Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 981) (1897 08 11)

Page 1

CDSs ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MATTER AT THE NEW YORK, N. Y., Post OFFIce. -, an bom Ve DAMS, Copyrighted, 1897, by BEADLE AND A August 11, 1897. No, 981. PUBLISHED EVERY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, TEN CENTS A OOPY. Vol. LXXVL 3 WEDNESDAY. 92 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 85.00 A YEAR —— ar ET Seen eG eee ee er . . " _ aaa " ——— =<

Page 2

Page 3

= = —— = : IE boob i opyrighted, 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MATTER cr THe New York, N. ¥., Post OFFICE, August if, 1497. : = FPUBLISHED EVERY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, - T©» cents « copy. ; WEDNESDAY. Ths a | 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5.00 A YEAR. Vol. LXXY]. zt WY ro GE; UY ie oe. bil ee eee Vi LLY 4 ™, “ aie?! ke. i ra SLOT ~ : i os - POLI ALLY) : X TPA : is ‘S Y 5 ’ a. SEIS GLE Le . < . — : = = ——— — -— --___ es iA Mi he — -_. “ ne THE TWO KNAVES FEL’ THEMSELVES JERKED OFF THEIR FEET AND SENT AROUND IN A DIZZY DANCE.

Page 4

- 2 The Gold-lace Sport; OR, The Texas Samson’s Wide Swath. BY JOS. E. BADGER, JR., AUTHOR OF ‘‘ THE MAN FROM DENVER,” ETC. CHAPTER I. THE INFANT FROM BROBDINGNAG. ‘ Srmapy, Babe! If there isn’t some sort of a ruction bubbling forth over yonder, then Ive lost my knowledge of me mother tongue!” In all his glory of silk and velvet, gold lace and silver buttons, a latter-day giant was idly strolling through the unpaved streets of that queer little border town, on amusement bent, when harsh and angry tones came to his ears. Quickly locating those sounds, he strode past the nearest corner, then stopped short with bright eyes kindling as they took in the scene spread before them. Yonder stood the Shamrock Hotel, at which he himself had secured a room, and close beside it was a drinking-annex, called the ‘‘ Harp of Erin,” both places owned and run by a portly if not good-looking son of the Emerald Isle, Dennis Maloney by name. And Dennis was doing the talking, just en. ‘* Will ye be afther movin’ out o’ this, thin? Ah-ha, ye schaamin’ baggage, ye! Comin’ here to begoile foolish divils out av thayer money be way 0’ puttin’ ahn stoyle undher- foot, begobs, whin ahl the toime thayer ow in’ me slate good money foor betther whishky! Git oot o’ that! Gitoot o’ that, thin, or Oi’ll —g’ wan away, thin, Oi'm tellin’ ye!” iis face flushed purple, his bald cranium glowing like the sun setting through a fog, the landlord shook a pair of ugly fists over that shrivking shape—the figure of a boy, as Sparkler Sam thought at first glance, but as he took another step forward he realized his mistake, Despite his crushed hat of felt, the belted blouse, the full trowsers, the trembling boot- black belonged to the gentler sex, and a flush of generous indignation leaped into the come- ly face of the Herculean Sport as he saw the landlord add action to words. A thrust of his foot sent chair and black- ing-kit off the porch to the unshaded ground beyond, and his red paws+made a vicious ciutch at the recoiling girl as he cried out: ‘¢ Must Oi t’row ye aff, thin? Must Oi—” Dennis Maloney: left the threat incom- plete, for, with a flash and a glitter, the Gold-lace Sport sprung to the front, sternly crying out: ‘* Hands off, you perambulating whisky- jug! Touch that kid and I’ll make you think the he-old goat’s got after you, lrish!”’ Maloney turned with an ugly oath, but be- fore he could do aught or say more, he was helpless in the grip of that giant. One hand closed upon his collar, its mate Sayers aleg, and as both acted in perfect c@ncert, the stout landlord whirled over in air, spoiling a beautiful somerset by slipping as his feet touched the floor, sitting down with a force that jarred the entire building. A roar of laughter broke from the little crowd, drawnmainly from the well-patroniz- ed bar of the Harp of Erin, but Sparkler Sam turned eyes upon the shrinking bootblack, instead. He could only catch an imperfect glimpse of her face, but that, with the peculiar garb she wore, gave the impression of immaturity, and he never foran instant doubted her being other than ‘‘the kid” he had called her on impulse, He could see that the girl was frightened or abushed, and his big heart came wide open. ** Don’t you cry, Kid, that’s a darling!” he said, softening his boisterous voice to suit the occasion, ‘‘ Hesha’n’ttouch a hair of your pretty head, for— Steady, Irish!” ** An’ who the, divil may ye be, thin?” spluttered Maloney, who was just trying to regain his footing, but pausing involuntarily at that sharp command. “Call me the Baby from Rrobdingnag— call me the Patagonian Pet—call me anything save one of your sweet-scented litter, Lrish! And since you’ve shown such a burning in- terest in this matter of polishing understand- en asa eee eee —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— te The G old-lace Sport. ing, let’s see how far you understand polish- by the bright rays of the afternoon sun, ing. Come, you bloated monopolist! Every first-class hotel ought to own its bootblack, and since you bar others from plying the trade, come and fill the vacancy, Mr. Maloney!” Sparkler Sam planted one generously-pro- portioned boot upon the box which had held blacking and brushes, smiling in answer to the laughter coming from the amused specta- tors. But Dennis felt anything save mirthful, just then. His head was still dizzy from that unexpected somerset, his flesh was sor@.and his bones ached from that heavy shock, while the pride of which no man is entirely devoid was awakening. ‘* Black yer boots, is it, thin? Me?” ‘‘That’s what’s the matter with Dennis ‘Be dommed av Oi do, thin!” ‘* Be dommed av ye don’t, comes a mighty sight closer the bull’s-eye of solid fact, gentle stranger!” coolly amended the Golt-lace Sport as he drew a revolver from where it was nearly hidden by his broad sash of plaided silk. ‘‘Don’t you think you’d bet- ter reconsider your determination, Dennis?” Maloney blanched to an ashen gray as he stared full into that menacing muzzle; then he shrunk away with a husky how! of angry terror. But, as he moved, so did the gun, and although his speech sounded like mockery, there was an undercurrent of stern resolve in the added words which fell from those mus- tache-shaded lips: ‘* You're mighty poor game to go gunning for, Dennis. You're neither fish, flesh nor good old side-meat! A buzzard couldn’t eat you raw, and smoking wouldn’t take the curse off! Still, this is solid old business, and I’m its prophet! ‘Instead of destroying the budding in- dustries of this,our beautiful city, you ought to encourage them. And so, last call, Den- nis! Come to the front and bestow upon me a bit of the polish you surely lack, or die in the bloom of your virginal youth!” Maloney recoiled a bit further, when Spar- kler Sam added, in clear, cutting tones: ‘**Black my boots, you cur, or I'll scatter your brains to the four winds of heaven!” There was no room left for doubting his perfect earnestness, now, and fairly crawl- ing that way, the fat landlord picked up brush and blacking-box, giving a muffled howl as the revolver-muzzle gently tapped his hairless crown. “Touch lightly on that off-corn, Dennis, an’ yeloveme! Play ’twas the dimpled chin of your own Colleen Bawn you were caress- ing, Maloney, for when my acher aches, then my forefinger contracts, and—what an ugly fellow you would be, Dennis, with your roof gone to seek its long vanished thatch!” ‘‘ Por the love av heaven, sor!” groaned the unhappy landlord, his mouth so fear- parched thatthe could hardly find moisture to add to the blacking. “No it isn’t, Dennis,” lightly amended the Gold-lace Sport as he tossed a glittering yellow coin toward the shrinking girl, ‘‘It’s for solid coin you’re laboring, and while you do the work, the little kid rakes in the shekels! Lively, Blackey! Don’t you see how many other gentlemen are waiting for your services? By the sweat of your brow ye shall make amends for playing hog in the manger, Dennis!” ‘‘Divil burn—bliss ye, sor!” uttered the perspiring landlord, forcing a sickly smile as he looked up at that face so far above him. ‘Sure, thin, ’tis a dirthy—a foine joke ye’re playin’ aff on yer betthers—ona poor divil that niver meant anny harrum, sor! An’ the gintlemin—augh, ye blaggairds!” flashing an evil glance toward those mirthful spectators. vy gango’ yeall! Av Oi doy’t play aven wid re, thin me name’s not—” ** Steady, Blacky!” and the revolver-muz- zie again tapped that bare pate in additional warning. ‘Too much chin-chin, too little worky! Polish me, or I'll Naik you off! I reckon I can do all the orating this genial as- sembly can get away with: so more elbow- grease, Dennis!” With many a groan and half-stifled curse the portly son of Erin’s Isle completed the work so reluctantly begun, and, as Sparkler Sam stepped from the box, lifting first one foot then the other for a critical examination ‘Grinnin’ thayre loike a Chessy cat, the | Maloney wiped the grimy drops from his heated brows. ‘“‘Augh, thin! ’Tis you foor a foine joke, sor! A foine joke, faith, an’ ahl foor the binifit av Dinny Maloney! ’Tis me that’s your sarvint foor that same condescinsion, sor! May yez live antil Oi can pay yez back it ahl, sor, wid interistadded to make it ahl aven, sor!” “Never mention it, Denny; it cost me nothing,” airily spoke the Gold-lace Sport, with a wave of his large but shapely hand. ‘And, besides, you’ll need your breath to carry you through with the day’s work, I’m thinking.” ‘Tis woork Oi’ll charge foor heavier than yez be thinkin’, maybe, sor, yer banner,” muttered Maloney with an evil glow in his little eyes as he started to rise to his feet. But, a heavy hand dropped upon his shoulder, forcing him to his knees again in front of the chair, while Sparkler Sam called forth: ‘‘Next! Step up, gentlemen, all, but take your turns in due order. You never had an- other such chance to get your understanding polished, and i doubt if you ever will have a similar opportunity granted you, So, this way, gents! Only one weenty dollar a shine, and the cart-wheels all go to the Kid as ‘treasurer of this unique combination! ‘**Roll up, tumble up, any way to get up, just so you don’t— Thank you, sir!” as one of the grinning witnesses came to the front with ready coin, which was accepted by the glittering Master of Ceremonies, only to be passed on to the girl, who only remained be- cause her retreat was now fairly cut off without calling unwelcome attention still more particularly her way. ; Again Dennis Maloney tried to escape the trap into which his brutal rage had hurried him; but Sparkler Sam would grant no grace, show he gs and as often the portly land- lord would find that grim muzgle staring him full in the face, with those big blue eyes mocking at him over the polished tube of death. Doggedly he worked on, mumbling curses barely above his breath, now and then aim- ing dire threats at the grinning fellows whom ‘he was forced toserve through fear of death, but never again daring to even covertly swear vengeance upon him to whom he owed this bitter humiliation. From time to time Sparkler Sam spurred the amateur bootblack to quicker work, for the little gathering had now become quite a crown, and there*was no lack of men ready to paya dollar for the added pleasure of having the portly landlord perspiring at their feet. ‘‘Don’t be too mighty critical, gentlemen!” admonished the Gold-lace Sport. ‘‘ Remem- ber, Denny’s a new hand at the bellows, and can’t be expected to put a looking-glass fin- ish upon every stogy. So—just make ita lick and a promise, Dennis, or we'll never get the day’s work done before to-morrow week!” Mig vie ‘* Augh, sor, isn’t it carryin’ the foine joke a wee bit toofar, sor? Sure Oi wouldn't want to sphoi: sport, sor, but av—” ‘* Too many dollars roiling our way, Den- nis, and the Kid isn’t— I say, stranger!” The Gold-lace Sport seemingly had eyes all over his head, for nothing of consequence was permitted to escape his notice, let it hap- pen on whichever side it might. He caught sight of a well-dressed man moving leisurely along the street, without aying attention to what might be transpir- ing there by the Harp of Erin; and with an eye out for thedollars which were so steadily rolling into the treasury, Sparkler Sam hailed the passer-by. The gentleman turned quickly at that per- emptory call, revealing the faceof a stranger, for he surely could not be classed among such citizens as were there congregated. A quick glance; then, reasoning that the - summons must be intended for another than himself, the stranger moved on; but only to be hailed again by the master of ceremonies. ** Tsay, John!’ ‘*Do you mean me, sir?” sharply demand- ed the stranger, turning again. ‘*You bet your sweet life I mean you! Come over here and get your boots shined up. Only one dollar, and— Ilsay!” “ Oh, go to the devil!” angrily cried the

Page 5

sal a MN oa Mc me stranger moving a'vay. to waste over such—” ‘* Dollars to cents you have, though!” cried Sparkler Sam, throwing forward his pistol and firing with lightning-like quickness. CHAPTER II. SPARKLER SAM AVENGES AN INSULT. THE stranger gave a start and an exclama- tion, for the bullet, striking the dry ground close by his feet, glanced up and away with a shrill whistle that gradually died out in the distance. A shower of dust and dirt flew over his feet, and the Gold-lace Sport lightly called out: ‘« Your hoofs are dirty now, stranger, eveu if they weren’t before!” ‘* How dare you—” indignantly began the. stranger, only to be cut short by those half- mocking, half-earnest tones. ‘* Business is business, and I’m doing the soliciting, pardner! Walk right this way, unless you'd rather be carried on a shutter! Come and take your medicine with the rest The Gold-lace Sport. 3 ““T’ve got no time _ wicked glitter in his dark eyes as they lifted ) but, a minute later, every hand might be to the big blond face which towered above | lifted against his life! them all. “You saw me flinch, just a bit ago, sir, but that was when you i me off my guard. I naturally supposed I was among honest men, if not gentlemen, and so—” ‘“* Apology accepted, my dear fellow!” ‘‘Wait until I offer you an apology, please. I’ve just this much to add: you’re dealing this little game, but I'll try to play even before it’s time to cash in the chips!” ** After business, pleasure, eh?. All right; and if you can’t find me right handy, maybe I'll take the trouble to look you up! But now—I reckon you’ve got your dollar’s worth, pardner!” ‘Not if the coin goes into your pocket!” ‘Tf it was so destined, I’d let it wait un- til you get ready for the general cashing-in, pardner,” coolly retorted the Gold - lace Sport; then waving his unarmed hand toward the shrinking shape of the girl, he added: ‘‘I’m only a deck-hand, sir. There you behold the captain, who'll take the price of your polish: one dollar, and no change re- No one even tried to bar their passage or delay their steps, for the giant had too re- cently exhibited his wondrous muscle for that. Striding around that corner, then taking the next turn as quickly as those long legs could cover the ground, Sparkler Sam spoke again: ** So far, so good, Little’Un! Now, where do you hang out? Whither lies your palatial abode, me noble duke? Just sling a hoof that way, and we’ll wait to reckon our win- nings until we’re safely at home under our own rooftree!” ; The girl murmured something: just what, even those keen ears failed to comprehend; but, as she quickened her steps, the Gold- lace Sport took the same direction, giving her little hand a friendly pressure as they hurried along that otherwise deserted street. ‘It’s all right for once in a way, Kid, and I’m ’way-up glad that I] had a chance to add to your winnings; but, all the same, your old man—you've got a father, of course?” of us. Denny isn't much on polish, but he’s | turned at this establishment!” | grim death on corns. Will you oblige us, Mr, Winklejohn rose from the chair, slip- ‘“‘No. Father is dead; and mother—” gentle pilgrim?” ping hand into pocket as he looked in that ‘* Well, just change the gender, and it ; A hot-flush came over the darkly-handsome face of the stranger, for he felt that his nerve had failed him for an instant when that spite- ful explosion came. He was stung with shame at thought of his awkward recoil, and if he took a step in that direction, it was more through anger than because of fear. “] really can’tsee why I should humor a drunken bully, sir, and—” ‘* Meaning my mother’s son, eh?” ‘Tf the coat fits you, why put it on!” ‘© You never found a worse fitin your life, my dear fellow, and you'll surely say the same ~when I let you take a sample of my breath,” direction, for the first time taking note of the silent partner in that queer business. A warm flush suffused that drooping face, and a swift glow leaped into his own eyes as he saw more than Sparkler Sam had thought of, as yet: saw that the supposed ‘‘ Kid” was in reality a budding woman! Slipping a coin into her reluctant hand, Winklejohn spoke on the impulse of the mo- ment: ‘‘There’s a dollar for the shine, my dear, and now—five more for permission to kiss those pretty red lips of yours!” His had touched her chin, meaning to lift reads pretty much the same tune,” cut in the sport, holding fast to the little hand in spite of the effort its rightful owner made to with- draw the member. ‘It would be bad enough to senda boy out among such a , gang of toughs, but a girl—too much no good!” / No answer came to those kindly if rather — rough words, and after a few minutes more rapid walking, they slackened pace in front of a small, forlorn-looking frame building— hardly more than a shanty, when viewed -from the outside. ““We live here, sir,” faltered the girl, still swiftly retorted Sparkler Sam. ‘‘ But, busi- | it to the more easily meet his bending face; | keeping her face more than half hidden by ness before pleasure, always! And—you | but, with a low, indignant cry the maiden | the leaf of her felt hat. ‘‘ Mother is—is not come next on the programme, dear boy! | struck both coin and hand away. strong, sir. And—you will not frighten her Come, oh, do come, darling!” There was more of whimsical raillery than of stern menace in both toyes and expres- sion, just then, and the stranger lost a little of his anger as he came to that conclusion, ‘Still, he seemed in surly mood as he spoke oa? apein: ‘Play clown to your own circus, if you ‘must, sir, but you may count me out; and that’s flat!” He turned away, but the master of cere- “monies rharply cut in: “Steady, pardner! This {s straight busi- ness, and if you can’t come down gracefully, A fierce, indignant roar burst from the hum aa colossus as his keen ears caught that insult, and, swift as thought, his mighty grip fastened upon the young man, jerkin him from his footing, ihe him aroun and upward, holding him helpless in air, Winklejohn struggled to break away, but he was like a babe in those muscular hands, He gave acry of mingled rage and fear, but that only won an additional shake as the giant strode apart from the amazed crowd, harshly thundering: ‘*Shut up, you son of Satan! I spotted you for a cur at sight, but this is worse than —please ?” A swift, fleeting glance upward which gave the Gold-lace Sport an unaccountable thrill; then the girl opened the front door and sprung inside, “just as though shé meant thus to escape further investigation. But Parker Sampson was not so readily baffled, and with a far graver face than he had thus far shown, he strode forward, pausing only when safely across that threshold. A tall, slender woman rose at their en- trance, giving a little cry as she leaned for- ward with hands tightly clasped together, a eae! 4 by age you'll come down all in a heap! Now— | I took you for! Now—here you go, Johnny | feverish light in her sunken’ eyes, but which _ : polish up or polish off! perme | for the | Dude!’ as quickly dimmed when she failed to recog- s 7 work and one dollar for the blacking!| Handling the fellow much asa lusty lad | nize the intruder. i ae Come like a lamb, or you’ll come like a mut- Fe. ton!” ? me rN ‘ ‘ i oe Py 2 ia a yt 1S vie a , oT) ™ = 3 TA That business-like weapon held him cov- ered, and, as Edgar Winklejohn met that coldly steady gaze over the leveled tube, his face paled and his mustached lip gave a brief quiver of mingled rage and fear. ‘*Don’t make me bu’st another cap, stran- er, for I never could miss a target twice be io Dain’ 1 And—ah, thanks, me noble ord!" might manipulate a puppet of straw, Spark- ler Sam whirled Winklejohn twice around in mid-air, then turned him end for end, bringing him down astride one of those high-booted feet, swinging him back and forth to gather the required momentum, then tossed him high in air, to turn a double somerset before alighting ‘‘on his beam- ends” in the midst of a patch of prickly pears! A howl of delighted wonder © burst from the astonished crowd, but ’twas a howl of far different nature which came from the lips of the victim, just then, as he floundered upon that mass of spines and itching needles! The Texas Samson hardly paused to see his human puppet alight, but turned to- ward the now sobbing girl, just in time to intercept her hurried flight. . f Don’t you ery, sissy!” he urged, with bluff but thorough pyeapeley: one big paw closing on an arm and keeping her captive ‘‘A gentleman who—who was very kind” to me, mother,” the girl said; by way of in- troduction; then hurrying from the room like a child who dreads a merited scold- ng. eke ea On his part, the Gold-lace Sport was hard- = ly feeling at ease, just then. Back yonder at the Harp of Erin he had begun to wonder if his first estimate was . wholly correct, and those doubts were strengthened by the. half-shy, half-defiant - lance which the girl had given him as they _ rew near her humble home. Surely she might justly be termed ‘‘the Kid”? And yet—just as surely those were eyes of woman, not of child! It was a new sensation bluff, impetuous giant, and he found it any- thing but an oa ay one. hat caused him to appear at a disadvan- tage before those gravely sorrowful eyes, but Sparkler Sam had an object in view, — and at once plunged into the midst of it. for the genial, | 4 “T’ve brought your little girl home, _ ma’am, and though she’s been in no great — | danger, perhaps, yet it isn't just the thing— q sending out a bit of a child like that, togged = | out in boy's clothes, to black boots fora liv- ing. It isn’t right, ma’am, begging your = pardon for saying so!” — ES ho Na The m senda a ack into the cushioned left. at their coming, her lips — ri ‘with tears as she | ee he curtly addressed the portly land- ord

Page 6

4 aie Goi iane PPOrk she said—how could she stand idly by and watch her mother starve, sir?” Sparkler Sam looked swiftly around the room, and though all was kept neat and clean, everywhere was written poverty! His voice softened, but still he stuck to his text. ‘* Of course she couldn’t, ma’am, but sure- ly there’s other and better methods of fight- ing the wolf from the door? And Rhoda— she’s getting too big a girl now to play the part ofa boy. And so—you have no other means of support, then?” **'No, sir; only poor, dear Rhoda. I took in washing until my strength failed me, and I grew so iil— Oh, sir!” her hands clasping tightly as they lay shivering upon her lap, while that former eager, wistfrl ht came back to her eyes Once more. E you only could aid us?” . A flush shot into the Sport's face, for this surely sounded like the plea of a profession- al beggar. Still, one hand slipped into a capacions pocket where both yellow and white clinked musically together; but with a swift gesture the woman checked his move- ment, ‘ No, no, sir! Not that! Don’t imagine that lam begging for alms! It was foolish, perhaps, but when IJ looked into your face, so frank, so honest, so kindly even! I thought —if you could only help me, sir!” Sampson looked abashed, and quickly withdrew his hand, peg 'b & ** Tellme how I can help you, ma’am, and T'll doit, gladly,” he assured. ‘‘ Thad a poor old mother of mine own, once, and whenever I see— JI mean, how can I help you, ma’am?” The woman hid her face in her hands for afew moments, plainly trying to command her emotions, The Gold-lace Sport stood uneasily by, in silence. This was a new experience for him, and he felt at a loss what to do and how to act. Presently the woman rallied her powers, and forcing a wan smile, again gazed wist- fully into his comely face. « it was partly in hopes of finding him, or of learning something about him, rather, that Rhoda thought of this—this unfortunate method of making a living for us both, sir.” ** Just so, ma’am; but, if you could only speak a little plainer,” hesitated the Sport, fingers playing with the stuffed snake wound around his felt hat, ‘* Not because I'd in- trude, you understand, but if I’m to be of any real service—eh?” * If you could only tell me about him? If you only knew— Do you know anything about a gentleman named Morgan Gwynne, sir?” ‘* A lawyer, was he?” slowly asked Samp- son, his eyes drooping a bit. ‘‘ And a rela- tive cf yours, perhaps, ma’am?” “* A lawyer, yes; nota relative, but a friend who— You do know him?” **7 did know him, ma’am, but now—well, I’m sorry to say he’s dead.” With a low moan she bowed her head in trembling hands, murmuring: “* Dead? Then my last poor hope perishes with him!” CHAPTER III. SPARKLER SAM MEETS WITH A SURPRISE. Sux looked the very personification of de- spair, and her attitude was such as to accen- tuate her emaciation; she seemed little better than a pee skeleton, just then, although even the embarrassed pet could not help gr Se the wreck of past beauty. Although the big fellow was fairly over- flowing withsympathy, he stood helpless, for this was taking him entirely out of his natural element, Few knew better how to handle or deal with mankind; but with women—that was quitea different oe To complete his discomfiture, at that mo- ment a vision apperred before his startled eyes—the vision of a neatly-garbed, beautiful young lady! With a low, soothing cry, she sprung across the room and sunk to her knees by the ef-stricken woman, ciasping her frail form in her arms, pressing warm cheek to that bowed head, while murmuring words ofsym- pathy, of love and of encouragemem, . ‘* Bear up, mother dear!” she urged gelit- ly, seemingly with gt a for her alone, yet flashing a swift, side-look toward the Shinfounded Sport, ‘Surely all is not lost while we live for each other? And never yet was cloud so dark but light could shine behind it!’ She said much more, but the words, musi- cal though the tones were, passed unheeded, if heard by the marveling Hercules. Surely this could not be ‘‘ the Kid” whom he had treated as a spoiled, if not willful child? Ahd yet—-it certainly was! For those were the same big eyes, bright yet soft, brown and lustrous as the orbs of as y fawn! How well he remembered them, now, just as they had shot that shy yet defiant glance into his face, out yonder! The same, yet how different! Then she seemed an awkward, immature child, her faults accentuated by the uncome- ly garb she had donned for the occasion; but now. &@ young lady, with tastily arranged brown hair, neat if plain dress, and a face fair enough to satisfy an artist! All this Sparkler Sam saw almost like one in a dream: and as he began to realize the awful ass he had made of himself for that once, he flushed hotly,and instinctively back- ed toward the door in abashed retreat, catching heel in the worn carpet and nearly tripping to a fall! hoda gave a little cry, and her mother roused up at the sound, then both women reached forth hands as though they would intercept his flight. The daughter sprung to her feet and came forward with hand extended, moisture in her eyes but with a half-smile playing about her Pe lips as she spoke: **T can thank you, now, sir,” with a faint emphasis on that word as her long-la-hed lids drooped slightly before his honest if in- voluntarv look of admiration. Only for you— See, mother, darling!” With a laugh that was at least partly ar- tificial the girl dropped a little shower of coin into her mother's Jap, then hurriedly giving her an account of the past transaction. ° ‘Of course I couldn’t earn it all, dear, but when that odious old Maloney—ugh!” ‘*T’ll break his fool’ neck if he ever dares to look crossways at you, miss, I mean—” ‘I’m Rboda Maynard, sir, and this is my mother,” quietly said the pounnes woman; for now she seemed just that, and Sparkler Sam felt like kicking himself as he remem- bered how he had called her kid, and child, and—worst of all! If he could only blot it all out, to make a fresh beginning! Mrs. Maynard seemed dazed by that metal- lic shower, for a few moments, but then she rallied her powers, seemingly forgetful of the much needed money in her burning desire to learn more of that now dead friend. Still, hospitality shone through all, and in a tone of gentle reproach, she bade Rhoda place a seat for the gentleman. Although far from feeling at ease, Parker Sampson was in no great haste to flee from those bright and velvety brown eyes; so he accepted the chair big E and with the grimly ornamented hat held on his lap, he spoke in subdued tones: “T wisk. I could have given you better news, Mrs. Maynard, but, lying wouldn’t help you any in this case, I’m thinking.” ‘“You have news, then, of Mr. Gwynne?” asked Rhoda, likewise seating herself, but closer to the side of her invalid mother. ‘*Bad news, I’m sorry to say. Gwynne wasn’t a relative of yours, may I ask, Miss Rhoda?” “Only a friend,” quickly answered the widow. ‘‘ But, we hoped so much through his efforts! And now, it’s like losing our vino earthly hope to hear that he is gone— dead!” ‘« You knew him, then, sir?” asked Rhoda, as her mother once more bowed face in bin aaa hands. ‘‘He was your friend, also?” ‘* Just as he was the friend of everybody save himself,” gravely replied the Sport, be- ginning to feel. a bit more at ease with him- self and his surroundings. ‘‘Of course you knew his .ailing?” ‘*Poor Mr, G@wynnet” ‘‘That’s right: poor Morgan Gwynne! Whisky got the better of him, just as it has yo) li wi ?- Pr — of so many fine fellows in the battle of life. I felt sorry for him from the first, but never so sorry as in his Jast days!” ‘‘How did he—what was the ending?” asked the widow. ‘*Tt came after weeks of crazy drinking. Gwynne hac joined the Texas Rangers, hop- ing to fight off the infernal thirst when he would be so far awa was too far gone, and contrived to get all the poison he could swallow. “Then it all happened so suddenly that no man could save the poor fellow! In one of his maddest fits, he rode his horse into the Rio Grande, leaping from a high bank, and died, cursing Cortina and all his infernal ‘lambs!’”’ After this brief but gloomy recital, there wis silence fora brief space. Mother was weeping, daughter was silently striving to calm her overstrained nerves, while Sparkler Sam was eagerly if covertly watching and studying that lovely face. Alternate flashes of heat and chills assailed him, and surely few men ever more earnest- ly bewailed ‘their past sins than Parker Sampson regretted the awkward error he had fallen into that day! To call this lovely young lady ‘‘a kid!” To treat her as one might only treat a spoiled child! To make ‘‘a holy show ” of himself before those glorious eyes, when he might have figured solely and purely as a gentle knight of chivalry! “Then you are a member of the Rangers, sir?” pskad Mrs. Maynard, at length; but the Gold-lace Sport was so busy with his thoughts and his ~s f of that charming face that he never heard the question! A quick flash sprung into the woman’s eyes as she took note, and then she looked sovinE ly into the same face while speak- ng: es Yes, this is the little girl you brought home, sir, This is Rhoda, my sole hope and reliance, now! A woman, now; and I’ve lost my little girl forever!” Sparkler Sam started a bit, brushing a hand quickly across his eyes as though to clear his vision. For a marvelous resem- blance made itself felt, and he involuntarily exclaimed: ‘** How like! s!” Rhoda flushed a bit under his intent gaze, drawing back a trifle, as though displeased; but Mrs. Maynard turned almost ghastly pale ag she leaned forward, eyes literally burning ag they fastened upon the face of this big stranger, ‘i ‘* Like whom, sir?” came the demand, al- most fierce in its interest. The Gold-lace Sport gave a start in his turn, and flushed a bit as he noticed that painfully intent gaze; but then he said, gravely: “Of, course it’s merely one of those odd coincidences one keeps running up against, ma’am, but I really can’t help it! If I didn’t know different, I’d stand ready to swear—” “What? Speak, I command you, sir!” almost screamed the terribly agitated wo- man, paying no heed to the efforts made by her child, even striking down the loving hands which would have lent her needed support, ‘* You mean far more than you pee said, as yet! Like whom? Like whom, ask?” The sport hesitated still, because he dread- ed to add to that really dangerous excite- How wonderfully like she ment; but then, seeing that continued sus- — pense would be even worse, he slowly spoke: “Did you ever know or hear of a young aay, named Georgia Winklejohn, Mrs, May- nard?” The widow sprung to her feet like a Pe galvanized. She gave a_ hoarse, gure! ng cry, flinging up both hands to the full ex- tent of bay arms, then would have falien to the floor. like a log only for the swift spring and sure clutch of the Gold-lace Sport. Rhoda likewise sprung to her aid, but the daughter seemed even less frightened than the stranger, for she spoke distinctly: “Tt is only a faint. ape sir, and not dan. Sas If you would be so kind—to the d, yonder!” Sparkler Sam quickly moved across the room and placed the senseless widow upon the bed, then drew back a little to leave the from supplies; but, he :

Page 7

—_—— daughter fair chance to care for the suf- ferer. This was done w'th the swift readiness which told of former similar attacks, and though she looked very pale and sad, there ‘was no wild terror to be read fn Rhoda's face as she presently turned toward Sam. ‘There is nothing you can do more, air, = I thank you for what you have already one.” ‘‘But—I don’t like to leave you alone with—she looks like a corpse!” muttered Sampson, unsteadily. ‘‘Can’t I do some- thing? Go fora doctor, or anything! Say I can hel you, Rhoda, dear?!” A swift flush came to her cheeks at that impulsive speech, but the girl let it pass without open reproof; perhaps she was too wholly he sl in her mother’s case to really notice the familiarity. “There is nothing you ean do, sir, else I’d willingly accept your kind offer. Mother will rally, shortly, and then—it might make her worse to see you, justat first! I mean —I don’t mean—” ‘Just at first? Then I may come back, later?” eagerly pleaded the Gold-lace Sport, marvelously meek for one of his usual car- riage. ‘‘ You’ll forget what a john-donkey I made of myself, back yonder? I thought you were onlya child; and now—I know what the angels look like!” With a sudden movement he caught the little hand nearest him, lifting it to his lips with reverence such as none save those of his own caliber can feel for woman. He pressed a hot kiss upon the little paw, then dropped it as if frightened by his own audacity, beating a hasty retreat to and through the doorway. As another man might have fled from arm- ed foe, the Texas Hercules hurried away from that humble home, never once looking back until a turn in the street effectually concealed the house from his gaze! *‘Holy Ebenezer! If I didn’t play the fool apuin, hope may die!” the big fellow mutter- ed, removing his uniquely-ornamented hat to brush the hot drops of sweat from his fair brows. ‘‘ And yet—if her hand tasted so honey sweet, what would her lips—go ’way honey! You've done lost yo’ taste!” Hardly had the words been uttered when a man sprung out from hiding, crying harshly: ‘*Draw and defend yourself, you rascal!” Then a revolver cracked as Sparkier Sam swiftly whirled around. CHAPTER IV. SPARKLER SAM CRIES A TRUCE. THAT movement was purely instinctive, a in all probability it saved the life of the exan Hercules. Instead of piercing his brain as was in- tended, the bullet merely plucked viciously at his yellow locks in passing, seeming to scorch an inch of skin but without drawing blood. At the same instant Sparkler Sam recog- nized his assailant, and with a sort of smoth- ered roar, he leaped forward, one hand shoot- ing out in advance to clutch the still smok- ing weapon, his head ducking low the better to avoid a second shot. But, none came. He who gave that brief warning had felt so certain of his prey that even yet he failed to recognize the truth; and not until those fingers had closed upon both pistol and hand did he even think of firing again; and then it was too late! “You, is it?” cried the Sport, recognizing Edgar Winklejohn as he added {wrench to grip, for the moment paralyzing that hand, “eel tossing the pistol far away from them oth. There came no reply, for good and suffi- cient reasons; the mate to that hand was closing tightly around the stranger’s throat, lifting him fairly from his feet and shaking him there much as a imastiff might shake a terrier puppy. Winklejohn writhed and kicked, striking out blindly with his hands, but was literally helpless in that mighty grip, and already was turning purple in the face. A terrible ex~ression had come into the modern Samson’s face as he found himself so viciously assaulted, but now that he held his enemy impotent, those stern-set features re- bars MS a sneer curled his i eee tg “Why, you blessed little dude! Did you ee ee ee @ The Gold-lace Sport. manage to pluck up courage eno h to jump ona man's back? Who'd ’a’ thunkitof ye, Johnny!” He gave the writhing victim another brief shake, then lowered him so his feet could touch the ground, slackening that awful tip in time to keep from having another eath laid at his door, His head half turned the better to catch sounds coming from no great distance, and recognizing in them a curiosity which would hardly !prove welcome, just then, he again grapes Winklejohn, hustling him away rom the spot with far more speed than ce. ‘*Quit your fool’ kicking, or I'll tote ye like I might a sack of grist’’ the Sparkler Sport muttered, harshly, as Winklejohn fought mechanically against the movement. ‘Do you want the whole town grinning at your monkey-shines? Must I gang and ang you to the tune of their guffaws? lay white, or fare the worse, Mister Man!” Betraying a marvelous sense of locality for a;stranger within the gates, Sparkler Sam hustled his captive away to a spot where there was little if any danger of being in- truded upon, then released his hold, bands on hips and legs wide planted as he took a leisurely survey of the young gentleman who had so desperately tried to ‘‘ play even.” Edgar lage sag was hardly himself, as yet, though rapidly rallying both in mind and body. **So, youngster, that’s the way you've been ‘brought up, is it? To kill a white man from ambush, like a currish—” “T warned you! I told you to draw and—” muttered the other, at the same time fumbling in his breast for a weapon. Swift as thought itself acted the Texas Samson, and once again his ry grip closed upon Winklejohn’s throat, blue eyes blazing as their owner sternly spoke: ‘Steady, you vicious little ape! I spared you twice, but now why shouldn’t I smash you, eh?” Lifting him clear of the ground with that one hand, Sparkler Sam doubled its mate tightly, shaking the huge fist before those protruding eyes, then rewing it back as though to dash it with crushing force full upon that now unguarded face. “T’d ought to smash you, just once!” he added, striking swiftly, yet timing his move- ments so admirably thatthe blow was check- ed just as knuckle brushed nose, ‘‘I know I ought to paste you one, but 1 was born a fool, and have grown worse ever since!” Again he slackened the grip which rivaled the Spanish garrote, hand dropping from throat to shoulder, only using force sufii- cient to hold the fellow fairly upon his un- certain pins, “1 say l'd surely ought to lend you one for his nob,” repeated the sport, ‘‘ but I don’t want to kill you, and any lighter tap would ruin your good looks for a yearto come! So, call it even, pardner, or, shall I?” No need to say more, in words, That massive fist was shaken in the stranger’s face, then slowly drawn back in readiness for a tethers stroke, inklejohn flinched, as well he might. Few men who had once felt the enormous power of those hands but would have done the same, ** Don’t—don’t strike me!” he muttered, a flush of shame dyeing his swarthy skin as he made the hardly voluntary Bee Instantly that grip was relaxed, and Spark- ler Sam drew back a bit with a low, genial laugh under which lay not the slightest trace of anger or distrust. ‘*Tt’s a whack, gentle pilgrim, and I can’t remember a weenty thing about any of it!” he added, heartily grasping and shaking one of those reluctant hands. ‘‘ We both of us made a mistake, I reckon, if not more of ‘* Your latest was in sounding your rattle before biting, back yonder, and—” “I gave you warning, sir!” ‘That's what I’m saying, pardner. You did give warning, after a fashion, or you might not have wasted your lead so com- pletely. Or, did you really think I carried my heels in my hat?” “You played me dirt, and I swore to get even!” surlily spoke Winklejohn, smoothing his ruffled mustache with still unsteady fin- 4. ‘on knife- 5 ers, while his black eyes glowed with a ight that was far from amicable. ‘Well, all that helped make up the dou- ble error, I reckon,” added the Hercules. ‘*Maybe I was just a weenty bit too en- thusiastic, but I took her fora kid, needing the coin we ail had to throw away, and— that was my mistake, you see?” Winklejohn foreed a smile, but spoke no words, just then. ‘‘T took her for a kid, when she was an angel-woman!” added Sparkler Sam in soft- ened tones, after a brief silence. “‘Of course you called her that, after hustling her away from the crowd,” speered Winkkejohn; but, before he could say more, a warning hand rose in front of his face and Sampson spoke, een f « Careful, Mr. Win lejohn! You've got off mighty easy, so far, but you don’t want to crowd your luck too brash. I’m a perfect cherubim for peace and'amity, solong as you don’t try to curry me against the ‘hair; do that, and I’ll kick worse than a bay steer full of prickly oats!” ‘*T never meant— Oh, confound the girl, anyway!” “Drop it, Isay! And now, I want you to introduce me to the governor, Johnny Win- kle!” “Tdon’t— Eh?” “T mean just what I mean, and that’s what l’m saying, pardner. Give me a knock- down to the old gentleman, and we'll call it square!” ‘*My father, you mean?” Sparkler Sam gave a hearty guffaw at that, leaning back with hands on plaided hips, lungs fully inflated, the very personification of jolly good nature. “Talk about quickness of comprehension!” he exclaimed, as that laugh reached a natural ending. ‘‘ Why, pe. you could givea snail an inch and beat him by a neckina mile dash!” Flushing angrily, young Winklejohn turned away, but the Texas Samson as quickly joined him, slipping hand through reluctant arm and talking glibly as though tse friendship had lasted since birth: “That's one of the things that makes me fairly love you, pardner! You catch a hint soswiftly, you grant it so gracefully! Now half the fellows you meet in a day’s Jog would turn up nose at such a request, an the other half would turn the cold shoulder, after wanting to know why in thunder you wanted to know!” ‘Well, I don’t know as I blame them, much!” surlily’muttered the young man, but his remark passed by without notice. ‘‘ Now, you’re different, You act clean white, and even hurry a fellow off for the introduction without taking time to say you'll grant the favor—as of course you will?” Winklejohn jerked his arm free, facing the Gold-lace Sport with his dark eyes glowing keenly. A brief stare, then he said: ‘Are youin earnest? Have you business with my father?” ‘Yes, double-times-over!” “All right. I'll take you to the gov- ernor, but, would it kill you to button your lip for a minute or so?” “‘You couldn’t ask a greater favor, m dear boy’ I never did: like to talk, for it makes my tongue sore! And, you see, I was born bashful—so bashful that I- never could find my tongue when in polite society! And a gentleman of your caliber in such fine feathers, makes me feel so out of place that I couldn’t utter a syllable if my very life depended upon that enunciation!” ‘* Good heavens!” The Sparkler laughed lightly, but reined in his lively tongue, for the time being, saying no more until Edgar Winklejohn nodded toward a fairly nil tan aha house not far ahead, through the front door of which a flashily-garbed man was just then making his exit. ‘‘There’s our house, for the present, sir.” he explained. ‘‘Wereally couldn't put up with the hotel accommodations, so rented—” But Sparkler Sam was paying no heed to his words, seeming wholly absorbed in the, man ahead who wore the peculiar garb, and whose hard-featured, swarthy face took on 4 fierce Naber he briskly passed them by, hand t. As they passed each other, the big Sport

Page 8

6 his present companion: ‘*Do you know that dog of a Greaser, Winkle?” ‘‘Suppose I do, what then?” ‘*You can boast the acquaintance of a mangy cur, then, . pardner,” retorted the Sport, with a return of his customary light- ness of speech. ‘I only hope you don’t call him friend, as well as admit his acquaint- ance!” ‘““Why so?. What’s that to you? Who gave you the right to criticise my friends or my acquaintances, I’d like to know?” ** Well, I’ve called you pard. I've walked arm-in-arm with you under the broad light of day. And as for the rest—well, I really expect to ane Diego Sandoval, some day, and I was wondering whether the same noose would catch you!” As he spoke, Sparkler Sam lifted hand to sound a brisk tattoo on the closed door, but, before any one from within could have an- swered the summons, Edgar Winklejohn turned knob and pushed the barrier wide. ‘Walk in, my dear sir!” he cried, half- mockingly, lending the giant a gentle im- pulse with hand on shoulder as he spoke. The Sparkler needed no further invita- tion, but strode across the threshold, doffing hat with a graceful bow as he glimpsed a feminine figure a little to one side. ike . A tall, gaunt, stoop-shouldered man rose from a chair at that sudden intrusion, a short if not sharp exclamation crossing his ay lips; but without paying heed to this, Edgar spoke, curtly: ‘“A gentleman to see you on business, fa- ther. As for his name—” ‘‘Parker Sampson, at your. service, sir,” supplemented the Sport, bowing again, but _ with eyes only for—-yonder young woman! a More clearly than ever did he perceive the truly marvelousresemblance, now! In hair, & profile and feature one was duplicate of the j other—the only difference lying in dress, age aod physical development. Although in a measure on his guard, Sparkler Sam was so forcibly struck by that resemblance :bat he might easily have be- pe _ trayed himself, only for the fact that the r young lady arose and immediately left the iS room, making a bare acknowledgment of his ' respectful bow. F ; dgar Winklejohn gave a low, brief chuckle as he saw how closely those blue eyes followed the graceful movements of the young lady, and there was a poorly-disguised sneer in his next words: ‘Surely I understood you to say that your business lay with my father, sir? If not, shall I beg Miss Winklejohn to return, We then?” Beer Sparkler Sain was swift to rally, and com- --— placently rejoined: a ‘‘It isa sight to cure sore eyes, pardner, - for an honest fact! If you make the same - offer a bit later, I'll jump at the chance to kneel at the feet of beauty and grace built up in one masterpiece, for—” © *“ALem!” coughed the elder Winklejohn, frowning until his shagey gray brows near- ly met above those coldly bright black eyes. “*May I ask in what manner I can serve ie yon, eit?’ ie ** Well, for a modest starter, just one ques- hy tion: do you happen to know anything in particular about the fellow who just left this house? Diego Sandoval, I mean!” _ Mr. Wink'ejobn flushed hotly, his eyes aining a bit of unusual fire at the same demanded: eae Pray, sir, what concern is that of yours? And, who may you be, anyway, sir?” - name is Parker Sampson, sometimes given a twist which converts it into Sparkler Sam. _ As for the rest, I’m living in hopes of play- dues!” if bigets __ ** What is all this to me, sir?” it, d fate will hav. S anede heen. 6 ‘= A * ens As > an spat in stern dislike, then abruptly addressed | “Tf this formed your sole business, sir, nstant. And his tones were harsh as he | ‘That's dead easy, my dear sir! My og ing executioner with Diego Sandoval to prac- tice on, as soon as the devil gets his just “Maybe much, maybe nothing, just as | care ir. Did you never read | ousness_ You ‘went to | sorrow a inderstand—”" se Y " ; The Gold-lace Sport. may I be allowed to bid you a very good afternoon?” broadly hinted the elder Winkle- john. ** A very neat hint, but it’s thrown away on yours truly, my dear sir,” blandly smiled the Hercules, sinking into a chair with thumbs in armpits and fingers beating a gentle tattoo upon his broad chest. ‘‘ As it happens, I have other business, namely: a message from Austin Leonard.” ‘‘T’ll never see him—never, sir!” cried Winklejohn, harshly, as he sprung from his chair with hands tightly clinched. ‘‘Go tell him so, sir!” “You talk just as though you meant it all, too!” CHAPTER V. SPARKLER SAM TALKS BUSINESS, **T po mean it, sir! I mean it every word, sir! I’ll never meet that infernal scoun- drel—” ‘*Kasy, there!” sternly warned the visitor, with hand flying up and forward. ‘‘ Don’t forget that you’re talking of Austin Leon. ard, one of the cleanest, gwhitest, best and most honest pards mortal man ever was blessed with! And, though that mayn't be quite so much to his credit—you’re speaking of my friend, sir!” ‘« Take the message back to him, then! I'll not listen to it; Pll never meet that man again, I tell you, sir!” stormed the elder Winklejohn, now seeming fairly beside him- self with rage. ‘‘ Never—never will I meet or recognize Austin Leonard, sir!” Sparkler Sam slowly waved his open hand back and forth, as though seeking to mes- merize the old gentleman; if nothing more, he succeeded in stopping that angry flood, then spoke: '** You distinctly vow that you’ll never meet my old pard, Leonard?” “T repeat it, sir; I never willmeet him in!” ‘* Well, that’s pretty certain, too, unless you change your ticket, Mr. Winklejohn,” his smile fading away and his face taking on a saddened expression to match his tones as he added: ‘‘ Poor Aus! He’s gone aloft!” Father and son gave simultaneous starts and exclamations, both faces betraying pow- erful excitement if not intense relief and gratification. ~ ‘* Gone aloft?” echoed Julius Winklejobn. ‘*Do you mean to say that Anstin Leonard is —has—what do you mean, sir?” ‘*Ts the fellow dead, at last?” harshly de- manded Edgar, in turn. ** As nail in door!” gravely quoted the caller, : The words were still warm upon his lips when there came a faint, half-smothered cry from just without that room, followed by hasty sounds which the Sparkter did not wait toanalyze further. = Springing across the room with pantherish grace and lightness, he opened the door through which Miss Winklejobhn had recent- ly passed, drawing the barrier partly to as he ‘eaned forward, thus effectually blocking both vision or passage for the moment. He caught just a glimpse of flying skirts, and a grim smile curled his yellow mustaches, for recognition came with that glance. — ‘« What's the matter?” harsh'y demanded the elder Winklejohn, pressing forward, only to be blocked by that huge bulk as the Texas Samson drew back and closed the door again. - ** Just the cat, I reckon, gentlemen,” was his off hand explanation; and without fur- ther care he turned back to the seat he had so suddenly vacated. Father and son passed through the opened door, but saw nothing to confirm their sus- picions, = They muttered'a few words together, then returned to the room, shutting and lockin tions, ceased friend. y i far o fore entering that’ vi re. —_————$—$—$ nn that door before resuming their former posi- rkler Sam was the perfect. picture of | y ess ease, now, though his native boister- seemed a bit toned down by such : well feel while a ‘more than he | “But, mo Z ldi - get! > klejohn had banished all emotion, and in calm tones begged the messenger’s pardon for betraying such unseemly violence. “Tf you could only guess one-half the bother, worry and vexation I have suffered through that—on account of Austin Leon- ard, sir, you would be more ready to make allowance, even if you didn’t hold me fully justified in all I may have said and done while so aroused,” came his plausible expla- nation. The Sparkler listened respectfully, bowing at the end, but without further committing himself. He was in no particular hurry to finish his visit, as yet, for he was hoping for more ;—was straining his ears to their utmost to catch faint sounds from beyond that lock- ed door! Winklejohn frowned, and his son fairly scowled over that provoking deliberation. Then the younger Winklejohn spoke: “* You say you bring a message from Leon- ard: what is it, sir?” A brief but bright flash came across those big blue eyes, for their owner caught the faint sounds for which he was listening. He knew, almost beyond a doubt, that Georgia Winklejohn had crept back to the door, yonder, and was breathlessly listening for further tidings! ‘* Well, gentlemen, I said a message, and as such I have cherished it in my memory ever since poor Aus. crossed the Great Divide!” ‘Then there is no room left for mistake: he really is dead?” ‘Just as surely as he has been dead to every person who bears your family name, since the black day he was driven forth from what he held as dearer than heaven, sir!’” sternly declared the Gold-lace Sport, with naught of acting in his manner, now. ‘‘ You and yours killed him, then, just as surely as though you had bored brain with bullet, or driven knife to his heart! I say it, gentle- men, and neither one of you dare deny the charge!” Father and son interchanged swift looks, but neither spoke. Surely the impetuous stranger would say all they needed to hear, & without the urging through questions? ‘‘Don’t mistake me, gentlemen,” added the Sparkler, in milder tones. ‘‘ Poor Aus, never once told me you knowingly wronged him: he wasn’t built that way, for one thing, and for another—well, I reckon his soul went out when the joy of his life was quenched, that day!” A faint sigh or smothered moan came from beyond the closed door, but only the ears of the visitor caught the sounc; and even he would have failed, only for expect- ing some such sign, “ Leonard never made open moan, never told all the world his sorrows, gentlemen. His heart was broken, but he never showed it on the surface, A truer, bolder, better pard never trod the footstool, He lived a man, and a man he died, yet—believe it or not, as ye like—hedied with a broken heart!” ' Again that faint sound from just cutside the room, and the ghost of a smile quivered that golden mustache. Though all else might fail, Sparkler Sam was assured of. having carried ore coveted point. f Neither of the otbers in that room noticed the sounds, for Edgar was audibly sneering, Julius was slowly, softly gether as they lay between his closed knees. A erafty light glittered in the father’s eyes, anda crafty smile still further wrinkled his sallow cheeks and drew his skinny tem- ples. Then, as the Sport paused, like oneex- pecting denial or question, the thin lips part-— ed to let pass the words: ‘* Pray, sir, what interest can all this have forme? Beyond thesimple fact of bis death, — what care I about Austin Leonard?” *«But your daughter—” Bsr ; ‘Excuse me, sir; I have no daughter,” interrupted J iy eho po sharply ; ‘What? No daughter Georgia, you mean.” = The Sparkler uttered’ a low whis Rivero rise; but, as quickly he rallied, to as Tr Se ee a ie Ea i are \e z yt of un. rubbing bands to- | ~ Surely saw the — ‘ tit is Julian Winklejohn, »

Page 9

9” ‘*Then your brother is dead A curt bow gave that assurance, and Sparkler Sam let the matter drop, so far as | idiot!” that particular point was concerned. ** Well, as I started to say a bit ago, even if you haven’t any particular interest in what became of poor Aus. Leonard, your niece, who so shamefully jilted him—” ‘Drop that, will you?” sternly exclaimed Edgar Winklejohn, making a menacing ges- ture as he partly rose from his chair. “Even as a guest, sir, you can’t couple that epithet with the name of -my cousin!” ‘‘The truth is no scandal, surely, gentle- men?” “Tf it was the truth—but it isn’t! tell him, father.” A brief pause, then the elder Winklejohn slowly spoke: ‘‘ There is not so very much more to tell. Mr. Sampson can term it jilting, if he fancies that term most befitting. As for myself, the plain facts are quite sufficient.” You The Gold-lace Sport. ! have half time to kick! Put up your gun, or— Put up or shoot, you crack-brained CHAPTER VI. THE SPARKLER WARNED OF BREAKERS AHEAD, It was a superb bluff, but one that proved successful, just as the Gold-lace Sport ex- pected. With a coward it almost would have in- sured a shot on the instant, but, whatever his other weaknesses, Edgar Winklejohn lacked considerable of being a cur or pol- troon, If Sparkler Sam had lifted hand to strike, or to guard, a shot would surely have fol- lowed, and at such close quarters must have killed or crippled. So, too, if the big fellow had attempted to draw a weapon. But, when his derringer was so boldly faced, a smile of contempt irradiating that comely visage, its owner more than inviting a shot, the armed right hand grew irresolute | | | Careless though he seemed, his brain now was unusually busy, and a portion of his thoughts would have startled the Winkle- johns, from father to son and niece, could they, by any magic, have studied his brain. Full of his own thoughts, the Sparkler kept on his aimless way until he had nearly cleared the town; then he paused, flashing a swift look around on all sides, like one who has fair reason to suspect the proximity of human foes. That first glance showed him nothing to; cause either annoyance or alarm, but, as he was on the point of retracing his steps, heading for his quarters at the Shamrock Hotel, he caught sight of a fellow half hidden behind a little patch of rocks and bushes. A hand iv stantly dropped tv weapon, but paused there without drawing, for an open hand showed itself, palm his way, while the skulker cast a look over shoulder toward the ‘And those plain facts are—just what, | | sir?” proved quite sufficient for the dauntless ‘Miss Winklejohn was compelled to dis- | Sport. Swift as thought ftself his left hand shot that quarter. i Begins to look like business, for a fact!” muttered the Sport, trying to pene.rate that | miss Mr. Leonard as a suitor, simply because | he was leading a notoriously irregular life: because he was forming friendships and as- sociations so vile and low-down as to wholly unfit him for decent society, much less the companionship of a young and virtuous forth, his head ducking and drawing to one side as his body followed, and before the young man could divine what was coming, that hand closed over pistol and fingers with a force that threatened to weld metal and bit of snug cover with his keen eyes, “I wonder how many ducks he’s got hidden in there?” . Only by holding his position did the ad- venturer betray bis suspicions, and no one at ry maiden, sir!” flesh together! a distance would have seen aught out of the ‘“That comes from your point of. view, A jerk, a deft thrust of foot, then young | way in either man or his munner, Mr. Winklejohn, and I’ll merely made this | Winklejohn was laid on the broad of his “TI say, pardner!” calkd out the half- comment: just as the devil is never so black as | back, while his laughing conqueror quickly | hidden fellow, in guarded. toncs, as he came he’s painted, just so I feel assured that you | slipped the shells out of the derringer, | more into view on that sice of the covert. | are laying on the colors with too free a| handing the empty weapon to the elder | “I'm your friend if you’ll let me.” | brush. And, before his death, Austin Leon- | Winklejohn, with a graceful bow and bland ‘All right, and friend goes!” promptl ard began to suspect that he had fallen vie- | speech: assured Sampson,as he moved easily rormend. tim to foul play on—whose part do you ‘“You’d better keep the toy, sir, until | hand on pistol-butt. ‘* You want to prove reckon?” your kid knows better how to use it. First | it, though! Hands empty and stand quiet! Edgar gave an angry cry at this thinly- | thing you know he'll hurt somebody—or get | I'll drill you if you try any monkey-work, vailed charge, but Juluis merely showed his | hurt himself!” | old fellow! That’s business, now!” remaining teeth in a wintry smile before add- A fierce burst of rage came from the ‘I'm just doing it for you, sir,” quickly ing: ) defeated young man, but Sparkler Sam did | asserted the stranger. whom Sparkler Sam ‘Hints are easily let fall, Mr. Sampson, | not see fit tofawait his rallying. failed to recognize as one he had ever met but proof? Have you anything to back up ‘See you later, gentlemen!” he added, as | before. ‘‘They’re going to double-bank your insinuations with, my dear sir?” he dropped the now harmless weapon on the | you if they get half a show; so 1 reck- “‘ Wait, please,” coldly retorted the Sport, | nearest chair as Julius Winklejohn made no |} oned—” - lifting a hand to hold further words in| move toward accepting it. ‘‘Hope that ‘*Who’s going to double-bank gnd jump check. ‘‘ Austin Leonard appointed me his | meeting will be a friendly one; but, don’t | me?” executor before death came to his relief, and | forget that I'm Aus. Leonard’s best friend, ‘* Well, maybe you know the Greaser: I made solemn oath that I would probe the | even in death!” Yellow Diego, they call him, when they talk . matter tothe very bottom, sparing no pains The last words came just as he opened the | behind his back: Sandoval, I reckon his to bring the whole truth to light! And, I’m | door, and that barrier closed behind him as | last name is.” here, as the first step toward that end, Mr. | the young man scrambled to his feet.- By this time the Sparkler had drawn near . Winklejobn!” With all his outward carelessness Sparkler | enough to feel fairly certain that bit of cover . With a poorly-smothered oath the son | Sam was not throwing away,many chances, | contained no other living being, and too con- ) sprung to his feet, gripping chair-back with | and rather more than expecting the young | fident in his own prowess to fear aught any 1 hands as one might clutch a deadly weapon. | fellow to follow, with that derringer or an- | one man might do, he took hand from wea- if The Sparkler likewise arose, but his | other similar weapon, he kept both eyes | pon, and pausing where he could readily 1 words were directed toward futher rather | and ears upon the alert; but, no chase was | command a fair view of the near ‘town, a than son, at first, made, thanks to the cooler-blooded old Jaw- | spoke again: r ‘That is merely by way of honest warn- ‘‘Diego Sandoval, eh? Yes, | know the - — RR NN ; bie C ing, sir, for it’s a rule of m‘ne to treat all as white until their actions proclaim them black. And, T repeat: I'll get at the bottom | facts of this business, and if I discover any trickery or foul play, I solemn! punish the dirty workers as their deeds merit! That’s my duty, and I may also say it will be my pleasure.” ‘* That's enough—and too mighty much!” harshly asserted Edgar Winkiejohn, as he thrust hand into bosom, to jerk it forth with a four-barreled derringer in his grip, catching the drop on the undaunted Sport with all the skill of a professiona! expert. ‘You’ve played the bully long enough, you overgrown rascal! Now take a walk, or I'll make a skimmer of your skull!” cried the incensed younger Winklejohn. His every look and tone betrayed how thoroughly in earnest he was while making this threat, but the effect produced’ was hardly up to expectations. The Sparkler neither flinched, nor ducked, nor dodged, while striving to draw a wea- pon in turn; but with a cool, even insolent smile upon his broad face, he held his round, laughing out, briefly, before speak- ng: ‘“* Ah, don't keep on playing fool, Johnn Dude! If you should bu’st a cap nf dentally, and hurt your betters the same way—’ “You're not my better, sir! Go, or I'll bore you through!” “Tf you should hit me by accident, Jobnuy Winkle, the citizens would run you up a tree so mighty sudden you wouldn't er. His still strong arms flung around his son, and that hold was maintained long enough for his lips to instill a bit of wisdom, even if his words failed to lessen the fierce swear to | mortification which Edgar surely felt. Knowing naught of all this, but content with tne part he had so far played in the lit- tle drama, the Sparkler turned the nearest corner, then strolled easily onward, the pic- tureof self-content, a big, whole-souled, rol- licking youngster, over whose head a quar- ter of acentury had rolled without lessening his love of fun, of noise, of color, or of reck- less fanfaronade. His velvet jacket, his broad sash of plaided | silk which contained all the colors of the rainbow, his fawn hat with snake-skin orna- ment, his ruffled shirt and neatly-fitting trowsers; all glow and glitter as the sun- rays were reflected from silver buttons and gold lace, his high-topped riding-boots set- ting all off with their dead black, supplying the very contrast the eye needed to perfect that picture, More than one pair of admiring eyes fol- lowed the lithe and blithe sport as he moved aimlessly through the border town—eyes of women whose fancy was caught by the gleam and glitter, as well as of others who saw the man rather than his garments, Men, too, were not lacking in observation, for, brief time as Sparkler Sam had passed within their gates, he had already made a unique record for hinaself. But neither mon por woman really ap- | proached the handsome giant, and Sampson was not sorry for that fact. for an instant; barely so long, but town as though dreading observation from fellow, and know: mighty little good about him. Friend of yours, eh?” ‘““Augh!” and the stranger spat to one side with sharp disgust. ‘I’m not exactly an angel, stranger, but I’m too near white to pard-in with a dirty Greaser; and, least of all, with Yellow Diego and his pals! Why, man, dear! what'd I be here for if I parded ‘long o’ them rocky imps?” ‘You do look a bit too white for that, now I come to take a closer squint,” frankly ad- mitted the Sparkler, .‘‘ By the way, wasn’t you on¢ of the fellows who took a dollar shine out of old Maloney, to-day?” A broad grin wrinkled that none too clean visage af the recollection; but he shook his head in negation. ‘‘Not just that way, boss, but I saw it all. Fact is, 1 gave the girl a quarter—I hadn’t anything bigger, for money won't stay in my kicks nowadays, sir!” ‘* Elbow crooks, eb?” ‘*That’s what!” admitted the fellow, his face falling fora moment. ‘‘I can’t help it, ou see, but when Denny caught me pay- ing over—well, I reckon he has got a pretty full slate hung up «against me, so he just kicked all over like a balky steer! But, you chipped in, and—” ‘Just so,” impatiently interrupted the Sport. ‘‘ But you said something about double-banking, I believe?” ‘«T just happened to be where I could catch a few words. vou see, sir, and ‘twas Yellow Diego doing the talking, You know his pals: another Greaser they call Pablo Zarate, and a Kickapoo?”

Page 10

8 ‘*Birds of a feather, eh?” ‘ Wigher buzzards than anything sweeter- scented, too!” **When you call Sandoval their boss, it tells the rest. And I was to be jumped: did you learn when or how?” The fellow shook his head, reluctantly. s | .Not quite so much, boss. I heard Diego - saying that you'd got to go over the river, and that they must down you the very first chance; but I wasn’t where I could hear more, and counted myself in big luck to get off without their either seeing or hearing me.” The Sparkler nodded his head, plucking at his imperial the while. A far-away look filled his big blue eyes, and the smile that eame into his face was far less pleasant to sce than the genial glow ordinarily found there. For nearly o minute silence lasted; then Sampson quietly spoke: ‘Thanks, purdner. And now, would the whole town go into the deepest mourning if anytLing se:ious should happen to either cr all of those three pretty fellows, think?” ‘« Vyell, scarcely!” with a sardonic grin “Goed enough! Just keep your eyes and ears wide open, pardner, and possibly you ray sce more sport before the moon grows Orv ‘Then you’ll do the jumping, boss?” ‘Well, Dll not be the one to do all the cancing when the band begins to play, bet your bottom dollar on that, pardner! And, tsat_ makes me think: just to wipe out an old debt, you understand?” With a careless grace Sparkler Sam drew forth a little handful of coins, dropping them into the half-eager, half-reluctant hands of the informer, who muttered: ‘| don't—I didn’t do it for pay, sir!” » ‘That's all right, and unless you wish to «fford me, pardner—why, man, dear, don’t Z tell you it’s an old debt l’ve been owing your father’s son for a round month of undays? Hold fast all I give you, and— iby the way, what ghee handle?” “Tom Billson, and I'll never forget —” “That's all right; and if you don’t be- lieve me, just ask the old man when you mect him up the next time. Now, so-long, pardner! Don’t poison yourself any worse than you've got to, is my best advice!" The Sparkler hurried away, unwilling to lis en further to the gratitude which called tears. to eyes long unused to such pure moisture; but as he drew nearer the more tuickly built-up portion of the town, he half-unwittingly turned toward the house rented by the Winklejohns. At least one of his reasons for coming to that town was connected with the family just named, and. it was with a half-hope that he might at least win a fairer glance at the young lady, who so strangely resem- ble:l Rhoda ‘Maynard, that Parker Sampson turned in that direction. Js was a retired portion of the town, and few persons scemed afoot at that hour; but that some were astir was quickly made ranifest, and that after a rather startling dasbion. ‘Help! Oh, uncle! Save— Ah—” The cry was smothered as by violence, but {‘parkler Sam had caught sufficient to send limi at fnll speed around the deserted build- in which cut cff his view, and he came fair- ly upon a man and woman, one strugeling to free herself, the other smothering her wil crivs for help! At fi:st glance the Sparkler recognized the gaudy garb of a Spaniard or Mexican, and, us an intuition of the truth flashed across his brain, he dashed forward with a stern cry of warricg. ‘* Let up, there, you whelp of Satan! Ha! you, is it, Sandoval?” Recognition was mutual, and, as he looked that way, warned by that stern cry, the Mexican bandit dropped the wo- mun he was holding, to jerk a revolver from his belt. But, swiftly though he moved, the Spark- ler was still more prompt, for he held the drop he had caught as he strode forward. ‘*Steady, youcur! Lifthammer or muz- zie and I'll kill you like a mad-dog! You know me, and I know you; so—steady, all!” was the warning. T e woman 80 abruptly let fall rose to her knees in erty te hands clasping as she _ looked bewilderedly around. The Gold-lace Sport. KR LT Oe ee ~ Sampson recognized Georgia Winklejohn, | utmost expectations, and not a little to his but he bad no time for wondering how | gratification he recognized the building rent- or why she had fallen into such evil com- pany. An old feud was lying between himself and Diego Sandoval, and the Mexican‘ brigand would only too gladly shed hig heart-blood if the ghost of a chance was given him. That chance was not now, it seemed, for the Gold-lace Sport kept him covered and was almost within arm’s-length of the ruffian. Sandoval shrunk back, his hard features fairly convulsed with rage and _ hatred, longing yet fearing to make the move which could hardly end save in the death of one or both. A savage snarl showed his teeth, and the Hercules Texan knew the crisis was at hand}; even without the warning gasp and words which broke from the blanched lips of the young woman: ‘* Look, sir! murder you!” For, as she spoke, two armed men sprung in sight around the clump of bushes, thirsting for the life-blood of the Gold-lace Sport! ~ Oh, they’) kill you—they’ll CHAPTER VII. THE SPARKLER’S LITTLE EXPERIMENT. We tt for the Texan that he was as swift to act as quick to divine, else even that com- bination of warnings might have failed to ex- tricate him from that double death-trap. The warning of Tom Billson was still fresh in his mind, and the face of Diego San- doval betrayed its owner just in the nick of time, for, eyen before Georgia Winklejohn spoke, the Sparkler kuew that he would have enemies in rear to deal with, to the full as vicious as the scoundrel he held lined just then. So, not to waste time, nor run the risk of a backward glance, the Hercules Jcaped for- ward, grasping Sandoval with his free hand, lifting the Mexican clean of the ground and holding him asa partial shield to his own person, while taking in the oddsagainst himself. He saw Pablo Zarate, revolver in hand, while, close behind him, came a tall redskin, armed withan ugly-looking knife, both ready for bloody work, yet just as plainly discon- certed by that swift and unexpected move- ment on the part of their intended victim. Sandoval struggled savagely, the weapon in his wildly grating hand discharging it- self harmless as he howled forth curses and inarticulate directions for his comrades in crime; but Sparkler Sam did not grant them time for rallying. Dropping his revolver for the moment, he brought both hands into full play, heaving the Mexican bandit above his head, then hurling him with terrible force squarely against his amazed mates! That living catapult swept all before it, and the evil trio went down in a confused heap together, lifting a little cloud of dust and fairly turning the atmosphere blue with characteristic curses. But, the Sparkler waited neither to hear nor to see further. Catching up the pistol he had let fall for the moment, and thrusting it into his plaided sash, he snatched up the cowering maiden and ran with marvelous swiftness away from the spot, turning around the nearest house and making it a shield against possible bullets, for the time being, This was taking far more trouble than he would have deemed necessary had he only himself to care for; but, odd though it surely was that Georgia Winklejohn should he found in such evil company, at such an hour of the day, the Sparkler thought it wisest, if not kindest to hurry her off the scene be- fore that shot or those vicious cries could at- tract a curious crowd to the spot. With that his main object, then, the Gold: lace Sport had added not a little to his own peril rather than shoot to kill or to cripple. And still keeping that end in view, he hur- ried on, carrying the Sang, woman much as another man might have borne an infant, paying little attention to the course he was taking at first, content if he might win clear of the row without encountering any of the citizens. In this hope he succeeded beyond his LLL ee ed by Julius Winklejohn, only a short dis- tance ahead, although he had come upon it from rearinstead of front. A few of his long strides carried them to the back door, where he paused short, letting down his fair burden, though still lending the support she sorely needed. *‘Beg your pardon if I handled you a bit roughly, Miss Winklejohn,” he said, in an off-hand apology as those brown eyes lifted to his face. ‘* But, there wasn’t much time to waste on ceremony, and so—” He broke off abruptly, flushing hotly, for Georgia caught his strong hand between hers, then let fall a trembling kiss upon it! ‘Don't! For heaven’s sake—” “How can I thank you, sir?” tremulously murmured the young woman, looking at him through her tears, looking so marvelously like ‘‘the Kid,” too! ‘‘ Only for your com- ing—that dreadful man who—oh, I thought I should die!” ‘Then you wasn’t—you didn't go willing- y?” The young woman shrunk away with a look of blended horror, reproach and re- sentment, all so natural that the Sparkler knew he had made a vast mistake, so far as Miss Winklejohn was concerned. ‘**Beg your pardon if my tongue got the best of me,” was his ready apology. “ But, your uncle called Sandoval friend, and got hot under the collar when I took the liberty of warning him against the cur, And s0, you see, when I oepre two together—” ‘He caught me off my guard, sir, and carried me off in spite of all I could do,” hur- riedly explained the maiden, flushing warm- ly beneath that keen and steady gaze ‘1 never liked him, but—”’ ‘You'd better like a rattlesnake than Diego Sandoval, Miss Winklejohn, even though your uncle and cousin may regard him as a friend. A more vicious, reckless, utterly evil and worthless whelp of Satan never cursed this footstool! And—but I reckon I've said heap-plenty.” *‘Tf you would only say more, sir!” im- p'lsively cried the maiden, one hand timidly going out to touch his nearest arm as she added in tones barely audible to those kee ears: ‘‘ Please come inside, sir!” N Sparkler Sam shook his head, though a peculiar glitter came into his big blue eyes. ‘*T don’t reckon I'd better, Miss WInkle- John. Your uncle—” ‘‘ Has gone out, and Cousin Edgar Nas gone with him,” hurriediy explained Georyia; and adding in less clear tones: ‘‘I wish—if you would only tell me more about—about Ir. Leonard, sir!” 4 The Sparker looked grave enough, bow, and his tones sounded far less genial when he made reply: & ‘* Surely you can’t feel any human ir, erest in poor Aus. Leonard, Miss Winklejohn! You, who drove him to—well, maybe I'd better not let my tongue have free rein, see- ing it’s a woman I’m talking to!” fi Georgia was pale as a corpse, now, but she spoke in firmer tones than at first, ‘It is as a woman that I ask you to step inside, where we can talk with less fear of interruption, Mr, Sampson.” - ‘*'You know my name, then?” dn well- feigned surprise. ** Yes. t heard you speak of it when uncle—I was listening just outside the door,” gravely confessed the young woman, turning and entering the house, in which action she was imitated by the Sport. He lad his own reasons for yielding, and nothing could have pleased him better than that very request, ; Seated together in the room where Edgar Winklejohn had again come to grief at the hands of the big fellow, a brief, but awkward silence reigned. H The Sparkler was in no haste to break the silence. This interview was not of his own seeking, although he had given some thought to just such an opening, and he was well content to give the young lady her own way for the present. He could. not help seeing that she was strongly Shcirianede or was trying to fight back some other powerful emotion, but he feltnaught of pity, naught of sympathy, de- spiteher rare beauty of face and charms of person. ; tn a cent art tl iri —————

Page 11

} : _ The Gold-lace Sport. 9 After a few moments, Georgia Winklejobrt would take a whole Dictionary to tell of ‘‘That’s what a woman ought to have spoke hurriedly: 5) our friendship; how it was formed, how con- | done if guilty; but she—and she is a woman, ‘‘T have much to thank you for, Mr. Samp- | tinued, how close and confidential it became | too, all over!” son, but I hardly know how to put my grati- | in the end; but, this much I will say: never Then Sparkler Sam thought of the friend tude into words,” {aman or woman had a truer, nobler, whiter | whose champion he had assumed to bein ‘‘ Well, why not let it go for what it’s | friend than this same Austin Leonard!” this matter, and his genial brows clouded as worth?” bluntly suggested the Gold-lace} ‘‘I know—heaven pity me! how well Ij he fell to wondering just how Austin Leon- Sport. ‘‘I never did like thanks, and yours— | realize all that!” moaned the young woman, ard would regard the little experiment he well, somehow, it leaves a bitter taste in my} bowing face upon joined palms, yet adding: | had been induced to make. mouth, just to think of it!” **Go en, I beg!” ** He'll kick like a bay steer! Maybe he ‘‘You’re not fit to hear much more, I} won’t say so mighty much, but he’ll look— -fear,” more gently spoke the Sport, rising to | and {I'd rather kiss his gun than meet those his feet. ‘‘ But, this much: if-ever a man | eyes with that sort of look in ’em—I would, held a broken heart in his bosom when we,| for an honest fact, now!” first met, Austin Leonard was that poor Take it allin all, Sparkler- Sam was a vast that miserable wretch! devil!” ' deal less content with himself than he had **T had a miserable headache; something I Georgia quickly lifted her face, a touch of | been an hour or so earlier; but, so far as out- had heard caused it, perhaps! Anyway, I | indignation glowing through her tears as she | ward semblance went, a jollier, gayer, more . The young woman flushed, then grew pale again. Her head dropped, and her tones: were tinged with sadness as she answered ; ‘*T can understand that, sir, thinking as, .. you do; but let me explain what happened— - left this house soon after uncle and cousin | cried: care-free individual never trod the blessed >. went away, thinking a breath of fresh air |. ‘“‘A broken heart! And yet—you pro- footstool than his own mother’s son that might do me good, nounced him dead in love!” _ | day! ‘“*T never once dreamed of incurring peril | The Sparkler gave an airy gesture before Finding scant profit in such disagreeable by so acting; how should I? But—that exe- | saying: . | thoughts, the Sparkler cast themaside forthe crable villain crept upon me unawares, and ‘Oh, that came later—heap-sight later, | present, letting a vastly different memory before I could cry out, or even attempt to | ma’am! And, besides, don’t it tako a hair | take the place they had occupied; and now flee, he had me helpless in his arms, and | of the dog to cure its bite? And so—but, | hissmile was no counterfeit. bearing me away to—what?” that’s all bosh! For many long days Austin ‘* Bless the little lady, anyhow!” his mentel “Well, to no good, you can lay your last | Leonard sought death in any and all shapes, | speech ran along. ‘‘I’d like to have the ducat, miss!” ut sought it in vain! same chance all over again, with the dust ; “Then I contrived to free my lips far| ‘‘Tlewas too much of a man to take his | out of my fool’ eyes,as they are now. enough to call aloud for help, although he | own life, else he.would have been dead and | Wouldn't I spread myself and play the hand- swore he’d murder me if I did so! And | dust, long ere this! And now—but, you’re | some? Wouldn’t I—well, one thing’s dead then—you came up, and—all the rest!” faint, ma’am!” certain: I’d never do myself dirt by calling Georgia bowed her head and covered face - He seemed about to lend a helping hand, | her kid!’ - ; 978 with hands, shivering like one with a severe | but was waved back, Then the young wo-|. There Jay a sting which was still sharp 2a chill, man spoke, with forced calmness: «|. enough to bring a hot wave of color to the The Sparkler remained silent. Although ‘‘You have judged me wrongfully, Mr, | cheeks<of this Brobdingnagian Infant; and ’ he had much to say, the time was not exact- | Sampson; but let that pass, Ifthe fates will | pausing for a brief space, Sampson swung ‘ly ripe, although he felt confident it could | that we ever meet again in the flesh, he shall | foot backward and upward, going through not be delayed much longer. learn how much more sinned,against than | the motions of kicking himself with all due ~ And he was right in his guess, as the next | sinning I have been! Until then—once more, | gravity! ea “There!” he ejaculated, drawing a long, free breath. ©‘‘That’s heap-sight better! moment proved, for vag, Brace antag sir, 1 give you heartfeltthanks for saving. and gazing imploringly into gravely-com- | me from that detestable villian!” posed face, Georgia spoke: _ What shall I tell Austin when I next see | Now I reckon I could enjoy a bit of broiled ~ ‘“Tell me about—about your friend, Aus- | him, Miss Winklejohn?” asked the Sparkler, | hummingbird and a pickled mosquito! Ho, - tin Leonard, sir!” after a brief and embarrassed pause. for the bashery, Babe!” : ‘Sampson arched brows in counterfeit sur- | ‘‘Give him my kindest wishes for his| The afternoon had fairly spent itself, and prise, then asked: future happiness, and—but no!” with sudden | twilight was beginning to assert itself as the “« Pray, ma’am, who told you Aus. Leonard | fierceness, ‘‘She will console him! I am | Gold-lace Sport shook off his absorbing = ~— was my friend?” nothing! Iam worse than nothing to your | thoughts with that self-inflicted penalty for idiocy, and with-quickened appetité he turn- ed in the direction of the Shamrock Ilotel. . Through all that aimless stroll his eyes | had kept keen watch and ward, but without seeing aught of Diego Sandoval or of the bandit’s tools, Zarate and the Kickapoo buck. Had they beaten a positive retreat, cowed by that bloodless defeat? ‘Not likely!” the Sport answered his own query. ‘‘ They’ve taken to cover, maybe, but they’re looking for a chance to strike back. And, if the chance comes their way first, reckon I’}] pay scot!” : What would have been an ugly thought. “J “heard—I was listening at the door | friend—with the broken heart!” through nearly all,” the maiden again con- And she flung wide the front door, and fessed, flushing warmly, only to have her | Sparkler Sam meekly passed through! color fade again as powerful grief dimmed hereyes, ‘‘Pleasetellmeabout— How did he die, sir? 1f youonly knew—” “ You knew him, then?” pitilessly experi- mented Sampson, @ malicious glitter filling his yes, as he watched her changing features. _‘* Was he ever anything more than an ordi- nary, every-day friend of yours, pray ?” A look of agony came into her grief- She as face, and tears dimmed her sight. \ CHAPTER VII. | THE SPARKLER ON HIS MUSCLE. | ‘Tus was hardly the sort of retreat the Gold-lace Sport expected to make, and al- ready he began to have serious doubts as to the complete success of his little experi- ment. None could have told as much, however, from his manner as he strode leisurely away from the house, those keen blue eyes taking | account of everything within their range, his | for most men, only caused the Sparkler to - She was suffering asonly a woman of astrong, passion te nature can suffer; but, even now, the T.xan felt scant pity, and less sympathy. pk ile suffered now, just so she had made | big, shapely hands resting with seeming care- | smile genially. Py another true heart suffer in the days gone | lessness upon his plaided hips. Life without some such excitement would a oe OPE - In spite of that admirable nonchalance, | be utter stagnation, he fancied, and now, as ar: Fora brief space that bitter struggle last- | Sparkler Sam was never more thoroughly | ever, he knew his hands could guard his eA on his guard, for he naturally expected | head, ed; then pride gave way, and she again “9 spoke: Diego Sandoval and his ugly mates to atleast | That smile turned toan audiblechuckleas ay: A ‘He was more than friend—he was all the | attempt to play «ven, and common sense | the Sport came into fair view of the saloon — Py eR world to me, then! And now you Say he | warned him that their next meeting could | run by Dennis Maloney, near which had iat +9e is—how did he—did he die, sir?” hardly help being marked with bloodshed. | happened the odd experience already de- : ae “Die?” echoed Sparkler Sam. ‘“‘Who| But, nothing whatever indicated their | tailed. eo said he had died? And when?” ._ proximity, and the big fellow strolled on-| No crowd was now visible, although he Bt a: - “Theard you say that he was—was dead!” ward like one who has; no more important | knew a fair patronage might be looked for pee As faltered the bewildered maiden, hands tightly | end’in view than the killing of time until the | inside that building; but the Sport took — | | elasping her throbbing temples. hour should should strike for his evening | note of yonder circle of prickly pears, flat- eS 4 kg parkler gave a little chuckle before | meal tened out and scattered somewhat by the é a) ng: f t “The keyhole must have have stopped the rest, I reckon, Miss Winklejobn, Didn't 1 say poor Aus. was dead—in love?'’§ The woman flinched asthough from a cruel blow; but she rallied with wonderful nerve, | forcing Mer lips to evenly pronounce the ture? * Even supposing Core Winklejohn had | the last! words: © ay Nee I misunderstood you, sir, I beg par- — * don, Now, will you tell me more, please? Mr, Leonard © once a dear, dear friend, | . audso—” Gaon ___, Despite her heroic efforts, a quayer stole We. into her tones, and she broke off with anin- | "es complete entenee rather than more openly _ betray her acute | ering. oe j “Well, there isn’t so mighty imuch to tell, | i ‘ou tae ca ‘8c. | : , ar | da 8 long mh.

Page 12

————$<$<$—$—$<—$ $s men!” came his frank salutation. ‘‘‘ And more power to your elbow, honest Denny. Faith, sor, an’ Oi nivver filt more loike washin’ the dust out av me thrapple thin Oi’m faalin’ this same momint, begorra! Shling ’em out, Dinny! It’s moy traate, b’ys, an’av ye don’t all tumble over yez faate in yer hoory to be one av us, thin, it’s me mither’s son’ll br’ake his harrut waapin’ over the degineration ay—oh, come along, gentle- men! I’ve got a twist in my poor tongue that only poisoning in company will un- kink!” In jolly good humor was this invitation extended, and in like manner was it accept- ed; while even Maloney relaxed his wrinkled brows as he scattered his bar with glasses and dingy decanters. Time enough for growling over past wrongs and insults when there was less bright pros- pects for paying business! For all his thirst, the Sparkler claimed a scant portion for his share, and after barely moistening his lips with the ‘liquid damna- tion,” he deftly tossed the rest over bis shoul- der without attracting particular notice to his wild extravagance. It was a brisk and noisy bustle fora couple of minutes, for hardly ove of those present but felt in duty bound to make allusion to the recent ‘‘ circus, ” though delicacy confined their remarks to the absent Winklejohn, pass- ing over the role so reluctantly filled by Ma- loney. Then, too, hardly less interesting matter for talk and surmising was furnished by those as yet- unexplained pistol-shots; twice within a few hours the alarm had been given through burning powder, and just so often a satisfactory explanation was lackiug. Sparkler Sam promptly asserted his utter ignorance; and, genial though his manner was from start to finish, still the patrons of the Harp of Erin fell away, shortly, leaving the Sport and Maloney the only ones near the bar proper. By this time the son of the Emerald Isle had regained his customary good nature judging from his smiles and words, although there was a hint of treachery lurk- ing back of those little eyes. “ Ye’re a divil on tin whaales, sor!” he de- clared, after wiping the bar and discarding the damp rag which performed that duty, leaning his short and muscular arms upon the counter as he added: ‘‘A naater thrick Oi nivver saw in the whoole coorse av me loife, bedad!” ‘* Well, you set the ball to rolling, Denny, and I couldn't help but chip in,” half-apolo- getically answered the Sport from Texas, his smile broadening as he recalled that ridicu- lous tableau. “Then you don’t hold a grudge, lrish?” ‘‘Howld a groodge? Me, is it, sor?” “‘ Well, you seemed rather hot under the collar, Denny, and I reckoned you really meant it when you swore to play even.” ‘* Augh, mahn, dear!” with a sharp shrug and shake of his bald head. ‘‘ Don’t talk av it, thin! Me play aavin’ is it? Sure, sor, Oi’ve hed play a-plinty to stay me stoomick foor tin waakes to coom!” ‘‘That’s hearty, pardner, and—put it there!” cried the Gold-lace Sport, as a hand shot across the bar, to be gingerly clasped by those fat fingers. But, even while that pledge of amity was being ratified, Sampson saw something in those little twinkling orbs which warned him against treachery. Smile and pledge as he might, Dennis Ma- loney had not forgiven the rough jest play- ed at his expense, although he strove to deepen that impression by adding, confi- dentially: ‘«Sure, mahn, dear, but Oi don’t say Oi’d Vave it pass me by so aisy av it wasn’t foor wan t’ing: the foine mahnner yez kicked the stoofin’ oot o’ that monkey-doodle, Winkly- jahn, sor!” ‘You know him, then, Dennis?” **Augh! divil a good doos Oi know av anny wan o’ haape, sor! Faith, thin, didn’t they coom hayer wid stoyle bigger thin a toorkey-gabbler sthickin’ oot ail over thim? Whooroo, an“ who but us? Git oot o’ the way, ye common divils, yez! Give us room to sprid the purthy tails ay—ow-wow! An’ didn’t Oi show thim the way oot o’ the dure they kem in, begorra? Ah-ha, yez bit Oi joost did, thin!” 7 asa rasping voice raising higher and those wild gesticulations increasing in like ratio, just as though the landlord of the Shamrock felt carried away by a sense of the slight put up- on himself and his hostelry. Or, did he merely wish to hold attention, to fix all eyes upon himself, just then? The suspicion struck the Sparkler, for he fancied that vicious glow coming to those little eyes meant more than tongue was tell- ing; but in no manner did he betray his thoughts, leaning lightly against the bar, one hand smoothing his golden mustaches. Then, like one filled with the vanity of good-looks, the Sport took a little circular mirror from his pocket, holding it up as he twirled the ends of his mustache—which, of course was only a cunning feint to see what might be going on in his rear! He caught a brief glimpse of two armed figures stealing his way, and, whirling on the instant, the Texan giant spruog forward with a mocking shout! Zarate and the Indian, each clutching a keen-pointed knife which they had hoped to bury between those broad shoulders before their approach could be divined, were taken completely by surprise, instead, A deft kick disarmed the Mexican, while the Kickapoo was grasped by the arm, a violent jerk «nd thrust combined sending the weapon back under the redskin’s belt; and then, caught by the throat in a double grip which no common force could break, the knaves felt themselves jerked off their footing and sent around ina dizzy dance! ‘*Give us room according to our size, gen- tlemen!” warned the Gold-lace Sport as he began that wild waltz. ‘‘Clearthe floor, for here we come, full of frolic and half-dead for lack of dancing! Hoof it down, ye miserable sinners! Sparkler Sam is running the ball, and it sha’n’t cost ye a red cent to pay the fiddler! Whoop-ee! Who says we're not having heap big time?” A confused scattering, a clear space pro- vided, those helpless arms and legs whirling about in frantic contortions, the handsome Hercules holding his enemies at arms’ length and playing them like puppets of straw; all made up a picture of wild life rarely equal- ed and never excelled. For a score of seconds thus; then Sparkler Sam ceased his circling, giving those wretches a final shake before bumping their heads together with malicious force, as he spoke: ‘«Gaze upon the pretty dandy-jacks, gen- tlemen all! This is the second time this very day they’ve tried to stab me in the back! I'd really ought to kill them as poison serpents, but, they’re only evil tools obeying a viler master, and until I can settle with him— take a walk, you miserable carrion!” Rushing them outside the doorway, the Sparkler let go, only to draw back his booted foot and kick them, one after the other, half- way across the street! And with cocked revolver in each hand, the Man from Texas planted his broad back against the front of the building crying out: ‘Come and see me, all ye who fairly thirst for gore! Here I stand, fat, ragged and saucy | by for business, though ye show up ih white, black, red or yellow! Come and mount me now, or hold your peace for- ever after!” CHAPTER IX. SPARKLER SAM’S EVENING CALL, Tm Texas Samson was thoroughly arous- ed, now, and if ever challenge was uttered in stern earnest, this defiance filled the bill! The two baffled knaves still lay as they had fallen after those tremendous kicks, though already scrambling to rise; but there was precious little fight left in them. Sparkler Sam hardly gave them a thought, but he did expect shot from or assault by their master, Diego Sandoval, and mainly on his account was that fierce challenge issued. But, the Mexican bandit failed to put in a prompt appearance, and as he saw the lesser villains crawling awkwardly away, fearing to actually arise, lest by so vam J they invite a shot or other kicks, the Sparkler felt a vicious disappointment which found ventin words: “Orawl away, ye crippled lizards! Wal- low in the dust, as befits ye; but take this warning with ye: let Diego Sandoval do his \ | own dirty work hereafter, or you'll fare worse than a surfeit of boot-leather!” The Mexican turned head for a savage glare backward as he reached the opposite corner, and, witha laugh, the Gold-lace Sport sent’a bullet humming his way—so deftly calculated that it clipped an ear im passing, spurring Zarate to a frantic bound and howling curse of rage and pain combined! With equal agility the Kickapoo brave imitated that leap, both villains vanishing from sight of those who now crowded the door of the saloon. ‘* Last call, everybody!” cried the Texan‘ still standing on guard and ready for stern business. ‘‘ Come singly, or comein a heap! Yellow Diego for choice, but nobody barred as long as they’re willing to take their chances with the Infant from Brobdingnag! Come, ye sinners! Come, ye chiefs! Come and mount me now while I’m in the humor!” There was no acceptance of that fiercely- reckless defiance, and, waiting a full minute, Sparkler Sam lowered his revolvers, speaking in cold, measured tones: ‘* Just a few words in parting, gentlemen, Those knaves were hired to double-bank me, by Diego Sandoval, one of Juan Cortina’s chosen ‘lambs.’ [have ample proof if neces- sary, but for now I'll merely say this: twice since.noon those two whelps have tried to kill me, each time coming up behind my back! ‘* People say the third time’s the charm; so let it be. For, I give fair warning, if a third time ever comes ’round, I’ll wipe those curs off the face of this fair earth, or they'll turn my toes up for all time!” An approving chorus came from the wit- nesses, but quiet came in answer to that up- lifted hand. ‘One word further, gentlemen. If any of you happen to meet up with Diego Sandoval, tell him to keep all eyes open, for a shoot him on sight—human wolf that he s!” Without waiting to hear the comments made on this grim announcement, Sparkler Sam belted his guns and moved calmly away to the hotel. For reasons which were perfectly satisfac- tory to himself, the Gold-lace Sport kept his own room until after the brisk ringing of a tinny-sounding bell announced the readiness of supper; and when he entered the long, bare dining-room, it was with right hand resting on revolver butt. It took only a single gtance to assure him that Diego Sandoval was absent, but recent experience had made him dis- trustful of appearances, and he crossed the room to a small table, seating himself with back to wall, thus giving him aclear and un- obstructed view of the entire room, This alone indicated any uneasiness, for never aman of them all ate more heartily of the food provided, or seemed to more thor- oughly enjoy the plentiful if rather rudely served feast. Nothing whatever occurred to mar the leasure of that busy half-hour, and after a eisurely use of a toothpick the Sparkler left his seat and the dining-room, passing up- stairs to his bedchamber, seemingly uncon- scious of the curious and mainly admiring eyes which followed his movements until he was fairly lost to their view. For a few minutes he remained seated upon the edge of his bed, busy with more thoughts than can be reproduced here. He only ‘thought of Diego Sandoval in connection with Julius Winklejohn, at first. ‘¢ What sort of game is the old gent try- ing to play, I wonder?” ran a portion of his marvelings. ‘‘How will he act when he learns what took place to-day? Will his friendship endure such a strain? Or—has he any reason for getting rid of the girl?” It was a truly startling thought, and fora brief space Sparkler Sam seemed fairly electrified by it. Then sober reason came to the rescue, and he banished the idea, forth- with, as preposterous, “* Bab! hat’s foolish, Babe! Better think—what makes the two look so mightily alike? Give acouple more fousifob al wt iad great Scott! Can't I even think to myself without playing the ass?” As aba, 3 simply disgusted with him- self, the Gold-lace Sport rose to his feet with a vigorous shake of his massive shoul-. ders, but mechanically made sure his wea-

Page 13

The Gold-lace Sport. 1 pons were in readiness for an emergency, though nearly hidden from casual view by the siiken folds about his middle. A brief hesitation, and he noiselessly opened his door, listening for a few moments to make sure the narrow corridor was empty; then he stepped out, to silently pass along to the head of the stairs, down which he passed with marvelous lightness, making never a sound which could call attention his way. As so often is the case with Western hotels, particularly in small places, the stairs ended in a narrow hall, with a door directly oppo- site, opening uporthe street. By this means one could pass into or out of the hotel without going into a room or being seen from the bar or dining-room. The Sparkler appeared well aware of this arrangement, and made the most of it, For good and sufficient reasons he wished to escape unwelcome curiosity at that par- ticular time. He succeeded in leaving the hotel, as he be- lieved, without notice, and keeping well in the shadows, he moved briskly off, through the early night. He paused here and there for a guarded glance into lighted resorts where such men as Diego Sandoval might naturally be ex- pected, but he saw nothing of the Mexican nor of his two evil tools. And then—was it purely chance?—the Gold lace Sport found himself drawing nigh the humble home to which ‘‘the Kid” had guided him a few hours earlier! And, oddly enough, Rhoda Maynard was standing in that same door, a warm blush rising to her temples as she recognized the giant, who took fresh courage from her inno- cent confusion, bowing low and coming nearer with friendly inquiries upon his lips. Before the maiden could fairly answer, however, Mrs. Maynard put in an appear- ance, and begged Mr. Sampson to enter the house. Almost before he knew it, the Sport was comfortably seated in an easy-chair, with Rhoda at a little distance, and her mother speaking with plainly forced composure: ‘‘T’m afraid I acted very oddly, this after- noon, sir, but you mentioned a name which —a name which took me completely by sur- prise! May I ask—where you met the—the gentleman you called—” ‘*Winklejohn?” supplied Sparkler Sam as her voice choked. “Yes: Julian Winklejohn, I think you said?” “‘Did 1?” muttered the Gold-lace Sport, his brows wrinkling as he in vain strove to recall what he really had said. ‘‘ If I said that, 1 made a mistake, ma’am. 1 should have said Julius, not Julian.” Widow Maynard gave a start and a low cry, turning even paler as a hand flew up to press tightly over her heart. Rhoda sprung to her side, and Sparkler Sam rose to lend a helping hand; but the woman motioned them both away, drawing a card photograph from her bosom, holding it forth as she faintly spoke: ‘* Look, please, sir! Tell me—is this like the gentleman?” Sampson leaned nearer, but the first keen glance convinced him that the error lay not with himself, for that picture represented a far different person than the tall, gaunt law- yer! “This is a correct likeness of—” he began, and the Widow Maynard quickly completed the sentence, with the name: ‘* Julian Winklejohn, yes, sir! have seen him since—” “* Begging your pardon, ma’am, but I can’t say that,” gravely interposed the Sport, drawing back and lifting eyes to that agi- tated face, ‘‘ You’ve got the two perso:s all mixed up. You say that represents Julian, but my Winklejohn distinctly told me his name was Julius, the uncle and guar- dian to Georgia Winklejohn, who looks so wondrously like— Ha!” Again it seemed as though the widow would swoon, but once again she desperate- ly rallied, faintly saying: ‘‘No—I am better! But—I fear I must ask you to excuse me, sir, for 1 am—far from —strong, just now!” — The Sparkler promptly rose to his feet, fumbling with his hat and betraying an un- wonted degree of emotion as he hurriedly spoke: And you “ he a a eS Se | ‘If I might only be of some service to you, Mrs. Maynard! If 1 was only— Can't you play like I was your big boy, ma’am, just for once?” A hot flush came into his faceas hespoke, for, now they were out, the words sounded peculiarly; especially as, out of an eye-cor- ner, he saw how divinely ‘‘ the Kid” was blushing, likewise! With a wan smile the widow thanked him, but showed no signs of welcoming his ser- vice, otherwise. And, feeling that he had again “put his foot in it,” the Gold-lace Sport beat a retreat in confusion. Was that the reason why Rhoda bore him company? At all events, she did follow him to the door, and even passed the threshold, closing the door behind her, possibly to shut off the draught which might have seriously incon- venierced the invalid! ** You are not offended, sir?’ timidly ask- ed Rhoda, asshe paused just under the moon- light, ‘‘ Poor mother! She is so feeble, so weak! When she gains strength, she will fully appreciate your more than kind of- fer!” ** And you?” whispered Sparkler Sam, tak- ing her hand between his big, honest palms, a strangely bright glow in his eyes, as they rested upon that charming face. ‘*T have now more to thank you for than ever,” came the low, but clearly-caught an- swer, head slightly drooping, but hand mak- ing no very decided effort to withdraw. ‘*If Tonly knew how to express my heart- felt gratitude, sir, I think—” ‘* Don’t you try it—don’t you now!” hur- riedly broke in the Gold-lace Sport, his own hands trembling to the full as much as hers. ** Don’t try that, for you’re too awfully lovely right now for— _ [just can’t help it— so there!” It was more than hand that he saluted now, et luck was against the big fellow for once, nm & Way. Rhoda’s head was drooping, and he was in too great haste to do the thing up proper- ly; so his mustached lips merely touched her white forehead: then, abashed by his own temerity, the Sparkler dropped her hand and fled—yes, actually ran away! It was an odd coincidence all the way through, come to think of it, A kiss, a hasty retreat, and—a falling un- awares into deadly peril! For, just as he fairly rounded the corner near which he had been assaulted by Edgar Winklejohn, that afternoon, Sparkler Sam was caught in the loop of a deftly-cast lariat, and, as the vicious pluck followed, he went swiftly down. CHAPTER X. LIKE FATHER LIKE SON. THE first few sentences which passed be- tween father and son after the Gold-lace Sport made his masterly retreat, would hard- ly read well if placed in type. The elder Winklejohn blamed his son for introducing such a person without warning, for there was no telling what harm be might have wrought through reviving memory of buried days. Edgar give a far from dutiful sneer at that, and doubtless would have spoken far more plainly, only for a swift gesture made by his sire. A warning glance toward the closed door pointed this signal, and the two men deftly drifted into more harmiess channels for the time being. Still, since the matter had been revived, neither man was content to let it drop with- out ae to a more perfect understanding; and shortly afterward Julius Winklejohn made a point to let Georgia know he would be absent from home for an hour or so, on business. Father and son left the house in convent, and it was purely chance that led them in one direction while Sparkler Sam had taken the opposite; for their sole object now was to reach some spot where they might talk freely : bi without dread of being eaves- dropped. - But little was said so long as they were in the town, wagat wearing a sullen expres- sion, while Julius was plainly troubled in no we degree by what had so recently hap- pened, ‘| on the “Where did you stumble across that big bully, and what possessed you to run him in On me without a word of warning, son?” finaly asked the elder Winklejohn, turning so as to stand face to face with his son. ** Why don’t you hang out a sign, ‘ no ¢call- ers wanted,’ then? How was I to know that the fellow wasn’t one of your elect? Surely he is amore reputable looking knave than the black-avised rascal we met coming out of the house, anyway!” **If a friend of yours—” *« Don’t call him friend of mine!” ‘* Well, 1 did thank it rather queer that you should pull a gun on a bosom-friend, b ” ‘“Why didn’t you back me up, then? Why den’t you spread your hand far enough to let me see at least one corner of your little scheme?” almost fiercely cried Edgar, right hand clinched and gesticulating. ‘If lam to be of any real service, surely I ought to know what wires you are pulling, and what had best be avoided?” “Tf I haven’t told you everything—’* ‘* You haven’t told me anything, rather! What started you off to Texas so suddenly? What makes Georgia so interested in this particular region, all at once? And—that Sandoval! Who is he?” A faint, half-smile added another line or two to the wrinkles on the old lawyer’s face, but after a brief hesitation he made reply: ‘* Well, for one thing, he is Senor Don Diego Sandoval, of good breed and high standing in hisown country. For another, we met him two years ago, in society, when mae deeply in love with your fair cousin, an u.?? ‘What! I asked Georgia about him, and she declared she knew nothing whatever con- cerning the fellow, and cared less!” Again that peculiar smile. “‘ Which you believed, of course?” ‘* Why shouldn’t I believe it?” ‘*May others show a like ee ae I!” murmured the lawyer, with assumed de- voutness. ‘‘ When the sad hour comes which is to rob us both forever of that dear child, may all hands accept our statement as readily! I ask nothing better of fortune!” Something in look rather than in tone or words impressed the younger Winklejohn, and after a quick glance around as though to make sure no one was playing the spy upon them, Edgar spoke again: *“ You’ve said too much not to say more, gov’nor! What is it? Just what game are you getting ready to play, anyway?” ‘A game in which you will lend a hand, of course?” ** You know it! And so TI say: let mein ound-floor. I’ve been kept in the dark entirely too long as it is.” ‘* Mainly because you were too far away for word of mouth, and such matters never ought to be set down in black and white.” ‘* But since I joined you?” ‘*So far there has been nothing for you to do; but now—listen! “*When your Uncle Julian died, he left everything to Georgia, by will, merely ex- pressing a hope that, in case she felt the need of it, she would ask my advice before enter- ing upon re 3 important project.” -* “i hat! I thought you were her guard: D ” ‘‘No further than I-am telling you, son,” with a frown gathering his ee 5 Bie ‘*And I'm not so positive even that wish was not wei qualified |” ‘*T don’t understand you, sir.” ““] wish I was as comfortably obtuse! But never mind, Now we've made a fair. start, we Can clear up all misty points at the one sitting. ‘* Although I have no positive evidence to that effect, it is my firm conviction that Julian left secret instructions for the gir}, warning her against too implicitly trusting me, or you, either, for that matter!” ** What makes you think so?” ‘“*A number of things, but one ought to suffice. If she felt full confidence in me, either as relative or guardian, do you think she would have decided upon a trip like this before even mentioning the matter to me?” Edgar Winklejohn gave a start at that, changing color. Sts ‘*Then you think she had other reason than those mines? Surely she is too proud to run after that fellow, Leonard?”

Page 14

oe it never told where those mines were lo- 12 idiot, sir!’ sternly cried the lawyer, hand clinching and eyes glowing redly. ‘‘ Why didn’ you improve the golden opportunity when presented? Why didn’t you court and marry her, out of hand?” Edgar looked down at the ground, where his toe was digging a little trench. His shapely shoulders shrugged themselves, then ~ The Gold-lace Sport. ‘‘ And right there’s where you played the ‘‘Hardly that, since they had not met for more than a year before he died; you know that, surely ?” ‘‘T know he was away, but—well, what do you make out of it, then?” ‘There is only ove deduction to be drawn, | and that is this: Julian gave the girl secret instructions, and with them must have come directions how to find these mines or mining he looked up, a sullen defiance reflected up- | property.” on his ccuntenance. * Well, I suppose I might as well tell you, sir. The fact is I just couldn’t marry Geor- gia, because—” ‘Bah! Any fool could have won her then. A green girl, just out of school, with every- thing rose-colored before her! Why couldn’t you marry her, pray?” ' For one thing, I already had a living wife, sir,” coolly answered the younger Winklejobn, a grim smile playing about his mustached lips as he took note of that sur- prised start and expression. ‘‘A living wife!” echoed Mr. Winklejohn. ‘But living no longer, please the pigs!” devoutly ejaculated Edgar, flinging out one hand in characteristic gesture. ‘‘ Let it drop, if you please, sir,” his tones growing hard and forbidding. ‘‘ Cursing breaks no bones, snd whip me you daren’t! She is dead, and let the past help fill the same grave. You willif you’re wise.” — But the father was just rallying from the heavy shock, and cried: ‘What! <A living wife! And you— Oh, you double-distilled idiot! Just when everything was working your way, and-—” “That’s all right, gov’nor,” came the cool interruption. ‘ She’s no longer living, and in going has left no sign behind her. Only for my own admission, you never would have been any the wiser; and what I’ve just told you, no other mortal shall ever hear ‘from lips of mine. | **And now, business! I’il make Georgia my wife to-morrow morning, if you can only win her consent to such a sacrifice!” , A ulius Winklejohn shook his head, doubt- ully. “f wish I could; ’twould be safer than— than the other way!” . ‘By other way you mean—what?” No answer in words, but their eyes met and read each other for a fewseconds, Then Edgar looked down at the little trench his toes were digging, evidently thinking over what he had seen in those eyes. Presently he looked up, to slowly speak: ae “T really believe I can turn the trick, gov’nor. Give me time; give me another week to do the courting act, and I'll auswer for her consent!” Julius shook his head, reluctantly. ‘‘T’'d do that gladly, if I only knew it was ia cafe!” he muttered, after a brief pause for thought. . ‘* How, safe?” - Winklejohn turned away without an im- mediate reply. Edgar said nothing, just then, for he knew an answer would come in fr due time. _ The old lawyer was troubled in mind, that was plain to beeen. _ _. That mental argument did not last long, and again facing his son, Julius john cast a little more light upon the sub yen JOCG, = ail. af **You never saw the will itself, Edgar, but I did, and made it a close study, too, as was gobo aero natural. 1 told you it con- tained mention of certain valuable mining ; eo I believe?” Yes. Down this way, wasn’t it?” _ “Tt declared the property was valuable, and certain to become still more so, in - course of time. But—mark this, son!— cated!” “But I tho corer” yee Sey Mae Le avgharont: fee dec 4 ar ae Winkle- ‘* Well, he always was a close old rascal!” coarsely declared Edgar. ‘*T wouldn’t care for that; but, don’t you see? If he took so many precautions against letting me into the secrets, doesn’t that go to show he suspected me of designs upon his property ?” ‘Suspicion isn’t proof, luckily.” ‘‘No, but it may be turned to just as great a disad vantage,”” moodily muttered the elder Winklejohn, thumb and finger pinching his thin lips. ‘‘If the girl has been put on guard against me, don’t you see?” * But, has she? If so, would she consent to letting you exercise cven anominal guard- ianship?” “lf not, would she keep everything so secret? What has she told ime, so far? Nothing more than that important business demanded herimmediate attention down here in the wilds of Texas!” Edgar gave a little toss of his black curls, then spoke with real or admirably affected carelessness: ‘* Well, what matter the reason, so long as the fact remains, goy’nor? I’d rather have_ her down here in this benighted region, than at home, surrounded by family friends who would be dead sure to kick against even the ghost of foul play. Now, here, it’s different! Should aught happen to the girl—and there is something going to happen?” Julius Winklejohn flashed a keen look around, then whispered: “‘T’m afraid there will—yes, 1 really fear for the poor child!” CHAPTER XI. A PRECIOUS PAIR OF PLOTTERS. THEIR eyes met, and the knaves laughed in unison. A joke seemed hidden under those words sc gravely uttered, but neither father nor son cared to read the riddle more plainly, just then. ‘Maybe it’s all turning for the best,” said the elder Winklejohn, after a brief silence. ‘*Butif you could only realize how.much success means to me! If you had even the slightest idea of all ra pains, my plotting, my scheming to win this rich prize! But— how can you?” ‘‘T’m in with you now, at all events, gov’- nor; in with you up to my eyelids!” . ‘“While I was planning and plotting to- ward this end, all for you, since I have no other heir or claimant! hile I was doing this, you were doing all you could to ruin my hopes!” bitterly exclaimed the lawyer. ‘‘Let asleeping dog lie, gov’nor!” grimly warned his dutiful son. ‘‘I’ve made a clean breast of it all, now, and stand ready to make what amends liein my power. Better have me to help then to ‘hinder, don’t you reckon?” Julius flushed a bit at this thinly vailed ‘threat, but deemed it the part of wisdom to let it pass by without mention. After a brief silence during which he seemed to be collecting or arranging his at i he spoke again: “As I said, Edgar, I’ve been thinking of allthis for years past, and only biding my a ee I could make my blows count as they fell. fay tn spite of Bi 9 curious indifference—I clun ai cee ee ee ee ee ey spoke: ‘She was just eighteen years of age when she finally left college, and if you had met her then—” ** But I didn’t, for a very good reason.” ** Another man did, worse }nek!” “* Austin Leonard, of course?” “Yes. He was just the sort of fellow to catch her fancy, and I believe ’twas a case of love at first sight.” ** What a pity the serpent was permitted to enter their Eden! How did you manage it, anyway?” ‘*By employing pretty much the same arts a serpent would have used, no doubt,” came the dry retort. ‘‘Where both lover and sweetheart are proud and high-spirited, it’s no difficult matter to effect a breach -be- tween; and I was playing for a fortune, re- member!” ‘In plainer words, you lied to first one ana then the other?” ‘* Let it go at that if you prefer the term,” coolly. ‘‘A man isa fool who lets a senti- ment balk him where a fortune is at stake! And I was lying for you, as well as for my-. self, remember!” With a half-sneer in his tones, Edgar complimented the elder Winklejohn on his knavery, declaring him an ornament to eon and a shining light in gen- eral. ‘Why, sir, I used to think I was no slouch! I’m no angel, to put it mildly, but you—” ‘* Just as certainly am no fool,” coolly cut in the lawyer-guardian, showing his teeth inasilent grin. ‘‘Asa matter of course I can and do wear the mask with the best of them; but in minutes like these—” “’T would be time and talent wasted, you think? Well, I reckon you’re more than half right, gov’nor; and so—compliments aside, you did a mighty good piece of work in separating the lovers, Curse Leonard! What license has he to pick such a plum?” 4 “A plum that you despised, remem- er!” “Don’t bother about remembering any- thing of the sort, gov’nor. And now, not» to change the subject at all, but what about | this Greaser?” ‘Diego Sandoval, you mean?” ‘‘Of course! Whatis he? In earnest, not in romance.” Julius Winklejohn gave a brief chuckle. His armor was proof against such trifling pricks, and this blunt insolence of his son actually seemed to please rather than annoy m, . “You’ve heard talk of ‘ Cortina’s lambs” since coming down here, haven’t you?’ Edgar nodded assent. ‘Well, Sandoval belongs to that outfit. He declares himself Cortina’s right hand— vows he holds a regular commission as captain in the Mexican service; but you can swallow as much of that as pleases ‘* His looks are enough to cory! him!” , ‘And I'm willing to go bail he is just as ood as his looks,” said Winklejohn, chuck- ng again. ‘‘Tomy belief he is a bandit, pure and simple, w ibe. to slit a throat at a moment’s notice fora dollar! And, situated as we are just now, what better recommen- dation could you ask than just that?” Edgar shivered a bit as he met those keen eyes, then his own lowered as he surlily “‘T can’t agree with you, there, sir. He’s. too well known for safe treating with! That. big bully, Sampson—” “I know; he claimed to recognize Sando- val as one of Cortina’s lambs, but what of | that? We first met the Spanish gentleman thousands of miles away from in the best of society, and—” ‘* Really?” re s “Do you think I’d lie about it, sir?” de- here, moving | manded ‘Winklejohn witha portentous frown which matched oddly with his lips just then curling in a silent grin, “And, besides, -who’s to ask any such awkward questions, — no matter how dreadfully we may be de- ceived by this Spanish gentleman?” Jace rascal couldn’t hold. s — 5 ee gold-lace 1 ‘8 stil tongue if he should disloeate a shit tryin 4 / ‘ Rares ow abo a dislocated neck, or a dig [ Y : eS aes

Page 15

The Gold-lace Sport. 13 slowly enunciated query, an evil glow leap- ing into his dark eyes as he looked at his father. “You mean—what is it you do mean, sir?” ‘‘ That we'll be killing two birds with one ay stone, if all goes to my liking,” coolly re- plied Julius. ‘‘ As for the big knave, San- doval himself told me the world is not large enough to contain them both, living. And when a fellow of his breeding says so much, you can confident)y count on a seri- ous accident befalling the object of his hatred!” Well, I’ll hardly weep my eyes out over such an accident, but if it was to be any- thing like a fair shake, 1’d lay odds against the Greaser. Ofcourse, though, he means to take Sampson off his guard?” ‘*T should imagine so, yes.” *‘ Well, good luck ride on his shoulder! And—Georgia?” The answer to this question seemed less easy to find, but presently Julius Winkle- john made reply: “* Well, Edgar, the case stands pretty much like this: Sandoval already knew something about those mines; he declined to tell me just how far that knowledge extended, but he did make that admission,” “ Well?” “* He says he’ll take care of Georgia—” “* What?” «a “He ar he'll take care of the girl for 2 sake of the mining property, and call it quits,” steadily persisted Winklejohn. As he himself had admitted, Edgar was far from being an angel, but he did revolt at this disposition of the fair, pure maiden. “That devil? “You surely can’t mean to turn Georgia over to Diego Sandoval?” he alm st fiercely cried, one hand gripping an arm with force sufficient to make the lawyer a flinch. But Julius Winklejohn was made of pretty tough metal himself, and instead of showing fear, he gave Edgar a flash of his yellow teeth, then sneeringly demanded: “She would reform him, dear boy! And so long as she is not fair for you, what mat- ter who else takes the management of her future?” ‘* But—that foul-souled villain!” . “‘Ts just the sort of tool one must employ EB in cases of this description,” sternly declared Winklejohn, freeing his arm and speaking ' -with moregauthority than he had seen fit to display until now. ‘Would an honest man play so neatly into our hands? Would an esser villain undertake to carry the girl off, and clear the way for our stepping into the Winklejohn fortune?’ / ‘* But how can it all be covered over?” ‘Sandoval will carry Georgia off, over the border. Once there, what need we care how he treats her?” ; Tf we can cover our own tracks! How can you do that?” Easily enough, The girl has always been of a romantic disposition. She took it man fy into her flighty head to elope with a suitor whom he 4 had once rejected; isn’t that simple enough?” so like an infernal satyr!” quickly amended Edgar. ‘Well, love laughs at looks as well as locks, sometimes; and this is one of those ra) : : “But, afterwards? How can we lay claim to her fortune—” kd TA ‘* Ag next-of-kin, to be sure!” ae “But not while she is alive?” tM Sotto, ODS many weeks,” dryly prophesied the : oung villain stood in silence for a minute, evidently pondering the matter in his mind; but then he spoke, more decided- ty job, take it all through, gov’- job! And Lask for just one girl. Let me try my ‘Yes. Or would be, if Sandoval wasn’t | will pine away and cross the river vyer-guardian, his black eyes glittering tote. y, father; I believe | ole soul he | the success, I thought it safest, that way; then no man can point a finger of suspicion my way, for I'll be ignorant as the best of ’em!” Julius gave a brief chuckle, but Edgar failed to join in. He was chafing at the thought of letting his fair cousin fall into such thoroughly vile hands, seemingly forgetful of his own proven worthlessness. ‘*T’ll have my chance over, and that’s the whole of it, gov’nor!” he declared, firmly, evenmenacingly. ‘‘ Choke that black-avised devil off, until Tve had my try, anyway!” ** And if you fail?” **Time enough for that when 1 do fail! I believe I can turn the trick, and if Georgia consents to marry me, surely that will be bet- ter than to—than the other way?” ‘* Yes, provided she yields; but time is precious, boy, as youought to know after to- day! How long do you ask for?” “* A week at the foutside, and I’ll cut the time as much shorter as I may, without run- ning too serious risk of losing all through haste,” ‘* Very well; letit be so, then!” CHAPTER Xil.. SPARKLER SAM BREAKS THE CHARM. Norsine was further from the mind of the Gold-lace Sport than such a warm re- ception, but past experience stood him in ood stead now, and on the instant he ivined the worst, The first touch of that snaky coil told him it came from the hand of a master, and that fighting fiercely against the silent so would only too surely hasten his end. Instead of trying to either break away from or to cast off the viata’s noose, he threw himself swiftly forward in the direc- tion from whence that assault was made, at the same time grasping pistol-butt with right hand, while its mate flew up to lay close along face and throat. : The anticipated jerk came at that precise | instant, but the sickening shock was great- iy lessened by his prompt action, and a hoarse cry of angry triumph burst from his lips as his muscular fingers closed upon the plaited rawhide rope. With that cry came a shot, lighting up the shadows with a lurid glare, giving the Gold-lace Sport a fleeting glimpse of his enemies. Crack—crack—crack ! One fierce jerk tore wide that closing noose, and another brought the lariat-hurler staggering that way, while Sparkler Sam sprung to his feet, whipping forth a knife and severing the viata with one and the same motion. ‘‘Chaw lead, ye devils!” he cried, savage- ly, sending the lasso-thrower reeling back with another shot. ‘Try to climb my back, will ye? Play circus with the Baby, eh? Ah-ha, ye imps o’ darkness! Lie down —lie down and stay as I put ye!” A single shot came from the 7ata-caster as he staggered back, but just as Sparkler Sam fired again at the knave, he fell allin a heap where the shadows lay densest, and not knowing how badly his remaining bul- lets might be needed by more dangerous foes, the Gold-lace Sport lost sight of him in the darkness. All this took place with bewildering rapidity, but noise oan te was made to alarm the town, and already excited shouts. and cries could be heard as some of the citi- zens rushed forth from saloon or house to see what was the matter. Sparkler Sam had no means of knowing just how strong a force had assailed him, and with back guarded from knife or bullet by the blank wall of a building, he made no effort to escape from that spot, lest still worse than notoriety might befall him. e heard the rush of feet coming that way, and as he caught his first glimpse of human shapes both up and down the street, he gripped his enpons more firm! called out in stern warnin “Steady, gentlemen! ready, and I mean just what I say: cross the dead-line before there’s light enough to read your title clear by, and I’ll add to the graveyard census!” An eager cry escaped from some one hid- den by the gloom. “Sparkler Sam! liar!” “‘Sport or no Sport, don’t let a single one slip ye by!” cut in a stern, authoritative voice an instant later. ‘‘ Hold all as it is un- til we can see—fetch lights, boys!” ‘That's all I’m asking, friends,” declared Sparkler Sam, still keeping on his guard. ‘I’ve downed one or two of the p’izen imps, so mind where -you plant your feet or you may feel their fangs!” : Even as he spoke the bright glow of hur- rying lanterns became visible, and crowding himself into a little jog just beyond his left hand, Sampson eagerly swept the ground be- fore him with his keen eyes. Close to the.corner he had been rounding when the vicious assault was made, he could distinguish a human figure lying, an ugly blot upon the earth just then! A little nearer his own position the lariat- caster had fallen, and now a wave of the coming lights flashed across a single foot and part of a leg; the one shod in russet leather, the other glittering with silver buttons! ‘*Steady, gentlemen!” warned the Gold- lace Sport as the lantern-bearers came closer thespot. ‘‘ Play me white, and I’ll never do Mic dirt; but three times hand-running is eap plenty! I’m a new-born baby for meek- ness and humility, but when—” ‘Steady yourself!” sternly cut in the citi- zen who had commanded the bringing of lanterns, ‘‘ Who are you, and what does all this mean, anyway?” *‘T’'m Parker Sampson, sir, at your ser- vice,” declared the Sport, stepping forth in- to fairer view, though he still gripped his ready revolvers. Excited eries broke from, other lips, just then, as the scene was for the first time fair- ly lighted up. By the corner lay the motionless form of an Indian, fantastically garbed, while a bit et further on was another body, just as surely that of a Mexican, if garb alone was to be considered. : Sparkler Sam took swift note of these points, and they merely served to confirm his belief that Diego Sandoval was playing to * get even, either in person or through his evil — tools alone. es ‘*Look for yourselves, gentlemen!” he — called out, sharply. ‘‘ It was do or be done, und I hated to knock under to such riff-raff as— If Yellow Diego Sandoval isamong ye, shove him to the front!” . j These words came only when eyes failed, but if Sparkler Sam really hoped to end the feud that night, he was fated to be disap- pointed. If the right-hand man of Juan Cortina was =f within reach of that voice, he certainly took 2 good care not to answer it in person, - Bee With lanterns at hand, the rest was ae quickly managed, and while one or two of the more prominent citizens kept both hands and eyesat liberty, others eagerly investigated _ the matter, little cries and ejaculations fol- — lowing the recognition of the Kickapoo and his more gaudily-garbed comrade in crime,. | Pablo Zarate. he : ce A ghastly hole in the foreheadofthe red- skin only too plainly announced the manner | of his death, and no effort was made so far to resurrect him. : But when they came to the Mexican, in- _ terest at once grew deeper, and cries went forth that Zarate was living still! s “vad fa ‘* So much the better!” grimly commented = the Gold-lace Sport, taking advantage of the opportunity by ‘deftly reloading his pistols. —_| Make him tell who.set the pair of’em | upon my trail. I’m_ offering dollars to_ cents ’twas Yellow Diego, the cowardly — It’s the Sport, or I’m a | whelp!” nee. y and | ‘Even without this urging, just such an F ‘a __ | effort would have been made, but now 5 on’t try to cro to crowd | wounded knave was eagerly question mourners, or somebody'll get hurt!” | even as his hurts were being investigated. What's the row about, anyway?” sh torn its way thr oer one of the shad 3 ‘ ‘ : t what I’m « , * M

Page 16

14 bullet in his left shoulder, breaking no bones but causing a profuse hemorrhage. Groaning with mingled pain, fear and hatred, the Mexican shrunk away from the rough but not unkindly hands which lent him aid just then, giving a show of. his wolfish teeth as Sparkler Sam came more distinctly within his limited range of vision. ‘Make him tell who egged him on,” coldly urged the Gold-lace Sport, at the same time keeping keenly upon the alert against a possible blow or shot from cover. ‘Ask him if Diego Sandoval was with them when they first jumped me from cover?” Pablo Zarate caught his meaning, and ave a vicious curse as he tried to shrink urther away from the man who had thrice baffled him that same day. Instead of waiting to be questioned, he burst forth in a vicious flood of curses and oaths, then vowing by all the saints in the calendar that this thousand-fold accursed Gringo had been the assailant! Sparkler Sam gave an ejaculation of indignant amaze as he heard this astonishing declaration, but Zarate stuck to it: he and his poor friend of the Kickapoo tribe had been innocently wandering along when this ac- cursed giant jumped upon them without word of warning or shadow of excuse: jump- ed upon them from behind their backs, murdering them like so many inno cent lambs! ‘This looks like it, don’t you think, gen- tlemen?” cut in the Gold-lace Sport, and as all eyes instinctively turned his way, he lifted the severed end of the braided raw-hide with revolver-barrel. The noose was still around his neck, and by the glow of the lantern could be seen a red and swollen ridge where the lasso had dangerously compressed that massive throat. This was evidence far more eloquent than a could offer, and as by magic arose the wild, fierce cry for vengeance: not from lips of Sparkler Sam, but from many who had never laid eyes upon him before that hour, It was the terrible roar of lynch-law, and still with noose hanging over bis broad shoulders, Sparkler Sam sprung to save the very life he had only a few brief minutes be- fore sought to take! < Pistols in hand he stood across that cower- ing, moaning, shivering shape, ordering back the crowd under penalty of death, vow- ing that Pablo Zarate should have a fair shake for his life, Cooler heads listened and steady hands came to back up this stern defender. | First one, then a couple, after them others, until a full score influential citizens were defending the prisoner, and all danger of premature justice was averted. ; Sparkler Sam urged that Zarate be placed in security, with an armed guard against further trouble, until the fellow could have a fair trial and be punished or set at liberty as his merits might prove. This suggestion finally prevailed, and feel- ing fairly confident now that no further effort would be made to lynch the rascal, Sampson left the affair in other hands, shaking himself clear of the crowd and then making it a part of his journey bedward to pass by the house under whose roof he had located ‘‘ the Kid!” Did he expect what he found? Whether or no, Rhoda was standing at the front door as the big fellow came by, and of course he had to stop fora moment to explain what had happened, together with the welcome fact that, barring a chafed neck, he was just as sound as ever! Rhoda appeared very grateful to provi- dence for this escape, and she must have been seriously agitated by the tragic sounds which had drawn her to the door, since she forgot to chide the big fellow for his recent audacity ! Sparkler Sam did not tarry leng, for more reasons than one. Believing as he did that Diego Sandoval had been at the bottom of this latest at- pals upon his life, he dreaded calling at- tention toward this budding woman in whom he was growing to feel so powerful an interest, lest the vicious bandit strike at his enemy through this quarter. » Yet there was a bright smile playing The Gold-lace Sport. over his comely face as he passed on, and bis big right hand was tingling deliciously un- der the faintest of all imaginable pressures! Nevertheless Sparkler Sam kept keenly upon the alert while picking his way across to the Shamrock Hotel, rather more than half expecting Yellow Diego to jump forth from cover with knife-thrust or pistol-shot. But nothing of the sort occurred, and the Sport reached the hotel without further ad- venture, enteriag by the narrow passage he had elected when leaving his chamber, reaching his room in the upper story with- out attracting attention so far as he could see. Once safely behind closed doors, Sparkler Sam showed no particular haste in seeking repose, busy and trying though that day cer- tainly bad been. And even after he went to bed, with one gun beneath his pillow and his pistol-belt hanging close by his head, he lay fora long time thinking over the events of that day: now of Sandoval and his tools, now of the Winklejohns and his absent friend, Austin Leonard; buf oftenest of all did he think of Rhoda Maynard, his oddly-found “‘ Little Kid!” Of course ’twas rankest nonsense to even hint that the big fellow could be falling in love, but— Of course it was! Just when the drowsy god prevailed, or how long his reign had lasted, Sparkler Sam never knew, even if he ever tried to guess; but asleep he surely had been, for he was preg of awake when a series of startling sounds made him leap bodily to the middle of the floor. Shots and shouts, whoops and yells, crash- ing blows and trampling of hoofs, all com- bined to fill the night air with thrilling con- fusion. And then, shrill and far-reaching, he caught the cry; ‘*Cortina’s Lambs! Toarms! Cortina is raiding the town, men!” A fierce oath burst from Sparkler Sam’s lips at this, and with savage haste he jumped into his garments, buckling on his belt of arms as he left the chamber and’ tore down-stairs, eager to take a hand in the fight. OHAPTER XIII. SPARKLER SAM ON GUARD. Ir took only a few seconds for the Gold- lace Sportto jump into his clothes and rush down-stairs to the level below; but even in that brief interval it seemed as though the fierce clamor had doubled in volume, if not in actual danger. Pandemonium seemed turned loose in town. Pistols and carbines were exploding here and there, yells, shouts, cries and vicious curses arose on every hand, while mad riders seemed thundering through the town from all points of the compass. Not allof the wild confusion could be laid to the audacious raiders, however, for the startled citizens were adding to the bewilder- ing tumult, only a few seeming to keep their heads in part, . From these arose that warning cry—a warning only too frequently rendered neces- sary in those troublous days by Juan Cor- tina, the famous—or infamous—Chaparral Wolf from across the Rio Grande. Sparkler Sam caught sight of more than one swiftly-moving shape by the fairly-clear moonlight, but nothing plain enough to jus- tify a shot, on his part. Now and then a horseman flashed across his fleld of vision, but never giving clear or long enough view for identification, let sus- gies be as strong as it might; and with all is rashness, Sparkler Sam was too shrewd to chance a shot which might strike down the innocent for the guilty. Fora few seconds he hesitated which way to turn first, but then another cry of ‘‘ Cor- tina’s Lambs” decided him, and breaking into a run he headed for the residence of the Winklejohns, ‘* Dollars to cents Sandoval will try it on again!” was the reflection which sent him forward in such hot haste. There seemed good and sufficient grounds for that instinctive belief, too, as he came closer to his destination, for, even: before he Ss leas ym» a could sight the spot, his ears warned him of trouble ahead. Rushing around the corner, Sparkler Sam caught his breath sharply as he beheld seve- ral mounted men in front of the building, giving a low, fierce cry as hesaw one of their number just reining his steed back to the door, then plying spurs viciously. With each touch of the steel the horse lashed out fiercely with his heels, making that front door crack and groan before this novel assault. There could be no doubting their intention, and giving one stern shout of warning, the Gold-lace Sport rushed forward, shooting as he ran. With a shrill scream of mingled pain and rage, the rider flung up his arms, then top- pled heavily out of the saddle as his horse broke away in mad flight. Cries of startled anger broke from the other riders, and they came together as though the better to meet that reckless charge; but as Sparkler Sam came on, pistols barking ven- emously, with each long stride, the knaves seemed to lose nerve, for they wheeled and race away at top speed, after firing a single volley. The Infant from Brobdingnag could hear the ugly humming of their lead as the shots sped by, but he only laughed in reckless de- fiance, crying out at the top of his voice: ‘*Oh, come back! Come back, my dar- lings! ’Tis the Baby calls—'tis the weenty babe from Lilliput, mourning for his dinner of— Come back, ye runners from Skeedad- dleville! Come back and all skall be for- given ye unless— Do come back before I die of lonesomeness, now!” Sparkler Sam was justas nimble with legs as active with tongue, and the final prayer was roared forth while be stood in front of that hoof-scarred door, back to the building ~ eyes strained after those fleeing despera- oes. An instant later a shot was fired from the nearest window, and with a little cry the Gold-lace Sport sprung forward and to the right, for the bullet fairly broke the skin of his cheek, so narrowly did it miss his iife! . He saw the little cloud of smoke vailing the window, and that setat rest all doubts as to where the shot had come from; but the sight awakened far fromagreeable thoughts, ‘*Steady, you in there!” he called out sternly, at the same time bringing one of his pistols to bear upon the window. ‘‘ Better save your bullets for enemies than waste them on friends, Winklejohn!” No reply was made, either by way of apology or further menace, and with doubts deepening into suspicion, Sparkler Sam moved still more completely out of range of the windows, unless the careless marksman . should actually thrust kead or arm out through the opening. ~ Was itmere carelessness, though? Had he been mistaken for one of the knaves who so fiercely assaulted the front door? Or—had he been recognized, and so shot. at because recognized? The Sport's face tingled with more than the smart of that bullet as his reflections took this turn; but that was hardly the hour in which to solve hisugly doubts, and standing on guard against both open and hidden ene- mies, he waited. guns in hand. That was a stirring ten minutes or more, although neither foot nor horsemen came in- to that particular street, : The town seemed fairly alive with raiders, one and all of whom appeared bent on split- ting the night air with the most outrageous sounds possible for human lungs to shape, while the report of guns and pistols added a spice of danger to the wild tumult. There appeared to be no particular point for assault, and the whole affair reminded Sparkler Sam of a crowd of drink-inspired cowboys, trying to “take the town,” rather than one of those bloody raids so common isa Sk reign of Juan Cortina and his ter- rible Lambs. Then, almost as abruptly as it had burst. forth, the wild uproar ceased; in a single minute all was stilled, and not even a hoof- stroke could be heard longer! By this time Sparkler Sam felt fairly well convinced that this raid meant far more than he at first believed; the abduction of Georgia Winklejohn: and satisfied that no further peril menaced the maiden from that quar-

Page 17

‘ : t : : : : : ter, at least, he swiftly left the spot, hurrying away to learn just what damage had been done. With the whole town so thoroughly excit- ed, it was no easy matter to get at the actual facts; but partly guided by instinct, Sparkler Sam came out near the rude stone building which served as town calaboose, there to find an angry, grieving assembly. ‘« [ knew it!” he muttered with a black frown as he strode forward, The heavy plank was shattered and its hinges bent, the lock plainly broken by gun- shot; but that was not the worst, Lying in the moonlight was a human shape, and as Sparkler Sam came forward, way was silently made for him, He bent over to recognize the man who had warned him of the plot against his life: Tom Billson! The calaboose was empty, now, and this, the volunteer guard, had been brutally assas- sinated by the ones who had burst open the = and rescued the wounded assassin, Pablo rate! This proved to be the only actual fatality, so far as the citizens were concerned, al- though several men had been more or less severely wounded by the reckless firing kept up during those few minutes, mainly, as it now appeared, to cover over the rescue of the wounded Mexican. Not until after this was ascertained, and he heard the citizens wondering whether or no the raid had actually been inspired by the Chaparral Wolf, that Sparkler Sam remem- bered the fellow who had dropped at his shots while assaulting the Winklejohn door. When he mentioned this fact, a pretty general rush was made for that quarter of the town, and the body was soon after under inspection. Both garb and features sufficiently pro- claimed his nationality, but there was further proof forthcoming: two different persons fully recognized and identified the fellow, both declaring him to be ahalf-breed Mexican, anda member of Cortina’s lawless aggrega- tion of cut-throats. : Reassured by the crowd, the Winklejohns came forth, expressing their thankfulness that matters were no worse, but declaring their inability to cast any light upon the matter. In all probability that assault was merely part of the cunning plan to divert attention from the real point of attack, chance alone determining the door they should assail. So said Julius Winklejohn, but Sparkler Sam thought differently. Still he kept those doubts to himself. Why should he speak? Even though he felt morally sure Diego Sandoval was at the bot- tom of it all, how could he make others see through his eyes? Now Tom Billson was dead, he had no one to back up his words, and he deemed it only the part of prudence to wait for a fairer opening. All this took time, of course, but the first glimmer of dawn had not yet made its ap- pearance, when a strong force was organized, and by the aid of lanterns the trail of the raiders w.s sought and found. Just as they had spread themselves all over town in order to increase the confusion and add to the chances of success through demoralizing the citizens, just so the retreat had commenced, each man acting as though independent of all others, and thus leaving a multiplicity of trails to confuse and bother those who might attempt to follow. But Sparkler Sam was not long in divining this trick, and taking one of the trails which headed most directly for the river, he stuck to it through thick and thin, never giving over until the scattered spoors one after an- other joined that particular track, all leading down toa lonely but safe ford. And point- ing across the Rio Grande, the Gold-lace Sport grimly spoke: ** I fancy that tells the tale plain enough, entlemen! Find Juan Cortina, and you'll nd the wolf who set up such a howling last night. I’d say come and find him, but—can we whip all Mexico?” CHAPTER XIV. SPARKLER SAM GIVES WARNING. _ Tuat was a self-evident fact, and while curses against the raiders were loud and deep, ei The Gold-lace | Sport. no one was over-eager to press the chase home to those unknown fastnesses beyond the dividing river. As Sparkler Sam said, that would involve fighting the entire people of Mexico, never more willing to resort to arms than while de- fending a right they themselves have always ignored, There was nothing to be seen of the raiders, and only the vanishing trail to prove that they had passed this way; but never a man among all the searchers for an instant doubt- ed the truth; whether Cortina’s Lambs or less notorious cut-throats, the raiders surely had sprung from Mexican soil, and unto Mexican bounds they had retreated. Slowly, reluctantly the citizens retired, empty-handed as they had come, but Spark- ler Sam did not keep with the main crowd. Satisfied that his surmises had been cor- rect, and knowing that all thought of fur- ther chase would be worse than useless under existing circumstances, he was among the first to turn away from the river and retrace his steps to town. Ever since taking the trail, Sampson had been remarkably quiet and reticent for him, and his face wore signs of deep, if not alto- gether pleasant thoughts as he once more drew near the town. ‘‘There’s heap sight more in this little racket than shows on the face of it,” the Gold lace Sport reasoned to himself. ‘‘It wasn't just a happentance that made my yel- low duck elect that front door for his heel practice! And—dollars to cents it wasn’t an accident that gave me this little beauty-mark, either!” With tip of finger the Sport touched his lightly-searred cheek, a frown wrinkling his brows as he recalled how narrowly the lead had missed ringing his death-knell. In ali probability this reflection had some- thing to do with his movements after return- ing to town, but no one who saw the gal- lantly-arrayed Sport as he paused in front of that heel-marred door, to briskly tap a panel with his gloved fingers, would have taken him for an enemy, or anything Jess than a by? intimate friend of the inhabitants. hat summons was not responded to as quickly as Sparkler Sam considered it ought, and as his keen ears caught a sound at the wiudow from whence that shot had been sped, he turned knob and briskly entered, doffing hat to salute Miss Winklejohn, ype whose trim figure his gaze was first to all, ‘Your obedient, ma’am! And—beg par- don, my dear sir,” turning quickly to his left as a half-smothered exclamation came from that direction, and duplicating the bow for the benefit of Julius Winklejobn as that entleman turned from the window. ‘‘ Hope see you well, sir? May I hope your state of health is none the worse for tbe little dis- turbance of the past night, sir?” ‘*T don’t— What is your business here, sir?’ bluntly demanded the old lawyer, frowning portentously. ‘« Thanks; don’t care if I do take a chair,” coolly said the Gold-lace Sport, sinking gracefully into a convenient seat, crossing his legs and capping knee with his snake- ornamented hat, all the while smiling bland- ly. ‘It's a pleasure to call upon such a per- feet gentleman as yourself, Mr. Winklejohn! So kind, so polite, so full of thoughtful- ness for— Ahem!” : Something very like an oath found birth in that legal thrvat, just then, although it was nearly smothered before passing those thin lips. G-orgia smiled, and Sparkler Sam laughed intune. Just then he preferred keeping in her good graces than in the good books of the gaunt guardian. Still, the Sport found it far easier to talk to this young lady than he had to his ‘‘ Little Kid,” and for the next few minutes he paid ‘no attention to the lawyer, chatting easily to Georgia, mainly about the recent stirring events. The young lady appeared somewhat em- barrassed, but Sparkler Sam gave that no heed. He had come there with a double ob- ject in view, one of which was to let fall a warning for the girl’s especial benefit, and now he was trying to wear Julius Winkle- john out, or disgust him into leaving the room for a brief space. But that hope was never realized, and at v 15 length recognizing the futility of his scheme, Sparkler Sam turned abruptly toward the man, saying: ‘‘I’m not so positive you will thank me or the warning, sir, but all the same, here is: beware of Diego Sandovai! Of course you know he led the raid, last night?” elias 4 a seemed slightly taken aback by this blunt speech, but rallying quickly, he coldly retorted: ‘* How do you know that, sir?” ‘* The town is full of witnesses, sir, if that is what you mean. I doubtif you can finda man to-day who doubts what I’m telling you now. And I hoped to bring forward proof ample enough to convince even you of Yel- low Diego’s guilt, but Sandoval played his best trump when he run off Pablo Za- rate!” Sparkler Sam watched his man closely all the while, but he failed to see aught which would confirm his ugly suspicions. Coldly the lawyer listened, and still more coldly he spoke in turn: *‘Although I can see no reason why I should make you my confidant, Mr. Samp- son, I will say this much: I have no expec- tation of seeing Don Diego Sandoval again, shortly or otherwise. He was a passing ac- quaintance, merely, as my niece can bear witness, Am I right, Georgia?” The young lady bowed assent, and her guardian added: ‘‘Having said this much, sir, I believe I have. said all—and even more than—you have any right toexpect. And now—is this the full extent of your business, Mr. Samp- son?” As he spoke, he reached a hand in the di- rection of the front door, but Sparkler Sam was not quite ready to accept the hint, it seemed. ‘Thanks, my dear sir: just’ as many thanks as your rare courtesy and exquisite sense of truth so richly merit!” the Sport said, with a half-mocking bow, then turning toward the young lady, with: ‘‘1 would like a word or two with you, Miss Winkle- john, if 1 may~ presume so far?” ‘It is worse than presumption, sir!” an- grily flashed forth the old lawyer before Georgia could answer. ‘‘I protestagainst—” Georgia lifted a hand in silent admonition, then swiftly left the room, to return a very few seconds, bonnet in hand and a faint smile lighting up ber really beautiful face. Without so much as glancing toward her frowning guardian, the maiden spoke to the Gold-lace Sport: ‘*May Lask you to act as my escort fora little walk, Mr. Sampson? I begin to fear life is not so safe in this region, after all!” ‘* Georgia!” “* With all the pleasure in life, Miss Win- klejohn!” declared the Gold-lace Sport, already upon his feet, hat in hand. Just one flush from those big brown eyes and Julius Winklejohn let drop the sinewy hand which was reaching forth to check her movements; then the young lady passed through the doorway, leaving the house be- hind without a glance, gracefully accepting the escort she had so bravely asked for. As interference was thus left behind, a flush crept into that charming face, and Sparkler Sam felt her little hand tremble as it lightly rested upon his arm. With quick intelligence he divined the truth, and spoke, gravely: ‘* My heartiest thanks are your due, Miss Winklejobn, for helping me out of an awk- ward situation. I felt that | must say a word or two to you in private, since lam goin away; butas Mr, Winklejobn felt indispose to withdraw, I was at a loss to act when you so kindly came to the rescue.” ‘‘I surely owe you no less, after—after last evening, sir,” lowly spoke the maiden, face and eyes drooping as her color faded. “Don't mention it, I beg of you, ma'am,” more cheerily cried the Sport as they walked along the nearly deserted street, heading to- ward the portion of town where Widow Maynard held her residence, ‘‘That was simply sport to a man of “3 training, and I'd ask nothing better of life than to have just a little circus every day that comes - round!” ; Georgia gave a little shiver as her brown eyes glanced around them. She seemed ex- pecting another attack, but of enemies there

Page 18

16 The Gold-lace Sport. were none in sight, and gathering fresh cour- | out, and fainted dead away! And—surely age she ventured to ask: “You think of leaving, sir? And you | wished— You have something more to say | to me, I understand?” Sparkler Sam gave aslight start just then. They were passing in front of the house | where “‘ Little Kid” lived, and he caught a | brief glimpse of a woman's face at the win- dow: was it that of Rhoda Maynard? ‘Tam going away, yes, ma’am,” he has- tened to explain, taking the next turn and | quickening his pace a little like one who feels anxious to get a disagreeable task over. **T expect to see my friend, Austin Leonard, ere long, and merely wondered if you had any message you would like me to bear him?” The young woman flinched visibly for an instant, but as quickly rallied, walking swiftly on in silence fora minute or more. | Sparkler Sam was willing to wait, know- ing right well that his answer would come before their destination was reached. And he was correct in his belief. ‘‘No, sir,” presently spoke the maiden, her tones Jow and hurried, but without a tremor so far as his keen ears could deter- mine. ‘‘I have no message to send to your friend, Mr. Leonard. Only—when you meet him, you may say this much: if ever our paths cross: if fate wills that he and I shall ever again come face to face this side of the river: if that day ever dawns, then he shall know how much more sinned against than sinning I have been in days gone by!” Sparkler Sam listened intently as that musical voice grew lowef and less distinct, but at the final word a half-frown came over his face, for he had counted on something more definite than this. ‘* Only that? You can say nothing more, Miss Winklejohn?” he mused. “‘ Nothing more, sir! And—don’t press me, else I may regret having said even so much)” A swift rush of color came into her face, and she hurried forward like one eager to seek a refuge. The house was now in sight, and knowing he had but a few seconds left, Sparkler Sam spoke swiftly: “Thanks for so much, then! And now— listen, please! Beware of Diego Sandoval! He’s all evil, he’s thoroughly bad, and never drew an honest breath in all his life! Beware of him, Isay, and—don’t trust Julius Winkle- john any too far!” With a swift turn of her head Georgia looked into his honest face, then she left his side, running lightly up to the front door, pausing at the threshold barely Jong enough for another glance: what did it mean? Surely she had not been offended by his eo blag warning against Julius Winkle- ohn! ; ‘** Wonder if she isn’t even better posted as to the old codger than I am myself?” mused the Gold-lace Sport as he turned away, once more heading in the direction of the Maynard residence, That fact cut his marvelings short, and hardly had he lost sigbt of the door through which Georgia Winklejohn passed than he forgot both herself and her fortunes. ith a strange sparkle in his big blue eyes, Parker Sampson reached the little building whose roof sheltered Rhoda May- nard, and his big hand was positively trem- bling as he lifted it to tap wpon the door! as Rhoda never to be taken by sur- ewe Did she always remain on guard like this? For again his rap was forestalled, and once more the giant was caught blushing like a schoolboy! ‘Sh h!” softly whispered the girl, step- ping back with a silent invitation to enter. ** Mother is very poorly, again, and—I fancy she must have seen you and—and the rg a bit ago; for she cried out as though in ain, and fell away from the window before Fevala reach her side.” Sparkler Sam gave a little start at this, for it only served to add to the mystery. Why should sound of name or sight of face belonging to the Winklejohns so agitate the widow? Rhoda seemed gifted with the power to read faces, for shé slowly shook her curl- crowned head, then said, sadly: ‘‘T’m sure I can’t even guess why mother should take it so strangely, sir, She cried _ it was not at sight of your face, Mr. Samp- son!” Sparkler Sam felt even more positive, but that was not a time for speculating. He | saw that Rhoda was uneasy and anxious to return to her suffering parent, so he cut his call short, briefly stating that business of importance called him away from town for a couple of days, but that he hoped to re- turn at the expiration of that period, when he would take the liberty of dropping in to ask after Mrs. Maynard's health. Within the same hour, the Gold-lace Sport had settled all financial scores, and mounted upon a good horse, was riding briskly out of town, his gay smile answering the cordial cries which were sent after him. CHAPTER XV. SPARKLER SAM: AND HIS PARD, 4A NIGHT-CAMP of that gallant organization known to fame and history as the Texas Rangers! Half a dozen briskly-blazing fires light up the scene, showing the densely foliaged live- oak trees, flickering over the pendent fringe of ‘‘old man’s beard” as the gentle breeze sways the hoary moss. Gathered around the fires are the Rangers, some cooking and eating, others smoking in silence or gayly laughing and jesting with naught of care for the morrow! Further away the horsesare out on picket, nibbling at the rich and nutritious if short grass, for they have beenon the rope all day, and are far from starving. All around lie in seeming confusion equi- page for man and horse, but through all this apparent disorder, reigns both order and system, as would quickly be made manifest should word of enemy be given. Then, even more ready to fight than they now were to eat or laugh or jest, as one man the Rangers wculd leap to war with reckless glee, and in the twinkling of an eye would be order and discipline. Among the less satisfied nags was the ani- mal which carried Sparkler Sam from town, and withdrawn a bit from the center of that good natured bustle was the Gold-lace Sport himself. With him was Austin Leonard, also a member of the Rangers: a tall, athletic, fine- looking fellow of possibly five-and-twenty years, whose darkly handsome face just now was marked by an odd combination of frown and smiles; for Sparkler Sam was, for the dozenth time at least, speaking of the Win- klejohn family. So far the Gold-lace Sport had been feel- ing his way with unusual caution, for he had begun to fancy himself something to blame in his recent experiments, and was b no means certain that his pard would thank him for taking up the matter at all. He felt, now, that Austin Leonard still held a deeper interest in Georgia Winklejotn than he cared to betray, and that belief gave him fresh courage to speak more openly. So far he had merely spoken of the Win- klejohns in off-hand style, taking it for granted that they must be the same family alluded to in days gone by, when Leonard felt unusually downhearted and in need of sympathy from one of his own sex. But now he frankly admitted having spoken to the young lady of his pard, and even delivered her latest words: shaping it more as a message from Georgia than the actual facts fully justified, perhaps. Austin pee was proud as he was strong, but now he was unable to mask his emotions, and that led Sparkler Sam still fur- ther. In low, half-coaxing tones he said: ‘* Tf you could only have seen her as I did, pardner! She looked as sweet as a peach and pretty asa pink when she said all that! And—I say, Aus., old man!” “ Well, what is it?” ‘*Don’t you reckon it’s a bad case of bit- ing off your own nose just to spite your face, pardner? If a dainty lady like Miss W. should send me such a message as that—” ‘What did she mean?” almost harshly cut in Leonard, his black eyes burning with a reddish luster'as they fixed keenly up- pon the Sport. ‘‘ How could she know that youand I were acquainted? You are keep- ing something back, Sparkler Sam! Out with it, I vk / The Gold-lace Sport made the best of the — 7 situation, briefly but accurately running over all that had happened in town, so far as ory of the Winklejohn family was concern- ed. **] reckon I was an unadulterated ass, old man,” he added, in conclusion; as Leonard sat doubled over, elbows on knees and chin clasped by his joined palms, glowering silently out through the night. “Of course ’twas no business of mine, but one thing led to another, and first I knew I was wading in over my ears! And then— well, pardner, if I did play the fool, I found out one thing: there’s been more dirty work going on in this business than ever you sus- pected!” ‘You mean—what?” asked Leonard, speaking with an evident effort. ‘‘T mean that if ever mortal being spoke truth, Georgia Winklejohn did when she de- clared that she had been more sinned against than sinning!” quickly answered the Gold- lace Sport. ‘*If you had heard her ag I did! If you sould Lawes seen her right then, Austin! Why, man, dear! even as your true pard I could hardly help catching her up in my arms with a big hug and kiss and —all the rest of it!” Sparkler Sam laughed at his own enthusi- asm, but Leonard sat in gloomy silence, stating at vacanc For several minutes thus, then the mer- curial Sport again broke the spell, speaking in coaxing accents, pretty much as he might have used-toward a sulking child. **Come, come, lad! Get a brace on, can’t you? Jf nothing else, just lend me a belt across the cabeza for doing the rush act where an angel would have kept off the rass! Or—have I sinned too utterly for orgiveness, even?” That last sentence broke the spell, and Leonard roused up, grasping hand of friend with cordial pressure before speaking, hur- riedly: ‘““You meant well, of course, Sam, but I really wish you hadn’t! Why—they must think I sent you to beg for me!” “Don’t you begin to think it, pardner!” quickly assured the Gold-lace Sport, ‘1 acted like a fool, of course) but I wasn’t crazy enough to let any such impression gain ground. Shall‘ I run it all over, again?” ‘‘No, don’t bother,” with so half-smile. **Only—the past is dead, and I wish you hadn’t stirred up the ashes; that’s all.” ‘*But—is it all?” persisted Sparkler Sam, urged on by sincere friendship rather than idle curiosity. ‘‘Give me your paw, boy! Now look me right in the eye—so!” **Well?” “Tell me honestly, have you ceased to love Georgia Winklejohn, Aus.?” The Ranger jerked away bis hand to cover his face, huskily muttering, barely above his breath: ‘‘God help me—no! [I love her now, even more madly than I loved her then! And— I'll love her until I die!” Sparkler Sam gave a silent gesture of satisfaction, the distant camp-fires lending light sufficient to show a broad smile upon his honest face just then. Feeling fairly well assured that Georgia Winklejohn still loved her lover, also, he felt confident that all must come out right in the end, provided he played his own part as he ought. And then, little by little his honest sym- athy prevailed over the natural reserve of his friend, and as the night grew colder Austin Leonard for the first time in his Jife fully emptied his overladen heart: he told of his love, his engagement, his joy and his despair, all without reservation. aking his view of his case, Georgia Win- klejohn had jilted him most heartlessly, re- fusing him even a chance to explain or to clear away the vague charges brought against his honor. ‘« All that old rascal’s work, I'll bet my head!” declared Sparkler Sam, time and time again; but the next day, when the Gold- laced Sport was taking saddle for another secret. expedition which included the town where he had already met with such lively greeting, Leonard took chance to speak a few words in private. ‘Don’t you mention what we talked over, last night, pardner! I mean it, now!” he whispered, in low, but grim accents, nis %)

Page 19

The Gold-lace Sport. that few Texans of either sex but are familiar with the saddle. A more than comely couple they made as they took a preliminary canter through the streets before making for the open country beyond, and as it was noted how solicitous ‘Steady, pardner! I played the fool the other day, as I frankly owned up; but now —I’m going to make what amends lies in my power,” to the full as earnestly declared the Gold-lace Sport. ‘‘ What do you mean, Sampson?” ‘‘ Just this: I know the = loves you, | Edgar seemed — how watchful over his ip just as hard as you admit loving her! I] charming companion, eye on every move- ; mean to tell her all this, too, unless—”’ ment of her spirited steed, hand in readiness ** Never!” ‘‘Tt’s a dead sure thing, pardner!” declared he Sport, xt ie that grasp with a low chuckle. ‘‘I’ll do just that, unless you send hera fair message. Now take your choice, old fellow!” Leonard turned away without reply, but Sparkler Sam shrewdly suspected the truth, and so rode leisurely away from camp, heading once more for town, where he was already anticipating seeing ‘‘Little Kid” again. He had ridden less than half a mile when Leonard suddenly appeared, to hand him a folded paper, hurriedly speaking: “*Since you insist, Sam, give this note to Miss Winklejohn. It is the last word I ever had from her, and—that’s all, pard- ner!” He turned abruptly away without wait- ing for speech or questioning, and stowin the bit of paper away in his bosom, the Gold- lace Sport continued bis journey at a brisker pace, Stron to aid rider or restrain horse, divers and sundry were the knowing winks which passed from one spectator to his mate, and thus around the little congregation of witnesses. *“‘Purty team fer trottin’ in double har- ness, don’t ye reckon, pard?” ** You bet yer ole socks, matey!” And so, having convinced himself that Georgia was not only well mounted, but ad- mirably able to take care of herself so far as the horse was concerned, Edgar Winklejohn gave the word and the young couple trotted out of town, then breaking into a long- reaching, cradle-like gallop which sent the warm blood tingling 'to their cheeks. This was the first time Georgia had taken a ride since leaving her far-away home for a trip to these comparative wilds, and loving the exercise as she surely did, little wonder that the girl should forget all fears of Sandoval or the raiders, should ignore all —_ worry and anxieties for the time be- ng. ha: on his side, Edgar Winklejohn was never better company, talking, laughing, jesting with graceful abandon; yet through allran a vein of grave consideration which the young lady felt though she could not ex- actly explain it. There was one thing in his favor: he was deeply in earnest, now, and playing every card as though his very life depended upon taking the trick. When he proposed this ride, Edgar Win- klejohn had fully determined to reach a final understanding with his fair cousin, and he still meant to know what he had to expect before that little expedition came to an end- ing by their return to town. ith this object kept in view, then, he prolonged their ride, exerting his powers of pleasing to the utmost, and succeeding so well that Georgia failed to notice just how reat a distance they were leaving town and ome behind. As yet Edgar had moved under cover, but he was adroitly paving the way for an actual proposal of marriage, and it seemed as though the time was nearly ripe, when a truly start- ne occurrence took place. ithout the siightest warning, a couple of rough-clad, fully armed fellows sprung forth from cover, one leaping for the head of Georgia’s horse, while hismate harshly or- dered the young man to hold up. *‘Hands up, cuss ye!” he fairly howled, thrusting an ugly-looking revolver in ad- vance as he made the break. ‘‘ Hold up, or tumble down fer—” x Winklejohn gave a cry of mingled surprise and anger, jerking his horse back kaa Steadying Winklejohn as before, he con- | tinued: ae . ‘*Fer last warnin’, critter! You act white, or she pays scott! Jest so long as ye both behave yourselves, jest so long we'll treat = eae Sak Png 6M SAP nt “Spare her, gentlemen,” faltered Edgar, — meekness for one of his imperious dis position. ‘‘Do what you like eee don’t— Harm one hair of her he devils! and I’li never know re didn’t make no hot-temper an ‘ a

Page 20

18 The Gold-lace Sport, —_ : Se ; ‘“An’ that makes it all right, critter,” | larger rascal berated his more clumsy mate “Prats worrym you might} sight wuss for letting slip his fourfooted prize;. but{ then it’s doin’ us, don’t ye reckon, crit- gone into this job to make money out of | harsh though his terms were, no quarrel re- | ter?” again speaking to Winklejohn. ‘‘ We’ve it, an’ so ye kin rest easy we hain’t gwine fer to injure valeble prope’ty ’less ye jest will hev it that way. An’ so—” ‘“ What! You mean toexactransom?” ex- claimed Edgar, quickly. “Hit it, fu’st clatter!” with a nod of ap- proval; but then adding in gruffer tones: ‘* Now jest put a button on, critter, or fare the wuss! Git the hosses ready, pardner! We want to rack out o’ this afore any fool’ critters come to see how the hoss got his sick- ness—more fool you fer lettin’ him give ye the slip!” A surly growl came back from the lesser ruffian; but his words were indistinguishable as he hurried in to deeper cover,to fetch forth a pair of good-looking horses, ready equipped for the road. While this was being done, one man had to guard both captives, which he seemed fully capable of doing under the circum- stances. So far Georgia had not spoken, mainly be- cause of that disgusting gag; but so far as her face could be seen, it expressed far more courage and less terror than one could natur- ally expect under the circumstances. Thus brought closer together, Edgar im- proved his chance by quickly whispering to his cousin: “Have courage, darling! Never mind what’s my fate, you shall not suffer harm or wrong! I’ll Jay down my life—” ** Augh, take a tumble all over yerself!” coarsely broke in their captor as his keen ears caught those words. ‘‘ Blame yer life; it’s the money we’re after!’ “If you think I’m a wealthy man, sir—” ‘‘T know what 1 know, an’ this much }] do know,” again interrupted the burly ras- cal. ‘‘I know the young leddy is jest lousy with ducats, an’ ef you can’t pay fer your- self, she’s got to whack up fer the couple 0’ ye, or—waal, ef we can’t git gold, we'll git our pay, bet yer life!” CHAPTER XVII. HELD FOR RANSOM. GroraiA turned paler at that thinly vailed threat, and even Edgar Winklejohn seemed taken aback for the moment. “‘That’s heap - plenty fer so much, I reckon,” less gruflly spoke their chief cap- tor. ‘‘I jest wanted to let ye hev somethin’ to chaw on while we’re gittin’ to safer quar- ters, ye understand?” ** All ready, matey!” ‘Then make it ready, pardner!” The horse recently ridden by Winklejohn was brought forward by the smaller villain, who held its head while the young man climbed into the saddle, seemingly begin- ning to feel the effects of his awkward tumble before that vicious shot. **’Course you kin make a break ef ye like to chaince the penalty, critter,” observed the more muscular ruffian. “But don’t fergit jest this: ef you should run off, the gal cain’t! An’ that’s heap-plenty!” Evidently deeming this ample warning, the fellow grasped Georgia in his sturdy arms, heaving her clear of the ground and swinging her high enough to land safely upon the horse, just back of the saddle now filled by her cousin. He retained his grasp upon her person, however, while adding: “*Straddle yer critter, pard! No need o’ flingin’ temptation right chuck-up in tha’r faces, I reckon! Mount, an’ take charge, will ye?” ‘You bet yer sweet life, matey!” Where such extreme precautions were taken all the way through, few men could have seen encouragement for a bold break; and, after the significant warning let fall by the larger knaye, Rep would hardly have felt justified in = aaa! such a chance if it had been offered. Mounting, one riding on each side of the ' doubly laden horse, the two speculators in human liberty rode off at a brisk pace, cast- ing more than one uneasy glance to the rear, evidently fearful lest the runaway horse be the means of guiding armed avengers to the rescue, ' More than once during the next hour the sai Ab) sulted, Watching his chance, Edgar softly whis- ‘pered encouragement. **Don’t give way, dearest, but wait and watch! I'll save you from the clutches of these evil wretches, or lose my own life in the effort!” Georgia made no reply, although the dirty from over her lips. Those cunning little eyes just then turned her way, and she feared lest his keen ears might catch even a guarded whisper. But she sent a little thrill along the arm that half-encircled Edgar's waist, and just the ghost of a smile lighted up his dark face for an instant. After all, matters might have turned out worse for his hopes! The kidnappers cut little time to waste, riding along at a rapid rate, seemingly head ing for a point they had previously decided upon, and with each hour plunging deeper into the unsettled wilds, Winklejohn ventured to expostulate, more than once, declaring that though they might ride clear to the Canada line, so doing would not add an ounce-weight tothe force ef their extortions; but just as often he was rudely checked and warned to make less chin- music, **Tt’s fer we-uns to do the talkin’, not fer you, critter! Better be countin’ up how many rocks ye value that life o’ yourn at, fer when the time comes fer solid business, it’s mighty short work we mean to make of it all, ye want to know!” At first Winklejohn declared that, so far from being a rich man, he could not see where he was to raise ransom for himself, even though they set their price low down in the hundreds; but then, as he had more time in which to weigh the awkward situa- tion, he altered his tactics. After another crisp speech anent the ran- som expected, he said: ‘All right, gentlemen! You can set your figures, once for all, and I guarantee your receiving the full amount asked for this lady. Set her free; give her full liberty, and show the most direct route to town, then she will—” “ Augh,come off!” coarsely interrupted the larger knave, with a short chuckle of angry scorn. ‘‘ Take us fer blame’ fools, don’t e?” ‘** Of course not, sir; only I thought—” ‘* You thought to play us fer suckers, eh? Waal, that cock won’t even begin to fight. Eh, pardner?”’ ‘*- You bet yer sweet life, matey!” ‘Set her free, eh? Turn her loose on your promise to pay, is it? Bah! you must take us fer nat’ral born durn fools, stranger!” ‘« That's what!” “‘T pledge you my life, gentlemen—” ‘‘ Augh, shet-tran or we'll gag ye tight! Reckon ye kin foolish us? Ef we set the gal free to go back to town, she'd tell her little story, straight enough—” ‘‘Isn’t that just what I’m trying to say, sir?” **Shet up! Oh, yes, she’d sing her little song like an angel! An’ our pay would come right smart off in a holy hurry, too! Only—it’d come in lead an’ cold steel, not in gold or silver!” ** You bet yer sweet life, matey!” “‘Not so!” hastily declared Winklejohn, still fighting desperately against odds. ‘‘I pledge you my honor—more! I'd stay with you as her hostage, don’t you see?” “Yas, we see, an’ what we do see is jest like this: you'll stay, an’so will she stay— leastwise ontel we’ve me: up with our pals an’ hed a Hauer long talk-it-all-over!” gruff- ly decided the ruffian, quickening their pace like one who has nothing further to say. For some little time Winklejohn kept si- lence, his head drooping on chest, his face dark and gloomy as though in keeping with his a Ray Yet it is difficult to kill hope, and present- ly he ventured to address their chief captor, gente ‘*Unless you let one of us bear the mes- sage, sir, how can you expect to come to terms about the ransom money?” Ae Pes FF. | ‘*Tsn’t it natural for me to seek a solution, sir? If you would let one of us go, as bearer of your ultimatum—” ‘““Which we won't, an’ that’s flat! We'll never slacken our grip on ary one 0’ ye afore we kin fa’rly finger the ding-bats; see?” ‘* But how can you arrange terms, unless handkerchief had long since been removed | you send word in?” ‘Oh, that’s part o’ the trade, an’ you | hain’t gwine fer to steal our business, crit- —————————————— ee ee oONr——'""~——'“+ > ->——=>—) ‘ing his warning, Ed ter,” chuckled the burly knave. ‘An’ es fer the time: waal, thar’s no sech turrible rush, Lreekon. It'll be all the mo’ easy to settle them when your old man hes hed time fer to sweat a bit!” Edgar Winklejohn abandoned the effort in despair, and said no more. That hurried flight lasted until far along in the afternoon, when a halt was called at a lonely part of the hills, where the kidnap- pers seemed to anticipate meeting with others of that ilk. None such were present, however, nor could any signs be found to show that they had been at and left the rendezvous. Set- tling this point by a hasty examination of their surroundings, the two ruffians put their captives in bonds, and then looked after their own comfort. Edgar Winklejohn made no open resistanee when the thongs were produced, With two fully-armed men against him, he recog- nized the worse San folly of fighting such odds, and quietly submitted to be bound, Georgia was treated after a like fashion, and then, placed far enough apart to guard against one helping the other, yet not too far for fairly easy conversation, they were left to await the ending. It was not until twilight was fairly set- tling over the earth that Edgar had aught to say which could convey even a hint of com- fort to his fair cousin; but then, after a wary look around to make sure their captors were not within earshot, he whispered, eager- ly: ‘*Courage, Georgia! For your life don’t ery out or make asign to betray us! J think —I am almost certain 1 can get rid of my bonds in a few minutes more!” In spite of his warning words, a faint ery escaped the maiden’s lips at this thrilling announcement, and an instant later one of the ruffians approached, gruffly demand- ing: “What yer yawpin’ over, aryway? What yer want?’ ‘* A sup of water; eae more, sir,” Ed- gar hastened to say. ‘‘If you will be so kind—the lady is parched!” Afteranother surly growl, the fellow pro- cured the draught, and then warning both against any more nonsense, he slouched off to rejoin his mate. Gently reproaching the girl for disregard- gar spoke of his hopes more openly, declaring that, unless his bonds were changed. for the worse ere long, he felt positive he could slip or break them, when the rest would be easy enough! But Georgia viewed the matter in a far different light, and in trembling tones be- seeched her cousin not to incur such terrible risk, ‘* What is money incomparison with your life, dear cousin?” she urged, huskily, ‘‘ I say, nothing! You must not—you shall not, Eagar!” ‘*T surely shall, if Ican only slip my hands free, though!” y ‘You will not! I'll pay the sum they de- mand—I'd rather pay it fourfold than have you run the risk of your life, cousin!” “ Then—you would grieve for me if—if I should fail, dear Georgia?” eagerly whisper- ed the young man, his black eyes ik oad glittering through the deepening phils. he The maiden involuntarily shrunk bsck, shivering as though struck by an icy draught just then. But she quickly rallied and re- peated her former assurance; anything would be better than throwing away his life in such a reckless manner. Dim though the surrounding light was, Winklejohn saw sufficient to warn him against pressing that particular point fur- ther, just then, ee

Page 21

ee The Gold-lace Sport. He yielded so far as to say that he would wait until he saw a fair chance for succes, before making any decided movement, but that was all Georgia could win from his lips. Meant wiille the two ruffians seemed bent on taking life easily while waiting for the ar- rival of their comrades. They kindled a fire where its glow would be hidden to all eyes at a distance, and pro- ducing material for a plentiful if coarse meal, set about preparing supper. A fair proportion of this was brought the captives, and offered bit by bit, as being less trouble than removing bonds only to replace them. Georgia would have declined, only for her cousin, who begged her to eat, if only for his sake. She read his vailed meaning, and yielded, though she could only swallow a few mouth- fuls of the rare meat and coarse biscuit. Winklejohn ate heartily, seemingly glad ta, escape the necessity of feeding himself, in which case his efforts toward freedom might have been discovered, and that would mean a hopeless captivity afterward, hile ‘‘feedin’ the menadgery” as he termed it, the ruffian talked briskly enough, evidently in high glee over their promising speculation; but no sooner had he gone back to the camp-fire, where his mate was both eating and drinking, than Winklejohn fell to work at his bonds, using so much strength and address that, only a few minutes later, he whispered: ** Not a word, for my life, Georgia! I’m free! And now—lI’ll kill those devils, or they'll have to kill me!” CHAPTER XVIII. PLAXING FOR A FORTUNE. Tue startled maiden had no time given her for remonstrating, for as he spoke, Edgar Winklejoin rose to his feet, his bonds fall- ing away, either broken or slipped off his wrists! ‘Not a word—not a sound, even!” the young man whispered, swiftly, as one and made a warning gesture in her direc- tion, his eyes fixed upon their captors across the way, ‘‘l’ve got to jump them without warning, or they’ll—for your life, darling!” He never so much as glanced her way, then, his whole attention being fixed upon the enemy near the little campfire. The bigger ruffian was seated with back against a tree-trunk, lazily smoking a stumpy-stemmed pipe while watching his mate who was busied over the fire, cooking a fresh supply of grub, doubtless to have in readiness for their comrades when the reu- dezyvous should be kept. Close at hand stood the horse which the oung couple had ridden since their capture, oosely hitched to a scrubby tree, still sad- dled and bridled as though intended for fur- ther use before long. The other animals were further away, strip and grazing at ease. All this Edgar Winklejohn took in at a single glance; and even more: for he saw the belt of arms which had been taken from about his middle, now hanging from a knot just above the seated knave’s head. Evidently the young man had planned his campaign in advance, for he hesitated barely long enough to .let fall that hasty warning, then crouched Jow down, stealing swiftly yet noiselessly toward the enemy. He only paused once, and that was to secure a heavy, knotted club which might serve the lack of a better weapon; and then, without the slightest sound or warning, he ‘leaped forward, striking as he came! hrough all, Georgia had- been watching like one under a horrible jspell, fearing dis- covery with each moment that p ; and now, as she saw her cousin striking so sav- agely at the smoking tough, she gave a faint scream, closing her eyes witb a shiver of horror. But not quickly enough to escape seeing the result of that blow. A crashing sound, then the burly ruffian toppled over sideways, much as a rotten log might fall, making no sound, no cry, no at- | tempt to guard himeelf or to deal a blow in return! Ne splintered and flew apart in Winklejohn’s grasp, leaving him totally unarmed for the moment, yet making sound enough to startle the lesser knave from his cooking. He gave a short howl of angry amaze- ment, dropping all else to jerk a pistol from his belt; but Edgar Winklejohn was acting even more swiftly, and snatched a gun from the suspended belt, both weapons exploding as one. With a fierce curse the tough staggered back, fairly into the fire, tripping over the burning logs and falling headlong; but if he was wounded his hurts surely were nor mor- tal. Even as he fell, his pistol spoke again, and though his aim was wild it caused Winkle- john to duck and dodge, briefly hindering a second shot on his side. Crack-crack! Another double report, and giving a vi- cious curse, the ruffian rolled swiftly over, then scrambled into the nearest cover, seem- ingly wounded yet still far from being dis- abled. Winklejohn made no attempt to follow, or to crowd his advantage, just then, wheeling toward his horse instead, jerking the bridle- reins free and then running back to where Georgia was still lying helpless. “Quick! for your dear life!” the excited young man cried, catching her bodily in his arms and heaving her upward to the saddle. “Cling fast if you love life! We've got to— Those other devils may jump us any moment, now!” Just how she managed it the maiden could hardly explain, but she did ‘‘cling fast,” hampered though she was; and jumping up behind her, Edgar urged the frightened ani- mal forward with voice and heels. Nor was their haste lessened in the least by another shot from the bushes, out of which staggered the second ruffian, howling aud cursing, seemingly too badly injured to think of instant pursuit, yet still able to thirst for their lives. His lead went far astray, however, and there was no time granted him for further ee The doubly-laded horse plunged through the scrubby bushes, fiercely urged on by the oung man, who found his hands full keep- ng Georgia safe from falling. Without thought of course or direction that mad flight lasted for fully quarter of an hour; but then, reaching around his fair charge, Edgar succeeded in grasping the reins and checked the horse, ‘‘Wark! Don’t speak until— Listen, for your life!” ke hurriedly spoke, then bend- ing head as he turned to look behind them. There were no signs of chase, no sounds to indicate pursuit, Satisfied on this score at last, Edgar gave along, free breath, then broke into a hearty laugh which served to show how severe a strain he had experienced during those last few minutes, “Did you see how—- Did you see the rascal tumble over, Georgia?” ‘*Don’t—oh, don't!” shudderingly gasped the girl, overcome by all she had seen and felt of late. ‘‘I never— Ob, Edgar, why didn’t you do as I wished? ld rather— far rather have sacrificed half my for- tune than have you stain— Oh, ’twas hor- rible!” f ; This was hardly the manner, in which the victor expected to be greeted, judging from his swift fall of temperature: but he never more fully realized the importance of the stake for which he was playing than right now, and smothering something which cer- tainly was not a prayer, he busied himself with freeing Georgia from bonds. By the time this was done, the young wo- man had rallied in a measure, and controlled her voice sufficiently to express her gratitude for her rescue. Scarcely had he accomplished this, how- ever than their ears caught sounds of dis- tant shouting, and Winklejohn quickly in terpreted them. “The mates those villains expected have surely come, Georgia, and they’ll do all they can to follow and hunt us down!” ‘“But we can escape them, cousin? Sure ly we can— Can’t we hurry back to town, ar?” . ** We've got to get a move on, that’s dead 19 So desperate was that stroke that the club | certain!” Winklejohn decided, without actual- ly answering her question. ‘‘ If it wasnt so dark! I reckon we'll manage better if we shift seats, Georgia.” This did not take much time, and then their flight was resumed, an abrupt angle be- ing made, the more surely to bother those who might try to follow their trail through the night. For more than an hour the doubly-bur- dened horse was urged onward as rapidly as the nature of the ground would permit, but then Winklejohn drew rein cnce more, mut- tering something which sent a thrill of dis- may through his fair companion. ‘*But—surely not lost!” echoed the mai- den, faintly. “Well, of course not— It’s a new coun- try to me, and we set off in such a hurry ee Oh, no! Not lost exactly, Tt" “Tell me the very worst, Edgar,” more firmly spoke the girl. ‘‘ I amstrong enough to bear it, cousin; really I am!” ‘Well, there is no ‘ worst about it, dear, unless lying out for the rest of the night may be called that,” more lightly declared Winklejohn. ‘‘ As soon as daylight comes 1 ean cipher our our course, but until then I really think. we’d better stay right where we are!” ‘* Unless—do you think these men can find us?” Georgia shivered as she spoke, glancing around as though she felt the gloom must be peopled with evil wretches, Edgar gave her hearty assurance on that score, however, and assisting her to alight, himself left the saddle. Working quickly and systematically he was not long in completing their scant pre- parations for passing the night; and then, always keeping in view the fortune for which he was playing such a bold hand, he snuggled close to the maiden, telling her over and over again how his heart had been lacerated by witnessing her sore trials while he was unable to even alleviate them. Again Georgia expressed her gratitude, and then pleaded want of sleep after so wearisome a trip; but Winklejohn was not willing to let it go at that; He felt that it was now or never with him, and had fully resolved to put his fate to the touch that very night! But even his eager desire for success could not blind him long to the discourag- ing fact that Georgia was trying all she knew how to evade the proposal her womanly intuition warned her was impend- ng. Sti, he pressed his point, and finally put. his hopes into plain speech; vowing that he had loved her long as -ardently, and that without her sweet companionship as wife, life would not be worth the living, Since she could not avert nor evade, Georgia met the crisis bravely, and in grave, earneft tones begged Edgar to forever aban- don all such vain hopes. ‘**T have no love to give you, cousin,” she said, sadly. ‘' My heart is dead, and filled with ashes. I loved once—and so loving, loved for all time!” is But you surely can’t think Leonard Ww Pa) A small hand closed over his lips and cut his angry speech short. ‘*Say no more, cousin, unless you wish to drive me away, forever! My heart is dead, I tell you! I shall never again love mortal man, as a true woman should love before marrying. Don’t press me further, unless you wish me to hate you, instead!” Even a devout lover could hardly fuil to understand this, and Winklejohn was cool- headed enough to see that he would only lessen his chance of future winning by crowding his game now. donee gm 9 low ‘his head, he gently kissed Georgia's hand, then drew to a little distance without a word of reproach or of moaning. But he did breathe a low, dejected sigh, smiling satirically in the darkness at his own admirable acting an instant later! The rest of the night passed away without event worthy noting, and bright and early re Winklejohn was astir, caring for the good. steed before turning toward his fair cousin, To her he expressed his grief that food was lacking, but added his hopes of quickly finding their way out of the wilderness, — ~~

Page 22

? vp i a he “nF 20 when a brisk gallop would surely carry them home. Georgia could not help seeing how forced was his light ‘speech, and she seemed con- scious of ill-doing when he sad eyes took note of Edgar’s dejected countenance as he turned away to prepare the horse for renew- ing their journey. founting as before, they pressed onward at a fairly rapid gait, each minute hoping to come to the turning point where ignorance would become certainty; but just as often were they disappointed, and long before the sun reached its zenith Winklejohn was forced to admit the unpleasant truth: they were really and truly lost in the wilderness! His anxious looks, even more than his words, told Georgia how grave the situation might become; but she made no moan, by her very quietude proving how completely she trusted herself to the guidance of her cousin, There was little of acting now in face or tones of the young man, and he urged the heavily burdened horse on without mercy, now taking one course, then changing for another ashe fancied he caught sight of a re- membered landmark. : Thus hour after hour was spent, until the sun was getting far down the western slope, and the overtasked horse showed signs of failing. * Not until then would Winklejohn relieve the animal of his weight, although Georgia herself had called nis attention to the un- welcome fact, and even suggested that she would walk for a spell. Lane ere this, too, both man and woman were vias the pangs of hunger, all the more sharply, perhaps, because neither saw any prospect for appeasing that craving. As tbe afternoon waned, Winklejohn be- gan looking around in hopes of sighting some game which he might secure by a lucky shot from his revolver; but with a dis- couraging want of success. This was a lamentable collapse to his san- guine hopes, surely! But then, just when both were on the pe of despairing, Georgia pay a quick, ow exclamation, staring ahea and pointing that way with a hand that perceptibly trembled. | ‘*Look!” she said, in barely audible tones. “*Men—horsemen! Are they friends, or— oh, if they should be those wretches, Ed. ar!’’ rf « . A half-smothered oath escaped Winkle- | john’s lips at that discovery, and gripping pistol-butt he sprung forward for a look through the bushes which cut off his view just then. : _ Heé saw an armed and mounted force, and then he saw more! So much more that he recoiled with a vicious oath, hoarsely ex- ee ‘* Back, girl! They are enemies who—” __ **No! not enemies, but friends!” cried Georgia, sending her horse forward, impul- sively. ‘‘I see Mr. Sampson, and—oh, heavens!” Pe ; She recoiled the next moment, turning ghastly pale. : CHAPTER XIX. _ THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE, — i GrorGIA WINKLEJONN saw that she wa mistaken in her belief that one of the party ‘ - ahead was Sparkler Sam, but she was now _ clear of cover and plainly visible to the arm- _. Asshe recoiled with a choking cry, a some- what similar sound broke from masculine : re ef 4 Boe : _ tense emotions. . | cousin much-needed sup go then a horseman dashed forward, eyes blazing, face working convulsively under in- ** You—it is you, Miss Winklejohn?” he exclaimed, hoarsely, as he ig oe out of the saddle without ‘drawing rein ee, eee ; the slight- 1 edgar Jumped forward, pistol in hand, ‘stopped short as he only too clearly re- ized the man who was then lending his this was none other thin Austin Leon- ce the betrothed husband of the near- _ but "i whose waist his strong t now! | - - _—_———. a —ss. ea ee eee < The Gold-lace Sport. ‘““T’ll take care of the lady, thank you, sir! She is not— Rouse up Georgia, darling! We are saved, now, for these gentlemen are— What are you, pray, sir?” ‘‘Texan Rangers, Mr. Winklejobn,” an- swered Leonard, with sudden coldness, bow- ing and drawing aside without paying at- tention to the faint cry given by the maiden, or noticing her slight gesture as though she would fain draw him back to her side, By this time the company of Rangers had come up, curious enough, yet too polite to ask questions which might prove embarrass- ” ing. While inwardly cursing the crooked luck which added Austin Leonard to that com- pany, Edgar Winklejohn resolved to make the best of a bad bargain, and swiftly im- proved this opportunity by whispering in the ear of his fair cousin: ‘*Brace up, Georgia! Don’t give that vil- lain cause for laughing at your weakness, girl! Show him that you are a true Winkle- john; show him you are still too proud to add to his insolent triumph!” A bot flush came into the maiden’s face, and she showed how surely that poison had entered her brain. And then, in a measure relieved of his worst fears, Winklejohn mingled with the Rangers, frankly explaining their awkward situation, telling the truth as far as it lay on the surface, Sharp ejaculations of indignation came from those honest fellows, and more than one of their number urged the young man to describe the brace of toughs, as well as to point out the direction in which that rendez- vous lay. Winklejohn smiled faintly at the last ques- tion, then said: ‘If I only could, gentlemen! If I cculd do that, would I be here, all at sea as you found us? If I knew where to look for that rendezvous, I’d also know in which direction to look for town!” In telling their story, of course Edgar had mentioned their lack of food, and the Rang- ers lost no time in supplying this want, their leader bidding his men pitch camp for the night. Austin Leonard was one of the busiest in preparing food for the cousins, but he never offered to serve it; he kept as faraway from both Georgia and Edgar as he could, without a abandoning camp. Winklejohn smiled covertly as he noted this, but the maiden grew paler and more sad-looking, her pride fading away in like proportion. So near, and yet so far! . She had loved this man so purely, so ten- derly, so entirely!’ She had placed such im. plicit trust in him, until—until the awful proof of his utter vileness lay spread before her ns oot eyes! . And yet—was that proof real, or was it manufactured for the occasion by those who felt 2 powerful interest in keeping her from siete hand where heart had long since gone orth? She was thinking of all this, now, just as she had thought o before. And now her belief in treachery grew stronger the oftener she stole vailed glances at that pale, stern, sad counte nance, ; . Surely that was not the face of a con- temptible villain? Surely one so noble in face could not be so utterly vile at Sam, his oe comrade and heart-brother, What impression had the fey giant ou chee han pu ing mind it on countless occasions | past Leonard felt. | of such an unmanly subterfuge.” as ‘You simply do me justice, Miss Winkle- = |” “And now—may I congr you, sir? . ith soul Pa! n- | his fair cousin, but as neither showed signs of drawing together, he oy relaxed his guardianship, and yielding to a covertly exhibited flask of whisky, he drew apart, thus giving Leonard the very opening for which the Ranger had been watching. Fearing to hesitate lest his courage should fairly abandon him, the young man strode across to where Georgia was seated on a little rollof b!ankets at the foot of the moss-flagged live-oak, he bowed gravely, then addressed her in low, studied tones: ‘‘T beg your pardon for intruding, Miss Winklejohn, but there are a few words I really ought to say. Have I your gracious permission?” Georgia flushed warmly at his coming, but paled again as he spoke so coldly, so unlike his old-time self. Still, she would not flinch from the ordeal now. it presented itself, and rising to her feet she said, quietly: **As you wish, sir. better—for us both!” A barely perceptible hesitation, then the Perhaps it would be Ranger bowed again and offered his arm in silence, The tips of her. fingers rested lightly upon his sleeve, and she silently yielded to his guidance when he moved quickly away from the glow of the camp-fires, Neither one spoke again until they were in a fairly secluded spot, yet not.so far away they could not see and be seen by any who chose to glance that way. Here the gloom beneath the trees was quite sufficient to mask any unseen emotion, and that was a point which neither maiden nor man was sorry for. — For a few seconds after halting silence reigned, for in spite of his acknowledged courage, Austin Leonard was trembling, now, and feared to wholly trust the steadi- ness of his tongue. But then he forced himself to break the ice, his words coming freely enough: after the first plunge. ‘*T have seen my friend, Parker Sampson, Miss Winklejohn, and he confessed to me all he told you, the other day. I am sorry— how sorry I fai to find words to express!” “Tt was nothing—nothing serious, sir,” faintly murmured Georgia. “It seemed very much—to me!” huskily answered the Ranger. ‘‘I love Sampson as few men love one another, but when I heard —when he told me how he ponte you cannot for even an instant believe - would use such means to—to learn of your sentiments, Georgia?” - In his strong excitement the name escaped before he could check it; but he drew back with a hasty bow, muttering an apology. ‘“‘Ts it so grave an error, Austin?” quietly asked the young woman, a hand gently touching his arm as she added: ‘‘Even though the past is dead—far too dead for either of us to revive it, even should such be wished—need we be utter strangers? Then—I was Georgia then, I am not offend- ed by being called Georgia now!” is hands went out with a passionate ges- ture, only to drop again, then join fingers — almost fiercely behind his back. And with forced calmness he spoke in his turn: ‘*You -are more than generous, Miss Winklejohn, but I spoke without due reflec-_ tion, and I promise you I will never offend © I merely wished to explain, — and this will serve: Sampson is a dear, good | in like manner. friend, but far too rash in some respects. ‘‘T never gave him authority to represent me in any manner, and his conduct then was | wholly without my knowledge or—or my wishes!” ; Georgia shivered at these coldly-measured sentences, but she nerved herself to say what was upon her mind justthen, and if hertones were unusually cold, that was owing “we | severe restraint she felt compelled to ph upon herself, rather than to lack of heart as “Your apology the sa spirit as tendered, Mr. Leonard, but [ assure youl never for aninstant believed you guilty | aA al _ with all my heart and soul! — _ and ma is accepted in the same “ ¥ eine SF 1 aa

Page 23

or us!” - for the coming force was quickly recognized _ founded alarm, and no man seemed better . john at their head. , gs enitor. ‘‘ When I glimpsed you coming, _ misfortunes!” nt Susntian, as his glittering black eyes looked n _ only I haven’t seen her since— hisown father; but his real end was gained, - Edwin found chance to warn his father of this latest complication, as wellas telling him how utterly he had failed to win an acknowl- "have an explosion big enough to send us across to where Sparkler Sam was gallantly k tion so far?” thought Georgia had too much pride of her _ own to stoop so low. but if they aren’t ‘‘ITdon’t— What are you saying, Miss Winklejohn?” almost rudely interrupted the Ranger, grasping an arm in his excitement. Georgia shrunk and trembled, but she rallied, to repeat the words let drop by Sparkler Sam in her hearing though not in her presence. ‘He said you were dead—in love!” Austin Leonard caught his breath sharply, then huskily spoke. «¢ And he told the truth, whether he meant it thus or not, Georgia Winklejohn! Iam dead in love—dead in love with you, my angel!” ust then a sharp cry broke upon their ears, coming from the camp: ‘*Toarms, men! Cortina’s Lambsare upon CHAPTER XX. SPARKLER SAM GIVES GOOD ADVICE, ‘*Spay here, out of sight and danger, dar- ling!” cried Leonard, pushing the maiden closer to the tree, then drawing weapons as he sprung away to bear his share of the com- ota ut the alarm proved to be a false one, so far as the Mexican bandits were concerned; as a friendly one, and only a few seconds later the Rangers echoed back the stentorian cheer sent forth by the capacious lungs of the Gold-lace Sport. There was both laughter and gay badinage flying about as the natural result of that ill- leased over his error than was Edgar Winklejohn himself, particularly when he found that this was a rescuing force from town, with Sparkler Sam and Julius Winkle- “*T reckon I’ve lost a good bit of my old nerve,” he frankly confessed, while warmly ‘gripping the skinny hand of his paternal I felt that nothing less than a visit from the Chaparral Wolf would complete our chain of “You haven’t— Georgia isn’'t— My poor niece!” brokenly cried the lawyer- vain for the maiden. ‘‘ Don’t tell me she as~?" **Thank Heaven, no!” fervently cried his noble son. ‘‘ Georgia is both alive and well, Ah! here she is, now!” As Georgia came forward to greet her uncle, Edgar drew back; but {in one respect he had diverged widely from the trail of truth. Soe He had seen his fair cousin, and seeing her in such close if not confidential communion with herformer lover, Austin Leonard, he was on the point of interrupting that dangerous interview at all hazards, when a lucky glimpse of the approaching force gave him his cue. Even ashe shouted forth that call to arms, he recognized both the Gold-lace Sport and andthe lovers once more separated. It was a time of mutual explanations, and while that lasted there was little danger of the young couple coming together again. Before all was cleared away, and it was de- cided to bivouac in company for the night, edgment of love from those fair lips. Keep her away from that devil, or you'll both through the tree-tops, Gov’nor!” he muttered, with a dark scowl as he looked - a a * paying his respects to Miss Winklejohn. be Rertert—-you've hindered an explana- “*T've tried, but—devil burn ’em both! [ as hot and eager as ever, then I’m a howling liar from ’way up the crick!” aw Ce the meeting, you | company for even a single minute, so 21 ass?” he said, almost viciously, as he turned | meaning the Winklejohns, urging them to eyes toward the spot where the athletic and | eat, drink and be merry, for to-morrow they handsome young Ranger was visible by the | must pound the pigskin once more! fire-glow. ‘* How could I hinder it, when we were | the worthy fellow watched his chance to. But then, having played his part well, both starving, and it came so suddenly? | steal away and join his heart - brother, Don’t you snarl, Gov’nor, for it’s mainly your | Austin Leonard, who had kept well in fault, after all!” the background ever since that ill-timed ar- ‘* Was it my bull-headedness that insisted | rival. upon playing such a time-worn and silly game?” retorted the elder Winklejohn. Proud, haughty, sensitive to a fault, the Ranger was blaming himself for letting a “ Did I hatch upthis precious scheme to show | love which ought to have died the death long you off as a heoric—ass?” ago hurry him so far—too far, as he now bit- Edwin gave an answering growl, lacking a | terly reflected. more cutting retort, And his worthy parent continued in the same low but vicious tones: “Tf I didn’t know better, pard, I’d call you a blamed fool!” was the blunt salutation “Why didn’t you find out what your| given’ by Sparkler Sam: ‘‘ Yonder’s the chances were, while your fellows had you | apple of your eye, and here you are gloom- Then if the duck was dead, Oh, you miserable bun- both captive? couldn’t you— gler!” ‘** What better could I do?” surlily mutter- ed Edgar. for what it was worth, I'd like to know?” ‘* Not as I would have played it!” ‘* Talking’s easy, but—” ** Acting would have been just as easy, if ing away like— Oh, git out!” ““Don’t—don’t try to rub it in, Sam,” cold- ly warned the Ranger. “Tll rub it in, and then I'll thump it “Didn’t we all play the game | outif nothing less will answer, you monu- mental donkey! And if it still fails to work —look me straight in the eye, Austin Leon- ard, if you dare!” “Well?” coldly demanded the other, as you hadn’t lacked the necessary nerve or | their eyes met in the gloom. wit!” sharply retorted the older knave, his ‘* Why don’t you make it well, then? You sinewy hands griping each other as though | know you still love Georgia Winklejohn bet- the long fingers were closing around thethroat | ter than life! I dare you to say I’m a liar, of ahelplessenemy. ‘‘ If it had been me—” ‘* Weli?” asked Edwin as the other paused without finishing his sentence, ‘ If: been yeu—what?” ‘Td have made the break, just the same, but a stray shot would have rendered all scheming unnecessary for the future.” Letting those villainous words fall in 4 hiss- Aus!” Those eyes drooped, and Leonard smother- it had | ed a groan. ‘‘T knew you couldn’t, pard! And now— listen to your Uncle Fuller fora moment, old man! “If you don’t play clean white: if you don’t pluck up courage and come to a full ing whisper, Julius Winklejohn turned away | and perfect understanding with Georgia toward the nearest camp-fire, leaving Edgar to digest both words and meaning at his leisure. ; ; Asa further proof that he knew how to meet an emergency, Julius Winklejohn be- gan urging the necessity of starting without further delay for home; but Sparkler Sam at | his face in her fair presence! this very evening—” ‘*She’d scorn me for being such a cur, | y”? ‘* Dollars to cents she wouldn’t doany such thing, Aus! But, better that than to be thought a cur who didn’t dare even show And—TI say, once flung himselr into the breach, declaring | old man!” that both horses and men were far too wearie for another forced march, at least until after both had fled. Ae ‘““That’s the message coming to me from the equatorial regions!” he said, briskly, then calling forth at the top of his magnifi- cent voice: ‘‘ Attention, company! Ho, all ye honest citizens! Pick open your ears and turn peepersthis way in a holy hurry!” That was sufficient to insure full attention, and then the Gold-lace Sport added: ‘*Tt is moved and seconded that we don’t get a move on: that we stay right where we now are until after supper, sleep and break- fast! All those in favor of the motion will please say I!” : Almost as one man thé answer came, and Sparkler Sam bowed his full approval. ‘Good enough, gentlemen! have it, but, just as a matter of form I’! put the opposite question. Only—the fool who votes in the contrary wants first to ‘ask him- self if he can lick Parker Sampson, for that comes next on the programme!” A general laugh followed, and if Sparkler Sam really put the question, silence slone voted eg without a dissenting voice he de- clared the motion prevailed. Julius Winklejohn found his first move checked, and he had a shrewd suspicion that Sparkler Sam was actusted by more than hunger or reluctance for the saddle in making this motion, h Still, being without backing, and only one against the many, there was no use in fighting against that ruling, and he con- Lave himself with doing the next best thing. He passed over to where his fair niece | slipped his arm free and drew oe a a 0 good Actas your hearts honestly dictate, was seated, grimly resolved to never . Austin Leonard vipetataoe in their vicin- y. a . r Sparkler preted it next hour or two; eating and d laughing and jesting, keeping all in company roaring with laughter or chuckling | the embarrasse fi Bie vali 36sd Glas’ thssn Yea parade Mine eros ato abu, He still found ample | or _pressin; ; good came ; tidbits upon the trio of guests, | would not be in 14 sg i various tidbits poe ak eres ORO ot DIE ca WN Se Ce Se NS a ete See ae a er OE 18 ee Pe ot The ayes art ong | lives! Sam saw this move, and inter- correctly enough; but the jovial | denied the jovial scout, drawing still fu scout borrowed no fresh trouble on that | away as he added: | score, } \ ‘He played his customary role through the Cima ‘snickersee bar all rude intrusio fe ee at RM ‘Say it, then, Sam.” “Right here you have it in a chunk! you don’t take the chance I’m going If to offer, I'll lick you into fiddlestrings, and — court the fair damself my own weenty self —so there!” ‘* ’d rather diea thousand times over than have her give me one glance of scorn, Sam!” huskily muttered his friend. ‘Tl insure your life against that sort of death, Aus, and never charge a red cent by way of premium!” briskly declared the Texas Samson. ‘‘Now—all eyes open, pard- ner! See how elegantly Pll upset yonder watch-dog, will you?” af Striding briskly across the firelit space, Sparkler Sam doffed his oddly-ornamented hat to uncle and niece, then suavely spoke: ‘‘Beg your pardon for robbing you of such a delightful companion, Mr. john, but I really— Will you accept m arm and escort for a few moments, ma’am?” A swift flush suffused Georgia’s face for a moment, then fled to leave her paler than before; but she rose quickly to her feet, pay- ing no heed to the half-angry remonstrance began by her guardian. aking the proffered arm, she moved away into comparative shadow, the Gold-lace Sport chattering briskly enough, yet with- out saying anything to betray his real ob- ject. , Still, it could hardly be a surprise to the maiden when she suddenly found herself once more face to face wit man whom she loved. *‘ Now, little children, try hard to behave yourselves!” said the Gold-lace Sport, as he “Don’t let a pack of dirty lies ruin and I’ll look for your thanks later on!” ““Don’t—Mr. Sampson!” ‘Excuse me, my dear | play guardian-angel, and with flaming He moved away bay a a i inkle- — the only living ady!” ibe “Two’s company,and any more’s an abominable crowd! So—l'll “a BA R “ft sae ? ” ¥ Ff

Page 24

Be CHAPTER XXI. THE BARRIER BETWEEN THEM. Ashe moved away, Sparkler Sam left a bit of worn paper in the hand of his friend, and by touch alone Austin Leonard knew that this was the note he had bidden the Gold-lace Sport give Miss Winklejohn on his return to the place where she was stay- ing. For a few seconds he stood in silence, hardly knowing how to break the ice, yet feeling that he surely ought to improve the opportunity thus gallanily won for him. Then be spoke in low, far from firm tones: **T hold here the last word Iever had from our hand, Miss Winklejohn. I know it by eart; l’ve read it overand over thousands of times. It bears your name yet—well, if you can honestly tell me you wrote it of your own free will, then—I’ll bother you no more!” Georgia said nothing, simply because she feared to trust her voice. And after a brief silence, the Ranger slowly repeated the cruel eit eo so indelibly impressed upon his rain, No need to transcribe those lines here. Enough that it was, as he had so often de- nounced it, a bit of malignancy such as only a Ree vicious brain could have imag- ined, much less transcribe. Georgia listened in silence, her Si figure gradually drawing more erect, al- though the gloom surrounding them con- cealed her changing features, But when Austin Leonard ceased speaking, she coldly asked: ‘*Did you really credit me with writing Miat-ehl wo you, sir?” ‘‘T fought against belief, but what else could I think? It was in your hand, and your signature was appended! I could not be deceived in either one or the other! And then—you sent back my notes, my gifts, even the ring by which—” “IT sent all those back, yes,” interrupted the maiden, ‘‘but I never wrote or signed any such wicked lies! I never even—” quick grasp, then Austin Leonard caught her in his arms, pressing her to his heaving bosom with almost savage force, ores raining hot kisses upon her face, her ips! And—for just that first moment or two, Georgia actually appeared to enjoy the brutal treatment, too! Only for a brief space, then she broke from his embrace with a power one would hardly expect in a woman. ‘* Wait, Austin! Is this the only cause you have? Is this your sole reason for send- ing me such cruel words?” **T? Cruel words?” echoed the Ranger plainly bewildered. ‘‘ Surely you never— Georgia, who has come between us so dam- nably?” ‘*t fear—Uncle Julius was—” **That malicious cur!” savagely growled the lover, taking a step toward the camp- fires; only one step, for as she divined his desperate purpose, Georgia caught his arm, speaking hurriedly: ‘*Don't—for my sake, Austin!”. He caught her in his arms once more, and the maiden proved her love by yielding to hisclasp. And as his hot lips met hers, the caress was returned in kind! ‘*Let him go!” hoarsely muttered Leonard fairly intoxicated with bliss after so long an abstinence. ‘‘Ican laugh his devilish arts to scorn now! I can—Georgia, my angel! Tell me—just once—say that you still love me?” : **T have never ceased loving you, Aus- tin, even when I believed you were false to me and to your solemu vows,” gravely yet blissfully whispered the maiden. Her reward came in sweet payment, but after a little the lover said in low, happy murmurs: ‘‘Let them go, darling! the world belongs to us, pow! You love—I worship you now, even as I have all along! Even when I fought hardest against it, try- ing to curse you instead!” ** Oh, Austin!” “Let it pass, darling! Now I've got you, and we'll never part again, no matter what —Georgia!’’ ; Por once again the maiden slipped swiftly ‘aes 1. nl gee ee rey MCSE, ae — ? tas alas “ dros" You and I—all. The Gold-lace Sport. from his grasp, holding him back with strong if little hands while she hurriedly spoke: ‘Wait, Austin! It cuts me to the very heart to sayit, dearest, but I must! We will never again misunderstand each other, but we must part in the morning!” ‘* Never! Ill never risk you in such trea- cherous hands as—” ‘‘it must be so, Austin,” interposed the woman with an increase of gravity, still re- sisting his embrace. ‘‘In dying, my poor father left me a sacred trust, and [I have sworn to fulfill it.” **T will help you keep that oath, darling, but don’t ask me to lose you again!” ‘*T don’t ask it, dear,” with a fleeting smile. ‘‘That would be to me a death-blow, indeed !” ‘*Then—say you'll marry me as soon as we can find a parson or legal officer, little woman?” ‘* T will marry you as soon as I have per- formed this sacred duty, Austia,” steadily amended the maiden,-the darkness hiding her charming blushes and lending her the re- quisite courage to speak so plainly. ‘‘ But while that trust remains unfulfilled, darling, I cannot promise more.” ‘* But you'll let me help you? You'll tell me how I can help you?” ‘*Not even so much, dear, for I am for- bidden. Would I deny you this, unless I was bound by a pledge to my dead father, Austin?” “ Yet—if I might only share your burden, Georgia!” ‘* When the day comes that I may speak, be sure I'll hide naught from you, Austin. But until then—until my trust is fulfilled —you must bear with me. You will, dear- est?” Her hands were upon his shoulders, now, and her lips lifted up to meet their: love- mates. Who could deny aught under such circum- stances? ‘* How long must I wait, Georgia?” a bit huskily asked Leonard. ‘That is as a kind Heaven wills, Austin! I know not; I only know that you will not be alone in welcoming the day which leaves me free to say in the face of all the world, what I now say to you: I love you, my— husband!” With the title still warm upon her lips, Georgia broke away, hurrying back to the camp-fire, seating herself near her Uncle Julius, with naught to betray her newly- resurrected jr save the rich color burning in cheeks and upon lips which still tingled with love-kisses. Edgar Winklejohn scowled blackly as the handsome young Ranger passed him by, shortly after; but Leonard gave him no heed, seating himself at the fire where Sparkler Sam was once more eating, drinking and making all around him merry. As the evening grew older, preparations were made for repose, the Gold-lace Sport joining his pard in shaping a hut of branches, covered over with dry moss, a bed of the ‘‘graybeard” rendering the interior more comfortable. : ; This, of course, was intended for the one lady present, but before she took full pos- session, Austin contrived to lure her away from the main crowd once more, for a last good-night, That was put in true loverly shape, and the maiden was not ashamed to respond in kind, either! Then Leonard sought for further confirma- tion, not of her love, but as to the complete- ness of their reconciliation. ‘*You promise to let me know the earHest moment you are free from this trust which stands. between us as a barrier, darling?” he whispered, clasping her hands tightly, loth to let her go. **T promise, Austin.” ‘*And all is well between us, now?” ** All is well, my love!” “‘Thank Heaven for that!” ‘*Amen! And—you will never doubt me again, Austin?” ‘‘ Never again, Georgia! Neither devils nor saints can part or make fresh trouble be- tween us now, my angel!” . He would have added action to words, ae the maiden drew back, hastily whisper- ing: ”» rrr LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LL A tt we $$ re gO ** Uncle—cousin! sake, dear!” Her intuition was correct, for the Winkle- johns, father and son, came hurrying that way, still hoping to avert a full explanation, or, if that was impossible now, to have the quarrel pass with as few witnesses as might be. ‘Good - night, Georgia, and pleasant dreams be thine!” said Leonard, making his words especially distinct for the benefit of his enemies as they hurried up. Then he bowed to Julius Winklejobn, giving a brief glimpse of his white teeth as he spoke: ‘I’m feeling too near heaven for quarrel- ing, just now, sir, so—may your sleep be without dreams or nightmare, Mr. Winkle- john!” He strode away, laughing softly as he caught a muttered oath from Edgar’s lips, and though he tried hard to hide his happy emotions as he came into the fire-glow, Sparkler Sam read the truth in that face, and soon took occasion to let fall a half-malicious whisper: **Shall. I go kick myself again, pard- ner? Am I such an old crank, after ala?’ Leonard made no reply in words, but he grasped a hand with hearty fervor, and there wassomething suspiciously like tears moisten- ing his dark eyes as they met that quizzical aze. ‘*All right, pardner, and I forgive ye everything else, now you’ve come back to ‘ised senses once more!” chuckled the Gold- ace Sport. The rest of the night passed without event calling for mention, but at least one man in them all never so much as thought of ree eyes in slumber; and not even the ghost o an enemy could have approached that rude little hut unseen by loving SF oat The camp was astir bright and early in the morning, and even before the sun show- ed its earliest rays of gold, appetizing odors were floating upward on the fresh air. The morning meal was quickly disposed of, and then the united party got under headway, for their routes led in the same di- rection for several miles, in fact did not diverge until a far-away glimpse could be had of the town whither the Winklejohns were bound. A mount was supplied both Georgia and Edgar, some of the citizens ‘‘doubling up” to meet the necessity. The now reconciled loyers found oppor- tunity to interchange a few brief sentences in privacy, so far as ears other than their own were concerned; but all they dared venture upon was that and a warm hand- clasp, while so many eyes were within fair range, During the ride they likewise spoke, occa- sionally, but either Julius or Edgar Winkle- jobn took care to keep close alongside the maiden, and so prevented any confidential communicaticn. ; When the time came for parting, however. Austin Leonard warmly clas ad the hands of his love, caring naught for those who might be looking on; and then he passed around to the elder Winklejohn, speaking in low but stern tones: ‘‘ Walk straight from this time on, sir! If aught of harm should befall your niece, T’ll call you to strict account!” ‘‘Tdon’t— Whatdo you mean, sir?” an- grily demanded the lawyer. ‘Simply this: that if harm comes in any shape or manner to Miss Winklejohn, I mean to bold you to a stern account. For— Georgia ismy promised wife, you want to un- derstand, sir!’ Don’t quarrel—for my _— CHAPTER XXII. SPARKLER SAM WANTS TO KNOW. Tux Rangers rode hard that af wind- ing up late in the afternoon with a brief but hot fight in which an irregular force of Mexican raiders fared but poorly at their hands. As a matter of course, Sparkler Sam played his part to the queen’s taste, and close beside the big fellow fought Austin Leonard, neither of the heart-brothers com- ing out any worse than he went in. tedl and lead seemed powerless where they rade, save to clear the way for their & eee. iss te

Page 25

The Gold-lace Sport. 23 good horses; and after the victory was fairly won, the grim old Chief of Rangers openly eongratulated the couple before their mates, declaring that with a full regiment of such blades he could clean out all Mexico! At a fairly early hour the Rangers went into camp forthe night, and it was not un- til after the supper was fairly disposed of that the Gold-lace Sport founda fair opening for the friendly questions which had been simmering in his mind ever since the night before. Of course he knew that the estranged lovers must have arrived at an amicable un- derstanding of some description, but on just what terms were they now? ‘Of course you can tell me it’s none of my blame’ business,” frankly admitted Sparkler Sam, when he had drawn Leonard apart from the rest of the company. ‘I’m free to own it isn’t, but, all the same, I can’t help feeling something like a godfatherought to feel—” “Steady, Samuel!” : “Steady goes, and we'll let the godfather part wait until there’s more of a rush!’ coolly spoke he of the brilliant garb. ‘‘ But, ardner, was I all fool when I crowded you into the deadly breach—eh?” A silent grip made reply, but still Samp- son was not wholly satisfied. Leonard was too grave for one perfectly happy, and the jovial scout felt that his duty as comrade was hardly complete so long as even the shadow of a cloud lingered. *There’s a bug in your dumpling some- where, Aus., or else you're differently con- ¢ a » stituted from any fellow I ever took the x Fe * trouble to dissect or analyze!” Sparkler Sum _ persisted; then preeptis his tone of badinage T > he moved closer to his pei, ath righ friend, Sampson!” vA : Jest § iend, earnestly add- ing: ‘‘ Make aclean breast of it ull, old man! It’s too late now for you to doubt my friend- > |» Ship, surely?” ia ‘* A man was never blessed with a truer belief, then, pardner! ‘*Prove your You made it all up What's gone wrong? * with Miss Winklejohn last night, or your % \ - i face ought to be arrested for lying! a ed ei yp? ‘*I did, thanks to you, Sam! But—every- thing is cleared up, now, except—” hesitated the young Ranger. *“Except what?” “‘That’s just what I can’t tell you, Sam!” “*Oan't, or won’t, Aus,?” : ** Can't, because I don’t know myself!” a bit impatiently exclaimed Leonard, then go- ing on to repeat what Georgia Winklejohn had said about the sacred trust left her by her father in dying. Sparkler Sam listened with undisguised eagerness, putting in an occasional question which proved he was groping in his own fashion for a plausible reading of the riddle thus presented; but when Leonard had told all he knew, they were still far from a full comprehension. ‘**It can’t be about asserted, half queri after a brief silence. ‘Hardly that. She knows that money or money’s worth would never make a differ- ence with me. No, it must be something of greater ee than that, Sam!” ) The Gold-lace Sport was doing some busy thinking, five: then, and he began to fancy he could detect a glimmer of light penetrat- ing the dark subject. ‘“‘T say, pardner, you never told me ve much about the W. family, come to loo back; did you?” ‘““Of course you can comprehend why, Sam? It was a very sore subject with me. I told you far more than any other man could have won, though!” ‘**or which my politest thanks, dear boy! Does that soreness still exist, though?” ‘*Nvu .onger, thanks to you, Sam!” ‘Good enough! Somehow I’m feelin terribly genealogistical this evening, an nothing shorter than a liberal dose of Win- klejohnism can set me at rest, So—how about the late Julian?” “What do you want to know, first, Sam?” “Well, bunch the family, then! Of course Julian had a wife, since he left a charming ea “8 behind! Ah, you lucky dog!” “May you know for yourself just how lucky, Sam!” a bit unsteadily spoke the foune Ranger, with another warm grip of ; then adding in quicker tones: ‘‘ Of tn aaa ih, Se er col eds roperty, surely?” balf the Gold-lace Sport, s for luck, as I told you before. course Julian Winklejohn must have mar- ried, as you say, but Georgia’s mother died years ago.” ** You're dead-sure she did die, then?” ‘Of course lam sure! What are you try- ing to get at, Sam?” ‘** There's no. possibility of a divorce, then? Nor a separation, when Miss Winklejohn was a child?” persisted the Gold-lace Sport, reluctant to abandon the wild fancy which had so oddly struck his busy brain. But Austin Leonard shook his head, de- cidedly. Nothing of the sort could possibly be entertained, for Georgia herself had often spoken to him of her dead mother. ‘* And she never had a young sister, for in- stance?” ‘‘Nor that, either,” with equal decision. **Georgia is an only child, and her father wes a widower long before I formed their acquaintance,” earnestly assured the young Ranger. ‘* You are certain of all that, pardner?” ‘Yes. What makes you stick to it so keenly, Sam?” “Well, I always did tote a bit of bull-dog under my coat, pardner!' And tbe wife: how did she knock under? I wmean, of what did she die?’ Leonard shook his head by way of answer. ‘When did she die, then?” “T can’t tell you that, either, Sam. All I know is just what I have told you! Julian Winklejobn was a widoWer, with a single child, Georgia.” ‘*Did you ever see ber tombstone, even?” persisted the Gold-lace Sport, with an earn- estness which seemed to grow rather than lessen under discouragement. Leonard sbifted seat until he could more fairly scan that face, but nothing he saw there could lessen his wonder, and once more he asked: ‘* What are you trying to get at, anyway, Sam ?” ‘« Well, that’s a question easier asked than answered,” frankly admitted the Sport, with a half-laugh. ‘‘ Maybe you’!l think I’m go- ing cracked, Aus., but I more than half be- lieve I’ve run up against a younger sister of your Georgia.” ‘*What? That's nonsense, man alive!” “Ts it, though? | Just let me tell you something, old man! I hated to let even a true pard like you know what a monumen- tal ass 1 could make of myself when I gave fullswing to this blessed clapper of mine! But now—here goes, just for luck!” Whereupon Sparkler Sam gave a frank his- tory of his introduction to ‘‘ the Little Kid,” Rhoda Maynard, together with what took place at his different brief calls at her home. He spoke of the wonderful resemblance the girl bore to Miss Winklejohn, in everything save age and womanly development; but even that difference was not so great, ‘‘T don’t think there can be more than a couple of years difference between the two,” hesaid, gravely. ‘‘ Your Georgia is—about what?” ** Nineteen her last birthday.” ‘** And my Little Kid should measure about seventeen; correct!” decided the Gold-lace Sport, with growinginterest. ‘ Age would n’t interfere, anyway! And then—what made the old lady show such strong interest in the name of Winklejohn? And why did it prove such a sickening blow to her when I told her it was Julius, not Julian Winkle- john who had come to town?” ‘* She didact like that, then?” ‘You wager your delicious existence she just did, pardner! And even more, I took iss Georgia past the Maynard home, just And the widow swooned away again, merely at sight of the young lady! Now—what does it all figure up, pardner?” Leonard had no answer ready, but still he shook his head at that preposterous idea: Mrs, Winklejohn was dead, and Georgia was an only child! ‘“‘That’s all right, pardner, if you only think it hard enough,” grimly retorted the big fellow, falling back to a more careless attitude for the time being. ‘Because I fail to see how it can read any different, Sam. Iam morally certain of my facts, while you—are trying to make facts out of the airiest of all fancies!” ‘* Am I, though?” “You ce y are, old fellow!” “*Well, maybe yes, maybe no. Take it how you dike, pardner, there’s something mighty curious about the way things showed up, over yonder. Of course if Mrs. W. is really dead, and J. W. was never divorced, nor separated from his wife; my little theory goes bu’st; but—” ‘* You'll find it is all fancy, Sam; take my word for it!” ‘“*If Ido, I surely will, of course. But, all the same, I’m going to dive deeper into the mystery, even if I break my cabeza against a rock! ‘“‘V)l_ get another scouting detail, and then I'll solve the riddle or break a leg try- ing!” With that declaration, the Gold-lace Sport rose to his feet and lounged across to the cheery camp-fire. CHAPTER XXIIL TWO KNAVES WELL MATCHED. Late in the afternoon of the day following this confidential chat between the two Ran- ger’ pards, another consultation took place which must find a record in this connection. Oddly enough, it was held at the ve patch of cover out of which poor Tom Bill- son had risen with his friendly warning to Sparkler Sam of breakers ahead. On this occasion it was a regular appoint- ment, made by Diego Sandoval and kept by Julius Winklejohn, The Mexican was first on the scene, and was lying well under cover when the old lawyer hurried up, casting uneasy looks around like one whose conscience is ill at ease, or a wrong-doer who dreads detection. A low whistle warned Winklejobn that his man was present, and with a snarl of half anger he spoke: “Why couldn’t you do as you did before: come to the house, not drag me out here like—” is growling enough, my good coolly interrupted the Mexican, speaking without hardly an accent that could betray his nationality, even as he had tem- porarily discarded his flashy suit of velvet, silk and china crape for a garb less conspicu- ous. ‘* Well, let that pass, then. have you decided upon?” ‘First, repeat your wishes, my good friend. I am to aid you, not you me. Hence it is from your lips that the first words should issue.” ‘* What's the use running it all over?” muttered Winklejohn, casting an uneasy look around them, as though he feared the coming of enemies. ‘That there may be no occasion for griev- ing over too little comprehension in the fu- ture, senor,” coolly declared the bandit, shrugging his broad shoulders, ‘‘So—you wish to get rid of the senorita; yes?” ** You know all that, Sandoval! And you also know that you'd fight: like a panther if I tried to draw back that very prize from your teeth!” Sandoval chuckled softly at this, but he made no denial. ‘*Why then do you think it necessary to waste s0 much time in idle chatter?” irrita- bly continued the lawyer, still guarding against the chance of any person coming upon their rendezvous unobserved by his keen eyes. ‘‘ Why not say in one word: done!” ‘Because it yet remains to do, senor! And, besides, there is one little point we omitted to fully agree upon, before,” came the cool rejoinder. ** What: point was that?” ‘Your son, senor.” ‘What of him?” ‘* He must bear the senorita company over the river, senor?” ** Why so?” ‘Surely one so far-sighted as yourself, senor, 2ught to have foreseen so much? Is it not so, then? Well, permit me to make it clear for your eyes, senor!’’ Even now the Mexican bandit appeared to be in no especial haste to explain, but Julius Winklelobn forced back his impatience, rightly ,believing that all this was meant to make him lose temper, and so be at greater faire ae in this risky negotiation. , As Winklejohn maintained silence, San-. doval was forced to speak on: ‘It runs like this, senor,” laying off each Now—what

Page 26

- 24 The Gold-lace Sport. point as made with tip of finger on dusky palm, ‘Iam to steal away the senorita. It is to be thought she has eloped witha favored lover, or—” “No!” quickl ‘That is out o what has happened. other tack, Sandoval!” ‘‘You see, senor, there is nothing like a little confidential conversation, after all!” declared the bandit, with a show of his teeth at this admission. ‘It is only a fool who plays a game for heavy stakes without looking carefully at the cards he holds!” **T know; go on, man!” “‘Very well; I go on—thus: ‘T am to remove the senorita, for the pur- pete of ransom, say. How am I'to send ack my terms? Who is to risk explainin ay how, why, and by whom the dee performed? Your noble son, senor, of course!” **You mean that he must go with you, Sandoval?” ‘*As a captive worth many yellow ounces —yes!” “ And he is to bring back your terms, you say?” ‘Precisely so, senor! Is it not an im- provement on the other idea?” ‘* Possibly it is, but—what sort of word is interrupted Winklejohn. the question now, after ou must take the ' he to bring back?” - so far worn. Julius Winklejohn spoke slowly, almost painfully. Eath word appeared to rasp his throat in its passage, and even that deepen- ing twilight failed to entirely mask his loss of color. Sandoval gave another brief show of his teeth, then asked: “Tt would grieve you dreadfully, senor, never to see the senorita again? You would gladly strip yourself of every peso in order to ransom her from the evil clutches of the brigands?” Julius be cet yg forced a chuckle at this stroke of wit, but it fell far short of mirth or of heartiness. Plainly he felt —— to get this peculiar interview over with! ; “Why make a joke of it, Sandoval? You know only too well that I’m yielding up a - fortune to you, just to feel dead sure she never will come back—alive!” “You are paying me to’ remove this girl from your pathway, then? You honestly admit that you desire her death?” asked i Sandoval, with brutal frankness, Julius Winklejohn flashed uneasy looks around on all sides, but saw nothing to con- firm his ugly suspicions; and then he like- wise let fal even the frail pretense of a mask “Yes! I want you to take the girl; do ; _ what you please with her, just so she never turns up to give me further trouble! And— of course I must have positive proofs of her death!” In order to claim her fortune, as next of kin, no doubt?” ‘¢ What difference can that make to you?” ; ve surlily demanded the lawyer-guardian, his pare e hr? £45" i ins © 4] . % Lie( ©, vt pee 3 ue re e turn the | Saar a tacos 4s got into =. ess We ‘black eyes littering evilly. ‘‘ You not only get the girl you say you prize itr: h- ly, but you also get full possession of the gilver mines her father left, over the border. Surely that is pay sufficient for even one so extortionate as Diego Sandoval?” — ‘It is rich pay, senor, and I am more than content with what falls to my share,” quick- v assured the Mexican. ‘But that is why Pet you require in are of the plunder; $ fee - "7 | gers tightly gripped an arm as he hissingly off your son, as well. | | they drew near their destination. ! | ‘« What has gone wrong, senor 9” t For answer, Julius Winklejohn briefly re- lated the events which followed the attempt- ed kidnapping, which he deelared was done solely for the purpose of extorting a heav ransom. And he felt a bit easier as he too note of how viciously Sandoval scowled at mention of a lover, Austin Leonard. ‘*T know him! Some day we will meet, and then—” A savage pantomime completed the threat, | but Winklejohn paid scant attention to either words or gestures; for just then the | merry clatter of horses’ hoofs came to his | ears, and looking past the clump of bushes, he caught sight of two horsemen approach- ing town from the distant hills. A vicious glitter stole into his black eyes as he, gazed, and then one set of sinewy fin- | muttered to his comrade in trickery: ***Look, Sandoval! There he is now!” They each recognized Austin Leonard in the nearest one of the two horsemen, but the Mexican’s gaze was fixed upon the other: big, massive, gaily-trigged-out Parker Samp- | son! “T see—thrice accursed devil!” savagely | rated the bandit, drawing a revolver from is belt and bringing it to a level just as Sparkler Sam broke into a jolly, rollicking laugh, ** Are you crazy, john, grasping han stant. ‘‘ Don’t shoot! and—” ‘It is true, unfortunately!” muttered | Sandoval, yielding to prudence far more than to that nervous grasp. ‘‘ Go, thou cursed one! Go, until the blessed hour strikes which will sound thy death-knell! And this is the hand that shall sound thy doom, devjl of all devils!” The two Rangers rode unsuspectingly on | into town, plainly heading for the Shamrock Hotel; and not until they were beyond pis- tol-range did either one of that evil pair | break the silence with words. | Then the Mexican turned eyes toward the lawyer, coldly saying: ‘“Youasked me when I would be ready to strike, senor?” ‘‘Yes! The longer we wait, the greater the risk, as you must admit.” ‘‘There is no need of waiting longer, senor, provided you are ready to play your an?” muttered Winkle- and weapon on the in- You couldn’t kill part. ‘That is the main reason for my asking you to meet me here, this evening so early.” ‘*T am ready at any hour, Sandoval!” | ‘*Good! Then the blow will fall this very night! You will have all in readiness, then, just as we agreed upon the other day?” ‘‘Everything! And—why not do it up brown, Sandoval? . Why not kill those two devils, as well? If not, they'll chase you like bloodhounds!” ; CHAPTER XXIV. SPARKLER SAM TRIES TO FIND OUT. Anxious to test the odd fancy which had so powerfully assailed his mind, Sparkler Sam lost little time in asking for the scout- ing detail, and as he was just then in par ticular favor with his captain, the wish was granted so promptly that, man-like, Samuel asked another on top of it! In consequence both Sampson and Leon- ard left the main force of Rangers on a perilous if important duty; but that per. ormed to the best of their ability, the com- rades felt fully justified in shifting their route far enough to take in the town which just then contained so much of vital interest. to both of the scouts. j Hence it came about that the two Rangers were sighted by the pair of conspirators as Sparkler Sam led the way direct to the Shamrock Hotel where he had quartered himseif before, and turnin ‘ea, t et : ‘Wink: jobn a Witb the door closed and locked, Sparkler Sam at once plunged into the subject which most deeply interested himself, if not his partner, ‘Right here’s where you’re to stop, pard- | ner, until I've made a bit of a scout by my | lonesome! You'll agree, of course?” ‘You're going to surprise the ‘ Little | Kid,’ are you?” asked Leonard with a half- smile. ‘*Let up on that if you please, old man!” with a counterfeit frown. ‘‘I’m not think- ing of poaching on your preserves, anyway.” ‘* You'll not go too far, Sam, I hope? Remember it’s only a fancy on your part, and a fancy too wild and preposterous for any use!” ‘*T hit a fancy the other day which seemed even wilder, Aus., and yet see how rich was the mineral ‘I struck!” rather pointedly retorted the Gold-iace Sport. ‘‘ Youshould be the last man on earth to sneer at my wild ideas, old fellow!” “I beg your pardon, Sam, but—” ‘‘Never mention it, my boy! Now— remember! Here you are, and right here you are to stay until I come back. I'll not be gone longer than I can help, of course, but—you’ll agree, Leonard?” The young Ranger gave his promise, and | then the big fellow left the chamber, pass- ing down the stairs and out of the hotel without calling inconvenient notice his way. Sparkler Sam quickened his steps when once fairly clear of the Shamrock, and only the shades of night concealed the bright, eager glow which came into his big blue eyes as he turned toward the humble home | which owned Widow Maynard as mistress. A wild, even crazy fancy Austin Leonard had termed it, but nevertheless Parker Samp- » son had determined to press the matter home without unnecessary delay, and he’ had carefully prepared each move to be taken, as far as one can look into the future. As the Gold-lace Sport turned into the side street where stood the Maynard home, he caught his breath sharply, for there was a faint glow saluting his eyes, and he knew that his mission would not be wholly without reward. ‘* What will she say? How will she look? Will she let me— Steady, boy! Don’t you begin playing fool so early inthe game!” Sparkler Sam sharply chided himself, yet there was a queer thrill in his veins as he drew near the building, and he was blush- ing like a bashful schoolboy ‘as he lifted hand to tap upon the paneled door. He caught a quick, ° footfall, then the barrier swung open, and he stood face to face with ‘‘the Little Kid!” ¢ ‘‘Good-evening, Miss Maynard! May I ask if your mother has recovered from her indisposition?” briskly spoke the Gold-lace Sport, religiously sticking to his prepared programme, : “She is better, thank you, Mr. Sampson. ‘Will you walk in, please?” This, too, was very nearly what Sparkler Sam had marked down, and he accepted the invitation promptly enough. Mrs. Maynard was ready wita a cordial greeting, really looking less like an invalid at first glance; but as the scout took a seat and had time to make a more critical examination, he saw that at least a portion | of her good looks came from a hidden fever. Sampson was far more at his ease with | mother than with daughter, thanks to the humiliating mistake he had made on first — meeting Rhoda; but it was no part of his plans to bluntly demand whether or no she was any relation to the Winklejohns, either by marriage or through blood-ties, As he himself might have said, there © were more waysthanoneofskinningacat;and — having fairly broken the ice, he turned to- | ward Rhoda inatead, speaking of the odd | chance which had brought two long estranged | lovers together. mae | Itall came about so naturally, too, that |. | even oue of suspicious ‘nature could hardly — take alarm at his maneuvers. | 4th ea - wounc It began with an apology for not calling |

Page 27

The Gold-lace Sport. shot, which only too plainly spoke of per- sonal peril. He briskly told of the trailing, the meeting with a force of Texan Rangers in whose company the missing couple were found; and then he went on to tell of Austin Leon- ard and his sore heart-troubles. ‘*A truer, whiter lad never drew the breath of life than Austin Leonard!” he de- clared, loyally. ‘‘I’ve known him like a brother, and learned to love him heap sight harder than most brothers can love, I fancy! But when I saw him let the lady pass with- out making dead sure of her, [felt like jumping on his neck with both feet—so there!” Sparkler Sam was telling the little story to Rhoda, apparently giving no heed to the widow; but he kept a covert watch and felt a growing conviction that his ‘‘crazy fancy ” was not all madness! If so, why should Mrs. Maynard betray such intense interest in the story, while striving to mask her emotions? What made her breath come so sharply, so feverishly? Why were her thin hands so tightly clasped together in her Jap? parkler Sam had told his story well up to this point. giving an idea of foul play lying back of that estrangement, yet mentioning no names save those of the lovers; but now he thought it full time to put his fancy to the test and quickly told how Georgia Winkle- john had kept her lover at bay because of a sacred trust bequeathed her by her father in dying. A low, painful gasp escaped the widow at this, but Roark: Sam was not quite ready to ask his momentous question, and pre- ‘tending not to notice that increased agitation, he added: ‘* Now, that’s why I blame Austin! What “ossible cause could Miss Winklejohn have _ © deny him his loverly rights? What trust can be so sacred as to hinder a man from _ marrying the woman he loves, and who de- - clared she loves him just as hard?” Therecame no answer from either mother .)*> or daughter, and Sparkler Sam spoke on: ** Tf ‘t was me—think J'd take such an an- swer? Never a bit of it, Miss Rhoda! Vd make my love my wife, whether she would | own garments with practicedspeed And then we'd have two heads with | be it’sanother trick todown us by— or nol one heart—all the-better for carrying out a sacred trust, say I! “ Don’t you think I’m right, Mrs. May- a Se ee ee ee ee ) example; and less than half an hour later the weary men were soundly sleeping, never once dreaming of the deadly peril which was even then closing in upon them. For Diego Sandoval and his ruffians were falling to work! CHAPTER XXyV. SPARKLER SAM’s DEATH-GRAPPLE. Tue night was considerably more than half spent when Sparkler Sam gave a gasp- ing cry and started up in bed, coughing and rarity esp his brain throbbing madly, his eyes blinded by a red glow which came from within rather than without. The chamber was full of acrid smoke, and the heat was increasing rapidly! Then, before the Gold-lace Sport could ip ck recollect himself or his surroundings, a wild cry came from outside the building, sounding the thrillingalarm of midnight fire! That shout explained it all, and with a roaring shout Sparkler Sam flung bimself out of bed, plunging across to tke one window, striking his balled hand fiercely against the woodwork, shattering every pane of glass and tearing the sash from its fittings, £5 ruddy glow reflecting from a bright blade and making clear the evil purpose of the wielder. Again good-luck saved the Sport, for he was taken entirely by surprise; but he was scrambling to his feet as the vicious assault came, and that rapid movement foiled the deadly stroke. The steel found flesh, however, and a savage roar burst from the big fellow’s lungs as he felt the keen biting. e turned and grappled with his assailant, the movement tearing away the weapon from hand as from wound, and then both men fellto the ground in a writhing, struggling heap. Austin Leonard, confused by the shock of his drop, and nearly blinded by his swift passage through those fire-tinged wreaths of smoke, staggered away from the blazing building until clear of danger from that source. He dimly remembered the warning given by his mate, but his senses were still too greatly disturbed for keenness of sight or quickness of apprehension. He was startled by that shot which seem- This Jet in a grateful gush ef cool air, and | ed to come from no great distance in his rear, leaning far over the sill as he swallowed ae draughts, Sampson looked up and own, to right and left, taking in all with | Clearing vision. | There was no room left for mistakes, now; there was a fire in town, and it just as surely centered at the Shamrock Hotel! The first warning shout was now answered back by many excited ao) for nothing will so quickly stir upa border town as the cry of fire, particularly where their sole hope of | salvation lies in forming a“ bucket brigade” to fight the flames. ‘* Fire, Leonard!” hoarsely cried Sparkler Sam, drawing back with generous thought for his comrade. ‘‘ This shebang’s on fire, and we’ve got to get a hustle on if we don’t want to—pardner, I say!” But his sudden fears were banished as Leonard made answer, nearly strangled by smoke yet worth a score of dead men yet! ‘*Take your guns—throw your duds out- side!” cried the Sport, but jumping i Ali “s ay- Steady, boy!” Leonard seemed about to fall out through the window, but Sam caught and steadied nard?” heasked, turning abruptly toward the | him, speaking rapidly but distinctly: widow. ‘‘Can you guess what sort of trust is so sacred that—steady, ma’am!” He broke off abruptly, for the widow turn- ed ghastly pale, swaying in her chair like one swooning if not at the point of death: but his proffered aid was refused, and desperately rallying, the woman faintly spoke: “*T know—you suspect—not row! Come— to-morrow—and [ will try to explais what— £0, I beseech you, sir!” Rhoda added her entreaty to that of her mother, and reluctant though he was to leave them while seemingly in such sore need of assistance, to say nothing of bis own unsatiated curiosity, Sparkler Sam felt obliged to beat a retreat, He first secured a definite promise that he might count ona more satisfactory interview the nexi day, and when he left the house it was with the warm touch of Rhoda’s fingers upon his hand. ; The Gold-lace Sport went directly back to his chamber, where he found Austin Leonard waiting, really anxious to hear what bad happened, in spite of his assumed incredulity. _ But the Texas Samson’ gave him precious little light, coolly bidding him wait until the pear was fully ripe before trying to taste it. “T’ll give you the whole story to-morrow, pardner, but for now—go to bed and go to ges “In other words, you’ve made a rank failure, just as I predicted you would!” de- | clared the Ranger, tartly. “Is that so? Well, you'll sleep ali the ) sounder for being such a wonderful prophet, on’t you reckon?” half maliciously mocked the Gold-lace Sport, beginning to doff his garments tor the night. experience told Leonard he would Only waste time and breath in trying to ex- tort information. after that, and with a smothered sigh as he thought of - Co still so far although so near, he followed t ‘*Cool and easy, Aus.! There's gobs of time if you only think so; ana I’m not so mighty sure that— Steady, boy! I'll drop you out, first, then you want to get your guns ready for use.” ; ‘*A trap, you reckon?” asked Leonard, rapidly recovering there where the fresh air struck him; for he had been more nearly suffocated than his partner in bed. “It wouldn’t be the first one, anyway!” gtimly muttered the gold-lace Sport, okine keenly out, but able to see little now the smoke and flames were rising so rapidly. ‘*Eyes open, now! And—steady, boy!” With hardly a visible effort he swung the oung Ranger out through the opening, eaning far over to lessen the drop, then opening his fingers. Leonard struck the earth safely, and hur. ried away from the side of the building, for flames were | a passage through that frail wooden shell, and its destruction was but a question of minutes ; Sparkler Sam waited barely long enough to feel fairly confident that Leonard had escaped without material injury, then took his own turn, hanging at full length of his arms from the widow-sill to steady himself for the by no means contemptible drop. Just then the report of rifle or pistol was heard, and Sparkler Sam gar a fierce cry as he felt the lead sting keenly! There was no room left for doubting its vicious intent, for the missile tore through skin and flesh just below his left armpit, and almost certainly would bave pierced his heart but for that unexpected swaying on his part to avoid a rising tongue of fire. As he gave that fierce cry, the Gold-lace Sport let go all holds, shooting downward through the smoke and flames, strikin earth with a heavy shock that destroy his balance and sent him tumbling endlong. At the same instant a crouching figure | smoke and flames, but only to lose s leaped forward, striking as he came, the | those flying shadows, an and thinking it possibly had been aimed at hisown life, he jerked weapon from belt and wheeled in his tracks, winking and blinking, looking in vain for particular foeman. Then the savage cry from Sparkler Sam's lips made the young Range: wheei again, just intime to glimpse that venomous assault with cold steel. An angry yell escaped his own lipsas he ses forward to lend a helping hand; but his aid was hardly necessary, so far as that particular enemy was concerned. That mad death grapple lasted hardly a half-score seconds, for, keenly stung by his wounds, Sparkler Sum was fairly wild with rage, and few men ever drew the breath of life who could hope to cope with him on ey like equal grounds, then. ith a grip which seemed to crush mus- cles and bones alike, he swung his assailant aside, then sprung to bis feet, giving a deep roar as he whirled the assassin high in air, one hand griping shoulder, the other faster - ed upon an ankle, A single shrill, agonized yell for help burs/ from the luckless wretch, but he was grante¢ time for nothing more, One savage swing around that leoning head, then the Texas Samson hurled his ene- my fairly against the side of the blazing building. Above allelse came the sound of that aw- ful collision, then the breathless body re- bounded, falling in a crushed and helpless heap upon the ground, while hungry tongues, of fire curled out from the building, as though eager to feast upon flesh and blood. The instant he let go his hold upon the unfortunate knave, Sparkler Sam whirled ahout, ready for other enemies, and only & hasty shout from Austin Leonard kept the enraged Hercules from fastening upon him. **Don’t— Look out, Sam!’ Just time for those few words, and the swift warning was blended with pisto)- crack, for other armed men were rushing that way, sending a hasty volley by way of pointing their deadly intentions. . “Hal ha!” roared the Gold-lace Sport, ay he took note, shaking his heac as a bullet plucked viciously at his yellow locks. *‘Come, ye devils! The more the merrier, for— Chew lead, you curs from Tophet!” Side by side the two pards stood, their re- volvers barking rapidly as the enemy made their Spit rush, shooting as they came, seemingly bent on crushing tbe pair down by mere weight of numbers. But a portion of the hotel gave way to fire, letting out a broad sheet of flames which barred the way for a few seconds, making it blind shooting at the very best. And then the alarm spread further, citi- zens taking up the wiid cries and proving the entire town was pouring forth upon the scene of excitement. No doubt this had much to do with that sudden repulse, but at sound of a shrill whistle the armed men scattered quickly, leaving the two pards comparatively un- hurt despite the number of shots fired. Sparkler Sam made a dash through the ght of knowing how

Page 28

26 a : . : | difficult it would be for even himself to | single out any one of their assailants after | once losing sight of them, he abandoned the effort for the time being. By this time he knew there was no hope for the Shamrock or its drinking annex, | the Harp of Erin. Already the flames were eating through the roof of the hotel, and every window was a roaring furnace of | flames. As he looked, his gaze fell upon the bod of his first assailant lying just as it had fal- len in that awful rebound, The flames had caught at the carcass, and a portion of its clothing broke into a blaze as he looked, sending the Sport forward with with a mighty cat those broad shoulders and dragging the help- less wretch far away from the fire. Not until those very moments had the Gold-lace Sport given thought to why he should be so savagely assaulted, or by whom those treacherous blows were dealt; but the same glance which showed him that rising tongue of flame, likewise revexled the gilt braid and silver buttons of a Mexican garb! Pausing when ata safe distance from the fire, Sparkler Sam knelt down beside his prey, brushing away the blood ani soot which masked that dark and distorted face. A husky groan, a snarling curse, a sharp clicking of dog-like teeth as they tried to meet in the hand that touched his face! ‘“*Who are you? Who set you at my life?” sternly demanded Sampson; but the | Mexican merely gave a low gasp, then straightened out with a quiver which could not be mistaken. ‘“He’s dead!” declared Sparkler Sam, ris- | ing to his feet and adding; ‘‘One of Cor- tina’s Lambs, for rocks! the Winklejohn house, for: there’s the Old oy to pay this night, or I’m a howling r!” CHAPTER XXVIL SPARKLER SAM ON THE TRAIL, Oppry enough, Austin Leonard had never once given thought to possible peril menac- ing his loved one, but now dire conviction seemed to seize upon his soul, and, forget- ting all else, he urged Sparkler Sam to show him the nearest route to the Winkle- john residence, ‘*Come, then! It’s big odds Yellow Diego has a hand in this pie, but if we don’t turn it to blood-pudding on his lips Ill eat my hat!” the Gold-lace Sport cried, setting off at full run. If their movements were noticed at all, no cne attempted to check or bar their rush, for now the whole town seemed wild, flocking toward the fire as though that left room for no other thought. Taking the most direct route available, Sparkler Sam quickly gained a point from whence he could catch an early glimpse of the Winklejohn residence, and gave a little cry of relief as he slackened his breakneck pace. ‘“Whatis it? Where is it, Sam?” hoarse- ly demanded the lover, whose abruptly awakened fears were not so easily Julled to rest. “Yonder’s the house, and no show of a rumpus, please the pigs!” answered the Gold-lace Sport, in half-abashed tones. en I was an ass fur jumping on San- doval, but—” “Come! We ought to make sure that all’s right with them!” impatiently urged the younger scout. ‘‘ Show me which es it is and I’ll go by my lonesome if you on’t—” **Oh, 1'll go long, pardner, if only to hold the old man off your back while you hug— The deuce!” Sparkler Sam hardly meant just that, for the final words came in a fierce ejaculation ashe caught sight of a suspicious circum- stance, Hurrying toward the house rented by the Winklejohns, he just then saw that the front door was standing ajar, and though no light shone through, no sound or outcry ' came from the interior, he more than ever answer; suspected foul play. “What is it, Sam?” pantingly asked Leonard, and the big fellow hurriedly made his grip fastening upon | Come, pard! To | The Gold-lace Sport. “‘Devil’s work, or I'm a liar! All. eyes open, pard! If you see any person trying to make a sneak of it, hail and then plug him if he don’t throw up instanter!” Sparkler Sam had barely time to rattle off these words when he reached the front of | the building, and shoving wide the door | which he found ajar, he cried out, sharply: ‘Hello, the house! Winklejohn—lI say, | Winklejohn!” From the rear came wild shouts and con- ' fused sounds, but never a cry or word from | that dark interior. ‘‘Guard yourself, pardner!” grimly warned | Sampson, his own weapons ready for use as | he sprung over the threshold, closely fol- lowed by Leonard, whose loverly fears could {no longer be held in check, and whose voice repeated the name of his beloved, over and over. Still no answer came back, and with his free hand-Sparkler Sam drew a match sharp- | ly along one thigh, holding the little torch | above his head while he flashed a keen look | around the room, | He failed to catch sight of either of the | Winklejohns, but he saw on oil-lamp across the room, and crossing over he lit the wick | before his match burned down to his fin- ) gers. As he did this, Leonard sprung to open a door which led into another room, fling- | ing it wide, then giving a hoarse cry as he | stopped short, staring at a human figure lying upon the floor just ahead of his feet. ) Sparkler Sam flashed the lamplight that way, and quickly recognized the motion- | less shape, as was proved by his words: “‘The old man! Looks like he’d caught it hard, too! But—where’s the girl? She comes first, and—steady, pardner!”’ Easy enough to say, but just then Aus- | tin Leonard was past heeding even if he heard, A choking cry parting his lips, the an- guished lover rushed from one room to an- other, calling upon his sweetheart and search- ing in every nook and corner for the missing maiden. Sparkler Sam moved as swiftly as possi- ble without extinguishing the light, and it took only a few minutes to convince him of the worst: Georgia Winklejohn was sure- ly gone! On every side could be seen traces of rude handling, as though bold and rapacious robbers had ransacked the premises in quest of valuable plunder, The different chambers bore traces of all this, and it was evident that Winklejohn had retired at or near the customary hour, to be surprised by the raiders while in bed if not sleeping. Leonatd seemed stunned at first when he failed to find Georgia, but the younger Ranger quickly rallied when Sparkler Sam spoke of looking after Julius Winklejohn, in the room below stairs. ‘“The treacherous devil!” fiercly breathed the lover, making a fierce break in that di- rection, ‘I'll murder him by inches if he’s had aughtto do with this foul outrage!” ‘* Steady, lad!” and Sparkler Sam caught an arm, holding him in check while they hurried down stairs and to the room in which the old lawyer was lying. The two pards saw now what nee had failed to note before: that Julius Winklejohn was bound, handand foot, his mouth covered | with a folded bandage, while the lamplight | showed them a_ ghastly-looking wound | across his skull, blood from which dyed his gray hairs red, and then formed a little pool on the floor! Putting the lamp down where it would throw all the light needed, Sparkler Sam knelt beside the bound figure, shaking a shoulder vigorously, but without eliciting any sign of life, To all seeming the old man was a corpse, | but Sampson qviekiy learned the contrary; senses might be missing, but life was surely there! He looked at the wound, finding it less se- vere than it seemed to be at first glance. He probed the gash with his finger-tips. making sure the skull was not fractured, and atthe same time causing a shiver of pain to run over the injured man! Drawing knifethe Gold-lace Sport quickl cut away all bonds, then again shook the ol man, but with no better success than before. An angry frown wrinkled his brows at this, and he spoke sharply to Leonard: ‘* Pass me the lamp, pardner! I'll scorch | his feet a bit! Nothing like that for bring- | ing— Hello, mister!” itha faint groan and gasp Julius Win- | klejobn opened his eyes, like one just re- | covering his senses, and a flood of questions | poured upon him from both pair of lips. For a few minutes he seemed too utterly | dazed to either answer or comprehend, but | then Sparkler Sam gave him another signifi- cant hint to quicken his wits with fairly- | good effect. Once loosened, his tongue ran _ freely enough, but with all his words came very little information of importance. He had been roused from sleep by sounds of some description, and rising from bed had come down-stairs to investigate. Then— he had just a fleeting glimpse of one or more rsons, after which he was brutally struck own and knew no more until arou-ed from his stupor by the Gold-lace Sport and his comrade, ; Just this, and nothing more! In vain the two pards questioned him con- cerning Georgia and his son; Winklejohn could give them no light, and his bitter fears of deadly peril menacing the young couple | left him no room for aught else. Then Austin Leonard pushed Sparkler Sam aside, forcing the old lawyer to meet his burning gaze while he spoke with cold fero- city: ‘*T believe your treacherous hand lies under all this, Julius Winklejohn! I be- lieve you have schemed to remove my—my darling!” ‘*T never—why should I do that?” husk- ily quavered Julius. ‘To finger her fortune, youcur! But— mark my words! I'll follow and find her! I'll never rest until I've learned the whole truth! And if aught of harm or wrong has befallen my loved one through your agency, Julius Winklejohn, I'Jl make you think you’re in hell while still alive!” With this fierce vow the young Ranger fell back, and Sparkler Sam once more tried ~~ to glean some inkling of truth from those lips; but if Julius Winklejohn knew more than he had already told, he had the nerve to conceal his knowledge. Making another and thorough search of © that interior without finding aught which would aid them in solving the riddle, the two scouts left the house, seeing what might be learned on the outside. By this time the fire had destroyed the hotel and saloon where it first broke out, and in addition swallowed up half a score lesser frame buildings before slackening for lack of fresh fuel. It was generally believed that the fire was incendiary, probably a stroke of revenge on the part cf the raiders from across the river; for the two scouts were not long in hearing of strange horsemen being seen in hasty re- treat when the fire was raging fiercest. Acting upon this clew, then, Sparkler Sam struck a promising trail which led toward the lower ford, once before taken Yeilow Diego's lawless raiders; and by the time day was dawning, his plans were formed. Picking out one of the citizens whom he felt confident he could fully trust, Sampson gave him a hastily written note for the Ranger Captain, saying that himself and pard would hit the trail off and follow it home, leaving clear sign. for the Rangers to follow at speed, Dispatching this important message, Sparkler Sam secured a goodly supply of cooked food, then mounted his horse and left town in company with Austin Leonard, poets for the lower ford and never draw- ing rein until they struck the soil of Old Mexico! ‘The fight’s on now, pardner!” he grimly declared, ‘‘I know where Diego Sandoval holds up, and he’s my meat or I'll die reach- ing for ‘him 1? CHAPTER XXYVILI. SHOWN IN HIS TRUE COLORS. “Jr was a fair and square barge. n, sir, and now—what am I to think?” : «For one thing, think how thankful you ought to be for even a chance to buy your life, senor!” Edgar Winklejohn gave a fierce gesture, ——— rset re teeearsa. agree See DP Tie Sas as Hy Pn SE PE 4 oes ips MR Satu 5 Boa fang es eae nuts ON? i hot’ Shas

Page 29

| The Gold-lace Sport. 27 CHAPTER XXVIII. WHITE HAWK AND YELLOW VULTURE. FoLLowInG curt directions given by their chief, the salteadores carried Edgar Winkle- john away to the further side of the little valley, there dumping him into another rude jacale,in front of which an armed guard was stationed to make assurance doubly cer- tain. Here the outwitted schemer was left to en- , joy his bitter reflections for several hours, long before the end of which he was vicious- ly cursing himself and his crooked luck, but most bitterly of all calling down curses upon the head of his. worthy progenitor, Julius Winklejohn. Diego Sandoval purposely prolonged this solitary confinement, rightly reasoning that Edgar would better realize his precise con- dition if given ample opportunity for study- ing it all over. ut a little after the sun crossed the meridian the yellow chief entered that rude shelter, cutting away the gag which had un- til then remained in place, squatting on heels before his captive, showing his wolfish 9» fangs in grim amusementas the bound knave fell to cursing the one left free. That vicious torrent bade fair to flow too long for his pleasure, however, and leaning forward he struck those lips sharply, say- ing: te Enough, you dog! ’Tis for you to lis- ten and for me to talk! Be quiet, else my braves shall sew thy foul lips together!” “TIL kill you for all this, you yellow devil!” hoarsely vowed the prisoner. ‘I'll never know rest until—” A second still sharper blow cut his wild vow short, and Sandoval spoke again: ‘‘Silence, hound! Another threat like that, and 1’ll pull your tongue out by the_ roots with red-hot pincers!” That malignant look, even more than the savage words, checked the mad rage from which Edgar Winklejohn was suffering just then, and as he fcught hard to choke back his curses, the yellow bandit spoke on: “Tt is well that we reach a perfect under- standing, senor, so—open well thy ears, for ¢ once saying must serve! I have a fairer prey than thou to dally with; my beautiful bir of paradise!” A low chuckle followed that speech, his dingy paws rasping together after a fashion which reminded Edgar of a hungry wolf gloating over its freshly killed prey. After a brief silence Diego Sandoval - spoke on, putting the case in still plainer terms than he had while speaking mainly to Georgia Winklejohn, with cruel candor showing how completely he had outwitted his confederates in crime. ete He spoke of the mining property in Mexico ~which the legal heir, or lawful husband of the young woman would gain full control | of, and {frankly admitted that a fer smaller = fortune wouid render sucha unionagreeable; ss with the beautiful senorita ’twould beafore- =< taste of heaven! : Shon te But why should a man rest content with — but swift as thought itself the black muzzle “He had run down here to look up the of a revolver stared him squarely in the | silver mines believed to be owned wholly or face, and over that leveled tube came the | in main part by your lamented parent, stern warning: senorita,” explained the bandit. ‘‘It was ; ‘Careful, senor! Lift hand or utter} then that we first met, although he lied Zz threat, even, and I'll scatter your brains to | about a former acquaintance when— But the four windscf heaven!” | that does not matter!” Diego Sandoval spoke as though he Sandoval went on to give full details, but meant every word which passed his lips, | much of which has already been shadowed just then, and Winklejobn shrunk shivering | forth with sufficient distinctness for our pur- away. | pose. The greater part of a week had passed by Among other things he threw a cruel light % since the burning of the Shamrock Hotel, | upon that adventure with the two despera- = a and Yellow Diego had fairly settled down in | does, laying bare the whole plot which he de- ae: this secluded valley to reap the fruits of his | clared had been formed by Edgar Winkle- carefully planned campaign. john in hopes of winning Georgia as his According to the agreement, he had car- | wife. ried off both Georgia and Edgar Winkle- Jt was all a farce, from capture to escape! john that night, leaving a picked portion | And when Edgar struck his fierce blow for of his force to kill off his Ranger ene- | freedom, the club never touched his captor’s mies, head, but shivered itself against the trunk That portion of his devilish plot had failed, | of the tree against which the burly rascal but not so the rest, to which he devoted his | had purposely seated himself! own skill and craft. _ Georgia bowed her head and h.a ner face, He played his part to perfection during | feeling sick and faint as her worst suspicions the forced retreat to his hiding-place, but | were so plainly confirmed, ° once fairly located there, he threw off the Edgar Winklejohn fought fercely against mask and showed himself to Winklejohn in | his bonds and his gag, but all in vain; he his true colors. was forced to see and hear all, without Edgar had expressed disgust at so much | power to deny or to lie in his own de- loss of valuable time, and fairly commanded | fense. Sandoval to finish off the work he had agreed Then Sandoval told how that double ab- to perform, It was then the Mexican{bandit | duction had been arranged; how Julius coolly declared that the young man had better | Winklejohn was bound and gagged, a knife- be thinking how he could raise the price of | cut deliberately laying open his scalp the his life and liberty! better to blind suspicion; bow Sandoval “* Why else should I bother with you, fool?” | agreed to dispose of the maiden, sending her he added, with brutal candor. ‘‘ Whyshould | cousin back with ample proofs of her death Laccept the lesser half, when I might as well | while both had been trying to escape their claim the whole? So—I tell you frankly, | captors, senor! Unless you can pay me a fair price ‘That was the agreement made with for your liberty, I'll have you butchered like | your worthy relative, Miss Winklejohn,” a dog!” coolly confessed the bandit. ‘‘ But 1 never In vain Winklejohn reminded him of the | for an instant meant to keep my part of the agreement made with Georgia’s guardian: | bargain, after that bloody fashion. Instead— that he was to have the silver mines for his | Listen, I pray you, senorita! share, and let Edgar go free, bearing to Texas ““Why should I take the lesser half when ample proofs of the girl’s death, real or | I might just as well secure the whole for- counterfeit, through which Julius Winkle- | tune? Why should I murder you, when I john could claim her fortune as next of kin. | might keep you as a loving, living, adorable “That was when fortune and the senorita } bride?” — lay nearer his grasp than mine,” frankly ex-| With a choking cry Georgia shrunk as far plained the bandit. ‘‘ But now--I have the*| away as those brief limits would permit; but power, and I mean to have the fortune as | Yellow Diego only laughed and showed his well wolfish teeth, as though he found an ex- Edgar Winklejohn could no longer blind | quisite pleasure in witnessing her loathing himself to the ugly fact that this rascally | fear. -brigand had completely overreached them ‘*T am speaking you plain truth, senorita, both. because I have no longer good reasons for _ The knowledge fairly set him wild, and | wearing the mask. And now my golden with a savage oath, he struck aside thatarmed | harvest is ready for the sickle, why hand, flinging himself upon Sandoval, both | should I wait longer before garnering my men falling to earth in what promised to be | crop? ‘a death-grapple. ‘Tt is this way, then, senorita, and you, __ But a single shrill cry from the lips of their [ chief, brought several bandits rushing to the } rescue, and only for Sandoval himself, Edgar must have pad penalty with his life. but not such word as he so fondly awaits! Instead, Yellow Diego had him bound se-| ‘‘I will say to him: give me this maiden’s curely and carried after him as he strode | dower, or she fares all the worse! I shall 1. ate the little jacale assigned to Georgia | say: pay me all this fortune, or I return 14 Yink 2 noble senor! _**Word shall be immediately dispatched to the anxious relative over the great river; ejohn, your son, with heart fixed between his grin- | half, when he might gain the whole by sim- Ss Pie Pale and wan, plainly showing the effects | ning teeth!” ply demanding it? And so—thesenorcom- —_ | . of anxiety if not actual privation, the| Georgia gave another shivering cry, and | prehended?. : a. If not just then, Edgar Winklejohn | was speedily enlightened, for Sandoval no longer needed the cunning mask he had — worn for so long, and cast aside even the shadow of disguise. He said with the morrow a message should be started to Julius Winklejohn, revealing =| the exact situation, and offering the lifeof an ._ rae 4s maiden shrunk from that rude intrusion; | Sandoval abruptly altered his manner, cross- but paying no attention to her for the mo- | ing to her side, slipping an arm around her i . ment, Sandoval curtly bade his fellows prop | waist before she could divine his inten- _ _-Winklejohn up against one side of the hut, | tion. ss then to depart.. With a cry of indignation, Georgia broke estan Not until they were left alone did San- | away, striking the yellow knave full in his -_ doval explain; but his first words told Ed- | face with clinched hand; only a woman’s gar Winklejobn how little mercy he might | stroke, yet a ring worn upon that hand z exp t, now. TAP aoe] cut deep through skin, letting free a rill of _** This honorable gentleman, Miss Winkle- hot blood. john, wishes to know why 1 delay in killing | Sandoval recoiled, one hand flyiag up to | you, in order to transfer your fortune to his | his face, but he only laughed when he low- oe his damp fingers to look at his own only son, the death of an only niece! “That is oly half true, but what matter?” coolly admitted the yellow vulture, showing = his teeth. ‘‘He will never knowthe truth | until too late! a will paya heavyransom = | | for your life. He will pay still more forthe death of my love! And then—ha! hal— then the whole world shall know how the — | two honorable gentlemen planned and plot- | ted and sinned for the fortune their cov-tous — | fingers shall never touch in whole or in part, — | Save to turn the yellow ounces over to me, their legal heir through the sacred words no less honorable father, your uncle!” __ “Allie! Don’t believe him, Georgia, for he is lying like—” ne _ Sandoval turned quickly that way, and with a skill which told this was not his first. attempt gs heme lines, he applied a gag which left Edgar powerless to speak in ar- ticulate tones, ‘Then he turned once more to the fright- | nan . i and bew ge yeaking with | your own free ‘spoken by the holy father!” cA) at pas’ oe Ine: ved t nd | while | For more than an hour Dies re the whole cru nst her life | bride, I lov MT this mental tortur f : €: 4 : un m Sad 7 7 . 0 : i 7 = -y vs ines: ;

Page 30

. 28 lar’s worth, through marriage with Georgia! He intended to strip Julius Winklejohn dry through his paternal affections; then— would he even then loose his grip? Edgar Winklejohn answered this ugly doubt in the negative. Once the yellow vulture had pressed ex- tortion to the utmost, he would kill rather than let loose,as the surest method of guard- ing his own vile life! Over and over the outwitted knave studied the situation, but ever with the same result: ae must escape, or pay the penalty with his ife! Every thought, every energy was turned toward that single end, now. He gave no further thought to his cousin. Ste must care for herself, so far as he wasf{concerned. If only he might break away! E gar Winklejohn fell promptly to work upon his bonds, hoping to break or stretch the cords sufficiently far to slip out one hand after the other; not so wild a hope as might be fancied, thanks to his small hands and unusually large-boned wrists. Sandoval himself brought supper to the jacale, feeding the prisoner and spicing food with malicious threats and thinly-vailed hints; but he saw nothing wrong with the bonds, and as soon as he took bis departure Edgar fell to work with doubled energy. Little by little the rawhide thongs yielded, and then, at cost of torn skin and bruised flesh, Winklejohn succeeded in slipping one hand out of bandase! After that the rest came easily enough, and then the desperate man turned thoughts toward the armed sentry slowly pacing a beat in front of the Sreeale shanty. It seemed a desperate chance to take, but he knew he must escape or dic; and watch- ing his chance until the bandit’s back was turned, Winklejohn sprung upon him, both hands closing about throat, knee boring into back, then a deft trip bringing the fellow to earth without a cry or a shot being fired Not until the robber ceased struggling did Winklejohn relax his grasp in the slightest; and then ’twas only to tear knife from girdle and plunge it hilt-deep in that heaving bosom, Quickly stripping his victim of arms, buckling belt around his own middle, Edgar Winklejohn crouched low and glided away through the night, giving no thought to Georgia, thinking solely about saving his own life. But the fates were turning against him, now, and the sharp howl of a dog gave the alarm; just how, Edgar never knew, but as he broke into a run he heard the fierce shouts and cries which warned him the murdered sentry had been found, and that it would be almost certain death should he again fall into those lawless hands, Only for those accursed hounds! With savage howls at first, then giving tongue in deep, far-echoing bays the animals struck off the trail of the bloodstained fugi- tive, showing the bandits whither to face. Sandoval was hot upon the trail, and knowing the lay of the ground so much bet- ter than the fugitive, in less than ten min- utes more Edgar Winklejohn was forced to bay, turning upon his yellow enemies, shoot- ing until his confiscated pistols were empty, then plying knife and clubbed revolver with savage desperation. He piled up a ghastly barricade before him, but the odds were far too great for any one man to withstand; and then he went down, bleeding and nige sorely wound- ed yet living still when Diego Sandoval called off his human wolves. Alive, but terribly injured! Yet there was a fair chance for saving his life, and still clinging to the esis of rich ransom, Yellow Diego bade his fellows bear the pris- oper back to the camp, This was done, letting his own dead and injured wait for the time being; and with his own hands Sandoval washed and tempo- rarily bandaged those wounds; untilthat was done never giving so much asa thought to his other captive or ber safe-keeping. But then he ed over to the hut in which Georgia Winklejohn had been quar: tered for the present, meaning to assure her that her cousin was still alive and likely to live, but a fierce yell escaped his lips as he entered the shanty: for the maiden was no longer there! ¥ i qe The Gold-lace Sport. CHAPTER XXIX. SPARKLER SAM'S NIGHT-DASH. Tuer Gold-lace Sport knew what he was talking about when he declared his ability to run down Yellow Diego and his branch of ‘*Cortina’s Lambs,” yet that feat required more time and patience than Sparkler Sam had allowed, first-off. For one thing, the two daring scouts had to guard against other enemies, which, in this case, comprised pretty much the entire Mexican race. Discovery on that side of the Rio Grande would mean fighting or fleeing, if not both! Yet the Texas Hercules stuck doggedly to work, and was finally rewarded by a glimpse of the bandit rendezvous there in the se- cluded vale surrounded by hills; and at the hour in which Diego Sandoval so pitilessly tore the scales from over the eyes of his dupe, Edgar Winklejobn, the two pards were lying under snug cover, looking down at the encampment, trying to see their way clear to rescue Georgia Winkle- john. They had only a few minutes before made that all-important discovery, and even yet were not positive they had found the ns Neue oth held that hope, Sparkler Sam vowed he couldn’t be mistaken, yet the ugly doubt remained and doubled their anxiety. It was not until they got a glimpse of Edgar Winklejohn, bound and helpless, be- ing carried across the valley with Diego Sandoval walking alongside, that the scouts knew they were on the right track, and that in all probability Georgia was even then within sound of their voices should they shout aloud her name! From that moment on Sparkler Sam had his hands full keeping Leonard under control; ancif fate should have granted Austin even a passing glimpse of his loved one, only brute force could have kept him from break- ing cover and charging camp, singlehanded Those were anxious hours of waiting, and only by promising Leonard that they would that very night make the attempt to steal away the captive maid, could Sparkler Sam maintain his authority. By closely watching the movements of Diego Sandoval, they discovered the particu- lar hut in which Georgia was confined, and with that point fairly settled, they watched the coming of night with rising hopes, ‘‘Tf it wasn’t for those infernal curs!” Sparkler Sam muttered, his brows contract- ing as he took note of the prowling hounds in the valley spread out before his eyes. ‘*Tt’s long odds they scent us outand kick up a holy jamboree!” But that wasa risk they had to run, for it would be well-nigh impossible for them to wait out another whole day so near the en- campment, without being discovered by dog ormen, And so it ‘came about that just when Ed- gar Winklejohn was watching his chance to surprise his armed guard, the two scouts were silently stealing toward the other rude hut, where a few moments later Georgia was amazed by hearing her name breathed softly by the lips of her true-love! And when the fierce alarm of that other escape broke forth, the two daring Rangers were hurrying their prize up the slope oppo site the course taken by ra be Winklejohn; and long before that savage fight reached its ending, the maiden was clinging fast to her lover's waist as the two horsemen rode away through the night! Hasty though that flight was from the very first, still Georgia found time toexplain, in part. he had made up her mind that no fate could be worse than remaining in the power of Diego Sandoval, now he had so complete- ly laid off all disguise; and she was just on the point of stealing out of and away from her rude shelter in hopes of escaping from the valley during that night, when the glad recognition came to her ears. Both Leonard and Sparkler Sam were dan- rously angry when she gave them a fair dea of the wicked scheming which had been going on for so long, and it was with many a look over shoulder, many a half-smothered growl that the Texas Sumson gave way to common prudence and kept on retreating to- ward the far-away Rio Grande, “‘T swore I’d hang the yellow devil, and I’m bound to make good my oath!” he said, over and over again. ‘‘If 1 was only by my lonesome, now!” ‘*But you're not, old Fire-and-fyry!” quickly interposed Leonard, now the one to counsel craft rather than force. ‘‘ We’ve got what we came so far for, and—Heaven help us to guard you from all peril, my darling!” ‘‘Amen to all that!” promptly cried the Gold-lace Sport, with a return of his usual joviality. ‘‘And—pardner!” ‘*What is it, Sam?” ‘Of course you're heap-plenty grateful for this rich blessing?” ‘*God knows I am!” ‘* Well, then, prove it, you blessed idiot!” quickly exclaimed the big fellow, reining in his horse and making it wheel squarely around. ‘‘ Now, you bashful chump! If I filled your shoes—and if I had my Little Kid right where you— Do it again, pard- ner! I’m blind and deaf and couldn’t see or hear if a thunderbolt of electric lightning was to ramjam me right in the— Ahem!” In spite of his loudly proclaimed disabili- ties, Sparkler Sam knew when it would be prudent to face that way again, and if the light was too dim to fully portray those flushed cheeks, so much the better! By this time the fugitives had made more than fair progress, putting at least a couple of miles behind them since leaving the lit- tle valley where they found Georgia Winkle- john; but that distance was not so great as to hinder Sparkler Sam from making a disagree- able discovery, Ever since leaving the valley he had been listening for a repetition of those deep bell- notes which can only come from throat of hound on awarm trail So far he had missed hearing any such sounds, and had actually begun to hope that the flight orrescue of the maiden would notbe discovered until the night was fairly spent; but that hope was rudely banished now! Faint, and indistinct, deadened a good bit by the forest which lay between, yet impos- sible to mistake foraughtless dangerous, the Gold-lace Sport now caught the mellow notes and knew that Diego Sandoval had not only discovered his loss, but was trying to re- pitty it through the aid of his four-footed allies. Sparkler Sam said nothing to alarm the lovers, bat quietly hastened their pace, hop- ing still to foil both hounds and vultures. ora few minutes he succeeded in keeping this fresh peril a secret from his companions, but thena favoring current of wind brought those ominous sounds distinctly to their ears, and Leonard gave alow exclamation of angry fear. *“That’s what’s the matter, pardner,” gravely spoke the big fellow. ‘I’ve known it for ten minutes back, but didn't think it worth while to bother you.” ‘*But—how can we shake ’em off, Sam?” “T’m not so sure we can shake ’em off, pardner; but this much is dead sure: if they hunt us too mighty close, somebody will be out a pack of hounds!” The fugitives quickened their pace until they were riding as fast as possible, tak- ing the nature of the ground into considera- tion. “‘There’s one thing dead sure,” declared Sparkler Sam, aftera bit. ‘ We can ride as fast as any man can follow! And if those hounds are gaining any on us, they'll come up just that far ahead of the two-legged curs!” There was some faint consolation in this reflection, but it had hardly occurred to the Gold-lace Sport ere he made another discov- ery, still more startling, The fugitives had entered a long, narrow pass where the rocky sides rose for scores of feet almost perpendicularly; and they were near its middle when Sparkler Sam caught suspicious sounds coming from the front and only a short distunce away! A brief listening, then he uttered a low, fierce oath, drawing revolvers and cocking them as he spoke to his mate: “The devils have circled on us, Aus.! You look after the little woman, and rush her through if ittakesa leg! For me—I'll shoot a red lane clean through those whelps, big enough for you to ride clear!” SSDS. ae eS er oS a eS ee i nn

Page 31

~ Yong as the dogs lifted trail CHAPTER XXX. SPARKLER SAM KEEPS HIS VOW. WueEn’ Yellow Diego found his precious prize missing, he stood for a brief space like one pctrified, unable to trust his own senses, ; How could she have escaped, alone and unaided? Even though the mask had fallen and she been permitted to see him as he really was, Sandoval had never even dreamed of such a possibility as an effort at flight on the maiden’s part So far from friendsand country! So many long leagues lay between that valley and the Rio Tieguda, where first the girl could hope to meet with friends and protectors. Yet—she was missing! That ugly fact confronted him, and witha low, vicious how] of rage the bandit sprung away in search. He thought Edgar Winklejohn might have had something to do with this vanish- ment, and hurried first of all to where that wounded wretch was lying under close guard; but he was insensible, now, and “bt was to be learned from his blanched ps. Then Sandoval bethought himself of the hounds, and without further loss of time he called their services into requisition, try- ing to make them understand what was wanted, and in the mean while scattering his yellbw vultures throughout the valley in search for the missing maiden The four-footed brutes were first to strike scent, and after losing a good many valu- able minutes in carrying the trail across the beaten ground there in the valley, the hounds gave tongue freely when rising the northern slope. Pris told Sandovai they had actually found the right trail, and still under the delusion that Georgia could not have found aid, but must be fleeing alone and independent, he had the hounds caught up and muzzled lest they materially damage their prey when run- ning it to bay Those muzzles, while sufficient to hinder their tearing their human game, permitted the hounds a fair use of their tongues; and soon the Mexican hills were echoing merri- ly, until a listener might have fancied him- self aural witness to a grand, old-time fox- hunt. With hardly an exception, so far as able- bodied bandits were concerned, Yellow Diego was joined by his men, who seemed inclined to make it a frolic rather than stern busi- ness. For the most part they were mounted, al- though a few trusted totheirown activity on foot, knowing that over such a rough scope of country, and by rightin the bargain, they could readily hold their own with four-leg- ged animals. lf he had not such implicit confidence in his pack of hounds, no doubt Sandoval would have fared better, even if hz did not entirely escape the deadly work lying ahead; but so reely, meeting with no loss or double, he neveronce thought it necessary to strike a light to study that spoor by. Only once did even the faintest suspicion of the truth strike him, and that was when oue of his fellowson foot excitedly called out that he had found fresh droppings. A single match was struck and the truth of that announcement made manifest; but the soil was dry and stony, and hardly a trace of hoof-strokes could be distinguished. «That explains it all, then!’ muttered Sandoval, as the little torch burned down to his finger: tips, then went out, ‘She's stolen a horse, and hopes to out-foot us! Well, if she does, she deserves to go free!” This paeriny sock place only a few rods before the trailing hounds dashed into the mouth of the narrow pass where Sparkler Sam on his part made a far more amazing discovery; and rijiing on close at the heels of his pack, Diego Sandoval pressed through the defile and gave a low whoop of fierce exultation as he struck the open country on the further side of the ridge. For the baying of his lead-hound changed abruptly, and he knew his game had been brought to bay! So he called out to his human hounds, and they flocked forward in hot haste to view the end of that midnight race. ee ee G3 The Gold-lace Sport. Then— ‘‘Sock it to ’em, Jads!” thundered the grim old Ranger captain as he opened fire; and like an echo burst forth the leonine roar of the Gold-lace Sport as that living ava- lanche of death and destruction plunged recklessly into the very midst of the lawless ang. rye of flame lit up the scene as the force of Rangers opened fire before fairly breaking cover, and a number of the bandits went down in death, while others were crippled or sharply stung by the flying lead, All were cast into utter confusion, for the surprise could not not have been more com- plete, and almost before he could realize what had broken loose, Diego Sandoval saw more than half his force killed or dis- abled! Like one going to a wedding-feast, Spark- ler Sam: plunged into the very midst of that awful confusion, his ringing voice keeping time with the rapid barking of his revolvers, his gay laugh and reckless jesting marking every stroke of blade or thrust of fist. But through it all he kept looking for his particular prey, Diego Sandoval, time and again shouting forth that name, bidding Yel- low Diego to stand up like a man and take his last medicine! “‘T swore I'd hang you, Satan’s whelp! I’m here to make good my oath, and all it lacks is— Oh, do come and see me, you spawn of Hades!” That the twodeadly enemies failed to meet sooner wastbrough no fault on either side, for, after that first stunning surprise, the ban- dit chief fought desperately and with a cour- age deserving a better reward. He sent back a vicious curse as he heard those fiercely mocking calls, but for a time that mad struggle kept them wide apart. Then Sparkler Sam caught sight of his prey by the moonshine, and forced horse that way, roaring forth his reckless challenge once more. Sandoval fired his last shots at that swoop- ing shadow of death, and gave a fierce yell as he saw both horse and rider plunge head- long when only a few feet away! ‘*Ha! ha! At last!” he shouted. ‘Oh, yes; you wanted Sandoval, and now you’ve met him—ba! ha!” But he exulted too early. Sparkler Sam kicked feet out of stirrups and fell clear of the brain-pierced steed, then gave another savage roar as he scrambled to his feet, just as the Yeliow Chief leaped upon him, knife in hand. A swift clutch met that descending blow, and an involuntary scream of pain and rage from Sandoval’s lips as his arm was twisted back and aside, the glittering weapon flying away from his unnerved fingersas a sickening snap told of fracturea bones! ‘*Now Ihave got ye!” roared the liviag colossus, whirling his enemy around as though he felt it no more than an image of straw. ‘‘lsworel’d never give over until I'd pe hangman for your benefit, Yellow iego, and—here she goes!” The Mexican strove to break away, but one arm was already rendered baling and the other was caught by that mighty hand before it could work any particular in- ury. The fighting was fairly over, now, but Sparkler Sam gave heed to naught else than his own especial game. hy Dragging Sandoval back to where -his dead horse lay, the Texas Samson stooped down to slip free a coiled lasso from the saddle-bow! ‘Steady, you whelp of Satan! Your hour has’ sounded, and there’s no reprieve coming your way!” sternly cried the Gold- lace Sport, once more standing erect and holding his captive out at full length of his arm, fingers closed tightly around that throbbing throat, “Kick, you cur! Dance while the band plays, my lovely imp! Ah-ha! I swore to make you pu hemp, but I'd rather look’ at ye choke after this sweet fashion!” Giving Sandoval a fierce shake, Sparkler Sam let his feet touch ground once more, shifting fingers to those stiff. wiry locks of hair, so holding the bandit helpless while shaking out his coiled lariat. Dropping noose over head, Sampson quick- ly drew it snugly in place, then laughed 29 fiercely as he rushed his victim across to where stood a single, lightning-blasted tree, over a bare arm of which he tossed the lasso, catching the loose end as it came down. Then he jerked the bandit clear of earth, crying out: “Now—kick, you cur! Kick as you made my old pard dance on air! It is your own medicine administered in full dose—sure to cure!” CHAPTER XXXI. SPARKLER SAM'S BENEDICTION Ir proved to be an almost bloodless victory for the Texan Rangers, thanks to the com- pleteness of their surprise. That is easily explained, for just as Sparkler Sam knotted reins to keep them out of the way when he tried to ‘‘shoota red lane” through the force.so unexpectedly met in that narrow defile, a stern challenge rung forth, unmistakably shaped by tongue of American. And a minute later the fugitives were in the midst of Sparkler Sam’s own company of Rangers, hurriedly giving thanks and re- ceiving congratulations; and then, as the baying of hounds sounded more plainly, ~ 4 story was told and an ambuscade form- ed. Retreating from the pass, the Rangers di- vided, part lying in wait on either side of the mouth of the- defile, the rest, including oo fugitives, passing on several rods fur- ther. Then the bandits were fairly inclosed in the net, and after that' first deadly volley, the Rangers closed in to show no more mercy than they would have expected had the situation been reversed. It seemed little better than a massacre, but only those who have experienced border life in the days now happily gone by for- ever, can even fairly imagine such intense enmity as thenexisted between White Hawks and Yellow Vultures! For this reason, too, no one lifted hand to hinder Sparkler Sam from making good his vow of hanging, and when all was over, the Gold-laced Sport received congratulations rather than reproaches, , Sampson shook all this off, not yet suffi- ciently calmed to speak of the matter in his customary vein; and thenhe quickly broach- ed another subject in which he succeeded in wakening a strong interest. , In see with Austin Leonard, Sparkler Sam told his chief of the events which had taken place at Sandoval’s rendezvous, and while he was by no means positive that Edgar Winklejohn had escaped death in that hot skirmish, he asked permission to takea picked squad over the back trail, notalone to find out about the maiden’s cousin, but to perfect their work by destroying the haunt of the bandits. The captain listened in grave silence until Sparkler Sam ceased speaking, then gave his decision. ** You can make the trip, Sam, if you like, but no burning. We're a long ways from our own side of the river, and with the lady to think of, can’t afford to blaze our trail too mighty clear!” e could well afford to advise prudence, this grim old veteran, for never another name on the long roll of Texan Rangers was more gallantly distinguished thanthat borne by his mother’s son! After all, the Gold-lace Sport had carried his main pvint, and without giving chance for a change of mind, he quickly selected a few choice spirits on whom hecould wholly depend, no matter what the odds facing them. As a matter of course, Austin Leonard asked to be included, but only to be refused by his pard; as the only one with whom Miss Winklejobn was acquainted, he surely ought to stayin hercompany! . That return trip was made in good shape, and Sparkler Sam found no opposition to his taking full possession of the little valley. As stated, all able-bodied bandits had ac- companied Diego Sandoval, and those wound - ed in the fight with Edgar Winklejohn, crept out of sight and hearing as quickly as pos- sible, thankful not to be chased and slain. A surprise met the Gold lace Sport as he | reached the brash hut to which the wounded prisoner had been carried after his recapture.’ Pablo Zarate lay near Winklejohn’s fect,

Page 32

30 ——— stabbed to the heart with his own knife, after having cruelly cut the prisoner! Life still lingered, yet past all doubting Edgar Winklejoha was dying, rapidly! Still, he managed to whisper that the Mexican had tried to butcher him through revenge for his own hurts, and after a terri- ble fight had been slain with his own weapon. He begged Sparkler Sam to tell Georgia he was sorry for his sins against her, and begging her forgiveness, he gave a spasmodic asp. e His throat. filled with blood, and after a brief struggle, he died! Although his sins hed been many, Sparkler Sam insisted on giving the remains a fairly decent burial, ‘* At worst, he was an American! We'll not leave him here for the yellow dogs to mock and make merry over!” It was fairly dawn when Sparkler Sam led his little squad safely back to the Ranger camp, and after a hasty meal, the entire party took up their journey homeward. Knowing only too well that if their in- vasion should be discovered, those hills and & plains would fairly swarm with armed foe- men eager to wipe out the entire party, swift retreat was the word, and mile after mile was placed behind the company in rapid succession. During that ride to the Rio Grande, Geor- gia Winklejohn, now happy in the presence of her lover and the blessed assurance of his adoration, could no longer keep the barrier between them, briefly but clearly explainin the important business which had otuaet her to visit that wild portion of the southern border. Sparkler Sam had made a fairly shrewd guess as to past events, for Julian Winkle. had separated from his wife in life, not y death! , He alone of all who still bore the name of Winklejobn knew that both wife anda youn- ger daughter were living, or had been alive only two or there years prior to his writing that secret confession. He declared that at the time of separating, when he gave out that his wife was dead, he thought he had good and sufficient grounds for informally divorcing her; but of late years he had become conVinced to thejcontrary, plain- ly declaring his belief that his wife had been ' eruelly maligned by an enemy whom he had thought his best and truest friend. He begged Georgia to seek her mother, and if still living, to convey his prayer for forgiveness, as well as to share her fortune se motherand sister, should both be found, ; alive. ‘In closing, father warned me against placing tooimplicit trust in his brother, Uncle | Julius,” the maiden concluded, her voice -_ Jowering, and her great brown eyes glistening oistly by the fireligbt as she sat with hands pes tightly clasped in her lap. as ‘* Right there's where his head was level, anyway,” blurted out Sparkler Sam, unable Y _ to holdin longer, — ieee ‘“‘T know. I never fully trusted uncle, but I couldn’t even guess that he would --s- prove so—so utterly vile! Unless—do you think it is true, Austin? Mightn’t that San- bie he be lying when he said—” _ . he two pards interchanged swift glances, f then Leonard nodded, and, reaching out to clasp one little band in his great paw, the Gold-lace Sport gravely, gently spoke of what they had found on his return to the ’ banditcamp. w ¥ “The young fellow wasn’t all bad, you see,” he added, softly, as the maiden bowed head in hands and wept silently over her * ———s cousin’s fate. ‘*He must have repented at the last, else he’d never sent a prayer for ardon to you, little woman! _ better in the world he’s gone to, than ever Py Pi, . gyn. Oe tere get e .nd—well, ere’s hoping Edgar Winklejohn may fare | _ The Gold-lace Sport. When the proper time comes you can wager all your old socks I'll be on deck with my budget of marvels; until then—hold your hush or 1’ll wade in and cut youright where you live!” ‘* Regardless of the Little Kid?” malicious- ly whispered Leonard. | By way of answer, the giant caught Aus- tim around his middle, giving him a dizzy swing and whirl, then tossing him high into a scrubby-topped tree, from whence he had to roll rather than climb down, By the time he touched earth again, Sparkler was off, laughing in, boyish glee at the success of his little trick. CHAPTER XXXII. SPARKLER 8AM’S REVELATION. Norunine further was said on that particu- lar point by either of the two pards until their perilous journey was nearing its com- pletion, and the bright waters of the Rio Grande were almost within sight. So far nothing had happened to give the company trouble. For once it seemed as though all enemies had been transported from those regions, and the more belligerent among the rough riders began to fear they would strike no more ‘‘ fun ” on Mexican soil that trip, Fora wonder, Sparkler Sam took no part in these grave laments, Austin Leonard tried to snub him by more or less pointed allusions to ‘*‘ the Little Kid,” but that title had lost its terror for the Giant Ranger, now, and back would come some lively retort which never falled to change the agi a if only to spare Georgia's blushes. a few miles south of the great water-course, and having seen nothing to cause them un- easiness, the Ranger Chief calleda halt, and camp-fires were soon cheerily ablaze and pre- parations for the evening meal under way, Not until then did Sparkler Sam make known the deductions he had drawn from the story told by Georgia Winklejohn concerning the sacred trust bequeathed her by Julian Winklejohn. Drawing the lovers far enough apart from the main ‘company to insure their privacy, Parker Sampson told how his curiosity had first been awakened by the strange resem. blance his ‘* Little Kid ” bore to the Winkle- john beauty; and then he gave in detail the various experiments he had tried, particular- ly upon the, Widow Maynard. While all these taken separately might not have amounted to much, combined as the Gold-lace Sport had mentally arranged them during their homeward ride, the whole produced almost certain conviction in the mind of Georgia Winklejohn, who betrayed strong agitation as she listened. If anything was lacking, she felt the Jink was forged when Sparkler Sam spoke that name: for Julian Winklejohn had married a Miss Maynard! As a matter of course the maiden had many eager questions to ask, all of which were answered by the Gold-lace Sport to the best of his ability; but then he took the lead once more, and with deeper gravity spoke: “Tf you consider that I have been of ser- vice to you, Miss—” ‘‘Of service?” echoed Georgia, brown. eyes glistening with tears, but with joy showing in her charming face. ‘‘ I knew that—that mother had once lived in Texas, near the Rio Grande, but that was my only clue! ‘Father never knew under what name she was passing, nor just where she had located. All the clue he could furnish was just that: less than three years before he died, mother was alive, and somewhere in Sia | them,” and the Gold-lace Sport not onl kissed the fair bride, but the fairer brides- ight caught the little company when still. | eh . |as any of his old comrades migh | you; for the Gold:lace Sport cert uliar way of getting whatev er he jafter! pay 8) 4 hav f . te ah 6 : stopped long enough to find my—to play the fool after the fashion I did! And that brings me around to the favor I wished to beg of you, both!” ‘*You can ask nothing I would hesitate to grant, my good friend,” the maiden said, her little hand going out to meet his great paw. ‘Well, I don’t know about that! If I should ask you to give up what you'd only lately found? If I should— Steady, boy! Don’t run over your own heels, Samuel!” ‘Tf it is about the Little Kid—” A broad palm closed the young Ranger's mouth, and the Gold-lace Sport quickly added: ‘‘What I ask is just this, good people: keep your fingers out of my pie! I made such a blessed idiot of myself trying to bring you two hot-heads together— Well, now, just look at that!” Sparkler Sam flung up both hands in wide- eyed amaze as Austin folded Georgia to his breast, kissing her red lips ardently. ‘‘She is my promised bride, Sam, and you call it playing the fool!” exclaimed the Ran- ger, his eyes moistened through strong emo- tion. ‘‘ Only for you I’d never know what happiness or contentment meant again in this world!” ‘*Glory to Moses—amen!” cried Sparkler Sam, winding arms around his own body and ecstatically hugging himself. ‘‘I’m go- ing to have some of that same medicine, or break my blessed neck trying! And so— good-night to you both! I’m off for— ‘* Whither, Sam?” ‘To find my delicious Little Kid and— tel: her you’re coming, of course!” cried the happy Sport, as he hurried away, to prepare his good steed forthe road ouce more, And so it all came about! When the company of Rangers rode into town the next forenoon, the Gold-lace Sport met them just outside, a bright smile lighting up his face and merry words crossing his ].ps, All had prospered finely, and Georgia might expect a cordialif rather damp greeting from her mother and younger sister. ‘‘And—am I to congratulate Rhoda, dear friend?” asked the young woman, with a touch of mischief finding way through her happy tears. } ‘* For your life, no! Leave me time—let me gradually accustom her to my awkward bigness, or—blamed if I don’t carry Aus. off . and turn him over to the tender mercies of that other woman he’s so ‘dead in love’ with!” ' There is little necessity for giving that in- terview in detail, since enough has already been said to give the reader a fair idea of the story. : Mai Winklejohn had never ceased to love her husband, though treated so harshly on mere suspicion which had now been proven without foundationin fact; but her pride had been too deeply wounded for her toeverseek — | areconciliation, even while she strove to keep posted as to the career of husband and eldest daughter, . ia This was the trust she placed in Morgan Gwynne, the unfortunate lawyer whose ill- timed death SparklerSam reported. Shehad lost all trace of Julian Winklejohn, and be- sought Gwynne to learn for her what had happened. et Julius Winklejobn was visited by the two pards, who reported the fate which had overtaken his son; and this, together with the discovery of his own black scheming, completely broke the old man up, and that — same pight he disappeared, noone could say how or whither! — Austin Leonard resigned from the Rangers _ and took Georgia Winklejohn for his wife, Sparkler Sam and Rhoda “ stood up with maid as well! } Of course he had his ears soundly boxed — | by the ‘Little Kid” as penalty; bu nothing daunted, the happy fellow declared he would take the entire invoice at thesame | figures! NAA, one he? rf 6 <p lei Rate ie as Well, ; would be a safe bet to make, . tenthave tot tt is +. ary rye iv ee us ly bad “ ey) na 4 ‘a

Page 33

-BEADLE'’] )IME*]IBRARY. Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete-and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. BY WILLIAM R,. EYSTER, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 928 Old Sobersides, the Detective of St. Louis. 916 Two Dead-Square Sports 911 The Blue Blockader; or, The Coast Grayhound 925 White-Horse Wheeler, the Revenue Detective. | 992 sort Velvet, tne Man front ‘Sandrock, 906 The Cuban Cruiser.' | “ (f 918 The Double egy cing Ce Nee ne 891 Gentee] Jim, Sport-at-Large. 854 Tae Ocean Gipsy. - 907 Maverick Mark. See wer rom Nowhere. 881 The Clubman-Crook’s Cat’s-paw. 834 The Wild Steer Riders; or, Texas Jack's Terrors, ® 898 Silky steele, oe we Neetu Por Pee. 867 The Frisco Sport, 819 The Rival Monte €ristos. D 884 Tie S piri re *Silv cc Tip Sid 852 The Stranger Sport’s Shake-up. 805 The Last of the Pirates; or, Doom Driven. bs 870 High- singh oR 3 Cae er- tip sid. 828 Kirk King, the Man from Kirby. 801 The Water Wolves’ Detective; or, Trapping the y 862 Riata Rob, t wer tof F St so yg 818 Gentleman Dave, the Dead Game Sport Grave Ghouls. * 855 The Serene Hat § eae 783 The King-Pin Tramp. - 791 The Coast- ajder’s Death-Chase. i 848 The Rival Rec-Hat Sports. 767 The Sport of Silver Bend. 748 Arizona Charlie, the Crack-shot Detective. 837 Curly Kid, the Cheyenne Sport. i 824 The Sofs Hand Detective, 815 The Soft Hand’s Clutch. 809 Dan Duan. the Soft-Hand Sport. ; an 796 The Frisco Detective’s Thug-Tangle. i 789 Sam Cary, the River Sport. %80 The Dead Sport’s Double. 718 Uncie Bedrock’s Big Bounce. 704 Invisible Ivan, the Wizard Detective. 707 The Rival Rovers. 685 The Red-skin Sea Rover. 687 Double Cinch Dan, the Sport With a Charm. 679 Revello, the Pirate Cruiser; or. The Rival Rovers 677 Mr. Jackson, the Gent from Jaybird. 672 The Red Rapier: or, The Sea Rover’s Bride. 659 Gilt-Edge Johnny; or, Roldan and His Rovers, 662 The Jew Detective: or, The Beautiful Convict. 650 Lucky Lester’s Lone Hand, 640 The Rover’s Ret ibution., 634 Old Handcart’s Big Dump. . x OUDIC : 635 The Ex-Buccaneer:; or, The Stigma of Sin. a. >: ne ‘ : ‘ wae be { eS any ia ag cat yor > 622 The All Around Sports. | 625 Red Wipgs; or, The Gold Seekers of the Bahamas, 1 754 ‘| re ar n from Texas: Daigerfield. tt 603 Deserc Alf, the Man With the Cougar. 615 The Three + uccaneers. Soncor Detentys xas;, or, angerlield, the | 590 Gentle Jack, the High Roller from Humbug. 610 The Red Flag Rover; or, White Wings of the Deep. 578 Seven Shot Steve, the Sport with a Smile. 568 The Dude Detective. 558 Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Haleyon. S49 Belshazzar Bricl:, the Bailiff of Blue Blazes. 533 Oregon, the Sport With a Scar, 503 The Dude from Denver. 478 Pinnacle Pete; or, The Fool from Way Back. 459 Major Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives. 429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red Lend. 402 Snapshot Sam; or, The Angels’ Flat Racket, 396 The Piper Detective; or, The Gik Edge Gang. 375 Royal George, the Three in One. ; 356,.Tbr-e Handsome Sports; or, The Combination. 333 Derringer Dick. the Man with the Drop. 268 Magic Miks, ~he Man of Frills. 229 Captain Cutsiceve; or, The Little Sport. 214 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch. 182 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon, 160 Soft Hand, Sharp; or, The Man with the Sand. 605 The Shadow Silver Ship. 600 The Silver Ship; or, The Sea Scouts of °76, 593 The Sea Rebel: or. Red Rovers of the Revolution, 587 Conrad, the Sailor Spy; or, True Hearts of 76. 581 The Outlawed Skipper; or, The Gantlet Runner, 560 The Man from Mexica 553 Ma, x Monte, the Mutineer; or, The Branded Brig. 546 Tr Doomed Whaler: or, The Life Wreck, ” 580 The Savages of the Sea, 24 The Sea Chaser; or, The Pirate Noble. 510 El Moro, the Corsair Commodore. 493 The Scouts of the Sea. 457 The Sea Insurgent; or, The Conspirator Son. 446 Ocean Ogre, the Outeast Corsair, . 435 The One-Armed Buccaneer. 30 The Fatal Frigate; or, Rivals in Love and War, 899 The New Monte Uristo. 3893. The Convict Captian. 744 Sweepstakes Sam, the Silver Sport; 720 The Secret Six; or, Old Halcyon. 712 The Man of Silk. f 705 Bantam Bob, the Beauty from Butte. 693 Kent Kasson, the Preacher Sport. i 683 Bob Breeze, the Rounder Detective. , 675 Steel Surry, the Sport from Sunrise. { 668 Solemn Saul’s Luck Streak 661 The Get-There Sharp. f 651 Silvertip Steve, the Sky Scraper from Siskiyou. y 645 Gopher Gabe, the Unseen Detective. ; 636 Dandy Darling, Detective. 627 Mossback Mose, the Mountaineer. ; 617 The Grip Sack Sbarp’s Even up. 4 597 Big Bandy, the Brigadier of Brimstone Butte. f 588 Sandy Sands, the Sharp from Snap City. 76 Silver-Tongued Sid; or, Grip Sack Sharp’s Sweep. 4 The Grip-Sack Sharp; or, The Seraphs of Sodom, pia “pape cla elgy-hy ay ; 377 Afloat and Ashore; or, The Corsair Conspirator. ; Sd grip Sect Si te Se aati s Hix Sensations. 145 Pistol Pards; or, The Silent Sport from Cinnabar 369 The Coast Corsair: or. The Siren of the Sea, a | 541 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve, BY NED BUNTLINE. 864 The Sea Fugitive: or, The Queen of the Coast. 341 The Sea Desperado, 336 The Magic Snip; or, Sandy Hook Freebooters. The Gentleman Pirate; or, The Casco Hermits, 318 The Indian Buccaneer: or, The Red Rovers. 307 The Phantom Pirate; or, The Water Wolves. 255 The Pirate Priest; or, The Gampler’s Daughter. 246 Queen Helen, the Amazon of the Overland. 535 Dandy Dutch, the Decorator from Dead-Lift 527 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective. 514 Gabe Gunna, the Grizzly from Ginseng, 7 504 Solemn Saul. the Sad Man from San Saba. : 495 Rattlepate Rob; or, The Roundhead’s Reprisal i 488 The Thoroughbred Sport. 474 Daddy Dead-Eye, the Despot of Dew Drop. 657 Long Tom, the Privateer. 633 The Sea Spy. 621 The Red Privateer; or, The Midshipman Rover, 584 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer King. 517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail. 361 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. rf m . 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot Spy. 235 Red Lightning the Man of Chance. | 458 Dutt ‘Det oo Pignint frou Bplibedione own’ | 111 The Smuggler Captain; or, The Skipper's Crime, | 224 Black Beara, the Buccaneer. “i 443. A Cool Hand: or, Pistol Johnny's Picnic, 18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the Isle. 220 The Specter Yacht; or, A Brother's Crime, af) 438 Oklahoma Nick. 16 The White Wizard; or, The Seminole Prophet. ~~ = syne Bom. the ee ot sp Aeag 2D oi r hi " Sam's Jy Par , : he Gambler Pirate; or, Lady of the ‘oon, i 435 per Guan becorive: or. The Bocret Service Spy. | BE SACKSON RNOKH “Old Mawk.” - | 198 The Skeleton Schooner; Or, The Skimmer. ; | 416 Monte Jim. the Black Sheep of Bismarck. 838 Old Grips Still Hunt. i The Scarlet pany eel or. The Sea Nemesis, e . 409 Rob Roy Ranch; or, The Imps of Pan Handle. "|| §97 Detective Walden’s Web. 108 cape ong er v ehenngs A Red Anchor Brash yan 403 Tne Nameless Sport. 778 The Butler Detective; or, Old Grip’s Grip 8 Merle, the Mutineer’ or, The ee ee ‘ 395 Deedly Aim, the Duke of Derringers. ; H , 387 Dork Darg, the Ishmael of the Hills. 872 Captain Crisp, the Man with a Record, 867 A Royal Fiush; or, Dan Brown's Lig Game. 770 The Showman Dete tive. 762 Old Grip, the Detective. 740 Captain Clew, the Fighting Detective. BY PHILIP S. WARNE, 802 Dan Dirk, King of No Man’s Land. 583 Captain Adair, the Cattle King, 732 The Hurricane Detective. od 860 Jumping Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown. 643 Castlemaine, the Silent Sifter. 567 Captain Midnight, the Man of Craft. * ah” 855 Stormy Steve, the Mad Athlete. _ 616 Magnus, the Botet Scoctient 544 The Back a Pards. . ie |e 851 Nor’ West Nick, the Border Detective. 606 The Drop Detective, 522 The —— ot Raa ie f the Plai ue 345 Masked Mark, the Mounted Detective. 595 Wellborn, the Upper Crust Detective. yond Bare ae Bait ic the Wan to Ti To Arar AS ie 339 Spread Eagle Sam, the Hercules Hide tlunter, 582 Joram, the Detective Expert. rr poh te j 5 Fred z ri ; an 7 ‘ig ie 831 Chispa Charley, the Gold Nugget Sport, 574 Old Falcon’s Double. - Cali oe it, 4 e = ways PR 94 é 20 817 Krank Lightfoot, the Miner Detective. 561 The Taug King; or, THe Falcon Detective’s Foe, | 404 Silver Sid; or, 2 aisy uff. 380 Tiger Dick's Pledge: or, Tne Golden Serpent, 359. Yellow Jack, the Mestizo. 338 Jack Sands, the Boss of the Tewn, ; 299 Three of a Kind; or, Dick, Despard and theSport., i; . 292 Moke Horner, the Boss Roustabout. } ~ 2868 Pistol Jobnny; or, One Man in a Thousand, 283 Sivek Sam, the Devil of the Mines. 548 Falconbridge. the Sphinx Detective. 535 Old Falcon’s Foe; or, The Detective’s Swell Job. 515 Short-Stop Maje, the Diamond Field Detective, a 257 Death Trap Diggings: or, A Man ’Way Back ld Falson, the Thunderbolt Detective. of ra ’ ay 249 Elephant Tom. of Durango, ee ; 251 Tiger Dicx vs. Iron Despard. 207 Old Hard Head; or, Whirlwind and his Mare, 171 Tiger Dick, the Mau of the Iron Heart, 114 The Gentleman from Pike. 2 80 A Man of Nerve; or, Caliban the Dwarf. i 54 Always on Hand; or, The Foot-Hiils Sport, — 29 Tiger Dick, Faro King; or, The Cashier's Crines,. 4 The Kidnapper; or, The Northwest Shanghai, — BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON, 323 Hotspur Hugh; or, The Banded Brothers. 311 Heavy Hand; or, The Marked Men. 305 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover. 291 Horseshoe Hank, the Man of Big Luck, 285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror, — 276 Texa; Chick. the Southwest Detective. cS 271 Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend. 4 266 Leopard Luke. the King of Horse-Thieves 263 lron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyer 258 Bullet Head, the Colorado Bravo. , 237 Long-Haired Max; or, The Black League. a 227 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho. PEER. 501 Springsteel Steve, the Retired Detective, 494 The Detective’s Spy. 485 Rowlock. the Harbor Detective. 477 Dead-arm Branat, 487 Mainwaring. the Salamander. 462 The Ciscus Detective. 451 Griplock, the Rocket Detective. 444 The Magic Detective; or, The Hidden Hand, 424 Hawk Heron’s Deputy. 386 Hawk Heron. the Falcon Detective. \ 233 The Old toy of Tombstone. BY J. ©, COWDRICK. f 752 The ne 8 Sport of Daisy Drift. Tod 626 Ducats Dion, the Nabob Sport Detective. 612 Sheriff Stillwood, the Regulator of Raspberry. 598 The Dominie Detective, " 591 Duke Daniels, the Society Detective. 580 Shadowing a Shadow. ; 565 Prince Paul, the Postman Detective. 557 The Mountain Graybeards; or, Riddles’ Riddle, BY WM. G. PATTEN! : Fire-Eye, the Thug’s Terror, oN ; a Oid Ny ht-Hawk, the Crook Shadower. ' *) 768 The Prinze of New York Crooks, os 756 Old Burke, the Madison Square Detective, 747 Double-voice Dan’s Double Disguise. Co “4 “fh : 519 Old Riddles, the Rocky’ Ranger 4 foe De yom Det oro kta s-on-Deck Detective | 429 Twilight Charlie, the Road Sport 223 Canyon Daye, the Man of the Mountain, — a 473 Gilbert of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective. | 219 The Scorpion Brothers; or, Mad Tom’s Mission ; 1696 Double-Voice Dan, the Go-it Alone Detective, | 452 Rainbow Rob, the Tulip fron} Texas, 202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide. “, 689 Ths Sparkler Sharp. 436 Kentucky Jean, the Sport from Yellow Pine. 191 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent, is? & urricane Hal, the Cowboy Hotspur. | 422 Blue Seek Burt, the Gold Star Detective. 176 Lady Joguan ine Wonber Queen, reas om 669 Old True Blue, the Trusty. 390 ‘The Giant Cupid; or Cibuta John’s Jubilee. 7 y 5 ? Sold to Satan. 7 ae S L 500 [ EES. ne S- , id x om 056 Old Pug Uety, the Rough oe eee BY EDWARD WILLETT. 619 Kit seis ati ane it esactvade oa es Ey Dh Rog vel a #83 Flush Fred. the River Sharp. 148 One-Armed_Aaf. ‘the Giant Hunter, pki am , | Aztec Jack, the Dese . 368 The Canyon King; or. a Price on his Head, 9 The Giawt Rifleman: or, Wild Camp Life. Fe wee 348 Dan Dillon, King of Crosscut. © 337 Old Gabe, the pg tHe 4 : i Fiat Scan ts 5 red’s Double; or, The Squatters e 308 Hemlock Hank, Tough and True, bat 208 Logger Lem: or, Life in the Pine Woods, 289° h Fred’s Full Hand, ; Se Rimmer War a oe TE Chee Comp. Montana Nat, the Lion of Last Chance Camp. _ 222 Bill the Blizzard; or, Red Jack's Grime. ay Pet 209 Buck Farley, the Bonanza Prince. 129 Mississippi ; or, & Strong Man's Sacrifice, BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. White a Psat ; 3 The Hunters roast. Pcie. Ssh chat Sie tress; or, The Squatter. - 631 Colonel Cool, the Santa Fe Sharp. 602 | tain Nameless. the Mountain Mystery. f ont smal, the Range Detective. r Harry, the Cowboy Sport. Y GEORGE ©. JENKS. 43 Dakota Dan, the Reckless Ranger, — sity we BY COL, THOMAS H. MONSTERY. 4 236 Charopion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Show 150 El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen, ei ty BY DR. NOEL DUNBAR. : 919 'The Sea Scout; or, The Patriot Privateer. a5 The Racor Crooks. ¢ : ‘858 Number One, the Dead-set Detective. aD Dike Despard, the Gainbler Duelist, | (30 Duke Despard, the er Due aos is j 604 The Detective in Rags; or, The Grith Shadowen, Paton _| 500 The True-Heart Pards. ae, : bt ceca Mew. lame coery Wednesday, _ Beadle’s Dir Lib rie tor 3 conte per copy, oF sent | 218 The Wild Hun receipt c tele on #50 ‘The Tse Ban Or. a. ene Merics. a > ; Peat EY cent S$ eac The Rifles ‘ale | Pacific. a: ii Se ‘ sy 3 ) ) . 2 ra sucka at

Page 34

—— BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Buffa!o Bill’s Invincibles. Buffalo Bill’s Blue Belt Brigade. Boffalo Bill’s Volunteer Vigilantes. Buffalo Bil at Bay. Buffalo Bill’s Block Game. Buffalo Bill's Black Parad, Buffalo Bill’s Bluff; or, Dueky Dick the Sport. Buffale Bill’s Quandary: or, Velvet Bill’s Vow. Buffalo Billand the Surgeon-Scout. Buffaio Bill’s League; or, Red Butterfly. Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Trail. Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders. Buffalo Bill's Secret Ally. Buffalo Bill’s Life-Stake. The Three Bills: Buffalo Pill. Wild Bill and Band- box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth, Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Braves, Buffalo Bill’s Road-Agent Round-up. 3 Buffalo Bill’s Death Charm. Buffalo Bill’s Royal Flush, Baffalo Bill’s Double Dilemma, Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Ruse, juffalo Bill's Bovs in Blue. Buffalo Bill’s SharyShooters, 964 960 822 Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower. 816 Buffalo Bi'l’s Red Trail. 2 Buffalo Bill’s Death-Knell. 794 Buffalo Bill’s Winning Hand, 3uffalo Bill’s Dead Shot. 3uffaio Bill’s Brand. Buffalo Bill’s Spy Shadower, Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake. Buffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. Buffalo Bill’s Mascot. Buffalo Biil’s Double, Buffalo Bill’s Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow, Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand. Buffalo Bill's Blind: or, The Masked Driver. Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men. Buffalo Bill’s Beagies: or, Silk Lasso Sam, Buffalo Bill's Body Guard. Buffalo Bill on the War-path. Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers. Buffalo Bill Baffled: or. The Deserter Desperado. Buffalo Lill’s Buckskin Brotherhood, Buffalo Bill’s } lind Trail; or, Mustang Madge. Buffalo Bill’s Swoop; or, Tbe King of the Mines, The Cowbsv Clan: or, The Tigress of Texas, Lasso King’s League; or, Buck Taylor in Texas, Buffalo Bill’s Chief of Cowboys; or, Buck Taylor ’ Buffalo Sill’s Bonanza; or. Si'ver Circle Knights, Buffalo Bill’s Grip; or. Vath Bound to Custer, 829 Buffalo Bill’s Pledge: or, The League of Three. 189 Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen. 175 Wild Bill’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress, 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot. By Buffalo Bill, 969 Texas Jack, the Lasso Kin~. 839 The Raneh King Dead-Sho.. 820 White Beaver’s Still Hunt. 807 Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist. 800 Wild Bill, the Deaa-Center Shot. 639 Buffalo Bill's Gold King. 599 The Dead Shot Nine: or, My Pards of the Plains, 414 Red Renard, the indian Detective. 401.One-Armed Parad; or, Borderland Retribution. 897 The Wizard Brothers: or, White Beaver’s Trail. 894 White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte. 319 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. 804 Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler. 243 The Pilgrim Sharp: or, The Soldier's Sweetheart, 88 Gold Bullet Svort; or, Knights of the Overland. 58 Death-Traiier, the Chief of Seouts. By Leon Lewis, Ned Buntline, ete. "73 Buffalo Bill’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue, 682 Buffalo Bill’s Secret Service Trail. ° 629 Buffalo Bill’s Daring Role; or, Daredeath Dick, 617 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail; or, The Express Rider. 158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts. 117 Buffalo Bill s Strange Pard; or, Dashing Dandy. 92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King. BY HAROLD PAYNE, 888 The Man from Mexico in New York. 872 The King-Pin Shark: or, Thad Burr's Ten Strike, 861 The Tenderloin Big Four 853 The Quaker City Crook. 844 Tracked to Chicago. 886 The Policy Broker's Blind. 829 The Frisco Sharper’s Cool Hand. 821 The Tramp Shadower’s Backer. 813 The Sham Spotter’s Shrewd Scheme. 806 The Grand Street Gold-Dust Sharpers, 798 Detective Burr’s Luna ic Witness 792 The Wall Street Sharper’s Snap. 784 Thad Burr’s Death Drop. 742 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs. 734 Detective Burr’s Foil; or, A Woman's Strategy. 728 Detective Burr, the Headquarters Special. 713 Detective Burr's Spirit Chase. 706 Detective Burr’s Seven Clues. 698 Thad Burr, the Invincible; or, The “L” Clue, 690 The Matchless Detective. 680 XX, the Fatal Clew; or, Burr’s Master Cage, BY LIEUT. A, K. SIMS. 914 Snowflake Sam’s Double, 897 The Six-Shot Spotter. 887 The Stranger Sport from Spokane. 873 The Sport Detective’s Colorado Clew. 860 The Spangled Sport Shadower. 843 The Creseent City Sport. 832 Gid Gale’s Block Gume. 804 The King Pin, of the Leadville Lions. 788 Chieago Charlie’s Diamond Haul. 776 Chicago Charlie, thé Columbian Detective. 758 The Wizar! King Detective. 723 Teamster Tem, the Boomer Detective. 709 Lodestone Lem, the Champion of Chestnut Burr, 695 Singer Sam, the Pilgrim Detective. 688 River Rustlers; or, the Detective from ’Way Back 673 Stuttering Sam, the Wintest Spert of Santa Fe, 666 Old Adamant, the Man of Rock. 618 Kansas Karl, the Detective King. 552 Prince Primrose, the Flower of the Flock, 828 Huckleberry, the Foot-Hills Detective. J ae c or ~ Published Every Wednesday. Hach Issue Co BEADLE'’s*| )IME*|[IBRARY. mplete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers. BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES, 929 Gentleman George, the Showman Sport. Genteel Joe’s Lone Hand. The Train Detective. Kent Keen, the Crook-Crusher. Nightshade in New York, Falcon Flynn, the Flash Detective, The Crook Cashier, Clew-Hawk Keene’s Right Bower. Hiram Hawk, the Harlem Detective, Major Bullion, Boss of the Tigers. Shadowing the Loncon Detective. Plush Velvet, the Prince of Spotters, The Bogus Broker’s Right Bower, The Night-Hawk Detective. Silk Ribbon’s Crush-out. Detective Zach, the Broadway Spotter, The Dark Lantern Detective, 736 The Never-Fail Detective. Captain Hercules, the Strong Arm Detective, Dan Damon, the Gilt-Edge Detective. Silver Steve, the Branded Sport. Gideon Grip, the Secret Shadower, Velvet Van, the Mystery Shadower. The Dude Desperado. Jason Clew, the Silk-Handed Ferret, Monk Morel, the Man-Hun‘ter. Sol Sphinx, the Ferret Detective. Red Pard and Yellow. Silent Sam, the Shadow Sphinx. 2 Captain Sid, the Shasta Ferret. Old Cormorant, the Bowery Shadow. 9 Captain Cobra, the Hooded Mystery. Danton, the Shadow Sharp. Silkk Hand, the Mohave Ferret. 543 The Magnate Detective. Jack Javert. the Independent Detective. 3 Reynard of Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective 2 Captain Velvet’s Big Stake. Phil Fox, the Genteel Spotter. Richard Redfire, the Two Worlds’ Detective. Sunshine Sam, a Chip of the Old Block, Hawkspear, the Man with a Secreo, Coldgrip in Deadwood. Captain Coldgrip, the Detective, Captain Coldgrip’s Long Trail, Volcano, the Frisco Spy. The California Sharp. Lucifer Lynx, the W onder Detective, Father Ferret. the Frisco Shadow. Captain Coldgrip in New York. Captain Coldgrip’s Nerve; or, Injun Nick, Captain Coldgrip: or. The New York Spotter, 92 The Lost Bonanza: or, The Boot of Silent Hound. 2 The Bonanza Band: or, Dread Don of Cool Clan, Major Blister, the Sport of Two Cities. 365 Keen Kennard, the Shasta Shadow. The Desperate Dozen. Denver Duke,*the Man with ‘“ Sand.” Cool Conrad, the Dakota Detective. Flash Dan, the Nabob; or, Blades of Bowie Bar. California Claude, the Lone Bandit. Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy. The Shadow Sport from Frisco. BY WILLIAM H. MANNING. 8 The Red-Gloved Detective. Frisco Frank at Glory Gulch. The Montana Miner in New York, The Doomsday-Den Detective. The Double-Quick Detective. Yellow Gid. of Dark Divide. 5 The Expert Detective’s Shake-up. 5 Trapping the Race-Track Judge. The Police Special’s Dilemma. The Genteel Sharper’s Combine Graydon’s Double,Deal. 838 The Sport Detectife’s rip. 828 The Athlete Sport About Town. 808 TheCrook-Detective’s Pull. 790 Plunger Pete, the Race Track Detective. 782 Royal Rock, the Round-up Detective. 774 Steve Starr, the Dock Detective. "64 The New York Sharp’s Shadower. 738 Detective Claxton, the Record Breaker. 714 Gabe Gall, the Gambolier from Great Hump, 708 Spokane Saul, the Samaritan Suspect 692 Dead-Shot Paul, the Deep-Range Explorer. 655 Strawberry Sam, the Man with the Birthmark. 646 Dark John, the Grim Guard, 638 Murdock, the Dread Detective. 623 Dangerous Dave, the Never-Beaten Detective. 611 Alkali Abe, the Game Chicken from Texas, 596 Rustler Rube; the Round-Up Detective. 585 Dan Dixon’s Double. 5Yo Steady Hand. the Napoleon of Detectives 33 Wyoming Zeke, the Hotspur. of Honeysuckle. 1 Garry Kean the Man with Backbone. 53849 Old Doubledark, the Wily Detective. 531 Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prairie Centaur. 521 Paradise Sam, the Nor’-West Pilot. 518 Texas Tartar, the Man With Nine Lives, 506 Uncle Hovest, the Peacemaker of Hornets’ Nest. 498 Central Pacifle Paul. the Mail Train Spy. 492 Border Bullet, the Prairie Sharpshooter, 486 Kansas Kitten, the Northwest Detective, 479 Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassajack. 470 The Duke of Dakota. 463 Gold Gauntlet. the Gulch Gladiator. 455 Yank Yellowbird, the Tall Hustler of the Hills, 449 Blut? Burke, King of the Rockies. 442 Wild West Walt. the Mountain Veteran. 437 Deep Duke; or, The Man of Two Lives. 427 The Rivals of Montana Mill. 415 Hot Heart, the Detective Spy. 405 Old Baldy the Brigadier o ck Basin. 267 Colorado Rube, the Stron 279 The Gold Dragoon, vr, BY LEON LEWIS. 967 Wind River Clark, the Gold Hermit. 797 Pistol Tommy, the Miner Sharp, 785 fhe Down East Detective in Nevada. 773 Buffalo Bill's Ban: or, Cody to the Rescue. 699 The Cowboy Couriers. ; 686 The On-the-Wing Detectives. 624 The Submarine Detective: or, The Water Ghouls. 484 Oaptain Ready, the Red Ransomer. 481 The Silent Derective; or, The Bogus Nephew, 456 The Demon Steer, 428 The Flying Glim; or, The Island Lure, ¥ | 835, | 952 The Wali Street llood; ALBERT W. AILKEN’S NOVELS Dick Talbot Series, Dick Talbot’s Close Call. 37 Dick Talbot in Apache Land. 33 Dick Talbot. the Ranch King. I Dick Talbot’s Clean-Out. Dick Talbot in No Man’s Camp, 854 Dick Talbot: o1, The Brana of Crimson Cross 386 Dick Talbot; or, The Death-Shot of Shasta. Aiken’s Fresh of Frisco Series, 825 Fresh, the Race-Track Sport. 660 The Fresh in Montana; or, Blake's Full Hand, 652 The Fresh’s Rustie at Painted City. 647 The Fresh at Santa Fe; or, The Stranger Sharp. 556 Fresh, the Sport: or, The Big Racket at Slide Out, 587 Fresh Against the Field: or, Blake, the Lion. 497 The Fresh in Texas; or. The Escobedo Millions, 461 The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio Grande, 97 The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; or, Bronze Jack Aiken's Joe Phenix Series. 965 Joe Phenix’s Mascot. 959 Joe Phenix’s Double Deal. 954 Joe Phenixin Chicago. 949 The Doctor from Texas; or, Joe Phenix’s Clue. 944 Joe Phenix’s Right Bower. 865 The Female Barber Detectiv: Silver City. 799 Joe Phenix’s Great Blue Diamend Case; or, The New York Sport at Long Branch. 793 Joe Phenix’s Decoy; or, The Man of Three. 760 Joe Phenix’s Lone Hand, 749 Joe Phenix’s Big Bulge, 745 Joe Phenix’s Mad Case. 708 Joe Phenix’s Siren; or, The Woman, Hawkshaw, 700 Joe Phenix’s Unknown; or, Crushing the Crooks 681 Joe Phenix's Specials; or, The Actress Detective 637 Joe Phenix in Crazy Camp. 632 Joe Phenix’s Master Search. 628 Joe Phenix’s Combin: ; or,the Dandy Consp!rator 620 Joe Phenix’s Silent Six. 601 Joe Phenix’s Shadow; or,the Detective’s Monitor 419 Joe Phenix., the King of Detectives. 161 Joe Phenix’s Great Man Hunt, 112 Joe Phenix, Private Detective; or, The League, 79 Joe Phenix, the Police Spy. Aiken’s Miscellaneous Novels. Captain Jack, the Sealper The Hawks and Wolves of New York Detective Gordon’s Grip. Old Sunflower, the Silent Smiter. 923 Old Sunflower. the Hayseed Detective. 901 The Hotel Swell-Sharp; cr, The Siren Shadower,. 892 The Country man Detective. 876 Gold Button Sport; or, The Miner Sharps. 842 Teton Tom. the Half-Blood. . The King-Pin Detective. 814 Yhe New Yorker Among Texas Sports. 775 King Dandy, the Silver Sport. 758 Gideon’s Grip at Babylon Lar. 717 Captain Pat MeGowen, the Greencoat Detective, 674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective. 670 The Lightw eight Detective. 665 The Frisco Detective; or, The Golden Gate Find, 613 Keen Billy, the Sport. 607 Olid Benzine, the ‘“ Hard Case” Detective. 594 Fire Face, the Silver King’s Foe. 585 The Silver Sharp Detective. 5¢7 Tom, of Calif ornia; or, Detective’s Shadow Act, 570 The Actress Detective; or, The Invisible Hand 562 Lone Hand, the Shadow. 520 The Lone Hand on the Caddo. 490 The Lone Hand in Texas, 475 Chim Chin, the Chinese Detective. 465 The Actor Detective. 440 The High Hor-e of the Pacific. 424 The Lone Hand; or, The Red River Recreants, 408 Doe Grip, the Vendetta of Death, : 381 The Gypsy Gentleman: cr. Nick Fox, Detective 876 Black Beards; or. The Rio Grande High Horse 370 The Dusky Detective: or, Pursued to the End. 363 Crowningshield, the Detective 320 The Genteel Spotter: or The N. Y. Night Hawk, or. The Telegrarh Girl, 203 The Double Detective; or, The Midnight Mystery, 196 La Marmoset, the Letective Queen. 101 The Man from New York, : 91 The Winning Oar: or, The Tunkesper s Daughter. 84 Hunted Down: or, The League of Three. 81 The Human Tiger: or. A Heart of Fire. 75 Gentleman George; or, Parlor. Prison and Street, 72 The Phantom Hand; or, The 5th Avenue Herress, 56 The Indian Mazeppa: or, Madman of the Plains. 49 The Wolf Demon; or. The Kanawha Queen. 42 The California Detective: or, The Witches of N.Y, 81 The New York erat Ml or, The Flash of Lightning,, 27 The Spotter Detective; or, Girls of New York, NEW ISSUES. "7 Cyclone Pete. By Wm. R. Eyster. 978 Monte Cristo in New York By J, ©. Cowdrick, °79 Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail. By Ingraham, 980 The All-Around Athlete. By A. W. Aiken, 981 The Gold-Lace Sport. By Jos. E. Badger. ; or, Joe Phenix in 940 935 932 926 _ 982 Chris Crewley’s Winning Hand. By A. P. Morris | Arm of Hotspur. 971 lifornia Bloodhound, 972 The Captain’s Enemy By Col. P. Ingraham, : | JUST ISSUED. “D;” or, Branded for Life. By K. F. Hill. 973 The Dread Shot Four By Buffalo Bill. 974 The Man from Denver. By Jos. E, Badger. 975 Freelance, the Buceaneer. By Col, Ingrabam, | 976 Overland Kit. By Albert W. Aiken. A new issue every Wednesday. THE DIME LIBRARY is for sale Wy all Newsdealers, ten cents pr copy, or sent by mall on receipt of price, BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 92 W: street, New York, bee j