Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 270) (1889 03 13)
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Copyrighted, 1849, by Beanie ann Apama, Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. ¥., as Second Class Mail Matter. March 13, 1889. oe Di0iersathec ns SONNE Nore Dente see tenor “te Mole Sal = 1 WITH A SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT NATHAN BLOB SPRUNG OVER THE TABLE AND OUT OF THE ROOM, *
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sg . Denver Doll’s Mine. Denver Doll’s Mine; LITTLE BILL’S BIG LOSS. BY EDWARD'L. WHEELER, AUTHOR. OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK ” NOVELS, ‘‘ ROSE- BUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘‘DENVER DOLL” NOVELS, ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I. ONE WAY TO LOSE A MINE, “Vas, they say old Nathan Blob is comin’ ter town, to-night, bag an’ baggage, fetchin’ along his swag wi’ which to buy up a monopoly over ther minin’ interests, heer in Freshet Flats!” The speaker was a black-bearded, rougbly- dressed man, who formed one of a party of half a dozen persons that were seated in Fisk’s gro- cery store, one rainy September evening, in the young mining-camp of Freshet Flats, Fisk’s grocery was the only store in the camp, and consequently was a place of rendezvous, nightly, for characters that did not frequent the sai a, the chief saloon and gaming den of wh, The speaker was Jim Fisk, the proprietor of the grocery—a man who had followed up min- ing life since 49, and who was noted as ‘‘ squar’ from the word go.” : Of course occasionally some one would insinu- ate that Fisk’s character was not spotless; but _ then, a man never existed in a rough Western mining-camp, whom some one had not some- thing to say against, and Jim generally backed up any insults with the free use of a six-shooter, which he knew petty well how to handle, as did his daughter anny. His audience, to-night, was with one excep- tion, composed of roughly-attired and bearded men, like himself, who were plainly veterans in the mines, and who were not afraid to use the weapons they wore in their belts. The exception was a well-shaped young man, dressed in citizen’s attire, with a display of jew- elry, and the air of one who was born to easy circumstances, His hair was jet-black, and a mustache of the same color ornamented his lip. Of face, he was dark-complexioned, and of sinister expression; a cynical smile almost con- stantly hovered about his mouth. The words of Jim Fisk had been addressed to this individual, more particularly. “I suppose ordinary mortals will stand no show when the monopoly magnate comes!” this sport said, “Reckon you're right, unless you can rope him in with a skin game, La Force.” _ To which the young man showed two gleam- ing white rows of teeth in his sardonic smile. ‘The boys tell me the ownership of Denver Doll’s Drift is likely to change hands!” Fisk went on inquiringly. ‘* How is it?” “T judge that’s about the size of it,” La Force rejoined. ‘‘Those who dance must pay the fiddler. Heard how we ran it in to corral?” ‘“No. I simply heard that Dolly had been taken in and done for.” ‘* Well, you see, last eveaing Doll came into the Satanello, where I and Ben Blye were play- ing eucher—that is, we were Playing off; Ben losing all the time and I winni eavily, in anticipation of picking upasnap. This Denver Doll stood looking on, an’ when Blye quit, two hundred out, she was gal enough to allow she could beat the man who put the spots on the cards, “T allowed she couldn’t, and first you know we were at it, hundred dollars a side, She was a good player, and bad sharp eyes, but I knew several points—El Pas» skin. game—that she didn’t, and as a natural consequence, I won twenty successive games, That made her mad, and she wanted to borrow swag to gamble on. No one responded, so I agreed to lend her a thousand for twenty-four hours, and take a mortgage on the mine. She agreed, and Paque, the lawyer, fixed up a light mortgage, which makes the Drift mine, if Denver Doll don't come to time at eleven o’clock to-night.” ** And you won the other thousand?” “Of course, The man or woman does not live that can beat me at cards!” And the sport spoke with emphasis enough to denote that he believed what he said, Denver Doll’s Drift was the only quartz mine yet opened at Freshet Flats, and was already de- velo into oue of the best-paying leads in that section of Arizona. All the other claims at the Flats were moderate paying placer or surface mines, and promised speedily to play out. Nor had diligent prospecting discovered another view of quartz in the hills about the Flats, that guar- anteed to pay for the labor of opening. Therefore the future prospects of the camp depended mainly upon Denver Doll’s Drift, and the noted young queen of Western detectives was considered as being the destined richest per- son in that part of the territory. Buf, now, according to the statement of Jean La Force, her prospects were poor, unless she couid raise a thousand dollars before eleven o'clock, that night. This she could have done, only that her young protege, Little Bill, had gone Hast, several weeks before, for machinery, taking all buta couple of thousand dollars of their available funds with him, It was already time for his return, but there was no knowing exactly what day he would put in an appearance, é f Thus was the loss of her available cash liable to put the girl sport in trouble, as there was cobably not a man at the Flats, aside from ean La Force and Ben Blye, who could raise a thousand dollars to meet a sudden emergency. unless it was Jim Fisk—and that personage and the detective queen were not exactly on good terms, for te reason that she had refused to sell him a share in the Drift. “Tm bettin’? the mine is yourn,” Fisk re- marked. ‘I opine if the gal is really broke, that she won’t find no one hyer who can help her out.” : “That's what I concluded, when I lent the
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Denver Doll’s Mine. money for so short a time,” La Force chuckled. ** The mine is worth a bundred thousand, if a cent, Pretty good investment, eh?” ““Yas; but I wouldn’t like to be in your skin, if you take the mine away from her!” an old gray-haired miner said, who was known as Uncle Job, from the fact that he was noted for his patient disposition. ‘Why not?” La Force demanded. ** Beca’se ye don’t balf know that aire gal, I tell ye. She’s a big-hearted ’un, an’ squar’ as a corner, but she ain’t one ’twill be run over.” “Pshaw! Would you for a moment imagine that I could be intimidated by a woman?” scornfully. ‘*Wull, wait an’see. Ef pane don’t lie, you wouldn’t be the furst galoot she’s made knuckle under, Orter go up around Boise City, ef ye wanter get her pedigree.” “Humph! Ill run chances against her chew- in’ off my ear. Ef you’re so much struck on the gal, old man, why don’t you put up for her?” “ Wish to the Lord I bad the ducats, an’ I would!” Old Job replied, promptly and heartily. ‘*T’m blowed ef 1 don’t feel like a fightin’ -cock, when [I bear a feller brag about beatin’ a gal out o’ her money by a skin game? Ef I hadn’t nigh seventy year on my head, I’d like to lick sech a galoot before each meal time, jest as an appe- tizer. 3 La Force flushed angrily, and sprung to his est. “Mebbe you’d like to try it on, now!” he cried, savagely. ‘‘Il’vea mind to flatten your nose for you, you old loafer!” : “Be keerful, boyee! Don’t ye tech me, ef I am old, or by the Holy Moses, T'll Yarn ye bet- ter!” the miner cried, also rising. ‘I don't want to pick bones along wi’ sech as you, but I’m hanged ef ye’ll git advantage on "count of my years!” “What! you dare to talk back to me, you old fossil? Why, I bave to learn you better man- ners!” the gambler cried, and he strutted up to Old Jot to slap bim across the mouth: but quick as lightning the old fellow ducked bis head, and catching La Force by the leg, jerked him down upon the floor. He then stood aloof, and calmly waited for the gambler to arise, which he did instantly, the back of his immaculate white duck coat consid- erably soiled. “Curses be on you! I'll have your life for this!’ he roared. ‘Dll show you who is the best man in Freshet Flats!” He leaped upon the miner with the agility of a panther, and both went to the floor, La Force on top. The next instant he seized Old Job by the throat, and proceeded to choke him to death, the others crowding around and looking on with es pe a Force was counted a bad man at the Flats, and had not yet met his equal as a fighter or card sharp. In all probability be would have been permit- ted to accomplish his murderous pu had not the door of the store opened, at this junc- ture, and a stranger walked in. Comprehending the situation, this new-comer uttered a yell, and leaping forward, jerked the gambler off from his victim, throwing him back upon the floor, when he planted one foot upon his breast, and leveled a revolver at his head. “There, you infernal whelp, lay there!” he cried, sternly. ‘‘ What d’ye mean by assaulting a man old enough to be your grandfather?” “Who the deuce are you?” La Force gasped, both enraged and terrified. ‘‘ Let me up, curse ou! ‘Not yet, my fine fellow. When the old gent says you can get up, P’il let you up. If he wants me to pin you to the floor, I'll throw my knife through you!” The speaker was a dashing-looking frontiers- man of some five-and-twenty years, with a fine face and figure—the former somewhat tanned by exposure, and the latter attired in a service- able civilian’s suit, with high top-boots upon his fect, a slouch sombrero upon his head, and a belt around his waist, which contained a revol- — we knife in addition to the one he held in and, His face was strikingly bandsome, witb pearly teeth, penetrating brown eyes, a tawny mus- tache, and a head of brown hair that rippled to his shoulders hke a vail. ‘* What shall I do with the tough?” he asked. * Just sing out bis doom, and [ll execute it just so sure as my name is Arizona Alf!” All hands started, and looked surprised, It was not an unfamiliar title. Down from the nor’western part cf the territory had now and then come some miner’s camp-fire yarn, about the dare-devil pranks of a reckless ranger called Arizona Alf—a man said to fear neither man, beast, nor Geévil, and who was a terror to evil-doers, “Ob, yes, it’s me!” he went on; “it's me, you bet! and I reckon some of you have beard of such a galoot. But, I say, pap—what shall I do with this rampant rooster what was a- shettin’ off yer throttle?” “Let him go,” Old Job replied. ‘I orter know’d better than to try and defend myself. I’m too old ter tackle sich cattle as bim!” ‘“‘ Better just give me permission to put a bead through him, so that he can’t hurt you in the future.” ‘*No! I want no murder on my soul,” Job an- swered. ‘Let him go. He will do better, I hope 7 ‘You bet I will! La Force retorted. ‘I'll finish you next time.” “You dare to touch him, and I’ll make you wish you’d never been born,” Arizona Alf cau- tioned, removing his foot, so taat the gambler could arise. **Curse you, I’m uot afraid of you!” La Force cried. “If you want to fight, squeal out.” “T am not tke party to take the offensive. If you particularly desire to get mangled, I’ve no doubt the avenger of Joaquin Muriete can accommodate you.” rs La Force grew suddenly white. * You?” he gasped— . “ Am the only surviving relative of ill-fated Joaquin, and have the blood of vengeance in my veins. There are living yet several of Joaquin’s enemies, or their families, and they are mine,” ae 24 “Well, if you’re that sort of a pilgrim, I
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Ke t = A. ; Denver Doll’s Mine, 4 opine you’ve come to the right camp to get lynched!” Jim Fisk declared, seeing that La ‘oree was rather weakening. ‘The rope was never made that will lynch me,” Alf retorted, coolly. ‘‘ Besides that, there is not square inches enough of man in the camp to handle me. If you think there is, and have got the stuff to back it, just trot out your man, am ready at all times to conquer conceit by the most approved methods.” Here was a bold challenge, and every man in the room knew it, but none of them seemed dis- posed to take it up. La Force had by degrees got around to the other side of the stove, and was apparently in- disposed so far as tackling the Arizonian was concerned. “Your challenge is that of a bully, and not worthy of notice,” Fisk said. ‘ Let me tell you, however, that if you propose to remain in this camp, you will have to exhibit less brag- gadocio, or you'll get planted.” “Té you think so, why don’t you trot out one of your planters?” Arizona AJf demanded. “Fight with nature’s weapons, and I'll give a fe v lessons,” La Force answered. He had heard enough of Alf to fear to tackle hi» with knife or pistol. For bimself, he was a trained pugilist. No man in Freshet Flats had yet been able to tap him on the nose, and there were some fellows among the hardy miners, who had a deal of science in the fistic art. Arizona Alf looked the challenger over for a moment, critically, and noted two facts. La Force was trimly, compactly, and muscularly built—then, his every natural movement de- noted a quickness that is especially desirable to a boxer; but these facts did not in the least dis- concert the Arizonian. “Consider me your pupil, then,” he answered, “and let’s get at the lessons!” La Force threw off his coat and vest in an instant, and rolled up his sleeves, Alf leaned eee the counter, making no move to dis- robe. A ring was hastily chalked out on the floor, and when the gambler Seas his readiness, the two athletes confronted each other, Resolve gleamed in each eye—it was plainly destined to be a battle of two masters, CHAPTER II. THE LONE ROBBER AND A SCIENTIFIC ‘‘ SET-TO.” “ Haut!” Sharp and stern rung out the challenge, sounding above the noise occasioned by the coach-wheels, as the clumsy vehicle tore along down through a deep mountain gulch, drawn by six good horses. Not only did Buck Bradley, the driver, hear the challenge, but he saw a person standing in the trail just ahead, with a rifle leveled toward the coach, “Halt, or [ll fire!” came the command again, and so sternly, that the veteran Jehu jerked his horses back upon their haunches, The road-agent, who was dressed in good clothes, including top-bvots and a plumed slouch hat, and a mask upon the smooth face, advanced, keeping his rifle ready for instant use, **Get down from off your box!” he ordered, addressing Bradley. Buck had confronted these officious gents of the road more than once during his career, and had learned that it was safest to obey their commands; so he leaped to the ground, and awaited further orders. ‘Tell your passengers to pile out!” the bandit next ordered, Bradley flung open the coach door, * Dust out, you passengers!” he cried. ‘ Thar’s a feller out heer wi’a sixteen-shot battery as wants to see ye. No monkeyin’, now, nor kickin’, but pile right out!” Following this significant hint, three men growlingly clambered out of the coach. One was a short, broad-sbouldered man, with a tremendous stomach and a fat face, of rather sour, disagreeable appearance. The next was a “swell,” in a checkered suit, fresh kids, soft hat, and eye-glass—a milk-com- plexioned party, with attenuated legs, a hooked nose, and flaxen side-whiskers. The third and last to leave the stage was a bouncing negro, as black as jet, who evidently belonged to the old gent of the big corporosity. The trio halted in line as they left the coach, and their strong contrast of appearance pro- voked a dry laugh from the road-agent, who had now drawn a revolver and slung his rifle to his back, ‘Well, this is a healthy-looking haul, I must remark!” he said. ‘‘ Best you can scare up, driver? Get ina line, therethat’s right, now. Nothing like order, you know. Throw up your hands, every mother’s son of you!” ‘“‘ Vot der duyfel you means?” the faé party demanded. ‘‘ Dis vas von oudrage!” “You bet!” the road-agent averred. ‘I am Red Star, the road-runner, and I want your money. Hands up, if you don’t want to get salivated !” The command was obeyed. Nathan Blob, the wealthy Jew, sputtered and cursed furiously, but the negro and the swell were too much frightened to speak; and, as — Bradley had no money, he did not care so much. Red Star was not long in effectually disarm- ing all hands and flinging their weapons into the bushes beside the trail. “Now, then!” he said, bolding forth his hat, “just you toss out your money! I don’t care for jewelry—just the simple spondulicks. And remember, ’'m only borrowing this fora few days, when it will be returned to you, cent for cent!” ‘““Guess you’re runnin’ a new racket, then,” Buck declared, with a chuckle. ‘ Road-agents don’t generally do bisness on that plan.” “All are not alike, sir. Come! pass out, gents!” “Py tam, dish ish von pig oudrage!” old Blob eried. “TI haff no monisb. giff you no monish!” “You lie, you old gold grabber! You're not the man to travel without mony, and don’t you forget it. I know who you are, Blobsy—so just
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Denver Doll’s Mine. & you pan out, or I'll put a buzzer in your noddle that'll be worse’n tho’ a mule had kicked you!” Blob showered invectives upon the road-agent fraternity, and swore dire vengeance on them, winding up by dropping a pocketbook into Red pas hat, and then scrambling back into the coach, “You can go, too!” Red Star said to the negro, ‘‘ Who are you, dandy, and what are you fping to contribute?” _ ‘My name is Apollo Snap, and I have noth- pe to give!” the swell faintly articulated. ‘“‘ Please Jet me off for I have ‘nething to spare,” : “Well, dash me, if you ain’t a cool one. Lookee here, baby, you shell out, or Pll blow the muzzle off from you!” ‘The what?” Apollo demanded. “Yer miuzzle—you’re frontispiece — your mug. None o’ your sniveling now, but give me your pocketbook, before I drop you.” Looking more frightened than before, the swell obeyed, and then hastened to seek the pro- tection of the coach. ‘‘Reckon that will do, now!” Red Star said, giving a shrill whistle, which brought a hand- some saddle-horse to his side. ‘‘ You can tell the citizens of Freshet Flats that Red Star sends his kindest regards!” The next instant he was in the saddle and flying down the gulch. Bradley then mechanically mounted the ‘‘hearse,” and followed on toward Freshet Flats, highly elated that the first stage-robbery on that trail had been attended by no blood- shed, At Jim Fisk’s grocery, in Freshet Flats, the excitement was intense, and, yet, the silence profound, as the two athletes stood confronting each other, The following instant, however, the silence was broken by a sudden and resounding whack, which struck the gambler on the forehead, causing him to stagger back. It was a shoulder blow which the Avenger of Joaquin had struck, and would have lifted any ordinary man off his feet, “Curse you, I was off my guard, then!” the gambler yelled, coming to time with an effort. “That’s not my fault,” Alf replied, good- naturedly. “If you don’t want to get a sun- downer, you’d better be on your guard, then.” For a few minutes they indulged in a little sparring, then, as suddenly as a thunder-clap, a blow from tbe iron fist of the Avenger caught La Force under the nose and sent him spinning backward. Directly behind him was a large drum wood- stove, in which was a hot fire, The capacious door chanced to be open, and as he staggered and fell backward, the gam- bler’s head plunged into the opening of the fiery furnace, A ery of horror went up. The force of his fall knocked over the stove, by which his head escaped from the fiery pit, but not until the head was in a blaze, For an instant the spectators seemed stupefied —all except Arizona Alf, who with almost eens lightning quickness, pulled off his jacket and wrapped ft over the unfortunate’s head. But, though the flames were smothered quick- ly, the better part of La Force’s hair had keen singed down to the very scalp, owls of pain escaped him, but as there was a prospect that the shanty would catch fire, he was dragged out of doors, where several sym- pathizers proceeded to dress his wounds, Arizona Alf, after reviewing the operations for a few minutes, turned and sauntered away. CHAPTER IIT. DENVER DOLL AFLOAT. AT midnight Freshet Flats’ principal gaming den, the Satanello, usually held its largest crowd, and to-night was no exception to the rule. The room was overflowing in every part, and various games were going on, while drunken revelry prevailed: but one of the sorriest-look- ing objects in the room was Jean Ia Force, who presided behind the bar, with head bandaged in every yart except bis face, and an expression of ugly ill-humor upcn that. he Satanello was jointly owned by him and a fellow named Blye, who was engaged in at- tending to the games, Few of the audience made any audible re- marks about La Force's misfortune, for a couple of cocked revolvers lay on the shelf back of the bar, and they knew he was in a capital humor to use them at slight provocation, Although every person in the room was watch- ing some game or other, or engaged in conver- sation, it might have been noticed that they of- ten glanced at the clock bebind the bar and then toward the door, When La Force looked at the clock a devilish smile of triumph would pass over his face. At eleven o’clock Denver Doll was to have re- deemed her mortgage. It was now ufter twelve, and it was distinctly stated in the agreement that only two hours’ grace should be given, under any eircumstances, The crowd in the Satanello were to a man ac- quainted with the facts, and hence their mani- fest interest. A quarter of onecame, But fifteen minutes did Denver Doll now have, to redeem her mine. If one o’clock struck, and she had not ap- pares, it was at La Force’s option whether to et ber redeem the Drift property or not. ‘““A thousand dcllars to a cent that Denver Doll’s Mine is mine!” be cried, from behind the tar, as five minutes to one came, and the detec- tive queen bad not shown berself. ‘ All that wants to take the bet, step up!” Evidently no one in the room was flush with their stamps. Four minutes to one! Peter Paque, the only lawyer in the camp, mounted one end of the bar, holding a legal- looking document in bis hand. 3 He was a pinched, sbriveled-up little man, with the sharp features and general appear- ance of a scamp, and "twas said of him that he was not at all scrupulous as to how he made money, “Gents, at one o’clock, I foreclose the mort- gage held by Jean La Force, against the Denver
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6 Denver Doil’s Mine, Doll Mine. The full extent of grace will have expired, with the striking of yonder clock, and I do announce to you all that the mortgage is lawfully foreclosed. Enough said!” Two minutes lacking of one o’clock! The games had stopped. Every man stood facing the bar, with strange, eager expressions of countenance, their gaze riveted upon the face of the clock, toward which the finger of Jean La Force pointed, like a menace, Dead silence reigned, only the low tick of the time-piece breaking the silence, One minute to one! What an eternity to some—what a loss to others might the striking of the clock signify? Tick! tick! tick! tick! It scarcely seemed that a muscle of the hu- man beings in the room, stirred, so absorbed were they—even the expressions of the motley array of faces was changed into a sort of anx- ious pallor. Ting! It was over! The hour one struck, and according to con- tract, Denver Doll’s2Drift belonged to Jean La Force. Hark! Every ear turns toward the door—every face expresses eagerness, and some disappointment, combined with eagerness—all but one. That face expresses malicious exultance, It is the face of Jean La Force. But why the eagerness? A furious clatter of a horse’s hoofs is heard ap- proaching. The horse dashes up to the door. Some one leaps off, The door is burst open. Denver Doll, the queen of detectives, and hand- somest girl sport in the West, enters with a rush. “T redeem that mortgage!” she cries, with a glance at the clock. “Young woman, you are just one minute too late,” the voice of Peter Paque replies. ‘The mortgage is already foreclosed. The Drift be- longs to Mr, Jean La Force, and all the courts of law in Christendom cannot take it away from him.” “Do you refuse to accept back the money borrowed and retura “me the paper?” the girl demanded, turning her flashing eyes upon La Force, “Most assuredly,” ho answered, with a mock- ing smile. ‘Then, may the curse of Denver Doll rest upon you and that mine, until it is restored to me!” she cried, backing toward the door. “Stop that girl!” La Force cried; and a dozen of his admirers in an instant took the detective queen into custody, and disarmed her, She struggled, but it was no use. Man though she might appear in her jaunty suit of male attire, she was still a weak woman as compared with the hardened miners who seized hold of her. In the struggle her sombrero fell to the floor, and her beautiful hair was tossed into wild con- fusion, which, if anything, made her more beau- tiful than ever, with her cheeks flushed and eyes dancing with indignation, “Release me!” she cried. “‘ What is the mean- ing of this assault?” * Jest be quiet, if you please!” La Force said, with a wicked chuckle. ‘ You raised the mouey, and got here too late to redeem the mine, Sup- posin’ you jest explain t> us law-abidin’ citizens how and where you raised the swag!” “T will explain nothing!” she retorted. ‘TI defy the whole of you! You area pack of ruf- fians; and if that mine is not given back to me, this town shall know whata wronged woman can do!” ‘*T guess no one ain’t skeart of you!” La Force growled. ‘ Ef you don’t tell where you made a raise of the swag, why we’ll hold ye till we find out. Mebbe there has been a stage robbery, or somethin’ of the kind, since money ain’t picked up so orful easy!” A close observer might have noticed that Doll winced perceptibly; but none of the crowd pro- bably noted the fact. It indeed was she who had tapped the stage, that night, and so boldly relieved the passengers of their cash under the name of Red Star. But, how did La Force divine the secret? And why did he order her arrest? It would not be long ere the stage would arrive; then her identification as Red Star was almost a certainty. The thought fairly maddened her, and making another sudden and desperate struggle for liberty, she succeeded in breaking away, and a bound carried her through a window, taking the glass and cross-bars of the sash with her. In an instant, all was the wildest excitement, and the rough men of Freshet Flats poured from be tie ta weapons in hand and yelling venge- ully. _Across the gulch, in which the Flats were situate.l, sped the detective queen like a fright- ened fox. The pig rain and deep darkness hid her from view, and it was literally useless to follow —yet Jean La Force led the pursuit, Soon they came to Rapid Creek, a furious mountain torrent that whirled through a deep but narrow channel, on its southward course, No bridge spanned tke stream, and only a very expert leaper could reach the other side; yet beyond the stream, and above its angry roar, they heard Denver Doll’s defiant yell. Had she leaped the stream? If so, it was something that no man in the party could do, and the detective queen was safe,so faras the immediate present was con- cerned, La Force knew this, and growlingly ordered the men back to the saloon, satisfied that it was useless to attempt further pursuit. But, had he known it, he was deceived, as re- gards Denver Doll being on the further side of the stream, for she was not. On reaching its edge, and realizing that she could not get across, she ran on down the shore, and after proceeding for a little way, cut back ina cir- cuitous way into the camp. “They think I leaped the creek, but they'll find out better ere long,” she muttere1, grimly, ““T wonder will they visit my shanty?” Her abode was on the outskirts of the camp, and thither she made her way, taking care not
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Denver Doll’s Mine. @ to approach too close, until she was satisfied that La Force and his followers had returned to the Satanello. She then approached the shanty, when to her surprise she perceived that the door was ee and @ man was standing on the threshold smoking a cigar, CHAPTER IV, A GIANT SUNFLOWER. A GLANCE convinced her that he was a stranger, and a handsome one in the bargain; and as there was nothing particularly hostile in his demeanor, she concluded to advance and find out what he was doing there, He stepped from the doorway as she ap- preached, and tipped his sombrero politely. ‘‘Excuse me, but perhaps I have been tres- passing,” he said. ‘‘ I happened along here, and finding the door open, and no one apparently at home, I concluded I’d better play watch-dog until some one did_come.” “Thank you. I must have forgotten to lock the door when I went away,” Doll responded, regarding him curiously. vill you step inside, until the rain slacks ? “Tf you think proper, yes. Will you favor me with your name first?” “ Denver Doll is what I am generally called, sir.” ‘Indeed! I have then heard of you frequent- Wy, and am glad to meet you. I am Arizona lf—a name, perhaps, not familiar to you.” “T have also heard of you. You are called the Avenger of Joaquin?” “ Exactly.” They then entered the rude dwelling, and Doll closed the door, seating herself ae ‘“* You will excuse me for not striking a light,” she said, ‘‘as I am sought for by a gang of ruf- fians, and do not want them to know I am here. It they do come, I'll give them a warm recep- tion before they shall capture me,” ‘Then count on me as your assistant. But how is this?. I have heard that you were one of the prominent citizens.” i Ropsibly prominent, from the fact that Idid own part of the quartz mine, but hardly popular —with the rough element,” ree say you did own the mine, or a part of i “ Yes, If you like, I will explain.” And she proceeded to narrate, in a straight- forward manner, what is already known to the reader. Arizona Alf listened without speaking until she had finished. ‘‘T am sorry to hear this,” he said. ‘' From all accounts I have ever heard of you, you have hitherto borne an unimpeachable record: but I fear, as you say, that you are outlawed, so far as this town is concerned. What do you pro- pose to do, in regard to the mine?” “Fight for it to the bitter end!” Doll cried resolutely. ‘‘If the Drift can’t do me any good through one minute’s loss of time, it shall never do rod one else any good, and you can bet high onl “Bravo! I heartily admire your grit. If you ever need a friend, don’t forget that the Avenger of Joaquin Muriete has a heart that beats warmly for the weak and downtrodden, and a hand that can grip like steel; I—” Just then there came a loud knock upon the door—a knock that must have been given by a ponderous fist, for it made the door rattle on its hinges. Denver Doll looked at Arizona Alf, whom she could see just through the gloom, and motioned silence. In a moment came the powerful knock again, and following it, a coarse, blatant voice cried out: “Open up thar, cuss ye, or I'll tumble yer door aown! Ye needn’t purtend thar. ain’t no one to hum, ’cause I know a darned sight. bet- ter. Heerd yer squawkers a-goin’ a minit ago.” Denver Doll tip-toed over to where Arizona Alf was seated. “ Do you think it’s some of La Force’s gang?” she asked, in a whisper. ‘‘T don’t know, Sounds more like some half- drunken bullwhacker from out of town,” Just then there came a furious kick at the door that made it spring inward. ‘* Aire ye goin’ ter open!” the hoarse voice roared. Doll drew a revolver and cocked it. “Better ask who he is, and then youcan judge better what to do,” Arizona. Alf suggested. ‘“* He may not be the pee you expect.” “Who are you, and what do you want?” she demanded, sternly. “Ef ye don’t-open up yer ranch I'll cussed soon show ye!” was the savage response, ‘I’m Sunflower Sam, right down frum Cinnamon Gulch, an’ ef ye don’t open I'll show ye how to smile. I’m wet ter the skin, an’ want shelter till I kin get a bite--then I’m gone.” Not off her guard by any means, Denver Doll unbarred the door and carefully opened it, hold- ing. her revolver ready for instant use. he sight of the applicant for admission satis- fied her that he was a stranger, And a typical Western stranger, to boot. If giants prevailed in ancient times, this being seemed to proved that the race was not yet ex- tinct. He was very nearly seven feet in /hight, and largely proportioned otherwise. His face was massive and rather grotesque in appearance, with a huge mouth, and large nose with a plain inclination toward the pug. A goatee of about fifty bristled hairs of fiery red ornamented his chin, while his eyes were little, peering and cun- ning. His attire, however, was that of the usual slouchy bullwhacker, consisting of greasy cor- duroy trowsers thrust into a pair of stogy top- boots, and equally greasy and ragged red shirt, open at the throat, and a much-worn plug hat upon his cranium that bad evidently heen used as a target for much pistol-practice, judging by the number of holes in it. A belt around his waist contained three horse- pistols, each one of a different pattern. _ The moment Doll opened the door he grinned and bowed obsequiously. “Aha! =r, ae
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8 Denver Doll’s Mine, “‘ Thou art one so young and fair— By me life, I reck’ed a man lived here!” he said, with profound reverence. “ Fair lady, behold in me, Sunflower Saim’l on a spree; I’m bound to have a jamboree, In honor o’ the Wild Fejee!” And then the giant turned his back, and ex- hibited a huge cloth imitation of a sunflower, which was sewed to his shirt. Denver Doll burst into a merry laugh, while Arizona Alf came to the door to see what was the matter. “Why, Sammy, where’s your stockings and knee-breeches?” Doll asked, ‘* You are not com- plete as an esthete.” “True, Ihave been neglectful, fair Queen o’ the Muses, in not adorning my shins wi’ them togs, but then I am so much more esthetic than brother Oscar that it is hardly worth mention- ing. Can I come ia?” ** What do you want?” ‘*Tf you have no bear meat or yanked veni- son, I can, on a pinch, put up wi’ a leetle whisk made wi’ sunflower tea, miss,” ‘* Better invite him in, rather than make him an enemy,” Arizona said, ina lowtone, “If [ et not, the man is worthy of good hand- ing. “ Well, come in,” * An’ my dorg?” ** Of course,” The sesthete gave a whistle with his enormous mouth, following which a mule of the scrawniest character and size made its appearance around the end of the shanty. “ That's my dorg!” Sunflower Sam explained, surveying the anima! with pride, ‘‘an’ me an’ him allus sails together through. this briny vale of teers.” “You don’t expect to bring that beast in- doors?” Denver Doll exclaimed. ‘Bet Ido, ef I come in!” Samuel grinned. “ Jurisprudence aire jest as much of an esthete as I am, an’ we allus sleep together, dines to- gether, fights together, drinks together, an’ communes together. Any one as misuses Juris- prudence, misuses me, an’ thar’s goin’ to be trouble when we gits mad.” ‘* Well, come along in; but, mind—there may be a fight hereabouts to-night, and we shall ex- 4 you to stand with us,” “ Bet I will! Great blizzards an’ blisters! Ye just orter see me fight when my dander gits riz.” And with these words the giant entered the shanty, the burro following him, and lying down in one corner, At Arizona Alt’s supgestion; Denver Doll now lit a lamp, while the Sunflower became seated. “* Now thon, gal, ef ye can trot out a gallon o’ bug-juice, with a little yanked venison to wash it down with, et won’t take long to nerve me fer fightin’ anything from a grizzly to a_rhinoser- eous, an’ don’t ye ferget it, You shall see what Oscar the Second can do in the way o’ makin’ the fur fly,” ; “Grub you can have, but nary bug,” Doll replied, ‘I don’t keep the stuff around my shanty.” “So? Well, now, then, couldn’t ye give me a bottle o’ water wi’ a bumble-bee or wassup in it vo —somethin’ to get up an irritation when it goes down my muzzle!” ‘‘Guess not, unless perchance you can use & cactus burr.” ‘“*Humph! I’ve used ’em already: but they don’t lacerate one’s gullet enuff as they go down like bug-juice does, Brother?” And he cast a glance at Arizona Alf, **No, Why do you ask?” “Oh, didn’t know. Looks like as ef he was from good fightin’-stock.” He then relapsed into silence, and proceeded to devour the meat and bread Doll set before him, occasionally tossing a piece to the watch- ful burro, who would aptly catch it in his mouth. When he finished eating, Sunflower Sam took his weapons from his belt, examined them care- fully, then produced a psalm-book, and began to sing a hymn in a loud voice, © Neither Doll nor Arizona Alf cared to arouse his anger hy interrupting bim, but both felt positive that his blatant voice would attract at- tention to the shanty. And they were not wrong. The huge, self-styled sesthete had not finished his hymn when the sound of a number of rush- ing feet was heard approaching, “*To arms! the enemy is coming!” Denver Doll cried, dashing out the light and seizing her re- volvers, ‘‘Ready when they burst in the door or windows to give ’em all they can hold!” “ All ready!” Arizona announced, meres “ Hyer too!” Sunflower assented. ‘Ef they bu’st the door Pll sick my dorg on ’em, an’ he'll kick ’em so high they won’t know themselves when. they git back,” CHAPTER V. DENVER DOLL’S BLOW-OUT. A MOMENT later the mob halted before the shanty, and as a loud kick came against the door, the voice of Jean La Force was heard to cry out: ‘Open up! Curse yon, open up, or we'll tear the shebany down over your heads!” No answer was given to the order, and fora minute all was silence, both in and outside. “Come! Aire ye goin’ to open up?” the voice of the gambler again cried, ‘‘ Ye needn’t think we don’t know ye're there, fer we do. Be lively, or down goes the door!” “Tf you break in here, Jean La Force, you'll find this the liveliest nest of hornets you ever aroused!” Denver Doll warned. ‘* We’re armed to the teeth, and we'll make pte wade through your own blood before-you take us!” “Oh! will we?” was the savage retort. Then followed another silence. ‘The gambler and his gang were evidently consulting. * If that is La Force, thegambler,” whispered Arizona Alf, to the detective queen, ‘ you’d better not mention that I am here, as it would only strengthen his desire to capture us.” “You know him, then?” ** Rather, he knows me.” “Ab! then it was you who spoiled his beauty?” ‘*T suppose I was the indirect cause,” Just then some heavy object. struck the door —evidently an improvised battering-ram—but the door only shook and failed to yield, nm
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Denver Doll’s Mine, 8 Denver Doll smiled. ‘*T’m thinking they'll need reinforcements be- fore they stave in that door,” she said. ‘* It was made to be unlocked.” “Pm afraid that persistent applications of a heavy ram would fetch it!” was Arizona’s opin- ion, ‘It won’t do to be off guard.” The shutters that covered the two square win- dows, were not more vulnerable than’ the door; consequently, the attack was continued upon the entrauce, Each fresh assault was accompanied by a pandemonium of yells and curses, and each as- sault made the barrier spring more and more, ‘Ts there any way of getting out of here, ex- cept by the door or windows?” Arizona asked, ‘ None!” Doll replied, ‘‘except— Ha! Jisten!” The attack outside had ceased, and the voice of La Force, the gambler was heard. “Hf we can’t get’em out any other way boys, we kin burn the shebang, We'll see of we're goin’ to be pestered with she road- agents!” Denver Doll laughed, sarcastically, as she heard the words, which caused both Arizona and Sunflower Sam to eye her, in amazement, **Don't see much to larf about!” Sam re- marked, gruffly. ‘‘I kin stand sum things, but this bein’ roasted ain't what it’s cracked up to ‘*Ob! there’s nothing like getting used to it,” Doll assured. ‘‘ But, that is not necessary.” As she spoke, she stooped and pulled upon a ring, in the floor, which raised a trap-door. “Now, then, get down there, as quickly and as nee as possible,” she commanded, “ and I wi follow you,” Arizona Alf obeyed, but Sunflower Sam de- murred, “T can’t take Jurisprudence down thar with me! an’ ye can bet I don’t budge an inch with- out him. Go lang wi’ ye, an’ arter ye’re gone, Juris an’ I wull make our exit by the front way.” 2 As you like,” Doll said, knowing the roughs would not be likely to harm the giant. She then followed Arizona Alf into the cellar, and closed the trap after her. In five minutes more flan.es were licking the sides of the shanty, despite the rain, and ‘its de- struction-was a certainty, when, suddenly, and evidently before the fire had penetrated to the interior, there was a terrific explosion, that literally blew the shanty to atoms; for, in truth, the whole structure was blown upward from its foundation, in a hundred different sections, and with the debris went heavenward no less a hu- man spectacle than Sunflower Sam, seated astride his superannuated mule, Jurisprudence}! The mule and its rider, however, were only lifted by the eruption a matter of ten feet above terra-firma, and dropped among the startled spectators, while the various parts of the shanty landed at some distance from its former site. Neither the esthete nor his ‘‘ dorg” were much the worse for the explosion, evidently, for the animal brayed loudly on striking the ground, and Sunflower turned a ludicrously grinning countenance toward the astounded crowd of gaping ruffians, .“ Good-evening, feller-citizens!” he saluted; ‘“howd’y’ do? Didn’t expect me to arrive so - suddint, I reckon?” ‘No, I should remark not,” Jean La Force growled. ‘‘ What caused the explosion? Who are you? Where’s the accursed minx, Denver Doll?” “One at a time, capt’n—one ata time. The kersplosion war excited by powder, sir—simply powder. Dunno whar it was nor how she went off. My name is Sunflower Sam, the pocket edition of Oscar, the esthete. Can’t say where Denver Doll is; s’pose om f she went vp in the same blaze o’ glory that | did, an’ hain’t come pr aets yet. Any other questions you want to as “Don’t ye be so sassy, you overgrown lout, or Pil soon show you I'll have no aiebenpiges Just you tell me where the gal is, or I’ll bore a hole thr’uw’ your skull!” : “T tell ye I bain’t no idea whar she is, onless she’s up to the moon, blast yer unesthetic pro- file!” Sam fired back, ‘‘ an’ what’s more, I don’t want no more o’ yer sass, or I’ll step over and punch yer head fer ye. That aire gal se’d she was goin’ ter hide in the cellar, an’ [ told her I was a-comin’ out to save gittin’ roasted; but, jest afore 1 was aa ready, I got a lift that elped me along. Eh, Jurisprudence, old boy?” The animal brayed loudly, as if fully cogni- zant of what its master was saying, and at the same time quickly reaching out one of its hind hoofs, gave a miner a dig in the stomach that doubled him up like a jack-knife. A howl of laughter went up from the specta- tors, as the unfortunate’man hobbled away to- bea the heart of the camp, howling like a oon. ‘‘Tell ye w’at, thar’s a power o’ music "bout us esthetic twins when we git fae te Sun- flower Sam announced. ‘“ Glang, Jurispru- dence! We'll try some new lodging-bouse, and see ef we'll get bounced again.” And the animal struck off into a lively canter toward the heart of the camp. Jean La Force and his pals, and such of the other citizens as had collected at the spot, soon followed, satisfied that Denver Doll must have pe perished by the explosion, or in its ruins, ’ In the mean’ time the stage had arrived and disgorged its trio of passengers, and the sus- picions of La Force were verified by the report of old Nathan Blob, Apollo Snap, and the negro, who bore the pious cognomen of Mose, The excitement was therefore intense, until Force returned to announce that Derver Doll had been blown to atoms, which greatly added to the Jew’s anger. “Py dam!” he vocziferated, “‘ dot vimmens mit pants on, she sdeals mine monish, und uff she pe plowed oop, So ish my monish!” y On the following morning Jean La Force, armed with his legal document, and accompas nied by a deputy sheriff and a posse of his own, repaired to the Drift office, and demanded the surrender of the mine from Joe Banker, the superintendent. At first Banker protested, but finally made . & surrender, and posted a notice tbat all men herd
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4 10 Denver Doll’s Mine. who'had been employed there were henceforth discharged. »Most all of these employees were honest work- ingmen, whom Denver Doll and Little Bill had specially selected to serve them, and the blow fell upon them with unwelcome , force; )but there was, no present help for it, as the gambler set his own,clique to work, with orders that half should work. the mine by day, and half by night, in order that there should be no chance for any one.else to gain possession. The old Jew, Nathan Blob, sought out Jean La Force, and made him an offer for the mine, but the wily gambler said ‘‘nay,” and Blob & Co, were consequently disappsinted—for it ap- peared that the swell really was a partner of the Jew. Blob accordingly employed several men to prospect along the foot-hills for another good place to.sink a drift. During the day Arizona Alf was again in the camp, and ran across Sunflower Sam, who started back with a cry, as though he had met a ghost. : ‘Dry up, you fool!” the Avenger of Joaquin Muriette breathed, sternly.‘‘ Not .a word. to any one that I was in that shanty last. night!” “Upon my eesthetic soul, no!” the giant nod- ded. ‘But how, in the name 0’ the seedy sun- flowers 0’ Sorrocco, did ye escape?” “By an. underground tunnel, or_ passage, which the girl had ‘secretly built, But nota word of this either.” “ Depend on me.,,, And the gal—where is she?” “Safe, in a place, where an army, could not take her, excépt at her will. Keep this alsoa secret, To-morrow you will know more, How did you escape?” ‘« Holy. daisies o’ Damascus! thr’u’ the aerial fluid o’ heaven, to be. sure!” the giant grinned. “ Sublime and beautiful was the picture—like a hen-hawk whizzin' aloft.on an autumnal breeze. Ye see, I war jest goin’ to leave the) place, when the explosion gi’n us a lift—me,an’ Jurispru- dence—an’ no gazelle ner toy balloon ever went scootin’ inter. the atmospheric, etheria more gracefully than; did I an’ the dorg,. An’ when we kim down, right side up wi’ care, no Oscar evyer created a bigger sensation than us 2+ thetic twins.” Arizona Alf, scarcely smiled, but looked the eesthete over. keenly. ‘See here!” he said, grimly, ‘‘ you have got a ee amount of lip for a man whose appear- ance is so rough. hat racket are you up to, anyhow?” The giant grinned. “T don’t understand you,” he said. ‘tI am simply an zsthete. No deception whatever—no yoy whatever.” “You are something in disguise,” the Aven- er averred. ‘‘But mind what I told you— eep mum about the fire.” And with this caution he turned away. Vie day and night passed without further in- cident. But when another morning dawned, Freshet Flats was thrown into consternation, the cause of which was a number of flaring posters, stuck up ineligible places about the camp, which read as follows; “OFFICE OF DENVER Dout’s AGENTS. “ PROCLAMATION, “To All Whom It May Concern :— " ‘This is to ce. tl_y that I, the unde ed, am not dead, but, on the contrary, as live as a living person could well be, surrounded by a company of brave, self-sacrificing fellows, who are willing to'avenge a woman’s wrongs, the wr. ngs that you, the people of Freshet Flats, have inflicted upon me, “T gambled with Jean La Force and lost. I bor- rowed money of him and gambled again—he taking a mortgage on my mine, payable in twenty-four hours, with two hours’ grace. I arrived with the money one minute after the time was up, but he re- fused to give up the mortgage. This was the first outrage. \ “T was next arrested, charged with obtaining the money by robbery, but I escaped and fled to my shanty, where I was surrounded by an ugly gang of ruffians, headed:by the gambler ruffian, La Force. “The shanty was fired, and I must have perished, but for a secret I chanced to know. Phenix-like, I arose from:my ashes, to have revenge. “ About the stage robbery, Ldid the job, through desperate need of money 1o redeem the mortgage. I promised the passengers they should receive back cent for cent, what. I borrowed, and so they shall, at any hour there shall be an election of the people, who will give me back my mine and rights—I pay- ing La Force what I owe him. “T appoint the 20th instant for the election, when the major vote shall say if I shall returnor not. I will be “Ginn on that day! ‘ (Signed), Denver Dot, “ Ohief of the Red Stars.” CHAPTER VI, A DECIDEDLY ORIGINAL ELECTION, ; DENVER DOoLt alive, after that fearful explo- sion: What would be the next wonder? _As for the young woman road-agent’s propo-. sition, the opinion seemed about evenly divided. The honest element of ‘the camprreadily saw the fairness of tbe proposal, for the girl, had been a. favorite among their class, and they regarded La Force’s act as despicable, to say the least. Therefore, several of the most influential miners set about making a quiet canvass, in. or- der that they might determine what the result of an election would be. On the other hand, La Foree bad a large num- ber of pals, who were literally bound ;tojstand by him in any emergency, and. this fact gave assurance that there would be a very close, if i = bloody contest, before the matter was de- cided, Old Nathan Blob was on the-side of the “ re-, turn.” party, for he foresaw insuch.an act a pos- sibility of getting back bis money. Since Jean La Force was: proprietor.of the Denver Doll Mine, it was generally -understood that the spot whereon Denver Doll’s shanty had stood also belonged to him, . _ And so construing, Nathan Blob foresaw tha it was an eligible site to build himself a house on, whereupon be met La Force in the street and accosted him, ‘Mine frient, dey dells me you owns der blace. vere der shanty vas plowed up?” he interrogated, folding his arms above his mammoth stomach,
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Denver Doll’s Mine, 11 Jean La Force closed one eye reflectively. It had not yet occurred to him, until this, that he might lay claim to the lot, “ Well, what of it?” he demanded. “Vot you dakes vor id? I vasa poor man, so helb me, und I vas anxious to py von leedle place cheeb to build me a house op.” ‘What do you want of a house?” ‘For mine self, for mine frient, Snap, und mine peautiful daughter, Christine, vot arrive soon. “Oh! got a gal, eh? Well, you can have the site for two thousand. Dirt cheap. Fork over, and it’s yours!” “Oh! no! dot ish too t’in, Misder La Force. Der must be some babers made oud, you knows, to make der ting safe, so nopody vas can come und take id avay from me,” ‘Well, I reckon not!” a youthful voice cried, and Little Bill Bethel, Denver Doll’s boy pard, stepped forward. ‘Don’t you buy a cent’s worth o’ real estate from this skinflint, the BEIDUE, or you'll get sucked in, J own that site, “ You?” La Force roared. “You?” gasped the Jew. “You bet! I-—-inderwidually. I, Billiam Bethel, Esq.” And the comical-looking boy- man made a wry face, and thrust his thumbs in under his arm-pits. ‘“'You cussed young rat, I’ve a mind to wring yer neck!” La Force roared. ‘‘ And if you don’t keep yourself quiet ’round this camp, now, you'll get vour throat cut!” La Force growled, striding away. i That feller's a reg*lar snappin’ snake,” Little Bill said to the Jew. ‘ He’s mean enongh to steal the eyebrows off’ma dead jack. Glad I happened along to save ye from gittin’ salivated. Just *rived in town, an’ heerd the rumpus *bout my pard, Doll, Ever see her?” ‘Yes, py tam! and if lever see dot son-of-a gun ag’in, I plow her prains outside in.” ‘*Oh, you’re the old Waterloo she struck in the stage, eh? Ha, ha, ha! Spry gal is Denver Doll, *Speet she'll marry my dad one o’ these days, w’ot’s a lord, duke or duchess over in-Eng- land. Don't skeer about yer rocks, tho’, Blobsy; they'll be all right, and you'll git °em when Dolly gits her mine back, So you see it’s to your interest to buckle ip and cast ten or eleven votes for ber.” ‘* Yesb, I dinks dot ish so—dot is if she giff me pack my monish.” 2 “ Don’t worry about that. You git in your work, and I’ll be responsible,” ‘*You—dot leedle snibes like you?” “Bet your head on it! I’ve got the rocks, if I am short, young, sweet an’ tender. ~Ask any galoot if Little Bill ain't gota fat pocketbook and bank account.” “Ish dot sot Vel, i vas glad to hearid. I s’pose you haff some monish to lend?” “Nary a cent, Blobsy—nary a red! It don’t pay. Besides, I want to save up, so when I’m elected President, I can pay off the National debt out o’ my own pocket, and take a mort- gage on the United States. But, I tell you bow you want ter work it fer Doll-baby. There’s goin’ to bea big vote for La Force, an’ we shall have to buckle in our level best to get a major- LER ity. See? Well, now, let me pertically button- hole yer, an’ remind you to sling outa five or a saw-buck, here an’ there, to buy up votes for my pard, an’so win. If ye don’t, yer rocks is gone up the flume, shure’s there’s power in a mule’s hoof.” “But, vy do dot? I pays out monish—dot ish gone. I get pack odder monish, und sdill 1 vas oud of pocket.” “Well, go it to suit yourself, but ef ye ex- pect to Jive long in Freshet Flats, you better vote fer Denver Doll” And with this bit of advice Little Bill turned importantly away, leaving Nathan Blob in rather an uncertain state of mind as to whether he would ever get his money back or not. Among the workers in Denver Doll’s cause, was the Avenger, Arizona Alf, who was here, there and everywhere, and seeming to have a plenty of money, be was not afraid to spend it where it would do the most good. A meeting of the partisans of both parties was held at La Force’s Satanello, and a form of election and votes arranged, and officers and a referee chosen. Sunflower Sam, and Ben Blye were selected to have charge of the polls, while a miner, newly arrived, named Hawkins, was to act as referee, in case of any disputes. The rules stated that any person above ten years of age should be permitted to vote, The polls were to open. that night, at mid- night, and close at six o’clock in the morning. This was arranged so that there should be little euance, on either side, to smuggle in extra bal- ots, 2 During the afternoon and evening, the excite- ment waxed hot. The canvas had been prosecuted so thorough- ly, that it was known nearly to a man how the vote was going, and it looked as if there were close chances of being a tie. As the evening passed away, the excitement increased. The ove street was in a glare of ligbt caused by numerous bonfires, and a mot- ley mass of human beiags surged to and fro, ut- tering discordant shouts, many of the crowd, of course, being intox‘cated, In front of the Satanello wasa dry-goods box, upon which Jean La Force stood, with a hand- ful of money in bis grasp, while he gesticulated wildly, and made loud but careful offers for votes in his behalf. Just across the street was another similar stand, close to a camp-fire, and this was occu- pied by Arizona Alf and Little Bill, who took turns at offering money for votes—for as La Force had set the ball a-rolling, it was no more than fair that they should “invest” as well as e. ‘“ Ten dollars—ten dollars for the man who will vote for Denver Doll!” the Arizonian cried, in stentorian tones. ‘“‘ Where’s the man— Ah! here he comes; ten dellars, old gent, when you cast your vote for right and honesty.” It was Nathan Blob. “That man votes for me!” La Force roared from across the street. aie “You lie! He's goin’ to vote for the gal who_ will give him bis money. back!” Arizona yelled .
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‘Bab! Come over here and I'll pummel your nose off.” “Ha!ha! Better let one lesson be enough, old boy.” ~ ‘“You’re a coward and a sneak!” La Force shouted, throwing down his pistols and leaping to the ground, ‘ You dassen’t fight.” Not a word responded the Avenger of Joaquin, but throwing his weapons to the ground he also leaped from his box, and advanced toward the gambler, in whose face and eyes the rancor in his breast was vividly expressed. “Bully fer Arizona!” screeched Little Bill, flopping his arms to his side and crowing like a rooster. ‘He's the stuff, is that pilgrim, an’ I'll bet a dollar to a half thet he polishes off the card cuckoo like achunk o’ stove-polish, Sail in, Ariza, an’ ef I see ary galoot attempt avy eninge tricks Til plug him in his equator, you et! Neither of tho antagonists paid any attention to the youngster, but advanced deliberately, each watching the other like a hawk. lt was manifestly the intention of the gambler to clinch with the Avenger; but that in lividual comprehended the purpose and just as La Force made a leopard-like spring, Alf’s iron-like fist cauzht him in under the chin, and landed him neatly on bis back, A portion of the crowd cheered, and Little Bill crowed again. “Yip! yip! hooray! That’s the kind of a roo3- ter we keep in our flock! That's how Denver Doll’s men strike, Reg’lar old burro hit, that was! Bet a dollar to a cent his nibs hasn’t got a sound molar in his bread-trap!” With an effort La Force arose, and staggered to his box, “ That's nS !” he gasped, spitting out blood by the mouthful. “Sure it will answer for the present?” Ari- zona demanded. ““T said enough!” was the tart answer. “Oh! don’t disturb him!” yelled Little Bill. ‘Don’t ye see he’s no hog? He knows when he’s stuck!” The Avenger laughed quietly, and went back to his business on the box. a hour passed, and it was near to mid- night, oticeably, now, there were many rough and grizzled strangers in the street, the majority of whom looked like miners. oe discovered this, and mentioned it to i The boy looked anxious, “‘ Looks Jike a clean beat!” he muttered. ‘See how La Forca is occasionally shuttin’ off a tri- umphant grin, Jeminy, I wish—” He failed to mention what, however. A stand had been erected down the street, ‘and was occupied by the three officers, Sun- flower Sam, Ben Blye, and Hawkins, the referee. All voters were to form in line, in single file, the foremost near the polls, and the last at the end up the street. As they passed the stand, Arizona Alf and La Force were to patrol either side of the line with repeating rifles, to make sure that’ no man got back to the rear to vote again, and the Daniver Doll's Mine. order was ‘ Death,” to whosoever should at- tempt it. By a quarter of twelve, the heterogeneous gang was formed in line, the rear end extending some distance up the street; and in this line was every man, woman and boy of over ten years, except those on duty, and every one was armed with a slip of paper, containing the name of bis or her choice—‘t Denver Doll,” or “Jean La Force.” At sharp twelve the referee fired off a pistol, which was the signal to march, and the line be- gan to slowly move forward. But, though it moved slowly, there was a perfect pandemonium of sounds, principal among wh‘ch were the asseverations of various boozy miners, as for whom’ they were going to bart. their votes, interlarded with characteristic oaths, Above the din could be heard the screeching voice of Little Bill. “‘ Jog along thar, ye skunks, and cast yer votes for Denver Doll, the best and squarest gal that ever buckled on a garter, by gum! Cheer, ards, an’ remember you’re solid fer a job when oll gits control ag’in, fer we’re goin’ ter bild a crusher, an’ raise thunder in general,” to which announcement seemingly little or no attention was paid. One by one the crowd cast their votes, and there was even greater excitement beyond the polls than before them—the excitement born of desire to know what the result would be. Probably some of the gang would have at- tempted to make a break for the rear of the line but for the vigilance of Arizona Alf and La Force—for be it said to the credit of the latter, he seemed determined that everything should go off on the square, evidently well satisfied that he would win the day. As soon as the last one in the line had passed, the officers and referee cast their votes, and the poll was closed, The crowd quickly surronnded the stand again, when the counting of the votes began, Referee Hawkins standing over the two officers - bk drawn revolvers, to see that it was done fairly. Bots were made on every hand, on each can- didate, and thousands of dollars promised to change hands on the result. At last the last vote was counted, and the two men said something low to Hawkins, who ad- vanced to the front of the platform. In an instant a dead silence reigned—a myriad of gleaming eyes watched the man eagerly. “Gentlemen,” he said, “the votes, by fair count, entitle Denver Doll to remain outlaw, and Jean La Force to keep the mine. Ten votes did the business,” ‘‘Ach, mine Got! Den I vas oud yoost anud- der thousand dollars. I vill neffer vote for dot vimmens again,” shrieked Nathan Blob, above the din of cheers that followed. : CHAPTER VII. DOLL MEANS BUSINESS, BP pass over two weeks in the history of the ats. The result of the election was not entirely
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Denver Doll’s Mine. is unexpected to Arizona and Little Bill, but it fell with almost withering force upon the miners who had in a measure regained their ig vit of being restored to work in the Drift. ittle Bill was around among them, however, like a sunbeam of encouragement, and his in- variable expression was— ‘* Cheer up, fellers; the end is not yet. I’ve afew dollarsin the Dmft, an’ outside too, an’ e knows J an’ Doll allers war squar’ with ye. e kin eat my ears off ef thar ain’t a change, afore long!” Many of the men thanked the lad heartily, for they had a strong attachment for him, but some were morose and gloomy, and seemed in- clined to rebel. The La Force gang were naturally in their element, and glorying in the fact that they had won the election, they likewise appeared to con- sider that they had won the town, and pro- ceeded to boss it, literally, according to their own liking. Jean La Force was pronounced mayor, with ower to act in all cases—which very natural- y made him more officious and insolent than ever. The La Force gang worked day and night in the Drift, and the deeper and larger grew the excavation, the more gold was discovered, and the more men were required to mine it, so that before the end of two weeks, all of Denver Doll’s former employees were working for the gambler prince, as he now might well have been called. In some respects, La Force was a keen di- plomat, and he foresaw strength by joining the disappointed element to his own party, at good wages—for, reasoned he, there was no telling when or in what shape, hs migbt hear from the road-agent queen. He had caused a large reward to be offered for her capture, and notices to thiseffect were posted at every approach to the town. Arizona Alf still lounged about the camp, having stuck up a sbanty for his own conven- ience; and be aevoted the most of his time in sauntering about the streets, varying the mo- notony with an occasional game of cards, by which he seldom lost anything. Little Bill dodged about, here and there, keeping an eye out, but saying little. Heknew that be was watched secretly, by La Force’s orders, and that the gambler only wanted some reasonable excuse to lock him up, and thus put him out of the way of doing any mischief, Nathan Blob had purchased the site of Den- ver Doll's ill-fated abode, and erected thereon a large, and, for a mining-eamp, comfortable sa ce His daughter, Christie, had arrived, and strange to say, did not betray any signs of be- ing a Jewess, beyond the fact that she pos- sessed a brunette complexion, and liquid black eyes. She was very handsome, both in face and figure, and dressed richly, as well she might, considering her parent’s reputed wealth, She and the snob, Apollo Snap, were seen out for a gallop, every pleasant morning, and it be- came quite apparent that the Englishman—for - Fite such he was—was courting her, and that, too, with the paternal Blob’s hearty approval, Miss Christine, however, was the least bit of a coquette, and she had been but a few days in the camp, ere she saw the handsome face and figure of Arizona Alf, and through another ac- quaintance managed to get an introduction to 1m, After that, it might have been noticed that the intimacy grew. The mgm managed to get out for his morning walk, about the time Miss Christine and her escort tock their gallop, and it was al- most a certainty for them to meet, and exchange greetings. This seemed to highly displease the English- man, and, one morning, he made it his business to encounter the sport upon the street. ** Awl! I say—see beah!” pausing and glaring at his imaginary rival; ‘‘you are the fellaa that presumes to make advances to Miss Bloh!” ** Reckon I’m the mutton!” Alf laughed, fold- ing his arms, and eying the “‘ blood” sarcasti- winnie “Why?” ‘* Well, my deah fellow, I demand an apology from you, and a promise that you will heah- after cease your attentions in that direction.” ‘* An a-what-ogy?” the sport asked. ‘* An apology, sir—an apology!” “Ha! ha! ha! What gall! What d’ye mean, you pup?. I apologize to a snob of your com- lexion! Why, you better go set yourself up or a clothing store man’kin,” : “Sir-r-r! If you do not apologize, I shall publicly chastise you with this!” Snap declared, producing a*small harmless riding-whip, from under his coat. At sight of it Joaquin’s Avenger laughed heartily, as did several bystanders who had come up. “Why, that wouldn't kill a flea!” Alf ob- served, “But it will leave the sting of an insult!” was the reply. Ai ae it will? Well, strike out. Ill dare you The suitor of the handsome Jewess was evi- dently dead in earnest, for he raised the ehip and struck the Arizonian a cut upon the nec that left its red mark; but, had be counted the cost beforehand, he probably would have held his anger in clieck, A few feet away was a road-side ‘swale” Sheet with greenish water, and tenanted by rogs. Scarcely had the blow fallen, when the stal- wart Arizonian, seizing the swell. raised him above his bead, as though be had been an infant, and hurled him forward, head-foremost, into the nasty ditch, 7 A cheer went up from the spectators, which in- creased into a howl of derision, as Snap scram- bled out of his berth, a most disgusted and piti- able object. 3 He paused for an instant and shook his fist at his foe, and then trotted away toward the Blob residence, like some whipped school-boy, follow- ed by hisses and cat-calls from the bystanders, which was all that was seen of Apollo Snap that day, and the ridiculous incident became the town’s talk,
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Nothing had been heard from Denver Doll since the proclamation. This sileace was not reassuring to the people of Fresbet Flats, The ruffian element went armed to the teeth, and even Jean La Force appeared nervous and watchful, and to have less confi- dence in himself than usual, When or how the blow was to come was a mys- tery that worked the community into a state of feverish expectancy. Every mian became watch- ful and anxious, Little Bill, though watched narrowly, showed no signs of having any knowledge of the where- abouts of Denver Doll, nor of her forthcoming moves, * : Probably there were only two persons in the camp who knew that Arizona Alf was acquaint- ed with the whereabouts of the road-agent queen, aud these were Bill and the esthetic giant, Sun- flower Sam, who had started a little three-card monte table on a vacant lot, and was living off his profits, which were not small. 8 was something of an unreadable mystery, this same giant, and was so regarded by every one—the general opinion being that he was not what he appeared. One dark evening the stage came whirling down into the town during a violent thunder- storm, and unloaded a dozen passengers in front of the new shanty hotel which a party of specu- lators had hastily erected and opened as a place of refuge for travelers, Hardly had the stage halted when Budd Har- ris, the new driver, arose on his seat and yelled: “ Road-agents! road-agents! Denver Doll and her gang halted usa mile back, an’ cleaned us out 0’ about two thousand dollars. Hyar’s a let- ter to the mayor, Jean La Force!” Tho letter was promptly taken to the gambler at the Satanollo, and he was requested to read it for the benefit of the crowd, Accordingly he mounted the bar and read, in o. loud voice, the appended epistle: ‘ Orrice or Denver Doi. “Juan La Foroe:— “Srea:—According to my promise, after being de- feated in my attempt to obtain my rights through a vote of the people, I will to-night begin my cam- paign by stopping the incoming stage, and helpiv, myself to such valuables as might conduce to enric’ the camp of Freshet Flats. From each person who pans out vill be required his name and future ad- dress, and this will be attached to his valuables, subject to safe-keeping and restoration—in case I am given back my mine. ‘By a vote of my band, we shall persist in this course against you and your people, and if you re an attack upon us, we are amply prepared for at. “There is but one way to break us up—drive Jean La Foree and his ruffian gang from the town, and give me back my mine, and the war is ended. “Denver Dou.” But Jean La Force considered his star still considerably in the ascendant. The letter created a sensation, of course, and on being questioned the robbed passengers all corroborated what the girl had stated. Their names and addresses had been taken, and written ina book by a masked man, who wes evidently the lieutenant of Denver Doll. f the band that had surrounded the stage, there were fully fifty, all masked, dressed in Denver Doll's Mine. ee red corduroy, with slouch hats ad uckskin leggings, while each man was armed with a Winchester rifle, and revolvers. Some influential speculators were on the coach, and on arriving at the Flats, they club- bed together and made up a purse of five hun- dred dollars, which they offered for her cap- ture. This, with La Force’s offer, made a thousand dollars ou Denver Doll’s head, Her letter was posted up in a conspicuous place in the Satanello, and left for public in- spection. . The following morning, Little Bill met Ari- zona Alf, : ““Didn’t I tell you she was a hoss?” he said, triumphantly. ‘It will be a blizzardous day when Doll-baby gits left. Reg’lar. ole pawn- shop she’srunnin’, Like tosee her, Dye think she'll ever get the Drift back?” Arizona shook his head doubtfully. *“Don’t know,” he answered. ‘‘La Force is getting his feet planted firmer and firmer every day. It will take big odds to root him out, me lose my guess. The girl is plucky, though!” That night the Satanello was more than un- usually full, and the same might have been said of some of its habitues. Gambling in every form was at its hight, and the scene was at once exciting and hilarious, Duriig the evening a striking looking person- age entered the saloon, who gradually attracted attention. Of medium, well-rounded stature, and graceful carriage, he possessed a clean- shaven but dusky countenance, excepting a heavy mustache, and his hair, long and straight, hung well down his shoulders. Over his eyes he wore a pair of impenetrable green goggles. His attire was a rich and costly suit, such as is usually worn by a Mexican nabob, the trim- mings alone being of immense value. A stiff sombrero was worn upon his head, and a sash of satin about his waist. Upon the fingers of each hand were four magnificent diamond rings, This striking man paused first at La Force’s table, and looked on a few moments, and then sauntered on. ‘Did you ever see that fellow—do you know him?’ La Force asked, addressing a bystander, who, from bis rough appearance and long white beard, looked hke a *49er. ““Oh, yes,” the man answered. “That is Senor Cobra, the famous Spanish-Mexican poker- player. Rich as Croesus, and never met bis equal at poker!” “Humph! I wouldn’t mind taking the con- ceit out of bim if that’s the case. I’m some on poker, myself. Just mention to him that the ne would like to make it interesting for im! At which the old man chuckled softly as he sauntered off to convey the challenge. Senor Cobra soon came back. ‘*You sent for me, senor?” he interrogated. ““T did!” La Force responded sei E at | understand you are great on poker. am the man who knows no equal iu these parts. Would you like to tackle me?" Cobra gave vent to a funny laugh, “T might,” he said. “ What amount?” ‘Oh! a hundred dollars a side!” +,
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a Denver Doll's Mine. 15 © ‘‘T never sit down, senor, for less than a thou- sand,” Cobra smiled, “Ob! well. All the same; a thousand it shall be. Be seated and put up!” CHAPTER VIII. SENOR COBRA’S CLEVER RUSE, AND SNAP'S SECOND MISFORTUNE. THE invitaticn tendered the man from Mexico was promptly accepted, and he took from a roll of American money a thousand-dollar note, and laid it upon the table. He ‘‘ meant business,” evidently, and Jean La Force knew he bad not picked up a flat. This Senor Cobra had a notoriety. It was said of him that so lucky was he in Mexico, and so many of the Mexican nabobs had he cleaned out, that it had become necessary for him to disappear over the borders, and that until re- cently his operations had been confined to that Monaco of America, Del Norte, Noted for abundant riches, and equally for charity, he was a personage to inspire awe in any rough. assemblage, inasmuch as he was known to have killed more than his allotted one man, From a drawer at his end of the table, Jean La Force counted out a thousand dollars in gold coin, and stacked it alongside Cobra’s wager. Then the game began, the table su:rounded by many interested spectators, among whom was Little Bill Betbel, bis sharp, weasel-like counte- nance aglow. with excitement. “ At it ag’in, are ye, buddy?” he said, ad- dressing La Force. ‘Jest like yer gall to buck yer brains out ag’in’an ’arthquake. Bet a her- ring ye.don’t know the sort o’ stuff ye’r’ playin’ with, Besides, ye never hev luck when I’m around, I’mareg’lar Joner. Take keer, don’t feel fer the pop. I’ve got one, too, an’ a self- cocker in the bargain.” ‘* Well, you shut up, or P'll fix you!” was the savage retort of La Force. 4 The game was played, and won by Senor resol who raked in the stakes with a faint smile, “* Another thousand, senor?” he asked, quietly. “ Not by a devilish sight,” La Force growled. “The stake is too heavy. If you'll play for five dollars I game I'll try you.” ‘Since I was so lucky as to win, 1 suppose I am in duty bound to accommodate,” Cobra re- sponded, pleasantly. ‘' Proceed,” They then played for a couple of hours, Cobra losing steadily. The interest had abated, in consequence of the smallness of the stakes, and the room was clear- ed of all but half a dozen professional gamblers who rented tables, and a score of rough-bearded pilgrims of the pick and shovel, who had made their appearance in the camp that evening. It was after midnight when Senor Cobra threw up his hand. “Tam tired of cards,” he said. ‘‘ Let's try a different game, Jean La Force, you are my prisoner !” La Force glared about him, only to perceive that the other gamblers and the bartender were covered by the weapons of the rough-looking miners, “Trapped!” he gasped, “Exactly,” was the mocking answer; ‘‘ George, lock the doors.” One of the men obeyed. “Now, then,” Cobra continued, ‘bind to- gether the wrists of each prisoner.” This order was also obeyed, La Force being first served. He was fairly livid with rage, but under that venomous glance of the man of cards, dared not give an alarm. As soon as the binding proces; was completed the man George stood guard over La Force, while Cobra proceeded to ‘‘go through” the pockets of the prisoners and their money-draw- ers, The result of this searck was put in a leathern sack; then Cobra approached La Force Beem. “ What wealth I have secured heer rightfully belongs to me, for it came from the Denver Doll mine,” he said. ‘* You'll probably be will- ing to acknowledge that you are euchered, La Force. Do you know me?” : And off came the goggles and fierce false mustache, and the face o enver Doll was re- vealed, looking prettier than ever, it appeared, with the dusky dye upon it. : “The devil!” La Force gasped, for he was too surprised to say more. ‘You will find me equal to one, if you don’t give me back the mine!” was the stern reply. ra mean business, and this is but the begin- ning. At a signal her band made their exit through a rear door, and giving La Force astinging slap in the face she followed. Before the gamblers could make their cries for help heard tne road-agents were far away. Mr. Apollo Snap, after his unceremonious bath in the polly mos puddle, sought the Blob residence and managed to get to his room with- out being seen, where in due time, and with the aid of soap, water and another outfit, he suc- ceeded in making biniself look as good as new. He then straightforward bied himself to the presence of the paternal Blob, and to him un- folded a most pitiful tale of bis mishaps, in- cluding the revelation of Miss Christie’s open flirtation with the stalwart Arizonian. ‘*T vil see apoud dot,” Blob blustered, angrily. “Christie! Christie!” % Christie, in response to the call, came in from an adjoining room, “Christie, vot ish dot vot Mr. Snap vas dells me apoud you makin’ flirdations mit anodder fellow, girl?” the old man demanded, adjustiug his spectacles. ‘ Dot veller he drows Mr, Snap in von ditch, und spiles his clothings!” “Oh! you mean Mr. Arizona? Why, he’s my new mash, papa!” the pretty Jewess con- fessed, her eyes twinkling. “Did he really baptize Mr. Snap? How comical!” : “Comical? ‘Your mash? Py tam! I mash you uf I hear some more such nonsense like dot. Don’d you know you vos der betrothed wife of my friend, Mr. Snap?’ ‘Well, I should smile not! Who told you” “T und Mr, Snap dells ourselves. You ish to marry him, und keep der monish in der family. See?” : “T marry that jumping-jack? Why, papa, I wouldn't give the snap of my finger for such a .
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<n 16 Denver Doll’s Mine. spitz poodle as he is! If I can’t have Arizona, I won’t have no one—that’s all, There now!” and the imperious beauty flounced out of the room in high dudgeon, slamming the door behind her, Snap looked dubious, Blob looked ditto. i Bad case is quashed!” the former said hope- lessly, “Not py a long shot!” Blob decided. ‘I dells you vot you do. You shallenge de veller to fight mit a duel, und you use a sword I gif you. All you haff to do is to prick him mit der end of it, und he vas a goner. It vas coated mit deadly poison,” “ Aw, excellent! I understand the foils as every English gentleman does, It is, you know, a part of our education; so, I will challenge the beastly American at once, But, supposing I can’t get a chance to prick him? He might give me a death-wound,” “Nonsense! These Vestern shackasses ny yas know how to fight mita pistol, You lic him so easy as rollin’ off a log, uf you is quick mit a sword.” Reassured, Apollo went to his room, and penned an insulting challenge, which he sent to Arizona Alf, It was to meet the challenger in a duel with swords in front of the Satanello the following morning. Inashort time the answer came back, and ‘Was an acceptance, The following morning was one of sensations. The news of the bold raid upon the Satanello was in every mouth, and was an absorbing topic for every one; but this was in a measure forgotten when at sunrise the news got abroad that a duel was to take place in front of the Satanello, A crowd immediately collected, and expecta- tion ran high, for the names of the contestants had not leaked out, Shortly after sunrise, Apollo Snap made his appearance, carrying a pair of swords, which he placed in the ring that had been formed, He was flashily dressed, and was accompanied by big Nathan Blob, who evidently proposed to act as master of ceremonies, for he ordered the crowd to clear away to the sides of the street, Shortly afterward Arizona Alf came saun- tering leisurely up, the picture of healthy indif- ference, as he puffed away at a cigar. “Well, are you ready for the funeral?” he asked, rolling up the sleeves of his jacket. ‘‘ If 80, let's proceed, for I’ve not had my breakfast yet. A ripple of laughter came from the crowd, The handsome sport evidently did not have much anticipation of a trip to the next world-—— at least, not until after meal hours. ‘“‘T am ready!” Snap responded, ‘I could t but two swords, and one is rusty and hardly t for use. We will toss up for the choice. Here is a copper; which will you take, heads up, or tails u»?” “Heads!” Arizona cried, ‘ T'oss ’im up!” The coin spun upward and dropped to the ground—tails up. p “T will give the advantage to you, by taking . the rusty blade,” Snap announced, seizing it, rather eagerly, & | “T presume you would rather have it!” Ari- zona averred, so sarcastically that both Snap and Blob looked somewbat surprised. On examining his weapon, Arizona saw to bis satisfaction that its edge was as keen as could be wished, The next instant the two confronted each other, As he expected, the Avenger found that his antagonist understood the swordsman’s art; nevertheless, he was but a child before the Ari- zonian, who drove him back, step by step, forcing him to take the defensive, aud giving him no chance to get in a blow. It was an exciting moment, and every one watched eagerly and breathlessly. But it was a contest that was destined to be brought to a sudden close, and a disastrous one for Snap, for, by an expert movement, Arizona tore the sword from his opponent’s grasp, and sent it flying across the street! With a howlof actual terror, Apollo turned and ran like a deer! For mere sport Arizona followed, and chased the Englishman half-way to the Blob residence, greeted by cheers from the crowd, Poor Snap managed toreach the door, and there, from sheer fright, fell in a faint, while Fitri) sauntered leisurely back toward the otel. CHAPTER IX. AN UNEXPECTED APPEARANCE, THAT afternoon as the sun was declining, wan- dering through a desolate Rocky Mountain gulch, some miles from Freshet Flats, was an old man, who seemed to be tottering on the edge of the grave, He must have been full seventy vears of age, for his bair and eee | beard were as white as snow, and, as he hobbled along with the aid of a staff, he trembled in every joint, He had evidently journeyed long and far, for his garments were mere tatters, and his shoes worn in holes, Hat he had none, Every now and then he would pause wearily, to gaze at the sun and his desolate surround- ings; then he would trudge faithfully on again. Finally, however, he stopped with a start. A sweet, musical yoice came to his ears from just ahead. He could distinguish no words, but the voice, in itself, seemed to impress him strangely. With renewed courage he hobbled on, and presently came to where a beautiful young girl was seated upon a bowlder, engaged in weaving a wreath of wild flowers. She was clad in male wate and, needless to say, this girl was Denver oll, She did not know of human approach evyident- ly, until she heard a glad cry, and saw the old man standing near her, Then she, too, gave a start, and her face sud- denly became stern in expression, ““ My child! my child!” the old man cried, tot- tering forward, with outstretched hands. “Stop! I am not your child,” she protested, a pained expression upon her face, ‘ You pare no longer a claim upon me, inhuman fa- er!’ “Don’t! don’t!” he gasped. ‘Will you not
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Denver Doli’s Mine. i? welcome me, after I have patiently searched for you so long?” ‘Welcome you back?” she cried. ‘‘ You, the murderer of my—” ‘Stop! stop! As Heaven is my judge, I am not guilty!” ‘* Not guilty—you tell me this? Did you not, when I was a happy girl, im a happy home, oppose my marriage to Walter Walraven, because his father and you had been enemies? Did hed not threaten me—did you not, at the bridal altar, have my husband shot down dead by some unknown assassin?” ‘*No! no! God bear me witness, no!” “Stop! do not perjure yourself further. I was satisfied of your guilt—am now—and swore to leave my home forever, and never to recog- nize you as a father of mine, until I have ample proof of your innocence!” “T can prove my innocence—only kiss your broken-hearted father, my child, and say that you will give me time to prove how unjust you are. ‘You have the remainder of your life to ex- onerate yourself in. When you prove yourself guiltless, I will receive you with open arms. Until then, go your way.” It evidently required a great amount of will power to speak as resolutely as she did, but there was no expression upon her face to show that anything would cause her to relent. The old man bowed his head in silent grief for a few minutes; then be looked up, and said: ‘** You are cruel, but perhaps just to yourself. Will you tell me if I am on the right way to Freshet Flats?” ““Youare. Why are you going there?” “Ye matters not. have business there. Good-by, my child!” and with a sob he hobbled on, Denver Doll arose, and gazed after him until he was out of sight, as if tempted to call him back; then her oath came vividly to mind—the scene where she knelt at the altar beside her youthful husband, and she shrunk back, “No! I must not be weak. I never dreamed of seeing him again, and somehow his faithful search for me impresses me more than I can ex- press, Why goes he to Freshet Flats?. Does be expect to prove his innocence there? He is my father, and there are many pitfalls in Freshet Flats. Ican but feel a daughter’s interest in his welfare, and will keep a watch that he is not harmed, Perhaps he may be innocent after all! Who can say?” And tears actually filled the flashing eyes. CHAPTER X. A FLIGHT AND AN ADVENT. THAT day passed, without any further inci- dent, worthy of special mention, and night once more fell over the rude little mining-camp of Freshet Flats, Early in the evening, as he sat in the office of the shanty hotel, a boy entered and handed Arizona, a letter, and hastily departed. An eager flush mounted the Avenger’s cheeks, and he tore open the envelope, after giving a hasty glance at the chirography upon it. The letter was in a woman’s graceful hand, and ran as follows: “Dear Mr. ARIZONA:— “Your affectionate note just received, and read with feelings of grateful pleasure—that, too, when I find myselfin dire troutle, which I will explain when we meet. In answer to ycur declsration of affection for me, I have only to say that my ac miza- tion for you surpasses that I have ever cherished for any other msn. I positively despise the man, Snap; but, if you will meet me, 4S soon as you get this, at the big coitonwood tree on the bank of the creek, I can tell you much more, and something import- aut, too Yours, faithfully, * CHRISTIE." Arizona put the letter in his pocket, his eyes sparkling with satisfaction. ‘* She is my ideal of womanhood,” he mused. ‘““Why shouldn’t I keep up this intimacy and marry her?” He left the hotel, and strode with elastic step across the Flats to the great tree that stood up- en the shore of the roaring creek. Christie was there, seated upon a bowlder, under the dark shadows of the everhanging branches, and gave a glad cry as he approached. “Tam soglad you came!” she said, impetu- ously. ‘‘Do you see that?’ and she pointed to a neatly-wrapped bundle lying upon the ground, “Yes. What is it?” “The best of my worldly effects done up, ready for a journey!” ** A journey?” “Yes, Iam going to leave home.” ““ What for?” “Necessity compels me. I overheard a plot between my father and Snap, to lock me up in aroom, and keep me on bread and water until I consented to marry the latter.” **'The deuce!” ‘*- Yes, and I just packed up a few things and herelam. Iwill not marry Snap. I'll fly to the further end of the earth first. After re- ceiving your kind letter, I felt that perhaps you could protect me, until—until—” “Our marriage?” ; “Yes, love,” and she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. “* Well, I should be a brute, if I wouldn’t!” Arizona exclaimed. ‘‘ Let me think a moment. They will be likely to discover your flight.” “ Yes,” ‘“Well, I havea plan. You have heard of Denver Doll?” “ Oh! yes.” “Well, she isa warm friend of mine, and I know where her stronghold is, I will take you there, and you will have a pleasant home and companion until I get ready to leave this place. Remain quietly here until I return. Do not be alarmed if I should be detained an hour.” “Allright. But hurry, please.” He kissed her then, and strode away. He was vot more than out of hearing, when a man step’ from behind the tree and con- fronted Christie. ‘Sh! don't be alarmed!” he said, ‘I heard you was going to Denver Doll’s retreat, and want- ed to tell you something. After you get there. if you can come back and guide me there, Ti give you two thousand dollars. I am Jean La Force. ’Sh! now mind, mum’s the word. | do not urge you todo it—you may desire to doit Ngee were
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“38 Denver Doll’s Miné. for revenge. Then, the cash is yours. Keep .your own counsel, and remember!” Tne next instant he was gone, leaving the Jewess in a state of wonderment, “T will keep my own counsel!” she mused. “ Arizona may not turn out what heseems; then I can take advantage of Jean La Force’s offer. This Denver Doll may be a flame of Arizona’s— he spoke of her as a very warm friend of his. In that case—well!” She did not finish, but a compression of the lips showed that the venom of jealousy hed al- ready gained root in her heart. Arizona soon came back, leadin “We're all right!” he signified, now, and let’s be off.” two horses. ** Mount A few hours after Arizona and his bride pros- pective were leaving the camp, Nathan Blob was sitting alone in his office, which was built adjoin- ing his residence, when the door opened, and the zesthetic giant, Sunflower Sam, entered. “ Howdy do, Nathan?’ he saluted, familiarly, closing the door, and helping himself to a chair. “Nice weather we're havin’.” “Tsh dot so?” the old Jew stony stare. I vas not aware o . you dells me.” “*Eh—ye wasn’t? Darn me, what kind of a man aire you?” “ A shendlemans, sir.” . Sam bnrst into a terrific guffaw, and fairly shook with laughter until the windows rattled. ‘“Why, thunderation, Nat, how long ye bin affected wi’ that disease?” . ‘* All mine life, sir, Who you vas und vat you want?” — “Phew! don’t know me?” ‘No, sir.” “Don’t reckernise the sesthetic cut o’ my mug?’ “Py tam, I never see you!” * Git eout. wey, I know you. As fer me, I am known as Sunflower Sam, the second Wilde Oscar. Had another name once. I’m an zesthete.” “Wot ish dot?” * Well, it’s half-way between a what-is-it and a polar bear, wi’ a little peratte mixed in, Reck- ernise yer own fotygralf ** You ish von pig fool. Tell me v’ot you vant, _ und get right away oud, gwick, or I drow you down der steps.” The old Jew was evidently getting his ire aroused, but it apparently did not concern the sesthete, for he chuckled, good-naturedly. Well, V'll tell you,” he said. ‘‘ Ther primeval cause o’ my wisit, Natty, dear, is for the un- scrupulous purpose of gathering in some root-of- evil—otherwise swag—alias money. Presuming that you would know me, I ventured tew rumi- nate thet yeou would be glad tew pan out, on the account of old scores.” ‘Old scores! V’ot der Satans you means? You vasa lunatic. I neffer knows you in mine life, so help me.” ““Wa-al, p’r’aps ye don’t reckernise me. I uster live in Denver, an’ was known by the name o’ Pea-knuckle Pete, from the fact that I uster play the game often,” runted, with a dot fact ondil “Vell, vot of dot? I neffer heard off you. V’y should I pay you monish?” * Sim ply because et will be to yer interest to doso, I hold an important secret of :yours. It is the death-bed confession of a man yer once made yer tool!” ** You lie!” Bob eried, leaping to his fect. ** You ish an imboster, who tries for to sheas me - mit mine monish oud.” ““Nary a time, sheeny! Shall [ goon and tell ye a leetle story all about—” “Sdop! sdop!” the Jew gasped, turning pale. ‘‘ Der vos no need of dot. Vot you vant to keep your mouth shut?” ‘*Spondulics, on course. Ye see, I’m studyin’ esthetic culture, wi’ a view o’ goin’ on ther stage—me an’ my dorg, Jurisprudence. So et needs shavin’s to eddicate us. Then, too, thar’s another party in the field; who’s on the scent, an’ would pay well fer what tongue I’ve got. Savy?” ‘“*T understand vot you mean, dollar do you?” ‘Well, Lreckon that might answer for about a month. Don’t wanter be hard on yew at first, *ea’se et's a poor bank as suspends at ther first run. So shell out.” Without a word, the Jew took a plethoric wad of bills from his pocket and counted out the de- sired sum, “There you vas,” he said. ‘‘ Now I shall eg- spect dot you vil keeb your mouth shut.” ‘Closer than the jaws o’ a steel-trap,” the giant grinned, ari:ing. ‘* Guess I will go now, an’ skirmish for my side pardner, Jurispru- dence. Wuss’n a billy-goat, that hoss. Hats tin cans, pick-axes, an’ anything that’s digesti- ble in the shape o’ food.” Then, with another smile that even Oscar Wilde must have pronounced sublime, the giant took his departure. Nathan Blob sat in his chair an instant after- ward, a greenish glitter in his eyes. ** Dot nan vas gerous,” he muttered. ‘‘ If os vas found deadt, no one knows who kills im. Seizing a piece of paper, he hastily wrote sev- eral words upon it, and put it in his pocket; then he glided out. »It was now deep dusk, but a short distance away he distinguished a man’s figure moving toward the business portion of the town. Like a sleuth the Jew was at once in pursuit, the wind and the rush and roar of the creek wholly silencing his footsteps, The nearer he approached his victim, the denser seemed to grow the night mist, so that even when he wished to strike the fatal blow, ue could barely distinguish the form in front of im, ‘ “There! dot settles you!” the Jew gritted, kneeling beside bis victim, ‘ Ouck! Oh, mine Got! I have made a pig mistake. As I liff, it ish Snap! »Holy Moses! vot vill Ido? I haff proken my own nose. Snap! Snap! Open your eyes, you focl, und dells me you vasn’t hurt Vil a Vousand atall!” But Snap was past all recall. Nathan Blob knelt there for some minutes, nearly dumfounded by the terrible mistake he d made, pall
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Boa Denver Doli’s Mine. “Tp vas too bad,” he muttered, at last. ‘I neffer haff no more chance to make money off from poor Snap. Oh! vell, such vas life, I must leaf him here und Jet him pe found. I vil fix dis paper on him, und fix der crime on dot Arizona sharp!” _From bis pocket he took the paper he had in- dited at the office, and pinned it upon the breast of the dead man, : The message was: ‘Revenge is sweet! “ Arizona ALB, Joaguin's Avenger.” “Dot vil fix him so he flirt mit Christie no more!” the old wretch muttered, as he skurried away. From off a rocky gulch there branched a deep, dark ravine, barely wide enough to admit of the passage of two horses abreast. ‘he walls arose perpendicularly to a great hight, and from this fissure poured « noisy brook, Probably not one bunter or prospector in a score would have thought of wading up the stream info this forbidding ravine; yet bad they done so they would, eventually, have debouched into a little mountain-locked pocket, the bottom of which covered about an acre’s area. Here were a number of skin lodges of commo- dious size and aboriginal decoration, It had evidently, some time in the past, been an Indian encampment, but was now the ren- dezyous of Denver Doll and her road-agents, and aretreat better adapted to their hfe could bardly have been found. There were both grass and water for their eats and game in the outer gulch was plenti- u The mouth of the ravine, where it opened into the pocket, was kept constantly guarded by two of the band, so that a surprise was out of the question, The largest of the lodges was built on a raised cua of logs, with awnings around it, mak- ng it a pleasant place to sit on asunny day. The evening being damp, however, Denver Doll was inside ber commodious lodge, seated by a rude table, when her lieutenant, George, made his appearance. _ “Excuse me, captain, but there are two par- ties halted in the ravine, who seek entrance to the pocket. I await your orders.” ** Who are they, lieutenant?” “One of them is the dashing sport, Arizona Alf, The other is a woman.” ‘* Well and good. Bring them here.” Fifteen minutes later Arizona and Miss Chris- tie entered the road-agent queen’s lodge.” ‘‘ Excuse me, lady,” the sport said; ‘ this is Miss Christie, a friend of mine. I found her laboring under the persecutions inflicted by a tyrannical father, and ventured, on the strength of our acquaintance, to bring her here for a few days’ protection.” “You were quite right, Arizona. Whenever in need, you know you are welcome to my camp. Miss Christie, I am glad to have you come. It won’t seem quite so lonely to have another woman in camp, Mr. Arizona, here, anuy of my friends, you mean,” Arizona laughed. ‘‘Some of my acquaintances might not be worthy of a welcome here. I will leave Miss Christie in your care now, and drop around again to-morrow night, perhaps. A word in private, if you please, fair captain,” and he led the way to the log veranda, where Denver Doll followed him. Christie's eyes were afire in an instant, and her cheeks burning with jealousy, she stole to the door, pulled aside the curtain slightly, and watched them, as they stood conversing in sub- dued tones, What they said she could not hear, but when Arizona Alf turned to depart, he raised bis hat gracefully to the fair road-queen—which Chris- tie remembered, with a jealous pang, he kad not done to her. Perhaps he had forgotten it, but he bad not forgotten to be extra polite to the girl outlaw. : ‘I don’t believe I love him, after all,” she mused, angrily, ‘‘and I don’t believe I shallstay bere at all. I don’t like this Denver Doll—I don’t like her. She is too bewitching. Two thousand dollars? That’s more money than papa ever gave me at once, and more than that mean snob, Snap, would give me. No, indeed! I won’t forget Mr. La Force’s effer.” Denver Doll soon re-entered the lodge, and endeavored to entertain ber guest, but found it a difficult job, as Miss Christie was both cynical and contrary, and inclined to hold herself aloof; so, after several yain attempts, Doll showed her to another compartment of the lodge, and bade her good-night. ‘Tf she is Arizona’s choice,” she mused, “ T’il bet there’ll be hair-pulling after the honey- moon, She isa snake-in-the-grass, or I’m miis- taken. But, however that may be, it’s none of my business.” And with this conclusion, she lay down for the night. CHAPTER XI. ARIZONA’S ENTRANCE AND EXIT, ARIZONA ALF went back to Freshet Flats, and to his room, at the hotel, where he passed the remainder of the night in slumber. ' Early in the morning, bowever, be heafd loud cries outside, and looking out of the window saw a large crowd collected in front of He tavern, allof whom appeared much ex- cited, “1 wonder what’s the wrinkle?” he muttered, hastily dressing himself. ‘*Can Denver Doll have been paying another visit?” As soon as dressed, he left the room; but as he stepped into the hall, he was suddenly pounced upon by a couple of powerful men, and tripped to the floor, ae he was bound hand and foot, in spite o° his struggles. - ‘ He was then dragged down the stairs, and out upon the veranda in front of the hotel, where be was planted upon his feet. . Then, for the first time, he saw the lifeless form of Apollo Snap, which had been found and laid upon the veranda. , The paper was still pinned upon his breast, is one of my best friends, and ‘any of his ac- ! and as his eyes fell upon it, Arizona Alf under- t is” ~—-
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20 stood why he was arrested, and his face flushed with indignation. * D’ye see that?” Jean La Force cried, ap- proaching him, and leering evilly into his face, “Ye see that, don’t ye? Yer cussed neck’s go- in’ to pay fer thet’ job, or I bain’t got no say about the matter.” “T understand the paper intimates that I committed that murder!” Arizona cried, ‘‘ but I swear I did not do the job, nor do I know who did, Some enemy has evidently taken this method of getting revenged upon me.” ** Perhaps I did it!” the gambler sneered, sav- gely. “T shouldn’t wonder!” was the fearless re- tort. ‘‘ You are none too good to commit any crime.’ “Well, you'll find out, Weren't in camp, last night, I suppose. Nevertheless, you got back time enough to commit thiscrime. I know where you went, also. Did you find the fair Denver Doll well?” Arizona’s lips compressed, and a steely glitter entered his eyes, but he did not answer. ** Gents!” La Force went on, ‘‘there is no need of having any trial ia this case, as itis as plain as the nose on your face that this feller is guilty of the murder, aside from the papi | note o’ prsepenoee he left upon the corpse. believe ye all know, full well, that Arizona an’ Snap were declared enemies! I have instituted careful inquiries, an’ can’t find as Snap bad an enemy in the world, aside from this chap. What evidence d’ye want more conclusive, that he murdered the harmless young Englisher? Taen, thar’s another pint: last night, he et wi’ Blob’s gal, an’ tuk her to the stronghold of Denver Doll, [ overheard the plot, myself. Likely Snap interfered, an’ thus got stuck!” A murmur of approval ran through the crowd. It was evident that they fully believed in the guilt of Joaquin’s Avenger. Arizona Alf spoke not; indeed, he did not see any use of speaking. His face was a trifle pale, and his features were s2t hard, and stera. He was aware that a terrible trap had sprung on him, and there was very little hope for his es- cape from it. * You see, feller-citizens!” La Force went on, #*f£ don’t say all this out o’ personal spite, for I really feel sorry for the poor cuss; but I am your mayor, an’et’s my bizness to speak for you, the people, It’s a clear case, an’ | opine we can’t do no better than put the border code inter effect. His neck ain’t better’n hundreds o’ others as has received the noose, an’ I motion we wu the matter through, in becomin’ shape!” “No! nce! sdop! I brodest apoud dot! Don’t you vas hang him, ondil he dells me where I finds my daughter!” exclaimed Nathan Blob, Arizona smiled mockingly, for the first time. * You want her back, eb?” he questioned. ‘Dunder, yesh! Off I lose mine Christie, I go crazy mit der lunatic asylum. I—I—I—” And the ponderous Jew paused, for want of power of utterance. ‘Well, let me tell you!” Arizona answered. When the noose shirs around my gullet your daughter will be a corpse. That's all!” “Stop! stop! don’d hang him!” Blob yelled, frantically, as he danced up and down, fright- 4 : Denver Doll’s Mine, ti ened out of his wits, ‘I pay you monish not tu hang him, until I vas get mine Christie back.” “*T propose,” suggested a newly arrived, well- dressed, and fine-looking gentleman, ‘‘ that we don’t hang this man, simply on circumstantial evidence; but, on the other hand, that we give him a chance for his life by turning state’s-evi- dence, and delivering up this pack of road- agents. How does it strike you, gents?” A loud murmur of approval went up from the crowd. ‘That’s more like it!” a number cried. * You bet!” chimed in others, ‘‘ Give every dog a show!” La Force looked disappointed, ‘Wal, we'll hev to see-about it,” he growled. “T ain’tin favor o’ givin’ a murderer no show at vet All in favor o’ the motion suggested sing out! Ashout pealed forth that was almost unani- mous. ““S'pose we'll have to give him a chance, then,” the gambler avnounced, with an oath. * Arizona Alf, you’ve got till sunset to make up yer mind whether you’ll accept the noose or lead an armed party to Denver Doll’s‘retreat !” The Avenger answered not, A faint smile hovered upon his lips; otherwise his features were immovable, and their expression was har to interpret. “The next thing is_a good, strong room to store the cuss in!” La Force said. “T haff got shust der ding!” Blob cried. ‘I fixed it up last night on burpose to shut up mine Christie in, so she don’d vould escape, Yust fetch der brisoner, und I dakes care off him, you et! ‘* Reckon you'll have to give bail for his safe- keeping, old gent,” one miner interposed, and the sentiment was generally echoed. “Vel, den, I gif der mayor a t?onsand dollar for security,” Bjob said. ‘Pring along der brisoner.” Arizona’s feet were unloosened, and with a re- volver pressed to either temple, he was forced to walk to the Blub residence, aud into a room up-stairs, the windows of which had been bar- red like a prison. Here his hands and feet were doubly bound, and the door was locked upon him, Old Nathan, in his office, paid the thousand dollars to La Force, and the crowd departed. Not long after, the Jew entered his house, locked the doors, and ascended to the room on Arizona was half reclining upon the oor, ‘Vell, how vou veel?” he chuckled. ‘ Don’d like id, somedimes, eh?” “Oh, it does very well,” Arizona retorted. i But you vas foolin’ apoud mine shild, Chris- tie.” ““Nary a time. If I swing she swings,” “*S’posin’ she get free?” ** Tmpossible,” ‘Vel, den, you gif up the road-agents to der shustice.” ‘*T hope to never breathe again if I do!” “Vot! You hang first?” * You bet,” : Blob put up his bands in horror, aa
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Denver Doll’s Mine. - ** You vas crazy!” he declared. ‘‘ You don’d know vhot you says.” “* Queer, if I don’t!” Arizona returned. ‘‘ One thing is patent—it will be a cold day that I be- tray Denver Doll. The girl is doing right. She should have her own; and I don’t blame her for raising thunder till she getsit. As for myself, I am invocent of the murder, and T’ll die game before I'll make another the tool by which I purchase my liberty.” The s h seemed to have some little im- pression upon the Jew, for he was silent for sev- eral minutes. ‘*Den you vas like mine schild?” he finally asked. “ Yes,” “Und she likes you?” **T flatter myself she does.” “Vel, she alvays vas a headstrong girl. I don’d know vot vil pecome mit her. hows sup- posin’ I vas to gif you your liberty—vould you gif me pack my schild and neffer bodder us no more?” ‘**No, I would not. More, I would not accept my liberty at your hands.” ; “Den you vildie like von dog, und I vil run der risks of recoverin’ my Christie.” ; “So be 1t!” was the calm response, In a rage the Jew turned to leave the room, when, to his horror, be found himself confronted by no less a personage than Denver Doll, who held a pair of six-shooters leveled full upon him. ‘“* Halt, Mister Israel!” she commanded. “If you stir, age id when directed, or utter a peep, Yl put a bullet right through your big corpo- ae ig) *‘T beg! don’d shoot! I do yust vat you dells me—only dor’d shoot!” “ Very well. Unbind that man!” a Py shimminy! vot you mean? He escape den!’ “Exactly! Unbind him!” “‘ But, my dear young vimmens, off he escape T lose so mooch as a t’ousand dollars!” “Do you hear me? Unbind him, I say!” the road-agent queen cried, so sharply that Blob jumped to do her bidding. ; In a few seconds Arizona Alf was free of his bonds and stood.erect, ‘‘ Now, then, Blobsy, dish over what cash you have about your person and we will leave you!” Doll ordered. ‘No hesitation, or—pop, and over you go!” In despair, the Jew handed over his well-filled pocketbook, which Doll accepted in a very matter-of-fact way. “Now, the key to this room, please,” she said. “Vot? You ain’t goin’ to lock me oop!” ‘Just that. Shell out!” The ugly chambers of the revolvers glared so menacingly at the Jew that he obeyed. Ina moment more he was locked in his own prison room, while Doll and Arizona were en route out of Freshet Flats, by the underground poset the secret of which was known only to them. The passage came out in a clump of bushes at the edge of the creek, and bad probably at some previous period been a subterranean wa- tercourse, Once outside of it, the two adventurers had no difficulty in skulking out of sight of the town without discovery, where, in a little hid- den bear’s cave in the mountain-side, the hand- some horse of the queen of the road was se- creted. “You have saved my life!” Arizona re- marked. ‘‘ How can I ever repay you?” ““No pay is needed. I count you asa man who would be willing todo mea fayor, were I in need. Therefore, I do not care even to be thanked. Will you return to the retreat?” “* No; not if I can find a disguise in your half- way den here?” “Yonder, beneath that bowlder, are a num- ber belonging to my men. I will wait here un- til dark. I have a new racket on foot.” Arizona was but a few minutes in disguising himself, after which be set out for the mining- camp equipped as a prospector. Just about sunset that night, no less a person- age than Nathan Blob might have been seen tearing madly along toward the Satanello, with his hat off, and puffing and panting like a por- Se. poise, A crowd had collected by the time he reached the gambling-house, and stared at him in aston- isbment. “What in thunder is the matter?” La Force demanded, savagely. ‘‘Has the cuss escaped?” “Yes! yes! Gif me my t’ousand dollar—gif me mine tousand dollar! I can’t afford to lose dot!” the Jew spluttered. “Lvea mind to give you a bullet through your cussed bead!” tbe gambler vociferated. ‘** How did be escape? Out with it!” “Vy, dot vinimens, Denver Doll, she got in mit der house, und say, off I don’d vas set him free she put von bullet through me. I vas ‘fraid she vould, so I had to do it. Den dey robbed me und Jock me mit der room in, und I just got oud.” “This is a thunderin’ note!” La Force shouted, as he started with a number of others to visit the Jew’s house, There they found that the Jew bad not lied. Poor Blob! The losses of cash he had sustained that day meer broke his heart, and he mourned inces- santly. CHAPTER XII. A BIG SCARE. Tuar night, as usual, the night ang of miners descended into Denver Doll’s Mine while the day gang were brought up, and wended their = homeward, ; bis mine, like the general run of mines of its class, descended on a gradual slant from its mcuth, and a rude car was made, together with accompanying track, for hauling the debris as well as the precious ore out of the geig of the earth, the power being furnished by a string of burros, The miners, therefore, used the car as a means of transportation in and out of the tunnel. At the mouth of the Drift was a little office, from which the laborers received their pay. Jeav La Force sat in this office during the
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Denver Doll’s Mine. evening engaged in ere and chatting with his right-hand man, Ben Blye, when there came a rap at the door. Opening it, he beheld to his astonishment, the night gang, who had gone in a couple of hours before, huddled together like a flock of sheep, and bearing every appearance of having ex- perienced a severe fright. ‘What the mischief is the matter? Why are you all out here?’ the gambler demanded angrily, it occurring to him that they might have organized a strike. The miners exchanged glances; then one old gray-bearded veteran, named Uncle Eph Paine, advanced and said: ‘You'll excuse us, boss, but we all allow we don’t keer to work in the mines any longer— especially of nights.” “Why not? What the thunder’s got into you, Beh ‘* Waal, ye see, we’ve most all seen sum purty hard scrapes, but we allow we don’t keer about workin’ whar thar’s ghosts,” ‘** Ghosts ?” ‘““Yas, you bet! Leave it to the boys ef we didn’t all see the reg’lar, bona-fide ghost, right in the mine, an’ et pointed a skeleton finger at us, rattled its bones, and perlitely invited us to skip. We skipped.” La Force laughed. “Why, you cussed idiots, There’s no sech thing as ghosts!” “There is,’ Ubcle Eph declared, don’t believe it, go an’ see fer yerself. dare ye to go! Eh, boys?” The “ boys” gave a chorus of assent, you're crazy! “Ef ye We'll all If there was one thing La Force prided him- self on more than another, aside from card-play- ing, it was for bravery. No matter though he ot whipped in a ‘‘scrimmage,” he argued that it did not lessen bis courage in the“ least, and many of his encounters went to show that this was the case. To be dared by his own employees to enter a dark, forbidding underground chamber, where they claimed to have seen a ghost, was some- thing he had not expected, and for the moment he did not know hardly what to say or do, To not accept the challenge would certainly show him up in a cowardly light, to his dis- eredit, and would also have ths effect to lessen the “apeciae of getting the men to go back to work. ‘*Pshaw! I'd just like the fun of such a thing, to show you what a pack of idiots you are,” he exclaimed, with a foreed laugh. ‘* Lend me one of your lights, and I'l go down and see what lump of rock has so frightened you.” Uncle Eph chuckled as he handed over his own amp, ? «Bet you'll come back wi? yer ha’r standin’ on end,” he remarked. Shall we let ye down in the ear, boss?” “No! Ill walk down the incline and back. You fellows can consider yerselves docked fer time, while I’m gone,” . Putting ona bold front, he entered the mouth of the drift, and strode down the track, appar- ently as fearless:as a lion, 227s : eens sss a Eee In lively anticipation of the result, the miners gathered about the mouth of the mine and wait- ed patiently. His footsteps were soon inaudible, and the iene died out, leaving blank darkness behind im. Two—three—five minutes elapsed—then a sound, like the smothered report of a pistol, reached the hearing of the watchers, This was followed by several others, ‘* He's havin’ a skirmish wi’ the ghost!” Uncle Eph averred. ‘‘ Wonder how he likes ’em?” Two minutes later Jean La Force came run- ning up the drift, puffing and panting like a frightened runaway horse. His lantern and hat were gone, and bis face was near as white as the immaculate bosom of his shirt, He didn’t k until he reached. the office, where, he sunk down on the steps from sheer ex- haustion. ‘‘ Waal, did ye see ther ghost?” queried Uncls Eph, with a malicious grin, «See it?—of course I saw it, you fool. Why, cuss my boots, I hadn’t hardly got into the ac- cursed hole before I see’d it a-comin’ for me, I drew my revolvers an’ let drive, but the more I fired the faster it came fer me, until I was Tere we to turn an’ run, Boys, what the deuce is it? “That's what I wanter know before we go on ag’in,” one of the miners answered, ‘‘’Tain’t pleasant to bave a spook fer a gang boss,” “Curse it, thar’s no sech thing as ghosts, boys. It’s some one fixed up—a plot of Denver Doll's, waybe, to get possession of the mine,” “You count yerselfa good pistol-shot, don’t ye, boss?” ‘“* OF course!” ‘Well, how d@’ye account fer a human swal- lerin’ six bullets?” La Force looked grim, “Cursed if I know,” he returned, ‘Jest ye go bome, put come back in the morning, and go to work, Nota word of this to the other gang. Pl give °em night tour to-morrow night.” This was more than agreeable, for the men were eager to learn how the other gang wouid succeed with his gbostship. So, for the remainder of thatnight, the vicin- ity of the mine was deserted. Jean La Force had depended on keeping the matter hushed up, he was greatly disap- pointed, for the following morning the town was alive with the report that Denver Doll’s Drift was baunted by a genuine ghost, that bad scared off even the boss himself. . Great excitement prevailed, and the street was alive with curious people who discussed the probabilities and improbabilities of super- natural visitations. The day gang flatly refused to go to work nn- til the matter was cleared up, and La Force’s threats and entreaties bad no effect. “T]l give a hundred dollars to the five men who will go into the mine and solve the mat- ter!” he cried, ‘*My opinion is that a trick is —— played on us!”, ‘“‘Hyar’s one as ain’t skeart. I’m ready, pan out yer others!” roared Sunflower. Sam. ‘* Never see’d the ghost yet as could skeer me!”
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| ae rere nee Denver Doll’s Mine. 23 And the jfea eesthete appeared to mean just what he said.. Four more men soon volunteered after the gesthete gave the impetus. - “Fork over your lucre, now,” Sam said, “ and we're off. Cash before delivery, in this case.” Realizing the necessity of getting his men to work, La Force did not object, but promptly handed out the cash, andthe five adventurers started into the mine. 2 The descent down the drift was made in quick order, and they found themselves in the cham- ber of the mine where the gangs had been at work, Although they had brought lanterns along, they had not lighted them, preferring to see if his ghostship would make hiniself mani- fest through the Stygian gloom, They stood for some minutes, with their re- volvers ready for use, but nothing of the spook- ish order appeared to their vision. Then, at a word from Sunflower Sam, they shot tbe slides upon their lanterns, and the chamber was illuminated in every part. “ Nary a ghost here!” the aesthete declared. “Still, we will make a cluss search, an’ see that thar ain’t no bidin’-places.” A thorough search developed the fact that, there was no place where a human ghost could hide, nor was there any sign of any super- natural being to be found. The explorers therefore left the mine, and delivered their report. Consequently, the day gang went to work, and were not frightened out, as the nigbt gang had been. A guard was also stationed at the mouth of the mine to prevent the possibility of any bu- man agency gaining access and playing the freak of the previous night. CHAPTER XIII. A REMARKABLE INTERRUPTION. THat day, as Arizoua was lounging in bis miner’s disguise upon the veranda of the shanty hotel, be saw an old, age-frosted pilgrim hob- bling along down the street, with the aid of a Staff, It was the same man. whom Denver Doll bad met in the guleb, who had called her his daugh- ter. The Arizonian’s keen eyes glittered, as the old man came nearer, xud his teeth went to- gether with so distinct a click, that he turned to see if the sound had been noticed by a red- whiskered pilgrim who sat on the veranda, but a little way off. ; The pilgrim, however, evidently was absorbed in reading a newspaper. “At last!” Arizona Alf muttered, in under his breath. “If I am not greatly in error, here is my last victim but one, in avenging poor Joa- quin! Ab! bow 1 have wiped them out, though, the dogs!” The old mah slowly drew near the hotel, bis every movement denoting feebleness and fa- tigue. 2 The steps leading to the veranda of the hotel seemed to have an inviting aspect to him, for he paused, looked at them, and then hobbled to- ward them, : st Arizona was by his side, in an instant, and caught him gently by the arm. re “ Excuse me, pard,” he said, ‘but you look worn out. Let me help you to a seat,” And he assisted old Reuben Morse to his own chair upon the veranda, and going into the bar, brought him out a glass of brandy. “ Thankee! thankee!” the old man murmured. “Mebbe that will help me to a little more strength, tho’ I seldom use it.” After be had partaken of the stimulant, he did, in truth, seem to be somewhat revived, and when the Avenger came back and seated himself near by, he said: ‘Well, I must thankee again, stranger. I’m getting to be an old man, an’ I ortn’t be joggin’ around the country the way Iam. S’pose this is Freshet Flats, eh?’ ‘Yes, this is Freshet Flats. “No. Going further?” I think I'l] tarry here, a*few days, I ; kind o’ think P'll meet an old friend, here, per- — haps.” “ “Indeed? That will be good. What is the name?” “Me? Ob! I'm Reuben Morse, formerly of : Denver, but now, from nowhere in particu- rr? ‘Aba! but I mean your friend’s name? I _ might be able to help you to find him,” “That's so. Much obleeged, but ye see, I don’t know exactly what be might be called byarabouts. He ginerally has a new name fer every place he goes. he called bisself Sunflower Sam.” “ Ah, then he is here, He basa shanty and a claim down the gulch, but I believe he’s off for Last time I heard o’ him, . a hunt to-day, and won’t be home tilldark. If . you like, since yon’re so old, 1’!] show you where he lives, to-night.” “ You are very kind, sir, It is seldom | meet an acquaintance so friendly. 1 will ag 4 of your offer, and in the mean time I think I'l] bire a room in the hotel, and rest until itis time to to) with me.”« And the Avenger led the way into the hotel, ‘“ Certainly. Iwill secure one for you. Come « and had the best bedroom placed at the old wanderer’s convenience, “T can afford to do this,” he said, “My re- ward will come to-night, J know!” Night came on, and about sunset, old Reuben - Morse appeared upon the veranda, where Ari- ¢ zona once more sat smoking a cigar. “ Well, my good friend,” the old man said, “1 % feel much rested, and am ready to go in search of my old friend.” “Don’t be in a hurry,” the Avenger re- | sponded. ‘Take a seat, dare say, won’t be back until moon-up, and we'll start in good season to catch him at bon.e. I sup you are an old veteran in mining. Sunflower Sam, I[ . What do you think of our Lilliputian Eldorado, ~ here?” “Oh, it looks like a lively town, wi’ promise 0? : growth!” was the answer. ‘ But I tell ye, boy, California used to be the boss mineral State, and it is yet, for that matter.” : “ Ah! then you've roughed it there?” “ Ah, yes, for a number of years. Know the mining life pretty well, o’er thar.” “T suppose they used to have some pretty rough timesoverthere?? . - : ERE: * VE SO RT RT NaN an ap PS Oe rece eee cheieeeal as
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24 Denver Doll’s Mine. ‘*Reckon as how they did. S’pose ye might o’ heard o’ that footpad, Joaquin Muriete. He war a tough customer, an’ made himself a ter- ror. But I tell ye we roped him in at last, aw’ put an end to his sarcus.” ‘*T have heard of his tragic fate,” the Avenger said, averting his face to conceal its revengeful expression. ‘‘ I presume there’s few living who had a hand in entrapping bim, and bringing him to his death?” ‘Well, [reckon not. I guess I’m about the only one—though I didn’t take no direct part. I’ve hearn tell that thar’s sone chap what is a-killin’ off all who knew an «thing about the job, no matter whether taey hal any hand in it or not. He must be a cussed fool. Joaquin Muri- ete was a red-handed assassin, and no justice could give him his just deserts, T tell you!” : Arizona did not reply, but, to conceal his agi- tation, arose and entered the hotel. There was a dark, malignant expression upon his face, and his eyes gleamed wildly, lt wasa remarkable change that came over him—a change, as it were, from the docility of a lamb to the rage of a lion. He kept himself aloof from the wanderer, un- til it was quite dusky, and the moon bid fair to pop up from behind the horizon: then, he went out upon the veranda. “ Well, I guess we'll walk down to your friend’s shanty, now,” he remarked, ‘‘ and see if he’s returned from the bunt. Are you ready?” “ Yes, Dm ready, thankee!” was the reply. They descended into the street, and Arizona led the way across the Flats, toward the Rapid Creek, which, now swollen by the recent rains in the mountains, roared loudly. In due time they reached the big tree, where the Avenger had met Christie Bob, Hore they paused, and Arizona faved his victim. The tree was far enough from the camp that a loud cry would not be likely to attract atten- tion, ‘* Why do you stop bere?” Old Reuben asked, gazing at the swiftly rushing waters, ‘* For a purpose,” was the stern rerly. Reu- ben Morse, do you know why I have brought you here?” **No. Why? asked the old man, quickly. “To fulfill a long made oath!” was the an- swer, “T am Joaquin’s Avenger, and you are the one of two that remain, before my vengeance is eomplete. I donot intend to strike you down like a dog, on account of your age, but give you a show for your life.” “T am too old to fight; have mercy upon me, x never did any one a wrong—indeed, I did not, “Tt matters not!” was the stern reply, ‘I swore to avenge Joaquin’s death, and nothing can keep me from my purpose. You must fight or I will strike you down!” Will you?” It was not the old man who said this: it was iat Doll who leaped forward through the oom, at The devil!” escaped Arizona’s lips. ‘‘ What brings you be e? / ’ “To defend my old fatber, sir, against the attack of a vampire!” was the stinging retort, “T thought you a man, Arizona Alf, but you are a coward and a coyote! If there’s any fight- ing to be done, allow me to inform you that, /°ll take a hand in it myself!” Arizona Alf did not answer for a moment, for he was too much surprised. He had bad no idea of Reuben Morse being the father of Denver Doll, or of being in any way related to her, And, too, the words uttered by the queen of the road-agents stung him to the quick, for he real ized that she was deac in earnest, and regarded bim as a man of little more account than a typi- cal rnffian of the mines, “You probably do not understand this mat- ter!” he finally said, “If this man is your father, he was concerned in the killing of Joa- quin Muriete in California some years ago, and as I registered an oath to kill every individual who was concerned in Joaquin’s death, I am sorry of this, for your sake, but I cannot break my vow for any person’s sake,” “But, [rather opine you will care, if you at- tempt to barma hair of bis head. I have got the drop on you, and you know the style of a girl I am too well, I dare say. If you demand satisfaction, I ain’t afraid to meet you, even though Iam but a girl. You shall never touch my father.” “You are foolish!” the Avenger said. “I never could bring myself down to fight a woman, nor do I want to fight you. Let us adjourn this affair until some other time.” “Not much! It has got to be settled to-night. You bave got to promise upon your bope of an after life, that you will never attempt to harm my father.” **T shall promise nothing of the kind.” ‘Then, sir, you and I shall settle this here and now!” Doll declared, with stern resolution in her fine face, The moon had just appeared over the moun- tain crest, and shot a mellow ray of light over the girl’s determined face. - “My child! my child! do not quarrel with this terrible man. Let him kill me, and have done with it!” Old Reuben cried in tremulous tones, “Silence!” was the quick reply. ‘Iam not afraid of him. I have not been a wandering outcast for nothing. What have you to say, Sir Avenger?” “*T believe it is umuecessary to say much!” the Arizonian replied, his tones cynical and cut- ting. : yon choose to represent your father, whom it is my purpose toslay. I cannot break my pee eg. pe you must take the conse- quences, or I,” They then crept toward each other, their hands holding the instrument of death in a firm elutch Eye to eye, face to face, they drew nearer to each other, then, when nearly within arm’s- length, began to move around on Seok wateh- ing each other with lynx-like intensity, and studying for an opportunisy to leap forward and strike a telling blow, without incurring one in return, A spectator, familiar with the peculiar style of dueling, would have been filled with admira~- tion at the novel and skillful moves they made,, Pe mee ae
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TORII Denver Doil’s Mine. 86 ‘* All's fair?” Doll said, intarrogatively. ‘* All's fair!” was the reply. The next instant the blade Denver Doll had held, struck the left side of the Avenger. Arizona endeavored to leap forward at her, but could not. He staggered, then fell to the ground, with a faint groan. Doll sprung forward and said: * You will not die. I simply aimed with the intent to lay you out. By the time you will have recovered, my father and I will be far from here, I trust.” “Will you? Well, perhaps you may be!” a hoarse voice exclaimed, in her ear, and turning she beheld Jean La Force but a few steps away, holding a pair of revolvers leveled at her. ‘‘Ha ha! my beauteous road-agent, I happen to have the drop on you, now!” ** And, old chestnuts, I’ve got a couple o’ pops pintin’ straight at your area!” another voice cried, and out from behind the tree scooted Little ge a gleaming pair of self-cockers in his grasp La Force gave a startled glance around, and instantly comprehended that he was in bad company, and there was little show for him; so he dropped his weapons, and ran like a deer to- ward the camp, “Don’t fire, Bill!’ Doll cried. ‘There'll be an alarm quick enough!” “Oh! jest let me plug him in the spine, fer luck, Dollbaby!” “No! I say!” she warned. ‘‘See that these men are both properly cared for, because I must get out of this quickly. Did you get the machinery?” ‘Yas, It’s on the road.” “Good. We'll be ready for it, when it comes, Ifancy. I’m off, now.” And before more could be said, she was speed- ing away, up the bank of the stream, jhe was not wrong. While Bill was dashing some water into the faces of the two men—for Arizona had also fainted—Jean La Force came running up, with half a dozen others, “Where's the gal?” he roared, “Dunno!” Bill replied, dauatlessly. ‘* She told me to take care o’ these fellers, an’ then grad . ich direction, you cussed little imp of Satan?” ‘*Down-stream!” Bill lied, with a placidity that was unpardonable, “Darn ye, you’re the cause o’ her escape!” the pair yelled, and he gave the boy a terri- ble blow beside the head, that sent him spin- ning to the ground, deprived of his senses, “Now, boys, some o’ you take the two chaps back to camp, an’ the rest o’ us will give chase.” “ Better let em lay here, an’ the hull o' us join in,” one of the gang suggested. “Then come along.” They rushed away down the stream like a pack of hounds on the scent of game, They were hardly out of hearing when Arizona Alf recovered from his faint, and raising upon his elbow, took in his surroundin “I’m not wounded to the death, it seems,” he muttered. “If I can walk I must get away from here. There's old Morse lying there like a log, but V’ not kill him now because the girl was merciful to me. Hello! the kid is bere too! The rougbs must have been here, and gone in pursuit of Denver Doll, I must get away before they return, or it will be all up with me, I allow.” He found, upon experimenting, that he could stand upon his feet, which conyinced him that his wound was not exactly dangerous, After arising and gaining his equilibrium fully, he found himself able to walk slowly, and thus managed to get away from the vicinity of the old tree, where he had nearly received ~~ fate he came there to accomplish for an- other. Shortly after his departure, Little Bill recov- ered, and scooted away toward the camp., *‘Reckon I’m in luck that they didn’t chuck me into the creek!” he muttered. ‘‘Guess I better lie low till La Force muzzles his temper.” He had hardly gone, when Reuben awakened from his faint and gazed wonderingly around him, ‘Can it have been a horrid dream?” he asked. ‘‘Nol yonder are the lights of the camp. Oh! where are they? What has become of my child? Can the Avenger have murdered her, and cast her into the stream? No! something tells me she has escaped. I will go back to the camp, and if she is not there, I shall be satisfied that she is safe.” And he, too, hobbled away from the vicinity of the tree. When La Force and his gang came back from their fruitless search, accordingly, they found no one. “*Cuss me ef the gal hasn’t got more lives than a cat!” the gambler exclaimed. ‘' But never mind! I'll trap her yet!” And the unsuccessful party went back to the Satanello, CHAPTER XIV. A ROGUE’S END, As Uncle Reuben did not find Arizona Alf, he felt assured of Doll’s safety, and put up at the hotel for the night. On the following morning be went forth upon the street, and almost the first man he met was Suailower: Sam, and the two shook hands famil- iarly. “You see I came, an’ hev been waitin’ fer ye. Writ ye at Mottsville, but got no ans’er,” the giant exclaimed. “Ca’se I started soon arter you. Lost my horse back a piece, and bad to boof it. Any news?” Samuel winked. ‘ ‘Call me a cross-eyed Oscar, ef thar ain’t!” he affirmed, softly. “As I told ye, ther game arriv’. It’s beer, an’ aJl that remains is to cor- ral it, extort a confession, an’ then bag it. D’ye savy? Morse nodded, “Tsee, Isee. You are sure?” “Asa sermon. See that roost?” and he indi- cated the Blob residence. Well, it’s there, Housed, now, I dare say, Nien cohen
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26 Denver Doll’s Mine. Have you made up your mind to extort the con- fession?” “ Yes.” “Tf he refuses?” “Pil kill bim by inches?” The old man spoke with a vim that was indis- putable, “T have suffered enough through that man,” he went on, ‘‘and I mvan to put the matter to the test, since, through you, I have learned the truth.” ** Have you seen your child?” “T met her in the mountains, and again last night.” “Then you know that she is an outlaw?” “Great Heaven! no!” Sunflower Sam went on and explained the case as well as ho know how. “My poor child,” Reuben Morse groaned, when he was done. “Iam the innocent cause of all this. But there may be a brighter lining yet to liven up these clouds. What would you advise?” “ That you visit Blob at once, and come down to business. About the time I think all’s ready, Tl drop in and arrest him.” They talked for a while longer, and then the sesthete made his way toward the hotel, while Reuben Morse sought the office of the Jew. Blob was in, engaged in counting some money, and looked up in surprise at the bare- headed old man, whom it was plain he did not recognize. “Vel, vot you vant?” he demanded, as Reuben helped himself to a seat, ‘I haff no monish to gif to beggars to-day.” “No one has asked you for alms, Nathan Blob,” was the stern answer. ‘‘ We've business more important to transact. Do you recognize me?” “T tink I do!” was the reply. ‘‘ You are Reuben Morse, don’d it?” ‘Tam Reuben Morse. Do you remember, a number of months ago—nearly two years now— an event that happened?” “Oh, yesh—I understand now. Your girl, she go to get married, und some von shoots her husband!” “ nxactly. Do you remember what follow- “Shimminy, yes! Your daughter she —— you off doin’ der business, und clear oud. Dot vas bad.” “Yes; a happy home was broken up, and father and child went adrift on the world. Do you know who committed the murder?” ‘No; I know noddinks apout dot.” ‘* Well, you see, this man who was killed was adored by another, and he had once been be- trothed to her. The girl was a Jewish maiden, and when Walraven’s engagement to my daugh- ter became known, the Jewish family were furi- ous, and swore he should regret the disgrace his change of choice had reflected upon the Jew’s daughter. The girl’s father, therefore, with his plenty of gold, hired a worthless vagabon1 to assassinate Walraven at the altar. You, Nathan Blob, are the man who hired the deed done! This tool died, and lefta confession later of what otherwise might have been a life mystery!” ** You lie! you lie!—id vas all a lie!” _ *No, it is not! The man who received the se- opine ee cret is in this camp—a detective at that! Ido not propose to let you escape, Sit down to that table. Fail to obey me, and [ will put an end to you as sure as I am a desperate man!” Nathan Blob knew better than to disobey, so he sat down at the table again, where he had been seated on Morse’s entrance, “Vot you vants?” the Jew roared, ‘I haff no time to fool mit you. You vas a grazy luna- tic, und I don’t vant you here.” “TJ dare say not. You'll find out how crazy I am. Geta piece of paper, and write out a con- fession,” A vot?” **A4 confession. Mind, no trifling! . Write out the confession, stating that Reuben Morse is innocent of any conspiracy or attempt to mur- der one Walter Walraven, and that the murder was committed by you, through an accomplice, for sake of revenge,” “You dinks I gif mineself avay like dot?” the Jew howled, ‘Vell, I guess you must dink I yas a fool.” , ‘So you are, to think I will tolerate any more te **T do yoost vot you say.” ‘Then go ahead!” Seizing a pen, the Israelite began writin slowly, and at the end of twenty minutes hande the confession to Reuben Morse, It was penned in a scrawling band, and read as follows, in very crude English as to ortho- graphy, but explicit enough in meaning: “Fresuet Fiats, Sept. —. “This shall certify that I, the subscriber, wish to vindicate one Reuben Morse from all blame about the death of one Walter Walraven, because he didn’t do the deed. It was done by another man, who was hired by me. I got my revenge on that son-of-a- gun, bet your life. NATHAN Bios.” “That will answer,” Morse assented. ‘It will heal the breach between ay er und myself, and perhaps there may some happi- a vet for our lives, I will bid you good- ay! At this juncture the door opened, and Sun- flower Sam entered, jingling a pair of hand- cuffs in bis grasp. “Nattie, old boy, you’re my meat!” he said, with an awful smile. ‘‘Sorry to have to act against so generous a friend, but you see the fact is, ’m an officer of the law—me an’ my dorg, Jurispudence—an’ it becomes my duty to in- form you that I have a warrant for your arrest for being a party to a murder!” “Ish dot so? Vel, youst tell mine Christie I leave all to her, if I die!” And with a sudden and unexpected movement, he sprupg over the table and out of the door. Up the gulch he ran with wonderful speed for a man of his avoirdupois, and behind him sped the giant. ** Stop, durn ye, iu tho name of the law!” Sam thundered, ‘‘or T'll puta bullet through you quicker’n a cat can say catechism!” But Blob paused not, He was making a life run of it; but it was to his sorrow. Sam stopped for a moment and his pistol gleamed in the sunlight—then there was a sharp
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. Denver Doll’s Mine. 27 report, and the Jew dropped like a log, never to rise again. The detective’s unerring shot had done the work for the old rogue. The tragedy created considerable excitement for an hour or so, but when Sunflower Sam ex- lained, and showed the badge of his profession, lob’s death was regarded as little more than an every-day occurrence, and his big body was “planted” by the side of that of his own vic- tim, Apollo Snap, CHAPTER XV. LITTLE BILL’S BIG LOSS, Sincx the escape of Denver Doll Little Bill had kept himself pretty closely in hiding, for be knew that, should he expose himself, he would be seized for abetting the gir] road-agent’s escape. To-day, however, he ventured forth upon the street, and almost the first man he encountered was Jean La Force, who was unusuallly savage, over dissipation and gambling losses the pre- vious night. ‘Oho! so ’'ve got you, you young rascal, have I?’ he cried, clutching the urchin by the shoul- der, ‘‘ You're the very roosterI want. D’ye know what I’m goin’ to do?” And he changed his hold and caught Bill by one of his rather large ears. Ouch! Let up now!” the boy yelled. “Kf you don’t Pll be your last sickness.” Ata wink from La Force one of his cronies came up and seized Bill’s hands from bebind. “See here! that ain’t no fair!” the boy pro- tested. ‘‘ You fellers ain’t afeard of a little chap like me, I hope?” ‘“Course not; but thar’s nothin’ like makin’ sure of an eel afore ye skin him!” the gambler assumed, as he drew his knife and felt of its e. “Now, younker, Tll tell you jest what’s what. You tell me where the gal, Denver Doll, has got her stronghold, or off come one 0’ yer ears! Little Bill shuddered. He doubted not that the brute would do as he had threatened, for there was certainly evil enough in his depraved beart to commit any crime. ‘¢f don’t know, sir. She don’t let me know where she hangs out, That’s honest Injun!” “Git eout! Tell me, Isay.” “T don’t know!” “Dye hear? No hangin’ back. Spill out, or off comes yer-souse!” ‘‘TPve told youl didn’t know. You'd better not burt me, Jean La Force.” * And why not?” “ Because ae get payed back, two ter one!” The gambler uttered a hoarse, evil laugh, that betrayed all the ruffian instincts of his nature. ‘‘Then ye won't tell where Denver Doll can be found?” he repeated. ‘* No!” Bill replied, with heroic pluck, ‘‘ Hang you, I wouldn’t if I knew” The next instant there was a shrill scream of pain, and the boy darted toward the hotel, while La Force stood holding the severed ear. No effort was made to apprehend La Force— indeed, few in Freshet Flats would have dared tackle him. And he seemed sullenly guilty over his brutal ée crime, for he skulked about, here and there, and drank heavily, so that by noon he was fairly stupefied with liquor, and staggered away to- ward his usual napping place under the shade of the tree by the creek, where he lay down and was soon oblivious of everything. Little Bill did not remain quiet long, but was soon out on the street again, his mind fully made up to have revenge. It did not take him long to learn the where- abouts of his enemy, and he crept over to the tree, only to perceive that the gambler was ly- ing there in the shade, sleeping off the effects of the liquor he had drank. Going back to the camp, the youthful avenger procured a lasso and some cords, after which he returned to the tree, Setting to work with the caution of a fox, he succeeded in binding the gambler’s hands and feet, without arousing him. He next got the noose of the lasso about his neck, under the chin, and threw the other end up over a limb of the handy tree. Seizing hold of it, he braced himself against the tree, and pulling with all his might, suc- ceeded in raising La Force to an upright pos- ture. The strain of the rope about his gullet. pretty effectually sobered that person, and he glared at his tormentor ferociously. ‘* Curse you!” be gasped. ‘Same to you!” Bill retorted, with a diaholi- cal grin, which was a mixture of pain and satis- faction. ‘How d’ye like yer change o’ base, Jeany? I’m goin’ ter pull ye up on yer tip- toes, an’ let ye see ef ye can stan’ on yer toes like a ballet gal,” and he suited action to the word, by pulling the gambler up, so that only just the tips of his toes touched the ground. A more painful position could hardly have been chosen, for it was a direct muscular strain, and unless he maintained his balance, the noose — his throat would tighten, and strangle m. As soon as he had got the lariat fastened, Lit- tle Bill stood off and squinted at his victim, spec- ulatively. “Thar! I reckon you'll do, fer the present. Ef ye git tired, ye might try standin’ first. on one foot, and then on t’other. I’m goin’ over to the howtel, now, tolay down. Ef ye want me afore I come back, jest you whistle. Da! da! cuckoo! tra! la! le!” And with a provoking laugh, the young avenger strutted away, apparently forgetting his own injuries in bis triumph over his enen-y. As La Force could not make himself heard, Bill went to the hotel and lay down for awhile, with the intention of returning later: but that was made unnecessary. La Force had not been long in his torturing dilemma, when a woman came down the bank of the stream and released him, by cutting his bonds and the lasso, She was none other than Christine Blob, the Jew’s daughter, but she was a sorry-looking ob- ject. Her face was haggard and scratched, and her clothing torn and soiled. She looked as ifshe had had a week’s tramp through the mountains. ‘Thank thunder you came!” La Force growl-
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- 28 Denver Doll’s Mine, a ed. ‘I should ’a’ given out soon, back, eh?” ““ Yes,” “To betray the gang?” ‘When I see the cash. I’ve been lost for over twenty-four hours. But I’m ready, when the money is,” They conversed for a while—then went into the camp, La Force told her of her father’s fate, but she seemed very little concerned about the matter. A keen judge of human character, it did not take long for La Force to arrive at the conclu- sion that she was losing her reason. The gang who were off to-day were men whom the gambler most counted on as his faith- ful followers, and he therefore hurriedly armed and equipped them for the raid upon Denver Dol!’s stronghold, knowing that he could depend upon them to fight for his interests. He paid over to Christie the sum of two thousand dollars, which she accepted in good faith, little suspecting that it was counterfeit. Then, well mounted, the party rode out of the camp, doubting not that they would come back victorious. On they rode until, right ahead of them, a stern voice cried: “Halt! Live men advance no further!” “Charge!” La Force yelled, setting his spurs into his horse and dashing forward. One rifle cracked, and the gambler bent for- ward in his saddle, with the wailing cry of “* Charge!” The one shot was all that was fired, no fur- ther opposition being raised. The invaders reached the pocket only to make an unexpected discovery. Jean La Force lay forward upon his horse’s neck—dead. He had been shot through the temple by the unseen guard. Nor was this all the discovery. A charge down into the camp developed the So you're ‘fact that there was no one to charge upon. The lodges were empty, and the road-agents were gone! Taking their dead leader with them, the un- successful party turned back for Freshet Flats, bitterly cursing Christine for leading them on a wild-goose chase. But the now half-demented girl scarcely no- ticed it; her gaze wandered constantly about her, as if in search of some one, It was Arizona Alf she was looking for! CHAPTER XVI. THE MINE OWNS ITS QUEEN AGAIN, TuHatr morning the day-gang had gone to their work in the miine as usual. Assoon as they reached the chamber a torch was ignited, and then each miner’s lamp was lighted thereby. bey were all thus busied in procuring their lights when they heard an ominous click! click! as of the cocking of weapons, and gazing around them in surprise, it needed but one glance to satisfy them that they were prisoners. A score and a half of armed men surrounded | them, and held them covered at the muzzles of as many repeating rifles, They were all masked except one, that one being the dauntless Denver Doll, who stood with a triumphant smile, watching the astonishment of the miners. “Gentlemen,” she said, ‘‘you are-my pris- oners. Come forward, one by one, and lay your weapons at my feet.” She spoke pleasantly, yet sternly. The men exchanged glances; then Doll’s for- mer superintendent said: ‘‘We might as well come to Limerick at first as last, fellers. Here goes my barkers.” And he threw down his weapons. The other miners followed his example. “You are a sensible set,” Doll decided, look- ing them over, ‘and I see een are nearly all my old employees. [am glad of that, because, henceforth, I am going to boss this mine, and Jean La Force's power in Freshet Flats is at an end. D’ye see these men?” ‘‘ Yas,” Banker answered, acting as spokes- man for the others, ‘Well, they are all honest, hard-working miners from the upper country, who are goin’ to stand by me and help me get back my rights, We've got the mine, and are going to keep it; T allow you won’t hinder us. Then there will be no opposition from any one but La Force and what few roughs he can collect, And i they get the mine away from us, they’re wel- come to it.” : fas do you propose to do with us?” Banker asked, “That rests with yourselves to decide, If you swear allegiance to me, you wiil still con- tinue to work here under pay from me, If you refuse to back me, something else will have to be done,” * Well, for my oe Vd rather work for you than for Jean La Force,” Banker declared. ‘*The others can do as they please.” The miners held a low consultation among themselves which lasted for several minutes— then one of them said: “T allow, miss, that we’re all the same way 0’ thinkin’ ‘as Banker, an’ we’ll stick by ye as long as ye try to hold the mine, Some o’ the boys—the new ‘uns—lost money through you, though.” “Everything shall be made right—every dol- lar returned as I promised in my proclamation; and, too, your wages increased. ou can go to work now, while I go up into camp and see how the land lays.” After carefully disguising herself, so that she closely resembled one of the miners, she as- cended the incline, passed the guards, who had previously been brought over to her side, and entered the town. Here she lounged about during the better part of the day, and had the satisfaction of seein La Force and his pals start off for her deser’ mountain stronghold. ‘* Now then, is my chance!” she said; ‘‘ when La Force returns, he’ll be surprised.” She hurried back to the mine, and half an hour later had marshaled her fifty arméd men out upon the Flats at the mouth of the mine, where they began cheering lustily, av = Tae
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~~ “Hurrah! hurrah for Denver Doll! Long may she live!” was the cry that went up, and it had. the effect to startle what citizens remained in the camp. They collected in a huddle near the Satanello, but did not offer to approach the mouth of the Drift, probably fearing that they would be fired upon, Accordingly, Doll gave Joe Banker instruc- tions, and he went forward, carrying a flag of truce, Several of the business-men advanced a few steps to meet him. “ Well, what’s to pay now?” one of them asked. ‘The price of order brought out of chaos,” Banker replied. ‘Denver Doll and her men surprised us in the mine, and has recaptured it, She declares her intention of holding her rights, no matter what objections any one may have, and we, her former employees, believe it right that she shall have back the mine, and therefore have volunteered to support ber cause, She de- sires to know in what light she is to consider the citizens—as enemies or as friends. If they ac- cept of her as a citizen, as before, all well and ‘ood, If not, she will defend her mine to the: itter end.” ‘On the part of what citizens are in camp just now, I am of the opinion that I can bespeak for her a welcome, if she has ceased her unlaw- ful raids. What she can expect from La Force and his gang, she must be the judge. If you will wait, I will secure the sentiment of the crowd” said Jim Fisk, the groceryman. He came back a few moments later and announced: ‘The majority is in favor of receiving her back, but there’s some balky ones and possibl will be more. Ben Blye, La Force’s partner, is offering a hundred dollars per man who will stand up for the gambler, and it’s likely to have some effect. When La Force returns there will be an attack, and then, if you are ready, the matter can soon be settled as to who will hold the mine, and who won't.” Banker returned to the mine and informed the girl chief of the result of his parley. “Tt’s all right!” she said. ‘‘ You see that the boys are ready to fight at an,instant’s notice.” During the remainder of the afternoon, several reinforcements came in from the camp, among whom were Reuben Morse, Sunflower Sam and Little Bill. The matter of the mystery concerning Walter Walraven’s murder was then cleared up to Doll’s entire satisfaction, and she weleomed her aged father with a great warmth of affec- tion. *Lookee byer, Dollbaby!” Little Bill inter- posed. ‘Don’t be too kerfectionate on the old gent, or ye won’t hev any left fer my daddy duke, over the briny puddle.” “You keep still, or ’') cut your other ear off!” Doll warned, laughingly. By early moonlight, the party whom La Force had led so valiantly from the camp, returned, bearing their dead leader. * Now look ont fer it! Doll cried. ‘Some ove’s a gone case, an’ I reckon it’s La Force.” Half an hour later a messenger was sent out from camp, with the news that no attack would made, Denver Doll’s Mine. 29 Blye could not prevail upon his pals to run the risk of their lives, Little more remains to be told. The death of La Force and restoration of Denver Doll, literally put an end to ruffianism at Freshet Flats and it became a peaceable town as long as Doll remained there. Accord- ing to her proclamation every man who had been robbed was repaid to bis entire satisfac- tion and there was no stigma attaching-~to the Red Stars who had helped Denver Doll regain her property and her good name. Arizona Alf, and Christie, were found, in the mountains, lying side by side—dead! © The latter had evidently killed the Avenger ‘and then killed berself. Reuben Morse died, soon after being restored to his child; and now, rich in purse and strong in purpose, she arranged to leave her mine under the management of Sunflower Sam and Banker, while she set out in pursuit of her too long de- serted calling of detective. THE END. BEADLE AND ADAMS’ Dime Hand-Books. Beapie’s Dive Hanp-Boors ror Youne PEroPLe cover a wide range of subjects, and are especially adaptea to their end. Young People’s Series. Book of Games, Fortune-Teller. Lovers’ Casket. Ball-room Companion, Book of Beauty. Hand-Books of Games. Handbook ef Summer Sports, Book of Crequet. Yachting and Rowing. Chess Instructor. Riding and Driving. —- Cricket and Football. Book of Pedestrianism, Guide to Swimming. a Handbook of Winter Sports—Skating, etc, Ladies’ Letter-Writer. Gents’ Letter-Writer Book of Etiquette. Book of Verses. Book of Dreams. Manuals for Housewives. 1, Cook Book. 4. Family Physician. 2, Recipe Book. |® Dressmaking and 8. Housekeeper’s Guide. linery. Song Books. Brapie’s Dime Sone Boors, Nos. 1 to 34, contains only popular collection of copyright songs. Joke Books. Pocket Joke Book. Jim Crow Joke Book Paddy Whack Joke Book, . The above publications are*for sale by all news. dealers or will be sent, post-paid, on receipt of price, ten cents each, by BEADLE AND ADAMB, 98 Wittiam street, N, Y.
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BEADLE’S BOY’S LIBRARY. Published Every Saturday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents 148 Nat, the Trapper and Indian Fighter, By Paul J. Prescott. 149 The Elk Demons or, The Giant Brothers. By T. C. Harbaugh. 150 The Boy Mustang-Hunter; or, Eaulalie, the Beautiful Amazon, By Frederick Whittaker. 151 Frank YVates, the Young Trapper; or, Mountain Kate’s Warning. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 152 Wild Raven, the Scout, By Ol] Coomes. 158 Lynx-OnD's or, Four Trappers’? Among the Sioux. By Paul Ly 154 The Champion Texan Rider ; or, Red Buffalo and the Hercules Hunter. By Harry St. George. 155 Dusky Dick’s Doom, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 156 Frank Bell, the Boy Spy. By O11 Coomes, 157 Nick Doyle, the Gold Hunter. By P. H. Myers, 158 Kidnapped Dick; or, The Fate of the FireFly. By J, Stan- ley Henderson. 169 Sam’s Long Trail. By W. J. Hamilton. 160 Wank Triplet’s Vow. By Harry Hazard. 161 The Mad Skipper. By R. Starbuck. 162 The Trapper King. By Maj. Max Martine. 168 Simon Kenton, Hunter. By Emerson Rodman, 164 The Boy Chief’; or, Frank Bell’s Compact. By Oll Coomes. 165 The Trader Traitor. By J. Stanley Henderson. * 166 Old Jupe’s Clew. By Mrs. Orrin James. 167 The Young Tratler. By W. J. Hamilton. 168 The Specter Spy. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson, 169 Lank Lute, the Old Colorado Hunter. By E. W. Archer, 170 The White Wolf. By Edward Willett. 171 The Swamp Guide. By W. N. McNeil. 4172 The Yankee Peddler. By C. Dunning Clark. 178 The Scout and His Young Chum, By Warren St. John, 174 Blacksmith Tom’s Mask. By Geo. D. Gilbert, 175 The Buckskin Rider. By Guy Greenwood. 176 The Squatter’s Surprise, By Mrs. H. J. Thomas, 177 Four Fellow Scouts. By J. Stanley Henderson. 178 Old Kit and Wis Comrades. By Jos. KE. Badger, Jr. 179 Uncle Grill’s Disguise. By Harry Hazard. 180 The Marked Miner. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 181 The Wild MWuntress. By Capt. Bruin Adams, 182 The Dwarf Decoy. By Maro 0, Rolfe. 188 Jok Dean’s Tactics. By Ingoldsby North. 184 Vankee Eph’s Dilemma. By J. R. Worcester. 185 The Wily Witch’s Ward. By Edwin E. Ewing. 186 Frank, the Furrier. By J, Stanley Henderson. 187 Diana, the Fair Mountaineer. By Capt. F. Whittaker, 188 Jack’s Snare. By Mrs. Ann E, Porter, 189 Sam, the Swamp Scout. By W. J, Hamilton. 190 The Dashing Trooper. By Frederiek Dewey, 191 The Boy Brave. By James L. Bowen. 192 Sandy Bill, of Texas. By Edward Willett. 198 Warry Winkle’s Long Chase. By Wm. R. Eyster. 194 Creeper Cato, the Shadow Swamp Trailer. By F. Dewey. 195 The Ranger Detective. By Harry Hazard. 196 Gypsy Mag, the Mountain Witch, By C. D. Clark. 197 The Branded Captain, By W. J. Hamilton. 198 Old Crossfire’s Crisis, By Capt. Charles Howard, 199 Zebra Zack, the Texan, By W. J. Hamilton. 200 The Nameless Hunter. By George W. Robinson, 201 The Yankee Captives. By Edward Willett. 202 Teddy’s Long Trall. By Edward S. Ellis. 208 Old Hank, the Hermit, By Edward W Archer, 204 Gooschend’s Beat Shot. By Jos. EB, Badger, Jr. 205 The Dutchman’s Dread, By Capt, Chas. Howard, 206 Kit Burt’s Mask. By W. J. Hamilton. 207 Eagle-Eyed Tim. By C. Dunning Clark, 208 The Village Sport. By James L. Bowen, 209 Buck Burt's Pluck. By Edward Willet. 210 The Tell-Tale Bullet. By J. Stanley Henderson, 211 The Boy Surveyor, By W. J. Hamilton, 212 Yankee Drover Swipes. By Seelin Robins. 218 Silver City Tom. By James L. Bowen, 214 Nick, the Detective. By Edwin Emerson, 215 Mustang Rider Roy. By Albert W. Aiken. 216 The Dakota Dutchman, By Maj. Max Martine. 217 Yankee Josh, the Rover. By B. H, Belknap, M. D, 218 New York Ned in California. By W. J. Hamilton, 219 Kentucky Kate’s Shot, By Edward Willett. 220 'Frisco Frank’s Rival. By Paul J. Prescott. 221 Doctor Bag, Detective. By Lewis Jay Swift. 222 Sly Sam’s Snare. By Louis Legrand, M. D. 228 Old Nancy’s Ward, By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 224. Rattlepate, the Nabob. By Scott R. Sherwood. 225 Night-Hawk Bills or, The New York Sportsmen’s Clow. By W. J. Hamilton, 226 The Masked Mantiae, By Maro O. Rolfe. 227 Barney’s Bold Brush. By James L. Bowen. 228 The Deadwood Sports, By Lieut. S. G, Lansing. 229 Hans Schmidt, Jr.; or, The Disguised Yankee. By W. J. Hamilton, 280 Lone Star’s Sure Shot. By Hurry Hazard. 281 Mark Morgan’s Mask. By Capt. Charles Howard. 282 Billy Broom’s First Cruise, By H. Minor Klapp. 288 The Girl Rifle-Shot. By W. J. Hamilton. 284 Old Kyle’s Long Tramp. By Henry J. Thomas. 285 Old Bill Syce’s Pledge. By Edward Willett. 286 The On-the-Wing Detective. By Ed. S, Ellis. 287 The Dolphin’s Young Skipper. By Roger Starbuck. 288 Josh’s Boy Pards, By S. G. Lansing. 289 Lee Dakin’s Disguise. By Maro O. Rolfe. 240 Daring Dick’s Race. By Arthur L. Meserve. 241 Uncle Ephe’s Boys. By J. Stanley Henderson. 242 Cyclist Bob Snared. By Capt. R. M, Hawthorne, 248 Flash-Light Joe; or, Brave, the Canine Scout. By Charles . lsley. 244 Bob Baker’s Last Leap. By T. Benton Shields, U.S, A. 245 North Woods Nat. By W. J. Hamilton. 246 The Girl Chief; or, Dolly’s Droll Disguise, By J. M, serrill, 247 Denver Dick, the Rattler; or, The Minera of Deadwood Gulch. By Harry Hazard. 248 Black Jim’s Doom; or, Billy Bowlegs’s Revenge, By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine, 249 Morgan, the Sea Rover; or, The Shrewd Scotchman’s Scheme. By John S. Warner. { 250 Zach's Ghost Trp; or, The Haunted-House Havoc. By George Applegate. 251 Kyd’s Bold Game; or, The Denth-Trail Mystery, By Paul Bibbs. 252 Sancho Sam’s« Shot; or, Fort Binkley’s Specter Riders. By George Gleason. 258 Orafty Orazy Slack; or, The French Fugitive. By Harry Hazard. 254 The Fightin, uaker; or, The Droll Darky’s Dismay, By Edward S, sits digi z 255 The Ranger’s First Cruise; or, The Yankee Tar Abroad. By John S. Warmer. 256 Bob Gage’s Crew: or, The Boys of Logger Camp, B: John Neal. Ready March 9. y nee 257 Tommy’s« Fast Pacers or, Searching for “ Uncle Josiah,” By W. J. Hamilton. Ready March 16, 258 Doe Bell’s Pluck; or, The Frenchman’s Fate. By Capt, Chas. Howard. Ready March 23. 259 Rocky Mountain Burts or, Harry, the Furrier’s Son, By Edward Willett, Ready March 80. 260 Reckless Ralph's Risk; or, The Tell-Tale Clew. By James L. Bowen. Ready April 6. 261 Gold Nugget Dick; or, Two Boys’ Good Luck. By Tom P, Morgan. Ready April 13. Beadle’s Boy’s Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, 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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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. | Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. By E L. Wheeler. Kansos sing; or, The Red Right Hand. By Buffalo Bill, The Flying Yankee. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, The Double Daggers. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Two Detectives, By Albert W. Aiken. The Prairie Pilot. By Buffalo Bill. The Buffalo Demon, By Edward L, Wheeler. Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By O1] Coomes, Ned Wrlde, the Boy Scout. By “Texas Jack.” Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol. By E. L. Wheeler. Ralph Roy. the Boy Buccaneer. By C 1. Prentiss Ingraham, Nick o’the Night. By T. ©. Harbangh, Yellowstone Jack. By Joseph £. Badyer, Jr. Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. By E. L. Wheeler. Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. = Keen-Knife, Prince of the Prairies. By Ol] Coomes. Oregon Sol, Nick Whifll-s’s Boy Spy. By J. F. C. Adams. Death-Face, the Detective. By E. lL. Wheel Lasso Jack, the Young Mustange 20 Roaring Ralph Rockwood. 21 The Boy Clown. By Franx 5, Finn. 22 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza. By 28 pb ay oa ares e Sea-Cat. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 24 The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes. 25 Rattling Rube. By Hurry St. George. 26 Old Avalanche, the Annihilator. By E. L. Wheeler. 27 Glasa-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. By J. F.C. Adams, 28 The Boy Captain. By Roger Starbuck. 29 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. By Capt. F. Whittaker, 80 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian, By Edward L, Wheeler. 8L Nightingale Nat. By T. C. Harbaugh. 82 Black John, the Road Agent. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 88 Omaha OWL, the Masked Terror. By E. L. Wheeler. 84 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. By George E. Lasalle. 85 The Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Cump. By A.C. Irons. 86 The White Buffalo. By George E. Lasalle. B87 Jim Bludsoe, Jr. By Edward L. Wheeler. 88 Ned Hazel, the Bov Trapper. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. adly Eye, the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo Bill, Nick Whiffles’« Pet. By Cupt. J. F. C. Adams. 41 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. By Edward L. Wheeler. = Pree King. ARN Coomes, ickory 3 or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. By Harry St. George. 44 The White Indian, By Capt J.B.. Adams.” % Buckhorn Bill, By Edward L. Wheeler. 46 The Shadow Ship. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 47 The Red Brotherhood. By W. J. Hamilton. 48 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaw of the Oregon Trail. Harbaugh. 49 Hurricane Bill, Be posene E. Badger, Jr. 6O Single Hand; or. A Life for a Life. By W. J. Hamilton. 51 Patent-leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. 52 The Border Robin Hood. By Butfalo Bill. 58 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. By Edward L. Wheeler. 54 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, A Greenhorn in the Woods, By Capt. J. F.C, Adams. 55 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. By O11 Coomes. 56 Mad Tom Western, By W. J. Hawilton. 57 Deadwood Dick on Deck. By Edward L. Wheeler. 58 Hawkeye Harry, the Young Trapper. By Oll Coomes. 59 The Boy Duelist. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 60 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken. 61 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo, By Edward L. Wheeler. 62 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. By Chas. Morris. 68 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapver. By A. W. Aiken. 64 Rosebud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler. 65 Lightning Joe. By Captain J. F.C. Adams. 66 Kit Harefoot, the Wood-Hawk. By T, C, Harbaugh. 67 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Ol Coomes. 68 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, By Edward L. Wheeler. 3 89 Detective Dick; or, The Heroin Rags. By Charles Morris. 20 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. By O1] Coomes. 71 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 72 The Lion of the Sea. By Albert W. Aiken. 3 Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth; or, Rosebud Rob's Reappear- ance. By E. L. Wheeler. 74 Plieayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detect Charles Morris. 25 Island Jims or, The Pet of the Family. By Bracebridge He ge (Jack Harkaway). 76 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L. Wheeler, 27 Dick Dead Eye. the Boy Smuggler. By Col, P. Ingraham, 78 Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Ed, 1. Wheeler. 7 The Black Mustanger. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 80 Old Froxty, the Guide. By T. C. Harbaugh. 81 The Sea Viper. By Col. Prentivs Ingraham. 82 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. By E.S. Elis. 8B Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L. Wheeler. 84 The Dumb Page. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 35 The Boy Miners. By Edwerd S. Ellis. 6 Jack Harkaway in New York. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 8% The Hussar Captain, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, AES Ste C8 te: th kk fk kk CENA BARSWKS By T. C. ve. Dy 88 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. By Edward L. Wheeler. 89 BI Biddon, Trapper. By Edward S. Ellis. 90 Tippy, the Texan. By George Gleason. 91 Mustang Sam, the King of the Plains. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 92 The Ocean Bloodhound. By Samuel W. Pearce. 98 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. By Charles Morris. 94 Deadwood Dick ax Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 95 Buck Buckram. By Captain J. F.C. Adams, 96 Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 97 The Black Steed of the Prairies. By James L. Bowen. 98 The Sea Serpent. By Juan Lewis, 99 Bonanza BIll, the Man Tracker. By E. L, Wheeler, 100 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Cuptive. By E. S. Ellis. 101 Daring Davy; the Young Bear Killer. By Harry St. George 102 The Yellow Chief. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 108 Chip, the 1 Sport. By,Edward L. Wheeler. 104 The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuck. 105 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective. By C. Morris. 106 Night-Hawk Kit. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 107 Jack Hoyle'’s Lead. “By Edward L. Wheeler. 108 Rocky Mountain Kit. By T.C. Harbaugh. 109 The Tranded tiand, By Frank Dumont. 110 The Dread Rider. By George W. Browne. 111 Boxs Bob, the King of Bootblacks, By Edward L, Wheeler. 2 The Helpless Hand. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 8 Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, By O11 Coomes. 4 Piney Paul, the Mountain Boy. By T. C. Harbaugh, Deadwood Dick’s Double. By Edward L. Wheeler, z s Jabez Collin pelea By Capt. F. Whittaker, Faney Frank, of Calorado. By “ Buffalo Bill.” WIL Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. By Chas, Morris. 9 micaue: Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. C. Harbaugh. 121 Harry Armstrong; the Captain of the Club. By Brace- bridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway.) 122 The Hunted Hunter. By E4ward S. Ellis. 128 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Edward L. Wheeler. 24 Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. 25 The Land Pirates. “By Capt. Mayne Reid. 26 Kiue Blazes; or, The Brenk o’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 27 Tony Fox, the Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler. 28 Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer. By Charles Morris. 129 Eagle Kit. the toy Demon. By O11 Coomes. 180 Gold Trigger. the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh, 181 A Game of Gold; or, © sdwood Dick’. Big Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler. 182 Dainty Lance, the soy 5... ByJ.E. Badger, Jr, 188 WIld-fire, the Boss of che 2wad. By Frank Dumont. 184 Mike Merry, the Harbor PoliceBoy. By Charles Morris. 185 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood. By E. L. Wheeler. 186 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton Holmes. 187 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G, Wa!do Browne. 188 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas. Morris. 189 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 140 Captain Arizona. By Philip S. Warne. 141 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. By E.L, Wheeler. 142 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By O11 Coomes. 148 Dendly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. By Jos. E, Badger, Jr. 144 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 145 The Tiger of Taos. By Geo. Waldo Browne. 146 The Cattle King. By Frank Dumont. 147 Nobby Nick of Nevada. By Edwar) L. Wheeler. 148 Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George. 149 Bob Rockett, the Bank Rauner. By Charles Morris, 150 The Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne. 151 The Sea Trailer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By W. R. Eyster. 158 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By E. L. Whealer. 154 The Boy Trailers. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 155 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 156 WILL Wildfire in the Woods, By C. Morris. 157 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T.C. Harbaugh. Issued Every Wednesday. Beadle’s Pocket. Library is for sale by all Newsdeaters, cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street New York, a Fk kf kf 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
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BEADLE’S POCKET Lisrary. Published Every Wednesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, 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. By Col. P. Ingraham, 161 Bob Rockett, the Cracksiman. By Charles Morris. 162 Little Murricane, the Boy Captain. By O11 Coomes, 168 Deadwood Dick’s Bream. By E. L. Wheeler. 164 Tornado Tom, By T, C. Harbaugh. 165 Buffalo Bil’s Bet. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 166 Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, B 167 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George W. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Ward. By Edward L. Wheeler. 169 The Boy Champion. By Edward Willett. 170 Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. By Ci arles Morris. 171 Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. By Ol] Coomes. 172 The Yankee Ranger. By Edwin Emerson, 178 Dick Dingle, Scout. By Edward S. Ellis. 174 Dandy Rock’s Scheme. By G. W. Browne. 1%5 The Arab Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler, 176 Will Wildfire’s Pluck, By Charles Morns. 17% The Boy Commander. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 178 The Maniac Munter, By Burton Saxe. 179 Dainty Lance; or, The Mystic Marksman. By J. E. Badger 180 The Boy Gold-Hunter. By T. C. Harbaugh. 181 The Seapegrace Son. By Charles Morris. 182 The Dark-Skinned Scout. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 188 Jabez Dart, Detective. By Ol Coomes. 184 Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Edward Willett, 185 Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham 186 Dainty Lance and His Pard. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 7 187% The Trapped Tiger King. By Charles Morris. 188 The Ventriloquist Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 189 Old Rocky’s Boys. By Maj. Sam. S. Hall. 190 Sim Simpkins, Scout. By James L. Bowen. 191 Dandy Rock’s Rival. By Geo. Waldo Browne. 192 Wickory Warry. By Harry St. George, 198 Detective Josh Grim. By Edward L. Wheeler, 194 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By Ol] Coomes. 195 The Tenderfoot Trailer. By T. C. Harbaugh. 196 The Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris. 197 Roy, the Young Cattle King. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 198 Ebony Dan’s Mask. By Frank Dumont. 199 Dictionary Nat, Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. 200. The Twin Horsemen, “By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards. By Wm. R. Eyster. 202 Tom, the Texan Tiger. By Ol! Coomes. 208 Sam the Office Boy. By Charles Morris. 204 The Young Cowboy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 205 The Frontier Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 206 White Light ing; or, The Boy Ally. By T. C. Harbaugh, 207 Kentuck Talbot’s Band. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 208 Trapper Tom’s Castle Mystery. By Ol! Coomes, 209 The Messenger-Boy Detective. By Charles Morrs. 210 The Hunchback of the Mines, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 211 Little Giant and His Band. By Philip 8. Warne. 212 The Jimtown Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 218 The Pirate’s Prize. By C. Dunning Clark. 214 Dandy Dave, of Shasta, By T. C. Harbaugh. 215 Daring Dan, the Ranger; or, The Denver Detective. By Ol Coomes. 216 The Cowboy Captain. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham RL Bald Head of the Rockies. By Maj. Sam. 8. Hall, 218 The Miner Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 219 Buck, the Detective. By Albert W, Aiken, 220 Crack-Shot Frank. By Charles Morris. 221 Merle the Middy. By Coi. Prentiss Ingraham. 222 Rosebud Ben’s Boys. By ll Coomes. 223 Gold Conrad’s Watch-Dogs. By T. C. Harbaugh. 224 Frisky Fergus, the New York Boy. By G.L. Aiken. Charles Morris, Browne, 225 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son, By Edward L. Wheeler, ane Dakota Dick in Chicago. By Charles Morris. 27 Merle, the Boy Cruiser, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 228 The Preacher Detective. By Ol Coomes. 229 Old Hickory’s Grit. By John J, Marshall. 280 Three Boy Sports. By Capt. Frederick Whittnker, 281 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 282 Merle Monte’s Treasure. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 288 Rocky Rover Kit. By Ensign C. D, Warren, 284 Baldy, the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams, 235 Jack Stump’s Cruise, By Roger Starbuck. 236 Sierra Sam’s Double, By Edward L. Wheoler. 287 Newsboy Ned, Detective. By Charles Morris. 288 Merle Monte’s Sea-Seraper, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 289 Ben’s Big Boom, By Capt. Mark Wilton. 240 Sharp Shoot Mike. By Oll Coomes. 241 Sierra Sam’s Sentence, By Edward L. Wheeler. 242 The Denver Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. 248 Dutch Jan’s Dilemma. By Maj. L. W. Carson, 244 Merle Monte’s Disguise. By Col. Prentiis Ingraham, 245 Baldy’s Boy Partner. By Edward S. Ellis. 246 Detective Keen’s Apprentice. By Charles Morris, 247 The Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler, 248 Giant George’s Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 249 Ranch Kob’s Wild Ride. by T. C. Harbaugh. 250 Merle Monte’s Pardon. By Col. Prentiss Migraham, 251 The Deaf Detective. By Edward Willett. 252 Denver Doll’s Device. By Edward L. Wheelet, 258 The Boy Tenderfoot, By Cayt, Mark Wilton, 254 Biack Hills Ben. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson. 255 Jolly Jim. Detective. By Charles Morris. 256 Merle Monte’« Last Cruise, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 257 The Boy Chief of Rocky Pass, By Maj. E. © St. Vrain, 258 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By O11 Coomes, 260 Skit, the C.bin Boy. By Edward Willett. 261 Blade, the Sport, or, The Giant of Clear Grit Camp. C. Harbaugh. 262 Billy, the Boy Rover; or, Terror Tom of Texas. Ingraham. 268 Buster Bob’s Buoy; or, Lige, the Light-House By Cap .J. F. C. Adams. 264 ee Doll's Partners or, Big Buckskin, the Sport. By KE, L. Wheeler. By T* By Col. P. Keeper. 265 Billy, the Baggage Boy; or, The Young Railroad De- tective. By Charlea Morris. 266 Guy’« Boy Chum; or, The Forest Waif’s Mask. Comstock. 267 Giant George’s Revepge; or, The Boys of “Slip Up Mine.” By Buckskin Sam. 268 Dead-Shot Dandy; or, The Rio Grande Marauders. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 269 The Quartzville Boss; or, Daring David Darke. By Edward Wi. lett. 270 aeuees Dolls Mines om Little Bill's Big Loas. L. Wheeler, Ready March 1 271 Ebony Jim’s Terror; or, Ranger Rainbolt’s Ruse. By Oll Coomes. Ready March 22: 272 Kit, the Girl Detective; or, Dandy Dash in California, By T. C. Harbaugh. Ready March 99: 278 The Girl Riders or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise. Badger, Jr. Ready April 5. 274 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Benito, the Boy Pard, By Col. P. Ingraham. Ready April 12. : 275 Fred, the Ocean Waif; or, The Old Snilor’a Protege. By Charles Morris, ieady April 19. : By Capt. By E. By Jos. Ey Tasued Every Wednesday. Bendle’s Pocket Libracy is for sale by all Newsdenlors, fiva cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Strect, New York,