Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 283) (1889 06 12)
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~ fa fered at the Post Office at New York, N. ¥., ns Second Class Mail Matter. Jnne 12, 1889. No 983 #2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, Vol XXII a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM St., NEW YorK, Five Gents.
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Roving Sport Kit, Roving Sport Kit; The Ghost of Chuckaluck Camp. BY EDWARD WILLETT, AUTHOR OF ‘FEARLESS PHIL,” ‘‘ THE TYPO DE- TECTIVE,” ‘‘ FEATHERWEIGHT,” ETC, CHAPTER I. SHOT ON THE SPOT, ‘Don’t go in there, Charley.” *T will, though. Why not? There is a faro ame going on there, and if I choose to risk a iow dollars, I don’t know why I should not. I am not likely to lose more than I can af- ford to.” “You don’t know that, Charley. When a man begins, there is no saying where he will stop. The only safe way is to let all that sort of thing alone.” **You are too squeamish, Tom. Everybody out here bets, and we must keep up with the racket. I am going to put a few dollars on that man’s game, and if he wins he is welcome to them.’ “*T will go in with you, then,” Charley Manson and Tom Ross were stran- gers in Chuckaluck, having ‘struck the camp” only that morning. In fact, they had had but little experience in the mining region, and de- served to be styled ‘‘ tenderfeet.” The former had an A lately reached the age at which he became his own master, and his friend Ross was but a few years older. The latter, however, was considerably in advance of his young friend in respect of steadiness and prudence. He went into John Burke’s bar-room, followed by Ross, and was soon seated at the table put- ting money in small amounts on one card and another in a haphazard sort of way. There were three men on the same side of the table with him, and on the other side was seated John Burke, the dealer—a dark featured man with an impassive countenance, who mechanic- ally drew the cards from the box, and as me- chanically raked in or shoved overthe chips and money that he lost or won, ! It was just as Tom Ross had said—when a man began, there wasno saying where he would Charley Manson got excited in the game. At first he won slightly, and then he lost slightly, and both his winnings and his losings gave him an exeuse to increase his stakes. At last all the money he had with him was in- vested on the king. The king lost and the dealer raked in the pile. “Hold on there!” shouted the young man. “That’s not fair play.” Jobn Burke’s face was no longer impassive, but wore an evil and menacing smile. “Do you mean to say,” he demanded, “that I am not playing this game fair? Do you know who it is you are speaking to?” “T know nothing about you, but I know what Tam saying, and I know unfair play when I see it. I saw you draw two cards together from the box, and as you did it, you winked at the case-keeper. Do you call that honest?” ‘* You mean, then, young chap, to accuse me of cheating?” “Of course ldo, It isa swindling game and I demand my money.” Tom Ross, attracted by. the altercation, stepped toward his friend to quiet him, but he was too late, ‘You shall never make that charge again,” said John Burke, as he drew arevolver and fired it across the table. The bullet struck Charley in the left breast, and he fell back in his chair, A few gasps and he had breathed his last. “Do you want to take this up?” asked Burke, angered by the horrified expression of Tom Ross’s countenance. “No,” replied Tom. ‘‘ Harm enough has been done. You have killed this poor boy and it will be the death of his sister.” Burke merely sneered at the allusion to the young fellow’s sister. He was not to be touched by apy sentimental trash. Such an occurrence as the killing of Charley Manson was not so frequent in Chuckaluck that it could pass without notice, The camp was a new and small one, and its organization was as yet of the simplest and rudest kind. Indeed, there was no organization except such as the citizens, when occasion re- quired, adopted for the time being. There was no inquest upon the body of the stranger. That would have been considered u.1- necessary, and it was opposed to the notions of the Chuckaluck people. The man was dead and nothing could change that fact. He had been killed by a pistol bullet. and there was no denying that the shot was fire by John Burke. The only question was as to the de; of Burke’s guilt, if he had really com- mitted a crime. E So he had a trial which was probably as fair a trial as the camp could afford. Twelve citizens were selected as a jury, and Higgins, the landlord of the Globe Hotel, was appointed the judge. Tom Ross acted as prose- cutor, and Burke was defended by one of his friends, i ote aN The circumstances attending the killing were proved just as they had occurred. There was no lying or false swearing, no attempt to show that the deed was done in self-defense, Every- thing was open and above-board, Judge Higgins, who was the ornamental mem- ber of the court, had nothing to say beyond the words that were necessary to give the case to the jury, and when they retired Tom Ross con- fidently expected a verdict of guilty. : But he and bis dead friend were strangers in Chuckaluck, Tom Burke was a popular citizen and was regarded as a useful one, It would never do to have his business broken up by any stray tenderfoot who might happen to lose a little money on his game. It was the general opinion that a deadly insult excused, if it did not justify, the use of a deadly weapon with fatal effect. A charge of cheating was to such a man as John Burke a deadly insult. : “ Not guilty,” was the verdict of the jury. +
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Roving Sport Kit. 3 “Not guilty of what?’ demanded Ross, who was as much shocked by this verdict as he had been by the shooting. “Not guilty of murder,” replied the foreman. “Of what is he guilty, then? Can a man kill ee here in cold blood, and be guilty of no- thiag?”’ ‘We don’t see fit to argy that p’int with you, young man. We find him not guilty.” Tom Ross buried his friend, and in sadness and disgust turned his back upon Chuckaluck. CHAPTER II. THE WOMAN IN THE CASE. Tue death of Charley Manson caused oy a brief excitement in Chuckaluck, and he had been forgotten by all but a few in the lapse of somo three mouths, when there occurred such a sensation as startled the camp from its center to its extremities, This was not a tragedy, but what may be called a spectacular piece, being nothing less than the arrival at the Glube Hotel of a very pretty young woman by the evening stage. omen were scarce in Chuckaluck, and the few specimens of the sex who had straggled thither were much sought after, unattractive as they were. No pretty girl had yet set her dainty foot within the limits of the camp. As the new-comer was an unusually pretty girl, it is no wonder that she created a decided sensa- tion. Her arrival was known even before the stage reached the hotel, and the news spread with amazing rapidity. In less tian half an hour most of the inhabi- tants of Chuckaluck were collected in and about the Globe Hotel, and the Spy was obliged to call for assistance, and the landlord found his time was more than occupied in responding to the inquiries that were showered upon him on all sides, Her fellow-passengers by the stage, who had actually traveled with her, had seen her face, and had heard her speak, were the lions of the evening. They had unlimited opportunities to poison themselves at the expense of others, and nothing was considered too good to set before them. Ia return for this festive liberality they were expected to gratify the curiosity of their entertainers, and they told all they knew about the fair passenger, and perhaps a little more. The girl had registered as ‘‘ Miss Belle Bush, Chuckaluck,” and this was a cheering indi:zation of an intention to remain. She had then been shown at once to her room, which she had not left, and the roughest rounder in the camp would not have thought of intrud- ing upon her privacy, But the citizensof Chuckaluck were impatient. They had their rights, which ought to be re- spected. They wanted to know more about the fair stranger, and above all to see her, The public demand became so strong, and the pressure upon Landlord Higgins was so heavy, that he presented himself at Miss Bush’s door, and was admitted. , Tfshe had excited the fervent admiration of her fellow-passengers in ber traveling attire, her ee, as Higgins then beheld her must have driven them frantic. Her dress was very pretty and coquettish, just long enough to show & remarkably neat foot and ankle, and was tastefully touched off by bits of lace and other ornaments, Her dark brown hair, arranged just as it should be, was crowned by the ‘‘cutest” little cap imaginable. As for her bright brown eyes, her peachy cheeks, her ripe ruby lips, and her other charms that were manifest, they were enough to break the hardest heart in Chuckaluck. ‘Beg pardon, miss,” said the landlord, bow- ing awkwardly and blushing until his face was fiery red. “I am Mr. Higgins, who runs this hotel. Met you when you came, but mebbe you’ve forgot me.” “Oh, no,” she replied, with a bright smile; “*T don’t forget so quickly as that.” “Of course you don’t, miss, I wouldn’t have bothered you, but the epee are so excited.” “The people excited?’ she exclaimed, with a half-frightened look and tone. ‘‘ What is the Nothin’ at all. matter?” “Notbin’ wrong, miss. It is you they are excited about—that’s all.” “Excited about me? Why, Mr. Higgins, what have I done?” ~ “No harm in the world. Nota bit of harm, It is a blessin’ to us all to know that you are here, Such an ornament to Chuckaluck is what we have been wishin’ and prayin’ for, ever so long, and now you've come, and we only hope you mean to stay.” “T have come here to locate,” she replied, “That'll be the biggest kind of news for the boys. But the fact is, Miss Bush, they want to see you. Jest hear ’em, now. They think I’ve been up here too long, and are gittin’ jealous.” In fact, the voices of those below could be plainly heard, calling loudly for Higgins, “Will they want to come up here?” she asked. “No, miss, Not a bit of it. But they are half-crazy to git a look at you, and some of ’em seem to think you are an angel, just dropped out of the sky.” , “Tam no sort of an angel, Mr. Higgins, but, if they only want to see me,I am willing to please them. What shall I do?” “Jest step down to the door and show your- self, only for two minutes. That will satisf the crowd, miss, and I will be ever so muc obliged.” ‘Leal on, then, sir.” Higgins led the way down-stairs, highly pleased with bis success, ‘“* Clear the track!” he shouted, ‘‘ She’s com- in’! Git outside, all of you, whar you can take a squar’ look!” e house was quickly cleared, and all the eager crowd collected in front of the hotel door, when the young lady shortly appeared, preceded by the landlord. She bowed as a storm of applause greeted her, and Higgins, lifting up his voice like a pelican in the wilderness, proceeded to make a speech, “Feller-citizens of Chuckaluck: I have thé” honor to introduce to you Miss Belle Bush, as handsome and high ye a critter as you might find in any of the States. [Applause] I
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ae oT 4 Roving Sport Kit. nt RR RR a also have the honor to inform you that she means to remain with us. She says that she has come here tolocate. [Applause]. Yes, feller citizens, she has adopted as her future home the lively and enterprising camp of Chuckaluck, and we all know that we will be proud of her,” The young lady bowed in response to the cheers that followed this address, and disap- peared before the applause ended. Then the excitement of the crowd subsided somewhat; but it was not until she had been for some time sound asleep that all of her ad- mirers had dispersed. As soon as possible after her arrival Miss Belle Bush proceeded to prove the truth of her declaration that sbe intended to locate in Chucka- luck? Early the next morning she set out in search of a plot of ground. Her progress on this errand of course created a commotion in the camp. Wherever she went she was followed by curious crowds; but they kept at a respectful distance, and were eareful so to regulate their movements that they should not appear to be following her. Others stared at her from windows and doors, but did so stealthily and unobtrusively as if un- willing to be caught at it. All this did not seem to disconcert her in the least, and she went about ber business in a busi- ness way, noticing only those with whom she had business. She was successful in her search, She bought and paid cash for it, a small piece of ground adjoining John Burke’s place, and immediately made a contract for the improvements she wanted, Burke’s establishment had become a two- story building of quite an imposing appearance, with the saloon and arrangements for public gambling on the first floor, the second being oc- cupied by a room for “‘ quiet games” and by sleeping apartments. iss Bush’s house was also to be a two-story affair, though smaller, and those who knew its plans declared that it would be an ornament to Chuckaluck, So it proved to be, It was soon finished, as nick work was the style of Chuckaluck, and she had a way of hurrying things. Its ginger- bread work excited the admiration of all, and three colors of paint set off its exterior finely. It was christened before it was quite finished, By the common consent of the citizens of Chuck- aluck it was called ‘‘ The Chromo.” Another ornament was added—a sign, A very nice sign it was, and it bore this in- scription: 3 “BELLE BUSH, ““DEALER IN CIGARS AND TOBACCO,” CHAPTER ITI, THE GHOST OF CHUCKALUCK. Tr was not to be supposed that while this was going on Miss Bush had been allowed to pursue er way in peace. A change had come over Chuckaluck since her arrival, The camp had spruced up. There were more clean faces and hands seen on the streets, more clean shirts, and, it may be added, more sober men. The camp dressed more neat- ly, and absorbed its poison more secretly and in smaller doses, The admiration she excited showed itself in the natural way, and ‘the pleasant note of the pistol-and the cheerful shriek of the victim” were heard less frequent- ly. Chuckaluck rapidly advanced several de- grees in civilization. But it was to be feared that the fair cause of this improvement would yet turn out to be an angel of destruction, as her presence had already introduced into the camp an element of discord that was developing rapidly. Her levers—that was what was the matter, All the camp was in love with her, as a mat- ter of course; but there were some who carried their pretensions toa point that threatened to make trouble. Pat Higgins, of the ‘‘ Globe,” thought that as his chance was the first it ought to be the best; but she snubbed Higgins, Martin Aylward, the manager and part owner of the Chuckaluck Mine, which promised a for- tune to every one interested in it, astonished all by the way he began to ‘‘sling on style,” and paid marked attention to Belle Bush; but she did not seem to care for Aylward. Lars Andersen, the Swedish storekeeper, who had “struck the camp” justin time to make a ile of money, Was more than ready to endow iss Bush with all his worldly goods; but he a not see that he made any impression upon er. Tip Simmons, the Express agent, a brisk and natty young fellow with whom she had business to transact, took advantage of his opportunities to aim at her affections; but she treated Tip quite coolly. Several others, who need not be enumerated —responsible citizens, and men with ‘no visible means ”—were badly smitten with the prevail- ing epidemic; but not one of them could boast that he had made any progress toward the kind of cure he wanted. Some of these victims were beginning to treat each other coldly and contemptuously, and that was a had sign for the peace of the camp. Last, but by no means least, John Burke had his eye upon her—both of them, in fact, and very sharp eyes they were. He was probably more set in his purpose than any of them, though he seemed to show the fair object of all the attraction no special attention, treating her only with politeness, and making no attempt to force his presence upon her. He was so backward in coming forward that the others were justified in considering him out of the game, But he did not consider himself out of the game. Nota bit of it. His policy was made known to his general agent and confidant, Sam Byles, at a confab they hadin an upper room of the “ Gay and Happy,” as his establishment was styled. he craze of the camp about Miss Bush was naturally mentioned. “*T wonder that you don’t take a hand in that game, major,” remarked Byles, John Burke had gained the title of ‘* Major”
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Roving Sport Kit. 5 | since his arrival in Chuckaluck, and it was Sam who had first given it to him. “*T am already in,” replied Burke. ‘Tt don’t look like it.” “Tam in, though, with a good pile to back me, and I mean to play my hand for all it is worth,” “Tt seems to me, major, that the pot is made up and you have passed out.” “That is because you don’t understand the game. When those other fellows go broke, I expect to chip in and take the pile.” “Thave known men to play a waiting game before now. They didn’t lose, but they didn’t win. One of the other fellers may win on a small pair, while you are staying out with a full hand.” “T think I know whatIam doing, Sam. If that girl pans out according to the color she shows, I mean to mako her my wife.” “But it takes two to make that sort of a bar- gain,” “Sometimes it does, and sometimes it don’t. When I have made up my mind that I want her I shall set my pegs to get her.” He made no demonstration that way, how- ever, previous to the day fixed for the opening of “ The Chromo.” Various boxes and packages had passed from the Express Office to that ornamental building, and Miss Bush had left the ‘‘ Globe” and estab- lished herself in her own home, She had engaged a neat-handed Chinaman as her general household and business assistant— one of the numerous Sing family, Wo Sing by name—and with his help she had everything in order for the opening. John Burke sent in from his place an offer to furnish his neighbor at his own expense with wine and other materials for a ‘ grand blow- out,” but his proposition was respectfully de- clined, Miss Bush saying that no people should poison themselves in her house with anything worse than tobacco, The stock and fixtures of ‘‘ The Chromo” made a fine show at the opening, the most attractive feature, of course, being the fair proprietress, and business was generally suspended in honor of the event, Socially it was a great success, and as a busi- ness venture Belle Bush had every reason to be satisfied with it. Whatever price she chose to put upon her wares was paid more than cheer- fully. Men bought cigars who had never smoked, and the demand for pipes and other smokers’ articles threatened to swamp her stock, , All day the little store was crowded, and it was not until after dark that there was any ces- sation of the rush of business, and then it was on account of the absence of Miss Bush, Wo Sing stated, in response to inquiries, that she had ‘‘ gone Expless Office.” As she was expected to return shortly, a crowd gathered and waited. She had not returned when the monotony was broken by the sudden arrival of Cesar Augus- tus, a colored man, who was employed at the **Globe,” He came running up the street at the top of his speed, and was evidently in a state of extreme terror, 5 One of the men in front of ‘‘ The Chromo” seized him and brought him to a halt. He was at once surrounded by eager ques- tioners, who wanted to know what was the mat- ter. As heseemed to be unable to find a voice for replying, the usual Chuckaluck remedy for all complaints, a glass of whisky, was poured down his throat, ‘Ko’ God, sah,” exclaimed the frightened darky, ‘‘I done see’d a ghost!” This declaration was received with a roar of laughter, and inquiries were freely made as to what he had been drinking. ““T was jess as sober, gen’lemen, as I ebber was, an’ w’ot I see’d I see’d fur suah. I was walkin’ ouf yonner toward the hills, sorter strollin’ roun’-—” “Chickens, Caesar?” suggested a bystander, “No, sabfit wasn’t chickens, ‘cause dar ain’t no chickens oat dar. I was jess strollin’ aroun’ by de light of de moon nigh de place whar dat young man was burried w’ot was killed in de ole ‘Gay an’ Happy’ bout free munf ago. Mistah Burke reckomember dat young man.” ‘Shut up!” angrily exclaimed Burke. ‘‘ Ves, sab, Dat was de young man, I recko- members him well, ’case he gimme a dollab, I was walkin’ nigh his grave, an’ I happened to look ober dar, an’ dar [ see’d dat young man standin’ by his grave.” ‘*Now, Cesar, that’s too much,” said one of the crowd. “Yes, sah, it was too much fur dis niggah. -Twar de dead boy fur shuah, standin’ dar! I knowed him well, an’ he was dressed jess as he was arter he was shot, an’ dar was a big patch o’ blood on his breast, an’ oh, my!” ‘* What did you do, Caesar?” ‘*T gi’n a screech, an’ turned an’ ran inter de camp as fast as ebber I could run, an’ so would odder man.” Shortly after Caosar Augustus had finished his story Belle Bush reappeared in her store, having come in by the rear entrance; bus she was then too busy to discuss the alleged apparition, “ What do you think cf that ghost story, major?” asked Sam Byles, when he and John Burke bad returned to the ‘‘ Gay and Happy.” “f don’t bother my head a bit about it,” re- plied Burke, ‘‘I wouldn’t back the darky’s word for a cent, and I don’t believe in ghosts, either.” But there was one subject connected with the events of the evening in which he was interested. His jealousy had been aroused by the absence of Belle Bush from her place of business, He went to the Express Office, and spoke to Tip Simmons, whom he found alone there, ‘Tip, was Miss Bush in here to-night before ten o'clock? 1 don’t want any lying about it, now, but the square truth.” “What do you mean by lying, major?” re- torted Tip, bristling up. “Come, sonny, don’t get your ebenezer up. Of course you would lie for her, if she wanted you to, and_you would be a poor cuss if you wouldn’t. But I want to get~ hold of the straight thing on this,” “Ts that the ticket, major? I thought you didn’t care for her; but I reckon you are work-
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6 Roving Sport Kit. ra sc en eS ae OE ing the same lead with the rest of us. Well, sir, she has not been here to-night, nor anywhere near here, that I know of.” ‘She was away from her place quite awhile, and her Chinaman said that she was here; but I didn’t believe him, I would like to know where she did go to.” “So would I.” *‘Good-night, Tip. If you ever want to play in let at any game, come down to the ‘Gay and Happy,’ and I will see that you get a square deal.” As Belle Bush was about to close her door for the night, she was confronted by a tall man, who accosted her in the style of an old acquaint- ance, ‘*Ts it you?” she asked, in a tone of surprise. “Of course it is. Did you suppose I could keepaway? You thought you had given me the slip when you passed through Deadwood; but I found out where you had gone to, and followed you, I want to have a talk with you.” “Very well; but not now. It is after business hours, Call in to-morrow.” CHAPTER IV. KIT KENYON’S AIRS, THE day after the opening of ‘‘ The Chromo,” Chuckaluck had another sensation in the ap- pearance of Kit Kenyon. He had arrived the night before, but did not ** show up” until morning. Though quite a young man—hardly more than twenty-five—Kit Kenyon had an established reputation in every mining-town and camp in that region, He had a way of happening in un- expectedly, and his advent always occasioned more or less excitement. In person he was a splendid specimen of man- hood. Fully six feet high, and admirably pro- portioned, his person was well set off by his dress, which was a mixture of the Mexican and American garb, always of fine material and ele- gantly fashioned. His face, always cleanly shaved with the ex- ception of a long dark mustache, was handsome to correspond with the rest of the man, and his piercing, coal-black eyes made him a remark- able person in any company. He called himself a speculator; but his busi- ness, if he can be said to have had a business, was that of a gambler, That is to say, he pro- fessed to play merely for amusement, but sel- dom failed to get the best end of any game he took hold of. He was always flush of money. and was not known to have any other means 0 getting it than his “‘ little games.” In character he was regarded as a dare-devil without being reckless, His cou was un- questioned, and he was known to be a sure shot and hard hitter. His disposition was good enough, but he had an overbeariog air and a supercilious manner that frequently brought him into conflicts that he would have preferred to avoid, and those ae of his were to some people quite insuffera- e. His style proved to be very offensive to sev- eral citizens of Chuckaluck that morning. As he sauntered down the street—swaggered, his enemies would have said—he aroused the wrath of some men in a saloon whose frequent- ers drank early and often, and some of them determined to go out and “‘ tackle him.” He saved them that trouble by ae Sag into the saloon, where he was encountered by Steve Darden, the bully of Chuckaluck, a tall, gaunt, beetle-browed and heavy-fisted fellow. “T say, Kit Kenyon, do you think you own this town?’ demanded Steve, in tones that plainly indicated that he was on the war-path. ‘“No, indeed,” mildly replied Kenyon. “I don’t pretend to be wealthy, but I am not quite 80 poor as that,” * Mebbe you don’t think it wu’th ownin’?” “Maybe I do, If you want to sell it, I will make you an offer. I have a five-cent piece which I found on the neck of a dead Digger Injun. It was the poor devil’s only jewelry, and I kept it asa curiosity. I have no use for such a small coin, and will give it to you for your town.” “Think you’re smart, don’t you?” sneeringly replied Darden, z ‘No. Come to think of it, I am quite too liberal—throwing away my money. have a sort of coyote pasture beyond here—a patch of sage-bush and sand—which I will give you for your town, if you will cart off the inhabitants,” This insult was too much for the citizens of Chuckaluck there assembled, and it was evident that they relied upon Steve Darden to resent it. He was equal to the occasion, ‘* Feller-citizens,” said he, ‘I reckon we've had enough o’ this highfalutin’ galoot. He thinks that he is the Amerikin eagle, and that he roosts high over allof us. He needs to be took- en down a few pegs, and I’m the man to do it. If he will put away his artillery, I will give him a good frailin’ for the honor o’ Chuckaluck. If he won’t—” “But I will,” quickly replied Kit. “ You have your friends here fo back you, and I am alone; but if I could have any show for fair play I would be glad to accommodate you.” * T will see that you get fair play.” All turned and stared at the person who arose from a dark corner and gave his assurance ina thin, wheezy voice. He was something to look at, too, considering the contract he proposed to undertake. A small man, not much higher than the bar- room counter, and only noticeable for his small size and his pinched face. He had been seated quietly in his corner, drinking nothing, speak- ing to nobody, and his presence had hardly been perceived. ** What can you do, little one?” asked Kit, as this strange creature came forward. “Go on with your act, sir, and I will attend to the rest of the circus.” “T will try you,” said Kenyon, and he un- bare his belt, and laid his weapons on a chair, Steve Darden did the same, and the two men faced each other, ** Now, Steve Darden,” said Kit, ‘ you think that I ought to be taken down a few pegs. You claim to be the bully of this camp, and I think you ought to be razeed for the good of the town. You don’t dare to fight me on equal
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Roving Sport Kit. re terms in any shape. Where is that thrashing you promised me? The bully raised his big fists, but seemed to be in no hurry to use them. He should have got his work in more quickly. His opponent Jaunched out his left, striking fim fairly on the jaw and felling him to the oor. Before Kenyon struck that blow he bad edged toward the chair on which were his revolvers. He quickly snatched them up and faced the crowd, expecting a rush from them in revenge for the fall of the:r champion. “No need of that, Mr. Kenyon,” quietly re- marked the dwarf. ‘This is about as peaceable a crowd as ever attended a circus.” “There has been a mistake here,” said Ken- yon, as he buckled on his belt; ‘ but fighting is in order before explanations, Get up, Steve, and give me your fist in a friendly shake. I have nothing at all against Chuckaluck. In fact, I like the place, and am proud of its im- provement. As for the people, [ don’t know where I would go to scare up a better set, What put it into your head that I thought I owned the town?” **'You looked that way,” sulkily answered the erestfallen bully. ‘Then I must be a better looking man than I had supposed myself to be. If you ever see me looking that way again, just put it that I was built so, and can’t help myself. Now, gentle- men, in the words of our great and only Grant, let us have peace, “Tt is wonderful how Chuckaluck has im- roved,” he went on; “but the neatest thing I ave seen here is that gay little building down yonder.” He pointed at ‘t The Chromo.” “T should udly remark,” replied the bar- keeper. ‘‘ That is an institution that Chucka- luck is ready to go its pile on. It is onlya cigar store, but it was built and is owned and run by the purtiest little woman that ever stepped foot in shoe-leather, We are all proud of her, and the whole camp is crazy about her.” “And you all want to marry her, and she can’t marry but one of you. That looks as if it might make trouble. But thatis a sweet little shop, and I must take it in.” As he passed out he touched the dwarf, who had followed him. ‘*T want to see more of you, little pard,” said Kit, when they were outside. ‘‘ You are small, but you are business all through. I knew it by the glitter of oo eyes when you came to the front there. 0 are you, anyhow?” “My name is Jacob Nemo.” be wo bak! a Tebo?” ell, yes—I don’t mind saying so to you.” “Who scattered destruction among the - ites in Utah” imag fs ; eet I worried re a little.” should say you did, and Iam proud to know you. What are you doing here?” * Just looking around.” “So am L e may be of use to each other, See you later, little pard.” _ Kit Kenyon passed down the street, crossed it, and entered ‘The Chromo.” It was well filled with customers, and Belle Bush was )= hind the counter, busy asa bee, She gave him a slight look of recognition, and when he bought a ee aod G4 a bit of paper in his hand. ¢ opened it outside and read these words: “‘Look in to-night after business hours, Ihave much to say to you.” Before the time arrived for Kit Kenyon’s in- terview with the mistress of ‘‘The Chromo,” there was another sensation at that establish- ment, and at about the same hour as that of the previous night. 5 The usual crowd was there, within and with- out, when Martin Aylward, the manager of the Chuckaluck Mine, came riding up the street at a gallop, and hastily dismounted in front of “The Chromo.” “What isthe matter with you, Aylward?’ demanded Jobn Burke, observing his blanched face and agitated air. “*T have seen a ghost,” he huskily replied. This time there was no roar of laughter in response to such an absurd statement; but the usual remedy was used to give him voice and nerve. “T was riding in from the mine,” he said, ‘and of course [ had to pass the place where that Zoung fellow was buried—the fellow you shot, Burke, as you remember.” “‘Confound the fellow!” angrily exclaimed the proprietor of the “‘ Gay and Happy.” “So say I. He has given me hat T Snag call a twist. I happened to be looking toward his graye and there I saw him standing He was dressed just as he was when Isaw him stretched out, and there was a big blotch of blood on his breast and his face shone like fire. I don’t know which was the worst scared, my horse or me; but he started off like a shot, and never stopped until I held him up here.” While the others were pressing Mr. Aylward for more details of the supernatural occurrence, John Burke turned and entered the cigar store, where he looked about for Belle Bush. She was not there. Only the Chinaman was be- hind the counter. ‘* Where is Miss Bush?’ demanded Burke. i ‘Gone Expless Office,” blandly answered Wo ing. Fon lie, you heathen, just as you did last night. Where is she, say?” ‘Gone Expless Office,” meekly replied the heathen, his face beaming with smiles, John Burke was on the point of making an angry rejoinder; but he perceived that he was making a spectacle of himself, and walked rapidly away to the “ Gay and pe oe ‘What do you think of the ghost story now, major?” asked Sam Byles. “Nothing at all, It is nonsense,” ‘‘But Martin Aylward is a sober and re- spectable man, solid, and of good judgment, and he tells the same story that the darky told.” “Martin Aylward is a white-livered coward. Each of them may have seen something out there; but my common-sense tells me that it can't be a ghost. I mean to look into the matter myself, Sam. Iam going out there to-morrow night, Don’t say a word about it, but leave me plone to settle the ghost mystery.”
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ah SG PAPA A PR 8 Roving Sport Kit. CHAPTER V. “PARTNERS.” Wuen Kit Kenyon pe himself at ‘* The Chromo” that night he was instantly admitted and had the satisfaction of believing that he had been waited for and watched. Belle Bush wore a smiling face, and was as pretty as a picture, She introduced him into a neatly-furnished room at the rear of the store, where the tall and handsome young man seemed to fit the sur- roundings admirably, **So you followed me?” she said. **Of course I did, as I told you,” replied Kit. “When I came across you on your way to this neck of woods, and when I had the honor of protecting you from a scamp who had insulted you— “Now, are you going to bring that i *“*Oh, I don’t bank on that at all. It was a lucky chance for me, because I formed your ac- quaintance—that’s all.” ‘*T was grateful to you, Mr. Kenyon, and still am; but I could have defended myself.” “I believe you could; but I happened to save you the trouble, and was glad of it. You re- fused to tell me where you were going; but there was something that would not let me lose sight of you, and here Iam, ButI can’t yet reckon it up what has brought such a girl as ou—a young lady, I should say, and a real lady at that—by her lone self, so far from civilization, and into such a place as Chucka- luck.” “Did you follow me here out of curiosity, then?” she asked, ‘*No, Miss Bush; it wasn’t curiosity. It was something better than that. I have heard since I came here that the whole camp is crazy about ou, and I have added another lunatic to the ‘Now, Mr. Kenyon, if we are going to be friends, please don’t talk in that style.” “Tf we are going to be friends. Well, noth- ing could make me your enemy, and I hope that you may never be mine, To hold your friend- ship I will mind you as well as I can. Lonly wanted you to understand that it was not curi- osity that made me follow you. But I would really like to know, Miss Bush, what your little game is,” ** My little game? What do you mean, sir? Iam vo gambler.” ‘“*T think you understand me when I speak of your little game. Iam wondering what brought you here. I can’t believe that you came so far, and to such a God-forsaken place as Chucka- luck, merely to start this cigar store. There may be money in it; but you could have made money nearer home. You are not hunting a husband here, as that demand could be better supplied in a better market, Ican’t guess what you are at,” ‘Why are you so anxious to know?” ** Because I can be of use to you. Whatever |. be little game is, no man in this range can elp you to play it better than I can, and no man could be more willing.” She looked at him closely and keenly, and ap- peared to be satisfied with the result of her in- spection, * a h ‘Well, Mr. Kenyon,” said she, ‘* I admit that I have a little game, and you may know more about it before long. e are friends; are we not?” “Friends? As far as I can say so we are friends most decidedly.” * And partners.” ‘Partners?’ exclaimed the young man, sud- denly rising. ‘‘ Please say that again.” ** Partners in some things. And we can trust each other, and I will call you Kit, and you shall call me Belle.” ‘‘Hear me, then, Belle! I swear to you, by all I hold sacred, that whether you smile or frown on me, I will be true as steel to you; that I will think for you and work for you; that I will live for you, and will die for youif that should be needed; that you may depend on me in all things, and I will be your faithful friend and partner!” She leaned back in her chair, and took him in witb$her two bright eyes. He was, indeed, a splendid specimen of man- hood as he stood there, and shecould not help acknowledging that fact, Her look showed that she felt that here was one who was both able and willing to aid and defend her; one upon whom she could rely in any extremity, and to any extent. “Tt is understood then,” she said, ‘* We are friends, and will trust each other, Now, Kit, if you really care for me, and want to help me, I will give you a job that you can go to work on as soon as you please.” ‘* What is that, Belle?” “ You play cards?” ‘*T may say that I do considerably.” “You play a smart and successful game?” “Well, I believe I have climbed pretty near to the top of that ladder.” “Then, Kit, I want you to play with John Burke and break him,” ‘*What! the major? Burke of the ‘Gay and get HE se “That is the man.” “Ts he one of your lovers, Belle?” “Not that I know of. He has given no sign of such good taste.” “He was asking after you very particularly ga and was cursing your Chinaman for a iar. “TY heard of that. Will you take the con- tract, Kit?” ““Of course I will; but he is a tough subject to tackle. I won’t be able to worry him with anything but poker, and will have to find a partner for that. Who shall I get, now? Oh, yes, the very man. He is a sharp hand at poker, and will suit me if he will go in with “Who is that, Kit?” “A queer name and a queer man—Jake Ne- 0. “He will do.” “Do you know him, Belle?” ‘*T have seen him. Now, my friend, it is late, and I must ask you as ea favor to trot along. Win all you can from Burke and come to me and report se “‘T will play him for all he is worth, Good- night, Belle.”
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_As Kit Kenyon walked up the street he held his head so high, and had such a lefty and arro- po air, that any citizen of Chuckaluck would ave been justified in t jumping ” him, CHAPTER VI. THE MAJOR SEES THE GHOST. KENYON made no attempt to carry out his contract the next day. John Burke was not in the habit of playing ‘* quiet games” in the day- time, and when night came he was uot to be found at the “‘Gay and Happy.” _ He had, in fact, fulfilled bis intention of go- age interview the ghost of Chuckaluck. 6 had declared his purpose to no person but Sam Byles, and would not have spoken of it even to him if he had not wished to use him. “I want you to keep guard for me, Sam, while I am gone,” he said, as he examined the cartridges in his revolver. “Guard what?” inquired his confidant. “T want you to keep an eye on ‘The Chromo’ and notice whether Miss Bush goes away. If 5 ieee I would like to know where she goes With this injunction he put bis pistol in its place and sallied out. ‘Queer that the major don’t make up to that girl,” muttered Sam Byles. ‘It is easy to see that he is struck on her, because he is dead gone with jealousy. Well, I will watch her a bit; but I won’t dog her for him or any other man.” It was a fine night for ghost-hunting, cloudy and very dark, Cssar Augustus bad said that he was strolling by the light of the moon when he saw the apparition, but there was no sign of a moon when John Burke set out on his ghostly errand, The dark and lonesome journey, with a ghost expected at the end of it, was enough to try the nerves of most men, but the major was uot the least bit nervous. A big, strong, and hearty man, he prided himself on his indifference to danger, and his coolness under all circum- stances, Tf he felt a little queer as he approached the place where Charley Manson was buried, there was nothing to show that he felt so. He stood at the side of the road and looked into the darkness, with the purpose of fixing the exact locality of the grave. This was easily did, as he knew the spot well, and he inwardly dared the ghost to ap- pear. It accepted the challenge! Suddenly a strange white light shone upon the spot at which he was gazing. Then, as if it had come out of the ground, a form arose before him, startlingly visible in the strange light. It was the face of a young man, dressed just as Charley Manson was dréssed when he was murdered, just as he was dressed when he was laid in his grave, and with a patch of blood on his left treast. Jobn Burke knew that figure well. He had never forgotten it, and in his dreams he had seen if again and again, and had wondered why it should haunt him. Roving Sport Kit. But the face—that was the crowning horror. , together as well as another man, and I do say It was Charley Manson’s face, but livid and corpse-like, and shining vividly with a strange white fire. Lambent flames seemed to leap from its eyes, and its entire appearance was utterly unearthly. John Burke had often boasted of his stron nerves, and he was, indeed, endowed wit! plenty of brute courage; but now he was seized by a sudden terror, a deathlike chill took pos- session of his whole body, and a feeling of faint- ness overwhelmed him so that he was unable to lift a finger. As the apparition raised its hands, and seemed to be on the point of advancing toward him, he fell upon the ground in a heap, and his senses left him. When he came to himself he was damp and chilly, perhaps with dew, perbaps with bis own cold perspiration, and when he rose to his feet he found himself so weak and tremulous that he could hardly stand. He cast a hasty glance at the grave; but the apparition that had overcome him was no longer there. e looked at bis watch by the light of a match, and was surprised to see how late it was, Then he pulled himself together, shook his legs and arms, cursed himself for a coward] fool, and walked toward the camp as fast as his weak and stiffened limbs would allow, never stopping until he brought up at the bar of the Gay and Happy. Sam Byles found him there, and his curiosity was aroused, a “Did you see it?’ whispered Sam, “Come with me,” replied the major, leading his confidant to a quiet corner. “I saw something,” he continued, ‘‘ Yes, I saw something, and it may have looked like a ghost from a distance; but when I tried to get near it there was notbing there.” ‘* What do you suppose it was, major?” ‘That is too much for me, It must have been some sort of I don’t know what. I have heard of such things before now, and scientific men give them a long name.” “Then you don’t think it was a real ghost?” “Why, of course not. I say, Sam, did you —— eye on The Chromo?” o es,” “Was she away?” ** Yes, as much as two hours,” ‘* Where did she go to?” “Now you’ve got me. She must have sneaked off by the back way, as I didn’t see her hght out, and only know that she was gone by wiss- ing her. I asked the Chinaman, and he said that she was ‘gone less Office,’” “ The heathen lied.. [wish you had kept track of her, Sam, because—because—of this ghost business.” : x ‘The ghost business! Why, major, what in the name of delirium tremens has she got to do with the ghost business?” Sam Byles evidently thought that the hardest head in Chuckaluck had gone crazy. a “ Now, Sam,” replied the major, ‘‘I think I know what I am saying, I am_ not often picked up for a fool. I can put this and that
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that there is something queer about that ghost business.” ** Of course; but what has the Chromo girl got to do with it?” ‘*That’s where the queerness comes in. You know as well as I do that we never heard of any ghost until after she came here,” **Some time after, major.” ** Well, as soon as she got settled down in The Chromo there, the ghost trouble began.” “That is too much!” exclaimed Byles. ‘If the Chuckaluck Mine should peter out, you } might as well say that she bad done it, because it happened after she came here,” “You don’t see the point, Sam. When that nigger saw the ghost, she was wihg ie her place, though it was opening day. hen Mar- tin Aylward saw it, she was away again, and to-night you tell me that she had skipped out. Each time her Chinaman lied, and said that she had gone to the Express Office.” “ Just because that naepeu so, major, do you mean to say that sho has been playing ghost?” “Tt surely looks to me asif she is trying to run some sort of a rig in Chuckaluck,” **And you think that such a girl as that would sneak off, on a dark night, all alone, and tramp out to that grave, to play ghost and run the risk of getting shot? Durned if I would like to try it. Perhaps you can tell me why she should do such a trick.” “T haven’t gone that far yet, Sam; but I mean to find out.” “You had better first find out whether you are right as far as you have gone.” ‘*T mean to. I will ask her to walk out there wlth me to-morrow night.” ** What! alone with you?” ** Well, I will take you along if she wants more company. If she refuses to go, I will know what to think. If she goes, and the ghost don’t show up, I shall be sure that she has been playing tricks,” ** So you will have the deadwood on her, any- way, if the ghost doesn’t choose to come to time. Well, major, I hope you will havea heap of fun, with your little game. But just now there is something else on hand. Two men have been looking for you to-night, keen to play poker with you, and they are up-stairs.” ‘Who are they?” “Kit Kenyon and a stranger.” That is right iato my hand, I feel just in the humor for a big game. Come on, Sam, and we will give them all they want.” Up-stairs sg found Kit Kenyon, and with him was Jake Nemo, whom Kit introduced as “Mr. Samson,” A game of “‘draw” was soon arranged, and the four men seated themselves in a private ra where the play was kept up until day- ight, It was emphatically a ‘big game, with no limit, such as would have surprised even the reckless gamblers of Chuckaluck. When the players at last rose from the table, John Burke was astonished at the extent of his losses. He had been betting so wildly and bluff- ing so unreasonably that Sam Byles was more than eyer convinced that he was * off his head,” Roving Sport Kit. “Mr. Samson’s” winnings were light, but Kit Kenyon Jeft the room with his pockets loaded with gold and notes. ‘* You were too much for me this time, Kit,” said Burke, ‘I do not know when luck has run against meso. But you must come again, and ve me a chance to get even.” “All right,” replied Kit, “I will be glad to accommodate you.” CHAPTER VII. STANDING THE TEST. Bretuie BusH had been in her cigar store all day, quietly attending to business, and smilin as she was stared at and rudely complimen by many men. Toward evening the rush of custom had sub- sided, and at last she found herself alone, as Wo Sing had gone to prepare supper in the shanty kitchen back of the house, Just then, as if he had been watching for such an opportunity, Kit Kenyon stepped in, and she introduced him into the rear room. ‘“T have come to report progress,” he said. ‘*T have succeeded better than I expected. That Jake Nemo is immense. He can do whatever he wants to with cards, and he played into my hand splendidly. Here’s the spoils.” He pulled from his pockets rolls of notes and handfuls of gold, which he emptied into her lap, ‘* Mercy on us!” she exclaimed. ‘You have indeed made ataul, But why do you show all this to me? Do you want me to count it?” ‘Just as you please about that. I want you to have it, that’s all.” “Why, Kit, you must not give me your pay I can’t accept it. Take care of it your- self, “It is yours, Belle, more than ming. It was you who made me play for it, and your luck that made me winit. Itis of no use to me, and I would be sure to throw itaway. Ihave kept enough for a stake, and mean to leave that pile here, anyhow,” “Tf you insist upon it, Kit, I will deposit the money with Rosenheim and Troutinan, and will keep it in trust for you. By the way, I am to have a visitor to-night, and am going to walk with him.” ‘With him? Who’s the him?’ demanded Kit, “ John Burke.” ‘“‘ Has he become one of your lovers, then?” ‘*He has never spoken to me except in the way of politeness or of business, and never alone, Does that look like a lover?” “How do you know that he is coming here to-night?’ “Can’t you see that my house is close against the Gay and Happy? Of course I am smart enough to find a way of listening if I want to.” “No doubt of that; but I don’t know wh you should want to. Would you walk out with me at night, Belle?” “I would greatly prefer not to.” ‘* But you are going with Burke.” ‘Yes, and I have a good reason for doing so. Can’t you trust me?” ““Of course I can trust you, and now I will take myself out of the way. But I will strike Burke all the harder for this when I get a chance,”
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“That is what I want you to do, and I want you to trust me, Kit.” That night John Burke did call at The Chro- mo. He asked to see Miss Bush alone, and was immediately invited into the rear apartment. For such a big and strong man heseemed to be very bashful, not to say timid, and he was slow in getting at the object of bis visit. “IT hope you consider me a friend of yours, Miss Bush,” he said, at last. She was sitting bolt upright and looking him direct in the eyes; but there was a hard and fixed expression in her face that was quite dif- ferent from the smiling countenance she usually wore. “T hope that all Chuckaluck is friendly to me,” she replied. “You may be sure of that; but I am your neighbor, and I want to be a good friend, as well asa goodneighbor, There’s nothing I wouldn’tdo to help you, if you should ever get in a pinch.” ** Thank you, Mr. Burke,” ‘* And now I want to ask agreat favor of you. I want to know if you can trust yourself with me to take a walk to-night?” “Chuckaluck is hardly the place for a girl to walk out in at night, Mr. Burke.” ‘* But I will take care of you, and this is a particular matter. You have heard of the ghost that has been seen about here?” +“ Ob, yes.” ** What do you think of it?” “T have never believed in ghosts; but there seems to be something queer about this one.” “There is something queer about it, Miss Bush, and I am very anxious that you should walk out there with me to-night, and see if it will appear to us.” The color came into her cheeks, and she looked at him more closely than before, “ That is a strange request to make,” she said, “and I hardly know how to answer it. If there is such a thing as a ghost, I would dearly love to see ono, though I suppose it would frighten me out of my wits. es, 1 would like to walk out there to-night; butit is not exactly the thing to go with you alone.” “If you want more company, Sam Byles will go with us.” “Tt. is agreed, then, and you may count on me for the ghost-hunt. Come around here to the back door when you are ready, and we will slip off quietly, as all Chuckaluck need not know what we are about.” John Burke went away highly pleased with his success, and after a little while he presented himself at the back door of The Chromo with Sam Byles.” Belle Bush was ready, and the three set out together, skirting along the rear of the houses that lined the main street of Chuckaluck, until they had fairly passed the town, when they struck into the road that led to the hills, Though the night was dark, the journey was not a lonesome one to Burke this time; yet he was unaccountably nervous, and he talked rapidly and continually, as if to keep his spirits up. Belle was quite willing to let him monopolize the talking, and contented herself with briefly answering his questions, Roving Sport Kit. 11 Sam Byles found occupation enough in gazing at the girl and thinking of the ghost, and was unusually silent. As they approached Charley Manson’s grave the major was less talkative, and when they reached the spot he had little to say for him- self, “There is the grave,” hoe said, pointing off into the darkness, remarked Belle Bush, ‘* But where is the ghost?” inquired Byles. There was nothing visible which the wildest imagination could mistake for a ghost—nothing but thick darkness in the direction of the ap- parition’s favorite haunt. “Tt may show up after awhile,” replied Burke, ‘*1 had been here as much as ten min- utes before I saw it last night.” Belle. “T have seen something; but of course I don’t believe in ghosts.” They waited fifteen minutes or more, and the major, as no ghost appeared, recovered his spirits and his nerve, and even began to joke about the matter. “The ghost is a fraud, or is very obstinate,” said Belle. ‘' Perhaps it is not fond of so much company. I am tired of this and want to go ome,” The grave was in an open place in the timber at the left of the road. At the right the ground sloped away steeply, forming a valley that was not rough enough to be called a ravine, though there was a rocky bluff on the other side, As Belle turned away, she sauntered to this side of the road and casually looked down into the valley. Suddenly she uttered a scream that brought her two companions to her side. “What a strange light!” she exclaimed. ** Look there!” It was down in the bottom of the valley, at the foot of the bluff, perhaps & hundred yards from where they were standing, and was just such a weird and unnatural! light as Burke had seen shining about Charley Manson’s grave be- fore the specter appeared to him, As they watched it, the scene quickly changed. Before their be arose a ghastly form—the same which Burke had seen the night before; the same which had been described by Cesar Augustus and Martin Aylward. Belle shrieked, covered her face with her hands, and turned away. Sam Byles, with bis eyes bulging out of their ree, looked as if he had been petrified on the spo i Schils Burke was not overcome by the appari- tion this time. Encouraged by the presence of his companions, as well as by the distance of the thing, he was quite himself, with the ex- ception of an excusable nervousness. He cocked his pistol, took aim at the ghostly form in the valley, and fired. It might have been that the mark was too far away, or it might have been that his hand trembled. The apparition did not seem. to be. affected by the shot, “You haye seen it, then?” quickly asked. “You seem to know the place right well,”
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Roving Sport Kit. A peal of demoniac laughter resounded through the valley, and the vision vanished. “(lt is gone,” said Burke. ‘Come, let us get back to the camp.” Willingly enough they turned and walked away with him. “That was frightful indeed,” said Belle. ** Was it the figure of the young man you shot, Mr, Burke?” “T suppose 80,” he growled. ‘“« But you did not shoot it as you shot him?” **Tt seems not.” * Yet it had no chance for its life, just as he had no chance for his life?’ “TI wish you wouldn’t talk that way!” he uffly replied. ‘‘This is a serious matter. I on’t understand it, and it worries me,” When they reached Chuckaluck Belle Bush bade ber companions good-night, and entered The Chromo, and they turned into the Gay and cay, “What do you think of the ghost now, ma- jor?” asked Sam Byles. ** Did you see it, Sam?’ “T should say I did!” “Then it was the real thing.” Av Se bit too real to suit me. But do you still think that the Chromo girl had anything to do with it” “How could she? She was with us all the time. I must confess that I don’t know what to make of it, Sam.” ‘* Well, there’s no use going into the dumps about it. Sup we have a ped of poker. Tim says that Kit Kenyon and his pard are lay- in’ for usag’in.” “ Let us go and tackle them.” They did tackle them, and again John Burke lost heavily, and again Kit Kenyon carried off the lion’s share of the winnings. CHAPTER VIII. KIT KENYON’S GHOST-HUNT, Tue morning after her adventure with the ghost, Belle Bush was waited on by Kit Kenyon, who said that he had come to report progress, and placed in her keeping another pile of notes and thea ‘‘ This is wonderful!” she exclaimed. ‘‘ I never heard of ce ae like it. Howcan you have won so much money from such a player?” “Tt beats me, too,” replied the young man. “ But the fact is that the major is the worst de- moralized man I have seen inalong time. His lay is fearfully wild and reckless, My luck has nd something bot ge too, and, with Jake Nemo to play into my hand, I can do just what Kt please,” nd John Burke stand any more such loss- es “T believe he is cleaned out, so far_as cash goes. So you got homesafe last night, Belle?” ‘Yes, quite safe.” “'T knew that you were safe.” “ How did you know that, Kit?” “Twas there. I followed you, and never lost sight of you until you got back.” : “You had no right to follow me, Kit Ken- you. “T was bound to take the right when your’ safety was concerned, and you may bet high that I always will take it,” ** Did you see the ghost?” ‘““No, but I judged that you were looking for it. I noticed a little excitement at the side of the road, and heard a pistol-shot. I came near stepping up and looking into the matter; but the excitement died away, and I followed you back to town,” “Burke shot at the ghost,” remarked Belle, “And didn’t hit it, of course. I am going out there to-night to take a look at the critter, if it is on exhibition.” * Are you going alone?” ‘**T suppose so.” “T wish you good luck, Kit.” But after he left The Chromo, Kenyon changed his mind about going alone in search of the ghost. He went to John Burke to whom he explained his purpose, and requested the pleasure of his company on the expedition. Burke frowned and growled and his answer was decidedly in the negative. “‘T don’t believe in ghosts,” said he, ‘and if I did believe in them, I would keep as far away from them as I could. But [ hope you may have as good luck in ghost-hunting as you have lately had at poker.” The young man applied to Sam Byles. but with no better result. “No more of that for me,” replied Sam. ‘I have been there, and have had enough. If you do see the ghost, Kit, I hope you may tackle it for a game of draw, and get flaxed.” ‘*T will go alone, then,” said Kenyon. ‘“ Per- haps the thing will be more likely to come to time than if I had company.” He did go alone, and had a pleasant night for the adventure. ‘There was no moon; but there were also no clouds, and consequently it was not near as dark as it had been when John Burke went in search of the apparition. When he reached the se where Charley Manson was buried, he looked for the ghost, but it did ala He waited in the road for some time, and looked down into the valley at the right, but saw nothing that could suggest any sort of an apparition, e walked across to the grave, and stood near it in the attitude of Napoleon at St, Helena thinking of what he had heard of the death of young Manson, and of the supernatural man- ues in which he appeared to pursue his mur- erer, As he stood there, lost in a reverie, he heard aslight rustling or whirring sound in the air, a as might be caused by the flight of a night ird. The next instant something fell over him, and he was violently jerked backward, falling helplessly upon the ground. He knew at once that he had been lassoed. The rope pinioned his arms to his sides so that he could make no effort to extricate or defend himself. Two men rushed out from the timber and seized him. In a few moments they had bound him securely, and then a third came forward, bringing the end of the lariat, =r
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4 tae te pres These men were masked, but it was clear that they belonged to the worst class of “ toughs,” When Kenyon asked them the meaning of the outrageous attack, they proceeded to make it plain by going through his pockets, The search yielded a roll of bills and a few coins, the whole amounting to not more than one hundred dol- Jars, There could be no doubt that they had ex- pected to find more, as the exhibit caused them to curse vigorously. After a Brief consultation they raised Ken- yon to his feet, and led him away through the timber, It wasarather rough route which they com- pelled the captain to travel; but they soon came to the end of it, balting at the foot of a hill, at the mouth of what appeared to be an abandoned mine, Tn fact, it was the old Hard Luck Mine, where a great deal of money had been sunk in running atunnel into the hill, without finding enough ee to even satisfy a ‘‘ mining expert.” * The three men entered this tunnel with their prisoner, and followed its straight course until they came to the main chamber, from which drifts had been started in three directions, in the hope of striking a fissure-vein or pocket. nto one of these drifts they turned, and there they soon built a fire with the fragments of tim- bering that were scattered about. As the hole was both damp and dark, the warmth and light of the fire were welcomed by themselves as well as by their captive. “Well, boys, what next? mildly inquired Kit Kenyon, after he hac made himself as com- fortable as the circumstances would allow. ‘We want money—that’s w’ot we're arter,” replied the leader of the party. “Well, you’ve got all that Ihad. Don’t that bax you?” “Not by a durned sight! Ef you don’t kerry more’n that, it’s ap pa queer.” They subjected the captive to a more thor- ough search than they had yet made, but the bia examination failed to disclose any more ucre, “Wot hey you dune with it, anyhow?’ de- manded the leader, ‘Done with what?” replied Kit. “‘Done with all your money, We happen to know that you’ve been winnin’ a big pile from Major Burke at the Gay and Happy, and it ain’t your style to soak money away in any bank but a faro bank, Whar is that money?” “So that’s your game?” replied Kit, with a smile. ‘‘ You fellows are remarkably well- ca about my business and my habits, and ow you got hold of so much information puz- zles me, I did win some money from John Burke, but you can bet your lives thatit is safe, and where you will never touch it.” “Don’t you be too sure o’ that, my gay roos- ter. When we start to do a thing we’re mighty apt to doit, That money ain’t fur from Chuck- ase we want you to fix things so’s we kin git it. “Tt is a pity that I can’t accommodate you, my friends; but such is the melancholy fact.” “You don’t want to put on too many airs, young man, We mean to git our hands on that Roving Sport Kit, money azore you git outen this hole in the ground.” “Then I am in fora long spell, and must take things as easy asI can. Send out for beefsteak and a bottle of champagne, and I think I can stand it.” » ‘* When you git any o’ them fancy fixin’s jest let us know,” Kit Kenyon resigned himself to his fate with considerable equanimity, considering the uncom- fortable nature of his position and surround- ings. He passed a rather unpleasant night, and was obliged to admit in the morning that his rest had not refreshed him. His captors had some bacon and bread, pro- cured from he knew not where, and he was glad totake a snack with them by way of break- fast. After a while the fire burned low, and all the timber in the drift that was available for fuel had been burned up. ‘* Joe,” said the leader, ‘‘ go out and git some wood to burn.” Joe went out, and the others waited for him fully half an hour; but he did not return. “"Durned queer w’ot’s become o’ Joe,” re- marked the leader. ‘‘Tom, I reckon you'd bet- ter go out and hunt him.” So Tom went out to hunt up Joe, but his ab- sence was also unreasonably prolonged, and the fire was getting very low. After another half-hour of waiting the leader became very uneasy. ‘‘ Durned ef this sorter thing don’t beat me,” said he. ‘Td like to know w’ot in thunder has got inter those cusses to make ’em stay so. Reckon I'll hey to go and take a squint around myself. But I mean to make a sure thing 0’ you, young man, afore I start. I can’t afford to hev you walkin’ off jest yet.” : He bound the legs of the prisoner as securely caf his arms were bound, and went off grum- ing. Only a few embers were then left of the fire, and Kenyon found himself in the darkness, as well as alone. The continued absence of the men who had gone after wood was singular, to say the least of it, and it inspired him with a faint hope of mageieink his liberty. fhe could get rid of his bonds he might ef- fect his escape, as the darkness would greatly aid him, and the only chance to get loose was to cut the cords that tied his hands behind his rg bf rubbing them against some sharp edge of rock, He was getting ready to make this effort, and putting himself into position for the purpose, when he heard steps in the tunnel, . poo use,” he muttered, ‘‘They are coming ack, CHAPTER IX. “ONE AT A TIME.” Kir Kenyon had friends at Chuckaluck—one friend in particular, who was true and reli- able. Belle Bush had reason to believe that when %
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14 Roving Sport Kit. he returned from his ghost-hunt he would come to ber and report the result of the expedition; but, as the hours passed away, and she saw nothing of him, she became uneasy, and was convinced that something had occurred to de- tain him. At last she aroused Wo Sing, and forced him to goinsearch of Jake Nemo, who had passed in the camp under the name of Samson. When the Chinaman had discovered him and brought him to her, she told him of Kenyon’s purpose and his continued absence, and ex- pressed the fear that he had gut into trouble. “Tt looks that way,” replied Nemo. “If it was any ordinary trouble, we might rely upon him to come clear of it; but this may be some- thing out of the way. More than one person in Chuckaluck knows that he has been winning great deal of money, and some roughs may have laid for him and piled on him. I have no fear that the ghost has grabbed him.” ‘*Perhaps he has been killed,” suggested Belle. ‘Tt is possible, There would be a scrimmage before any crowd could take him, and that would be sure to leave its signs,” * May I rely upon you to do what you can for him, Jake?” “Of course you may, and I suppose I can do as much in that lineas any man, It would hardly be worth while to attempt anything to- night; but I will watch for him, and if he is not in camp before morning, 1 will go after him. Icanat least find out what has become of bim.” The dwarf went through the town in search of his friend and poker partner, and made in- quiries concerning him; but it was clear that he had not yet got back. Early in the morning Nemo went to the place where Kenyon was accustomed to sleep, and learned that he had not been there. Then he was sure that something out of the way had happenei, and he set out in the direction of Charley’ Manson’s grave. His task was easy enough at the start, as he knew the precise locality that Kenyon had pro- posed to visit, and had only to follow the road to get there, hen he reached the place he saw no sign in the road or its nelghibachood of any unusual oc- currence, and turned his steps toward the grave that had lately become so notorious, As he approached the spot be walked slowly, and looked ahead anxiously, fearing that he might seo the body of his friend stretched upon the turf there; but his spirits rose when he was Dea that there was nothing of the kind in si 4 e examined the ground carefully, and soon discovered the signs of a ‘‘ scrimmage” which he had been expecting to find. The grass was trampled and torn up about the grave, and the soft ground plainly showed where a man had fallen, and had been pounced upon. No blood-marks were to be seen any- where, though Nemo looked for them carefully. ~**They have not killed him,” said Nemo, in a tone of relief—‘ not here, at least. They must have sneaked 4 on him and taken him _un- awares, though it is strange that they could do that trick to such a man Rie But I may hope that he is alive, and all I have to do is to follow the trail.” He had done some wonderful trailing in his time, this withered little man, and it was not at all difficult for him to follow the party he was pursuing, especially as they had made no at- tempt to cover their tracks. The trail led him direst to the old Hard Luck Mine, and there were signs at the mouth to show that the party had gone in there. He knew that Kenyon had not been carrying his recent earnings upon his person, and it was easy enough to guess that the man who en- trapped him intended to hold him as a prisoner for the purpose of extorting money from him, ‘They won't have an easy time at that game,” muttered Nemo, ‘‘and I will be apt to take a hand pretty soon.” Without stopping to consider the matter fur- ther he entered the tunnel, and went on with noiseless and catlike tread until the darkness was faintly illuminated by the glow of a light from a side drift, He cautiously moved forward to the drift, and peered around the corner of the rock. Then he saw Kit Kenyon, sitting bound near a small fire, and with him were three masked and rough-looking men, ‘T think TL could do it,” he said to himself, as he partly drew a pistol. ‘But I reckon I had better wait a bit and sce what will turn up. As he waited he listened to what they were saying in the drift. ‘T tell you we've got to hev that money afore ou git away from here,” said-one of the men. ‘Ef you don’t fix things so’s we kin lay our hands onto it, thar’s hard times ahead for you.” “Then I am bound to know what hard times means,” replied Kenyon. ‘I wish I had a cigar.” After a brief interval of silence, the man who had spoken to Kit ordered one of the others to go out and get some wood. “'That’s my game,” muttered the dwarf, and he made his exit from the tunnel as silently as he had entered it, but more swiftly. As soon as he reached the open air he jerked off his coat, made a roli of/it, and jumped bebind a large tree near the mouth of the tunnel, One of the roughs came out of the mine, and looked about for fragments of wood, In his search he came near the large tree. The dwarf silently stepped ont behind him, and threw the coat over his head, drawing it tightly back to the arms, At the same time he tripped the man, so that he fell heavily upon the ground, Tf you make a bit of noise I will blow your brains out,” threatened Jake, as he set his knee on the breast of the fallen man. Finding him docile under this treatment, he quickly tied his hands, and gagged him with a strip of his own clothing. Then he ordered him to rise, and at the muzzle of a pistol directed him to station himself with his back against a young tree, just out of sight of the mine, He made the man fast to the sapling with his own belt, and left him there to meditate on the chances and changes of life,
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Roving Sport Kit. 15 *One at a time is the easiest way,” said the dwarf, as he again concealed himself near the mouth of the tunnel, ‘It is a safe bet that another cuss will soon come out to look for that one, He had to wait to realize this expectation; but his patience was rewarded in time, Another rough came out of the tunnel, and it was plain that he was not looking for wood but for his companion. Nemo tried on this man the game which had been so successful with the other, but did not trip him so easily, and his struggle compelled the dwarf to knock him in the head with the butt of a revolver, The fellow dropped to the ground, and as he had been stunned so that he was easy to man- age, the dwarf soon had him tied and gagged. Then he dragged him out of sight of the mine, showing a strength that could not have been ex- pected from a person of his size and build. ‘‘ Only one more to come,” he said, as he went back to the mine, This time he did not conceal himself behind the big tree, but took a station near the mouth of the tunnel. As there was but one more left, it did not matter how much noise he might make, The leader of the roughs at last came out, but more cautiously than the others had come. He had reason to believe that something had hap- pe to them, and naturally was on the lookout ‘or danger. | His caution was needed, but there was not enough of it to keep him from running into a similar scrape. As he emerged he was met by Jake Nemo and a leveled revolver, and was ordered to drop his pistol and throw up his hands, He hesitated about obeying this order, notic- ing the small size of the man ‘who delivered it; but the dwarf SE, had the drop on him bee ae face showed that he was willing to shoot, The rough did as he was ordered to do, and obeyed the further command to lie down with his face to the ground, in which position Nemo speedily :pinioned his hands and feet. Then the dwarf ran into the tunnel, calling Kenyon by name. _ He was answered by a cheerful hail, and in.a few minutes he was at the side of his friend, “Ts this really you, Jake?” demanded the young man. ‘It is so dark in here now that I can ae Bose PN oe % Sn y else, my boy,” replied Nemo, as he hastened to cut the cords ¢ ‘hi friend’s hands and feet, penton 2s “* What has become of those chaps who brought me here?” “They are safe enough, tied up outside,” “ Jewhillikens! Well, Jake, I must say that u are a stunner from Stunnerville. I want to ake a look at them.” The two men left the mine, and Kenyon, as he looked at the discomfited roughs, was lost in admiration of his friend’s strategy and skill, “Do you want to make them tell who put them up to this game?” asked Jake, Sa No;,1 am pretty well satisfied on that point, * All’s well that ends well,’ and I don’t propose to make any fuss.” - : ““Then we had better take possession of their tools and turn one of them loose to look after the others,” This was done, and the friends walked back to Chuckaluck in a merry mood, On the way Kenyon asked the dwarf how he had happened to take it into his head to hunt a ghost-hunter. ‘“Tt was Miss Bush who sent me out,” replied Nemo,” 5 Oh! I might have guessed it, She willdo to bet on. I owe her one for that.” When they reached Chuckaluck they went direct to the Gay and Happy where they found John Burke and Sam Byles. Kenyon, who looked at Burke closely as they entered, was sure that he changed color; but he eb ow forward gayly and gave them a hearty welcome, ‘* Where were you last night?” he asked, “TI was expecting to see you here.” By way of reply Kit told what had happened to him just as it occurred, except that he made no mention of the manner of his release, ““How did you get away from the scoun- drels?” demanded Burke. “You could never guess, major,” answered Kit. ‘I got outside of them,” ‘© What do you mean by that?” “T swallowed them!” CHAPTER X. BELLE BUSH’S DEFIANCE, Arter Kenyon and his companion had left the Gay and Happy, Sam Byles took his prin- cipal aside for a quiet confab. “Was that game one of your hatching, ma- jor?” he asked, “What game?” ** You know what I mean. Trapping Kit Ken- yon and carrying him off to squeeze his money out of him.” ‘“ Well, Sam, I did have a hand in that, I put those men up to it, and the game would have worked well with anybody but Kenyon; but he is the devil forluck. I would give something to know how he got away.” Sam Byles shook his head sadly. “Tam afraid that I shall have to cut loose from you, major,” he said. ‘“ You have not only got into arun of bad Juck, but it looks to me as if you were going orary. ‘You have done more fool things lately than I would ever have supposed you could do, and this last game gives you away completely.” *“T don’t see that, Sam. The game was a good one, though luck was against me, Those men were to do the job on shares, and they will never tell, and nobody will know that I had anything to do with it.” : “You must be blind to say so. The chances are that the men were made to tell, and Kenyon I could easily see that in his self, Sam Byles,” But John Burke was worried, and he showed - HH I SNENTOR PPC SI SE SIRES SOS TE ENC SSE SEERA Sh har eee eee Te en ree ee tre 5
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Roving Sport Kit. that he was. He was gloomy and restless during the day, and his gruff and surly manners caused him to be generally avoided. _ Late in the afternoon, as he was looking out of a back window of his saloon, he saw Belle Bush leave the rear of The Chromo and take an unfrequented path that would lead her away from the town. He hastened out, made a short circuit, and joined her as if accidentally. “T am very glad to meet you, Miss Bush,” he said. ‘‘I have wanted to see you and havea quiet talk with you about yourself.” ‘“What have you to say tome, Mr. Burke?” she asked, as there came again into her face the hard and fixed look which he might have seen there once before. “T want to say that Chuckaluck is no place for a young lady like you. It is too rough and uncertain. The men here have treated you very well so far; but some of them may go wild at any time, and then they will be apt to make it hot for you.” ‘‘T do not fear them, sir.” “But you ought to fear them, and I fear them for you, If you are bound to stay here you should have a protector. You should give some good and able man the right to protect you. | wish you would give me that right. I have admired you since 1 first saw you, and now I am half-crazy with my love of you. No- body here would be better able to take care of you, and I amarich man, and all I have shall be yours,” he girl halted. They were out of sight of Chuckaluck, and probably ‘out of hailing dis- tance, There could be no doubt that John Burke was sincere in his declaration, and in dead earnest. His manner proved this, and the color that had rushed into his face confirmed the evidence, Yet not the faintest tinge of a blush came to her cheek, and she gazed at him with such an icy stare as might easily have told him that his passion was nothing to her, “ Are you sure that you are a rich man, Mr, Burke?” she coldly asked. This point-blank query, following his out- burst so closely, embarrassed him a little. “Tam generally supposed to be a rich man,” he replied. ‘‘ Do you doubt it?” “T understand that you have been losing very heavily at cards.” “So you got hold of that? Well, 1 reckon 1 have not lost enough to break me. I havea good lot of property here, and I own a big pile of stock in the Chuckaluck Mine.” “Y happen to know, Mr. Burke, as 1 suppose you do, that the Chuckaluck Mine is a failure, and that work is only kept up for the purpose of getting more money from the eastern stock- holders, When the bottom falls out of that mine, Chuckaluck will soon be deserted, and what will your property here be worth then?” ‘*T didn’t suppose that you were so keen about: money,” grumbled Burke, “There is another point,” she said. ‘I have romantic ideas, and if I should marry I would want my husband to be a bold and dashing fellow—a road-agent, or sort!” something of thie “That is right into my hand!” he eagerly exclaimed. ‘ { have been in that business, and am thinking strongly of taking it up again.” “T think you had better do so. Anything that will take you out of my sight.” ‘What do you mean by that, Miss Bush?” “J want you to understand me plainly, if ou were as rich as Croesus, and the boldest wrigand that ever robbed a peaceable traveler, I would no more think of marrying you than I would think of marrying a wolf or a rattle- snake, I could never marry a cowardly mur- derer.” “Why do you call me a cowardly murderer?” is demanded, as the flush of anger rose to his ‘ace, “T do not know how many murders you have committed,” she replied, ‘‘and I suppose you would not care to count them; but I have heard of one case since I came here, and it would be hard to imagine a meaner and more cowardly murder!” “ What are you speaking of?” ‘Of the cruel and wanton killing of a young stranger whom you were cheating at a gam- bling game. You were turned loose after you had committed the crime; but I believe that you will yet be punished for it, It seems that the ghost of your victim has come back to haunt you, and I hope it may continue to haunt you until it drives you into your grave. For my part, | have nothing but contempt and detestation for such a heartless and cowardly murderer!” John Burke writhed under the cutting lash of her words, As she spoke, his face turned flery red, and then ashy pale. When she men- tioned the ghost he shivered as if he was struck by a chill. As she finished her defiance he turned upon her in a fury of passion, and his tall form fairly towered over her, “Do you dare to say such things to me?” he demanded, in a harsh and husky voice, “You have heard what I dared to say,” she answered, “Why, girl don’t you know that I could take you with one of my hands and crush you where you stand?” ‘Are you sure that you could?” ‘What is to hinder me?” **T am to hinder you,” she replied, stepping back a pace or two. As she did so she produced a handsome re- volver, richly moun and with a shining bar- rel. Its beauty, however, did not conceal its deadly nature as she quickly cocked it and leveled it at his breast. ‘*T have this,” she said, ‘“‘ and I know how to use it, Icould shoot you where you stand, but Idonot want to kill you. Your time has not yet come, The best thing you can do is to walk off and leave me, and [ will go my way. You see that I am even with you, if not a little ahead at this moment.” Burke tried to laugh, but the effort was a manifest failure. “T ain’t afraid of your popgun,” said he, ‘TI had no idea of hurting you, and don’t want to hurt you. I made you a fair offer, and you i nsulted me shamefully, and that ends the mat- ter, 4
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Roving Sport Kit. i? He walked away toward Chuckaluck, and she followed him at ber leisure. John Burke was in even a worse humor than ever during the rest of the day, and until the Gay and Happy was closed at night. He was shunned by gamblers and guzzlers alike, aud even Sam Byles kept away from him. He sought to raise his spirits by pouring whisky down his throat; but the more he drank the more sullen and morose he became, and the fiery drafts did not seem to quiet his nerves or affect his brain, When the house was closed he went to bed in his room at ain and after awhile he slept; but be tumbled and tossed about as if his slum- ber was haunted by bad dreams. At last he was awakened by a cold air that blew upon his face and chilled him to the bone, He started up in bed, and a fearful sight met his astonished gaze. The walls of the house, which were of rough plank, were covered with white muslin instead of lath and plaster, and on the wall beyond his bed, and at the left, suddenly appeared a hu- man figure—if it could be called human—in a circle of light that shone with unearthly radi- ance in the darkness of the room, It was the same figure that he had seen twice before—once at the young stranger’s grave, and once in the valley at the other side of the road— the ghostly figure of Charley Manson. He was in such a dazed condition that he could not clearly make out its features or the details of its form; but he recognized it plainly ne h, and on its breast he saw the blotch of By a supreme effort he snatched a revolver from under his pillow, cocked it with a trem- bling hand, and fired at the figure on the wall. Instantly it vanished, and its disappearance was followed by a peal of weird laughter that seemed to fill the room with its echoes. Sam Byles, who slept in an adjoining apart- ment, came running in at the sound of the shot, ‘‘ What is the matter, major?” he demanded. Receiving no answer, he struck a light, and found Burke insensible in the bed, It was no easy task to revive the stricken man, and when he came to his senses he was still al- most stupefied. “What's up, major?” again demanded Sam, * Did you fire that shot?” = Yes, It came here to see me, and I fired at ‘What came here?” “The ghost. I want to go into your room, Sam, and sleep with you.” “Come along, then. I must say, old man, that you are in a bad way,” CHAPTER XT. JOHN BURKE PLAYS TRUMPS, Ir was a common remark in Chuckaluck the next day that Major Burke looked as if he had been drawn through a knot-hole, He appeared to be a changed man throughout, and not in any respect changed for the better. Tn the space of a few days he had grown thinner and apparently much older, His face and form ~ showed the ravages of a secret dread or a har- rowing anxiety. But it was in his temper that the change was most plainly and unpleasantly visible. He made himself so disagreeable to all the guests of the Gay and Happy that the cus- tom of the once popular saloon began to fall off rapidly. efore noon he left the Gay and Happy, and did not return until near the close of day. Then he took Sam Byles into a private room up-stairs for a secret consultation, 3 ‘*Sam,” he said, “*I am going to quit this place,” **'The saloon, do you mean?” “Yes, and Chuckaluck, too.” ‘* Going to sell out?” “No; not yet, at least. The fact is, Sam, that Iam a great deal worried.” “You look it, major, I never saw a man show it more.” “T have got into a run of bad luck, and it is getting worse and worse, and that ghost busi- ~ ness is too much for me, I am ashamed to say that 1am going to run away from the ghost, but that is about the size of it.” “The ghost may follow you,” suggested “‘{ don’t believe it will, When I get well away from that cursed grave I think I will be safe, and then my luck may change. I am going into the hills, Sam.” “To go into the old business again, major?” “Tmay strike out and make a raise in that line, I am going into the hills, anyhow, and I mean to take that girl with me.” “ What girl? Not the Chromo girl!" ** Just that one.” Byles shook his head and looked at his chief as if he were again questioning his sanity, “Do you mean to say that she wants to go with you?” he asked, ‘No; Cam just going to take her.” ‘Better think twice before you go into such a scheme as that, major. You will have all Chuck- aluck against you.” “What dol care for all Chuckaluck? The camp will soon be played out, and I mean to shake itin time. All Chuckaluck may whistle for me when once get loose. I tell you, Sam Byles, Iam crazy for that girl. Ihad a talk with her yesterday and told her so, and asked her to marry me, and made her as fair an offer as I could. What do you think she did? She scorned and insulted me. She called me a cowardly murderer, and declared that she would sooner marry_a wolf or a rattlesnake, Do you suppose that I will submit to being de- spised and spit upon by such a chit as that? 0; I would carry her off if it was only out of spite. I mean to doit, too. The business is all arranged, Some of my old pards will be in here rabies and then she may bid good-by to The Chromo.” “Tf you will, I reckon you will; but you must count me out, major.” “Why so?” “You can’t get me into any such scrape. I will stay here and take care of the saloon if you want me to; but you must count me out of that scheme.” ** You won't blow on me, Sam?”
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is Roving Sport Kit, ‘Of course not. You have beena good friend to me, and I will never go back on you; but I can’t go forward with you any further.” At night a few rough-looking men dropped in at the Gay and Happy, whose faces were not known in Chuckaluck, But such strangers were no rarity in the camp, and the presence of these vas not noticed, ; It might have been noticed, however, that they remained and that they called for liquor at the bar as they pleased, without paying for it. Chuckaluck kept late hours, but did not run allnight. Even the gamblers and guzzlers re- quired some rest, and the saloons needed to be creeper up, even if the barkeepers did not need sleep. It was along in the small hours of the morn- ing that the Gay and Happy was shut up. The Chromo had been closed some time before, and the main street was deserted or nearly so. Then the four strangers who had remained at the Gay and Happy sallied forth and placed themselves about the adjoining building, as if following a plan that had been previously ar- ranged. One of them was stationed at the front door of The Chromo, another at the side that over- looked vacant ground, and the remaining two went to the back door. With the contingent last named was John Burke, and he directed their movements, which were rapid and effective, As the key was in the lock on the inside, a burglar’s tool was used to turn it, and the door was opened noiselessly. The Chinaman, who was asleep in the back room, was bound and gagged before he had a chance to make a noise, and Burke and another, taking off their boots, crept silently up-stairs to Belle Bush's room, Her door was locked on the inside, as that down-stairs had been, and was easily opened; but the slight sound was sufficient to awake her, and she started up, Before she could even scream Burke had seized her and covered her mouth ‘with his hand, and a cloth was quickly tied over her face, so as to effectually prevent her from mak- ing an outery. She could not speak, but her eyes plainly told what she thought of the outrage. A search was made for weapons, and her pis- tol was found under the head of her bed and taken away, “You know me,” said John Burke, as he looked at her savagely. ‘‘1 mean business, and will have no fooling. You're going on a jour- ney. If you will mind what I tell you, we will go out of the room while you dress, You must promise not to take that cloth off your face, and not to go near that window. Do you prom- ise that?” She nodded her head. ** You had better keep your promise. If you _ try to play any tricks, I will be in there quicker than you can wink, You must hurry, too, or I will come in before you are ready,” The two men stepped outside, and nearly closed the door, There was nothing for Belle to do but obey the commands of her captor, no matter what his purpose might be, If she could not dress herself, those men would come in again, and rougher hands than her own would do the task, She hastily threw on her most serviceable arments, and in a few minutes was properly essed, “T am glad to find you so obedient,” said Burke, as he re-entered the room. ‘I hope you will continue so; and you will, if you know what is good for you. If you want to take any more things, you may make a bundle of them, but you must be quick about it, as I have no time to spare,” She picked out a few garments, and rolled them up, probably more with the view of gaining time and considering her situation than because she expected to need the things. ‘That will do,” said Burke. ‘‘You are too slow in your motions to suit me, Now I must tie your hands to keep you from paling oF that cloth just when I don’t want you to, But that won’t last long, and you will soon have a chance to talk, if not to scratch,” She made no useless attempt at resistance or remonstrance, but quietly submitted to the tying; and then, obeying Burke’s orders, followed him down-stairs and out of the house, The Chinaman was left lying there, bound and gagged, and the door was locked on the out- side with the same tool that had been used to open it, John Burke and his four men led their fair captive through the darkness to a glen not far from the town, where a stout two-horse wagon was waiting for them, Belle was assisted into the wagon, and was seated opposite John Burke. The other men got in, and the team was driven away, soon reaching a road along which the horses were urged ata good rato of speed. The road was a rough one, and the wagon had no springs, and its jolting was anything but comfortable; but this was a snfall matter to the unfortunate girl compared with the appalling fact that she was in the power of one whom she must consider her deadly enemy. After awhile the cloth was removed from her face, her hands were unbound and she was free to speak, if not to act. aturally she began to use the only weapon that was left to her—her tongue. “Of course you_know that you are a scoun- drel,” she said. ‘‘It would, be needless to tell you that.” ‘You may abuse me as much as you please,” he replied. “‘ You can’t call me any worse names than those you gave me when I first saw ou. I know that I’ve got you and mean to eep you, and that is all I care about.” ‘You wall not keep me long,” she retorted. **Indeed! 1 would like to know how you ex- pect to get away.” “T can at least die.” **T shall take care that you don’t do anything of the sort,” CHAPTER XII. BELLE’S STRATEGY. BreLtix BusH made no further attempt to tongue-lash the man who had lawlessly taken eee
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i Roving Sport Kit. - 19 possession of her. There was nothing to be gained by that, and she had enough to think of in considering the predicament in which she was laced. s Of all the perils that bad entered her imagina- tion as probable or possible in that rough region, no such audacious and outrageous deed as this ha@occurred to her. She would not have sup- d that she could be taken out of her own ouse, in the -heart of the town, and spirited away so suddenly and so secretly, But there she was, and she could not begin to guess what would be the issue of this ominous adventure. There seemed to be not the slightest chance for her to help herself, and it was highly improbable that her friends would be able to follow her. She knew that she was being taken to a con- siderable distance from Chuckaluck, as the speed of the horses was kept up with no sign of stop- ping. When the day dawned, she closely noted the prominent features of the country through which she was passing. She might never see it again; yet it was barely possible that a memory of the landmarks might at some time be of service to her, Shortly after daybreak the team was halted, and John Burke got out with Belle and two of the men, leaving the third to go on with the wagon, It was a rough and difficult route that the girl was forced to travel—up hill and down hill, over wooded pidge and through rocky ravines—but always in the same general direction. By observing the position of the sun, she judged that the direction was westward, and, as she had carefully noted the point where they left the road, she thought that sbe might possibly find her way back, in the improb- able event of getting a chance to do so, This course was kept for nearly two hours, ahd Belle bad become quite weary and- foot- sore when they reached a shallow stream that came from a northerly direction, Here they balted, and Burke, saying that they intended to spoil any possible trail by walking in the bed of the stream, informed Belle that he would carry her, so that she need not wet -her feet. : She protested strongly against this style of traveling, declaring that she was not afraid of wetting her feet, but he picked ber up, in spite of her struggles, and entered the water, followed by the other men. He carried her until he was tired, and then passed her to oneof his followers, and so they took turns in bearing the precious burden. They must have walked fully half a mile in the bed of the stream when they halted, and Belle was grateful for the privilege of carrying herself, She was set down ona bare rock that grad- ually sloped upward to aridge, and on which there was no tree or shrub, nor any sign of soil, It would be clearly impossible to follow any trail over that bare rock. Asshe had carefully noted the point where ate entered the stream, so she noted the bare rock as the point of leaving it, She was led to the foot of the ridge, ar? compelled to climb it with the aid of her con- ductors. It proved to be level op top and was backed by & high rocky bluff. Against the bluff was set a stout log house, and around the house, skirting the edge of the ridge, was a stone wall, which had the appearance of being intended as a fortification. Entering the log house at the command of her captor, Belle discovered that its ouly occupant was & woman, who came out from an end of the room that was curtained off by blankets. This woman might once have been passably good looking. If so, the day of her beauty was over. Sbe was then coarse, frowsy and slat- ternly, with sallow cheeks, a red nose, and a general appearance of being the worse for wear, ‘* And you are bere at last, Jack Burke?” she demanded. “T thought you was never comin’ ag’in. “T am here, as you see,” replied Burke. ‘Where are the rest of the boys, Molly?” ** Gone a-huntin’, And who is the gay creetur’ you've brought inter the hills, and whar did you pick her up?” “She is the daughter of a friend of mine, and I am taking care of her. She will stay here with you to-night, andin the morning we will go on. “You don’t say. Darter of a friend of yourn? Nice hand you are to take keer of folks’ darters. But it ain’t no mix of mine, and I won't worry,” “Give your tongue a rest, then, and get us something to eat, as we are hungry as wolves, Make plenty of strong coffee.” \ Belle was given a wooden stool for a seat, and she surveyed her surroundings, and again con- sidered her situation. It was hopeless enough. John Burke would be sure to guard her closely, and she could not see the slightest chance of escape. There might be a faint ray of comfort in the presence of a woman, but not of sucha woman. Molly was, of course, incapable of sympathy, and would willingly obey the commands of the men, Belle watched her as she busied herself with preparing food for the new-comers, but saw nothing to induce her to look for help from that quarter. As she sat there, the girl happened to put her se in the pocket of her dress, and felt a hard ump. At once she remembered that it was a piece of gum opium which she had procured for Wo Sing. She had taken a great liking to the neat-hand- ed and obliging Chinaman, and more than over- looked his few vices. She bad no objection to his smoking an occasional pipe of opium, as that indulgence did not interfere with his duties, but seemed to make him more active and willing, pains aso shé had purchased the lump of opium for him, Just then she thought she saw a new use for it. She stepped up to the woman, who was setting ® big pot of coffee on the coals in the clay fire- ulace, and spoke to her, x
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“May I help you? Iam not tired now, and would like to have something to do.” “Thar ain’t nothin’ you kin do here, child,” replied Molly, as a look that was almost pleas- ant came into her coarse face, “T am right handy,” insisted Belle, ‘‘and I would be glad to help you.” * Well, if you're so eager, you may watch that coffee, and see that if don’t bile over,” This was just the employment the girl wanted. She watched her chance, and when she thought that nobody was looking at her slipped the lump of opium into the coffee, Then she did her duty in attending the coffeepot. The meal was soon prepared and placed on the rude table, and the four men attacked it with hearty appetites, eating abundantly, and wash- ing down the repast with copious draughts of the steaming coffee, Belle refused to join them, declaring that she could not eat. She perceived, greatly to her discomfiture, that the woman also refrain- ed from eating and drinking, saying that it was but a little while since she had finished her breakfast. There was nothing for the girl to do but wait and see what the effects of the opium would be. Would it stupefy them? Would it kill them? What would it do? It wasa pretty big lump of the poison, and it must have dissolved in the boiling coffe, The first indication she had of the reality of its presence came from John Burke, “T told you tomake me some strong coffee, Molly,” said he, ‘‘and this is strong enough to alla house down. It is so strong that it is itter.” ‘Want some more water in it?’ asked the woman, “No; but you must give it tous weaker at supper time, or I won’t get a wink of sleep the whole night.” When the men had finished their meal, John Burke lighted a cigar, and the others lighted their pipes, and they had a comfortable smoke, Belle continued to watch them, and it seemed to her that the woman Molly was also eying them ratber curiously. After a while they all showed signs of drowsi- ness; but burke was the first to yield. “tf am shamefully sleepy for this time of day,” said he. “I have losta sight of sleep lately, and I reckon the tramp this morning has used meup, I believe I will take a little as e laiia blanket on the floor, took another for a pillow, and lay down. It was not long before one of the men fol- lowed his example, then another, and finally the third, and they were allso overcome that they were not as careful in preparing their couches as their chief had been. “Look out fur things, Moll,” muttered the ant man, as he stretched himself out on the oor, Belle looked at them as they lay there, and was half-frightened at what she had done, She knew that they would not awake soon, if ever, ™ Roving Sport Kit. Would they ever awake? That was the ques- tion that troubled her. It was certain that they were helpless then. and what was to hinder her from walking out and using her freedom? ss but the woman. What should she do with the woman, who was there like a lion in her path? If she could steal around to one of the sleeping men, she might secure a pistol, and then defy the woman, That seemed to be the only chance, But Moll spoke to her, and there was a queer look in her face as she spoke: “Tsay, young’un, I dropped onto that little game o’ yourn. I wasn’t ore up in the woods. But I don’t go ag’in’it. If I did you'd ha’ heerd from me afore now.” “What do you mean?” anxiously asked Belle, “T mean that if you want to slide off I don’t allow to hender you. I ain’t doin’ Jack Burke’s dirty work so much asI was. What did you put into the coffee?” **Opium,” replied Belle. “That’s pison. Will it kill em?’ **T don’t know. I hope not.” “Well, 1 don’t know as it 'u’d make any very big differ’, They’re safe enough, anyway. Thar’s the door, young~un, an’ if you’re for slopin’, you’d better slope. T’others may come . back ’most any time.” Belle thanked her warmly, and turned to go, ‘Hold on, You'd better take some grub. Wait, and I'll fix it.” The woman made a bundle of bread and meat, took John Burke's pistol from his belt, and gave both to Belle, oe the girl thanked her, and left the ouse. CHAPTER XIII. THE WRATH OF CHUCKALUCK, WHEN morning came, and The Chromo was not open to the public, surprise and consterna- tion prevailed in Chuckaluck. : The strange news spread rapidly, and soon a wondering crowd was gathered about the closed store. It was cme supposed that if Miss Bush had been taken ill, there was nothing to hinder Wo Sing from opening the house and attendin: to business, or at least giving information o| her condition. There were some who jumped to the conclu- sion that the Chinaman had murdered her. Kit Kenyon and Jake Nemo were in the crowd, of course, and the former assumed the leadership of the investigation that ensued. Going around to the rear of The Chromo, they perceived that the door was locked on the inside, and that the shutter of the single win- dow was tightly closed. It was to be presumed that, whatever had happened, the inmates of the house were still inside, The shutter was quickly pried off, and the window was darkened by as many heads as conta ect ae it. Aicd n the floor was dimly seen the prostrate form of the Chinaman, , es
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A] Roving Sport Kit. *“There has been murder here,” was the gen- eral expression; but the door was broken open, and the truth was discovered. Wo Sing was unbound and ungagged, and he arose from the floor, as placid and patient as ever. The usual remedy was resorted to, to revive and strengthen him, and he told his story plainly and fully. He had been able to keep his eyes and ears open, and had recognized John Burke, though the other men were stran- gers to him, Belle Bush’s room was visited, and the fact of her absence was made certain, Then Chuckaluck was stirred from center to circumference. If there had been any doubt as to the popu- larity of the mistress of the Chromo, the de- velopments of that morning would have set it at rest, The entire population of the camp was intensely excited, and in a little while miners and ranchers began to flock in from the sur- rounding country, increasing the clamor and swelling the volume of excitement. It was agreed on all hands that the outrage was a most dastardly and abominable one, and that no punishment could be too extreme for its perpe- trators, What had become of them? was the question in the mean time, and it was by no means an easy question to answer, as tho Chinaman did not know what direction they had taken, and they had left no trace by which they could be followed, Jake Nemo reasoned the matter out to his own satisfaction, and believed that he could find the trail after a little search; but Kit Kenyon hada plan that seemed to promise speedier results, and it was at once put in execution, Accompanied by Nemo and a crowd of citi- zens he entered the Gay and Happy, where Sam Byles was found attending to the interests of the establishment, John Burke’s confidant looked pale and anx- ious, and the appearance of Kenyon at the head ‘of a crowd did not tend to brighten him up. “What has become of manded Kit, ‘T don’t know anything more about him than you do,” replied Byles. “T suppose you know that he has carried off Miss Bush?” “Of course I do, Everybody knows that,” “Do you mean to tell ma and this crowd that you don’t know where he has gone to?” That is what I have already told you,” IT don’t believe you, Sam Byles, I know that you would lie for Burke, and have no doubt that you are doing so now. You are in all his secrets, and can’t be out of this. It will be best for you toown up and tell all you know.” Byles aa in declaring that he had nothing to tell, and then the crowd took the matter in hand, vowing that Hey would get the truth out of him, if he perished in the at- te ajor Burke?” de- mpt. They dragged him roughly out of the saloon, tied his hands and feet, noosed a rope around his neck, and threw the loose end over the cross- bar of a telegraph pole, a oy Kenyon and Nemo made no attempt to stop these proceedings, as they were determined to get at the truth, and believed that Sam Byles could tell what they wanted to know, The victim protested his innocence and igno- rance; but the roused wrath of Chuckaluck was bent on dealing with him in a summary manner. A dozen men ‘tailed on” at the rope, the noose tightened around his neck and he was drawn up into the air, to give bim a taste of what he might expect if he continued obstinate. Directly he was lowered to the ground, and exhorted in no kindly tones to confess. ‘“*T weaken, gentlemen!” he said, as soon as he was able to speak, The crowd gathered about him while he re- peated John Burke’s conversation with him, which was all he knew about the business, Many still insisted on hanging him, as he had known of the outrage that was to be committed, andit was his duty asa decent white man to stop it; but he was allowed to present his side of the question, “You all know, gentlemen,” said he, “‘ that the major wasa mighty good friend of mine, and I couldn’t go back on him until I was forced to, though I wanted to tell what I knew. I don’t think I ought to be strung up for keep- ing my promise and sticking to my friend.” Kenyon and Nemo supported him in this view, and he was suffered to go free; but it was evi- dent from the words and looks of the crowd that the Gay and Happy was doomed as an insti- tution of Chuckaluck, “So the scoundrel has gone to the hills,” re- marked Kit; ‘‘ but whereabouts in the hills? I don’t see that we are any better off than we were before. Does anybody know where we would be likely to find him?” **T do,” replied Nemo, ‘‘ He used to be in the stage-robbing and cattle-stealing business, as I kaye good cause to know, The men who were with bim last night were probably some of his old gang, and I haye no doubt that he has gone back to them, I know where those buzzards roost.” “Then you can guide us to them?” “Of course I can, But itis along stretch to get there, and we will need a smallarmy to take their fort.” It was easy enough to raise the army. Vol- unteers were abundant and eager, and the only difficulty was in deciding who should go and who should stay at home. Kit Kenyon was allowed to retain the leader- ship he had assumed, and he had selected fifty good men, directing them to supply themselves immediately with horses and arms and provi- sions. The expedition set out, followed by the gocd wishes of all Chuckaluck. It soon struck into the road which Jack Burke and his men had fol- lowed, and pushed forward rapidly. eet) Kenyon and Nemo rode at the head of the column, the former noticed that his companion was unusually excited and remarkably eager to get on and capture the camp of the outlaws. “T see the same thing in you,” replied Nemo, when Kit spoke of what he had noticed, “I think I know what is the matter with you, and
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22 I don’t wonder at it. The matter with me is that I am half-crazy to get hold of that scoun- drel, John Burke, and see him suffer for his crimes,” “Why are you so hot against him?” “lt is a question of reyenge with me, A few years ago John Burke killed my only brother.” “Not the young man whose ghost has been about here lately?” “No—it was long before his time. My brother Harry was a fine young fellow—noth- ing like such an ugly and dried-up specimen as Iam, His only fault was that he would drink too much sometimes. At a placer camp not far from here—since abandoned—he went on a spree, and made the acquaintance of John Burke, who was running a game there, and was heavily interested in the plundering busi- ness, ‘Burke enticed him off to the place we are going to, and when he got him there tried to induce him to join the gang. But Harry, who had sobered up, refused, and Burke, probably fearing that he would divulge their secret, shot him down—murdered him in cold blood. “T forced this story from one of the gang whom I captured not long after my brother was killed, and since then I have been on the trail of John Burke, Of course I might have killed him, but that would not satisfy me. I wanted to see him hang. But he has given up his old practices, has settled down and become respectable, and was careful to do nothing out- side of the law. “Now, if we catch him, as we must, he will be sure to stretch hemp, The people of Chuck- aluck have a grudge against him that nothing short of his death will settle. They will take the law into their own hands, and I must say, Kit, that it will be a real pleasure to me to see him strung up to a tree.” ‘* We must take him alive, then.” “Of course we must take him alive, Chuck- aluck would never forgive us if we should spoil its sport.” As the party began to descend a hill at the foot of which was a glen not deep enough to be ae a canyon, an unexpected sight presented itself, At the foot of the hill was a stage which had been halted by several masked men, two of whom stood at the horses’ heads, and the others seemed to be ‘‘ going through” the passengers, or forcing them out of the vehicle, They had suddenly come upon a stage rob- bery. Git onto ’em, boys!” shouted Kenyon, and he dashed down the hill, followed by Nemo and the rest of the party. : The brigands, interrupted in their pleasing task, were quick to take the alarm. Running to their horses, they mounted hastily, and gal- loped off at full speed, i it Kenyon, sweeping past the stage, was in time to overtake the rearmost man, who disre- garded his command to halt, pera Dashing up to his side, Kit seized his bridle- rein, and jerked his horse around. The brigand drew a pistol, but a blow of the butt of Jake Nemo’s revolver disabled his arm, and he was a prisoner, Roving Sport Kit. We want something out of you,” said Kit, “We are looking for Jack Burke,” “Don’t know nothin’ about him,” replied the man. “Heisat your fort, or whatever you call it, Guide us there.” ** Don’t know nothin’ about no fort,” “Bring a rope here, boys!” commanded Kit. ‘We will string this fellow up, as we have no use for men who don’t know anything.” At the sigkt of the rope the man weakened, “Pll do it,” he said. ‘I ain’t ready to be hung yet, Ef I take you thar, will you turn mo loose?” “Tf you guide us there all right,” replied Kit, ‘vou are freo to leave the country, and you had better doitinahurry, Rideon between us two, and I reckon you know that you had better not te to play any tricks,” he party left the road and plunged into the timber, CHAPTER XIV. A ROCK BOMBARDMENT, It was near the close of the day when the Journey of the Chuckaluck party came to an end, Before them, at the foot of a slope, was a small and rapid stream, beyond which was a stretch of bare rock, terminating in a ridge that was backed by a lofty bluff. From their somewhat elevated position they could see a log house on the ridge, and a stone wall that looked like a fortification. They had found tho ‘‘fort” they were look- ae rs but it seemed to be almost impreg- nable, Some men were visible on the ridge, who de- scried them, and pointed them out to others who came from the house. “‘Thar’s the place,” said the involuntary guide. ‘‘ May [ light out now?” ‘Not just yet,” replied Kenyon. ‘‘I may want to use you,” The horses were left in the timber at the foot of the slope, in care of a guard, and the rest of the pee. crossed the stream, and took a position on the rocks beyond, out of reach of bullets from the ridge. It was necessary to communicate with the outlaws, and explain the purpose of the party; but this was seen to be a rather dangerous task, <A flag of truce was out of the question, and there was no cover to protect the approach of a person within speaking distance, If the men on the ridge should prove to be viciously inclined, nothing could hinder them from shoot- ing the messenger down, ut Kit Kenyon was equal to the occasion. He had kept his captive with a view to this emergency. He explained to that individual his object of using him asa shield for the protection of his own precious person, and forced him into the service in spite of his protests, “They know you, and won’t hurt you,” said Kit. ‘‘And [ don’t mean to take any tee though my errand is a_ peaceful one =)
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Roving Sport Kit, Taking the man by the collar, and holding a cocked revolver near his heart, Kenyon com- pelled him to walk in advance while they cross- ed the bare rock, and came within hailing dis- tance of the ridge. i His precaution was appreciated by the man above, who seemed to be peaceably inclined, One of them looked over the edge, and inquired what was wanted. ‘*We want Jack Burke and the girl he brought here to-day,” answered Kit. ‘Don’t know nothin’ about no sech folks,” “That won’t do, my friend. We know that they came here, and we are bound to get them.” ‘Suit yerself, then. I tell you we don’t know nothin’ about no sech folks.” ‘‘ Will you let us come up there and satisfy ourselves?” “Not by a durned sight, Jest go along and mind yer own business,” “Tf you will give up those two, we won't bother the rest of you. If you refuse to give them up, we mean to clean out the whole Bang “Fire ahead, then. I reckon you'll git tired of that job afore long.” Kenyon retired backward over the rock, still keeping his shield before him, until he reached his friends, to whom he reported the result of his mission, Then he turned loose his captive, beeen A him to make no attempt to communicate wit his comrades, but to take himself out of that part of the country as speedily as possible. As night was falling, the men from Chuck- aluck formed a cordon about the ledge, divid- ing into two parties, one of which was to re- lieve the other at midnight. Kit Kenyon, who allowed himself no rest, in- spected the sentries continually to see that they kept good watch, and that none of the outlaws slipped through the line, n the morning the problem of attacking the fort again preseuted itself, and was as far as ever from a satisfactory solution. It was impossible for the assailants to ad- vance over the bare rock without exposing themselves to the fire of their adversaries, who were in a position of absolute security, and could pick them off at their leisure. Even if a considerable number should succeed in reach- ing the foot of the ledge, the only place at which it could be climbed was so steep that few, if any, of them would be able to get to the top. A portion of the party posted themselves be- hind such cover as they could find, and opened fire on the fort; but this long-range practice phe so ineffective that it did not even elicit a reply. ‘ It was clear that’ something must be done, or they would be obliged to admit the failure of the expedition, and go home ignominiously. A council of war was held, at which various projects were offered and rejected, “Something has gut to be done,” said Kit Kenyon, ‘‘ We don’t mean to back out of this business and go home to be laughed at. We must get those scoundrels out of there, if we have to blow down the whole side of the bluff on their heads,” He was looking up at the bluff as he spoke, and the eyes of the others followed the direc- tion of his glance, “That's the game,” he continued. ‘‘ There is plenty of loose rock up there, and it can be got at bya hard climb, Those cusses are not as safe as they think they are.” Ten stalwart miners were chosen to ascend the bluff, and Long Ben Radleigh, of the Chucka- luck Mine, was chosen to command them, They made a circuit around the ledge, and proceeded to climb the bluff ata point where a spur sloped down to the brook. Hours passed before et made their appear- ance at the edge of the bluff and signaled to their friends below, who greeted them with a cheer that caused consternation among the gar- rison of the ridge. ty work of the miners soon began to show itself. A heavy piece of rock, detached by them from the edge of the bluff, drop don the ledge near the log house, where it broke into frag- ments, Several men ran out of the house, and among them was a woman; but Jake Nemo, who had a field-glass, declared that it was not Belle Bush, A much larger piece of rock was then slipped over the bluff, which crushed down upon the log house, demolishing it, and scattering the men on the ledge. The only chance for them then was to stay as near the edge as possible, and even then they were far from safe, as bullets from the top of the bluff began to drop among them, and their assailants in front began to redouble their fire as they advanced toward the ridge. The outlaws did not long endure this unex- pected style of warfare, but raised something white as a signal of surrender. There were no negotiations, The Chucka- luck men hastened to climb the ridge, and Kit Kenyon was the first to reach the top. He looked about for Burke and Belle Bush, but saw neither of them. “Where is Jack Burke?” he demanded, ‘There he goes!” shouted one of the Chucka- luck men near him, pointing to the valley, down which a man was seen running at the top of his speed. , Jake Nemo brought his field-glass to bear on the fugitive, and pronounced him to be John Burke, anda number of men at once set off in pursuit, The woman who had come out of the log house stepped forward and spoke to Kenyon. “The gal ain’t here,” she said. “Jack Burke brought her here this mornin’, but she didn’t stay more’n two hours. She dosed the crowd with opium, and slid out. That’s a solid fact, stranger.” , No more attention was paid to the captured outlaws. They were of small consequence compared with the punishment of Burke and the recovery of Belle. Kenyon almost tumbled from the ledge, and hurried off down the valley, after directing some of the men_ to follow with the horses as speedily as possible,
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24 Roving Sport Kit. CHAPTER XV. THE LONE CABIN. WHEN Belle Bush found herself clear of the log house, she descended the ledge without dif- ficulty, and hastened down the valley, taking tho route which she bad followed when she was brought there, She ran until she was out of breath, and then it occurred to her that she did not need to overexert herself, as some time must pass be- fore the men she had left would awake from their opium slumber, if they should ever awake. She was possessed by a haunting fear that she had killed them. She walked slowly until she was rested, and then stepped forward more briskly. The landmarks which she had noted as she was brought from Chuckaluck by her captors were retained in her memory, and she had good reason to believe that she would be able to find her way back to the road, If night should over- take her on the journey, she was armed, and hoped to be able to protect herself. ut landmarks are sometimes deceptive, as there are many objects in nature which appear similar when viewed by inexperienced eyes, and this fact was to give the girl trouble. Tho landmark which she had noted at the place where she met the brook and turned to goup the valley was @ splintered tree, and at the first splintered tree she saw she struck off to the left, She was obliged to guess at the time of day, and consequently at the position the sun should occupy, in order to shape her course; but she knew that it must be nearly at right-angles to the direction of the stream, and she plunged bodily into the forest, After a while the conviction forced itself up- on her that she had as yet seen nothing which she remembered to have seen before, and then she came to a deep ravine which she had surely not encountered as she came, There seemed to be no use in going back to the brook to take a fresh start. She thought that she knew the direction in which the road jay, and that she could press on and reach it at ast, She turned southward with the intention of passing around the ravine, and had succeded in reaching the head of that obstruction, when she suddenly came upon a small cabin or hut. Rude as the structure was—built of poles or saplings rather than logs—and greatly as she was surprised to find it there in the heart of the forest, it at least indicated the presence of human beings, and she wondered if it was in- habited, Yes, there was a thin smoke that seemed to come out at the hole in the roof. Would it be safe for her to stop there and ap- ply for assistance? Outlaws went in gangs, and bey would not be likely to inhabit such a hut. All men were not John Burkes, and why should she expected to be ill-treated? As the thoughts were passing through her mand, a man stepped out of the house and saw er. This man was clothed in a strange mixture of rags and skins, He did not seem to be an old man; yet his hatless head was quite gray. His face was haggard, and there was a wild look in his eyes that made the girl shudder. But he bowed profoundly before he stepped toward her, and he spoke mildly and pleasantly. “There is nothing to be afraid of, young lady,” he said—“ nothing to be afraid of here, I am the king of this range, and am always glad to welcome my subjects. No doubt you have heard of me—King Harry the First. Will you walk into my palace?” She hesitated and stepped back a little, “There is nothing to be afraid of,” he said, again, ‘I am known to be kind and merciful, I will treat you like a queen, and will send you on your way rejoicing.” he girl perceived that she had a lunatic to deal with, and could only hope that he was a harmless one, As it would be best to humor him, she fol- lowed him into his hut. It was comfortless enough inside; but over an open fire was an iron pot, in which was a stew which sent forth such appetizing odors that she was quite overcome. She fairly longed for a taste of that stew. She smiled as she held out her hand to him, and he touched it with an air of great conde- scension, ‘Before I ask you to report to me,” he said, ‘you must be refreshed with food.” ‘here was a section of a large tree in the middle of the earthen floor, which evidently served him asa table. On this he placed two wooden platters, two tin cups of water and some knives and forks. Then he lifted the pot from the fire and sat it on the floor, requesting his guest to help herself, She did so, and was glad to perceive that the taste of the stew did not belie its pleasant odor. It was very good, and she said so, and ate heart- lly, both of which compliments tended to in- crease his good humor, When they had finished their meal, he pleas- antly informed her that be was ready to hear what she had to say. Belle thought it would be best to tell him her story, and she told it as briefly as possible, beginning with her abduction from Chucka- luck. He listened to it as if he scarcely understood it, oras if he were makibg some fanciful pic- ture of itin hisown mind, Yet he liste: to it attentively and with an air of interest, and occasionally made a remark which showed that there were points which did not pass his compre- hension. She spoke of Burke L eegord as ‘a man;” but toward the close of her narrative she men- tione his name. Then the change in the demeanor of the soli- is was sudden and startling. 6 jumped up from his seat, and his face was fiery red, and his eyes shot forth fierce gleams of anger, and his entire manner was that of a dangerous lunatic. ‘What is the matter?’ demanded Belle, as she shrunk from bim. “That name!” he exclaimed. “It is the name of a fiend. I know him well. It was he who murdered me—who slew his lawful king—and he shall hang for that crime yet, { b| ; - i
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ce ee f= _ 2 ines Roving Sport Kit. 25 Don’t be alarmed, my dear young lady,” he continued, as he resumed his seat on the block. “He is not here, and there is nothing to be afraid of. Go on, and tell me how you came here.” The girl soon finished her story, taking care not to mention John Burke by name again, and at the close she begged the solitary to give her the direction of a ruad that would lead her to Chuckaluck. ‘““T will gladly do that,” he replied, speaking more rationally than he had yet spoken, ‘ But it is getting late in the day. If you should start now, night would overtake you before you could get far, and you would get lost in the woods, That would be bad. You are worn out, too, and need rest, You had better stay here, where you are quite safe, until morning, when I will take you to the road. You shall be treated like a queen,” he added, reverting to his usual manner, Belie suffered herself to be persuaded. She was indeed very weary, and the solitary prepared for her a couch on which she laid down, and soon forgot her troubles in sleep, She slept soundly through the night, and be- fore daybreak the solitary gave her something to drink, Again she slept and was visited by a frightful dream. She dreamed that Burke had surprised and captured her again. She had striven in vain to escape from him, and he was about to carry her away, when she awoke. sae solitary was seated in wu corner nod- ing. She quietly arose, opened the rude door, and was stepping out to see how near the day was done, when she found herself face to face with John Burke! CHAPTER XVI. JOHN BURKE’S FLIGHT, THE men on the floor of the log house on the ledge slept long and soundly. Moll sat and watched them, but every now and then stepped out tolook around. At last she saw three men approaching the ledge, and knew that they were those who had gone hunt- ing. She went back, stretched herself out on the floor, and was apparently lost in a deep slum- ber. When the three men entered the house they were naturally surprised at the sight they saw. ‘“‘What’s the matter with these galoots?”’ de- manded one of them. ‘ Ain’t that Jack Burke lying over there? Well, he is a sight for sore CFE, BUYNOW: But what’s the matter with the joys? “They must be drunk,” suggested another. “Tf they are, it is the drunkenest drunk I ever saw or heard of. Let’s shake them up.” The new-comers shook the sleepers violently, and touzled them severely, but had poor success in arousing them, until they came to Burke, who started up and rubbed his eyes, “What's the matter?” he asked, with a dazed look at his companions on the floor. “That’s what we want to know,” answered one of the others. ‘‘ We found you all dead asleep on the floor. Were you drunk?” John Burke revived quickly. He looked around, but saw nothing of Belle, and this, more than anything else, brought his senses back to him. “No drunk about it,” he declared. ‘I would be glad to know what was the matter. I was drowsy, and laid down, leaving these men to watch things. Stir them up, boys, and make them talk.” The other sleepers were finally aroused suf- ficiently to say that they had fallen asleep be- cause they were unable to keep awake, and the last one to yield had left Moll to ‘* watch things.” The woman was then “stirred up,” bat it was more difficult to awaken her than any of the others, and when she was aroused it wasa long time before she could be made to compre- hend the situation. “‘Treckon I can guess what the matter is,” said she, “TI let that gal watch the coffee while it was bilin’, and when nobody was look- in’ she must ha’ put in some stuff that made us sleep.” ‘But you drank none of the coffee,” insisted Burke, “T did, though. When you men had laid down I helped et to plenty.” ““Was the girl here when you fell asleep?” ‘““That’s more’n I know. Reckon I dropped off onbeknownst to myself. But she was here when I was drinkin’ the coffee.” John Burke was fearfully angry, but he could fasten no suspicion on Moll or any other person, and there was nothing for him to do but to bottle up his wrath and prepare to pursue the fugitive. She had a pretty long start, but the chances were that she would get lost in the wilderness, and that a speedy and Giligent search would result in her recapture. He enlisted in this en- terprise the members of the gang who were present, promising to reward them well if he should regain his captive. As the day was then near its close, he step- ped out to consider whether it would be best to make an immediate start, and was met by three more members of the gang, who were ba of breath with their hasty climbing up the ridge. “We had held up a stage at Deadman’s Gap,” said their leader, “and were jest on the pint of goin’ through the pilgrims, when a crowd of cusses from Chuckaluck way rode in and bounced us. We scattered without stop- pin’ to shake hands; but I reckon they got Greeny Dave, as we haven’t seen nothin’ of him sence,” The comrades of the stage robbers gathered around them, and pressed for details, and the story was hardly finished when a large body of horsemen was discovered on the opposite slope. tan Burke at once guessed that it was more than likely that they had come for him, and he assured the gang that he was determined not to be taken alive. He had formerly been their leader, and their loyalty had revived at the sight of him. They declared their intention of defending him, and had no hesitation in doing so, as they
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26 Roving Sport Kit. were convinced that their position was im- pregnable. But this development of course put a stop to the pursuit of Belle Bush, and it would be necessary to shake off the Chuckaluck people before a start could be made in that direction. During the night and the early hours of the next morning the outlaws laughed at their foes, and had no doubt of their ability to ** hold the fort.” The attack from the top of the bluff was to them an unexpected feature of the affair; yet, when it occurred, they all wondered why they had not thought of it before. They ran away from the falling rocks, and sought shelter from the flying bullets; but they were beginning to fall before the fire from above and below, and the question of surrender was seriously considered, When it had been decided that they must surrender, Jobn Burke was informed of the conclusion to which they had come. “All right, boys,” he replied. ‘I can stand it if you can. Give me ten minutes’ time, and I will look out for myself.” The southern side of the ledge where it joined the bluff, was very steep. In fact, it was an overhanging wall of rock. On account of its cid ree inaccessibility, the assailants had paid little attention to that point. There John Burke made a rope fast, reach- ing nearly to the rock below. hen the surrender was made, and the Chuckaluck men hastened to mount the ledge, that side was left entirely unguarded. Then he slipped down the rope, landed on the nock, and ran down the valley at the top of his FS) 2 Pie soon discovered that he was pore but he had expected pursuit, and did not fear it. He was a strong man anda good runner, and believed that he could easily get out of the way of his pursuers in the wilderness, if he should not be able to distance them, So he ran straight along, throwing out his chest and saving his wind. He made the same mistake that Belle had made, He hastily turned to the left at the same splintered tree, encountered the same deep ra- vine, and went to the southward to pass around it, just as she had done. ust as she had done he came tothe lonecabin, and halted to consider whether he ought to stop there and get directions. Finally he approached it stealthily, and tried to look in; but the saplings of which it was built were well chinked and daubed, and he could find no spy-bole. He stepped to the door, and while he hesitated it was opened. Before him stood Belle Bush. She screamed, and stepped back, shutting the door in his face, He was astonished, but none the less deter- mined and quick in his movements, His anger at her escape, and his desire to ess her as his own, flamed up in his face, and @ was full of passionate fay With a push of his foot he forced the frail door from its hinges, and entered the cabin. Belle had shrunk into a corner, and in her place was a man with a haggard face and wild eyes, who confronted him with passion and fury equal to his own. “Ts it you, Jack Burke?” exclaimed the soli- tary. ‘‘At last you have come tome, I have been waiting for you a long time.” ‘‘Who are you?” demanded Burke, staring at this strange creature, “Don’t you know me? Have you forgotten me so soon? [I was Harry Brough, the man you murdered because he refused to join your rascally gang. Now I am King Harry the First, and you are doomed to die!” The solitary Hpbi upon his foe, clutching him by the throat, and Burke, strong as he was, found himself unable to shake him off. His pistol had been taken by Belle, and he hadno weapon but a knife in a sheath at his belt. In the struggle that followed both men fell on top. He drew his knife, and plunged the sharp blade into the breast of the man beneath him, CHAPTER XVII. LAST APPEARANCE OF THE GHOST. Assoon as the solitary grappled with John Burke, Belle Bush ran out of the cabin. She might have used Burke's pistol effective- ly, so as to end the conflict in favor of the lunatic, but was so frightened that the thought did not occur to her, As she stood outside, thinking only of flight and doubting what direction she should’ take, she was startled by the sound of horses’ feet. The next moment several horsemen came bursting se 4 the timber, and the foremost of them was Kit Kenyon! She spoke his name with a joyful cry, and he sprung from his horse to her side. ‘You here?” he exclaimed. ‘This is a blessing I had not dared to hope for. We were chasing John Burke.” ‘‘Heis in there,” hastily replied Belle, point- ing to the cabin, ‘‘He has grappled with a oor lunatic, and I am afraid he will kill him, @ quick, Kit, for God’s sake!” enyon ran into the cabin with Jake Nemo and the men who had followed them, The solitary was lying on the earthen floor, and his antagonist was bending over him, vain- ly striving to force himself from the grip which the dying man had fastened upon him. John Burke was os Ror ame prisoner, and was securely bound, Then Belle was invited to step in and look at her persecutor. “You are a smart one,” was all that Burke said when he looked at the girl who had unwill- ingly brought him to his fate. ake Nemo, greatly to bis surprise, thought that he recognized in the dead solitary the face of his brother, who had been killed by Burke, as he believed, long ago, and Belle confirmed him in this recognition by rep:ating what the soli- tary bad told her. Shots were fired, and men were sent out, to re- call the missing ones of the Chuckaluck party. In the chase of Burke he had been seen to leave the brook at the shattered tree, and his pursuers were scattered to cover all the ground, While they were being brought together a ae — < ressrerpe yore?
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Roving Sport Kit. 27 messenger was sent on to Chuckaluck to inform the people there of the result of the expedition, and to tell them that John Burke would be taken for trial to the locality of Charley Manson’s grave, this being a suggestion of Belle’s to Ken- yon, By the time the missing men came ina grave had been dug, and the solitary, wrapped in his biankets, was laid to rest. Then the Chuckaluck party set out, pushing their horses so as to get through the forest while daylight lasted. t was night when they reached Charley Man- son’s grave; but many people from Chuckaluck were already awaiting them there, and others were constantly arriving. By the time they were ready to begin the trial there was a large concourse on the spot. The preparations for Burke’s trial were simple and speedily made, Twelve good and reliable men were selected to act as a jury, and Tom Dimon, one of ce most solid men of Chuckaluck, was chosen judge. , There was no prosecutor, and the prisoner did not need any person to present his defense. Nor were there any witnesses—at least none who were sworn as such, The facts concerning John Burke’s former and recent career were so notorious that sworn testimony was considered unnecessary. It was a strange and impressive scene where that crowd.was gathered at the side of the road, under the leafy trees and near the grave of one of Burke’s victims, The night was dark, but a fire had been built to give light, and dry twigs and brusbwood were oc- casionally thrown upon it. Jt blazed up and crackled, casting lurid gleams upon the sur- rounding crowd, and lending to the occasion a ae which it might not otherwise have bad, The prisoner stood up, and defiantly faced his accusers and judges. He was as calm and collected as he had usually been known to be, and only the pale- ness of his face showed that be appreciated the danger of his position, Whatever might be said of the man’s faults or crimes, he had never been called a coward, and in the face of that crowd he was not likely to show the white feather. Belle Bush was the first to step forward. With flashing eyes and outstretched arm she stood there, and pointed at the stalwart pris- oner, “‘T accuse that man,” she said, “ of the willful and cold-blooded murder of Charles Manson, who lies in that grave.” John Burke sneered. ““T was cleared of that, months ago,” said he. Jake Nemo then stepped forward, and his withered face shone in the firelight as he de- nounced the man whose track he had so long kept in sight. ‘I accuse Jack Burke,” he said, “of the willful murder of Harry Brough. He thought he had killed him years ago; but to-day he ae him alive, and finished his bloody work, 4 ‘The man was crazy,” coldly replied Burke. “He attacked me, and I killed him in self- defense,” Kit Kenyon then stepped forward, and his clear, ringing voice might have been heard far beyond the limits of the crowd. “*T aceuse John Burke,” he said, “of having earried away by force, and with a devilish purpose, Belle Bush, the Pride of Chuckaluck!” This was the charge that told. It fairly ‘brought down the house.” ‘The crowd roared and yelled and howled, and impatiently ordered the jury to attend to its duty. There could be no doubt then of Belle’s popu- larity in Chuckaluck, or of the intense detesta- tion that her abductor had aroused by his out- rageous act. The jury was not slack in responding to the public demand, and a verdict that fitted it was quickly rendered, “ Guilty!” A general yell of approbation greeted the word, and the crowd made a rush toward the prisoner, “Hold on!” shouted Kenyon. ‘'Give tho man five minutes. Let him speak for himself if he wants to.” The Chuckaluck people fell back a little, and John Burke regarded them with a look of calm derision, ‘‘Nothing that I could say,” he remarked, ‘would move a crowd that is so ready to obey the orders of one man, I suppose you are obey- ing his orders, when you want to string me up. He has robbed me of my money, and now he wants my life.” ; “That is a lie!” interrupted Kit. ‘Tt is easy to insult me now. If you are bent on this thing, I suppose you will do it; but you are making a great fuss about a girl who is no better than she ought to be.” There was vo restraining the crowd this time. The prisoner was roughly seized, bis legs were pinioned, a noose was tightened around his neck, the end was thrown over a branch of a tree above him, and fully a dozen men had hold of it, waiting the word to “run him up,” Just then the men who stood near Charley Manson’s grave moved aside, and a startling vision burst upon the view of the doomed pris- oner, whose last glance rested aps the appari- tion that bad so often shaken his nerves—the same vivid figure of a young man, with thesame blotch of blood on his breast, and the same pease face, shining with the same ghostly ight. He shrieked, and closed his eyes to shut out the horrible sight. = gt? The men at the rope ran away with it, and Jobn Burke was suspended in the air. 2 The rope was made fast to a neighboring tree, and the crowd dispersed, leaving him hang- ing there, but not before as many as fifty bulle had been fired into his lifeless form, CHAPTER XVII. EXPLANATIONS, Tne death of Jobn Burke caused a great sen- sation in Chuckaluck, only second to that which
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28 me nee produced by the abduction of Belle ush, He had for so long a time been a popular, if not a respected citizen of the town, that he was oue of the last men who might have been ex- pected to perish at the hands of the lynchers, But his execution was generally justified, as having been nothing more than he deserved, His murders and other crimes might have been forgiven, or at least overlooked; but his out: rageous audacity in forcibly carrying away the Pride of Chuckaluck had called for the severest punishment, It was even proposed, as the crowd returned to town, to visit the same penalty upon his con- fidant, who was also regarded as his accomplice; but Sam Byles had already consulted his own safety, and had promptly ‘skipped the camp,’ ; It is sad to be obliged to record the fact that after Chuckaluck had so unanimously proved its devotion to the mistress of The Chromo, going so far as to sacrifice one of its lately prominent: citizens in her cause, it was soon to be deprived of the blessing of her pres- ence, But this was the lamentable truth. She opened her establishment as usual the day after the hanging, but seemed to take little inter- est in the sales or her customers, and in plain view behind the counter was a placard announc- ing that The Chromo and its contents were for sale, In response to numerous inquiries she con- firmed the announcement, saying that she had received news which obliged her to return to the East whence she had come. Moreover, she had sustained a shock which had affected her health, and would be obliged in any event to seek a change of air. : Many offers, matrimonial and other wise, were made to induce her to remain, but her intention was fixed, and nothing could be said or done to change it. Then there was grief in Chuckaluck, and the inhabitants went about with long faces, condol- ing with each other, but finding no comfort. _ The bad reports of the Chuckaluck Mine, and the signs of “ petering out” which the camp already showed, were nothing compared to this distressing intelligence, and disconsolate met began to say that they might as well emi- grate. The evening of the day on which her intention was made public found Kit Kenyon cosily seat- ed in the rear room of The Chromo, and his only companion was Belle, She was radiant with smiles, as if pleased with the idea of getting away from Chuckaluck, and the state of his mind may be described as uncertain, “So you were the ghost?” he remarked. ‘Yes, Everybody knows that now, and I would have let you know it sooner, if { had not been afraid that you would bother me.” ‘* Why did you go into that business?” “You might guess the reason, I am Belle Manson, the sister of the poor boy who lies in that grave out yonder. When his friend re- ported his death to me, and the manner of it, T vowed that justice should overtake his mmr- | Roving Sport Kit. derer; and that vow has been fulfilled, though not exactly as I intended.” “‘ How did you manage to get yourself up in such a ghostly style?” ‘Tf you had noticed me last night you would have seen the trick of it. I brought here a suit which I had made at the East, exactly like that which my brother wore when he was murdered, and I had my own way of using it. With a little red wool and plenty of phosphorus it would deceive anybody in the night and ata proper distance, I also made a hole through the side of my house and into the murderer’s room, and caused the apparition to visit bim there at night with the aid of a small magic lantern.” ‘Tt worried him fearfully—no doubt of that. But there was one time, Belle, when you were not playing the game, as you yourself saw the host.” en That was when it appeared in the hollow at the side of the road. Mr, Nemo took my place then, and played the part well, as he could easily do at that distance. When I came out here determined to hunt Jobn Burke down, I engaged him to help me in the task, and he willingly did so, as he had a grievance of his own. i believed, as I did, that bang- ing was the only death that would give the murderer his deserts.” 2 “But how did you manage it last night? You surely didn’t take the ghost’s fixings with you when you were carried away from Chuck- aluck?” “You helped me in that, Kit. When you sent a messenger to Chuckaluck I told him to ask Wo Sing for a square bundle that the China- man knew about, and it was brought to me, That bundle contained my ghostly wardrobe.” ‘* Well, it is simple enough when it comes to be known. So you are going to leave Chuck- aluck, Belle?” aoV ogi? ** As I followed you here, I suppose I can fol- low ou elsewhere.” * og I suppose you can, if you try. “You may be sure that I will try, Don’t you know that I love you with my whole reart?” ‘*T believe you do care for me, Kit.” ‘** And do you not care for me a little?” “T don’t know but I do,” she replied, with a ush, ‘Oh, Belle, if you would marry me, I would be the happiest man in the world, Is there any chance for me?” “Perhaps there might be, Kit, if you would agree to my terms.” ‘You have only to tell me what they are.” “Simply that you should quit your roving life and settle down.” “That iseasy enough. I will gladly settle down—with you. I will take the money I won here, if you say so, and buy a cattle-farm, I am sure I can manage that successfully.” When Belle Bush left Chuckaluck, Kit Ken- yon went in the same stage, THE END, eee ee
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(es eee 6) ee er BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. Published Hvery Wednesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. 1 Deadwood Dick, .ae Prince of the Road. By E. L. Wheeler, r 2 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. By Buffalo Bill. 8 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 4 The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s De- flance. By Edward L. Wheeler. 5 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes of a Bowery Girl. By Albert W. Aiken. 6 The Prairie Pilot; or, The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. % The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures. By Edward L. Wheeler, 8 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Oll Coomes. 9 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scou’. By “Texas Jack.” 10 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol. By BE. L. Wheeler, 11 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 12 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of 76. By T. C. Harbaugh. 18 Yellowstone Jack; or, The Trappers of tlie En- chanted Ground. By Joseph E. Ba‘lger, Jr. 14 Wild Ivan, the Boy Clau.e Duval. By E. L. Wheeler, 15 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellow- stone. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. By Oll 16 Keen-Knife, Prince of the Prairics. 17 Oregon Sol, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. By J. F. C. Coomes. Adams, 18 Death-Face, the Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. By Ol 19 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. Coomes. * 20 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Reckless Ranger. By Harry St. George, 21 The Boy Clown; or, The Queen of the Arena, By Frank S. Finn. #2 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick's Bo- nanza. By Edward L. Wheeler. 23 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 24 The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes. 2% Rattling Rube; or, The Night Hawks of Ken- rg & By Harry St. George. 26 Old Avalanche, the Great Annibilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. By FE. L. Wheeler. 27 Glass-Bye, the Great Shot of the West. By J. F, ©, Adams. 28 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. By Roger Starbnek. 29 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 80 Rob Woolf, the Border Ruffian. By Edward L. heeler, 31 Agr orenle Nat; or, The Forest Captains. By T. C. Harbaugh. 82 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaws’ Retreat. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 83 Omaha Oll, the Masked T-rror; or, Deadwood 5) i We rol By E. L. Wheeler, urt Bunker, the Trapper. By Geo, E. Lasalle, 35 ie? bed Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By . ©. Irons 36 The White Buffalo. By George E. Lasalle, 87 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to Death. By Edward L. Wheeler, 88 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. By Captain J. F. C, Adams. 39 peealy, Eye, the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo 40 Nick Whiffles’s Pet; or, In the Valley of Death. By Capt. J. F. CO. Adams. 41 Devdwood Dick’s Bagless or, The Pards of Flood Bar. By Edward L. Wheeler. 42 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. By Ol Coomes. 43 Old Hickory; or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. By Harry St. George. 44 The White Indian; or, The Scouts of the Yellow- stone. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 45 Buckhorn Bill; or, the Red Rifle Team. By Ed- ward L. Wheeler. 46 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 47 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers. By W. J. Hamilton. 48 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaw of the Oregon Trail, By T. C. Harbaugh, i 49 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, By =e B. Badger, Jr. 50 Single Hand; or, A Life for a Life. By W. J. Hamilton. 51 Patent-leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake the Charmer. §. Warne. Phili 52 The Border Robin Hood: or, The Prairie Rover. By Buffalo Bill. 53 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 Oll Coomes. 56 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. By W. J. Hamilton, 57 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane. By Edward L. Wheeler. 58 Hawkeye Harry, the Young Trapper. By Oll Coomes. 59 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea Wolf, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 60 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken. 61 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Brayo, By Edward L. Wheeler. 62 Will Somers, the Boy Detective, Morris. 63 — Ginger, the Giant Trapper. By Albert W. iken. 64 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the By Charles Guleh. By Edward L. Wheeler. 65 Lightning Joe, the Terror of the Prairie. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams 66 od geet the Wood-Hawk. By T. C. Har- auch, 67 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes. 68 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. By Edward L. Wheeler. 69 Spesapyt Dick; or, The Heroin Rags, By Chas. Morris. 7 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. By OW Coomes. 71 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 72 The Lion of the Sea; or, The Vailed Lady of San Tropez. By Albert W. Aiken, 73 Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance. By E. L. Wheeler. 74 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detec- tive. By Charles Morris. %% Island Fim; or, The Pet of the Family. By Bracebridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway). 76 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By B. L. Wheeler. W7 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Sinuggler. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. %8 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Donble Cross. By EK. L. Wheeler. 79 The Black Mustanger; or, The Wild Horse Hun ters. By Captain Mayne Reid. 80 Old Frosty, the Guide. By T. C. Harbaugh. 81 The Sea Viper; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, | : | i “f
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82 § on oe or, The Captives of the Frontier. y ELS. 83 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L. Wheeler. 84 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Daughter. By Captaid Frederick Whittaker. 8 The a Rigs Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. By Edwarc Ellis. 86 Jack Harkaway i in New York, Hemyng. 87 The Hussar Captain; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 88 Deadwood Dick in ville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty. By Edward L. Wheeler. 89 pe Sona at or, Life in the Northwest. a edward §, E 90 BPRy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. eorge Gleason. 91 Mustang Sam, the King of the Plains. E. Badger, Jr. 92 The Ocean Bloodhound or, the Red Pirates of the Caribbees. y Samuel | W. Pearce. 93 Phil Hardy, the ous Boy; or, The Mystery of the § Songnelt. By Char les Morris, 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 95 Buck ge or, the Female Trapper. By, Captain J. F. C. Adams 96 Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 97 el ot Steed of the Prairies. By James L. 98 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan Lewis. 99 Robanta Bill, the Man Tracker; or, the Secret Twelve. By E. L. Wheeler. 100 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. By E. 8. Ellis 101 Daring Davy, the Young Bear Killer; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf. By Harry St. George, 102 The Yellow Chief; or, The Half-Blood’s Ven- geance, By Cop ‘apt. Mayne Reid. 108 ena the Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 104 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. By Roger Starbuck. 105 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective. By Charles Morris. 106 Night-Hawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 107 Jack Hoyle’s eo io The Road to Fortune, y Edward L. Wh 108 Hoeky ountain Kit, the White Mustanger. By arbaugh. 109 The ficanded’ Hand; or, The Man of Mystery. th Frank Dumont, 110 ie ° pu reas Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. By e W. Browne. 111 re ob, the King of Bootblacks, By Edward L. Wheeler. 112 The Helpless Hand. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 113 Pill peree Saul, the Silent Hunter. By Oll Coo 114 Piney Paul, the Mountain Boy. By T. C. Har- 115 Daanatea Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gor- gon’s Gulch. By Edward L. Wheeler. 116 Jabez Coffin, § eens or, Lost in the Polar Regions. By Ca) Whittaker. 117 ee f aie of Colorado; or, The Trappers Trust. By ‘ Buffalo Bill.” 118 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughored; or, The Win- ning Hand. By Chas. Morris. 119 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick's Home Base. y Edward L. Wheeler. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. C. Har- baugh. 121 aaery Armstrong, the Captain of the Club. By Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway). 122 The Huuted Hunter; or, The Strange of the Prairie. By Edward S. Ellis. 123 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Edward L. eeler. 1% Judge Lynch, Jr.; or, The Boy V: te. By T. C, Harbaugh, ee 4 By Bracebridge By Jos. orseman BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. | 125 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s Island. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 126 Blue Blazes; or, The Break o’? Day Boys of Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 127 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job. By Edwai rd L. Wheeler. 128 Will Wildfire’s Racer; or, Winning Against Odds. By Charles Morris. 129 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. By Oll Coomes. 130 oa Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avengers, y T. C. Harbaugh. 181 rid Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler. 182 Dainty ane, the Boy Sport. By Joseph E. er, 133 Wd fire, the Boss of the Road. 134 tke ‘Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Chas, orris. 135 eee Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked By Edward L. Wheeler. 136 rank ants: the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton Holmes. 137 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G, Waldo Browne. 188 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas. Morris, 139 The —— Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 140 Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road-Agents. Nt Philip 8. Warne 141 Ne By Frank Du- Ww Ae aaa the Boy-Girl Detective. By heeler. 142 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Ol Coomes. 143 Deadly Dash; i Fighting Fire with Fire. By Jos. K. Badge 144 aoe weg he Wild Rider. 145 ie tie Tiger of Taos; or, Wild Kate, Dandy Rock’s Angel. By Geo, Waldo Browne. 146 The Cattle King; or, Cortina’s Right Bower. By Frank Dumont, 147 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, the Scamps of the Sierras. By Edward L. aay heeler. 148 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the Wolf-Herder of the Rockies. By Harry St. George. 149 Bob a eigte the’ Bank Runner. Morri 150 The © Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. By G. Waldo Browne. 151 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 152 a. eee e; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By ’. H. Eys 153 ¥ ila Frank, “the Buckskin Bravo. By E. L. Wheeler. Trailers Ses Daint; wy Lance on the War- By Col. Prentiss In- By Charles 154 The Bo Path. By Jos, E 155 since Plume, the. Bee eat. By Col. Prentiss 156 W: fat Wildfire in the Woods. By C. Morris. 157 Ned peeve, the Border Boy. By T. C. Har- baug! 158 Deakwood Dick's Doom; or, Calamity Jane's Last Adventure. By E. L. Wheeler. 159 Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat; or, The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip 8, Warne, 160 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed Thirteen, By Col. P. Ingraham. 161 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman. By C. Morris, 162 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. By Oll Coomes. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, the Rivals of the Road. By KE. L. Wheeler. 164 Tornado ‘Tom; or, Injun Jack from Red Core. By T. C. Harbaugh. 165 Buffalo Bill's Bet; or, The Gambler Guide, By Col. P. Ingraham. 166 Will Wildare Wins and Loses; or, “A Trump Card,”’_ By Charles Morris._ 167 Dandy Rock's Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. By George W. Browne.
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills | 200 The Twin Horsemen; or, The Brothers of the Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 169 The Boy Champion. By Edward Willett. 170 Bob Rockett's Fight for Life; or, Shadowed in New York. By Charles Morris. 171 Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. Coomes, 172 The Yankee Ranger; or, Dusky Darrell. By Edwin Emerson. 173 Dick Dingle, Scout; or, The Frontier Angel. By Edward §, Ellis. 174 Dandy Rock’s Scheme; or, The Golden Hand, By G. W. Browne. 175 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp By Edward L. Wheeler. 176 Will Wildfire’s Pluck; or, The Hidden Hand. By Charles Morris. 177 The Boy Commander; or, The Maid of Perth. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 178 The Maniac Hunter; or, The Mysteries of Night Island. By Burton Saxe. 179 Dainty Lance; or, The Mystic Marksman, By J.E, Badger, Jr. 180 The Boy Gold-Hunter; or, Navajo Nick’s Scout. By T. C. Harbaugh. 181 The Scapegrace Son, By Charles Morris. 182 The Dark-Skinned Scout; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. By Lieut, Col. Hazeltine. 183 Jabez Dart, Detective; or, The Hermit Trapper. By Oll Coomes. 184 earn ene) the Boy Spy. By Edward Wil- ett. By Oll 185 Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. By Col. Pren- tiss Ingraham. 186 Dainty Lance and His Pard. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 187 The aise Tiger King; or, Dark Paul's Plot. By Charles Morris, 188 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues. By Edward L. Wheeler, 189 Old Rocky’s Boys; or, Bonito, the Young Mus- tang-Breaker. By Maj. Sam. 8. Hall. 190 Sim Simpkins, Scout; or, The Faithful Mountain Mastiff. By James L, Bowen. 191 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The Mysterious Wolf Rider, By Geo. Waldo Browne. 192 Hickory Harry; or, Roaring Ralph, the Ventrilo- quist. By Harry St. George. 193 Detective Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's Game. By Edward L. Wheeler. 194 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By Oll Coomes. 195 The Tenderfoot Trailer; or, Plucky Phil, of th Mountain. By T. C. Harbaugh. 4 es ° 196 The Dandy Detective; or, The Abducted Bo: Mystery. By Charles Morris, 2h 197 Roy, the Young Cattle King; or, The Tex: Sport Unnneced: By Col. Prentiss Tngraliarie « 198 Ebony Dan’s Mask; or, The Rival Leagues of the Mines. By Frank Dumont, % - Dictionary Nat, Detective; or, a Bravo, the | Tamer. By T, C. Harbaugh, Plumed Lance, By Capt, Frederick Whittaker. 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards; or, The Hawks of High Pine. By Wm. R. Eyster. 202 Tom, the Texan Tiger; or, Old Luke's Luck. By Oll Coomes. 203 Sam, the Office Boy; or, The Tables Turned. By Charles Morris. 204 The Young Cowboy; or, The Girl Trailer’s Tri- umph. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 205 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme. By E. L. Wheeler. 206 White Lightning; cr, the Boy Ally. By T. C. Harbaugh. : 207 Kentuck Talbot’s Band; or, The Red Lasso. By Captain Mark Wilton. 208 Trapper Tom's Castle Mystery; or, Dashing Dick’s Disguise. By Oll Coomes, ” 209 The Messenger-Boy Detective; or, The Tables Turned, By Charles Morris. ‘ 210 The Hunchback of the Mines; _or, Reckless Ralph, the Road-Agent. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, 211 Little Giant and His Band; or Despard, the Duelist. By P. S. Warne. 212 The Jimtown § ; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado. By E. L. Wheeler. 213 The Pirate’s Prize; or, The Mysterious Yankee Schooner. By C. Dunning Clark. 214 Dandy Dave, of Shasta; or, The ’Frisco Flash o’ Lightning. By T. C. Harbaugh. 215 Daring Dan, the Ranger; or, The Denver Detec- tive. By O11 Coomes, 216 The Cowboy Captain; or, Ranger Ralph’s Ruin. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 217 Bald Head of the Rockies; or, The Ang’l of the Range. By Major Sam §. Hall. 218 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam’s Claim, By Edward L. Wheeler.” 219 Buck, the Detective; or, Paul, the Boy Pard. By Albert W, Aiken. 220 Crack-Shot Frank; or, Bill Bounce, the Moun- tain Bravo. By Charles Morris. 221 Merle the Middy; or, A Waif of the Waves. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 222 Rosebud Ben’s Boys; or, The Young Prairie Rangers. By Oll Coomes. 223 Gold Conrad’s Watch-Dogs; or, The Two Pards of Vulture Bar. By T. C. Harbeugh, Frisky Fergus, the New York Boy. By G.L. Aiken, 225 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent, By Edward L. Wheeler. 226 Dakota Dick in Chicago; or, Jack, the Old Tar. By Charles Morris. 227 Merle, the Boy Cruiser; or, Brandt, the Buc- eaneer. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 228 The Preacher Detective; or, The Boy Ventrilo- quist. By Oll Coomes. 229 Old Hickory’s Grit. By John J. Marshall. 230 The Three Boy Sports; or, The Sword Hunters, By Captain rodeniek Whittaker, 224
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY, 281 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 232 Merle Monte’s Treasure; or, Buccaneer Brandt’s Threat. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 233 Rocky Rover Kit; or, Davy Crockett's Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D, Warren. 234 Baldy, the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F. C, Adams, 235 Jack Stump’s Cruise; or, The Montpelier’s Muti- neers. By Roger Starbuck. 236 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female De- tectives, By Ed. L. Wheeler. 237 Newsboy Ned, Detective; or, Two Philadelphia Gamins. By Charles Morris. 288 Merle Monte’s Sea-Scraper; or, Little Belt’s Droll Disguise, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 239 Ben’s Big Boom; or, The Boss Miner’s League. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 240 Sharp Shot Mike; or, Columbia Jim on the War- Path. By Oll Coomes, 241 Sierra Sam’s Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough Ranch. By Edward L. Wheeler. 242 The Denver Detective; or, Dainty Dot at Gold Gulch. By T. C. Harbaugh. 243 Dutch San's Dilemma; or, The Mysterious Mountain Monster. By Maj. L. W. Carson, 244 Merle Monte’s Disguise; or, The Capture of Brandt, the Buccaneer. By Col. Prentiss In- graham. 245 Bldy’s Boy_ Partner; or, Young Brainerd’s Steam Man. By Edward S. Ellis, 246 Detective Keen’s Apprentice; or, James Jumper the New York Gamin, By Charles Morris. 247 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise. By Edward L, Wheeler. 248 Giant George’s Pard; or, Arizona Jack, the Tenderfoot. By Buckskin Sam. , 249 Ranch Rob’s Wild Ride; or, Old Winch The Rifle King. By T. C. Harbaugh. 250 Merle Monte’s Pardon; or, The Pirate Chief's Doom. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 251 The Deaf Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. By Edward Willett. 252 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen. By Edward L. Wheeler. 253 The Boy Tenderfoot; or, Roaring Ben Bundy of Colorado. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 254 Black Hills Ben; or, Dutch Jan on the War- Path. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson. . 255 Jolly Jim, Detective; or, The Young Protege’s Victory; By Charles Morris. 256 Merle Monte’s Last Cruise; or, The Sea Robber at Bay. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 257 The Boy Chief of Rocky Pass; or, The Young California Pards, By Maj. B. L. St. Vrain, 258 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By Ol Coomes. 260 Skit, the Cabin Boy. By Edward Willett. 261 Blade, the Sport, or, the Giant of Clear Grit Camp. By T, C. Harbaugh, 262 Billy, the Boy Rover; or, Terror Tom of Texas, By Col, P. Ingraham. 263 Buster Bob’s Buoy; or, Lige, the Light-House Keeper. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 264 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport, By E. L. Wheeler. 265 Billy, the Baggage Boy; or, The Young Railroad Detective. By Charles Morris, 266 Guy’s Boy Chum; or, The Forest Waif’s Mask. By Capt. Comstock. 267 Giant George’s Revenge; or, The Boys of “ Slip- up Mine.” By Buckskin Sam, 268 The Dead Shot Dandy; or, The Rio Grande Marauders. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 269 The Quartzville Boss; or, Daring David Darke. By Edward Willett. 270 Denyer Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss, By E. L. Wheeler. 271 Ebony Jim’s Terror; or, Ranger Rainbolt’s Ruse, By Oll Coomes. 272 Kit, the Girl Detective; or, Dandy Dash in Cali- fornia. By T. C. Harbaugh. 273 The Girl Rider; or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise. Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 274 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Benito, the Boy Pard. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 275 Fred, the Ocean Waif; or, The Old Sailoi’s Protege. By Charles Morris. 276 Deadwood Dick jel or, Roxey Ralph's Ruse. By Edward L. eeler. 277 The Idiot Boy Avenger; or, Captain Wild-Cat's Big Game. By Albert W. Aiken. 278 Arizona Alf, the Miner; or, Little Snap Shot's Luck. By T. C. Harbaugh. 279 Colorado Jack, the Tiger; or, The Ghost of the Trailer... By Frederick Dewey. 280 Dead Shot Dandy’s Last Deal; or, Keno Kit’s New Role. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 281 Ned, the Boy Pilot; or, The Pirate Lieutenant's Doom. By Jack Farragut. 282 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy’s Fortune. By Edward L. Wheeler. . 283 Roving aon Kit; or, The Ghost of Chuckaluck Camp. By Edward Willett. » 24 The Showman’s Best Card; or, The Mad Animal Tamer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 285 Old Rocky's Pard; or, Little Ben’s Chase. By Buckskin Sam. 286 Dick; the Dakota Sport, By Charles Morris. Ready July 8. 287 Ned, the Boy Skipper; or, The Sea Sorceress’ Cruise. By Jack Farragut. Ready July 10, 288 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the or a Edward L. Wheeler, ady July 17, By * Beapie’s Pooxet Liprary is for sale by all News- dealers, five cents a copy, or sent by mail on re- ceipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.