Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 119) (1886 04 21)
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5) {0 ok pe (a Le April 21, 1886, Vol. X. a’Yeor, rivodens, No, 119, Ns \\ SAN m\ a \y iit Y/, 4 a fe =~ SWS e y WITH THEIR ENIVES, THEY DUG OUT A GRAVE, AND WRAPPING A HEAVY BLANKET ARQUND THE CORPSE, LAID IT_LOVINGLY IN_ITS LAST. RUSTING-PLAQE,
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Blonde Bill, Blonde Bill; Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. A Romance of the “ Silent Tongues.” BY E, L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “DEADWOOD DICK,” ‘‘ ROSEBUD ROB,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I, OVERLAND—THE SWOOP OF THE SILENT TONGUES, From Del Norte to the southwestern mines of Colorado, along the rapid and impetuous waters of the Rio de los Animas, and through the rug- ged, mountainous district of San Juan county, runs the stage-trail, which is used in lieu of a ra’ , as a route of transportation both of pore and supplies, into the mines that abound the vicinity of Silverton and Animas City. Through some of the wildest country upon the American continent penetrates this trail, in its tortuous course through the mountain environs. All the way from the Wagonwheel Gap to Bullion City the route is wild and tortuous in the extreme. After leaving Bullion City, a mining town of considerable importance, the traveler soon strikes the San Juan valley, and the rushing Animas, and follows through its rugged line of march toward the Gulf. The valley in reality is but a deep, gloomy canyon of but width for a wagon trail, in many places, while in others it widens out into broad and fertile acres of sufficient numbers for graz- ing farms. Many a frightful abyss yawns bo- side the trail, while the either hand reflects the mighty pine-covered, hoary-headed mountains, that rise in massive grandeur, as grim sentinels over the route. A balmy October day is drawing to a close, as old Sol rests his beaming face upon the crest of a western peak, on his way to retirenent from the active scenes of the day. The rays trom his merry countenance shoot across to the more eastern mountains, and then reflect down into the depths of the gloomy San Juan. About the same time the lull of repose is rude- ly awakened by the sharp cracking, as of a whip, and a loud, rumbling, jolting sound—then the south-bound stage rolls into view, from around a bend, drawn by three spans of spirited horses, that in tura are held in hand by a little Canadian Jehu, who, from long experience, thoroughly understands his business, No ordinary affair, this stage, as an ordinary observer would have at once perceived, for its size was doubly greater than other vehicles of its calling, thereby bringing into use a greater number of horses, and it was neatly furnished, too, That night it was literally loaded down, both with Legg = and baggage. Every seat in the interior was occupied, and even the flat top had been converted into a car- ryall, for if was occupied by several persons of both sexes. The ovcupants of the interior of the Monitor, as the stage was known, were all men—mostly rough, bearded, red-shirted miners, with a sprinkling of ruffians, iene me and gamblers. Upon the outside the more varying type. Down through the canyon tears the stage, close at the heels of the plunging, snorting horses, who are answering to the rapid crack of the fiery little French Kanuck’s whip—wildly on they go, the ponderous vehicle groaning and creaking under the strain, as it lurches spas- modically from one side to the other. The can- yon catches up and echoes the sounds; the mountain pines look spectral and nod their heads sagely in the dying sunlight as if to say, ** Beware.” And, let us grasp the flying moment for an inventory of the personnel of those upon the roof of the Monitor, La Carte, the Jehu, needs no portrayal. He is known from Denver to Trinidad—from Lead- ville to yee and all through the mining dis- tricts of the Colorados, as an expert linesman, a dead-shot, and a fearnaught of the boldest road- agent that ever robbed a stage. ext to him, upon the arive%s seat, is a pees distinguished-looking personage, with brown hair, mustache and _ side-whiskers, and eyes to match, He is attired in the ver hight of elegance as to costume, and evidently is a man of some importance. His name is Hon, Ray Vernon, of Ohio. He sits at the right of La Carte; next to him, upon the top of the stage are two bordermen—one a little old man, with wrinkled features and silvered locks; the other a giant in stature, with a positively ugly coun- tenance, Next to the giant sits a clerical gentlemen of solemn mien, and a Src ot pe pretty and vi- vacious young lady, who evidently is his daugh- ter; then comes a dandyish fellow of hand- some face and form, whose dress is a model of elegance; then another lady and gent, upon whom the other passengers center considerable attention. This woman is slight of figure, and is clad in black of costly kind, and a heavy vail constant- ly over her face, thereby screening it from the ape gaze of the passengers, The man is medium size, attired in a stylish suit of light cloth, with a shirt front of spotless white, ornamented by a blazing diamond pin, while he has a jaunty white slouch sombrero upon his head, and alligator top-boots upon his feet, the legs of which reach above his knees. In face and feature he is quite prepossessing —his white complexion harmonizing well with his long blonde hair, and sweeping mustache of the same hue. His mouth has a firm expres- sion, and his forehead is broad and intellectual, while his eyes are hidden behind a pair of green goggles, that give him a strange appearance. A belt about his waist contains a pair of ser- ed Bib hae and a Winchester rifle is among his effects as baggage. All of the other pales passengers are armed, except the man from Ohio, the clerical gentle- man, and the two ladies, none of whom appear to carry weapons of defense. Especially was the big borderman well armed, for his belt oasted of no less than six formidable revol- passengers were of a
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Blonde Bill, 3 yas and a huge knife that glittered danger- ously. f ¥ ten ye what, et don’t pay fer ter go un- armed in this kentry!” he observed, after sur- veying those of the passengers who were un- armed, with a critical glance. ‘‘ A galoot ain’t safe onless he kerries a hull battery hitched on- ter his waist. Hillo! capt’in, I see ye don’t go none on six-shooters?” “No, my friend,” the clerical man replied, solemuly. ‘‘I ask for no weapons other than those the Lord gave me.” “Oho! thet’set, hey? Hain’t no fight in you, then, I'll allow!” ‘IT get not my living, sir, by fighting my fel- low-creatures,” was the reply. “I am a ser- vant of the Lord, and I preach his word to the flock with which he peopled the earth. Ifa man smite me upon my right cheek, I rise not in anger, but turn about my left cheek, that he may smite that also.” “Kerwhoop! Great catapultian comets an’ roarin’ rhinosserosses!” exclaimed the giant, with a snort. ‘D’ye heer thet, Alva—did i heer thet ar’ sentyment, jest now uttered by thet ar’ clargyman? Gol-darn my old mule’s ca- pacity fer terant’ler, ef evyer I heerd a sarcum- stance ter ekal. Say, old hoss, ef a pilgrim war ter salivate ye in ther eye wi’ a disused quid 0’ terbaccy, w’u'd ye turn yer uther optic around, an’ give’im a shot at that?” “T would in truth,” the clerical party replied. *« He who heedeth the words of the Creator need fear nothing here below.” “Waal, I'll be shot ef I quite agree wi’ yer docterine, purfessor,” the giant replied, grimly. ‘* Et don’t hitch wi’ ther great state of hooman affairs out in this kentry. Here am I, Beautiful Bill, ther Apoller o’ ther Nor’west—ther great Pet Elerfant o’ ther Leadville trail—that’s me! This leetle squinged-up cuss asidc me, air Old Avalanche, familiarly recognized in modern spellin’ an’ hymn-books as ther Great Annihi- lator—ther Devastatin’ Eppydemic o’ ther West. Waal, now, ye see, we've jined forces an’ cap- ertal, an’ now constitute ther Death Committee of ther Mines. Yell heer uv us everywhar whar ther auriferous vegetates—a sure extar- minatin’ pestilence fer road-agents, hoss-thieves, card-sharps an’ ruffians. “Our pulpit’s a tarred rope—our platform et be ther limb o’ ther fu’st convenient tree. Now, Tl bet ary pilgrim a bite right out o’ my off ear thet we, ther great Trans-Atlantic an’ Per- cific Death Committee, an’ Society fer Practical Elevation, kin convert more. sinners in one minnit than a burro-load o’ preachers, philoso- phers, or any other sich critters. That’s me, every time—Beautiful Bill, ther Grecian Apoller o’ San Won county—ther thurrobred Masher 0’ ther Animas!” A smile went around among the ngers at the giant’s speech, in which the clerical party did not participate. At this juncture the stage plunged more rapid- ly down through a narrower portion of the canyon valley, where it was darker and more weirdly gloomy. “Now, feller-cltizens, git yer pepper-boxes in shape, an’ keep yer eyes open, ef ye’ve got a full hand o’ swag!” announced Beautiful Bill, “ fer we're sailin’ right inter a prime locality fer road-agents. pect ye’ve heerd about ther Silent Tongues, an’ how they tackle this trail, twicet hed month. Reckon, thar don’t much tae git thru on ther Monitor, them nights— eh? Carte?” © Hardly ever,” the stage-driver replied, grimly. ‘To-night is the regular time for a re eee true. I had nearly forgotten it, “Why bad?” the man from Ohio demanded, anxiously. ‘* Because, there’s a full treasure-box, to-night. See the man with the goggles?” “ Yes.” ,* Waal, he’s got a heap o’ gold aboard, an a heap of greenbacks, too,” “Who is he?” * Don’t know io some one up at Lake City called him Blonde Bill. He got on, there, along wi’ the vailed woman.” Hon. Ray Vernon took the liberty to turn in his seat, and gaze keenly at the blonde stranger, When he turned again to La Carte, he spoke, in an undertone: ‘* So he has considerable treasure, eh? Where is he bound for?” ‘* Deadwood Dick’s Discovery.” * Ah! where is that?” “Oh! that’s a new strike ‘twixt Silverton and Parrot City. *Tain’t much of a place yet, but they say there’s good prospects of a new Leadville.” The Ohioan was silent a few minutes, after which he continued: 3 ae Deadwood Dick is a road-agent, isn’t e “No — that is, he ain't any more, Thet used ter be his profession. But, they say he quit off, awhile ago. Et don’t do him much good, however, fer ther Boor have got a udge ag’in’ him, and won't let him alone, Fer instance, he is sed to have discovered the new mines that bear his name, but a gang from Silverton went down and cleared him out, and took sera? Ah! the imps! road-agents! the Silent Tongues are upon us!” : The cry of the driver awoke startled echoes up and down the canyon! The horses had been suddenly hurled back upon their haunches, thereby bringing the stage to a standstill in the gloomy canyon, | Then out from many a niche and shelterin rock poured a crowd of dusky figures, mkikele and armed to the teeth, and surrounded the gr? in less time than it takes to tell it. “No use to offer resistance, boys!” La Carte shouted. ‘ They’re two to our one, an’ hev got the aie ‘* Kight’s the word!” cried the blonde stranger, as he sprung to his feet, a cocked revolver in either d. “Rally, all! the dogs must not touch the treasure-box!” The words were electric in their result. Beautiful Bill and Avalanche were instantly by the blonde man’s side, weapons in hand. And also the individual who wore an imperial and waxed mustache. “Give it to em!” the blonde man cried, “ an’ charge it to Blonde Bill, Fight for your lives, an e safety and preservation of your rights " :
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deadly dexterity. No second time did the blonde man have to speak; for the weapons of the others poured a volley of death into the ranks of the outlaws, even as did his own. Crack! crack! crack! rung the sharp report of the pistols, accompanied by flash after flash, and yell after yell of pain and rage. But the passengers were not the only ones to fire, for the Silent Tongues—so called because they were never heard speak—returned the fusilade with interest. The miners within the coach also engaged in the fight, by firing from the windows, and there within the gloomy depths of San Juan canyon waged such a battle as had ne’er been fought there, before, “Troop et to ’em, ye durned galoots,” roared Beautiful Bill, handling his great revolvers with “Giv’ et to ’em right from yer muzzles, like as ef ye war killin’ polecats or salivatin’ suckers. Don’t ye heer me, now? Beau- tiful Bill am I, the great hair-trunked, ivory- tusked Pet Elerfant o’ the Leadville Trail, ther half-partner o’ the pei ene Death Com- mittee an’ Society fer ther Propogation of Prac- tercal Elevation!” Crack! crack! crack! The canyon caught up and echoed the ringing of the pistol-shots—the bullets beat a death’s tattoo against the rugged walls. Madly—determinedly—desperately fought the defenders, Blonde Bill in the front, and tie oth- __ ers close beside him. «Great ham-bonfe, thet war ther bee-line fer old Joner! they’ve plugged it to yer leddy!” the Annihilator cried, in the blonde man’s ear _ —then he turned to fire again into the swarming outlaw ranks. Suddenly there was a wild, shrill scream, as of a mountain eagle, Blonde Bill was kneeling beside the vailed woman, But it was not his cry that echoed through the canyon, Another had uttered the cry—the road-agents _ heard it—paused—hesitated—and then as if by unanimous consent, beat a precipitate retreat _ from the scene of the attack! CHAPTER II. A SAD RIDE—A QUEER STREET AUCTION. STRANGE was the scene, in all its details. First, the stage-coach, stopped in the gloomy canyon; next the defenders standing in bold re- _ lief upon the top; and lastly, the rapid flecing “a the Silent Tougues, in every accessible direc- on. It was a tableau worthy of representation upon any theater’s boards, only here it was true nature. And, not least noticeable, was the blonde stranger, kneeli beside his wounded”* com- panion, the va’ lady, tears trickling down over his cheeks, from beneath the green gog- - giles. _ “ Great ham-bone thet discombobberated ther terrestyal gravytation uv old Joner!” the An- nibilator cried, ringing forward, to the blonde man’s side. “Hey they hurt yer leddy, pil- grim Blonde Bill. “Yes! was the husky reply; ‘may Gods wrath be upon them—they have killed her.” ‘* All aboard!” shouted La Carte, who, along with the minister and the Ohioan, had taken no part in the fight—‘‘all aboard, who goes on the Monitor !” “Stop!” the Bipot, of the waxed mustache, cried, covering the driver with a revolver, ‘** Don’t ye see we've got a dead lady, here? Just you hold up if you please.” “Can’t help if ye’ve got a dozen of ’em,” La Carte replied, drawing up on the reins, “This ere stage hes got to go through on time!” “Oh! it haz, haz it!” roared a stentorian voice, and the next minute the little Canadian found himself held high above the head of Beautiful Bill, supported horizontally by a pair of arms that never once quivered, ‘Oh! ye wull, wull ye?” the giant repeated, with a mali- cious grin. ‘‘ Oho! ye’d forgot thet Beauterful Bill was on deck, hadn’t ye—I, ther great vario- gated, sweet~cented Apoller o’ ther West—ther old cae Pet Elerfant o’ ther Leadville Trail —ther left bower o’ ther famuss Death Commit- tee o’ the Mines. Yas—ye'd forgot all about thet leetle fack, on course, Aire ye goin’ ter start ther stage, ye ill-favored son 0’ a polecat, ef I set ye onter yer feet agint ‘Curse you, yes!” the Kanuck gritted sav- agely. ‘I'll tear yer heart out!” ‘* Bet yer pile ye lie!” the giant replied, “Tl fix you fer a coroner’s inquest, an’ drive ther stage myself.” The next instant the giant had hurled the Canadian half-way across the canyon, from the poise above his head, and he struck the hard ground with a dull thud, the sound of which seemed pregnant with a deadly meaning. Blonde Bill turned to the Sport. “What is your handle?” he asked, wiping the tears from his cheeks. “They generally call me Rosebud Rob,” the other replied, bowing. The blonde man then started a trifle. “T have heard of you,” he said, extending his hand, ‘ Will youhand me her,” with a glance toward the dead lady, ‘‘when I get to tho ground? I will bury her somewhere in this vi- cinity. “T will assist you, certainly,” Rosebud Rob replied. he next instant Blonde Bill had climbed down from the stage-top to the ground, the pas- sengers regarding him curiously. Rosebud Rob then raised the inanimate form of the dead woman and handed it into the blonde man’s extended arms, Bill receiving it with a simple bow as acknowledgment of his . thanks, ‘You may go ahead with the stage now,” ho said, addressing the giant, who stood erect in La Carte’s seat, with whip and reins in hand. Then Blonde Bill turned about and strode up the gulch, carrying the body of his dead com- panion in his strong arms. The next instant the crack of the long-lashed whip was heard, and the stage rolled away down the canyon, In an opposite course, Blonde Bill made his way for several moments; then paused and looked around, -_,
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Blonde Bill. 5 As he did so, he found himself face to face with the Sport, Rosebud Rob. ‘“*What! you here?” the blonde man exclaim- ed, in surprise. ** Yes—pardon the intrusion, but I had a curi- osity to know more of a pilgrim that can shoot the way you can, and thought I might be of some assistance to you,” the Sport rephed. ‘“‘ It didn’t look fair to leave you alone to take care of the dead, and so I dropped off.” “T thank you, stticierely(® Blonde Bill replied, warmly, ‘Ishall not forget your kindness.” He laid the body upon a plot of fresh, green rass, and bowed down before her and wept. Yot in a loud, obtrusive way—the falling of a tear now and then, and a convulsive shaking of the form being all the symptoms perceptible of his terrible grief. When he turned again to the Sport, all signs of his grief had vanished, save, mayhap, a trifle of paleness to his cheek. ‘She was my wife,” he said huskily; ‘‘ and as true and faithful as an angel. May God gather her to his fold, and permit me to live that I may wreak vengeance upon her murderer! Come! let’s bury her.” A little ravine branched off from the main canyon, and up this they carried the body. to a green, grassy slope, shaded by a green hemlock. Then, with their knives, they dug out a grave ofsufficient dimensions for the purpose in- tended, and wrapping a heavy blanket around the corpse, laid it in its last resting-place. Sticks and boughs were then so arranged as to protect the body, when the dirt was covered over; then the grave was filled by Rosebud Rob, while the blonde man knelt beside it, in silent La hen the last of the dirt had been heaped over the remains, he arose and grasped the Sport’s hand warmly. “May God bless you for your kindness,” he said, in a choked voice, “‘and put it in my power to amply repay you. Come; let us follow the stage on to Silverton. I will yet make this mining country too hot for these so-called Silent Tongues.” “Silverton, then, is your destination?’ the Sport inquired. “ Yes—thereabouts. Ah! I must find the driver, La Carte, and get the key to the trea- sure-box of the stage, in which I have some money.” They debouched from the ravine into the Juan gulch, and a short walk brought them to where the driver of the Monitor still lay upon the ground. - “The big chap handled him rather rough,” Rosebud Rob said, ‘and I allow that he won’t drive any more stages, right away.” While Blonde Bill searched the Canadian’s ckets, Rosebud made an examination of his injuries, and found that he was yet alive, but badly bruised, and stunned beyond immediate recovery. ** Ah! here are the keys,” the blonde man said, rising, at last. ‘‘Now, if you are going my way, come along. My eae is to break up the Silent Tongues, and rid the Los Animas of some of its rufflanly and villainous element.” “Then you may count me in, too, providing you have no objections,” Rosebud Rob an- swered. ‘I ain’ no modern Sampson, ner I don’t pretend to be a prime factor o’ this world’s arithmatick; but ef there’s any fun on hand ye'll ginerally find me a man to suit all circum- stances.” “Then you are the very man I want for a pard,” Blonde Bill answered, with decision, Silverton, Colorado. The lively little town of the San Juan moun- tain districts—the Pride of the Animas. No city or Mebtecipecc thereto, this town of Silverton, with its mountainous main street of business pee and shanties and cabins dotted about without any attempt at regularity. Yet it had an enormous floating population, and is considered one of the roughest places in Southwestern Colorado. Here, as in Leadville or Deadwood, you find an indiscriminate mass of people, literally the ‘‘culls” from every quarter of the globe. The fact of Colorado’s being a recognized State of the Union, a State and mente gov- ernment, does not in the least deter Silverton from having its street fights and daily demand for coroner’s inquests, nor doesit discopntenance the various phases of fast life peculiar to all mining centers. The streets every day present a festive and gala appearance, and the boom of business is relieved by constantly occurring scenes and in- cidents of a highly sensational nature. On the early evening of the day mye 3 the bold attempt of the Silent Tongues to ro the stage in San Juan Mina? two persons rode down the busy main street 0} Silve n, mounted upon a pair of burros of the ugliest possible ap- pearance, One of the persons was a young woman or maiden of perhaps eighteen years of age—a prettily proportioned girl, with an equally pretty face of a decidedly independent type, relieved by a pair of saucy brown eyes, and a mouth that could relax from gravity to a broad smile, in a single instant, Her hair was of ex- treme length, as it fell in an auburn wave over her shoulders, and was crowned by a jaunty straw hat. Her riding habit, although coarse was also neat and tasty. Her companion was a swarthy man of forty- five, with jet-black hair and beard, and features of a most repulsive cast. His dress was rough and greasy, and a small arsenal of weapons oc- cupied his belt. As this strangely contrasted couple rode through the street, general attention was turned upon them by the crowds of men who peopled the busy thoroughfare, and more than once the name of ‘Salamander Sam,” was spoken by resident Silvertonians. The girl, it was discovered, was bound to the saddle, and her hands were secured behind her back, clearly proving that she was a prisoner in the hands of the swarthy ruffian, For Salamander Sam was a ruffian of the boldest type, and was feared by one and all throughout the Animas mines. ‘ A never-failing dead shot, and a person who had no fear of man or God, he was a desperate
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6 Blonde Bill. customer to ‘‘rile,” as many a conceited pil- grim had learned to his cost, Tnvoluntarily the busy tide that surged in the main street, turned and followed the course of the two riders, when it was discovered that the ruffian’s companion was bound, for it was of course anticipated that there would be develop- ments in the case. Straight down the street rode the ruffian, until he came to a darge shanty designated by a sign: “* Hotel,” when ho drew rein upon his own and the maiden’s horses, In a moment thereafter a dense crowd had collected around them inquiringly. At first the ruffian gazed at them fiercely, without any seeming disposition to speak, but after awhile he rose in his stirrups, and cried: “My name’s Salamander Sam, pilgrims, ef ye don’t know me, an’ I’ve come down here ter sell this yere gal at auction ter ther highest bidder, She’s my darter, is Dashin’ Dol, an’ I oe ef I want ter sell her, that’s my bizness, She ar’ a tricky beast, an’ last night she tried er carve me wi’ a dagger, but et didn’t work. happened ter be a leetle ther spriest, an’ eotched her at it. So now, feller-citizens, ef epny 0’ ye want ’er, jest give me a startin’ bid. How much do I hear, neow?” “Gentlemen, for the love of God, rescue me from this ruffian’s pore: the girl cried, plead- ingly. ‘‘He is a bad, wicked man, and I only defended myself. noe me, I pray My “Shet up, will ye?” Salamander Sam roared whipping a pair of revolvers from his belt and cocking them. ‘‘ Ef ye doan’t want me ter sod- der ye, t keep mum. I’m master o’ these sarymonies, I am, an’ I’m goin’ ter sell ye ter ther highest bidder. How much’ll yo give fer her, boyees—how much, now, hoss an’ all? Durst ary man start ’er at any price? Gal an’ hoss! how much do I heer now, fer ther good- will - fictures—solo right and title—how much, now PN gre ye five dollars fer ther burro,” said a brutal-looking Kentuckian. ‘ Don’t want ther petticoater at no price,” * Hoss an’ gal must go tergether!” announced Salamander Sam. ‘Five dollars I’m bid, pil- foresee dollars ’m bid—who makes et ten? est think, a fu’st class burro an’ a gal, as purty as a posey—an’ five dollars all I’m offered, Why, ye durned galoots, ther gal’s wu’th a ten, ter say nothing about ther gol-durnéd burro |” “ Hello!” gg: i a bystander; ‘heer cums Van Syckel, ther minister! He’ll raise ther bid.” “The Lord forbid,” the reverend party said, as he came forward and was acquainted with the rare opportunity held forth by Salamander Sam. ‘My i friend knowest than not the grievous sin thou’rt committing, by putting up so comely a maid at public auction?” “You torkin’ ter me?” the ruffian demanded, with a scowl. “Ay! good sir; it is within my heart to per- suade you from your unholy purpose.” “*Lookee heer, old hoss, I’m assumin’ ther sponsibility o’ this funeral, ef I know myself, an’ don’t want no slack, gal’s my darter, an’ ef I wanter sell her, I’m goin’ ter do it, an’ kin lick enny son uv a coyote es sez nay. Ef ye wanter save ther gal, an’ make her a piller uv Christendom, bid on her, or keep yer valve closed!” This response elicited a general laugh from the crowd, for the Reverend Mr, Van Syckel was no favorite among the rude and unreligious miners of Silverton, The few supporters he had in his goodly work were composed mainly of the feminine sex, with now and then a merchant or citizen, and even they were not proud of their ministerial servant, : “Cum, gents!’ Salamander Sam cried, begin- ginning to grow impatient, ‘‘ will ye let me talk myself hoarse over ther vartues uv ther gal an’ ther mule? Fer heaving’s sake raise ther bid enuff so I can git decently drunk. Whoop her up, now!—how much do I hear?” “TY will give you a hundred dollars for the girl,” a man said, as he stepped forward—a stranger, by the way, and no less a party than the Honorable Ray Vernon, of Ohio! CHAPTER III. MISS VAN SYCKEL’S WARNING. SEVERAL hours after the termination of the street scene, introducing the peculiar auction of Salamander Sam, a man stood upon the veran- da of the Leviathan Hotel, which, by the way, is Silverton’s principal hostelry. He was leaning carelessly against one of the wooden supporting columns, in a way that be- trayed ease and grace combined. he man was Blonde Bill. He was clad in a faultless costume of spotless duck, with patent leathers of elegant fit upon his rie and a jaunty wool hat upon his blonde head, He appeared to be enjoying the busy scene upon the street, for it was yet early evening, and the whole population of the lovely little town seemed to be abroad. As he was thus standing, two persons came down the street, and passed the hotel. The one was Rosebud Rob, the Sport, and the other was agirl, attired in male garb throughout—a wildly handsome creature, with dusky, passionful eyes, a mouth of sweet expression, and a mass of wavy brown hair, which blew unconfined over her shoulder, Her attire was of serviceable white cassimere, but neatly-fitting, and showing to good advan- tage her finely-contoured form; a slouch hat, jauntily turned up, ornamented her curls, and jhe knee-boots she wore were of the daintiest pattern, : The Sport was in the advance, and evidently not accompanying the girl, if indeed he knew her, which was not probable, As he caught a glimpse of her, a strange start came over Blonde Bill, and he half started for- ward, only to step back again, a resolute ex- pression settling around his mouth. “Did you think you knew the woman?” The words were addressed to him, plain enough, and he turned to find another young woman standing by his side, which she had reached without his hearing her, She was richly attired in a stylish and costly street costume, oes of a fine silk walking- dress, a knit shawl, and prettily-trimmed hat,
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Blonde Bill, + a and Blonde Bill had no difficulty in recognizing her as the young lady who had accompanied the minister at the time of the a robbery. ‘“‘Ah! excuse me,” he said, doffing his hat with a gallant bow; ‘‘ were you speaking tome, cg 4) minister’s daughter nodded with a piquant smile. “Yes,” she said, pleasantly, “I was asking you jf you knew the bold creature in male at- tire? “Yf my memory does not belie me, I think I have met her before,” Blonde Bill replied. ‘*‘ Why do you ask, pray?” “Oh! merely because I saw you start at sight of her, and partly, perhaps, for an excuse to in- troduce myself,” was the frank, laughing reply. “T saw you standing here, and wan to ask you how is the lady who was shot?” “She is dead, miss—was dead, ere I left the “a ‘Was she a friend of yours, then?” “As near as ever friend could be—my wife,” the blonde man replied, a trifle huskily. “You are the minister’s aughter, I take it?” “Yes, sir; my name is Nora Van Syckel. Yours is—” ‘“* Blonde Bill, at your service.” The young woman nodded, and glanced hur- riedly around her, as if fearful of being seen in the blonde man’s company. There chanced to be no one else upon the veranda, at the time, and she seemed relieved. ** Will you come with me into the hotel?’ she asked. ‘I would speak with you, in private, if you have no objections to listening to me.” “Certainly, lady. If I can be of any ser- vice to you, you may command me of course.” “Then, follow me,” she said, re-entering the hotel from the veranda. She then led the way up the broad staircase to a private parlor upon the second floor, Blonde Bill following her and accepting the seat she offered him “Tt won’t take me long to tell you what T want of you,” she said, as she swept to and fro, over the iy “T have taken it upon my- self, as my duty, to warn you that you are a marked man in this town, and that the sooner you take your leave the safer it will be for ou. * What do you mean? Why am I marked— and a totalstranger in the town, at that?’ the blonde man cried, in surprise. “T cannot tell you that, sir—no more than that there exists throughout the mining districts of San Juan county, a bold and lawless gang of ruffians, who style themselves the Silent Tongues, and who rule these towns, literally, for once they take a dislike to a man, he has to leave—if not of his own free will, by theirs! I overheard a bit of conversation awhile ago, which led me to believe that a plot was on foot to rid the town of your presence, and I took the liberty to bring you here, and put you on your guard.” “For which act of kindness on your part I am deeply grateful,” Blonde Bill said, warmly. ‘One question I would ask you, that you may be able to answer—who is the commander of these Silent Tongues?” ‘That, sir, I do not know, except that he is called Captain Terrible, which, of course, is but a nom de plume to screen another name.” “Undoubtedly. I will bear your warning in mind, and look out for the Silent Tongues, Al- ready I owe them a debt of vengeance, which shall be pelt in blood.” Then the blonde man arose to depart, ‘““T should be pleased to have you call again sir, when papa is at home,” Miss Van Sycke said, accompanying him to the door. “I am somewhat a stranger in these parts myself, hay- ing recently returned from school in the East, and of course have made but few eligible ac- quaintances, having taken no particular fancy to the rougher class of citizens.’ “Perhaps I shall find it convenient to do so,” Blonde Bill replied. ‘‘If you learn anything more concerning the Silent Tongues, that might concern me, I should be pleased to have you let me know, as I generally like to rake in all the points on the board, when practicable.” Then, with a smile, Blonde Bill bowed himself gallantly out of the presence of the minister’s daughter, and betook himself to the street. Let us return to the street scene. The bid of the Ohioan elicited a murmur of surprise from the crowd, and seemed to please Salamander Sam greatly. “Thar now, ye durned galoots, here’s one pil- grim as ain’t afeard ter bid on ther gal!” he roared, ‘‘ Keep ther ballin motion now—keep er a-goin’, I tell ye! A hundred dollers I’ve got —a hundred I’m offered, fer ther gal an’ burro! Whar’s ther pilgrim w’ot makes et two hundred —a hundred an’ fifty—one an’ a Saatiert Going at a hundred—who makes et two?” “Pll make it two hundred,” exclaimed a voice, and Rosebud Rob stepped forward, “Two hundred I’m offered—two hundred,” shouted the ruffian. ‘‘ Who sees me three?” “Here,” replied the portly Ohioan, eying the helpless girl with a gaze that caused her to under so full of villainous significance was it. “ Three hundred—thyee I’ve got—four I want! Keep er b’ilin’, gents!” cried the auctioneer, “ She’s a gud’un, is ther gal, ‘cept she’s inclined ter be a little sassy, an’ ar’n’t afeard ter carve a feller when her dander’s up. Three P've got— who'll make it four?” ““T will,” Rosebud Rob said, with as much coolness as though he were bidding off a gold- mine instead of a lovely girl. “Tl make it five, then,” the Ohioan said poly, with a scowl at his opponent. ‘ ri ve the girl, youn man, at any price—so you may as well stop bidding. ‘“Maybe you'll get her, and again, eepre ye won't,” the Sport coolly replied. ‘** I pends somewhat on which of us has the biggest pile.” A titter from the crowd at this juncture caus- ed the Ohioan to mutter an execration. “Who are you?” he demanded, angrily. “You will please use more respect in addressing your superiors, sir.” “Oh! I will, will I? Undoubtedly, sir, when T find them!” Rosebud responded with a mockin; bow.—‘‘ As to who I am, I am ei call Rosebud Rob, from a habit I have of always
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8 i) Bionde Bill, wearing a rosebud in my buttonhole, when I am able to get one. Auctioneer, [ll see you fifty better on the last bid.” “ Five-fifty T have—five-fifty, gents; who will make it six? Six! six! who'll make it six! Go- ing at five hundred and fifty dollars; who'll make it six?” “Hillo, heer—hillo, ye gol-durn mules! Git out o’ ther way, an’ make way for ther great om- Dubble-jinted, Patent Adjustable Death mittee o’ the Mines—the reg’lar roarin’ antedi- luvian disaster 0’ the Animas; the sky-scrapin’ Centenyal Insurrective Investergation Board uy ther San Won! Heer we cum a-boomin’, an’ we do desire ter stick our paw iu this yere pur- tickler pie. Cum erlong, Avalanche, ye gol- durned no-ear Annihilator, and let’s take a peep at ther critter; cum erlong wi’ yer uncle, Beau- tiful Bill! ther world-renowned, sweet-’cented saintly-tempered Apoller of the West—ther ha’r-trunked, ivory-tusked Pet Elerfant o’ ther Animas Trail, ther gigantic statter o’ the God- dess o’ Liberty. That's me, my gawpin’ galoots —me, cl’ar down ter ther eend o’ mv leetle toe! We be ther original an’ famuss Death Commit- tee o’ ther Mines, jest like oyster-pie, an’ if ye’ve got any funeral “around heer, we want a front seat!” And following the words came the big man from Leadville, elbowing his way through the crowd, closely accompanied by the Annihilator. ‘*Going—going—going!—who makes et six? Where’s the man as durst offer me six hundred dollars fer ther burro, wi’ ther gal throw’d in?” cried Salamander Sam. ‘“‘Harkee! Great ham-bone, ef they ain’t sellin’ a gal at auction,” exclaimed Avalanche. “ Bill, thet ain’t a squar’ deal!” “*No sir-ee! bob-tail horse—thet ain’t no fair kinder shake,” the giant cried, indignantly. ““When wimmen cum ter be sold like sheep, I reckon et’s high time fer ther Death Committee ter show a tooth er two, dog my mother-in-law’s old Thomas cat, ef I don’t! “Say, see heer, ye durned black-ha’red, stoop- shouldered, lantern-jawed, slab-sided, disgustin’ ecimen o’ humanity, d’ye see me? I’m Beau- tiful Bill, I am, an’ this yere snoozer he be Old Avalanche, an’ we two constitute ther Death Committee o’ ther Mines, Jest gaze at us—jest luk at me, will ye, the great Saraytoga-Trunked ivory-tusked Pet Elerfant o’ ther Leadville Trail —ther gilt-edged Apoller o’ ther West—ther father uv yer country, an’ ther bellerin’ statter- esque Masher o’ old Montezume. That’s me, an’ now,durn yer cats, we, ther aforesaid Death Committee, want ter know w’ot bizness you've got makin’ a’ aucktion hyar, uv a gal!” “Hts my gal, an’ ef I wanter sell ’er, I’m goin’ to do et!” savagely replied Salamander Sam. ‘This ain’t none o’ yer funeral, old man an’ ef ye don’t want me ter make a tunnel through you, jest ye close yer valve. D’ye heer!” “Do we heer?” the giant replied, with a leer; ‘on course we do, an’ ef ye'll git down off’n thet burro, an’ waltz over hyar ter my embrace, Tl hug ye ter death in less time ’n takes an In- jun ter smell tarant’ler. Don’t fret—right hyar wull ther Death Committee wait ontil ye git ready ter purceed ter biz.” ¥. “Six hundred and fifty dollars,” cried Rose- bud Rob, at this jucture, “Seven hundred,” added the Ohioan, fierce- y. “Eight hundred,” sung out the Sport, who was now backed, or rather urged on, by Blonde Bill, who stood at his side, “Nine hundred!” from the Ohioan, followed by a vindictive curse. ‘*A square thousand I'll make it!” the Sport cried, coolly, while the situation momentarily grew more and more exciting, Such a street scene had never before been drawn upon fair Silverton’s record—such an in- cident was not to be found in this history of San Juan county, averred these Animites; wherefore their interest. The most attention was bestowed upon the dandyish Sport, of the waxed mustache, for self- assurance excites admiration, in any crowd. And evidently the Sport was as cool as he ap- par as also was the blonde man who stood by is side. Honorable Ray Vernon claimed to be a Con- gressman, from Obio, traveling in the West for his health; but if this be true, the state of ex- citement he gradually worked himself into could not particularly conduce to his recovery. Angrier and angrier, if possible, he grew, at the opposition offered by the Sport for he was determined to possess the girl, Dashing Dolly, and every raise offered by the Spore meant so many more dollars out of his pockets. “Come, gents, keep ’er a-goin’,” shouted Sala- mander Sam, with a grin of satisfaction. ‘‘ Et does me proud to see ye place ther gal at sech a high vallywation. fer she’s cl’ar material, an’ wu'th her weight in pure a’riferous, ter say nothin’ about ther burro.” “en-fifty,” bid the Ohioan. “ Bleven I make’r,” from the Sport. ‘“ Hleven-fifty Pll give.” “Fifty better P'll see ye.” “Curse you, you vagabond, do you mean to run the girl up to a million?” the Congressman cried, fiercely. ‘Perhaps, if I see fit,” Rosebud returned. “You'll generally find me a man to suit all cir- cumstances, an’ I propose to see you a better, bid what you may.” An oath from Vernon was indicative of his feelings. “There is no use of fooling,” he said, sav- agely. ‘Dll have the girl in spite of you. Tl give five thousand dollars for the girl, cash down!” “Well, then you put me under obligations to see you better,” the Sport said, with a smile. “Tl bid ten thousand dollars for her, and give her her freedom!” A murmur of astonishment ran through the crowd, for this was the grittiest bidding they had ever known, = “Ther feller wi’ ther waxed mustache is a brick, durn my old mule’s left hind fut ef he ain’t!” declared Beautiful Bill, 2 ete ‘““Great ham-bone, yes,” assented the Anni- hilator. ‘I’ve heerd o’ him, afore, But, ’tain’t his cash w’at’s buyin’ ther gal. Ther blonde galoot’s his backer.” This was evident to all the spectators, for the ‘
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Blonde Bill, 9 blonde stranger occasionally nudged the Sport to raise the bid, ‘Well, my friend, are you through?” Rose- bud Rob demanded, when the Ohioan did not raise the bid. in the girl?” ““No, curse you, but I'll make this job cost you dearly, before you’re through with me.” “Cum, young feller, let’s hev yer swag, an’ ye can hev Dashing Dolly,” Salamander Sam cried, “I’m anxious ter slope, afore ther gal its free.” ‘Hold on! afore ye slope, I’ve got er leetle ackount ter settle wi’ you!” Beautiful Bill re- minded, ‘‘ an’ we may as well settle right heer, as ennywhar.” “Can’t you see ten thousand CHAPTER IV. DEADWOOD DICK PUTS IN AN APPEARANCE. THE giant meant business, evidently, for right there in the center of Silverton’s main street, he stripped off his jacket, and rolled up the sleeves upon a pair of monster arms, in a way that was very suggestive, to say the least. murmur of admiration escaped the specta- tors at the sight of the whip-like cords and heavy muscles upon the giant’s limbs, Sala- mander Sam saw them, and scowled darkly, for, ruffian and bully though he was, he at once felt that he had met a man for whom he was no match, “Jest luk at me, wull ye,” Beautiful Bill roared, prancing about in a very undignified series of positions, ‘‘ Jest feast yer optics onter me, wull ye—me, ther famuss statter uv ther Goddess o’ Liberty—ther father 0’ my. kintry. Thar was a time, ye durned galoots, when I an’ old George Washington war half-brothers; so ye see my pedigree ar’ way up, fer high, D’ye see me, ye gol-durned slave-trader—d’ye see yer unkle gazin’ at ye, wi’ ther zest uv a hungry elerfant? Cum erlong ter my hug, ef ye durst fight United States fashun, an’ let me put a postage-stamp over yer eye, so’t’ll let ye pass as third-class matter! Cum an’ hug me, once, if you dare—if ye dare, ye black-whiskered son uv a buffler.” “Tt is useless to waste your breath on him,” Dashing Dolly cried, paerene the giant. ‘“ He is a bigger coward at heart than a coyote, and there’s no fight in him.” “You lie, cuss ye!” Salamander Sam cried, fiercely. ‘“‘ Thar’s no man as walks w’ot I am afeard of.” “‘Then, fer ther luv of Heaving, jest cum an’ see yer unkle!” implored the giant. ‘‘Cum an’ harpoon ther great ivory-tusked pet elerfant, or offer me a e chaw uv terbaccer? Whovup-ce! sail in, ef ye wanter l’arn how ter skin a cata- mount in two single seconts.” But Salamander Sam made no move to re- spond; and seizing the package of bills handed him by Blonde Bill, he Tabbed the spurs into his animal’s side, and shot away down the street like the wind. ; “ Gol-durn my old mule’s left hind fut!” blus- tered the giant. ‘‘ Ef I was a good-fer-shucks on hossback, I’d foller thet galoot, an’ dust his jacket, I would. But et_ain’t no use o’ chasin’ chain lightnin’ on fut, Whar’s ther feller w’ot owns ther gal?” “Here is the man,” Rosebud Rob said, in- kee the blonde stranger who stood by his side, “I was only the bidder—he was the backer, and consequently own his purchase.” “You mistake my motives, Sport,” Blonde Bill said, stepping forward. ‘‘I take pleasure in presenting the young lady with her liberty. It was for that purpose I backed your bids.” A murmur of Ppniate escaped the lips of the spectators, and Dashing Dolly gazed at the blonde man, tears springing to her eyes: “Tam sorry I have only the grateful thanks of a friendless waif to offer you,” she said, modestly. ‘‘ I—I—” “Do not consider yourself under the least ob- ligation to me,” Blonde Bill replied, ‘It was simply to prevent your falling into villainous hands that I interfered, and it was no more than any man would have done!” ‘Then, sir, you mean to infer that I had vil- lainous motives in bidding on the girl?’ the Ohioan. sharply demanded, striding up before the blonde man, “T do, sir,” was the cool response, ‘ The way you gazed at her was sufficient guarantee of your base designs, had you got her in your wer, . “You lie, sir—you lie like a Ute!” the Con- gressman cried, furiously, and he raised his clinched hand threateningly. But if it was his intention to strike the blonde man, his plan was frustrated, for he suddenly found his wrist caught in a vise-like gripe, in the aye hand of the Leadville giant. AA: hyar, no ye don’t, my gay rooster!” the Pet Elephant cried, with a chuckle. ‘ Goin’ ter Fay ther blonde Rugrins was ye? But got fooled, didn’t ye, jest like ther Chinaman w’ot tried ter pick a sliver outer my old mule’s fut! Ho! ho! D’ye s’pose I’m goin’ ter stand idly by, an’ let ye abuse ther widders and orfants? 0 str-ee, bob-tail hoss! Thet ain’t accordin’ ter ther constertoochin’ an’ by-laws uy ther Death Committee—is it Avalanche?” “Great ham-bone, no,” the veteran Annibila~ tor replied, with a shake of his grizzly head, ‘* On course et ain’t,” the giant declared, em- phatically, ‘an’ pbsuty my mother-in-law’s pet Thomas cat ef ye ain’t got ter git down on yer knees an’ apoler, my cinnamon red namesake, or Dll make a cadaver outer ou quicker’n a lightnin’-bug ever got skeart at hunder!” “Don’t bother the man, on my account, pard,” Blonde Bill said, turning away. ‘ He'll never harm igen Beautiful Bill reluctantly let go his hold on the Ohioan’s arm, seeming to regard the blonde man’s will as his law. ‘Ye may thank yer boots ye git off so cheap,” he muttered, ‘‘ Next time ther Death Committee will tend ter yer case, The crowd now began to disperse. Blonde Bill had gone, and taken away the chances of a street fight, and so there was eas more for these Silvertonians to wait for. The Ohioan also took his departure, as soon as released by the giant, being glad to escape pun- ishment at the Pet Elephant’s hands. . As Dashing Dolly still remained bound to her
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10 burro, Rosebud Rob now stepped forward and cut her bonds, and then assisted her to dis- mount. “Have you any frionds or acquaintances here, to whom I could conduct you?” he asked. “None,” was the reply. ‘I have nota friend in the world,” “Say not so, young lady. Two at least will act as your friends, with your permission— Blonde Bill and myself,” ““T thank you, sir, but I could not think of ac- cepting the hospitality of two utter strangers. If you will show me a good hotel, I will see if I cannot get employment there, as help. I think by trying I might be able.” Accordingly, Rosebud Rob accompanied her tothe Leviathan, and found and introduced her to the proprietor. He then stepped aside and waited until he got an opportunity to speak with the gentleman himself, whose name was Colonel Arthur. “Did you hire the young lady?” he asked, in- tercepting the colonel. re Well, no—not exactly,” was tbe surprised reply. “I sent her to the parlor to await my answer.” “You take her—give her some light and de- sirable employment. I'll settle the bill,” the ‘Sport said. * You ?” the colonel demanded. E “Wxactly. I’ve ety of cash, and it won’t hurt me to look after the friendless. If you want a recommend, go ask Blonde Bill if Rose- bud Rob is not all right.” “Oh! yes, I see. You're the blonde man’s friend, eh? Well, that’s all the recommend I er The young lady shall be properly cared or. “Thanks. If a man who calls himself Hon- orable Ray Vernon offers to molest her, fire him out, at my expense.” “Pll see to it, sir,” the colonel replied, turn- ing away. ‘ The self-styled Congressman is no particular favorite of mine.” About the same hour that evening, when Blonde Bill was closeted with Nora Van Byckel, the Honorable Ray Vernon, of Ohio, entered a notorious gambling palace, not far from the Leviathan. _ It was a large shanty of more careful archi- tecture and finish than its immediate neighbors, and the interior was plastered and frescoed, and there were carpets upon the floor. The furni- ture, too, was of the richest wood, heavily carved, and great lamp chandeliers pended from the ceiling. The interior was one vast apartment, with a bar at the further end, the rest of the space being chiefly occupied by chairs and tables. The saloon, which was known as the ‘‘ Mona- co,” was filled with miners, citizens, and gam- blers, when the Ohioan entered, but he crowded his way along until he chanced to find a vacant chair and table. He at once ordered a bottle of wine, and pro- ceeded to do justice to it, while he smoked a cigar, and gazed upon the strangely exciting scene around him. He had not been seated more than half an Blonde Bill. hour, when a man entered, and approached the vacant seat opposite the Congressman. He was a burly individual, clad in mud- splashed garments of coarse material, and his face, what was not hidden beneath an immense bushy red beard, was shaded by the broad rim of a slouch hat. The butts of a pair of heavy cavalry pistols peeped out of the tops of his knee-boots, and another pair of Colt’s trust revolvers, were thrust into the belt about his waist. Without invitation he took the vacant chair, and gazed at the Ohioan for several minutes in a rude stare. “You are Ray Vernon, ain’t ye?” he finally demanded. “That is my name,” the Congressman replied, coldly. “Tho’t so,” was the reply. ‘‘ You’re ther fel- ler w'ot claims ter hey bought out ther mines, below heer, I reckon?” “T am supposed to be the owner of the Dead- wood Dick’s Dissprece mines,” the other assent- ed, ‘Why do you ask?” ‘*¢ Because, ef yu’re ther chap, ye’ve undertook a bad job. Deadwood Dick didn’t sell you the mines.” “* He didn’t?” You met him up in Leadville, une ye didn’t make the purchase, in a fair wa he Ohioan scowled. “Why did I not?’ he demanded, with some fierceness. “ll tell ye,” the red-whiskered party said, low- ering his tone. ‘‘ Ye made Deadwood Dick an offer, which he declined, Then you asked to see ther deed to ther claim, He show’d thet to ye, an’ ye examined it, While purtendin’ ter reflect you asked him ter drink, an’ ordered a bottle of wine and glasses, When ther wine came Dead- wood Dick refused ter drink wine, and you asked him ef he wouldn’t exchange ther wine fer sars’prilla, This he consented to do, an’ while he was pr you dropped a sleeping po- tion inter his a nig When the drink came you hastily filled his glass, an’ he didn’t notice the powder when he rank it, In five minnits he war asleep, an’ you made off wi’ ther deed o’ ther Discovery claim.” _ The Ohioan uttered an impatient oath, as he listened. ‘ou know this?” he demanded, “T know it,” the stranger replied, ‘‘ because— because I am Deadwood Dick, and have come for that deed!” And as he spoke, he made a quick motion to- ward his feet, and the next instant held a pair of cocked revolvers in hand. Gold-mounted tools they were, of great beau- fine their deadly muzzles stared the Ohioan in the i ‘Curse you!” he gasped, growing white in an instant, ‘Put aside your weapons, What do you mean?” ““T mean business,” the ex-outlaw said, with fierce resolve, “I don’t generally mean any- coal q
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thing else, when I grip such tools as these. ‘You n give me back the deed to Deadwood Dick’s + Si scovery, or I shall be forced to shet up yer shop, at once,” “T haven't got the deed—I didn’t take it,” was the sas Eig Mel “You lie!” Dick replied, coolly; ‘‘ you stole it, and [ demand it, or your life!” ‘Put up your weapons first, then,” ‘Ob, no, You can’t come that. The ‘boys’ won’t harm you, if you dish over the deed, in right ‘ood grace,” . at if I refuse to do it?” “Then I shall make it necessary for crape to be hung on your dwor.” “Bah! you dare not kill me here, You'd be strung up before the smoke had cleared away.” The Buckeye Congressman was beginning to manifest a little more assurance, “Humph! Itis plain you do not know me,” the ex-road prince said, dryly. ‘If you have any doubts as to my being able to back my word, [Pll give you a little illustration, free of charge.” *“ No! no!” Vernon said, quickly. ‘ You needn’t mind. Ill give you up the deed; but, understand you, it is merely because I choose, as I have no fear of you. Did I deem it best, the simple announcement from my ci that you were the famous outlaw, Deadwood Dick, would bring the crowd down upon you, for I under- stand these Silvertonians have no love for you.” “Perhaps not,” was the indifferent reply, ‘and it is likely their love will be less, ere they hear the last of me. As you say, it might be somewhat to my indisposition, were my presence here generally known. Therefore, unless you crave a coffin, you’d better keep mum. Come! I am ready for the deed, so be lively, as our striking wy aan of friendliness toward one another is beginning to attract attention.” “The deed is at my hotel. You will have to come there for it,” the Ohioan said. “Very well. Rise and move toward the door, and I will follow you. Make one treacherous move, and [ll put an air-hole through you on time. Remember who is behind you!” Vernon arose with a scowl, and pushed his way toward the door through the crowd. Close at his heels followed Deadwood Dick, in his clever disguise, and the formidable pair of revolvers he held in his hands were an incentive that caused the crowd involuntarily to make way for him. Out into the crowded main street of the little mountain town they went, the ex-outlaw now shoving his weapons into his jacket pockets out of sight, but in such a way that he could fire at the Ohioan as well as before. Down the street they went, toward the Levi- athan hotel, without any one knowing their pe- culiar relations to each other. The Ohioan was in a rage at himself for thus being forced to obey the will of the outlaw, but he had heard so many stories of the dare-devil Deadwood Dick, that he was fearful of the con- uences of disobeying. mally they fonchad: the Leviathan, and as- cended the steps to the veranda. Wetching his chance, the Ohioan made a sud- Blonde Bill, M1 den dive through a side door, as they entered a broad hallway, and raising ‘his voice, shout~ “Help| help! Stop the red-whiskered dévil for he is the accursed outlaw, Deadwood Dick!” > a CHAPTER V, 4 4 CALAMITY AND AVALANCHE. Tue cry of the Ohioan rung loudly through. the hall and bar-room of the hotel, and he rush- ed through the latter, and ensconced himself in. a closet, used for storing liquors, Po He was fearful that Deadwood Dick would follow him, and thought only of his personal safety. Those who had occupied the bar-room, at the moment of his entrance, drew their revolvers, apprehensively, for enough of the name and> notoriety of Deadwood Dick had they heard, to know that revolvers were necessary when he came, But, though they stood with bated breath, the famous ex-outlaw did not appear as expected. Instead of boldly braving their wrath, he evidently had taken the opportunity to escape. x A hasty search was made of the lower part of _ the hotel, and upon the street, but no person . . with red whiskers could be found. Learning this, Obio’s Congressman, the Hon- & orable Ray Vernon, emerged from his tempo- ~ rary place of refuge, and proceeded first of all .- to gargle his throat with hot scotch, at the bar, to steady his nerves. He had been thoroughly frightened at his own temerity in breaking away from the ex-road- agent, and was yet pale and agitated to such an extent that he trembled perceptibly. “Kinder skeart, weren’t ye?” a miner asked, when he found himself able once more to walk about, bravely. ‘‘ Hain’t much used ter havin’ hy road-agents a-taggin’ at yer heels I reckon?” ‘“No, curse the fellow. He had me covered “© by a pair of six-shooters, and I had to dodge lively to get out of his reach,” the Ohioan re- , with a scowl. “Which way did he go— ow did he escape?” “Thet ’pears ter be somethin’ nobody don’t know how ter ans’er,” the miner replied. Here’s Calamity Ji ane! she’s one 0’ Deadwood Dick’s old flames—mebbe she could tell ye.” The Congressman turned his gaze sharply upon the famous girl dare-devil of the mines, who had just sauntered into the bar-room—the same nobbily attired party whom Blonde Bill, not a great while before, had seen going down the street. She was the same imperturbable character, whom it has been our privilege to introduce heretofore, only if anything growing handsomer in feature and form, consequent upon her ever moving life and excitement in a wild country. “You say that person isa woman?” Vernon demanded of the miner. “On course she is,” was the reply. ‘ That's Calamity Jane, ther gal w’ot ain’t afeard o’ no man that evyer rode a mule—no sir-ee, not she! Knowed her up in Deadwood an’ Leadville.” ‘‘And you say she is a friend of Deadwood Dick, the outlaw?” . ‘Waal, T reckon; leastways, she used to be, a
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2 12 Blonde Bill. They do tell mv thet she'd hev im in a minnit, ef he'd hev her.” owes! gts the Ohioan said, eying dare-devil with a sharp scrutiny. “TI know her—introduce me.” ““No, sir-ee!” the miner declared, promptly. ‘Ter interdooce a stranger ter a gal, out in this land, means ter vouch for his bein’ all squar’, an’ | ain’t on ther vouch ter-night, especially wen Calamity Jane is around, an’ her pistol arm ’ ter be in good workin’ order. Thar’s Blonde Bill, stranger, mebbe c’u’d tell ye wich way wood Dick went, ef ye’re so anxious ter foller him.” “T donot care to receive information from that man,” the Ohioan gritted, flashing a glance at the handsome, airy blonde man, who had just sauntered into the great bar-room. ‘‘ Heis a liar, a rascal, and a meddlesome villain.” ‘Bet a cookie ye dursn’t tell’im thet ter his face,” the miner muttered, as Vernon turned away. He followed the girl sport, Calamity Jano, until he found an mg yer! to excuse himself in her presence, for his temerity in addressin: her, with the gallantry of a thoroughly polish man of the world. “You will please excuse me,” he said; ‘‘ but on learning that you were a friend of the ex-out- law, Deadwood Dick, I could not refrain from addressing you, and begging permission to ask you a few questions.” The girl gazed at him keenly through her steady, dusky orbs, as if making a rapid analysis of the man. “Well, go ahead,” she said, calmly, “If ye nd ennything I feel like answerin’, most Tikcely yell heer from me, and ef ye don’t, I’m as mum as a clam in his shell.” ‘““Ha, ha! Isee you are inclined to be face- tious. I admire facetious persons,” Obhio’s pseudo-Congressman said, in his most bland the girl 'd like to her, his eyes gleam- ing like those of a tiger about to spring upon its prey. It was easy to see that he meant business oe for Deadwood Dick he cherished a deadly ha’ itred. Calamity Jane gazed at him for a moment, as if in great surprise; then a wild laugh burst from her lips. aa “You consummate villainous puppy,” she said, jerking a revolver from her belt. ‘Dve ten kinds of a notion to blow the hull roof of yer skull off, fer your audacity. Begone, sir, before I get nervous and pull the trigger!” : “But hold! you must hear me through. I will y you well to put this Deadwood Dick out of t ses way—a thousand dollars—two thousand, even!” “Bah! a hundred thousand would not hire Calamity Jane tostrikea true and tried friend!” the girl replied, scornfully. ‘‘ You mistake me, Sir Villain. I am no tool or hireling to be tempt- ed by a paltry offer of gold. Go, sir, before I make a bullet hole in yer head, I’m famous at it, once I am riled.” The Honorable Ray Vernon slunk away, with a vindictive curse, © had calculated that he could make the girl dare-devil a valuable ac- cessory to his schemes, But how signally he had failed! After he had taken his leave, Calamity Jane left the bar-room, and ascended the stairs to the first floor of the hotel, where her room was lo- cated, Entering it, she locked the door behind her, and seated herself at a window overlooking the busy main street of the town. “Deadwood Dick is down in this district,” she murmured, watching the many moving figures in the moonlit street below, ‘‘and he is again in danger. He was here in this very hotel inanigis and yet I did not know it, till he had come and gone. I wonder if he knows of the danger that threatens him! Prob- ably. Heisever on the outlook—ever success- ful in getting out of the many scrapes he gets into. Noble Dick! no braver man eyer roamed through this wild country—yet the people are turned against him, because of his early record, Ha! ha! wy. do they not trample on me, be- cause a devil in man’s attire once crushed every true womanly instinct out of my heart—because one man wrought me a ruined life, with the hope of watching me go headlong down the road to physical and moral destruction? But he fail- ed—thank God for that! The one fatal step taken, I had courage to refuse the next. But, bah! why recur to the past? though I were a vir- gin saint, I am still Calamity Jane—still Calam- ity Jane! Noone cares for me; I am regarded as a creature as wild as the tall untuto: ines of the mountain—a dare-devil, who would as lief take a human life as to smoke a cigar, They call me heartless, unfeeling. Perhaps I° am. Were I friendly to the world, my name would be even worse than it is. Yet I havea heart—a taste—a craving for a different life than this. Knowledge of manners, education, intellect—all are mine, yet I cannot grasp them, because—I have nothing to live for—no one to encow me—because I am Calamity Jane, Alone—fatherless, motherless—friendless. Oh! Dick! Dick!” Her voice grew choked, she buried her face in her hands, and her form quivered with the emo- tion that filled her being, ** Calamity!” She started violently, and raised her head quickly, a wild, eager hope coming from her glistening eyes. A man stood before her—not Deadwood Dick, as she had expected on hearing her name spoken —not the famous ex-outlaw, but one whom the eee girl recognized, for all—Old Ava- nche, The veteran Annihilator of old times, but now growing rapidly infirm. ‘* Avalanche! can it be true that this is you” the girl cried, springing forward to grasp hig
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Bionde Biii. is horny hand. ‘‘I should sooner have expected to.see the Old Nick!” ’ “Or, Deadwood Dick,” the old scout replied, with his old-time uliar chuckle. ‘* Yes, C’lamity, et’s ther old Disaster o’ ther Nor’-west, sure pop—ther great Annihilation, minus Flor- ence Night-in-a-gale an’ Prudence Cordeliar, but merged inter ther Death Committee o’ the Mines—w’'ich bé me an’ Beautiful Bill.” “T ami glad to see ‘you; Alva,” Jane said, warmly, “They are all sirahgers, here, ye know, an’ an old face is better than a cooked dinner. What evyer brought you down here?” “Great ham-bone, C’lamity, what ked hev ever fetched me eept ter help ther b’yee, Dead- wood Dick. I heerd as how they war mis- treatin’ him, down hyar,:.n’ so I j’ined wi’ Bill, an’ we rid down ona terrific zephyr o’ demoli- tion, to lend a helpin’ hand,” “ Have you seen Deadwood Dick?” ‘*No, but I hev heerd frum him, He sw’ars he’ll make it lively hereabouts ef they don’t let him alone.” ‘Which I honor him for. They tell me the roughs from here drove him off of his Discov- ery, down the Animas,” ‘Yas, so they did. He discovered gold thar first, about a month ago, staked out his claim, an’ got it recorded. So, ve see, et’s his, fair shake. But the roughs war too much fer him, an’ he had ter pull out.” “But, Alva, you have not told me how you got in here, yet?” ‘Great ham-bone that discomboberated ther ’ terrestyal gravytation uv old Joner! thet warn’t no sarcumstance, C’lamity. Ther old Annihi- later allus kerries keys ter fit all locks. Dot ish how, as the Deitcher said. But, gal, ye’ve not told me what ye was callin’ Dick fer, an’ a-feel- in’ bad, like a cattamount w'at had lost his tail in a b’ar-trap? Hain’t ye grown out o’ thet hankerin’ arter Deadwood Dick yet, arfter ye lived ter see him so muchly married?” A strange flush came slowly to her cheeks and Zshett and she flashed him a glance unutter- able, “No,” she_said, frankly, after a moment’s hesitation, ‘‘ I will not lie to you, who have ever been kind tome. The love I bear for Deadwood Dick sprung to existence during our first meet- ings, up in the Hills; and instead of lessening, ~*~ it has increased. Were he a thousand times _—— wedded, it would not lessen it or make me jeal- ous. Why, you ask? Because I know he does not love—because he is innocent of all know- ledge of my blind devotion, I tell you this Avalanche, because you have asked me. I feel safein doing so, relying on your secrecy.” “Kerect, gal, kerect! I’m glad ye still hankers arter ther boy, an’ hope my old years may be spared long enuff till I kin see you two jined. Mebbe et won’t be so, for he’s got a purty little woman now; but life is mighty on- sav So, ye won’t be wicked ef ye hope, et. ‘‘Less wicked than wise, I guess,” she said, with a sudden-wrought lightness. ‘‘ Who are Sear’ strangers—Rosebud Rob and Blonde iN? “Dunno much about ther blonde pilgrim, by be thet galoot—sort o’ king o’ ther mines, fer et is reported he kerries more wealth about his togs nor Julius Ceeser, Ther t’other chap he be Rosebud Rob—a cuss on wheels, once ye set him a-goin’, I’ve heerd say.” “ Bet high on that!” Calamity said, with a nod, ‘Ye can allus tell a good cayuse by ther slumberin’ fire in his eye, Alva. ark!” Both became silent and listened. From the streets below arose the sounds of a great hub- bub, as of many voices and hurrying feet. “Great ham-bone thet paralyzed old Joner! w’at’s up now?’ The Annihilator demanded, excitedly, ‘‘ Thar’s some circus afoot, I'll bet a plug o’ terbaccer, Cum! let’s go ‘down an’ see what’s ther rip!” They accordingly hastened from the room, ane down the stairs to the veranda of the Levia- than, Below, in the street, hundreds of people were collected in the bright moonlight, forming a circle around two persons who stood facing each other in an antagonistic attitude. One of them was the ruffian, Salamander ana the other the Leadville giant, Beauti- ul Bill. There they stood, the latter stripped to his wale while the former had not as yet removed a dud. “Cum! ye gol-durned Rocky Mountain tar- antler! ye ornery sweet~cented pole-cat! ef ye’ve got er single spark o’ vitality or manli- ness erbout ye, squar’ yerself, an’ waltz right BP Don’t ye see I’m waitin’ wi’ all the lamb- like docilerty an’ patience uv old Job’s gob bler?” the giant roared, dancing about, as if he were upon nettles. ‘“‘T ain’t agoin’ ter fight,” the Salamander re- plied, with an oath. ‘‘ You're a bigger man a i, an’ I ain’t anxious ter get knocked outer ime. : ‘‘Ba-a-al” roared the giant, who had evident- ly been eee to some extent. ‘Ye don’t mean ter tell me thet ye aire actooally afeard o’ me, ther Sarytogy-trunked, ivory-tusked Apol- ler o’ ther Nor’west—ther sweet-cented Pet El- erfant o’ ther Leadville Trail—ther statteresk Pride 0’ ther Animas? Oh! hoary-headed pole-~ cats and false-toothed mother-in-laws! ye don't durst ter say thet ye air weak in ther knees, when ye gaze onter me, ther symbolic Goddess o’ Liberty?” “T have said that I wouldn't fight you,” Sala- mander Sam replied, sullenly. ‘You are a gi- ant, and I am not. Put ki 4 some other pilgrim, and [ll fight, an’ show ye how ter fill a coffin in first-class style.” “Kerwhoop! thet’s ther tork,” the giant cried, pausing to glare around him. ‘‘ Whar’s ther pilgrim o’ pigminyan size as durst step for’a’d an’ thrash ther conceit out o’ ther feller w’ot auctioned off ther gal thisafternoon. I’ve hunt- ed him up—I, Beautiful Bill, ther Pet Elerfant —an’ a hunderd dollars hey I right heer in my breeches pocket fer ther galoot as kin lick Sala- mander Sam. Who'll take ther offer, now— whar’s the man?” ‘‘ Here!” a voice exclaimed, and to the surprise of all, forward into the ring stepped the new J ther great ham-bone. He be er sorter enigma, | king of the mines, Blonde Bi
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14° Blonde Bill. CHAPTER VI. A STREET FIGHT AND AN ACCUSATION. A MURMUR of surprise ran through the pick! as the blonde man stepped forward into e ring. Somehow, in the short time he had been in the little mining town, the report had got abroad that he was a sort of financial king, and that he, with all his prepossessing elegance of manner and dress, should desire to participate in the street fight, was past the understanding of the average Silvertonian. Especially was Calamity Jane surprised, as she stood with Old Avalanche upon the veran- da of the Leviathan. “The blonde pilgrim is on his muscle, ain’t he?” she said, enthusiastically. ‘‘I thought he wasn’t no slouch the minute I set my eyes onter him, an’ I kinder warmed terward him. Bet a cayuse he'll scoop et to ther ruff, fine.” “Dunno orbout thet,” Avalanche replied. ‘“ Bit depends how they fight. I’ve seen sum o’ them dandy chaps w’ot couldn’t lick a de’d buz- zard, an’ then ag’in, sum on ’em aire might peart. Thet ar’ Salamander Sam is a toug nugget ter handle, they say, an’ I'll bet a half-eagle wi’ any pilgrim thet he licks the blonde man.” “Well, uncle, I hate to take a mean advan- tage of an old snoozer, but ef ye wanter bet that way, I can accommodate you,” and Rose- bud Rob stepped up to where Calamity and the Annihilator were standing. “Great ham-bone thet agitated ther larynx of old Joner! Et’s you, is et?’ Avalanche ex- claimed, surveying the Sport keenly. ‘ You be ther chap they call Rosebud Rob?” “The same, old boy, and you, I believe, are tho famous Indian-fighter, Old Avalanche?” ‘“Kerect—ther great double-distilled dyna- mite disaster o’ ther plains—ther famous terrific extirpatin’ zephyr o’ ther north, by ther great ham-bone! I’ve heerd o’ ye, too, an’ et gives me Reraaerhe ter grip yer paw. This hyar party is Calamity Jane, ter whom et does me proud ter make x° acquaint.” Rosebud Rob raised his hat oa in ac- knowledgment to Calamity’s bow, and then turned to the Annihilator. “So ye think the ruffian will get away with Blonde Bill, eh?” he asked, a faint smile playing about his handsome mouth. * Dunno,” the old man spllen. watching the son of people below. ‘‘ Mebbe ther cinnamon- haired galoot is good for his oats, but I’d orfully like ter see them ar’ groon goggles knocked away from his eyes.” Calamity Jane started, and gazed at him sr Ud at’ do you mean?” she demanded, ina lowered tone. ‘‘ Can it be that you have been tackled with ther same desire I have, ter see ther eyes uy thet pilgrim down there?” “T ‘shed opine thet same. I say, Rossbud, who is Blonde Bill?” The old man bent forward, and gazed as sharply into the Sport’s face as Calamity had into his own. Rosebud gave vent to a surprised little laugh. “*T see that all three of us have something of a curiosity, in the same direction,” he said. ‘If you were to ask me who were the inhabitants of the moon, I could tell you just as easily.” Ye don’t know, then?” “T do not, more than that he calls himself Blonde Bill, has a plenty of ready cash, and is a second cousin to an iceberg, so far as coolness goes, They now ceased to converse, for the time be- ing, in order to watch the approaching combat between the blonde man and the ruffian, Salamander Sam had thrown off his coat, vest and shirt, and stood stripped to the waist. His form as thus revealed was sinewy and mus- cular, Blonde Bill stood with arms folded across his breast, watching the unstripping of his adver- sary, with a strangely peculiar smile lurking beneath his blonde mustache. As yet he had made no preparations at all for the fight. “Cum, ye cinnamon cuss,” Beautiful Bill cried, as he noted his man standing so calm and unconcerned, ‘Ye wanter be pullin’ off yer togs, ef ye expat ter lick ther black-haired ga- loot. Beautiful Bill, am I—ther great Saryto- ga-trunked, ivory-tusked Pet Elerfant o’ ther Animas Trail—the sweet-cented Appoller o’ ther Nor’west, and I do asseverate an’ declare thet ther Salamander hez muscles like er buffa- ler bull.” “T have no Bill replied, in is ready, I am.” ““D’ye mean ter call me a ruffian?” Salaman- der Sam demanded, pk rene “Pll pound ther daylights clean outen ye fer that.” “It is — Dich to do so, ef ye git ther chance, Blonde Bill replied, again, apparently not the least troubled by his opponent’s threat. “When you are ready, sing out. How do you want it—by rule, or ‘do as you please?” “Do as ye durn please, on course,” Salaman- der Sam replied, an evil glare in his eyes, for right glad was he to have the chance of a choice. ‘Do as you please,” or rough-and- tumble fighting, as sometimes practiced in the mines, gives a person a chance to bite, kick, scratch, knock or gouge, without any confor- mity to the general rules of pugilism, and is certainly the most effective and brutal manner of u ing a man up, without mercy, A growl of dissent ran through the crowd as the ruffian eagerly accepted the beastly mode of fighting, for he had a wide reputation of being the champion of that particular field, and very few were there among the assembled spec- tators, who would have liked to see the blonde stranger clawed to death by the wolfish ruffian. But, Blonde Bill did not appear to be particu- larly concerned, as he stood calmly awaiting his adversary’s onslaught. Faster came the people, and denser grew the crowd in Silverton’s little main street, but Beautiful Bill patrolled the out- skirts of the ring with frowning mien, and kept back the spectators by having a huge pair of four-shooters in his grasp. “Git back! git back!” he yelled, ‘“ ef yedoan’t want to git snagged inter purgatory on er streak o’ greased lightnin’. Ther sarcus is about ter begin—ther performers aire now on ther sawdust, and ther old Pet Elerfant aire as reparations to make,” Blonde erently. ‘‘When the ruffian
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Bionde Bill. 15 waltzin’ around ther trail, Keep back, ef ye doesn’t want ter explode!” Involuntarily the crowd surged back to a re- spectful distance, for they were rather chary of this big overgrown individual from Leadville, whose aspect was anything but saintly, to say the least. The Coloradoan, Salamander Sam, now was ready, and moved stealthily toward the center of the ring; his eyes expressive of a venomous pu . Blonde Bill also moved forward to meet him with his arms still folded upon his breast, and a faint smile lurking about his lips. When within a couple of yards of each other, both men paused—paused, and gazed at each other. The one eyilly, fiercely, malignantly ; the other steadily—deadly. The next instant the Coloradoan launched himself forward, directly at his antagonist, with doubled fists, and mouth open, as if he were bent upon the instant annihilation of his victim. Not an inch stirred the blonde man from his tracks, but suddenly stretching out his arm, he knocked the attacker back tg the ground, without any apparent effort. Down went Salamander Sam, like a log, and lay quivering where he had fallen, while a cheer of applause rose from the crowd, and the Pet Ele aes of the Leadville Trail danced about in the hugest kind of delight. “*Kerwhoop!” he roared, springing high in the air, ‘‘Thet’s ther way ter skin ther Devil, an’ ther blonde galoot he did ther beautiful, by gum, an’ T'll bet ary galoot six ter six thet ther Sala mander see’d more stars, then, than er superan- nerated cherubim,” ‘The blonde man’s a clipper!” Calamity Jane said, enthusiastically, as with Rosebud Rob and Avalanche, she watched from the veranda. ‘ I'll bet high on him, after seein’ him plant that one blow. Ah! Salamander Sam is crawling to his feet, after another dose.” lt was even so. The ruffian had regained his feet, and stood a few feet from Blonde Bill, his eyes glaring more like those of a wild beast, than those of a human being. ‘Curse ye!” he hissed, fiercely, ‘‘ what did ye hit me with?” ‘‘Wi’ his patent, cast-iron post-malls, on course!” Beautiful Bill replied, with a_ grin. ‘Oh! be’s a hoss, is that blonde cuss, an’ I ken’t plant a better crop o’ knuckles, myself.” **Come, you overgrown booby, get to busi- ness, if you want another installment,” Blonde Bill commanded pero iy. “T am anxious to get through with you, and go about my busi- ness. This caused a titter among the spectators, and more enraged the ruffian. “Tl finish ye, this time,” he gritted, fiercely, and the next instant he took a flying leap for- ward, that brought him directly in front of the blonde man. In a moment more the two had clinched, tightly. It was now to be a contest of strength, rather than science, and the attention of the spectators became greater. The Coloradoan was a man of great muscular strength, and it would seem that he had a de- cided advantage over his opponent, but such was not the case, for, although he tried the squeezing hug upon the blonde man, with the hope of crushing him, he soon found that his ad- versary knew a trick or two about the little game himself. Like the powerful jaws of a vise did the arms of Blonde Bil wind around the Coloradoan, and tighter and stronger became his hug, until the eyes of the black-haired pilgrim began to bulge from their sockets, and he grew purple in the face. “Rocky Mountain polecat, an’ perary coy. otes!” ejaculated the giant, as he waltzed about the ring, nearly beside himself with enthusiasm. “Tork about bein’ hugged ter de’th by yer mother-in-law, pards—et ain’t no sarcumstance ter ther present case, no, sir-ee, bob-tail hoss! Jest luk at thet aire blondo cuss, will ye?—ain’t he whoopim’ ber up ter ther black b’ar, famuss? Bet my boots he’s half-brother to a reg’lar high ressure engine, wi’ forty-hoss power. See how e makes the Salamander blush around ther ills, will ye—oh! Lordy, et’s better nor a circus. eautiful Bill, am I—an’ I do hereby sw’ar an’ asseverate thet Blonde Bill ar’ king o’ these hyar mines, in ther arts o’ huggin’ an’ knockin’.” Around and around staggered the locked ene- mies, both powerless {o escape each other’s hug, and each using his master efforts to crush the life out of the other. It might seem a strange and horrible way of fighting, out in the far East, where such scenes are unknown; but in the wild life of the wilder mines of the far West, it is esteemed the acme of sport, and eagerly witnessed by even the “toned ” citizens, The blonde man was the coolest, and appar- ently least affected. If the savage hug of the Coloradoan hurt him, the fact was not percepti- ble upon his smiling face; while on the contrary Salamander Sam’s face was purple, his eyes bulged nearly out, and his tongue was behigiog from his mouth. ““When you get enough, let me know, and I'll unloosen,” Blonde Bill said, as he noticed his ad- wipreres condition, in ‘ ever, curse ye!” was the gasping reply. “Tl die first!” “i Oita © aed At this instant a change came. A pistol-shot was heard, and Blonde Bill suddenly drop one arm to his side, with an exclamation, while Salamander also released his hold, and fell to the ground. ; “Pye been shot,” Blonde Bill said, ‘and so has my Gppanent, Who committed this act? Show me the man, and with my uninjured right arm I will fight him!” In an instant all was confusion, and hasty search and inquiries followed, but without satis- factory result. No one seemed to know or have the least idea who had fired the shot which had barked the pee man’s wrist, and entered his opponent's ack, Whoever had fired the shot had been at some distance from the crowd, probably, as the re- port had not been heard. The man, Salamander, bled like a stuck hog and an examination proved that he could nob be other than mortally wounded, for the bullet /
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16 ae entered his back and penetrated the left ung. “Who wants ter take charge o’ this chap?” Beautiful Bill demanded. ‘ His fiddle is bu’sted, an’ we sha’n’t heer much more music from him, Who wants ’im, I say?” “Tl take charge of him,” a brawny, brown- whiskered miner replied, ‘‘and see that he has proper care.” And with the assistance of a couple of com- panions, he bore the wounded ruffian out of the con Ries away. e crowd now began to disperse, but were to some extent prevented from leaving, as Hon- orable Ray Vernon, of Ohio, step forward and said: “Eixcusing me, gents, for detaining you, it will be to your advantage to give me a mo- ment’s attention. I have discovered who it yas that shot the blonde man and the ruffian.” Oh! ye have, eh? Then y’u're ther percise chap we want ter see,” Beautiful Bill declared, * Tell us who promulgated ther deadly pill, an’ durn my mother-in-law’s little yaller dorg ef I won't impannel ther great Death Committee, an’ set it ter work. Beautiful Bill am I, and I kin lick ther teetotal spots offn ther cuss who salivated ther blonde an’ pasted ther stripes 0’ glory to ther Salamander.” “The man who fired the cowardly shot is present,” the Congressman went on. ‘As Tun- derstand your laws of honor, here in the mines, gentlemen, the man who does a mean act in a sly or treacherous manner is considered dishon- orable, and deserving of being lynched, Is this not correct?” “* Keerect!” cried the giant, with a flourish, and his sentiment was echoed by nods from the on then I h en I propose you string up the man, Blonde Bill,” the Ohioan decided; ‘for he is the guilty man who fired the shot!” CHAPTER VII. A BAD LOOKOUT FOR BLONDE BILL, THE announcement of the Ohioan was re- ceived with a general murmur of surprise, and not a few of the spectators gave vent to dis- senting murmurs, while the big man from Lead- ville jumped fully three feet from the ground, with a yell of derision. ‘Git out hyar, ye durned galoot!” he ejac- ulated, ferociously prancing up to the Ohioan, “Ye don’t wanter die a unnatural death, do ye? Waal, then, ye doan’t want ter cast insinywa- tions ag’in’ my friend wi’ ther yaller mustache. Beautiful Bill’s my name, an’ ef ye doant wanter be measured fer yer pine-box, ye’d better dry up yer vocabulary.” “T care not who you are, sir; I havea right to make a truthful assertion,” the Congressman declared, firmly. ‘If you will listen, Pll ex- plain to you. Iwas watching the contest very closely, at the time of the shooting, and I saw a small pocket revolver slip down from the blonde man’s coat-sleeve, in such a way that it came between his thumb and forefinger of his right hand, the muzzle being pointed at his an- tagonist’s back over his (Blonde Bill’s) left wrist. _ Before I could give the alarm, it was too Blonde Bill. a late—the shot was fired, and with the dropping of the blonde man’s arm to his side, the weapon disappeared.” _The looks of surprise and doubt began to dis- appear from the faces of the crowd to be fol- lowed by expressions of interest and belief. “This is a strange story you are telling, pard,” a miner said, who chanced to be Silver- ton’s deputy-sheriff, by name George Garwood. ‘““ We've all, as a people, tuk quite a notion to the blonde pilgrim, an’ et’s hard ter believe he’s up to sech sly gum games as thet.” “On course et is!” decided the Leadville giant, in disgust. ‘Et’s ther disgustin’est kind o’ a polecat lie, and durn my mother-in-law’s little yaller dorg, ef I ken’t lick ther onery cross- yed, ring-nosed galoot w’ot preferred ther charge—” “Tdo not know that you will take my testi- mony alone, gentleman,” the Ohioan continued, ‘and perhaps, again, 1t isn’t any of my business to take up sides against the blonde, but I like to see things half-way fair. Perhaps there is some one in the crowd who saw the same as I, quick as was the action.” “Yes, there is another, who witnessed the foul deed,” a voice replied, and out from the crowd stepped Silverton’s ministerial man, the Reverend Lester Van Syckel. “‘ Though it is my ereed to be merciful, I will at no time screen crime, and I frankly acknowledge that Isaw the blonde stranger’s murderous act!” “Then, by heaven! it must be so, and’ the as- sassin shall not escape,” Deputy Garwood cried. “Tt was a mean and unfair act, and if there are any here who want invitations to a lynch picnic let °em speak up brisk!” ‘Here! here!” came the answer, by a hundred voices. ‘‘ We're with ye!” “Contrary, no!” roared the giant. ‘* Beauti- ful Bill am I; but may I be etarnally kicked ter death wi’ cross-eyed mules, or buzzed ter death wi’ aes wassups, ef I'll evyer take sides ag’in’ ther innercent chap wi’ ther yaller mustache.” “You needn’t; we can get along without you,” the deputy replied, with a chuckle, as he saw that nearly all the crowd were ready to back him. ‘Cum along, boys, and we'll halter the hoss.” And, headed by Honorable Ray Vernon, the Reverend Van Syckel and the deputy, the crowd surged eagerly toward the hotel, upon the ve- randa of which Blonde Bill stood, in company with Rosebud Rob, Calamity Jane and Old Ay- alanciie. He had crossed over the street and engaged in conversation with the Sport, immediately at the conclusion of the strange duel, before the Obinan’s cha Therefore he had heard no- thing of the charges made against him, being deeply engrossed in conversation with Rosebud Calamity and the Annihilator, to whom he ha been introduced—Rosebud having introduced his friends—nothing until the deputy-sheriff’s hand rested on his shoulder, and the officer’s voice ex- claimed: ‘“ Pard, you’re my prisoner!” “Oh! I am, eh?’ the blonde man replied what surprised by the announcement, do you make that out?”, l some- ‘How
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S Blonde Bill. 17 “Well, sir, I am the deputy-sheriff of this ’ere town o’ Silverton, an’ I hev orders frum ther eople ter arrest ye fer killin’ ther Coloradoan, Retamander Sam!” ‘What's this+—arrest me for killing the man? Why, my dear sir, you must be out of your head! We were fired at by some unknown party while struggling with each other, and I came near getting the same dose the ruffian got. I have a bark here on my left wrist as a memento of the close call!” “Yas, that’s all well enough for you to say, but et don’t pass muster, ye see, wi’ this hyar court,” Garwood announced, determinedly. ** We've got two men who tell a different sort 0’ astory from yourn, They say a revolver drop- out of your sleeve, into your hand, went off an’ then disappeared from sight again, the re- sult being the wound in the Coloradoan’s back, an’ a kiss o’ yer wrist, purposely intended, no doubt. Now, mebbe this ain’t so, but luks like- ly, an’ so I arrest ye fer trial, wi’ ther prospect o’ a lynch picnic!” “This is an infamous plot against me—a scurvy lie. 1 did not kill the , nor did I have any hand in it!” the Blonde replied, with sudden fierceness, ‘* Who are my accusers?” *“T am, for one,” the Buckeye Congressman said, stepping forward with a malignant smile of triumph upon his face. ‘I saw you do pre- cisely as the deputy, here, has described.” “And, I_ too!” ‘added the Reverend Van Syckel, with a sorrowful look. ‘ Although I would be a shepherd to the Lord, and gather lambs unto my fold, I cannot allow myself to screen crime, and permit the wicked to go un- punished.” Blonde Bill was ora, ieee when he saw the evidence offered, but he remained as calm as was his usual wont. ‘*Gentlemen, you are both infernal liars,” he answered, ‘ Your testimony is falsehood and slander—some scheme worthy of Satan’s im to harm me. Again I protest that I had noth- ing to do with the gic ig oe ‘Sorry fer ye, pard, but yer word won't earry weight, ’m afeard,” the deputy replied. “Two aces is allus better’n a lone jack, an’ ye see how ’tis yerself.” “Thar’s anuther way o’ gettin’ at the mat- ter,” a miner suggested, ‘‘ Ef he did the shoot- -in’, as stated, no doubt he still carries the wea- pon concealed in his coat-sleeve.” ‘Good idea!” the deputy accepted. ‘ Pull off yer coat, prisoner!” “Very well, I will do so,” Blonde Bill said, obeying the order, ‘“‘and you will find a small revolver suspended in the sleeve by a rubber elastic. It is loaded in every chamber, and you can easily see that it has not been fired, as I have had no occasion to use it.” A short search found the weapon, just as its owner had prophesied, It was a bran’-new four- shooter, of small or vest-pocket pattern, and being bright and polished in every part, and fully loaded, had evidently never been used. A further search of the blonde man’s person re- vealed no other hl eae except those he carried exposed to view in his belt, : ‘Thar! now ye see, don’t ye, thet ther Ohio polecat was a-lyin’?” triumphantly cried Beau- tiful Bill, as he crowded forward. ‘ Et’s con- clusive proof that he’s innercent.” “Qn course he is!” exclaimed Calamity Jane; joined by similar exclamations from Avalanche and Rosebud Rob. ‘‘ The blonde cuss didn’t shoot ther rough no more’n I did,” “Well, I ken’t tell about thet,” Garwood re- plied. ‘‘ Things seem ter be a leetle mixed, an’ et will be necessary to have a trial.” “See here!” Calamity cried, confronting the deputy; “ Py you hold on a trifle. If 1 mistake not, ther fight was a ‘do as ye please’ affair— wasn’t it?” ‘On course it was, To that fact I do solemn- ly sw’ar an’ asseverate—I, Beautiful Bill,” roar- edthe giant, with a flourish. ‘‘ On course, them war ther constitoochin an’ by-laws o’ ther horse- der-combat, an’ I kin lick ther ornery burro who sez ther blonde man shot ther Salamander, er sez he didn’t hev er right to, ef he pleased! All in favor o’ freein’ ther yaller-hirsuted galoot will make manifest by saying I, with capital emphat!” “TI! cried Calamity Jane. “TI” cried Old Avalanche. **T!” cried Rosebud Rob. ‘ “An? I—I—I—yi—yi—I!” roared the big Leadvillite. ‘‘ Blonde Bill forever!” But they four were the only ones to affirm, The remaincer of the excited crowd were grim- ly silent. “The majority rules, gentlemen, and it is my duty to make the arrest,” the deputy-sheriff per- sisted. ‘Will you come with me, prisoner, or shall I have to use force?” “*T will not resist the law, sir!” Blonde Bill re- plied, as he put on his coat. ‘Lead ahead, and you have my word that I will follow.” ‘‘Your word is sufficient,” the deputy replied, * Come along.” He turned, descended from the veranda, and up the street they went, the crowd parting on either side to give them passage. Close behind followed the Sport, Rosebud Rob, and also Beautiful Bill, Calamity, Avalanche, with the surging crowd bringing oe the reur, the Buck- eye Congressman and the Reverend Van Syckle among them. 3; At the upper end of Silverton’s long “main street stood a large barn, which was used partly for stabling horses during the winter season, but was now empty. It also served as court- house and jail for the little town, when there was need for such a place, which was seldom. To this castle of legal jurisdiction the deputy- sheriff led the way. ate: Every available space was soon occupied in this impromptu court-room, and Blonde Bill stood in the prisoner’s box—an empty feed-box, while Garwood towered upon an imaginary judge’s stand. ‘“Feller-pilgrims,” he said, after glancing over the crowd, ‘‘we are here for the purpose of trying a man for murder in the furst degree. Mebbe sum o’ ye ain’t heerd ther testimony, so the first party of the prosecution will please be heard.” Ohio’s representative accordingly arose, and stated what he knew, precisely as he had first done, when making the accusation. He was then followed by the ministerial man,
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is Blonde Bill. who confirnaed his statement, with a few con- cisely chosen words. ‘You sea, feller-citizens,” Garwood said, ‘‘ the proof is conclusive. The blonde chap unddubt- edly did the shooting, and he therefore is pro- nounced guilty. There isno use of impanelin a jury—the case can be decided without. Al ther is ter do is ter vote on et. All in favor o’ seein’ Blonde Bill hoisted, will confer a favor by saying ay!” “Ay! ay! ay!” came a hoarse; tumultuous shout of many voices; “Contrary, no!” ‘*No!” came the reply—but only a few voices heralded the cry. F ** it?s decided, then,” Garwood announced, ‘an’ I, ther deputy-sheriff an’ jedge 0’ this hyar town o’ Silverton, do sentence Blonde Bill to be hanged ter ther first convenient limb 0’ a tree, one hour hence. Clear ther court-room, an’ allow ther prisoner a quiet chance ter cogitate over his prospects.” And so, out once more into the moonlight emerged those citizens of Silverton, and waited in groups in the immediate neighborhood, for no thought of sleep was there, with the prospect of the soul-inspiring spectacle of seeing a man launched into eternity. In the hurry of the exit from the building, Calamity Jane had somehow got separated from Old Avalanche and Rosebud Rob, but evident- ly purposely, for no sooner had she gotten out of the thickest of the crowd, than she sped off up the mountain-gulch trail with rapid steps. Once she was out of sight of human eyes, she increased her pace to a trot, finally to a run. Through the gulch, with its grim bordering of tall spectral pines, sho flew like a startled fawn, the occasional bars of mellow moonshing darting athwart her face, and revealing a wild, resolute expression. Rude shanties and cabins were strewn along through the gulch, but she seemed scarcely to notice them, until she reached one, about a half a mile from Silverton, with a man sitting upon the threshold of the doorway, and evidently en- joying the beautiful moonlight, as he smoked a grimy clay pipe. A red-shirted, roughly dressed fellow, with bushy bewhiskered face, and shrewd little eyes, and a form betokening muscle and sinew. Before him the girl dare-devil came to a halt, her bosom heaving deeply, from her swift run. * Raphael!” she said, questioningly. “* By heaven! is it you, Calamity?” And the man sprang to his feet, glad surprise beaming from his little eyes. “Yes, it’s me,” was the hasty reply. “Iam glad you know me. You promised me, Raphael, when you served under Deadwood Dick’s flag, that, did I ever need assistance, I might com- mand you.” “Tn truth I did, Calamity, You werea faith- ful friend to our Captain, Deadwood Dick, in those bygone days, upin the Black Hills, and that fact made me a friend to you. The chance has never come as yet, when I could deal you an assisting hand.” “Well, it has come, now. A man—an inno- cent man, mind you, is about to be hung, down = = there,”—with a nod toward Silverton”—and it must not be, What is to be done?” ** Rescue him, if you say so.” “But the crowd’s against him—and us. There’s a full hand of ’em.” “T care not. Count the cabins up the gulch— there’s twelve of ’em, and every cabin contains three or four boys who know ‘me as a leader. Once they knew Deadwood Dick in the same shape!” “Can it be true? Then, if they'll volunteer, we're flush yet. Get them together at once, and Pil lead you and them down through Sil- pero in the way Dick used to do up in the bills. The miner, Raphael, nodded, and drawing a silver whistle from his pocket, he blew a shrill blast that echoed and re-echoed in wild, pierc- ing, detonating quavers through the valley gulch. CHAPTER VIII. JUDGE LYNCH DETHRONED, In the mean time the crowd waited in the moonlit gulch, for the moment to arrive when Blonde Bill was to be a chief participant in a tight-rope performance. Eager were these Sil- vertonians to watch the lynching process, so that they could get the ‘‘hang” of it, as some face- tiously inclined miner remarked. Various were the speculations as to how the stranger would meet his death, and as to where he would go after the stern hand of justice had done with him. ‘“ Et’s er dirty, mean shame!” Beautiful Bill declared, as with Rosebud Rob he stood apart from the main body of watchers. ‘Thet aire Blondy didn’t do ther shootin’ no more than [ did, an’ Isay we're a dratted pair o’ polecats ter let him pony up wi’out interferin’.” “Interference would avail us nothing, Bill,” the Sport replied. ‘I fear thet Blonde Bill’s jig is up, for the crowd’s ag’in’ him, an’ there ain’t no use o’ our chippin’ in, wi’ two lone hands. I wonder what’s ome o’ Avalanche and Calamity?” “Dunno, They missed us when we left ther barn yonder.” Vividly the moonlight streamed down into the gulch, playing with spectral effect upon the groups of miners, citizens and adventurers, dotted here and there, awaiting the crowning scene of the evening. Nor had they long to wait, for the minutes slipped quickly by, and the hour grew narrower and narrower. At last the door of the barn swung open, and a wild yell arose, for it was known by that that the allotted time had expired. The next instant the deputy-sheriff stepped out into the gulch, followed by four other men, between whom Blonde Bill marched as a pris- oner. As calm and composed as a statue was the man, not a trace of fear upon his face, nor a tremor to his form, If fear he felt at his approaching fate, not a perceptible sign did he show of it. The nearest tree suitable for the purpose of
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Bionde Bill, id Judge Lynch was one hundred yards up the gulch, and toward this the prisoner was led, fol- lowed by the crowd. A stout lasso was made ready, as soon as a position was reached beneath a strong, out- reaching branch, and while the noosed end was secured about Blonde Bill’s neck, the other was tossed over the limb, and taken in charge by a half-dozen ready volunteers, ‘*Now, then, pardng, ye’r’ all hunk!” tho deputy-sheriff said, surveying the prisoner with a patronizing air. ‘‘ All’s required is a leetle muscle, to hist ye. So, before the ceremonies begin, w’ich’ll be in five minutes, ef ye hey any confessions to make, or eny prayers ter offer, ye’d better git down to bizness, lively.” ‘*T would like to speak a moment with Rose- bud Rob, if you haven't any objections,” Blonde Bill replied. ‘* Not in the least,” Silverton’s worthy deputy replied, accommodatingly. ‘ Rosebud Rob, if he is present, will please come forward.” The handsome Sport obeyed, as soon as he heard his name spoken. A moisture came into his eyes, as he beheld the blonde man, ready for a launch into bg te “By heaven, Bill, I would that it were in my wer to help you!” he said, huskily, ‘‘ but the our of us ain’t enough.” “Of course not, and there’s no other way out of the difficulty than by hanging, though the Lord knows I didn’t shoot the ruffian. Rosebud, have youany idea who I am?” ‘*No!” the Sport replied—“‘except you are Blonde Bill.” “That is only a nom de gabe the other re- plied, “I’ve got to stretch hemp, and I may as well do it under my real as under a fictitious name, I am Richard Edward Harris—better known as Deadwood Dick !” Rosebud Rob gave vent to a sudden exclama- tion, which was in turn echoed by the crowd. * Deadwood Dick—you ?” ‘Yes, I! As Blonde Bill I was enabled to re- turn here, whence these accursed Silvertonians drove me; therefore, the disguise,” was the re- ply. “Where are Calamity and Avalanche?” ‘Ido not know. I have not seen them since we left the court-room. “ Well, it matters not. They would grieve to see me shuffle off, and it is better they should be spered the pain. You willdoas well. I want you to promise me something. ue mosis friend,” the Sport said, erevery ** Good, know you're true as steel. You havo heard of the mines, Deadwood Dick’s Dis- covery. Henceforth and forever hereafter they are yours, and Calamity’s jointly. But, in or- der to get them, you must get the deed of them from that Ohio scoundrel, and plant your flag on the claim, You are no outlaw; they will not dare to drive you off. Another thing: I want you to break up the outlaw gang that caused the death of my wife, Edith. You will not have a hard job. The leaders of that gang are, I truly believe, the same pair who caused my sentence to-night, and it was the minister's daughter who fired the shot that killed Sala- mander Sam.” 5 “Tl ca out your wishes to the letter,” the Sport replied. ‘Is that all?” : “Yes. Go, now, and let the law take the ven- geance she has so long been deprived of.” With tears dimming his eyes, Rosebud Rob turned away, and retraced his steps to the place where he had left the giant. Even as he did so, the voice of the deputy- sheriff was heard: ‘*Time’s up. He’ oh! he’!” ““Come!” Rosebud said, to the giant, ‘let's ee as of this. I don’t care to witness the spec- tacle. Nor did Beautiful Bill, for, with a yell, he turned and dashed down the street after the Sport. Ruffian though he was, by nature born, and rude and uncouth as the wild mountainous — country of which he was a denizen, it was possi- ble that he still had a heart more capable of tender emotions than his every-day exterior would seem to betray. A wild, reverberating yell, as they rushed down toward the Leviathan, warned them that Deadwood Dick’s feet had cleared the ground— that he wes being launched into eternity. | But hark! Not only do the yells of the crowd swell upon the night, but other yells rise far above them— fierce yells they are, accompanied by the sounds : suey pistol-shots, and the thunder of horses’ ‘eo Then follow startled cries, and a perceptible breaking of the crowd; a mass of humanity comes rushing headlong down Silverton’s main street, with howls and curses, as if the Old Nick in person were after them. “What in the blazes is the matter?’ Rosebud Rob gasped, as he and Beautiful Bil) reached the veranda of the Leviathan, a few moments ahead of the crowd. “Holy polecats! can’t ye see?” the big man from Leadville cried, pointing up the street. ‘“Road-agents! road-agents, sure’s I’m ther Apoller o’ ther West. Road-agents, by ther breath uv old Zachariaber Zebulom, an’ they’ve reskied ther blonde cuss, woo! Hip! yip! hur- raher!” And loudly the gente triumphant huz- za rung out upon the night. But, the rushing crowd paused not to learn from whence it came. Madly they sped on frantic with desire to escape the band of masked horsemen that had driven them away from Judge Lynch’s tree. But, they need not have fled in such confusion for the outlaws halted at the tree, and proceeded to take the rope from the neck of Blonde Bill, who had been dropped to the ground at the flee- eect his executioners, unharmed. ut, his bonds were not cut, except those around his feet, and they were renewed, when he was lifted into the saddle. Seeing this act, one of the party uttered an exclamation of surprise, but a revolver pressed against his temple by an outlaw by his side, had the effect to produce silence, Blonde Bill was securely fastened into the saddle of an extra horse that had been brought along; then the lead-line was taken in charge — by one of the rescuers. Then, the dismounted ones in leaped into their saddles, and the cavalcade dashed away over the back trail, with yells of victory. On they went up the gulch, into the interior’
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- 80 of the mountainous district—now branching off into cross ravines, gulches and canyons—on, on, the wild ride continued, until the light of an- other day flecked the crest of the horizon. Then, to the great surprise of Blonde Bill ' they came to a halt upon a singular plateau in the side of the mountains due east from Silver- ton, and overlooking the San Juan valley, through which the turbulent Animas followed its tortuous course like a thread of silver. Here a dismount was made by the outlaws; Blonde Bill was released from his saddle, and _ assisted to the ground. His arms were kept bound, however, and he was carefully guarded by two of the masked strangers. After all had dismounted, the course was taken up through a narrow fissure that seemed to split the mountain in twain, and one by one the masked men, their prisoners and horses, dis- appeared within this yawning gap, as if enter- ing into the very bowels of the earth, nto what strange hands he had fallen or whither he was going, Blonde Bill had not the slightest idea. The rescue of Blonde Bill by the masked band, was an event that furnished much food for dis- cussion among the residents and population of Silverton’s little town. And for the next several days it was liberally discussed, by everybody. The general belief was that the strange band of rescuers were some of the Deadwood Dick’s own men, while there were a few who declared that he had been rescued by the terrible Silent Tongues. But, those who did not believe the first inference, were limited, _ Even Rosebud Rob and Beautiful Bill were inclined to that opinion, although they had no proof of it, and were somewhat anxious. Avalanche and Calamity, too, were both mis- ting, which had a strange look. in the evening of the day after that on which the rescue had taken place, the Reverend Les- wer Van Syckel left the hotel, and walked up the street to the first corner, where he turned of, and made his way into that scattered and nountainous part of the town, which had not 1s yet been classified into streets. short walk brought him to a large board hanty, somewhat isolated from other habita- ions, and Ving ond unoccupied, as there were 10 signs of life about it, and the windows were losely boarded up. The night was extremely dark, owing to the act that the sky was thickly covered with a all of black clouds; yet the ministerial man ap- eared nervous lest he should be seen, and valked with careful precision. On reaching the vicinity of the cabin or shanty, e paused, and gazed sharply around him, as ? to assure himself that no one was watching im; ther he clapped a mask over his face, and astened it there, thus effectually disguising is identity. He then advanced to the door of the shanty. nd unlocked it. Opening the door, he entered large apartment, which was wrapped in dark- ess, and closed it behind him. Blonde Bill. Fumbling around, he soon found a lamp which he lit, and placed upon a mantle. The apartment as revealed by the light, was furnished by a large tound table in the center of the room, surrounded by some two dozen chairs, Rude settees were also arranged around the sides and ends of the apartment, making a seat- ing. capacity for at least two-score of people: ‘aking a seat by the table, the disguised mit- ister lit a cigar, and waited. He had not been seated ten minutes when the door opened, and another masked man entered from the darkness of the night without. “Ah! it’s you is it, Vernon?’ the renegade minister said, witha nod. ‘‘I am glad you are ae for we have business to attend to, to- night. R Exactly,” the other said. ‘‘It was a bad thing for us that Blonde Bill, who turns out to be Deadwood Dick, has escaped.” “Bad enough,” the minister said, in a tone that spoke of anything but a sanctified spirit. ‘* Have you seen any of the other members?” ‘* Yes, there are several in town.” The assertion proved correct, for more mask- ed men began to string along into the shanty, one by one, until, in the course of an hour, over a score were assembled. As no more came, after that, the minister arose, and glanced the crowd over. “My friends,” he said, ‘‘I am glad to see so many of you present because we have impor- tant business on hand, that concerns the future welfare of every member of the band of Silent Tongues. We wave an enemy in this town, who is deadly against us, and his removal from our path is imperatively necessary. The man is he who was rescued last night, Blonde Bill—alias Deadwood Dick, the ex-road-agent!” A deep murmur came from the crowd, show- ing that they knew, but had no love for the Prince of the Trail. “Some of you may have heard,” pursued Van Syckel, ‘that this same man came here for the sole purpose of eager up our band, as he has successfully done in other parts of the country. It is true, else J would not have or- dered an attack upon the stage, in the San Juan, which resulted so disastrously for our arty. I had learned that the fellow was bound ither, and I thought that we could secure the treasure without loss of life, and at the same time settle his hash.” ‘*But the bullet intended for him took off his wife,” Hon. Ray Vernon said. “Yes. I did not get a ein chance at him.” ‘Deadwood Dick is safely caged at the head- quarters, captain,” one of the masked outlaws said, rising and bowing. ‘‘I just came from there.” ‘““What! Deadwood Dick captured, and at the stronghold? How is this?—explain:” the renegade minister cried, excitedly. ‘(Rt was ther Lieutenant Raphael who did it,” the outlaw replied. ‘ Yer see, Raphael, he used ter be one o’ Deadwood Dick’s fellers, an’ Calamity Jane she knowed him. So when she heard thet Blonde Bill was a-goin’ ter be hanged in an hour, she off an’ hunts up Raphael, an’ asked him ter help her resky the chap frum bein’ lynched, on account of old friendly
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Blonde Bill. 21 scores. Raphael he knows his Q’s and P’s, an’ so he jest gits sum o’ ther boys together, an’ sails in an’ reskies ther blonde cuss,” wi’ Calam- ity Jane along, an’ then totes both she an’ ther blonde chap off ter head-quarters, an’ sends me ter let ye know!” Van Syckel alias Ligon Terrible, the leader of the dreaded Silent Tongues, gave vent to an exclamation of joy. ‘“‘Things have worked well,” he said, rubbin: his hands together, gleefully, _ “Deadwi Dick in our power, we can soon dispose of him, and thereby rid the brotherhood of a dangerous nM “ Certainly; and with his death, the Discov- ery minesdown on the Los Animas become un- disputably ours!” Ohio’s professed Congressman said, with a triumphant chuckle. ‘You say toe ts Calamity Jane, is also a captive, Ru- of? ‘Yes, Sir Grand Chief.” ‘*T will turn her over to you, my brother,” Van Syckel said, addressing the Ohioan, ‘I want no women upon my plate. But come; we have been long enough in session, Take your departure as you came, singly and cautiously, for should suspicion be aroused as to our meet~ ings here, inquiry would follow, and it would not be healthy for us hereabouts.” Accordingly the Silent Tongues disbanded in about the same order they came. CHAPTER IX. ROSEBUD ROB AS A DETECTIVE. Rosrsup Ros, the Sport, was one of the masked men who assembled within the council- chamber of the Silent Tongues that night all by merest chance, He had been up to a gambling saloon, not far from the shanty, and was returning, when a aca man passed him, and entered the said shanty. It at once struck him as a “‘ little off,” and be- ing of an adventurous turn of mind, his curios- ity was aroused; so he lingered in the vicinity to watch proceedings. Not long did he have to wait ere another masked man came along, and followed the ex- ape of the other by entering the shanty. oroughly sromed by this time, Rosebud Rob, with his accustomed quickness, resolved to enter the cabin also, “Ef thar ain’t a revelation awaiting me in there, it won’t matter so much,” he muttered, “as Tam in want of something to pass away time. When another of them chaps comes along, perhaps I can induce him to lend me one of his masks, and trade places with me.” It was not long ere another of the outlaws came stalking through the darkness, to sudden- ly find himself confronted by the Sport, and a revolver pressed close against his cheek, in the most suggestive manner. “Sh!” Rosebud hissed; “not a peep, if you don’t want me to sp’ile your beauty. I'ma dangerous man to rile, so you’d better be sub- missive. I want to go in there to-night, and you must lend me your uniform,” and he nod- ded toward the shanty. The masked outlaw gave vent to a growl, but did not attempt to reach for a weapon; he evi- dently knew better than to thus sign his own death-warrant, “You'd better not try venturing in there,” he grunted, ‘‘ef ye don’t want ter git yerself inter trouble.” ‘“‘Tll take the chances,” the Sport replied, as, while he kept the fellow covered by the revolver in his left hand, he used the right to relieve him of his belt weapons. ‘‘I never got in so tight a pee yet that I couldn’t get out. Now ind as to put your hands behind iat and keep them there while I secure them. Don’t you try no gum games, neither, if you don’t want me to bore for ile in your cheek, with a lead auger.” The man obeyed, with poor grace, and in two minutes Rosebud Kob had him safely hand- cuffed, with a pair of the law’s patent bracelets, which he always carried with him. He then Sipe him to the ground, and tied his feet with his pistol belt, so that he was ut- helpless, . hat the deuce are you going todo with me, anyhow?” the outlaw demanded, gruffly. ‘Sh! not so loud, if you don’t want me to shut off your throttle-valve. Iam ‘going todrag you out of hearing, somewhere, and let you lay. while I visit the shanty, yonder. But first, le’ me remove your mask, and take a peep at you. You may be some friend-of mine, and I’d awful- ly hate to discommode a friend, you know.” And with a. chuckle, the Sport knelt beside his captive, and tore off the cloth mask which screened the upper portion of his face from view. He gave an ejaculation of surprise the next instant. “Garwood, the deputy-sheriff, as I live!” he “Yes, Garwood, the ty the other growled, savagely. ‘‘ Young feller, you’re the only one in Silverton that knows this, an’ I want you to kvep my secret forme. How much do you want?” “ Nothing !” Rosebud Rob said, quietly. “Tam no tool or slave to be bought for gold. Nor am I a fool to lose a good advantage, If you don’t want your neck put where you put Blonde Bill's last night, you'll have to figure for me.” “Tam at your mercy,” the man replied, “It would not be healthy around here, known whatI am. Of course I don’t want to lose my Pee and need not, if you’re a mind to play fair. Ef ye want any jobs done, that ye don’t want to do yourself, all ye’ve got ter do is keep my secret, an’ depend on me,” Rosebud Rob involuntarily shuddered. ie SO “ The man before him, a servant of the public and treasurer of their confidence, was in fact a if it was | villain, who, to screen one baa step, would do a | darker deed. **T shall promise you nothing. ly. ‘I'll leave he where you ti take a peep into yonder shanty, back, mebbe I'll render a verdict!” Without much difficulty he ga gade officer, and then carried and dragged him into a little clump of pines, which grew in a wild spot, not far from the edge of the town. ' Here he left him, and Gonping, his mask, re- turned to the vicinity of the shanty. Watching his chance, he entered, and although great wag »” he said, stern- ll be safe, while | When I come ; ged the rene-
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Blonde Bill. the risk, he was not particularly noticed, and thus escaped detection. What he heard, is already known to the read- er. After the session closed, he left as soon as ae and returned to where he had left the eputy-sheriff. ‘Well, what are you going to do with me?” that guilty individual demanded, with an eager- ness born, apparently, of greatest fear, “Ye ain’ta-goin’ ter give me away, I hope.” “That depends, somewhat,” the Sport replied. “Tf ye tell me where the head-quarters of the Silent Tongue outlaws is, I shall probably be more merciful, than if you refuse to grant the information.” “Then ye needn’t be merciful,” Garwood said, with a scowl, “‘ fer I can’t tell ye that. Ye kin stra: me up, but I cannot—will not tell ye “Then, [ll liberate you,” Rosebud said, cut- ting the bonds about his feet, and relieving him of the handcuffs, ‘‘ You dare not do me harm, if you value your public office, and if I conclude Lad you, Pll hunt you up, some other time. 0 “*T will go,” Garwood replied, ‘‘and I am no dog not to remember you. When I have had my revenge, we'll cry quits, if you’re willing. Ha! ha!” And the deputy took advantage of his liberty to stride away into the darkness, **T'm ‘most sorry I let the devil go,” the Sport muttered, as he turned away toward the main street of the town. ‘‘He has not a spark of honor about bim and will probably lay for me. But I am not afraid of him, if he don’t take me at a big disadvantage, where I can’t get achance to use my arms.” He went back to the hotel and retired for the night. Darty in the morning he was abroad, and met Beautiful Bill upon the veranda, * Waal, w’at’s ther tap?” the giant demanded. “Heerd anything frum Deadwood Dick and Calamity?” : ** Yes,” and the Sport related his adventures of the kk night. , The big Leadvillite whistled, as be heard. _ “Beats a red-hot novel all holler, by gum,” “he said. ‘So they’re in the power o’ ther Silent Tongues, arter all?” “Yes, and it must be our business to get them out,” Rosebud Rob said, ‘ But how, is the ques- tion. Ido not know where the outlaws’ rendez- vous is located.” “Ner I, by ther holy -polecats. But yonder cums ther other branch ’o’ ther great Continen~ tal De’th Committee, an’ mebbe he kin dig up ther trail. I do sw’ar an’ asseverate thet Old Avalanche, ther Annihilator, kin root up ary gr os ee aoe mortal made.” StS dvppel 1, as the giant ceased speaking he sla his hand heavily down upon the shoulder of the it scout, who had just come up, “Take keer, Billee; not too heavy,” the old veteran grunted. ‘‘My old jints won’t stand as much jarrin’ as they uster did, in ther days when ther Annibilation established ets great fame—great enti-carniverous ham-bone, no!” “On » they won’t, Alva, ye old superan- nuate -.../f—0n course they won't; an’ thet’s ther reason I teched ye so lightly,” the giant re- plied, effusively. ‘‘ But we're glad ye’ve cum, all ther same, fer we hev n 0 ye, ye pur- seeve.” ‘*Yes, we have that,” Rosebud Rob coincided. ““We want ye to hunt up the trail of the Silent Tongues, and find where their head-quarters are. * Reckon thet wouldn’t be no slouch of a job,” the veteran Annihilator replied. ‘‘ They hang out somewhere’s about Clumsy mountain, over yonder ,to’rd ther Animas, ’ca’se I’ve seen sum 0’ their anymiles grazin’ in the neighborhood.” “You know that Blonde Bill—alias Dead- wood Dick—and Calamity Jane arein the power of these Silent Tongues?’ ‘Great antiquated ham-bone, no!” “Well, they are, we have learned, and if we don't get ’em out, if looks purty likely thet theyll be made the principal cadavers of a cou- ple of funerals.” And then the Sport narrated to the old An- eee what he had -previously told Beautiful When he had finished, a new fire of life and spirit came into the eye of the scout. ‘*Great ham-bone thet gargled the throat of old Joner!” he ejaculated. ‘Et is as you say: ther b’yee an’ ther gal must be got out o’ ther deofikilty, somehow. When d’ye want ter move?” “Not just yet. I’ve got a little other bull- dozing todo before I go. If you see anything of Van Syckel, the preacher, or the Ohioan, look out for ’em, for I half expect they’re at the head of the band of outlaws.” ““ You bet your last dollar on my old mother- in-law’s leetle yaller dorg, we will!” the giant assured, tossing his hat through in under his leg into the air, and skillfully catching it on his head, a la clown. ‘On course we will, old last rosebud o’ summer, ef we hev ter destroy ther blamed constertushing uv ther United States! Beautiful Bill am I, an’ hyar’s Old Avalanche Hogg—ther lop-eared Poker o’ ther North, an’ we two planets do constertoot ther famous Death-Committee o’ the Mines!” Taking leave of them, Rosebud Rob re-enter- ed the hotel, and positioned himself in a place where he could see everybody that entered or * hee place by the Bee Ss poiranes i. ighting a cigar, he took up a paper, and ap- peared to be absorbed in its perusal, while in re- ality he was conscious of everything that was going on around him, and saw every person that passed him in or out. During the forenoon he noticed the man from Ohio leave the hotel, and shortly afterward the renegade preacher followed suit. This was exactly what he was waiting for, and leaving his watching-place, he ascended to the second floor of the building. Having pre- viously obtained the numbers of Van Syckel’s apartments, he had no difficulty in finding them now, and he tried the first door of the suit, which opened, and admitted him into a plainly furnished sitting-room, lighted by two windows. Nora Van Syckel, the bogus clergyman’s daughter, was seated by one of these windows, engaged in sewing, at the moment of the Sport’s m
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Blonde Sill. 23 abrupt entrance, but sprung to her feet with a | ‘Because I had taken a fancy to the blonde little cry of alarm, as she saw him. “Sir!” she said, coldly. ‘‘To what am I in- debted for this visit?” ** Excuse me, miss, but you are not indebted, at all,” Rosebud replied. “T never charge for rofessional visits, especially to ladies. I came 4 have a few words with you, and I trust taking the welfare of the Reverend Lester Van Syckel into consideration, you will have due patience and becoming fortitude, upon this occasion.” There was sarcasm in the Sport's tones that caused Miss Van Syckel to crimson, and then ‘ow pale. “1 don’t understand what you mean,” she said, with an effort to conceal, somewhat, the agitation she felt, ‘but I will listen to what you have to say. Be seated, please.” ‘‘On the contrary, I think you do quite un- derstand the import of my words,” Rosebud Rob rejoined, accepting a chair, and becoming seated. ‘In the vernacular of the mines, I’ve come for the express purpose of ‘ talking turkey’ to you. In the first place, I’d like to give bee a question to answer. Whom did you intend that bullet fort—the ruffian, or Blonde Bill?” The minister’s daughter grew deadly pale at the question, but by a strenuous effort managed to keep her composure. “T_T don’t understand you yet,” she faltered. “S What bullet do you mean?” “The one that shut off the wind of Salaman- der Sam, in the street fight, night before last,” was the reply. ‘‘ You needn’t deny that you fired it, for such a denial would not avail you. You were seen to stand upon the balcony, or roof over the veranda, and do the shooting, and now the question is, which did you shoot att “That is none of your business,” was the re- ply. ‘If you think you can make me commit myself, sir, you are mistaken,” “No, I am not mistaken!” Rosebud persisted. “You can either answer my questions, or Tl put you where Blonde Bill left off.” “Bah! you wouldn't dare!” “Why not, pray?” “Oh! for different reasons!” : The young Jady was beginning to manifest more assurance. ‘Because your reverend sire chances to be the Captain Terrible of the band of the Silent Tongues, eh?” was the retort. ‘I assure you that would not hinder my purpose.” Miss Van Syckel paled again. “Who are you,” she gasped, ‘‘ that you know so much?” ** Rosebud Rob, at your service, miss—a man to suit all circumstances,” was the answer. Then there was a silence of several minutes, which was finally broken by the young woman. “You seem to be positive that I fired the shot,” she said, ‘‘and I do not know as there is any use of beating around the bush; nor am I afraid to name who the bullet was intended for. It hit the party at whom it was aimed in the back.” ‘Ah! then it was not for Blonde Billt” “Tt was not.” a “Well, that’s one —_ in your faver. Why, may I ask, did you shoot the rough?” peal and thought the ruffian was going to too much for him.” “You needn’t have feared that,” Rosebud commented, with a_ low laugh. “TI opine it takes a man to hug Deadwood Dick to death.” ‘“What! was Blonde Bull the famous Dead- wood Dick?” ‘He was,” ‘ Well, that is news to me,” “Perhaps. But if you admired Blonde Bill, as you claim, why did you allow him to be ar- rested for your crime?” ‘** T will tell you,” the girl answered, frankly. “My father saw me do the shooting, and came up here and locked me up in my room; then went back and plotted with Vernon for Blonde Bill’s death. I was powerless to be of any as- sistance.” CHAPTER X. IN THE SILENT TONGUES’ ‘POCKET’ ROSEBUD ROB TAKES A JOB. Let us return to Deadwood Dick, otherwise Blonde Bill, whom we left in the power of the strange masked rescuers, who were, of course, the gang of cut-throats, that for several months had spread a reign of terror throughout the Animas, by their bold deeds. After entering the fissure with which the mountain seemed rent, they proceeded along through a passage of utter darkness that was so narrow and low as to scarcely admit of their progress, For several minutes they continued through this, finally emerging into what proved to be a second pa or spot of level land, which was totally locked in by perpendicular mountains that rose on every side to a hight of a hundred and fifty feet, or more. This appar- ently was the Silent Tongues’ retreat, for evi- dences of a permanent camp were plentifully strewn about. About every dozen yards around the edges of the “* pocket,” stakes and poles were erected for holding kettles over a fire, and close to these larger niches or caves had been blasted out of the mountain rock, which provided suffi- cient shelter and ee | room fora couple of men and horses. In all, there were some thirty of . these fire-places, and caves. As soon as the band debouched into the valley they separated, and made for their respective quarters, with the exception of the leader and two others, one of each of whom kept guard over Blonde Bill, and the mask who had demurred at the arrest of the blonde man. As the reader has probably surmised, this was Calamity Jane in disguise. At a motion of Raphael, the lieutenant under Captain Terrible’s command directed the pris- oners to be removed to one of the caves, and closely guarded, until he gave further orders, The mask was accordingly removed from Cal- amity’s face, and her arms were bound behind her. Then she and Blonde Bill were both conducted to an untenanted cave, and left to make the best of their situation, a guard being stationed at the entrance to prevent them from escaping. When they were alone in each other’s presence Blonde Bill turned to the girl dare-devil, in sur- prise,
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24 Blonde Bill. “Calamity,” he said, ‘*I am somewhat puz- zled. Can you solve what is bothering me? Here I am snatched from the gallows, as I first Epo by friends, but later I find out ene- eS, And yet, I find you also among them—a prisoner!” “Ha! hal Yes. I am among them, a pris- oner,” Calamity replied. ‘I got fooled, ye see, an’ thet ’counts fer it. D’ye know who thet gang o’ fellers is?” “The Silent Tongues, I have surmised, since seeing you a prisoner.” “Good guess. You hit it correct. D’ye want me to tell you how I came to be a prisoner?” “Yes, Tell me, if you like.’? Accordingly the girl narrated how she had, on eat of the disposition to be made of Blonde Bill, fled to seek aid from Raphael, one of Deadwood Dick’s old men; how Raphael had consented to render assistance, and how, when the rescue had been effected, Raphael had pro- nounced her his prisoner, and threatened her with instant death if she offered resistance. **So, you see how it comes, I’m here,” she said, in conclusion. ‘I got fooled in my man, and now all I ask is to get just one pop at him with my pistol.” **T am under most lasting obligations to you,” Blonde Bill said, gratefully, ‘‘for had it not been for me, you would not be here in this un- enviable position, But have you any idea whom you have been serving?” SSA: icion that you were—were Deadwood Dick has flashed over me, but I have not gave it a second thought.” “Yet I am that iets party,” he said, with a strange smile. ‘‘Had I the use of my hands, I could soon convince you.” “Can it be true? I am so glad,” Calamity said, her color quickening—her voice softening. “Tt seems almost too good to be true. Wehave been old acquaintances so long, you know.” “Of course we have, Calamity, and I am per- haps as glad to see you as you are to see me.” * But, Dick, Rosebud Rob said that Blonde Bill lost a wife by the road-agent attack, in San Juan canyon. Can it be possible that it was your wife?” ** Yes, it was Edith,” the ex-outlaw said, hus- kily. ‘She was shot, and killed instantly, leaving me again a widower. Poor Edith! she was a dear, faithful little woman, Calamity—as pure as the snow upon the crest of the Sierras.” a Fg eae with you, Dick,” the strange girl said, earnestly. Then she turned away, lest the yearning, papery Jook in her wildly beautiful eyes should in Later, he broke the silence: “ We're in a fix, Calamity, and we must get out of it. I’ve dodged death so many times, that I don’t intend to give up the ghost yet.” The guard stood in the entrance, in an atti- tude of listening; so they retired to a further aml of the cave, and sat down beside each other, “Yes, we must get out,” the girl declared; **but ['m afrald we won't be successful in doing ‘it. This remarkable retreat is weli guarded, no doubt, and it would take some figgerin’ ter dodge em, \ ‘You are right,” Deadwood Dick replied. “But we'll keep a watch, and take advantage of any favorable circumstances that may offer. You say the man who ordered us sent to this cave is Raphael, of my old Black Hills gang?” “The same, He is now, I take it, the lieu- tenant in active command of these Silent Tongues.” The day passed away slowly. At noon the guard: before the entrance of the cave was relieved by another masked outlaw. but try though they would, the prisoners could not get a word out of either of them. Their title of Silent Tongues was well bestowed. Shortly after noontide, another outlaw enter- ed the cave, and to the surprise of both Dick and Calamity, cut their bonds from their hands and feet. Then he left the cave, and epenlchg a few words to the guard, both went off together, “There, now! will you tell me what that means?” Calamity demanded, when they had pone. “Tt looks as if somebody had changed is mind mighty sudden,” “Tt means that we are to have the freedom of the valley, I presume, At least, we'll take it, until otherwise warned,” Dick replied. He tore away the green goggles from his eyes and also removed the blonde wig and mustache, and stood there before her, handsome and fear- less—Deadwood Dick. ‘You see it’s I?” he said, smiling. “Yes, it is you, minus your raven curls and mustache—the same Dick whom I knew up in the hills.” They shook hands warmly and then took a Pep out into the mountain locked valley. The light and sunshine of day shone down into it pleasantly frcm overhead, and made it seem more like the outer world. Standing near the mouth of their cave, the two bg ny surveyed the scene with a sharp gaze. Few of the outlaws were abroad—a half dozen, all told, being engaged in sifting sand, which formed the bottom of the pocket at the further side, These fellows and their occupation attracted the attention of Deadwood Dick, and he watched them narrowly. “T believe they’re mining gold over there, Calamity,” he said; ‘‘and if such is the case, this is a good find, The outlaws have no right to it, and it is mine and yours. Do you hear? We must possess this cosey retreat ourselves.” We will go back to Rosebud Rob, and the minister’s daughter. The Sport was silent for some time following Miss Van Syckel’s last words, as if weighing them in his mind. ‘*Then you are not in league with your father in his villainy?” he asked, “Tam not,” she replied. ‘‘In fact I have not had the least suspicion but that he was doing right, until the attack of the Silent Tongues upon the stage in San Juan canyon. Then I heard him give vent to the whistle that was in- strumental in causing the retreat of the outlaws, and knew for the first that he was in some way connected with them. I questioned him, on reaching our home, here, but he professed to be “>
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s Bionde Bill, 2B r awfully religious, and horrer-struck at the sus- picions I entertained of him. Later, however, I played eavesdropper, when he was holding a rivate confab with the man from Ohio, who is in reality my father’s own brother, and learned that Vernon is the Grand Chief and my father the Captain of the Silent Tongues.” “Ah! I thank Pee miss, for your frankness, in telling me all of this, as it puts me in a con- dition to fight these outlaw devils, and rescue Deadwood Dick, and Calamity Jane, The party of masked men who rescued Blonde Bill from being lynched, turned out to have been some of meee self-same Silent Tongues, under one Ra- ael. “Indeed? I am sorry for them, as they will probably be shown no mercy at the hands of the outlaws.” ‘But, Lintend to go to their rescue. While Rosebud Rob luxuriates around these parts, the Silent Tongues will find that they have one hard nut to crack. But, I want you to furnish me the information how to reach the head-quar- ters of the band,” “T am sorry, but I cannot do that.” ‘Why not?” “* Because, it would not only betray my father to death, but bring down the vengeance of the other outlaws upon me,” “ Fear not. o harm*shall come to you. If you wish to uphold your father to a life of crime, keep your secret, and I will see what can be done for you, in the way of a collar. Guide me and my party to the den of these outlaws and I'll guarantee that no harm shall come to you.” Miss Van Syckel arose from her chair, and paced across the room and back, her face the scene of many struggling emotions, “Pll tell you what I’ll do,” she said, finally. **T’ll dress up in men’s clothes, and guide you to the entrance to the Silent Tongues’ retreat, for one hundred dollars, and the promise that I shall have my liberty to go where I please, when I have done as I have agreed, The cash you must pay now, for, as soon as I have done with you, I shall immediately fly to another pert of the country, in order to escape being “Tt’s a bargain,” Rosebud accepted, quickly. ‘Here are a hundred dollars. Mind you, now you're in my service exclusively, and not in the emplo, of Captain Terrible.” an not forget it. When will you want me?” “ To-night, just at dusk, That will be the best time to make a start.” “*Very well; I will be ready,” the minister's daughter said, after which Rosebud arose, and took his departure. As he descended the stairs to the veranda, he met the deputy-sheriff, Garwood. He flushed a little, as he caught the Sport's stern gaze, but raised his hand and motioned for him to stop, which Rosebud accordingly did. “Beg your pardon, sir,” the deputy said, “but I was directed to hand you a little paper —a challenge, by the way, from the Honorable Ray Vernon,” nd as he concluded, he extended an envel- | oe ope, which the Sport received with a smile of thanks, “An answer is wanted, I presume,” he said, as he tore it open. ‘A verbal one is all is necessary, I guess, sir,” was the reply. The challenge was written upon a single sheet of paper, and ran as follows: ‘Mr. Rosgsup Ros, Srr:— “As you have on several occasions insulted me publicly, and as Iam a man of high rank and social standing, it becomes me to challenge you to meet me, in mortal combat, at any time or place which may best suit you, the weapons to be revolvers at thirty paces each way from the center. I would re- spectfully suggest that you would name an early moment for our meeting. “Hon. Ray VERNON.” Rosebud Rob read the challenge, a smile breaking over his countenance. ‘‘T think I see into this matter already,” he said, turning to Garwood. ‘‘ You have inform- ed the Silent Tongues how I took the liberty to invade their privacy, and they of course are in- spired with a desire to send me to heaven in a ullman car. So the right honorable Ray Ver- non, member of the Devil’s Congress, takes this method of riving me a chance for a through ticket? Well! well! I don’t know that I have any objections to vin him a whirl, and so ou may tell him that I will meet him in the 2d Wine Saloon, just above here, one hour hence, and we'll plug mae at each other. But, mind you, see to it yourself that no gum games are tried on_ me, or Silverton will need a new deputy-sheriff.” ‘Do you s’pose I’d have anything to do with an unfair settlement?’ Garwood demanded, with an air of injured innocence. “T couldn’t say. My motto is—watch your neighbors as you would yourself!” the Sport re- wes while Garwood turned away with a growl. Rosebud Rob then hunted up Beautiful Bill and Old Avalanche, and found them in a saloon, engaged in a quiet game of old sledge, which the giant won. When the Sport made known to them the challenge he had received and accepted, Beguti- ful Bill gave a snort of delight. ‘“* Holy polecat!” he ejaculated. ‘‘ Ye kedn’t ’a’ hit a more tender spot in my old constitushin then by acceptin’ thet invitation—ye couldn't, sw’ar! Beautiful Bill am I, an’ I dosw’ar, an’ affirm, an’ asseverate thet nothin’ in ther hull continent o’ Ameriky or Australyer ked please me better than ter see thet galoot ‘orated wi’ le’d pills. Lordy! ef ye don’t salivate him in style, Sport, gol-durn my old mother-in-law’s leetle yaller dorg ef I doan’t pelt ye a sockdola- ger right in the nose myself.” “Ye needn’t fear but what he'll raise a thun- der-starm o’ demolishun an’ spread a reg’lar harrykane o’ disastrous deefikilty inter ther eussed Ohioan’s system,” Old Avalanche re- marked. ‘‘ Rosebud. Rob knows _how ter pull teeth wi’ his revolver—great alluvial ham-bone, es! ; “T certainly intend to teach the dog a lesson, anyhow,” Rosebud replied; ‘‘and I want you ie to be present, and see that thereis no unfair wm. >
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26 “On course we will—great ham-bone, yes! An’ mebbe ther Death Committee will get er chance ter work a consarned old disease o’ anni- hilation,” the Annihilator suggested. Accordingly they all left the saloon and start- ed for the Red Wine, which resort was famous in the history of Silyerton as the scene of many a bold duel and free fight. As they entered the great apartment of the building, which was used for bar-room, gam- bling and fighting, they saw that Vernon was not there. But he entered mes afterward, accompa- nied by the deputy-sheriff and a couple of rough- looking, bewhiskered miners. CHAPTER XI. ROSEBUD ROB MAKES HIS MARK. THe condition of his eyes was te 3a evidence that he had been drinking pao as was the unsteadiness of his gait; but he had apparently not as yet fully satisfied his appetite, for he im- mediately rind i up to the bar and called for the drinks for his party, which were promptly produced, paid for, and quaffed. The Ohioan then turned away from the bar, and crossed with unsteady steps to where Rose- bud Rob stood leaning against a tier of liquor barrels that were ranged along the side of the room peed from the bar. “Hello! it’s you, is it?” he demanded, in a = tone. ‘* You're the man that wants to fight me “‘T am undoubtedly the same party,” was the Sport’s response. ‘I believe I received a chal- lenge from you, to meet you at this place?” es, curse you! You are a little too impor- tant to suit my style, and so I thought ’'d comb you down a little, just for the fun of it, Are you ready, you puppy?” “Tam at your demand, but, as a friend, I'd advise you to wait until some other time, when your nerves are more quiet, and you are sober. ou are drunk now, and in no condition for fighting a duel.” : **You lie!” the other shouted, and the next instant he raised his hand, and made a pass at Rosebud’s face. The agile sport parried the blow with his left arm, while with his right fist he dealt the villain heal! between the eyes that felled him to the oor. “There! pick up your rooster and sponge him off, if he’s going to do an bubitines ies ine,” Rob said, turning to the deputy-sheriff. ‘‘ The next time he tries to slap me in the face, [ll knock him clear out of time.” And there was no mistaking the flash that came from his eyes. It meant business. A crowd quickly gathered. Such a knock down invariably was the ad- vance of a fight. Garwood and his two companions hastened to assist their man to his feet, for he had only bxen stunned by the sledge-hammer blow; and while they were bathing the swelling forehead, Rose- bud Rob turned to the crowd who had collected to learn the nature of the case. “Tell you how it is, gents,” he said, ‘while my Noi is doctoring up. He, a man total- ly unknown to me, as far as acquaintance goes, Blonde Bill. chatlenged me to come here and meet him in a duel. As I never refuse a soft snap like that, I came, when the party of the first part attempted to slap me in the countenance, but got fooled as to the natur’ o’ the beast, I’m not to blame for that, am I?” ‘Great auriferous ham-bone, no!” cried Old Avalanche, and the crowd universally echoed his sentiment, ‘On course ye ain’t to blame!” declared Beau- tiful Bill, striding forward, ‘Ther Ohio pole- cat wanted ter slap yer across ther vocabulary- trap, but ye give ther Buckeye galvot ther purti- est slap that evyer emanated from ther fist o’ mortal man. Allin favor o’ the carryin’ o’ this resolution will make manifesto by sayin’ I!” «Ty “T» “TI” was the hearty response, “Carried by a big majority, an’ laid on ther table o’ ther house, instid o’ on ther floor, as ther Congressman war!” the giant cried, with a broad grin, By this time the assailant’s forehead was bathed, and he was regaled with a_ brandy ‘“smash,” He then turned and glared at Rosebud Rob, savagely, while Garwood cried: “Now, gentlemen, Mc git to either side o’ the room, an’ let the duelists have the ends, and we will see how the Honorable Ray Vernon, of Ohio, will scoop it to the snoozer with the few waxed hairs upon his upper lip!” “Oh! yas, we will, won’t we?” Beautiful Bill snorted, with a caper. ‘‘ We'll see ther Sport a-climbin’ ther golden stairs, in about two jerks of a pig’s narrative, we will, no doubt. Tell ye what I'll do, pilgrims—Ill bet a solid pound o’ pure auriferous wi’ ary mortal man, that Rose- bud Rob makes ther Ohio galoot howl!” ‘“ Who are you, that you interfere in this mat- ter?’ Vernon demanded, fiercely. ‘You let him alone,” Rosebud Rob advised. ‘* He knows who and what you are as the whole town will, year’ es bay athens you. Pi i get to your place, if you insist upon fighting with me, though I would prefer you would wait, until] you are in a better condition.” “Tam ready. If, however, you are afraid to meet me, I can perhaps find it convenient to let you off!” ‘*T am not afraid to meet a dozen of your ilk, sir, providing they don’t come too fast,” was the answer, ‘Take your place, and let’s get to business,” “« Thet’s ther tork, feller-citerzens—git ter yer places, an’ purceed ter bizness. Thar’s no more beauchiful sentence in er grammatical spellin’- book, than ther word ‘ bizness,’ an’ w’en a feller don’t mind his own bizness, here’s w’ot likes ter see him cornered like a bull o’ ther market, and licked!” the Leadville man announced. Both men now took their relative positions— the Sport with his back against the door open- ing into the street, and the Ohioan with his back against the rear wall of the cabin. The spectators were ranged upon either side, leaving an alley for the duelists, “Now, gentlemen, let’s know the terms of this engagement!” Garwood cried, ‘‘and we'll try and keep order.” : “We won't only try, but we'll do thet leetle same!” Beautiful Bill declared. ‘ Ary ill-timed galoot that shows endicashuns of treachery, will
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Blonde Bill. 27 I spot right squar’ atween ther eyes wi’ one o’ my patent love-pellets.” *«The terms of the duel are that we fight with pistols, an’ don’t quit till one or t’other of us yells for quits!” Rosebud Rob announced, “T beg to amend that resolution,” Vernon growled. ‘‘ We'll shoot till one or the other of us is dead!” “Just as you like,” Rosebud assented, ‘I was inclined to be merciful, but if you object, I have no reason to complain.” “Then git ready, for the Lordy’s sake!” cried Beautiful Bill. ‘‘[’m anxious to see sum gore spilt. Pull yer pistolic perforators, now, an’ w'en ye heer my clarion notes yell—‘ One! two! three ’—let yer luv-pellets slide.” The two men drew their weapons, and stepped forward, a pace from the wall. The Sport sped a pair of heavy Colt re- volvers, the Ohioan had a pair, if anything lar- ger and more formidable than his opponent's. p came the right hands of the two duelists, and as they rose to a level, Beautiful Bill, with a quick eye to business, shouted: ‘One! two! three! Ther rooster crows an’ away she goes!’ Then the report of two weapons echoed through the room, with roaring effect, and there was a faint groan of pain, coming from the Ohioan. The Sport’s bullet had torn a passage through the fleshy portion of his left cheek: Pome an ugly-looking wound which bled pro- usely, ‘* Time!” Garwood ordered. “Yas! giv im time ter rub down his charger, an’ sponge off his cheek,” snorted the big Lead- villite, capering about in the most undignified manner. Time was accordingly given to bathe the wound of the Ohioan, and bandage it, he mean- while cursing like a pirate. “Such treatment is only fit for a dog,” he growled. ‘The next time I’ll kill the villain, outright.” “Yas, ye will!” roared the Leadville giant. “The next time, my pard, the Sport, ‘Il knock you ’way out o’ time, mebbe, an’ put another wrinkle in yer cheek.” This elicited a laugh from the spectators, and also increased the rage of the Ohioan; but he wisely repressed it. He now took his place again, and the revol- vers once more came to a level; there was a flash and a report, as Beautiful Bill gave the — to fire. e result was, that the Ohioan gave vent to another how] of pain and rage. The second bullet of the Sport had plowed an- other furrow, this time through his right cheek! “‘Kerwhoop! converted polecats an’ old tar- antlers! what did I tell ye, amido} I sed ther Snort wud make ther Buckeye galoot howl!— offered ter bet on it, an’ nary a pilgrim durst ring mea deal. Ho! ho! whar’s ther man who now sez thet ther Sport ain’t a reg’lar seckond edishion 0’ true grit an’ straight-grained bull- dosian? Whar?” ‘ Nowhere, apparently—at least the tide of ad- ereien seemed pretty evenly centered upon the rt. ~ ‘Neither of the Ohioan’s bullets had done him any damage, and he stood at his end of the beat as cool and calm, literally, as an iceberg, while the Honorable Ray Vernon hopped around in a a cea of pain and rage. “Time, curse you!” he ga is “Garwood you fool, tie up this side. J’ll murder that devil if I die a-doing it.” ‘* A solid pound o’ pure, unalloyed auriferous earryeth I down in ther left pocket o’ my durned old_bricheloons, w’ot sez ye’re a durn old liar, a blowhard, an’ er fit associate fer ther fleas in ther hair 0’ my mother-in-law’s leetle yaller dorg!” exclaimed the giant, quickly. “‘ Bet? On course ye won’t! A mule kin tell wich way the wind blows by the way ther straw goes, ev'ry day in a week, an’ he’s a durned ring- nosed, lop-eared, slab-sided, long-legged son uv a Hoosher skulemaster, w’at bucks a’gin’ ther jedgment uv a mule or his driver.” ‘or the second time the Ohioan suffered the pain of having his wound dressed and pangs then he once more took his position, trembling with rage when he realized that his beauty was a all probability spoiled by the bullets of the rt. RDO you still want more?” Rosebud Rob de- manded. ‘I could have killed you either shot, had I chosen. I’d advise you to throw up, for your own sake, as none of your bullets come anywhere near me, and if you continue, you'll only get the worst of it.” “That’s none of your business as long as I choose to stand the blunt!” was the fierce an- swer. ‘‘ Ready!” Once more the weapons came to a level, and Beaatiful Bill gave the word. Once more there were two flashes—two reports —a howl of pain. The Ohioan’s pistol hand hung helpless and bleeding by his side, the wrist shattered by one of the large bullets from the Sport’s revolver. A faint streak of blood oozing out in the neigh- borbood of the Sport’s ear, told where his oppo- nent’s bullet had left a trifling ‘‘ kiss.” “ Again doth the busy little bee improve each shinin’ minute!” ejaculated Beautiful Bill. “How are ye Ohio? Want sum more uv ther same piece o’ goods? Wanter bet ye didn’t git licked? Oh! oly gg ineab Beautiful Bill am I —ther Apoller o* ther West, an’ cumin’ man fer ther next Presidency, but I’ll be licked up by er consarned ‘arthquake, ef ever I see’d a man so transformed, in er jiffy. Most Honorable Sir, how doth stand yer thermomeser now? Be yer mercury all friz mto zeroic infinity, or aire it boomin’ red-hot, ready fer anuther salivate?” “T have got enough,” the Ohioan replied, sav- agely—‘‘ at least, until I get able to use my hand. As for you, my man,” turning to Rosebud—*‘ as for you, T'll fix you yet. You have not heard the iast of me, by any means!” Then, turning, he staggered from the room, followed by Garwood and the two miners, who had entered with them. Rosebud gazed after them, a smile hovering about his lips, as he lit a fresh cigar, “Gentlemen,” he said, sarcastically, ‘I have the honor of introducing you to four members of the outlaw gang, known as the Silent Tongues. Yonder they go, headed by the right Honorable Ray Vernon, of Ohio.”
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28 Blonde Bill. A cry of surprise came from the crowd. “You don’t mean to say ther deputy-sheriff, too?” a miner cried. “T do, precisely,” Rosebud replied. ‘‘I hap- — to spy around and get into the meeting- ouse of these Silent Tongues last night, and learned so much that his honor from Ohio chal- lenged me to fight, naturally expecting, no doubt to get the best of me.” “Then you charge these men with being mem- bers of the outlaw gang, eh?” another bystander demanded, pulling out his revolvers. “T do,” the Sport replied—‘ at least, the dep- uty-sheriff and the Onioan, and it is not im- poe that ef you would take off the false eards of one of those miners, you'd find his nibs, the Reverend Lester Van Syckel, who is the real Captain Terrible.” This was enough, for with a shout of ven- geance a number of the crowd sprung in pur- suit of the outlaws, who had left the saloon while the Sport was speaking. But the pursuers arrived in the outer world just in time to gaze with chagrin upon four orsemen that were flying down the gulch at a safe distance, out of rifle-range, and bound mountainward. Rosebud Rob turned to Avalanche and Beau- tiful Bill, with a shake of the head. “Tm afraid that they'll get to the stronghold ahead of us. If Miss Van Syckel is ready, we will start at once.” He left them and betook himself hastily to the Leviathan hotel, where he was so fortunate as to moet the pseudo-minister’s daughter, in vhe main hall. : On explaining matters, she signified her will- ingness to get ready at once, he then ascended to prepare, while Rosebud hunted up horses for the party. They were presently joined by Miss Van Syckel, who was disguised as a young miner, in an admirable manner, A mount was at once made, and the party sat off in a direction opposite to that taken by Ver- non, at Miss Van Syckel’s advice. “ There are two routes to the rendezvous, or rather, to the neighborhood of it,” she explain- ed as they rode along; ‘‘ and I willtake you over the least dangerous, for I have heard father de- scribe both roads.” “Do you apprehend danger, then?” Rosebud Rob demanded. “Yes, Tho Silent Tongues may have a sus- picion of an attempt to rescue Deadwood Dick, and will guard against it.” — CHAPTER XII. RAPHAEL'S PLOT—INTO A TRAP. Tae day passed quietly at the stronghold of the Silent Tongues, and night at last fell upon the earth with its somber shadows. Neither Deadwood Dick nor Calamity ventured far out into the valley, but kept closely in the neighbor- hood of their cave, Once Dick went as far as the passage that was the entrance and exit of the ‘* pocket,” but eae it guarded by two masked and well-armed outlaws. He saw that escape here was out of the ques- tion, unarmed as he was, and accordingly saun- tered back to the cave. As the darkness closed in, their former guard entered the cave, bearing a lighted lantern, and a tray of steaming roast venison, pot of coffee and some cold biscuits, which he deposited, an withdrew, without speaking, “That fellow would not do to be Mother Grundy’s servant,” Calamity observed, dryly. ‘Nobody is qualified for that position except a man who can talk.” “You should say, rather, a woman who can talk,” Dick replied, withasmile. ‘ ButI should be pleased to know to whom we are indebted ei this feast. Prisoners are seldom treated us, ‘Perhaps Raphael’s conscience is working on him, and he is whackin’ up,” the girl suggested. “Tt’s strange we do not see or hear something from him, on’t you think so?” ‘A little queer, maybe, but I am not at all eager to see him again, as his next coming may bode us no good,” “True, Indeed, I believe these Silent Tongues are hatching up some devilish means of getting rid of us.” “No, I think they are waiting for the arrival of their leader, Captain Terrible, whom I be- lieve to be either the Ohioan Vernon, or the minister, Van Syckel.” They were not again disturbed that night, and after finishing the relishable repast, Calamity lay down to sleep, while Deadwood Dick kept guard near the entrance. Early on the following morning, the man Raphael made his appearance at the caye, un- masked, Dick and Calamity were seated at the rude table, with which their abode was furnished engaged in finishing the remnants of the last night’s meal, when he entered, and bowed plea- santly, ‘* Pray excuse my intrusion,” he said, politely. “T thought I’d look in upon you, having a bit of news to communicate, I suppose you know me, Deadwood Dick?” “tT do.” Dick replied, as courteously as though he had been addressing a friend, instead of an enemy. ‘Calamity informed me whom I was indebted to, for my rescue from Judge Lynch, and my subsequent captivity here.” «You are not having avery serious time here, I should judge,” Raphael replied, with a smile. ‘Indeed, { did not intend that you should have, after I deliberated on the fact that we were once master and man, I’ve a little plan to unfold, however, if you will give me your attention, which I think we can manage to our mutual sat- isfaction.” ‘My ears are open. Go ahead, and your words will receive due weight from me,” Dead- wood Dick said, in return, and Calamity echoed his words by a nod. * Well, to begin with, you may not have heard that this hidden pocket is in truth a valuable gold-mine?” “No, I never heard so, but have suspected as much since coming here.” “Then you have suspected rightly, for it is a richer gold-field than has ever yet been discoy- oh et mh
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- R Blonde Bill. ered in this part of the State. This is unknown to any persons, with your exceptions, outside of the band.” “Well?” ‘Well, there are certain members of the band who have become tired of this general outlawry, and want to dissolve with the others. But, at the'same time, they are not willing to bid fare- Well to the gold-mine, and therefore, there the Matter stands.” ‘“Why do those fellows wish to draw off?” Dick demanded. “They are boys whom some misstep in life has forced to take up the life of road-agents, but who are not criminals at heart, nor by desire. That’s why they wish to draw off from the others, whose ruffianly cravings are only for murder and plunder.” ‘* How do the respective numbers stand?” “ There is a large majority of those who wish to disband, and they are the best men. The aang was considerably larger, until the fight in an Juan canyon, when quite a number were killed.” ‘A half a dozen or so of whom you can credit to me, probably,” Deadwood Dick reminded. Do you know who killed my wife?” “T have no idea. Did I know, I would un- hesitatingly inform you.” “ All eons is to meet the man. I'll vouch that hell never kill another woman,” the ex- Prince of the Road said, bitterly. ‘But why are you telling me of all this about the outlaws? What does it interest me?” ““We want you to lead us, and we will put Out the roughest of the gang, and keep the§val- ley for ourselves. There is enough for us all, and we can bold the valley like a charm.” _And the lieutenant laughed at his own propo- Sition. “But, supposing I were inclined to accept your proposition—what assurance have I that I would have my liberty, afterward?” “The assurance, sir, that I was formerly one of your followers, and in making you our lead- er, will be yours to command, again, as will be the others.” “Very well; I will accept the position of command, with the understanding that we are Ihiners, and citizens, and not outlaws. I will demand the right to keep Calamity Jane here, if'so be she chooses to stay, and also three Other friends to whom I am deeply indebted.” “Very well; I have consulted with our boys, already, and they are willing to go under your leadership, and give you full power to do for the mutual benefit of the company.” “How will you manage to get rid of the other portion?” ‘Rasy enough. They are now all sleeping off the effects of a drug that was administered to em in their tea, last night. They cannot re- Cover consciousness, before noon, and by that ¢> time we can have them all lugged out of the Valley, at asafe distance fromit. There they Will “be left to recover. When they recover, €ach will find pinned to his coat a paper, warn- ing him that Deadwood Dick has taken posses- Sion and charge of the valley, with a large force’of men, and any attempt on the excluded outlaws’ part to enter the valley, will be pun- i, ished by instant death. How like you the plan, Captain Harris?” “G Unless the excluded outlaws haunt the vicinity of the exit of the valley, and make us trouble when we go in and out for provi- sions.” “T don’t think they will, as there bas already been talk among them of going down into New Mexico, and joming the La Muerte brothers’ band.” ‘Well, go ahead, and follow your course of action, according to your plan, and we'll see how things will work!” Deadwood Dick com- manded. “Tt is a safe shell, at all events, and perhaps I can find peace here—a last home-base, as it were,” The lieutenant bowed, and at once took his departure, An hour Jater the work of removing the bodies of the drugged outlaws from the valley was commenced, and by noon not a trace of them was left to tell the tale of the former ex- istence of the Silent Tongues. In the mean time Deadwood Dick and Calam- ity sauntered from one cave to another, and made an inspection of the quarters, after which they returned to their own cave. Shortly afterward, Lieutenant Raphael mar- shaled his men before the entrance, and Dick was called forth to review them, which he did, and made a brief but appropriate address, which was received with enthusiastic applause. Then, Raphael proposed three cheers for the new com- mander, which were given, and the band sepa- rated. A strong guard had been stationed at both ends of the remarkable passage which furnished the mode of entrance and exit of the secret gold- pocket, and thus everything was satisfactorily arranged, without bloodshed or battle. During the early afternoon, as Raphael and Deadwood Dick stood in the valley, engaged in conversation, a guard pEeneenes them and tipped his hat in a respectful manner, “ Tf you please, captain, there’s one o’ the old gang outside the pocket, who has important orders, he says, from Captain Terrible, for the Lieutenant Raphael.” “Show him in at once,” ordered Deadwood Dick. ‘‘ We will see what he has to say for himself.” The guard bowed and took his departure, but returned ere long, accompanied by one of the rough-looking miners, who had escaped with Vernon and Garwood, from Silverton. “Ah! Yelverton, is that you?’ Raphael de- manded. ‘‘ What brings you here, sir?” “T came from the captain, sir. Four of us had to take flight from Silverton, to escape Judge Lynch. We were betrayed by a fellow who is called Rosebud Rob. But, we’ve got him and a party of two others, hedged in downa matter o’ six miles from here, and want ther gang ter come down and help finish him up, They were comin’ to rescue Deadwood Dick, but we rung in a deal on ’em, an’ got ’em cornered, where they can’t fight out.” ‘Very well. Go tell Captain Terrible that I will fetch down a partof the gang, before long!” Raphael said. ‘‘I would come now at
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380 Blonde Bill, once, but have some other matters to look to first. Be spry, now, and convey my answer back to the captain at once,” The outlaw nodded, and took his departure from the valley. When he had gone, Deadwood Dick turned to Raphael, inquiringly. - : Well?” he demanded, ‘‘ what do you make of it? ** Just what the fellow said; they’ve got Rose- bud Rob and his companions cornered in some tight place, and all we’ve got to dois to take part of our men, and go and help them out. Do ‘ou see?” “ But, while we are absent, will not the men you bounced from the valley regain possession?” “No, Half of our thirty men will hold the valley, and with the other half, we can effect the rescue. Leave Calamity Jane in charge, here, and she'll attend to it, while you accom- ny me.” Accordingly it was so arranged. Calamity was left in full charge of the valley, with fifteen men under her command, and with the other fifteen, Deadwood Dick and Raphael soon rode from the secret valley, bound for the rescue, All were well armed, and masked, and with Raphael in the lead, they dashed away down the mountain trail at breakneck speed. We must now return to Rosebud Rob and his party, whom we left on their way toward the stronghold of the Silent Tongues, bent on the rescue of Deadwood Dick and Calamity Jane, Nora Van Syckel led the advance, at a rapid gallop, and the others followed but a short dis- tance behind. The route chosen by her was the same taken by the Silent Tongues, when they had rescued Blonde Bill, and was extremely rough and tortuous, lead- ing through deep, dark chasms and frightful mountainous places, such as none of our three friends had ever encountered before. About mid-afternoon, Miss Van Syckel drew rein, and waited for the others to come up. ‘You had better stop here a few minutes, until I go around yonder bend and reconnoiter,” she sai slipping from the saddle, and giving her bridle-rein to the Sport. ‘‘ There is a place there where an enemy could lie in ambush, and once you entered the trap, they’d have you, ere you could think of it. Ifthe route is all clear, and safe, I will blow a little silver whistle, and yon can come on, and fetch my horse with you. Just around the bend, the canyon forks into two. Take the left hand one and follow it, un- til you find me waiting for you,” Then, taking her rifle, she strode rapidly on up the gulch, until she was out of sight, “Tl bet she discovers the outlaws, and we shall have to go back, and around the other way,” Rosebud observed. ‘‘Somehow I don’t trust her, just as I would an angel, for all I hired her fairly.” “Great ham-bone, no, ner I nuther,” Old Avalanche declared. ‘‘These weemin ar’ ther deceitfulest uv all critters on ’arth, takin’ ’em as they come, on an average. Thar war old Methusler Hoppenberry, up at_Shian—durned- est old cattymount ye ever see’d, I sw'ar! Tell ye w’at she did oncet. She cum down ter my ranch, an’ axed me ter marry her, an’ I con- sented. After we got hitched, aw’ile, she coax- ed me ter git my life insured fer forty million dollars, an’ I like a big fule I did thet same. Waal, sir, one night she tuk me at an advan- tage when I was asleep, an’ throad me in a boat an’ sent me down ther river, Then she collect- ed ther forty million, an’ skipped out. Fact, too! “Hark!” Rosebud Rob cried. “I thought I heard the whistle!” They all listened, but there came no second sound of the kind. The minutes passed by to the number of fif- teen or more; then a shrill whistle from the dis- tance was borne to their hearing. ‘‘All’s right; so come along,” the Sport ex- claimed; and putting the spurs to their horses, they dashed up the canyon. Past the bend they swept, and discovered the forks in the canyon as Nora had advised. Taking the left hand one they continued on for several minutes—then stopped oe a Before them loomed upa perpendicular tower- ing barrier of solid rock—ahead, and on either side of them. They had entered a blind canyon, and were trapped! Full well they realized this, when, at the sound of a low laugh, they looked back, and saw that they were covered by a trio of rifles, which were leveled toward them by the out- laws— Vernon, Garwood, and Lester Van Syckle! Betrayed by the latter’s daughter, they were in an unenviable situation. CHAPTER XIII. CONCLUSION, “FAA! ha! you are surprised, are you not?” the Ohioan demanded, with a villainous smile. “Tho tables are somewhat turned, just about now! **Tn all probability,” Rosebud Rob admitted, coolly. ‘* It depends, however, upon your abil- ity to keep us covered, whether we are long your prisoners or not.” “Oh! we'll hold the drop, don’t you fear, until aid arrives,” the minister announced, with a laugh, ‘and drop you in the most summary manner, if you attempt to budge an inch. We don’t bear you any particular amount of good- will, and should deem it a pleasure to shoot ou. we I presume so. But I am shocked to observe how very impious your reverence is growing,” was the Sport’s stinging retort. At which the outlaw laughed again. ‘*T am sorry you have been so badly deceived in on ornament of the Silverton pulpit,” he said, ** Not werry much deceived, ye consarned old polecat!” grunted Beautiful Bill. ‘We know’d ye were a blamed lop-sided, spindle-shanked sinner, long ago. But, we got ’most sucked in on ther female critter who led us inter ther trap. Consarn her purty mug! Beautiful Bill aire I; an’ I do boldly sw’ar, declare, an’ as-
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Blonde Bill. severate, thet if levyer ketch my claws inter ther paraphernalyer uv thet gal, she won't never know w’ot struck her.” “Very likely, but she is safe out of your reach, long ere this,” the Ohioan assured, mock- ingly. ‘‘A clever young lady is Miss Van Syckel, to whom we are largely indebted for your easy capture.” Then there was a pause, Rosebud Rob, Beautiful Bill and Avalanche sat in their saddles, quietly, believing it their best course not to make any more resistance. The three outlaws stood a few yards away, and kept their rifles leveled at their captives, steadily, evidently resolved to prevent any pos- sible chance of escape. ‘““When your arms get tired, gentlemen, don’t you dare to lower your weapons, for the chances stand ten to one that ere you can raise one of them, again, I can send in a whole note!” Rose- bud warned, “I’m up to all such tricks, you know and am not to be trusted!” This elicited a scowl from the three men, for the weapons were evidently growing heavy. And the fact that the Sport’s hand rested upon a pistol-butt suggested the thought that he wanted but the slightest gap left open by them to open the ceremonies. ““T guess we’re good for a half-hour,” the Ohioan said, ‘and by that time we shall have aid. The plan «f your capture was prear- ranged, and so confident were we of its success !} that we sent a man to our stronghold for rein- forcements, which must soon arrive,” Bravely did the three men keep their rifles up to a level with the captives’ breasts, although it was evident that their arms must have ached excruciatingly. And all the while the hawk-like eyes of the Sport were turned upon them, watching for an unguarded point. hus five, ten, fifteen minutes—a half an hour assed away; then there came rolling through he mountain corridors the blare of a trumpet. A smile of triumph broke over the mock min- ister’s countenance, “ Reinforcements,” he said, with a smile, and the next minute he answered the signal with a piercing yell. Soon, then, there came the clatter of hoofs and a party of seventeen masked outlaws dashed up, on horseback, Raphael in the lead. “Cover yonder prisoners, lieutenant,” the bogus minister cried, ‘and spell us, aS We are — yflead a-trying to keep them under the rop. “You'll be dead in truth soon, unless Dead- 31 wood Dick chooses to spare your lives,” was the reply. ic What mean you?” Vernon demanded. “Cover them, boys!” Raphael commanded, and he was quickly obeyed. ‘‘I mean that it is ou and your crowd who are now our prisoners, instead of Rosebud Rob and his party. The tables have turned, just a little, you see. This man on my right is Deadwood Dick, and he at present, and for all time hereafter, commands the gang. You are no longer included, The Silent Tongues have heen merged into the Rough and Readys, under Deadwood Dick, and all the ruffian element has been bounced out. How like you the change?” Horrible curses came from the three baffled villains, but they were too wise to draw wea- pons against such odds, “Throw down your tools, gentlemen, and surrender,” Deadwood Dick ordered, *‘ or I shall direct my men to shoot you down on the spot.” They obeyed, and were made prisoners. Rosebud Rob now rode forward, and was heartily received by Deadwood Dick, as were Bill and Avalanche. Then a general introduc- tion took place, after which the whole party set out for the Golden Pocket. The three chief members of the former band of Silent Tongues, Vernon, Van Syckel, and the deputy-sheriff, Garwood, bin ioe so piteously for their lives and liberty, that Deadwood Dick fin- ally concluded to let them have both, but first made them swear that, as soon as they were free, they would leave the mining country for- ever. They were then set at liberty, to be seen never again in the country of the Rio de los An- imas, Later Rosebud Rob bid a final adieu to Golden Pocket and his friends there, and journeyed to the Nor’west, with the intention of taking to himself a wife in the person of a young lady whom her friends call Cinnamon Chip. Golden Pocket, with its rich mines, is to-day a bonanza. And it has also prove to be the home- base of Richard of Deadwood, for he is still there, with his little band of friends around him, among whom are Calamity Jane, Old Ava- lanche, Beautiful Bill and Raphael, Peaceful and undisturbed, the band is mining the days away, out of the reach of the strong, stern arm of the law; and in the dim future, it is not improbable that Dick and Calamity will enter into a loving partnership for life, which long delayed consummation, we believe, our readers will welcome with— Three cheers for Deadwood Dick! ¢
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82 OCTAVO PAGES, OOO00990905 90009 SOSSSOSSO ay ISSUED EVERY 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. ward L. Wheeler. 2 Kansns Kings or, The Red Right Hand. By B faio Bill. Pi 8 The Flying Yankee. 4 The Double Daggers. By Edward L. The Two Detectives. By Albert W. Aiken. The Prairie Pilot, By Buffalo Bill. The Buffalo Demon. By Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By O11 Coomes. Ned Wylde. the Boy Scout. Wheeler. _ L, Wheeler. Nick o’ the Night. By T. C. Harbaugh. Yellowstone Jack. By Joseph &. Badger, Jr. ‘iid Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. By E. L. Wheel Diamond Dirk, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. By Ca; J. F C, Adams. Death-Face, the Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. Lasso Jack. By_Oll Coomes. Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Reckless Rang By Harry St. George. The Boy Clown. By Frank S, Finn. The Phantom Miner, The Sea-Cat. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. The Dumb apy: By Ol Coomes. Rattling Rube, By Han Old Avalanche, the Great J. Wheeler. Gla s-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. By Capt. LZ dams, The Boy Captain. By Roger Starbuck. Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. trederick Whittaker. Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian. By E. L. Wheel Nightingale Nat. By T. C. Harbaugh. Black John, the Road Agent. By J. E. Omaha OW, the Masked Terror. By E. L. Wheel Burt Bunker, the Trapper. By George E. Lasal The Boy Rifles, By A.C. Irons. The White B :ffalo. By George E. Lasalle. Jim Bludsoe, Jr. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. By Capt. J. F. Adams. Deadl Nick x Deadwood Dick’s Eagles, By E. L. Wheeler, The Border King. By 01! Coomes, Old Hickory. By Harry St. George. 44 The White Indian. fy Capt. J. F.C. Adams. Buckhorn Bill, By Edward L, Wheeler. The Shadow Ship. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, The Red Brotherhood. By W. J. Hamilton, Dandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. Murricane Bill. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Single Hand, By W. J. Hamilton. Patent-leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. The Border Robin Hood, By Buffalo Bill. Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. B: 54 Old Zip’s Cabin. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, Delaware Dick. By Ol! Coomes. — ad Tom Western, By W. J. Hamilton. Deadwood Dick on Deck, By E. L. Wheeler. Hawkeye Marry. By O!l Coomes. The roy, Duelist. By Col. Prentiss Ingraliam. Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken. Corduroy Charlie, By Edward L. Wheeler. Will Somers, the Boy Detective. Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapver. 64 Rosebud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler. Lig! J. F.C. Adams. Kit Harefoot, the Wood-Hawk. By T. C. Hi bantgh. Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Ol] Coomes. Idyl, the Girl Miner. By Edward L. Wheeler. Detective Dick. By Charles Morris, C= SCP RAMESH SIONS eee Debt dadcleelcketerd St. George. nnihilator. wow ove Eye, the Unknown Scont. h a By Ed- By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, By Edward L. Wheeler, By “Texas Jack’’ iiuffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. By Edward Ralph Roy. the Boy Buccaneer. By Crl, Ingraham. Keen-Knife, Prince of the Prairies, By Ol! Coomes, By Edward L. Wheeler. By Edward By Capt. Badger, Jr. By Buffalo Bill, filea’s Pet. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. Ed. L. Wheeler, By Chas. Morris. By A. W, Aiken. htning Joe, the Terror of the Prairie. By Capt. BEADLE’, ee, 70 Sure f- WF Dick 78 Dead 79 The Reid er | $2 Seth “ 88 Cana 84 The 85 The aes 86 Jack aa Pp. 91 Must J. Whe 97 The er, er. le, | 100 Na Edw 101 Dar’ St c. 120 Gop 122 The ‘ar- cents each, v1 Sharp 72 The Lion of the Sea, 78 Photograph Phil, 74 Picayune Pete. %S Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Fam bridge Hemyug (Jack Harkaway 76 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. FE graham. 80 Old Frosty, tho Guide. By 81 The Sea Viper. Edward §. Ell ¥, the 4 Badger, 92 The Ocean Bloodhound, 98 Phil Hardy, the Koss Boy. 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L.Wheeler. 95 Buck Buckram, 96 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective. veler. ard By Ei 121 Harry Armstrong, the Captain of the Club. Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway.) Ready May 5, SLVOVOSCOCOOSCOOOSOOOSOOOOOO WEDNESDAY. Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. By O11 Coomes. Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friend ess Boy. . Alexander Patten, By Albert W. Aiken. the Boy Slenth. By E, L.Wheeler. By Charles Morr 5. ily. By Brace- ward L. Wheeler, Dead Eye, the Boy Suiuggler. By Col, P. In- ond ees, Device. By Ed. L. Wheeler, ack ustanger. By Captain May and Frederick Whittaker. fe aks as T. C, Harbaugh. By Col. ptiss Ingraham. Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. By is. t, the Counterfeiter Chief, By Edward Dumb Page. By Cap Frederick Whittaker, Boy Miners, By Edward 8. Ellis. Markaway in New York, da Ch L. Wheeler, By Brace- bridge Hemyng. 87 The Hussar Captain, 88 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. By E. L.Wheeler. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Biddon, Trapper. By Edward 8. Ellis. an, By George Gleason. ane Sam, the King of the Plains. By Jos. E, ' By Samuel W. Pearce. By Charles Morris. By Captain J. F.C. Adams. By E. L, Black Steed of the Prairies, By James L. Bowen. 98 The Sen Serpent. 99 Bonanza By Juan Lewis, By E. L. Wheeler. By Bill, the Man Tracker. ‘odd: or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. S. Ellis. ing Davy, the Young Bear Killer. By Harry George. 102 The Yellow Chief's or, The Half-bloods Vengeance, By Capt, Mayne Reid, | 108 Chip, the Girl Sport. 104 The Black Schooner. 105 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective. Charles Morris. 106 Night-Hawk Kit. 107 Jack Hoyle’s Lead. 108 Rocky Mountain Kit. ran By Edward L, Wheeler. By Roger Starbuck. By By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, By Edward L. Wheeler. By T. C. Harbaugh, ded Hand, By Frank Dumont. Bill ward L, Wheeler. her Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. C. Harbaugh. By Hunted Hunter. By E4ward S. Ellis. Ready May 12. 128 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By E. L. Wheeler, Ready May 19. 124 Judge Lynch, Jr. Ready May 26. Beadle’s Pocket Library 5s for sale by all News- dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six By T. C, Harbaugh. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. PRICE, FIVE CENTS, POCKET LIBRARY. Sane, onal