Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 26) (1884 07 09)
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ECUND EDL TON, Coy elite: id, 1884, zs Brapix anp Apams, Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mail Mattey, Vol, II 82.50 Published Weekly by Eeadle and’ Adame, rice, a1 a Year, No. 98 WILLIAM St., New York. Five Cents, July 9, 1884, No, 26, OLD IVALANOEE (EEA AMAR ———— BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “‘ DEADWOOD DICK,” “‘THE DOUBLE DAGGERS,” ETC,, WILD EDNA’S RIDERS,
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Old Avalanche, Old Avalanche, The GREAT ANNIHILATOR; oR, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, 4UTHOR OF “DEADWOOD DICK,” “THRE DOUBLE DAGGERS,” “‘CLOVEN HOOF,” ‘* BUFFALO BEN,”’ ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. BURIED IN THE DEATH GvLCH. Four men had pitched their camp onthe crater of a northern peak, thousands of feet above the level of the sea, thousands of feet above the level of the eat plains of Nebraska, at the close of what had Been a sultry August day. Tho peak table-land was far the most elevated of any of its neighbors of the surrounding chain, and its top was as smooth and even as a floor, while in dimensions it was about three hundred feet in cir- cumference. On the northern, eastern and southern boundaries, stretched away mile after mile, one continuous wilderness of rugged and tree-fringed mountair whose tops were capoed with snow, and down be- tween which dashed angry torrents, silvery cascades and slides of rock and frozen ice, into dark, yawning seams and chasms. On the western side of this aerial plateau, yawned an immense, fathomless abyss, whose aspect was weird, silent, awfnlin the extreme. It appeared to have been formed by a sudden sundering of the sur- rounding mountains by some mighty convulsion of nature, and to have been left a black, bottomless abyss into which no eye could penetrate from above, into which no man could descend, While two cf the four men were preparing the evening meal, the remaining two stood at the brin'c of the precipice, regarding the scene with awe and silence. The space in front of them was about fifty feet in width by one hundred in length—a naturally formed shaft extending far down int» the bowels of the earth. Directly across on the western side. and con- siderably below the plateau, a goodly-sized cascade leaped over into the abyss, and as no sound could be distinguished of its striking bottom, the watchers drew the conclusion that the rift reached down at least to a level with the plains.’ “Tis a frightful guich!” ejaculated the elder of the two, a man of some eight and thirty years—“ at whose bottorn nothing of life has probably ever ex- isted.” . “Yes, In all our explorations, Sir Henry, we have never confronted such a fissure of the earth. By my soul, I'd give a deal to be able to descend to the bot- tom, if there is a bottom, and see what sort of a place this chasm really is.” “True, Milburn; buf that could never be. It would require miles of rope to lower ore down, and though we have a good thousand feet, *twould not be enough. “Let us be content, then, with the laurels of dis- covering the highest peak of this wonderful chainof mountains, if not the highest in Ameri On the morrow I will hew the name of this expedition in the floor of this high plateau, to tell future genera- tions whose feet first trod upon these rocks.” So saying Sir Henry turned back toward the camp-fire, while Milburn remained a short time longer at the brink of the dizzy abyss, staring thoughtfully down into the black depths. “*Curse him!’ he muttered, gnawing at his mus- tache, savagely, ‘how [hate him. I joined him in his confounded wanderings, and still Ihave not accomplished the object I had in view, when Td so. ‘Two long years we have traveled together, an never yet have I found the suitable Ne phe Si to —to—but bah! lam weak. The time come, and that not many Gays distant, too, when Sir Henry and I will part company, and forever!” He rejoined the party at the fire, and seated him- self to partake of the dried venison and roasted bears meat which the other two men had prepared; They were odd-looking specimens of the frontier, and ag) not persons of culture or education like Sir Henry and Milburn. The younger and more noticeable of the twain evidently a Canadian, was about nineteen years ©) age. He was swarthy in complexion yet not unpre- possessing, and possessed a form marked in, its muscular development. The second man was short, grizzly and athletiey with not » pound of superfluous flesh on his limbs; nor a sizn of ears upon his head. they having been shaven off close to the skull. His eyes were gray and piercing, his mouth large and indicativé of humor, his hair tow-colored, and his beard brown and stubby. He was attired in buckskin, as are the generality of Northern mountain-men, and armed with silv@m mounted revolvers, knife, tomahawk and Spencer rifle. “Darned bad hoe/,’’ he nodded to Sir Henry, mo-« tioning toward the abyss, and at the same time tak- ing a huge bite of bear-meat. “ Nevyar see’d ther beet on’t, only once afore, in my life.” “When was that?” asked Sir Henry, gnawing away at his bone in true hunter style. “Wal,” said the guide, meditatively, “et ar’ sey. eral yeers, since. Kt was ther time I war up hyar wi’ ernuther ’sperdition!”” “What!” exclaimed the baronet, starting up, @x= citedly ;—‘“‘ you do not mean to tell me you were ever here, before, sir?’ *“ReckonI do, I've feasted on b’ar-steak on this plataw, mor’n this one’t, yer honner.” “By heavens! you have astonished me, I had Pepe we. were the first human beines who ever trod upon these rocks. Exvlain yourself.” “Thar Hain’t much ter ’splain, sar, ’ca’se ef yell go over yander thar, ter the sou’, an’ sharply screws chinize ther rocks, ye’ll see who’s bin hyar ahead On ye, ’thout my ’splainin’.” Sir Henry sprung to his feet. at once, as did Mie burn, and seizing a flaming cone from the fire, for the pall of night had settled over the land, they hurried to the southern edge of the plateau, and bent over to sean the rocky floor. They had nob long to look, for they soon came upon a spot where, by the skiliful use of a hatchet, former discoverers had hewn out their names: “ Joun ©, Fresont.” “Kir Carson.” “ Here, Lanch,” callel Sir Henry, “come here, How did you know of these names?” Alva Lanch, the guide, left his place by the fire, and ssuntered up. “How did I know on ’em?” he repeated, grimly, “Wal, I happened ter be hyar when they war cut. T war erlong wi’ ther Fremont experdishun w’en they soar’ over thes d’reeshun; an’ conserkently, w’en them handles war indented thar.” “ But you never told me?” ““Why shed I? Yeasked me no questions norf didn’t tell ye no whoppe Ye guv me seventy gold doliars ter help ye git onter ther top o’ ther loftiest sak in thes. ranye o’ mountings; I tuk ye up, an’ nyar ye ar’, arter fifteen days’ hard trampin’, Ye'd’ve dun better ter ask me afore we sot out ef ennybody war ever bin hyar ahead on ye. Then I shed ’a’ tole ye yes. As it’ war, ye nevyar said boo, so nutber did I say boo. Et ar’ ‘so, ain’t eb, boss?” “Yes; you speak truly,’ replied Sir Henry, ina discouraged.done. ‘‘1t was all my fault, neyer addressed you on the subject, because I did not deem it necessary, so positive wasI that no explorer
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Old Avalanche. had as yet done this range. ‘John ©. Fremont,’ and ‘Kit Carson.’ Humph! America owes a deal to those two men, As Christopher Columbus was first in discovering the American continent, so Fre- mont and Carson have been foremost, in the present generation, in exploring the most lofty peaks, the wildest canyons, and the smallest and most obscure lakes. How many were there of your expedition, when you gained the summit, Lanch?” “Three—Fremont, Carson, and myself,” * And were you three all of the exploring party a “On course not!’’ replied the guide. ‘There were seven of the pack, but only us three klim up hyar, ther other four remainin’ at ther place whar we camped last night.” * How long ago was it?” coe. years, three months an’ seven days, ter- cht.’ “ How long did you stay here?” “ Only over nite uv_ the day we arriv’. "Twas un- eomfort’ble cold up hyar, them times, so we soon dug out for warmer climates. Fremont named yon hod ther Death Gulch. becawse his spanyel dorg tumbled off inter et, an’ Carson cal'ed this ther Flat Butte; then we buckled on our armor, an’ marched, marched away.” “T wish T had known of this some time ago,”’ said Sir Henry, gloomily, turning back toward the fire, whither Lanch and Milburn followed him. Soon the evening pipes were brought forth, and while the quartette puffed away thereat, the guide related some interesting details of the former ex- ploring expedition under the great Fremont, Sir Henry listened eagerly, but Milburn and the young Canadian were not so much interested, and presently withdrew to the edge of the abyss to have a little conversation by themselves, ‘ Alva Lanch watched them secretly, as he told his story, under cover of his shaggy eyebrows, but said ncthing bearing upon them. Finally the time arrived when it was desira- ble that all hands should turn in, as an early start was proposed on the following morning; therefore Sir Henry called in his companions, and bade them prepare for nan ek “Thar'll hey ter be sum’ more cones lugged up from ther second peak, below,” said Lanch, glancing at the fire, which was fast expiring, “‘fer it begins ter feel er little chilly up hyar. I say, ye Can'dy Thistle, s’posin’ ye go an’ try yer *nack at shinnin’ rocks, I toted ther fust sackful up; et ar’ no more’n fa’r ye she’d do vice-versy on ther seckont.”” Tle adcressed the Canadian, who was about to roll himself up in his blanket. “Bah!” he growled, showing his pearly white teeth in a forced smi'e; ‘‘ you'll excuse me. prefer day- light for my clambering over the mountains, Let tue fire go out, if it wants to. 1 guess we won't freeze.” “Then you won't go?” demanded Lanch. “No; Tam quife comfortable,” replied the youth, wrapping himselt in his blanket, and giving vent to another smile. “If you are so fond of starlight raim les, Mister Lanch, perhaps it would be wel! to £0, yourself.” ¢ : . “Here! here! Raleigh!” exclaimed Sir Henry, an- grily, “ let’s have no more words of bandy. Willyou go for the fuel?” , my “No,” replied he, doggedly—‘‘ not to-night! “Then I shall at once discharg you from my ser- ” hissed the fellow_savagely, ice. Sal you, though? “Very well; ’ ‘his dark yeaue growing still darker. it as you please, sir. hs polling over he made pretense of seeking re- por tet ‘im hev his own way,” said Lanch, taking up a , which lay among the other effects t at ‘the party had brought along. ‘1’ slide down fer ther cones in a jiffy. Ter-morrer I'll waliup ther young whelp fer his imperdence.” He at once descended from the plateau by clam- i bering down from ledge to ledge, and was soon lost from view in the pall of inky blackness that envelop- ed the mountain-top., “You can lie down, Sir Henry, if you like,” said Milburn, as he lita fresh pipe of tobacco, ‘for 1 know you must be fatigued, from our long ascent, to-day, and need rest. As for me, I'll smoke awhile longer, yet, and await Alva’s return,” e baronet acquiesced in this proposition, and leaving Milburn half-reclining in the light of the dy- ing embers puffing away at his imported meer- schaum, Sir Henry rolled himself in his blanket, and quickly was in sound and refreshing slumber, Milburn, however, became momentaril restless, until he trembled with suppress ment, as he glanced toward Sir Henry. Half an hour wore away, and the loud respira- tions of the baronet proclaim(d that he was sound asleep, wherupon Milburn rose stealthily to his feet, and stole forward, Simultaneously the young Can- adian did likewise. “Are you ready?” he demanded, in a whisper. “ Ay!” replied the other, “all ready. Now, then, heave ahead; you take charge of his mouth and see that a screech don’t escape him, while I bind his bands and feet.” ‘‘ Agreed!” whispered back the Canadian; and then the two men threw their combined weights upon the slumbering explorer. and in a twinkling had him securely bound and gagged. It is needless to say that Sir Henry was both as- tenished and enraged at the rude and unceremoni- ous treatment but could only lay and glare at the two villains in utter heiplessness. “Hal ha!’ laughed Milburn, with a grim chnekle; “you are surprised, eh?’ A nod of the head signified assent. “IT thought so,” resumed the villain; “but that is nothing strange, as we are liable to surprises. Do you recognize me, Sir Henry, as any one you remem- r of ever having seen?” Another head-shake, in the negative. “Don't? Well, probably not. I must admit m: disguise is one hard to penetrate. This hair, this beard and these garments are all foreign to your recollection, Yet they hide the man, Sir Henry, whose life has been devoted, sinee child hood, to the sole attainment of an object—an object which must be patent in forever removing eo from my path, Lis’en!’? Then he bent low and whispered a few words in the prisoner's ear, at which the baronet ut+ tered a Joud, agonized groan aod grew pale and agitated. “Tt is true,” resumed Milburn, with a triumphant leér, “and I hhave followed the course of Mg move ments ever since you left New York, for the purpose of removing you. I do not wishtokil/you Murder on the hands of an English nobleman is not at all desirable, and therefore I simply wish to put you aside from my path. You admire America; I love England, i native soil. “Then, is it not well that I should live in England, while you remain here in quiet peace and plenty? “Yes!—doubly yes. I have found a cage in which Tecan confine you, and run no risk of ever bein, troubled by you again. Raleigh, bring your coil o: rope, and fasten one end about this baronet, Work lively, now, for we must be well away from here, ere that ferret-eyed guide returns. ce we are safely in St. Joe, and our explorer lies at the bottom of Death Gulch, a thousand gold dollars shall be yours, my boy!” The Canadian obeyed with alacrity, and from among the “traps” of the expedition produced a large coil of stout half-inch rope, an end of which he arranged into a noose and shirred about the baro- net’s waist. This done, Milburn proceeded to deliberately rifle the prisoner’s person of everything of value, save }is germs and ammunition, which he did not touch, We then Sa a for several moments in Sir Henry’s ear, after which he rose to his feet. more excite-
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4 “You may pitch all that luggage over into the abyss, first, Raleigh,” he said, setting an example by pitching over blankets. ete., “for in our flight, you see, we shall not be able to carry aught save our weapons, and I do not mean that Alva Lanch ¢hall derive any benefit from these tools and traps!” Consequently everything sav® ‘ue two villains’ rifles and ammunition was hu:ied over into the can- yon—axes, picks, blankets, pots, kettles, Sir Hen- ry’s and Lanch’s rifles, surveying instruments, and so forth, in turn, until fhe plateau was swept of all except the two men and their prisoner. He, too, was then dragred forward to the brink of the frightful gulf, and the lowering began, In vain did Sir Henry endeavor to shriek out a ea for help, or burst the cruel bonds that bound him, All to no avail. Swiftly the two men on the table-land above al- lowed the rope to slip through their fingers, and let the helpless victim of a fiendish plot descend into the bowels of the mountains. Presently they had allowed all but about a yard of the death-cord to slip away. “Shall we let bim go?” asked Raleigh in a hollow, scare tone. “Yes!” replied Milburn, white and ghastly— “Jet her slide. He’s probably to the bottom be- fore this; and if he’s not, he ain’t far from it. Zr 0: The next instant they released the rope from their grasp; then, turning like the two guilty wretches they were, they seized their rifles, left. the plateau, anc hurriedly skurried off down into the black mountainous depths. CHAPTER II. THE PLEASURE PARTY—FIGHTING ODDS, Down across the great savannas of the Northwest, booming along in front of a giant volume of wind which spread its arms out afar, rolled a thick clou i of dust, in whose depths galloped a party of six Pees, all mounted on spirited, thoroughbred ani- mals Two of the six were ladies, attired in. rich but unattractive garments; but the fact that they wore diamonds of marvelous size and luster, evidenced the supposition that they were persons of wealth and high social rank. The gentlemen were tastefully accoutered, save it be with one exception—the guide of the party— and bore the undeniable impress of refinement. One, who was evidently chief in command, was a tall, athletic young fellow, with clearly-cut fea- tures, dark-blue eyes, and hair of a chestnut color, while in form he was a model of grace and symmetry. The second of the four males was a slender, dark- visaged gentleman, verging on forty years, who was evidently a Spaniard, or of some foreign de- scent, The third was of afar different type, and his hair was sprinkled freely with lines of gray. He was of immense girth, and sat his horse much more clum- sily than his companions; and in his general ap- pearance reminded one of the stern old lords or dukes of ancient times, The ladies evidently were mother and daughter. The elder was a woman who had seen nota little trouble, for her brow was furrowed deeply and har hair of a silvery white. Still, she showed many traces of former beauty, aril was yet really pre- possessing, despite the weary yearning expression that ever haunted her sad face. The daughter was a repetition of what the mother had been in her youthful days—a bright, vivacious little body, just nearing the portals of a glorious womanhood, with laughing eyes, soft blonde hair, that blew unconfined to the prairie breeze, and a complexion that matched well with both hair and eves, Such were the party, exclusive of the guide, He Old Avalanche. was & stalwart backwoodsman of an uncertain age, and as rough and unco..th as are the majority of those ever-moving spirits, the Princes of the Trail. His name was Dan Coggswell, and he had been engaged at Dakota City to lend his assistance to the pleasure-party, for such the cavalcade was, during their stay in the West. Now, we see them spurring madly down from the northwest, across a@ mammoth savanna or plai and hugging close to the giant column or cloud o} dust, which the brisk northern breeze wafts steadily in front of them, * Their horses are flecked with foam, evidencing the fact that a long and rapid ride has taken place; and still on, on, over the green-carpeted savanna they dash; on at a speed only second to the breeze that rolls the cloud of dust in advance, It is mid-afternoon, and the sun that hangs likea golden ball in the azure blue sky. lights up all objects beneath its rays with a mellow distinctness Across to the west looms up the gray unipviting range of mountains that are deseribed as be the rendezvous of numerous bands of red-skins and out- laws; to the east, coiling its course through barren prairies, runs Au Jiques or Dakota river, in the even tenor of its existence, until it debonclies, miles below, into the mad Missouri; to the south and sou'east stretches one of those monotonous savannas or grazing plains of Daiota, famous as the home of the deer and the buffalo, the perasier of hunters and trappers; while to the north and nor’west—hat here the interest deepens, and the cause of the undue haste on the part of the pleasuré-seekers, becomes apparent. Sweeping down in their rear, and only a couple of miles distant, are a body of horsemen, who, as oné glances over them, look like a small army, so strong are they in numbers. And, too, their horses are fresh and fleet, and they are gaining slowly but surely on the party in advance. That they are Indians is evidenced by their wild riding, their semi-nude dress, and the occasional war-whoops that float faintly forward on the breeze. Sioux is their tribe (for it is a rare occurrence to meet a war-party of any other tribe in Northern Dakota), and that they are determined to overtake the fugitives is only too plainly shown by the manner with which they urge on their ponies. ; Dan Coggswell was in the rear of his party, hur- rying them along as well as he could, and at the same time acting as a rear guard in case the foe should get near enough to pour in a fire with their rifles, for all were seen, through the guide’s fleld- glass, to be well armed. On, on, on, the pursued whites dashed, desperate- ly determined to escape if such a thing were possi- ble, but as a half-hour flew by, and the horses b to lag and the Indians to gain, Coggswell shook his head doubtfully. “We can’t hold out at this rate, much longer,” he said, as he galloped ahead and joined the young commander; “for them Soos ain’t goin’ to give us the.slip, ye can bet yer eyes; and our hosses are loosin’ all their breath, too, I opine we mought as well come to a halt, an’ try an’ persuade ‘em not to cum forninst us, as the Irishman sez, with our rifles. What’s your views on’t, Sir Harry?” ‘What! stop here and let the devils come up and murder us at their leisure? Never! something, guide. Do you hear? we must do some- thing to get my mother and sister out of danger, Ts there no other direction we can take to escape these hellhounds?” “Yas,” replied Coggswell, reflectively, *' tharistwo on’em.” “Then, in Heaven's name, why not take them?” **Wal, [reckon *twouldn’t be o’ no sorter use, Sir Harry. One’s tow’rd Dakota river. Go that Way, an’ the varmints "ll head us off afore we git thar, Or at furthest will drive us into the stream w’ot are toe We must do ~ deep and wide to swim,” ¥
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» Ings, off yander. steeds were lashed into further speed. Old Avalanche. 5 “The other, then?” “The t’other? Wal, that’s tow'rds them mount- Théy’re chock fuller o’ ther _red heethan an’ white outlaws, than the Black Hills themselves." * But can we not find temporary shelter there, in some canyon or gulch, where we can fight these rascals, and in due time steal off?” “Hardly probable. Soos ain’t on ther give-up, nowadays. When they scent a prize they're the lads as hes got as much hang-on-a-tiveness as ther next one. Howsomedever, if ye say the word, we'll shy off fur them hills, an’ run our chances. We kin bleech in ther mountings as well as any other place.”’ “ How far are they distant? Can we reach them before our horses give out?” * Reckon go, if we ride full spurt.” “Very well, then lead ahead, and we will follow,” The course of the fleeing cavalcade was instantly changed, sharply to the right, and the spurs used with more vehemence. Already the savages had gained one of the two in'ervening miles, and threatened every moment to gain a position in the chase within rifle-shot. On—on sped the fugitives, like the hurricane wind, Dan Coggswell keeping slightly in the lead, and using bis field-glass now and then to define the route which promised to take them nearest to a place of retreat. The ladies, although much fatigued, were eagerly urging on their animals, and putting their implicit trust in the skill and sagacity of Dan. Had it not been for the impending danger, they would have enjoyed the wild ride immensely, for they were true Enclishwomen, and having chased many a fox down the moorlands of their native isle, they had become masters in the saddle, as well as mistresses in the social circle and household. But a hundred grim and bloodthirsty savages, bringing up the rear, with the désire to rob or murder them, took from the Bituation all its romance. Ou—on, over the green savanna they swept, and in hot pursuit came the red slayers. *T think I know about the spot where a canyon ms into them hills,’ said the guide, peering raight ahead, ‘or at least, heerd Old Avalanche, who traps, hunts an’ annihilates Injuns up hyar- abouts, say that thar war a place o’ ther kind d’rect east from Flat Butte peak, Z’huc’s off yonder!” He pointed straight ahead, and off afar through the hazy distance loomed up the frowning awful jle of rock whose summit was hundreds of feet Richer than the surrounding peaks. “Wat Butte, did_you say?” exclaimed the elderly lady, excitedly- -“ Flat Butte?” “Yes, ma’am, that’s what I said.” “Oh! Sir Fleming,” she gasped, turning to the entleman of the great girth, “is that the place? s that the spot where my dear husband met his Ceath?” , " Her voice was full of sorrow and an, cheeks had grown a shade paler, and were clasped beseechingly. * “J think not, Hetty,” replied he, ratherjnervously, as he took the glass, “If yon peak is christened Flat Butte, it is not the one from which Sir Henry flung himself, fifteen years ago, That one is, if remember aright, further south and east.” “Bee yer parding, sir, but I rec’ons how you're mistook. This butte are the only one’s you'll find pp nor’, hyar, in this purticnlar region, ’vept it be Pumpkin Butte in the Hills,” said old Dan. » No, I am not mistaken,” was the haughty reply. **Tlowever, let’s drop the subject, and turn our eyes around us, lest we be surprised.” A glance went to prove that the pursuers had come within arrow r nge; and were preparing for a final spurt. “On!” eried Coggswell, sternly, and the jaded “They must nish; her er hands not git in a wipe o’ them arrers on us, Or some 0’ us ‘Il be troubled wi’ chronick rewmatism!” | On, desperately on they dashed, hotly chased by the painted man-hunters, whose yells were now in- creased both in volume and hideousness. On, and they were nearing the mountain range which rose so frowningly out of the almost level savanna, when Coggswell suddenly shouted: “Look! there is the mouth of the canyon of which Ispeaked. If we kin git inter it, we kin fight the p’izen varmints at our leisure,” He pointed to a “black angular opening in the mighty bluffs of mountain, through which gurgled a little streamlet. : A cheer rose from the lips of Sir Harry and was answered by a perfect pandemonium of yells from the savages. They lashed their ponies furiously, and sent cloud after cloud of arrows and volley after volley of bul- lets in pursuit of their intended victims, But all to no avail. In five moments Dan Coggswell led his party be- tween the towering walls cf the canyon, and order- ing the ladies to ride on into the depths, he com- manded the men to dismount and prepare to defend themselves. On came the Sioux in a rush, with the idea that they could break into the canyon, but they were mis- taken, there. The horses had been wheeled broadside across the entrance, and as the savage enemy came pouring into view, four well-directed bullets from the little party’s tak nnate rifles. unhorsed as many reds, Again the repeaters spoke, and eight instead of four warriors went sprawling to the ground. At first the Indians were confused; and. half terrified, beat a hasty retreat, out of rifle range, to hold a short consultation. Soon they came fiercely on in another rush, only to be met with a perfect stream of fire from the wonderful repeating rifles, that swept away half a dozen braves from their ranks, Again they withdrew a short distance, and leaving a st of two-score to watch the fugitives, the main ody separated and swerved to either side of the eanyon, Their purpose at once became evident. They were going to scale the mountains and enter the gulch from the rear. CHAPTER III, TWO REMARKABLE VISITORS, “Trey are going to assail us from some other point,” said Sir Fleming, as he with the others watched the division of the savages. “Is there another end to this canyon, guide, through which we can make our escape?” ‘*Wal, now, that’s a question that only time can solve. P’raps thar’s an outlet sumwhar more or less than five thousand miles from here, an’ ag’in, p’raps thar ain't. These canyons ar’ as full 0’ crooks, curlyquews an’ curious freaks 0’ natur’ as a mule’s hind fut. If thar’s an end to this purtick’lar one, ye ean bet yer shiners that it ar’ fur from_this—cl’ar thru on t'other side o’ ther mountings. That's true gospul!”” “And do you think the red-skins who just rode away contemplate climbing the mountains and get- ting into this canyon in our rear?”’ asked Sir Harry, *T hain’t ther least doubt o° it!” “Then, in God's name, what.ought we to do—what must we do?” “That's w'at I'm cogitatin’ on, but ain’t made up my mind, yet. Give me room an’ time to think.” Then he relapsed into silence, and while the others were watching the movements of the remainder of the Indians. Dan racked his brain for some possible plan by which be could extricate the party from the ere danger. he guard left outside the entrance were now seen to dismount and picket out a NP sae while active preparations were being made for camping on the spot. This convinced the guide that the enemy were not going to relinquish their prize, while there might be a chance of capturing it. They were going to surround and take the gorge on all sides,
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6 Qld Avalanche. ‘We will camp where we are,” he said, at last, “‘an' do the best we can. "Twon't do to ventur’ in- ter ther depths o’ ther mountings too far, fer we mought like’s not git caged thar. Sir Bruce, ye'l better trot off up the canyon, an’ recall Lady M |- burn an’ Lady Maude, an’ we'll camp right hyar fer ther present.” Sir Bruce obeyed with alacrity, and in half an hour returned wiih the ladies, and a camp was pitched on the spot. This consisted of a couple of portable tents which © had been brought along for the use of the females and the gentlemen; and soon a fire was built, and Coggswell prepared some dried venison for the whole party. By this time it was sunset, and the shadows of The day pacsed without incident, and night with her somber mantle overshadowed the mo canyon, and plain. ; Sir Bruce was detailed to keep the first vigil, and Dan tie last. res Accordingly, they changed off at midnight, and the guide went on duty. There was no moon, and though a few pale stars twinkled up afar in heaven’s blue vau't, the shadow of the towering bluffs Gast over the camp a pall-of gloom. No fire was kept burning, for the guide well knew that the enemy would take advantage of the light to pick off an occasional white with their long- range rifles, They, however, kept a little blaze near by their camp, and when it would die down their pickets always took pains to = 5 eg it, so that their camp was flooded with light. ee Coggswell could not understand this at first, Re aluhough he was alive to the fact that there wasa ~~ motive init. He was not aware that full half the ~~ night settled dark and somber over the earth. Sir Harry volunteered to stand guard the fore part of the night, and Dan the latter; so the night passed away and another day dawned bright and rosy, without sight or sound of hostile movement from the enemy. After breakfast Dan put the camp in charge of Sir Harry, and shoullering his rifle and mounting his horse he set off up the canyon to make observations, as he said. The canyon soon proved itself to be similar to many others of its kind in this wild region. In places it was not over a hundred feet wide, and walled in by such mammoth towers of rock that all was dense- ly black at the bottom, which was grassy and watered by an infant stream. ; Then further on it would widen somewhat and become lighter, though the sides were still high and perpendicular. For miles it stretched away between giant peaks, whose crests were capped with snow the year around, and wound its way Tie a forsaken freak of nature through the silent northern wilder- ness of rock and wood. Far away, still in the dim distance, loomed up the Flat Butte like a frowning monster, as it reared its summit haughtily above those of its neighbors, and seemed to discountenance human approach. Coggswell had never explored the range, but he had heard much concerning it, and did not venture very far into its depths for fear he might arouse an- other gang of red-skins. So, after assuring himself that the canyon extended at least us far as the Flat Butte, he turned bis horse’s head toward camp. As he retraced the route over which he had come, he minutely scanned the walls on either side of him, to see if there was any chance for the enemy to penetrate the gorge. No; there was no opening in the great mass of rock, that would admit of passage. If they got in at all, it would be by lowering each other with las- soes from the pinnacles above, whither they would have to climb. S itisfied that such was the true state of affairs, and that days if not weeks must elapse ere such an entrance could be effected, Coggswell rode back to thecamp. Here he found matters as he had left them, and that there were no signs of immediate trouble from the twenty reds who had camped out- side the mouth of the canyon. Sir Harry Milburn was lounging on guard just out of rifle range, and Sir Fieming and Sir Bruce were in their tent cleaning their weapons. “What did you make out?” asked Sir Harry as the cui te joined him “Oh, nuthin’ much, I don’t ’spect any trouble right off, tho’ it’s well enuff to be on ther lookout fer it,” was the reply. “Any stir among the Injines?” * No, not tosperk of They seem to be lounging andlaying around, at theirown ease, as you see them.” “Humph! An’ all the w'ilo they’re plannin’ sum devilment, ye can bet yer flip. Howsumdever, we're powerless to purvent it. All we kin doar’ ter lay low, an’ wait further dewellopments.” savages were concealed beyond that fire eagerly ~ watching the enemy’s camp, with the idea that some of the whites would, out of curiosity, creep near to spy upon them, and thereby offer a target for half a score of rifles. j But in this the fierce wretches were foiled. Dan was _ too wise to ‘* nose around in their vicinity. Still he did not allow his watchfulness to decrease, but, on the contrary, kept his eyes and ears even more alert than on the foregoing night, something was soon to occur, but what it was he was unable to imagine. The hours went slowly by, and as morning’s aan approached, the night grew blacker and stiller. The guide had just returned from a trip around thecamp, and was starting off toward the Sioux camp, when a suspicious sound arrested his atten- tion. ' It came from the direction of the entra! sounded like stealthy footsteps in the grass, ‘i Cocking his repeater, Dan peered straight ahead, his eyes sharply searching every object in he At first he could make out nothing, but presently he beheld a visible moving and swaying of the * vegetation, and looking, as he was, toward bright-light of the enemy's camp-fire, he thought he could distinguish the bobbing of a head now and then abwve the surface of the grass. Who wasit? Were the savages trying to steal in, and effect a surprise? and It looked decidedly so, else why so stealthy an . ed, approach? Watching warily for a moment longer, the guide brourht his gun to his shoulder, and sung out: “Halt! Whocomes there?” In an instant all was silence. The rustling ceased, and the bobbing in the ver- dure was gone. “* Speak; who are you?” again demanded Coggs- well, advancing—‘' friend or foe?” “Tf reckin thet ar’ erbout the state o’ affairs,” re- plied a shrill, wheezy voice; and the next moment the figure of a man leaped nimbly from the depths of the grass, and came tumbling with handsprings into the guide’s presence, closely followed by a~ small, sheepish-looking animal of the genus Crpra— a real, live, and exceedingly ugly-looking goat. Dan Coggswell Jeaped back in consternation ab the Uns — ceremonious dehut of the pair: but, as the little old — man ceased his eccentric revolutions and came squarely upon his feet, rifle in hand, beside the goat, the guide sprung forward with agiad ery. ¥ “Old Avalanche, by all that’s holy!” hee } claimed, catching the new-comer’s hand and wring- ing it warmly, i He felt that. — vy “Yas, yas; yer correckt, b’yee—correckt aS er ~ J full moon in fly-time. Et ar’ Old Avalanche, th Injun Annihilator, who is a voleaner 0’ destructive ness, a hail-starm o’ demolishen, an’ er. whirlwip 0’ terrificossity—a great an’ awe-inspirin’ avalanche
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o’ annihilation w’ot continerally sweeps down thr'u’ these boreal lattytudes!” “Good! I’m as glad to see ye, old man, as a coyote is tosmell dead hoss, arter a severe winter. But, whar in ther name o’ Israel Putnam, did ye cum frum?” . “Gum from? Whar’d I gush forthfrom, d’y wan- ter kno’! Ot! nowhar in purtickylar. Ismelt the savory odor 0’ Injun down this way, so I got aboard o’ a veritagable thunderstarm o’ demolishcn, under the conductorashun o’ O’ Rory Borey Alice, an’ war waffted over inter thes deestrict fer ther _purpuss 0’ annihilatin’ a couple a-hundred Sooks. See yo've a regimint o’ ther same acting as yer body-guard, out hayr.”’ a Oh yes. The divils have got us penned up hyar, an’ thfr’s no tellin’ how we're goin’ to git out. What kind o’ a beest d’ye call this feller?” “That? Why, ereeation hain’t ye nevyer heerd tell o’ thet anymile? Thet’s my half—my best-half, and a jint o’ ther destructive Avalanche. That ’ar’s a he goat, w’at navygaits under ther appleation 0’ Florence Night-in-a-gale. I’m the he-goa’-ce, w'ot floats through the atmosphere under ther‘ oynomen o’ Old Avalanche, Injun Annihilator; an’ he’s my pard. Ye observe et allus takes fro, at ther most indeffynite calkylation, to make a bargain, an’ sum- times three, Wal, sich bein’ ther status o’ erfairs, I an’ Florence ar’ two, an’ w’en ther third feller cums in wi’ his say ‘bout things in gineral, we two consoli- * date an’ win the bargi’n by demolishen ther third party! We ar’ one an’ always wins when it comes to fight, or fodder, orfun,” “Haw! haw! haw!” laughed Dan, really happy, now that he had met one of his own type of men. * T see ye’re’s full o’ sass as ever, old man. But, tell me, how did you git in here?” " “How did I git hayar? How did the mighty avalanche o’ demolishen git here? Why, b'yee, how does this great ackcheevemunt allus work its as- toundin’ miracles? How does the whirlygig o’ de- struction allus sweep down like a grasshopper bri- ade thru these Injun latstudes an longytoads? Yow, indeed? Echo ans’ers faintly haow? Wal Tllexplain to ye. Ismelt Soo down hayrabouts, so | an’ Florence Night-in-a gale jist stepped aboard o' a thunderstarm o’ exterminashun, cornducted by the reat O’ Rory Borey Alice, an’ were socked down at fher eatrance o’ this canyon in less time 'n et takes to say Zackariah Zebulon!” By this time the shrill tones of the eccentric Ava- lanche had aroused the camp. and the whole of the arty came tumbling out of their tents, to ascertain The eause of so much commotion, Tt was still quite dark, and only the outlines of the two friends’ forms were discernible to the noble- men, “Hello, there, guide!” shouted Sir Harry as he approached, accompanied by Sir Bruce and Sir Fleming; “ what’s the go?” “Oh! nothing much,”’ was the reply. T’ve got a recruit here!” “A recruit, eh?’ and the gentlemen crowded eagerly around. ‘‘ What! a mountaineer? Jove; this 2s luck!” ; * Yes, sar,’ replied the old man, leaning on his rifle, and peering at the noblemen through the gloom, “a ginnuywine northern mountener, who floats through the atmosphere about five feet above terry firmer, under the pump-handle o’ Old Ava- lanche, the Great Injin Annihilator—a voleaneck Gaia ve o’ destruction, a hailstarm o’ demolishon, “Come up, da veritagable equinocksyell decockshun 0’ an- ilation.”’ CHAPTER IV. WILD EDNA DEMANDS TOLL, Tuts caused a general laugh, during which the cor- pulent Sir Fiemiog espied the old goat, faintly dis- cernible in the darkness. “Hello! What is this—a mountain dog?” he asked, Old Avalanche. yf advancing with all an Englishman's love for the canine creation, and attempting to pat the animal on the head. ‘Nice doggy, nice doggy! There, pup, do not be frightened, because I will not harm you”’—for Florence Night-in-a-gale had backed away, Shaking his head dubiously. Seeing that he could not effect an acquaintance with the stubborn *dog,’’ the nobleman turned to Old Avalanche. “What breed is your dog, stranger?” he asked, condescendingly. The Annihilator was about to answer when there was @ rush, a savage ‘‘ba-a-a,’’ and the neck and heels of Sir Fleming suddenly approached each other with astonishing quickness, and he went roll- ing end over end, to the further side of the camp. ir Fleming dolefully picked himself up, and glared about wildly. “What was that?” he demanded, stamping his foot with rage; “ what.was that that struck me?” The answer came quickly, for like a rocket the frolicsome goat, with a bound and a bleat, rammed his knotty head against the baronet’s imposing paunch, again rolling him over and over like a ball. “ That's "bout ther breed o’ my dorg,’’ snorted Old Avalanche, roaring with laughter, and prancing delightedly about; * that’s ther pedigree o’ Florence Night-in-a-gale. Kim hyar, Florence, ye onmannerly rapseallion. Don’ ye kno’ no better’n to buck one o* yer own color? My b’yee, ye shed allus remember thet ye ar’ only called upon tew butt /) juns—tew lend yer head-geer tew the heethan, Nevyar, nevyar let me cotch ye buckin’ one o’ yer own color erg’in, or [ll wallop yer red!” Sir Fleming arose with evident trepidation, and, clasping his hands over his abused paunch, made for his tent with groans and muttered curses, Morning dawned clear and warm, and in the first rosy light, the imprisoned party was enabled’to view for the first time a genuine northern mountain man— for such was Old Avalanche—from deerskin leggings end beaded moccasins, to his fringed skin -hunting- shirt and bearskin cap. He was of medium stature, with a muscularly developed form, and clean, wiry limbs; and looked to be a person of uncommon strength. Though well along in years, he was still supple and active as a man of forty. His skin was tanned to a dark brown, and his whole face and appearance was as grizzly as grizzly could be. His face was deeply scarred and seamed, his hair was long and tangle , and his eyes were wonderfully brilliant and piercing, considering hisage. They seemed capable of reading one’s inner- most thoughts and secrets. In some affray he had lost hoth ecrs, a disfiguration that would render him recognizable in any place or under any cireum- stances. His arms were of improved pattern and finish, the rifle being a repeater, and the revolvers in his belt of the Colt make. A bowie and hatchet also hung at his hip, and this completed the outfit of the not- able mountaineer and guide, His_ reception by the Ladies Milburn was hearty, and Sir Harry and Sir Bruce were no less demon- strative in their joy at his coming, Dan had said much of the prowess, skill and ingenuity of the Annihilator, and now that he had condescended to drop in upon them, all felt that they could Sri upon him to extricate them from their present diffi- culty and danger. I dutmo about it," was the veteran’s reply. when Sir Harry asked him if he filt himself equal to the task of guiding thom into a place of safety. ‘These purteckler lattytudes.qn’ longytoads ain't ther most delightful kentries as ye ked wish fer. ‘less ye're able ter’preeshate ther failings an’ virtues o* ther Injun creeashun. If a feller gits inter Injun embar- rassments, it’s mor’ prob’le he won't git out o’ em, wi’out losin’ bis wig, ‘less he happens to be a hail- starm o’ demolishen;: like me, fer jnstance.”* * But there certainly must Sowe way by which to escape from here. Does not this canyon have an { opening at some other point?” ;
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8 Old Avalanche. “Ye've got ther Avalanche thar, b’yee, fer sart’in, ‘ca’se I don’t eggsactly kno’. Ye see, I nevyar *splored it any fu’ther’n the Flat Butte, whose base ar’ "bout twenty miles from hayr. Thar mought be another eend to et, then ag’in thar moughtn’t. These canyons ar’ worse nor a dose o’ pills fer izzickin’ a feller’s ijees an’ calkylashuns. Sum’- imes they'll run fer miles as purty an’ natcheral- like as a voleaner o’ destruckshion: then, ergain, ye'll prone foller one for a mile or two gude ernuff, when ye'll cum slap-dab up ag’in’ a mounten o rock," “Indeed! tend?” “*More or less’n a hundred miles, It’s cl’ar twenty on ‘em to ther fut o’ ole Flat Butte, an’ thet ar’n’t a sarcumstance ter w’ot’s beyond.”’ “Humph! Weare indeed in a trap, then. Tal- most despair of ever getting back within the bounds of civilization.” * Ye mustn’t guv up so easy.” “And why hope, pray?” “Oh! fer numerous reason. I'll bet a cart-load o’ b’ar-meat that I an’ my j’int ‘ll get you out 0’ this, afore long!”’ “Your j'int?” “ Eggsactly—my j'int—my half-an’-half!” “T fail to comprehend.” “Eh? Don’t see thr’u’ et? Wal, that’s quare. Ye observe thet my goat thar, ar’ a j’int o’ the great thaunderstarm o' boreal destruction, an’ consekent- ly, he’s a j'int o’ ther famuss Avalanche, w’ich same ar’ yer ’umble sarvint. He’s my goat, is Florence Night-in-a-gale, an’ I’m his goatee. He's a j‘int, coge wheel an’ ram-rod o’ ther Annihilation; I’m the proprieter, ther orig’nator, an’ cher’hull pein smra 0’ ther ackcheevement. We two, consolidated, make up ther arful Norweegjan avalanche o’ de- struction, w’at sweeps off Injun varmin frum these lattytudes an’ longytoads; ther voleaneck errupshun How far westward does this range ex- o’ extermination; ther whirlygig o’ demolishun an’ hailstarm o’ subversion an’ annivilation!” “ Heaven!” gasped Sir Harry, “if you are all you claim to. be, I should hate to have you wage war against me!” “Correckt—correckt as full moon in fly-time. Grasshoppers an’ mounten dew! why, when both Jints o’ ther Avalanche git inter operation, an’ thar’s plenty Injuns erbout to annihilate, we're a parfect thunderbolterous decockshun o’ death an’ extinkshun. Sir, jes’s true’s ’'m a Norweegjan avalanche, I an’ my half-an’-half, Florence Night- in-a-gale, thar, kin lick more Injun-meet than any alliance this side o’ Mississip’ rivyer on a bet, an’ by ther sun. Wanter bet?” “No, Ithink not, I should first prefer to see you saga on these savages out there at the mouth of the canyon.”’ “An’ ye shell be grattyfied soon, sure’s_thar’s virtue an’ modesty in a he-mule’s hind fut, 1 think I'll take a skirmish over thar, now, I do.” And, looking to his weapons the eccentric old fel- low threw himself on the ground and wiggled off toward the entrance, closely and silently followed by his remarkable goat. The hema in the mouth of the canyon was nearly waist high, in consequence of the ground at this spot being somewhat marshy, so that the move- ments of the Avalanche were not observed by the watchful savages outside. The two were absent a greater share of the day, and those in camp were beginning to grow fearful that their stand-by had either deserted them or been captured, when he quietly reappeared among them, accompanied by Florence. A glance at his grim, anxious face told them that aiid had happened, which boded them no . “What is it, sir?” asked Lady Milburn as she ap- roached him, Jeaning on the arm of her beautiful aughter, ‘I trust we are in no immediate danger of being massacred? Coggswell said, only yester- day, that he apprehended no trouble for several days yet. ‘ ** Wal, ma’am,”’ was the Annihilator’s answer, as he seated himself on a convenient bowlder, “ that’s all to one’s way o’ thinkin’. As I’ve obsarved sev- erial times behind, it ginneraley takes two or more parsons to make a bargain. Now, then, lan’ my jin't, hyar, Florence Night-in-a-gale, hev been ecom- parin’ notes, to-day, an’ we’ve arriv’ at ther univer- sal conklusion thet we’re goin’ to expeerience thun- der’n’ hot times, pirty soon, near’s we kin jedge!”” “What's that?” asked Sir Harry, coming up. “Have you made any alarming discoveries, scout?” “ Alarmin’? Wal, that’s jes’ as ye luke at the thing. You mought call ’em alarmin’, while I call- ed ’em simply ‘hot.’ Howsumdever, I’ve satisfied my ijees, thet ef we wait ‘til ye escape thru that hoe! yander, wi’ ther assurity that ye git safe away wi’out giieh ger ha’r dressed by Injin barbers, ye'll be’s gray’s ole Job’s hen-turkey. Ther pererarey ar’ jes’ swarmin’ wi’ red-skins, an’ they're preparin’ to drive us back inter ther mountains. hayr, folkses, thar’s one thing’w’at puzzils me. ry consarned Injun out thar kerries ther calikylashun *bout him, thet when they get you-’uns they'll git swads on swads 0’ money an’ dimunds an’ jewels, an’ sich like. Thar’s white devils ’mong ’em w’at’s seen ye up at Dakota City—Idaho Bill an’ Red Bill, for instance, who ar’ two o’ the wu’st cut-throats this side ol acs a an’ they’re a-urgin’ on the red niggurs by tellin’ ’em w’at lots o’ spondulix ye’ve got. Now, is this so, or is et sum 0° them renegades” eussed lyin’?"’ Sir Harry and Lady Milburn exchanged glances; then the former replied: ! “Yes, it is partly ue. We have money and jew- els enough about our persons to come to a ion dollars if sold in fair markets.” The old man shrugged his shoulders, “Ye’re dumblasted fools fer bringin’ em out inter this kentry, then,” he growled. ‘ Thet, however, ain’t none o’ my bizness. Ye'’ve got yerselves inter a@ muss, an’ ye must prepare to bear up no matter w'ot ’tarnal diffikilties ye meet. Ef we all git out 0’ these mountens *thout we git ha’r dressed, I've lost ~ my scientiffeck rec’onin’. Nevyertheless, we hey ~ got to try. Ther great Avalanche is wi’ ye, an’ ef he ken’t ia fe out 0’ thes embarrassment, no other de- structive human ken. But ernuff 0’ jaw-waggin’; let’s adjourn ter bizness, Saddle an’ mount yer hosses, al! hands, an’ ride fer dear life up ther canyon. Do not stop ’til ter-morrer daybreak ef ye ken keep on, Thet'll fetch ye "bout ter ther fut o’ Flattened Butte. Stop hayr an’ wait ’til I j'ine ye!” ** But what do you intend to do?” “Tmust steal a hoss frum them Injuns fust. Nevyer feer fur me. I'll cum out top o’ the pile.” ‘Shall we take the tents along?”’ asked Sir Harry, ‘No. Leave ‘em whar they ar’. They may keep ther reds from ’speckin’ ye’ve sloped an‘ keep ’em from attaekin’ right off.” So the tents were left standing, the horses care- fulisaddled, packed and mounted, and then, when all was in readiness, the cavaleade dashed off up the gorge, under the guidance of Coggswell, leaving O14 Avalanche and Florence sole tenants of the deserted camp. : For hours they rode rapidly on. The- bottom of ~ the canyon was comparatively level, consequently no serious impediment was offered to their progress, ~~ Night fell dark and dense over the grand old mountains, for the skyJwas overcast with menaci : Sete
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~~. —<—z * who was riding by his side. Old Avalanche, “9 ——. = Aas toward the far-listant peak—“ that’s ther Flat Butte, up yander, an’ ther only pile o’ mounting o’ that name in all Dakota: in fact, thar ain't ernuther flat butte short o’ ther Black Hills on ther Rockies.” “Oh, Sir Fleming!” exclaimed the lady; “then ‘ou must be mistaken. This must be the mountain am in search of. Oh! sir, do not tell meI am wrong. I must, 1 will know thetruth, and havea search made for my poor, lost Henry’s bones. Ay. I will, sir, if we have to search the country over!” “Nonsense, Hetty; you are getting crazy over this subject. I have told you once that this is notthe Fiat Butte I mean. Is not that enough?” “Wo! itis not enough!’’ cried Sir Harry, sternly. “T now fully believe this to be the peak.” “Take care, young man, how you speak to me, your better. You forge*.”’ “No, I forget nothing; nordol fear you, If my mother wishes search made, it shall be made! Let that be understood,”’ “Tt shall not, without my consent, mands this party, pray?” ** 7 do—my share of it!” was the retort of the de- ’ Who com- ’ cided young nobleman. “And what do you claim as your part?’ sneered Sir Fleming. “My mother and sister, sir, and our guide, I trust, Sir Tyrant. As to Sir Bruce Lesquirk, I do not know whether I can count on him as ally or not.” Sir Bruce smiled a purely French smile, and nodded his head negatively. “Sir Harry forgets that I owe my support and title to Sir Fleming,” he said, in a soft, oily voice, “I should therefore consider h/s wishes above all others.” “Very well,” bowed the haughty young peer, coolly; Wag as you like, Your room is of more account than your society.” Sir Fleming laughed, evilly. **T think by the rights of a husband and guardian, I also have the ladies under my control!” he chuckled, Sir Harry bit his lip savagely, but did not an- ser. Coggswell, however, spoke for him: *Enough o’ this wranglin’, now,” he growled, “fer thar’s other*biz on hand. We're goin’ to have visitors.” He pointed on up the canyon to where a large party of horsemen had come in sight through the gloom, and were galloping down toward them, They were all attired in the garb of mountain-men, were armed with polished rifles, revolvers and knives, and wore crape vails as masks over the upper por- tion of their faces. But, most strange of all, they were headed by a awoman—a young and beautiful creature, with skin of creamy whiteness, pure and classic features, eyes like stars in their brightness, and hair of nut-brown color, which hung to her waist in a mass of wild confusion, Her form was the perfection of a sylph, and was clad in a rich Spanish-Mexican riding-habit, while a belt around her taper waist was bristling with weapons of the best pattern and finish, as was the rifle that was slung across her saddle-bows. She was mounted upon a superior black charger, adorned with gay and elegant trappings, and sat her saddle with the ease and grace of a finished eques- trienne. As they noted all these facts, both Dan Coggswell and Sir Henry uttered exclamations, of wonder and admiration. ‘* Beautiful!” said the latter to his pretty sister, “She is just my ideal of what woman can be,” “You think her pretty?” ® “Ay!—What grace! what strength, what com- mand! She is magnificent! know her?” 4 *Reckon so; at least I’ve heerd tell on her, but didn’t @xpect to meet her hyar, no more’n I would "ve Job’s hen-rooster.”’ “But, who is it?—who are they?” Hey, guide, do you ». “Ther femayel is Wild Edna, the Girl Bandit, an’ them others ar’ her backers—a;s wild an’ fearless a set o’ devils as ever chawed le’d!” “What! a girl-bandit? that beauteous girl a ban- dit? Impossible, sir!’’ “No, et ain’t nuthin’ o’ the kind, Jes’ wait a bit an’ ye’ll see fer yerself.”’ At the guide’s command all the men cocked and raised their rifles, and as the new-comers came within speaking distance, old Dan sung out: ‘* Halt or we fire!" Wild Edna addressed her followers then, and they drew up in form across the canyon, while she, affix- ing a white ‘kerchief to the end of her rifle, rode fearlessly forward. * What do you want?” demanded Sir Fleming, as she rode within a few rods and drew rein. “ What and who are you?” A smile irradiated the maiden's face as she eyed every one among the party, and then replied: “Your ponderous lordship, | have the honor of introducing myself as Wild Edna, the Girl Bandit. Those I left behind me are my men.” “Indeed! A most remarkable voeation for a young lady of your personal beauty, I should say. was not aware that America was infested with bandittil’’ “Then you were not well informed, sir. May I make bold to inquire what brought you into Devil's Canyon?” “We were driven hither by the Indians,” replied Sir Harry, eying the vision of beauty before him with undisguised admiration. ‘By the Indians, eh? Well, that is no un- common occurrence, for we often see parties of hunters, trappers and explorers caged in this same trap. suppose it is your desire to pass on through the canyon and get out of these mountains, is it not?’ “Most assuredly, if there is possibility of such an escape.” “You are then, doubtless, prepared to pay the toll without delay, so that you can earlier take your departure?” “The toll ?” “The toll. Every person who passes the Flat Butte by the gateway of the Devil's Canyon is re- quired to pay a toll, the same being any amount may see fit to exact. On consideration of its payment in gold or greenbacks, my followers see that you are guarded safely on through the mount- ains and started en route for the nearest post of civilization.” “By the gods!” growled Sir Fleming, in a rage, “you have the most sublime cheek it has ever been my lot to behold. Why, child, do you imagine we will tolerate any such interruption as you probably will seek to place in our path? I'll shoot you for your impudence.” “No, you will do nothing so rash,” was Wild Edna’s cool answer, “One finger laid upon me in anger, or a hand upraised against me. would seal your fate, My men are all sworn to obey and pro- tect me, and avenge me should I fall. God pity the man who incurs their enmity! His death would be terrible.” Sir Fleming cowered under the fire that shono from her wondrous eyes, “What toll do you require,” asked Sir Harry, | “before you pass us on?” ‘Well, that depends, Let me see—there are six of you, and I see that all of you save the guide eport diamonds—a fact that tells me your wealth is great, Of what nationality are you?” ‘All, except two, are English. Sir Bruce here, is a French Canadian, and the guide a Yank}’’ ‘ Very well. The toll, then, shall be si thousand dollars—onejthousand a head!" CHAPTER V. OLD AVALANCHE ON THE RAMPAGT. Arter the cavalcade was out of sight up the ravine or canyon, Old Avalanche began to fix
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10 around in camp, insuch a manner as would lead the Savages to suppose allthe party were still there. He found several blankets inthe tents, and wrap- ping these about suitable broken limbs that were strewn about, he manufactured some quite eredil- able dummies, which were put in position near the mouth of the gorge. After arranging everything uite to his satisfaction, he stationed the goat near the entrance to watch, while he threw himself upon the ground and was soon off in a sound and refresh- ing slumber, from which he did not waken until the shadows of night had enveloped the earth, ; Then, after calling in Florence by a shrill whistle, he ate a few bits of dried bear-meat, after which he was ready for the war-path. Out on the prairie he could see the glow of many camp-fires, and from these he guessed that the reds were not to attack the camp that night, or, if at all, not until a late hour. The reflection of the fires against the clouded sky enabled the shrewd old seout to ascertain their num- ber, for each fire cast a distinct glow from the others, where they were not too contiguous, which was not the case, now. There were eleven reflections, and from their scat- tered positions, the Annihilator concluded that the enemy were spread out over a considerable portion of the neighboring savanna, : After carefully examining his weapons, and bid- ding Florence to lie down and watch the camp, he slung his rifle behind his back, threw himself on all- fours, and crept out of the mouth of the canyon, Once outside, he came to a momentary halt, and cautiously gazed about, All around him lay spread out a panorama of wildness, life and grandeur. Down across the almost limitless plain, were the lights of twinkling camp-fires, which there lifup the starless night like open day; the moving of hun- dreds of dusky figures, the neighing of horses and the guttural shouts of men, told that there was the Indian camp. Here were countless dozens cooking their evening meals; there were other groups engaged at their long council-pipes. Here were braves rubbing down their horses by the light of the: flaming torch, and there a small army of dogs, yelping and snarling over a cast-off bone. Everywhere were more or less bustle and ¢ ‘ivity, and, viewed in the bright light of great, roaring camp-fires, it was a scene of exciting interest and novelty, After several moments’ scrutiny, Old Avalanche became satisfied on two points, One was that there was a large increase in numbers since his previous visit, and the other was that there were not less than a dozen sentinels concealed in the grass, very close to where he was crouching. Hehad seen more than one suspicious swaying of the verdure around and in front of him, which, as there was not the faintest breeze stirring could only be accounted for by the presence of a skulking red-skin. To get beyond their lines without attracting atten- tion he well knew was impossible; but beyond he was determined to go, if he had to wade through a whole regiment of them. So, tightening his belt, and drawing his keen- edzed bowie, he crawled carefully on, making scarcely ey sound or stir among the high grass. His course lay along the base of the mountain, for he knew that if he could escape the sentinel in this direction, he would be enabled to approach the corral of the Indians’ horses with more sure- ty of not stumbling against a cordop of ene- mies. On he crawled, with Jess noise than a creeping ser- nt, every nerve strung anl ready for: work, and is eyes and ears on the alert for hostile sight or sound. Presently he suddenly paused. Right in front of him he heard a rustle, which be- tokened the presence of a savage. Had the red-skin discovered him? For fully half a minute the scout paused in doubt; but, as all was again silence, he Old Avalancho. 4 tbrust the blade of his knife between his teeth, and began to wriggle slowly backward. This retreat, however, was of but short duration, for he soon came to another halt. There were enemies coming up in his rear ! These were not creeping up, though; but adyane- ing in an upright position, and were four in num- ber. Their course lay straight toward where the scout was concealed, and in a few moments they would be upon him, * One on ’em’s Idaho Bill,” he muttered, as the loud, brawling voice of one of the new-comers floated out on the air. ‘‘ Darn his black hide, ef won't do fer him ter git his peepers on ther Averlanche—ther boreal breeze o’ destructiveness, or thar’ll be mir- acles to pay. I opine et would be healthy to slope.” In retreating from where he supposed the sentinel to be lying, it had been the scout’s Pe to gather himself up and, by a succersion of handsprings, Jand plumb on top of his enemy; but a glance, now, warned him that this would be impossible on account of the approach of Idaho Bill and his companions; so he once more crawled ahead toward the concealed red-skin. He experienced no difficulty in obtainin, his former position, where he paused and gras his knife in a firm hand, Then he listened, There was nonoise ahead. The next instant, the Annihilator gathered himself up and made a fierce lunge ahead through the grass, to where he believed the savage was lying. But, great was his mistake. No savage was there, and his long knife was. plunged to the hilt in the earth. Ere he could with- draw it, he heard a chuckling grunt, and wheeled about just in time to avoid the blow from a hurtling tomahawk, hurled from the hands of a giant savage, not six yards away. In another instant the two had sprung to each other’s embrace, and were locked in a desperate wart hug. Over and over they rolled through the rustling? grass, writhing, twisting and squirming, but emitting: no sound save what was caused by their movements, each determined to crush the other in his territle hug. The Annihilator was knifeless, but still had his re- volvers, but clasped in that terrible hug he could nob draw either weapon, The red-skin still possessed hig, knife, but was likewise powerless to use it. So the struggle depended alone upon craft and strength. Of the latter the savage had the advantage, al- though Old Avalanche was possessed of even more than an average share, and a few moments convince ed the scout that he had met more than his equal. The red-skin was gradually warming up to his work, and bent all his energies toward retaining his »osition on the Nipper side. And, though the scout ought desperately against this, he was doomed to defeat, for, ere he was scarce aware of the fact, the savage had wrenched himself from his hold, turned him under, and pinioned him securely to the ground as in the grip of+a vise. He then eyed his prize witha demoniac grin on his bedaubed features, as if undecided what to do~ whether to bind him with cords and bear him into camp, or to brain him on the spot. So astonished was Old Avalanche that fora few moments he was rendered speechless. Never before had he been so. easily conquered by one of the hated red-skin race, The grinning captorseemed to divine his thoughts for he said: “Ugh! white dog much heap big brave; kill many Sioux. Running Ant ‘lope too much stout for *im dough. Hetake great brave to Rain-in-the-Face, an? dey burn him at stake!” “Ye will, hey? Ye'll take ther enormous Nore weegjan avalanche ter yer camp, will ye, an’ roast him in‘ ther Soo fryin’ skil'et, will ye? Yell trot ther boreal thunderstarm o’ demolishen "bout jest as ye pleaze, will ye?" “Ugh! yes, Rain-in-the-Face be hean «lad to, sea the No-Ear brave,” : : ;
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Old Avalanche. 11 “He will, hey? He'll slop right over wi’ joy w’en he sees ther volcanic snow-slide o’ annihilation, will he? Wal, i ‘s’ telegraf tew him not tew slobber, jes’ yit! Tell him ter adjern his feelin’s o*funnynis ‘til e's got yar ‘umble sarvent fu'st.” *Ugh! grinned the Gemon, ‘let the No-[ar listen. The white chief is coming, and he will help Antelope bind bis prisoner.” Old Avalanche’s heart now sunk within him, for he heard the tramp of many feet and the loud mur- mur of approaching voices that told him Idaho Bill and his companions were coming up. Once nore he struggled fiercely to free himself, but all in vain, oetga Antelope had him where he could hold him firmly. *Ueh!” he chuckled—‘‘can’t no git away.” he epoke not the truth, then. Scareely had the words left his lips when there But * came upon his hearing the shrill bleat of a goat, and the next instant the form of Florence Nightingale shot meteor-like through the air. and the Antelope be¢ame the recipient of a tremendous bunt in the baek that shut him up like a jack-knife, and wholly broke his hold upon the scout, Old Avalanche leaped to his feet with alacrity and darted away into the darkness, for the redskin’s howls instantly brought a swarm of his comrades to the spot; and it was not safe to linger thereabouts longer. Florence meekly followed, and in a few moments the two were out of the reach of immedi- ate danger, Here the old man halted and took in his bearings, after which he started offin the direction of the corral, which lay seme two miles distant to the northeast, Tn order to reach it he was obliged to make a cir- cuit of the entire camp, that was now awakened and on the alert; for, by the magic system of Indian telegraphy, the news had been transmitted to every camp-fire of the scout’s escape. But to a man as thoroughly experiencel as the Annihilator, this was merely play, and in the course of half an hour he and his faithful ** jint’’ were close in the vicinity of the corral. This was about fifty rods from any _¢amp-fire, and the snimais were guarded by four mounted braves, each well armed, The red-skin nearest to where Old Avalanche and Florence were crouching, was a stalwart young warrior, and was mounted upon a clean-limbed, fiery Texan horse of a jetty black color. Bpth horse and rider were motionless, for the latter’s attention was now directed toward the ¢amp, which was all excitement on account of the scout’s probable presence in the vicinity. As he gazed at the handsome warrior and the magnificent hcrse, a desperate resolve entered the Annihilator’s mind, He would obtain possession of that animal, of something more than a common ‘scrimmage’ would prove a failure, With it, and he on its back, it would be no trick at all to dash back into the Devil’s Canyon, from whence he would follow and join the advanelng party, Bidding Florence to lie down, the scout crawled stealthily forward through the grass, and after some time reached a position directly behind the nard’s steed, and so close that he could touch its Fannches with his hand. Then he rose softly to his eet. The brave was still uumindful of the pre- sence of an encmy. His attention was cast upon the movements of those in camp. For several moments Old Avalanche softly stroked the hairy haunches cf the horse to quiet him, for, on the scout’s rising he had appeared restive. Then placing his two hands firmly on the animal’s hips, he made anagile spring and landed squarely upon his back behind the sentinel, around whom he flung his arms in a steel-like embrace, The horse reared, and snorted with terror, and then dashed away wildly, bearing straight down into the swarming camp, CHAPTER VI. A SPECTER ON THE SUMMIT. ALL, even Coggswell the guide, put up their hands in astonishment at the amount demanded by the Girl Bandit. They had imagined her toll would no; exceed a few do'lars, consequently the sum named seemed almost an incredible fee, “Zounds!” cried Sir Fleming; ‘do you imagine we are made of wig Your impudence is astout- ding! Had I asuitable whip I would ehastise you.” A merry peal of laughter from \. ild Ecna showed how this little speech affected her, Evidently sLe was as fearless as she was beautiful “Who are you, lady?” asked Sir Harry, respect- fully.. ‘We seldom see females of your surpassing loveliness the master of such a dangerous and ro- mantic situation.” “True, Sir Inquisitiveness; but who I am, ard what are my antecedents, concerns you not, tha! I see. My business here, is to collect the tell for passing through this canyon, and not to divulge my secrets and history to utter strangers.” Her voice was now cold and haughty, Sir Harry flushed 4 trifle, and bit his lip to keep back a hot reply. Her retort had dampened his ardor more than is would have-dared to own. Sharp-eyed littie Lady Maude had noticed the effect, Rawevay: and rave him a sisterly little nudge, “Paint heart never won fair lady, you know,” she whispered, and then burst into a gay, ringing lonch that caused more rushes cf erlor to go darting across her brother’s handsome face. “Dahl” he growled, withafrown, Then, turning half-sevagely upon the Girl Bandit, he continued: “Well, what are you waiting for?” * * was the cool, uncon- “Dor six thousand dollars,’ fused answer, “Indecdi You ean go, then, for you will get no such a sum out of me!” “You forget, my lord, I only ack one sixth of the toll from you—the remainder from your com- panions.”” “Dut dhey will not sive it, no more will T. can £0." “May I presume to inquire, then, what you viT do? You can go no further in this direction without pay- ing the toll.” ** You Zorget we are armed, and capable of firht- ing. our way through!” ventured Sir Bruce, sneer- ingly. “Searcely, through such odds as my bend. T command full sixty brave men. What cou you hope to do against them?” “Not much, it ‘s true. Nevertheless, J, for one, will not submit to being swindled thus out of a thou- sand dollars. I refuse to pay you a single dollar!” “ Likewise, I!” growled Sir Fleming. “And I!” from Sir Harry. “And I!” grinned old Dan, ‘This chicken's bin bankrupt these five years.” “Very well. If this is your final decision, gentle- men, I suppose it includes your ladies as well as yourselves.” * Tt does,” “Then I will bid you adieu. Make no attempt to go further up the canyon, or.you will be riddled with bullets,” These are stern Jaws, but they are such as bind the banditti of Devil's Canyon together, You have refused to pay the toll. To-morrow, next day, and the next I will visit you and request ifs payment, If you refuse each time, you will not be dunned again!” “Indeed. Then, I suppose you will adopt harsher measures ?”” “Yes. The laws of the bretherhood will then grant you ten days to escape from the canyon, by the route you came, if you can fight through a legion of red-skins. On the morn of the eleventh day the flood-gates of Lake Tico, a st eet of water in the peaks of this range and connecting with Devil’s Canyon, will be removed and its water will sweep all that blocks its path, in this place, away |” So you
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12 “By Heaven!” gasped Sir Harry, “I believe you are an incarnate flendess!” “Nay, my young sir, you are wrong. Ihave no more power to avert this catastrophe than I have to move these mountains, It is trueIam the captair of yon band of men, but when parties refuse to pay the toll, my power ceases, and another than I, sees | that the terrible la of the order are enforced. I am bound and a he pless captive while the work of destruction goes on!’ : “ Horrible!’ cried both Lady Milburn and her daughter in a breath. * Outrageous!” growled Sir Fleming. “True; but I must not tarry. You still refuse to pay the toll?’ ‘ “ You will not lower the figure?"' . “T will not—cannot—dare not!” “That is all, then. We refuse.’ Without a word the beautiful commander turned her horse’s head, touched him with her jeweled whip, and galloped, back to the band, A ‘ter a short consultation they goon all dashed away up the can- yon and quickly disappeared among its numerous curves. After they were out of sight Sir Harry turned to Coggswell. * Well, itis done with now, I suppose. What are your views on the subject, old man?” Dan shook his head dubiously. *“Ye'’ve got me,” he replied, slowly. ‘1 don’t know no more what ter do nor does a new born babe!” “Then there is no way we can get out of here ex- cept by retreating or going ahead, eh?” “None’s I knowson. I opine we'd better camp down hyar, ’cordin’ ter Avalanche’s orders, an’ wait fer him tew come up.” “Yes, I believe you are right. We are securely penned up, for sure, and may as well make the best of our situation, With red devils at our back and white flendsin our front, we cannot hope to escape, that I see!” = Dan nodded, and then dismounted, while the others followed his example. The canyon was car- peted with an abundance of grass at this point, and after the animals were picketed out to graze, the uids set about arranzing the camp. As but one our’s sunlight penetrated the bottom, it was quite chilly even in midday, so a roaring fire was kindled out of cones and brushwood, Out of a few remaining blankets a tent was impro- vised forthe use of the ladies, and soon all were quits comfortable in their novel retreat, The day passed slowly aw vy. While the others were lounging about camp, Dan shouldered his rifle and scoured the sides of the canyon in hopes of findiug some break that would permit them to escape from the impeding danger; ut vain the search; the giant walls towered frown- ingly aloft, unbroken, and uninviting. No break in their face would admit of the passage of a human being. During his tramp, however, the sharp-eyed guide had succeeded in bringing down a young bear, from the pinnacles above, and this he bore gladly back to camp as a handsome trophy. Choice steaks from young bruin were roasted over the fire, and made a very palatable dish to the hun- gry fugitives. : Their camp was directly at the base and in the shadow of the giant Flat Butte. Any person stand- ing on its summit could drop a pebble into camp, and kil a man as easily as to flingastone. So ar- ued Sir Fleming, and he r-quested that the camp @ removed further up the gorge. The guide went off to see how near were Wild Edna’s guards, and soon returned with the news that a single guard was posted a mile further up the canyon, * But Ill wager thar’s slathers more on ‘em cluss by,” he said by way of conclusion, he camp was accordingly transferred several Old Avalanche. hundred yards to the western side of the mountain, and out of sucb danger as Sir Fleming had appre- hended. At last night fell over the peaks, and preparations were made to * furn in.’’ All were more or less anxious about the non-ap- pearance of Old Avalanche, except Sir Fleming andy ~ Sir Bruce. : They were apparently unconcerned, or at least, they did not seem to care whether he returned or not. “Ttis possible he may have been captured by the Indians,” suggested Lady Maude, as they all stoot grouped around the erackling camp fire, “Y-a-s, et’s possible, an’ that’s erbout all. I teil yeit takes a red-skin wi’ a cast-iron he'd ter take ther Annibilator, all alone, I've knowed oy his es- capin’from ther red warmints w’en they hed him all ready to roast—I hev, by gum, He’s jes’ as ship. pery as an eel, an’ hes got as many lives as er spot- ted tom-cat,” 7 ‘And as much tongue as a bayou alligator,” pub in Sir Bruce spitefully. “Wal, to be sure, he ar’ troubled wi’ too much speech, but et ar’ natteral f>r him,” “‘ How did he lose his ears?” asked Sir Harry. “Oh! thet ar’a mattero’ yeers ago, W’en ther old man war a boy, hes hull family war tuk by an Injun raidin’ expedition, an’ all killed but two— Avalanche an’ his twin brother. Ther lat‘er war sold to a Missoury rancher fer a song, wile the former war held for torture. W’en the day o’ tor- ture arriv’, the lad’s ears war shaved off by tha chief’s son, Crazy Horse, an’ another young rave named Idaho Bill. As Avalanché didn’t squeal nor squarm in the operation, they, out o’ Injun respegk, permitted him to go free. Since then he’s made things ais hot fur the darned Soos, ye can bet,” * And his brother—what of him?” “Dunno, Old Avalanche hain’t never heerd from him sence thet time, ’cept that he learned from the rancher thet he'd started out in the world on his: own hook. He mought be dead, or he moughtn't, — jess as it happens.” ; After a few more words, the ladies retired to their tent, the noblemen threw themselves down near the fire to sleep, and Dan went on guard. He made a tour up and down the canyon, bub failed to discover any signs of prowlers. Doubtless the Indians had not yet pesekiahet the gorge, and as for the bandits, they probably meditated no mis- ~ chief; go all was safe for the present, og teturning to camp the faithful fellow seated him- self near the fire to ponder over the strange position © into which he had been thrown. ° But bis eyes grew heavy, and despite his efforts to — keep awake he soon fell fast asleep, press The hours rolled by. ma The camp-fire burned low _and the canyon w, filed with dense shadows. In her tent, Mile burn was restless anl wakefnl. Her thoughts wera” of such a nature that she could not repose, Lady ~ Mande Jay beside her, sleeping sweetly, but my) lay could not enjoy the same peaceful blessing, “T have a foreboding of coming danger,” she — murmured, as she at last arose to a balf-sitting position, and peered around her. “I wonder ~ what it means? Can the Indians be creeping upon ~ us! : Throurh an aperture in the blankets, a faint ~ limmer of light from the expiring fire shone into the tent, 7 Instinctively my lady drew her jeweled watch from its place in her belt. The hour was midnight; the camp and the awful mountain solitude were hushed in slum er. 2 Casting a shaw! about her shoulders, and rising to her feet, she stepped from the tent and stood inthe open air. era Allofthe men lay prone upon the grass, sound — asleep, sive old Dan; for, though he was Ios consciousness, he retained an upright, sittin, Pai ee
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1 on a > | ot a |e =. 4 ¥ m, > oe a; rae: te Wy 4 bd , “ef they take ther Norweegjan avalanche wi'ovt his icnowin? et, et will be cur’us.” He set his teeth together with. a click, and replec- ing the knife in his belt, d} cw and cocked his two handsome revolvers, one of which he held ready in each band, for instant use. Nearer.and nearer trotted the savages. They well knew the desperate charucter with whom they had todeal. They all, had either met or heard of him and his prowess, and they knew he never pulled a trigger on the same man, tvice/ Then, average American savage is crafty. cunning and stealthy. When he caa strike a blow with any surety of success, and when there is a show for his own escape, he will do it. Sometimes, superior numbers will urge him to greater risks, but put him etre a Jrare man, ‘and the red-skin is wary asa Ox. The Sioux came to a halt jnst out oy rifle range, and appeared to hesitate. “ The figure of the splendid horse and its watchful rider, as they remained outlined agatust the flrelit sky, looked a formidable obj ct to attack. In the chambers of those two revolvers, which he took pains to display, were fourteen lives—fourteen deaths! There could be no doubt of that. He never missed his mark, In the midst of this hesitation, two figures were trying to urge on the painted hell-hounds, One was a brawny Indian chief, who wore his hair down over his shoulder—an evil, brutal-looking fellow, with eyes as red as fire, and lips thick and flabby like a negro’s. You ask who is this? No one who has seen the notorious chief, Crazy Horse, once would need to ask. Once seen he is not easily to be forgotten. The other man {fs a half-breed as- sociate whose name is Idaho Bill—or William Cum- mings. This well-suited pair are urging on the savages, by curses and threats. Old Avalanrhe’s eyes lit up as he recornized Idaho Bill. Crazy Horse was not so easily placed by him, for he could only eatch an occasional glimpse of his features, But he knew Idaho Bill in an instant, and his fingers worked nervously about the pistol-triggers, Oh! if he would only come within range! Finally, the two chiefs succeeded in animating their warriors. They came stealthily on, watching the scout in balf-terror and rage. He-seemed so cool, that they could but admire, hate, and fear him all at the same time. It was understood throughout the horde, that Old At first he was unable to comprehend their mo- | Avalanche was to be taken alive, The scout, hime al co, the. ‘.
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14 Old Avalanche, self, easily guessed this, else he would have been shot down before. But if they counted on an easy victory, they were greatly mistaken. No sooner was the flash of a pistol to be seen than the Annihilator commenced aidestructive fire to the right, left and in front, and for every shot he aimed, an Indian fell, It required but the space of a few seconds to empty the chambers of both revolvers, and then a deafening howl of spa went up from the red- | skins, for they realized that the scout had nothing now left for use but his knife and rifle. On they leaped toward their prize, making the night rig wth their horrible yells. * Take him alive |” shouted a voice from the back- ground. ‘Take him alive!” A grim, defiant smile flitted across the features of the Annihilator, as he heard these words No sooner had he emptied the chambers of his revol- vers, than, by a deft movement, he emracted them, awl replaced them by duplicate cham‘ers, Alled uith -artridqes ! Consequently he was again ready for business. Crack! crack! went the weapons, now aimed to- vard the weakest spot in the enemy’s ranks, and every shot told with deadly effect. One after an other dropped in his track, and the scout wheeled his steed and bore fiercely down against the place where mo-t had fallen, firing as he went. Inyoluntarily the astounded red-skins shrunk to one side, making an opening to the pr. es beyond This was what the scout had anticipated, and he urged his horse on, Suddenly one brave bolder than the rest, and a perfect giant in size, sprung forward and seized the flying scout by the leg. to which he firmlv clung, and attempted to unseat him At first Old Ava- lanche nearly lost his equilibrium, but he managed to keep in the saddle and finish discharging his pis- tols. Then he quickly thrust them into his belt, and drew his knife. The red Hercules tugging at his leg seemed de- termined not to let go, his grip was like a vise. The flying horse had now borne them out of the mitst of the savages into the savanna beyond the firos Grasping the saddle-bow with one hand for sup- port, the scout made a parry at the red-skin’s wrists, and though he cut them to the bone, the desperate brave still clung on, and, by a mighty jerk, sueceeded in hurling his victim off onto the ground, - Ere Old Avalanche could clear himself, the horse tad dashed away. * Cuss ye!” he gritted, pinioning the savage to the round, “Vl ’arn ye w’ot et ar’ to blockade er Nor- wegjan avalanche, ye copper-bued hippopotamus, Take thet!” He buried his knife in the naked bosom, and the next instant had leaped to his feet and was away through the darkness. The whole horde were now swarming after him in mad pursuit. He must have a horse, or vain would be the attempt to escape. The enemy could chase him down ere he could run half a mile. So he shaped his course toward the corral, whither the horses wer? guarded, The savages anticipated him, and before he was searcely aware of it, he beheld a dozen sweeping down upon him. Had they discovered him? He did not wait to see, but threw himself in the tall grass and crept with - great alacrity out of their path, With beating heart he awaited the result, Would they pass by? No! they had seen him, and were once more shaping their course toward where he was crouch- %ex He could hear their excited shouts, and knew } ee the rest of the savages were all fleeing toward © corral to mount, Concealment was now of no further use, so he sprung to his feet and leaped determinedly on, As he ran he loaded both of his revolvers with fresh cartridges, and retained them in either hand for ready use. On—on he leaped, silently and deapeenae: his Sore touching the ground, so light was he of step. He could hear a confused Babel of hoarse yells now, off toward the camp, which apprised him o the fact, that the larger share of the gang were mounted, and ready for the chase. The first dozen had now gained a distance of within twelve rods, On—on; then suddenly he stumbled over some ob- ject which was lying in the grass, and fell prostrate. ut he was on foot again, in a twinkling, and dash- ay ede away. ext, he heard a noise directly at his heels, as if somebody was dogging him. With a ‘growl of des- peration, he drew back the hammer of one of the revolvers, and wheeled abont. As he did so there came to his hearing a familiar “‘ ba-a-a,”’ and Florence Nightingale came bounding joy fay up. “ Hello, ole boy,” saluted the scout, with an ap- reciative grin. ‘So ye’re a-kickin’, hey? Wal, im erlong. Things ar’ kinder brisk, jes’ now, so we'll nessessarily hev ter git /” Once more he turned and darted on, the affection- ate and knowing goat bringing up the rear. On came the savages yelling with triumph. On, for five moments more; then the dauntless Annihilator stopped, stock-still. He saw now, the cause of their yells of triumph. There were mount- ed Indians in front, behind and on either side of him; he wa: perfectly suri ounded! CHAPTER VITI. WILD EDNA’S VISIT--JOSIAH HOGG, ESQ, Lapy Mtnsurn’s scream brought the camp to theit feet in a jitt . Dan Coggswell was the first to spring to her side, to be immediately followed by Sir Harry, Bruce and Fleming. : The insensible woman was borne to the lieht of the camp-fire, and the old guide procured a hatful of water and dashed it into her face. “} wonder w’at ked'’ve skeer'd her?’ said he. as he peered about while he added fuel to the fire, “My nostrils don’ scent Injuns, or I shed say she seen one!” “There may be prowlers around,” replied Sir Harry, uneasily. “‘ Perhaps it would be well for you to scout about the neighborhood, and learn for cer- tain. Dan accordingly seized his rifle and set out into the gloom, while the others set about restoring Lady Milburn to consciousness. In the midst of the efforts Lady Maude came flying out of ber tent. “Mamma, mamma; where is she?” she cried, in anguish. ‘*She is gone /” Then as her gaze fell upon the prostrate and ap- parently lifeless furm, she burst into a flood of tears, “* Be quiet,” said Sir Harry, soothingly. “ Mother has only fainted. Something has frightened her!” After several applications of water, her ladyship gave signs of returning consciousness, and then with a sudden spasm and gasp, she gave vent to @ stifled cry, and sat bolt upright. Her face was very pale and her eyes wild and burning with an unnatural fire. The moment she was fully awakened to the knowledge of her situa tion, she shuddered violently, and to the crest of the mighty Flat Butte turned her horrified gaze, Great Heaven! it was gone ! No longer was the spectral firure standing at thé edge of the pears: all traces of the blood-red bonfire had disappeared, and the summit was en= veloped inits mantle of impenetrable gloom. ““Oh! Henry, Henry!’’ she cried in piteous accents, “why did you come back to haunt me—to drive m@ almost with despair?”
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a — ' “My dear,” said Sir Fleming, advancing, “ what fave you affright? What caused you to faint?” She shuddered, as he laid his hand upon her shoul- der. ad Fwhat did.t see?’ she ae turning on him almost savagely—‘twhat did T see, tocause me to kwoon away? Iwill tell you. On the crest of yon mountain-top, wrapped in a halo of glory, I saw the spirit of your victim—of my poor, long-lost husband fir Henry. 1 begin to understand you more than i did at first—to comprehend your baseness and trea- ehery, You told me this was not the mountain-top from Which Sir-Henry fell, You lied! His accusing spirit came back to give proof of your lie!” Sir Fleming turned red and white by turns. but fi- nelly managed to emit a harsh, sarcastic laugh. “You are demented, Hetty,” he replied, with a du- Dious shake of his head, “I was a fool for ever per- titting you to come out on this wild-goose chase. Bach day is increasing your mania, and by the time we gct back to England, if we ever do, you will have to go into a private asylum |”’ Again she turned toward him, her dark eyes blaz- Fa. ing with indignation. * And you will place me there ?” * 7 will place you there!” oa “You will not!” eried Sir na pushing the bar- onet back, and standing between him and Lady Mil- re? burn. “You forget that I am here to defend her!” , * “No, yeung man, I forget nothing. But. mind you, T, J am master of that woman, so step aside, or it will be the worse for you.” But Sir Harry folded his hands proudly across his breast, and glared at the other fearlessly. *Come on!" he said, coolly. “I am ready to pro- * tect the mothe» that gave me birth, against you or ay &score more of your stamp, You are atyrant, a coward, and a designing knave, and I defy you!”’ At first Sir Fleming seemed imbued with the conr: geand towering strength of a giant; but, un- der the unflinching gaze of Sir Harry, he gradually cowed, and wat threatened at one moment to be a battle, was ncthing but a war of eyes. ‘You shall pay dearly for all these insults, m ve young hotspu *!’” he hissed as he turned on his heel, and began pacing to and fro in front of the fire. -“Tfear you not, Sir Fleming,” was the cool re- - a ee a er as lytet Peal i joinder; then Sir Harry returned to his mother. » * Now, motler, tell me the cause of your faint.’’ a “T can tell y ou nothing, Harry, except what I told * him. A shcr time agoI left my tent, for I could not sleep, and came out here into the open air. You were all asleep, even the guide, and so I did not dis- turb you till I fainted. While I stood here by the fire, my gaze involuntari'y wandered tothe top of yonder peak. Then, oh! such a sight I beheld! The whole summit was aglow with the glare of a blood- red bonfire, which’burned on the top. At the edge, stood it, Harry—the spirit of my poor husband and your and Mandie’s father. He was wrapped in a _ white, ghostly robe, and his long white beard near- ’ ly sweptthe ground. In his hand _he held a baton, ~* and while he kept time with it, he chanted a terrible “song. Suddenly he seemed to see me, for he point- ed one finger down at me, asifinanger. A deathly faintness came over me, and I swooned away. As - you see, the terrible apparition has vanished.” rN om But, mother, you have imagined all this. You ) st have been walking in your sleep and dreamed this absurdity.” It is not absurd, my son; nothing but the truth. - Twas as wide awake as you are now, and beheld the Specter as clearly as I now behold you.” _ This seems incredible,” said Sir Harry, shaking his head doubtfully. ‘‘There is no sucha thing as _ hosts and specters, you know—a fact which plainly es to show that you were deceived. Mother, dear, 0 you know I have sometimes been forced to doubt eur entire sanity, when you persist in venturing this wild and howling wilderness, merely for i into _ the sake of gathering the bones of my poor lost - father?” <n Old Avalanche. 15 Lady Milburn et at her noble-looking and man- ly son, sorrowfully. “Oh! Harry. are you, too, losing faith in me—you too turning from me in this hour of need?” she groaned, piteous tears standing in her eyap. “No, dearest, sweetest mother, no!” he cried, clasping her impulsively to his breast. ‘I will not desert or disbelieve in you. I will do allason can do, to aid in the last sad rites due my poor lost father, If it be within the power of man, I will re- cover the bones that have been bleaching in Death Gulch these twenty years, and inter them in the ancient vaults of Lynnwood.” “Do this, my own true son,’ sobbed her ladyshi “and I will bless you—God will bless you. I sha then be ready to die.” : The remainder of the night passed away rapidly; Sir Fleming and his confidant, Sir Bruce, were talk: ing, apart, to themselves, as also were Lady Mil- burn and her two cLildren,. About day-dawn, old Dan returned and reported that there were no signs of Indian intruders to be discovered yet, The canyon was clear as far as he had been able to penetrate. When Sir Harry related to him the story told by Lady Milburn, he nodded his old shaggy head com- pee ay, and went on about preparing the reakfast. making no comment on it. After breakfast he took an ax and bade Sir Harry follow him, He led the way down the canyon for about a mile, after which he came to a halt, and pointed upward into the precipitous wall of rock, on the northern side of the gorge. Far up, there was just discernible a round black hole in the rock, scarcely large enough to admit of the passage of a man’s body. “Ye perceive et, eh?” grinned the guide. “Yes,” replied Sir Harry. ‘But what of it? ’Tis twenty feet high.” z sf Heactiyy an’ thar’s a big fat b’ar in thet same el,’ ** How know you that?” “T see’d him, las’ nite. He war standin’ at ther entrance, up thar, an’ grinnin’ down at me as if he’d like ter ann’int his jaws on me, ‘So,’ sez I, ‘my fine feller, 'm goin’ ter ’n’int mine on ye,’ an’ hyar Iam reddy fer ther job.” ‘How, in the name of wonder, could a bear get so high up as that, with this smooth face of rock to climb?’ “Dunno. Think ‘ere gulch, "long washed up thar.” “But how could he live and be fat without food?” “Mought’ve hed cubs, ye obsarve, barrin’ et ain’t a he b’ar, an’ sich bein’ the case she’s chawed 'em 52? “Bat her own young?” “Why, yas. Thet’s nothin’ new. Now, ye git yer *peater reddy, an’ when I git ther ax ter choppin’ *g’in’ ther rock, Mr. B’ar will show his head, u yander, You-must then pies erway at him, full ilt. Ef ye don’t tumble him over most like’s not he'll bounce down at_ye., When he do, ye turn tail, an’ light fer camp, an’ I'll knock ther star spanyiel banners out o’ him wi’ my little hatchet,” “Very well. Go ahead.” Advancing to the rock, the guide gave three or four resounding whacks upon it with the ax; then scampered back from beneath the hole, The next instant there wasa savage growl, and Bruin came lumbering to the mouth of his retreat, to ascortain the cause of the disturbance, Sir Harry fired simultaneously with his appear- er and sent a well-directed bullet square into the eft eye. “Good!” cried Dan, as the monster came tumb- ling down to the ground quite dead. “'Thet was a fine shot. The bear proved to be a male, and as soon as he could be conveyed back tocamp, Dan analyzed his stomach, and found sufficient evidence to satisfy. robably thar’s bin a flood in thes ack, an’ ther pesky critter got
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16 him that the mountain cave was furnished with both water, grass.and bushes, bearing green food. About noon, Wild Edna was seen coming down the canyon at a leisurely gallop, and drew up at the a around which all of the occupants were sitting, As they gazed at the fresh young beauty—so per- fect in face and form, and so easy of carriage and speech, not one could deny that she was the most magnificent type of woman they had ever seen. She was attired in a superb silk riding-habit, re- lieved here and there, by lace and sparkling diamonds, and confessedly, she looked more like a countess or a queen than did either of the ladies Milburn, for all they bad been born, bred and cul- tured in royal society. Her smile was like a burst of sunshine, her bow of recognition a mole! of sauciness, and her general manner, vivacious and pleasing—fascinating ““Good-morning,” she said, as she surveyed the teat critically, while her fair hand toyed with her orse’s mane. “I hope this sunrise’ finds you all well and enjoying yourselves.” ‘All wel’, replied Sir Harry, smiling rather grimly. ** but hardly in a mood for en joyment, Our situation is not conducive to pleasure,” **Probably not. That, however, is not my fault, You should pay your toll and leave for parts more agreeable."' “We should not submit to such an imposition— more, »4l/ not!’ “Oh! of course you have a perfect right to con: | sult your own notion about that. If you value the superfluous stock of money you have, and the dia- monds you wear, more than you do your life, so be it. I would not sell, my life, 1’m sure, for all the wealth on the continent!” “Yet A are periling it for money “No, Tam not. Iam just as free from danger of death as can be imagined.” “How so?” ‘*Because no one will dare to insure their own death, by taking my life!" “So? Well, for instance, suppose that I were to shoot you, now, or otherwise make way with you, what would be the result?’ “Tf I did not return to my home inside of an hour, my men are given to understand that harm has befallen me. They would mount, sweep down upon you. and hack you to pieces—tear you limb from mb. They would not even stop to question you as to what had become of me, so great would be their fu rage ” “They must be a pack of demons, then!” * [hope they will never have caus? to attack you and thereby prove themselves such.” ‘ “Probably they never will have."’ After a little further talk, Wild Edna said: “ You then still refuse to pay the toll?” *Yes—a thousand times, yes. Understand me, lady. that it is not the greed for gold that causes this refusal, but a sense of honor and proper regard for what is due to law and principle. As gentlemen we must refuse!” "Very well. Permit me to say, however, that no matter how keen your sense of honor and justice may be, now,I am confident that the ‘eleventh aed * will bring you around to admit our demands ully. “Entertain no hopes in that direction, You will be doomed to disappointment, [ fear.” “rf I am doomed to disappointment, sir,” said Wild Edna, as she gathered up her bridle-reins, “you will be doomed to death |” Then she wheeled her horse, and galloped off up the ravine. Sir Harry’s eyes followed her with such a yearn- ing gaze that vivacious little Lady Maude whispered to y Milburn: “Do look at him, mamma! I really believe that Harry is infatuated with that singular woman,” : “fg this so, my son?” asked, y Milburn, turn- Old Avalanche. — ing an anxious end inquiring glance upon him. “Ts it possible you can entertain the slightest degree of admiration for that shameless creature?” “Quite possible, madam,” he replied, a trifle Bit- terly. while a faint flush of anger stole over bis face, He failed to admire or appreciate the appellation | her Jadyship vestowed upon the Girl Bandit. “Then I beg you smother any such feeling at once. It is both absurd and mortifying. lam sur prised at such an exhibition of your taste. Tam sure none of your ancestors ever deigned to look so low as to bestow admiration upon a confessed out- law and outeast."’ “Not? Well, Ido not care a whit whether they did or no. Lam my own judge in such matters, you must know, mother, and shall permit no abuse of this maiden, in my presence, To.me she is some- thing strangely sweet and pure.” And having thus delivered himself, Sir Harry rose and sauntered away. “There is where the young serpent stung its giver,’ sneered Sir Fleming; but his words were wasted on Lady Milburn, who was plunged into a deep reverie. The afternoon dragged slowly on, and all except Sir Harry drowsed away, before the camp-fire. There was nothing they could do to better their situation, so they concluded it policy to take things as easy as circumstances would permit. In all probability. Old Avalanche had deserted them, and hey had nothing to hope for from any quarter. About an hour before sunset, all were aroused by the sound of a voice, singing a jangling snatch of outlandish song, and the tramp of horses’ feet; then, gazing up the canyou toward the banditti’s retreat, it at once was perceivable that they were about to have a visitor—and such a visitor! A scrawny, vicious-looking mule was ge ap- proaching camp, on whose bony back sat a long, lank and lean individual, whose general appearanee might have provoked a smile among the most sober crowd of spectators. He was undeniably a mixture of the old school of Yankees and Kentuckians, with a sprinkling of both Texas‘and Missouri in his make-up. ‘His exeeedin, length and lankiness, to which was added a face o1 grim, humorous and angular contour, adorned by tallow-hued Burnsides, and tanned and _ freckled shockingly. His hair was not unlike the Burnsides in color, and, since some ancient date, had apparent- ly not made the acquaintance of a comb. is eyes were decidedly ** auburn,” and his nose as decidedly Roman. His attire consisted. of a variety of gar- ments, ranging all the way from -the soiled checker- ed pantaloons and heavy brogans to the untanned wolf-skin shirt and squirrel-skin cap. A flaming yellow neck-tie encircled his throat, and a gay redss white-and-blue sash about his waist contained an enormous pair of horse-pistols and a bowie of for®s midable dimensions, These, with a huge musket strapved to his back, were his only weapons. He had eines not seen the camp yet, for ag” iy logged along he was gazing at the mammoth) he en on either side of him, while he sung, in a loud, =~ cracked yoice; ' i ‘Said I ter Sally Hotchkiss, Said Sally unter me— Said Sally’s dad an’ Sally’s mam, Said all ther tribe ter me— ‘ Bill, ye ar’ a great un; Ter fame’s pinnerkle ye'll rise}] Ye’ll be er whoppin’ poet, An’ great at gospel truth.’ “Whoa up, Prudence, thar; w’ot’s ahead?” The latter exclamation, as the eccentric traveler caught sight of the camp. : “Great cow-bells o’ Milton an’ Longfeller. Ef thar ain’t a camp rite yar, ye kin shave me wi’ yer too-nalis Ha-a-a-y, thayr, strangers, hello! Howdy. o!
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= SE “= iting afc Tesh: - whar. ae wi, 7 Ape Party hevy, at yer sarvice. How’s yersel’, Chris- - tian?’ réplied old Dan. * Waal, I'm on ernaverage. Jedge ye hain’t got | ‘nO “jection ef a feller war ter squat down among ye, hey, ‘lg + *Nary a jection. Cum along up an’ let's inspeck | ” “ye: *Oh! gallant nite o’ chivalry I'll hasten ter aT Embrace this oppertunitchy,” stm@ the stranger, and giving the mule a dig in tlie iips, he continued: * On, Prudence, on! Charge, Cordelia, charge!” **As Shakespeer sed to ther preecher as they | ‘proached ther beer saloon:— “Our toilsome jernney ar’ ended!” Tn a moment more the camp was reached, and raising a long leg over the mule’s back the stranger 1 upon the ground, When standing he was about six feet six, and as comical a looking human, as the spectators had ever been so unlucky as to meet. “By thunder, ye’re a sight, you are!” said Dan, as he finished his inspection, ‘* Who in Cain are ye, ole hoss?”’ "That, my Christian friend, I am fortunately able te tell ye, 1 flourish under ther holt o’ Josiah William Hogg, E-s-q., at yer sarvice—Hogg spelt wi’ tew G’s ef ye'd jes’ ’s l’eve.” * An’ why wi’ two G's?” *Becawse et hes bin’ ther priveledges 0’ my an- cestors ter call themselves Hogg, fer w'ich I ain't ter blame. Fustly they spelt it H-o-g, Hog. But, ex, ef a feller’s goin’ ter be a hog at tall he may’s yell go et.“‘hull hog or none,” I konkluded tew t t feo G's!” * Ye’re travelin’ or goin’ sumwhar., I take it,” “Yas, I guess so. My proffessyun leeds me every- Sir, I am a poe-—a descendant from ther an’ immortail Shakespeer—a secont cuzzin 0’ eller an’ au an’t ter Byron 0’ Linn; Lam Josiah atyer sarvice;—Hogg wi’ two ‘ae La ee Hogg, esquire, i! ey 4 CHAPTER IX. THE POET 0’ THE NOR'WEST—GONE! A GENERAL laugh followed, and Josiah Hogg was forthwith made welcome to the camp. “Much ’quainted ’bout these diggin’s?” asked old Dan, as he helped the visitor to a huge silice of bear-meat. “Waal, y-a-s;—bout on an average. Ye recom- member this ‘ere division o’ ther erquaitor ar’ re- _nowned fur ets poetry o’ zrace an’ motion, so I’ve tuk more’n ordinary pains ter cultyvate a thorough . know! eo’ et. Every darn thing ye see or meet vi’. out hayr is chock-full 0’ poetry. Now, fur in- stance, hayr’s these big heep o’ rock, vulgarly calied mounting. Thar’s sumthin’ sublime an’ cow- inspiring erbout thet upheevyalo’ granite am lavy. “As Milton sed tew old Jonas Snatcher, w’en they war killin’ i 2 tint H-o-g-g-s—but H-o-g-s; as Milton war sayin’: “Friend, thee, o’ Jonas Snatcher Wilt thou becum a watcher? Jist behold thet grand fine/le Ther poetry in thet porker’s tail.” _ “Whar kin ye beet thet, now? Jist obsarve ther path-hoss inihetrine, Lellussed Milton war three sides o’ a slab-fence on composin’ poetry, but w'en he scribbled them lincs, I war reddy ter sw’ar fer ¥ Vhat is thar this sid o’ ther River Jordan more- ic than the vibrating an’ graceful motion 0’ a er’s tail? Echo ans’ers what?” You are a brainless iciot!” grunted Sir Fleming” st, while the others were laughing, heartily. Old Avalanche, Bl | 'taters an’ bakec eee: bo, ar oi a? “You have no more poetry about you than a crow!’ “A Crow Injun? Waal. thet’s jes’ as one figgerr it. Darn my socks, ef I ain’t smarter nor a Crew thief, ye can baptize me in a Hog-trough;—not a H-o-g-g, Hog-trough, tho’, I am ine boss por? o* ther Nor’ west—ther great sublime romancer o* ther Powder river range. Wawkeen Miller *hain’t a darned sarcumstance ter me, I’m a descendant o' old Jim Shakespeer,a secont cuzzin o' Longteller, an’ a maiden a’nt o’ Byron O’Lynn, say nuthin *bout my inter-relashun ter Mcar. Burns en’ Jim Fisk—all on ’em shinin’ lights o° ther purfession, I’m sum ther poe‘ical mycel’, ef I do say et. Thar war ther time that Sally Marier Billson * shuke * me, becawsI wouldn’t treet her ter Jemmonade, at the picknick down in Bill Tubb: chard, fer instance, Oh, creation! warn’tI Wilin’ mnicd then! “T jistguv my overalls a hitch, an’ lit out ferhum, two-forty on ther hum stretch. ‘** Rewenge!’ cried I, an’ grabbin’ up a pen writ ter ther editer o’ ther Duck Holler xem.ner, an’ told him o’ Sally’s perf#dy, an’ arter scribblin’ sum oetry, I set down an’ wept tears o’ shagrin an’ de- eet ** Waal, in ther next number o’ ther Hraminer, et cum out—right plum on ther fust page. Oh! boiled beans! warn’t I nearly run over wi’ joy! I'll jes’ guv ye a few lines “Thou art so false, an’ yet 80 fickle, Yer enough site sourer’n enny pickle; No teers adown my cheek do trickle, Because ye ain't wu'th a counterfut nickle.” “Very suggestive poetry, that,” said Sir Bruce; * but as you have favored us with quite enough for the present, suppose you tell us how you got past the banditti.”” “The bandi/ter ?” “Exactly; the outlaws that infest this canyon.’ *“*Snect ye’re crazy, ain't ye?" “Certainly not! Why do you ask?” “Sure ye ain't 9 pee ‘behind yer compass—thet ye ain’t ont 0’ yer he’d?” “Positively sure Rot through the canyon, CG) thieves,” ‘No, ye didn’t, nuther.” “Tsay I did!” “Tsay ye didn’t!” * What did I say, then?” * Waal, fustly ye axed ter tell ye how I got thru ther banditter, an’ then, ther outlaws.” “Well?” “Waal, ye didn’t say nuthin’ "bout mountain theeves, did ye?” “T meant it, all the same.” “Ye did? Waal, thet ar’ a differ’nt side o° a hen- koop. Ye shed allus stick ter ther truth. As Danycl Webster sed to the settin’ goose: “ *¥e shed nevyer disgrest While confined ter yer nest.’ That's the case wi’ you. Ye shed nevyer disgress nor diversify. * Diversification is the Cuss 0’ creashun!” “But you haven’t answered my question yet. How did you get through the lines of the outlaws?” “ Purty good b’ar-meet, this,” replied the Nor’west Poet evasively, taking a huge mouthful of the ccti- cious food. e “See here}’? now yelled Sir Bruce, as, thoroughly exasperated, he clu‘ched his visitor savagely by the shoulder; ‘‘I want no more of this trifling. Tellme nickly how you passed through the lines of Wild Edna'sbanditti.” Josiah scratched his shaggy head for a. moment, thoughtfully. “Ye're sure ye. ain't rone cl'ar crazy, eh?” he I asked you how you without encountering ventu: making another unblushivg dive at the Ne Son ~ ns ‘
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is Sir Bruce grew fairly livid, and those around the fire burst into another fit of immoderate laugh- fer, “Curse you!” he howled, imprisoning Josiah’s long, crane-like neck in his two hands; “*do you yyant me to choke the life out of you? If not, answer me at once.” “Ye wanter kno’ ef I kim thr’u’ ther canyon an’ see’d a banditter?”’ “Yes; goon!” “Waal, I didn’t see a livin’ banditter—shave me wi’ a barn-shovel ef I did!” * Impossible! You could not have comé through he canyon without having been stopped by them.” “1 didn’t cum thr’u’,” “Didn't come through? How then?” “T slid over!” < “How do you make that out?’ “Why, Lan’ Pradence Cordelia thar rid down on a streak o’ greased lightnin’,” Sir Bruce turned away in disgust. He had ex- hausted his patience and failed with a man, who, it was plain to see, was “ nobody’s fool.” It began to be pretty evident that the visitor was not so “ereen” as he appeared, Accordingly, no more efforts were made to pry into his secrets, all trusting that he would explain whenever he felt in the right mood. The night came on and during the evening Josiah kept the camp in a continual titter with his horrible efforts at poetry, he quoting bad Shakespeare and Longfellow by the yard. When time arrived to turn in, Dan was posted on guard, and the rest lay down about the agen op went to sleep, with the exception of the ladies, who retired to their tent. The night passed without incident, and morning dawned once more, . Josiah was up with the camp, and appeared per- fectly at home. F Breakfast had been done away with and all were lounging around on the grass, when a horseman was seen coming down the canyon from the direction of the bandits’ retreat. A single glance sufficed to show that it was not Wild Edna, but instead, a hand- some young fellow of two-and-twenty, who resem- bled her somewhat. He was lithe and graceful of form, with a purely Spanish sone air of the raven’s hue, and drooping mustache of the same shade. His attire was semi-Mexican, and fitted him neatly, his head being crowned by a jaunty som- brero, while a sash at his waist contained a small arsenal of polished weapons, ; As he rode up he doffed his hat politely. “You come in the place of Wild Edna, if I mis- ae not,’’ said Sir Harry, returning the salutation, coldly, “Tdo, senor. The Girl Bandit being a trifle indis- posed this morning, she commissioned me to wait aren you in her absence, to learn if you have changed your decision in regard to the toll.” “Then you can return to your Girl mistress, and tell her that we shall never come to her terms!” “ As you like, senor. To-morrow you will receive the last visit from us, and if you lose /hat chance of acceding to our terms, your fate will be sealed. On the eleventh day, then, after to-morrow—which will be the thirty-first of this month—the flood-gates of Lake Tice will be raisei, and a deluge of water will sweep through Devil Canyon. If you are in it. your fate you can well imagine. We shall not hold ourselves responsible for your death, having given you these chances for life and liberty, and ten days to effect your escape in.” E * But will, young fellow,” put in Josiah, im- pressively. “As Jim Shakesneer sed to Sam Skin- ner, w’en Sam got boozy on hard cider, an’ blamed ther cider-maker fer it—as Shakespeer sed: __ “*Doan’t use the name o’ God in vain In tippsiness or pain. Fer yer own misdeeds yer ter blame— God "ll hold ye responsible all ther same,’ Old Avalanche. : <. a a ESR aS SS SE 8 a i rE a “ Now thar’s dubble distilled essencé o’ truth’an’ religyum in them varses, thar is. “Many’s ther time I’ve heard Shakespeer say logical things, but he never put ther reel truth an’ path-hoss inter figgers like he did in them lines. Another o*his antidotes 0’ wisdom war this: “* Allus hold yerself responsible fer all y an’ then ef ye’re counted out at ther gre. ci ye won't be much disapp’inted |!’ ” “You are truly a great m-ralizer,” said ts ban dit, with a shrug, “but we feel justified in demand. ing toll, and enforcing its payment, Consequently we cannot keep as close within the law as would perhaps be consistent with regard to our welfare ia the great Hereafter.” “ Your name—what is it?” said Sir Fleming, who had ordered Dan and Sir Bruce to cover the outlaw with their rifles, ‘* Nevada Sam, at your service.” “Very well, Nevada Sam; please Consider yourself my prisoner. Dismount,and deliver up your arms.” Nevada Sam smiled, but did not offer to obey, **You area fool,” he said coolly. ‘ Did not my sis ter tell you what would befall you should you offer to molest her, on her former visit?” ; “Your sister?” “My sister, or Wild Edna, as you know her.” ‘Yes, I believe she threatened us with some non- sense about what might happen,” ‘* Very well. [reply likewise. Offer me the least hindrance and you will hasten your own death!” “What! do you dare tothreaten me? Have a care sirknave! She was @ woman but you are vot, and i do not fear to shoot you, Dismount!”’ *T will dismount, if you so order,” replied Nevada Sam, grimly; “but, recollect that if Ivo, your death is a certainty within an hour.” Sir Fleming quailed a trifle, and hesitated. “You are at perfect liberty to go and come as you please!” cried Sir Harry, at this juncture. “ hat man does not command, here; consequently he Has no authority, where I hold sway.” “Thanks,” smiled the bandit. ‘You are wise, I see. No food could possibly come of holding me a prisoner.” Then, nodding to the men and raising his hat courteously to the ladies—particularly to Lady Maude, he wheeled his horse and dashed-away. “Now, sir,” cried Sir Fleming, quite infuriated, as he confronted Sir Harry, ‘* what have you to say for your insulting conduct, just now?’ Sir Harry laughed—laughed in his cool, tantalizing way. “Because I thought your wings needed crop again,’ he replied. ‘‘ You were potting on too fast, and quite ignoring the fact that I was master.” * But you are not master!” shrieked Sir Fleming, white with passion, while bis tremendous corporosity seemed to swell to twice its customary size, with in- dignation, ‘You are not, 1 say, and to teach you that I will endure your insolence no longer, I'll teach you who #s, after this fashion |" And raising a stout, gold-headed cane, which} since their camping in the canyon, had been his constant companion, he struck Sir Harry a heavy blow upon the head, felling him to the ground, in- sensible, Ladies Milburn instantly began to seream in alarm, and while Sir Fleming and Sir Bruce assumed a defensive position, old Dan Coggswell and Josiah Hogg sprung forward in an offensive attitude. 35 oy “Ye durned skunk!” yelled the guide, “ ain't ye. ashamed o’ this? I’ve half a noshun tew knock a star-spangled banyer out o’ ye.” “Bully fer you, pard!”” chimed Josiah, flourishing his long arms rapidly. ‘Let's giv’ ‘em a tannin’, the ornery heethun. As Jim Shak “A knockin’ sort o’ skrimmage At punchin’ uther’s image, Ar’ only justy-fiable— Et makes the body pliable, try: 3 . —e espeer uster say: \ at $ oe ae Se
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~ ae “Ane us I feel kinder stiff, now, I propose we mnt our jints by walloppin’ them ondecent ickers;” _ No? no!” eried Sir Harry, crawling to his feet, at this juneture—“‘letthem alone. I'll settle both of em, & fore Iam many suns older.” ‘ And with a flashing eye, the young nobleman 7 ma off to the little stream to wash the blood n pie 6c bruised cranium; for the cane had cut open >. mS pirik the remainder of the day, Sir Fleming and ally kept aloof from the rest, and whiled away t Night Ih conversation and smoking. Ni fell dark and threatening. Masses of black Clouds filid the heavens, and the atmosphere was decidedly yainy. Afver the hpi s meal had been prepared and dispatehed, Josiah Hogg volunteered to stand guard, on so leaving him to his lonely vigil, the rest “ turn- ed in,’) to gleep. Abowt en hour before midnight the storm burst , down in all its fury, and so great was its volume that a) the bottem of the canyon was quite submerged, thereby precluding the possibility of repose, There- fore, the ladies were bundled in the blankets, and all stood and took the pelting storm with good, bad or indiffereot grace, asthe case might be. - Wor an hour the war of the re waged fu- fiously, and a perfect torrent of muddy-water came dashing down the gorge. Tut at last the rain ceased, as quickly as it had come, and the bottom became less submerged by de- _ grees, until the site of the old camp was Once more ~ above water. he But se intense was the gloom that one could not - #ee a finger before an eye, and it was only by a sense _ + of groping, and the interchange of words, that the _ part, could be collected. And, as there was no dry bod to be had, it looked very probable that there ponte be no fire, or light on the subject till day- reak. : “ Are all here?" called Sir Harry, with a shiver, as _ he endeavored to peer around. * [guess so,” replied the familiar tones of Coggs- well—‘I am, at least, Mought call ther roll, ter mke sure.” 7 “Good. TI will do so. “ “you here?’ * Ay! ey!" replied the two noblemen, » “And Ladies Milburn?” “Tam here,” replied Lady Milburn; *“ but I do not Bee Maude.” ~ “Lady Maudeand Josiah Hogg!” called Sir Harry. -_ Yhere wasnoreply. Again the call was repeated, . no answer. 4 hurried and close search was then made, but Tout result, One thing was only too plain—Lady Matale Gnd the poet were gone! he CHAPTER X, A DARING AcT—“ AN EAR FOR AN EAR.” » Weleft Old Avalanche out in the open savanna, “Aiter bis just having discovered the fact that he was completly surrounded by the howling Sioux. Had they seen him? -*¥es, very Pesan or else why were they closing in around him? Faintly through the pall of inky dariness he could distinguish the shadowy outlines ot pappropching horsemen, and by them, and the mufiied sounds of their hoofs, he knew they were all 1@ toward one center, and that center was just p he was now standing. Humph!” he grunted, for a moment unresolved © act, “I rec’on ther grate Norweegjan ava- tbe er’ in 'n orful tat Ye kin skin me wi’ lepick, ef I kno’ w’ot’s t ter do.” jomnething certainly must be done. The savages approaching nearer and nearer, and in a mo- would be upon him. wait their coming and give himself up wouid the initial step toward a horrible death, 4 Sir Fleming and Bruce, are ee . . : Old Avalanche. 19 “Tl spill a trifle more o’ Injun blood, fu’st, enny- how,” was the fina®conclusion, and griping his knie he threw himself flat upon the ground. Florence did likewise, and the two lay assilentand motionless as death. On came the savages and Ola Avalanche could feel the ground jar as the cavaleade dashed — Nearer and nearer they drew, and for fear of being trampled upon, the goat crawled closer to his master’s side. At last there was a shout, and the Indians drew rein in asmalicircle. Avalanche and Florence were lying insive of that ctrele! Fortunately the grass was so tall that they were screened from view. “The white dog has escaped!’ bung out the gruff voice of Idaho ‘Bill. “The Sioux are on a wrong scent,” “The pale chief errs,” replied Rain-in-the-Face, who commanded a portion of the party. “Pale squaw come dis way. “Ugh!” cried Scarlet Blade, a young chief, who had but recently won bis spurs of chieftaincy. “Me see um here—stand erect—lock at Sioux—den he erie “But he not here!” grunted Crazy Horse, let Blade young brave. Horse.” “Scarlet Blade look!” cried the eager chief. and springing from his saddle he commenced beatin about in the grass, wigging about on his hands an< knees. “If white dog here, Scarlet Blade find um,” On around the circle he crawled, and on account of the darkness, the mounted savages were unable to keep track of his whereabouts, except when they would catch a sound to guide them. Presently it was inferred by the deep silence that Scarlet Blade had halted in his search, “Hey! shouted Idaho Bill, with an oath, “ w'ar ye goin’, yered imp? w’at ar’ ye at so long?” “What difference it make to you?” leered Crazy Horse. ‘Let Injun alone.” : “Ugh!” cried the rough voice of Scarlet Blade, from the center of the circle, “ Injun keep much “Scar- He no wise like Crazy still. Scarlet Blade found trail, Injun sit still on com. Scarlet Blade trail white dog under hosses belly!’ : A moment later Crazy Horse was conscious that somebody or something was near him, and he made a vain attempt to peer down into the grass. “Who dar?” he demanded, suspiciously, ‘ Dat you, Scarlet Blade?” “Um! was the brief reply. and the rustling in the ae proclaimed that the chief was creeping away. ‘ull ten moments passed; then a figure leaped from the grass, and onto the back of the riderless horse of Scarlet Blade. ‘* White dog no dar,” said the disappointed voice of the chief. ‘He gone, an’ Scarlet Blade git up!” - A derisive yell went up from the Indians in gen- eral, “ Scarlet Blade is a dog!’ cried Crazy Horse, with contempt. Then turning in his saddle, he shouted, in Sioux: & epithe he away! all of you, except a hundred, who will go to the canyon mouth, where the others are! Wait for us! Scatter!” The order was insta a! obeyed. Allof the swarm- ing gang, except Crazy Horse, immediately spread out over the prairie. and began to scour about for the escaped Annihilator. The chief then set out for the entrance to Devil’s Canyon, followed by his detachment of braves. Under the command of Idaho Bill, the savanna was thoroughly searched for a distance of four or five miles, in either direction; but not a trace of the pink tena and more hatea Avalanche was to be ound, He had undoubtedly made good his escape into the mountains. At last the blare of a trumpet caused the savages to relinquish the search, and turn back toward camp, Idabo Bill was among the last to do this,
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20 Old Avalanche. end as he turned his animal’s head he saw the horse | this told the scout that the Indians, or at least a of Searlet Blade passing to his right. ‘ a gee there!” he shouted, “is that you, Injun mp?” PO gh! dis Scarlet Blade,” was the reply, and the horse came forward. ‘‘ You Idaho Bill?’ “Yas, et’s me. Cum along,‘f you’re a-goin’ inter camp.” The outlaw gave his horse the spur, and was about dashing away, when a lasso, one end of which was secured to Scarlet Blade’s saddle, fell gracefully @round him and drew taut, thereby pinioning his arms to his side. The next instant he was jerked from his saddle, and.%o sooner did he reach the ground than the Sam of Old Avalanche, the Annihilalor, was upon m. Scariet Blade had perishedin that circle search, and the alert scout had donned his head-dress, transferred some of the Sioux’s paint to his own face, and took possession of the horse. a It was a daring act, but his desperate position had inspired him with the determination to accomplish it, and he had succeeded admirably. Thither and hither over the savanna he had dashed among the other savages, hunting for him- é-lf, as it were, and, whenever he could obtain a suitable chance, driving his knife into the heart of ared companion. And only by chance was ft that he had fallen in with Idaho Bill. Old Avalanche was upon him! To choke off the outlaw’s yells was but the work of a moment, and in short order he lay upon the green carpet of the savanna, a helpless prisoner, bound hand and foot, and gagged. “Thar!” grunted the Annihilator. as he finished his work, and hoisted the outlaw up onto the sad- dle, after which he himself mounted; ‘thar’ TI ob- sarve et allus takes tew an’ sometimes three, tew make a barg’in. Hey,/Iderho Billiam, ain’t them yeridees? Don’t ’preeshate uber virtuss 0’ ther grate, roarin’ Norwecgian Avaianche? Wal, I ken’t help thet, my bulrush 0’ Moses. I'm’s powerless to re- leev’ ye o’ yer afflixyuns, as a catar’ tew let goonter arat, arter she’s fixed her fangs inter his rib-steak. Axident threw ye inter ther. way 0’ my lassy, an’ now nuthin’s moar established thun thet ye've got ter ackumpenny a veritageble whirlygig o’ rantank- erousness tew hes stopping-place—thet ve've got ter amcehate wi’ a giunywine Norweegjan snowe slide.”’ A groan from Idaho Bill was the only answer, He had sufficient cause to dread the Avalanche—to fear his vengeance. Old Avalanche headed toward the northwest, and struck off intoa gallop, carrying his prisoner with him, For hours he rodeon, and at the blush of dawn, drew rein close in under cover of the tower- ing mountains. at a spot where shade, water and grass were plenty. The outlaw was placed upon the ground, and tethering his horse out to graze, he set about finding food for himself and prisoner. He soon succeeded in catching a few fat frogs from a stagnant buffalo wallow, and building a fire of buffalo-** chips,”’ he roasted the luscious hind legs, thereby procuring a very palatable meal. As soon as all wasin readiness, the Annihilator removed the gag from the outlaw’s mouth, and ten- dered him a portion of the food, which was readily acceptei and. devoured before the scout had scarcely begun on his. The breakfast was dis- patched in silence, and when he had finished, Old Avalanche climbed up into a neighboring crag to take observations, As nearas he could judge, he was something more than ten miles distant from the Sioux camp, and by the clear light of the morn- ing that had now fully dawned, he could see that the camp was astir. = Smoke from many camp-fires rose in spiral col- * umns toward the smiling blue skies, and a general activity and bustle were noticeable. A score or more of horses were being led from the corral, and portion of them, were going on the trail. Chat trail was his own, and ashe had taken no ains to hide it, he was aware how easy it would be or them to hunt him down, “Yas, thet ar’ w'at they're a-going tew do, or tew try to do,” he muttered. ** Part on ’em’s took persession o* ther gorge- mouth, an’ t’other part ar’ seeriously reflecktin’ on takin’ persession o’ ther grate Avalanche. They've ot it indentyured inter the’r noddles, thet they’d ike ter interview a verifageable eppy dane 0” ex- tarminashen; butscem’s thar mought bea terrufeck exploshen 0’ confined terrificossity, ef they war tew encounter me, sayin’ nuthin’ erbout an arful Joss o” Injun population, I deem it ther natcheral conse- quence o’ fulehardiness to tarry here; so Dll per- ceed to abscorchulate.”’ The scout turned and clambered down toward his own camp : As he dil so his ears were greeted with hoarse and frightened yells, evidently coming from Idaho Bill, This quickened his movements, and in a few mo- ments, he had gained the level ground, close to the camp. Here his eyes fell upon a scene both unex- pected and ludicrous. During the Annihilator’s absence the prisoner ~ g evidently had been trying to climb to the back of the horse and make his escape, but had been sur- prised by an unexpected enemy. This was no other than the scout’s wonderful **j‘int,”’ Florence Nicht- ingale, who hed opportunely arrived, and attacked the outlaw. At the time of the Annihilator’s entree upon the scene. the goat had succeeded in downing his victim, and was bunting him without mercy, rolling him over and over at every lunge, while Idaho Bill's shrieks of ae and rage made the welkin ring. Old Avalanche gave a yell of ecstasy and sat down to watchthe sport. Idaho Bill now saw him, and a torrent of blasphemous curses and oaths, broke from his lips. Stili Old Avalanche sat upon the ground, watch- ing. and with a grim smile upon his furrowed coun- tenance. This was sweet revenge for him—ven- geance for previous injuries At last, however, he perceived that the outlaw was nearly insensible, and with a whistle be called the vicious bi!ly from his work of torture. “ Thet’ll do fer the present, boyee,” was the An- nihilator’s ejaculation as he patted the animal, affectionately. ‘ Ye stud ter yer work nobly aa’ ar’ desarvin’ o’ thanks fer et, I think, tho’ ll tend tew Mr, Idaho Billiam, myself, now.” With these words he rose to his feet, drew his knife, and approached the outlaw, who lay groan ing upon the grass, Assisting him to a sitting position, he seated him. self directly opposite and the two implacable foes eyed each other for some time, with belligerent glances. Old Avalanche was the first to speak. * Young man,” he said, slowly whetting the blood- stained knife in the palm of his hand, *‘hev ye got. enny Soe o’ evyer hevin’ seen me erfore this peeriodical minnit?” - A grim.smile hovered about the desperado’s lips. “Treckon,” was the laconic reply; tho’ I’ve’ not seen ye for years. I were a young pappoose when you were first brought to the Sioux Cag So was SEeEy Hore We cut your ears off a¢ the torture- stake. “True,” replied Old Avalanche, a twinge of pain visible on his wrinkled .-brow—‘ shaved ‘em. off clusser nor ther beerd frum a boyee’s face. But, the best o’ et ull, Bill, ye ken’t brag thet I even flinched.” “No, old man, ye credit fur it.” ‘“* What /ecame of them flappers?” asked the Am nihilator, huskily. . ‘Don’t kno’ what Crazy Horse doné wi’ his’n, YW wore mine fur a charm, on a string o beeds, till ye stud et like a lamb, an’ I'll guy oats ae
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Oe olen up, like a piece of pasteboard, when I ee ed it away." ‘Tears stood in the old seout’s eyes. “Too bad,” he sighed. “I war in hopes o’ gettin’ them poor souse back sumtime or other, an’ gettin’ ‘em plastered on erg’in. Too bad.” Then, as if he suddenly recollected himself, he began to sharpen his knife faster upon his moccasin-top.” Idaho Bill watched him somewhat nervously, growing a shade palereach moment, He could not Misunderstand the meaning in this. It meant death to him! * After a whilethe edge of the weapon seemed sat- isfactorily sharp to the touch of the. Avalanche's _ thumb, for he said: “Do ye kno’ ther border code, Billiam?"' he asked, ery. “T know,” was the shuddering reply, ‘an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ » “Yes, thet’s it—eye fer eye an’ tooth fer tooth. But thet hain’t the code I shel] ’dopt tew this sar- cuinstance, This ibe anear fer an ear, and a knife Fer a tout!” The outlaw grew very white, and perspiration _ ... broke out all over his face. SS Will ye show no mercy?” he gasped. “No! ye didn’t show me none. As ye did, soll I a ¢ ~ do. 7° zi “But hold! Is there no service [ kin do ye that'll * = save my life? Idonct want to die—Lam not pre- f The. Annihilator shook his head “I jedge not. I’ve sworn by all ther cherubimms o’ Aurory Borey Alice to stave out_on that sco.e all ther Injun race, yersel’ inciuded. So ye mought as “well say yer catty-kiss-’ems. Nuthin’ short 0’ yer life will do me!” Idaho Bill grew desperate. _ . = ~The light that burned in his enemy's eye was ~~ stern and cold. “Se “T'll make a proposal,” he at last managed to m. Take my ears and spare my life! Old Avalanche reflected. “Til make ye an offer,’ he said slowly, ‘and yer life depends upun yer deciston.” fr 5 - “Val, I'll cut off both of yer ears, and then, ef ‘on’ll show me the cld Incian path that leads thr’u’ hese mountains, or over ’em ruther, tew ther Flat “Butte peak, an’ tew ther Death Gulch, ye shall hev liberty an’ yer decapitated eers,” * Idaho Bill groaned and shuddered. ~ _*Go on!’ he gasped, white as a corpse; “TI agree, lake my ears and have it over.” » * You know the over-mountain way?" ® Ay, ay!” * And will go thr'u’ wi’ yer jab wi’out attemptin’ no Shanannigan!" “ Yes—I swear it!" Without further words, in less, time than it takes to tell it, the poor wretch was deprived of his ears, ~~ which were chucked into the avenger’s pocket. - | © He has said, since the transaction of that terrible ed, that he nightly dreams of ears, and could not be hired to aecmot another like amputation, As for Idaho Bill, he fainted; but while he was in- hour ater the two earless men were on their journey Over the vast mountain wilderness, i CHAPTER XI. TOE THIRD DAY. : Wurere were Josiah and Lady Maude? was the . question that agitated the minds of our friends, as ; they mnde the alarming discovery that they were Had the overflowing of the waters swept fone, > them away? _ No, that could not be, for the bottom of the can- ieee m had not been covered to more than a knee's * Gapth, and no person would have been carried away by such an insignificant flgod, Old Avalanche, “P'raps ther poet keerried off ther gal,” sug- gested old Dan, as they all stood in the Stygian gloom. undecided what to do, ‘I’ve had a premona- shun as he warn't "buve sirspeckshun " “ Yes, but whither has he gone?” cried Sir Harry, angrily. ‘‘Oh! the dastard, the traitor! How my fingers ache to get at his throat!" “Tl opine he’s gone back ther way he kim, Ree vidin’ he ain't gone t’other way. My ijee ar’ that he's interlinked with the canyon diis.” “Good heaven! you don’t mean to say that my darling sister is in the power of those heartless wretches?” “Wouldn't want fer ter sw’ar tew et; but I'm thinkin’ et smells strongly thet way.” ‘* Look to the horses, quick, and see if the mule is gone, then! That will tell the story.” Dan obeyed, with alacrity, and soon returned with the intelligence that the mule and Lady Maude’s horse were both missing. ‘“Oh! God!" groaned Lady Milburn, who had all the time been weeping violently, ‘I shail never see my child again.”’ “Yas ye will, mum,” replied the guide, doffing his hat, Bagg ke “Take old Dan Cog swell’s word fer it. Lady Maude will not be harmed, and ‘Il be restored tew yew afore long. I've heerd consid- er'ble of this Girl Bandit, an’ believe her tew be ‘bout as fair-tew-average sort o' feline as evyer did- n't chaw terbaccer. Sbe won't hurt yer darter, an’, afore the big flood comes, I shouldn't wonder much ef ye war hawked away out 0’ danger jes'like Lady Maude was!” “Is this your candid opinion, guide?” asked Sir Harry, eagerly, ‘‘Do you really imagine it is Wild Edna's plan to save us from the flood which is a ite Id Dan smiled grimly. “Not us, I sirspeck,” he replied, with a chuckle— not ws, but the ladies—Lady Milburn and her daughter!” “ Be it so, then. If they only safely escape, I shall not so much hate to meet the worst.” Morning dawned over the giant spe of the mountains, and as soon as it was light enough for his purpose the guide built a fire out of a few partly- dried limbs and cones which had been washed down from the mountains, and then easily found the tracks of the two horses in the clayey refuse, on which the poet had borne away his prize. “Thar kin be no doubt o° the case now,” he said to Sir Harry. ‘“‘The bandits hev got the gal, et’s purty probable.” ; “Yes; / have no doubts about it now. But what can we do?” Nuthin’, asIkno'on, All we kin do ar’ tew sit on our thumbs an‘ grin an’ bear et, I'm stayen sorry we ever kim inter this canyon tho’, an’ ef L war as rfch ane be, I'm jedgin’ I'd not be tardy in gittin’ out 0’ et.’ * What! would you disgrace yourself by yielding to these accursed fiends? I am truly sorry for you then, My sense of honor forbids that I should give LR to them, and therelky be considered. a groveling, No! I will die first—die as a brave man sbould die, A true Englishman of noble blood does not bow down to an American outlaw.” “As ye like, boss. Ef ye ar’ goin’ ter die, afore guffen up a poultry sum o’ spondulicks, why, I hain't no *jeckshuns, As fer this deposit o’ hooman cay, he'd not stay long in thes onhealthy climate ef he hed ernuff gold or elbow grease ter git him out.” Breakfast was dispatched, and about an hour later a body of masked horsemen were seen coming Jeis- urely down the canyon, They were the banditt', and Wild Edna, beautevus flower of tke wilderness, \ rode at their head, a) , if anything, more lovely and bewitching than before, and as the caval- cade came to a halt in front of the camp, all eyes were riveted upon her. Sir Harry rose from bis seat and doffed his hat
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Old Avalanche. noe, to which Wild Edna responded with a smile. “You have come, I perceive, for the third time,” said Sir Harry, “‘to request the toll payment.” «Exactly! This is the Zis¢ call. You now still have a chance for life and liberty, and if you do not accept, your fate be on your own heads. Would to God ia could aid you, or avert the impending doom, but IT cannot. Did avy of you see an apparition on the top of the Flat Butte at midnight two nights ago? “T did! I did!’ screamed Lady Milburn, rushin forward and clasping the Girl Bandit’s jewelec hand, “Isawit. Oh! girl, tell me—tell me for the love of God, was that an apparition, or was it human?” She trembled in every limb, and her eyes burned an unnatural fire—a yearning, half-expec- tant glare “Tell me, tell me!’ she continued, as Wild Edna hesitated, ‘‘ for | must know!” “T can tell you nothing, my lady,” was the pity- ing reply. “‘f am bound by a solemn pledge to re- veal nothing beyond the limits of our band. Th? specter on the Flat Butte will appear again, just be- fore daybreak of the eleventh day from now, as you saw him, my lady. His appearance will be the sig- nal to raise the flood-gates of the terrible Lake Tico. Fear not, however, dear lady, for you will not be allowed to perish with the rest!” “But, my daughter—Maude, where is she?” “Safe and sound, and enjoying a refreshing s!eep when we left her. It was out of pity, that I had her spirited away, You will soon follow her!” *“ Girl!” cried Sir Fleming, advancing, “are you a perfect demoness? Will you see us men, who have never raised a finger to harm you, murdered out- righ?” Wild Edna flushed, angrily. “T will seenothing of the kind. AsThave told you once before, I cannot avert the flood. I have tried to persuade you to pay the toll, but you have re- fused. Here my work ceases. On my return to the bandit retreat, [ will be cast into a strong cell, b the orders of another, and confined there one mont for my failure in extorting the toll from you.” “Who is this other?—your gay Nevada Sam? ** No—indeed, no. He is my brother, and as true and brave a man as any of you, Like myself, he too will be confined, and suffer on your account!” She spoke so bitter.y that Sir Harry’s susceptible heart at once went out toward her. “Yam sorry for you,”’ he’ said, walking up to her animal’s side—‘‘really, truly sorry, but Z do not eare to yield. Maybe when I see Lake Tico’s waters bowling down upon me, I'll hasten to change my eer And he made an attempt to laugh ayly. om i will be too late, then!” said Wild Edna, sadly; * once the flood-gates are raised, nothing possessed of life, except trees, can live in Devil’s Canyon.” ‘Well, if this bs the case, I can consider myself a doomed man.” ** You refuse to pay the toll, then?” “T do, most emphatically!” . ‘* Alas! then you are indeed doomed!” She shot him a glance from her beautiful eyes—a glance in which was mingled pity, sorrow an(i—what? The fast-beating heart of the young nobleman told him it was more than the light and glow and interest of a common nature—and his own face flushed at the thought —did this beauteous vision of the wilder- ness /ove him? It was a thought that filled him with -expressionless joy. ‘he Girl Bandit, however, quickly interrupted his suddenly conceived hopes. ** Will the others pay their toll, and be allowed to go on in freedom?” *T think not,” replied Sir Fleming, who had been conferring wth Sir Bruce; “or, at least, not at present. If we decide tc pay the toll for ourselves. will it not be enough to advance to your guards, an tell them so when they can inform you?” “T don’t know,” replied Wild Edna, doubtftlly, “However, I can soon ascertain.” She turned to one of the masked men beside her, and said a few words in an undertone. He then turned his horse’s head and the canyon. “T can soon answer your question, sir,’’ said .the maiden to Sir Fleming; ‘‘in the mean time do not ee us hinder you, or deter you from your break- ast. “We ate an hour ago,” answered. Harry, “and your presence is most agreeable, under the very em- arrassing circumstances under which we meet,”* “You are slightly addicted to flattery, I perceive,” she laughed, at the same time ordering her men to - raphe to a proper distance, whither she also followed them. Sir Harry did likewise. He was scarcely aware of it, but he soon found himself inv the maiden’s fas- cinating presence, and was gazing up into her face, thoughtfully, admiringly. “You are a queen among women,” he said, his eyes burning with unwonted light. ‘Il have travel- ed nearly around the world, but can safely say I never beheld one of your sex more beautiful. You | are too precious a flower to live and die here in this desert wild.” She drooped her eyes, and a blush stole over her parely: chiseled features—a blush more of pleasure han confusion. : “ You must not flatter,” she said, quickly releasing the hand he had taken. ‘Iam not used to it—I am not used to the great world you live in, or its people, I should not listen to praises from those who could never be aught to me.” : Sir Harry felt his heart bound in a suspiciously ex. cited manner, but he refrained from speaking the words of passionate love that rose to his lips. What did all thismean? Was hé actually in love 7 this flower of the mountain—this female bri- rand? How elsecould he account for that deuced bobbing about of his heart? But bah! the idea of wedding such a bride—he, an aristocratic nobleman, of a no- ble house, and the possessor of a title. It could not be—never. He was thns reflecting and ransacking his brain for something to say, when the masked courier return- ed, and spoke a few words in Spanish to Wild Edna, “Very well,” she said; then turning to Sir Harry, she continued. ‘It will be allright. If any of you conclude to pay the toll, between now and three o’cloeck of the eleventh morning, you can so notify a guard, who will be posted a few hundred yards up the gorge. He will be authorized to receive six thou- sand dollars from you, and furnish you with an es- cort to the outer world!” “Very well, I will tell them!’ “Now, good-by, sir, and goo | luck.” **Good-by,”” repliad Sir Harry, huskily, a tear standing in either eye—‘‘ good-by.” The next mo- ment the horses’ heads were turned, and the ban- ditti dashed away. CHAPTER XII. A NEW ENEMY—FIGHTING SIOUX—THE HOUR”’—THE SPECTER SIGNAL, Two days and a lik» number of gloomy nights passed, and still matters in Devil’s Canyon remained unchanged. The camp could but await the issue of impending events. Escape was impossible, for old Dan had ascertain- ed that the savages had taken possession of the eastern termination of the canyon, although they seemed in no hurry to advance. ‘I think,” said Sir Harry to Sir Fleming, on the third morning, as all_sat, around the camp-fire—‘‘I think that between us we had better pay the toll, at - leest for mother, and restore her, along with Lady Maude, to freedom. It will not be right to let her suffer death just because we are obstinate and re- galloped rapidly off up “ BLEVENTH | fuse to pay the toll,” : «
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aie: Zo Old Avalanche. Fleming sneered. “T quite disagree with you,” he replied, sarcas- ly. ‘‘Iam of the opinion that sel/-preservation first to be considered, before looking to the wel- rae of others. Lady Hetty will probably be re- leased by the banditti: but, even if she is not, Ican- not see that her life is sopreciously valuable to[me.” To you—no!” cried Sir Harry, sternly. ‘ Were she dead. you accursed plotter, fer rich estate of Ferndale, you, as a busband, could claim. Were I and Lady Maude dead, all of the old family posses- sions of the great name of Arriscourt would be ours. Think not, Sir Fleming Milburn, that I am lind to your schemes and machinations. I can _ read you like a book, *Years ago, m, father, Sir Henry, came to America to explore this wilderness. By some means unknown to us, you, an outlawed relation, joined him in his expedition, and traveled with him until ~~ his death—from the top of yonder peak. “No sooner was he dead than you returned to England with the sad intelligence, bearing foe ena purporting to have been given you by Sir Henry, ‘previous to his death, which bade my poor mother Marry you, in case my father should die during any of his dangerous adventures. You had been a suitor for Lady Hetty’s eg biped to her union with my father, and, under the circumstances, she felt it her duty to obey the mandate of one whom death had overtaken in-a remote land. **So, after making you promise to bring her here to this-wild country, that she might at least recover the bones of Sir Henry, she wedded you—wedded a very demon, This was many years ago, when Maude and I were both children. Since then you have been a very cruel master to us, and it is only since I attained my majority, that you could be in- pan4,'o visit this place, according to your pro- mise. “This és not the Flat Butte in question!” growled Sir Meming, wincing perceptibly under the young “man’s accusing gaze. ~ -“You lie/” cried Sir Harry, hotly. “This is the ’ place where my father ended his days; or—more ly, perhaps—where his life was end:d !” he tone as well as the words of the speaker Sir Fleming to grow a trifle pale, and ex- a glance with Sir Bruce. € will not continue this conversation. at pre- . sent,” he said, flushing with rage, as he rose and " sauntered away. 4 ‘pare to fight them!” ‘ “You will tempt me to kill you, some of these imes, by pursuing this insulting be- A fear you not!” retorted Sir Harry. ‘“ You have already made half a score of attenipts upon my life. without success and I believe I shall live to see the justice you deserve meted out to you.” The morning dragged away, and a hot noon-day sun at last shone straight down into Devil’s Canyon, It was abouf. this time that old Dan Coggswell came striding hurriedly into camp. He had gone down the canyon, a few hours prove: in quest of game, and had promised to be back by sunset. Con- sequently, his early return warned Sir Harry that ‘something of importance had occurred. “What is ity’ he asked, anxiously, ‘ Why are reriieg the guide, you back so soon?” “1 jedge thar’s need on’t,” a dubious shake of his he “Ef we don h Jessie o’ ther shirt afore this time, ter-morrer Pm er hod-carrier.” “Indeed! What is wrong?”’ ' “ Injuns—copperous-cullor’d Soos. Thar’s more’n a@ thousan’ cummin’ up this derection, to pay us théir pespecks ro _ “Good Heaven! Is this true? Then we must pre- “TI rather guess so, ef we've ther least inclinashun keepin’ our kerpillery persesshuns. Go wake eruther fellers, an’ git ad pop-guns in reddy sfer use. I'm goin' ter thro’ up er obstickel tew gress,"? : : : Z - and one of the horses were missing. Sir Harry immediately hurried off, while the guide proceeded to perform his part of the work. Among the effects in the outfit were a pick and shovel, articles which every wise western traveler is not without. Taking these he proceeded a short distance down the canyon, to a spot where the bottom was form- ed of soft sandy soil. Here he paused, and began to throw up a barricade of dirt from wall to wall, oc- easionally dislodging large flakes of rock from above and adding this to the pile. For hours the guide labored steadily, and at last, he paused and surveyed his completed work. The barricade, constructed mainly of dirt, was breast- high across the canyon, the top being covered with heavy rocks that Dan had detached from the mighty walls, while av abatis of sharpened limbs protruded beyond as a defense against scaling the parapet. Altogether, it was an admirable piece of work, and in case of attack, would, while it concealed the de- fenders, prevent a rush from the enemy. The barricade done, Dan proceeded to call Sir Harry.. As,soon as the baronet beheld the result of the afternoon's labor, he uttered an exclamation of surprise. “Just the thing!’ he exclaimed, as he, carefully examined the defense. ‘‘ With our repeating rifles and revolvers, I am confident. we can hold our own for awhile, at least.” “Yes,” replied Dan, grimly. “I speculate we kin guv ’em a purty big rub, ef ther Lord’s willin’. Now, then, ye git back tew camp, an‘ snatch w'at grub an’ morph’us Kin, an’ PU stand guard. Ef e ye heer me Sieedli Ee i jist kim a-hoopin’ down oe fer thar'll be nee too!” : o’ ye. Bring yer fel- ers, There was no call: from Coggswell until about midnight, when he skulked into camp and aroused the sleepers with the news that the reds were com- ing. Leaving Lady Milburn alone, the four men crept down to the barricade, rifles in hand, and posted themselves on the defensive. “T do not see any savages!’’ said Sir Harry. peer- ing over into the canyon beyond, ‘‘and I doubt if— thunder [” An arrow — the young nobleman’s cheek, as he was speaking. “ Ye'll feel em, ef ye don’ sre’em!”’ said old Dan with a grim chuckle, ‘ perwiden’ ye make yer pate a targit fer their arrers. But look!—ready and ji7¢/” A motley gang of savages could now be distin- guished, through the ao of inky darkness, as they came skurrying silently toward the barricade. ** Five—once, two, an’ three times!” hissed the guide, and four rifles cracked. sending sharp echoes up the mountain-side, while deadly missiles went hurtling into the Sioux ranks, causing shrieks of pain and death. Again and again the terrible repeating rifles belch- ed forth streams of lurid flame, and, taken wholly by surprise the savages turned and fled. “Quick! Now’s yer time ter reload!” cried old Dan, and the discharged cartridges were quickly replaced with fresh ones, ut no red-skins putin an appearance again that night, although all of the defenders watched till the sunlight kissed fhe peak of Flat Butte. Sir Harry volunteered to stand guard while the others went inside camp and prepared breakfast. So Dan, accompanied by Sir Fleming and Sir Bruce, set out, leaving the young nobleman alone. Ar- riving at camp, it was discovered that Lady Milburn No fears were entertained by the guide, however for he rightly guessed that the banditti had come to remove her to a place of safety. . That day passed, but no further demonstration was made by the red-skins; in fact, not a glimpse of them had been gained. r As soon as night fell over the mountain, Sir Bruce was posted on sentinel duty, to be relieved by Sir Fleming at midnight, +3
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24% Another—the fifth—morning dawned,’and still no sign of the Sioux. “It’s curi’us,” said Coggswell, as he and Sir Harry stood at the barricade—“ darned curi'us. I never knew’d Soos ter act up in this shape afore, sure as I’m a masticater o’ tenderl’ins. Ef thar ain’t sum oncommon devilment ahind all o’ this holdin’ off, et’s beyant my cumpass 0’ reckonin’,”’ **It does seem strange. From what little I have heard and seen, these red rascals are not generally so tardy in attacking a foe,” replied Sir Harry. “Right. But I jedge I’ve snatched their ijee this time. Knowin' we’re sum on shootin’, an’ not keerin’ tew lose enny more braves than possybul, they’re goin’ ter clim’ us,” “* What do you mean?” ““ Why. ye see sum 0’ ’em hes gone over the mount- ings, an’ ’ll sooner or later git down inter ther can- yon atween usan’ ther banditters, arter wich both divisions *Il give us a nudge frum each eend, at ther same time.’ ** You believe that is their plan?” “T don’ make much doubt 0’ et. climb like all natur’, an’ et’ll be no sarcumstance or ‘em tew scoot these mountings, ef ye'll give '’em time.” That night the savages in the canyon made a rush | down on the barricade in large numbers, but Dan was quite ready for them, and the incessant and dea‘ily fire from the four repeating rifles made such fearful havoc, that the red-skins again retreated, much decreased in numbers, and howling with rage. . The succeeding day passed, and the next, and the next, and still the next, without further develop- ments At last the night of the tenth day fell over the mountains, but it disclosed only two figures in the Devil’s Canyon at the camp. Sir Fleming and Sir Bruce had Jong since ridden off up the gorge to pay their toll, and be saved from the flood. Sir Harry and old Dan Coggswell were left to themselves, and their doom! “ No; [ will not yield in this, the eleventh hour !” the young baronet had said, with wonderful firmness, when questioned by the others, previous to their departure. “ Dan can go if he wishes, and I will fur- nish him with the requisite toll money.” * No!” cried the old guide, ‘not much, Mary Ann, ef I kno’ myself. I ain’t ther coon as will desart a feller in a fix.” So the two had remained, and it was with wildly- beating hearts that they watched the night wear away, toward another day-dawn At last Sir Harry exclaimed, as he pointed toward the summit of the Fiat Butte, where that terrible ee had suddenly appeared—the same awful ) ght which Lady Milburn had seen: * Look out forit, now, Dan, and say your prayers, for that signal has opened the flood-gates of Lake Tico, Good-by, old boy!” CHAPTER XIII. JUST A MOENT TOO LATE—WILD EDNA’S RIDE. Far up among the mighty, hoary crags beyond Flat Butte, nestling in a deep and gloomy basin, lay the cold green waters of Lake Tico—or Lake Airy, asit has since been christened: A silent, uninviting sheet of water, suspended, as it were, midway be- tween heaven and earth, and formed ina natural square, each.corner being a towering peak, and the sides or shores forming @ brink to an awful abyss that yawned on every side. One side of this remarkable mountain-lake over- looked Devil’s Canyon. and the other that awful abyss into which Sir Henry had been hurled, years before. ints, but the hand of m*n, not of nature, had made it so. On the northeastern side, a long bridge of Indian network stretched across a yawning preci- Ye see, Soos kin | The lake shore was accessible from three | Old Avalanche. . ice, and made connection with a lower peak, which - n itself connected with other gigantic neighbors that _ formed the chain stretching away off to the great ~ green savannas to the east. foc, Directly east from the lake shore was a similar bridge, and this connected with the towering Plat Butte at its summit. The third mode of reaching the shore was by means of a spirl stirway whieh, commencing at the southern corner, wound its way gradually up the mighty mountain, until, when reaching a level with the Inke, it had made a com- plete circle around the gray deposit of rock. This, too, had been the handiwork of man, as was readil evidenced by the unmistakable ax-marks and blas' ing holes. ‘The banks of the lake were very narrow —so narrow that only a steady-nerved person would dare attempt to walk on them. for fear of falling: | off into the lake on the one side or over the pree! pice on the other. In some places the water drooled and dripped over the edge, thereby making the rocks slippery. At the side overlooking Devil’s Canyon were the “ flood-gates *» mentioned. They had been con- structed by the banditti, and when lifted from their rocky fastenings, the waters of the lake could easi- ly pour out in a mammoth volume into the gorge below. These gates were raised out of a groove in the rock by a great wooden lever, which could only be moved by a score of men, and were so deeply sunken that the whole of Lake Tico’s waters could be plunged into the canyon in ten sec- onds’ time. The retreat of the banditti was in such a position that the flood couid not reach it, although dashing directly by. Half a mile above the base of the Flat Butte, where the camp of our party had been, was a break in the mighty wall of the canyon. At this post two armed sentinels always stood: The break in question was a round black hole in the wall, soma- what resembling a sewer outlet, only not’so small, A horse could easily pass through this aperture with a person sitting erect on its back, This natural tunnel ran in a semi-curving and zig-zag shape for perhaps a quarter of a mile, descending a trifling grade, when it made an abrupt turn in the bow: of the mountains, and proceeded due east. where, - before, its course layin a north by easter! die tion, At the place where occurred the break in walls of the canyon, the -little stream which ran, ~ of Lake Tico being directly overhead, and emi: a bea ge wastage of water, through crevices ie rock. : By following the tunnel beyond the turn, for an- other quarter of a mile, you debouched from Sty- gian darkness into semi-light. You were at the bottom of Déath’s Gulch, and on a level with the Great Lakes.* You are at the bottom of Death Gulch. And such a bottom! Tt is a natural garden of paradise—an oasis in a vast mountain desert. Two acres area, in all, fenced in by those majestic rocky monsters, the mountains: green with velvety grass and redolent with perfume from a hundred flowering trees and plants, it is a most astonishing and wondrous sight. Water from a cascade a thousand feet above is transformed into a mist that trickles down the rug- ged wall, until it gathers into a little rivulet in the rocky yet grassy bottom. . In the center of the gulch is a large, barn-like edi- fice, thatched with fir-branches and sod, and built of rock. Around this, numerous beds of wild-flowers ar inastate of careful cultivation; here and there ~ are scattered rude settees on which men are reclin- ing, indolently, and smoking. Although the hour is past midnight, they are thus , down its entire length had its source, the iting * The remarkable tunnel under the mountains is” % an existing freak of nature, personally explored by the author, F as
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Old Avalanche. : engaged, for there is work for them to do, presently, theytwould be awake. av Seal is lit dimly with flaring torches, thrust “in neighboring crevices. Soon a door of the edifice is opened, and four armed inen issue forth, followed by a tall, ghastly figure, clad in a trailing robe of snowy white. His hair sweeps his waist, as does an immense beard of silvery hue, and in his eyes burns the unnatural fire of insanity—a fire that might cause any brave man to tremble. As he steps from the door a figure attempted to follow, but he hurled her back with an enraged shriek. *Avaunt! accursed fool! Dost think to evade my Vigilance? Back with you, or by the Royal Scepter, Tl cast thee into the dungeon, from whence thy pleadings for liberty caused me to feteh you.” - He seemed convyulsed with an overpowering pas- sion, while he spoke, and glowered down upon the shrinking figure in the doorway, savagely. “Oh! my father!” cried the Girl Bandit, wildly, peeausly. ‘do not open the terrible tlood-gates to- night. Postpone the awful crime until to-morrow, or next day, that those two deserted men may have a chance more for life!” **Hal ha! ha! ha!” yelled the other, shrieking and gesticulating with mad laughter. “ Ha! ha! You would have me spare my sacrificial offerings to the Royal Mountain God and his Divine Powers. Ha! ha! thou art a fool, Zerama—a blind, idiotic foo]. Back to thy .virgin couch, before I curse thee!” : } Yaised his baton as if to strike, but with a frightened cry she darted back into the cabin. fimmoning all of those men who were es Yon the settees, by a wave of his hand, the man crie¢ +. _in tones of anger: “Awake, you drowsy fools, awake! Dost not of destruction through the canyon of the ' ~ xemember that this is the hour of sacrifice—the es hour when the waters of Tico shall sweep a 5 ‘ l?, Awake, l say!” The men sprung to their feet obedient to his call, ‘and, rifle in hand, formed in line. “Yes, your greatness,” said one, who was evident- ly.a lieutenant, “we are quite ready.” ' —*Good! That is well. Now, away to the flood- meres and, prepare to answer my signal from the _ The men bowed low, then turned on their heel ‘and filed away to the tunnel. As soon as the had gone, the strange commander turned to the four armed men who had remained behind, **Now, Valquero, is my balloon ready?” /“ Yes, your greatness,” was the reply, ‘all ready. This way, sir.” They led the way to the wall in the rear of the cabin, where, upon the ground, was a small wicker- basket to which was attached a rope. This ran like ‘a diminutive serpent up through fhe darkness, through a pulley on the top of the Flat Butte, anc “back down to the bottom of Death Gulch, again. Ste ping into the basket the commander gave the signal the men sprung to and pulled down on the return rope, thereby drawing the basket up out of sight in the darkness. For some time they pulled away manfully. and were at last rewarded by feel- ing the rope tighten and cease to draw further. be basket had reached the op. in the mean time the other banditti had passed ugh the tunnel, and-by way of the rocky stair- reached the shore of the lake, and grasped the Put ‘fatal lever that was to be the means of carrying ' death and destruction down through Devil's Can- on. ‘There were full three-score of them, and it “would be no feat of strength for them to hoist the tes, All that was now wanting was the signal rom the Flat Butte, whither all eyes were turned in ition. Wl ten minutes passed when a faint flash red- the sky, then followed a pistol report, and a fire whose color was blood-red flared fiercely on high from the top of the peak. In the bright light stood that tall, spectral, white- enveloped figure, whose beard swept the gleaming girdle at his waist, and in»whose hand waved to and fro the terrible baton, First, he: approached the J ephae of the plateau overlooking the canyon, and glaring down into its depths, gave vent to a series of wild, horriblo shrieks; then, he wheeled abruptly and advanced to the edge, overlooking the Death Gulch, and Lake Tico, far beyond. Halting on the brink of the frightful precipice, he raised both arms aloft. In accordance with plans understood among them, one of the bandits then sprinkled asack of some strange smelling powder on the shore near te the great lever, and applied a match to it, Instantly a flame similar to the one on the Flat Butte sprung up and illumined the scene. 3 Every surrounding object was plainly revealed, All eyes were turned upon the spectral figure—for the fatal signal. Once he raised the baton on high, apne, it around his head and let it fall back by his side. : Once! Then after a lapse of several moments of dead silence, he repeated the movement, Twice! Only once more and then the fatal gates would be raised. Eagerly and impatiently the banditti watched. Finally the long bony arm with the baton began to rise the third time. But hark! There is the faintly audible report of a rifle, heard from the distant peak with which the northeastern bridge of rope communicates; the rising arm of the spectral chief falls to his side; he staggers back, and with a wild, horrible yell, sinks upon the plateau. “Stop! stop!” shrieks a voice, as a wiry figure comes bounding across the rope-bridge—“ stop! in ther cognomen o’ ther Jehoover. HayrI kim, ther grate O’Rory Borey Alice o’ ther north—ther howlin’ hailstarm o’ devastation, ther orful sky-rocket 0’ demolishun.” But» the banditti paid no heed. With a wild vengeful scream they sprung the mighty lever, and the great waters massed in Lake Tico went roaring and pouring into the Devil’s Canyon. At this identical juncture Wild Edna and the four guards stood in the mouth of the tunnel where it opened into the canyon. As the water came dash- ing downward in a grand, awful volume, she turned to them and said: “T am ready, Josh!” and she sprung into a flat boat lying near. “Quick, now! cast me oul before the torrent grows too fierce. "Tisa fearful venture, I'll admit, but I must save those men. If I never eeme back, fiiends, God pro per youl” * As of one accord, they kissed her hand in silent devotion, then gathering the frail] craft in their arms, they plunged it forcibly enone the sheet of falling waters, and into the mad rapids beyond. The boat neither swamped nor capsized, but danc- ed down over the fury-lashed flood with startling velocity. The depth of the seething waters could bey, safely estimated at twenty feet. On—on—on—dashed the little tempest-tossed craft with wild-eyed Edna at the steering-oar! At last, she knew by surrounding landmarks that she was directly over the place where Sir Harry's camp had been. In vaiu, here, did she peer around, with hope struggling against hope in her breast that by some strange chance she would see the young nobleman and his guide still clinging to a project- ing crevice or spur. Alas! she was doomed to, ge gore, Noth- ing but the forbidding gray walls met her gaze— | nothing but the awful roaring tumult of the furious flood greeted her hearing. _ Si Horry and Dan had been swept away !
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26 Oid Avalanché. CHAPTER XIV. RETURN TO DEATH GULCH. Swret away! A sudden wave of sadness stole over the beau- teous face of the Girl*Bandit as she realized this, and tears filled her eyes—tears of bitter anguish, for she loved Sir Harry, this wild flower of the mountain—loved him with all the intense power of her maiden nature—had loved him from the mo- ment of her first meeting with him. He seemed so upright and royally grand to her, and she could not help it that her loyal little heart had gone out to him in its great wealth of affection. And could she doubt that ‘he too held her in high esteem? No! He had shid she was tho nearest to womanly per- fection, or to that effect, and he had looked so earnestly, so yearningly and pleadingly into her face, with his wondrous eyes, that her untutored heart had leaped and throbbed in her bosom for very joy. Now he was gone! Gone in the devastating and merciless flood, and if she ever saw his face again it would be when the features so well loved were pale in death. Oh! how bitter was the pain that now pierced her heart; how silent and torturing the anguish that convulsed her whole being! Her hands clutched tightly to the steering-sweep, but she made no effort to guide the craft, as it plunged along with the mad waters. It kept near the center of the swift current, and escaped being wrecked on the foam-lashed wall of the canyon. Why care if it did goto pieces? All of the sun- shine of her young life had gone out; she was indif- ferent to all dangers; she wanted to die. Why not end her days here in these green, seeth- ing waters, that roared and boomed along like con- tinuous thunder? Why not thus end her distasteful and aimless life, and join him, in that great and better land, where all was perpetual sunshine and eternal love? Ah! life had been a sad experience in the dark .past. For years she had lived among a lawless gang of men, who, though bandits they were, had never by touch or word done a von to their fair, sweet-tempered mistress, for they loved her as a ministering angel; and not to see Wild Edna hover- ing about with words of gentle reproof at any bad action, or words of cheer to the downhearted, was like depriving a flower of its morning dew. True she had had a mother, once—a wild, gipsy- like mother, who had died years ago, and since then the life of Wild Edna had been but a mockery, as it were. She had none of her own sex to love and conmiune with—zno one to love, in fact, save it were her follow- ers or that demented old man of the Flat Butte, with whom she had been left at her mother’s death, by whom she had since been ruled. To be sure, he was kind, when not in one of his insane spells, and loving, too; but it was a rare hour that ever saw him wholly free from these ravings. Tie banditti were also kind and courteous, and her brother, Nevada Sam, was as kind and loving as a brother could be, But, for all this, there had been a Ulank in her life—a vacant spot in her pure virgin heart, that had only been the more vividly disclosed to her after she had met sir Harry. Never had she permitted a hope to take root in her heart—a hope that she could ever be aught or anything to him; but it had stolen there despite her caution, and she was secretly longing and yearning, Boikins air-castles and hoping for his company, his love. Now all-was | pegeeie expectation, ail. She imagined she could see his lifeless corpse be- ing borns ruthlessly along on the crest of the angry waves. She too, though scarcely conscious of the fact, a was being borne along swiftly, her little eraft seem- ing to have adopted the sole responsibility of keep ing in the middle of the stream. On—on, over the thundering flood, and then she was startled by a loud, ringing hallo. “H-a-y, thar, ship, ahoy! Whar ye goin’, an’ d’ye ship passenjars?” The voice was that of Dan Coggswell. stant all her hopes revived. With almost frenzied energy she directed the headlong craft into a near eddy, where, with skill- ful hand, she managed to hold it, “Where are you?” she cried. *“ Hayr! hayr! onthe starboard side o’ ye, in a big black-b’ar hoe/ up in ther sides o’ therrocks, Hurry up afore yer skoonyer gits too far down-stream?!” With a strength that surprised her. Wild Edna gave a few powerful strokes at the paddle that sent the boat spinning across toward the aperture, whose mouth she could now just define, ahead in the curve, Nearer and nearer she approached, and at last, as the boat went crashing against the rocky wall, she made a leap and Old Dan Coggswell caught hér in his arms and pulled her into the bear’s eave! It was the same one from which the guide and Sir Harry had tumbled the big Bruin, a few days previous. “Thar ye ar’, daisy,”’ he said, depositing, the brave girl on her fect, ‘‘ safe an’ sound’s a shell-bark.” “*But, the other!” ¢ Vi na, Shivering with apprehension—*“* y “Ye mean ther boss, § Yas, I see’d you leant thet way. Wal, miss, I’m darnashun sorryy but I’m afeard Sir Harry hes gone under, fer good, Ye kin see fer yersel’, however, as he lays overthar in ther corner, limp an’ loos? as an unsturehed shirt.” “ The Girl Bandit did not wait for him to finish the sentence, but hastily groped her way to where this body of Sir Harry lay insensible, with a ragged gash” over his temple, oo Wild Edna took his head in her lap, and Wit skillful hand dressed the wound, old Dan assisting” as well as he knew how. “T think ’tain’t no kinder use tew,” he said, shalk- ing his grizzled head as the moments fled by gnd still the baronet lay like one in death. On the contrary, I think he «id reenver,”’ was Tn an in- the reply. ‘‘ This is anugly bruise, but I believoit has only stunned him. Pring me a little water in your hat, and I will pour it down the back of his néelk, That will bring him to when nothing else will.” Dan hastened to obey, and scooped his hat full of water out of a trickling little spring inside their re- treat. Then leaving the girlto Eeract of restoration, _ cent to the mouth of the cave to wateh tho ood. 3 The waters had now gone down, and it was plain that Lake Tico was nearly drained. “Did Sir Fleming and Sir Bruce come up and pay their ransom?’ asked Dan, turning abruptly from the mad waters below him. “Yes,” was the reply, “but not with very good grace. They, with the two ladies, are now lodged in the bandits’ cabin in Death Gulch. Day after to- morrow, they will be conducted on through the ean- ~ yon, to an Indian fort beyond the mountains, where they can easily catch an overland train.” ““An’ w’at 0’ us; hev we got ter stay behind?” “T cannot answer you that question yet, sir, have made up my mind to leave these mountains— — my brother and [—andif I cannot arrange it so you can go with your party, I will take you both along, whenI go. Thavea few trusted followers amonz the banditti, who are as eager as I to quit this wild, lawless life.” Z Sir Harry now began to show signs of returning cousciousness, and soon, to the joy of both, he gaye a gasp and opened his eyes, “Ugh!” he groaned, staring around, until his eyes lit upon the sweetly beautifnl face of Wild
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Old Avalanche, when a smile of welcome flitted across his own features. Vhere am I? I have been wounded—had a , for life—Dan and I. How came I here, and you, _ A few words explained all. “ But you, fair Edna—why did you peril so much try to save us?” A red flush mantled her face—her eyes filled witb tears but her lips retused to speak. * Ah, sweet girl," he murmured, drawing her head down to his own, “if my poor life is worth so much to you, let me here pay the recompense of so much love, by giving myself to you.” _ She attempted to rise and leave; he pulled her back, and caught herin a loving, passionate em- brace, while he rained kisses on her rosy lips and asia cheek. : »* Edna—darling,” he murmured, “ do not be fright- ened nor tremble thus, I love you, sweetest—love -you as man never loved before. You are not indif- ; erent to me;I know it:—and therefore in all " €arnestnesss, and in the honesty of a true lovel » “ask pet darling—will you love me, if it be only a tenth part as much asI love you, and change the name of Wild Edna to that Lady Edna?” “But—but—” she faltered, though she did not Shrink from his manly embrace, “‘you know noth- ing, absolutely nothing, of me or my antecedents.” “Nor do I care, darling. lwed youand love you ’ for yourself, not for your antecedents, True, I “know nothing of them, but I am positive that you are as pure as you are beautiful—a fit mate for any Man, no matter what his name or lineage.” 5 “My parentage is respectable. My father was a » > > Spanish-Mexican ranchero, who, ere his death, rose be a distinguished man in Texan history. My Mother was an Englishwoman, and after my ~ father’s ceath, when I avd my brother were_buat >> ehildven, she came North, intendiny to settle in Min- * Hesota, where her brother resided. “But Indians drove her train into this vicinity. from whom they wére rescued by our band of ‘Mountain outlaws, headed by the oli man you saw on the Flat Butte. 5 * We were all held captives for years, and, in fact, ms “ever since our capture. The second year of our 33: ’ nee, mother. macried the wild chief, but dieda H a: onth after her bridal.” 3 “That is enough,” cried Sir Marry, kissing her Mturously. “I am amply satisfied, my love, my heen. Noson of our noble old house will have ver won a brighter, more priceless gem than lucky Say 2s, Edna darling; oh! say yes, that I may doubly assured that you love me, and are mine!” ‘She did not answer, but nestled contentedly in his fms, and their lips met in a long, passionate kiss, hat told better than could have words, the truth, A & Tn the mean time, the flood had gone down, and Devil's Canyon was free from the destroying ele- ment, When he could at last see the bottom, old Dan ap- Trised bie lovers of the fact, and Wild Edna sprung r feet. a ““T must go, now,’ she said, as Sir Harry would shave Cotained her, * an‘l see how thines have shaped inthe retreat. Do not fear for me, for I shall risk well; I will try to endure your absence, > thourhil secs hard to part so soon. Are we to re- min here?” > Yes, until I return, and that will be just as soon sT can.” 7 aid of a lasso, the maiden was soon lowered me bear's cave, and soon disappeared up the ny @ day passed slowly to the two men. Wicht at last fell over tho land, and both Dan and : ¥ sought rest in repose, for they had not pt a wink the presse night, : arly in the following r:crring, they heard a call ; from below, in the canyon, and rushing to the en- trance, beheld Wild Edna there. “Come!"’ she said, excitedly, ‘‘hurry and slide down the rope, and follow me to the Death Gulch. Something has happened that demands your imme- diate presence there.” They obeyed, by quickly scrambling down the lasso, after which Wild Edna led the way up the can- © yon, to the mouth of the tunnel. Here.a squad of four masked men “took them in charge, and con- oo them through and into the cabin in Death ulch, CHAPTER XY. LAST SCENE BEFORE THE CURTAIN FALLS. Here, a strange tableau was presented. The room was some thirty feet long by twenty wide, and was the main compartment of the cabin. It was furnished in the primitive style of the Far West, and with fd gene of the rudest description. On the floor in one corner was a couch of skins, on which lay a figure apparently in great mental or physical pain; for his groans were loud and horrible tohear, By his bedside knelt Lady Milburn and ber daughter, sobbing in the depths of their handker- chiefs, while at thetr side stood the tall commanding figure of Nevada Sam. In another corner of the room lay two more figures, bound hand and foot, whom the reader wil! have no difficulty in recognizing as the redoubtable Old Ava- lanche, and Idako Bil It was old Avalanche who Lad fired the unerring bullet which dropped the spac! ral figure on the Flat Butte, the night of the ood. After doys of tortuous climbing through a wild, awful mountain wilderness, he had arrived too late to avert the flood. At the oprosite side of the room, all the bandits were formed in a compact line, and directly before them stood two prisoners—Sir Fleming and Sir Bruce. On the further side of the bed from Nevada Sem, stood a rough old borderer, whose vocation it was to deal out medicine and pills to any who might require his services, This was the situation of affairs as Wild Ena en- tered the room, accompanied by Sir Harry, Dan, and the guards. The latterremained near the door, with’ the maids, and Edna led her betrothed forward to the couch. “Sir Marry,” said Nevada Sam, touching his som- brero respectfully, “you have arrived too late to hear the dying story ef the man lying before you, but I am so well acquainted with i!, and with his past life, that, if you will listen, 1 will tell you all.” Sir Farry inclined his head, as he studied the features of the bandit-chief, and Nevada Sam went on: “Twenty years aco Sir Henry Arriscowrt, a great explorer, came to America to travelin this we tern wilderness, and bring to light the features cf un- known parts of the New World. “He was the sole surviving son of an old house, and a man of great knowledge and culture. In leaving England, his native land, he also Jeft behind him a wife and two infant children, who were the pride of his possessions. . “Years before, Lady Hetty had had enother suitor, in the per on of one of Sir Henry’s relatives, Sir Fleming Milburn by name, but in consequence of some disgrace he had been forecd to quit Eng- land and selnauiets the field to Sir Henry, who soon after wedded the lady of his choice, “No sooner did S'r Henry reach American soil, than, securely disguised, his rival offered him his services for a smail consideration, and an engage ment was effected, after which the two traveled westward, “Te was Sir Henry’s highest ambition to do the loftiest perk in this section, etme he proceeded fur- ther, and for that purpose he secured a Canadian
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28 guide, but he proving incapable, another fellow was added to the staff.” “Thet war me /”’ shouted Old Avalanche, from his corner—‘‘me, ther great snow-slide 0’ destruction; ther boreal breeze o° demolishen, an’ ther whirly- gig 0’ annihilation! ants!’ Thet war me, by all ther ele- * Darn my socks!” ejaculated a voice, and a man leaped from among tite banditti; “see yere, ole hoss, kinder ’pears ter me I’ve heerd ther squeek 0’ hd vocality afore, ain’t 1? I one’t hed a bruther wi’ het precise same wabble in-his v’ice, but ther Sooks got him, w’ile I war, as Shakespeer sed, “Grafted inter ther army. “Now, I say. my Christyen fr’end, hain’t yer name Hogg—spelt wi’ tew G’s? ’Peers ter me ye luke a powerful measure like the old family ‘o’ Hoggs, w'ot uster live over in Slinktown, afore ther inhooman red-skins burnt et?” “Yas, my appellaterve ar’ Hogg,” replied Old Avalanche, excitedly—‘t Alva Lanch Hogg, sure’s beavers hev twins.” “Then allow me ter interdooce myself as yer bru- ther, Josiah Billiam Hogr—Hogg spelt wi’ two G's —the grate Poet o’ ther Nor’west, an’ ther famuse romancer 0’ ther Powder River Range.” There was a glad cry of delight; the Annihilator’s bonds were cu‘, and the next instant the two long- lost brothers were locked in a bear-like hug. All this time Nevada Sam was speaking. “After the second guide was added, the expedi- tion plunged deep into the wilderness, and after many days’ toilsome climbing, reached the top of the Flat Butte, above us, only to find that other ex- plorers had been there. “While camping on the But’e, Sir Fleming and his seeret accomplice, Raleigh, the Canadian guide, formed a hellish plan, and executed it. “The elder guide was sent down the mountain- side for cones, and during his absence Sir Henry was lowered over the precipice and dropped down into this, the Death Gulch.” Sir Harry uttered a horrified ery. “The fall did not kill your father,’ resumed Nevada, ‘for the rope by which they lowered him reached within ten feet of the bottom, but ia drop- ping his head struck a rocky spur and fractured the skull, thereby causing insanity, from which he has never recovered, In Death Gulch he found a band of outlaws, and ever since that night, twenty years ago, he has been their chief, Sir Fleming Milburn returned to England, | have learned from your mo- ther, and —well, you know the rest. “Now, one more matter and I have dape. On the night of the flood, this dying man received his death-wound at the hand of yon scout, Old Avalanche—the man who is the only one now living ani capable of speech who can bear witness that Sir Fleming Milburn is guilty of an attempt on your father’s life. The question is: is punishment to be inflicted on the scout? He says he fired the fatal shot to prevent the signal from being given that was intended to cause the raising of the flood- gates of Lake Tico.” Sir Harry was about to reply, when, by a mighty effort, the dying man sat up on his couch of skins. “Sct Alva Lanch free!” he said, in a husky whis- per. * He is not guilty of intentional murder, and I hank him for relieving me from a life of pain, mental torture and misery. I freely forgive him, as I hope God will forgive me. Sam—where is he?” Nevada Sam advanced to the side of the couch, with bowed head and tearful eyes. “Good,” said Sir Henry. “My boy, you have been as good asason to me, and I would see you happy. To place you on equal terms with your fellow-men, I will you the result of my years of out- lawry—one hundred thousand dollars, which you will find beneath this couch, and, moreover, I give my consent to your union with Maude, here; for Old Avalanche. ie eyes have be me that you two are not in- different to each other, ie “Harry, my son, in you I see a noble man 0 whom I am justly proud. You are the last male representative of my own noble house. It therefore devolves upon you to support my dear wife and your mother, in her declining path through life, and also to marry, that the family name may be handed down to future generations. I have Selected for you a beautiful bride whose past life has been one of purity and goodness, and whose pedigree is of the best in our American land.’ “You mean Wild Edna?” “*T do, my son, I do.” “Then rest easy on that point. She andI havo learned the lesson of love, and she is to be mine.” “Thank God. I am now satisfied and would be content to die were it not for parting from thee, my dearly loved wife.” “* Weep not for me, husband,” sobbed Lady Hetty, **for perhaps God will soon summon me to join you in that great and better world!” He kissed her, then sunk back on the couch, a smile of glory overspreading his bearded face and ere long he ceased to breathe. A few hours later Sir Bruce and Sir Fleming were conducted to the mouth of the tunnel by a squad of the banditti, and placed upon strong, swift-limbed mustangs. Nevada Sam told them that half an hour's start would be given them down the canyon, and then the flood-gates of Lake Tico would be opened. Accordingly, the two fugitives lee ed their’spurs into their steeds’ flesh, and dashed furiously away down the canyon, : When the half-hour was up, the flood-gates wend” raised, and Tico’s waters again flew down the rors Canyon on its mission of death and destruc: tion! CHAPTER XVI. CONCLUSION, Tae body of Sir Henry was boxed and Lie cor for transportation, but at the last moment, it was decided to bury him in the gulch, rather than to at- en t the difficulty of bearing him back to Eng- land, - Accordingly Nevada read an Episcopal funeral service over his coffin, and the lifeless clay of the once great explorer, was consigned to a rocky grave in the Death Gulch. After this last sad rite was over, a consultation was held with t 16 brigands, which resulted in a re- solve on their part to quit the scene of their late operations, and to enter the Black Hills country, _ For a small corepeas at they agreed to conduct our friends out through the canyon, to the Indian fort, where they could join a train via the Upper Gap to Fort Dakota. \ The start was made on the following morning, and all except Old Avalanche and Josiah Hogg left. the Devil's Canyon, for the time being—undoubtedly forever. . The latter shouldered their rifles and took an op- posite course, down the canyon, where soon to the Annihilator’s surprise, he was joined by Florence Nightingale, who had been faithfully searching for his master since having lost him, during the perilous trip over the mountains. : Idaho Bill went with the banditti, having decided — to join them. rh, he party whose adventures we have been pictur- ing, reached Dakota-fort, in due seasun, and remain- ed there until September, 1876, when they started — for England. During the sojurn at the fort, Nevada — and Sir Harry, arm Sir Henry's country into Mexico, where they succeeded in ing a valuable property, which was duly dis of, and the p’ s divided between the brother sister, with proof-papers, found on — rson, took a trip down across the ~ 753,
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> Old Avalanche, Ett ine _ Lady Milburn died on the voyage to England, and _ ‘was happy in the knowledge that she was going to her husband, in heaven. » _ Old Avalanche and Josiah Hogg still make the far Nor'west their home, and it is the sole ambition of the former to get even with the Sioux demon, Crazy Horse, who, I am sorry to say, yet lives. ‘ Nevada and his vivacious wife have returned to American soil, to reside, and Sir Harry and Lady Edna are at present doing the West in search of a beautiful spot to build themselves a home on. Dan Coggswell, guide, was shot and killed, in a late skirmish with the Sioux, and his remains were interred in the prairie, a mile out from Cheyenne, THE END. _ Beatles | ~~ &he Best Weekly of Popular, Entertain- 5 ing and Useful Literature Pub- lished in America! '. Ws Unrivaled Corps of Contributors, almost all of whom write erclusinely for its publishers—embraces ’ the following authors of world wide repute— folonel Prentiss Ingraham, Albert W. Aiken, Capt. Fred. Whittaker, Capt. Mark Wilton, Joseph _£) Badger, Jr., Edward L. Wheeler, Charles Morris, » Ol Coomes, C. Dunning Clark, Buffalo Bill, White at Beaver, Buckskin Sam, Major Dangerfield Burr, 1% SY G. Harbaugh, Philip S. Warne, Willian R. Eyster, Anthony P. Morris, Launce Poyntz. » Fach and all of whom give to BEADLE’s WEEKLY their very best productions in al) the varied fields of Border and Wild West R-mance— , Adventure Exploration and Sport— City Life Character, Courts and Ways— Detective and ‘Shadow’ Revelations— Stories of the Great Deep, etc., etc. ‘80 that each and every number is overflowing “With reading of the most interesting and exciting nature; while in its Special Departments, covering all the needs, and adding to the general interest and usefulness of the popular journal, BEADLE’s _) Wexrsty is tre paper of all others for your. weekly » reading and entertainment, Beadle’s Weekly is Published at the Following Rates: _ For Four Months. For One Year. 3 s . Two Copies for One Year. . is i M4 * : _ Singie Copies OMY tani RS a ~ Supplied by all Newsdealers. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PusLisHErs, 98 William street, New York. 29 Half-Dime Singer's Library 1 Wnoa, Ena! and 59 other Songs. 2 Capratin Curr and 57 other Songs. 3 Tue Garxsgoro’ Hat and 62 other Songs. 4 Jonnny Moraan and 60 other Songs. 5 [uu Stare You Wits A FEATHER and 62 others, 6 GrorGE THE CHARMER and 56 other Songs. 7 Tae Bevie or Rockaway and 52 other Songs. Youne Fevuan, You’re Too Fresa and 60 others Say Youne Grew and 65 other Songs. I'’w THE GoveRNOoR’s OnLy Son and 58 other Songs, My Fawn and 65 other Songs. Comin’ Toro’ Tur Ryze and 55 other Songs. Tue Rouiickine IrRIsHMAN and 59 other Songs. Otp Doe Tray and 62 other Songs. Waoa, CHARLI£ and 59 other Songs, In tH1s Waeat By anv By and 62 other Songs, Nancy Lee and 58 other Songs. Iw THE Boy THAT’s Bounp To Biaze and 67 others, THe Two OrpxHans and 59 other Songs. WHat art THe Witp Waves SaYInc, SIsTer? and 59 other Songs. Inpianant Potty Woe arid 59 other Songs. 22 'I'ne OLp ArM-CHarr and 58 other Songs, 23 On Corry IsLanp Beacu and 58 other Songs. 24 OLp Srmon, THE Hot-Corn Man and 60 others, 25 I’m in Love and 56 other Songs. 25 PARADE oF THE Guarps and 56 other Songs. 27 Yo, Heave, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 28 *Twitu NevER po To Gis rr up So and 60 others. 29 Buve Bonnets Over THE Borper and M others, 80 Tae Merry Lavauine Man and 56 other Songs, 31 Sweer Forart-mz-Nor and 55 other Songs, 82 LeerLe Basy Mine and 53 other Songs. 83 De BANJO Am DE INSTRUMENT FOR Mz and 53 others. 34 Tarry and 50 other Songs, 85 Just TO PLEASE THE Boys and 52 other Songs. 86 SKATING ON ONE IN THE GUTTER and 52 others, 87 Kotorep Kranks and 59 other Songs. 38 Nit DespeRANDUM and 53 other Wine 39 Tue Grew I Lerr Beninp ME and 50 other Songs 40 °Tis put A Lirtte Fapep FrLower and 50 others 41 Prerry WaiLHeLmra aad 60 other Songs. 42 DANCING IN THE Barn and 638 other Ps ; 43 H. M.S. Prnarore, compere, and 17 other Songs. Sold everywhere by Newsdealers, at five cents per copy, or sent post-paid, to any address, on re- ceipt of Six cents per number, : BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pus.isaeks, 98 Witi1aM Street, New Yor. The Dime Dialogues No. 31. Containing twenty Minor Dramas, Extravaganzas Burlesques, Farces, Dress and Humorous Pieces, for the Amateur Stage, Parlors, Schools and Exhibitions, All original and by favorite authors, professors, teachers and amateurs, For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, post-paid, om receipt of price—ten cents, BEADLE AND ADAMS, PustisHErs, 98 William Street, New York,
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82 Octavo Pages. 80 Kentucky Ben, the Long Rifle of the Cascades, Roger Starbuck, 81 The Kit Carson C By T. C. Harbaugh 82 Little Buck, the B: By Barry Ring, . 88 Pony Bobs th By Col. P. Ingraham, 84 Captain Fly-by- Night. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 85 Captain Ralph, the Young Explorer. D. Clark, Little Dan Rock®, By Morris R ng. The Menagerie Hunters, By Maj. H. Grenville. T he Boy ‘Tramps; or, Life Among the Giy js By . M. Hoffinan, ar eedknen Lije. By C. D. Clark. oving Rifle, Custer’s Little Scout. By T. C, Harbaugh, regon Josh, the Wizar . By Roger Starbuck. rleane Kit. By A. F. uping Jake, the Colorado C irons Ba oy Bain brid 94 Sam Spene , the Broadhorn Boy. By Ed. Willett. 95 Moseow to Siberia; or, A Yankee Boy to the Rescue. By Charles Morris. 96 Fighting Fred, By T. C. Harbaugh. 97 Orulse of the Flyaway. By C. Donning Clark. 98 The Boy Vigilantes. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard. 99 7 White Tigers, By Capt. Charles Howard. 100 e Snow-Shoe Trail, By St. orge Rathbone, 101 Mariano, the Ot 102 The Flyaws 108 Pat Mulloney’s Adventures; or, Silver Tongue the Dacotah Que By C, L. Edwards. 104 The Boy Prospector. By Roger Starbuck. 105 Minonee, the Wood Witch, By in Emerson. 106 The Boy Crulsers.’ By Edward Wi 107 The Serder i s By J. Milton Hoffman. 108 Alaska, the By Capt. Howard Lincoln. 109 Christian yin » the White Man’s Friend. By Edward S, t lis ky Joe, tl . By J. M. Hoffman, sy im Border € y 6 L. Bowen, Lett-Handed 1 The River Rifles. Alone on the Plains. and His By Bryant By Cap By Edw ward Willett. Rifle Firedeath, By Roger Starbuck. Exploits of Nezekiah Smith, the Backwoodsman, By Emerson Rodman, The Young Must Clark. old, Shot, the White Crow. C. Harbaugh. A Hot Trail; or, Clark Cloverly Among the Tatars. By Charles Morris. ter Pard I aquimau *, the Boy Acrobat. 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By Edward Willett, 198 Taye, Winkle’s Long Chase. By Wm. R. wyster. 194 06 reeper Cato, the Shadow Swamp Trailer. By Frederick Dewey. 195 The Ranger Detective. Ready January 7. psy Mag, the Mountain Witch, By C. Dunning Clark. Ready January 14, 197 The Branded Captain, Ready January %. 198 Old Crossfire’s Crisis. Ready January %, 199 Zebra Zack, the Ready February 5. Vow. _By Harry Hazard. By R. Starbuck. By Maj. Max Mertine. By Emerson Rodman. a Undrleg By Harry Hazard, 196 By W. J. Hamilton, By Capt. Charles Howard, Texan, By W. J. Hamilton, Beadle’s Boy’s Library is for sale by all Newadealers,. five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,
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$8 OCTAVO PAGES. es ORD EE. BARRA ARAHDHHHHRDHDAHHH MAD | 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the i d 3 nA & ing; we By Col, Prontiss Ingraham. By Edward L. W Fortunes of a y "he Flying Yan T He Dou bie Dare Re T t he Spore Der Butfalo We n, Priv # of y PA othe Nig Yellowstone ¢ Claude Duyal nel Prentiss Lig Kaite, Prince of the Prairice a n Sol or, ! Rt tt lt AD Oe eae nec Death-F ac I Lasso Jack, the ¥ Seu The Boy Clown. M4 The Dumb Spy . Rattling Rube. Old Avalanche, ti @, the Groat Shi Pony Express Rider. Bob Woolf, t Nightingale Black Joh Omaha Ou, t the the Re nd A wth. Phe w phate amp. The White Buffalo. Jim Bladsoe, Jr. Bb ne Boy T rapper t ilews Pet. The Border King. Old Hickory v ‘he W | nite, Indien ts of the Yellow- The Shadow . The Red Brother hood. Dandy ae fi y T.¢ ,» Che Outlaw of the Oise q Hurrics ne Mustang Sam and His“ Pard,” ‘A Life for a Life. By Philip S, Warne. The Border Robin Mood; or, The Priirio Rover, By Butfato Bill Gold Rifte, t Patent cleat her Sharpshooter. irvenhorn in the Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. Mad Tom Western. Deadwood Dick on Beek 2: vroine of Whe U By by W. J. anal ns ale By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, By Albert W. Aiken, » the a row-Killer. By Edward L. Corduroy Chartie, the Boy Bravo, RS So POCKwE | LIBRARY a RICE, FIVE CENTS, $ BRRKRUHHHHH HHH H, WIIL Somers, the Boy Detective. ager, the Glant Trapver. By Edward L. By Captain J. arefoot, the Wood-Hawk. By Chas. Morris. A | By Oll Coomes, Rollo, the Boy Ranger. irl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. r 3 or, The Hero in Raga. Sure ; Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. or, The Adventures of a Friendloss Boy. By O11 Coomes. Sharp Sam; » Pe te 30r5 Nicodemus, the Dog Detestive. ack He urkaws fay). By Edward L, in Sinuggler, graham. Deadwood Dick’s Device. The Black Mustanger. Old Frosty, the B E he Sea Viper. By Capt. Mayne Reid. itiss Ingraham. Captives of the Frontier. na Ch ic ‘the Counterfeiter Chief. ab Page; or, Frederick Whattak 3 ‘a Boy Miners. Htarkaw ay in The Doge’s Daughter. w: rd S, Ellis, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, Deadwood Dic St oke for Liberty. Bill Biddon, 7 pauper’ or, Li ite in the Ne rthwest. By Goo sree Gleason, King of the Plains. mg Sam, the The Ocean Bicodhound, Phil Mardy, the Dendwood Dick as Detactiy, ce Buck Buckram. Gilt-Edged iy Samuel Ww. By Captain J, Fy By Edward L. > Black Steed of the Prairies. hn Se " By Jnan Lew is, zm Bill, the Man E. L. Wheeler. 100 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of ‘the Sioux Cuptive. 3 the Young Bear Killer. 102 ‘The y cllow Chief. 108 Chip, the Girl Sport. 104 'T 105 Handsome By Capt. Mayne Reid. BY Edward I Z Black Schoo: larry, the » Buotbluck Detec tive, Charles Mortis. Tawk Kit; or, the Daughter of the Ranch. 107 Jack Moy le’s 1. end. | 108 Rocky ' | 109 The Hemsted Hand. } 110 ‘The Dread Rider, a ht 7 LW hooler. “By Frank ‘Dumont, iit Boss Bob, the King is By E.L Wheeier. I n By OM Coomes. Deadwood Dic ke » enbls. Jabez Collin, Skippe Faney Frank, of Calorado, By ! “Buffalo Bill.” Insned Every Wednesday, Beadle’s Pocket Library is for sale by all News- ers, five cents per copy, or sent by wall on receipt af six cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.
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RERGRDARHAHAD \ PRICE, FIVE CENTS, © 32 OCTAVO PAGES, Ss BS Z_s200 — eBADL Eve Bae POCKET | RADRAAAN a By Chas. Morris. Home 118 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred 2119 Blonde BI; or, Deadwood Di By Edward L. Wheeler. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Tray 121 Harry Armstrong, the Cap Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Harka 122 The Hunted MWunter. By Edward S, Ellis. 128 Solid Sam, the Boy Roa . By E, L, Wheeler. 124 Judge Lynch, Jr. By 125 The Land Pirates. By ¢ spt. Mayne R 126 Blue Blazes; or, The Brexk o' Day Boys of Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. : 127 Tony Fox, the 128 Black Bess, W 129 Eagle. Kit, the toy Demon. 180 Gold Trigger, the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh. 181 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick's Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler, 182 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. 188 Wild-fire, the Boss of the Road. 184 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy, 185 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood, L. Wheeler, 186 Old Rube, the Hunter. 187 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas, Browne. 188. Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. 189 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. By Joseph E. Badger, Jt. 140 Captain Arizona, 141 New York Nell, Edward L, Wheeler. 142 Little 148 Deadly Dash or, Fignting Fire with Fire. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 144 Little Grit, the Wild Rider; or, Bessie, the Stock Tender’s Daughter. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 145 The Tiger of Taos. By Geo. Waldo Browne, 146 The Cattle King. 147 Nobby Nick of Nevada, By Edward L. Wheeler? 148 Thunderbolt Tom, By Harry St. George. 149 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. By C, Morrix, 150 The Mad Miner, By G. Waldo Browne. 151 The Sea Traller. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By William R. Eyster. 158 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Brayo. E. L. Wheoler. 154 The Boy Trailers. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. By T. C,H ugh. erret. By Edward L. Wheeler, L Wildfire’s Racer. By C. Morris. By Ol! Coomes. Big By J.E. By Frank Dumont, By C. Morris, By Edward By Capt. Hamflton Holmes. By G. By Chas. Morris. By Philip 5. Warne. the Boy-Girl Detective. By Frank Dumont, 155 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit; or, The Kid-Glove Sport. 156 Will Wildfire In the Woods, By C. Morris, 157 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T. C. Harbaugh. 158 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By E, L. Wheeler. 159 Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat, By Philip. S. Warne. 160 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. Ingraham. 161 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman. By C. Morris. 162 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain, By Coomes. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By E. L, Wheeler. 164 Tornado Tom, By T. C. Harbaugh. 165 Buffalo Bill's Bet. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 166 Will Wildfire Wins and@oses. By C. Morris, 167 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George W. Browne By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, By Col. P. on Base, | ofthe Club, By +) | Badger, Jr. | Wa do | yay Pexas,the Young Mustanger. By O11 Coomes, | | 196 The Dandy Detective. | 197 | 206 168 Deadwood Wickes Ward; or, The Black Hill, Jevedel. By Kiward Ly Wheeler. The Boy Champion. By Edward Willett. Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. By C. Morris, Frank Morton, the Boy t ules. By OIL Coomes, The Yankee Ranger. By Edwin Emerson, Dick Dingle, Scout.. By Edward S. Ellie, Dandy Rock’s Scheme. By G. W. Browne. 5 The Arab Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 176 Will Wildfire’s Pluck, By Charles Mons. 177 The Boy Commander. ByCol.Pren 178 The Maniac Hunter. By Burton 179 or, The Mystic s Ingrahame axe, coiemege Marksman. By: 180 The Boy Gold-Hunter. IS1 The Seapegrace Son, 182 The Dark~-Skinned Scout. Hazeltine. Jabez Dart, Detective. Featherweight, the Boy Bison Bill, the Overland Prince, Ingraham. Dainty Lance and His Pard. Badger, Jr. The Trapped Tiger King. AY ‘he Ventriloquist Detective. heeler, 189 are Rocky’s Boys. 190 Sim Shiepkins, Scout. By James L. Bowen, 191 Dandy Rock’s Rival. By Geo. Waldo Browne? 192 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George, 198 Detective Josh Grim. By Edward L. Wheeler. © 194 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By O11 Coomess 195 The Tenderfoot Traller. By T. C. Harbaugh, — By Charles Morris. By Col. P. Ingrahamg By T. C. Harbaugh, By Charles Morris, By Lieut. Coli By Ol] Coomes, . By Edward Willetts By Col. Prentisa 188 184 185 186 By Joseph Ey By Charles Morris. 188 By Edward L, By Maj. Sam. 8. Hall. Roy, the Young Cattle King. 198 Ebony Dan’s Mask. B nk Dumont, 199 Dictionary Nat, Detective. By T,C. Harbaugh, 200 The Twin Horsemen. By Capt. F. Whittaker, 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards, By Wim. R. Eyster. 202 Tomy the Texan or. By Ol! Coomes, 208 Sam, the Office Boy. By Charles Morris, 204 The Young Cowboy. By Col. P. Ingraham, 205 The Frontier Detective. By E. L, Wheeler. White Light Ing; or, The Boy Ally. By T.C, Harb ugh. Kentuck Talbot's By Capt. M Wilton. Trapper Tom’s Castle Mystery. By Coomes. Ready January 4. The Messenger-Boy Detective. Morrs ke.dy January 11, The Hunchback of the Mines, Badger, Jr. Ready January 18, Little Giant and His Band, Ready January 2 The Jimtown Sport. Ready February 1. Band; or, The Red Lasso. ou By Charles By Joseph E, By P: S, Watne, By E. L. Wheeler, Issued Every Wednesday, Bendle’s Pocket Library is for sale by all News- dealers, five cente per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,