Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 163) (1887 02 23)
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Copyrighted, 1887, ; by B PURE anp Apams, Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. ¥., as Second Class Mail Matter. Feb, 23, 1887, Published Weekly by Beadle and Ad Price, Vee Sees onli aa neetonn. ot. Bite bovine NG ee ante —— or” IN HALF AN HOUR MORE THEY HAD APPROACH"D SO THAT THEY DISCOVERED THE EXPIRING FIRE, AND THE PRISONER, DEADWOOD DICE,
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2 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. Deadwood Dick's Dream : THE RIVALS OF THE ROAD. A Mining Tale of “ Tombstone.” BY EDWARD L- WHEELER, AUTHOR OF * DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, “ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘‘ BONANZA BILL, MINER,” ETO, CHAPTER I, DEADWOOD DICK RELATES HIS DREAM. Ir was a warm August night in the month’s latter half, and the scene was far beyond the borders of civilization and settlement, upon the level prairie, at the edge of a motte of cotton- wood timber. Up in the starry blue dome the full moon was soaring with majestic radiance; a soft, spriny-like breeze laden with freshness and odor >f flowers blew up from the south, an 1, altogether, the night was one of exceeding beauty. To a young cottonwood, on the southern out- skirts of the motte, a man was securely bound with strong lariats, as if preparatory to the In- dian exercise of roasting alive. Not a great ways from where he was bound burned a small camp-fire of twigs and buffalo- chips, but the lone prisoner at the tree was the only person in sight. He was a man a trifle above the usual hight, trimly built, with every development hardened and nerved by constant experience and life my ths trail, for he was plainly a free rover of the hills and prairies, His attire consisted of knee-boots, with spurs at the heels, light-colored pants, thrust in the boot-legs, and belted at the waist by a handsome cartridge-belt; above this a white flannel shirt, with tastily embroidered front and collar—the latter open at the throat. Then, he wore a neatly tanned and fringed hunting-coat, which completed his costume, with the exception of a broat-rim slouch hat, which lay at his feet on the grass. In face the lone captive was at once prepos- sessing, if not really handsome. His features, regularly cut, were tinted with the brown of health and exposure; his eyes dark and peno- trating, his mouth firm, pleasant and yet liable to becomes stern in expression. His hair wa; worn long, down over his shoulders, and his lip adorned with a graceful mustache, with lonz wavy ends. Taken all in all, he was as hand- $0m3 a man as ons coll have found in a year’s search upon the prairies—a man whom a reader of character woull at once have pronounced brave, cool, reckless and faithful—true to friends, and deadly to foes. That his captivity at the tree had been short, was quite evident, by the fact that the camp-fire was only partially burned down. Nevertheless, he made frequent attempts to break away, all of which were unavailing. The lariats that bound him were of strong buffalo. .skin, cut in strips, and refused to yield their pur- pose. ‘‘ Well, I suppose I might as well stop strug- gling!” the prisoner finally soliloquized, with a scowl. ‘* Hang me if | fancy my position, how- ever. It’s rather uncomfortable to remain long in this one position, and then there’s no telling when [ am going to get away, if ever. This is off the main trail, and it isn’t at all likely that any good Samaritan will happen along in a month or two, to cut me loose,” The 4 was not encouraging, and the prisoner had a keen appreciation of the fact. Fis place of captivity was some miles away from the main lins of overland travel, and the chances were largely that no one would happen along to set him free, until he should die of starvation, or be torn to pieces by wolves. “Curse that wretch, Cordova,” he muttered, his brow darkening. ‘‘I was a fool to take the fellow into my confidence, for I have yet to meet the first Mexican who is not treacherous, I might have known he would have played the traitor, but it seems I didn’t, and as a result here I am—I, Deadwood Dick, the famous jack- of-all-scrapes, tied to a tree, while my pardner is flying away, to rope in the benefits of my discovery, while all I can do is to remain where Tam and deliberate on what might have been and also, what may be in store for me. If ft could but get free, Mexico would have cause to regret the loss of one of its treacherous sons. But just now the premeditated vengeance did not seem liable to be consummated, and the famous sport, ex-outlaw, and dare-devil of the West could dono better than‘ rest upon his oars.” The camp-fire burned low, and the rays of moonlight grew seemingly brighter, The great range of prairie stretched off in all nature's beauty, until met by a dusky line, which the human gaze could not penetrate. , Eagerly did Deadwood Dick sweep the moonlit landscape with his eagle , in hopes of discov- ering some one who would come and assist him from his dilemma. : And, as his good luck would have it, he looked not in vain. About an hour later his heart gave a bound, as he detected something moving on the south- eastern horizon. At first he could not make out what it was, and was filled with doubt, but Sorts it grew larger in proportions, and by and by he had no difficulty in making it out to be a company of horsemen, : Owing to the brilliancy of the moonlight which aided in the extension of vision, he was well aware that they were yet miles away, which was proven, as they grew nearer very slowly. In half an hour they had approached so close, how- ever, that he was enabled to make them out to be a detachment of the U, 8. Cavalry, well armed and mounted, There were about twenty men, headed by a lieutenant and another person whose dress rank- ed him as a U.S. Marshal. ; ; The discovery caused Deadwood Dick no little concern, for, while there wasa chance for his liberation, he felt sure trouble would follow. | To be sure there had been quite a lapse of time since the name of Deadwood Dick had flashed
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Deadwood Dick’s Dream. along the mining borders, from north to south asaroad-agent and outlaw, and placards ha stared from many a tree and rock, offering large rewards, But, these army officers have eyes and instincts like hawks, and the prisoner had scarcely a doubt but what he would be recognized, If he could prove satisfactorily that, once upon a time, by banging ke had canceled his debts to justice, it might save him; if not, the results remained to be guessed at. In half an hour more the cavalcade had ap- proached so near that they discovered the ex- piring fire, and the prisoner. Then, at the com- mand of the lieutenant, the main body drew rein, only he and the marshal riding on. In a few moments more they had drawn rein and dismounted near Deadwood Dick, and stood gazing at him in evident surprise. ““Why, hello! who have we’ here?” the lieu- tenant cried. ‘‘Look, marshal—do you not see? We've stumbled onto a bonanza, as I live! If Iam not greatly mistaken this fellow is the road-agént, Deadwood Dick!” “No, not the road-agent, Deadwood Dick, but the detective, Deadwood Dick, sir,” was the calm retort of the be! Drain man who, by banging, forever paid his debt, to justice, then rose to take up a different life-trail, and hunt down law-breakers, and villains, whether they be professional outlaws or citizens,” “Ah! so you admit you are the notorious person who has so long made the name of Dead- wood Dick famous, do you!” the marshal de- Ynanded, interestedly. ‘* T claim the title; I have never been ashamed to own it, sir!” ‘““Then what are you doing here insuch a po- sition?” ‘* Betrayed by a comrade, I was taken when asleep and bound to this tree—then deserted.” “What object had your companion in doing this?” **We were bound on a trail against a band of counterfeiters, and I amof the opinion that he was in some way leagued with them, and there- fore left me here to starve, while he flew on to their retreat to put them on their guard.” ‘* Counterfeiters, you say?” *Yes—a powerful gang of them, who are ag big business,” < “What gang do you refer to? There are at present several operating through the West.” “The one [am after, I believe to be unknown to the authorities, and at the same time the largest and most perfect organization of the kind in existence, west of the Missouri, When Ilearn what course you intend to pursue to- ward me, I may be able to explain more defi- nitely.” ss Well, sir, as a U.S. Marshal, it would be my duty to arrest you asa desperate character not safe to be abroad, But as a man, I propose to give every deserving dog a chance, and knowing of some good deeds you have done in behalf of justice, I do not propose to molest you now, When in a trap. Lieutenant, cut the prisoner’s bonds.” The officer obeyed, but evidently with bad grace, and Deadwood Dick once more stood forth a free man, **T am thankful for your kindness, marshal,” he said, “‘ and offer “ie my hand in friendship. It is not often 1 shake hands with any man, but when I do, I want to shake hands with a man who has a heart—a man who is honest and not disposed to kick a person because he once had a bad reputation, Iam one who fights for right, to the death. Several times I have been driven from my own and have fought back. If a man insults or attempts to run over me, I generally try to pay him off in his own coin. I despise a cheat, a tyrant, a liar and a ruffian. I never allow a foe to take me when I can help it; I shoot a scoundrel or ruffian when I think he is a curse to to the public. When I’ was a robber I only took from those I thought got their money dishonestly. That’s the photograph of Dead- wood Dick, and now if you want to hear about counterfeiters, I am at your service.” “T will give you my attention as soon as preparations are made for the night,” the marshal said, shaking the sport’s hand, ‘ Lieu- tenant, signal the men to strike camp.” In the course of half an hour the camp was struck, and Deadwood Dick in company with the marshal, the lieutenant and another individ- ual with long brown beard, who was introduced by the marshal as Mr, Akronelle, were seated in the moonlight apart from the soldiers, engaged in smoking. It was then, at the marshal’s request, that the ex-outlaw said: ‘* Now, about the counterfeiters I spoke of. I wish to ask you if you ever heard of such a per- son as Phantom Moll, the Girl Footpad?” The marshal gave a start. **T have heard much of her,” he replied. “She holds out up in the vicinity of a recent mining strike called Tombstone, don’t she?’ Dick queried, ** As to that I cannot say. She was a great trouble and terror to the miners and settlers down on the Bozeman trail last year, and made it sickly for those who attempted to cap- ture her.” “Well, she’s up around Tombstone, now, I reckon. I had a strange dream the other night, and that’s what started me out. I don’t often dream, but when I do it is always verified, afterward. In this dream, I imagined there was a new mining-camp called Tombstone City. This I have since found to be a fact. Idreampt that the town was troubled by road-agents and counterfeiters, all under the lead of a female called Phantom Moll. Now, you may smile, when I tell you that I never heard of sucha person as Phantom Moll, until her name and vision came to me in my dream—which oc- curred, by the way, about a week pe “Oh! I have heard of persons dreaming of those they were destined to meet in the future, but of whom they had never heard before,” the marshal said, nodding. ‘ By the way, how did your dream end?” : “T dreampt that I set out for the new mining- camp with the intention of breaking up the gang, and after many adventures I succeeded, and brought the offenders to justice. This por- tion of my dream is not so plain in my memory as was the name of Phantom Moll. Then, de- . tached from and yet connected with the dream,
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1 1 4 Deadwood Dick’s Dream, I dreampt that there was a young orphan—a cripple by the vey, who was owner by right of heritage, of considerable mining territory. Her name was Cora Clyde!” As he spoke, Deadwood Dick was gazing at his feet, but some subtle instinct told him that one of his three auditors started, perceptibly. He looked up, presently, scanning each of the three faces, minutely, but failed to detect on either a trace of surprise, “T thought I befriended this girl,” he con- tinued, ‘“‘and the townspeople rose against me, and drove me out. I then organized a band of agents, and waged war, right and left, until road-agents, counterfeiters and ruffians, were all cleaned out, and peace and prosperity re- stored.” “ And you put confidence in this dream, eh?” the marshal asked. “Yes. We were mining over on the Bitter Creek—I and a Mexican named Cordova—at the time; and having perfect faith in the dream, I took Cordova into my scheme, and we set forth for Tombstone. To-night, while taking an after- supper nap, the treacherous cuss must have peel rugged me, and bound me to the ree, where found myself, on awakenin®. Taking my weapons and horse, he has sloped.” The marshal was silent a moment, ** Do you propose to pursue your original pur- oe of hunting up this dream business?” he nally asked. “Of course I do,” Deadwood Dick replied. ‘I shall give the matter a thorough investigation, and doubt not but what I shall find verification for the best part of my dream.” ‘Well, perhaps. I, myself, have som? rea- son to believe that counterfeiters may exist in that region. Therefore, as you are just such a man as I believe would do good service, T will, as is in my powers appoint you as one of my deputies, which will put the law in your hands, T will also give you an order by which you can draw rations for yourself and men at any neighboring Government post.” CHAPTER II, A “HEARSE” AND ITS ‘ PILGRIMS,” Tue road leading from Silverville to Tomb- stone City was one of the wildest of all that wild region. Silverville, nestling upon a sort of mountain plateau five hundred feet above the level of the prairie, was simply a collection of half a dozen rude cabins and a log tavern, with a population of thirty or forty people, all of the sterner sex. No woman had yet lent her enchantment to the paradise of Silverville, and yet there were some marriageably inclined pilgrims there, ready to harness up at any eligible opportunity. Rising the mountain from Silverville, toward the north, the stage trail ran on through a wild district to a little placer. burg called Gloryville, to which all the regular mails were sent before sturdy Joe Rapp started a daily stage from Gloryville.to Silverville, and subsequently from Silvervilleto Tombstone City, the new Eldorado, in the depths of the mountains. As scon as the discovery of Tombstone became an assured suc- cess as a mining-camp, Joe Rapp’s stage was al- ways well patronized, and he made two trips a week from Gloryville to Tombstone and return, with Silverville the noonday station. Joe Rapp was a shrewd, far-seeing genius, and always had some plausible excuse to detain passengers at Silverville several hours longer, each trip, than was necessary for them to supply themselves with luncheon at the “‘ House-that- Jack-Built,” which was the high sounding title of the single tavern. As a consequence the pas- sengers generally lubricated freely, and Joe got a percentage on the ‘‘ile” sold, and as much as he could comfortably hold himself. And those who pretended to know did asseverate that Joe’s storage capacity was at least ‘‘a quarter of a bar’l.” Then the veteran Jehu would yell ‘‘*Board!” spring to a standing position upon his driver's box, and away would dash his six in-hand at a furious speed which would make the old “hearse” as the ponderous vehicle was called, careen from side to side in an alarming way, that caused inexperienced passengers’ hair liter- ally to stand on end. Jericho Joe, as he was frequently called, was a reckless driver, yet, strange to say, he never had an accident or mishap from this fault. About a month after the meeting between Deadwood Dick and the U. 8. Marshal, the ‘hearse ” en route for Tombstone, drew up be- fore the Silverville tavern, and came to the usual noonday halt, while Jericho Joe yelled out the pleasant announcement—“ Thirty minnits fer grub an’ likker!” which caused a greater share of the passengers to disembark and rush pell-mell for the bar-room, which also was pro- vided with a lunch-counter. For the most part, the passengers consisted of bearded, roughly- dressed fellows, with mining outfits strapped to their backs, although there were a few more genteel appearing and better dressed individu- als, whose peculiar vocations might have been classed either as adventurers, speculators, sports or gamblers. Among these was one man who3e handsome face, tasty attire, and nonchalant manner pro- nounced him to be the sport and dare-devil, Deadwood Dick. As he sauntered leisurely into the tavern, using a light sporting rifle as a cane, he attracted more attention than he was really aware of, The miners eyed him with curious glances, and whispered among themselves; the better dressed passengers regarded him with some- thing like doubt im the expression of their glances. =e There seemed to prevail a sort of suspicion against him, but what, he did not know, unless by some means unknown to him, they had learned who he was. As he had ridden on top of the stage, over from Gloryyille, some of the passengers had not obtained a glimpse of him until now. Without paying any attention to their glances, he took a position at one end of the lunch counter, and began to eat such lunch as was set before him, resolved to avoid a dis- turbance, if indeed there was any desire amo the miners to create one, which he su was the case. Among those near his end of the counter was ed a —
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Deadwood Dick’s Dream. 5 an ordinary dressed man, with a recently shaven face, and peculiar gray eyes, who im- bibed a “horn” of whisky between every two or three mouthfuls of victuals, and who seemed inclined to be talkative on the subject of road- agents. “So there’s danger of road-agents between here and Tombstone, eh?” he asked of Jericho ae RO was stowing away “fodder,” at his right, % Waal, I should ponder!” the proprietor of the ‘‘ hearse” allowed, pouring out a brimming glass of a decoction sold for Old Rye, and gulp- ing it down, ‘‘Reckon you’ve never been over this trail, eh?” “Oh, no—never. I just left my seat in the Senate, at Washington, last month, in order that I might come out into this country on a trip for the benefit of my health.” “Phew! Then you're a senator, hey?’ Joseph demanded, in surprise. “ Exactly, my friend.” ‘* Stpose that’s yer darter, out in the coach, eh?” . “Yes, that is my only daughter. It is more on her account than my own, that I am anxious concerning these robbers who, you say, infest this trail.” “Waal, Tallow et won’t do ye much good to worry, pard, fer jest as likely as not ther stage’ll git stonpes, to-day, by Phantom Moll and her gang. hen she sez ‘ Whoa! it’s bizness every time, an’ ’tain’t no help fer it, ca’se she’s got plenty o’ help tew back her—fifty or sixty masked cusses, armed to the teeth.” “Tt is shameful!” his senatorship declared, with indignation, which he in some degree washed down with another swig of “ bug- juice.” ‘TI shall report the matter to the Presi- dent on my return to the Senate, and he will undoubtedly order the army to clear out these outlaws,” The remainder of the conversation Deadwood Dick did not overhear, as he finished eating and adjourned to the outside of the tavern to enjoy a cigar, which was more than he had done in par- taking of the frugal repast. The stage-coach was standing in the road in front of the tavern, and as Dick stepped out, a oung lady was looking from the open door, and by accident or on purpose, he could not tell which, she dropped a handsome feather fan to the ground, Natural gallantry prompted him to step for- ward, pick it up, and return it to her, though something told him that the fan had been dropped on purpose to attract his attention, rather than by accident. ; “Thank you! I am both surprised and pleased to see you here,” a low, softly-modulated voice said, as he returned it. ““No thanks are necessary, lady,” the ex-ont- law answered, considerably puzzled. ‘I pre- sume you have mistaken me for some other per- son, “Oh, no—not a bit of it. I knew you the moment you left the stage. But there comes papa; pray don’t let him see you speaking to me. Still more astonished, Dick stepped back from the coach, and was in the act of saunterin= away, when the Senator emerged from the tavern, “Hello! What's the maiter here? Have you dared to address my daughter, sir?” he cried with a flamiag countenance, as he intercepted and confronted the man from Dakota. “Tf you refer to the young woman in the coach, my dear sir, I allow that icon the liberty of picking up and restoring to hera fan she chanced to drop upon the ground,” Deadwood Dick replied, looking the Washingtonian square in the face, “If I have perpetrated any par- ticular insult in so doing, Pll apologize on a postal-card first chance I get,” The senator grew more red in the countenance at this, and muttering some unintelligible ex- pression, turned abruptly and entered the coach, while Dick sauntered down the road to walk off his surprise. “Well, here’s a go, before I've even got to my dream’s destination,” he muttered, ‘I fancy I’ve seen this noble senator somewheres, but cannot place him now. His eyes are familiar, and the pallor on the lower portion of his face indicates that he bas recently shaven off a heavy beard, As to the girl—blame me if I know her, She is good-looking, has got red hair, and a pair of eyes with condensed devil in them, What strange fatahty bas thrown me in contact with her? Who is she that she knows me, and I don’t know her? What has the future in store with this meeting as a forerunner? Humph! I reckon I'd better not meddle with these three conundrums at all. As for his senatorship, I—I—I don’t quite understand him yet. He went back to the tavern where most of the passengers were collected outside the door, supposing that the stage was about to start. But to his surprise, he found that they were evidently waiting for him, as some had drawn weapons, and all glances were directed at him in none too friendly an expression. Jericho Joe seemed to head the party as spokes- man, and as Deadwood Dick came up, and pared a few paces off to await developments, he said: “Waal, stranger, the aspect lukes kinder war- like, eh? Lukes like as ef thar was liable to be a funeral hereabouts, don’t it?’ he said, in his jocular way. NE abe FY say it did.” the young Dakotan replied, pleasantly. ‘‘ What's the go? Prepar- ing fer a siege against the road-agents?” ‘“Waal, no—that is, there’s a leetle defickelty ariz amongst the passengers, consarnin’ you, which they’ve left me tew settle.” “© Difficult concerning me ?” “Yas. Ye see the b’yees hev somehow got it inter their heads that you’re the famous road- agent who uster perambulate up around the Black Hills under the name o’ Deadwood Dick. an’ ef sech be the case, the’d jest as lief you'd not take passage in the same coach with them from hyar on ter ‘Tombstone, allowin’ yeow are in league with Phantom Mo! an’ her gang.” “Oh! that’s it,eh? Well, now, my friends, set your hearts at rest on one score, I am the remarkable structure of humanity known as Deadwood Dick. But I am in the employ of the Government, and not liable to arrest for
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ee 6 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. i my past career. If youcan read, I have a paper here which fully explains why I am here—or at least what kind of a hairpin I am.” And as he concluded he drew an official look- ing document from an’ inner pocket and handed it to the stage-driver. Now Jericho Joe had at some distant day in his past eventful life acquired the art of read- ing and spelling, which enabled him to read the document, which he did several times over whereupon he returned it to Deadwood Dick. “Well! what do you make of it?” the sport- detective demanded, triumphantly. ‘‘ Are you satisfied?” “Yas, I’m satisfied thet you’re all square,” Joe replied, climbing up to the driver's box. “T allow the boys'll accept o’ anything thet suits me. Eh, pilgrims? I pronounce Dead- wood Dick on the square, and as hevin’ a legal right tew go through to Tombstone on the hearse—ain’t thet enuff?” “T reckon that’s satisfactory,” one of the miners said, and the others nodded assent. " ‘Then all aboard!” Joe yelled, picking up the ines. And in a few moments more the ponderous vehicle rolled away down the rough, tortuous mountain road into the heart of a wild, rocky, timbered country, at a terrible rate of speed, the fractious horses at a gallop, and Jericho Joe handling the triple pair of lines, and cracking his whip dexterously, while he sung and cursed the leaders, alternately. Tt was not until they were nearly a mile out of Silverville that Deadwood Dick made the discovery that the man who had announced himself as a senator was one of the outside pas- sengers of the coach, and the discovery caused him to wonder what was the cause. He felt sure that there was some good reason, or his senatorship would not have left his daughter alone in the coach below, The afternoon passed rapidly. The country they passed through was wild enough, and yet of great natural scenic gran- deur. In places the stage would whirl abruptly around a narrow bend in the road, on one side of which a terrible abyss yawned dark and awful, and into which the stage frequently threatened to tumble. Night drew on, and the full moon rose bril- liantly in the heavens, as if to light the danger- 4 — over which the rumbling, jolting stage rolled. “Get yer pocket-books ready, boys!” Jericho Joe yelled, cracking his whip. ‘ We're gittin’ along nigh about the place where Phantom Moll an’ her gang makes their appearance. No use o’ tryin’ ter ight, fer thar’s allus five to one in her favor, an’ when she’s fired upon she allus cleans out every passenger and sends him en route fer the happy laud o’ Canaan, you bet!” On rolled the “hearse” as if eager to en- counter the dusky knights of the road—on, on, until Jericho Joe gave vent to a peculiar growl and jerked his horses suddenly back upon their haunches. “Road-agents!” he uttered; then the passen- gers apon the top of the stage saw a swarm of dusky fi suddenly arise as if from the bowels of the earth, and surround the stage— bearded, masked men, armed with carbines and looking well fitted for their lawless occupation. ‘Throw up your hands! Death to him who offers resistance,” rung out the stern cry, on either hand. CHAPTER IIT. PHANTOM MOLL AT HOME, Ir was a brusque, business-like command that those who were burdened with ty doe rie pocket- books failed to appreciate, and in consequence thereof, several of the uninitiated drew and eocked their revolvers, but were prevented from using them by others who knew enough of this road-agent business, to be certain that fight was inadvisable, especially when the knights of the trail numbered four or five to every one of the passengers. “Come, gentlemen, dish over your valuables!” cried a burly individual, who stood a little apart from the rest, and seemed to be the commander. “Tf you will persist in traveling our road, you must reasonably expect to pay toll. So fork over your cash, chronometers, an’ yer jewelry, deeds, chattel mortgages, and so forth, and you can goon to seek yer Tombstone. No. mulish- ness, now, as we’ve a private cemetery, around the hill, yonder, where we chuck refractory patients under the sod!” Those within the stage forked over such wealth as they chanced to have, and then those on top were politely invited to disgorge—all ex- cept Deadwood Dick and the senator. The latter was not paid the least attention by the road-agents; and when they came to Dead- wood Dick, one of the masked men said: “You can Zit off 0’ the stage, my friend. The captain would like to see you!” ‘I prefer to remain where IT am,” Dick replied, coolly. “JT have a few dollars in money, and if you prefer that, I will hand it over. “Our orders is to fetch you, sir, instead of your wealth!” the spokesman said, sternly. ‘‘So you might as well climb down, first as last, or we shall have to draw a bead on you. Dead or alive, was what Phantom Moll said.” ** Well, if this is the case, I presume I’d better hang on to the life consideration,” Dick said, jumping from the stage. ‘‘I s'pose you're sure you've got the right man?” “Oh, yes. Deadwood Dick is too well known for any mistake to be made,” the road-agent replied, with a gruff laugh. ‘‘Go ahead with yer stage, Rapp; we'll call on you again, some other time!” Jericho Joe actordingly cracked his whip and the stage rolled away. 2 “A clever piece of acting, gentlemen,” Dick heard the senator say to those on top of the stage, in a sarcastic tone. “Yon are probably aware of the fact that it eost our friend of Deadwood no serioys incon- venience to stop over with the outlaws—at least he didn’t shed any regretful tears at Lo detained. Ha! ha! I presume we shall learn a lesson.” , Then the stage rolled on and the rumble pre- vented Deadwood Dick from hearing more. He bit his lip, and his blood boiled within his
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+_—_——__¢— ™~ Deadwood Dick’s Dream. 7 veins, however, at what he had heard, for he saw the stab this stranger had given him. He knew in him he had an enemy, and doubted not that it was he who had been the silent pan of the attempted disturbance at Silverville. His meditations were interrupted by a hand being laid upon his shoulder, and a voice saying: ** Deadwood Dick, do you propose to accom- pany us willingly, or shall we have to bind and cae you?” “You need not put yourself to that trouble,” Dick replied. “I recognize the odds against me and acquiesce. Proceed and I will follow.” “You are wise. Our orders were to sboot you if you becamebalky. You will permit us to blindfold your eyes, then we will start for headquarters.” This was accordingly done, and Dick was led off, with a man holding each*arm. By the tramping he judged that the remainder of the gang were bringing up the rear. For fully two hours the march continued, without cessation, ere a halt was made, and the bandage removed from his eyes. To his surprise he found himself in what was evidently a mammoth cabin, with walls and roof of heavy logs. The main Soin tt was at least eighty by one hundred feet, and then there were board partitions which suggested the existence of other apartments. The roof of logs was built of sound hewn timber, at a mbeep, er and the crevices be- tween the logs with clay or mud. There was no floor to the cabin other than the earth, and, what was most remarkable, not a window, door, or any mode of entrance visible any- where, even in the eke pre except it were a huge chimney of adobes which was built over a fireplace at one end of the big room, Deadwood Dick noted all these particulars in a few glances, then turned to review his captors in the light of numerous lanterns that were hung about. They were a tough-looking lot— roughly dressed, with belts at the waist contain- ing small arsenals of knives and revolvers; and each man wore a long false black beard and mustache, in addition to a mask of oilcloth that covered all of the upper portion of his face ex- cept, the eyes, ‘You can roam about wherever you please now,” the evident sub-commander said, ‘until the captain comes, because, as you will per- ceive, there is no chance for you to escape.” ““T see you’ve got rather a tight pen here,” Dick replied. ‘‘1 dare say, however, there is more than one way to get in and out of it, What time may I naturally expect to see the captain?” “Oh! presently. She’s very busy counting money, now, I guess.” Then the man, who was called Cal by his companions, turned away, and Dick was left to himself, The jer was provided with a rude bar at one end, and going to it, Dick purchased a cigar of the masked keeper, lit it, and then stretched himself out upon a bench, a series of which ran around the sides of the room, to meditate upon his peculiar position. / - How his little venture was destined to turn out he coulc aot foresee. As yet he had not re- ceived very harsh treatment—indeed, his wea- pons had not been taken from him—but he felt that the arrival of the famous female outlaw, Phantom Moll, would be the event of his future destiny. Then he thought of his official documents, and knew that it would be disastrous for him to lose them, as it would put him out of pee until he could again consult with the U. 8. Marshal, who had issued them. Watching a chance when no eyes were turned upon him, he took them from his pocket, doubled them into as small compass as possible—then Tepes them into a crevice between the logs, where they would not be readily noticed, but where he could find them, if opportunity came for him to_escape. He then changed his seat to another part of the cabin, feeling considerable satisfaction in knowing that if he was searched, all they could find was the small amount of money he had with him, About half an hour later Phantom Moll ap- peared in the main part of the cabin. Just how she entered Dick could not tell, as she was ap- proaching him when he discovered her. Of medium hight of women she was possessed of a form strikingly beautiful, symmetrical and graceful, as relieved by a neat-fitting suit of male attire, with knee-boots, corduroy jacket, light-colored pants and hunting-shirt, and jaunty slouch hat upon a shapely head, set off by a wealth of wavy brown hair, which fell back over her shoulders, Her face above the point of the nose was con- cealed behind a crimson cloth mask, but the mouth and chin and the throat were fair to view, and bespoke the fact that the whole face was rather | gel Her hands were smali and shapely, and covered with numerous rich gold rings, with diamond settings. In her belt she wore a pair of ivory-handled revolvers of large caliber, and a glittering dagger with a gold- mounted hilt, Such were the points that Deadwood Dick no- ticed of this female brigand, who approached him unhesitatingly, her engrine § eyes sur- yeying him sharply through the holes in her mask, “Deadwood Dick!” she said, pausing a few paces from him, and speaking in an impressive tone—‘t Deadwood Dick, are you aware where you are, and whom you are confronting?” “Well, according to my best eyesight, I should judge I am in an outlaw stronghold,” Dick re- plied, quietly, ‘‘ and according to popular belief, I should infer that I was now in the presence of a ghost.” “Tn both of which conclusions, you are cor- rect. I am a spirit—an embodied phantom from beyond the grave to rule and lead for oa ee follow.” fern deine enatan ell, now, you appear rather a ghost, too,” Dick aon sarcastically. ‘* How's the other ghosts and ghostesses, may I ask?” — “Tt matters not. Your words seem to in- dicate that you doubt that I am more than simply flesh and blood?” ; ““Presumedly—yes. I rather opine you've
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TY SETS ee Se SL a ee EE struck the wrong chap to successfully play the host on. I’ve had some experience in that ine myself, and don’t take any stock at par value.” “You are a strange man. Do you not believe in things disembodied?” “Not on the present occasion, One reason is, I don’t happen to notice your angelic wings; then again, your appearance is so exceedingly life-like and natural, that I dare to presume if I was to stab you with a dagger, you’d be a very sick ghost.” “You needn’t experiment any, in the matter. I see you are not to be fooled—so we will come down to business. Follow me to my private office, and we will converse in regard to what disposition 1s to be made of you.” is matter-of-fact invitation Dick resolved to ! accept, and accordingly arose to his feet. Part of his remarkable dream was being verified, according to his prediction, and he was now eager to follow it out to its end. As soon as he arose Phantom Moll led the way toward one of the partitions, which, as they approached it, parted in the center and slid to either side enough to admit of their passage, when they slid to again, by some means Dick did not just then discover. They were now in a narrow hall; passing through which, and past several doors on either side, they entered another room off of the end of the hall. This proved to be a continuation of the cabin, being in width and length about twen- ty by thirty feet, and provided with a board oor, which was covered with a carpeting of bear and wolf-skins, with the furry side up—a matting at once neat and luxurious, The furniture consisted of several fur-covered chairs, a round table in the center of the room, on which a lantern was burning—a couch of furs at one side, and near it a fireplace, in which a few sticks were smoldering. In addition there was a machine at one side of the room strongly resembling a cylinder printing-press, above which was a swinging-shelf, containing an enor- mous pile of what appeared to be plates of lead mounted on blocks of wood. These Dick at once concluded were the plates from which counter- feit money was printed. On the opposite side of the room was a large open-front desk, containing numerous pigeon- holes, each one of which contained several pack- ages wrapped in red, blue and yellow tissue paper, and numbered on the ends that protruded rom the holes. Dick took in all these points at a roving glance, and then accepted the easy-chair that Phantom Moll set forward for him, after which she seated herself facing him. ““Now then, we are alone, and can talk busi- ness,” she said, lighting a cigarette, and blowing a cloud of smoke ceilingward. ‘‘ What do you think of my quarters?” “Tf think you have a remarkably appointed den,” Dick confessed, ‘‘ where you might enjoy an honest life very much. As it is, I cannot say what enjoyment you have.” “Oh! I get along all right, never fear. Tis a jelly life we outlawed sinners lead—but, as you ve been a road-agent in the past, I dare say you know all about it. TI was surprised, how- a Deadwood Dick’s Dream, ever, when I heard that you had taken up sides against those of your own kind.” “You are mistaken, My band of road-agents were not desperadoes and cut-throats by choice; it was only when dogged by the minions of jus- tice that we hit back. ‘“‘ Nevertheless you were outlaws, and got the name of being a desperate crowd. Even now you are liable to be Sem whenever recog- nized as Deadwood Dick.” “Oh! perhaps—again, perhapsnot. I manage to get along through life with sufficient breath for human navigation. How came you to know I was coming to these parts?” ‘*Oh! I was posted soon after you started.” “ BY the cursed Mexican dog, Carlos Cordova, eh? “Yes, by him, for one. I didn’t pay much at- tention to his report, until I learned of your be- ing appointed deputy-marshal. Then I made up my mind it would be best to look after you.” ‘Ah! I think I see whence emanated your in- formation,” Dick said, scratching his head. “TI had until now quite forgotten the man Akron- elle, who was with the marshal.” Phantom Moll are lightly. “You are shrewd at guessing,” she said. “ Akronelle was the man. Did your remark- able dream prepare you for capture by my men?” “Yes, I dreamed that I was captured, and that I escaped.” “That you can never do. You have two fates to choose from, You are a sbrewd, capa- ble, wonderfully gifted man, who would be an advantage to our gang as a member. Therefore I offer you the position of captain of the band, under my generalship, when you consent to shoulder our obligations, swear our oaths of fidel- ity, and submit to our rules of initiation, On the other hand, if you refuse, you have the choice of being riddled by the bullets from a hundred rifles, to-morrow, at sunset. How like you the prospect?” — CHAPTER IV. ANOTHER WOMAN AND A DONKEY, ““T cannot say that I particularly admire it,” Deadwood Dick replied, ‘‘ but, forced to choose between the two evils, T should prefer the chill- ed plumbago to the captaincy.” ““Pshaw! you are very foolish. Death is ever to be avoided, when life can as well be had. Here 1 offer you a position next to myself in rank, which means a free and easy life, plenty of money and every desired comfort that money can procure.” “ And just enough rope to elevate me, when the Vigilantes might chance to get hold of me!” “Bah! they never caught Phantom Moll, yet, and I'll wager you’re sharp enough to elude them. Supposing I were to give you your lib- erty, and you were to go over to Tombstone— what think you would be the result? Why, they’d string you up to the handiest tree as being one of Phantom Moll’s agents,” because your fellow-passengers suspicioned you. and felt that their suspicions were confirmed when they saw you peaceably submit to the invitation of
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Deadwood Dick’s Dream. 9 my agents Ha! ha! Lieutenant Dixie was telling me about it.” ‘Oh, yes; it was proposed by an old pilgrim on the stage that I was a member of your gang, or else the other passengers would never have thought of it. Ill have to keep his kindness in memory, or I may forget to thank him, If your doubts as to my welfare hinder you from granting my release, I beg you to dismiss them at once, because I am well calculated to take care of myself.” * Because you_have a little paper from the U. 8. Marshal, Will you be kind enough to let me look at it?” “Tmpossible, as it is not in my possession at op ynaaeet do I fancy I should turn it over if did have it.” “Oh, wouldn’t you? I may have different views of the matter. But superfluous conversa- tion in such a case, Deadwood Dick, is useless. You came to this region with a fixed resolve to break up my band of road-agents and counter- feiting business. I know you from repute to be a great man—a man whom I have every reason to prefer as a friend rather than as an enemy. You have refused two choices I tender- ed you; I will now make you another offer— which is very foolish, as I have you in my power and need not necessarily offer terms. If you will ve me your word of honor as a man that on eing released you will at once and forever with- draw all hostility toward us and quit this part of the country for good, I will pay over to you in good money five thousand dollars. Still bet. ter, join the band and marry me, and ye shall have the whole command.” ‘Neither proposition can I find it convenient to accept,” Dick said, decidedly. ‘* You have it in your power to release me or kill me. Do as you choose.” ‘Then you shall die to-morrow at sunset!” the female road-agent cried sour smiting the table with her clinched fist. ‘You will find that I am not to be trifled with.” As she struck the table one side of her mask became unloosened, and it fell aside, so that Dick got an instant’s glimpse of her face ere she hastily replaced it. It was a pretty face he saw—such a face as ill became the calling its owner pursued, and though he only obtained a cangia Toobrat 16, 4s was indelibly photographed upon his memory. ‘The mishap was opportune,” he said, ‘I was wishing for a view of your face.” “T presume you'll admit that it’s a pretty face,” she retorted, not seeming to be much put out. “Too pretty, I should judge, to belong to a royher. and murderess!” he responded, gravely enough, **You are insolent,” she cried, and pulled a little cord that hung down from the ceiling. “You have till twelve, to-morrow, to reconsider your decision; failing in which, you will be shot at sunset.” Two brawny ruffians entered at this juncture and seizing Dick by the arms marched him out. As he was about making his exit he gave the bandit queen a haughty glance and said, with biting sarcasm: * By-by, fair Spook! Though I may not see you egein directly, you may expect to hear from me. Ta! ta!” And he laughed his old peculiar wild laugh, that used to resound weirdly through the gorges of the Black Hills, in those days when he and his trusty followers followed the golden trails. Instead of returning him to the main room of the great cabin, the road-agents disarmed him and thrust him into a side room opening off from the dark, narrow hall, Then they closed the door and locked it on the outside, and Dick was left to his own medi- tations. His new prison was about the size of the queen bandit’s apartment, but furnished only with a pile of bearskins and a torch which burned from a crevice in one side of the log walls. The light, however, was welcome, and throw- ing himself upon the pile of furs, he began to consider what was best to do. It was a matter, however, that deliberation did not materially improve, as facts as they stood, were not too pleasant, He did not doubt but what Phantom Moll would have him shot, rather than allow him to escape and organize a siege against her and her band, and, on the other hand, he was resolved to risk the shooting rather than join the eY. crew, and thereby back out of the mission he had set forth to ac- complish, These seemed to be the only parts of the case to consider, for escape appeared to be out of the question. 7 He lay thus in deep thought, until a clock in an adjoining apartment chimed out the hour of twelve. Then, overcome with weariness, he dropped off into a sound sleep, When he awak- ened it was witha start. Some one was shaking him by the arm, and on rising to a iene | pos- ture, he discovered that it was, judging by the form, a woman dressed in men’s clothes—in fact. just as Phantom Moll had appeared, except that the present person wore a feather in her hat and a scarlet velvet jacket, instead of one of cor- duroy. Otherwise she had the same appearance as the bandit queen, both in symmetry and grace of figure, and in general attire. . “ Well, what do you want?” Dick demanded, supposing it was in fact Phantom Moll. ‘It Sit minsel, is it?” “Sh! shat | quiet if you value your life,” was the whispered reply. ‘‘I have come to set you at liberty, so rise and follow me, and plant your footsteps cautiously, or we risk discovery, which would be disastrous.” “But, hold! Before I leave this place I must get some papers I concealed in the main mm. “Here they are. I saw you when you con- cealed them. and took pains to get them for ou.” . mi Thank you,” Dick said, as he received them and thrust them into his bootleg. ‘‘I am placed under great obligations for this act alone, Surely you are not Phantom Moll?” “T’am not. Who or what I am, you will in all probability never know. Enough that I come to set youfree. Follow me, now, cautious- ly, and I will soon have you out of this.” Dick obeyed,
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With his commission restored to him, he was glad enough to get away, where he could have a chance to make and perfect plans for the cap- tare of the powerful and defiant gang of road- agents and counterfeiters, Taking his hand in her own, which was soft and small, she led the way from the room through the door, into the hall, where she paused and lifted oP a trap-door in the floor, whereat was disclosed a a aperture, against one side of which a ladder furnished the only visible means of descent into what appeared to bea bottomless pit. You descend first, and I will follow and close the trap,” Dick’s strange rescuer ordered, He obeyed and soon found himself standing in what appeared to be an underground passage. «Here he waited until his rescuer came down, when she produced and lit a lantern, which enabled him to take a survey of his situation. They were standing in a long passage which was barely high enough to admit of their stand- ing. erect, and which was cut out of solid rock. The masked female now led off with the light, and Dick followed, a silence prevailing between them. A few rods from the ladder the passage grew wider on either side, and here Dick noted were at least three-score of horses, tied to improvised mangers, full half of the number being saddled and bridled, ready for use. Passing on, the vault grew narrower again, aud continued so for a hundred yards, when it suddenly ended in front of a dense jungle of young pines, which was threaded by a narrow pathway, well worn, and barely wide enough to admit the passage of a horse and rider. At the mouth of the vault a masked man was reclining upon a pile of grass, but he merely looked up with a grunt, as Dick’s guide led the way ita the vault, on into the depths of the jungle. Following the tortuous windings of the trail, they, half an hour later, emerged upon the crest of a small mountain, barren of timber. Here they came to a halt, and gazing back in the direction whence they had come, Deadwood Dick beheld a great stretch of dense pine forest as far as the naked eye could reach, said forest covering several neighboring mount yins, and presenting eve here a landscape of dark- green, as viewed ia the light of the spectral moon, which hung low toward the western horizon, Day was already gradually breaking in the east, in which direction they were proceeding, on gaining the mountain crest. Before them the mountain descended grad- ually, rough and rocky, and sparsely timbered, into a narrow, ope valley which wound around the base of another mountain, five miles away, and through which valley ran a silvery stream of water. A trail descended from where Dick and his rescuer stood, toward the valley—another trail ran off to the right in the depth of a steeper mountain and forest. “ There!” I have now brought you where you can easily find your way to Tombstone City,” the masked guide said. ‘‘ The trail to east, up through the valley, leads there,” Deadwood Dick’s Dream, “Thanks, I will take it and try to reach the camp. In what way can I repay you for your service in rescuing me, lady—for ger of no other name to address you by?” ‘*No payment is required, sir. I rescued you because I heard of your capture by Phantom Moll’s gang, and it was in my power to do so— because I have always heard that you were a brave, fearless man, who would ever fight in behalf of honest and honorable women, rather than against them!” “Tam glad you have heard so well of me. My life has not been altogether unchequered with dark lines, but I reckon it has not been entirely made up of bad deeds, But, before I go, will you not favor me with your name— some title at least by which I can remember you in kindly gratitude for the service done me?” “Well, if you persist, call me simply Belle. Now yee had best go, for if my—if Phantom Moll should discover your escape, pursuit would be given, and you might return a prisoner. Also, never sleep except with one eye open, while in Tombstone, for I allow you'll find it worth while to look'out for Number One, while there. Have you no weapons?” “Not at present. The road-agents appropri- ated them.” “Then take one of my revolvers, as you may need it. If I see you again, I'll step up and take it out of your belt, and you'll know it hasreturn- ed to its owner.” She handed him a handsome six-shooter of business size, and then tipping her plumed hat, she tuymed and descended the mountain by the right-hand trail. atching her until a jutting spur of rock hid her from view, Dick thrust the revolver into his sie and strode away down the eastern trail. By the time he reached the bottom of the rugged valley day had fully dawned, and a hazy red sun shot its rays athwart the crest of the eastern horizon. After bathing his face and hands in the waters of the clear, sparkling stream, he set out at a brisk walk for Tombstone. Just about the time he came to a bend in the valley, he spied a very scrawny and withal a very demure-lcoking donkey grazing composed- ly along the banks of the stream. No claimant for the animal was in view, and the donkey was also bridled. Discoverin, which, Deadwood Dick decided he would not dnish his journey on foot, but impress the donkey into his service, He had no gee gh bee approaching and secur- ing the animal, but when he attempted to mount, he found that he had a job before him. The donkey absolutely refused to be mounted, and showed an ugly disposition. But Deadwood Dick was too old a horseman to be fooled in this way, «and soon landed himself successfully upon the donkey’s back, whereupon he threw his arms about the neck and locked his feet about the belly of the victim, in triumph. Then the donkey began to rear and snort and buck, but failed to dislodge his unwelcome pas- senger; whereupon with loud and discordant \
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Deadwood Dick’s Dream. 11 prays, and ears laid back, he began to run at the of his speed. rang on for dear life did Deadwood Dick, and it was in this rather ridiculous manner that he made his first entree into the young mining-city of Tombstone, amid shouts of laughter from a crowd of idle bystanders, and the unearthly brays of the donkey. CHAPTER V. TOMBSTONE, Tue flying horseman, or rather donkey-man soon attracted the attention of all the people of the mining-camp, and the narrow gulch street was lined on either side by as rough and un- couth a crowd of bumans as Dick had met in many a day, most of whom were miners, equip- ped with picks and pans, The donkey continued his mad race until he came opposite a large slab shanty, bearing above its door a sign inscribed as follows: “ BUREKA SALOON. *SHIAN SAL, PROpP’R.” Here the donkey stopped abruptly, probably calculating to heave his unwelcome burden over his head. But he failed in that calculation, for Dick still retained his hug, and remained seated. Then, when he saw that the bad-tempered ani- mal was likely to canter off again, he quietly slipped to the ground. ‘There! You can go, now, beauty,” he laughed. ‘You struck the wrong side of an earthquake, when you set out to buck off a Dakotan, I can tell you.” The donkey seemed to be cognizant of its de- feat, for it laid back its ears and brayed loudly, whereat the bystanders laughed. Then Dick turned and entered the ‘‘ Eureka.” Tt was a rough two-story building. The up- per part, reacbed by an outside staircase, was run as a boarding and lodging house, by an old Dutchman, while the lower story, as indicated by the sign, was run by ’Shian Sal as a sa- loon, On entering, Dick found himself in a long roughly-finished apartment, containing a num- ber of deal and gaming tables and chairs, while at the opposite end was a long counter or bar, behind which was a large mirror, on either side of which were shelves containing bottles, de- canters and glasses. A Chinaman, with a flat, comical visage and almond eyes, not to mention a very elaborately ribboned pigtail, presided behind the bar, as dispenser of liquid refreshments, and a single glance at him satisfied Deadwood Dick that he was “‘nobody’s fool” if he was a Celestial, At the time of his entrance there were but two occupants to the saloon, aside from himself and the barkeeper. One of _these was evidently the proprietress, and the Dakotan gazed at her in no little as- tonishment, for he saw that, in feature, she very closely resembled a face he had lately seen, else- where. And the face was that of Phantom Moll, the female road-agent! The eyes, the mouth, the contour of features, the hair—all were those of / his late captor. The form, too, was nearly the same, though if anything more petite and grace- ful, its symmetry of contour being revealed by a neat-fitting costume consisting of patent-leather top-boot:, pants of buckskin-colored cloth, with old fringe upon the outside seams; a white uck vest, and white flannel shirt, with collar open at the throat; a wide-rimmed white felt hat, pinned up at one side with a gold butterfly, with diamond eyes, and a jaunty jacket of same color as pants, and likewise liberally decorated with gold fringe, She wore a pair of service- able revolvers in her belt, and a knife hilt peeped from its sheath upon her hip. Such is a description of the person whom Dick saw seated at a table, engaged at a game of cards—a young woman apparently not over eighteen years of age. If surprised when he gazed at the woman, Deadwood Dick was more than astonished when hesurveyed the man with whom she was play- ing, for he baheld his own likeness before bim, in every respect—a man whose form and face in every detail resembled the young Dakotan— whose features, eyes, mouth, mustache, hair and shape of head, were all a perfect counter- part of those of Deadwood Dick. His dress, however, consisted of a full suit of spotless white duck, with slippers upon his feet and a round scarlet smoking-cap on his head, while in his helt be wore just an even half- dozer. of dangerous-looking revolvers, all at half-cock. So forcibly was he impressed with ae ance of these two persons, that Deadw ick paused a few moments near the door and gazed a at them, scarcely able to credit what ie Saw. At first he was tempted to believe that the young woman was indeed Phantom Moll, but a closer study of her expression of countenance convinced him for the time being, to the con- trary. But who was the chap who looked so much like himself? That was a question he was obliged to pro- nounce a ‘‘sticker,” until subsequent revela- tions should answer it. The attention of the players was finally at- tracted to the watcher by a grunt from the barkeeper, whereupon the young woman threw down the cards and thumped the table with her fist. “Well! by blazes!” was her ejaculation. “Two of a kind, as I live! Do you see, Mis- souri?—thar’s yer double!” ‘““Humph! the fellow does copy my mug quite creditably. I say, stranger, what’s your bizness?” “That depends somewhat He foc stances,” Deadwood Dick replied, advancing, and not liking the query any too well. ‘One needn’t trouble to ask yours, I perceive.” And the Dakotan dropped into a seat, handy cireum- Mi By which I presume you mean to infer that I am a professional card-sharp?”’ the counter- part said, flushing angrily. “Exactly. That's what I sized you up for, er knowing your name, No offense, I
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ee Ee 12 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. “You'd be crossing Jordan, I allow, if there was any particularly!” was the reply, witha hoarse chuckle. ‘‘ May I ask who you are—as I notice that you and I somewhat resemble each other?” * Certainly!” Dick replied. ‘‘The handle ’m most familiarly grasped by is Deadwood Dick.” “* The devil you say!” the counterpart gasped. ‘Well, by blazes!” the young woman ejacu- lated, springing to her feet. It struck me that’s who you was, the moment I saw you. Shake hands, Deadwood! My name’s ’Shian Sal—formerly o’ Cheyenne, ye see—and I’m the boss of this ranch, and am right glad to welcome ou! “Tf so, why so?” Dick queried, shaking her soft, warm hand as requested. ‘‘ I don’t know that I ever had the honor of your acquaintance before?” ‘Ha! ha! ha!” the girl laughed, merrily— **do ye mind that, Missouri? The honor of my acquaintance! IT’!l be shot ef he ain’t the first chap thet ever allowed et was any honor to %cum quiinted wi’ ‘Shian Sal. But I allow I ain’t no bad piece, Deadwood, ’cept that I like to gamble, smoke, and occasionally take a lemonad3 with a stick in it, and sometimes I pop over a rough, jest to keep er hand in and let ’em know Sal is old bizness, As fer yer knowin’ me, probably ye never did —leastwise not till now. But, you—by blazes, T’ve allus know’d you since I first anchored over in ’Shian; that is, by report. An’ when any loot used to tell ms you was a bad pill, I told fim he was a liar. Even the newspapers hed to admit thet you never hurt anybody, ’less they deserved it, or commenced the row. And, says I: ‘Ef I ever meet that Deadwood Dick, Pm goin’ to shake hands with him, because he’s a chap after my own likin’, who ain’t afeard o’ noboly or nothin’.” Dick smiled, and his memory bounded back to his faithful girl-pardner of many a by-and-gone scrape, valiant Calamity Jane, whom this new acquaintance reminded him of. “T am glad to have met so warm an advo- cate,” he said, ‘By the way, how is the look- out here in Tombstone?” * Bully!” ’Shian Sal declared with emphasis. “The miners is getting plenty of paying dirt on the surface, an’ my shaft over in the bluff is nning out some rich quartz. You bet yer oots thet prospects aire boomin’!” **But hardly so for you!” Missouri said, ad- dressing Dick, with a somewhat peculiar shrug of his shoulders. “Think not? Why?” “Oh, because I am inclined to think the citizens will object to your mixing into the population. Road-agents and horse-thieves are shown but little mercy, here.” “*Presumadly, you are right. But you see I happen to be prepared for any objections they may have.” ‘“Good fer you, Deadwood! Don’t let ’em scare you,a bit. ’Shian Sal happens to own quite a chunk of this town, an’ ef ye want help, you cons to me. Lallow [ve got a repertation around this hyar burg, fer bein’ able to take keer o’ myself an’ one or two ter spare, an’ them as wants to git cleaned out ginerally sails right inter the Eureka! Even Mister Mike Missouri, heer, who claims to be the boss of the town, don’t keer to say ‘ yes’ to a dispute, when I say ‘no,’ fer fear he’ll suddenly git sleepy, an’ wake up in another camp.” ““T don’t think [ have ever confessed myself afraid of you!” the gambler said, scowling. “No, but. you dassent call Shian Sal no bad names, tho’!” the woman replied, with a cool laugh. ‘*‘ Come, Deadwood, have a cigar, seein’ as this is the first time I’ve met you.” Dick accordingly followed her to the bar, he os she ordered the Chinaman to set up the est, Then she took occasion to say in a low tone: “You want to keep your eye peeled, or you'll be surprised.” “Eh? I don’t understand,” Dick said. “T mean to say, you’ve got an enemy in camp.” “Ts that so? Who is he?” ‘““A new pilgrim, who calls himself Senator Clyde, and puts on more importance than a young rooster.” “Tve seen him. What’s his lay-out?” “Dunno. Got in late last night. Went straight to work warnin’ the miners that the noted outlaw, Deadwood Dick, had arrived in the vicinity and joined the gang of Phantom Moll, and was a-goin’ to raise thunder, in general. He come for me, an’ I told him he’d better go take a sweat.” ‘* What impression did he succeed in making?” “Big! way up! Why he jest set out the bug- juice an’ smokers for the hull crowd, and told em that it was necessary to organize a standing band of Vigilantes, ready to string up every road-agent who entered the camp, without talk or trial.” ‘“*T dare say I shall receive a call, then,” Dick said, with a dry laugh. Then he explained how he had been captured by the road-agents, and how the so-called sena- tor hal taken advan of the fact to hint to the passengers that he, Dick, had been captured by his own men, as a blind. “Ho oo arr about the capture here, and pronounced it a blind,” ’Shian Sal disclosed. “The miners kinder tuck to it, an’ I reckon as how they'll try to get up a row.” ‘*Which would not surprise me in the least!” Dick replied, a trifle bitterly. “I seldom if ever have located in a place, so far in life, that they have not given me an invitation to bounce, It has grown rather a second nature to me, to be on the watch for those who would strike me, and I rather fancy that they who fool around me never make much money or success.” ““Good for you! like a man of your caliber, who will fight back when set upon.” You stay handy around where Iam, an’ if they pitch onto you, just count on ’it that ’Shian Sal will be in the row.” “Don't. I never want other people to en- tangle themselves in quarrels on my account.” “Pshaw! Dye s’pose I'd stand by and see a friend hurt? Not much?” ‘¢-You are my friend, then?” “T gave you my hand, didn’t I? Only friends ever get a grip at that, and you're the first one that has, here in Tombstone,”
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Deadwood Dick’s Dream. “Then, if a friend, tell me one thing:—are you not at the same time an enemy?—are you not Phantom Moll?’ The girl laughed outright. “No, I am not,” she answered, decidedly. ** You are the first one ever to ask me that. Do T look like her?” “Enough so, that I could almost swear you and she were identical.” “Well, is it ved more strange a chance re- semblance, than that existing between you and Missouri?” “Hardly, I fancy. Who is he—what is he?” “My would-be husband—if he could!” and here Miss ’Shian laughed again, in a musical, hearty way. ‘Oh, he’s a bad pilgrim, is Mike Missouri, as quick and spry asa cat, and handles his tools, skillfully. e’s afeard o’ me, tho’, ‘cause I can pull a pop-gun jesta jiffy spryer than he can. Then, too, he'd like to marry my gold mine across the creek, not allowin’ thet he keers a cent fer me. He'll quarrel with you if he can—so look out!” Dick thanked her for her confidence, and then sauntered to a seat across the room, where he picked up a paper and began to read. He had only been seated a few moments, hower, when Missouri approached him, with a dark scowl, “* See he e!” he said, in a gruff way; “ youand I might as well understand each other. The say you're quite a fellow on your muscle, while I allow I’m boss of this town. Now, we luk alike, an’ mistakes are likely to occur, so it be- comes my duty to request you to vamoose, I be- ing first to locate.” * And it becomes my dignity to refuse,” Dick replied calmly. ‘‘ I don’t generally leave a place fill T’m made to!” “Then [ll make you!” Missouri growled, drawing a knife, and leaping forward, with a deadly purpose gleaming in his eyes, But the man from Dakota met him half-way —parried the blow of the knife with one arm, while with his right fist he dealt the ruffian a stunning blow in the face and he fell back upon the floor. Just at this juncture the door opened, and a gang of armed men marched into the room, CHAPTER VI. THE MARSHAL SHOWS HIS TEETH. Quite a lively outlook was there now for Deadwood Dick—for he had no doubt the squad of men had come on business with him, Missouri scrambled hastily to his feet, with a string of oaths, and laid his hands upon a pair of revolvers in his belt, but he did not draw them, as the man from Dakota already had him covered, fi “You see you are not able to cope with me,” Dick said, ooolly, ‘‘and I advise you to let Dead- wood Dick alone. The next time you seek a quarrel with mo, I shall kill you, very likely, instead of letting you go so easy.” He then turned to meet the party of armed men who were approaching him. Evidently wise enough to accept a good piece of advice when it was tendered him, Mike Mis- souri went over to the bar and took a drink, be- fore seating himself. ’Shian Sal waited upon 138 him in person, and took pains to torment him with a reference to his battle. “Well, you found the man from Deadwood to home when you called on him, didn’t you?” she asked, with a grin, ‘“Pshaw! I only tried him to see if there was any fun in him.” ‘**And found there was more than you had bargained for, eh?” the girl laughed. ‘' You'd better keep wide out of his trail, Missouri—he’s an earthquake—a reg’lar volcaner, is that Dead- wood Dick.” “Bah! Vl lay him out, if Iever havea square deal. Ireckon the Vigilantes want him, now, however,” and he nodded to the squad of miners, who were headed by a burly, bewhiskered ruf- fian—every inch a six-footer, and evidently one of the class known as “ bad *uns,” in the mining districts, Led by this chap, the Vigilantes approached within a few yards of Deadwood Dick, who had his arms folded and stood gazing at them, while a cocked revolver was held re for use in his right hand; then, by an order from the leader, the whole gang stopped. After clearing his throat with a business-like “ahem!” the bullwhacker glared down upon the Dakotan with all the ferocity he could sum- mon, and said: “Young feller, you’re the very inderwidual we w’u’d fasten our paws on. Are you aware what august body stands before you?’ “ Estimating you according to your personal appearance, I should infer that I was standin, in the presence of the body of a combination o elephant, rhinoceros, kangaroo and what-is-it?” Dick retorted, is aerial “Waal, ye jest hit it, youngster—I am every inch a combination o’? what ye sed, an’ can chaw up sech pigmies like you ina single gulp. Behold in me Frightful Fred, the Vigilante chief, an’ ther great Caperin’ Cannibal o’ ther West. I’m a chawist and a gouger, I am—a reg’lar old yowltin’ he-wolf an’ wildcat, I hey chawed up an’ swallered a hundred sech chaps like you, an’ when I want a meal I jest waltz right up and bite off some galoot’s ears, or nose!” “Tf you are really such an extraordinary animal, you ought to be put in a cage and sent out with a traveling menagerie; Barnum would make a fortune out of you,” Dick retorted. “Oh, ye needn’t poke fun, thinkin’ you kin pit away, fer ye can’t do it. We're the Vigi- ance Committee of this hyar city o’ Tombstone an’ I, Frightful Fred, aire the chief-cook-an’- bottle-washer o’ the concern, an’ we've got or- ders ter arrest ye!” ‘By whom given, sir?” “By ther chief citizens o’ this byar town, an’ fer the cause o’ you’re bein’ connected wi’ Phantom Moll’s gang!” “That is false, a have no connection with that or any other gang; in fact, I came here on purpose to hunt down that gang, and have papers to prove that [ am a Deputy U. 8, Marshal!” Ry “Thet won't go down, pilgrim. We're biz- ness, we citizens o’ Tombstone, an’ don’t allow ourselves to be taken in by no sharp, no matter ef he’s got papers sayin’ he is President 0’ the
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Deadwood Dick’s Dream, United States—not fer we. We don’t like no one ter settle hyar in this town whose reputa- tion is bad, an’ tharfore we citizens did hold a convention last night, an’ passed the resolution that no sech a chap as Deadwood Dick be *lowed in ther town. So, now, either you kin git up an’ dust, or we'll put yer neck in a noose, you bet! “In the name of the Jaw, I refuse to go!” Dick replied, his eves flashing. ‘‘l have a legal and lawful right to remain here.” “Not when the people ter a man say no!” Frightful Fred replied. ‘*Heer’s a paper w’ot "ll tell ye jest w’ot is w’ot!” And he took from his pocket a large sheet of »aper, On which the following was written in a eavy hand: “NOTICE! “ Wh reas; It has come to the hearing of we the undersigned citizens of ths city of Tomb<tone, that a notorious cut-throat and desperado called Dead- wood Dick is at large in this vicinity, and * Wahervas; Said Deadwood Dick is under suspi- cion of coming here for the purpose of rubbery and general outlawry, and is suspected of being leagued wet the bloody handed female foot-pad, Paantom may * Reolved:; Thatshallth said notorious character, Deadwood Dick, seek to enter our town on any pre- text, or for any purpose whatever, we the undersign- ed, settlers and citizens thereof, saall, through our Vigilancs Committee, order him at once and forever to take his departure; and “ Resolved; That if he shall refuss so to do, or shall renew the intrusion at any subsequent period, he shall be captured alive and taken to the first convenient tree and lynched—hung by the neck until dead.” Then followed a long string of signatures in various styles of chirography. When he finished perusing the document, he tore off the portion containing the names and thrust it into his jacket pocket, while the other — he tore into bits and scatterd upon the oor, *T'll keep the names for future reference, asI may want to repay a debt of gratitude!” he said, significantly, ‘‘ As for the other portion of it, I laugh at it and refuse to go. I have the law on my side; drive me forth if you dare, and I'll make this town cause to regret the day they struck the initial war-blow at Deadwood Dick. Do you understand me, Sir Bullwhacker? I refuse to go! So if you want the concert to commence here, just warble forth the note. I am ready to fight the gang of you, and you may have heard that Deadwood Dick always comes out right side up with care!” And so confident and so eager fora scrimmage dil the man from Dakota appear, that the Vigilantes stared at him in wonder. he man who had the assurance to boldly and fearlessly stand up and invite the attack of a dozen armed foes, must be more than ordinary mortal, they argued, and such a man was best carefully inventoried, before attacked. Even the bullwhacker, Frightful Fred, was somewhat surprised, but the bullying element in his composition was such as was not easily —, by words. ; ‘* You'd better surrender!” he growled. ‘‘ Why, ef we was ter pitch onter ye, thar wouldn’t beas much as a grease-spot left when we got through with ye!” “Of youand your crowd—probably not,” Dick retorted. ‘‘ Don’t think you can intimidate me by blowing, my friend, for you cannot do it. There’s only a dozen of you, and I dare say if you take pains to search the records of my past you can find chronicle of more than one occasion when Deadwood Dick has cleaned out twelve better men than you are.” ‘“That’s true as preachin’, Fred Cook,” ’Shian Sal declared, coming up; ‘‘and as Til shove in my ‘sixes’?in any scrimmage you have with Deadwood hyar, the likeliest move ye kin make is retreat—rer I allow you know my style o’ shootin’,” ‘Well, Pll take yer advice, gal, but ye recol- lect thet I don’t give up beat. Pll cum back, directly, wi’ ther hull o’ the town ter back mo, an’ see ef the infernal road-thief won’t cave then!” . And directing his men to follow suit, he left the saloon. When they were gone, Shian Sal turned to Dick. “ Well, it turned out different than I expect- edit would,” she said. ‘I didn’t know but I should have to set Ching Chang a-moppin’ up gore,” “Which you would, if things had not taken the turn they did,” Dick averred. “Whatare you goin’ to do?’ she asked—‘ stay and brave it out, or vamoose?” “T shall certainly remain until it becomes so hot that I have to go!” was the firm reply, ‘ you will lend me a revolver. I will go out and saunter around town now.” ‘That will he risky.” ‘‘Pshaw, no! It will only illustrate to them that they’ve stirred up the wrong man for a coward,” She accordingly lent him her pair of weapons, he promising to return them by evening. This made him three, all of which he placed con- spicuously in his belt, and where they could be reached handily. Then he set forth upon the main and only street the young mining would-be city boasted of. It was not a large place, by any means, having existed for only a few months. There were a couple score of log cabins scattered about on either side of the creek, a grocery store, a milling establishment where quartz was crushed and the mineral washed out, the Eureka Saloon, of which ’Shian Sal was boss, and another com- bined saloon and dance-house further up the street, which was in full blast night and day. Then some sanguine mortal had started, as the sign in front of a shanty proclaimed, a “THEATER,” particular emphasis being given to the sound of A, by its superior size. The bulletin-board, which was papered with a hand- printed bill, announced that a company of Metropolitan Stars would appear every night in the ‘‘ highly sensational farce” of ‘‘ Uncle Tom’s pean the admission being placed at “ four its.” The appearance of Deadwood Dick unon the street at once attracted attention from knots of men. Judging by the people he saw, Dick drew the conclusion that the large share of the miners i
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Deadwood Dick’s Dream. had quit work, for some cause or other, and he rightly reckoned it was because of his presence in the town. They were grouped in various places, en- gaged in conversation, the drift of which he was well aware was toward him, but he did not be- tray that he had paid any attention to the matter, Instead, he sauntered leisurely up the street taking a look at the town as he went, and scarcely noticing any one whom he passed, yet seeing all. He had rather anticipated a street attack, but none wasgiven, The bystanders whom he passed surveyed him in sullen silence, and not a shot was fired In the course of his stroll he took in the dance- house, but remained only a few minutes, after which he returned to the Eureka Saloon, ‘Shian Sal called him to one side, as soon as he had en- tered, her face more serious in expression than he yet had seen it: “Pye been doing a little more promiscuous scouting for you!” she explained. ‘*Oh, have you?” Dick replied. ‘‘ What suc- cess did you have?” “Enough of it, suchas it is. Take my ad- vice, Deadwood, and vamoose, If you don’t bp goin’ to take you, sure as blazes, to- night, and when they take you, your neck will by the forfeit, At least that is what the sworn, decision is!” “You believe they mean business?” “Yes, I'm positive of it. Every spreiaeh to the town is now guarded, and the sentinels have orders to shoot you if you attempt to escape. To-night, at dusk, the whole population will turn out, en masse, and either take you and hang you, or die in the attempt.” “ Well, according to that, I must have earned my Tombstone in coming here,” Dick returned facetiously. ‘‘I wonder if these worthy resi- dents Propose to put me in pickle after they lynch me.’ se don’t know, ‘You're mighty cool about it! “T can stand it to be cool,” was the answer. with a grim laugh, ‘‘ because, according to all popular belief, my future residence may beina somewhat warmer climate.” And then he laughed again recklessly, “You will try to make your escape before it is too late, will you not?” ‘Shian asked, eagerly. “No, I propose first to talk the matter over!” He procured, then, a large sheet of blank r, and with a marking-brush and ink, which Ra lly chanced to have, he fixed out a poster, containing the following: “ NOTICE, “Deadwood Dick, the ex-road-agent, and now a deputy -sgeretal, appointed by. U. 8. rshal Bird- , Will deliver an important address here this evening, to the citizens of Tombstone. All are in- > - attend, and bring their shootin’-irons with em Then did the Dakotan leave the Eureka, cross the street, and tack the notice upon a large dry- goods box which stood beneath the outspreading branches of a giant cottonwood tree. 15 Later the notice was read and reread by a crowd of wondering residenters, who were at a loss to understand what was the next thing to follow. Just as the sun was setting that night, Deadwood Dick crossed over from the Eure and took his stand upon the box, CHAPTER VII. A BOX SPEECH AND A DISAPPEARANCE. His audience was already collected. A hun- dred or more roughly-dressed, long-bearded veterans of the pick and cradle were gathered before the impromptu orator’s stand, and then there were some women and children mixed in with the uncouth audience. Every man had at least a couple of revolvers in his belt, and several also had an accompani- ment of knife and rifle. Taken as a whole, they were not a handsome assemblage, nor too honest-looking, whisky having left traces of frequent carou: on more than one countenance, Among the crowd, as he took his stand, Deadwood Dick could not see anything of ’Shian Sal, at which he won- dered, for she had been absent from the Eureka for upward of two hours, Nor could he see anything of Senator Clyde in the assembly, but looking across the street he discove him seated at an open window, in an upper story of the Eureka. Tempted was Deadwood Dick to draw a re- volyer and shoot him where he sat, as he was well able to do, but a second thought admon- ished him to bide his time. After glancing sharply over his audience, he pais a cocked revolver in either hand, and said: ‘*Ladies and gentlemen: I am not surprised to see you all here, for I felt sure you would want to hear what I bave tosay. As you may guess, I am not an orator by profession, but when called upon to defend myself, I opine bg Bie never fails me. Now, my errand here, to-night, is to ask your kind attention to a few facts which I shall administer to you, and ask your sensible consideration of the same.” “Waal, go ahead wi’ yer ark. I opine we kin listen, anyhow!” one of the miners said, enna. “Thank you,” Dick replied, bowing. ‘I will try to be as brief as pe To with: years ago I had the doubtful honor of being a road-agent chief, and by several offenses, made we a target for the darts of the law and its advocates, I, however, succeeded in escaping as many times as attacked, until I finally gave up the life for one more que and peaceful. But, even then I was pursued and hunted for old og until not long ago, I was captured, and ung. After being left for dead, I was cut down and resuscitated by a friend, and thus, while I hung and paid my debts to nature and justice, I came back to life a free man™ whom no law in the universe could molest for past offenses, Since then, however, I have been molested, he eae and find the same greeting is extended me in your town, which I have visited as a servant of the law, rather ~*~
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SST 23 SSE late Sars 8s (eat eee woes os peu tii} — Sten OF EE SSI - ==. ié Deadwood Dick’s Dreani, than asa breaker of it. Iam here asa U.S. Deputy Marshal, to arrest and break up a gang of counterfeiters, who, allied with a gang of road-agents, exist in this vicinity under the leadership of Phantom Moll. ow, gentle- men, this is not chin, but fact, and I’ve got the pers to show for it. So what I want to know is—what is your object in wishing to banish from your midst, one whose plans it is for your interest to second and promote?” There was a moment’s silence, after Dick’s little speech; then a miner stepped forward: “Well, young feller, ef no one else can’t answer you, I can—and my name’s Josephus Washington Blathers, frum Denver. Ye see, T’ve roughed et thru this hyar mining territory, all the way from hyar back ter ther first ex- citement at Pike’s Peak, an’ I’ve hed a D’iler full o’ experience wi’ hossthieves an’ road- agents, till I know they ain’t ter be trusted wi’a pints value. Tharfore, I allow yer forged eputy papers, nor any other tricks, can’t hood- wink us. We've got ye hyar whar ye aire sure. an’ ef we know ourselve;, Phantom Moll will lose one o” her shinin’ lights!” “Ts this the sentiment of the whole crowd?” Deadwood Dick demanded, sternly. ‘‘Do you refuse to recognize me as an officer of the law?” A grim murmur of assent was heard among the crowd. “Then I pronounce you a gang of ruffians ani law-breakers yourselves, and hear me swear it—that I will have the satisfaction my position enables me to command—J will gather around me a few faithful fellows and make it so sick for the ones whose names were oan to that paper to-day, that they can have no choice but <= Sip or death. Only when you come forward, ask Deadwood Dick’s pardon and join his band of Law Protectives, will you be safe! “Now then, you have heard me, You can have me as an ex-outlaw and citizen, or as a law enforcer, who will make this town deserv- ing of the ominous article it resembles in name —or, you can refuse all that and sail right in and take and lynch me, recollecting that I shall shoot the first man who sets the ball in motion, and as many more as in my power. before I have to submit to overwhelming odds.” “Then shoot me first!” the big bullwhacker, Frightful Fred, cried. “Stop! stop! fly to cover!” a miner cried pointing toward the bend, around which a band of forty or fifty masked horsemen came charg- ing at the top of their horses’ speed, uttering dis- cordant yells the while, Taken by surprise the street assemblage thought of nothing but their own safety, and made a precipitate rush for the Eureka and other neighboring shanties. But a rattling vol- ley from the carbines of the road-agents dropped an even half-dozen ere they could escape. Then without a pause the cavalcade dashed benny # down through the town, without pausing, and jenppeeto’ around the lower turn. When they had gone, the Tombstoneites once more began to creep forth from refuge, and congenially curse themselves for running. And for another reason, too, For in the excitement of the moment their late orator, the lively Dakotan, had also very suddenly disappeared. The discovery caused the crowd to re-collect upon the street and discuss the matter, for the loss was extremely annoying, when they had been so sure of their man, Some argued that he might have been caught up by the qoad-agenta and borne away to safety ; others had conflicting theories without number, until a street fight seemed impending, when Senator Clyde made his appearance upon the scene. ‘See here!” he cried ets: trp’ stop « this wrangling and look about you, e@ out- law may not have got out of reach yet, if you are spry. Search the tree above the box. Ten to one you'll find him snugly ensconced among the branches.” ‘Ef ary galoot wants to go up thar an’ run ther risk o’ gittin’ his brains blowed out, he kin do it—but jest count Frightful Fred from Frisco out 0’ the ticket!” ‘“‘ Git a lot o’ shot-guns an’ rifles, an’ fire ’em up into the tree!” suggested another miner, “T have a still better plan,” the senator an- nounced, ‘Some one tap the tree pretty deep with an auger, and plug it with powder and leave a fuse sticking out. Then build a fire around the tree, and blow it to pieces, It will be pretty likely to bring down your man.” his plan was good, but dangerous to the man with the auger, should the Dakotan be in the tree; therefore, it was finally decided to bom- bard the tree with a howitzer, which the miners chanced to have. The qayeote cannon was accordingly brought forth, loaded to the muzzle with powder and slugs, and the muzzle pointed toward the top- most section of the tree. It was then touched off, and a report followed that made the hills echo, When the smoke cleared away, they perceived but very few branches upon the tree, the volley having scattered and riddled everything in its ath. oo could they find anything of Deadwood Dick. The only conclusion left, was that he had escaped—an oui which was confirmed by *Shian Sal, who came sauntering down the street, about this time, and inquired the cause of the racket. “Why, you durned lunatics!” she cried, laughing and slapping her hands—‘ you’ve jest been tuk in an’ sold out fer a couple of pounds of wder—sure’s preachin’. I see’d Deadwood Dick walkin’ leisurely out 0’ town, apiece up the gulch, jest as I cum in, Axed where was he goin’, an’ he said to bring a de- tachment of troops an’ clean out the town. Ha! ha! ha!” ‘¢Ha! ha! ha!’ eh?” Senator Clyde, growled. “Tt must be quite amusing to you!” “So it is! I’m tickled "way down into my gaiters, to know that Dicky of Deadwood has come the skip over ye. A right smart chap is Deadwood, an’ when fools pick him up fer a hunk of lead. they generally find out that he’s a dose o’ burnin’ lava!” *“Humph! one would think you were a friend “his! You'd better go home an’ put on dresses, 7 bal
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Deadwood Dick’s Dream. young woman, instead of espousing the cause of such ruffians.” “He's not half the ruffian you are, old snoozer!” the girl fired back. ‘““What!—you call mea ruffian—I, a senator and eminent financier?—Tll box your ears for that, 4 pert miss!” And he aimed to slap her upon the cheek with the flat of his hand. But, skillfuily dodg- ing him, Sal dealt him a stinging blow over the left eye, with her fist, which knocked him quite over upon the ground. On rising to his feet, his Honor and senator, instead of renewing the attack, made for the stairway leading to the lodging-house, amid shouts from the by- standers. The next morning placards were posted in prominent parts of the little mining-town, bear- ing the following notice: * Warr WARNING !— “This is one of Deadwood Dick's visiting cards by which invitation is extended to the honest an law-abiding citizens of Tombstone to at once join Deadweod Dick’s Law Protectives, as every man who does not join this order, within ten days, is doomed, A\l wishing to come over to the side of the law, can wear a gold dollar upon his shirt front, at six o’clock each evening. Deapwoop Dick, “Deputy U, 8. Marshal.” CHAPTER VIII, A CORNER IN RUFFIANS, By this extraordinury notice the people of Tombstone were apprised that the man they had turned so determinedly against, had been, while they slept, in their town to laugh at them in defiance. Enraged to a great pitch they were, and no- tices were posted along the different approaches to the town, offering large ‘rewards for the cap- ture of the famous ex-outlaw. Several days passed without tan et events of any importance, but in this time by the free use of money, of which he seemed to have a reat quantity, Senator Clyde was_ working himself into popularity. He also used his best endeavors to create pee against ’Shian Sal, arguing that she being an apparent friend of Deadwood Dick, was, consequently, not a safe person to be at large. Sally was not long in learning of the influence that was being exerted against her, but took it uietly. She perhaps knew that there were ew within the contracted “city” limits of Tombstone who would dare insult or tackle her —she on several occasions yah | cleaned out more roughs than one in a free fight, There- fore while the Tombstonites were likely to hearken to Clyde’s financial persuasions, that was about as far as they were willing to go, One evening about a week after the events last narrated, a large crowd of the rougher ele- ment were congregated in the Eureka, where they were seated about tables smoking and drinking, and conversing in an undertone, ever and anon glancing at the handsome, queenly figure of ’Shian Sal, behind the counter. Tt was evident that the drift of the converse- tion was toward her, but if she noticed it, sh i? made no sign that she did—was outwardly calm and composed. Senator Clyde was not present, but a burly ruffian, Jack McCoy by name, seemed to take the senator’s place as the leading spirit, for later, in the evening, when all of the gang were oretty well affected by frequent Werications, eCoy arose, and said; ** Miss Sally of ’Shian, I am called upon, this evening to address you tor a few short moments, in behalf of the citizens of the illustrious city. Et apres by all popular belief that you are not fully appreciated as a citizen, and feeling in sympathy with pa they wish you well away from this town. Therefore, you having estab- lished a business here, and they not desiring to drive you from it by force, they have volunteered to give you a thousand dollars, if you will quit the town!” ““And they put you up for their orator did they?” Sally asked, sarcastically. ‘“T have the honor of being the spokes in ther case,” McCoy announced, anblushingly. “Phen you bad better go and bury yourself!” was the girls retort. “If you should happen to mind my business too much, oe know 5 ar expenses you will be put to for the funeral—and coffins have raised five dollars apiece at that, since I come here to Tombstone.” “You don’t mean that you will resist the ap- peal of the law, do you, girl?” ‘*T mean that ef you think to bulldoze ’Shian Sal, you’re off the narrow gauge!” was the re- ply. ‘I wasn't born in the woods to be skeart out of my wildcats, and ef you don’t want a de- crease in yer population before the census man comes around next time, the likeliest thing you kin do is to keep right away from me,” The speech had the effect to cause a scowl among the auditors, for they now were well aware that there was danger ahead for them, Several had been the occasions when some ill- bred wretch had provoked a quarrel with her, and a funeral had followed. ‘But, see hyar, young lady, thet ain’t a-goin’ to pass muster in this crowd. We won't let et pass. It’s ginerally known for a fact that you are friendly to our declared enemy, Deadwood Dick, an’ you’ve got to get out at once, or suffer the consequences, Refuse, and we'll draw our revolvers and shoot you, Business is business, and the quicker you accept our liberal terms the better it will be for you!” this accept them so quick that I refuse very decidedly!” Sal retorted sharply, whipping a pair of revolvers from her belt. ‘ Peanuts is all you need say, if you mean fight.” ; “Yas, by jimeracks, an’ ef ye kan’t say jim cracks ner purtators, ner peanuts, screech out cabbage!” roared a stentorian voice, belonging toa stranger who entered at this juncture, “Hello!” he continued, ‘* What’s ther mat- ter? Is anything Mae Has somebody struck ile, diskivered a comet, or invented a patent? Do arybody want tew bet thet Grant ain’t our next president?—hes any galoot got a pocket street railroad he wants to loan? Thunderation, gentlemen, what is ther matter?” “The matter is, old man, thet ye'd better git right up an’ dust out o’ here!’ McCoy cried, bristling up with importance. ‘ This is a secret
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= a ’ 18 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. tribunal of ther citizens o’ Tombstone, an’ no one is allowed heer ’cept citizens an’ newspaper reporters!” ‘Then I allow you’ve hit me on ther bull’s eye, elena eign plum on ther spot o’ magnanimous accomplishment, fer a newspaper chronic am I—a histrionic shinin’-light o ther perfesh—ay! I am _a seventh wonder o’ the world, gents, am I—Uncle Sam’l Sweetwiiliam from Cruikshank Corners, Vermont, at yer sar- vice. I'm a nateral curiosity, too—a sorter museum an’ menagerie consolifidacated. I’m a patent-right man, gentlemen—likewise am I a copyrightist. I can also peveoh a sermon, ar, a lawsuit, play a game of cards, fight a mill, drive a stage or arything else you’ve a mind to set me at. Oh! I’m a snorter, I am, and m name is Sweetwilliam. If ye wanter fight, pil- grims, ye jest wire me a telegram, and in the prophetic jerk of a lamb’s tail, P'll be ready!” A queer-looking old codger was the stranger. He was clad from head to foot in overall stuff of hemlock color—wore boots that must have been at least twelve in size, an old Greeley plug hat of whitish color, with Greeley goggles to match, while the greater portion of his face was locked up in an immense bushy red beard, The end of his nose, too, was suspiciously red, as if he were in the habit of taking a Sunday smile oftener than was healthy for the delicacy of his complexion, He was armed with four large caliber re- volvers and a couple of knives, in his belt, while the hilts of several cavalry pistols pro- truded from the tops of his boot-legs proving beyond peradventure that he was ‘‘ heeled” like an arsenal. And the crowd saw it, and hesitated. Hesitated—not because of any particular love or respect for the man, but because once upon a time in the earlier days of the town, there had one day sailed into their midst a man of this eculiar type, who had made his brags that he ad sailed down from the upper divide for the sole purpose of having a fracas and cleaning out the town—and he had done it, too! Not fancying his insinuations they had rubbed against him and a general pitched battle en- sued, at the conclusion of which the man from the divide announced himself as highly enter- tained, and walked out of town without having received a scratch. While behind him he left six dead men and a score or more of wounded, as evidence of his prowess. That was why these Tombstoneites looked down upon Uncle Sam’l Sweetwilliam with so much doubt; and their estimate of him was not decreased when he deliberately drew a pair of revolvers and cocked them, “Hurrah! do you see, gents?’ ’Shian Sal eried, deligh ~ Pve got a backer right from Bunker Hill, and you kin bet he’sa dar- ling, too! So if what you’re after isa reg‘lar bony-fried picnic, now’s the time to set the thing a-whirlin’. Fer it ain’t no use o’ talking’— Sally irom ’Shian is goin’ ter stay in this hyar town jest as long as she pleases, an she an’ Sweet Bill here kin 7 at Oe “There seems to be a divided opinion abou prove it by a large ma- that!” Mike Missouri said, rising. ‘1 propose we take a vote on the mater!” “Voting is unnecessary!” a stern, strange voice cried, its clear, firm tones penetrating dis- tinctly to every ‘ortion of the room, ‘The man whoraises a hand to harm ’Shian Sal shall die by the agency of one of the deadly tubes razing at him! Look! behold! the power of eadwood Dick you see!” In startled alarm they gazed around them in uest of the speaker, but could not see him. the voice had seemingly descended from the ceiling, and they were puzzled, until Sal cried pointing toward the windows on either side o the saloon: ‘* Look, fools! don’t you see the fix you're in? Deadwood Dick has got you at his mercy!” gree did look—they saw—they comprehend- ed. Pressing against the panes of every window were several rifle-muzzles, all pointing upon the crowd of citizens who would have ’Shian Sal quit the town. Who were the men thet manned the deadly array of weapons could not be seen, but the words of warning had ad- Aa that they were followers of Deadwocd ick. Allin the saloon stood gazing at one another in doubt and silence, not knowing what else to do; then the same weird, stern voice spoke again—this time seemingly right in their midst, causing them to gaze about in consternation. And this was the admonition: “Tisten, men of Tombstone! It is your enemy who pow addresses you—your enem because you refused to have me as a friend. have 2 propped you my vengeance; I have worked to attain it, and now it is within my grasp. This place is surrounded by enough of my men to cut you to pieces. You now have two chances—any man who wishes to join my band, for the purpose of enforcing order and utting down lawlessness in this town, can aes by the front door, one at a time, where they will be received by my men, bound, and taken to my retreat and the oath of Protectives administered to them. Those who refuse to ac- cede to this offer will be marked, and one shall pay the penalty of their folly, per day, until the town is rid of the ruffianly crew that now holds sway. If law cannot be had by reason and sustained by the people, Deadwood Dick is just the lad as can and will enforce it, There- fore the honest and peaceably Se will choose the best course; the lawless and ruffianly can have what is left!” Following this address there was silence. It was a struggle with many to decide which pro- position to accept, while others drew their con- clusions at once, in one way or the other, “Come, gents—you see this is business, with Dicky from Deadwood at the helm, and there’s plenty o’ prospect-holes a-waitin’ fer them as don’t wanter abide by ther golden rule!” ’Shian Sal cried, merrily. ‘Oh, et does me good to see ye right whar ye can’t say yer soul’s yer own!” ‘Yas, b’yees, I’ve allus obsarved thet strict attention ter bizness allus brings things to a focus. Now, gents, my name is Sam’l Sweet- william, un’ mebbe my say ain’t wu'th a row of
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ne yins, but [ allow about ther starchiest thing ye Kin do is to jine, fer I’ve heerd tell some purty hard stories o’ him, and am goin’ to have a brass statter made o’ him, an’ entered accordin’ ter ther act o’ Congress, Come, now—who steps out first?” ‘*T, for one, for I think I see a strong induce- ment!” a man answered, leaving the saloon, forthwith—and he was one of the priacipal mine owners of the town. His action literally set the ball a rolling, for others followed his example, until there was a perceptible thinning out of the crowd. Nor did it stop until full half or more of the “‘ commit- tee” were gone. The remainder, determined men of the ruffian type, stood beneath the lamp- light in the Eureka saloon, huddled together, and engaged in a low conversation. It was evident they were prepared, or at least resolved, to stand their ground. “Last call!” the stern voice of Deadwood Dick was heard to say. ‘Does any more desire to accept of the mercy of Deadwood Dick?” ‘* Nary a man, heer!” one of the bolder rebels declared. ‘* We ain’t o’ the stuff ter be skeered out—not much!” “Then prepare to receive the consequences as they are meted out to you!” was the reply, coming from an opposite direction to the pre- speech. ‘‘ Away, men, to the retreat, and vious §} do your duty as I have directed,” And almost immediately the thud of many horses’ feet was heard dashing away. CHAPTER IX, MISSOURI MAKES A DISCOVERY, THEY were gone—these Protectives, as they styled themselves—and it was not until the hoof-strokes of their horses had died out that the™handful of men yet remaining within the Eureka Saloon dared to give a sigh of relief. And after the sigh they walked up to the bar to a man, and lubricated with a liberal quantity of the stuff sold for whisky, which, be it said to the credit of Miss Sally of ’Shian, was the best article that could be found in that delectable region. : hen the gang dispersed, to see what damage the road-protectives of Deadwood Dick had done to other parts of the Pa metropolis—all but Missouri and Sam’l Sweetwilliam, and he soon fell asleep, to all appearances, in a chair near the rear end of the room, It was not until this event that the man who looked like Deadwood Dick ventured to speak, He then approached the bar, behind which Sal was standing, and leaning upon the councer, he gazed at her steadfastly. “Sally Sheldon, what is the matter with you?” he asked, reproachfully. ‘‘ Have you suddenly grown crazy, or are you only tr ig, in hopes of getting rid of me?” “ Well, as I don’t experience any signs of in- sanity, I dare to presume that the latter would be the likeliest conclusion for you to adopt, if any,” was the composed answer, as the girl busied herself in arranging some decanters, “But see here!” Missouri cried; smiting the counter with his fist. “I won’t have no fool Deadwood Dick’s Dream. , . ish pallor gradually overspreading his 19 Since that devilish road-agent, whom I unfortu- nately resemble, came here, you have not been the same woman you were before.” ‘Never Was a woman—simply a gal—that’s all,” Sal retorted. ‘‘Reckon Pm Shian Sal, just the same as I used to be.” * But not pa ka lhe me,” * Hamph! Was ever anything to yo Mike Missouri?” yo Tm “Ves, you know you were. We were on friendly terms, generally speaking, and you had acknowledged to me that you would marry me some day in the future—” “When I couldn't find any one else—ha! ha! ha! Mike Missouri, you are a fool—a knave and a fool, Why, do yous’pose a divine creature of my royal standing and good looks could care for a miserable gambler and roue like you? Pshaw! they’d better put you in a cage instead of me.” “Curse you! It is folly for you to trifle with me in this manner, for I’ve sworn to have you, Kesnin though I may have to dye my ania an j00¢ ‘* Oh, dear—don't gore me with any more such tragic passages, or I shall surely faint!” Sally protested, facetiously, putting up her ree Php “T do detest Shakespeare.” ‘Perhaps you also detest that infernal road- agent, Deadwood Dick?” he sneered, fiercely. **Oh, you bet I don’t!” she said, provokingly. “T think he’s jest old peaches—cream, sugar and all. Why, do you know, the very chance I get P’'m going to pop to him?” Missouri w fairly livid with rage, his eyes growing wild in expression. “We shall see if you will! he hissed. “Henceforth will I make it my sole and only purpose to hunt that dog of a road-agent down to death—then, if that does not cure you of your idiocy, I'll kill you too, and prevent any one else from getting you.” “All right. Just before my funeral let me know about it, soT can have a shroud made!” was the sarcastic retort, as Missouri turned and stalked from the saloon, uttering unintelligible curses, After leaving the saloon, the gambler strode oe street toward the outskirts of the town, where he owned a cabin, in which it was his habit to spend such portions of his nights as were not devoted to card-playing, and a precious few hours they were, as a rule. Wrapt in anger and jealous passion as he strode along, the gamester failed to note that ho was followed, and that, too, by a woman. She had been following him from the neigh- borhood of the Eureka, and continued to shadow him, at a Hes Gage distance, until they were just beyond the edge of the settlement. Then she gained on him rapidly, overtook him, and laid a hand upon his shoulder. ‘“* Stop!” she said, imperatively. He whibéled about, as though shot. “Hello! the devil—a woman! What do you want, madam?” “T’ want you, Jack!” she said, throwing up her vail, and revealing the face of Miss Clyde, “Hal ha! such a surprise, eh?” ‘i Missouri stood like one struck dumb, e gray- counte+
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20 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. nance, and his hands opening and shutting, con- veel se rey ou—you!” he . were dead!” = ** And hoped so—in fact, made no effort to save me, when I fell overboard that wild night on Lake Erie. But U was luckily picked up, and ee as lively as a chip, you bet?” issouri’s countenance fell a trifle at the as- sertion. ‘*So I perceive,” he said in a reluctant tone. “ But, of all things, how in the world came you to visit this place?” “Oh, indeed! Why, I came with my papa— bear is, my adopted papa, you see!” she said ai “T thought you y- ‘Ah! so you’ve adopted a paterfamilias to manage you,eh? Well, I’m cussed glad of that. It saves me the undesirable responsibility.” “No it don’t, sir. You are my liege lord just the same as you used to be. But, say, aren’t you glad to see me, Jack?” ** Well, that depends on circumstances. If you mind your own business, don’t interfere with my business and keep at a proper distance, all right.” “ But I won’t mind my business, Jack Jarecki —no, indeed Iwon’t! Vve found out all about you, and you'll find [ am just as shrewd as I used to be. l’ve inquired all about you since I’ve been here, and find that you are Mr. Mike Missouri now, and a gambler. Also, that you are making love to a brazen piece who wears pants, because she owns a gold mine. Now, this will never do, Jacky—never do.- I’m ourn, and you can’t git out of it, and I mean stick tighter to you than a bundle of wax. ides, I’m considerably more of an attraction now than I used to be, for you see the governor has promised to make me his heir when he shuffles off.” ‘* Humph! LSet ie like hen-fruit, are often unreliable. ho’s the aforesaid adopter?” “Senator Clyde!” “Phew!” and the gambler scratched his head. “ How well ‘heeled’ is he?” “ Fifty thous.” “Pshaw! ‘Shian is worth double, Reckon you and f can’t harness up again, dear. Too much at stake, you see!” “Then you are a dead man!” she said, draw- ing a revolver and thrusting it in front of his face. ‘* Promise to own me as your wife or Pll kill you now!” He had but one choice, CHAPTER X. THE INVALID HEIRESS. Earty in the following forenoon we will look in upon another scene of our drama of the hills, which was set within the interior of a humble shanty, about a half-mile from the Eureka Sa- loon, on the outskirts of the town, The exterior was rough and unpainted like the exteriors of scores of other similar habita- tions in the vicinity, while the interior was by no means a palace, but furnished in the primi- tive style of most of the border abodes. Every- was clean, however, from floor to furni- ture, and evidenced the supervision of a neat housekeeper, There was for furniture a trio of chairs, a table, stove, cupboard, a mirror and a few pic- tures upon the wall and a bed in one corner, upon which lay a young girl in a half-reclining position, bolstered up by pillows. With a wealth of hair as crimpy and wavy as the current of a river, reaching to her waist, she was at once pretty and attractive, with a pure, prettily chiseled face, a sweet mouth and pearly teeth, and bright blue eyes that had in themselves a world of expression, A young Chinaman was busy clearing away a tray of dishes from a stand near the bed, when there came a knock at the door, It startled both him and the girl, for she threw down the book she was reading, and raised herself peru on her elbow. “Somebody knocked at our door, Sam,” she said. ‘* Who can it be?” “*Melican man, mebbe—muchee go see!” and the Celestial made haste to open the door, The moment he did so, a man stepped uncere- moniously into the shanty, and doffed his hat to the invalid. And that man was none other than Senator Clyde! ‘Ah! pardon my abrupt intrusion, young lady, but am I not addressing the daughter of the late Jasper Clyde?” he asked, in his blandest manner, rubbing his hands togother. “Yes, I am Cora Clyde,” the young lady re- plied, ‘‘and the daughter of Jasper Clyde, famil- iarly known as Jack Clyde.” “Then, by Jove I have found you at last. I am Senator Clyde, from Washington, and your own uncle, on your father’s side of the family.” And bis Dignity of the Senate walked for- ward, and thrust out his hand, which Miss Clyde declined to take. ‘Excuse me, sir,” she said, ‘* but you must have made a mistake, My father never men- ‘tioned to me that he had 2 brother.” = “Very likely, as Jack and I never got along any too well—though it was no fault of mine. He was of a different—of a more stern and exacting nature than I; therefore, we cut loose early, and have never been within a hundred miles of each other since.” ‘Then, sir, how comes it that you are here, now?” “Oh, as to that, your father wrote me previ- ous to his death that I had better come out into this section, and locate a claim—so I came, hay- ing no idea that I should find him dead and buried, on my arrival.” “Yes, my father died some time ago—a very long time. it seems to me, who miss him so much. Will vou be seated, sir?” “ Thank you yes. I see that you are not yet quite satisfied about the relationship existing between us, but I assure you it is as I represent, I am your uncle, and since I have come pre- a to spend a few months in this country, if can offer you any assistance, you need not hesitate to command it.” ‘**T don’t know that you can he of any assist- ance to me, sir. If so, and I deem it expedi- ent, I will let you know.” “But I understand that you are already in some trouble concerning property here in this place, my dear.”
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Deadwood Dick’s Dream. “True, but I have confidence all will be righted in the end. You see, my father was one of the first ones to come here and strike paying dirt, and he accordingly staked off a considerable tract of land, and entered it, ac- cording to law. Since his death much of this territory has been confiscated by squatters and roughs—indeed, all of the gold-bearing portion, thereby leaving me little or nothing out of what should be a fortune to me.” “* Well, well, this is a pretty state of affairs, indeed, and must be looked to. If you will allow me, I will act for you in the matter. Of what value may this property left you by your father be set at?” “T believe he calculated it was worth fifty thousand dollars at the time of his death, when it was but little worked.” “ Ah! then probably it would be safe to place its value at a hundred thousand, now. Pretty snug little sum, upon my word. Now, then, you are a woman, and besides, a a 1 am told, unable to leave your room, herefore ou will need some earnest and trustworthy riend to guide your matters through for you. Being your uncle, and feeling a natural sympa- thy for you, why cannot 1 enter your service and endeavor to recover and restore to you this confiscated ae i ** Oh, sir, I don’t know whether to trust you, or not, True it is thatit is my desire to recover this pa ut you are a stranger to me, and I do not know you, nor am I inclined to trust one unknown to me, as there are many bad, bold, scheming men in this mining coun- try.” Yrrue, there are. But if I give you my word of honor as a gentleman, will you not believe in me? DoT look like a man who is dis- honest or has led a life disreputable? Far from it. For years I have been a steady, faithful be- liever in the teachings of the Gospel, and all my life have been straightforward and upright in my dealings. It is for no selfish pecuniary motive that I wish to assist you, for I have a plenty of wealth to serve me through my re- maining years. Itis only my interest as your father’s brother that urges me to look sharp after the interests of my orphan niece.” “ And, although I may be wrong in so doing, I will trust you,” Cora said, ‘‘for surely no honest man could wish to deceive or cheat an honest girl in my circumstances.” *€ Certainly not—certainly not!” ‘But how will you go to work to recover the claims?” “T shall first make a reconnoissance and take in the different points of the situation, and then consult with you. In a few days, [ have no doubt something important can be done. I will, now, bid you good-day, and send my daughter, Celeste, around to call on you.” CHAPTER XI. A TASTE OF BULLET AND STFEL, Tue turn-over of a large majority of the citi- zens to Deadwood Dick’s gang, was the cause ofa great excitement during the day, and men and women might have been seen grouped about the street in grim consultation, 21 Though the young Ikmight of the saddle had promised nothing of the kind, these rebels against peace momentarily expected an attack from him and his backers, and plans of protec- tion were discussed. About noon the larger share of the crowd assembled in one body, in an empty shaft-house, on the opposite side of the creek, and a general secret session was held, the result of which was not revealed by those who had a hand in it, After that every man and woman wore a belt of weapons, which seemed to augur that they were determined to stand in open defiance to the will of the new ruler. Little work was done during the day, about the mines, and night brought the male portion of the crowd again to the Eureka Saloon. It seemed as if they had collected there for a general drunk, for rapid “lubricating” seemed the order of the hour. To-night no effort was made to disturb ’Shian Sal, who presided complacently behind the lunch-counter, leaving the Celestial to deal out the liquid inspiration on the opposite side. The later grew the hour the noisier and more boisterous grew the crowd, until appearances seemed to indicate that a general row would be the result. Then it was that ’Shian Sal coolly mounted the bar with a pair of revolvers in hand, which were cocked, ready for business, “Gents!” she said, in a business-like way, “vou can’t have any more drink im the Eureka to-night. When men ain’t got no con- trol over their appetites, et’s time fer ’em to uit, ‘ There was a murmur of dissent at this speech, but no attempt made to dispute, for when the oung woman from ’Shian held weapons in her hand, there was but little use to dispute her au- thority, with any hopes of success. Shortly after the queer old codger, Sam’l Sweetwilliam made his appearance in the sa- loon, and sauntered about without saying any- thing to any one, but keeping a sharp eye on all those around him, There were savage scowls among the ruffian element in the room at his entrance, and a general exchange of glances that seemed to indicate that there was trouble brewing. This trouble came to a crisis, when, as Sweet- william approached the counter and engaged in a conversation with ‘Shian Sal, the ruffian, Frightful Fred, arose, strode across the floor, and slapped Sweetwilliam heavily upon the shoulder, ‘See heer, old feller, it’s played out!” he cried, at which the crowd began to rise, ‘* This is a cussed onhealthy climate fer rats, an’ when we ketch ’em we vgdin | work ’em up inter pies. Tharfore, as we smell a large mice about you, here ye go!” And, quickly leveling a revolver at the Ver- monter’s head, he fired. The weapon was knocked upward however, by Sal, thus saving the intended victim from death. Wheeling the next instant, Sweetwilliam dealt the ruffian a terrible blow, in the face, straight from the shoulder, and this was the signal for the battle—not the first one in the lifg a
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22 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. a of Deadwood Dick, for Deadwood Dick and Sweetwilliam were, as was revealed by the pre- tended Vermonter pulling off his false wig one and the same person. Well enough did the young Dakotan know when the rough, Frightful Fred assailed him that his disguise had been ‘‘ twigged,” and he also realized with quick intuition that no mercy would be shown him—that if he left the Eureka alive, it must be hisown prowess that should hew him a path to liberty. For, aside from *Shian Sal, he had no backing now to hope for, his followers all being away in the mountains. Tn an instant after the fall of Frightful Fred, revolvers and knives were drawn, and a rush ony at the young chief, several shots being Then, with a vengeful yell, Deadwood Dick advanced, firing right and left with deadly ac- curacy and rapidity, and literally mowing a pathway before him toward the rear of the saloon. Standing behind the counter, ’Shian Sal also used her own revolvers with telling effect. Crack! bang! shriek—the saloon became a pandemonium of sounds;—men fell with yells of pain—curses and oaths; the crack of revolvers and clashing of knives prevailed on either hand. It soon became evident that the ruffians were fighting amon themselves; the room filled with dense smoke, leaving the crowd in a film of uncertainty. irrake* his empty weapons on the floor, Deadwood Dick drew a knife in either hand, and cut right and left, hoping to reach an open win- dow et the rear of the saloon. But the right of way was contested by a line of howling ruffians; ’Shian Sal saw the young Dakotan stagger; she sprung over the counter and caught him ere he fell. Then, to the amazement of the mob, a large ea opened in the floor, just in front of her, and with Deadwood Dick in her arms she gave a de- fiant yell, aud aaned boldly down through the aperture—down—down out of sight, while the saloon above trembled with howls of baffled rage from those who had been lucky enough to get off with their lives. As soon as thoughts could be collected, and any order whatever established, a torch was lighted, and thrown down into the hole beneath the floor, to ascertain if it were a cellar, well or shaft, and a dozen — of wolfish eyes watched the burning fagot descend. Down—down it went a couple of seconds— then there was a ‘“ chug,” a hiss and sputtering sound, and all was. dark. The torch had been put out by coming in contact with water. “That settles et. They’ve gone to their death in an old well of water!” Mike Missouri cried. ‘Tet em alone an’ see how they’il enjoy their bath.” “Get another torch and a pole,” Senator Clyde ordered. ‘‘The water may not be very deep, and there may be some way for them to escape.” His order was readily obeyed. A couple of poles were soon produced, and a torch fastened to one, and lowered into the aper- ture. Examination by such light as was thus afforded disclosed the fact that the excavation beneath the floor was a large cellar, which was filled only partially with water. The measuring-pole on being lowered revealed that the water was not more than waist-deep., On listening, nothing could be heard of the fugitives, nor could anything be seen of them by aid of the torchlight. The walls of the cellar were apparently with- out a break—where then were the Dakotan and Shian Sal. Echo answered, ‘* Where?” Probably at the bottom of the cellar. There seemed no other conclusion to draw. “T reckon they're gone to be eternal mer- maids,” a miger said. ‘““There’s no way fer ’em to escape, as the walls *pear solid, an’ as they can’t live under water, it looks quite nateral thet they’re gone to visit old Neptune.” ‘Probably. To-morrow, to satisfy our curi- osity, we'll have the cellar-bottom dragged,” Senator Clyde announced. ; Then he took his departure, chuckling to him- self, now that he had unexpectedly gotten rid of one of his most thorough enemies. Mike Missouri was also somewhat elated. “rue I have lost one prize,” he muttered, “but as a case of emergency I can turn back to Celeste.” On jumping through the trap Sal had dropped upon her feet in the water, Still supporting Deadwood Dick partly over her shoulder. “ Let me down,” he quickly said. ‘Iam all right again—I was only staggered for a mo- ment. Where are we?” “Tnacellar. Take my hand, for we must get out of here quickly, if at all.” He obeyed, and she led the way through the water the darkness being intense. A few steps and then she placed one end of a stout rope in his hand, which hung down from above. *¢Climb, now, if you can,” she said, He needed no second invitation, and, badly wounded though he was, he went bravely up- ward, hand over hand. A few seconds’ labor brought him out of the impromptu bath-vault into a small closet, or cupboard, provided with shelves containing edibles and bottles, and a door that he judged opened into some other apartment. *Shian Sal soon joined him and then drew up the rope and quietly closed a trap-door, thus making the means of their escape a mystery to any one who might search the cellar. Sh!” she said, motioning him not to speak above a whisper. ‘‘ We are safe for the pres- ent, if we keep quiet. This closet opens into the saloon, and when the gang leaves it, the path of escape iseasy. Are you wounded, sir?” “Yes, I must confess I am,” was the reply, in a fainter tone than Deadwood Dick was accus- tomed to speak in. “I have received several bullets and have lost more blood than I ever lost before in a battle.” “And there is no means at hand to help you. Wapid to tare oh ie would leave the saloon, so cou @ you where you could rest!” - 7
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Deadwood Dick’s Dream. CHAPTER XII, MOLL’S MANIFESTO, Bor the rougks apparently were not inclined to vacate. They had been cheated out of their vengeance ee eadwood Dick—they had likewise driven off the proprietress of the Eureka, and now they proposed to drown the bitterness of their defeat in an inundation of the ardent, as long as the stock in hand should last. The first part of the ceremonies was inaugura- ted by their holding the Chinaman, and pouring whisky down him until he was oblivious of all that was transpiring around bim. Then the ruffian, frightful Fred, took the self- appointed position of barkeeper, and proceeded to deal out the liquor in a liberal way that made him the prime favorite of the hour, not forget- ting to deal far more liberally to himself than the rest. For a couple of hours the noise was deafening, with singing, shouting, cursing and fighting; then a gradual lull followed, which finally end- ed, and all became silent within the Eureka. Overcome by incessant indulgence of their ap- petites, they had evidently all fallen asleep—or rather, into a drunken stupor, In the closet, Shian Sal crouched upon the floor, with Deadwood Dick lying across her lap, while she chafed his hands and endeavored to bring him back to life and consciousness, the latter having long since forsook him, and the brave girl was not quite sure but what he was reality dead, it was so dark and he was so si- lent. It was with a rapidly beating heart and great impatience that Sally waited for the last audible sound out in the Eureka, and even when that event came, she dared not leave her place of hiding without allowing several minutes more to elapse to make sure they were in a dead stupor —these ruffians whom whisky had overcome, when other weapons failed. At last she carefully laid Deadwood Dick off her lap, and rising opened the door into the salcon, cautiously. The scene she had already anticipated. The entire gang were strewn about on chairs and tables, or on the floor, entirely oblivious of what was going on about them. “A better’ termination than I expected,” Sal muttered. ‘‘The only pity is there had not been p’izen in every swaller they took. Now, then, to get Dick out of the closet and to a place of safety. Wirst, I must bring him back to con- sciousness, so that he may be able to assist him- self somewhat.” She partly raised and dragged him from the closet into the bar-room, then procuring some liquor from behind the bar she poured some be- tween his parched lips, Then tearing open his jacket and shirt, she made an examination of his wounds, and found that there was, out of half a dozen flesh wounds, butone that promised to long inconvenience the invincible hero frm Dakota, and this she dressed and bandaged to the best of her ability, The few drops of liquor soon had the effect to bring color back to the wounded man’s cheeks, and he gradually recovered consciousness. Sal had a warm sling prepared for him, which he drank, and it brought back to him something of his former strength, so that he was soon able to stand once mere upon his feet, ‘Heaven reward se my young friend,” he said, taking Shian’shands. ‘ But for you, I am afraid Deadwood Dick’s naine would no longer be a terror along the frontier, How shall lever be able to repay you?” “We'll not talk about pay now,” the girl said, calmly, ‘‘ for escape is yet to be effected before weare safe. This night’s business closes my ca- reer asa saloonist, and it behooves me to keep shady, as well as yourself, Come! I have a place in view where we can remain in hiding until you are able to be around again.” She took his arm and assisted him to walk from the saloon, for his steps were yet feeble and unsteady. Outside the street was deserted and dark. Further up the gloomy thoroughfare were heard the sounds of music and revelry, coming from the dance-house, Closing the door of the Eureka behind her, Sal led the way to the shanty of Cora Clyde, the or- phan cripple. “* Here we will secrete ourselves to await fur- ther events,” she said. ‘‘ Cora Clyde and I are friends, and I know she will not refuse me.” Dick started, on hearing the name, faint though he was. It was another of the names that was con- nected with his strange dream—but he was too weak to question, at present. *Shian knocked at the door, and at first there was no response, but a second rap brought the Chinaman to answer the summons, “Tell your mistress that it is ’Shian Sal and a wounded friend,” she said, in answer to the Celestial’s stare. “Then come in at once!” Cora’s voice cried, from within, and they accordingly entered, where a warm welcome was accorded them by the cripple. Explanations were duly made, by ’Shian, that satisfied Cora’s scruples against shelterin as notorious a person as Deadwood Dick, an she said: “There is the room adjoining this which Mr. Deadwood Dick can use, and you, Sally, can go up-stairs, I will have my Celestial servant wait upon you, when there is no danger, so that you can remain secreted without detection.” “Tf there should be any search for us—then, what? ’Shian asked, “T don’t know. I don’t anticipate a search. If one is made—well, emergency brings inven- tion, you know.” Accordingly the Chinaman assisted Dick to his room, and carefully and neatly dressed his wounds, proving himself to be no inferior sort of a surgeon. Once quiet in bed the wounded Dakotan felt easier, It had been the first. battle he could remem- ber, where he had come out so badly wounded, But he was thankful that his wounds were not more serious, and that the chances of speed. recovery were in his favor. \ The following day was a reckless one, in Tombstone—reckless because the debauchees of
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24 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. the previous night staggered about the streets again in a state of semi-intoxication, and ready for any deviltry or evil act that might strixe their fancy. The Eureka was gutted of all its stock of liquors and edibles, and a division made. hen, Senator Clyde and Mike Missouri, who seemed to have jomed forces, made a proposi- tion that the watery cellar be dragged, and the proof that Deadwood Dick and ’Shian Sal were really dead, be established. In this they were, of course, unsuccessful, as no traces could they find of the bodies of their supposed victims. or did further search re- veal the way in which they escaped, which left the matter wrapt in impenetrable mystery. Thus matters were forced to rest, and the roughs of which the population now mainly consisted, made merry over the division of liquor as best they knew how. During the day Senator Clyde paid a visit to the shanty of Miss Cora, little suspecting that his enemy, or rather his enemies were therein concealed. “You see, I’ve been sizing up the matters of your estate,” he announced, ‘‘and thovght Pd drop in and report. 1 find affairs hardly as en- couraging as I expected. The squatters who occupy your lands area set of ruffians, at the best, who, since the departure of many of the better class of people to join the infernal rascal, Deadwood Dick, may safely be classed scums of creation. The worst part of it is, these fel- lows cherish a delight in warring with females, especially you, as they seem to havea grudge against you, for some reason or other.” ** Because [ am a respectable and honest girl, I presume, without protection!” Cora said, scornfully. ‘Such men deserve—well, I don’t know what.” “True they are ruffians of the deepest dye, and “Si in order to have any deal with them, one to mop on the right side of them. While you are hated by them, I fancy I am in better standing, as when I came hither I at once eth the way with liberality, to gain popu- arity. You see there is nothing like popularity to business men. Therefore, though I cannot handle your case successfully in your name, I may be able to do so in my own.” “What do you mean, sir?” “This. The property now is vested in title to ge and so long as it remains so these men will remain obstinate, but, were you to deed it over to me—for a few days, only, understand, so that I could show them that they had me to buck against—I could easily dispossess them, without any trouble, and then quietly restore the title to you, without their present knowl- edge, until we get a better state of government, you. see, and all would be serene and nice as pie. “But I don’t understand, sir. lf I were to sign off to you, why I should be the same as giving away all I have.” “Ostensibly, yes, but in reality, no, as I should, as soon as I gained possession, deed the prpessy back to you,” _‘*How am I to know this to be so? After get- ting everything in your hands how do I know but what you will keep it, and tell me to go to grass?” The senator colored, and was fidgety. ‘““Why, child, how can you judge me so wrongly?” he said, rebukingly. ‘‘Do you for a moment think I could be guilty of such an out- rage upon a helpless orphan?” *“T don’t know,” Cora said, doubtingly. ‘If have no positive proof of who and what you are, and don’t consider it quite prudent to place such unlimited trust in a perfect stranger, who may, or may not be my uncle, or who might, or might not return me my property.” ‘But, supposing I was to deposit the sum of forty thousand dollars in your hand as security —would you trust me, then?” ““T should be more inclined to—yes. But, I shall have to tbink carefully over this matter before rendering a decision.” “Very well. I will call to-morrow, accompa- nied by a lawyer, and if T can by honesty and faithful attention, serve my brother’s child, be- lieve me it will be a great pleasure to me.” Then tipping his hat politely, he took his de- parture. “Tf it were not for his offer to secure me by a deposit of money, I should still be forced to be- lieve that man a consummate villain, as his very presence causes me to shudder,” the orphan said. That same night one of the miners of the town, while passing along the street, was placed in possession of a letter by a roughly-dressed man who dashed swiftly down the street on horseback, and threw the letter in the miner’s path—then away like the wind, ere he was recognized, In some surprise the digger picked up the envelope which he found and hastened with it to the Eureka, where the crowd of the night previous had assembled for a fine blow out. Here he related his little adventure, conclud- ing by holding up his letter. “Tet me have it and I will read it,” Mike Missouri said. ‘‘ It may be something of impor- tance.” He tore off the wrapper, and then read: “Camp oF PHantrom Mou. “To PEOPLE oF ToMBSTONE:— “T learn that by the late rebellion of the better portion of your people you are left short-handed, and in but poor condition to withstand an attack. Your oppressor, I understand through a spy, is about to make a swoop down on you with his band of men, now over a hundred strong, and effectuall wipe you out and take possession of the town. being his enemy, propose you terms: Give me charge of the town with my band, you to join the same, but all to remaia under the guise of citizens and under orders from me, and I will make Tomb- stone the hottest place Deadwood Dick ever tackled. More, I will confiscate all the mining territory and divide it among you and my men, and the inaugura- tion of my scheme shall only take place nie can treat you to a celebration banquet over the lynching of Deadwood Dick, whom I can produce almost im- mediately after taking possession of the town. If this plan is acceptable, build bonfires to night at either end of the town, and we will be with youon the dawning of day. “In good faith, “ Signed Paantom Mo... “P.S. If you refuse, Deadwood Dick’s men will make mincemeat of you, sure.” yi eaten
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Deadwood Dick’s Dream. CHAPTER XIII. A TWOFOLD GAME, AFTER a good rest, Shian came down-stairs the following morning, looking fresh and pretty. Cora upon her bed, which she rarely ever left, was partaking of her morning repast, which the Chinaman had prepared. The two girls exchanged friendly greetings; then Sal gave an interrogative glance at oe of the room in which Deadwood Dick slept. eHow about Dick? Is he improving all right?” she queried. “* At last accounts, yes,” Cora replied. ‘I sent Sam in last night before bedtime, and he was then resting comfortably and feeling in good spirits.” “Tm glad of it; he is a fine fellow, and I ad- mire him, You had a visitor yesterday?” ““Yes; you overheard, eh?” **T did, though I don’t often play eavesdrop- per. I overheard his voice and wanted to learn what he was up to.” “Well?” “ Well, it seems his aim is to get the manage- ment of your property. Is this not so?” “Yes. He claims to be my uncle, and wants to get my claims back for me.” ‘** And therefore wants you to sign off every- thing to him?” “For a few days, yes, until he can regain possession.” “Don’t you sign nothing, Mark my word for it, he’s a shark, and if you turn anything over to him, you lose. Besides, I don’t believe he’s your uncle,” “You don’t?” “No, I don’t.” “ But as a guarantee of honesty on his part, and claiming that it is only for my interest he is working, he offers to deposit forty thousand dollars in my hands.” “Humph! a clever scheme. Your claim is worth double the amount, and he would be making forty thousand pres easily, anyhow. Take ’Shian Sal’s advice, and don’t sign noth- ing.” fy will do so, I think. You have always been a dear good friend to me.” **No more than you’ve been to me, You're the only one o’ my sex here in Tombstone who has ever acted as tho’ they considered me 0’ much account. By the way, I don’t want you totake my views alone. We'll get Dick’s opin- ion first, for he’s level-headed.” She knocked upon the door of the Dakotan’s room, but there was no answer. Waiting afew moments she knocked again, this time louder, but still no answer. “That’s queer. A man o’ his nerve and vigi- lance wouldn’t sleep so sound without cause, Have you a key to the room?” “Tt isnot locked. Open it, and see if he is asleep.” Sal did open the door—then gaye a cry of surprise, The bed was unoccupied, and Dead- wood Dick was not in the room, dow showed the means of his fli “He is gone!” ’Shian cried. on open win- * ither he hes taken leave of his own accord, or has been kid- napped. Ah! maybe this will explain.” She picked up a slip of paper, which had been stuffed under the crack of the door, and exam- ined it. The contents were as follows: “*Miss Ciypr: I overheard and understood your in- terview with that rascal who is palming himself off as Senator Clyde, and think 1 begin to suspect who he is. At any rate he is no uncle to you. Never- theless, accept the forty thousand dollars, and keep it until I can examine it, “Tf he insists on your signing a deed, tell him you cannot do so without the consent of your guardian, being under age, and you can name me as your guardian. This will check him untill can perfect pans to restore law and order in this town, and at he same time, your claims to you, “ Believe me sincerely yours, ‘*Dgapwoop Dick.” * Bully for Dick!” ’Shian exclaimed, enthusi- astically. ‘*Didn’t I tell you he was level- headed? He sees ahead furder than you or I can, an’ I’ve gotan idea that he expects the money the senator is so flush with, ain’t genu- ine. “Perhaps you are right. Anyhow, it is a good plan he proposes, and I shall follow it, for Yd a hundred times rather trust him than this other man, whom I always have feared.” ‘*T thank you for that, because—well, because I like him, I guess, better than most men I have met,” Shian confessed. At this juncture Sam, the Chinaman, picked up a ribbon from the floor of the room Dick had occupied, and handed it to ’Shian, with a grin. “Ha! what is this?’ the girl exclaimed, ing back, and growing pale. “T see into it now, Miss Cora. Deadwood Dick is a prisoner among the mountain out- laws!” “How do you know? What makes you think so?” “This ribbon!” ; ‘‘And what significance do you put in that ribbon?” : ““More than I can tell you. It satisfies me that Phantom Moll has been in this house, and that she and her men took Dick with them on leaving, is equally apparent to me!” Then, what is trie done?” “You follow Dick’s instructions and I will go to his rescue!” “ You?” “Yes, I! 1 want no better sport. Ha! ha! There’s a denouement looming up ahead, and I'm going to have a finger in it, Luckily, I have a disguise always with me, and it will come into play now.” : She went to the room overhead, and soon re- turned arrayed in a suit of well-worn overalls together with stogy boots, slouch hat, and full beard and wig of a brown color. The transformation was so complete that Cora was surprised. ‘‘ You look like a first-class rough!” she said, merrily. ‘ 4 Asal feel like one,” the girl replied cay “Pye got business to the fore—a inte to do that in the name of humanity I should have, by all rights, done before. Good-by, now, +>: ke )
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26 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. A out take care of yourself, and I will see you ter. She then took her departure, with a wild, de- termined expression in her pretty eyes. That afternoon’s stage brought a new man to town, who was what might have been termed in the vernacular of thé mines ‘‘ old business,” for he at once rented an empty shanty on the main street, and hung out a hastily prepared sign, which read: “PROF, DUGARME, Docror & LAWYER.” Senator Clyde, on his way to visit Cora, no- ticed the sign, and also the black-whiskered seedy-looking individual in the doorway, and gave a chuckle of delight. “‘He’s my man when [ want him,” he mut- tered. ‘“‘Ha! ha! yes—maybe in more than one sense!” He was soon in the green of the orphan, smiling and bowing with great suavity. “T came first to hand you the guarantee,” he said, “taking it for granted that you will have the good sense to accept ”—and he handed her a neat package of considerable size. ‘‘ I will now step down the street and prepare a deed—” “You had better wait, first,” Cora said, put- ting the package under her pillow, ‘‘as there is no particular hurry. I could not sign a deed without first obtaining my guardian’s permis- sion! “Your guardian, girl?” “Ay! my guardian. Being under age, and not fully trusting you, I have deemed it admis- able to choose a guardian to mapage my affairs, and therefore cannot sign or do anything legally without his consent!” eiede shut his. teeth together to suppress an oath. ‘And pray, whom have you chosen as your guar lian?” he asked with an unconcealed sneer. ‘A man, every inch of him, who goes under a title well known throughout che West—per- haps equally well known to you!” “What! not—not Deadwood Dick?” ‘The same!” “By the gods, this is bad. Why, child, that man is a villain and an outJaw.” “But an honest man, and a Deputy U, S. Marshal!” “his is madness, and I will not have any- thing to do with your affairs, as bring, hi this man is mixed up in them. Give me back my money, and I will go.” “On the contrary, by direction of my guar- dian, I should bold the money as a proot against you!” Cora cried, and to back her declaration, she leveled a cocked revolver at his breast. “You are a villain, sir, whoever you are, and your best action will be to keep very-quiet, for the money in the package you gave me, is known to be counterfeit!” The senator paled in an instant, and with a vile curse he turned and stalked from the shanty. “Ten thousand furies take that devil, Dead- wood Dick!” he hissed, trembling with rage. ‘But for him that plan would have prospered But, let him beware! My turn will come yet and he shall feel how little mercy I have for such 4s he. And as far as the girl is concerned, why, I have another and better scheme con- cocted for her especia! benefit, And I will tr itatonce, If I get her property—so good! if fail, why, I'll get my share of it when Phantom Moll makes the divy.” He went at once to Dugarme’s establishment, the front part of which was used as an office, being furnished with rude chairs and a table. The proprietor, a seedy-dressed individual, with sweeping black beard, and matted hair, and green goggles, was engaged in smoking a grimy pipe, and nodded toa chair as an invitation to be seated. “Do you deal in drugs?” the senator asked, after a silence—‘“that is, do you handle—well, poisons?” “Poisons?” the man exclaimed, with a faint French accent, giving a perceptible start, “Y-yes—that is—well, you see, to make the matter plain, there is a private little matter pending, wherein it is necessary for one pa rty to subside from existence. See?” “<T comprehend,” the doctor nodded. ‘‘ You want to spill not ze blood, but have ze party die.” “ Hixactly—and naturally, too. It must first make her sick and then throw her into a stupor which will result in death.” “T have ze very zing you want, It is ze oil of many roots. One zingle little drop of it in a glass of water puts him to sleep and he never wake,” “@Good! Excellent! Supply me with a suffi- cient quantity of this stuff and name your price.” “T charge you nossing till I see if it works, Den I charge you ze tousand dollare. See?” “Very well. Give me the stuff and I will away.” ; The doctor arose and went behind a partition soon returning with a small vial containing half a dozen drops of a thick, colorless liquid, which he banded to the senator, “One drop pe all you need,” he said. ‘‘ Re- turn zo rest to me.” The would-be murderer nodded and left the shanty. “To-night,” he muttered, “TI will pave the way for a funeral cortege. Hal ha!” That night bonfires were lighted on all the approaches to the town, to give the road-agents of Phantom Moll notice that they were wel- come, and an hour later a gang of rough fellows, wearing beards and masks, and armed to the teeth, came swarming into the streets from all directions. f Phantom Moll was not with them, but stood alone on the top of ths mountain plateau, where Deadwood Dick had parted with his rescuer, after being released from captivity among the road-agents. She was watching the reflection of the fires upon the sky, which the moon had not yet appeared to lighten. “Tt is a move that at once increases my forces, and nuts me in greater power,” she was saying. ‘‘Of course a division of the band can attend to the road, while the remainder play as 2 eer
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' better time can Deadwood Dick’s Dream. 24 citizens, and work on all new-comers in the town!” “Yes, but your rule is at an end, though, woman!” a stern voice cried. The female bandit turned and stood face to * face with—’Shian Sal! “ You /” she articulated, in surprise—then she removed her mask and a face the exact counter- part of ’Shian’s, was revealed, “Yes, I,” the girl replied, sternly, ‘“‘and I wonder you donot tremble to see me,” “Humph! why should 1? Are you so dan- gerous?” “In that much that you must meet me as you agreed. A year ago, we parted as bad friends and sisters, to lead such lives as suited our fancy, each swearing not to cross the other’s path, under penalty of a duel. You have crossed my path in sending your cut-throats down to take possession of that town in which I have property; also further, by kidnapping my friend, Deadwood Dick.” “Bah! I own the first, but deny the last charge.” “You deny that you have him in your power asa prisoner, dead or alive?” “1 do, most emphatically. look elsewhere.” “Not till one or the other of us falls and wipes out the mutual grudge between us, No be chosen, so draw your You will need to weapon!” CHAPTER XIV. THE DREAM FULFILLED. In a minute the girls, so greatly alike in ap- earance, stood confronting each other with Enives in hand, the blades of which gleamed with deadly meaning. In each face there was no trace of pity—noth- ing but sternness and fixed resolve expressed. Each eye gleamed with intense hatred—each right hand grasped its weapon as in a vise of st eel, “When I count one—two—three, advance, and may God be with the lucky as well as the unlucky one!” ’Shian cried, firmly. “If ‘ou repent, even at this late hour, it will be better than never, sister.” “T repent nothing!” Phantom Moll said, with a bitter, reckless laugh. ‘‘I hate you, and would do the same o’er again.” “Then you shall realize the meaning of my promise,” ’Shian cried. “One! two! three! stand on guard!” And scarcely had she given the warning, ere she leaped forward, with knife upraised, the fury of a young tigress having mastery of her ing. But the duel was destined to be interrupted, and in a manner quite unexpected to each of the would-be contestants, for at this juncture, Deadwood Dick sprung from the shrubbery, close at hand and forced ’Shian gently back, while a half-dozen of his masked men made a like entree upon the scene, and surrounded Phantom Moll. “Phantom Moll, as you choose to term your- self, you are my prisoner!” Dick cried, bowing, with mock politeness, ‘The tables are slightly turned since last we met, and, as an officer of the law, I shall soon have the necessary honor of turning you over to my superior officer, the U.S. Marshal.” ‘“No! no! this shall never be!” ’Shian Sal cried, breaking loose. ‘‘ Bitter foe though she has been to me, I will, as her sister, spare her the fate of hanging, and avert the humiliation to myself, by giving her her freedom,” And, suddenly drawing her revolver, and be- fore any one could prevent her, she leveled it at the breast of the girl-bandit and fired. With scarcely a groan the erring young woman staggered and fell lifeless in the arms of one of the men, who sprung forward to catch her. Then, crying bitterly, Shian turned and hur- ried away. Deadwood Dick made no effort to stop her, but watched her with a pitying expression of coun- tenance until she was out of sight. “Perhaps it is better thus, as the woman would have eventually met a more lingering and dread fate, Several of you ussist to carry her to the stronghold, where, after destroying the counterfeiting plates, we will leave her,’ In the town of Tombstone the outlaws waited for the coming of their girl captain, but she came not; came not, when the shadows of yet another night began to fall. A suspicion that she had been killed or cap- tured, which had possessed the outlaws earlier in the day, now grew to a conviction: so a delegation of them waited upon Senator Clyde, and related their worst fears, “It is bad,” he confessed, his brow darkening, ‘¢ for if she is lost, it is a loss we shall all feel bitterly.” ‘Tt is a loss that must be repaired,” one of the outlaws declared, ‘‘ for the gang will soon go to pieces without a captain. Why not you take the position?” : 4 Bah, no! Iam content with being the grand chief,” and he laughed, villainously. ‘ Be- sides, I have other work to attend to here. I will appoint Mike Missouri as temporary captain, and with half the men he must reach the rendezvous and rescue the ‘tools’ and bring them here. To lose them would be like losing our all.” A gang of the outlaws were at once selected, and with Missouri at their head, set out for the rendezvous, which they reached, a few hours later, where they were unexpectedly pounced upon by Deadwood Dick and over a score of his Protectives, A Seepriale struggle for Ligne ensued—a battle of death it was, on both sides, in which the clash of knives and the roar of firearms took part in the chorus of screams and curses, It finally ended, however, with the Protec- tives doubtfully victorious, for they had lost at least a third of their men and captured but half of the outlaws, alive. ‘ And, what was worse, they kad lost. their leader—brave, fearless Deadwood Dick, whom every one of his men had learned to respect, and regard as invincible. He had been with them till nearly the last shot had been fired; then he was suddenly missed when victory was already within their grasp,
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AeA DS TS RE TT 28 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. A search for him resulted in vain. Nowhere could he be found, and a suspicion that he had been seized and borne off by one or more of the outlaws, became rife. Revengeful over this loss, the Protectives dragged the bodies of the slain from the cabin, and, it said to their credit, gave them a de- cent interment; then, returning, set fire to the stronghold and watched it burn to the ground, Deadwood Dick had given strict orders that all the outlaws who were captured should be taken to his retreat, which he had selected ina mountain cave, overlooking the town, and in close proximity to it. To this cave the prisoners were conveyed, and the report of Dick’s sudden disappearance was communicated to the other portion of the order of Protectives, a large body of whom had not participated in the fight, being mostly the Tomb- stoneites, On hearing of the disastrous results of the battle, and of the probable capture of Dead- wood Dick, the full band within the cave swore vengeance upon the heads of those within the town below, and preparations were made for an attack. The Protectives still numbered considerably over half a hundred strong, and were confident of being able to score a victory, and according- ly, early in the following morning, an attack was made nm the town, and the larger share of the crowd killed or captured, only a few es- caping alive to tell the tale of woe and disaster that had overtaken them during the campaign of Dakota’s famous young representative—Dead- wood Dick. Thus the town was won for the better, and those who had sensibly accepted Deadwood Dick’s terms, felt that they were inadequate to the task of expressing too many thanks to him who had been the sates agency of turning a lawless hotbed of vice and crime into a quiet, orderly town. ‘The next day the U. 8, Marshalarrived witha band of troops, to find that he was too late to do bags a are rope in the prisoners. n being told of Deadwood Dick and his ex- ploits, ho expressed himself as both surprised and gratified that his deputy had proven such a valuable agent, and ordered that a search be made of the whole country for the young Da- kotan or his body. This search, with ’Shian Sal in the lead, went on for several days, but terminated without the hoped-for result. n the mean time peace, quiet and prosperity once more reigned in Tombstone, and Cora Clyde's claims had all been returned to her. At the time of the attack upon the town Senator Clyde had very suddv.ly disappeared, and had not been seen since; but, as one of the outlaws had made a confession that he, Clyde, was one of the ringleaders of the gang—in fact, the president—and that his daughter, so called, was one of the decoys, Miss Celeste was _accord- ingly ‘“‘pulled” and kept under guard, and a seep. onlook kept up in hopes of capturing the senator, A few days later Cora a he was suddenly taken ill, and though kindly disposed neighbors paid her the most careful attention, all efforts —_— seemed to fail and she seemed to be sinking into her eterpal sleep. She rallied toward the evening of the second day long enough to speak, ‘T feel that I have not long to live,” she said ‘“‘and must speak. I have some property, and the profits thereof, after my death, I want spent for the erection of schools and a church here in Tombstone. The ownership of such property, however, I shall carry with me to the grave, Sallie, will you see that the deed to such is placed in my coffin? You will find it under my pillow.” *Shian nodded, tearfully, and then the cripple sunk back, still and white, and just at sunset the word went out about the town that Cora Clyde was dead, Kindly hands of the male sex shaped together a coffin of planed boards, and tender hands of the miners’ wives robed the poor orphan girl for the grave, and laid her in the coffin. Then the shanty was locked, and the dead left in quiet, as the funeral was not to take place till the morrow. Celeste was imprisoned in a shanty not far from the late Eureka Saloon, and one of the marshal’s men stationed at the door. That same night, as she was about retiring, the door opened and the senator entered. He had a blanket thrown over his head and shoulders, and was bleeding from an ugly knife wound in the cheek, ‘*Mercy! what is the matter?’ Celeste gasped, starting back in alarm. “Nothing! I got this by having to kill the guard. Come! it is dark without. We must first go to the cripple’s cabin—then get miles hence under the cover of darkness,” jf “Why go there?” Celeste gasped, hurrying on her wraps, “ Come! ‘the girl is dead. The stuff I slipped into her water worked. She has had_the deed to her property put in her coffin. We must get that, fly to Omaha, sell it, and leave for the East, It will not be so bad paying a job, after all, ha! ha! though the devil’s been to pay all around,” They hurriedly left the place, and reached the Clyde shanty without discovery. By aid of a duplicate key which the senator had, they ained entrance to the shanty, and closed the oor behind them, Within all was still as death. <A tallow can- dle was burning dimly upon the mantle-piece, The coffin was resting upon a table in the center of the room, and looked grim and uncanny, “Uch! this is a cursed unpleasant job,” Clyde muttered, huskily, ‘‘ but it must be done. Stand here near the door, ready to escape, and T’ll soon have the Rees , Then, in a half crouching position he crept stealthily toward the coffin. Nearer and nearer, step by step, he approached, until he at last hesitatingly reached forth his hand to touch the repository for the dead, when— Suddenly, as if by magic, the lid was hurled to the floor, and, erect and upright in the coffin, stood Deadwood Dick, with a pair of cocked re- volvers leveled at the King of the Counterfeit- ors!
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Deadwood Dick’s Dream. At the same instant the front door was burst open, and the U. S. Marshal and his men filed in, while, simultaneously, from the back en- trance, ’Shian Sal and Cora appeared—the lat- ter suppo ted by ’Shian and Sam, the Celestial. The tableau was ie **Senator Clyde, alias Akronelle, chief of countérfeiters, your game is up!”. Deadwood Dick cried. “ At last I recognize you, more fully. And you probably recognize the fact that the remarkable dream, I unsuspectingly told you of in the marshal’s camp, has been more or less fulfilled. The poison you pur- chased of me—alias Dugarme—has only served to throw you into this trap, and I now cheer- fully hand. ou over to the law, rejoicing that Deadwood Dick’s Dream has come to so pros- perous anend. And to all present, I bid you all a pleasant aw revoir; having fulfilled my mis- sion here, I must away on the morrow to new fields of sport and adventure, going happy in the knowledge that I leave behind as a memento of this little campaign a clearer and more _ honest record for the famous name of DEADWOOD DICK, THE END, DIME HAND-BOOKS. Young People’s Series. Brapie’s Dive Hanp-Books ror Youna PEOPLE cover a wide range of subjects, and are ospecially adaptea to their end, Ladies’ Letter-Writer. Gents’ Letter-Writer Book of Etiquette. Book of Verses. Book of Dreams. Hand-Books of Games. Handbook ef Sumu.er Sports, Book of Crequet. Yachting and Rowing. Chess Instructor. Riding and Driving. Cricket and Football Book of Pedestrianism, Guide to Swimming. Handbook of Winter Sports—Skating, etc. Book of Games, Fortune-Teller. Lovers’ Casket. Ball-room Companion, Book of Beauty. Manuals for Housewives. 1, Cook Book. 4, Family Physician. 2, Recipe Book, 5, Dressmaking and Mil- 8. Housekeeper’s Guide. linery. Joke Books. Pocket Joke Book, Jim Crow Joke Book, Paddy Whack Joke Book. Song Books. BrADLE’s Dime Sone Books, Nos, 1 to 34, contain the only popular collection of copyright songs. The above publications are for sale by all news- dealers or will be sent, post-paid, on receipt of price, ten cents each, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, 98 Winiiam street, N. Y. BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS Speakers. Each volume contains 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collec- tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Recitations. The Dime Speakers embrace twenty-four volumes viz.: 1, American Speaker. 15, Komikal Speaker, 2. National Speaker. 16, Youth's Speaker. 3. Patriotic Speaker. 17, Eloquent Speaker. 4. Comic Speaker. 18, Hail Columbia Speak- 5. Elocutionist. er. 6. Humorous Speaker. 19. Serio-Comic Speaker, 7. Standard Speaker. 20, Select Speaker. 8. Stump Speaker. 21. Funny dpeaker. 9. Juvenile Speaker, 22, Jolly Speaker. 10, ead-Eagle Speaker | 23, oer 11, Dime Debater. 12, Exhibition Speaker. School Speaker, 14. Ludicrous Speaker. These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, ete, 75 to 100 Declamations and Recitations in each book, Dialect Speaker. %, Recitations and Read- ings. Burlesque Speaker, Dialogues. The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em- brace thirty-two books, viz.: Dialogues No, One. Dialogues No. Wighteen.. Dialogues No, Two. Dialogues No, Nineteen, Dialogues No, Three. |Dialogues No. Twenty. Dialogues No, Four, Dialogues No. Twenty-one. Dialogues No, Five. Dialogues No. Twenty-two. Diategues No, Six. Dialogues No, Twenty-three, Dialogues No. Seven. |Dialogues No, Twenty-four, Dialogues No. Kight. Dialogues No. Twenty-five. Dialogues No. Nine. Dialogues No. Twenty-six. Dialogues No, Ten. DialoguesNo, Twenty-seven, Dialogues No, Eleven, |Dialogues No. Twenty-eight. Dialogues No. Twelve. |Dialogues No, Twenty-nine, Dialogues No. Thirteen, |Dialogues No, Thirty. Dialogues No. Fourteen, |Dialogues No. Thirty-one Dialogues No, Fifteen. |Dialogues No. Thirty-two, Dialogues No. Sixteen. |Dialogues No. Thirty-three, Dialogues No.Seventeen 15 to 2 Dialogues and Dramas in each book, Dramas and Readings. 164 12mo Pages. 20 Cents. For Schools, Parlors, Entertainments and the Am- ateur Stage, comprising Original Minor Dramas, Comedy, Farce, Dress Pieces, Humorous Dialogue and Burlesque, by noted writers; and Recitations and Readings, new :nd standard, of the greatest celebrity and interest. Edited by Prof, A. M. Russell, Lives of Great Americans. I.—George Washington. | VIIT.—Israel Putnam, Tl.--John Paul Jones. X,.—Tecumseh, TH.—MadAnthonyWayne | _XI,—Abraham Lincoln. IV,—Ethan Allen. XII.—Pontiac. V.—Marquis de Lafayette | XIII.—Ulysses S. Grant, (2 The above books are sold by newsdealers everywhere, or will be sent, post-paid, to any ad- dress, on receipt of price, ten cents each, Brapie and Apams, Publishers, 98 William st., N. Y,, f
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MQWOD Qo ern e reece eee etee eens nee eres so1do9 o[suls OO Sor crete te ee er eee eee eens “““aRe_ OQ A0Nq PY T Renee 1¥OK OU A0J SoIdog om, OOS renter taste eee eeee eee suo anog 104 tsoRUy Supmoyoy oq} ye poysirqng ef Lprooqy zouneg ony, —_——_______ 8 ++ —_ *qUOUIUTE}I9j0e pus Julpwor A] 99 MOA OJ S19q}0 Pe Jo aoded oy stay ‘oanyeu Sut 4pPxe pusv ZuyserojnT ysour 94) JO Surpver WA SupMopaeao st aoquinu £19ae puv Yous 4wyI Og ‘ozo “oye ‘uoRACjdx” ‘oingueapy ‘deeq yvery 24} Jo sopiolg tsuoMvjeasy Mopeyg pus eaNoojeq feouBUIOY 4se\\ PL pue Sumy (=m) & rex 4 | 4 aA ‘aepiog JO Spjey pera ey] [[e U; suoHoNpoid 980q AIOA IJoy} ATHREAL BANNVG BHT, 0} oar moyaA jo TV Vv, = & Q se ie As a Zz = = PG Mee A 8 =>} QA <a es a % 2°] td =) ates 3 X (a & fal N Led “Maney “SA ‘Bupungy Rauazy “‘UOSRYM “AT uyor : ‘youipnoy 3) sser \ A ; e MYM, yung “Nenoly “At ‘TF ‘Suywunyy FT wi Ay ‘QUuing, ig any \ po \ "Ba ‘gntopy ‘q Ruoyur ‘WH XH WORM panaps hop gq way uae \ O ca ‘WOH 9 wun wobopr ‘plofery ay wag at ‘SLOT 8a.L0Y OD “aja0y MT pavapy ==} ‘buy -M 1p unudayspyy ‘yinwQuwnyy *Q +7, “Ling ppeyiebung -lopr ‘ip ‘wobpog a ydesor i “doyDyey M Yolepalyy uymjdnp ‘souloog 10 ‘Uamyy *M 20Q ‘UpyDLbUuy ssyualy jauojop —oynder JeuoHvM Jo sioqjne Surmoyoy 044 Seoviquie—sioysyqnd 87] 10J AJOAISNOXS 071.1 MOY Jo [Tv JSOWLY iSHOLAGIAINOO JO SdUOO CHIVAINNOA SII mer Rr nr ne ne. rr. APPL ALD AL LILI AS E a B & 6 A
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Te & KS CBN G 2 Mee we Ce 4 Edward L. Wheeler. a s.8 Weald or, The Red Right Hand. By suits ill. Flying Yankees or, The Ocean Outcast. By, Col. Prentiss Ingraham. The Double Daggers. By Edward L. Wheeler. Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes of a By Albert W. Aiken. * Pilot; or, The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. The Butfalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, By Edward L. Wheeler, Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By 01] Coomes, Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By “Texas Jack” (J. B. Omohundro). Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol. By E. L. Wheeler, Ralph Roy, the Boy Bucoaveer. By © 1. Ingraham. Nick o' the Night; or, The Boy Spy of 76. By T. C. Harbaugh. Yellowstone Jack; or, Trappers of the Enchanted Ground. By Joseph K. Badger, Jr. Wild Ivan, the Boy Clande Duval. By BE. L. Wheeler. Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellow- stor By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, Keen-Knife, Prince of the Prairies. By O11 Coomes, Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams Death-Face, the De ctive. By E. L. Wheeler. Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes, Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Reckless Ranger. By Harry St. George, The Boy Clown; or, The Queen of the Arena. By Frank 8, Finn. The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, By Edward L. Wheeler, The Sea-Oat; or, The Witch of Darien. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. “ye, the Great Shot of the West. By Capt. J. F.C, Adams. The Boy Capseiny or, The Pirate’s Daughter. By Roger Starbuck. Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider, By Captain trederick Whittaker, Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian, By KE. L. Wheeler, Nightingale Nats or, The Forest Captains. By T. C. Harbaugh Black the Road Agent. By J. E. Badger, Jr. Omaha OU, the Masked Terror. By E, L. Wheeler, Burt Bu 13 por, By George E. Lasalle. The Boy Rifles 3 or, The Underground Camp, By A, C, Irons, The White B ffalo. A Tale of Strange Adven- tures in the Northwest. By George E. Lasalle, Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. By Edward L, h re Ned Hazel, tne Boy Trapper. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams, Deadly Eye, the Unknown Scot. By Buffalo Bill, Nick Whifiles’s Pet; or, in the Valley of Death. By Capt. J. F. ©. Adama. Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar, By Edward L. Wheeler. The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. By Ol Coomes. Old Hickory ; or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. By Harry St. George. The White Indians or, The Scouts of the Yellow- atone. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. Buckhorn Till; or, The Red Rifle Team. By Edward L, Wheeler. The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lientenante. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Th Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers. By W. J. Hamilton. Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaw of the Oregon Trail. By T. C. Harbaugh. Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His “ Pard.” By Joseph EB. Badger, Jr, Single Wand; or, A Life for a Life. By W. J. Hamilton. 51 Patent-leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer, By Philip 8. Warne, 52 The Border Robin Hood}; or, The Prairie Rover, By Buthito Bill, 58 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective of the Black Hills, By Edward L, Wheeler, 64 Old Zip’s Cabin ‘or, A Greenhorn in the Woods, By Capt. J, F.C, Adama, 55 Delaw are Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. By O11 comes, 56 mad a omit Western, the Texan Ranger. By W. + Hamilton, 57 Deadwood Dick on Decks or, Calamity Jano, the Heroime of Whoop-Up. By E. L. Wheeler. 58 Hawkeye Marry, the Young Trapper Ranger. By oumes, 59 The ey Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea Wolf. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 60 Abe Colt, the Crow-K Iler. By Albert W, Alken, GL Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo, By Edward L. howler. 62 Wiil Somers, the Boy Detective. By Chas. Morris, #8 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapver, By A. W. Aiken, 64 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Gulch. By Edward L, Wheeler. 65 Lightning Joe, the Terror of the Prairie, By Cap- tain J, » Aduma. 66 Kit Harefoot, the Wood-Hawk, By T, C. Har- pang. 67 Rollo, the Boy Rang Horn. By Ol) Coo: 68 Idyl, the Girl Mine Edward L. Wheeler. 69 Detective Dick ; or, The Heroin Rags. By Charles orris, » ure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, By O01] Coomes, 71 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy, By J. Alexander Patten, 72 The Lion of the Sen or, The Vatled Lady of San Tropes, By Albert W, Alken, 78 Dittoaranh Phil, the Boy Sleuth; or, Rosebud Rob's Reappearance. By E. L. Wheeler, 4. Picayune Pete ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, By Charles Morr s, 7 Isiand Jim; or. The Pet of the Family. By Brace- bridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway), 76 Watch-Kye, the Shadow; or, Arabs and Angels of « Groat City. By Edward L. Wheeler, 7 Dick Dead Eye. the Boy Smuggler. By Col. P neraham, . 78 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Dovble Cross. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 79 The Blac ustanger; or, The Wild Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid, 80 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, Mokana, the White Queen of the Blackreet. By T, C. Harbaugh. 81 The Sea Viper; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 82 Seth cid art or, The Captives of the Frontier. By Edward 8. Ellis. 88 Dance Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By Edwara +e Heeler, 84 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Daughter. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 85 The Boy Miners; or, ‘The Enchanted Island, By Edward 8. Ellis, 86 Jack Harkaway in New York, By Brace- bridge Hemyng. 87 The Hussar Captain; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 88 Deadwood Dickin Leadville; or, A Strango Stoke for Liberty. By Edward L. Wheeler. 9 Bill Biddon, Trapper 3 or, Life in the Northweat, By Edward 8, Ellis. 90 Tippy, the Texan or, The Young Champion. By George Gleason, Issued Every Wednesday. Beadle’s Pocket Library is for sale by all News- dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. ; or, The Heiress of the Golden or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. By ———$—$ $$ —
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82 OCTAVO PAGES. gEADLE’y “. PRICE, FIVE CENTS, \_ POCKET LIBRARY. BAAHRARDHDADAADDADHDADADAADDDDADDDRAAHRAD AW na GARBRBDRARH 91 Mastang. Sam, the King of the Plains. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 92 The Ocean Bloodhound ; or, The Red Pirates of the Caribbees. By Samuel W, Pearce. 98 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy; or, The Mystery of the Strongbow. - By Charles Morris. 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By ¥. L.Wheeler. 95 Buck Buckramy3 or, Bess. thy Female Trapper. By Capte sin J, F.C, Adams, 96 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective, Wheeler. 97 The Black Steed of the Prairies. L. Bowen. 98 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By Juan Lewis, 99 Bonanza BIL, the Man Tracker. By E. L. Wheeler. 100 Nat Todd} or, ‘The Vate of the Sioux Captive, By Edward S. Ellis, 101 Daring Davy 3 the Young Bear Killer. St. George. 102 The Yellow Chiefy or,The Half-blood’s Vengeance By Capt. Mayne Reid. 108 Chip, the Girl Sport; or, The Golden Idol of Mt. Rosa, By Edward L, Wheeler. 104 The Black Schooner}; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. By Roger Starbuck. 105 Handsome Harry, tho Bootblack Detective. By Charles Morris. By E. L. By James By Harry 106 Mighty “Wawk Kit; or, the Daughter of the Ranch. o8. KE, Badger, Jr. } 107 Sack HMoyle’s Lead; or, The Young Specu ator. By Edward L. Wheeler, 108 Rocky Mountain Kit, the White Mustanger. By T. C. Harbaugh. 109 The Branded Mand; or, Tie Man of Mystery. By Frank Dumont. 110 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. By George W. Browne. iit Boss, Bob, the King of Bootblacks, By 112 The Helpless Mand. By Capt, Mayne Reid. 118 Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter. By Ol Coomes. 114 Piney Paul, the Mountsin Bort or, The Little Arrow of the Adirondacks. By T. C, Harbaugh. 115 Deadwood Dick’« Double. a KE L. Wheeler, c. L.Whee'er, 116 Jabez Coffin, Skipper; or, Lost in the Polar Regions. | By Capt. F, Whittaker. 117 Fancy Frank, of Calorado, “ Buffalo Bill.” By Hon. W. F. Cody, 118 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, By Chas, Morris. | 119 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base, By Edward L, Wheeler. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper, By T. C, Harbaugh, 121 Harry Armstrong, the Captain of the Club, By Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway.) 122 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman of the Prairie, By Edward 8. Ellis. 128 Solid Sam, the Boy Rond-Agent, By E. L. Wheeler. 124 Judge Lynch, Jr.3 or, The Boy Vigilante. By T. C. Harbaugh. 125 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil's Island. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 126 Blue Blazes; or, The Breuk o’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 127 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boas Job. By, Edward L. Whoeler, 128 Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer. Morris. 129 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 180 Gold Trigger, the Sport. By T, C. Harbaugh. 181 A Game of Gola eh Deadwood Dick's Big Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler, 182 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 188 Wild-fire, the Boss ofthe Road, By Frank Dumont. 184 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By C. Morris, 185 ar sk ta Dick of Deadwood. By Edward L, Wheeler. By Charles By Ol! Coomes, | 161 | 162 Little 186 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton Holmes. 187 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G. Waldo Browne. 188 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas, Merris- 189 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road-Agents. By Philip S. Warne. 141 New York Nell, Edward L, Wheeler, Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By O11 Coomes, Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire, By Budger, Jr. Little Grit, the Wild Rider; or, Bessie, the Stock Tender’s Dang: ter. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 145 The Tiger of Taos or, Wild Kate, Dandy Rock's Angel. By Geo, Waldo Browne, 146 The Cattle King 3 or, Cortina’s Right Bower. By Frank Dumont, Nobby Nick of Nevada or, The Scamps of the Sierras, By Edward L, Wheeler. 148 Thunderbolt Tom; or, The Wolf-Herder of the Rockies. By Harry St. George Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner; or, The Road to Ruin. By Charles Morris, The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. By +. Waldo Browne. The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. Dandy Darke; William R. Eyster. Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. Wheeler, The Boy Trailers s or, Datoty War-Path, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Gold Plume, the Boy Bundit; or, Sport. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 3 WILL Wildfire in the Woods, By C. Morris. 157 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T. C. Harbaugh, 158 Deadwood Dick's Doom, By FE. 1. Wheeler. 159 Fatent-Leather Joe's Defeat. By Philip. 5. are, 160 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, Tngrahain. ob Rockett, the Crackaman; or, Driv n to the Yall, By Churles Morris. Murricane, the 140 the Boy-Girl Detective. By 142 148 144 147 ¢ or, The Tigers of High Pine. By By Edward L, Tance on the The Kid-Glove By Col. P. Boy Captain, By Oll Coomes. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road, By Edward L. Wheeler. 164 Tornado Tomy or, Injun Jack from Red Core. By T. GC, Harbaugh. Ready Marcel 2, 165 Buffalo Bis Bet; or, The Gamtler Guide. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahum. Ready Murch 166 Will Wildfire Wins and Loses. Morris. Ready March 16. By Charles 167 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hu aa to Death. By Gvorge W. Browne. Ready March 2: 168 Deadwood Dick’« Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel, By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready March 30, Tanned Every Wednesday, Beadle’s Pocket Library is for sule by all News- dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,