Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 261) (1889 01 09)
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Copyrighted, 1888, by Brapue anp Apans. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mail Matter. Jan. 9, 1889. No 961 $2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, Vol XXI ' ’ ' ad a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM St., NEw York. Five Cents, A SMILE PLAYED WITH THE CORNERS OF CHINCAPIN’S MOUTH WHILE HE PERUSED THE NOTICE, HELD UP BY MONTEZUMA’S STRONG ARMS,
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Blade, the Sport; The Giant of Clear Grit Camp. BY T. C. HARBAUGH, AUTHOR OF “RANCH ROB’S WILD RIDE,” ‘‘ THE DENVER DETECTIVE,” ‘*‘ DANDY DAVE OF SHASTA,” ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I, ENEMIES OF THE PAST. In the midst of a thunder-storm that swept the trails and passes of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, a human figure ap- peared suddenly on the borders of the roughest of stage roads, and crouched, as if for protection from some enemy, under a ledge of rock. The almost incessant crashes of thunder seem- ed to rend the inky sky overhead, and the forked lightning ever and anon revealed the man’s sur- roundings., “Velvet Foot is here—now let the yellow tiger come!” These were the only words that dropped from the croucher’s lips while he kept his position with his head turned in a listening attitude to the south, or toward the New Mexican border, The uncouth stage-road beside which the man under the rock crouched, ran northward to the borders of the Gunnison country, while. south- ward it extended to the confines of San a Fe. There were few men brave enough to drive the stage that lumbered over the road at uncer- tain intervals; and they were dark-faced fellows inured to dangers, and daring enough for any calling. Not far from the croucher, but deap in the mountains was Clear Grit, an extensive mining- camp, where the stage always unloaded and where fresh horses were obtained. Then the driver would swear and crack his whip, and the team would start for Gunnison. . The man on the stage trail knew alk this. @ was expecting the stage despite the storm, The croucher with the Indian face was not there to kill. Where was the stage? Several miles to the south four horses were toiling slowly up a rough incline with their heads bent to the tempest. The man seated above them no longer plied the whip, nor added a driver’s oaths to the harsh rattle of the thunder, “We'll git thar if you give the hosses a chance,” he said, apparently addressing some one on the inside of the stage that creaked over the mountain trail, threatening at times to top- ple over in spite of the efforts of the gallant horses, ‘I’ve seen storms before, but this is the boss ’un, When will we strike Cl’ar Grit? Some time afore day, if we keep on.” “Then keep on, for heaven’s sake!” answered a man from the interior of the vehicle. ‘‘ Won’t we strike the level soon?” ‘Thar’s no level to this trail; it’s up an’ down Blade, the Sport. all the time. Mebbe you’ve never struck the San Juan kentry afore.” The muttered reply that greeted this observa- tion did not reach the driver’s ears, “T needn't tell you if I have,” were the words, “Yes, sir, I have seen the San Juan country be- fore, and, if I am not mistaken, more than one man will know it before ’m many days here, Dan?” There was no response, “You ain’t asleep, Dynamite?” “No, Pm not asleep,” said the deep voice of an uncultured man from one of the dark corners of the stage. “I’ve been wishing that we war at Clar Grit. I don’t like storms—I allus hated ‘em. I never could see what they’re good for,” Aslight laugh greeted the last word, but it ended abruptly, for a flash of lightning that lit up the whole interior of the stage as well as the mountain road for & goodly distance, caused the two passengers to recoil from the windows with exclamations of terror. “Thats boss lightning, vap’n,” said the man who had been called Dynamite. ‘ This San Juan kentry beats the world in more ways than one, I’m glad yeaa come into it. You'll like it by an’ by—when you git used to the boys am’ their ways. But you’ve seen men catamounts afore, vap’n.” “Oh, yes,” and a chuckle followed the last word. Dynamite Dan leaned forward as if to catch the expression on his companion’s face, but keen as his eyes were, he could not make out any- thing. The interior of the stage was dark again, and the mountain rough fell back to his old position in the corner, not at all satisfied with his inspec- tion, : “There! heavéns! did you see that?” sudden- ly exclaimed Dynamite’s comrade at his ear. **Soe what, cap’n?” : “Something just crawled up on top of the stage.” ‘© Ye’r’ dreamin’, cap’n.” “No! I got but_a glimpse of the thing, for its foot touched my hand. It wasn’t the foot of a catamount, Dynamite, for I’ve felt that before now; but it felt-like the soft moceasin of an In- dian.” If the speaker conld have seen Dynamite Dan’s face at that moment he would have been confronted by an expression of unbelief. The mountain rough had traveled the trail before, but an incident of the kind jast men- Boned by his companion he had never met with. For a moment neither of the men spoke again. ; Tf a human figure had made its way to the top of the stage, why had not the driver discovered it? f The horses were now drawing the vehicle over a comparatively fair road, but the vivid light. ning continually revealed towerlng masses of jagzed rocks, which at places threatened to de- scend upon the stage and crush it. “Something’s up there—I know it!” persist. ed Dynamite’s companion, breaking the silence ues reigned in the stage. I certainly felt g oot,” Y ad
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y ee ‘skin myself, 6 Blade, the Sport. s ** Tf you say so, cap’n, 1’ll look.” As there was no response, Dynamite Dan opened the door at the rear end of the vehicle, and almost instantly disappeared from his fel- low travelers’ gaze. The next moment he caught the iron railing that ran around the top of the stage, and swung himself clear of the one step under the door. “He'll find an Indian up there—I know it,” ejaculated the man left in the vehicle, ‘‘ It’s the red-skin who has stuck to the trail with the per- tinacity of a blood-hound, He knew I was to travel the trail to-night, My God! I'll pension Dynamite for life if he pays my debts while he’s up there.” The last word had scarcely left the speaker’s lips when a wild oath grated on his ears, and something not unlike the body of a man shot past the window toward the road. ‘* Dynamite found him, as I knew be would!” he exclaimed, starting up, and drawing a re- volver as he sprung to the door. “If the fall- ing man was Dynamite,” I'll settle with the red- hings have got to reach a crisis some time—better now than after awhile per- ee exe ie was on the outside of the vehicle, and his voice sounded like the hiss of a snake, “Tm here, devil!” he exclaimed, as he dex- trously drew his figure up to the roof of the stage. You have hunted Blade the Sport a long time. The trail ends here!” At that moment a flash of lightning rent the sky, and he saw to his surprise that he was the only person on the stage. ‘Ab! red coward, you would not stand and face Blade,” he grated, raising his voice. “You stole to the stage roof like a sneaking mountain cat; you left it like a whipped wolf! I know you, Indian. I have come to the San Juan region for a purpose, which a thousand . cowardly Velvet Foots cannot balk. I’m the same man who got the best of you when you were the coward of Sitting Bull's camp—the same person who robbed you of the only thing ‘ou ever loved—and that thing you stole. Devil, am Blade! The knife I carried then I carry now, but I can use it better than I did the night we parted in the canyon,” To these mad words there was but one reply— a loud mad whoop that awoke the echoes of the mountains. - “*T accept the challenge. Stand where you are—I'm coming down!” answered Blade. “Stop the stage, driver, till I pay forever a debt of hate and blood!” But the stage lumbered on. ‘Don’t you hear me?” cried Blade, turning to- ward the driver’s seat. ‘I won’t keep you here five minutes for— Heavens! there’s no man on the seat!” 5 This discovery, revealed by another lightning stroke, was certainly startling. Blade, the Sport, was the only occupant of the stage-roof, “Ho!” he called out sharply to the horses, as he flung himself forward and gathered up the lines, pulling back with all his strength, which was prodigious, ‘ Just wait a minute, red cow- ard! I'll be there!” Tbe foremost horses were dragged back upon their haunches, the hindmost ones forced against the stage, and the vehicle itself made to recoil. ** Now for the settlement!” hissed the man as he gave up the lines, and clambered over the edge of the roof from whence he leaped over the front wheel to the ground. As he struck the trail, be turned to the south, for the stage had traveled some distance since his words of defiance hurled at his red foe. A few bounds took him down the trail. “Here I am!” he said, haltiag suddenly. “Velvet Foot, Blade, the man whcm you have hunted like a bloodhound, is ready to end the trail. Come forth! We have fought before in the night. You sought me then; I seek you now. I bavecome to the San Juan region to win in a new game, Neither- you nor the powers of perdition shall baffle me.” The only reply to this challenge was the grasp- ing of Blade’s arm by a hand that had the pres- sure of a vise. - “* Velvet Foot—” j ‘No, it’s me, cap’n—Dynamite,” was the in- terruption, ‘I thought you war Blade, but I waren’t sar’tin. I found the Injun upon the stage, but I left afore [ had time to inspect him. You'll not git to fight him any more to- night, but ef youre sp‘ilin’ fur a scrimmage I kin accommodate ye.” Blade looked astonished. “You?” he exclaimed, - ‘‘ We’re not enemies, Dynamite.” “Thar’s whar you miss it, Blade. ago I wasn’t called Dynamite Dan. I got thet nume among the San Juan mines. Thar’s war to the knife an’ the knife to ther hilt between us. You shouldn’t fight the Injun ef he’d come hyer fur thet purpose. I’m yer man, Blade. You'll never git to open the game you came hyer to play. Now let us go to work, Ther hosses will stand. Ther man what lives kin take ther stage on to Cl’ar Grit. dead,” Dynamite Dan released Blade’s arm and step- ped back. At that moment the forked fire revealed his position to Velvet Foot’s foe. Dynamite Dan stood five feet off ready for the oe fourteen-inch bowie in his right hand! Ten years Ther driver is CHAPTER II. A DEVIL'S THROW. “T DON’? care a continental for the southern stage. I want to hear from the north.” In fact every denizen of Clear Grit Camp was anxious to hear from ‘‘the north,” The night whose storm witnessed the events narrated in the foregoing chapter was nearing its end, but.not aman of Clear Grit had closed his eyes in slumber, The miners’ camp was situated more than twenty miles north of the spot we have just left. The rough stage road that wound like e serpent’s path over the San Juan mountains van through it on its way to Gunnison, a town of some importance on the Gunnison River. The last mentioned place iay north of Clear Grit, and wild was the mountain scenery and
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4 Blade, the Sport. rough the many trails that stretched between the two towns. The “‘ north” referred to by the citizens of Clear Grit, whom we have just quoted, was what in other words was called the Gunnison country, although it might mean the weird Cochetopa Hills. ** None ov us cares about the stage,” said an- other of the dark-sbirted miners, who formed a ring about the camp-fire that burned in the cen- ter of the camp, where there was a roughly laid- out square, ‘Its time fur Montezuma an’ bis pards tocome in. It all depends on the news the boys bring back. If it’s gold, we'll leave Clar Grit to the coyote an’ the crow, an’ break fur the new diggin’s. Mobbe it?s an Injun yarn—a red-skin decoy an’ nothin’ else.” “THs gold—hard rocks an’ hard to git, Bliz- zard!” put in another, glancing af the last speaker, known throughout Clear Grit _as Bliz- zard Bill. ‘I know the Cochetopa Hills, fur warn’t [ lost thar once? An’ I never dreamed that I war wanderin’ over miles on miles ov gold mines, but I war!” “'Thet’s only opinion, Nugget; but we'll wait till the boys come in.” “They're comin’ now.” Several men sprung up and listened for a mo- menti, but soon sat down again, diszuste }. ‘1s the infernal Mexican stage!” they said. ‘© We want news from the north—nothin’ from Greaserdom!” The men of Clear Grit had some days before sent several miners to the distant Cochetopa Hills for the purpose of sounding the truthful- ness of the reports that gold existed in great quantities there. The mines about the camp were, in western parlance, ‘ playing out,” and the citizens of Clear Grif were anxious to pull up stakes and leave for a more fruitful gold-producing re- gion. Whaat, if coupled with the reports of treasure in the new country, was a story of a band of mysterious men, who guardad the mines? What if the story-teller had poured into the ears of the men of Clear Grit a thrilling narrative of hair-breadth escapes in that country? ton gold-hunters never thought of such things. Ths Cochetopa Hills might swarm with In- dians and hooded men, the latter supposed to be road-agents in new employment—if Montezuma and his friends, the investigating committee, re- ported gold among the hills, they would forth- with abandon Clear Grit—leave it to the coyote and the crow, as one has said—and invade the region of death and gold. Tt was time for the spies fo return. But instead of them there came the sounds of a team approaching from the Mexican border, It was the stage. ‘©] wish that stage an’ its passengers war in the Styx!” grated one of the miners. ‘* Hyer T’ve sat listenin’ to the hosses, b’lievin’ thet if war Montezuma an’ his pards. Thet route _ou’t to be bu’sted up fur foolin’ us thet way, Whot does it amount to, anvhow? The only passe"- gers it brings to Cl’ar Grit ar’ a few New Mex! cans an’ Injuns—fellers what stay an hour, poke their noses ’round, never set ’em up, an’ go 1 : on to the Gunnison kentry, where they all git rich, an’ go home another way.” ‘“That?s so. Chincapin. Leat’s tell old Zeb that | he needn’t go on to-night, nor in the mornin’ either. While we’re waitin’ for Montezuma, we kin bu’st up thet stage-route, which never brought one payin’ passenger to Cl’ar Grit.” The last speaker’s proposition was received with a good deal of favor, and, as the heavy stage approached, giving forth clear notes of its progress in the clear night-air, the majority of the sitters round the camp-fire got up, eager to break up the route. “What does Zeb mean? He's comin’ this way, as if he had no passengers to unload at the old stoppin’-place,” suddenly said one of the roughs, ‘Look yonder! Thet’s not the old feller on the seat.” 2 : The horses, and the vehicle which they drew, with the driver, had arrived in the light of the fire, which threw a ruddy glare far and wide, Perched on the seat raised to the top of the stage was a man whose appearance claimed the attention of every one. : He was strikingly arrayed in the first place, in a loose Mexican jacket, embroidered with wide silver braid; and his leggings, loose but not baggy, opened at the lower extremity, where there were several gilt buttons. He wore a wide- rimmed sombrero, which was upturned in front, displaying a handsome face, ornamented by a pair of glittering black eyes, a wavy mustache, dark as a raven’s wing, and framed ina sea of black hair that fell over bis shoulders. By this time, the man on the seat had guided the horses alongside of the fire, and was gazing down upon the rough crowd with as much curi- osiliy as was being bestowed upon him, “Ts this Clear Grit?” he asked, in a half-satis- fied tone. “That's what it war at sundown,” was the quick retort; “but it’s not likely to be CYar Grit forever. Whar’s Zeb, stranger?” Instead of replying to this question concerning the old driver, the man in the sombrero began to come down from his perch. “T am driver and passenger all in one,” he said, as he smiled. ‘‘I came near being left be- hind; but it fell to the other man’s lot to stay.” He spoke the last words so significantly that the men of Clear Grit exchanged glances. “J don’t know where the old driver is,” he said, replying to twenty eyes at the same time. “T didn’t have time to go back to lo»k for him. You haven't such a thing as a surgeon in camp, have you?” «“ Yes,” said Chincapin, stepping forward. “T guess I’m the only chap what knows the differ- ence between a lesion an’ a bruise! I’m Chinea- pin. Ar’ you hurt?” The new-comer eyed Chincapin closely for a morment, The self-styled surgeon was slightly above the medium hight, well built, gray-eyed and quite intelligent looking, although he used the vernac- ular of the mines, He might have passed his twenty-third year, and it was possible for him to be nineteen, so young he looked. The stranger’s scanning with his-piercing eyes seemed to end in Chineapin’s favor. “Tam hurt, how badly I don’t know, for f
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Blade, the Sport. 5 ieee can’t see,” he said, smiling faintly. ‘‘I got into a fracas coming over the trail. I think the driver lost his life.” The sentence was ad- dressed to the crowd in general. ‘‘ Where will you examine my wound at, Dr. Chincapin?’ ‘“* At my office,” answered the youth, grinning “as he glanced at his companions, who noted his humorous emphasis of the last word. ‘Come with me. You kin leave the stage an’ the hosses, The boys ll take care oy them.” As Chincapin turned away, he was followed by the dark-featured Apollo, who walked un- steadily, but with his coal-black eyes fixed on the young doctor. Chincapin and his follower did not exchange a word during the journey to the former’s cabin, which stood a few rods from the square illumined by the camp-tire. The young miner-doctor ushered his patient ne a dark room which he soon relieved by a light, “This is my office, though I don’t have many jobs,” smiled Chincapin, Without more ado, the stranger doffed his embroidered jacket, and Chincapin saw dark stains on the gray shirt thus exposed and right behind the right shoulder. “A Knife wound, Ah! I see!” exclaimed the young doctor as he began to expose the shoulder, The wearer of the sombrero ground his teeth, and braced himself; then he said: “Don’t handle me as: though I was a child, Chincapin. I’m aman who has been thar before. I wouldn’t be Blade, the Sport, if I flincbed here.” . Why did Chincapin start back with an illy suppressed cry and stare at the speaker as if a ghost had risen at his feet? What magic was there in the name of Blade, the Sport? “Why don’t you go on?” asked the handsome patient impatiently. ‘‘I want to get out of Clear Grit as soon as possible.” With the last word he wheeled upon Chincapin who recoiled as their eves met. “Are you Blade, the Sport?” the young sur- geon asked in a tone that betrayed his great excitement. “Tm nobody else; but who are you and why do you nail your eyes tome? You have called yourself Chincapin, but—” ‘¢T’m only Chincapin, but I have a right to take your life!” You?” “Yes—I!” ‘‘ Another man tried that since sundown, but Tt got his. You may have heard of Dynamite Dan.” : Chincapin uttered a startling cry. ‘He was my friend!” “ And my foe!” “T will avenge his death! I always felt that we would meet some day.” Chineapin sprung forward, all the lion in his nature glaring from bis flashing eyes. “This for Dynamite’s biood!” he shouted with uplifted bowie. ‘‘I dress your wound for- ever by inflicting one more deadly!” The next instant the two men came together. Chincapin’s vengeance-guided arm was met by | the sport’s right hand, and effectually checked in mid-air. “T don’t want your blood, Chincapin—you’re nothing to me!” said Blade, the Sport, calmly, as he held the frenzied youth away. ‘ But 1 will admonish you tbat [’m not to be trifled with,” An instant later the astonished Chincapin was flung across his cabin by a strength that seemed to belong to a giant. He struck the wall, and threw one hand up { for support. At that moment Blade made a move that dazed him; something hissed through the air across space that separated them, and a hundred needles seemed to pierce his palm. With a cry of pain the miner-surgeon looked at his hand. It had been pinned to the logs by a twelve- inch bowie! ‘“* Good-night, Doctor Chincapin,” said Blade, the Sport. ‘Vll get my wounds dressed e)se- where. You're young, but don’t be a fool, Don’t follow me crying for blood, I’ve had all of yours that I want,” , hincapin heard the man through. Then his feet seemed to slide from under him! CHAPTER III. MONTEZUMA’S REPORT, ** CONFOUND it! I had to admonish the young- ster that I must not be trifled with,” said Blade, the Sport, in audible tones, as he stepped from the cabin, leaving the swooning Chincapin to his fate. He looked over his shoulder as he finished, as if a sound had startled him, but he saw no one, He was more than a rod from the miner’s cabin, and through the still open door he saw a light burning on the rough deal! table, If he had looked sharper he might have caught sight of poor Chincapin. ‘The boy’s out of the way for the present, and Dynamite Dan forever, I think,” he re- sumed, starting forward again. ‘‘ The stroke I gave him after he cut me ended the fight, for he reeled away and fell headlong over the cliff at the edge of the stage trail where we fought. Heavens! to think that I rode twenty miles with a man who has wanted my life these ten years. I never dreamed that Dynamite was Dan Tbhun- derbolt, the man whom I[ outwitted when I beat the Indian—the red-devil that climbed upon the stage.” 5 He carried himself like a conqueror, his step firm, and bis eyes shone like diamonds. From Chincapin’s cabin be walked straight to the square where he had left the stage and its team a few minutes before. The men of Clear Grit had carried their threats into execution; they had commenced to break up the stage route, for the horses had been uubarnessed and taken away, and the flames of the camp-fire were fast devouring the vehicle. An oath fell from Blade’s lips when he saw 18. = His hopes of getting from Clear Grit that night by stage had to be abandoned; he would have to seek another method of exit from the camp,
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6 Blade, the Sport. Tt was more than idle curiosity that impelled him toward the crowd that surrounded a grizzly bearded giant, who was mounted on a whisky barrel in the center of the square. The committee, or one of them fat least, had returned from the Cochetopa Hills, and was mak- ing his report. lade, the Sport, advanced until he stood within earshot of the coarse voice of the man on the barrel. ‘Gold! why the whole kentry’s full ov it!” said the giant. ‘‘Wewarn’t thar three hours afore Jim picked up a nugget that war almost the e’lar stuff. An’ sech places fur minin’! ravines, water, everything handy. Thar ain’ta single drawback, in my estimation, pards—not one Did a faint smile appear at the corners of Blade’s mouth? ‘‘ How kin that be, Montezuma?” asked a man in ths crowd, ‘You say thar ain’t any draw- backs up yonder, an’ yet you left the other boys thar—hunted down an’ wiped out by a gang ov men who are not Injuns. An’ thar is no draw- backs?” Montezuma, the giant, let a defiant laugh part his lips before he answered. “That man’s more than a devil!” murmured Blade, fixing his eyes on the Hereules on the barrel. “I would rather that the boys had finished him and let the rest of the committee come back with a report, What region pro- duced that fellow? Montezuma, they call him, I never heard of him before,’ It was true, Blade, the Sport, now saw and heard of Mon- tezuma for the first time! He seemed to realize that he gazed upon one who was destined to give him as much trouble as all the rest of his enemies put together. It is not strange, therefore, that while he glared at the giant his right hand should glide toward the deadly weapons in his belt. . The laugh that shook the gray hairs of the giant’s drooping mustache was more the laugh of a fiend than that of a man, : “The boys ar’ back thar--thet’s a fact,” he said, after it had ended and he had turned upon the man who had spoken from the crowd. ‘ They died with their boots on, as men should die. Thar may be drawbacks to minin’ in the Coche- topa kentry to some men, but thar’s none to Montezuma. Ef it warn’t fur comin’ back ter report, by Jove, I would have stayed. I’m goin’ back ef I hev to go alone, an’ play a lone han] with the men who claim the region!” A loud shout, not from one throat, but from many, went up from the crowd. It toll Blade the Sport that Montezuma would not go back alone; he would have at his back a bens of men as fearless and as desperate as him- self, “We're all goin’ back with vou, Montezuma!” cried the spokesman of the crowd, ‘ We'll leave Clar Grit to the coyote an’ the wolf. If thar ar’ a thousand masked devils in the gold kentry, we'll go an’ win it. Boys, all ov ye what vote to go to the Cochetopa Hills, hold up yer right hands!” Tt is needless to say that every bronzed right ‘and instantly went up, “That means an invasion of my territory by fifty men who cannot be seared off,” said Blade. “They will have to be killed. The boys should know of the intended raid. If they think they have seen Montezuma for the last time, they are cestined to wake up some morning and find themselves terribly mistaken.” He stood in his tracks a while longer. He saw the men of Clear Grit throw their hats into the air at Montezuma’s suggestion, and heard them give three cheers for the new land of riches, Clear Grit was to be abandoned the following day, and Montezuma was to lead the band to the new mines! All knew that the gold that lay buried in the depths of the Cochetopa Hills, and along tbe water-courses, was not to be obtained merely for the digging. Rach nugget might cost the blood, if not the life, of a human being—but what of that? The miners of Clear Grit were men who had risked life for gold and silver before; they were ready, eager to do it again. “To the Cochetopa Hills!” was the cry. The guardians of the mines there should be driven from the treasure, and the men of Clear Grit would win the new Eldorado at the bowie's point and the revolver’s muzzle! P “ Hold! What will we do with the last pas- senger?” suddenly asked a rough fellow, just as Blade was in the act of turningaway. “He can’t go on in the stage.” 1 “Leave im behind, er give ’im a hoss an’ let 4m go on,” was one of the replies, ‘‘ He’s no- body’s fool, if [ read his eyes kerrectly. Mebbe he'll die on Chincapin’s hands.” “Who came in ther stage?” asked Montezuma, ‘A Southern dandy, Monte—a chap with a sombrero, long hair, an’ eyes that said ‘ shoot! shoot!’ fifty times in a minute.” The giant uttered an exclamation that almost made Blade rezoil. ‘“‘ Where is that man?” he cried. “I want to see im. Is he still in Cla’r Grit?” “¢ He’s at Chincapin’s.” “War he hurt?” * Cut somewhar.” “ By whom?” “We don’t know thet.” “What did he call himself?” ° * Blade,” “Great God, boys! catch hyer.” * But you will not catch him.” The last sentence fell in determined tones from Blade’s lips. He saw the giant dash through the crowd while his last exclamation still quivered his bearded lips, and filled his eyes’with flasues of fire, “They will find Chincapin, but they shall uot find me—not here at any rate!” the sport continued. “They have chosen their battle- ground. I will meet them onit. The blood of every man yonder shall water the soil of the Cochetopa country. By Jove! it was a lucky moment when I decided to return to the boys by way of Clear Grit.” Blade the Sport withdrew from the spot from He’s the man we want to
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Blade, the Sport. 2 | whence he had witnessed the scenes just de- | scribed, - ‘ - Montezuma, followed by one-half of bis audi- ence, had already disappeared. He would soon reach Chincapin’s cabin—a few eager bounds would take him beyond the threshold. What was to be done must be accomplished quickly. Tho sport turned toward the north. Was he going to leave Clear Grit on foot? Fate or intuition, no difference which, brought him soon to the rude stables where tlie relay of stage-horses had been kept since the establish- ment of the route. ‘A fool for luck!” exclaimed Blade. ‘I might have spent an hour hunting for a horse. Ah! I will beat all you devils to the Hills, and when you reach them, you'll find your equals ready for the tussle.” Although the rough, strong doors were shut, there were no locks for Blade the Sport to pick. He did not select a horse, but took the first one his hand touched, and led him forth. In a short time the light of another day would again beautify the San Juan valley. Triumph flasbed up in Blade’s eyes as he threw himself upon the back of the fresh horse which he had already clothed with bridle and bit. Spurs he had none, saddle he did not wait to secure, ‘* Now for the death tussle in tha Cochetopa lands!” fell from his tongue as he urged the horse from the spot. A Jaugh so near that be turned his head was the sole reply. “That infernal Indian!” hissed Blade. ‘He would not meet me when I dared him to the tussle on the stage road, By heavens! I'll stop and face him here in spite of Montezuma and his pards who have found Chincapin by this time,” He reined in his horse so suddenly that the animal was forced back upon his haunches, snorting with rage. “Velvet Foot no fight here!” said a voice from the gloom that surrounded the uncouth Stables. ‘* He will be with Blade in the gold country; but he will not enter it with the yel- low rock hunters of Clear Grit. Velvet Foot will follow his enemy to the end of the trail where blood will make the grass red. Does Blade wonder how Velvet Foot followed him so rapidly? Ah! he does not know that while he drove the horses Velvet Foot rode in the white man’s stage.” An exclamation of mingled rage and aston- ishment was Blade the Sport’s retort. “Gods! if I had known that, your trail would have ended before this!” he grated. ‘‘ You dare not end it here. Coward! red dog! you dare not face Blade where he is willing to meet you!” “Velvet Foot has spoken, Him no fight here. The men of Clear Grit want Blade the Sport. Velvet Foot will not strike here!” The voice ceased, but other sounds struck the sport’s ears. A crowd of mai, revengeful spirits was surg- ing toward the stables, “T will goin order to meet you among the Cochetopa Hills!” flashed the sport. ‘‘ You don’t wan’t my life any more than I want yours. The beauty I robbed you of still lives, Velvet Foot. She’s no girl now—no little cbild —and her home isn’t a smoky wigwam; but she’s a woman—the fairest flower in this wide America—and Blade’s devoted wife!” A how! of anger parted the lips of the unseen red-skin, * Blade the Sport can't force Velvet Foot into a fight now,” was the reply. ‘He holds back his hand until he is ready to strike.” ‘** You'll strike too late!” “Blade see. The oath of the red-man is in the hands of the Great Spirit.” “Come to the Gold Hills and try it!” exclaim- ed the sport, giving his horse voice and rein. ““ Come, coward, if you dare!” “Velvet Foot will come,” was the reply. CHAPTER IV. CLEAR GRIT’S DOOM. MontrzuMA and his comrades had found Chincapin bleeding and senseless in the little cabin where Blade the Sport’s knife had pierc- ed his hand, pinning it to the rough logs, Several stayed to revive the youth. The rest, with border oaths and threats of vengeance, bounded away. But they reached the stables too late. The man they wanted was gone. If Velvet Foot, the Indian, saw them, he did not show himself. The exhibition might bave worked him injury. “Thar’s no use follerin’ him ef he took a hoss,” said Montezuma. ‘I wish 1 had knowed thet he war so near. I wouldn’t hey made my report until we hed made a sieve ov him. ho is Blade the Sport?) Who but the boss ov the devils what guard the gold mines ov the Cochetopa Hills?” ** Ab! if we had known thet!” ejaculated one of the listeners, regretfully. ‘‘I never thought him more than a half-breed dandy on bis way to Gunnison, He didn’t hev to come this way to get to the Hills.” **Ov course not.” ‘“*He wanted to see if we hed heard oy the new gold kentry.” “ Thet’s it—thet’s what fetched’*im to Clar Grit! But he didn’t hev to go an’ save Chinca- pin the way he bez. He might hey let the boy alone, Thar isn’t a man byer who wouldn’t die fur the youngster,” ‘Not a man, Montezuma.” “Dynamite his pard ain’t hyer—he hezn’t got back from the South, but we’ll stand by the boy an’ make Blade pay for every drep ov blood he shed to-night, just ez ef Dynamite war hyar.” ‘“ We're fur Chincapin ag’in ther world! More than one man spoke the last sentence; it fell from the lips of every. one who had listened to the bronze giant Montezuma. A moment's silence followed. “The men up yonder will hear all from their cap’n,” said the Hercules, pointing northward, toward the far-away Cochetopa Hills. ‘ When we git thar. we'll find them prepared, but what ov that, They’ll find us ready! I’m eager to pull up stakes and leave Cl’ar Grit. What's tbe use oy stayin’ hyer another minute? Ef
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8 Blade, the Sport. Chincapin ain’t able to travel he kin stay be- hind an’ wait till Dynamite comes, By Jove! I wish we hed the old fellar with us now. We'd make things hum up yonder, with his revolver among ther rest. I’m off fur the Hills afore the sun Sg over the peaks,” A wild cheer which told the speaker that .every man who heard was with him was the reply, and the crowd drew back from the ‘ stables. * By common consent the steps of all were bent toward the cabin where Chincapin, having recovered from his faint, was relating to a few his encounter with Blade while his hand was dressed. The sport’s bowie had inflicted a terrible gash, but the wound had been closed by several stitches, and lint and bandages applied, The youth smiled grimly when the roughs headed by Montezuma, appeared at the door, each one with a solicitous countenance, and re- venge lurking tiger-like in their eyes, ‘A hand, not a heart, boys,” he said. ‘* The next time I play doctor i know something about my patients,” “ What turned ’im on ye?” asked Montezuma, “T attacked him first.” “ You?” *. *“-Yes, I suddenly discovered that he was the man who robbed Dynamite and the Indian years ago. The listeners exchanged looks of astonish- ment, “Robbed ’em oy what, Chincapin?” Instead of replying, Chincapin’s face lost color and he started like a person caught in the act of revealing a secret. “Thar! you needn’t give anybody away ef you don’t want to,” said Montezuma, kindly. ‘‘ We don’t care fer you to go on if you hey to let out a secret ov some kind. We don’t care a conti- nental what Blade, the Sport. stole from Dyna- mite an’ a red-skin years ago, We know thet he’s chief ov the gang thet rule in the gold _ken- try, an’ thet he draw some ov yer blood, an’ thet’s all we want ter know. Kin yer travel, Chincapin?” The youth’s eyes seemed to dance with eager- ness. ‘* My hand is the only injured member I have, an’ it’s the left hand at that, thank fortune. He left me the right one that I might settle with him one of these days,” “Tn the Cochetopa kentry?” _ “TI care not where.” “Wal, we’re goin’ to say good-by to Cl’ar Grit, an’ thet right away,” said Montezuma, ‘* We'd hev ye with us, Chincapin, but we thought you'd want to wait fer Dynamite, who'll be com- in’ back soon,” “ Thar is no Dynamite any more,” said one of the men who had remained with the young sur- geon after the finding, “No Dynamite?” echoed Montezuma, ‘Come, Colossus, we want no chaff.” ‘* Ask the boy.”” The Colorado giant turned to Chincapin, but did not speak, His glance was a question. : ‘*The cut below Blade, the Sport’s, shoulder is Dynamite’s a legacy,” Chincapin answered. © ‘“‘ They met somewhar along the stage road, an’ after the tussle the man who won drove on to CYar Grit.” ‘Killed Dynamite, eh?” grated the giant. ‘* He said so, ov course, but he lied! I wouldn’t Vlieve a thousand Blades ef each one swore he wiped Dan out. I tell ye, Chincapin, Dy- namite ain’t ter die in ther presence ov such a dog!” “ He surely fought some one.” “T don’t dispute thet, fur ther cut proves it. But he didn’t kill Dynamite.” “T wish I could think so.” ; “You will, by and by. Now, what will you a with us, or stay an’ wait for Dyna- mite?” ‘ “7 will go,” answered Chincapin, telling all by his decision that Montezu:na’s words had not raised his hopes. ' “Then we're off. We'll leave the place whar ther sbanties stand so hot fer ther wolves thet they'll burn the’r feet_ef they come sneakin’ ‘round. Come, boys. Wekin pack up an’ git ready afore sun-up!” Pau Led by the giant, in whom they put implicit faith, the men of Clear Grit turned from the cabin, Chincapin stood alone like a man in a trance, He glanced at bis bandaged hand, and felt with a quiver the sharp pain that darted aman every nerve, Hiseyes flashed madly as he looked. - “Tam going away from Clear Grit,” he said, unconsciously speaking aloud as if he had a listener. ‘tl have been happy here, for Dyna- mite has made life enjoyable. But I am going to tread the path of vengeance—to lift my hand against the man that has taken his life. I don’t care a snap for my wound, It only serves to intensify my hatred. I must step into Dynamite’s life trail. I must hunt for Floss—the only being Dynamite ever wholly fixed bis beart on. What if she once occupied a smoky wigwam? It was because Dynamite had no house for her, What has become of the Indian, Velvet Foot, heaven knows! He has left Blade’s trail long ago. Maybe the sport hurled him aside with one of his knives. Time will tell. Good-by, Clear Grit. Dynamite will come uo more, and I may see you for the last time when the sun rises. I spurn Blade’s warnin’. I am willin’ for him to make it beart not hand, next time, if he can! The youth stood in the door of his cabin while he uttered the last words. Daylight was breaking once more over the miners’ town, The camp-fire in the square was smoldering, and the last remains of the cumbersome stage were blackened sticks. ~ Chincapin knew that the miners were nearly ready to leave Clear Grit in a body for the i Hills—that unknown land of gold and eath. They had few goods to pack, and these con- sisted principally of mining tools, which could be transported on the backs of horses; the min- ers themselves had few effects of their own. ‘Hurry up, Chincapin,” called out a voice, ‘* We're about ready to vamose the ranch.”
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Blade, the Sport. The youth stepped back into the cabin and armed himself. A sigh escaped his lips as he stepped across the threshold of tke old cabin, and turred his back upon it, then laughing lightly at this dis- play of feeling, he heat away and joined a number of men who were loading the horses. He was greeted pleasantly, for the youth was a great favorite of the camp, but all noticed the serious expression which had again settled over his face, ‘“‘ We're ready now, Chincapin,” said a voice at his side, and a lighted stick fell at his feet. “Who war the pard you once told me about that burned all his ships so thet his men couldn’t turn back from the enemy’s kentry?” Chincapin did not reply, but stared into the bronzed face of the speaker, who was Montezu- ma. ‘“ We're goin’ to make Cl’ar Grit too bot to hold ther prowlin’ coyotes when they come,” continued the giant. ‘Look yonder! Thet’s my cabin, I gave it ther blaze myseif. Ther es boys ar’ doin’ ther same to their shan- ies, Chincapin turned from Montezuma and saw volumes of dark smoke ascending skyward from the roofs of various cabins. Clear Grit was being consumed! The miners were determined to occupy the mew gold country. There was to be no turning ack, We'll not stay to see ther old per We've all been bappy hyar off an’ on. ell build a new Cl’ar Grit in the new mines, an’ ef Blade, the Sport, keeps his word, some ov us will plaster up the chinks in the shanties thar with our blood. But we're goin’ all the same. Thar’s a Agpennd bonanzas among ther Cocbetopa ills The giant ceased and watched the curlin smoke and swirling flames with eyes aglow wit demoniac joy. CHAPTER V. A VENGEANCE HUNTER’S OATH. THE sun came up and found Clear Grit in flames. Roof after roof fell in, the heavy logs gave way, and showers of sparks flew heavenward, adding a tbrilling grandeur to a scene which had not a single human beiug for a spectator. The miners jed by a giant in stature and cour- age, had turned their backs upon the burning camp. They were traversing a trail which had lately been traveled by a man who rode a sad- dleless steed. which he constantly urged forward with shouts, blows, and the point of a bowie. The smoke of the burning camp rose far above the mountains that hemmed it in. If Blade, the Sport had glanced over his shoulder as the sun came up, he might have seen the dark cloud forming in the sky, and guessed its creation. at last a man approached it, coming from the south, He was alone and on foot, and as he neared Clear Grit, an expression of doubt and rage strangely commingled, formed on his swarthy countenance, If he was armed he showed no weapons. Prob- ably he had lost them in some combat. ‘*Tt beats my time all holler,” be exclaimed, halting and leaning against a tree just beyond the line of heat, where he folded his arms and azed at the burning camp. ‘‘ I’ll bet my chances or paradise that he bad suthin’ todo with this ‘deviltry. Gods! what afoolI war last night, but I didn’t know what I held in my hands all ther time. I hed a thousand chances at his throat an’ T didn’t know that he war Blade, the Sport. Why didn’t I know him? Because I saw him but once nigh ten years ago, an’ then arter dark inacanyon. I might hev suspicioned suthim’ when he told me that an [njun hed got up on the top ov the stage, for thar’s livin’ a red-skin what would hunt him to the Styx an’ back ag’in. Like a fool, I went up to find thet Injun an’ got pitched off fur my pains. It couldn’t hev~ been Velvet Foot arter all, fur he wouldn’t hev sarved me thet way.” : It is true that the man communing thus in an audible tone with himself while he leaned against the tree was Dynamite Dan, the one man miss- ing from Clear Grit Camp when it was fired and abandoned. He had miraculously escaped from Blade the nigbt before, and as soon as possible had made his way to Clear Grit to gaze upon a scene which naturally startled him. “Whar ar’ the boys?—that’s what puzzles me!” he exclaimed. ‘‘Thar’s been no scrim- mage ov any kind thet I kinsee, but mebbe I haven't gone far enough.” He moved forward and went down the heated thoroughfare, with burning cabins on his right and on his left. “Thar’s been no fight—that’s sartain!” he ex- claimed, balting at the northern confines of the camp. ‘‘Sunthin’s took the hull crowd away, but 1 thought Chincapin would haye stayed. Mebbe,” and Dynamite Dan seemed to hold his breath over the thought that was about to find expressicn on his lips, ‘‘ Mebbe they heard the reports about gold in the Cochetopa region; but they wouldn’t burn the camp if they hed, would they? Can’t you get at the mystery, Dyna- mite?” Dynamite Dan was nonplused, mystified. He had at first laid the doom of Clear Grit at Blade’s door—now he knew not where to put it. ‘* Hello! what’s that?’ he suddenly exclaim- ed, and, with the last word still on his lips, be darted toward an object which at that mo- ment bad claimed his attention. About twenty paces from where he had halt- ed, was a large tree whose main fork was about ten feet from the ground, In this fork lay a bowlder almost as large as a man’s head, but a white object as large as hand fluttered from beneath it. : A minute sufficed to put the fluttering object, which turned out to be a piece of paper, in Dy- namite’s hands. z “This ar’ none ov Chincapin’s work.” he said. ‘‘He wouldn’t do such a clumsy job. Hello! they’re gone!” In a moment Dynamite had mastered the
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10 rough scrawl] on the paper, with the ease that one reads a familiar chirography. This was the message: “We're off fur Cochetopa—all ov us. Yer man— not Chincapin, but the other ’un—hez gone ahead to git ready fur us. The hull kentry up thar is a gold mine. We left just afore sun-up. Foller, if you git this. Montezuma.” The signature was not needed to tell Dyna- . mite the name of the writer—that was written in every line. - ; ‘““Tt’s ez cl’ar ez day now,” he said, looking up. “They never intend to come back to Cl’ar Grit. Thet’s why they left the torch behind. They’re goin’ to win the new gold hills or die, Some men ar’ fools, an’ ef I didn’t know every one ov them, I might apply thet word to ’em; but I an’ “ll be thar, Montezuma, fer Blade claims them hills. Whar he is, thar runs Dynamite’s trail. Started afore sun-up, eh? Then they’ve got a good start ov me; but Ill hey a hand in the big tussle when it comes off!” Dynamite Dan, as he finished. put the rudely- scrambled letter away beneath his buckskin jacket, and looked toward the far-away Coche- topa Hills. ‘T renew my oath, Blade the Sport among tke smokin’ ruins of Cl’ar Grit!” he suddenly ex- claimed. ‘1 swear to foller you to the end of the trail I struck ten yearsago. You have es- caped my vengeance. To hundreds of men—to Chincapin even—I have been Dynamite Dan; but to you Tam Dan Dumbold, the avenger of a blighted home among the Nebraska hills, “You stole the child, but I got her from you. She could not, and would not, tell me where that home was. I took Floss to my old hut, but it wasn’t home. Then I gave her to Velvet Foot, who promised to keep her for me, Ha! you came again, and robbed us both—Vel- vet Foot and me! ‘“‘Hear me, Heaven! Here I again devote my life to the work of vengeance—here I swear to hunt Blade to the bitter end! I am oath- bound to Floss, She is not his wife; he lied when he told me this last night. I go to the Cochetopa Hills. I will find bim—I will tear Floss from his power. A tiger named Dyna- mite Dan is on your trail!” Having thus delivered bimself, with his right arm raised toward heaven, the man among the 5 id ‘a the camp stepped back and prepared to epart. ynamite Dan was at their heels, But he was oath-bound. CHAPTER VI. ANOTHER ENCOUNTER, Ir the Cochetopa country was one vast gold- mine as Montezuma had reported it, it was the = the wolf and the home of the bear as well. It contained deap canyons, dark trails, roar- ing rivers—in short, it was a great domain in which everything was wild, its scenery and its inhabitants, An old miner, in prospecting, would have been struck by the character of the lofty hills and the looks of the seemingly bottomless gul- Blade, the Sport. lies, Everything said ‘gold! gold!” in a lan- guage not to be mistaken. hy, then, had the country not been ex- plored before? There were mines in the San Juan region, mines in the wonderful Gunnison country, and the voice of the gold-hunter was heard on the nortaern borders of Colorady. Ah! the Cochetopa Hills had been discovered even before the fearless Montezuma and his companions entered the wild domain, the most of them to die there with their boots op in a series of desperate conflicts, with which we have not to deal. i Deep in a darkened pass among the billsshort- ly after sunset three men Jeaned against several huge bowlders, which had apparently dropped + some day from the threatening cliffs over- ead. They were stalwart fellows, with swarthy skins, and eyes that proclaimed them veritable mountain desperadoes. : ““Somebody’s comin’,” said one, as he leaned forward for the purpose of listening down the pass. “*Tts either the cap’n, or a grizzly—the cap'n, I hope,” was the response from one of his com- anions. ‘ Hadn't we better put on the hoods? he devil called Montezuma may not hev left the kentry.” “Pshaw! he made himself scarce arter we settled with his pards. If the cap’n’s comin’, we don’t want the hoods on; but if it’s another white man—” ‘“‘Heavens! Look yonder!” All three of the men started back, for the slender figure of a young girl had appeared in the path a few feet ahead. *Tt?s Floss, walkin’ in ber sleep ag’in. °*Sh! she’s not to be wakened. Hug the stones, boys, for she’s comin’ this way.” The figure, which had stopped for a moment, advanced again, and the three stalwarts hugged the rocks while they stared on the beautiful somnambulist, for such the young creature was. The girl advanced slowly, of course, entirely unconscious of the men’s presence. She was very lovely and not more than seven- teen. Her eyes were opened wide, but were ex- ressionless, and her rich hair, uncombed, and beautiful in its wild abandon, fell over her shoulders and reached to her slender waist. “That’s ther ghost I saw ther other night,’ said one of the men ina whisper when the sleep_ walker had passed them. “She war standin, on the very edge ov Gold Cliff, betwixt me an: ther moon; but I didn’t look for more nor a minute, I never thought ov Floss; but seein’ ’s believin’, boys.” ‘“‘Ov course, Mardo. I don’t know what the cap’n ’d say if hesaw her walkin’ in her sleep this way.” **Doesn’t he know it?” “T think not.” The somnambulist was still visible, but her figure was fast disappearing; the eyes of the trio were still following ber intently. ** Whar will she bring up at?’ asked Mardo. ‘Tn bed ov course.” **She’s not goin’ that way now!” ‘*No, but she'll git thar; let her go. If we fol-
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= Blade, the Sport. 11 lowed her, we’d wake her up, an’ frighten her to | u death.” Mardo was eager to see the end of the adven- ture that had astonished him. “lve heard ov sleep-tramps afore, but thet girl’s my first,” he said. ‘* Pshaw! to think that Iran away when I saw her standin’ on the p’int ov Gold Cliff—ran from a gal like thet. Whar did the chief git her, Domino?” Domino Dave as the man addressed was called among his companions—the hooded guardians of the Cochetepa mines—glanced at his other com- rade before he replied. “Whar did the cap’n git her, eh?” he said, turning to Mardo, ‘‘ Thet’s a question thet’s mighty hard to answer, but I reckon it’s none ov our bizness. Fer my part, I’m willin’ todo my duty an’ ask no questions.” ‘* Mebbe it’s none ov my bizness, either, but I don’t take back the question,” growled Mardo, whose eyes flashed threateningly as the words rippled over his lips'shaking the long hairs of the mustache that covered his mouth even when he spoke. ‘‘She’s purtier nora picter—Floss is; an’ many’s the time P’ve stood an’ watched her when she didn’t see me an’ pitied her ef she is the cap'n’s gal.” ‘You never talked to her?” *T never got a chance to do thet.” “T wouldn't bunt one ef I war you.” ‘See hyer, boys,” and Mardo’s great bronzed hand fell on Domino’s arm, as he looked him squarely in the face with the angry glare of a tormented tiger, ‘‘ I’m one ov Blade’s gold guards, like the rest ov ye, but when I enlisted under his leadership, I didn’t_toss all my man- hood to the mountain winds, I don’t b’lieve thet the cap’n’s got ther best right to Floss, an’ I say it open an’ above-board. Ef he war hyar, ’d say it since you’ve said what you hev. You know whar Blace got her, but J will find out!” * What's got into you, Mardc?” exclaimed Domino, ‘‘ Wh: #’s yonder gal to you?” ‘** Nothin’.” “Then let well enough alone.” Mardo gazed over the trail on which Floss, the beautiful somnambulist had vanished, but said nothing. He was not satisfied. Something about the girl—her beauty or shapely figure—had captivated him or enlisted his attention. His companions saw, despite the hour, the eagerness that seemed to be consuming his deep black eyes. All at once he darted forward as if controlled by an irresistible impulse. ‘* Hold!” said Domino, sternly, at the same time seizing Mardo’s arm. ‘‘ Webelong to Blade the Sport—all ov us. We hev sworn not to tech auything thet he owns, Keep yer oath an’ live, Mardo; break it an’ die!” ‘* Who said I war goin’ to break it?” * You war goin’ to foller Floss.” ‘Yes, an’ I will!” With the last word, which rung with mad determination, Mardo broke from Domino’s Bras, and whipped out a revolver as he started ck, His eyes were no longer those of a human be- ing; there leaped from them all the passion and rage of a jungle demon, eee rn EE ——————————— SSS “T’'m Mardo, ef I am Blade’s man!” he hissed. ‘‘ Floss may walk over a cliff, fer I don’t b’lieve in these sleep-walkers allus gittin’ _— to their beds alive, I’m goin’ ter foller er. * Not while I’m hyer.” “ Yes.” ‘* Never!” Mardo stepped backward a pace, and raised his weapon. Domino’s revolver went up at the same time. There would have been a deadly report if the third man had not thrown himself forward. “Fools!” he exclaimed, knocking Mardo’s weapon upward, and striking Domino’s down. “The cap’n didn’t hire us to eat each other up like wolves. {Hark! somebody’s comin’ ag’in—no, Floss this time.” , The two desperadoes, abashed but not cooled down, turned toward the south and listened, but with their fingers at the trigger. The galloping of a horse was distinctly heard. **Tt’s the cap’n at last!” said Domino. ‘ We'll keep mum, Mardo.” “Task no favors,” was the grated response ‘**1'm liable to ask Blade, the Sport, whar he got thet gal.” ‘** An’ break yer oath?” “Yes; ef thet’s breakin’ it.” It was a singular tableau that the three men presented in the mountain-pass, with a pale moon peeping over the edge of a dark cloud al- most directly overhead. : Nearer and nearer came the horse, still un- seen, although every boof-beat was distinctly heard, Mardo and Domino eyed one another madly while they listened. a4 at once the animal and his rider came in . sight. “The cap’n! jes’ ez I expected,” dropped from Domino’s lips, and the next moment he spoke a ‘“‘ halt!” ina tone that made the new- comer spring erect on the back of the horse and rein him in, “Tt’s Mardo, Domino, an’ Lige,” continued Domino; ‘‘an’ you’re the cap’n—home ag’in!” “Thank Heaven! I bave found you.” ex- claimed the rider, as he leaned forward and scrutinized the faces of the rough trio. “‘Iam among the Cochetopa Hills once more—I am in my gold land!” “ We've been expectin’ you, cap’n.” “T knew it. I knew a good deal about Monte- zuma an’ his pards, for ’ve been where I had a chance to hear much,” “Thet war in—” “CPar Grit!” ** Montezuma got back, then?” “T Jeft him thar, but he’s nearer us than you think.” “Ts he comin’ back?” “ He is comin’ back!” ‘Not alone?” “The men of Cl’ar Grit are at his back. The old camp is broken up forever.” “T like thet. We'll hev work to do now, cap’n.” ““Work!” flashed Blade, the Sport, for he was the rider, ‘* Iam here to help you, Those men
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Blade, the Sport. shall never carry a nugget of gold beyond these Hills. While © rode hither I took an oath to that effect. Are you all here?” “All but four, cap’n.” ** How is Floss?” This interrogative was put so suddenly that the three men instinctively started. **She’s hyer, jes’ ez you left her, cap’n,” an- swered Domino, after the interval of a second during which time be had taken occasion to glance furtively at Mardo. “Good!” exclaimed the sport. ‘* Now let us go down to the Palace, I’m anxious to see the rest of my men. We must get ready for the tussle for the golden bed wesleep on, It’s no child’s play, Domino, The menthet Montezuma leads are like hin in more ways than one. A coward never lived in Clar Grit.” Blade was urging his horse on again as he uttered the last words, but the hand of Domino seized the bridie-rein. ** Let's take the other road, cap’n,” he said. “Tt is the longest wuy.” «That's so, but it suits me best.” Blade gave the speaker a puzzled look but did not reply, and allowed Domino Dave to turn his horse into a narrow trail between the bowlders, The next moment the four men had left the spot, and were traversing a rough path between lofty walls not unlike the sides of a canyon, Domino did not want his captain to reach home before Floss, the somuambulist, had re- turned to her couch, This is why he led Blade the Sport's horse down the rocky trail. Mardo and Lige walked a short distance be- hind Blade, at the head of whose horse stepped Domino. Suddenly the sport was touched by his com- panion’s hand, and he heard Domino's voice. "© Cap'n!” “ What, Domino?” * Put your head down hyer a minute.” Blade obeyed, holding his breath while he waited for Domino to continue, “Mardo’s got his eyes on the gal,” said the gold guard. ‘“‘He wants to know what right you hev to her.” That was enough. Blade, the Sport, started up with a mad, al- though half-suppressed exclamation. “ Don’t tackle ’im hyer, cap’n.” The sport did not hear. As he turned toward the two men walking be- hind him, a knife left his hands and whizzed through the air, There was a shrill shriek as a man staggered back, and then a laugh was heard. ‘Heavens! you’ve hit Lige an’ not Mardo, eap’n!” exclaimed Domino, CHAPTER VIL THE FIGHT FOR FLOSS, ‘Go an’ see, Domino!” said the sport. Domino went forward and stooped over the fallen man. “T war right, capn—it is Lige!” his voice said. ‘* By Jove, I wish you had missed!” **Ts he dead?” ‘* Dead!” ** An’ Mardo?” ‘« He sneaked off like a coward.” ““To come back again some day!” said a voice, so near that the two men started and turned, They recognized the voice. A pistol-shot followed, Domino had fi'ed at the speaker. “You hit the villain, Domino!” said the sport. “ Not quite, cap’n; but 1 can’t stand any more such close shaves!” shouted Mardo back. ‘“ I'll come round ag’in, probably, when the men ov CYar Grit git hyer. I’ve taken a fancy to Floss, an’ I’m likely to give you trouble, Blade!” __ Blade, the Sport ground his teeth as he slip- ped from the horse and put the reins into Domi- no’s hand, : ‘ ‘Go on, clear to the Palace,” he said in whis- pers at Domino’sears. ‘‘ Don’t disobey, for you have sworn to carry out all my commands, I’m goin’ to settle with Mardo now.” : Domino would probably have remonstrated if Blade had not reminded him of the oath which all of his followers had taken. His fingers closed on the lines and he led the horse doggedly forward, while the sport stood still in the trail. : The sport had the tread of the mountain lion, and as he walked noiselessly through tho dark shadows of cliff and tree the moon did not reveal his gleaming eyes nor his long black hair. Domino aud the horse had already disappear- ed, and Mardo was not to be seen; still Blade kept on. 3 Tf he could have looked some distance ahead he would have seen the man he was eager to meet. Mardo was hurrying along a trail which leay- ing the low ground, was gradually ascending toward the tree-tops overhead, “ Hit the wrong pard fer once, didn’t he?” the man said in tones of triumph. ‘I knew what war comin’ when he hissed suthin’ about fools an’ ther questions, so I caught Lige an’ pulled ‘4imintermy place. Gods! it was a closeshave, an” then Domino's shot inthe dark! The sport kin hev the lock thet bullet carried away if he finds it, An’ the hull fall-out’s about a gal, too. But she’s a daisy—worth her dee in gold ef I knowed whar the right market war. Thet’s what bothers me; but I'll find out, She knows whar she b’longs, an’ I'll make her tell me. They'll all hunt me now—the hull set ov ’em, fer the killin’ ov Lige will r’ile the bull gang, an’ Cochetopa will git all-fired hot even afore the Clar Grit men come.” Mardo had halted some distance from and many feet above the spot where Blade’s knife had been used so fatally. ; He did not see the half-catamountish figure which was listening with human interest to his words as they dropped from his lips. All at once there was a slight noise at his right. The desperado wheeled, lifting his revolver as he executed the movement, “A bar! a—” His sentence was cut short by a leap that car- ried a human figure over a huge stone, and planted it squarely on his breast,
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as he caught a glimpse of his assailant, i a Injun, by hokey!” flashed across Mardo’s mind, “Yes, an Injun!” was the response, uttered in a tone that proclaimed the speaker proud of his red skin, “‘ Velvet Foot’s bund is at Mardo’s throat, an’ his hand can send a knife to his heart, Blade bas got to Cochetopa, eh? Does he know that Velvet Foot is here, too?” “T don’t know about that, but I think not,” ventured Mardo, “ He’s not far off if you want him. “Not now,” said the Indian. an’-by.” ‘* An’ then he'll get one ov his infernal knife drops on ye, mebbe,” A strange smile curled the Indian’s thin lips, but he did not reply. * Not long ago Velvet Foot met Blade in the San Juan country. Him on his way home then, Velvet Foot ride in stage, while Blade drive the horses to the gold-hunters’ camp, but he never think of Velvet Foot then, There isa short way from Cl’ar Grit to Cochetopa, a way known only to Velvet Foot an’ the crow. Blade’s horse bring bim ‘here quick, but Velvet Foot travel the short way, an’ he is bere, too.” During this time Mardo was held by the In- dian—Blade’s red enemy—whose hands possessed the pressure of tivo vises. He saw the glistening eyes of the red-skin— how they flashed when he talked of his coming to Cochetopa, and how they darkened balefully at the mere mention of the sport’s name. Such an enemy, Mardo mentally hoped, he would never have. “Does Mardo know where the Cochetona Rose is?” suddenly asked the Indian. ‘ Nobody knows it better,” was the answer. ‘“ Where is she?” The desperado hesitated, spite of his situation, Velvet Foot wanted Floss—the very girl he wanted himself, not for bis wife, but to make money by. He felt that Floss was a stolen child, and he believed that she was a rich man’s darling. Her wonderful beauty told him that it could not be otherwise. The Indian evidently knew the secret he wanted to fathom, His anxiety to know the whereabouts of the beautiful sleep-walker was conviucing proof of this in Mardo’s eyes, What! should ke tell Velvet Foot where Floss was? The red-skin would find her; bis cunning would baffle Blade, and he (Mardo), might whistle for the reward upon which he had set his heart. : “Why does Mardo hold his tongue!” asked the Indian, irritated by the desperado’s silence. “Him no tell. Velvet Foot where Cochetopa Rose is?” ‘s You would take her away, an’—” “Velvet Foot will take her away!” was the eager interruption. ‘He has found the land she lives in at last. The Great Spirit is guidin’ the Indian’s feet along the trail he has hunted so long. Now speak, Mardo!” In less than a minute Mardo had formed a plan of action, “We meet by- Blade, the Sport, **No word! no move!” was hissed into his ear 13 He had taken desperate chances more than once during his wild career, and that when nothing of importance was at stake. He had looked the Indian over as well as he could in the uncertain light of a poor moon and a few stars. Velvet Foot was far from being his equal in physique. Mardo was robust, well-limbed, six feet in his mountain moccasins—in short, almost 2 match for the bronzed giant Montezuma. “Pil risk it,” he said to himself, inaudibly, and the next instant he attempted to tear him-~- self from the Indian’s grasp. Though taken by surprise, Velvet Foot soon recovered, but not until Mardo was nesrly free. “11 tel you about Floss ancther time, red- skin!” he exclaimed, in tones of triumph. But he was not yet free. Suddenly the long arms of the Indian encir- cled him, and Mardo to his dismay discovered that his triumph had been of the briefest de- scription. Then he exerted all his strength, which was prodigious, to free himself again, but he found that he had in Velvet Foot a foeman worthy of his steel, It was muscle to muscle now, red against white back and across tbat lonely mountain trail, which was backed by lofty walls at one side, and fringed by a precipice at the other. Almost one hundred feet below ran another trail as dark and forbidding, but uo men were battling there for the mastery. Blade was not far away, coming on cautious- ly, lest he should startle the human quarry he hunted. : * Aha! that was my chance!” fell from Mar- do’s lips as he watched his opportunity, and threw the Indian against the rocky wall with a force that seemed to stun him. Velvet Foot's hands relaxed, Mardo, with burning eyes, followed up his victory. A moment later the Indian’s feet was at the edge of the cliff. a the desperado spare him? o! ‘Go an’ hunt Floss, an’ may good luck foller you!” exclaimed Mardo cs he released himself by a desperate effort from the red-skin, and saw him pits on the brink. . All of Velvet Foot’s senses seemed to come back to him that terrible moment, but he could not prevent his fall. Suddenly, without a cry, he disappeared from Mardo’s sight, but his red hands caught on the rim of the wall. The desperado sprung forward to cut them loose with the knife be had drawn, but when he reached the spot they bad disappeared. ‘« Floss is mine,” he exclaimed. ‘‘ The menoy CYar Grit will fix Blade when they coms, an’ I will sweep in the stakes ov the game.” Prompted by a natural curiosity, Mardo leaned over the wall and looked downward, Here and there along the sheer descent grew numereus bushes strong enough to uphold a man's body. ee did Mardo see about thirty feet below im?
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14 Two red hands clinging to one of these bushes and an upturned face—the face of Velvet Foot, the red hunter, The moonlight fell against the wall and showed him this scene. ‘*T'll loosen yer hands!” he grated. in’ to take no more chances!” Mardo covered the Indian with his revolver for a moment, then he fired, . At the echoing report, Vilvet Foot’s hands opened, he uttered a wild cry and fell again, but not to die. The victor turned away, satisfied. “ Dm go- CHAPTER VIII. WARNED, BUT DEFIANT. “Ayer we ar’, Look all around ye, boys, This is the Cochetopa region. Thar’s gold— plenty ov it—in every hill ye see. We stand on hidden mines ov it. It shall all be ours; but we've got to fight fer it.” Need we say that the speaker was Montezuma the giant, or that he stood before the fearless gold-hunters whom he had guided to the won- derful land of gold? Blade had ridden fast and without cessation toward the Cochetopa Hills after bis escape from Clear Grit Camp; but the march of the fifty invaders had been slower and occupied more times But they were there—in the midst of Coche- topa, ready to begin the war for the hidden nug- gots, Their camp was situated at the foot of a lofty hill, densely wooded, even to its crest, and Mon- tezuma had addressed them as we have just re- corded just as the sun was sinking upon their first day in the gold region, Nobody disbelieved Montezuma; they had seen good gold country before, and the aspect that surrounded them attested the truth of the giant’s observations, “Tf Dynamits war hyer, we'd be fixed,” continued Montezuma after a brief pause, ** But hell come,” and he glanced assuringly at Chincapin, whose wounded hand was still ban- daged, causing the youth’s countenance to light up with hope, “I’ve knowed Dynamite to be missin’ afore—when you didn’t know ’im, Chin- capin—an’ he allers turned up O.K. I kin faney him sw’arin’ over the burnin’ camp, but when he reads the paper I left for ’im in ther tree, he’ll come on, Thar’s no discount on Dyna- mite, pards,” When the giant had concluded he walked to where Chincapin stood and touched the youth’s arm, ‘*Come with me,” he said, ina low toue. ‘I want you to see suthin’ afore it gits dark.” » Wondering what Montezuma had to show him, Chincapin signified his willingness to ac- company the giant, and the twain glided from the crowd almost wholly unperceived. A short distance from the camp Montezuma turned into a trail that zig-zagged up the bill, Chincapin followed without a question. Night closed slowly about them, but the giant kept on, : e pushed forward like a person familiar Blade, the Sport. with the ground which he traversed, Perhaps he had been there before. ‘* Hyer we stop, Chincapin,” he said, stopping suldenly and turning to the youth, ‘It’s most tov dark to show you what I want you to see, but look yonder—thar it is!” Chincapin looked over Montezuma’s out- stretched hand, andsaw what he had not noticed before, a rough board fastened to a tree about ten feet above the ground, “Thar’s one ov ’em notices to trespassers what I saw when the boys an’ I war hyer pros- pectin’,” Montezuma continued with a_ grim, defiant smile. ‘‘Go up an’ look at it, Chinca- pin; it won’t bite.” The young Western surgeon advanced to the tree, and stepped upon a stone conveniently placed at the root, as if for the purpose of ac- commodating persons of medium stature, The last streaks of the short mountain twi- light fell upon the board but Chincapin could not make out the inscription upon it. “Tl help ye, youngster!” suddenly exclaim- ed the bronzed giant, and the next moment Chincapin was lifted bodily from the ground as if he were a mere child and elevated until his head was on a level with the board. ‘“‘ Now read what Blade hez written thar, Chincapin. Thet notice might scare some chaps, but for us—bah!” While Montezuma spoke, Chincapin deci- phered the rather well shaped letters that formed the words of the inscription which was as follows: ** Notice to trespassers;— “ Havin’ a right to the gold of Cochetopa by discov- ery, I forbid any man, red or white, to touch a nug- get or stake aclaim. Death will follow either act! Beware! I mean bizness! I am here in force to guard my claims and to kill! ‘BLADE, THE Sport.” This notice was pinned to the board by two formidable bowie-knives whose hilts were rusty, showing that they had performed their duty for a long time. A smile played with the corners of Chinca- pe mouth while he perused the notice held up y Montezuma’s strong arms, ‘* Read it fer my benefit, boy,” said the giant, ‘¢T want to hear how the fool’s words sound on the tongue of another,” Chincapin proceeded to gratify his companion and read the sentences in a clear tone. Suddenly, and just as the youth was pro- nouacing the name appended to the warning, a loud report awoke the echoes of the locality, and the board was shivered into a thousand splinters! , ‘“¢ Jehosaphat!” exclaimed Montezuma, recoil- ing from the tree forgetful of the person he held aloft, and the result was that Chincapin fell ingloriously to the ground. ‘The ball hez opened, an’ I’m hyer to help it on! Whar’s the skunk that fired that shot? It war intended fer yer head, Chincapin.” The youth by this time had scrambled to his feet, proof enough that he had escaped injury, and, revolver in hand, was gazing’in the direc- tion from which the almost fatal shot had come. ** He dar’n’t show his carkiss, ther white-liv- ered wolf!” grated Montezuma in tones intend-
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Blade, the Sport. M15 ed for other ears than Chincapin’s. ‘‘ Ef he can’t shout any better than thet, he’d better break his rifle, an’ let a grizzly chaw ’im up.” There was no response to these words, and Montezuma and Chincapin stood in the deepen- ing shadows with their fingers at the triggers of their revolvers, waiting vainly for a grapple with their foe. ‘Wal, he bu’sted Blade’s warnin’ all to thun- der, anybow!” resumed Montezuma, a twinkle of merriment relieving the fiery flashes in his eyes. ‘** Come, Chincapin, we'll go back tocamp, an’ let ther boys laugh at ther poor shot.” The youth was reluctant to turn away without a brush with the man wbo had just fired at his head. The darkness had saved his life and destroyed the board, no thanks to the coward’s aim. The touch that Montezuma gave him when he advised a return to camp roused him as though a snake had hissed in bis path and then glided away. ; He started furward impulsively, a sentence of defiance on his lips. *‘T am here to stay until I see fit to depart!” he flashed. ‘‘I will never leave Cochetopa at Blade’s warning. No threats shall intimidate me! My name is Chincapin, coward! Go an’ tell your master that I am here, marked for life by one of his accursed bowies.” ‘An’ Pm hyer to back Chincapin in all be says!” exclaimed the giant, springing toward the young man, ‘‘Thar’s fifty ov us byer, an’ every mother’s son ov ’em hez come to stay!” At that moment from a point et yards down the trail a jet a flaine leaped from the loom, 5 - It was followed by the whiz of a bullet and a man’s mad oath, The latter just behind Chin- Capin. Che youth threw one glance backward; he saw Montezuma staggering away with the oath still quivering his lips—the giant had stopped the second bullet! Without stopping to see Montezuina strike the ground at the foot of the tree where lay the shattered pieces of Blade’s board of warning, Chincapin darted forward. ‘The fight for Cochetopa and revenge might as well begin here as elsewhere!” fell from his lips. VA ream eager bounds took him far down the trail, but he fuund no one, “(Tt was a coward’s shot, and the villain dares not face a wounded man!” he said, aloud, as he halted ona spot wild and strange, and totally unknown to him. Tall trees lifted their cones far toward the heavens, and rendered the hill trail darker and lonelier than ever. The vouth imagined Montezuma lying dead back where he had been struck, and this thought heated bis blood. The men of Clear Grit had already lost their guide and tower of strength. Nobody could fill his place but Dynamite Dan, but where was that worthy? “ Tt was a question in Chincapin’s mind whether he was living. He instantly turned, because the animal was between him and Montezuma. ‘*T'll see what it means,” be exclaimed, clutch, ing his revolver more firmly, and striding back with undaunted step. ‘‘I shall keep my word if I lose my life. Blade and his minions shall not drive me from these hills!” Chincapin went boldly in the direction to- ward which he had turned, as eager to meet his enemies as they were to clear Cochetopa of its invaders. ‘* Halt, thar!” rung out so suddenly and shrill that the youth instinctively recoiled. At the same time there appeared in the trail, not one horse, but four, and on the back of each sat a stalwart figure, whose head and face were ei ge with a grotesque mask and hood com- ined. “The men whom Montezuma and his fellow spies fought when they were here before,” said Chincapin to himself. ‘If they think they have corraled me, they may find themselves mistaken.” Standing erect before the horses of the masked gold-guards of Cochetopa, with his revolver cocked in his right band, and his faultless figure drawn to its true stature, the youth presented a picture of fearlessness that would have com- mauded an enemy’s admiration. ‘“*Wal, you chaps hev come,” came over the horse’s ears after a brief interval. ** Yes,” said Chincapin, *‘ we ar’ here,” “ Hyer to stay?” “ Yes.” Did the eyes of the four men glitter mali- ciously? Before another word could be said, one of the men applied a lighted lucifer to something like a tightly- wrapped ball of tow, and tossed it for- ward It struck the ground at Chincapin’s feet, and, blazing up, revealed him to the quartette. ** Don’t step on thet fire, boy !” said the thrower. “ It might be onhealthy fer ye. Drop thet revol- ver an’ hold up yer bands!” Chincapin’s lips met; bis eyes flashed. To drop dis weapon and stand helpless before those men would be eating the words of defiance to whicb he had lately given utterance, He did not obey, but held the revolver with steady nerves. “ What! do you want to die afore you’ve touched a nugget?’ followed the command to drop the deadly weapon. ‘‘ Ain’t yer name Chincapin?” “Tt is!” “T thought so. You’ve gota bad hand thar —a present from Blade, the Sport.” ae dialogue was interrupted by the crack of a Tifle. : One of the hoods pitched over his horse’s head like a man shot instantly to the death, and fell quivering to the earth. The others turned toward the unseen slayer. The three then wheeled their steeds but not un- til one had leaned forward with the dexterity of a Comanche and the strength of a giant to lift the fallen comrade. ‘We'll meet ag’in, Chincapin!” exclaimed one The young miner-doctor reflected until he of the hoods. heard the unmistakable neigh of a horse. “ Any time!”
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16 Blade, the Sport. At that moment the deadly rifle spoke again, and another hood fell forward on his steed’s neck where his hands closed on the mane, “T wonder,” said Chincapin to himself, ‘‘ who is doin’ that killin’?” CHAPTER IX. FLOSS. In less than five minutes after the last deadly shot the two remaining masks had disappeared and Chincapin stood alone on the trail. The fire-ball still blazed at his feet, and his finger had not left the trigger of bis revolver. aving escaped the gold guards of Cochetopa, he was waiting for the unseen slayer as if cer- tain he would come. But Chincapin waited in vain, “Td like to see him,” murmured the youth; * but if I cannot, why I must go back to Monte- zuma. I owe the killer whoever he is a good turn for the future, if the opportunity ever oc- curs. I trust) Montezuma lives. Ah! wecannot spare the giant thus early in the game.” Seeing no poet of encountering the mys- terious marksman who had rendered him such efficient service, Chincapin retraced his steps to the spot where the warning board had been shat- tered, and where he had left the giant at full length on the ground. e dreaded to reach the place, for he ex- pected to find Montezuma dead where he had fallen, but instead he saw a man leaning against the trea, as motionless as a statue, ‘*Tt war a close shave, Chincapin, fer I see it’s you,” said a well-known voice, which drew an exclamation of joy from the youtb’s heart. Jes’ put yer hand alongside my face. Thar! thar’s a reg’lar furrow thar—made by thet skunk’s bullet, Did yer meet any one? I heard two shots.” Chincapin soon told his story. “Tye got an idea who thet killer is; but we must go back to camp first,” said Montezama, at the conclusion of the narrative. ‘*Tho fight fer the Cochetopa bonahza opened to-night. They must shoot better than they hev if they want my life. [ll get my work in from this moment; then look out, Chincapin.” Chincapin could not see the wlaeine eyes of the stalwart gold-hunter; but he could hear the grating of teeth after the last word. The pair turned their faces toward the camp they had lately left. The masked gold-guards were no myths, and Chincapin felt that the struggle for the possession of the new gold country would prove desperate, If he could huve followed the masked horse- men of the hills, he would have seen them ride into a dense thicket-like copse, a goodly distance from the scene of their discomfiture, : Once beyond the fringe of the thicket, they dismounted, and led their steeds by the bridle- reins deeper among the slender trees that grew in profusion on every side, making an admir- able retreat for mountain brigands or wild beasts. Across two saddles lay the men whose lives had been taken by the unseen slayer; the bodies were held to their places by living men, who had discarded their hoods, revealing dark, brown faces and flashing eyes. ‘ Halt!” rung suddenly out on the night air. One of the men answered the command with a word which seemed a countersign, for the sen- tinel, until that moment unseen, stepped aside, and the twain passed on. At last they abandoned the horses and their ghastly burdens and kept on alone. Five minutes later they stood on the floor of a large, well-lighted caye, whose entrance was ponent by a good-sized cabin built of rough logs. ore than twenty men occupied the under- ground compartment, around the walls of which were hung firearms of every description, but for the most part elegant repeating rifles of the most modern pattern. Tbe men themselves were mostly handsome, but wild-looking fellows, dressed in gray shirts and dark brown pants, which together seemed to be a regulation uniform of some kind, With few exceptions they were athletes, typ- pical desperadoes of the West, men who com- bine strength and physique with fearlessness and cunning. The cave was large enough to hold twice the number that occupied it when the twain entered, their countenances proclaiming disaster before a word had passed their lips. Tastantly, those who were reclining on the ground, sprung up, and the pair found them- selves surrounded in the twinkling of an eye. “They ar’ hyer!” said one of the party. ‘‘ The flight fer Cochetopa hez opened.” fixclamatione, oaths were heard on every side, ‘‘ Whar ar’ they? We ar’ ready ter keep up ther tussle. Blade ain’t hyer—thet’s a fact— but what ov thet?” ‘We'll bury ther boys first, I reckon.” ** What boys?” ‘*Puma Jack an’ Tampa Tom.” ‘* Whar ar’ they?” ‘Out yonder,” and the speaker pointed to- ward the thicket. himself.” “But we'll tind’im! He b’longs to the Clar Grit band ov course.” “Tf it warn’t Mardo,” At this ra ana there was a coarse laugh, which came from toward the mouth of the cavern. if Every eye was instantly turned in that direc- ion, ‘The cap’n himself!” exclaimed several. Yes, the man who had laughed was Blade, the Sport, and he stood in full view under the stone arched door of the cavern with the light fairly striking him, and his arms folded upon his breast. He had come so noiselessly, like a specter, that his approach had been noticed by no one, “Don’t talk about Mardo the meddler shooting any one!” he continued, ‘‘He’s beyond that,
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ae Blade, the Sport. 1? Ue hasn't been able to lift a rifle for two days. I didn’t have to trail the traitor long; it took but one throw!” ‘But who dropped Jack an’ Tom, cap’n?” Bowie Blade’s brow darkened at this question. ‘One of the bravest men that lives,” he an- swered, ‘*Montezuma!” exclaimed several; but the sport did not reply. “T need not tell you, men of Cochetopa, that the invaders have come,” he said, after a mo- inent’s silence. ‘‘They have camped scarcely one hundred yards from the mouth of Cata- mount Mine, but that is nut all. The Indians have come back,” ‘*We don’t care fer them, cap’n,” exclaimed one of Blade’s auditors, ‘‘The men oy Clar Grit ar’ wolves, ther red-skins coyotes. Don’t mention them.” ‘But I must, because they are here,” said the sport, firmly. ‘‘We must take account of all our enemies—the white man first ov course,” “Sartiinly.” “The buryin’ first—then the attack!” “On the camp?” “ Yes.” “To-night, cap’n?” ‘by To-night.” a y To these words a beautiful young girl listened in the cabin which had been eaeied before the mouth of the cave, She stood but a few feet behind Blade, and among the shadows so that he saw her not, Her eyes dilated with wonderment as she lis- tened, her heart seemed to stand still. rit es revelation seemed to dawn upon her mind, Who had invaded Cochetopa, and what was going to take place? As Blade the Sport, spoke for the last time, and the occupants of the cavern started toward the opening, she retreated to a small apartment at one side of the narrow corridor in which she had listened, and threw herself upon a couch that touched the wall. “No noise goin’ through the hut, boys; Floss is asleep,” said Blade as he led his gold guards through the cabin, The girl simulated the breathing of a sleeping person while the men filed past the door. She could hear the touch of steel to steel, and now and then a half-mufiled word—nothing rata until the last man had apparently passed out. ‘He will come now,” said the girl, half addi- y. Ts if in answer to her words, the door leading to the uncouth chamber opened, and she was conscious that some one had entered. ‘She isn’t hyer,” said a voice after a moment of the deepest silence, ‘“‘Hyer’s whar she oughter be, for this is Blade’s home, but I find it empty.” It was a strange voice, and it kept the single listener glued to the couch with her heart in her throat, Had one of the gold men come back for her? No, it could not be, for she knew the voice of each one, and the names of all, but the tones in which the words just heard had been spoken ‘were strange and unknown to her. ‘* It’s kind 0’ queer,” continued the invader of the cabin, after a moment’s silence. ‘“‘ Mebbe I'd better hunt her elsewhar. She might be ont thar whar ther light is—I’ll go an’ see.” Floss heard the speaker withdraw, and after a minute’s reflection she crept to the door and looked out into the corridor whose walls con- sisted of logs like the main walls of the hut it- self. She saw the fire burning on the floor of the cavern lighting up the interior of the place, but she saw more than this, Tn the full glare of the blaze was the figure of a man—a man with broad shoulders, and fully armed, He was alone, and to the girl he seemed aston- ished at the extent of the cave he had doubtless entered for the first time. Floss watched him. with intense curiosity. She could not take her eyes from his person, That he was Blade the Sport’s enemy she well knew, for she had never seen } im before, “This ain’t keepin? my oath very fast,” she heard him say, suddenly. ‘‘I’m in the lions’ den, but ther lions ar’ out. Mebbe I’d better leave my compliments, but in what shape?— thet puzzles me. I’d hev given everything if I hed found the girl. Floss! Floss! you con’t know who I am, nor what I want, er you’d be hyer!” With a light cry, the almost breathless listen- er started forward, but suddenly stepped and sbrunk back again, The man had moved; he was drawing some half-burned sticks from the fire, and was ar- ranging them on the floor of the cavern. He was engaged more than five minutes at this work, then he stood erect again, surveyed his completed task with eyes aglow witha tiger’s satisfaction, and turned abruptly away. Floss sprung back into the room and waited for him to pass out. Sbe heard his footsteps go by the door. He was gone at last. Almost devoured by curiosi'y, she glided into the cave, and stood over the stranger’s work. The blackened sticks bad been curiously placed by the man who hunted her, and she was not long discovering that they formed rough letters intended to be read by some one. « After a httle work, which was up-hill toilin at first, Floss mastered the lettering, which formed three words: “TM HYER—DYNAMITE!” To the girl these words seemed a challenge, but for whom? : For Blade, the Sport, of course, ‘‘Dynamite! It isa name he hates!” she ex- claimed. ‘I overheard him tell Domino last night that this Dynamite, whoever he is, would never come to Cochetopa, but he is bere, Blade bas counted without bis host. What did he tell me once about Dynamite? They are old ene- mies, and he said that this man would try to take me away one of these days. Ah! I know now. ‘Dynamite knows wholam, He may be my father. Heavens! why did I not think of this before?” With her question unanswered, Floss turne? and rushed from the cavern; she went past the
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Blade, the Sport. ! door that led to her room and out into the night, but not unarmed! She had stopped in the cave long enough to arm herself, and now she stood on the trail late- ly made by Dynamite, the mysterious man. He could not be far away. She would follow him and satisfy her doubts, All at once a figure rosein her path and caused her to start forward with an exclamation of dis covery on her lips. The next moment a hand closed on her arm, and she looked into a face darker than any she bad seen for many a day. “The Cochetopa Rose at last!” ejaculated a voice which sent a shudder through the girl’s frame. ‘*One of Velvet Foot’s trails is near its end—the other leads to the white chief’s heart!” In vain Floss tried to break from her captor’s erasp. She could not use the weapon she had carried from the cavern, for a red hand en- circled ber wrist, and she was lifted from the ground as though she had been a mere child. CHAPTER X. GREEK MEETS GREEK, Vetvet Foot—for Floss’s captor was the red trailer whom we left at Mardo’s mercy—hast- ened from the spot by a trail that did not bring him in contact with the men of Cochetopa, who, deep in the thicket in front of the cabin, were performing the rites of burial over the two men shot by the mysterious slayer. ‘* Where was Dynamite Dan? If Floss did not get to follow him we will— ae his hand is to perform deadly work before awn, Failing to find the girl whom he expected to encounter in the cabin, and pleased with his ar- rangement of the half-burned sticks on the cav- ern floor, he burried through the thicket and down a path which, two hours later, brought him unexpectedly upon a camp, at the outskirts of which he heard the clicking of rifle locks, followed by a “ Halt!” which he instantly obeyed. ; He was instantly surrounded by the roughly- dressed pickets, who recognized him with ejacu- lations of joy. ** Whar’s ther boy?” asked Dynamite. * “Here!” and Chincapin appeared to the old vengeance-hunter. For a moment the eyes of the twain regarded each other in a manner that riveted the atten- tion of all who watched them. “Tm sure ov it nov,” said Montezuma, who looked on over the bandages that covered his face. “They ar’ father an’ son—I don’t care what the others think about it.” All at once Dynamite turned to the men of Clear Grit. ‘*T blamed ye fer burnin’ ther old camp when I first saw the fire, but I don’t now,” he said. ‘We will stay hyer an’ win Cochetopa, or die! Iam with you ef I hev got other bizness on my hands, Blade ar’ hyer, but you know it. Re- member that he b'longs to ms!” : Yes, to you —I allus thought you led a right to him, Dynamite,” said Montezuma. “He is mine!” said Dynamite, looking at the giant. ‘‘ Let no maa forget that. I have been to their cave. She warn’t thar!” The men started. “Thar’s a gal mixed up in his bizness some- how,” muttered Montezuma. ‘I never thought ov thet, although I might hev knowed thet thar ought ter be a woman somewhar along the line. You didn’t find her, then?” His question was addressed aloud to Dyna- mite Dan. The avenger started and glanced at Chinca- pin. -It was evident that the boy, too, was as- tonished, ‘*No more!” he exclaimed. ‘The girl part iz my bizness, not yours, men ov Clar Grit) A fuaeral war goin’ on when I left tie cave. 1 tes twice to-night an’ at each crack a man fell. ‘Then I owe my life to you!” cried Chinca- in. : Dynamite smiled, “Think so if you want to, boy,” he said, with the smile still lingering on his lips, “tI opened the ball an’ made two graves at the same time, The hoods had you foul, but they didn’t keep you thar long, eh, Chiucapin? Men ov Cl’ar Grit—” Dynamite Dan paused abruptly, for a loud voice assailed the ears of all. ** Death to the invaders of Cochetopa! ’em graves instead ov geld, Fire!” Before the camp could recover from the effect of these thrilling words, a volley that seemed to shake the everlasting hills obeyed the command just spoken, and men tumbled right and left. It wasa deadly volley, for few of the go).- hunters who struck the earth ever rose again, and hard upon it came the rapid shots from the chambers of repeating rifles, which were fired from a point above the camp. ‘Graves instead ov nuggets fer Clrar Grit’s spawn!” cried the same voices that had jast as- sailed the invaders’ ears. ‘‘Not a man shall touch a yeller stone! Pour it into’em! Death to the San Juan wolves.” Dynamite Dan was among the number who bad not been touched. ““They ar’ hyer before I looked fer ’em,” he sail, as he leaped to Chincapin’s side, for the youth had miraculously escaped death. “* Come, Chincapin, we must gitout ov this. It’s Blade’s day now—ours will come,” The youtb, who had drawn his revolver at the first word of the leader of the attacking party, hesitated, and threw a defiant look upward, age the night was being cut by swords of re, “T thought we were going to fight for Coche- topa,” he said. ‘So we ar’, but we can’t now; the odds ar’ ag’in’ us,” answered Dynamite. ‘“ Hyar’s Mon- tezuma. We must go.” “Fer the present—yes,” grated the bronzed giant. ‘‘Tbe rest ar’ savin’ themselves to fight another time. Who looked fer a tussle to- night?” Chineapin found himself being dragged away by the two men before he could frame a reply, and a minute later the three were safe from the balls which the gold guards of Cochetopa were still pouring mercilessly ipto the camp. The rest of the gold-hunters who had eseaped had already sought safety in flight. It did not show cowardice, for to stand still, even if they Give
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» ———- Blade, the Sport. i9 had resisted, would have resulted in death cer- | cloud, obliterating all traces of the men who tain and speedy, Not a shot replied to the destructive volleys, and presently the last repeater ceased its play, and a loud cheer of victory soared skyward. “Tet ’em shout!” grated Montezuma, whose eyes blazed with defiance as he listened to the echoes of that startling ery. ‘‘I wouldn’t stop it. ef I could, Butthe boys back thar will be avenged. Eh, Dynamite?” ‘This victory will soon be forgotten by them liounds up thar!” was the reply. ‘‘ The boys ar’n’t all dead. We kin muster a respectable number to-morrer.” “T don’t wan’t another man,” said the glant. “The fewer we ar’ in numbers, the bigger will be the divide when we get the bonanzas of Cochetopa, You aa’ me, an’ Chincapin, Dy- namite, thar’ll be millions for each one.” Chincapin did not reply, but he gave Monte- zuma a glance of reproof of which no notice was taken. “Ov course while we fight for Cochetopa we'll not forget to-night’s work,” continued Mon- tezuma. ‘‘Tve bunted fer gold an’ vengeance afore at the same time an’ got both, but it warn’t in this kentry. Shall we wait hyar fer the boys?” “No! foller me.” “To the death, Dynamite!” Without speaking, but with a glance at Chin- capin, Dynamite Dan started from the spot where they had halted after the fight, and began to climb a narrow path that led up the hill. A ge ca and Montezuma followed at his eels, “Don’t I know jes’ what he’s goin’ to do?” murmured the giant. ‘‘ Dynamite never war known to let grass grow under his feet in a call of this kind. We're in fer some hot work, an’ It] stand by the old chap. Gods! my face hurts jes’ ez if it wants satisfaction, an’ it’s likely to get it soon!” Dynamite Dan did not pause until the three had reached a place which was situated many feet above the gold-hunters’ camp. All at once voices assailed their ears. “They’re whar I thought they war,” Dyna- mite said. ‘‘ You didn’t know, Montezuma, that I’ve been byer afore.” ‘On this trail? asked the giant, astonished. a Yes,” ‘« Thet’s news to me.” ‘Tt war years ago, but no more oy this now. Stay hyer. Til reconnoiter.” Chineapin and Montezuma saw their com- panion glide ahead and soon disappear. Dynamite crept forward with the noiseless movements of the panther, and carrying a re- peating rifle at full cock. It was not real dark, for a pallid moon showed the scout the dark trees overhead, and the trail that wound like a serpent round the hill, Suddenly Dynamite balted and listened, and looked intently as he leaned over a huge moss- covered bowlder. He saw a dark, moving mass about twent bad poured volleys of deadly lead among the gold-hunters, Dynamite looked up and waited for the moon’s reappearance. For the first time in his life he was impatient. ** When the moon shows herself again, some- | body dies!” he said sternly. “* Montezuma an’ Chincapin kin come up ef pee want to; but [I'd rather the boy’d stay ack, Three minutes later the white queen of night eame forth again, and Dynamite Dan looked ahead once more. He saw thesame objects he had seen a mo- ment befcre. “This fer the graves you’ve made to-night in Ccchetopa!” he grated, with all the rage of an avenger, as he threw the repeating fire-arm against his shoulder. ‘‘l’m Dynamite, an’ more than that—I’m death!” The next instant he was emptying the con- tents of the deadliest rifle in Colorado among the gold-guards of Cuchetopa! He fired with a rapidity that was startling. “Tkey’ve got behiud us!” came from the men who, teken by surprise, recoiled from the continuous flash of Dynamite’s rifle, ‘Stand yer ground, pards, No runnin’ from the wolves ov Clar Grit. This is war to the knife!” ** An’ ther bowie to the bilt!” shonted Dyna- mite, as two figures reached his side, and swelled the attack with their weapens. ** You hyer?” cried the avenger, seeing Chin- capin at bis elbow. ““Why not? Those men ar’ my foes as well as yours. We ar’ fightin’ for Cochetopa.” “Tm hyer fer more than that!” Chincapin did not reply, for the gold-guards had recovered and bullets were whistling about the trio’s heads. Hatless and looking more than wild, with his bandaged face and long hair clotted with his own blood, Montezuma, the giant, kept firing at the enemy. “ Charge ’em, men!” rung out above the heavy firing. The men of Cochetopa auswered with a wild cheer and rushed forward. Dynamite turned to Chincapin. ‘We must go!” he said. “No! I retreated once to-night. here }” *Ye’re a fool, boy,” and Dynamite seized the youth and forced him back by main strength. “Ves, go; I'll cover the retreat,” said the giant to Chincapin; and without looking to see whether he had been obeyed or not, he turned once more to the desperadoes with the heavy revolvers he had just reloaded. “Tm hyer fer gold an’ satisfaction!” he ex- claimed, Opening on ihe band rushing forward, and straight at the muzzles of his outstretched weapons. A series of yells was the answer. If Montezuma was brave even to foolhardi- ness, the men who were bound to Blade with an oath were not cowards, Montezuma’s revolvers I will stay yards from the stone, and voices reached bis | were not the first they had faced. He emptied the steel chambers squarely into ears, At that moment the moon went behind a | the enemy’s ranks, but in vain, r ”
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Blade, the Sport. ! Men fell back shot through the brain, or heart- pierced, but their comrades did not stop. They sprung over the bowlder that protected the lower half of the giant’s body, and rushed upon him like a pack of wolves. His last shots were muffled reports, for the muzzles of his weapons touched living breasts, It was a thrilling moment! CHAPTER XI. FOES MEET AND FIGHT, BerorkE the human wolves of Cochetopa touched .Montezuma, Dynamite Dan had dragged Chincapin back, and forced him from the scene. The youth was reluctant to go, and indigna- tion blazed in his eyes, ‘* We fly like cowards an’ leave Montezuma to his fate!” crossed his lips, while Dynamite gripped his arm some distance from the scene of attack and out of sight of the combatants, “Never mind the big miner; he’s got out ov worse scrapes than thet,” was the answer, “Our bizness is to stay hyer no longer, You forget, Chincapin, what brought me to Coche- topa. hincapin did not reply. The sounds of the struggle over and around the big bowlder had already died away. What had become of Montezuma? It was more than probable that he had been overpowered and killed by Blade’s infuriated gold guards, who had already sworn to take the life of every invader of the Cochetopa Hills, If Dynamite Dan and Chincapin had stuyed, they would have shared a like fate, for three men, notwithstanding their heroism, could never have checked the ferocity of the charging arty. “They ll b3 huntin’ vs next,” resumed Dyna- mite. ‘Thet silence means suthin’—dJeath to you an’ I, boy, ef they git the drop on us!” The fierce light in Chinecapin’s eyes did not abate. He had never s2en Dynamite Dan so solici- tous for his sifety before, and more than once he was on the eve of putting a question that would have startled Blade’s trailer, but be kept silent, The pair glided from th2 spot where they had halted after their retreat from the bowlder. Dynamite never removed his gaze from his companion; he seemed to fear that the youth would give him the slip, and go to the giant’s ail, All at ance, a goodly distance from the bloody spot, and on a level with the gold-hunters’ camp, the twain saw several dark figures rise in the trail before them, and a stera command to halt and proclaim themselves, came over the barrels of as many leveled repeating-rifles. “Ther boys!” fell from Dynamite’s tongue, in accents whicb immediately lowered the wea- pons, and a moment later the five men mingled together. “ Whar’s ther rest ov ye?’ asked Dynamite, quickly. ‘It can’t be thet thar ar’ but five ov us left—five out oy fifty?” “Thet’s ther way it looks, Dynamite,” was the doleful answer. ‘‘ Ther wolves ov Cocheto- pa got ther drop on us, an’ no mistake, Jehu! did you ever see such shootin’? You weren't thar at ther time, The boys tumbled in every direction, ginerally shot dead; fer I noticed thet they never got up ag’in arter they struck ther ground, We got out ov ther melee some- how—jes’ how nobody human kin tell, But hyer we ar’, ready—” “Ready to go back an’ rebuild Clear Grit?” asked Chincapin. “ Not much, youngster! We haven’t touched a nugget in Cochetopa yet, an’ we came hyer ter win ther big bonanza. Don’t forget thet!” Chincapin could not repress a smile, The thought of five'men wresting Cochetopa from Blade the Sport and his men bordered on the foolish, “We got more than gold to get,” continued the brawny miner who had replied to the youth’s interruption. ‘‘Think ov ther dead men lyin’ back yonder! Jes’ let the sound of Blade’s rifles ring in yer ears fer a minute, an’ ye'll not think oy goin’ back to ther old camp, without paying ther debt with bloody interest, Let us swear hyer ter stay till we’ve avenged our pards!” “Don’t do that, men of Clear Grit!” said a voice that caused the five torevoil. ‘ Better go back to the gold trails in the valley of the San Juan, Tae wolves of Cochetopa are many, an’ their teeth are sharp. They do more than growl —they bite!” The voice ceased, and left the miners staring breathless at one another. One of the survivors of the camp dashed for- ward with aa oath, but Dynamite, just as agile despite his age, sprung after him, and dragged him back by main force, ** Don’t be a fool, Kino,” he said. ‘ Thetchap has ali ther advantage, an’ ther drop ar’ his ef he wants it.” The man looked mad and half bewildered for a moment, “ War it Blade?” he asked. “ No.” “ Who, then?” ‘No difference who I think he is,” said Dyna- mite. ‘‘I’m ther man ter find him—not you. Go back to ther boys, an’ above all things, keep Chincapin from breaking loose. If anything happens to him Pll hold you accountable. Go back.” “ An’ you?” “Oh, I'm goin’ toseea man,” and with this Kino found himself pushed back, and when he recovered Dynamite had disappeared. “ Thet voice sounded like one I think T shall never forget,” he sail, half audibly to himself, as he started forward. ‘Ha said he would never give up the trail, aw [ toll him that Blade bWlonged to me. But he would not say that he would not wipe that accursed hound out if he got the chance. An’ now he’s hyer in the Cochetopa kentry on ther same mission thet brought me into it, I want to sée him. Thet war his voice and I know it. I want to tell Velvet Foot that he may hunt Floss if he wauts to; but thet Blade is my man, an’ no one else’s.” Dynamste Dan had marked the spot as well as he could from whence the voice just heard bad proceeded,
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Blade, the Sport. 21 The gold guards of Cochetopa elated by their signal victory over the invaders were still abroad, although the death-shots of Montezuma and his companions had evidently thinned their numbers. He crept forward, however, nor paused until he believed he was near the spot where the un- seen speaker had lately stood. oe elena almost as profound as that of the grave pervaded the gloomy landscape. The hills that rose above the miner looked gloomier than ever, and their thick forests of trees seemed to touch the ink-like sky overhead. ‘*T guess I came too late,” murmured Dyna- mite, speaking in a low whisper. ‘‘He_ isn’t hyer, an’ I can’t see a trail ov any kind. But— sh! what war thet?” It was well that Dynamite asked himself that question, for a sound that soon proclaimed the approach of some one, and on horseback at that greeted bis ears, and he stepped aside with his face turned down the scarcely perceptible trail that ran by his feet. The moment was one of suspense to the griz- zied miner who waited for the mounted man, “TY would give my right arm if it war the man I’ve been huntin’ all these years!” he ejac- ulated. ‘*To meet him hyer would pay me fer all my trailin’. I would keep the oath I took among ther ruins ov Clar Grit, but I'd make im take me to Floss first.” Dynamite Dan ceased abruptly, for tae borse- man was in sight, darker than the nocturnal landscape which was dimly relieved by the palest of moons. “Ha! I.can go back an’ call Floss mine more than ever now!” said a voice so suddenly that Dynamite’s revolver was lifted in spite of him- self. ‘“*The boys got in some good shots to- night; their rifles strengthened my title to Co- chetopa. Vhe pards ov Clar Grit war fools— downright idiots! They might have known from Montezuma’s reports that this was a land of death as well 9s one great gold mine. Men will never learn anything in this region only at the repeater’s muzzle.” M The rider who filled the mountain saddle with the grace of an old horseman was approaching while ha talked, Not a word escaped Dynamite’s ear. ‘* He’s goin’ to Floss, fer he hez jes’ said so,” murmured the old trailer, ‘‘He shall take me thar before I let ’im know that I’m in Cocheto- pa. He hezn’t seen the words I spelt’ on the floor ov ther cave with ther burnt sticks, fer he hezn’t been thar since.” Meanwhile Dynamite was shielding his body with the bushes that fringed the hillside trail, but bis eyes, fierce and blazing, full of sparks of fire, as it were, were riveted on the horse- man, whose identity was no longer questioned— it was Blade, The sport rode by looking neither to the right nor to the left, but straight ahead, dreamless of the proximity of the human wolf who had ' hunted him so long. | His last werd lingered in Dynamite’s ears, for the avenging miner was creeping through the shadows at the horse’s heels. _ “Ef you thought I war hyer thar’d be suth- in’ to pay fer now, Blade,” muttered tes “ier, with his eyes fastened on the horseman. ‘Take me to Floss—thet’s all [ ask, Thar we'll settle everything—thar you'll lose er make good for- ever yer claim to Cochetopa.” The cavern occupied at times by Blade the Sport and his gold-guards was not far from the spot where Dynamite had encountered him. The old trailer glided after the sport through the thicket, beyond whieh we have already taken the reader, and saw him dismount in front of the little cabin that fronted the cave. “At last! I knowed he’d bring me hyer,” said Dynamite, with glittering eyes that could not keep down his triumph, ‘He'll find Floss, if I did not. As fer Chincapin, Kino an’ bis pards will take care ov ther boy. If they let harm come to bim while I’m away thar’ll bea settlement when I get back,” Blade had already entered the cabin, the door of which he left open so that Dynamite could look down the log-walled corridor, and see the fire still burning on the cavern floor, Did he enter at the sport's heels? a No! he crept to the door past the horse’s head, and followed him with his gleaming eyes. Blade stopped midway down the corridor. ‘He's lookin’ fer Floss,” said Dynamite, as the desperado suddenly vanished, ‘Thar! he hezn’t found her—she isn’t hyer.” Standing erect in the corridor between bis watcher and the fire, Blade’s bandsome figure was plainly seen. “She isn’t here!” fell from bis lips in tones of half-suppressed rage. ‘‘ Some person has invad- ed my domain, Can it be that—” He checked himself and sprung t.ward the cavern. : The next instant he stood in front of Dyna- mite’s strange lettering on the ground. “IT feared it!” he suddenly grated. ‘ He is here—in Cochetopa to carry out, if he can, the oath he took years ago, He has found Floss: be has taken ber away, but I will follow!” At that moment un object appeared in Blade’s path; the far-reaching fire-light revealed the in- vader of Cochetopa, A wild cry of recognition and of tigerish eagerness as well, burst from the sport’s threat. He saw his enemy dashing forward. ‘Take this!” ne flashed, suddenly raising the lewie which he had grasped at the yoint, and hurling it forward. Dynamite fell upon the astonished sport whom he threw staggering through the fire with the strength and rage of a gorilla. CHAPTER XII. BLADE ON TOP, We have said that Dynamite disarmed his enemy and hurled bim threugh the fire, He did more than this; ke leaped thrcugh the blaze after him, .and struck the floor of the cav- ern beyond it just as the sj ort wes regaining his feet. “T's my day, Blade—you’ve bed ycurs!” ex- claimed Dynamite, facing the nan of Cccheto- pa with a face rendered scmber ty tke hate of adecade, ‘ As I’ve told ye, 1’m byer fer ther final settlement. You didn’t finish me ther night ther Injun flung me from ther stage.
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22 Blade, the Sport. Thet red-skin war Velvet Foot, but you know thet. Recollect thet I only saw you once afore, an’ thet war arter night in a canyon; thet’s why I didn’t know you till you shouted yer naine to Velvet Foot to r’iledim. You lied to him then, fer you told him thet Floss war yer devoted wife.” ‘* Prove that I lied, Dynamite!” said the sport with a provoking and defiant smile. “T neada’t do thet—I know it!” was the an- swor, ‘‘She’s not yer wife, an’ she never will be! Whar war ther girl when you saw her last?” ‘Tn the cabin,” ; “ When war thet?” “Sence sundown. But why put these ques- tions—you know where she is.” “T donot, She warn’t hyer when I spelt them words on the floor with the blackened sticks.” ‘Not hare then? When was that?” ‘While you war buryin’ yer two guards in the picket—the men I assaulted to save Chinca- in. zi At‘the montion of Chincapin’s name, Blade started, and h's thoughts seemed to go back to bis encounter with the youth in the cabin at Clear Grit Camp. “They have met, then,” he said aloud, “Not yet, but thay shall!” replied Dynamite resolutely. ‘I didn’t take Floss away, neither did Ciincapin, Thar’s another person who wants hor.” ‘Velvet Foot?” ‘* Ya3, ther red-skin.” ** Do you think he has found her?” “T think he has,” “Thea, by heavens! I will trail him to the death!” Tho Sport in his rage forgot his own situation. Dynamite Dan smiled grimly. Blada’s eyes suddenly lighted up with triumph, Ho looked beyond his foe, and his gaz» sweeping down the log-walle1 corridor ssemed to see the men who had reached the door of the hut. “Yer gold guards, Blade?” asked Dynamite without turning his head. The sport’s eyes said ‘‘ yes,” but bis lips re- mained mute. ‘Thank fortune, the cap’n’s at home!’ said a voice that penetrated the cavern, ‘I lowed all along thet he war ahead ov us, Hurry up ther prisoner, boys. Hyar ha is! Walk in, Chincapin—this is whar we hang up when we're at bom.” What made Dynamite Dan whirl half-way round with a startling cry on his lips? “ Chincapin—the boy—hyer?” he exclaimed. Tho end of the corridor nearest the entrance was already filled with men—not the miners of So Grit, but the merciless bravos of Coche- opa. And Chineapin was their prisoner! He seemel to forget that Blade, the Sport, faced him with the weapon which he used with deadly effect —he thought only of Chineapin, All at once with the suddenness of a panther’s spring, Blade the Sport took advantage of Dyna- mite’s astonishment, and leaped at him, The attack coul! not be met nor withstood. “* Chincapin is here to die with you!” he hissed in Dynamite’s ear, as he crushed the old miner back, almost depriving him of his footing before he could realize the fiendishness of the attack, Dynamite’s bowie was torn from bis grasp, and at the same time a wild shout came from the men in the corridor. “ Help the cap’n, some ov ye!” Six stalwart fellows rashed into the cavern; they seemed to realize everything in a moment; they knew the enemies at once. Blade the Sport glanced at them triumphant- ly as their hands separated him from Dynamite, whom others who had also rushed to the rescue held disarmed, and threatened with revolvers, ““Warn’t you mistaken when you said this war your day?” he said, striding up to the miner, ‘** Pye seen men mistaken before. This seems to be my hour instead ov yours. Whar is the other prisoner?” The last question addressed to his men was promptly responded to. ‘“ Hyer’s ther chick, cap’n. We caught him with three others who got the benefit of our re- peaters, bat ther boy wouldn’t run arter thet, He’s grit itself ef he did come from the San Juan kentry. Hyer he is, chief!” The person thrust forward into Bowie Blade’s presence drew a cry from Dynamite’s lips, It was Chincapin! At the old trailer’s exclamation the youth turned and their eyes met. “Dynamite Dan!” cried the young man, “I might have known that you were here—” “Thar!” and Dynamite made an effort to reach Chincapin’s side, but be was held back. “ You would not run when thosa men shot yer companions—thet’s why ye?!’ yer.” “Run? Thars no run in the boy!” came from the rough crowd, before Chincapin could reply. ‘‘Didn’t he turn forty toes to ther stars before we teched him? He wouldn't be byer now ef we hadn’t played a cold deck on him as it war, Chincapin’s eyes flashed proudly for a mo- ment, but softened when they fell upon Dyna- mite again. The bosom of the old miner seemed to be ready to burst asunder with emotion. His glance flew quickly from Chineapin to Pe gold guards who awaited their leader’s or- ders, ‘* What ar’ you goin’ to do with ther boy?” he asked, fixing his eyes upon Blade. A bitter laugh was the first response, “‘He’s yer young pard—-the busband you've picked out for Floss an’ I’m goin’ to hang him in your presence.” These were the sport’s cutting words, Acry of mad indignation was torn from Dy- namite’s throat, “By the gods! not while Dynamite’s hyer!” he exclaimed. ‘A thousand necks shall stretch in Cochetopa, but Chincapin’s—never!” With the last word the miner’s arms left his sides an idas ied those nearest him right and left, A boun 1, which no human power conl.l resist, carrie | him to Chincapin’s side. “We stand together, Dynamite!” said the youth, “Tive got a right to die for you, boy—it’s my duty |” —_
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Blade, the Sport. He hurled back the gold-guards who leaped forward to tear him from Chincapin’s side. “Tm a tiger wnen you smooth my back the wrong way!” broke from his lips. “Pm a thousand catamounts rolled into one when you go to touch Chincapin!” If Dynamite was all this, his enemies did not hesitate. + One of the sport’s hands went up and deliy- ered a signal which threw every desperado of the gold hills upon the pair. Dynamite stepped before the youth and fought them back, but he might as well have tried to stem, single-lianded, the billows of a stormy sea. “ They belong to me!” shouted the sport above the din of the fierce scuffle of two with twenty. ** Take them alive and I will keep my vow—that "A aaalaags of Cochetopa shall get death—not gold The trailer’s attempt at rescue was a failure. Strength and lion-like courage does not al- ways win the day. As Montezuma had been beaten back in the stony_path by those very human wolves, so were Dynamite and Chincapin overpowered by a courage more brutal than theirs.” 2 men are invincible, Dynamite!” ex- claimed Blade, after the victory. ‘‘ A captive has never escaped me,” “You forget Floss,” said Dynamite, trium- phantly. The sport’s brow darkened, but he suppressed the oath that was on his lips. ‘““ We want two ropes now, Domino,” he said, madly, to a stalwart guard in his front. “TU clinch my claims to Floss an’ Cochetopa before mornin’!” CHAPTER XIII. FLOSS EMFTIES HER REVOLVER, YES, the sport had overlooked Floss when he told Dynamite, in tones of triumph, that no captive bad ever escaped from him, Where was the girl? Not far from the cavern in the side of the hill where we left most of our characters at the con- clusion of the foregoing chapter, stood the fair being for whom Dynamite had hunted ten years. We left her in the hands of Velvet Foot, the Indian who found her on the outside of the hut shortly after Dyn°mite had left the words, “Tm here,” formed with half-burned sticks on the floor of the eave. She was vow alone—alone with the wooded hills of Cochetopa around and above her, for Velvet Foot had left her in an old mine, desert- ed for years, but she bad made her way from its depths and stood once more beneath the bril- liant stars that glittered in the heavens, “That Indian bas been hunting a long time for me,” she said to herself, ‘‘ He calls himself Velvet Foot, and asked me if I recollected when T lived in a tepee and had an Indian for a friend —when a white man used to come occasionally to see me, But I do not recollect the white man who came to see me according to Velvet Foot’s story. The first white man I remember secing is he whom people call Blade—the gold- hunter with the embroidered jacket and som- brero, He has taken me to many places since T 23 met him first, I was a girl then, and it is under his eyes that have grown up. Now the red hunter comes, but not uvtila white man who calls himself Dynamite has said that he, too, wants me—that he will take me from Blage, whose life he will take for something done in the past: Where are they—the white man and Vel- vet Foot? _The Indian said he would come back soon; but I could not remain in the mine, so I am bere.” She paused abruptly, as though a footstep or voices had startled her, and she drew a revolver which she carried in the belt that girt her sylphlike waist. Confident that her ears had not deceived her this tlme, Floss stepped back to the mouth of the mine which was a few feet behind her, and waited. “Indians!” fell from her lips after she had listened a moment. ‘‘ Blade said Jately that the Indians whom the gold-guards drove from Co- chetopa not long since would surely come back. hey are here, showing that be did not miss the mark, Floss tightened her grip on the butt of the revolver, while she gazed at the red invaders of Cochetopa, who had come back from Indian- dom thirsting for revenge. To Floss’s consternation, the entire band halted directly in front of her position. “Where is Silver Serpent?” asked the chief. “Silver Serpent is here!” And a young red- skin advanced from the band and confronted the red leader, “Is Noropoco’s grave here?” Floss started. Noropoco was the Indian whom the hoods of Cochetopa had buried alive. “Heavens!” she gasped. ‘‘ They are bunting for the lost chief.” Is it a wonder that Floss shrunk back into the depths of the deserted mine from which she bad fled atter Velvet Foot’s departure? Sbe saw the flashes of flints from the spot where she paused fora moment, and then the cavernous opening was illumined by the glare of a torch. The red avengers were hunting for their chief. The advancing torch, which was probably car- ried by this same Silver Serpent, drove her on and on, until at last she found herself almost at the end of a ccrriecr which contained many strange niches, like c lls The Indians ««re almest upon ber. Floss darted into cne of the niches where she turned with her taper ng finger at the trigger of the revolver. “T will kill if they touch me!” she murmured with more than girlish determination. “I am not going to fall into the clutches of this band of Indian wolves.” On came the torch, and the girl was hoping that the entire band would pass by and leave ber to fly once more unmolested toward the mouth of the mine. - Silver Serpent led the Indians past the niche that sheltered her, She breathed free once more, ; “Noropoco is near,” she heard the red-skin say. ‘‘In one of these holes the white viper of Cochetopa bid the great chief away and left him
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24 Blade, the Sport. to die. We must search them all. We must find Noropoco!” The hunters seemed to disperse to search the various niches along the corridor. “Now is my time!” said the girl’ ‘I have not a.moment to lose,” The next moment she was at the mouth of her niche, but the light of a torch dazed her eyes, and she shrunk back. She was on the threshold of discovery! ‘* Mebbe chief in here,” With the last words the entrance was darken- ed by a human figure, and Floss fell back to the end of the niche. The place became dark when the red-skin had fully entered, He was feeling his way with his hands, ‘lt must come to this—I can do no more!” fell from Floss’s lips. ~ She went forward resolutely, determined to escape or perish there. The Indian heard her step and started. “‘Ueh! Noropoco alive!” he grunted. He retreated for the purpose of alarming his companions, but the young girl’s hand at that moment touched his throat, A moment later Floss’s revolver touched his temples, a flash and a report followed, and as the red brave reeled back, the girl leaped from the niche, past the falling body and started away. A. wild yell, full of horror and vengeance, rose behind her, She ran as she had never run before. It was not necessary for her to glance over her shoulder to know thatascore of red dgmons was at her heels. ‘¢ Heaven help me now!” she ejaculated, ‘ Let me reach the trails beyond the mine, and I will escape these fiends,” Fortune ssemed to favor her, for she was nearing the mouth of the cave without being re- ede he red-skins were not acquainted with the interior of the mine with the exception of Silver Serpent, and he knew but little about it, Suddenly and just when she could see the shimmering stars, Floss was thrown to the floor by stepping on a loose stone, It was with diffi- culty that she kept the revolver in her hand, The Indian torch revealed this unlucky acci- dent to those who followed it 5 Floss felt dazad for a moment, but the wild es of triumph that filled the mine brought er almost instantly to her senses. “Back!” she shouted to the red-skins, wheel- ing and facing them with the outstretched re- volver, and the next instant she was pouring the contents of the steel chambers into their painted faces. ‘The girl fired rapidly and with unerring aim, At the first shot the torch dropped from Sil- ver Serpent's hands, and he fell back shot be- tween his keen hawk-like eyes, The Indians recoiled from the death-dealing revolver, and seeing her opportunity Floss turned and fled again. This time she reached the trail beneath the stars, but she was still pursued. Adozen Indians leaping over their slain com- ‘ rades were hanson, ber for vengeance; they had quite forgotten Noropoco the buried chief. “T do not fear them now,” the girl murmured, ‘“‘T am among scenes with which Iam familiar, but [ have still a race for life before me.” She darted down the trail with the fleetness of a fawn flying from its pursuers. “Safe at last!” she panted more than two miles from the mouth of the mine when she had listened a few moments for her pursuers’ foot- steps without bearing a sound of one, “I can wait here until they have searched the mine for the lost chief. I could go back to Blade tha Sport—why not? Ah! I gave Velvet Foot my word that I would meet him at the mine and he says Blade stole me years ago from a home where I was happy. If this be true, I should hate him,” ‘*] guess thet’s so, girl.” Floss turned as quickly as if a rattlesnake had delivered its warning behind her. She saw the figure of a giant so near that she recoiled with a light ery, which brought the giant forward. ** Don’t make any noise,” he said, so near her that she could see that he wore a dark bandage over one half of his face. ‘‘ We're close to a pienic Blade’s about to hev ef nobody inter- rupts ’im. You don’t know me? My name’s Montezuma. l’ve met the wolves ov Cochetopa to-night. You’d thiuk I hed anyhow ef you could see me by daylight. They made a sieve out oy me, but [ kin shoot fer all that. You've got a revolver—good! I’ve got two. Ef you'll foller me, Floss, we'll sp’ile thet mountain pic- nic.” The girl stepped to the giant’s side, “T am with you,” she said, firmly. ‘I can rely on my revolver, It has served me nobly once to-night.” CHAPTER XIV. TWO NOOSES AND THREE REVOLVERS. Foss and Montezuma, the well-known giant of Clear Grit Camp, had met for the first time. Besides the bandage on his face, a bandage which was bloody, the stalwart miner showed other signs of being wounded, but the girl did not question him, He led the way to the left of the spot where the meeting had taken place, carrying in each hand a large revolver, which was reacy to take a hand in any kind of a melee, Floss could not but regard him with devouring curiosity. She felt that he was one of the new invaders of Cochetopa, and she wondered whether all the rest were athletes like him, His great effort to walk steady did not escape her. She knew that he was desperately wounded, not only in one, but in many places, All at once she found the giant staring into her face, “You're the girl what brought Dynamite to this kentry,” he said,'in a low voice. ‘I knowed it the minute I set eyeson ye. Have yeseen the old pard?” ; “T have, but he escaped me,” Floss said. “Hell find you yet,” replied Montezuma, quickly, and with a confidence that dilated the ry =
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Blade, the Sport. girl’s eyes, ‘‘ But we can’t talk about him now. We've got suthin’ on our hands.” ‘* Where?” asked Floss, ** Yell see in a minute.” This short space of time had hardly termin- ated, ere the giant stoyped suddenly, and turned again to Floss with a look that commanded si- lence, The twain stood together, but the giant was leaning over a stone, which had lain for years on the fringe of the trail, and appeared to Le gazing upon a scene of some kind some distance below. “Tis about to commence—Blade’s picnic,” he said in whispers over his shoulders, to Floss, * Jes’ lean over the stun an’ look down thar.” When he stepped back, the young girl went forward and gazed downward. What did she see? About one hundred feet below their position, and in front of a rough cabin, several blazing torches lit up the scene which, once observed, could never be forgotten. A score of nen armed to the teeth and wear- ing white hoods which concealed their faces, stood on a little plateau between the hut and a thicket of young trees, In their midst, erect but evidently prisoners, soon to be executed, if the two ropes dangling from a heavy beam of wood that projected from the cabin at one corner meant anything at all, stood two men. One was past the middle age, with broad shoulders and a grizzled beard; the other was oung, little more than a boy, handsome, well Duilt, and with an eye as keen as the eagle’s. These two men stood side by side awaiting their doom with the courage of heroes who had faced death a thousaud times. It was a scene that riveted Floss’s attention from the first. Montezuma watched her with a strange inter- est, Hesaw that ler eyes were fixed upon the younger of the doomed pair, = ‘““Wal, what do ye think ov Blade’s picnic?” asked Montezuma. ‘ “They shall not die!” was the quick, resolute reply. * But who are they?” ‘ Dynamite an’ Chincapin.” Floss started at mention of the first name, “ Ah! the man who has sought me for years!” she exclaimed. ‘The same,” “ The other—” “They’re pards an’ hev been ever since I knowed ’em,” was the interruption. ‘* Dynamite hez been lookin’ fer Blade an’ he’s found ’im at last. I didn’t think the sport ’d git the upper hand ov the old chap, but thar’s no tellin’ what ‘11 happen when you trail a man in this kentry. Thar! the gold-guards hey taken hold ov ther ropes. You hevsaid thet those pards sha’n’t die. Montezuma is with you on thet, Fless!” The girl and the giant were both looking over the stone now—gazing down upon the exciting scene revealed by the flaring torches. “T always play my games to the end, Dyna- mite!” said a clear voice, whose ringing tones came up to the twain, ‘‘ You_have followed eee eo My band an’ yours could not meet in friendship. me a long time; but it’s a long lane that turns not, you know. We have never been friends, | 25 If { did not choke you off, you would not spare me. “Ye'r’ right, Blade.” A proud smile curled the sport’s lips as he continued ; ““Of course you would, an’ all because I once robbed an Injun tepee of its guarded tenant, a little girl called Floss.” Montezuma’s hand tightened on the girl’s arm at this, and the look he received told him that she had heard every syllable. ‘For that little theft you swore to hunt me down, Dynamite, but I eluded you an’ the In- jun, Velvet Foct, who took an cath similar to yours. Where have I been? Ask the gold lands of the Sacramento Valley, the Indian trails of the Big Horn country, and the ranches along the Rio Grande. You failed to strike my trail all those years. It wacn’t my fault. But when I made my way into the Cochetupa coun- try, you struck my trail. 1 came up from Santa Fe on the accursed stage which the In- jun assaulted. I then knew that Velvet Foot was still my living enemy, an’ I soon afterward discovered that you war my stage companion. But enough. I have spoken thus to tell you before you die that it was not your fault that you did not find me sooner. As for the young- ster at your side, I told him when | piuned him to the wall of his own shanty with my bowie that he would get his foot in it if he followed me. He would not listen, but came to Coche- topa vowing vengeance against me with the men of Car Grit, an’ thar he stands at yer side endin’ his trail with yours at the end of a noose,” The sport stepped back as he finished, reveal- ing his handsome figure more fully to Monte- zama and the girl. “Tt is his Jast triumph!” exclaimed Floss, whose eyes blazed while they regarded Blade, She sprung upon the rock, and leveled a re- volver at the man of Cochetopa. “Not thet man, girl!” cried Montezuma, and his hand darted forward and closed on ber arm, “ Why not, Montezuma?” ““ We must leave him fer ther other hunter— ther red one.” * Velvet Foot?” “ Yes.” “No!” said the girl, attempting to disengage her arm from the giant’s grasp. ‘‘ An Indian’s oath is not more sacred than a white girl’s wrongs.” But the great bronze hand of Montezuma was not to be shaken off by a young girl’s strength. He conquered. “Ef we sp'ile thet picnic it mustn’t be from hyer,” he said. ‘‘ We can’t shoot downward with much effect, ez you may know. We must git op a level with thet party.” “But that will take time. handling the ropes now.” “We kin git down thar. Three minutes ar’ all we want.” Montezuma almost dragged the eager girl from the stone, and was hurrying her from the spot, : The giant seemed to forget his numerous wounds. His steps were no longer unsteady. Look! they are
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26 Blade, the Sport. He turned and bounded off like a hound near- ing his quarry. Floss could do naught but follow, for there was not a minute to lose, The path which they traversed sloped to the table-land in front of the hut. It entered the thicket to the right of the cabin, “ We’re hyer, au’ thar’s been no hangin’ yet,” said Montezuma, turning to the girl when they had halted for breath in the thicket. ‘* We kin go forward now an’ break up the fun. Mebbe we kin do it without a drop oy bloodshed. Do you know what the wolves ov Cochetopa did eS they charged me to-night?” 0 “They rolled me over ther hillside, an’ shot at me ez I went down through ther bushes! Thar’s whar I got all my wounds. When I got to ther foot ov ther hill, a grizzly came up an’ inspected me fer five minutes. But he didn’t hev any use fer a man arter them booded skunks yonder hed settled with him, and so he left me in peace. Now fer bizness. Foller ma ef you want ter, er stay back—jes’ ez it suits ye.” With his last word the giant glanced at his revolvers, and stepped forward, without notic- ing whether the girl followed him or not, A glare of tigerish hatred added ferocity to his bloodshot eyes. He went straight toward the group in front of the house, ‘‘Now, swing ’em up!” shouted Blade, as Montezuma cleared the thicket. ‘‘ Floss shall live to be queen of my palace yet, Dynamite, an’ the bones of the red trailer shall be picked by the valtures of Cochetopa before many days. Ropes are trumps, an’ Blade holds the winning hand!” “Ym on hand with anew deal! Drop them ropes, or die like dogs whar ye stand!” Everybody turned toward the man who had uttered these words, and all saw him in the light of the six torches, with two outstretched revolvers of the largest pattern, He was not alone. A sylphlike figure stood at his side, and the flashing eyes of Floss looked over a weapon not so large as Montezuma’s, but just as deadly. , Dynamite Dan could not suppress an exclama- ion: “* Heavens! The girl—Floss!” He did not seem to seo the stalwart figure of the giant. Blade and his hooded followers exchanged rapid glances, On a word, an act, the wave of a hand, more than one human life depended! “What will ye do, men oy Cocketopa?” con- tinued Montezuma, ‘I’m uot goin’ ter stand hyer all night, I kin hardly hold my fingers back now. Tl begin to work the machinery in my hands in erbout a minute. We want the prisoners, Dynamite an’ Chincapin! Refuse us, an’ by Heaven! we'll start a graveyard whar ye stand! It’s not hard to tell who'll tumble first.” Montezuma’s glance rested for a second on Blade’s face, and then sought the astonished hoods azain. The giant held victory in his hands. CHAPTER XV, THE HOODS SUCCEED AGAIN. WHat would the sport do? He could look over the threatening revolvers into the blood-shot eyes of the man who held them. ‘Take the captives, an’ be hanged!” said the sport, in a voice which told how the words had been forced from his heart. ‘‘ But this does not end the matter. I give von fair warnin’ of that, Montezuma. We’ll try conclusions some other time.” F ‘Soon, I hope,” said Dynamite. “We can’t try them too soon for me,” was sed retort, “But go! my men ar’ gettin’ rest- ess, The hooded gold-guards drew back and let the bint late prisoners pass to Montezuma and the irl. f Not a shot was fired, and the little party soon halted some distance from the place of rescue, Dynamite wheeled instantly upon the girl. ‘At last!—after ten years’ trailing!” he ex claimed. ‘‘I would hey knowed her anywhar, Montezuma, though she war a child when Blade robbed the wigwam. She war a wild rose then, and she’s one yet, purtier than ever, an’ never to fall back into the white thief’s hands. Ah! you know me, Floss! ?’m Dynamite—Dan Dun- bold 1 war them days.” The girl could hardly wait until the old trailer had paused. She seemed eager to ask a ques- tion. “Who am I—not your child? she exclaimed. “No,” with a quick glance at Chincapin. “TI never had a girl baby to love.” “ Then—” “Never mind. Don’t press the question now, Floss,” was the interruption. ‘‘Thar’s a home waitin’ fer ye—one you'll do credit to er my name’s not Dynamite, Come hver, Montezuma.” “The big miner is not here,” said Chincapin, ‘“* He slipped away just a moment ago,” ‘In which direction?” “That way, sir,” and the youth pointed toward a dense undergrowth, Dynamite started forward, “Stay byer with Floss,” he sent back over his shouller to Chincapin, and before the youth eouli reply he had disappeared, The young couple found themselves face to face for the first time. . “What is Dynamite to you?” asked the girl, -who looked strangely with the revolver still clutched in her band. “Nothing more than a friend,” was the reply. ** Are you sure of that?” Floss’s tones startled the youth, and set him to thinking for a minute, during which time he was not disturbed, althouzh cautiously watched. “T must answer you as [ did in the first place,” be said at last, lifting his eyes to the girl’s, ‘ Dynamite Dan an’ I are friends—noth- ing more,” “The Indian must have told me wrongly, hod “What Indian?” Floss uttered a low cry. She had unconsciously spoken her thoughts aloud.
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Blade, the Sport. 27 not aware—” “There! let it pass,” smiled Chincapin, who | grave byer along with ther rest. was by no means satisfied. ‘‘I will ask Monte- guma a certain question at the first opportunity. He knows, if anybody does,” The last sentences the youth spoke to himself. ‘You have asked me whom I have just called the Indian,” resumed the girl. ‘‘ He calls him- self Velvet Foot,” “Ts he in Cochetopa?” “He is here.” Chincapin turned round as if he expected to see the sport’s persistent red trailer at that mo- ment. “ Hark!” said Floss, touching hisarm. ‘* Mon- *tezuma and Dynamite are coming back.” At that moment the sounds heard by the girl died away, as if her voice had been heard, aud the approaching stopped. “No! We are near an enemy,” whispered Chincapin. ‘‘Go back toward the trail wall.” And he stepped in front of Floss, with his face turned toward the copse. There was a moment’s silence, and thena voice came from among the trees: “The younzster—-riddle him, boys! The gal b’longs to ther cap’n!” Hard upon the last word came the reports of several repeating rifles, “My God! Blade’s men!” cried Chincapin. Instantly bis own weapon, a six-shooter, shot upward, but he did not touch the trigger, for he could see no foe, “Show yourselves, wolves!” he shouted defi- antly, as Floss sprung to his side and halted there, The answer was more flashes, more mad shots. “Quick! They come!” cried the girl. ‘* Ab! yonder they are, your foes and mine.” Still nnharmed by the balls, which had crash- ed through the young timber, Chincapin whirl- ed upon the men, dashing forward with oaths and hoarse shouts. An instant later his revolver was at work. ‘By Jove! he’s able to shoot yet—the young covote is,” cried a loud voice, ‘‘ Finish ‘im without ceremony, boys. The gal’s not to be touched—she b'longs to Blade!” “To that demon?—never!” It was the girl who spoke last,.and as she fin- ished the sentence she fired straight at the hood- ed men, who at that moment burst through the bushes. Shooting in the dark is not conducive to good marksmanship, but several men fell back, never to lift another weapon for Blade and his gold. Chincapin was overpowered fighting bravely in defense of Floss, whose revolver was torn from ber hand as she was thrusting it against a human face with her fingers at the deadly trig- ger. and the attack was over, Bjaculations of rage and vengeance fell from the lips of more than one white hood, and Chin- capin was borne swiftly from the spot to a huge tree not many rods away. A rope was here produced and thrown over a limb, one end of the cord having previously heen placed over his head in the shape of a noose, sf £ = a ] ‘Forgive me!” she said, blushing. “I was! ‘Now, up with’im! He’s one ov the chaps what came from the San Juan kentry to find a Up with him! Chincapin was jerked from the ground and left dangling ’twixt Heaven and earth, while the rope was wrapped about the body of the tree, so as to leave him swinging in mid-air. “* Now fer the Palace!” Floss was eager to be taken from the terrible spot, With a parting shot the party went forward again, CHAPTER XVI, THE LAST STRUGGLE FOR COCHETOPA. ‘Ip war our fault, Montezuma,” said one of two men on the nigbt after the occurrence just witnessed. They were not alore in the large subterra- nean chamber in which they stood. Twenty men, some wearing bandages as if wounded, surrounded them, and all were well- armed. These were the defiant remnant of the miners of Clear Grit. They had found one another at various times, and in many places since the gold-guards’ at- tack on their camp, and they were still ready to — the fight against Blade and bis despera- oes, “T saw it war our fault that we lost Chin- capin an’ ther girl last night,” continued Dyn- amite, addressing Montezuma, ‘* You heard a noise—footsteps in the thicket an’ left to recon- noiter, an’ I follered to find you. Wal, we lost the young pair—that’s the hull upshot ov ther matter, but we'll get them back!” During Dynamite’s speaking Montezuma’s eyes wandered beyond the men who faced him, and seemed to steal out into the night that in- closed the mouth of the cave. Suddenly the giant tottered and fell forward before those nearest him could prevent. “Stand back!” he cried, rising almost in- stantly facing those who rushed forward. “ ’m not goin’ to die yet, We haven't teched a nugget ov Blade the Sport’s gold, so I’ve got no right to die, What did 1 say on ther whisky bar’l ther last night in Clar Grit Camp?—thet I would bring ye all to Cochetopa, an’ that we'd each get a bonanza! Wear hyer, so is the mine fer each man, !’m a livin’ sieve, almost, but l’m Montezuma sti!l.”’ He looked like a madman as he stoced in the glare of a torch, blood on his face, for the ban- dage had fallen off, and blood in his wild eyes. It is no wonder that the spectators recoiled. “To ther fight at once! hat’s ther use ov stayin’ hyer!” he shouted. ‘‘Ther bonanza awaits each man, but he’s got to fight fer it.” ‘Ov course, Montezuma!” said Dynamite, glancing at the men, ‘ We’re all ready fer the tussle, but—” ; “Now! new! Men will foller Montezuma— cowards will stay hyer!” The speaker, rendered almost insane by his wounds, which seemed to be sapping his won- derful powers of endurance, turned and led the way toward the mouth of the cavern,
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£8 With a wild shout the gold hunters sprung after him. Dynamite Dan looked on for a moment, and then caught up the torch which was sticking in a crevice in the rocky wall. ‘*T can go where he leads. I hev follered him afore,” he said, regarding Montezuma’s tall figure for a moment. - ‘‘ But I don’t like to fol- ler a man what’s gold-mad, thet’s sarf?in.” At that instant Montezuma and his followers recoiled from an object which had alighted in the light of the torch, “Injuns!” was the startling cry. ‘* Death to them ez well as Blade’s pards,” But Dynamite who had caught sight of the figure, swept forward likea whirlwind. “Not a shot! It is Velvet Foot!” he shouted, dashing the giant’s revolvers down. ‘*A little more an’ it would hev been Dead Feet, Dynamite.” It was lucky that thé sport’s enemy recognized Velvet Foot when he did, for inanother instant the gold-hunters would have emptied their re- volvers into the red-skin’s body. Velvet Foot’s greeting of Dynamite consisted of a look—nothing more. “* The gold-men of Clear Grit need to make no trail,” he said. “ Let them get ready. The white viper an’ his hidden faces are creeping hither.” “ Comin’ hyer, Injun?’ ejaculated Monte- zuma, “They are very near.” “Good! Here we stand for Cochetopa!” The Indian hastily said that the men of Coche- topa, more than thirty in number, were swift- ly but silently approaching the cave. “Swar, men—up with yer hands!” shouted Montezuma, whirling upon his companions. “This is the night fer vengeance an’ Cochetopa. Sw’ar ter possess ther promised land! Sw’ar ter clean ther gold guards out an’ possess ther ken- try! up went every right hand. “We swiar, Montezuma! the bonanza er a graye!” Ten minutes later every man crouched among the dark shadows at the mouth of the cave, waiting for the enemy approaching from below, With the tread of the panther, the men who had followed Blade for years, guarding with their lives the wonderful gold region in the heart of Colorado, crept along the hill trail which would surely carry them to the last battle-ground many of them would ever see. Their forms were darker than the shadows they glided through, and their hands clutched revolvers and repeating rifles, which had served them well before. The desperate encounter near at hand had to take place. The Cochetopa Hills could not be inhabited at the same time, by two bands of men like those of Clear Grit and Blade’s followers. They were compelled to fight a battle to the death for self-protection. Velvet Foot, the sport’s hunter, had marked them well, He knew where to find the gathered remnant of the invaders, and to them he had gone with the startling news of the enemy’s advance. This night we win Blade, the Sport. He did not stop to inquire after Floss, who had strangely eluded him after leaving her in the depths of the old mine, but followed the men of Clear Grit to the battle-field of their own choosing, “ Thar they come—like snakes creepin’ up ther trail!” suddenly whispered Montezuma, whose fingers twitched nervously at the deadly trig- gers they touched. ‘‘ Now, pards, do yer duty fer Cochetopa. Remember thet we’ve burned ther old camp behind us—thet we die hyer before we go back!” The response told Montezuma that the men at his back would do or die. ‘ a approach of the gold guards could now be eard, ““ Ready!” whispered the giant, who by com- mon consent commanded the men of Clear Grit. ‘+ Let yer first fire more than stagger their line —let it turn ther faces ov half ther band up to ther stars. Dynamite?” “Tm byer.” “Good! You can’t pick Blade the Sport out from ther men down yonder. I’m sorry fer thet.” ° Dynamite Dan’s lips met, but no word escaped them. Several minutes later Montezuma’s voice went through the waiting crowd again, id” pards, shoot fer ther bonanza?” he sald, At the same time his great arms thrust his weapons forward, All at once a flash of flame revealed the bronze faces of the gold-hunters, and a deadly volley drew loud cries from the dark figures creeping over the trail below. Again and again Montezuma and his follow- ers fired straight into the advancing ranks, The effect was terrible, Stunned for a moment, the gold guards ral- lied, and instead of recoiling from the fearful fire that steadily rained death into their faces, they went forward with the impetuosity of tigers, firing as they went. “Meet ’em more’n half way!” exclaimed the iant. “Thar’s nothing like a hand-to-hand gat for a big stake like Cochetopa!” and Mon- _tezuma led his men down the trail. A moment after the two bands met. Hand to band, knife to knife and revolver to revolver, the fight for extermination went on, “Come, white brother, he is not here!” said a voice at Dynamite’s elbow in the midst of the deadly conflict. The old man saw Velvet Foot at his side. “Where is he then?’ he asked. “Will Dynamite follow Velvet Foot?” “ Yes,” Pulled aside by the Indian, Dynamite soon found himself beyond the tigerish men who were fighting for the possession of Cochetopa, ‘Blade was here when fight begin, but him no here now,” said Velvet Foot, as the twain hurried away. ‘ Ab! we will find him, brother,” “ An’ you will slay him?’ asked Dynamite, eagerly. “Tf Dynamite no get ahead of him,” The old miner’s eyes glittered, but he made no reply. Velvet Foot led the way over the trail which
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Blade, the Sport. had been traversed within the last few minutes by the sport, ‘“We are here, brother,” said the Indian, halting suddenly, Dyuamite looked ahead. The cabin in front of the sport’s cave was before him. “Ther lion’s den!” he exclaimed, darting for- ward, escaping Velvet Foot’s hand which sought to detain him, y The next second he had crossed the threshold, and stood once more in the log-walled corridor, “7 am hyer, Blade,” he cried, in thunderous tones, ‘' Let thar be no mistake this time! Hyer let Dynamite’s life-trail end,” fell from his lips, as he went forward eager to grapple for the last time with his foe, CHAPTER XVII. THE LIFE-HUNT ENDED. Tur two men met on the lighted threshold of the gold guards’ rendezvous, Velvet Foot saw them come together. ‘Hal Dynamite is at the end of his life-hunt!” ejaculated the red-skin. In another instant an exclamation of horror parted Velvet Foot’s lips. He bad seen Dynamite reel from the mountain sport, and a figure was bounding toward him. All at once Blade, the Sport disappeared as if fhe wall of the corridor had opened and received im. “The Mountain Rose!” cried the Indian. A tremendous bound carried him to the spot where the sport had vanished, “Follow him not—he belongs to Dynamite!” said » voice as a band closed on the red-skin’s naked arm, ‘* Dynamite’s boy!” was the reply, for Velvet Foot bad ace Chincapin‘in the youth who stood at his side, The Indian did not enter at the door that was before him, but turned toward the figure ap- proaching from the cavern, It was Dynamite, wounded as both the youth and the Indian saw. A wild, mad light flashed up in his eyes. ‘ He's dyin’ in thar!” said the old miner, pointing to the door, and a moment later be was gone. Velvet Foot and Chincapin held back, They would not interfere in the last struggle of the two foes. ‘“He’s gone, by Jove!” exclaimed a voice and Dynamite reappeared at the door. ‘* Wollow Velvet Foot, then!” cried the Indian. The three rushed from the cabin down the sloping hill, the Indian in the advance. A short distance from the hut they came sud- denly upon a human figure which lay across the path. Dynamite stooped, but almost instantly drew ack, ‘Ther long hunt hez ended!” he said, looking up at his companions, ‘*Cochetopa belongs to ther men ov Cl’ar Grit!” Tt was true, Blade, the Sport was dead. ; Nevermore would be marsbal his gold guards, nor touch one of the nuggets that glittered among the Cochetopa Hills, ‘* Now, back to ther battle-ground!” continued Dynamite. “‘ My wound—it’s nothiu’—a scratch —though it staggered me fer a moment, Chin- capin, whar is loss?” The youth’s eyes lighted up with satisfaction. ‘*She is safe where I left ber an hour ago, when I found her shut up here and rescued her, Last night I had a rope around my neck, for the gold guards captured us shortly after you and Montezuma left us, the leader of the hangin’ party had not cut the rope with one of the bullets he afterward fired at me, I might still be there, food for the vul- tures of Cochetopa.” ‘* A close shave, Chincapin!” exclaimed Dyna- mite. ‘‘ But we're at the end ov ther trail now.” A few minutes later the trio reached the bat- tle-ground, The desperate mountain fight, the death-strug- le for Cochetopa, had been tought and won, and ontezuma was found standing in the midst of a little group of victors. ‘““We've won ther game!” the giant ex- claimed, ‘*‘ We'll hev ter take two bonanzas apiece.” And the rough smiled as he glanced at his few supporters. ‘‘ By Jove, Dynamite! we'll build a city—no flash town, but a real city —whar we burned Clar Grit. This is what I call startin’? a wholesale grave-yard, but our pards died like mev. They war an honcr to ther old camp.” Before the night had advanced far Floss stood in the presence of the small band of victors and learned from Dynamite’s lips all he knew about her life, He assured her that a home awaited her far beyond the gold hills of Cochetopa, and told her that she should not go thither alone, What became of Montezuma and his comrades? They lived and mined among the hills they had won, for the giant recovered from his wounds, living to become one of the gold kings of Colorado, where he still owns an interest in some of the ‘‘ big bonanzas ” for which he fought. Dynamite Dan took Floss to the home ‘trom which Blade had taken ber years | efore. Chincapin, who as Montezuma bas suspected, _ turned out to be the old miner’s own son, ac- companied the party, and in time a quiet mar- riage united the two young people for the jour- ney of life. Velvet Foot went back to the tribe he still owned, notwithstanding his long absence—went back to other trails and quieter scenes, for Floss had been wrested from the man of Cochetopa, and he could bunt Blade no longer. Mardo, the traitor—the only one among the gold guards—was hunted down by his leader, so that he did not fall in the last fight for the gold acres, Clear Grit had never been rebuilt, for the men who once inhabited it are satisfied where they are. Dynaniite Dan remains near Floss, “She war worth huntin’ fev, fer Chincapin got a wife by it all,” he says to visitors, when he holds up for their inspection the laughing babe that has come to bless Floss’s home. The Indians never found their lost chief, THE END, I was fairly hung, and if _
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. 71 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 72 The Lion of the Sea; or. The Vailed Lady of San Tropez. By Albert W. Aiken. 78 Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance. By E. L, Wheeler, 74 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detec- tive. By Charles Morris. 7% Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. By Bracebridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway). 76 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By E. L. Wheeler. 7 Dick Dead-Hye, the Boy Smuggler. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.‘ 78 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross. By E. L. Wheeler. 79 The Black Mustanger: or, The Wild Horse Hun- ters. By Captain Mayne Reid. . 80 Old Frosty, the Guide. By T. C. Harbaugh. 81 The Sea Viper; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 82 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. By E. S. Ellis: 83 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L, Wheeler, 84 The Dumb Page: or, The Doge’s Daughter. By Captaid Frederick Whittaker. 85 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. By Edward §, Ellis. 86 Jack Harkaway in New York. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 87 The Hussar Captain; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 88 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty. By Edward L. Wheeler. 89 Bill Biddon, Bee or, Life in the Northwest. By Edward S. Ellis, 90 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion, By George Gleason. 91 Mustang Sam, the King of the Plains. 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 Stronghold. By Charles Morris, _ 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By HE. L. Wheeler. 95 Buck Buckram; or, Bess the Female Trapper. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 96 Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 97 The Black Steed of the Prairies, By James L. Bowen, 98 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan Lewis. 99 Bonanza Bill. the Man Tracker; or, the Secret Twelve. By E. L. Wheeler. 100 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. By E. §. Ellis, 101 Daring Davy, the Young Bear Killer; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf. By Harry St. George, 102 The Yellow Chief; or, The Half-Blood’s Ven- geance, By Capt. Mayne Reid. 103 Chip, the Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 104 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. By Roger Starbuck. 105 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, By Charles Morris. 106 Night-Hawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 107 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune. - By Edward L. Wheeler. | By Jos. 108 Rocky Mountain Kit, the White Mustang: T. C. Harbaugh. sie ee eet 109 The Branded Hand; or, The Man cf Mystery By Frank Dumont. eaey- 110 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. George W. Browne, ane ae 111 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. By Edward /heeler. 112 The Helpless Hand. By Capt. Mayne Reid, 118 Scar-Faced Saul, the Silent Hunter. By Oll Coomes. 114 Piney Paul, the Mountain Boy. By T. C. Har- baugh. 115 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gor- gon’s Gulch. By Edward L. Wh. eler. 116 Jabez Coffin, Skipper; or, Lost in the Pol: Regions. By Capt. F. Whittaker, aan 117 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper® ruse By “Buffalo Bill.” aS 118 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred; or, The Win- ning Hand. By Chas. Morris. 119 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. ©. Har- baugh, 121 Harry Armstrong, the Captain of the Club, By Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway). 122 The Huuted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman of the Prairie, By Edward S. Ellis. 128 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Edward L. Wheeler. 124 Judge Lynch, Jr.; or, The Boy Vigilante. By T. OC. Harbaugh. 125 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s Island. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 126 Blue Blazes; or, The Break 0’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 127 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job, By Edward L. Wheeler. 128 Will Wildfire’s Racer; or, Winning Against Odds. By Charles Morris. 129 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. By Oll Coomes., 180 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avengers, By T. C. Harbaugh. 181 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bi Btrice. By Edward L. Wheeler. 8 182 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph EK, Badger, Jr. 1883 Wild-fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Du- mont, 184 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Chas, Morris. 185 Deadwood Dick of Dea wood; or, The Picked Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. 136 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamil'on Holmes. 187 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G. Waldo Browne. 138 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas. Morris. 439 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 140 Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road-Agents, By Philip 8. Warne. ‘441 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. By EH. L. Wheeler. 142 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Ol omes, 143 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire, By _ Joa, Ki, Badger, Jr.
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ye BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. en eee net en gs eg ee RS ee ee Oe Ee 144 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col. Prentiss In- graham. 145 The Tiger of Taos; or, Wild Kate, Dandy Rock’s Angel. By Geo, Waldo Browne. 146 The Cattle King; or, Cortina’s Right Bower. By Frank Dumont. 147 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. 149 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. By Charles Morris. 150 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. By G. Waldo Browne. 151 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By W. H. Eyster. 188 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By E. L. Wheeler. 154 The reg Reishee | or, Dainty Lance on the War- Path. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 155 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 156 Will Wildfire in the Woods. By C. Morris. 157 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T. C. Har- baugh. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure. By E. L. Wheeler. 159 Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat; or, The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip 8. Warne. 160 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed Thirteen. By Col. P. Ingraham. 161 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman. By C. Morris. 162 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. By Oll Coomes. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, the Rivals of the Road. By E. L. Wheeler. - 164 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack from Red Core, By T. C. Harbaugh. 165 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. By Col. P. Ingraham, 186 Will Wildfire Wins and Loses; or, “A Trump Card,”’ By Charles Morris, 167 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. By George W. Browne. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 169 The Boy Champion. By Edward Willett. 170 Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life; or, Shadowed in New York. By Charles Morris, 171 Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes. ..2 The Yankee Ranger; or, Dusky Darrell. By Edwin Emerson. 173 Dick Dingle. Scout; or, The Frontier Angel. By Edward 8. Ellis. 174 Dandy Rock’s Scheme; or, The Golden Hand. By G. W. Browne. 175 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, The Boy Sharp By Edward L. Wheeler. 176 Will Wildfire’s Pluck; or, The Hidden Hand. By Charles Morris. 177 The Boy Commander; or, The Maid of Perth, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 178 The Maniac Hunter; or, The Mysteries of Night Islind. By Burton Saxe. 179 Dainty Lance; or, The Mystic Marksman. By J. KE. Badger, Jr. 180 The Boy Gold-Hunter; or, Navajo Nick’s Scout. By T. C. Harbaugh. 181 The Seapegrace Son. By Charles Morris. 182 The Dark-Skinned Scout; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. By Lieut. Col, Hazeltine. 183 Jabez Dart, Detective; or, The Hermit Trapper. By Oll Coomes, 184 Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Ed. Willett. 185 Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. By Col. Pren- tiss Ingraham. 186 Dainty Lance and His Pard. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 1387 The repped Tiger King; or, Dark Paul's Plot. By Charles Morris. 188 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues. By Edward L. Wheeler. 189 Old Rocky’s Boys; or, Bonito, the Young Mus- tang-Breaker. By Maj. Sam. S. Hall. 190 Sim Simpkins, Scout; or, The Faithful Mountain Mastiff. By James L, Bowen. 191 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The Mysterious Wolf Rider. By Geo. Waldo Browne. 192 Hickory Harry; or, Roaring Ralph, the Ventrilo- quist. By Harry St. George. 193 Detective Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's Game. By Edward L. Wheeler. 194 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By Oll Coomes. 195 The Tenderfoot Trailer; or, Plucky Phil, of the Mountain. By T. C. Harbaugh. 196 The Dandy Detective; or, The Abducted Boy Mystery. By Charles Morris. 197 Roy, the Beans, Cattle King; or, The Texan Sport Unmasked. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 198 Ebony Dan’s Mask; or, The Rival Leagues of the Mines. By Frank Dumont. 199 Dictionary Nat, Detective; or, Bill Bravo, the Bear Tamer. By T. C. Harbaugh. 200 The Twin Horsemen; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards; or, The Hawks of High Pine. By Wm. R. Eyster. 202 Tom, the Texan Tiger; or, Old Luke's Luck. By Oll Coomes. 208 Sam, the Office Boy; or, The Tables Turned. By Charles Morris. 204 The Young Cowboy; or, The Girl Trailer’s Tri- umph. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 205 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme. By E. L. Wheeler. 206 White Lightning; or, the Boy Ally. By T, C. Harbaugh. 207 Kentuck Talbot’s Band; or, The Red Lasso. By Captain Mark Wilton. 208 Trapper Tom's Castle Mystery; or, Dashin: Dick's Disguise. By Oll Goumens : . 209 The Messenger-Boy Detective; or, The Tables Turned, By Charles Morris.
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. 210 The Hunchback of the Mines: or, Reckless Ralph, the Road-Agent. By Jos, E, Badger, Jr. 211 Little Giant and His Band; or Despard, the Duelist. By P.S. Warne. 212 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado, By E. L. Wheeler. 213 The Pirate’s Prize; or, The Mysterious Yankee Schooner, By C. Dunning Clark. 214 Dandy Dave, of Shasta; or, The ’Frisco Flash o’ Lightning. By T. C. Harbaugh, 215 Daring Dan, the Ranger; or, The Denver Detec- tive. By Oil Coomes, 216 The Cowboy Captain; or, Ranger Ralph’s Ruin. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 217 Bald Head of the Rockies; or, The Ang’l of the Range. By Major Sam S. Hall. 218 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam’s Claim. By Edward L. eeler. 219 Buck, the Detective; or, Paul, the Boy Pard. By Albert W. Aiken. 220 Orack-Shot Frank; or, Bill Bounce, the Moun- tain Bravo, By Charles Morris, 221 Merle the Middy; or, A Waif of the Waves. Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 222 Rosebud Ben’s Boys; or, The Young Prairie Rangers. By Oll Coomes, 228 Gold Conrad’s Watch-Dogs; or, The Two Pards of Vulture Bar. By T. C. Harbeugh. - 224 Frisky Fergus, the New York Boy. By G.L. Aiken, 225 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent, By Edward L. Wheeler. 226 Dakota Dick in Chicago; or, Jack, the Old Tar. By Charles Morris. 927 Merle, the Boy Cruiser; or, Brandt, the Buc- caneer. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 228 The Preacher Detective; or, The Boy Ventrilo- quist. By, Oll Coomes. 229 Old Hickory’s Grit. By John J. Marshall. 230 The Three Boy Sports; or, The Sword Hunters, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 281 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 282 Merle Monte’s Si web or, Buccaneer Brandt’s Threat. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 238 Rocky Rover Kit; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D. Warren, 284 Baldy, the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F. C, Adams. By 235 Jack eR Cee or, The Montpelier’s Muti- neers. By Roger Starbuck. 286 Sierra Sam's Double; or, The Three Female De- tectives. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 237 Newsboy Ned, Detective; or, Two Philadelphia Gamins. By Charles Morris. 2838 Merle. Monte’s Sea-Scraper; or, Little Belt’s Droll Disguise. By Col. ntiss Ingraham, 239 Ben’s Big Boom; or, The Boss Miner’s League. By Capt. Mark Wilton, 240 Sharp Shot Mike: or, Columbia Jim on the War- Path. By Oil Coomes. 241 Sierra Sam’s Sentence: or, Little Luck at Rongh Ranch. By Edward L, Wheeler. 242 The Denver Detective; or, Dainty Dot at Geld Gulch, By T. C. Harbaugh, 243 Dutch San’s Dilemma; or, The Mysterious Mountain Monster. By Maj. L. W. Carson, 244 Merle Monte’s Disguise; or, The Capture of Brandt, the Buccaneer. By Col. Prentiss In- graham, 245 Bldy’s Boy Partner; or, Young Brainerd’s Steam Man. By Edward S. Ellis. 246 Detective Keen’s Apprentice: or, James Jumper the New York Gamin. By Charles Morris. 247 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise. By Edward L. Wheeler. 48 Giant George’s Pard; or, Arizona Jack, the Tenderfoot. By Buckskin Sam. 249 Ranch Rob’s Wild Ride; or, Old Winch The Rifle King. By T. C. Harbaugh. 250 Merle Monte’s Pardon; or, The Pirate Chief's Doom. By Col, Prentiss ngrabam 251 The Deaf Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp, By Edward Willett. 252 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen, By Edward L, Wheeler. 253 The Boy Tenderfoot; or, Roaring Ben Bundy of Colorado. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 254 Black Hills Ben; or, Dutch Jan on the War Path. By Maj. wis W. Carson. 255 Jolly Jim, Detective; or, The Young Protege’s Victory. By Charles Morris. 256 Merle Monte’s Last Cruise; or, The Sea Robber at Bay. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 257 The Boy Chief of Rocky Pass; or, The Young California Pards, By Maj. E. L, St. Vrain. 258 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By OU Coomes. 260 Skit, the Cabin Boy. By Edward Willett. 261 Blade, the Sport, or, the Giant of Clear Grit Camp. By T. C. Harbaugh. q 262 Billy, the Boy Rover; or, ‘lerror Tom of Texas, By Col. P. Ingraham, Ready January 16. 268 Buster Bob’s Buoy; or, Lige, the Light-House Keeper. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. { Ready January 23. 264 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport, By E. L. Wheeler. . Ready January 80. Brapue’a Pooxer Lrarary is for sale by all News- dealers, five cents a copy, or sent by mail on re ceipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ApAms, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,