the ‘vigilantes,’ and deserve death, anyway. Pre , for the seconds remaining to you are indeed number- v “Coward! Let me see your features that IT aif see whom I have defied!” exclaimed Rich- Tho outlaw hesitated a moment, then advanced toward his or bele “You can behold my features, for you are about to be launched into eternity, and can never reveal what you have seen,” Wide-Awake boldly removed his mask, and as the light of the torch fell upon the features of the road-agent, Richard started back surprised. “Judge Brooks!” exclaimed the prisoner, and he with astonishment, 6 redoubtable and feared Wide-A wake and Juige Brooks, the leader of the “vigilantes” and lynchers, were one and the same person! No wonder that the desperate band flourished, and that none of the order were ever appre- hended. Every move of the vigilantes was known to the members of this daring and mur- derous gang of ruffians that infested the Black Hills, and Richard now saw how it was that the desperadoes were so reckless and apparently law defying. Their leader was an influential character in Custer City, and his frequent absence from the town caused no remarks of suspicion, as Judge Brooks was above such suspicion, and was known to be violent and radical in his plans for clearing the Hills of desperate characters. His frequent absence was accounted for in various excuses, and always acceptable and of interest to the Vigilance Committee. No wonder that Richard started with rise when he recognized the features thus disclosed to his view. For a few moments the young man was speechless, Wide-Awake replaced his mask and was the first to break the silence. “You have seen enough to convince you that I play two réles. Serve both oppressors and oppressed, “You have discovered a great secret, but it will be of no benefit to you. Ho, there! Rodman, have you a rope?” ‘* Here’s a lariat,” replied the fellow address- ed as n, and he unwound a lariat from rae 4 his waist, and approached the outlaw chief. “* What's to be done with it?” “Swing one end of it over the limband fasten it. Make a noose at the other end.” Wide-Awake pointed to a tree close at hand. A low limb branched out from the heavy trunk; and to this limb the lariat was speedily at- tached. ‘You are determined to take my life?” que- ried Richard. ‘Yes nothing could induce me to spare you. You have crossed me to-night, and you now a secret which every member of my d is sworn to keep sacred. You have for- feited your life, Make ready, boys!” Wide-Awake motioned to the ruffians rbout him, and Richard was_borne, without a strug- gle, beneath the fatal limb, where the noose ot ready for its*victim. “Up with him quick! The sooner we dispose of him the better,” said the bandit. a Was it imagination, or did Richard see signs
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a Beadle’s Dime Library. of life as he Daag toward the inanimate body of Dennis Flaherty? Slowly and quickly the Irishman was creeping away in the dark toward the deep glen! Bofore Richard could look again he was lifted from the earth by the combined efforts of seve- ral desperadoes, and the noose was quickly ad- justed about his neck; when the outlaws re- leased their hold upon the youth, and he hung dangling from the limb. A choking sensation followed, and the young man felt sharp pains shooting throughout his body, and especially through his brain; fire seemed to dance before his eyes; showers of sparks shot. about him, and finally he saw all receding—all became dark— and a blank to him. The moment that the outlaws launched the pout from the limb they drew back to watch he effect of their cruel work. At this juncture the rapid discharge of a pistol resounded close at hand in the direction of the glen. Instantly the outlaws, headed by Wide-Awake, plunged in the direction of the sounds and were soon lost to view. The light of the torch being removed, the spot was plunged in extreme gloom, and Richard ne in the darkness slowly strangling to death. Scarcely had the bandits left the scene, when a wild, weird Sento suddenly appeared beneath the tree near the act anf form. It was the same wild apparition that had appeared on the cliff during the storm. The long white hair gleamed in the surrounding gloom, One mo- ment the strange figure hovered beneath the tree, and then it reached forth and with a long rlittering knife it severed the lariat and caught e descending form of the hanging man in its outstretched arms. One moment to peer in the darkness in the direction of the departing ruffians, and then, glaring like a wild beast, and uttering ap un- earthly scream, the strange apparition threw the insensible body over its shoulder and darted from crag to crag with its burden, leaping across chasms and now and then grasping a vine or stunted tree, but swiftly ascending the rugged sides of the ravine to the summit of the rocky barriers. Gaining the top it paused an instant to gaze into the gloomy depths below and again giving vent to an unearthly howl, it disappe: in the darkness like a fiend bearing away a lost soul. CHAPTER IV. THE STORY OF A CRIME. THERE was great excitement in Custer City and the surrounding settlement when the stage- coach rolled into town, and the news of the at- tack and robbery was related by the driver and passengers. Excited throngs of red-shirted min- ers gathered about each passenger, and heard the story over and over again, vowing dire vengeance upon the bandits. The nearest tree would have been the instrument of vengeance, with a rope about the neck of each ruffian, to add “ ornaments ” to the stout limbs. Warren Gordon, the wounded mger, was carefully removed to the only hotel in town, and tenderly cared for. Before night he ral- lied, and was pronounced out of danger. The abduction of Nellie Gordon caused the test. excitement, and the miners were ea- gerly seeking some clew whereby the outlaws could be traced. The vigilance society held a meeting at once, and Judge Brooks presided. Everything was arranged to follow on the track of the road-agents, and destroy the band at one fell swoop. Several spies were sent out by Brooks, and it is needless to say that they returned without finding any traces of the ban- dits, or any clew to their place of concealment. By the close of that day the excitement had calmed down considerably, and all looked to the leader of the ‘‘ vigilantes” to ferret out the oa and treat them with summary punish- ment. Warren Gordon reclined upon a couch ina small room of the hotel. A window opened to- ward the bluffs, and a huge tree grew close to the window. ‘The rays of the setting sun streamed through the open window, and the sound of shouting miners and rumbling of wagons in the street below were borne to the \vounded man’s ears. <A footstep resounded on the staircase, and the next moment the door opened, and a tall person entered the room and carefully bolted. the door after him. He strode to the center of the room, and gazed upon the reclining form upon the couch. “Tam glad to see that you are recoverin from that blow, and I trust soon to see you we enough to go out into the fresh air,” the new- comer Warren Gordon started at the sourtd of the voice, and raised himself upon his elbow. The tall man raised his hand to his face and instant- ly remoyed the whiskers that adorned his fea- tures, and the face of the ruffian known as Wide-Awake met the astonished gaze of the man upon the couch. ““Be calm! be calm!” exclaimed the outlaw ; ‘I have ventured. here to visit you. I I ama unexpected, but, forgive the intru- “Scoundrel, what have you done with my child?” “She is ectly safe; not a hair of her head has been injured. She is tenderly cared for, and as safe as though she was beneath this roof.” “Villain! how dare you venture here when the inhabitants of this Saye thirst for your blood?” said Warren Gordon, excitedly. ‘Bah! I don’t fear them. I’ve heard their shouts of vengeance and their menaces too of- ten to be intimidated in the least.” “One word from me, and you are lost. I could deliver you into their hands. It would be right, It would be what you deserve, and if Bes do not promise instantly to restore my child to me, I will denounce you at once.” Gordon made a movement, as if to eprroneh the open window. Wide-Awake laughed deri- sively, as he saw the movement. “Stop!” he exclaimed; ‘‘not so fast. You forget, friend Gordon, that I can speak a few words that will consign you to a prison. You forget that I know your secret, and can use it at my pleasure. As for you denouncing me, ha! ha! hal You would be laughed at for your pains. Now, sir, step to that window, and shout that the renowned Wide-Awake is within this room. Denounce me. I will not prevent you. Gordon sunk back, utterly confused; the bold desperado held the winning hand, and the aged gentleman was really in the outlaw’s power at his mercy. Several times he started as if to rush to the window and boldly denounce the ruffian, who stood by with a look of trium; illuminating his wicked countenance, but the shadow of some crime seemed to hover above him, and he abandoned the idea, “‘ Well, have you thought better of it?” asked Wide-Awake. ‘ That’s right; we are old friends, Gordon, although not upon the best of terms, yet for old acquaintance’s sake let us not quar- rel. The blow I struck you when you were about to pronounce my name I regret exceed- ingly, but I was compe ed to strike. Self-pre- servation is the first law of nature, and I follow that law to the letter.” Wide-Awake took the only chair in the room, and coming closer to the couch, seated himself, and drawing forth a cigar, he coolly lit it, and blowing a few puffs of smoke, he turned to his observer on the bed and resumed: “Tt might be well to rehearse a scrap of his- tory for your benefit, Warren Gordon, in order to seeif my memory serves me right, and that I am not mistaken in some of the most import- ant points of the narrative. Are you prepared to listen?” Go on,” hoarsely whispered the reclining man, as he fixed his large eyes spon the malig- nant face of the bandit, who sat close by. Wide- Awake gazed into vacancy a few moments, as if recalling events, and then, tapping the ashes from his cigar, he proceeded: “You had a twin brother. Both you and the aforesaid brother were left an equal amount b the will of your pathvans pRoDerty and amounting to a considerable sum. The condi- tions of the will were that in case of the death of one, the other should inherit his share; but while both lived, both were to share equal- ly alike. Am I right, Gordon?’ ‘One of the brothers was of a speculative turn of mind; forever plotting some means by which to increase his share of the legacy. The other was content to invest in real estate, min- ing claims, and jally claims out among these Western wilds, The discovery of gold in these regions caused a fever of excitement throughout the length and breadth of the land, and Robert Gordon invested in some claims lo- cated in this vicinity. Am I quite right as to the locality?’ Wide-A wake paused and looked ly at his listener, who nerveusly the bed-clothing and drank in the words of the ruffian who re- lated the incidents in a tantalizing manner ‘and like one conscious of possessing a it secret and slowly crushing the victim held in his power. ‘Proceed, sir,” said Gordon; ‘you are right so far.” “The mansng. brother lost heavily, and slowly but surely he saw his fortune melting away. His wife died, leaving a girl on the Venge of womanhood—their only child. A wicked thought suddenly forced itself into the mind of the last-named brother. It was to pos- sess his brother’s share of the legacy by fair means or by foul; even though life was to be sacrificed,” : ; Warren Gordon groaned aloud and with blanched features he turned upon the narrator andina hing voice exclaimed: ‘at ! I will hear no more.” ; “Tt would not do to break off the narrative at this interesting point. You must listen to me. Wide-Awake bent a ing look w the shrinking form upon the bed, cee a still 4 “Ths scheming ther nourished the plans 5 schemi rother nouri he had formed order to _ his twin brother’s share of the will. Daily the idea grew pe upon him until it became a mania. At ps pn he determined to remove this brother, and like a midnight assassin he lay in wait where he knew his victim would have to pass. Leaping upon his unsuspecting victim, this un- natural brother dealt him several blows, and stretched the unfortunate brother lifeless at his feet, the blood oozing from gaping wounds upon his victim’s head. izing the body, he bore it swiftly to the river’s bank, and hurled it into the tide that bore the lifeless form out toward the lake. “One glance to assure himself that his mur- derous work was completed, and the assassin fled. He was the possessor of all. For a while, the mysterious disappearance of Robert Gordon created a sensation; then the affair was forgotten, yes, forgotten, except by two persons, one who saw the deed(-=1 mana =a by the murderer—you, Warren Gordon!” Gordon started and gasped convulsively, and raised his hand as if to beg the outlaw to desist, bap Wide-Awake apparently did not notice the Sa : “ After that crime, I became quite intimate with you, Gordon, and the beautiful face of your daughter hed created a love in my breast that I could net master. But she refused me, scorned my offer of marriage, and you—even you, ordered me from your house! You little dreamed that I possessed a secret that you would willingly have given up all your wealth to silence; but in an evil hour I became involved in a quarrel, and in my blind fury I dyed these hands with the life-blood of a comrade. It was a wicked, cowardly murder; yet not more so than in your case, Gordon. I fled to avoid the prison and the inevitable scaffold. I fled to the wilds of the Black Hills. I joined a formidable gang, and by my nee 3 soon rose to be leader and prime mover in the desperate Order. I have accumulated wealth, and even here in Custer City, I am looked upon as an influential m, an. ‘“We are equal here, Warren Gordon. We two should hang if we had our just deserts. You are out here to claim your brother's shares in mining speculations, and I am here to enrich myself a: ‘Come, don’t shrink fronr me; give me ar hand. As I said before, we are equal. You dare not betray me if you would, and I laugh at your threats to denounce me, I have a pro- position to make to you. If you value life you will listen and accede immediately.” ‘‘ What is the proposition you have to make?” asked Gordon. “The pach of my silence is your daughter's hand. Being the daughter of an assassin, she certainly is not too good to be the wife of an outlaw.” Wide-Awake arose, and going toward the door turned again, and in a voice which emphasized every word, exclaimed: “T give you three gave to consider ong pro- posal. Your daughter’s hand, or I reveal your secret and hand you over to justice.” The outlaw passed out through the door and sneak upon the threshold an instant and re- peated: ‘‘Remember, I give you three days to con- sider my pro at The door d and Wide- Awake was gone. Warren Gordon turned his face to the wall and ed aloud. A strange fatality had led him the wild recesses of the Black Hills, where, in- stead of finding peace and watching the fair, innocent girl grow into beautiful womanhood, he found a bitter foe who robbed him of this a aig and even threatened to reveal crime Gordon closed his eyes to shut out the horri- ble specter of the gibbet—closed his eyes to shut out the form of his murdered brother borne along in the muddy waters of the river! No wonder he goes aloud, for his guilty conscience held the upper hand, and his crime had tracked him down at last—tracked, and by a guilty wretch who knew not the meaning of the word pity. CHAPTER VY. FROM THE CAVERN. , We must now return to our friend, Dennis Flaherty, whom we left crawling away from the scene of the encounter with Wide-Awake’s followers. For a long while the cunning Irishman lay nae quiet, having the appearance of a lead man; but his ears were opened to the slightest sound, and, through his half-opened eyes, he observed all that passed between the outlaws and the youth. The spot where Flaherty had fallen was pro- bably twenty or thirty yards from the where the lariat was fastened, in order to hang Richard Maxwell. Dennis nee resolved a save @ youth by stratagem, as he now saw ib was useless to chesana pred the number of armed ruffians that swarmed about them. It was with regret that he saw Nellie Gordon pass by in the care of several barieeatee and at once turned his attention toward Richard Slowly he ease fo ap as the spot, ‘intending to ww the bai after him in some manner, and thus give Richard an oppor-
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Wid eAwaké, the Robber King. a tunity to make a bold dash for liberty. He had srept but a few yards when his hand came in contact with ‘a metal objéct which he grasped, pia Ba his see found ate a EN) bed 71 ro ro ly by one of the desperadoes thelr far Hed attack upon Richard. Dennis crept on still further and finally arose, and, at the critical moment, discharged the re- volver several times in quick succession, and sped away in the darkness, The entire lot of road-agents dashed toward the spot, and fol- lowed in pursuit of the retreating footsteps. Dennis scrambled away, over rocks and under- brush, making’ a’ roundabout return to the spot where the youth had’been left hanging. Occa- sional glimpses’ of the moon led him on in his flight, and in a few moments he was within sight of the fatal tree. “What ails him?” said “Tecan se the eyes ov him like a cat in thé dark, but sorra a word will he say at all, at all! I say there, Wah Ching, or Ching-a-ring, of any other kind ov a ring—do you hear mé Without saying another word Flaherty hee ed down, and scooping up water with his hands, he managed to déluge the poor Chinman, who made frantic efforts to avoid the showér-bath that the Emerald Islander was treating him to. Suddenly a ray from the swinging’ lamp cast itself upon the Chinaman’s face, and Flaherty saw for the first time the cause of Wah Sing’s involuntary silence. “* Arrah! he has his mouth tied up,” ejaculated Flaherty. “So you’re mouth’s tied up, is it? If you couldn’t e to me, why didn’t you say so, and I wouldn’t have thrown the wather over phantomi-like figure glide beneath the tree, and cut down the swaying body! Dennis felt his short red hair risé, and involuntarily he crossed himself as he beheld the awful presence seize the body and throw it upon his shoulder, as if it had been the form of an infant, and dash away from the Pot The horrible yell curdled the blood in Flaheérty’s veins, and, horror- struck, the Irishman saw the 4 disap- ea a the gloom, and a dread silence pre- val hat was igure gh horror to see a tall “‘ Howly saints defend us!” he groaned. “ He's took the poor boy away wid him—worra! wor- ra! Mercy on his sowl!” Dennis lost no time in leaving the “ haunted” spot and made considerable headway over the crags and brambles. He had not gone very far before he felt himself falling down, down into space. He seémeéd to be falling into the very eae. by ita he disappeared uttered one cry as he dij through the frail covering of vines and wnder- brush that had’ masked the cavity into which he had suddenly bees In vain he ped foi some object to break his fall. He gr noth- ing but opty air, and suddenly he struck some object, and to Dénnis’s' great joy he had eacaped inhtirs, bit before he’ could congratiate Kinr self upon his miraculous escape he lost his equi- librium, and again shot do6wn an inclined pas- sage, gliding and rolling until, with # dull thud, he struck the bottom of this downward e, and, to his fone astonishment, he found him- self in a dimly-lighted cavern. The low murmur of voices was borne distinct- ly to his ears from a distant part of the subter- ranean chamber. A swinging lamp that hung from the rockyroof cast a dim light in the gloom. As Dennis lay sprawling upon the hard floor, he glanced upward and saw the “shoot” down which he tad’ just made the rapid entrance into the cave. Several casks, boxes, and other plun- der of some ill-fated at ped train, lay in one corner of this under; chamber, A narrow opening on one side showed the entrance into another cavern, and Flaherty concluded that he had fallen into one of a chain of ca'vérns, one leading into the other. Before he could exploré the chamber a foot- fall resounded in thé side’passage, anda ‘voice harshly answered some question. “Yes, Uheard a'rackeét!’ Better see the cause of it,” said the voice, Flaherty waited to hear no more, but nimbly scampered toward one of the casks and leaped into it to conceal himself. He had scarcely done so when his head ee over Lege of the cask, and’hé spat out a quantity of water which he had involuntarily swallowe In his great haste the Irishman had leaped into a hnge Cdsk filled with water, and there was no alternative but to remain there or fall into the hands of the inhabitants of the cavern. Half-drowned, Dennis Flaherty, from his damp hiding-place, watched the bere of the person whose f had alarmed him, A huge bandit’ strode into the cavern and glanced ea- gerly about as if to discover the cause of the commotion. He walked over to'a corner of the cave and bent over a’ pi te form that had escaped Flaherty’s notice, “Tt can’t be’ fellow,” said the outlaw, ap- ntly to elf, ‘‘for he’s’ gagged ard tind just as we left him.” Then hé'glarived A © inclined ge, and seemingly satisfied with his observations, slowly pa the cul cune By of tio etree eyes oo iscover the idéntity of the m Lyin; un upon the floor, and Badaenly eave vee, a joy- ful ery. * “Bon me sow] if it isn’t the Chinee! Murder in Irish, what’s he’doing here I don’t know?” Flaherty leaned over the edge of the cask and tried in vain to attract the attention of the Chinaman. ““Whisht there, ye yaller-faced haythen, 4’ hear me spaking to yez? China! + Bo. gorra, the opium-ateing divil is dumb as an i so he is! ‘Say! whisht there, d’ye hear me The Celestial being gagged, could make no reply even had he felt so inclined, and could not even make a movement. He heard every word, and with dilated eyeballs he watched the Irish- man motioning him from the cask. ou? But it’ll do yez no harm, you dirty ni s ‘or ye need soap and wather, any way. ‘fay! who the divil tied you up that way?” Flaherty received no reply, and, tiring of hearing himself talk, he be; to emerge his watery pg ep pp wet and shivering as if he had the ague, nally'stdod oe the rocky floor, and quietly approached © bound Chinaman and bent over him. It was no éasy task to undo the’ ropes’ that bound Wah Sing, and Dennis cursed as he fneped at the knots. In &’ short time thé Celestial stood upright, and, in a few moments; the gag was removed, “Welly much ob Irish!” were the first words’ that’ fell from Wah Sing’s lips, as he strétched his cramped limbs through which the blood had almost ceased to circulate. “Don’t mention it. Now, we've got to dig- out of this, and, begorra! the ply way to Fe. out is by the way that I came in, d’ye mind “Gollee! you conie by lightning; yout fallee fron’ up dar!” And’ Wal ig pointed to the dark Siem leading upward. se ’s'the only way, my bucko! Come on} creep aftér tne, and don’t ye make a bit o' noise. Whisht! d6'you héar that? Somebody’s cotaing int6 this cave again. Come along!” stepped into the dark opening of the inclin oot, and, closely followed by Wah Sing, began the toilsome task of creeping w ward to the outlet. Each moment the noise in the cavern below them increased, but, as yet, they had not gone more than bend I ig ee up the shoot. Suddenly voices soun in the chamber below. ‘*Hello! the Chinaman’s gone. Here are the ropes. Some one’s set him at liberty!” said a voice, ‘‘ Examine every nook and corner. ’Sh! there’s the shoot! He may have gone up that.” “On yer life, don’t make a bit of noise!” hoarse! whispered Flaherty, “‘ but creep for your life.” Wah Sing was shaking with terror as’ he crawled after his’ rescuer, and, in his fright, he dislodged a hugé rock that went crashing down the passage into the cave below. A hoarse cry arose from the depths beneath the fugitives—a ery that told Detinis that they were vered. The next moment a ringing discharge of fire- arms resounded in the rocky passage, and a leaden shower flew past and about the ‘two es- caping men. } ‘Down on your stomach like a snake, and crawl like a good feller!” cried Flaherty, and be redoubled their efforts to gain the top of 6 ee: Suddenly a noise was borne to the Irishman’s ears, He stopped for a moment to listen, and to the Chinaman, exclaimed: ‘*Begorra! there’s one of the ing up after us, and he’s away from him, a moment! I'll fix Flaherty held on to a clump of vines and Pop breathlessly to await t roach of i@ outlaw in pursuit. All was still as death; not a sound, except the noise of the bandit aunt up the passage after the ees In another moment the labored ig of the Fae was distinctly heard by the crouching rishman, and instantly a form appeared in the nn Without a word, Flaherty made a sud- én spring, and thé next moment a scuffle en- sued, and’a gurgling sound escaped from the lips of the outlaw, as the Irishman’s powerful hands encircled his throat. For a few seconds Dennis clasped the bandit’s throat in that yise- like gripe; and then hurled the body down the passage. The senseless body fell over and over until it réached the bottom of the shoot, then landed among’ the oes below. A ery of rage ech ore ao cavern, and es. rattling shower of leaden missiles’swept up passage. ‘“Oh! gollee! Oh! imurdeot “What's the matter wid you?” “TI b’leeve Melican man’s pistol shoot Wah Sing’s pig-tail off. Meno feel ’emon head nomo’.” And the excited be mea g ay vent toa howl of agony at the loss of capillary orna- ment, Instantly Flaherty clapped his hand over the Chinaman's mouth to silence his cries, ‘““Stop your mouth, ye yaller-faced thief, or Pll sen ve down after that villain I jist threw down below us.” creep- on us; we can’t CHAPTER VI. “OVER THE CATARACT.” Ir will be remembered that the negro Glory was close behind Richard when he sprung down the side of the ravine to the rescue of the pur- sued female. Richard soon distanced the aged African, and in the darkness was lost to viow. Glory stumbled about in a yain attempt to follow in the direction taken by his young mas- ter, and losing his balance fell, or rather slid down the side of the cafion. Glory had ast time to exclaim ‘ Hallelujah!” when further utterance was cut short by his head coming in contact with a bowlder, which, being harder than Glory’s head, the negro experienced the most dan from the sudden concussion, and the old African was soon unconscious. He lay in a deep crevice, and at last wher he revived found the rays of the morning sun streaming into the ravine. “Golly, how’s I gwine to get out ob dis? I’se wedged in here as if I was fired out of a can- to dislodge non.” himselfyand finally to his jo ed self, an ly, to his great joy, sueceeded in freeing himself, and commenced the difficult task of climbing out of the rift into which he had lain throughout the night. Once more out of the cation, the negro began searching for an outlet toward the w: “road. “Tf I only had “ Dixie” wid me,” said he, “we'd soon find our way home. Dixie's de smartest dog in de worl’; he can do most any- thing but talk. He’d soon show ole Glory way back to de town. I wonder what's be- come of Master Richard? De last I see’d o’ him he war a-jumping from one rock to anudder jist like ananny-goat. If an yaa happened to him dis nigger don’t want to live any longer. Vl commit susanside by letting de Injins sculp my brains out. I wish dat I hadn’t left de dog at home. Dat animile is too smart to be left to home anyhow. Hello! what's dat?” The deep baying of a dog was borne to the ne- gro’s ears. Glory listened for a moment and gave vent to a shout of joy. ss Dat's Dixie’s voice sure as I’se a living nig- ner. In another moment a huge black Newfound- land dog leaped from the ee. ra underbrush and sprung upon the negro, barking and show- ey sign of joy. e dog and the negro rolled over and over upon the rocks, in embraces of genuine delight. Ail up dar! — up, te i too to see me, and you’se choking ole Glory err" to death.” Glory finally disengaged himself from the dog’s prey gre ea seating himself w a nook motioned Dix The seal gazed wist- eager to dash away among the defiles. ) excl: 4 1 Find Master Richard!” With a joyful bark the dog sprung forward into the narrow defiles of the ravine, and Glory followed, as fast as his infirmities would allow. “Hold up dar, Dixie! ‘‘ You'’se going too fast for dis ole nigger. When you get de rheumatiz, you won’t be so spry. nelihan, Wait dar, until I cotch up to you!. Dat dog’sgwine clean crazy.” Dixie motionless until the ap- proached, and then bounded off but base come to a halt when Glory imp. him. to desist. Leaving the sable pilgrim and his canine guide to pursue their way through the ravine, we must return to the young engineer whom we last saw borne away by the terrible figure that had rescued him from the fate of ig. When Richard recovered his: senses, he fo himself in what to bea circular a ment formed of A fainting sensation . over the youn man as’ he attem: o Sorshciee, dni en dionacs eae! pr oer his head that made the ob- jects in the'rodm swim about him as if he was the outlaws and the rope about his neck—then ~~ choking sensation. After this all was a For awhile he lay upon the floor gazing upon the sides of the chamber, and made another effort to arise. This time he succeeded in stand-
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) | . 6 : Jaf ‘Beadle’s Dime Library. ing erect, Though faint and feeble he managed to reach the side of the small chamber, and drawing aside one of the skins that formed the wall, he gazed out and started back with sur- Below lay a desolate malley- Wild crags loomed up on all sides. The lodge seemed to be perched far up above the stupendous crags that met his gaze. The truth dawned upon his mind, and a closer inspection showed the man- ner in which the lodge was built. Four tall pin's grew in a clump upon the pinnacle of a ecipice, and amid the topmost branches of ese pines was the structure in which,Richard now found himself!” The dense foliage hid it from view. By means of stout branches a floor and roof had been constructed, while the walls were formed by-the skins of wild animals. The manner of reaching this elevated retreat was by means of the stout vines that grew about the trees and branches.’ It was. a most wonderful piece of architecture, and thus hid- ‘den among the thick branches of ba Moe it was almost impossible to discover it. ho was the occupant of this curious retreat? These and many other thoughts forced themselves into Richard’s mind as he peered forth from this lofty retreat into the wild valley beneath him. One thing was certain, and that was that the inhabitant of this aérial abode had rescued him from pres a and had borne him to this refuge. Richard could not explain the mystery in any other manner, and it now remained to see who was the mysterious being that dwelt in. this strange place, far from the haunts of civiliza- tion. ichard seized one of the gourds and drank a copious draught of the cool water; and » feeling refreshed, he set about leaving the pri- son-like retreat. Pushing aside “yr * the nenens skins, he step out among the branches and prepared to bench The youth remembered that he ‘was unarmed, and before’ descending he i entered the lodge, and was fortunate in finding 2 loaded revolver. Securely placing the weapon in his belt, ‘Richard: seized one of the stout vines, and be- gan making his way to the crags below. He soon reached the foot of the trees, and, glancin up, saw how ingeniously the retreat was hid- den. He carefully noted several landmarks in order to remember the spot, and then began to des*end into the —— Tis had gone scarcely a dozen yards when the whi»-like crack of a rifle sounded among the crags, and the yell of a savage quickly followed —a. ee that reéchoed among the bleak rocks, then was as still as death. The four pines stood clear against the blue sky, and, as Rich- ard glanced toward them, he saw a sight that him and caused him to gasp with sur- prise. Clinging to the vines of the trees and rapidly ascending into the wild abode among the her was the awful aegere of the apie ture appeared to the young explorer ing the storm—the phantom That had sO ap- him on that dreadful sighat The horrible figure, with its long white locks, for a moment etinging £0 the tree, en Sey into the foliage. Richard turn- ed from spot and hastened away. Onward he pursued his flight, scarcely knowing in what direction he went, when the sharp click of a rifle caused him to halt suddenly, and the next moment the gleaming barrel of a rifle was lev- -eled full at his breast; a coarse, brutal face ——— the stunted bushes, and: its owner y stepped forth into full view and blew a shrill blast upon a whistle. “Don’t move a step, or you’re a goner!” ex- elai ned the ruffian. R chard started back, but before he could dra v the revolver from his belt a dozen forms seemed to rise from the undergrowth, and a cir- cle of leveled rifles hemmed him in. : Taking advantage of the youth’s astonish- ment, one of the ruffians slipped a lasso over Richard’s head and thus secured the youth's arms, and once more the young man was.a cap- tive. “Well, Rodman, this is a t haul,” said one to the persons who had blown the signal. “Tho captain will be delighted to see him; won't he?” 2 “*You may be sure he will,” said Rodman. “We took t care to tie him up so he’d hang easy, but it seems that he esca) the pic- nic we had arranged for him. But, come along, boys,; this is equal to a treasure-box, for the captain’s interested in this young man. Lead on there, and keep your eye on the prisoner.” Slowly the group descended into the valley. Ric’ realized that he had fallen again in’ the clutches of the outlaws, and that it would be useless to resist against such odds as now en- circ'ed him. Ina short time the party a plateau, overlooking one of the deepest cafions in the entire range of mountains. deep, rapid stream rushed past the plateau, its waters swollen by the recent rains into volumes of ungovernable seething whirl- pools and cascades. Further down the stream leaped from its rocky bed to the glen beneath. The falls were probably not more than forty feet in hight, but the mass of waters descended in a cataract of foam that —— roared and echoed in that dismal vicinity. freed of its Weight, dashed madly over the falls. Upon the banks of this vous of the bandits, and as the captors and the prisoner drew near, a numberof the band press- ed forward to gaze upon the captive. A figure emerged from the doorway of a log hut, and approached the group. It was the out- | One glance at_ the | law chief, Wide-Awake. youth, and a curse broke from the villain’s lips. “You have escaped the rope only to meet death in another form!” he shouted. ‘And your mode of death will. be novel and interest- ing to all who shall witness it. death? Richard drew back from the villain, who stood before him with anger inflaming his bru- tal countenance. ‘“* Yes, I have the same fate in store for you, but on no horse that I can spare for the occa- | sion, so I have substituted something else that will answer my p just as well. Here bring the prisoner to the banks of this stream!” shouted, Wide-A wake. Instantly Richard was seized and forced to- ward the edge of the turbulent stream. A huge log lay upon the bank,.one end swaying as the waters rushed beneath the part sub- merged in the stream. ‘Bind him upon that log!” cried the bandit. “Tl treat you to a sight that will be sensation- al enough to satisfy you all.” Richard was forced:upon the fallen tree and secured, Mazeppa-like, upon it by means of the lariats. He lay helpless upon the log, while the group of outlaws seized the other end, ready to aunch it into the mad waters. “All ready! Cast the.log into the waters!” shouted the bandit. One splash, and the log with its victim bound upon it was pushed far out into the foamin waters, and then it was borne upon the swi tide toward the cataract. The roar of the wa- ters sounded in his ears. The log careened in the vortex of waters, and, turning a sharp an- gle, came to the very edge of the cataract. One moment it remained poised in mid-air, hanging over the mad, raging waters ere it leaped below with its helpless victim! CHAPTER. VI. ANOTHER STRANGE DISCOVERY. Tue bandits gave vent to shouts of exulta- tion as the log was whirled down the stream to- ward the cataract. Their yells were borne to Richard’s ears, and he closed his eyes as he neared the dreadful abyss of foaming waters, A sharp turn of the stream hid the log and its bound victim from the gaze of the ruffians; and in another moment,the tree trunk shot forward and hung in mid-air over the torrent. Then it sapped in its mad career, . A projecting branch in some manner caught among the rocks forming the verge of the cataract, and thus held the log over the vortex of waters. The tree swayed right and left, and each rush of the cur- rent threatened to dislodge it and send it below. Richard, from his perilous position, could see the tarvble Safe in store for him; no human being co igs into that caldron of an waters and still live. poe The deep baying of a dog smote upon his ears. The sound arose above the noise of the cat- aract. Glancing toward the banks of the stream, he saw a huge black animal swimming toward him... ‘The beast was making a desper- ate effort to prevent himself from being carried over the f and reach the log upon which Richard lay. One glance was sufficient. A low murmur of thanks ascended to Heaven as the helpless man glanced at the animal., “Tt is Dixie!” he said; ‘and the poor beast will be carried over the cataract.” _ But Dixie kept straight on, and in a few mo- ments he had reached the end of the log that was fastened among the rocks, and the noble dog leaped upon the log and crept out toward his: helpless master, uttering howls at every step. , Dixiesoon reached Richard, and the brute ested. his joy by lickin; the face of his master and bar me Suddenly he seized the lariats binding Richard, and with his sharp teeth eating through the thongs that bound Richard to the log. Dixie tore at the lariats, and in a short time Richard felt that his arms were free. He sat upright, and with Dixie’s aid soon removed the remaining thongs that held him fast. Another danger presented itself to Richard, It was the almost im ble feat of sw: ing to the banks without being carried over the catar- act. Our hero was still in an exhausted condition, and death ageie stared him in the face, The last thong fell from his limbs, and the youth was pondering upon the best way to the bank when a rifle cracked and a bullet whizzed past his head. One glance toward the western bank told Richard that the bandits were waiting. to finish the work. they had commenced. _ Several ruffians Sosa upon the bank and, with level- ed rifles they sought to obtain a good aim atthe figure upon the log. ichard sprung from the log, followed by Dixie. A rattling discharge of rifles followed this act and the leaden hail swept over the youth and his dumb companion, The log, now You have heard | of freuen and the manner in which he rode to | have the same fate in store for you.” | is stream was the rendez- | | and plunged below. Richard struck out man- fully but the volumes of water were surely bear- ing him over toward the swiftest. part of the falls. He grew more feeble and was upon the point of allowing himself to be swept by the tide when a familiar voice shouted: “Strike out, Master Richard, only a little more and you're safe, bress de lam’!” A pair of strong arms reached out to him and Glory eeied the fainting man and drew him up cn the A cry of rage and disappointment broke from the lips of the rufflans congregated upon the pe og bank, and a volley of Jeschy follow- . The zip, zip of the bullets cut the foliage of the trees aboye Glory’s head. The negro drew Richard into the underbrush safe from the fire of the enemy. Glory produced a small. flask and held it to the ine of the exhausted man and forced some of the liquor down his throat. “Don’t be afeerd of de rum, Massa Richard; drink some! Dat will make you feel like a new man. .T’ank de Lor’ you are safe, anyway, and me and Dixie is de two happiest people on dis y' Glory turned to the dog as if to have the ani- mal corroborate his statement. Dixie wagged his tail and licked the hands of his prostrate master, and evinced his joy by all the means known to the canine species. _ Richard, after a short rest, revived, and the little party began their journey through the dense woods that skirted this portion of the Black Hills. The afternoon was near its close when Richard shot some small game by the aid of Glory’s rifle, and the negro soon had a fire burning briskl and the three friends sat down to a hearty meal. Glory acted as; cook, and Richard did ample justice to the meal. ‘Glory, now that I am refreshed, I can tell you that Thave an object in view. A beautiful young lady is now a prisoner in the hands of hose horse-thieves and outlaws. She made an attempt to escape but failed. I believe it to be my duty to release her from the rascals who now hold her a captive. To tell you the truth, Glory, Iam now in love. In love with the beautiful lady that I saw fleeing from the out- laws. I have made u soy and not to leave this portion of the Black Hills unless I free her. Glory, these Hills are full of mystery. I be- lieve that there is a series of underground re- treats leading from one range of hills to an- other. We shall have hard work before us, but Iam determined to release that fair girl. What do you say?” ichard looked questioningly at the old ne- gro. “Tse wid .you, Massa Richard, and so is Dixie; anything dat you says is Jaw wid us; isn’t it, Dixie?” The dog answered by a short bark, and Rich- ard patted the noble animal’s head as he con- cluded: “Very well, we will begin the search at once. I have no clew, and will have. to trust to Dixie’s sagacity and ourown cunning. Weare close to Lightning Creek, and it is in this locality that the road-agents hold forth. So, come along, Glory. Keep your ears and eyes wide open and we may gain much information. on. ioend these wet garments; they feel uncomfort- able. Richard led the way, followed by Glory, who hobbled after him, while Dixie trotted at his heels, andat times ran in advance of the twe men, ‘* Massa Richard, ’sh! I see’d something move in de bushes right ahead of us!” annerered Glory, suddenly stopping and seizing Ric s arm The youth halted and gazed in the direction indicated by the negro. A few feathers appear- ed above the tops of some stunted bushes. The owner of the head-dress had not stooped enough to conceal the feathers. Quick as thought Richard brought his rifle to his shoulder, and aiming below the feathers, fired, A yell of mo! agony followed the discharge, and our hero sprung into the clump of bushes. A power- fal. samege lay in the. death-struggle upon the earth. Richard recognized the felow as one of the Indian allies of the outlaw band, A for- midable bowie-knife was grasped in the hand of the fallen savage, and a. pistol in the leather belt told. that white men had supplied the red- skin with the latest improved weapons, Rich- ard transferred the huge knife into own belt and Glory ty le the pistol. Look out, Glory! we're not far from the ban- dits’ lair, This fellow was doubtless acting asa sentry. . These outlaws are hand in hand with the savages of these Hills, and ply them freely with rum in ‘order to retain them as allies. Move carefully. Be carefulthat we don’t fall in- to.some snare!” ; paste Richard again led the, advance and they slow- ly rocseded The way grew more difficult and at times huge crevices. in the rocks yawned at their feet and fallen trees barred their passage. Over all these obstructions our friends pursued their way slowly and een ds Richard’s ob- ject was to arrive in the neighborhood of the se- eret ravine where first he had encountered the
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Wide-Awalke, thecRp bhan.déeing. é outlaws. Suddenly the youth dropped to the earth among the dense undergrowth, quickly fol- lowed by Glory who held Dixie to prevent the animal from going forward. A dead silence fol- lowed, and Glory whispered: ‘‘ What’s de mat- ter, a Richard?’ “Sh! I heard the low hum of voices, and a step further might have proved fatal to us,” re- plied Richard, and, raising himself into a creep- ing position, he begun to move forward in the direction he had indicated to Glory. Motioning the negro to remain where he was, he crept toward the edge of a crag that over- looked a hollow, and glanced below. The place appeared like a deserted quarry. Rank weeds and vegetation grew about the dislodged bowl- ders, and heaps of dirt and stones. e entire scene had the appearance of some abandoned mine, work or quarry. Richard listened a few moments and again the hum of voices reached, bis ears. The sound pro- ceeded from immediately beneath him. . Under the projecting crag upon which he lay, stood two men, in earnest: conversation. By reaching far over the edge of the crag, the observer was enabled to see part of the space be- neath the spot where he lay. Stout beams sup- pore the rocky roof, and a windlass was fixed between these beams, A deepdark hole appear- edin the rocky flooring, aaa a mining bucket attached to a stout rope, stood beside the cavity, ready to be used in descending the gloomy depths below. By aid of this windlass persons ascended from or descended into the mine be- low. Richard drew back at this discovery, “T will leave you here to watch this en- trance,” said a voice. ‘ Don’t be caught nap- ping. Spies are out, and unless we use vigilance we will bein trouble. The girl is safe enough, and can never hope to escape from these intricate caverns. Guard well this outlet. Summon one of the Indians to aid you in working the wind- lass. Remember, if you hear the bell, to come down the shaft at once, If I signal, it will be because I need you.” - “Are you going down the shaft?’ inquired the other voice. “No, Pll enter by the other inlet. Remember what I’ve told you. If you hear the bell, de- scend the shaft at once. Matters have grown so that we need to be on the alert, day and night. Oh! for the good old times when we roved among these hills free as the mountain air and masters of the territory!” “Yes, captain; times is changed,” said the second voice, in tones of regret. ‘ But we still own the best part of it yet. People that go through these hills must pay toll and present us with the best kind of horseflesh.” “That's very true, but we must be upon our guard. That imp I sent down the cataract tied to the tree has escaped again. Curse the fel- low; he has as many lives as a cat! But he will not escape me the next time he falls into my power.” he bandit leader strode from beneath the — , and Richard drew back among the dense yushes. “Keep your eyes open, and get help to work the windlass.” A few more words of instructions and the outlaw chief made his way over the heaps of rubbish and ascended the steep sides of the Hollow. The young man quickly returned to where Glory awaited him. “Tve made a discovery! I want you to crawl to the edge of that ae Keep Dixie with you. Watch that ruffian that is under the crag. Don’t move or betray yourself. I have found out where the lady is imprisoned. Go and watch the fellow stationed under the crag.” ‘‘ Whar is you gwine, massa Richard?” “Tm going to follow that villain, Wide- Awake. Wherever he can enter I will follow. I’m going to beard the lion in his den.” Richard arranged the formidable knife in*his belt and silently glided after the retreating figure of the desperado. CHAPTER VIIT. ‘“‘DIXTE ARRIVES IN THE NICK OF TIME.” SILENTLY the erm tone roprietor followed the bandit chief, as the latter forced his way over the debris that ap; in all directions. Now and then the towering form of the despe- o would lose itself beneath the shadows of he cottonwood trees, but again appear to the searching glances of the youth who followed in pursuit. Wide-Awake kept straight ahead, and, after almost an hour’s journey, suddenly came to a halt. A wall of granite seemed to his pas- sage. The. outlaw glanced about, then quickly approached a mass of vines and creeping ivy that grew up over the face of the rock. Hastily thrusting the vines aside, an aperture in the mountain appeared. Into this opening the road- agent entered, and the mass of ay fell like a curtain before the entrance and the bandit from view. Richard stepped forth from the spot where he had observed this transaction, and boldly a yroached the hidden entrance. Pushing aside he vines he entered the opening, and found ; himself in a narrow passage leading into the very heart of the mountain. The entrance was pitch-dark, and he*groped in the gloom, slowly proceeding and listening to the footsteps of the outlaw in advance. The p seemed to lead down into the earth itself, and Richard was upon the point of halting, when a faint light appeared far in the deep gloom beyond, Cautiously he made his way toward this beacon. He now passed through several small caverns, but the entrance or passage he was pursuing seemed to lead through them all. he light grew brighter, and, in a short time, Richard had reached the limits of a large vaulted chamber. <A torch, fastened in a crevice, shed its light upon the scene, He peered into this chamber, but no signs of life greeted. his view. All was as still as the grave. The young man stepped into this cham- ber, and soon discovered the entrance of another subterranean chamber. Into this e he slowly crept, and drew back as the light from this new vault-like place shone full upon him. Another step, and he would have betrayed’ himself. A fire was burning in one corner of the cham- ber, Its warmth served to dispel the chill that pervaded the place. The roof loomed far above and shone like a living coal of fire. The light shining upon the metals contained in the rocks, forming the roof, caused this beautiful appear- ance, that foreed a cry of admiration from the spy as he beheld it. .A dark opening appeared in the roof of this cavern. In the center of the chamber stood the desper- ado, and a few rods from him was the rma fig- ure of his beautiful captive. How beautiful she seemed to Richard as she stood defiantly before the burly form of the road-agent. Richard thought he had never before witness- ed such a vision of loveliness. Even the ruffian seemed awed by this picture of feminine beauty, for he stood in silent admiration, gazing upon her, little dreaming that other eyes besides his oan were fixed upon the face of Nellie Gor- on, “Thave returned to pay you another visit. When last we met I believe I told you of my in- tentions,” said Wide-Awake; ‘‘ but since then there has been achange in the outlook. I have news for you.” “‘TIndeed? What news can you have that will interest me?” asked Nellie. “Your father—” “What of him? Speak; tell me of my dear father.” ‘‘ He is safe—safe in my care,” responded the outlaw. ‘‘ He is now a prisoner, and will re- nt one until by your word he goes forth 2, “My word?” © ‘‘ Yes, Ihave once before told you that you should be mine, but I would rather take you willingly, as my wife, but forcibly if I must. Now I wish to pro this: become mine, and your father leaves this retreat, safe and free,” The outlaw told a deliberate lie concerning Warren Gordon’s captivity, but he knew that Nellie’s love for her father would induce her to make almost any sacrifice for his sake. He awaited her reply. Already a look of savage triumph seemed to play upon his coarse features as he watched the beautiful girl as she apparently debated the bandit’s proposal. He leaned forward to catch her reply, as the rosy lips parted to speak. “You say that my father is now your cap- tive?” she softly asked. “Yes; where the light of day can never reach him, but you have to speak one word and he is free.” ‘You have not harmed him?” “No! He is anxious for your safety. I have spoken to him of our union and he will not op- ose it. pe Villain!” she exclaimed; ‘do you think that my dear father would consent to such a sacrifice? Do you think he would accept life or freedom upon such terms? No! he would kill me first, and I, 1 would rather hold this hand among the flames of that fire, until it withered me heat than place it in yours, as your wife, “That is a very pretty speech!” said the des- rado, ‘but it makes no impression upon me. isten to me, Nellie. In the several years that Lhave led this wild life, I have accumulated wealth enough to live in affluence for the re- mainder of my life. mer wish of yours shall be gratified. You shall live like a queen. I will abandon my comrades—all—all for you. Speak! Is your answer yes or no?” “No! a thousand times no! Do you think that your ill-gotten gains can tempt me? As for your love, I dispise and scorn it: I could not love you if I would.” And the beautiful girl turned from him with a shudder. suit Richard’s: heart leaped with joy as he heard the words, and a savage cry escaped from the lips of the bandit at the declaration, “You will repent those words,” he cried; ‘you will yet sue upon your bended knees for one look of kindness from me. Remember my words, I have sworn to make Aigo mine and by fair means or by foul, you shall be my wife.” “Leave me!” exclaimed Nellie; ‘‘ your pre- sence is distasteful to me. I would rather be alone.” “One word more, Nellie; £ have not yet spoken of this secret, It concerns your father’s welfare—nay, his very life itself. I hold a se- cret which should I breathe it to the officers of the law would consign him to a prison.” ‘““My father guilty of crime?” cried Nellie. “*T will not believe it, This is another artifice; Thave given you my answer—go!” “Tam not inahurry! These apartments are mine; I am master here, not you; you are merely my guest. You shall soon be mistress here, but until we are man and wife, 1 will rule here, Now, listen to me; Years ago, a band of adventurers found their way into these Hills: They discovered gold in quantity, and among other things a cavern of gold—gold enough to enrich every man, woman and child in America. These adventurers were annihi- lated by the savages. We find traces of them everywhere. This cavern was once their home.’ But one man.alone in the universe possesses the’ secret of the vast wealth contained in the cavern. of gold.. That man is myself. You can share this wealth with me. © mine, Nellie, and wealth such as you never even dreamed of is yours,” Wide-Awake drew back and breathlessly awaited Nellie’s answer. He had played his trump card and if that failed naught but force remained, " “You are wasting time. I scorn wealth and all you can picture to my SAC I hate you— vositively hate you, and would rather die than’ ecome yours.” “Rash girl! Do you know that you are in my power?” Do you know that I can force you to become mine? ‘Your chances of escape are very slim. These caverns are guarded by my’ faithful followers, Your cries fall unheeded upon their ears.” ‘ Wide-A wake ied ai forward and in his.anger seized the hand of the heroic girl who had en- raged him: “IT want your final answer—will you be mine? Yes or no?’ ‘‘No! villain; no/ Release my hand!” cried Nellie, as she attempted to free herself from the outlaw’s grasp, he ruffian heeded not her cries, but grasping the slender hand in a vise- like grip, again thundered his question: . Are you mine? Speak! None can save you, not one—” A form darted from the gloomy sides of the rocky chamber. A stunning blow resounded through the cavern, and the outlaw chief fell headlong to the floor. A scream broke from Nellie’s lips, and the next moment sho was clasped to Richard’s breast. } Instantly Wide-Awake was upon his feet, The. bl streamed from a gash upon his cheek, and his face presented a horrible “Pl ; ance, .He blew a shrill blast upon a whistle, and, turning to the youth, he drew a huge dou- ble-edged bowie-knife, The hurried tramp of some one advancing re-~ sounded close at hand, and the ruffian’s face gleamed as he heard the footfells coming to his aid, In a voice of rage, he shouted: - ‘Hands off that girl, and surrender at once, you whelp!” - Before Richard could frame a reply, another person bounded into the rocky chamber. It was Wide-Awake’s right bower, Rodman, The new-comer brandished a long-bladed bowie, and with the whoop of an Indian, he placed himself beside his leader, Richard gently placed Nellie away from him and, drawing his murderous-looking knife, faced. the two desperadoes, With a yell of fury they sprung upon him, and the clash of steel rung ough the cavern. ~~ The three men in mortal combat occupied the center of the chamber, while Nellie breathlessly watched the uneven combat, scarcely abla to move from the spot. The sparks flew from the blades, but the young man met every thrust: dextrously. It was a most thrilling scene—tua against one ! Suddenly Richard pony the heavy blade full upon the crown of Rodman’s head, and the villain fell, stunned and bleeding, to the floor of the cave. Wide-Awake sprung to a banging: rope, and pulled it violently. faint tinkling of a bell resounded far above, and a confusion followed. ; Rodman made an attempt to arise, and strug- gled to his feet. - With an oath, the outlaw captain again at~ tacked the youth. It was plain to Richard that. Wide-Awake had summoned bi, Sapna above,. and it flashed into his mind that the opening im the roof was the identical spot where the out laws entered, by means of the windlass and bucket. . A dark moving mass now appeared, coming down through the roof. It was the bucket de- scending. Richard’s heart sunk within him, for he could not hold out against such odds, and armed but with a knife. ; Wide-Awake saw the bucket descending, and with a demoniacal yell sprung with redoubled fury upon Richard, followed by Rodman. The.
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8 Beadle’s Dime Library. bucket was but twenty feet from the floor when a growl and deep bay echoed through the cave; a Sark shaggy form leaped from the bucket, and springing upon Wide-Awake, it seized him by the throat and bore him to the floor in a ode struggle. At the same moment Richard again struck Rodman a powerful blow and the scoundrel fell prone upon his face. Richard turned to see who was the deliverer, and a cry of joy escaped him. : “Tis Dixie!” he shouted, ‘‘ Wide-Awake summoned the wrong person that time—” CHAPTER IX, THE IDIOT INTERPOSES AGAIN. WueEn Richard sprung after the retreating figure of the outlaw chief to follow that worthy, it will be remembered that he instructed Glo to watch the fellow that Wide-Awake had pos' ed at the windlass under the overianee crag. Slowly the negro crept to the verge of the cliff, and in a lying posture he obtained a good view of the n beneath him. ; “Don’t make a noise dar, Dixie!" hoarsely whispered Glory to his canine friend. “Dat fellow below will hear ye, and den he’ll ao that sumfing is wrong. You hears me The intelligent brute glanced into the negro’s face, and his very look seemed to say—“ I'll cautious.” . Suddenly the ruffian at the windlass uttered a peculiar cry—the sound of a wild turkey call- ae at ag bist Si cif bt ba) Pos oie we ng to some co e, and ju ight that he was calling the Indian. ut, that noble red-man was past all calling; his body lay cold in death among the rank weeds and brush. Several times the signal was repeated and the outlaw greg awaited a reply. “Dat Injun will nebber answer you if you calls from now till you is bald ,” thought Glory. But, to the negro’s dismay, a form ap- peared in the shrubbery and made its way tow- ard the cliff. The signal had failed to bring the Indian, but one of the band, by mere accident, chanced to be in the vicinity, and was now rap- ba epproeehing his brother ruffian. a few moments they were beneath the crag, and the murmur of their voices was distinctly heard by the sable listener above. Glory sons one hand upon Dixie, but that was almost useless, for the sagacious brute snuffed danger at hand, and lay quietly peering over | the cliff, with his Jange eves fixed in the direc- tion where the outlaw disap; : ) It was plain to the negro that the outlaw was ting the instructions he had received from de-Awake, and the new-comer was listening attentively. The faint odor of tobacco smoke was borne up- -ward, and Glory came to the conclusion that the two worthies were quietly indulging in their pipes. Chen, an hour slowly . The negro grew ess, and was about to arise when the tinkling of the bell beneath resounded in his 2, Tt was the si, for help agreed upon by Wide-Awake and the fellow at the windlass. ‘ Instantly both ruffians yo to their feet and seized the handles of contrivancé and the huge bucket to the verge of the shaft. Hlory made a ff leap to a mountain ash growing i ag he side of the cliff, and 5 Abe tree, ben ng with the negro’s weight, ught him to the foot of the crag. Dixie unded from bowlder to bowlder, and ere the tonished ruffians could comprehend the situa- ion, Dixie had seized one and bore him to the “hard earth. Glory hobbled forw. and club- d the rifle, brought down the upon the villain’s head, and felled him to the ; Rushing over to where Dixie was strug- ' ea the other one, Glory soon ended the ‘conflict by one blow of the heavy rifle. Both ruffians were now out of the way, and the bell was ringing violently. The negro wae to the win and shoved the bucket dilate e shaft-opening. Before Glory could cal- ui culate what to do, the huge d rung into the fue t and Glory, with loud shout. lowered the botiom of the mine chamber, Dixie legped m of the mine rr; C) Sethe Bucket and selena “Widle-A wake, ond } the ruffian to the floor of the cavérn. The nt that Glory had lowered the bucket into the shaft, two men appeared im the open glade . before the cliff. , * Arrah, there’s the divil himself, = up sulphur from the place below!” exc od the foremost. ‘Saints defend us! ee Wah Sing! run for yer life, or he’ll nab the bo h of us!” But, ere the two men could decamp, Glory d and sho} to them: “For de Lor’ sake, gemmen, don’t leave me. My massa is down dis place, and I’se afeard dat the villains will murder him.” Flaherty—for it was our Celtic friend and the 1A —paused, and being assured that Old lory was not his Satanic majesty, they ap- wee the old negro. w yt Phe. in Mee well?” asked gee peering down the gloomy opening. At t cowie the clash of steel El Heard proceeding mm the dark depths beneath, and the sound of voices was borne upward. The faint bark of a dog arose from the cavern beneath their feet. ‘“Dat’s Dixie,” shouted Glory, “and you bet dat he is mighty busy jest notv.” ar vel 4 stooped over the yawning aperture at his feet and shouted: “ Are you down dar, Massa Richard?” Richard heard the voice of the negro, and at the same time heard also the hurried tramping of feet that echoed through the adjoining pas- sages. He knew that help for the outlaw lead- er and his comrade was fe apeotar a, = Not an instant was to be lost. Each moment the foot- steps grew nearer and the chances of escape for Richard, less and less. Dixie was still engaged in a struggle with Wide-Awake. Richard glanced at the huge bucket and saw his only chance of escape. From each passage leading into the cavern. came the hurried footsteps denoting the ra id approach of the desperadoes. Seizing Nellie, her defender gently bore her to the bucket, alaced her within, and took his place beside her. izing the rope he swung it violently and shouted: “Haulaway! Quick! Quick! Glory!” To his great joy the unwieldy bucket began to slowly rise, Dixie sprung away from the prostrate out- law and bounded into the ascending convey- ance. Not a moment too soon, for when the bucket had neared the ceiling of the cavern, a score or more of armed desperadoes burst into the chamber from every passage, and hastened to the side of the overpowered outlaw. “ Fire! fire upon them,” he and point- ed upward to the bucket that was now disap- in the aperture in the roof. A ringing, deafening volley of firearms re- sounded among the rocky aisles of the caverns and the bullets flew like hail about the fugi- tives. Curses, loud and deep fell from the lips of the enraged villain as he saw his prey thus eluding him. “Don’t let them escape!” he roared. “A thousand dollars for that 3 man, dead or alive, and a fortune to the one that secures the girl! Away with you—all—and let them not slip through your fingers!” The exhausted ruffian sprung to his feet and ranted in the most violent manner and at the end of the sentence, he fell headlong to the cavern floor in a paroxysm of rage. Each ruffian dashed away by the nearest exit to the world above—bent pen securing the re- ward for they knew that Wide-awake’s word was as good as a bond in this case. Glory, aided by Flaherty and Wah Sing, worked at the windlass with a ven ce, an amid the discharge of firearms below, they drew the bucket, with its load, safe to the side of the — Dixie sprung out and Richard bore Nellie from the conveyance. “Not a moment to lose. They are upon our track, and unless we are careful we be surrounded and captured. Come! follow me!” Richard clasped Nellie in his arms and sprun, away, closely followed by Flaherty and Wah Sing. Glory and the huge dog brought up the rear, and the little sped away from the us locality. Each moment the way yd more difficult, and in a few seconds the ‘ugitive stood upon the verge of a precipice that barred his way. The little party halted an in- stant and as they did so, a chorus of shouts smote their ears and the crack of a revolver sounded close at hand. ‘Weare tracked. It is either fight or run. Running is out of the question, as we can’t go another step forward on account of this preci- pice,” said Richard. ; “Then be jabbers we'll fight!” cried Dennis. | “The Flahertys never could live without fight- e black muzzled baboons! I me on. Bete : can lick a dozen of yez myself. Dennis turned to the epprosching sina, threw off his coat and spat upon his ds. A bullet whizzed by his ear. Dennis dodged. ‘Hold on there! Fight fair, can yez? Come out here and leave your es behind yez. Ill soon show yez what kind of a man yez have to fool with.” ’ Dennis ca about with his fists doubled ups but another bullet was the only answer to challe se Here, Massa Richard, here’s a place,” and Glor ted to a large cleft in the rocks. Tt to a series of cliffs above the entire mass, forming a natural fortification. Glory entered the narrow passage, followed by. Wah Sing. Richard entered next, and bore e fair girl to this place of safety. ice upon the summit of their natural fortress, the little party could hold out a; asmall army. ag shouted to Flaherty, and the noble- Irishman backed slowly into the cleft, and then swiftly ascended toward the summit, but midway he turned, and rolling a huge bowlder into the cleft, he completely barred the way. The outlaws could not enter through the cleft, and our little party could not again es- ope by that passage. 7 ; e Situation was now one of peril and dis- heartening to our heroes; for, should the ruffians wish, they could starve out the little garrison of the natural fort, or insome manner exterminate them at pleasure. They were protected for the | bullet from the wate! time being, but without food or water they could not long withstand the assaults. The in- tense heat parched their tongues and they eager- ly glan about for even a pool of water among the rocks; but not even the recent rains had left a trace of the precious fluid in the cavi- ties of the surrounding rocks. Each time that they exposed themselves, a ul outlaws would flatten itself upon the rocks, very close to the person aimed at. It soon became evident to Richard that part of the ruffians had separated from the party, and were searching for some less dan- gerous approach to the summit of this cliff. “They have gone to seek another approach to this place,” said he, ‘‘and unless we make a bold dash for liberty, we will be caught like rats in a trap.” “Begorra, they’ll never catch this Irish rat!” exclaimed Dennis. “Wah Sing wishee had rat. Irish rat or Melican rat all samee to Wah Sing,” softly said the Celestial. ‘Hallelujah! See what I found!” cried Glory. ig ied the negro to view the discovery. e had dislodged a bowlder, and the o g of some underground passage stood revealed to the little group. “Will the mystery of these hills ever be re- vealed? It seems as if the entire range was but a mass of underground passages and caverns. What a strange freak of nature, but what a blessing to us!” said Richard. Further exclamations were cut short by a shout so close at hand that it startled all. The ruffians had found the approach to the summit and were now dashing upward toward the de- voted little group. “Into this passage every one—quick!” cried Richard; and Glory and the Chinaman disap- oon into the opening. Nellie followed next. he next moment the faces of the ill-lookin villains be we over the barrier of rocks abd with leveled weapons: dashed toward their prey. Richard grasped a stone and flung it full at the foremost ruffian, who fell, and his revolver was flung almost at the young man’s feet. Flahe: struck another, and the next mo- ment he was striking out right and left with his huge fists. Richard did not waste a shot, but slowly fell back toward the opening. Flaherty understood the maneuver also, and roma fell back and dodged into the aper-’ ture. shout of rage broke from the advan- cing ruffians, and they dashed toward the spot, but, ere they had reached half-way, a wild, weird figure, seeming to drop from the vei clouds, appeared before them—a horrible, fiend- ish creature, clothed in skins, the long talon- like fingers extended toward the murderous crew that fell back horrified and struck with astonishment. ‘The idiot of the Black Hills,” exclaimed the foremost ruffian. A dense smoke suddenly envelo the strange creature; the odor of sulphur was wafted to their nostrils; then a slight breeze blew aside the vail of smoke. The spot before them was vacant. The strange creature was gone! CHAPTER X. OVER THE MYSTERIOUS RIVER. THROUGH winding passages that seemed to descend deep into the very earth fled the little group of fugitives. Nellie was far in advance, and paused to await the arrival of Glory and the almond-eyed Celestial. Upon every side could be seen deep, dark passages, leading in all directions. In a few moments two men issued from one of these tunnels, and a scream arose to the fair side, and, her in his arms, he sprung away in Ping closely followed by Fla- herty. Glory and the Chinaman did their best to keep up, but were not so fleet as those in ad- vance. Suddenly a tall vets seemed . aad from the earth itself, and, assuming gigantic propor- tions, ba figure barred nae passage With a groan of horror Glory dropped upon ees, and the Chinaman burrowed his face into the sandy flooring of the underground tunnel. “Hab mercy on a poor ole nigger, good Mis- ter Debbil, and don’t pester wid declar’ I wouldn’t make even a spark of fire, if you was to frow me into your lake ob brimstone! Hab mercy, and let me go, please!” And Glory groaned in his agony. The Chinaman was indulging in most discord- ant wails, and appealing to the awful figure Praha in the gloom before him, At length it spoke. _ “Fools, why tarry here? Why should the living fear the dead? Fly while qe have the chance, or you'll fall into the hands of the Phi- listines! ke the tunnel to the left, and lose not a moment. Go, and remember that your preserver is the Idiot of the Black Hills » A blinding flash of light seemed to issue from the strange creature’s hand. Glory rolled over in a fit of terror, and Wah Bing suouted at the top of his voice. A mocking laugh resounded |
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from the deep gloom beyond; the {negro stag- red to his feet, and, seizing Wah Sing, bot! Seabed away from the vicinity of the spot where Glory had seen his Satanic Majesty again. “““Bress me! Did you see de thunder and lightning dat he carried in his hand? I declar’, I believe the lightning struck near me some- whar! I feel kinder scorched.” A peal of demoniacal laughter again resound- ed, and ere its echoes had died away, a person sprung from a side passage, bearing a long, glit- tering blade in his hand. It was one of the desperadoes who, »y a short cut through the numerous tunnels, had arrived in time to intercept Glory and his Chinese com- panion. “Surrender!” shouted the ruffian; but, ere he could speak another word, a pistol-shot rung oe the dismal passages, fired by an unseen and. Glory saw the ruffian leap into the air convul- sively. A small red gerbe upon the e fe. outlaw’s forehead, and I prone upon the hard flooring. Another peal of fiendish laugh- ter sounded close at hand, then a deathlike stillness followed. Glory and the Chinaman sped past the dead body and proceeded in their flight. Once more they owed their safety to the strange creature who had announced himself as the Idiot of the Black Hills. Far in advance was Richard, supporting the half-fainting form of Nellie Gordon, and closely followed by Flaherty. Richard was bewildered by the numerous pas- sages that appeared right and left as he fled through the main tunnel. ‘Begorra, sir! we ought to have a map of this a said Flaherty, who trotted after the youth. “Tt’s myself that’s thinking we” ll get lost the first thing we know!” ** Ah! what's this?” This exclamation from Richard, who was in advance, caused Flaherty to pause and look. They stood upon the bank of a deep, swift river, an underground stream, roaring and speeding through a subterranean channel. It barred the passage of the little group, and for a moment they stood upon the bank in amaze- ment. “What shall we do?” said Richard. ‘‘ Our es- cape is cut off by this stream.” *Can’t we swim?’ asked Flaherty. ‘Be- gorra, I can swim like a camel. I’d swam over the Atlantic, from Ireland to America, only my uncle paid my passage, and smuggled me aboard in a barrel, and when the waves rolled the ship—” Fiaherty’s blarney was cut short by a shout that was borne to their ears—a shout from the distant passages, and Richard knew that the desperadoes had entered the tunnels and were now in full pursuit, Even as the cry reached his ears, Glory and Wah Sing dashed up to them, faint and exhausted. A drink from the river soon revived the old negro, and he hoarse- ly whispered: “ We'se goners, Massa Richard; they’se} after us, and we’re all surrounded!” ‘Holy smoke! look at that, will yez? Saints betweeen us and harm, we’re all going to the warm place below, in a hand-basket. Worra! worra!! I wish Iwas home in the bogs!” The cause of the Irishman’s terror was soon apparent. A canoe literally enveloped in a blaze of fire was speeding down with the tide of the river. The strange color of the flames lit up the rocky passages with an unearthly light and illumined the bosom of the dark river with the glare of the fire that seemed to be consuming the canoe. Te pgs But the most appalling sight was the occupant of the craft. It was the same awful presence that Richard had witnessed on the cliff. The strange, wild creature known as the Idiot of the Black Hills. 4 Even as the supernatural-looking figure in the canoe drew near where the group stood in awe; the shouts of the ruffians drew nearer also. Ina few moments the flaming canoe drew up to the bank, and the voice of its mysterious oc- cupant rung through the tunnels: ‘Quick! Place the young girl in my care. Be not afraid; the Idiot will not harm her, but save her from the human wolves in pursuit. The fire will not harm her. These flames con- sume those I hate, but will spare those whom I befriend. Quick; trust me! The Idiot extinguished some of the flames; Nellie was placed in. the canoe, and the wild creature seizing a paddle hurriedly traversed the river and placed her upon the opposite bank. Hastily returning, he ferried Richard and Flaherty over the swift current. Each second was now precious, as the desperadoes were hurrying toward the river. lory and the Chinaman were upon the making frantic pe ee to the wild ferryman to return and take them across, but that strange creature did not seem to hear their cries, but leisurely pad- dled the blazing canoe across the dark waters. To Glory’s dismay, he saw the wild creature urge his canoe up-stream and away from the spot where he stood. Nearer and nearér grew e footsteps of their pursuers. “We'’s got to swim or get cotched! and I’s gwine to chance the swimming part ob de job!” shouted the old negro, and the next moment he gi into the river, quickly followed by ah Sing. The Chinaman splashed about like a drown- ing cat, and gulped down enough water to sink him. Hach time that he opened his mouth to cry for help the waters gushed into it, choking the poor Celestial, and making him redouble his splashings and struggles to reach the shore. lory, in spite of his rheumatic limbs, struck out like a big mud-turtle, and soon reached the center of the swift stream. At this instant the group of ruffians in pur- suit reached the bank, and a cry of rage broke from their lips as they saw the two fugitives in the stream reese» In an instant a dozen ri- fles were leveled, but, ere a trigger could be pulled, a cry of dismay arose from the outlaws. The cause of this cry was the sudden appear- ance of the canoe of fire. In the midst of the flames stood the awful figure of the Idiot. In an extended hand he held a blazing torch, while, with the other, he held the paddle, thus direct- ing the canoe. wiftly came the flaming craft and its spec- ter-like helmsman. The outlaws paused as this supernatural vision burst upon their view. he burning canoe passed between the escap- ing men in the stream and the shore, thus shielding the fugitives. In a few seconds, it had swept past the spot where stood the ruffians. A loud, fiendish laugh broke from the lips of the Idiot, and, as he brandished the torch, the canoe swept around a bend in the swift river, and boat and occu- pant disappeared as if by magic uuder the deep overhanging crags. Every rifle was again raised, as the bandits recovered from their surprise. A rattling dis- charge followed. The lead spattered upon the face of the dark crags, and, from the depths of the tunnels, came loud peals of laughter, that caused a shudder even to the ruffian crew that listened to the unearthly sounds. Next, a howl of rage escaped them as they saw Glory and the Celestial reach the opposite shore, and, clambering up the bank, escape un- der the arch-like passage into the gloom be- ond. Then, each ruffian darted away seeking he nearest way to intercept the fleeing men by some passage in which they could avoi crossing the river. In the meantime, the negro and Wah Sing made use of their legs; fear added ra- pidity to their locomotion, and they soon placed a good distance between themselves and the banks of the mysterious underground river. It will be remembered that Richard, Nellie and poe) were far in advance. Richard kept straight on in the main ae closely followed by the girl and the Celt. The faint discharge of firearms was borne to his ears and the yells of the baffled outlaws sounded afar, A few hundred yards further and Richard saw a faint light streaming into the narrow passage, and reaching the opening, saw to his great delight that he had reached an exit to these mysterious catacomb-like passages in the hills. In a short time the little group emerged from the gloom into the open air and rapidly de- scended into the valley. Richard, who wasin advance,suddenly paused and listened. The rumbling of wheels sounded in the valley below and he knew that a vehicle of some ry ore was rapidly approaching. The fugitives hastened down in the direction of the sounds and to their great joy beheld a stage coach rapidly nearing the defile. From the windows protruded gun-barrels, denoting the fact that the passengers within were ready to repel an attack. : Richard hailed the driver. Instantly the in- mates of the coach were on the alert and the clinking noise within the coach told plainly that triggers were raised and ready to discharge the weapons. In a few moments Richard had told his story and the e face of Nellie Gordon had in- fluenced the passengers. Without a dissenting voice, the trio were allowed to mount. Flaherty sat beside the driver and Richard was given a seat next to Nellie. The coach rolled away en route for Custer City. ped from the dense A aes of lynx eyes brush on the hillside and a muttered curse fell from the hidden watcher’s lips, It was the out- law chief, Wide-Awake. He shook his clenched fist after the disappear- ing coach and then rapidly approaching a horse hidden among the trees, he sprung upon the fleet animal’s back and urged the beast at the | top of its speed toward Custer City, but by a road known only to the road-agent and his des- perate followers. CHAPTER XI. LYNCHED. WarrEN GORDON had almost recovered from the wound he had received at the hands of the | road-agent, and he was daily ere The old gentleman was bowed with sorrow, | drop) | pistol startled him. Glancing toward the rear | window he saw the evil face of the outlaw Wide-Awake, the Robber King. 9 and tears frequently forced themselves into his pied he thought of the fate of his beautiful child. He knew that the outlaw held her as a cap- tive, and shuddered to think that the ruffian could even insult his child by his mere presence. He saw how completely he was in the road- agent’s power. He could expect no assistance in Custer City, for the ruffian, in his character of the judge, and leader of the Vigilance Com- mittee, held undisputed sway; aud should he even accuse him of being in league with the out- laws of the hills, he would be laughed at for his pains. The words of the bandit still rung in his ears: ‘Remember, I give you three days to con- sider!” It was now the evening of the third day and Warren Gordon had little hope that the despe- rado would ever again seek his presence. He imagined that the bold bandit would perhaps leave the Black Hills, taking Nellie with him. Gordon groaned aloud at the mere thought. A. footstep in the room caused him to look up. Wide-Awake stood in the center of the room. **You see that I am prompt and keep my ap- pointments,” said he. Gordon merely shuddered as he looked into the hard, cruel features. ‘“‘T have returned for your answer. I might have wedded Nellie without your consent, but it is always best to keep in with the parents, and I would’n’t like to make an enemy of you, War- ren Gordon!” ; “T have nothing to say to you,” replied Gor- don. ‘Return my child to me, and allow us to go upon our way and leave these wilds.” ‘Oh, no! I like your society too well to al- low you to depart. We are upon equal terms here, Gordon—that is, we are neither of us free from crime, and while we remain out here we are free from the law which might in any other section of the country claim us for the act of murder.” The road-agent emphasized the word murder, and a leer swept over his face as he saw Gordon cringing beneath the effects of the speech he had delivered, “Nellie will soon become my wife, and we can then remain out here en famille. That's a good word, isn’t it, Gordon?’ Before the road-agent could utter another word, the old man leaped from the couch, and fastening his fingers about the bandit’s throat, bore him to the floor. Wide-Awake, taken peice tt by surprise for a few seconds, the old man held the burly ruffian down; but the road-agent recovered from his aa aes and flung the old man from him as if he had been a child. But, Warren Gordon still clung to the out- law, with a grasp of desperation, in spite of the villain’s attempt to free himself. “Hands off!” he hoarsely shouted., “ Let me Ne or it will be the worse for you,” and Wide- wake drew a glittering bowie from his belt, and, in the next instant, he buried the blade in his adversary’s chest. Without a word, and scarcely a groan, the unfortunate gentleman sunk to the floor, For a moment the outlaw chief the prostrate figure, and ping the drippin knife turned to flee. He halted for a momen as if considering what to do, and then placed the blood-stained knife close beside the imani- mate body of his victim. He then approached the window; it was not more than five or six feet from the ground, as the house was built upon the range of hills that: formed the only street of the town, and the windows of the rear opened upon these hills. As Wide-Awake was about to leap from the window, one of his pistols dS from his belt and struck thé floor. Immediately an explo- sion followed, Instantly there was a commotion in the house below and upon the street. Red-shirted miners swarmed in from every quayter, and hastened up-stairs to the room from whence the pistol- shot had resounded. Wide-Awake lost no time in swinging out of the window and grasping the wood-work of the next window to the left, he drew himself into the next room, which he found to be vacant. The hurrying of many feet in the corridor be- low warned the outlaw that the situation was becoming critical. But another person had been close at hand when the pistol-shot echoed through the build- ing. Richard Maxwell had just alighted from the stuge-coach which drew up before the building in question. ‘om conversation with the passengers he had learned that Warren Gordon was an inmate of the hotel, and he knew exactly the location of the old gentleman’s room. He had just from the coach when the report of the’ upon Wide-Awake, Only an instant did the villain’s ne Be ecae in view, but that was enough to tell e tale. Richard seized the stout vines growing close beside the house, and immediately began to as- cend to the window above. Noone witnessed the
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10 Rpadinie Dade DInTARy act, and the parernapte had scarcely left the coach before Richard had ascended hali-way, and even then he was shut out from their gaze, as he was in the rear part of the building. While he was ascending the vines, Wide- Awake swung out from the window of Gordon’s room and entered the next window. He had scarcely done so when Richard leaped into the room that the villain had just vacated, and bent over the bleeding figure upon the floor. Un- consciously ho . gras) the knife with one hand, and felt for the throbbing of Gordon’s heart. ** Ho is dead!” said Richard. Before he could utter another word the door was broken in. .A crowd appeared in the door- ae and surged into the room. he bandit saw his opportunity, and adroitly managed to open his door and mingle with the crowd in the corridor. Wide-Awake forced his way into Gordon’s room just as Richard arose from Gordon’s body to meet the excited and angry glances of the crowd of miners, ‘Seize him!” shouted a loud voice, and the next moment Richard was in the powerful grasp of several miners, and a score of pistols were leveled ati him from all sides of the room, A subdued, hyena-like laugh broke from the lips of Wide-A wake, as he saw the turn. affairs Bad Sader yy taken, and he stepped forth from the circle of armed men, boldly meeting Rich- ard’s gaze, “Arrest that man! See that he does not es- cape you!” shouted the outlaw. ‘ Arrested! For what?” cried Richard. “Por the murder of this old man lying dead at your feet,” replied Wide-Awake; and then, turning to the miners surrounding him, he con- tinued: ‘What ought to be done witha wretch that would strike downa,gray-haired old man? A villain who would dye his hands with the blood of a poor, feeble, defenseless old man?” A roar broke from the crowd, and amid oaths came the answer, asif but a single voice had shouted back the reply: “Hang him to the nearest tree!” A scream—a woman’s scream—resounded close at hand, and the next moment Nellie Gor- don forced her way to Richard’s side. Wide-Awake’s face blanched for a moment, but quickly recovering himself, he shouted to the mass of excited men surrounding him: ‘‘Delay no longer! Take the prisoner, and let him pay the penalty of his guilt!” ‘“ Who is my accuser?” asked Richard, as the sobbing girl knelt beside the prostrate form of her father. “Tam!” boldly replied Wide-Awake, and a smile of triumph swept over the outlaw’s face. “You—you—villain! scoundrel! Dare you accuse me of murder?’ Richard turned to the miners; “Men, there is the renowned outlaw. and road-agent, Wide-Awake, He stands there among you. You know a reward is offered for his capture. The scoundrel is there, and has the impudence to accuse me of this pocr old man’s murder, I swear to you, that I never be- held this old man until I entered this room and saw him lying upon the floor. That villain who accuses me is Wide-Awake, and it is your duty to arrest him!” A derisive laugh escaped the desperado’s wen and it was re-echoed by the mass of red-shir ed men grouped about him. ‘4 tial ha! ha! Boys, if you did not know me so well, that insane person’s remark might have some weight with you. Just think of it; me, the leader of your Vigilance Association, mis- taken for the rascal, Wide-Awake! DolI re- semble that villain? Ha! ha! ha! I hope not. But, we are losing time. Away with your prisoner!” “ Hold!” cried Richard. ‘‘Would you carry out your threats without first giving me a trial —a chance for my life?’ “Men of your kind need no trial,” said Wide- Awake. ‘You have been caught in the act, and a rope and tree isall you can expect. Away with him!” Instantly Nellie Gordon’s arms were entwined about. Richard’s neck, and with tears in her eyes she turned to the rough crew to implore mercy for the doomed man. She knelt to the desperado, but, rudely thrusting her aside, he badagha men in charge of the prisoner to hasten and remove him, ; “Remember, men, I am innocent of this crime, and Heaven bear me witness that my hands are not stained with his blood. That fiend, in the form of a man, has blinded you all, but you will all see your mistake. You! Wide- Awake, remember well the words you have oken to me: ‘Men of your kind need no trial.’ Hemember those words, for you will hear them “Enough of this talk! Take him away and let his fate be a warning to all others who mur- der old men.” The outlaw waved his hand and the miners poe to force Richard from the room while the fainting girl still clung to him and shrieked to the rough men for mercy. “You do not believe me guilty do you, my darling?” gasped Richard. ‘‘No—no—Richard! I know that you are in- nocent. Oh! let me die with you!” replied the beautiful girl. ‘* No—live, live to bring that villain to jus- tice, if such a thing is possible in these wild dis- tricts,” The next. moment Richard was torn from her arms, With a piercing shriek she fell into the arms of the nearest miner, while the youth was forced from the roOna the rabble, closely fol- lowed by the ruffian Wide-Awake, who dared not allow the prisoner to leave his sight until he had wreaked his vengeance apa him. It must not be supposed that the miners were cruel ruffians. Their sense of right or wrong was peculiar, and had they felt that Richard was innocent they would have championed him as quickly as they had condemned him, | Find- ing him in the room kneeling over Gordon’s body, still grasping the blood-stained knife, was proof suflicient that he was guilty, and his asser- tions of innocence were laughed at, and fell up- on their ears as the ravings of a guilty person. With loud cries of ‘‘ Lynch him! Lynch him!” the crowd passed out of the hotel and hastened toward a clump of trees. One ran ahead and swung a rope over a stout limb and hastily formed a noose in the end of the rope. _ A. horse stood, fastened to a tree close by, and the ani- mal was poset pressed into service by the ex- cited and yelling crowd. Richard,was forced into the saddle and the horse led beneath the tree. The rope was soon about his neck, and the youth’s hands pinioned behind him. Wide- Awake stepped back a few feet to give the sig- nal; a miner stepped forward with a whip and raised it to strike the horse. “ All ready! Go!” shouted the ruffian. A stinging blow fell upon the horse’s flanks, and the animal leaped forward. At the same moment, a form amid the leafy branches of the tree bent downward, and with one blow of a keen knife severed the rope that was attached to the limb, The horse bounded away, and Richard, freed from the rope, was carried away at a break-neck speed, amid a roar of curses and yells. of disappointment and rage from the crowd about the tree. af Away wid you, and the divil fly away wid the one that tries to catch you!” cried the per- son among the branches of the tree; and the face of Dennis Flaherty beamed out for an in- stant, as its owner hastily scrambled into the next tree with the agility and swiftness of a squirrel, “ After him, after him!” thundered Wide- Awake. ‘Five hundred dollars for him, dead or alive!” A volley of pistol-shots cracked from every side, and a storm of bullets swept over and about the escaping youth. CHAPTER XT. FLAHERTY SHOWS HIS HAND. ONWARD sped the horse with the bound rider upon its back—over rocks and fallen trees, until Custer City was left far behind. Yet the yell- ing, hooting mob followed quickly after the horse and its helpless rider. Shot after shot flew past, some whizzing close to Richard’s ears, and others serving to urge on the horse he bestrode with redoubled speed. Many of the pursuers were now mounted, and rapidly gain- ing upon the youth. Bese he been free to use his hands he might have directed the horse he rode, and thus es- caped his enemies; but his arms being pinioned he now sat helplessly upon the saddle, unable to guide the beast in any direction. rhs a Suddenly he felt a sharp twinge in his left shoulder, anda fainting sensation stole upon him. Richard knew that a bullet had buried itself in his shoulder, and gradually felt himself falling from the horse. : Another volley of firearms echoed behind him and the horse stumbled several times, plainly pala fl that the outlaws were directing their fire at the animal in order to bring him down, and thus secure the fugitive. A mist swam before Richard’s eyes. He was upon the ex me of falling from the saddle, when a form hobbled from the dense underbrush and hastened out to meet the horse and helpless rider. The form seized the reins and stopped the horse, then with one sweep of a sharp blade severed in twain the rope that bound Richard’s arms, and struck the horse a blow that sent the beast bounding forward again. “Go it, Massa Richard! Lor’ bless you, and save you from dat pack ob debbil’s imps!” shouted the deliverer, as he hobbled back into the dense undergrowth. In the meantime, the yelling pack of pursuers Pee and continued after the youth. Richard, now free to manage the steed, urged him forward, and soon entered a deep, gloomy cafion and began to distance his pursuers. The wound in his shoulder pained him exceedingly, and the animal breathed heavier and limped. Drops of blood mingled with the flecks of foam that fell from its mouth. The noble horse suddenly plun forward and fell heavily to the earth, and lay perfectly still. Richard sprung from the falling animal, and bounded away in the narrow passage be- fore him. Night was settling down rapidly upon the gloomy surroundings, and Richard trusted to the darkness in order to evade his enemies. He knew that the miners in pursuit would spare nothing to recapture him, and he felt certain that many of the outlaw captain’s men had mingled with the crowd of excited miners, and had shouted loudest for his blood, and were even now urging the others in this chase; so he hurried onward and in a short time reached the banks of a rapid stream, into which he plunged and made for the opposite shore. The waters were but waist deep, and he soon struggled to the bank, faint and exhausted. He was about to seek a clump of trees, when he ; caught the faint glimmer of alight in the gloom beyond. Again he started forward, and his eyes were gladdened by the sight of a small cleared space in which stood a rough log hut from whence the light proceeded. He staggered forward and fell exhausted to the earth as the door opened and a female form emerged from the hut. The figure rapidly ap- proached him and bent over the sanoslane form at her feet. ‘Bless me, I thought it was uncle coming back, drunk again!” exclaimed the woman. “But it’s a stranger, and his face is as pale as a ghost! I wonder what ails him? Ill get him some water.” Instantly she ran into the hut and returned with a gourd of cool water, which she held to the lips of the youth and forced some. into his mouth. Slowly he revived and the large blue eyes opened. ‘Save me—I am pursued—save me if you can!” he slowly exclaimed. “ Why—what is the matter?” “T have been accused of murder, but I swear to you that I am an innocent man. I have made my escape from the mob, but I am track- ed, and unless you conceal me I will be taken and killed without mercy. Don’t hesitate; I am not guilty. That fiend, Wide-Awake—” ““Wide-Awake!” interrupted the girl. ‘Is it he that is pursuing you? Then I will indeed conceal you if Ican. I know him to be a vil- lain, and my uncle is but little better. This is his house, and very often they meet here. The will not think of searchng tor you here, and think Ican save you. Come!” She assisted Kichard to his feet, and slowly helped him into the hut. t this moment a faint yell came upon the night air, and Richard knew that his foes were still upon his trail. The girl led the way to a partition, ahd opened a narrow door. ‘‘Enter this room. It can be fastened from the inside. It is my own room, and noone will enter it,” Richard seized her hand and murmured his thanks as he entered the room and closed the door behind him, and barred it. Had he fallen into a trap? Who was this girl that mingled with the rough outlaws of the Hills? hat assurance had he that she would not deliver him over to his pursuers? These and other questions forced themselves upon the youth as he stood in the dark room alone. At any rate, he would die struggling to the very last, come what might. Suddenly he bent forward to listen; his heart stood still as he elaiy heard his pursuers ride into the open space before the hut, and dis- mount. Loud voices sounded close at hand, and instinctively Richard sought for his wea- ons. He was unarmed—wounded, faint, and apy trapped. A heavy footfall resounded in the next room. Richard appued his eyes to a chink in the door and breathlessly listened. He recognized Rod- man’s voice—the same desperate ruffian. he had encountered in the cavern, and Wide- Awake’s right-hand man. Several other mem- bers of the outlaw league followed after Rodman, as he entered the front room of the hut. “ Hello, !” exclaimed Rodman, ‘‘ have you seen any thing of a person prowling in this nelghberiogas We're after a feller that’s given us the ap but we're close after him. The cap- tain wo’ d give any amount to have that feller in his clutches again. Have you seen any one close about the hut?” “No, uncle; no one has been near the place since you left.” Richard blessed the noble girl who had just uttered the falsehood in order to shield him. She was true to her promise and would no betray him, “ Are you quite sure you have seen nothing of the person we're after?’ asked Rodman, turning again to the girl, fixing his eyes full upon her face. She withstood the searching Glance, * never moving a muscle of her features. | ‘4 light of the candle upon the table Richard, St his place of concealment, could observe er face, . “T have seen no one,” she replied. “Very well, then. Come in, boys; sit down and rest yourselves. It’s very strange, We have traced this Maxwell to this vicinity, and
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’ Wide-Awake, the Robber K ane ae we've now lost him. He can’t be far off, for he’s wounded and has to foot it. When daylight comes, we'll nab him sure!’ said Rodman, and that worthy sat upon a stool and his followers were soon seated about the rough table, and a flask of liquor placed in its center. “Tcan’t believe he’s far away,” said one of the desperadoes; ‘and I wouldn't at all be sur- prised if he was under this very roof, hid away some place!” “What do you mean?” exclaimed Rodman. “‘Didn’t the gal say she saw no one? I believe her, for she wouldn't lie to me. Here, Winnie, get some fresh water.” Mechanically the girl took the bucket and passed out of tho room to obtain the water. Her ‘ace was as pale as a sheet, and she trembled for the safety of the wounded fugitive. As sho passed out from the hut toward the well, she imagined she saw a form glide behind one of the trees, a dozen yards away, but, as the outlaws’ horses were picketed close at hand, she came to the conclusion it was one of the league acting as a sentry. © figure gliding behind the tree mumbled to himself: “Bedad, I’ came near being seen that time, so I did,” and disappeared beneath the shadows. Tho instant that Winnie left the room in quest of the water, Rodman arose and approach- ed the door in the partition and tried it. He started back surprised, “This is her room, and it is fastened from the inside. That looks bad. It won’t do to alarm the occupant if ho is there; but I have a plan.” Then Rodman’s voico sunk into a hoarse whis- per, as ho bent close to tho villain who had inti- mated that the fugitive might be concealed within the hut. “Tako your knife; creep quietly to the rear of the hut; thero is a window that opens into that room. Enter quietly, and dispatch him if he is there. I don’t wish to alarm the girl or show her that I distrust her, for she possesses too many of our secrets for us to make an enemy of her. Go!” Silently tho villain glided from his place at the table, and passed out into the open space be- fore tho hut as if to look after the horses. He saw the lithe form of the girl at the well, and, watching his opportunity, he crept away in the gloom toward the rear of the hut, grasping his littering blade, and eager for the bloody work faiad out for him by Rodman. So low had the remainder of the conversation been carried on, that Richard had been unable to distinguish the concluding remarks and in- structions ken by Rodman; nor had he no- ticed tho villain’s absence who was even now ati the window, peering in cautiously, and watch- ing the young man as he stood at the door ob- serving the outlaws in the front room of the hut. Quietly the scoundrel at the window opened the narrow sash, and began crawling into the room. At this juncture Winnie entered the front room with the cool water, and the group of out- laws began talking and laughing in order to drown ie noise of their victim should Rod- man’s emissary find him, The desperadoes drank from the flask, and, amid boisterous laughter, proposed Maxwell’s health, At this very moment the ruffian dropped from the window lightly to the floor, and, grasping his knifo still tighter, peered toward his uneon- scious victim ere he sprung upon him to deal the death-blow. A second form appeared at the open window, and instantly began to creep through in the same manner. At this instant a peal of laughter sounded from tho outlaw group in the front room, and the would-be murderer sprung toward Richard; before he had gone half-way the form in the window leaped upon the floor, and in another moment, seized the assassin, and, wrenching the knife from his grasp, instantly plunged i into the outlaw’s very heart. Fe Silently, but with lightning-like rapidity, had this all occurred, and Rodman’s emissary lay dead upon the floor, while Richard’s preserver stood above him, still grasping the reeking knife, and listening to ascertain if the slight noise had reached the outlaws in the front room. Richard turned, prepared to defend himself, and started back several feet at the strange ae ves to his view. ‘Not a word, Master Richard; I’ve cooked his bacon for him, The Flaherty family’s on deck, and always in the nick of time!” CHAPTER XIII. WAH SING SEEKS A NEW BOARDING-HOUSE. DeEnnNIS FLAHERTY stood in the center of the dark room, and ee aid of the faint star- light sti ling through the open window, Richard saw that the noble-hearted Irishman’s finger was pressed to his lips to enjoin silence, Twice that day, had he interposed in Maxwell’s behalf, and saved his life. Richard stepped toward Flaherty and grasped his hand. “‘Niver mind about thanking me now. Save yourself while you can. You’re wounded, and can’t fight, so take the old saying for advice; ‘He that fights and runs away will live to fight another day.’ Go! Ye’ll find horses out there. Get onto one of thim and away wid you!” “‘ And leave you here to shoulder everything? No!” said Richard. ‘Don’t worry about. me. I’ve as many lives asacat, anyway. Whin I slid out of the tree I followed after the pack, and you see that I didn’t lose track of you; so go onnow. Ill be around near you when you least expect me. Whisht! hear them! What fun they’re having! This spalpeen at me feet will never join in their larks any more. Go on; don’t be standing there like a stone.” Another loud peal of laughter arose from the zroup in the front room, Richard seized the rishman’s hand and gratefully pressed it within his own, and passed out through the window. Softly and carefully he made his way among the horses. The least sign of alarm among the animals might betray him, and bring the vil- lains upon him; but the horses remained per- fectly quiet while he selected a powerful animal from the lot and was soon in the saddle, and in a few moments both horse and rider had disay peared in the belt of cottonwood trees surround- ing the outlaw’s hat. s soon as Richard had disappeared from the window, Dennis stooped over the dead bandit at his feet. At that moment a rap sounded upon. the partition and Rodman’s voice was heard calling to his emissary. Instantly the Irishman’s plans were formed. In order to gain time for Richard he had re- solved to attire himself in the dead outlaw’s garments, and boldly enter the front, room. Trusting to the dim light and the befuddled a of the rascals to prevent a recogni- on, In a few moments he had transferred the outlaw’s garments upon himself and made his exit through the window, and rapidly passed around to the front door of the hut. “What the deuce keeps Tom in there so long,” impatiently cried Rodman, as he paused to lis- ten for some sign of a struggle beyond the par- tition. But a deathlike ailincas reigned there, and ere the desperado could utter another word, the door opened and Flaherty, attired in Tom’s garments, entered and boldly strode to the table and sat down upon a stool. “Did you find him?” asked Rodman. The face of the girl turned deadly pale, as, with parted lips and fixed eyes she breathlessly await- ed the reply. “You bet I did! and I fixed him,” coolly re- plied Flaherty. A slight scream escaped from the girl as she beheld the blade that Dennis held in his hand, still reeking with the life-blood of his victim. Every eye turned toward her and Rodman fixed his basilisk eyes upon her. “So! You thought to deceive me, eh? But Tom was too vigilant, entirely. You concealed the man we were in search of and denied his presence, but he has been found and now lies a corpse in yonder room, As for you, I will put you in a safe place.” Then turning to the supposed outlaw, Tom, he continued: ‘‘ Did he show fight?” ‘“‘ Not a bit!” replied Flaherty, disguising his voice as much as possible. ‘‘I just slid into the room and before he could say Jack Robinson { had the knife into his ribs and he kicked the bucket as politely as ye plaze—and the villain’s zone to the place where niver a ony ever gits Baer at all, at all.” During this speech, Rodman had been in- tently watching the Irishman and he started as if he had made a startling discovery, but the next moment he was cool and collected as if nothing had occurred to occasion the wor “ Boys,” said he, “we've tracked the spy known. as Richard Maxwell, and our trusty comrade, Tom Blake,” and Rodman emphasized the name, “‘has settled his worldly accounts. We have Tom’s word that the man we're after lies in the next room dead. But, I have a ques- tion to ask you. Suppose a person was to sneak among us and obtain our secrets and even dye his hands in the blood of one of our com- rae star shi aa dey his fate?” Si ea show every voice exce 5 herty’s, who sat eagerly gazing upon Rodian during this harangue. Instantly the desperado drew his formidable bowie, and fixing his eyes upon the Irishman, shouted; “There’s your man!” and pointed full at Fla- herty. _‘‘There he is! Do you not see the cheat? He is attired in Tom’s clothing, and has blinded us. Tom’s blood cries for vengeance. Down with him!” In a moment all was confusion, Flaherty leaped to his feet, and seizing a tin cup dashed it over the candle and extinguished it. All was dark, and a terrific struggle followed in the git, Dennis fought toward the door and ung it open. As he reached the open space he beheld, lying upon the ground, a short, stout club. In a moment he had seized it, and the next instant was dealing blows right and left oo in the midst of a ruction at Donnybrook ‘air. Rodman grasped a rifle from a corner of the hut and ed out into the night air; but, ere he could pull the trigger, a huge shaggy animal bounded out from among the Gottonmmaren and with a terrific growl sprung upon Rodman and fastened its teeth about the outlaw’s throat and bore him to the earth, Rodman uttered a piercing shriek as the beast bore him down, and, amid savage barks, shook him as if he had been a mere rag. It was the huge Newfoundland, Dixie; and the dog was lacerating the outlaw in a terrible manner, For a few seconds the ruffians were seized with consternation, and Flaherty made good use of the respite, for he leaped upon the near- est horse, and, flourishing his club like a wild Indian, he dashed away, yelling and whooping to the dog. The canine gave Rodman a parting shake, and then like an arrow discharged from a bow, away he went after the Irishman, leav- ing the cursing group far behind to assist Rod- man into the hut and dress the wounds inflicted upon him by Dixie. Rodman’s rage knew no bounds when he found that Flaherty had escaped, and that Max- well, too, had flown. The desperado swore at everybody around him, and in the midst of his fury a horseman rode into the open space before the hut and flung himself from the horse and dashed into the room where Rodman lay. It was the bandit captain, Wide-Awake, His face was beamin with exultation, for he firmly expected to find Maxwell a prisoner. “Well, have you got him safe at last?’ ex- claimed the roa: -agent, ‘TI felt sure you would succeed,” “Succeed! Does this look like success?” and Boden groaned as he pointed to his lacerated throat. . “Why! What has happened?” asked Wide- Awake, as a faint suspicion crossed his mind that Maxwell might have worsted his comrades. “There’s been the deuce to pay,” replied Rodman. ‘ We got onto the fellow’s track and found him cooped up here.” ‘And you finished him?” eagerly demanded Wide-Awake. “No; I sent Tom into the room to give him a touch of cold steel, but it seems that somebody slid into the room and turned the tables onto us. Tom laysin the back room, dead.” “ And the prisoner—Maxwell! Where is he?’ gasped Wide-Awake, “Gone! Give us the slip.” A yell, like the cry ofa wild animal wounded to death, broke from Wide-Awake’s lips, and he gnashed his teeth in fury. He capered about like a lunatic, blasphemed, and rained down abuse upon the heads of his followers. “You're a nice pack of noodles to allow one man, and he wounded, to hoodwink you all and escape. Mount, aveey one of you, and capture ae, man dead or alive!” roared the outlaw chief, ; “Tt’s no use. getting mad, captain. That won’t better it nohow,” aned man, “Look at me! See the way I’ve been used! I’m completely chawed up by that dog. Curse the brute, Pll send a brace of bullets into his carcass on sight. But, don’t worry, captain; Maxwell can’t get away from us. e's given us the slip for the present, but we know these hills, every foot of them; he can’t keep out of our way; we're bound to nab him!” This seemed to Me gor Wide-Awake; gradu- ally his fury cooled down, and he hearkened to Rodman’s account of the manner in which the group had been duped by the lrishman, and the manner in which he had managed his escape. The outlaw captain swore to rid the world of Flaherty, the moment he again looked upon that individual. ‘‘T, too, have a strange story to narrate. You remember when we peepene every abe Oc hang this Maxwell? ell, | had the girl, Nel- lie Gordon, placed in safe hands, and I started to see that the hanging was carried out. Wo all know that some one cut the rope, but in the excitement that ensued, we could not ascertain who it was. Now, listen to me. We left Gor- don’s body lying dead upon the floor of the room where the murder took place. Well, when I re- turned to the house, myself and others wended our way tothe room and, would you believe it, Rodman, the room was empty and the body: gone!” A shudder seemed to pass through the out- rile stalwart form as he concluded his narra- ive, “The body gone?” exclaimed Rodman. “Yes, and no trace of it left, Now, I know that. Gordon was, dead, and the question is— who has stolen the body from that room? The people in and about the house swear that no one entered the room, and if the body left the build- ing it must have been by the open window. tell you, Rodman, this is a mystery that I can’t understand.” ‘* Maybe the girl knows all about it,” suggested Rodman man. “No; for she was in care of two of our men and was under lock and key. Some one has spirited away the dead, and it puzzles me to know the reason. But I have to console me. The girl is without a protector and totally under my care. She is now safe in my power, -and she will not escape me this time.”
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+2 “Are you going to keep her in the place where she is at present?” asked Rodman, par- tially rising. “No, indeed! * I will bring her to this place. It is safe, and not easily found. Once here she can’t evade us very easily.” “But I am afraid that the girl in the next room, my Winnie, is not to be trusted. It was she who concealed this Maxwell.” “Tt does not matter whether she is false or true. All'she can say of me up at Custer City will not amount to two pins. I stand too solid up there. I direct the Vigilance Committee, and all complaints must come tome. You see how nicely we hold the trump cards in our hands.” A slight commotion at the door attracted at- tention, and swiftly gliding toward it, Wide- Awake flung it open and seized a person by the throat. The man was in the act of listening, and uttered a yell of surprise as the outlaw gresped him as if in a vise of iron, and drew im where the rays of the candle could fall upon the intruder’s face. “Te’m go—le’m go—me, Wah Sing, and look troo hole in door to find out if you keepee hotel ; me wantee board-house.” CHAPTER XIV. HOW GLORY DECEIVED THE OUTLAWS. SEVERAL days had elapsed since the murder of Gordon and the mysterious disappearance of the body. Although Wide-Awake’s emissaries had searched far and wide, no traces of the body had yet been discovered. Nellie, broken- hearted, refused to be comforted, and gave way to her feelings of sorrow and anguish. After the terrible scenes enacted at the hotel the fair irl remembered nothing, and when she revived she found herself a prisoner and again in the power of the road-agent. The building in which Wide-Awake now held his captive was on the outskirts of the town, not far from the mining camp. One of the outlaw captain’s most trusty followers occupied the shanty, and under his care the beautiful girl was placed. This member of the league was a Mexican, known as Carlos, a most villainous specimen of the Mexican guerrilla, steeped in crime and well-versed in villainy, crafty and cunning as the fox, and more cruel than the ti- ger. For years he had swayed the band of out- laws, until the advent of the villain who now commanded. Carlos and Rodman well deserved the titles applied to them of Wide-Awake’s “right and left bowers.” An old negress attended to Nellie’s wants, but the Mexican kept strict watch upon the occu- pant of the shanty. The negress brought food at regular intervals to the fair prisoner, but it remained untouched. “You must eat something, or you’se gwine to die of hunger,” protested the negress, as she erugred the repast; ‘‘I see you ain’t eat a crumb of that meal. Now don’t cry, missy, but have a little snack. I’se got to be keerful how I speaks to you, for dat Mexican is always 8-§PY- ing ’round me and don’t ‘low me to speaks ‘ou unless it’s *bout what you need. Don’t lame me, missy; I'd help you away if I could, but you couldn't get out of dis place, nohow. Dat Mexican is always in de aS of de shanty, and he has a couple of bloodhounds all ready. Gosh a-mighty! I never want to hab dem dogs after me! The old negress shuddered and was about to resume her conversation, when the door opened and the evil face of Carlos appeared in the door- way. Rough of this talk. I told you never to speak to the lady except it was actually neces- a Now, leave!” e Mexican waited until the negress had col- lected the dishes, and watched every movement until she hobbled out of the room. “He then ad- vanced toward Nellie, and exclaimed: “Tn future you will not converse with that old wench without permission. I am here also to announce that the captain will pay you a visit within a short time. ‘Will you please answer a few questions?” po Nellie, as she saw the Mexican about to R That depends upon the nature of the ques- tions. What are they?” “Tell me, sir, has my poe father’s body been recovered?” and while tears dimmed her eyes the r girl bent eagerly forward to catch the Mexican’s reply. ‘ ‘“‘T don’t know,” said he sullenly, and hastil closing the door after him the villain departed Nellie heard the key turn in the lock and again gave way to sorrow. Several hours passed and the shadows of night were nearing when the door again ee and Nellie’s heart almost ceased its throbbings as she recognized the form and features of her rsecutor. The poor girl shuddered as the out- aw chief entered and stood for a moment re- garding his beautiful captive. “Your humble servant, Miss Nellie Gordon!” exclaimed Wide-Awake as he bowed. “You see I am prompt. I promised to call again in a few days, and, Nellie, I have but a few mo- ments to spare. Listen to me. Several times you have been at my mercy, and through some unforeseen circumstances you have upon each occasion escaped me. But, I have determined not to lose you again. This very night you be- come my wife.” Nellie sunk upon her knees before the out- law. She well knew that the villain would spare no means to carry out his threat, and the poor girl saw no escape except by appealing to the villain. ‘Spare me! You cannot force me to wed you. Such an alliance would be mockery and I would rather take my own life than consent to be her wife. Letme depart. Enough blood has n shed. My dear father’s life has been sacrificed for my sake, and Richard Maxwell has fallen a victim to your crime and violence.” Wide-Awake gazed upon the fair girl, and a leer of triumph swept over his features. . * Allow you to depart,” said he, ‘‘ after all my trouble—after all the risks and all the blood that has been shed? No, indeed! I have sworn to possess you; mine you shall be, Nellie Gor- don, and no living person can take you from me.” The outlaw fairly hissed the concluding words and the trembling girl shrunk into the corner of the room. “Don’t be frightened, Nellie! I don’t mean to harm you,” said he, as he noticed the pale features turned mutely tohim. “TI only mean that you shall know that it is useless for you to resist or expect assistance. Your poor father, alas, is no more. His assassin has paid the penalty of his crime; so you see that you are utterly alone, and I must be henceforth your | protector, and when once you are my wife—” A low moan from the parted lips of the girl interrupted the outlaw, and drawing nearer, the outlaw observed that Nellie had fainted. He rapidly approached the door and opening it called: Ruth!” A shuffling step sounded without, and the next moment the old negress’s dusky face ap- peared in the doorway and she entered the room. “See to the young lady. She has fainted! Stir yourself!” cried Wide-Awake. Ruth hobbled over to the girl, and after a few moments she had partly restored the insen- sible maid to consciousness. The large blue eyes opened, and as the rested upon the ban- dit’s features, she shuddered and closed the eyelids again. “T think you’d better leave Je room, massa, as de young lady seems to be skeered of you,” said Ruth. “Indeed! Afraid of me, eh? Well, I like that! Ha! ha! ha! However, I'll leave if Iam the cause of her fright.” “T think I can do better if you isn’t in de room,” and the old wench busied herself chafing Nellie’s hands and sprinkling cool water upon her as ag “Very well; the best you can.” “Yes, sah; I'll do the best I can,” was the reply. Wide-Awake approached the door, and be- fore passing out into the hallway he spoke ain: net Call me when you leave this room, so that I can lock the door.’ “ All right, sah.” The outlaw left, and his retreating footsteps were heard as he passed down into the next room, and his voice in conversation with Carlos was distinctly borne to the occupants of the room he had just vacated. Nellie again revived and seeing her persecutor had departed, gave a sigh of relief and then burst into a flood of tears. It was strange to note the change that came over the old wench. She quickly hobbled to the door and listened to the voices of the out- law and his companion, and silently approached a small door in the way. Quick as thought she had unfastened the bolt that secured it, and then crept down the hallway until she reached the door of the room in which Wide-Awake and the Mexican were seated. A candle was burn- ing upon the table, and its light fell upon the faces of the two ruffians. e old negress’s hands wandered for a moment in the gloomy corner, close to the doorway, and she withdrew something from the dark recess. It was a rifle. Bending down still lower, she silently removed the percussion cap from the nipple and replaced the weapon. this had been done in a very short time, and almost before Nellie was aware that Ruth had left the room. The wench, after replacing the rifle, quietly began her retreat back to the room occupied by Nellie. As the beautiful girl glanced toward the black woman, she was astonished to see that person place a finger upon her thick lips and hoarsely whis- rs “ Now den; de way is clear.” Nellie almost screamed for joy at the ve thea of esca) Was the negress in earnest? Nellie gazed upon th Ist ellie upon the matted gray wool strag- gling beneath the folds of a yeile handkerchie! and the small flashing eyes that seemed to emi I leave her in your care. Do | “Sh! de way is clear!” The wench advanced toward Nellie and for the first time she noticed the difference in features. The old negress seemed entirely changed since last she had spoken to Nellie, when bringing the noonday meal. “Don’t be askeered to trust me,” said the wench, noticing the manner in which Nellie drew back from her, as she made the discovery. “Don’t be askeered,” she repeated. ‘‘I’se here to save you. I’se risked my life to do it. I promised my dear master that I'd die or bring | you out of dis place, and I’m ready to do it.” ‘““Who is your master?” asked Nellie. “Richard Maxwell,” replied the wench, in a low whisper. “Richard Maxwell!” repeated Nellie. “Is he your master?” “Deed he is!” joy, that welled up to her lips. Had a thunder- olt fallen at her feet, she could not have been got a minute to tell you howI’se in here. Ruth isa fr’en’ of mine, and I borrowed dese yere fixings and I sneaked in here. Neither one of dem fellers ’spects me, and I’se gwine to make a bold move to get you out of dis; so come along—easy—dis way.” Quietly did the girl follow after Glory as he led the way into the narrow passage and groped into the darkened hall toward the door, holding one of the maiden’s hands in his own in order to direct her steps. It seemed an age to Nellie as they slowly moved along, and the laughter and coarse voices of the two desperadoes so close by caused her to shrink nearer to the negro, and offer a short rayer for their safe escape from the den. lory paused at the door, and slowly began to unbolt the rough fastenings. In a few minutes the iron bolt was shot back, and Glory slowly opened the door to prevent it from creaking. “Dar’s one thing we’se got to face yet, and dat’s de bloodhound; but I’se fixed for him,” said the African. ‘‘ Now, follow me.” The door swung open and Nellie had just taken a step forward, when an inner door pa and Carlos stepped from the room into the hall. A curse fell from his lips as his eyes rested oo the forms vanishing into the open air. e draught from the open door extinguished the candle, and both ruffians stumbled in the dark toward the door. Carlos seized the rifle, and hastily aimed at the retreating eee A dull snap followed the pulling of the trigger, and the Mexican hurled the weapon from him. Instantly Wide- Awake was out in the dark, open air, and shout- ed, stamped, and swore like a maniac. 3 presto gone!” he yelled. ‘ Where’s the og “Tl unleash him!” cried Carlos; and, bound- ing a corner of the shanty, he seized a rope. deep bay broke on the still night air, and a huge dog of the pure Russian species leaped for- ward to meet the Mexican. The ferocious bloodhound fogged at the rope until the outlaw led him to the doorway, and the brute snuffed the ground and howled. “Tet him go! He’s got the trail!” command- ed Wide-Awake. Carlos unfastened the dog and with a blood-curdling yell, the brute darted away in the darkness after Nellie and Glory, - uttering howl upon howl, while the two rnffians followed after as hastily as possible. CHAPTER XV. TRACKED BY A BLOODHOUND. THE cold muzzle of a pistol pressed close to Wah Sing’s temple, caused the terrified China- man to fall upon his knees and utter piercing cries for mercy. : “Silence!” said the gruff voice of his captor. “So, yoni looking for a boarding-house, are ou? Did you expect to find one by looking hrough the cracks in the door? We'll give you a boarding-house, my fine fellow. Open that trap, some of you.” Instantly a trap in the rough floor was raise and the dark opening revealed a cellar or pi beneath the den. Wah Sing was seized by seve- ral of the outlaws, and while yet he was squeal- ing like a stuck pig, he was raised over the opening in the floor and thrown into the gleom depths. A low wail arose from the pit as Wa Sing struck the hard floor of the underground chamber. a “Tet him alone! The fall isn’t enough to kill him; and if it did, it would matter but little. I want to keep the cunning rascal send an ounce of lead into his yellow carcass, I want him for future use. He’s mixed himself up in our affairs, and he can be of use tous, If he refuses to do our bidding he dies!” Wide-Awake gave a few parting instructions to the men about him, and sallied forth into the open air to seek his horse. Mounting, he spur- sparks of fire as their owner stood upon the | be, through cations, ravines and gullies toward threshold in the attitude of warning. City. alive, or I’d- wy ‘
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Wide-Awake, the Robb er King. ’ A few straggling log shanties were built here and there on the outskirts of the mining town, and before one of these buildings the bandit dismounted. This hut was considerably larger than the rest, and almost hidden among the bowlders that almost choked the valley. In fact, the entire valley seemed as if a mighty convulsion of nature had overtopped mountains and upheaved the earth into bewildering rock masses. Giant bowlders were poised upon pin- nacles of rocks asif some huge mechanical con- trivance had been called into use by man, for the purpose. Some of the bowlders were poised so evenly that the least weight would cause them to sway to and fro. Throughout the en- tire region the rocks and bowlders assume strange and fantastic forms. Castles with em- battled turrets—spires of cathedrals—fortresses of every describableshape; the result of terrible voleanic eruptions and mighty convulsions of the earth in ages gone by. “ Wide-Awake tapped twice upon the door. A voice from within inquired: ‘‘ Who’s there!” “ A friend!” ‘ “ A friend to who?” “The Black Hills!” Instantly the door opened and the growl of a huge dog followed, ’ * Lie down, there!” said the man within, and the huge brute drew back into the hut, as the outlaw chief stalked in. ‘‘Hello, Carlos!” said Wide-Awake, as he graeped the Mexican’s hand. ‘ How’s the ¢ ‘Safe enough. She must be mighty clever to escape me and the bloodhound.” Carlos closed the door and barred it. ‘Now, to tell you what has befallen us,” said the captain. “We've been unlucky, and, for the first time since I can recollect, Pve been tricked and baffled every way—every way but one. The girl you say is safe; she must not again escape me. Here do I remain until she is mine; I will not quit this roof until I am swre of her!” Wide-Awake then went into details of the lynching of young Maxwell, and the mysteri- ous manner in which the rope was cut; the flight and pursuit, and the final catastrophe at Rodman’s hut. So intent were the two ruffians in their con- versation, that they failed to observe a black face that peered in upon them from the window, Several times the huge bloodhound arose, and sniffed toward the window and uttered a low growl, but the two ruffians appeared to pay no attention to the brute, until Wide-Awake con- cluded his narrative; then the dog bayed loud and long. The two men sprung to their feet and the black spy slid down to the earth an rapidly moved away in the gloom. - *Something’s wrong with the dog! rae you take a view of the outside,” said Wide- Awake, ‘ All right,” replied Carlos, and he closed the door after him. If the brute had been allowed to follow out after Carlos, our friend Glory would have found an unpleasant pursuer; but he soon returned, and reported every thing right and quiet with- out. Both men, wearied, prepared a bed of robes upon the floor, and soon sunk into a deep slum- ber, the huge dog remaining on guard, alive to the slightest sound during the long hours of the night. - Glory was the spy, but he decided not to at- tempt an movement that night, and laid plans for a bold move. What it was our readers have already ascertained. It was to watch an ob portunity and enter the hut, attired as the old negro woman, and thus attempt Nellie’s rescue. How well he succeeded, on the night following, we have seen, and several accidents favored his flight as he and Nellie ran side by side over the rugged masses of rocks. F ws , eep up spirit, miss,” he cried. ‘‘ We can’t make good time, but. we can dodge them in the dark. Tye fixed the horse so they can’t use him. - Dis way, dis way, miss!” and Glor seized Nellie’s hand and helped her across a wide and deep chasm,crossing upon a rude log thrown over the abyss for the purpose. Once safely across, the negro rolled the log over into the yawning depths and paused as the cries of the outlaws were borne toward him on the still ight air. Another sound mingled with the voices: it was the deep baying of the hound. In spite of the weapon that Glory possessed he shuddered, for he well knew the ferocious foe that was now upon their track. He had wit- nessed the brutes on the track of fugitives in the dense Southern swamps, and they had sel- dom failed to hunt down and almost destroy the 7 wretches whom they pursued. Again, the long deep bay of the hound; the brute was surely upon the trail and close at hand. {Com along, miss; dey can’t cross on dat bridge no more, and dat will gain time for us. De only one I’se afraid of is dat bloodhound. If dis shot misses him we’re gone! but don’t be afraid. Ole Glory will die for you, miss.” Again they started forward, urged by the cries of the animal in pursuit and the outlaws that followed. Then the cries of the hound ceased, and Glory surmised that the brute had halted at the chasm, and finding the log-bridge one, both he and the ruffians were, for the time ‘ing, baffled! But, ere long, the ery was again heard. By a | long detour the hound and ruffians had found another way to cross the crevice, and were again upon the trail. Each moment Nellie felt herself growing weaker, and almost clung to the arm of the aged negro, who, it must be remem- bered, was still impeded by the gown borrowed from the old negress, and which he had not yet found time to cast aside. “You go ahead, miss. Leave me to fight dis hound, can gain time for you,” said the ne- gr0, hoarsely, as he stopped and drew the pistol rom beneath a jacket. ‘“‘Go on, miss; save yourself for master Richard’s sake; I know he oves you—I know dat. It’s a pleasure to die for you, miss, because my master loves you.” The faithful darky attempted to urge her for- ward, but Nellie refused to leave him. “No, I will remain; I will not desert you. You have risked life itself to save me, and I would indeed be ungrateful if I now abandoned you to your fate. ere [ will remain, and trust that Heaven will not desert us.” An awful bay, close at hand, now sounded, and the panting of the brute was distinctly heard, Glory placed Nellie behind him, and nerved himself for the attack. The pistol contained but one charge. If that failed he was lost. Scarcely had he taken his position when the lowing eyeballs of the brute were seen, like iving coals of fire, in the me beyond. Glory waited but a second, and as the coals of fire seemed but a foot away, he fired. There was a burried rush as the dog leaped into the air—unhurt, and sprung toward the ne- gro. Nellie started back afew yards, with ascream of terror and despair. Like a tiger springing upon its prey, sprung the huge dog, and bore down the brave negro. Glory fell to the earth under the bloodhound, and gave himself up for lost. Fora moment the brute paused, and fix- ing his glowing eyes upon Nellie, he crouched for another spring. ith a fiendish yell the animal leaped toward her, and she sunk upon her knees, uttering a cry for help. Before the huge creature had fairly leaped, a rifle cracked close at hand in the dark; the ferocious blood- hound gave vent to a shrill cry of agony, and fella quivering mass upon the rocks, almost at Nellie’s feet. Scarcely had the animal fallen, or the echoes of the rifle ceased to vibrate among the crags, when Carlos and Wide-Awake dashed breath- loa to the spot. ide-Awake espied Nellie, and a ery of tri- umph broke from his lips. “Now, you’re caged, my pretty bird, and this time you do not escape me,” he shouted, as he started forward to seize her. “ Hold!” cried a ringing voice that sounded strangely supernatural. ide-Awake and the Mexican glanced in the direction indicated by the voice, and both ruffians shrunk back, cower- ing at the weird spectacle presented to their view. Upon one of the topmost bowlders stood the awful creature, known as the Idiot of the Black Hills, apparently in the midst of forked flames of green fire that seemed to envelop him from head to foot. . CHAPTER XVI. THE SPECTER OF THE STORM. For a few moments both desperadoes stood transfixed with a mortal dread that seized upon their senses, as they beheld the wild being upon the crag, enveloped in the flames that seemed to encircle him. In one hand he held the rifle that had sent the unerring bullet into the very heart of the ferocious bloodhound. Peals of wild laughter broke from his lips as he glared down upon the dismayed countenances of the ruffians. Their consternation was but temporary. Wide- Awake soon recovered from his terror as he be- held the well-known features of the Idiot. “Don’t allow the tricks of that Idiot to frighten Yo Carlos,” he shouted. “Man, devil, or wizard, I don’t fear him. Tl have the girl though I wade through a river of blood. Ou with your weapons and send an ounce of lead through his crazy brain, while I secure Nellie.” Wide-Awake glanced toward the spot where last he had seen the girl, and a cry of rage, dis- i Li il ate and surprise, mingled, broke from is lips. The spot was vacant; Nellie had disappeared and Glory also! Had the earth opened and swallowed them, the disappearance would not have been more complete. Wide-Awake and confederate’s attention had been so absorbed by the sudden appearance of the Idiot, that he had failed to notice the shadowy form that seemed to Fae from the base of the c , and silently tak Nellie’s hand, lead her into the very face of the rocky wall. And when Glory had stepped within the mysterious opening, a huge bowlder silently slid into the aperture and completely closed the strange place of refuge. P Wide-Awake’s rage knew no bounds, and his | 13 wrath turned upon the wild being perched upon the bowlder that was balanced upon the summit of the crag. “Down with him, Carlos! A hundred dollars if aut send a bullet through his carcass,” he cried. The Mexican, tempted by the promise, drew his pistol and sprung up the rugged side of the yramid-like mountain and dashed toward the Heara of the Idiot, who sent forth peals of mocking laughter as he saw the Mexican rush- ing upward toward him. In a moment more Carlos was upon the bowlder that formed the | apex of the mound. A few more steps and the Mexican was almost within reach of the mocking figure before him. when a startling scene occurred, The weight of the Mexican caused the bowlder to sway, and as Carlos staggered to keep his footing a blinding flash of fire seemed to leave the Idiot’s hand, and the flame dashed itself into the Mexi- can’s face. Blinded, bewildered, he started back and reached the very edge of the bowlder, and at the same moment the figure of the Idiot disap- peared from the swaying rock that toppled over. A wild unearthly ery broke from the lips of Carlos as his body shot down—down into the abyss that yawned at the back of the crag—a ery that froze the blood of the outlaw chief as he heard that shriek of despair borne upward from the awful depths of the chasm. His re- volver was grasped ready to avenge the Mexi- can, but a gloom had settled about the place, the colored fire had faded, and not even a sound came to the desperado’s ears to tell him that any other living being was close by to break the solitude of that awful scene of mystery and desolation. The intense gloom added to Wide-Awake’s horror; clouds hid the moon and a few straggling stars from his gaze, and the wind moaned through the trees, lad he glided from the spot and began a hurried flight toward the hut in the ravine; but ere he had gone far the rain-drops pattered upon his fevered brow and soon fell in deluging torrents. The lurid li, spe now and then zig- peed across his path, and by its electrical light he was enabled to see a passage among the fallen trees and jagged bowlders. The storm became furious, and during a vivid flash the outlaw observed a huge hollow tree and crept within its shelter. ach peal of heaven’s artillery added to his fears, and a hor- rible ery of terror quivered upon his pale lips as, gl out from his place of shelter, he saw a form glide through the cafion. The pale fea- tures were turned toward him. The white hair streamed into the night air as the ghostly fi silently glided past the trembling wretch within the tree. He pressed his hands before his eyes to shut out the sight, and gasped, ‘‘ Warren Gordon!” then sunk ost: senseless within his place of shelter. He firmly believed he had wit- nessed the phantom of his victim, and his teeth chattered and his knees smote together, for he well knew it was not a hallucination, and that he had seen the form of Warren Gordon pass before him. That Gordon was dead he had but little doubt, and that the ghost of the murdered man had just appeared to him he was positive, and his guilty conscience caused him to quake with terror. Surrounded by his reckless followers, ready and anxious to obey every command, Wide- Awake was a dangerous foe and one to be fear- ed; but, left alone in the midst of such super- natural proceedings, he shook like an mn, and his pale features denoted the fact that, like all bullies and desperadoes, he was really a craven at heart. He looked again, but the specter had vanish- ed, The electric flashes now and then lit up the wild surroundings, and a sigh of relief escaped from the bandit’s lips as he saw that the cause of his terror had vanished. He emerged from the tree and resumed his flight toward more congenial quarters. is Foie had proven a failure and had cost the life of his most trusty follower, not count- ing the hound, whom he prized above its weight in gold. Inwardly he vowed vengeance upon the Idiot, and swore that his life should pa the forfeit mpoe the very next occasion tha: should present itself. While the outlaw is pursuing his way toward the abode of his comrades, we will follow the adventures of Glory and Nellie, whom we last saw entering the secret eae As Nellie stepped withia the narrow aperture Glory pag did likewise, and the huge bowl- der sealed up the natural doorway. The girl red into the darkness to discover, if possible, e iene’, of her mysterious rescuer. A few flashes and sparks gleamed for a second or two asif the Psa alluded to was endeavoring, b the aid of flint and tinder, to strike a light ced this he was successful, and in a moment more he had ignited a pine torch, and both Nellie and Glory started back as they beheld their rescuer. He was a tall savage, with painted features, and bedecked with feathers. Buck-skin garments covered an athletic figure, and, under the rays of the torch, he presented a wild and startling cture. He noticed the surprise depicted upon the fea-
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14 Beadle’s Dime Library. tures of the yong maiden, and a smile flitted across his dusky countenance. “ Be not ’fraid; me friend. If you are Crazy- head’s friends, me your friend, too,” he said. “Ts youa real live Injun?” queried Glory. “Yes, me Red Snake! Crawl like snake on bad Injun—on bad white man—sting —bite, and crawl away,” replied the savage. ‘‘ Come —follow—don’t be *fraid!” The Indian led the way, and the others fol- lowed after him. A long, winding passage presented itself to their view, and into this the trio proceeded un- til they reached the extreme terminus, Here a rough ladder led to an opening about six feet above. The Indian led the way, and, after passing through this, they found themselves in a large, vault-like cavern. A fire of crackling twigs diffused its warmth about the place. Kegs, boxes, and articles for mining and agricultura pur lay scattered about the corner of this underground abode, Nellie seated herself upon a couch of wolf and bear-skins while Glory crept toward the fire to warm himself. The Indian guide inserted the torch in the cleft of a rock and had scarcely done so when a rumbling noise and grating sound came from above the dome of the cavern; then a faint yell echoed from without. A mo- ment more and the wild figure of the Idiot ap- peared as if sinking down through the dome of the cavern, and turning toward the roof he shot a slab of rock over the opening through which he had descended. The slab worked up- on the same principle as a trap-door beneath a stage, and by the aid of rugged steps on the side of the cavern the Idiot descended to the floor and stood in all his wild aspect before the trem ling zirl, and. quaking negro who had en- countered the mysterious figure under terrible circumstances, upon several occasions, and he now regarded the sudden appearance of the Idiot as a visitor from some torrid part of the underground regions. He was about to give vent to his terror when the awful figure strode still nearer and spoke: “Here you are safe, The pursuers cannot en- ter and the dove is safe from the talons of the hawk.” He approached Nellie, and, Placing both hands to his mples, he stared at the girl long and mournfully. ‘Tears came into his eyes and slow- ly he drew nearer until he sunk upon one knee before her and in tremulous tones exclaimed: “The clouds are passing away from my brain, I can see the resemblance—I can see her face—yes—yes!” Then he started suddenly to his feet and seemed to stare into vacancy. The slight gleam of reason that had momentarily rested upon his face seemed to depart and the wild look settled upon the pale features again. He appealed to imaginary people that seemed to flit before im, and once he sunk upon the cavern’s floor, begging for merry, and imploring an imaginary assassin to spare him. . Throughout all these proceedings the savage stood as motionless as a statue, watching every movement of the Idiot until the strange crea- ture sunk to the floor; then the Indian glided to the prostrate form and tenderly raised it, Careful as a mother would bear an infant to its couch did the savage assist the poor de- mented creature to his resting-place of buffalo ro near the fire. ellie watched. the startling scene with feel- ings of wonder and pity. The Idiot soon sunk into a peacefulslumber. The storm raged furi- ously outside, and the detonations shook the walls of the cavern almost to the very founda- tions. The Indian arose from the side of the sleeping man and seated himself before the fire, and ting to the sleeping Idiot, said: “He found peepee os in the hills— starving. He took care of Snake—nursed me like a baby, Crazy-head saved my life and Red Snake would die to save him. He is not crazy all time—only when something make him angry. Then the Great Spirit take away sense from his head, You made ‘Crazy-h mad. dep made him like the wild tiger—and you ie As the savage concluded, he sprung to_his feet and drew his giering. knife Pome belt and flashed it ore the eyes of the girl, who uttered a piercing scream and sunk almost sense- less at the Indian’s feet. He raised the knife and the blade gleamed for an instant in the red firelight ere the savage struck the fatal blow. CHAPTER XVII. THE IRISH INDIAN. WueEn Richard Maxwell made his escape from Rodman’s hut, through the instrumentality of the , ii an, Dennis Flaherty, he urged his steed,into the. belt of cottonwoods and, finding he. was not pursued, he directed the animal into the wild gorges, leaving the rough road far. be- hind him to elude his pursuers, should any fol- low upon the trail. e young man was still weak from hunger and loss of blood, and it was with difficulty that he retained his seat in thé saddle. He allowed his horse to pick his way over the broken country ; bebe | now and then crossed the pathway he had mark- ed out for himself. The moon lent enough light to enable the fugitive to see"the wild surround- ings through which he was proceeding, and mile after mile was soon placed between the outlaws’ glen and the escaping man. He was now in a jocality seldom trod by the foot of the white man, unless of the reckless men that formed the powerful league command- ed by Wide-Awake. These desperadoes frater- nized with the savages infesting the bills, sup- plying them with arms, liquor and information, sending the murderous red-skins like tigers upon the little wagon-trains or groups of miners jour- neying through the hills, robbing and destroy- ing all those who were so unfortunate as to fall into their hands, urged in this by the outlaw league, and often assisted by these renegades. who claimed the lion’s share of the spoils, an shielding their sayage allies in every manner when an attack was made upon them by troops or honest miners. As no military post had yet been established. the savages and their white confederates reigned supreme, and a reign of terror prevailed throughout the entire range. Richard drew rein upon the verge of a deep ravine, and was about to dismount and lead the horse when the plaintive cry of the whip-poor- will sounded close at hand. The cry was re- neated from several different points, and then ollowed the ery of the night-hawk. : The truth flashed upon him at once—Indians were signaling! Before he could dismount the sharp click of rifles brought ready to fire sounded at his side, and, as he turned, several rifles in the hands of dusky figures were leveled full at him, and the ttural tones of the foremost savage warned fn to refrain from making an effort of resist- ance. The least movement would result in death, and as he was in an exhausted condition and unarmed, he allowed the circle of savages to draw nearer, and in a few moments he was a bound prisoner in their midst. One stalwart Indian seized the reins of the horse and led him in advance of the group that now defiled into the cafion. Not a word was spoken. by the captors, and the lonely mid- night march was broken only by the sound of the breaking twigs beneath the feet of the sav- ages and their captive, or now and then by the screech of the owl, or the shrill call of some night bird, disturbed by the advance of the silent group. An hour passed by, and, at the extreme end of the cafion the savages paused and signaled. The signal was shortly answered, and all moved forward again. Under the overhanging crags that arose like a wall upon either side of a deep swift creck was the camp of the Cheyennes, a_ hostile, ma- rauding tribe infesting the Hills, The scouting party with their captive was soon among the groups that arose from the camp-fires to greet their arrival. Richard was secured to a stout mountain ash, and the rest’ gathered about the fire with their pipes, and the inevitable ‘* fire-water” soon put in an appearance. From the spot where Rich- ard was secured he could observe the circle of red marauders as they sat about the fire and eagerly emptied the of its ardent con- tents. A half hour passed, when the, monotony was broken by a peculiar whistle, and shortly after- ward two horsemen waded their horses into the creek and crossed over to camp. Richard’s heart sunk within him as he recognized in the new-comers two of Wide-Awake’s trusty villains —doubtless two who had followed the young man’s trail in the hope of securing the outlaw chief’s promised reward, The two mounted bandits rode beneath the overhanging crag, and in an instant vacated the saddles and joined their red brothers in crime. A hearty greeting followed between the two outlaws and the Indian who acted as spokesman for the savage group. ‘White brothers bring strong water?” was the first. inquiry. A gleam of satisfaction and delight shone in the savage’s eyes as the fore- most desperado produced a canteen, and the “red brother” proceeded to gulp down its con- tents, while his less fortunate comrades flocked around him, and amidst an uproar of choice dialect implored the holder of the flask for a chance to investigate the quality of the liquor. Suddenly the eyes of the tallest outlaw rested upon the ‘bound captive at the tree, and he leaped into. the air and gave vent to a shout of exultation, “Look there, pard! Does my eyes deceive |- me? There’s the chicken we're after, and the reward is ours,” “Correct! He’s our lottery-ticket,” answered the other, and both shouted again and danced with delight, as visions of the reward swam be- fore their eyes, with none but themselves to share it. The two outlaws alluded to were brothers, and two of the most unscrupulous rascals. un- hung—villains that would Seon ie any crime or meanness to carry a point. No wonder they rejoiced to think they had Richard Maxwell in h the deep streams that their grasp, and that none of their lawless comrades could claim a share of the reward. Both were tall, desperate, cunning as the fox, and more dangerous than the adder. Alwaye armed and eee) in concert, they were feared by their comrades and prized by the outlaw captain as two of his most precious rascals for desperate work. Ceasing their manifestations of joy, the two ruffians approached Richard. -** Well, my spring chicken, you’re roosting in a good place, ain’t you? Thought to gi’n us the slip, eh? We're like a wolf r fresh meat; and you can see for yourself how close we came after you, eh, Zeb?” The outlaw addressed as Zeb merely replied, “Youre shouting, pard!” while his brother con- tinued his remarks. “Tf we was to leave you to the Injins, they’d roast you—wouldn’t they, Zeb? but we ain’t so cruel. We'll take you back to your friend, Wide-Awake, and he’ll treat you to a neck-tie sociable, and there’ll be music by the string band—eh, Zeb?” Both ruffians laughed loud and long over the pun perpetrated, and rejoined the group of sav- ages, who were silent witnesses of the interview. The eldest outlaw readily purchased the white prisoner from the savages upon payment of an- other flask of brandy, which was soon vroduced from a mysterious pocket as the entire party sat about the fire. The two brothers sat facing Maxwell, so that | they could observe his slightest movement. What little chance of escape that had remained was now swept away, as the two ruffians scarce- ly moved their eyes away from the captive. The effects of the fiery liquid upon the savage raiders became apparent to the prisoner, and an incident now occurred that aroused again his hopes of effecting an escape. he savage who had acted as spokesman for his party managed, by an adroit movement, to empty into the flask a small eimaaraiy of the powdered leaves of a plant, known to the tribes of the Far West as the “sleeping herb.” It quickly produces drowsiness. ese leaves im- arted their power to the whisky, and, of course, ormed a powerful ca erg bao This was exactly what the savage wished to roduce and administer to the two ruffians. is reasons for doing so were based on the be- lief that both outlaws had concealed about them more of the “ fire-water,” and by plunging both into a deep sleep he could search for the con- cealed flask, and both he and his swarthy com- rades could have a grand jollification. A few minutes after the two brothers had drank from the drugged flask, they evinced a strong desire to sleep. They made several at- tempts to remain awake, but finally succumbed to the potent power of the plant, and were soon oblivious to all that was passing around them, As soon as they fell upon the sod asleep, the tall savage crept to their side and began his search for the concealed whisky. A cry of joy broke from his lips, as he discovered the fl that he had anticipated finding, and instantl carried it to his lips, and a gurgling sound fol- lowed. After a long draught, he passed the li- quid to his comrades as they sat about the dying embers of the fire. They scarcely heeded the resence of the captive, so wrapped were they in_the flask. Richard was bound to the tree by stout thongs that almost cut into the flesh, and the more he struggled to free his hand, the deeper the cruel thongs sunk into his wrists and arms. Again he lost heart and was passively sub- mitting to fate. A semi-intoxicated savage arose from the fire and reeled into the thicket close at hand, to gather dry twigs to replenish the fire. In the awful stillness that followed, Richard imagined he heard a dull thud and a deseo groan and concluded that the Indian had fallen, and would remain there. For this accident Richard felt grateful, for the camp would soon be plunged in darkness and perhaps he could then make a more success- ful effort to escape. Again his hopes were dashed, as he saw the reeling savage emerge from the thicket, and stan ger toward his comrades at the fire. e drunken Indian bore an armful of twi and approaching the fire he cast them upon the dying embers, and then sat down, but in a pasty the light could not shine upon his fea- res. One by one the savages about the fire sought reclining positions, and their deep brea‘ & told the captive that they were in the land o dreams, : Probably twenty minutes elapsed, when the savage who had gathered the firewood arose and bent over his slumbering comrades, pausing over each as if to assure himself that they were ~ fast asleep. 5 Slowly he crept to the side of the two white ruffians, and producing a lariat from about his waist, he proceeded to bind both sleeping despe- radoes and secure their weapons. Having bound the outlaws, he proceeded to each snoring Indian and secured his rifle also. Richard watched these proceedings like one in a dream. He could scarcely believe he was
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* in the center of the stream, he retained two Wide-Awake, the Robber King. awake. What was the meaning of the strange actions? Why should this drunken savage re- move the weapons of his comrades? Why should he secure the two white ruffians? All these questions flashed into Richard’s brain as he watched the mysterious savage’s strange behavior. Having gathered the rifles and knives, the Indian disappeared into the thicket, and after an absence of about ten minutes he saw the shadowy form of the savage wade across the creek, leading the two horses which the out- laws had ridden into camp. Soon a faint splash in the water attracted his attention. The sav- age was returning. Nearer and nearer he ap- proached until he was among the sleeping group about the fire. In his and he clasped a formi- dable bowie knife. The Indian glanced toward the prisoner. Their eyes met. Richard felt that the supreme moment had arrived. He felt certain that the savage meant to murder him, and after robbing his comrades escape with the plunder. Nearer drew the Indian. His lips parted. He spoke. “ Whisht, Master Richard! Now’s our chance to give them the slip.” CHAPTER XVIII. IN THE QUICK-SANDS, Hap a bolt from Heaven fallen at Richard’s feet he could not have been more startled than he was as he recognized Dennis Flaherty as the i ae savage who stood before him, knife in The truth now dawned upon him. The brave Trishman had followed close after the Indians and had concealed himself in the thicket anc awaited a favorable opportunity to attempt a4 rescue. He had overpowered the Indian that went in search of firewood, and transferring his peda trappings upon himself, had boldly en- te the camp. ichard had seen the events that followed. “Come now! don’t be standing there like an amadhaun.” While speaking, Flaberty, with the keen knife, from the wrists of the pri- severed the thon soner and entirely freed him from the tree. ‘Now, don’t let the grass grow under your feet. Yer surprised to see an Irish Injun, ain’t ou? This is a new tribe called the Tipperaries. tome now! Away wid you across the strame and you'll find two horses.” Further explanation was cut short by a wild yell, and instantly the reclining forms of the pete about the fire sprung to their feet. The effects of the liquor had passed off, and both Savi and their two white comrades were fill- ing the air with their shouts. One savage ran to all the others and hastily released them, and awakened the others, who in turn removed the lariats from the outlaw brothers. In the meantime Richard had not been idle. At the first outburst he sprung away in the di- rection indicated by Flaherty and cepialy. waded the creek. Instantly the outlaws and the savages were running hither and thither. The tallest of the ruffian brothers finding his weapons gone, darted toward Flaherty, with an oath upon his lips, but, ere he could seize him, the wily Irish- man sent out his hammer-like fist, full into the face of the advancing ruffian, and that indivi- dual almost shot through the air, backward among his comrades, a senseless mass. One Irish ‘Come on, yemurderin’ spalpeens! infae ig enough for the likes of ye! Come on the Tipperaries gives ye a fall! mnis sent out another crushing blow that felled the nearest Indian to the earth like a stricken ox. Then, with a wild “hurroo!” he leaped back- ward into the dense thicket and made his way rapidly to the spot where he had concealed the weapons, and hastily gathered them. He con- tinued in his flight toward the creek and when rifles and flung the remainder into the water. The howling pack had just reached the edge of the creek and several sprung into the water af- ter the escaping frishman. As the foremost splashed into the creek, a sree crack rung out from the rifle in the Irishman’s hand; a thin white per of smoke curled from its muzzle and a death-yell followed, as the savage form fell headlong into the water. For a moment the remaining pursuers seemed disconcerted. Flaherty did not pause to note the effect of his random shot, but dashed away toward the shore, which he reached by the time his pursuers had recovered from the momentar consternation. Again they dashed forward. Crack! crack! Several leaden messengers flew the Irishman’s head. He had overlooked a revolver in the ani ter Ot ae outlaw, and that person was making use of the onl firearm in the party. y A short run brought him to a glade and in the uncertain light of the early dawn Dennis saw Maxwell awaiting him. A wild Irish hurroo broke from Flaherty’s lips and leaping several yards at a time he was soon beside the horse and vaulted into the saddle. He turned around and kissed his hand to the advancing pursuers. “Take that, and divide it pmane. gr} Give my love to the spalpeens that I c over the jaw,” he cried, and then giving the steed free rein, away bounded the two horsemen as a cry of dismay arose from the two brothers and their Indian allies, as they saw their captive and his rescuer glide away in the dim light of the coming day, The sound of pursuit grew fainter as both men left the yelling crew in the distance. The country was like the entire region of the Black Hills, voleanic and rugged. Only here and there an open glade or roadway, streams of water and small lakes cutting up the places that nature had left free from towering bowlders and crags. After an hour’s ride, our friends finally struck a hard road and reined in their foaming steeds to observe the locality. Scarcely had they done so when from behind a huge bowlder caine the “click! click!” of a firearm and a voice shouted; ‘Hold your hands up, both of you, or we’ll riddle you!” Two men step) forth from their ore of concealment and leveled revolvers at Flaherty and Maxwell. This had been done so rapidly that our friends were completely taken by sur- prise, and at the mercy of the two road-agents that glared at them through the black cloth masks that covered their features. “Come, hand over valuables!” said the fore- most. ‘‘ And you, Injun, search your garments for something of value, or I'll send an ounce of lead into your red hide.” “Begorra! you'll find no red hide about me; I’m a Tipperary Injun, and all I have of value about me is a couple of goold sovereigns in me inside pocket,” said Dennis, “Hello!” exclaimed the road-agent; ‘‘an ee painted up as an Injun! Well, ‘at— “My name’s not Pat! I’m Dennis Flaherty, and I’m not ashamed of the name. The Flahert family are the ould royal descendants of O’Neil the great—” ‘Never mind your ancestors.” “‘No—nor my aunt’s brothers, either,” retort- ed Flaherty. “Come! hand out the “goold” sovereigns that you have concealed about you,” impatient- ly exclaimed the road-agent. Flaherty placed his hand within his breast, as if to search for the gold pieces beneath his garments, and, quick as a flash, he drew forth— not the coveted sparse but a polished revolver that cracked spitef i , and sent a_ bullet through the head of the nearest highwayman, who dropped to the earth, and his comrade in crime leaped behind he provera bowlder, and from this nies of ety he at the Irishman. The bullet severed the feathers upon the savage head-dress that Flaherty still wore. Without waiting to see the effect of his shot, the road-agent disappeared among the rocks. “Come back and get the goold!” shouted Flaherty. ‘ pore, he’s ina hurry to get away. The one that’s ang in the road there won’t get up in a jiffy. Sure he has a headache that he won’t get over to-day. I feel so good over the victory that I could get as full as a b’iled owl.” “Don’t crow till we’re out of the woods,” re- plied Richard, and as if to verify that old say- ing, he held up his hand warningly as a shrill whistle pierced the early morning air and re- echoed from crag to crag. The signal was re- ated, and Flaherty gave vent to a long, but ow whistle himself. “That manes trouble. There’s more of ’em close at hand, and the best thing we kin do is what Paddy Riley did.” ‘What's that? “Run, and make the enemy run after ye.” “One thing is certain,” said Richard; “ we can’t intimidate these reinforcements, for they are doubtless well armed, and can shoot us down from behind the bowlders without exposin: themselves. My plan is for usto separate | we be pursued, and make for the wagon-trail. Once we reach it we may fall in with the trains and baffle the outlaws. hile we remain in the hills we maybe sure that Wide-Awake’s cut- throats will up on all sides, and eventually capture us.” ‘Very well,” said Dennis. ‘You strike out one way and I the other, and we'll lead them astray like a couple of Jack-o’-lanterns.” The whip-like crack of a revolver sounded un- pleasantly near, and forms appeared upon the rugged sides of the nearest crag. tantly our friends gave rein to the horses, and a race for life began. The horses, accus- tomed to the wild country, easily leaped the chasms that arose before them and flew over the bowlders like wild ts. But the ruffians in pursuit were being slowly distanced as they scattered about and took short cuts to intercept the two horsemen. A quarter of a mile further brought them to a belt of stunted cottonwood trees, and upon the shore of a small lake. “ Now’s the time to separate!” shouted Rich- ard. ‘Let us ny to meet on the trail crossing French creek. Good-by.” “Saints preserve you!” shouted geo vane -by a see a ba gh at French e . owl meet Dinny ere, or you'll see his ghost.” ‘ eens ey separated, Richard dashing away along the lakeside to the south and disappearing among the grove of trees, and Flaherty riding to the north-west, whipping the horse with the flat blade of his knife. So unexpected had been the movement, that a faint yell from the pur- suers told the fugitives that toads maneuver had excited great displeasure. The greater part of the bandits followed in the direction taken by the Irishman. The rest followed like fiends after Richard, Mile after mile flew beneath the hoofs of his horse, and once he reined the panting beast to listen. Not a sound reached his ears. He was alone in the wilderness of cottonwoods that, like an oasis in the desert, grew in the wildest part of these re- gions. He again started forward, and, after an hour’s riding, came upon the banks of a wide but shal- low stream, ree that, a small sandy plain met his gaze. Unconsciously he ur, the 17 forward, and the animal sunk almost to the knees in the soft yielding soil composing the bed of the stream; but the beast struggled onward until he reached the very center of the stream, and there he halted from sheer exhaustion un- able to move a limb and snorting with fear. For the first time Richard glanced about to discover the cause of the animal’s alarm, and his eyes fairly started from their sockets as he made the terrible discovery that the horse was sinking into the bed of the stream. Already the waters had reached the body of the horse, and his limbs were firmly imprisoned in the soft soil. A cry of horror escaped the lips of his rider. Both horse and rider were in the midst of a treacherous quicksand and rapidly sink- ing! Tire poor beast made vain attempts to extri- cate the limbs held firm by the sand, but each effort sunk them deeper and deeper. The water now reached to the neck of the steed, and the feet of the rider were fast becoming imbedded in the gathering sand. Richard made a sudden effort, and, dislodging his feet from the soil, climbed upon the saddle. The snorting of the horse continued, as the poor animal, with dis- tended _ eyes, felt instinctively that his doom was sealed. To cry for aid would bring his merciless pur- suers again upon him, and to remain in the mid- dle of the stream was certain death. Naught appeared above the water and sand but the neck and head of the doomed animal. If Richard remained much longer he must also peniah. Instantly he had resolved upon action. t was to leap toward the shore and then make a supreme effort to reach it. He sprung out as far as sible, and landed in the soft, yielding bed of the creek only to sink up to his i and to his horror felt it an utter impossibility to move or extricate his limbs. Gradually he sunk deeper. A neigh of agony caused him to look back toward the horse, and he saw the wa- ters closing above its head as it disappeared from view into the depths of the quicksands. “Such must be my fate,” thought Richard, and he offered up a prayer to that Being who watches and notes even the fall of a sparrow. The waters were almost under his arm-pits, and, as if to mock his misery, several huge uz- zards flapped their way across the creek and then hovered above him. 1 “Send me help! Heaven aid me! Do not desert me in my hour of need. God help me! Must I perish?” Hark! what was that? The bark of a dog! A huge black dog was replay eAEN Es ke Dixie,” murmured Richard. ‘“ Heaven be prais- ed! I will not die alone.” CHAPTER XIX. ‘RICHARD FINDS A NEW FRIEND.” Wir joyful barks the dog bounded down to the edge of the creek, and there paused. The brute seemed to scent danger, for he uttered a mournful howl] as he saw his master in the cen- ter of the stream, with the waters gradually closing about him. He ran to and fro upon the shore and once he dashed into the water, but as he felt himself sinking into the sand, he rapidly retreated to the shore. Suddenly he paused and dashed into the woods that loomed up a dozen yards from the banks of the stream. Rapidly the waters and sand were Cay about the youth, and while speaking words encouragement to the dumb brute he could see that Dixie was tugging and making frantic en- deavors to drag an object toward the stream. Nobly did the sagacious dog stick to the task, and with tears in his eyes Richard saw the brute’s purpose. ; 5 The dog was making frantic endeavors to drag a long stout tree—a young tree that had been blown down and now lay prostrate ane its fellows. The roots resisted for awhile, bu’ Dixie’s great strength finally drew forth the few stout fibers that remained in the soil, and he be- an dragging the tree by its short branches down into he arya sab a Rudhiard, and urry, Dixie, hurry! oute: ic an as if the dog could Cpanel the words of de- spair uttered by his master, he made another esperate effort and drew the tree into the wa- ter. Of course the brute sunk into the sand, but, seizing the branches of the tree, he drew
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“we'll hear the young man’s meal.” FF: “2 Beadle’s Dime Library. himself forth from the waters and again plunged onward. The tree now floated, and ca effort brought it nearer to Richard until, in his despair, the youth reached out his arms and grasped the nearest branches! Dixie had ensconced himself in the stout branches, and evinced his joy by licking the hands that clung to the tree with the despair of adoomed man. Now that he grasped the tree, Richard felt that there was still a chance of es- cape. ‘The floating mass would bear his weight, and if he could but release one limb, he could free the other also. Not a moment was to be lost. His arms were yet free to work, but he would soon be deprived of them if he delayed any longer. Seizing the tree nearer its base he made a supreme effort to draw his right foot from the quicksand. The tree remained motionless and the sand yielded— slowly at first, and Richard uttered a ery of joy as another effort displaced the sand and allowed him to almost withdraw the imprisoned limb. He found that by moving about he could dis- lodge the particles that surrounded him, and when that had been accomplished, he could draw himself out of the yielding sand. He made one mighty effort, and grasping the tree still firmer, drew himself entirely out, and clinging to the floating tree pushed it toward the shore quickly, and as fast as one foot sunk into the bed of the stream he withdrew it by as the floating mass before him and cling- to it. in) ixie seemed to understand that his master was almost out of danger, for the noble brute fairly leaped along the trunk of the floating tree, manifesting his joy by barking and licking the hands of his grateful master. In a very short time the mass grated upon the opposite shore, and the dog sprung out upon the solid embankment forming that portion of the water's edge. Richard crept among the branches and then along the trunk until he sprung et the shore, and again trod the solid earth. en, did Dixie spring upon him, and by various antics show his joy, while Richard grasped the animal in his arms and lavished caresses upon his dumb preserver. The danger was not yet past, for at any time his pursuers might again find his trail. Casting a look upon the treacherous stream that had al- most ingulfed him, Richard darted into the woods and Dixie followed quickly after him. By aid of a pocket-compass he was enabled, by making a wide detowr, to again journey in the direction of French cree e@ Saw or heard no more of his pursuers that day, and the sun was just disappearing beyond the range of hills when he emerged per a plain shut in by several ranges of rugged hills. To his great joy he discovered a wagon-train in the distance, and he made his way toward it as rapidly as the ground would admit. The convoy was just preparing to encamp for the night, as several fires twinkled upon the earth long before Richard, had traversed half- way. Darkness had fallen upon the wild land- scape as he drew near, and the groups about the fire started to their feet to gaze at the youth and his dumb companion as they came into the camp. “Hello! who are you?” said a gruff voice. “You ain’t one o' Wide-Awake’s pets, are you? Strange district for you to be out promenading in!” The speaker came forward to greet the young man. He was a fine type of the Western scout, Indian fighter and trapper. He was clad in the true Western habiliments of buck-skin, and as he stood leaning upon his rifle and gazing, in- quiringly, or rather half doubtfully, at the youth, he presented a striking picture. This person was in charge of the wagon-train to po and protect the caravan. is com- rades sat about the fire and as Wide-Awake’s name was mentioned they arose and joined the old scout. It was evident that these hardy scouts had es encountered the “pirates of the hills. “Excuse me, gentlemen, for intruding,” said Richard, ‘‘ but after a series of adventures, such as seldom happens to man, I have escaped from the outlaw band that you speak of, and I assure ou that itis the most powerful and rate league of modern times, and their leader is the most crafty and subtle villain that ever direct- ed the operations of a lawless banditti.” “Tt’s funny the ‘lynch’ boys: can’t lay their claws upon him,” said the old scout. ‘The ras- cal seems to bear a charmed life. I’ve shot at him several times myself and I think it’s very strange that the vigilantes don’t do something. *Pears to me they’re very slack—very slack!” “T can explain that, gentlemen,” said Richard, and before he could roceed, a tall, black- whiskered person joined the group, in time to overhear the last remark. “Young man, I understand that you have just escaped from the outlaws that infest these hills. If you have no objections, I would like to hear our story. But first, let us have supper. Come, Yoke, » said the person, addressing the old guide, ry after our | “ All right, captain,” replied the old frontiers- man, and the entire group gathered about the fire, where a haunch of venison was sputtering over the flames. Richard sat next to the black-whiskered per- son, and while the scouts were busy attending to the venison, the stranger began interrogating the youth, and finally said to him: “So, Phe say that your name is Richard Max- well. ine is Ben Stevens. I am Deputy United States Marsha! for this Territory, and also in the aenly of Allen Pinkerton’s Detec- tive Bureau, of Chicago. Mine is a sad story and can be told in a few words: Several years ago myself and younger brother resided in Chi- cago, and there we formed the acquaintance of a villaip, John Adderson by name. He led my younger brother on, step by step, to the gam- bling table, and robbed him at every chance. One night my poor brother discovered the scoun- drel cheating at cards and accused him of it. The baa villain plunged a knife into my unfortunate brother’s heart, killing him instant- ly, and then fled. I have searched far and near for him. Sometimes I have been quite close to him, and again at times entirely off the scent, but a still, small voice bids me hope, and wait and that my brother’s murderer and I will ye meet face toface. I have tracked him to these hills, and I believe that at last Iam upon the iH trail.” hen Stevens concluded his story, Richard gave him a minute description of the outlaw chief, Wide-Awake, and a full account of his capture and escape from the road-agents’ lair. Stevens’s face expressed surprise when Max- well informed him of the double character Wide-Awake was assuming, and the detective brought his hand down firmly upon his nar- rator’s shoulder, as he exclaimed: “Tt is rag tome now! That’s the very rea- son why this notorious outlaw has baffled every effort of the vigilantes. The rascal being the head and front of both organizations, managed both | to suit his own purposes. But his race is run. The old scout had joined the two men during the foregoing conversation, and gave vent to a low whistle of surprise at the discovery. “Well! I swear to gum!” said he; “‘it’s funny that never came into my thick skull. But, Ste- vens, let me suggest something. It won’t do to alarm the villain! He might get away if he found that his secret was known.” “That’s just what I was about to remark. We must move cautiously. I mean to bag the whole lot if Ican. I am not only doing this for the cause of justice and order, but I havea deeper motive. A murdered brother’s blood cries aloud for vengeance, and the oath I took over the inanimate clay must be fulfilled!” ‘As for myself,” said Richard, “I dare not return to Custer City while that scoundrel rules under his assumed name of dade Brooks, for his safety demands my life, and he has aroused the ‘‘committee” against me, and they would finish the work they began if I give them another opportunity.’ “T mean to arrange that. You need have no fear; you can trust me, and you can trust old Zeke Bradford and his men also, They owe Wide-Awake and his gang a debt that will soon be canceled. I propose to do this: I want you to return to Custer City with me in disguise. We will watch our chances, and when all is ready, spring the trap and catch our man. I will have assistance and proof to arouse the miners against this wily rascal and show them how they have been duped and blinded by this daring desperado. You will stain your features and exchange your garments for a Mexican costume, and carry out the idea that you are one of the Mexican teamsters. In that disguise you will be safe, and when the proper time ar- rives you canagain appear as Richard Max- well! What do you say?” Richard longed to return to the town so he could ascertain the whereabouts of the lovely girl he loved so devotedly. Each moment her autiful face haunted him, and upon those sweet features he saw the shadow of grief, and the large blue eyes seemed forever appealing to him to save her from the fiend that persecuted her. The young man was in a world of agony as he thought of Nellie Gordon being helpless in the wer of the man who had sworn to possess ha .. No wonder he eagerly the idea suggested by the detective. It was his only chance—his only hope. Disguised as the detec- tive proposed he should be, he could with safety enter the town and thus prosecute his search for Nellie, and at the same time be instrumental in aiding Stevens to bring the scoundrel Wide- Awake to justice. és Zeke Bradford produced a full suit of Mexi- can clothing and Richard was soon attired, and his features stained to a swarthy hue. A heavy beard dextrously concealed his identity beyond the detective’s most sanguine expectations. Richard was soon installed among the team- sters, and, aided by his slight knowledge of the Spanish language, the young man excited no suspicions, even among the number of Ts that formed part of the teamsters and followers of the wagon-train. Long before the sun had fairly risen the con- voy was in motion, en route for Custer City. Richard was again to enter the town from whence he had fled from the howling mob that eried for his blood—again to enter upon the scenes that had been fraught with so much misery, and that had almost blasted two young lives. He was not returning as Richard Max- well, for that name and person must be, for the present, dead to the world! CHAPTER XX. THE IDIOT’S UNDERGROUND RETREAT. Tue piercing shriek uttered by Nellie Gordon as she saw the gleaming blade raised above her, and the features of the savage distorted by an- ger, reached other ears besides Glory’s. Before the knife could descend upon its intended vic- tim, the Idiot sprung from the couch of robes and leaped upon the Indian. The next moment the knife was seized from his hand, and the wea- pon hurled upon the hard, flinty floor of the cavern. _The savage turned with an angry exclama- tion, but, as his eyes rested upon the. Idiot’s face, he became passive as a child, and his eyes sought the floor as if to avoid the angry blances of the madman. “What do bles mean by attempting to kill those whom I seck to save from the human wolf? Are you, too, about to be a tiger, and destroy what I have sought to preserve?” The Idiot’s voice was one of reproach more than of anger, and the savage whom he address- ed came slowly forward to him. “Red Snake thought his friend had been de- ceived! Injun thought Crazy-head was about to die, and that the pale-faced girl and the black-face were the cause; and Red Snake was about to avenge his friend!” “Harm not the dove that has flown to me for rotection,” said the Idiot, as he waved his 1and to the Indian; and then turning to Nellie he gently took her hand, and, in a low, tremu- lous voice, continued: “Do not be angry with Red Snake: he is so attached to me that I fear he would dye his hands in the blood of any one that he fancied did me harm. I saved him from the horrors of starvation when he lay wounded in the caion— saved him from the wild beasts that prowled about him to complete the work that his en- emies had failed to accomplish. Red Snake is noble. His friends are my friends, and my friends are his, also!” As the Idiot concluded, the look of momenta- ry intelligence that had rested upon his face suddenly departed, and the vacant stare of the maniac resumed its place upon those emaciated features. The air about him seemed peopled with phantoms, His eyes followed imaginary forms as they glided through vacancy, and with outstretched arms, he slowly fo owed them. Reaching his couch of furs he laid upon them, and was soon apparently at rest. Red Snake brought an armful of buffalo-robes, and arranged them near the fire for Nellie to rest herself upon them. The actions of the savage were now entirely changed: he seemed intent only upon showing every attention to the fair girl whom, a short time before, he was about to slay, believing her to be the cause of his bene- factor’s anger and wild reyes, Nellie sat down upon the robes and gazed ab- stractedly into the fire, and the wild, exciting scenes of the past week arose before her. She saw the bleeding form of her father lying upon the floor of the rough hotel where the murder had taken place; she heard the shouts of the mob as they clamored for the blood of Richard Maxwell; she saw him led away by the howling mass, urged on in their work by the villain, Wide-Awake; she heard Richard’s voice utter- ing alast farewell as he stcod keneath the tree with the fatal noose about hisneck. Nellie rais- ed her hands to her eyes to shut out the dread scene, and sobbing as if her heart would break, she. reclined upon the couch and shuddered as she heard the roar of the elements raging with- out. She soon slept, and while the tear-drops glis- tened upon her cheeks, the rays of the fire caused them to sparkle like diamonds—diamonds of the purest water, bright with affection’s glow, and glistening upon the beautiful face of the sleeper, who for a short time was oblivious to her sor- rows. Red Snake watched the reclining form upon the couch, and could scarcely take his eyes away from the beautiful vision. Glory retired to a remote part of the cavern and removed the disguise he had assumed, and which up to the present time he had worn. The negro sought a place near the fire, where he could observe the Indian, and_laid himself upon the rocky floor. Several hours passed, and yet the storm ra furiously without. Glory nodded, and after several attempts to keep awake, finally suc- cumbed to the god of sleep, and was soon in the land of dreams. Red Snake was soon safely locked in the arms of Morpheus also, and silence reigned within the cavern. The Idiot arose and gazed upon the slumber- ing forms, and finally glided to the fire and took from it a firebrand. strode to the darkest corner of the cavern, and pressing against a
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jagged rock, if swung around, seemingly upon a pivot, and disclosed a narrow opening through which the Idiot passed, and entered a small rocky chamber, en he glanced upward and started back with a low cry of surprise as he be- held an ane in the vault-like roof of the cavern. tily he sprung upon the huge rocks forming a natural stairway to the roof, and seizing the mass of wood that hung downward, swung it back into its thus closing and concea. ing it. This trap-like contrivance was built of timbers and moved easily into its place as the Idiot swung it back- ward. “Who has left that open?” said he, descending the rocky stairway. ‘ Ah! yes! yes! I forgot about him,” he murmured, as he came forward toward a form reclining upon a bed of leaves and peltries, He rai over the slumbering man at his feet. the trap in his wild delirium, but he has return- ed to the cavern, His garments are damp. The fever has fled. He is saved!” The light of the brand cast its rays upon the white hair of the sleeper. The hair was matted and damp, and the face was turned away from the weird figure that hovered near, and stood silently regarding the sleeper. Suddenly, the strange creature knelt down, and gently placing his hand upon the slumber- ing man, awoke him. The person turned his face, and the light fell upon the pale features of Warren Gordon ! For an instant Gordon stared at the wild Pe ure at his side, and while surprise was plainly by ira upon his wan countenance, he feebly asked: ““ Who are you?” ‘T am the genius of the underground world. The monarch of the caverns and secret of the Black Hills. Having once been snatched from the very jaws of death I devote my life to cheating the fell destroyer of his victims. “Wherever the grim monster ib his icy finger I always seek to snatch the victim from his mer- ciless. grasp. Many, ay, many have I stolen from! Fim. Oft, when’ fiends the shape of man have acted as the agents of the monster Death, I have baffled them—I have robbed them of their prey, just as the good Samaritan robbed me from the clutches of the dark angel. Ha! ha! ha!” As the Idiot concluded, his wild peal of laugh- ver echoed through the cavern, causing on to shudder and shrink further away from the demented creature. The Idiot c his laugh- ter and for an instant seemed to be lost in reve- rie, then fixing his eyes upon Gordon, said: “You are saved! When you lay apparently dead upon the floor, and deserted by every one. I stole into the room through the window and snatched you from the angel of death that sought to claim you. I bore you nere—here— here!” and the Idiot almost shrieked the word. ‘*T defy him, he cannot enter here!” ‘Tell me, strange person, why do you inhabit these caverns? not dwell among your fel- low men?” said Gordon. The Idiot started back and almost hissed the ly : ™h Weceiaals Ihate them! It is but a battle of life. The strong destroys the weak. Brother brother, When kindred will raise their hand to destroy kindred, then it is time to flee from the world and find one where such thin cannot be. Once, like yourself, I did inhabit the world. But it was } ere this flowing beard had wn; long ere this snow-white hair fell about my shoulders! long ere I wore these gar- ments once the covering of wild beasts. Money! money! the curse of mankind, drove me from the world! Man, look not upon money as the only thing needed for happiness. I tell you it is cursed! cursed! and the arch fiend tempts man to barter his soul for it—to dye his hands in the blood of his fellow man to it. I tell you, man! my brother slew me for the wealth I ssed—mercilessly slew me. You do not be- old in me a man; I am but a spirit, a phantom ioned to rove about and grasp the vic- tim of death and save him—savé him—as I was saved myself!” The lunatic fell w his knees, and for the next few minutes a deadly silence reigned. Gor- don shuddered and his heart smote him. The words of the Idiot recalled his own crime. “ Brother destroying brother ” was a shaft that pep | in the very heart that now reproach- He would have given worlds, had he possessed them, to obliterate that crime, and even now the sobbing of the weird creature caused the tears of repentance to fall upon his pale fea- tures. Gordon’s wound still pained him, and the loss of blood had rendered him feeble, and it was with an effort of pain that he crept toward the Idiot, and gently his hand upon the kneel- in : & Don’t weep,” he said, and his voice trembled with emotion. The Idiot glanced into his face and uttered a gasp, and seemed to shrink from Gordon’s touch, Pell me, strange being, what was your name when you dwelt among your fellow-men in the lace over the opening, | raised the firebrand, and bent | “He has | been out in the storm! "Twas he who opened | 17 Wide-Awake, the Robber King. world that you now shun?” said Gordon, as he leaned forward to tatch the Idiot’s reply. ““My name was—” but before he could finish the sentence a thrilling sc’ was borne to their ears from the inner cavern. Faint though the scream seemed, the Idiot heard it and leaped to his feet with a startled look. He flung aside the firebrand. “The wolves! the wolves!” he cried. ‘The lamb is in danger, but the shepherd is near.” Then he darted away in the dark, and before Gordon had realized his absence, he had disap- 1 through the rocky wall, and a dull thud ld that the secret passage was closed. It was in vain that Gordon sought to open the trap in the roof or to discover the secret open- ing through which the Idiot had made his exit. Faint and exhausted he fell upon his bed of leaves and heard the confused sounds of many voices and an explosion of firearms; then all was a blank. When the Idiot sprung through the secret another scream reached his ears as he ea into the cavern, and he uttered a wild cry that echoed again and again. Grouped in the furthest corner of the cavern were Red Snake and Glory. Close to them was Nellie Gordon. In the narrow p leading down into the cavern, were the evil faces of armed men, and foremost among them was the outlaw captain rapidly advancing. ‘This way! this way!” he hoarsely shouted, and seizing Nellie he bore her away as if she had been a mere child. Away he dashed into the dark aisles of the cavern, the Indian and ne- gro close behind him. A yell of rage broke from he desperadoes and the entire group started in ied pursuit. Two rifles cracked in quick succes- sion. “Stop! fools!” cried the bandit. ‘“ You'll kill the | girl. Take them alive; they can’t escape us. The Idiot suddenly paused. Before him yawn- ed a black abyss and a deep gloom beyond it. It was but for an instant that he halted; the next moment he was crossing the frightful chasm neon a long log thrown across the awful gulf. The moment he reached the opposite side of the chasm, Glory and the Indian over also, and Red Snake seized the end of the log and hurled it over into the fathomless crevice. Not a moment too soon, for two of the foremost pursuers were already upon it and a horrible ery of despair arose from the poor wretches as they fell headlong into the abyss, clutching at the murky darkness in their desperation. The remainder of the outlaws paused upon the very edge of the pit and the next moment a vol- ley, of fire-arms through the rocky arches fi A hr and the bandits paused to see its e! ; CHAPTER XXI. THE OUTLAW FINDS THE IDIOT’S CAVE. Tr will be remembered that the road-agent dashed away from the vicinity of the cavern after witnessing the phantom, as he supposed, of Warren Gordon. Wide-Awake continued his hurried flight, breathless and terror-stricken; and he had gone Hatin ee a half-mile whtn two forms issued m the dense undergrowth lining the side of a cafion. The two forms leaped out into a spot where the faint eo resy fin struggled to dispel the gloom, and in this dim li ide- Awake saw the gleam of polished , and started back as a voice broke the quiet night air with its summons: ‘“* Halt!” cried the foremost figure. Wide-Awake instinctively carried his hand to his belt, but no weapon ted his touch, and he stood calmly ewaitiie thie sequel td the | command uttered by the figures. “Down with your pistol, pend !” was the next exclamation that greeted ears, ‘‘It’s do; eat dog! Don’t you you see it’s the ca i We're a aed of near-sighted idiots, It’s all right, captain; we were out on a private ex- cursion, and thought we’d got fresh game. Beg pardon for the sudden scare, captain.” And as the voice concluded, both men stepped forward “4 disclose their features to the astonished out- aw. Wide-Awake uttered an exclamation of min- gied oy and surprise as he saw the features of e ipley brothers, Zeb and Hank—two of the most ekces and reckless members of the league. ese were the same worthies that Fla- herty had baffled when Maxwell was a captive in the Indian pe The outlaw cap grasped the hands of his two followers, and once more his courage re- turned, and he felt bold enough to face an army of ghosts or goblins. “Hank,” said he. “Do you believe in josts?” “Ghosts!” replied the eldest brother, con- temptuously. ‘Td like to see the ghost that could scare me. I’ve heard of such , but never run across one.” “Tf you had proof, that is to say, if you be- held one with your own eyes, you'd eve in such things, wouldn’t you?” said the road-agent. “Well, I don’t believe all that I see. I might see strange things, Cap! but we always inves- tigate, don’t we, Zeb?’ And Hank turned to Zeb gave w slight 1 a 1 eb gave a slight laugh and merely said: ‘Well, I should eno of “Now, let me tell you, boys,” said Wide- Awake, “TI saw Warren Gordon’s ghost just as plain as I see you both now, and I wasn’t dreaming, or the victim of imagination, either.” “Well, cone, 700 might have seen something that looked like him, but it will bear investiga- tion, won’t it, Zeb?” said Hank Ripley. “T should remark!” replied that worthy. “You remember, we all saw Warren Gor- don’s body lifeless at our feet, don’t you?” said the outlaw captain. “Yes, but don’t you remember, Cap, that the body turned up missing?’ You say that you were not dreaming, and you say that it wasn’t imagination. My opinion is, that you didn’t see any ghost, but you saw the live body of this ’ere Gordon. I always did think there was a screw loose somewhere, didn’t you, Zeb?” “T should remark!” came from the lips of Zeb Ripley, and that answer seemed to clinch mcs op’ ain at all aie ¥ a y on is, Cap, that we investigate t matter, ORs let me tell you of a little adven- ture we've had since I last saw you,” and Hank Ripley, helping himself to a large mouthful of co, proceeded: ‘‘ We came upon the track of that young feller that had given us the slip at the hanging festival. The reds had him in ote an knew that you’d pay most any sum to get your hands upon him, so we set to work to get him from the reds. In some man- ner we were both drugged by the copper-colored rascals, and when we came to, there was trouble in the camp. Somebody dressed exactly like an Injun was helping the prisoner to esca) Zeb and I rushed for him at once; when he let fly a fist that beats all creation for toughn and one of us caught it full in the face, one—of—us—dro} ; didn’t we, Zeb?’ “Well! I should remark!” said the you brother, but this time his voice fairly teed his favorite expression, probably as a recollection of Flaherty’s ponderous fist, awakened his anger, “Do you mean to tell me that some one crept <a you and freed the prisoner?” said Wide- wake. “That's just what I mean to say, and, worst of all, the daring chap took all the guns and weapons and slung them into the creek. I pep- pered away at him with my shooting iron, but ‘twas no use; they both got away just as slick as you please. We got onto their trail, but they got away in spite of that. We happened to be hing on our own hook, down near the ee ps Ba ag we leaking ioe gd as the ich, and we were ‘or it w ou came dashing along, and we came near sop. ping Ezon t we, Zeb?’ said the elder rother. “T should remark,” murmured Zeb. Wide-Awake a torrent of abuse and maledictions upon the heads of the sav: tor allowing Maxwell to elude them, and rage knew no bounds. “You say that some one disguised as an In- dian stole among you and helped Maxwell to escape?” said he. ‘Yes, and it won’t be healthy for him if Zeb ZA — lays eyes upon him,” replied the elder ey. ay — exactly who it was,” said Wide- Awake. ‘It was that confounded Irishman, Vighecy. and the first chance that presents it-» self see a rapid settlement between us. Now let me tell you, Hank, I see for anyent ghosts, live there’s a secret connected with that gulch, The Idiot has discovered secret ae and uses them to advantage. I sh not be sur. prised if Warren Gordon was to be found lurk: ing in these underground tunnels—cared for b that mysterious being we call the Idiot. Strange what fear takes possession of me when T encounter that wild creature! But, I 2 Tarren to mee, yo the locality and unearth Gordon if he has found an asylum in those caverns,” “Correct! eet The.only way is to inves- tigate! Eh! Zeb?” ‘I should remark!” quietly replied Zeb. “Then we shall return to ’s hut, get a number of the boys together and prepare for the trip. We will leave no stone unturned to discover an entrance into these mysterious es sages. Once we find an entrance we will the persons we are after. The Idiot has spirited away the girl and she must not escape nie. Come! make all haste for Rodman’s ranch and we will return instantly.” As Wide-Awake concluded, that worthy start- ed off closely followed by the ie Brothers. A tramp of several miles brought the trio to a high range of hills from which elevation the ra- | vines could be seen. As they reached this elevation, the three men started with an exclamation of surprise —- their lips. A red glare met their aston- ished gaze, and flames were plainly seen issu- ing from the gloomy depths of the ravine be- ow.
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18 » Beadle’s; Dime Library. “Rodman’s ranch’s on fire!” exclaimed the three outlaws almost in one breath. And in- stantly the trio dashed away in the direction of the burning huts. Shouts were borne to their ears at intervals, growing louder as the outlaws drew nearer to the scene of the conflagration. In a short time they reached the midst of an ex- cited Zroup, gathered about the blazing logs of the outlaw’s ‘* roost.” “What's the matter?’ yelled the captain, as he dashed among his followers. : “Matter enough! The but’s gone! That cursed Chinee has done the work,” said Rod- man. ‘ You flung him down through the trap and the yellow imp played ‘possum. until we'd all gone to sleep, rool the first thing we knew the flame and smoke was in every corner of the shanty.” “ And the Chinaman—where’s he?” excitedly asked Wide-Awake, “Gone! He’s lit out!” Then indeed did the bandit leader allow his rage to find full vent upon everybody. sured, and he laid his misfortunes upon his fol- lowers. : But one hope was now left to‘them. That was to immediately set out for the Idiot’s quarters in the gulch and endeavor toagain secure Nellie Gordon and dispose of her friends to avoid fur- ther mischief on their part. “Spare none—not one,” said he; “strike at the root, this time. By destroying her friends, we leave her no hope of escape or interference. Each one of them that falls into our hands, dispatch him at once. No prisoners—recol- lect! The burning embers of the hut formed a strange background for the wild picture pre- sen by the group of desperadoes, A few words of explanation served to ac- quaint the bandits with the and the motley crew started for gulch. As the party neared the vicinity Wide- Awake’s anger cooled down. His great expect- ations in a measure tended to calm his passion. The early streaks of daylight were struggling in the eastern sky as the party neared the Idiot’s lurking-place, and the party separated in groups of two or three to search each bowlder or crevice for the passage into the tunnels. Wide-Awake sought the t where he had wit- nessed the appearance of the Idiot, and then ‘ain searched where the girl had eluded him. The huge bloodhound lay cold and stark upon the rocks, and a shudder swept through the urpose in view, ban it’s frame as he saw the awful plunge that | the Mexican took as he toppled from the pinna- cle of the rocky pyramid close by. He could not nerve himself to look into the abyss, and he turned from the spot. He had taken but one step toward the cliff when he cried aloud with joy. He had diseov- ered a small footprint upon the soft soil that had accumulated. upon the rocky surface. In- stantly a shrill whistle warned his followers of this, and they flocked about him ‘OSh!” said he, ‘we're on the. trail. See, heré’s a big rock, and I firmly believe that it swings on a pivot, like our own secret rock does. Now, to find the knob.” Wide-Awake searched every part of the rock, and as he bent down close to the earth he sud- denly exclaimed: “ce ureka 99 And his cronies bent down also to see the dis- covery. There it was, a round iron knob imbedded in a crevice. Wide-Awake pressed hard upon it; the rock swung around and disclosed the opening sought for. “‘ Now be ready!” whispered the outlaw lead- er. ‘Don’t be taken off of your guard for an instant. Follow me, lads, and remember, spare the'girl, but death to all others.” Por next moment — Coe Pen had ae narrow , and his companions follow- ed close Goan ag Each hand grasped a deadly-looking revolver ready for action, and each pair of eyes looked anxiously forward to penetrate the deep gloom of the tunnel. The terminated abruptly, and before the po stood revealed the cavern. Nellie Gordon reclined upon the couch of furs and the Indian and negro lay close to the smoldering fire. Light as was the step of the desperado upon the edge of the pares the Indian heard it and sprung to his feet, and uttered a yell of warning and rise. Wide-Awake leaped down into the cavern, and as Nellie opened her eyes she beheld the hated features of the man she dreaded. Instantly her scream of terror resounded through the vault-like arches of the cave, and ina few moments, a wild, fantastic form seemed to leap out from the black wall of the cavern and d her in his arms. It was the figure of the Idiot, and he sprung away with Nellie into the dim passage close by, from the spot he had but just issued from. The nar and the Indian followed closely after him. e have seen how they passed safely over the f, and how two of Wide-Awake’s reckless lowers plunged headlong into the awful cre- He was | baffled at Prony point where victory seemed as- | e mysterious | vice. Then followed the blinding flash of fire- arms and the deafening report. ide-Awake paused to see the effect of the volley as the smoke cleared away. CHAPTER XXIL A STRANGE REVELATION. THE leaden hail swept over the retreating group of fugitives, and as the smoke cleared away the outlaws saw the space on the opposite side of the chasm vacant. The group had disappeared, and a yell of rage broke simultaneously from their ye as they realized that their intended victims , for the time, escaped them. pi Quick! out into the open air and we may yet capture them! They can’t return this way. They are caged and in a trap, after all!” shouted Wide-Awake, and he dashed away, followed by his reckless associates, toward the passage by which they had found an entrance into the cave. Into this entrance they hastened, and in a few moments they had reached the open air, and with weapons ready, each stood on the qui vive for the appearance of the fugitives. Not long did the bandit captain stand thus awaiting the coming of his prey, for a form seemed to issue from the apex of the rocks, about forty yards from where the outlaw group stood. It was the figure of the Idiot, and as he came into full view he uttered a wild, demoni- acal laugh that sent a chill through the reckless group. As the wild figure stood upon the rocks, a flash followed by.a quick report broke the still morn- ing air, and a shriek“ escaped the lips of the seanee creature. Wide-Awake had fired at im. The Idiot extended both arms and fell back- ward from the rocks into the horrible abyss behind him, bis shriek still ringing in the ears of those who stood grouped about the outlaw leader. “ He's out of the way, at last!” cried Wide- Awake. ‘‘No man can live after such a plunge, and the Mexican is avenged.” Wide-Awake did not go to the verge of the cliff to note the fall of the demented creature. but turning to his followers, he gave the signi to follow, and sprung toward the spot where the Idiot had made his appearance, and to his great delight he discovered an opening amid the Jon rocks. e next moment, followed by his despera- does, he was forcing his way into a narrow passage, while the scream of a female told him that. Nellie had discovered his presence and was again fleeing from hi When the Idiot fell from the ledge of rocks he grasped at the stunted bushes that grew close to the side of the cliff, but they offered no support, and he swept down—down, until he struck a ledge almost at the bottom of the gulch: There he lay, bleeding and mangled, and his life ebbing swiftly from numerous gaping wounds, and the bullet-hole in his forehead bore evidence of the outlaw’s UnSrEN AEDs Hardly had the Idiot touched the rocky ledge when a bowlder was thrust aside, and the form of Warren Gordon issited from an aperture and knelt over the mangled, dying figure stretched out upon the i “The bullet has restored -my_ senses,” he gas me, hand. Warren Gordon took the hand of the r creature within his own, and hurriedly said: ‘You have but.a short time to live. Tell me i know your features. Give me your your history. Who are your” “Tam your brother !” gas’ the being we here poor as the Idiot. “J am Robert Gor- on _ ‘My brother! Am Iawake or am I dream- ing?” cried. Warren Gordon, as he bent over still nearer to the dying man to gaze into the fea- tures that even now were fast paling, as the angel of death had set his seal upon the bleed- ing brow of the doomed man. ‘Yes, your brother Robert, whom you thought dead. Your cruel hand dealt the blow that caused me to endure a living death, but I freely forgive you. In your hour of temptation the Evil One urged you to do a deed of murder, but your soul is at least free from that crime. en you cast me into the waters of the lake I revived and managed to escape, but with my brain clouded and a mind that was a blank to all things past. How I wandered out into these wild hills I cannot tell. I have lived here like a wild beast, dreaded by the In- dians and feared by evil white men. e scoun- drt1 who sent that bullet into my poor dement- ed brain has conferred ‘a blessing upon me un- wittingly, for he has restored my memory—re- red me in time to say I forgive you, brother —forgive you from my heart.- Avenge me. Your daughter is within the cavern. Seek her; save her! "Tis growing dark again. Good-by, and may—heaven—bless you—” A low rattle in the dying man’s throat pro- claimed that the end had come, and the Idiot was no more. Warren Gordon fell upon the prostrate figure “T remember all that was a blank to | and wept tears of repentance, and, over the mangled body of his brother, he vowed to avenge him. He drew the body into the narrow opening of the cavern, and closed the aperture. Meanwhile, an exciting scene was transpiring in the largest cavern. Nellie had seen the evi countenance of the road-agent as he appeared in the e, and, terror-stricken, she fled, with the outlaw in pursuit. He rapidly gained upon her, and, as she was in the very act of falling insensible to the rock floor, the strong arms of the outlaw encircled her waist and re- ceived the fainting form. Even as he did so, | the cold muzzle of a pistol was pressed close to his temple and Glory’s voice exclaimed: “Drop dat gal, or you’se a gone rascal! Quick!” Wide-Awake was thrown entirely off his guard, and, while still retaining Nellie, he would have turned to signal his comrades, but Glory anticipated the outlaw’s purpose. “None of dat!” said the negro, “If you raise your voice above a whisper, I'll send the bullet fro’ your head quicker dan you could say shoo. Drop dat gal!” i Before he could comply with the negro’s re- uest the dusky form of the tava ‘lided to the spot, and the Indian quickly thrust a into Wide-Awake’s mouth; and Glory took Nellie from him, still keeping the revolver close to the villain, to prevent his outery from bring- ing the outlaw crew to the spot. Quick as thought the savage passed a la- riat. about the scoundrel’s waist, and ere he could realize the situation he was bound and agged and laid prone upon the floor of the cay- ern, where the wall cast a deep shadow, and hid him from prying eyes. ; Glory could hear the tramp of the despera- does as they searched for the passage into which Wide-Awake had leaped in advance of his com- panions, “No time to lose. Quick! lead de way, In- jun,” cried the negro, and clasping the girl in > is arms, he hobbled after the retreating form of the Indian. The moment they left the chamber by the upper passage the outlaws poured into it from the opposite side, and by the aid of tinder soon struck a light and ignited a pine stick, By this light they could examine the chamber, and discover the numerous passages that led from it in almost every direction. A cry of surprise echoed from them as they observed the bound figure upon the cavern’s floor, and they eagerly rushed to the spot and cast the firebrand’s glare above the reclining form. All started back, and but one word fell from each man’s lips: “Captain ! A cozen pairs of busy hands unbound the berg and removed the gag from between his Instantly the desperado sprung to his feet, and his hoarse cry fell upon the ears of his listeners like the growl of a wounded beast. “Why do you stand here? Follow after them!” he cried. ‘ Do you want them to escape me? After them! after them!” pet hich wa i ods several.’ e enough, there were so many passa that even the enr: villain saw ae his fol. lowers were baffled without a clew to into a tee tunnel the fugitives had disap- “Thave a plan. Out into the open air, every one of you, and then block up eyery avenue of escape. ey will be like rats in a trap, and we can take them at our pleasure. Come! lose no time; the e is still in our hands.” Wide-Awake rushed upward into the passage leading to the. outer world, closely followed hismen. Once outside they lost no time in roll- ing huge bowlders before the narrow entrance, thus effectually sealing: it eS He then sought for the entrance upon the cliff, und this in a like manner was soon blocked Pe Ty masses of rock, and the villain paused to contemplate his work. A smile of triumph played upon his li as he saw how he ally imprisoned his vic- tims in their underground retreat, to surrender or starve. ar While thus reviewing this work with a smile of satisfaction, one of the Ripley brothers drew near and taking Wide-Awake’s hand led him several hun: feet from the verge of the cliff and there pointed out to the outlaw cap- tain a wide fissure in the rocks. This proved be still another entrance into the ges be- neath their feet; Wide-Awake listened a few moments at the opening, but a deathlike still- ness prevailed in the de} hs of the crevice. | For a few moments he stood undecided, then, finally turning to Hank Ripley, he said: “Hank! watch this entrance for a few mo- ments; I am going to explore it. Listen, in case I signal for assistance.” as ide-Awake loosened his weapons in his belt and holding one in his hand ready for instant use; he slowly and cautiously descended into the opening and gradually disappeared in the gloom. The outlaw on guard at the entrance stood eagerly awaiting a signal and peered down into the dark opening at hisfeet. Wide-Awake continued groping in the narrow t EE
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Sa akeaien in the vault-shaped roof came fairt s of ie pn that partial v dispelled the murky ye ad barely gone twenty feet into this chamber when he uttered a cry of terror and he felt his heart cease its throbbing. His eyes seemed to leap from their sockets and his limbs refused to bear his weight. His teeth chattered and his very blood froze in his veins as he beheld in the cen- ter of the floor where a faint ray of daylight | cast a subdued glow, the poomy; weird crea- | ture, The Idiot of the Hills : 3 Wide-Awaké had seen the mysterious being plunge downward from the cliff into the horrible gulch below, and knew that no human bein could live after such a fall. Yet he now behel the Idiot standing before him—one hand ex- tended out to him, the other pointing to the bleeding forehead, where the bullet-hole met Wide-Awake’s terrified gaze. The outlaw in gave vent to a ery of terror and ered from the haunted chamber, back into the tunnel-like passage from whence he had just entered. Blindly tottering and reeling forward’ he finally reached the end of the crevice and Ripley bent forward and assisted the pale, ter- ror-stricken man out of the \ “ What’s the matter?” exclaimed Ripley. ‘*T’ve seen the Idiot’s ghost!” he faintly said. “This cursed spot is haunted!” CHAPTER XXL FACE TO FACE. SEVERAL days. had elapsed since the events narrated in the last chapter, and for the first time in years Wide-Awake had absented him- self from Custer City for almost a week. And in that space of time events had transpired and a web had been woven that threatened to im- prison the bold outlaw within its meshes. As usual, he frequented all the haunts imme- diately upon his arrival in town, and gave various excuses for his prolon, absence in order to disarm inquisitive parties. If his ab- sence had occasioned any remarks, he certainly saw no difference in the greetings that ‘he received when his burly figure strode into the numerous cee saloons and gambling dens. Each player would glance at him as he entered and exclaim, heartily: ‘‘ How are you, judge?” Groups stood at the rough counter, imbibing the liquors, while the pn Taking of the occupants were seated about the tables, staking money and gold-dust upon the cards that won or lost at intervals. At one table sat a group familiar to our read- ers. It was old Zeke Bradford and several of his scouts. They appeared to be indulging in At another table sat the detective the game. and a dark-complexioned man w a som- brero and attired as a Mexican. It was Richard Maxwell. Into this den Wide-Awake ae turned and appeared among the rough assemblage. As the “judge” and vigilance leader he was greeted ere and there among the play- e, and a secret e fraternity” upon all sides, ers he saw members of the 1 glance exchanged between told more than volumes. ; After words of recognition all around, Wide- Awake—for we must still call him by that title at all times—sat at a table and was soon joined by Rodman, who entered shortly afterward. The players were busily watching the game, so that the two confederates could converse with- out attracting attention. A pair of keen eyes saw every movement— the eagle eyes of the detective. In an instant his plan was formed. He pretended to be under the influence of liquor, and Richard seeing the drift did likewise. They both pretended to drink liberally from the bottle before them and grew noisy and in- toxicated. The detective found a chance to lean over toward Richard and hurriedly whis- rs Pe After a while, stagger over near them, and fall helplessly to the floor, near the wall, where you can hear every word, and lay perfectly still. Then again both men drank, apparently from the bottle, amid much hilarity. The detective, however, scarcely took his eyes away from the face that seemed to rivet his at- tention, but so changed were the features that he was seeking for that he was almost in doubt that he had found his man. Maxwell watched for an opportunity to do as the detective wished him to, and while pretend- ing to drink and engage in maudlin talk, kept his ears open for stray remarks he might over- hear from the two outlaws at the neighboring table. “Captain!” said Rodman, ‘‘there’s been trouble brewing since you’ve been away. You know that being wounded, I did not goon the last expedition, but I did good work in ene left behind. We're on the eve of being mee : t do you mean “T mean that there is some treachery in eamp!” was the quiet reply. : ‘Well, s’pose there is—what of it? It can’t harm us. We'll dispose of the traitors'in a sum- mi manner.” “Yes, that’s all right enough; we can put the traitors out of the way, but look there!” Rodman pointed to the wall almost opposite and the outlaw leader saw a large p acard nailed upon it with the following staring him in the face: “ Five thousand dollars reward for the ap- prehension of the outlaw known as Wide- Awake. dead or alive.—‘ Lyncu.’” Several times did Wide-Awake read it over, and then brought his clenched fist down upon the table with an oath, but a warning look from his comrade silenced him. He was upon the eve of uttering an angry exclamation when an intoxicated man staggered over, and tripping, fell headlong to the floor almost under the table, where Rodman and Wide-Awake were seated. He lay perfectly quiet, and the two outlaws were about to drag the intruder from the spot when ‘his sleeping became apparent from a series of snores and gasps. The detective lay half-way on the table where first we introduced him the reader, and to all observers he appeared asleep. But, a restless eye was fixed upon the two villains near by and occasionally upon Maxwell, who lay beneath their table. said Rodman. ‘The “Let him alone,” mountain whisky fixed him. He’s full as a tick. He can’t move; he isn’t in our way, and, as for hearing what we say, Dll bet he don’t hear a word, and if he did he wouldn’t | care.” 4 ““What do you think of that placard, Rod- man?” said Wide-Awake. “Just what I told you before: it means treachery!” “* Who would dare issue such a notice? Cer- tainly not the vigilance committee without first consulting me,” said Wide-Awake. “Now, listen to me. I have seen s' men about the town lately, and some of them eng: in whispered conversation with the members of your committee. All this was while you were away. My opinion is that you've fooled time away running after that girl in which we had no interest, and you’ve neglected ‘ business.’ It’s caused dissatisfaction among some of the boys, and your absence here has caused a great deal of talk. My opinion is pardner, that, to a certain extent, you’ve lost your grip, and must make a bold stroke to re- gain it all around!” “There has been ss you say?” “Yes, and lots of i We've lost time and several of our best men by foo! around after such people as this Maxwell and the girl.” “*T can’t let the girl pass out of my hands af- ter all this trouble. No! a thousand times, no!” ““Where is she now?’ “Tve set a guard over the cave where she has sought refuge, and she cannot escape cap- “Very well; let some one else attend to that part of the Mas sagt we can’t afford to spare you. e need you here all the time to counteract the influence brought against. us. Now, you see the effects of your absence: Tha’ placard means war to the knife against us, and they’ve taken the matter into their own hands, and you're left out of the question. They have succeeded in bribing some of our men, and the whole thing is, that if you had been here, all this would never have come to this focus.” ““Who has dared to do this?” “All of them. I tell you, captain, you’ve lost you’re grip all aro Do something bold vo regain it.” “I think it would be advisable to call a meet- ing of the league, in full regalia. Our yearly meeting is due; any way. e will call every member, and then discuss the entire affair. Meanwhile, I will set about to discover the agi- tators here in town, and, by some means, si- lence them. That reward means my ca ture and the extermination of the league,” said the desperado. , $ i, pardner, that’s just what it means, and the five thousand dollars is a temptation to some one,” replied Rodman. “Do you think any one in the order has bar- gained for it?” ‘*T do, for a fact!” was the reply: ** Whom do you suspect?” “Tt won’t do for me to mention anybody, for I only suspect, and that’s all.” “‘Very well! The traitors, who ever they be, will meet with their fate. Now then, to call the meeting. You know just exactly how many members we have left. Each shall enter the secret chamber, masked, and in the regalia, for it will be solemn business. The reason for each one to appear masked is that many of our ‘lea- gue’ are connected here in town, some in busi- ness and some are not. If there is treachery afoot it won’t do for all members to know each and every individual belonging to the order. Do he see my object?” said Wide- Awake. **T do, and you are right. Where shall the meeting take place? You know that my ranch is destroyed.” “Ve shall meet at the Mexican’s shanty. The above sum will be paid for hin, | 19 attend to this at once. You know ev mem- ber; serve a notice te each. Remember! to- morrow night, at eight, sharp!” * All right, captain! What is the password?” said Rodman. “The password will be ‘ gold-dust,’” replied Wide-Awake. “ All right! Tl see a at many to-night and make out the roll, omitting those we have lost by death!” Rodman arose, and grasping Wide-Awake’s hand, said: “‘ T hope we will recover our lost tain, for I tell you we are in a tion.” ‘Not quite as bad as that. ‘Don’t give ie the ship!’ isa good motto, and stick to it, Rod- man,” said the outlaw. “1 stay to the very last. Good-night!” and the ruffian passed out from the den, leaving Wide-Awake seated at the table. For a few moments he seemed buried in thought. The desperate man had never thought of treachery in his powerful league, and should one or more denounce him to the ‘ lynch ” com- mittee, his race would be at an end, But then, if it came to the worst, thought he, I can escape, and take enough treasure with me to bid defi- ance to want for the remainder of my days. The placard upon the wall troubled him. He had issued, similar ones himself, but then he knew they amounted to nothing. This one seemed to be written in letters of fire that dane- ed ominously before his eyes, no matter which wey, he turned. meé what may, he resolved not to relinquish Nellie Gordon, but. if worst came to worst to take them by force and escape. He knew that his vigilant men watching the cavern would not allow the inmates to elude them, for Wide-A wake had promised a large sum as a reward to the one capturing the fugi- tives, and especially Nellie Gordon. Several days had elapsed and he had not yet received any encouraging news from that quar- ter. One thing perplexed and worried him, and that was the mysterious songs of the Idiot of the Hills after the horrible plunge into the abyss, and that too, with a bullet sent through his brain. That it was the spirit of the strange creature, Wide-Awake had but little doubt. He fully believed that the gulch was haunted, and for that reason had hurriedly departed, leaving part of his men to watch for the appear- ance of those he wished to capture. All these things came into the desperado’s mind, ashe wed ved and uneasily at the table. His eyes wandered about the room, and ever and anon they rested upon the glaring placard on the wall, little dreaming how Eis every move- ment was watched by the man sitting at the nearest table. His reverie was broken by a hand laid upon his shoulder. Glancing up he observed one of his league who had quietly made his way over to him, and this person bending down whispered into Wide-Awake’s ear: ; “The fellow pretending to be drunk, over at that table, is merely bluffing; he’s as sober as ~ or I, and he keeps his eyes on you continu- 6 outlaw’s hand sought for his weapon, and jing it he turned to observe the man indi- cated by his follower. He felt instinctively that he was about to face a mortal foe, and, oe in hand, he turned to observe the person. eir eyes met. One step and the outlaw was beside e sitting man, when the person alluded to electrified the desperado and caused thé revolver to owe from his nerveless grasp to the floor, by iy w ‘ hoarse. ring: PR hid wit: that pistol! J know you, John Add ! CHAPTER XXIV. ‘““BEARDING THE LION IN HIS DEN.” WipdE-AWake started back and su pressed the cry of wr ne that welled up to his if ; the next instant he produced a long, keen bowie- knife, and raised it above the detective. Bu before the heavy blade could descend, Maxw: lea; from beneath the table and grasped the illain’s hand, and the next instant the bowie- knife flew from his grasp to the floor. As if by c the lights were barnes and friend and foe were in the dark. e crack of many firearms resounded through the room, and a scene of confusion followed. v : Wide-Awake, seizing upon this opportunity, to a window and leaped out. forced his wa The name en by the detective had stricken such terror into his heart that his courage for- sook him, and he sought relief in flight. Wide- Awake had not recognized theman. He simply looked upon him as one of the agitators, or prob- ably a United States official sent to inv te the lawless acts of the road-agents, Had he known for a moment the identity of the detec- ‘ound, cap aky condi- | tive, he would have continued his flight and Hills. never again ventured among the Blac But he scarcely knew what to think, and ere he had gone a quarter of a mile the conflict was at an end, and lights restored, and perfect order : | reigned in the gambling den. There isan underground chamber there. Now — The scene enacted was of frequent occurrence,
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20 Beadle’s' Dime Library. and éxcited no surprise, and it was the cistom upon the Serger of a fracas to put out the lights, and let terested — get out in the best manner possible, by the dark- ness, Maxwell and the detective did not betray their mission in any manner, and did not even breathe the name of Wide-Awake to any of the surrounding inquirers. The scout and his hardy men were all on hand, and their defiant attitude and heavy fire- arms had kept the outlaw’s adherents in check, and they now sat at the tables, meek as lambs, and apparently unconcerned about their leader, who was nowhere to be seen. “ Now,” said Stevens to Maxwell, ‘I am sat- isfied that I have found my man. Tis he! and the hour of vengeance is at hand. Did you over- hear an ig of intérest to our cause while you lay under the table?” * Yes,” a Maxwell. ‘The entire league are to meet to-morrow night, masked!” ‘““Where? Did you ascertain?” “ Yes, I know the place.” “This is a rare charice to discover every member Lerma cr to this infamous order. By capturing the ér we do not exactly break up the ie, for he would not betray the mem- bers. @ can now see the number, and know exactly who they are.” “That is the idea exactly!” said. Maxwell. “As each member is to appear masked, my plan is to enter and thus ome acquainted with the working of the league and its men. I | know the password.” } “Who will enter the plate? You or I? Re- member death is'the’ penalty of discovery. You — your jife in your very hands by entering tha eae | ‘*T have weighed the matter over carefully, | and to-morrow night we shall decide who is to | enter, you or I,” said Richard. } “T have gee benge prépared to entrap the villain. By aid of the two Ripley brothers, I can bring the rascal to justice here, in this Rees town,” said Stevens. ‘‘ Are they to be trusted?” “Trusted? No! But they do not receive the reward until they help to deliver the scoundrel to the new committee, They have all to win b) aiding us, and lose by not doing so. The roca will serve any one for cash. ey regard oaths as mere nothings. We could not have selected two better men for the work before us.” The detective arose from the table, and, fol- lowed by Maxwell, he emerged from the den into the street. Shortly afterwtrd Zeke Brad- | ford and his men left the place and proceeded | to the log building where they were tempora- | ~ srt ga Here they were joined by Max: | Stevens remained in consultation with several influential men of the town until quite late, and then wended his way to the log building where his friends were awaiting him. He almost reached the building, when a person sudden! 5 3 E z : “Ts that you, Ripley?” said the detective, re- placing his weapon. “Yes,” replied that worthy. ‘‘ How is — getting along. Does me and brother Zeb stand solid for the reward offered?” “Yes, the momént the man we're after is handed over to us, you receive the amount and no one will question or bother you,” said ms. ** We'll have to get the money quick and light out of these diggings a darned sight quicker, for it won’t be healthy toremain aro here many seconds after giving the gang away,” said er ; ou’ll be provided for,” said Stevens; “ but when do you begin work? “Soon as ible. We have a meeting to- morrow nigh and we can’t do anything until that’s over.” ‘Very well, then; let it be as soon as ble. QGood-night,” and Stevens left the traitor, and afew moments later he entered the building and related the circumstances to the group as- sembled. Ripley wended his way among the — he was bargaining to denounce and y- oe meshes were gathe about the rate band that for years defied law and “committees,” and whose record was one long series of robberies, crime and bloodshed. The avenging Nemesis was at hand, and a few days more would see the destruction of the powerful league, and its members and leaders swept from the Black Hills forever. i ithin the log building the detective and his supporters arranged matters, and each man | was given his share of the work in co-operating | with the “vigilantes.” Stevens was about to extinguish the light when a bold rap at the door caused each man, Weapon in hand, to stand | ready for an emergency. | cs o’s there?” asked the detective. ‘*Tt’s me, begorra! Open the door! Ive re- inforcements from Ireland!” answered a voice in rich brogue, and as Stevens opened the heavy door Dennis Flaherty bounded into their midst and executed a few steps of a wild Irish jig. ““Where is he? Where is he? Some one o’ | chamber where yees tel! me where is he!” he cried. “Who are you | for?’ ‘““Masther Wuneed Macewell,” replied Fla- herty, glancing about the room. ‘‘Here Iam, my dear old friend. No wonder you didn’t know him dressed in this manner,” and Richard cordially grasped the Irishman’s hand, and evinced his great pleasure at thus again meeting his preserver and friend, whom he had almost given up for lost. Richard ex- plained the reason of his permanent disguise, and Dennis gave an account of his wanderings since parting with Richard on that eventful day when both were fleeing for life from the outlaw horsemen. ‘And I have more news for ye, Master Rich- ard—sad news, maybe, but 1 must tell xe I came through the gulches about ten or fifteen miles from here, and I suddenly came onto a y that had three prisoners: one was an In- jine, the other was your nigger, and the third was that lovely angel, Miss Nellie. wasn’t the least chance of a rescue, or you bet the Flaherty family would haye done its duty! So I tracked them, and whin I saw where they wint to I made a bee-line here for to find you; and, by dumb luck, I got all the information I n and here I am. Now,say the word, and Dennis Flah , bold as a lion and with fists as powerful as the hind feet of a jackass, will lead the way, and, begorra! do all the fighting for purty Mi ellie!” “You know the exact spot where the outlaws entered?” said Richard. ‘“Waith I do, for L was in there once miself before I knew it; for the feet of me slipped, and away I wint to the bottom and found miself. in the Gayes. That’s where I got the Chinee ont of trouble,” said Flaherty. ‘‘T know the place,” said Richard, “and, if I am not much mistaken, we’ll find that the cav- erns have an ne into the underground e meeting is to take place to- morrow night. Oh! how I long to fly to her rescue! But it must not be until to-morrow night, for one false move will ruin all our well- id plans.” Richard spent the night thinking of the gi again in Wide-Awake’s power. He loved her so devotedly that her very name was sacred to him, and her beautiful face was forever upper- most in all things he beheld. Morning dawned at last, and the little band waited the coming of night impatiently. Small knots of horsemen rode in and out of town, and, by nightfall, many had secretly and quietly left town for the vicinity of the Mexican’s shanty, not a gréat distance from Custer City. Stevens and Maxwell left the town about the detective having first called at the vigilantes.” It was man whom theou once met at the windlass. This asmall bundle under his arm, and, as he reach- ed as opposite the two watchers in ambush, he halted as if waiting for some one to make an appearance. Not long was he kept in peg for another form loomed up in the dy- ing light of day, and the two m of the league greeted each other. Both carried bun- di es. “Hello, Tom! Got your regalia, eh?” asked me ios, the masquerade taked,place to-night,” masquerade takes g replied ‘the other. This gave the detective the needed information concerning the bundles that both carried. “Tom Watson, it’s my opinion that there is busifiess of a delicate nature to be settled to- t,” said the latest arrival, ‘for things have got so the lads are demoralized!” “Yes, and I’m glad that the meeting’s being called. I believe Wide-Awake is getting too soft for our business. He’s love-sick and_ne- glecting trade,” said he as Tom Wat- son, “So he is, and he’s got the girl now in the re- treat. More trouble brewing, sure as you live. Pll leave you; I’m going down to warn S Joe of the meeting; ’ve got about an hour to ,” and the road-agent stalked away in the ion of the town. Watson was about to descend the ravine when Maxwell lea from his pee of concealment, and, by a well-directed blow of the butt-end of the heavy revolver, laid the ruffian insensible at his feet. A few moments more and he was encunely bound and gagged. Maxwell took the and assi detective to conceal the sense- less villain ‘What did you do that for?” demanded Ste- vens. “Because I have decided to enter that den. I have the regalia in this bundle. All that I love and care for is now in that place and I must risk life itself to save her. You have the party all ready and upon a signal come to the rescue. You know that we were to decide who was to enter that den; so let it be 1.” ——————————— There ! Dark fell the shadows, It would be several hours before the moon arose, and, taking ad- vantage of the night, Richard strode away to- ward the ranch, and when near it, he opened the bundle and attired himself in a long black domino that was within it, and Pens the mask upon his features, approached the door and knocked! CHAPTER XXV. CONCLUSION. A voice within asked; in a muffled tone: “Who comes here?” ‘‘Gold Dust!” responded the applicant, and the door swung open and he entered. The per- son acting as tiler was attired similar to the spy. A long black domino, with a huge eye, signifying ‘‘ Wide-Awake,” painted upon the breast of the gown; a black mask concealing al- most all the features, completed the outfit, “Who is it?” asked the tiler. ‘Tom Watson!” replied Maxwell. ‘All right; descend!” A trap opened in the floor, and a light issued therefrom. Maxwell descended, and almost drew back as he found himself among the strange assemblage that met his view. Around the rocky chamber were the masked figures, with the glaring eye upon their breasts, and seated upon a raised platform were two fi presid- ing over the meeting. A vacant p attract- ed Richard’s attention, and he surmised it was Watson’s; and in this he was correct. As he seated himself, the figure upon the plat- form spoke: “You are late, brother! but now, as we are all here, we will begin by calling the roll. We have lost some members by death, and there is now in the league, all told, counting myself, twenty-one. The secretary will call the roll.* It was Wide-Awake’s yoice that spoke, and immediately upon its conclusion, the man seated next to him be calling the roll, each member responding ‘‘Here” as his name was called. Finally the name of ‘‘ Thomas Watson” was called, and Richard answered “ Here!” ‘*'"This completes the roll,” said the presiding officer; ‘‘and now to business, Our business has been cite prontebl, as you are all aware, from the divisions of plunder during the year. We all remember the vows taken upon ourselves of secrecy and of brotherly . We all know the fate of a member attempting or be- traying the league. What is the penalty?” “Death!” replied every. voice. “ Right ! hat would you say were I to tell wom se have traitors in our very midst to- ni “fi dchantlie heart em maha, him * the ba sed ell upon his ears, but, thanks to the mask, it concealed the pale Neg oi it. But the next words reassured him, and dispelled his fears. ‘Yes, among us to-night, and members of Wide-Awake league. ’ In a moment hands sought concealed weapons, but the leader's voice a arose: “Stop!” said he; ‘* aA traitors are known and cannot escape. Hank Ripley and Zeb Rip- ley, st this way !” ' \e two brothers stepped forth from the circle ang moor before the presiding figure, who again spoke: ‘*T acouse you both of bargaining to. betra: your comrades, and thus } pari : of every one connected wit! ample proof, brothers, and safety demands instant action. What is the verdict?” “Death!” shouted the assemblage, and before the brothers could offer any resi , both were in the p of their fellow-ruffians, and securely boun “ Self- rvation is the first law of nature— that is the motto of our order, Our safety de- mands the lives of the traitors. See that the wishes of the league are carried into effect in- stantly,” and Wide-Awake motioned the cul- prits from his presence. ' The two brothers vere og foe a join- ing passage, an' ortly r the m re- pe of two revolvers told that the traitors had paid the penalty of their treachery. The executioners returned and sat am their comrades as if nothing had occ ; Richard had been a silent spectator of the ex- editing sgene, but it would have been instant death to attempt anything in favor of the wretches. “Now, my brothers,” said Wide-Awake, hereafter, will devote myself to your inter- ests. I have a lady imprisoned here who this night becomes my wife, and then the affairs of our band will go onas smoothly as ever. are parties in Custer City whom we must re- move at once, as our safety demands it, and once more we must our rights and power in ~~ Hills. Iadmit I have neglected busi- ness, but it shall not occur again, , A clapping of hands greeted the concluding remarks of their leader, ij “ Bring in the lady,” said the chief. Sev: left the circle, and as breathless si- lence ensued, Richard could almost hear the beating of his heart amid the deathlike silence that prevailed. ' From a passage in the wall of the chamber
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e, Nellie Gor- present them “In the presence of this lea; don, I claim you as my wife, an to you as my brothers, and you to them as my | | cutting into his flesh, and he was or to u wife. Remember all that I have told you. This time I mean never to allow you to leave my presence until your final answer is spoken.” ‘“My answer is still no! and to my dying moment will I utter the same reply.” Wide-Awake stepped down from the plat- form and took the little hand that was raised to motion him away. ; “Resistance is useless,” said he; ‘*mine you must and shall be!” , Ascream broke from her lips and Richard sought his weapon, but ere he could act a strange, weird form issued from the opening in the wall, and a ringing voice cried: “ Hold, villain!” Wide-Awake turned, and as his eyes rested upon the strange being his knees smote together, and from beneath the mask came the exclama- tion: “The Idiot's ghost!” ‘*T am no superhuman being,” said the weird figure. ‘‘You have committed murder, how- ever, and attempted that crime over and over again. The creature known as the Idiot is dead. T am but his counterpart.” “Who are you?” cried Wide-Awake. “Your supposed victim! Look!” and he cast aside the flowing white hair and beard, and Warren Gordon stood revealed. With a ery of joy, Nellie threw herself into her father’s arms and rapturously embraced him. Wide-Awake clung to the edge of the plat- form for support, and his followers stood mo- tionless as statues, regarding the strange scene thus presented to their view. “You sought to fasten the crime upon Richard Maxwell,” said Gordon, ‘‘ but your race is run, John Addison!” Wide-Awake uttered a howl of rage, and grasping a bowie-knife from the desk was about to spring upon the old man, when the trap above opened, and the outlaw acting as sentinel shouted through the opening: ““There’s treachery somewhere, captain. Here’s Tom Watson, and I admitted some one claiming to be him.” Instantly the league was in confusion, and a score of pistols flashed into view. Wide-Awake turned to the circle and shouted: “There's a spy among us. Everybody un- mask |” Before the order could be complied with a rattling volley of firearms echoed through the chamber, and the masked figures went down like wheat before the sickle. At least one-third fell beneath the withering fire of the “ vigi- lantes,” who now appeared from the dim pass- ages right and left. A hand-to-hand conflict ensued, Glory and the Indian dealt blows right about, as those two characters ap’ ed among the deliverers who had put in their appearance in the nick of time. ide-Awake sprung to- ward Nellie, but before he could reach her side a well-directed blow from Richard’s fist sent the ruffian reeling to the wall. Seeing that all was lost, he darted into a low tunnel at hand and left his comrades to shift for themselves, Richard cast aside the gown and mask, and extending his arms to Nellie, he cried: “Took up, darling! You are safel I am Richard Maxwell.” The next moment she was upon his breast, sobbing, and he held her in a loving embrace. Flaherty and Stevens guarded the outside of the hut, and when the sound of came from the underground chamber, the Irishman could resist no one: but, str’ down the outlaw at the door, he leaped through the trap, and with a stout club he did wonderful execu- tion. In some manner Watson had managed to free himself from the bonds and thus put in an ap- pearance at the door of the ranch, and his coming had almost proved fatal to Maxwell. In a short the league were either all killed or captured. As Stevens was watching the entrance he saw a form issue from a clum of bushes, and the bright moonlight now flood. ing the ravine enabled him to see the man’s fea- tures. It was Wide-Awake, and he was about to escape. A few bounds and Stevens had gy the villain by the throat and hissed into his ears: ‘‘ Remember the poor boy you mur- dered in Chicago! Iam his brother, and seek vengeance!” “Take it!” shouted the ruffian, and a bullet whistled close to the detective’s ear, and Wide- Awake continued his flight. A score of “ vigi- lantes” issued from the hut, and these, headed by Stevens, rapidl followed in pursuit. Several shots were fired at the fugitive, who could be plainly seen in the bright moonlight, He continued his flight until he came upon the verge of a precipice, and, seizing a yielding ash, he swung imal down from it into the deep glen beneath. His pursuers halted upon the verge, and beheld the scoundrel far, far below them, rapidly escaping. In the space below, he Scarcely had he done so, when a huge crea- ture emerged from the shadows and leaped upon the unsuspecting man, Jt was a gigantic grizzly bear! ide-Awake uttered a horrible ery of despair as he felt the claws of the beast resist. It was useless to fire at the furious beast as the distance was too great, and it was next to impossible for those above to descend to the spot where the terrible struggle between man and beast was taking place. In the clear moonlight could be seen the horrible fight. The huge brute had borne his victim to the earth, and, with its sharp claws, was rending him, literally, limb from limb. Sick at heart the party above turned from the scene, and all that was mortal of John Ad- dison, alias the ‘‘ Judge” and ‘‘ Wide-Awake,” leader of the powe: league, was left to the ferocious monster, that growled above his bleeding, dead victim in that desolate glen. But little more remains to be told. Our story would not be Te without speaking of Richard Maxwell and his blushing bride, Nellie Gordon; and of the jovial Irishman, Flaherty, who tells the blue-eyed child upon his knee the wonderful stories of adventure among the out- laws, and to prove each assertion calls out to a Chinaman washing clothes out in the open air: “Tsn’t that so, Misther Wah Sing?” “You bettee, Flattery, allee true! allee same like Biblee!” Our story is concluded, and has clearly shown the temporary triumph of vice and crime, but the ultimate and lasting victory of truth, hon- or, and virtue; and, like the title of the story, we must at all times close our eyes to wrong, but when you are right be sure to keep ‘' Wide- Awake.” THE END, ‘ Beadle’s Dime Library. 1 A Harp Crown. By Philip 8. Warne.......... 10c. 2 Tas Dare-Devu.. By Col. P. Ingraham -. 10e. 3 Kir Carson, Jr. By Buckskin Sam.... +. 10c. 4 Tue Kipnaprer. By Philip 8. Warne........ 10c. 5 Tue Fire Frenps. By A. P. Morris, Jr....... 10e. 6 Witpcat Bos. By Edward L. Wheeler...... 10c, 7 Deatu-Norcn, THe Destroyer. Oll Coomes. 10c. 8 Tar Heapiess Horseman. By Mayne Reid.,. 10c. 9 Hanpy Anpy. By Samuel Lover........ ... 10c. 10 Vinocg, tuk FreNcH Poricr Spy. By himself 10c, 11 MipsmipMaN Easy. By Capt. Maryatt dai. 106. 12 Tue Deatru-Suor, By Capr. Mayne Reid... 0c, 13 ParHaway; or, Nick WHIFFLES, THE OLD TRAPPER OF THE NORTHWEST. By Dr. J. H. ROBISON (ela es aeis voy Wea ihs-< 1°e ote Avie ia 10e, 4 TALREPARBCRA; THE Scourag. By Ned Bunt- Dl. on o gh urhgiah w'e'n4.0.0.s'0 ghana de Tait mates ob 10c, 15 Tae Tiaer SLAYER. Gustave Aimard..... 10c, 16 Tue Wurrs Wizarp. By Ned Buntline....... 10c, 17 Niaursuape. By Dr. J. H. Robinson........ 10¢, 18 Tue Sea Banvir, By Ned Buntline....... »» 10c, 19 Rep Cupar, By Gustave Aimard............ 10c, 20 Tue Banpir at Bay. By Gustave Aimard... 10c. 21 Tue TRApprr’s Davenrer. Gustave Aimard. 10c. 22 WuireLaw; or, Nattie or THe LAK® SHORE, By Dr. J. H. Robinson. ........0 wees veees 10c. 23 Tue Rep Warrior. By Ned Buntline ....... We. 24 Tne Prarem FLrower. By Gustave Aimard. 10c. 25 Tue Goup Guipg. By Francis Johnson....... 10e, 26 Tue Deata Track. By Francis Johnson ... 10c, 27 Tue Sporrer Derecrive. By Albert W.Aiken, 10c. 28 Tarer-Finaerep Jack, Tak Roap-AGENT oF THE Rockies. By Joseph E. er, Jr ... 10c, 29 Tiaer Diok, Tak Faro @. P.S. Warne . 10c. 30 GosprL Gores, By ag) E. Badger, Jr 10e. 31 Tue New York Smarp. By Albert W, Aiken, 10c. 32 B’nHoys or Yaus. By John D. Vose ......... 10c. 83 OverLAND Kit, By Albert W. Aiken... .... We, 34 Rocky MounTarn 35 Kenruck, Tae Sport. J. H. Robinson.. 10c. . Aiken. 10c, 40 Tae Lona Harrep ‘Parps.’ J, E. Badger, Jr. 10, 41 Gotp Dan. By Albert W. Aiken. |. ........ 10e. 42 Tae Cauirornia Detective. <A, W. Aiken... 10c, 43 Daxora Dan. By Oll Coomes .., ...... 10c. 44 Op Dan Racknack. By Oll Coomes 10c, 45 Oup Buty’s Eyz. By Jos. E. Badger, 10c. 46 Bowrr-Knire Ben. By Ol] Coomes ... . 100. 47 Pacuric Pern. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr... . 10e. 48 IpAno Tom. By Oli Coomes, —........... 10c. 50 Jack Rasprr. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr ... ... 10¢. 51 Rep Ron, ra Box Roap-Acenr. Oll Coomes. 10c. 52 Data Trarer. By Wm, F. Cody........... 10c. 53 Sinver Sam. By Col Delle Sara......... . 10e. 54 Aways on Hanp. By Philip 8. Warne..... 10c. 55 Tae Scape Hunters. 10c. v vie Mayne Reid. . ert W. Aiken... 10c, 57 Tae Sinenr Hunrer. By Percy B. St. John.. 10c. 68 Siuver Kyrrm; or, Wickuirrk, THE Rocky Movunrarw Ranarer. By Dr. J. H. Robinson, 10¢, 59 Tae MAN rgom Texas; or, Tae OvTLAW or ARKAN! 56 THe INDIAN Mazeppa. By sas. By Albert W. Aiken............ 10e. 60 Wipe Awake; or, Tue Ipror or THe Black His. Daumont..iai ea ... 10¢, 61 Caprain SEA WAIF, THE PRIvATEER. By Ned Buntline. Ready Feb. 12th...........7, 10¢. A new issue every two weeks, Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. the Robber King. 21 Beadle’s Half-Dime Library 1 Deapwoop Dick, Tam Price or Tat Roap. By Edward L. eeler ae ero Se. a E. Badger, Jr. 5c. 18 SINDBAD THE SAILOR.,.. «1.6.0. see cess ener ee 19 Toe PHantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill... ...... 20 Toe Dovste Daaarrs. By Ed 82 Bos Woo.r, tHe Borprr Rurriax. By Ed- ward L, Wheeler. .......... ccsssees BO 5e, 83 Tar OckaAN BLoopHounp. By §, W. Pierce... 5c, 84 Ornaon Sou, By Capt. J. F. ©, Adams...... 5c, 85 Wiup Ivan, Tur Boy Ciaups DuvaL. By Ed- ward L. BOR Cie is ce RY Tee tale 5c, 86 Tue Boy Crown. By I'rankS. Finn........ 5c. 87 Tae Hippen Lopag, By T. 0. Harbaugh.... 5c. 88 Nmp Wyupr. By Texas Jack............ 6.45 5c, 89 Deata-Facn, tam Derecrivn, By Edward L. Wihheelen ih. o.oo ai oS Et a, 40 Rovine Ben. By John J. Marshall........... Se, 41 Lasso Jack. By Oll Coomes....... .......- Se, 42 Tae Paanrom Miner. By lid. L, Wheeler.... 5¢, 48 Dick Darina, THE Pony Express River, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker... .. ... ...... Se, 44 Rarriina Russ. By Harry St. George ...... be. 45 OLD AVALAN THE GREAT ANNIHILATOR. By Edward L. Wheeler. ...cci. josie. see seee 5c, 46 Guass-Eyn, THE Great SHor or THE West, By Capt. J, F.C. Adams. ..... ic sssceseeees 5e, 47 Niautineate Nat. By T, ©. Harbaugh...... . Be, 48 Buack Jonny, THH Roap-Aaent, By Jos, E. PIAOMETs (Eis ott sc cealy ein Gh ve elacncht et eke «pans. 5e, 49 Omana OLL. By Edward L, Wheeler.......... Se 50 Burr Bunker. By Charles EB, Lasalle......... be, 51 Taw Boy Rrrims. By Archie ©, Iron.....,,... 5c, 52 Tae Wurm Burraw. By Charles BE. Lasalle.. 5c. 58 Jim Biupsoxr, Jr. By Edward L. Wheeler.... 5c, 54 Nep Hazen. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams........ Se, 55 Dmapiy-Eyr. By Buffalo Bill................ 4 Bo, , 56 Nick Wuirries’s Pet, By J. F. OC. Adams.. iy Be. 87 Drapwoop Dick’s Eacirs. By BE. L.Wheeler.. 5c. 68 Tue Borper Kina. By Oll Coomes........... Be, 59 Op Hickory. By Harry St. George........ . be. 60 Tae Wurre Invian. By J. F. C. Adams...... Be. 61 Bucknorn Bru. By Ndward L. Wheeler..... 5c. 62 Tax Saapow Surp. By Col. P. Ingraham..... be, 63 Tar Rep BrorHernoop. By W. J. Hamilton. 5c, 64 Danpy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh..,........ .-, 5e, 65 Hurricane Biri, By Jos. BE. Badger, Jr..... 5c, 66 Sincte Hanp. By W. J. Hamilton............ 5e, 67 Parent-Leatuer Jox. By Philip 8. Warne.. 5c, 68 Tue Borper Rosin Hoop. By Buffalo Bill... 5e, 69 Gotp Ririe, THe YounG SHARPsHOOTER. By Edward L, Wheeler........., #060 dire oy pseaam 5c, 70 Oup Zip’s Canin. By J. F.C. Adams....,.... 5c, 71 Decaware Dick. By Oll Coomes. Wheeler.......... ‘ 2 deb us uae en Se. 74 Hawkeye Harry, roe Youne Trapper Ran- Gm. By Oll Coomes’—-r ra. «cones craven’ oe 5c. 77 Corpuroy Cuarime. By Edward L, Wheeler. 5c, 78 Buur Dice. By Captain Mayne Reid..... . Be. 79 Sou Gixaur, Tor Grant Trapper, A,W, Aiken 5c, 5e, 80 Rosznup_Ros; or, Nuecer Nep, THe Kyiaat OF THE GuLoH. yy Edward L. Wheeler ‘ 81 Liguryine Jon, THE TERROR OF THE PRAIRIE. —— of the Presen Lirrie DeatH-Srep; or, OLD Powprr-F. a ae os By 'T. Cc. Harbaugh. ‘heads: ‘eb. A new issue every week. Beadie’s Half-Dime Library is for sale all Newsdealers, five cents per oer or sent by m: on receint of six cents eech. BHADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, N. Y.
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Beadle & Adams’ Standard Dime Publications. DIME NOVELS. Speakers, BEADLE AND Apams have now on their lists the fol- lowing highly desirable and attractive text-books, prepared expressly for schools, families, etc. Each volume contains 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collection of Dia- logues, Dramas and citations, (burlesque, comic and otherwise.) The Dime Speakers for the season of 1879—as far as now issued—embrace twenty-one volumes, viz. : 1, American Speaker. 12, Exhibition Speaker. 2. National Speaker. 13. School Speaker. 3. Patriotic Speaker. 14, Ludicrous Speaker. 4, Comic Speaker. 15. Komikal Speaker. 5, Elocutionist, 16. Youth's § cer, 6. Humorous Speaker. 1%. Hloquent Speaker. 7. Standard Speaker. 18, Hail Columbia Speak- 8. Stump Speaker. er. . 9, Juvenile Speaker. 19. Serio-Comic Speaker. 10, Spread-Eagle Speaker | 20. Select Speaker. 11, Dime Debater. 21. Funny Speaker. These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the bition, for Homes, etc. They are drawn from FrrEsH sources, and contain some of the choicest oratory of the times. 75 to 100 Declama- tions and Recitations in each book. Dialogues. The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em- brace twenty-three itary, 7" itd: TH logues No. rteen. Dialogues No, One. Dialogues No, Fourteen. Dialogues No, Two. Dialogues No. Three. Dialogues No. Fifteen. Dialogues No. Four. Dialogues No. Sixteen. Dialogues No, Five. Dialogues No. Seventeen. Dialogues No. Six. Dialogues No, Kighteen Dialogues No, Seven. Dialogues No, Nineteen, Dialogues No. Hight. Dialogues No. Twenty. Dialogues No, Nine, Dialogues No, Twenty-one, Dialogues No. Ten. Dialogues No, Twenty-two. Dialogues No, Eleven, | Dialogues No. Twenty-three Dialogues No. Twelve. 15 to 25 Dialogues and Dramas in each book. These volumes have been prepared with especial reference to their availability in all school-rooms, They are adapted to schools with or without the fur- niture of a stage, and introduce a range of charac- ters suited to scholars of every grade, both male and female, It is fair to assume that no volumes yet offered to schools, at any price, contain so many available and useful dialogues and dramas, serious and comic. A NEW BOOK OF POPULAR Dramas and Readings. 164 12mo Pages. 2 Cents. For Schools, Parlors, Entertainments and the Am- ateur Stage, comprising Original Minor Dramas, Comedy, Farce, Dress Pieces, Humprous Dialogue and Burlesque, by noted writers; and Recitations and , new and standard, of the celebrity an test interest. Edited by Prof. A. M. Russell. DIME HAND-BOOKS. Young People’s Series. Brapte’s Diaz Hanv-Booxs ror Youna PEorie cover a wide range of subjects, and are especially adapted to their end. They constitute at once the cheapest and most useful works yet put into the market for popular circulation, Just published, Ladies’ Letter-Writer. Book of Games. Gents’ Letter-Writer. Fortune-Teller. Book of Etiquette. Lovers’ Casket. Book of Verses, Ball-room Companion, Book of Dreams. Book of Beauty. Hand-Books of Games. Brapie’s Dare Hanp-Booxs or Games AND PoPULAR Hanp-Books cover a variety of subjects, and are es- pecially adapted to their end, Book of Croquet, Yachting and Rowing. Chess Instructor. Riding and Drivin; Cricket and Football. Book of Pedesi Guide to Swimming. Manuals for Housewives. Brapix’s Dose Famity Serres aims to supply a class of text-books and manuals fitted for every per- son’s use—the old and the young, the learned and the unlearned, .They are of conceded value. 1. Cook Book. 4. Family Physician. 2. Recipe Book. Dressmaking and Mil- 3. Honeelkbenee’s Guide. linery. Lives of Great Americans. Are presented complete and authentic biograpmes of many of the men who have added luster to the > by their lives and deeds. The series em- FACES: I.—George Washington. | VII.—David Crockett, T).—John Paul Jones. VIII. —Israel Putnam. Ti.—Mad AnthonyWayne| LX.—Kit Carson. TV.—EKthan Allen. X.—Tecumseh, V.—Marquis de Lafay-| XI.—Abraham Lincoln. XII.—Pontiac. ette. VI.—Daniel Boone. The above publications for sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent, t-paid, on receipt of price, b BEADLE & ADAMS, $6 Wuuuw SteNY Incomparable in Merit. 2" Be ve’ with those o rice. Unapproachable in Price, careful not to confound these books other publishers, sold at the same The vast success of the Dime Novels called nto existence ‘Ten Cent Novels,” which the public is sometimes deceived in buying as Dime Novels, The only Dime Novels are those published by BrapLs AnD ADAMS, whose copyright trade-mark and signet the word ‘‘ Dime” Novel is, Ask always for Beapiz’s Dime Novels, and you will then get what you wish, The following comprises a complete list as far as published. 95. 83 The Silver Bugle. Cruise . Guilty or Not Guilty. 4 a Phil. . The Peddler Spy. : ae ed. . The den Home. . The Mohegan Maiden . The Five Champions. . Vailed Betiefactress. 122. Barden, the . Sumter’s Scouts, . The Hunted Life. . Yankee Eph . The Chero) . The Traitor Spy. . The Border Foes. . The Sagamore of Saco, - The Maid of the . The Gray Scalp. . maftalo Trappe B74, . Silver Spur. 875 juatter Dick. The Backwoods Bride . Prisoner La Vintresse . Emerald Necklace, . Uncle Ezekiel. . Madge Wilde. . The . Winifred Winthrop. aid of Esopus. The Trail Hunters. The Peon Prince. Put. Pomfret’s Ward. Double Hero. The Riflemen of the Miami. The Wrong Man. The Land Claim. Union's Daughter.20e The King’s Man. nes Falkland. reck of the Albion, Tim Bumble’s The Two Guards. Hates and Loves. ye bbe: Ahmo’s Plot. Jo Daviess’ Client. Laughing Eyes. The Unknown. The Indian Princess. Rangers of Mohawk. The Wrecker’s Prize. ollow. The Indian Queen. The Moose Hunter. rof Chesapeake e Two Hunters. The Seminole Chief. The Fugitives. Red PI The Lost he. The Creole Sisters. Eph Peters. Little Moccasin, The Doomed Hunter, Ruth Harland, Karaibo. Maid of Wyoming. Hearts Forever. er. The Missing Bride. BRSER BEERS RE SESERESERERESES & = BEERS Bald Eagle. The Gulch Miners, . Blackeyes, Old Honesty. ee Chief. Mountain. . Bob Ruskin. . Snowbird. . The Unseen Hand. . The White Canoe. . The Trader Spy. am Pete, Patriot. Guide. The Bi e Forest Monster. . The White Hermit. a | B77. 378. . Dic . The Red Brotherhood Numbers omitted are out of print. 2. The Privateer’sCruise | 219, iL a. . The Slave Sculptor. The Scioto Scouts, The Blue Clipper. The Mohave Captive. The Forest Princess. The Mute Chief. The Prairie Queen, ‘The Forest Specter. The Plymouth Scout, Old Zip. Graybeard. The Black Princess. Keetsea, The White Apache, The Border Renegade Antelope Abe. The ite Bravo. The Border Huntress Mountain Kate. The Specter Riders, The Black Spy. Ruby Roland. The Lone Chief. The Young Spy. The Balloon Scouts. Black John. The Tonkawa Spy. The Rival Rovers. The Hussar Captain. Mossfoot, the Brave. Hustank Sam. Cuban Conspirators. Caribou Zip. Glass Eye. Foghorn Phil. Darling. Riva] Lieutenants. . Hurricane Bill. . Tippy, the Texan. ‘The Pearl Pirates. The Child Spy. Old Grizzly. The Dashin iz Dra- willo'-t ll-o’-the- Wisp. Dashing Dick. Old Crossfire. The Brigand Captain e Br Old strategy. s Gray Hair, the Chief. The Prairie Tigers. The Rival Hunters. The Texan Scout. Zebra Zack. The Masked Messen- ger. Morgan, the Pirate. The oe Spy. ‘Tahle, he Trailer. . The Boy Chief. . Tim, the Trailer. Red Ax . Stella, the Spy. N Tho wr hite ceetiged The Indian King. . The Long Trail. . Kirk, the Guide. . The . The Apache Guide. antom Trail. The Mad Miner. Keen Eye, the Ranger . Blue Belt, Guide, . On the Trail. The Specter Sp. ; Old Bald H f Red Kaife, Chief. Sib Cone, Trapper. The Bear Hunter, Bashful Bill ey ef. The Black Rider. The Helpless Hand. The Lake rs. Alone on the ns. Phantom Horseman. Winona, Silent Shot, Slayer. 379. The Phantom Ship. 407. Blue Clipper. 380. The Red Rider. 408, Red Dan. 881. The Grizzly-Hunters, _ 409. The Fire-Eater. 382. The Mad er. 410. Blackhawk. 883. The Specter Skipper. | 411. The Lost Ship. 354. The Red Coyote. 412. Black Arrow. 885, The Hunchback. 413. White Serpent. 886, The Black Wizard. 414, The Lost Captain. . The Mad Horseman . The Privateer’s Bride . The Jaguar Queen. . Shadow Jack, . The Twin Trailers. . Death’s-head Ran- ger. . Captain of Captains. 391, Eagle Plume. 418, Warrior Princess. 392. The Ocean Outlaw. | 419. The Blue Band, 393, Red Slayer, 420. The 2a ent Chief. | 894. The Phantom Foe. | 421. The Flying Scout. | 89%. The Blue Anchor. | 422. Sonora Ben. | 396, Red-Skin’s Pledge. 423. The Sea King. | 897. The roon Spy. | 4x4, Mountain Gid, | 898. The Black Rover. | 4%, Death Trailer. 899, Red-Belt, the Tusca- | 426, The Crested Ser- rora. pent. 400. The Two Trails. 427. Arkansas Kit. 401. The Ice Fiend, 428. The Corsair Prince. 402. The Red Prince. 420. Ethan Allen’s Rifles. 403, The First Trail. 430, Little Thunderbolt, 404. Sheet-Anchor Tom. | 431. The Falcon Rover. 405. Old Avoirdupois. 482. Honest Hand, Guide. 406. White Gladiator, 443, The Stone Chief. THE ILLUMINATED DIME POCKET NOVELS, Comprising the best works only of the most popular living writers in the field of American romance, Each issue a complete novel, with illuminated cover, rivaling in effect the popular chromo. 1, Hawkeye Harry. ! 65, Wolf-Cap. 2. Dead Shot. 66. Rattling Dick. 4. Blue Dick. 67, Sha: ye. 5. Nat Wolfe. 68, Tron-Hand. 6. The White Tracker. 69. The Yellow Hunter. 7. The Outlaw’s Wife. 70, The Phantom Rider. 8. The Tall Trapper. 71, Delaware Tom, 9. Lightning Jo. 72, Silver Rifle. 10. The Island Pirate. 73. The Skeleton Scout. 11. The Boy Ranger. 74. Little Rifle. 12. Bess, the ‘Trapper. %,. The Wood Witch. 13, The French Spy. 76. Old Ruff, the Trapper. 14. Long Shot. 77%. TheScarlet Should ers 15. Gunmaker of Border. | 78. The Border Rifleman. 16. Red Hand. 79. Outlaw Jack, 17, Ben, the Trapper. 80, Tiger Tail, the Semi- 18. Wild Raven, Ranger. nole. 19. The Specter Chief. 81. Death Dealer, the 20, The B’ar-Killer. Shawnee Scourge. 21, Wild Nat. 82, Kenton, the Ranger. 22. Indian Jo, the Guide. | 83. The § 2%. Old Kent, the Ranger. 4. The One-Eyed Trap- pecter 84. The Thr e T: Ts, F ee Traj , PRritch orse- per. 85. Kaleolah, the 25, Godbold, the Spy. Queen. 26, The Black Ship. 86, The Hunter Hercules. 27. Single Kye. 87. Phil Hunter, the Boy 28. Indian Jim, Slayer. 29, The Scout, 88, The Indian Scout 30, le Eye. 89. The Gir] Avenger. im ane roy titres bo Oe. an Feoked Migs tess. . e Golden Harpoon. . Star-Face, the Slayer. 33. The Scalp King. 92. The Antelope Boy. 34, Old Lute. 93, The Phantom Hunter 85. Rainbolt, the Ranger. | 94. Tom Pintle, the Pilot. 36, The Boy Pioneer. 95. The Red Wizard. 87, Carson, the Guide. 96. The Rival Trappers. 38. The Heart-Kater. 97. The Squaw Spy. 39. Wetzel, the Scout. | $8. Dusky Dick. 40, The Huge Hunter. | 99. Colonel Crockett, 41. Wild Nat, the Trapper | 100, Old Bear Paw 42, se ji 101. Redlaw. 43, The White Outlaw. 102. Wild Rube. 44, The Dog Trailer, 108. The Indian Hunters. 45. The Elk King. 104, Scarred Eagle. 46. Adrian, the Pilot, 105, Nick eye, 47. The Man-hunter. | 106. The Indian Spy. 48. The Phantom Tracker 107. Job Dean, 49. Moccasin Bill. 108. The Wood g. 50, The Wolf Queen. 109. The Scalped Hunter. 51. Tom Hawk, the Trail- | 110. Nick, the Scout, 3 111, The Texas Tiger. 52, The Mad Chief. 112, The Crossed Knives. 53, The Black Wolf. 118, Tiger Heart, Tracker 54, Arkansas J: 114. The Masked Avenger 55, Blackbeard. 115, The Pear! Firates. 56. The River Rifles. 116, Black Panther. 57. Hunter Ham. 117, Abdiel, the Avenger. 58. Cloudwood, 118, Cato, the Creeper. 59. The Texas Hawks, 119, Two-Handed at. 60. Merciless Mat. 120. Mad Trail Hunter. 61. Mad Anthony's Scouts | 121. Black Nick. 62. The Luckless Trapper | 122. Kit Bird. 63. The Florida Scout, 123, The Specter Riders. 64, The Island Trapper. ers in Press. SONG BOOKS. Brapin’s Dime Sone Books, Nos. 1 to 83, containing the onl pular collection of copyright songs to be found in the market. MISCELLANEOUS DIME EOOKS, Jim Crow Joke Book. Paddy Whack Joke Book. Robinson Crusoe. Pocket Joke Book.
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PUPPET ETL EL S| WENT 3] The Organ The Boy J ockey : Honesty versus Crookedness, BY JOS. E. BADGER, Jr. CHAPTER LI. PLUCKED FROM THE FIRE. A putt roar as of gathering waters, broken ever and anon by a shriller note; words faint and indis- tinct, became blended together; the music so dear to the hearts of all those who love the turf. The grand stand crowded to suffocation with wildly ex- cited, eagerly watching humanity; the quarter- stretch lined ten deep with footmen, horsemen and carriages; the eager eyes of all turned in one direc- tion. In that direction, a dozen high-strung horses, with starting eye-balls and distended nostrils, now step- ping short and high with impatiently tossing heads, | now rearing erect despite the strong hand upon the bit, or wheeling sharply around with a fiery long- ing to begin the stubborn, heart-bursting race. The monkey-like, hump-backed figures of the riders, decked out in gaudy colors, in skull-caps, jackets, cords and top-boots, eying each other with suspi- cious, uneasy, yet exultant glances. The hoarse, heated, worried and generally uncomfortable man who officiates as starter; upon these the eyes of all that vast concourse are riveted. As by_one ee ten thousand hearts give a mighty bound that sends the hot blood surging through the veins, and momentarily robs the eyes of what they have been so eagerly watching for this hour past, A clatter of steel-shod hoofs—they are off! A swirling eddy of wind and dust—they are past—it is a start/ Was that the tap of the drum? Tang—tang—tang/ The huge bell is ringing them back for a more even start. And the mass of spectators settle down with a long breath that is al- ost a curse, For a full hour this has been going on, and at least a dozen false starts have been made. The stake is a@rich one, the rivalry is high and the betting still higher. A slight advantage at the send-off may de- | cide the race, and the jockeys are riding with their brains full as much as with their bodies, Insharp, impatient tones the Judges summon the riders before the stand and order them to score by a certain level-headed horse, under pees. of the heaviest fine the rules would permit them to impose. “The gray filly first, the black gelding second, and the rest tailing, for a thousand!” cried a clear young voice from the inclosure, near the judges’ stand. “Tm your man—” but the enthusiastic pet mc was already pressing his way through the densely- crowded mass, and neither heard nor heeded the acceptance of his challenge. A fine-looking fellow he was, too, though rough- ly-dressed and mounted upon a shaggy, vicious- oe pppoe mustang pony. Slender, yet finely knit | and admirably muscled, of medium hight, in slouched felt hat, blue flannel shirt, buck-skin pants and beaded moccasins. Truly an outlandish figure among that mass of beauty and fashion, he hastened on until he could crowd to the rails and gain a fair view of the racers. Stranger though he was, his eye, that of a true horseman, had picked out the two favorites in the black and the gray, though reversing the places as- signed them by the betting ring. The gaunt, long- bodied black gelding was the first favorite; the shorter, smaller, finer-limbed gray filly only second choice, Both were backed heavily, by their owners, as well as by the followers of their respective sta- bles, and popular interest ran extraordinarily high, since both animals were entered for the—let us eall it—‘ Washington Cup,” to be run two weeks from that day. The winner of this race would be made first favorite for the Cup. The young horseman knew nothing of all this. He had eyes only for the little drama being enacted before him, and asharp cry of anger parted his lips as he witnessed an act of deliberate treachery that threatened defeat if not worse to the beautiful filly with which he had fallen in love. He saw the man standing at her head cruelly wrenching her jaw with the bit; saw the rider pres- sing the rowels of his spurs deep into her sides; saw him slip his feet from the stirrups just as the tortured animal reared up and broke away; saw the jockey let loose the reins and fall from the saddle; saw the filly dart down the home stretch with the of All Outdoor Sports. speed of the wind amid the wild yells of men and screams of women. . The wildest confusion ensued among horses and men. Already half-maddened, the flery animals reared and plunged, striving to break from those who struggled to control them. Owners, trainers and grooms were hastening to the rescue, Men and boys were flocking over the rails and up the track. From the thickest of the plunging, tramp- ling, came one shrill, agonizing scream of agony, and when the mass parted a still figure was seen lying there, its scarlet jacket being slowly dyed with crimson stains, That one cry of indignant rage was all that the young man in the blue flannel shirt uttered. It came too late to do any good, and if it reached any other ears, the exciting scene which followed, quick- ly obliterated its memory. Like his neighbors, this young man seemed we ing crazy, but there was method in his madness. Under a strong pull, the shaggy mustang reared up wheeled as upon a pivot, then lowered its head an fairly butted its way through the thickening crowd. ig rok a path sa then the ye aga eet ed directly for the half-mile post, plying whipe and steel until the mustang ran at full Eowede Gove ering the level, springy turf with the long leaps and lightning recovery of a jack rabbit. Absorbing though the scene up the home stretch was, all had not forgotten the gray a, Aphrodite, and scores of eyes followed her swift flight, in mingled dread and despair. Even if she did not cripple or destroy herself, her chances for the race would be ruined. White-faced and haggard the owner stood on the stand, his daughter clinging to his arm, He saw nothing but the gray filly—the one frail barrier that separated him from utter and irretrievable ruin. But the maiden— : “See! that man—he will stop her—he will save her!’? As though the agitated words had touched the key-note, a united cheer went up from the crowd. They also saw the bold rider, and divined his pur- pose. eng one cheer, then silence; they could only watch. Swift as a swallow the little mustang flew across the inclosure, its rider keeping one eye upon the
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The Young New Yorker. ~ - _ — gi .> @liy as if to calculate his chances of being in ef Yke race is close—too close, and he leans to trik jun ywow heading so as to strike the rails a yards beyond the painted post. Now/ a touch of the spur, a stiff hand bearing” upon the bit, and the gallant little mustang rises ai the rail as though born a hurdler! Almost in the face of the gray filly, she swerves and loses her stride. Cat-like the mustang recovers itself, and. now races along, two lengths ahead of Aphrodite. The true-born racer forgets its fear in its ambition, and with one eager toss of its lady-like head, stretches out to win the race or die!” The young rider smiles grimly. The filly has the pole. She is gaining upon him at every stride. He touches the left-hand rein gently, then frees his feet from the stirru Another moment she is alongside, running with the swift, level motion of an engine. She will pass him. o! Anenthusiastic cheer bursts from the crowd. They see the young man leap Bnd from horse to filly—see her start with an rightened, sidelon jump; then they see her emerge from the cloud ©: dust, and upon her back rides the blue-shirted hero, as though born to the pig-skin! Then it was that the cheer was given until the welkin rung, and all semblance of order was cast to the winds, as the gray filly came cantering down the quarter-stretch, with the shaggy mustang bring- ing up the rear at a respectful distance. né case was not an ordinary one. An immense amount of money was depsnding upon the’ filly, and her defeat would mean ruin to more than one. If she lost the race upon her merits it would be bad ei how much worse if she had not a chance to win. The act was bold, quick-witted and most adroitly performed, This, added to the more selfish reason Jast given, sufficiently accounts for the enthusiasm of the crowd which greeted the young hero. ‘Sound as a dollar, boss,” he said, with a short, merry laugh, as the winner stooped to feel of the filly’s limbs. ‘If ary thing’s sprung or giv’ way, I'll eat my hat!” The owner, Henry Blythe by name, looked up into the frank, smiling countenance, and motioned the lad to dismount. Then, bidding the groom look carefully to the animal, he moved away from the crowd, followed by the lad, close behind whom came the cps ses “Who and what are you?” he said, abruptly, turn- ing arouuc, ‘A two-legged boy, boss, just drapped in to see the hoss-critters run,’’ was the Py response, but oneless agitated than Henry Blythe might have seen that the felt hurt by such a peremptory address, “ Come to this address to-night,”’ said Blythe, hur- riedly, thrusting a card into the lad’s hand, “I have not enough money with me now to pay for | Pek service you have done me, but I am_ grate- ul? “What I did was not for money, sir,” and there was asudden and be gcins change in the speech and demeanor of the lad that even Blythe could not overlook. ‘I believe in fair play. When I saw they were all working against the filly, I was mad enough to cry, and it was to spite ‘hem that I caught her as I did.’ ““Who do you mean by them ?” “The groom, the rider and all. I know nothing about you, sir, but I will say this: If you wish that filly to win this race, put up an honést rider with a cool head, and win it she will. There’s only one horse—the black—that can give her anything like a brush, and with an even chance, she can make him take her dust.” “My jockey was hurt—I don’t know of another one that I dare trust—unless Fae will do it?’ ex- claimed Blythe, with a sudden brightening up. “How heavy do you ride?” “T weigh one-thirty; but I can ride fifteen pounds lighter than any other of my eat thas IT ever met, ind, I don’t ask for the mount, use that is not my trade; but if you wish, and for the sake of giving the little beauty a fair show, I'll ride her.” Blythe hesitated, as well he might, with his every dollar at stake, but several of his friends came up, and turned the scale in favor of the stranger. Not | even a second-rate rider could be obtained, and the | few minutes of grace allowed by the judges was almost expired. “Put the boy up, Blythe. You must give us a show for our money,” they urged, impatiently. “ And you, my lad,” one of them added, addressii the youth. ‘‘ Win this race, and I'll give a hundred dollars out of my own pocket toward a purse for | “Te I ride at all, I'll ride to win, be sure of that. What's the word, boss?’’ “Tt’s arisk—a great risk. You've never ridden a race before?” “A dozen— and where my life was the stake, too! But, that don’t matter. You act as though I was asking a great favor of you—” “Instead of my asking one—I beg your pardon,” and there was a sudden change in Blythe's de- meanor. ‘I have so much at stake, that it is only natural I should hesitate; but I will do so no ones. Will you ride the filly for me—as a great ‘avor?” “Since you ean do no better—yes. I haven't a dol- lar at stake, gentlemen, but I'll give a finger to see the little beauty come under the wire ahead—and if the extra weight is not too much, she will be first.” This point decided, all the pene tA preliminaries were quickly arranged. _The newrider stripped for the race, eppeating in white drawers, blue shirt and a blue silk handkerchief bound tightly around his head, then weighed, saddled and mounted, listening with a careless smile to the eager, minute instruc- tions of the anxious owner. A true-born horseman, he already understood his mount better than Blythe could tell him. Two more false starts, then the drum ta ped toa tolerably fair send-off, the favorite, if anything, with a little the best of it. Around the turn to the first quarter, and the black horseis still in the lead, hugging the pole closely, and running like clock-work. ften tested, seldom de- feated, his owner has implicit confidence in his stay- ing powers, and has given the jockey orders to run the race from end to end, feeling confident that ere the two miles are covered, that extra twenty pounds will tell the tale upon the gray filly, his only really dangerous competitor. At the half-mile there is little change, though one or two of the field are slowly losing ground, thus early cane oe in too.good company. A | dozen lengths behind Midnight comes Aphrodite, and many a heart beats anxiously as they fancy she is losing or geining ground, Around t moving figures come in sight at the head of the home stretch. 7 The hum of the human swarm grows louder and more intense with every second, They can see that the black gelding still holds the pole—that through the dust-cloud a white head is protruding—and now! a gleam of ponething blue, growing more and more distinct. The gray filly—she is gaining—ahead—no, the black—see! they are here! a clatter of hoofs—a swirl of wind—and they are gone! Midnight leading, Aph an open length be- hind, the remainder trailing, several already out of the race. In this order the racers pass beneath the wire. The leading jockey receives a signal to push ahead; a desperate policy, since the watches of the judges record only one minute and forty-five seconds, but there is more than money at stake upon this race. Henry Blythe’s heart gives a fierce leap as his new rider in sing gives a swift wave of his hand; an action that speaks louder than words. It says ‘Do not despair—the race is ours!” The amateur jockey firmly believed what his sig- nal conveyed. us far Aphrodite had run under a steady pull, and he knew that at any portion of the first mile he could have given her her head and gone to the front, but he knew that in two miles, the extra weight would prove a heavy handicap. Inch by inch he allowed the omy aba 4 up, until, at the half-mile post, she was lapping the leader. Even at that distance he could hear the wild, enthu- siastic cheers of Aphrodite’s partisans, and for the moment he felt a flerce temptation to cast prudence to the winds and send the silver head to the front— the intoxicating delirium that has lost so many an almost won race—but he smothered the impulse, and tightened his grasp upon the reins, holding his posi- tion and no more, until the three-quarter post was reached, Gradually he slackened his gr: Inch by inch the filly closed upon the gelding. er head was at his saddle girth as they entered the home stretch. The knee spur is already scoring the ribs of Mid- night. Twice the lithe whip hisses through the air— but the blue rider only smiles as he sees his gallant | mount thrusting her dainty head forward another inch or two, until the gelding is only a short neck to the good. hat pen can picture the scene at the grand stand as the maddened thousands there assembled see the two favorites speeding toward them, head on, and no one able to even guess which one is ahead? Each | instant is an age of ecstatic agony. On past the distance flag—to the grand stand— running neck and neck, as though connae together, Then for the first time, Aphrodite feels the whip-cord, twice, three times, in hissing strokes—and the race is over, amid a deafening uproar, where all are yelling, shouting, screaming, and no one Eetening Whi won and which lost? Every person is wildly exult- ant, for each one believes his or her choice has won, The jockeys return and receive permission to dis- mount; they hasten to the weighing room; then all is ig silence as one of the judges leans over the railing. * Aphrodite wins the race; Midnight second; Red- man third. Time, three minutes, thirty-five seconds and a quarter!” The fastest time for two miles then on record! One united cheer—a living flood of enthusiastic | humanity, and then the victorious jockey is lifted pr gs feet and borne upon the shoulders of the crowd. This opening of Chapter I. is a specimen of the whole, hich is pure os iF and exciting, and vivid as a story of the turf.’ The jockey is a remarkable character who has a remarkable career, out of which this brilliant author has made an Entrancing Romance, good for all to read. See No. 10 of Taz Younae New Yorker for the continua- tion of the story. Sold by all newsdealers. 2" OLIVER Optic’s new sea and shore story will soon be started in THe Youna New YoRKER—one of the yop ar writer’s most charming and Eee works. 6 pa- pou catered for by such rs. Only the VERY admitted to its columns. (@™ Also soon to appear, a superb series of papers on hunting and adventure in the Great Forest of Northern bey Winter. Something new, and most delightful reading. Tue Youna New Yor«er fis noted for its features of ILLUSTRATED LATEST SPORTING EVENTS, With portraits of celebrities, in costume, in their various feats— O'Leary, Campana, Caphaty. 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In brief, everything to entertain and interest, amuse ta The following “ department” headings indicate the fleld, poee and general interest of the specialties of Tue Youna New YORKER, This department, including all games of ball, croquet and skating, is tonducted by Henry Chadwic c, & guarantee that it contains everything of note in its specialties ; among which is the game of chess. Treats of all athletic sports that, improve the body and mind, making a peated of pedestrianism. Includes all the water news from all parts of the world likely to interest young men, and is full of prac- tical suggestions thereon. sorts, making a specialty of the practical shooting of Dr. Carver and Captain Bogardus. In this department we give all the current news on fancy stock of all kinds, and special articles by leading fanciers on the breeding and care of pets, especially the Antwerp homing pigeon, game fowl, and so forth. attr ix ournalis This department is conducted by a young man who proves that he can give ints to many professional editors. In it wehave all the news about the journals conducted by young men all over the Union. Kova. Sons lit AMERICA. Tue Youna New Yor«er is the official organ of this society, which aims to confirm the youth of our coun- try in patriotism, honor and fidelity. It has lodges in every State in the Union. We pay particular attention to, hunting up informa- tion to answer correspondents capectslly on the subject of out-door sports, pastimes, feats of strength, ete. This department needs no explanation. We aim to give a great deal in a small space of everything worthy of note during the week. 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