Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 290) (1889 07 31)

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1 0 mh, = p 2.5 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams Price, No. 290, Pypocly * No. 98 wee TS NEw YorRE. , Five Conta. Vol. XXIII, SAM ONLY SAW ‘‘SMITEROCK,” WHO WAS SEATED IN A CHAIR AND CALMLY SMOKING, >. a?

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2 Rube, the Tenderfoot. Rube, the Tenderfoot; ” The Boys of Torpedo Gulch. BY MAJOR E. L. ST. VRAIN, AUTHOR OF ‘THE BOY BANDIT,” ‘‘ LEADVILLE NICK,” ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I. A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION. “T say, Tom who's that pilgrim over thar with ther red head?” “Wal, you’ve told allI know, He’sover thar, he’s red-headed an’ he’s a pilgrim.” ** Dye s’pose he’s come ter Torpedo Gulch ter stay! “Very likely he has, but, Sam, my boyee, I s’pect it "ll be under ground he ’ll make his — j ‘orpedo Gulch was a hard place; there was no room to doubt that, if one took his ideas from the testimony of all the rest of Arizona. It had long been ruled, and terrorized, by a gang of roughs who had been allowed remarkable lati- - tude because of the fact that there was not enough wealth about the town to invite honest men, Gold there was around Torpedo Gulch, and a few honest men, too, but both were scarce and the peaceful citizens held their peace and let the roughs have their own way. Of this class, Sam Lefferts and Tom Trufant were fair specimens, The former was young in years—not more than twenty. The object of the foregoing conversation was a youth who bad come on the stage that day, had taken quarters at Mose Beldick’s hotel, and was this evening sitting quietly in the bar-room, addressing no one and attending strictly to his own affairs, He was probably nineteen years of age, and, though his face was quite beardless, he had a well-developed form and a manner of quiet reso- lution which had from the first irritated Sam Lefferts. His allusion to the red head of the ‘ pil- grim” was caused by the fact that his hair was of a very dark, reddish-brown, and decidedly handsome, despite Sam’s sneer. The latter approached the bar and asked the landlord for the name of the young man, and in reply Beldick referred to the six-by-four blank- book in which his guests “registered ”—when they saw fit. It was seldom used, however, and it was quite near the beginning where Mose pointed to a name. “Read it,” said Sam. ‘I don’t know nothing *bout sech rubbish.” | uu P- “Is that ther name?” “ 1 ‘{ Reuben Reatop” Lefferts burst into a laugh which deadened every otber sound in the room, and drew the gaze of all wonderingly upon himself. Never before had his associates seen him in such a mood—hée was more given to cursing than i ee they did not know what to make of it. He advanced to a table and struck his fist on the board with a force which made the glasses rattle. “Oh! you darnation toughs an’ t/arers!” he shouted, “‘ jest hear me warble. Do you see that pilgrim over thar?—I say, do you see him? Look the beauty well over, fur he’s a tenderfoot from ther ground up. Look at ther color o’ his ha’'r! Now, gents, what do you s’pose is his name? That thar Im-book what Mose keeps says—' Reuben Redtop’!” ‘None of the miners were dull enough to miss the point, and while they grinned in concert, each one had something to say. Sam was happy, and, with the blizzard fairly started, he meant to follow it up. Advancing to within a few feet of the “‘ pilgrim,” he stooped down, placed his hands upon his knees, and grimaced before bis face. ‘Tsay, Redtop Rube, er Sorrel-top, er what- ever you calls yourself, ain’t you afeerd that ha’r will set your hat on fire?” It was an embarrassing position for a stran- ger, old or young, and Mr. Redtop was expected to cower before the burly young ruffian, or, if he possessed courage, to become very indig- nant. Instead of this, however, he retained the most erfect composure, and, raising the cigar he had Bont smoking, knocked off the ashes with the tip of his little finger. ‘My dear friend,” he said, “‘ your observing spirit is remarkable, and it leads me to make a confession. It is commonly said that the big Chicago fire was started by Mrs, O’Leary’s cow, but I don’t mind saying to you that it was done by my hair, I indiscreetly scratched my head, and the friction was like sand-paper on a match, This is a fact previously unknown to history.” The perfect coelness of the youth surprised all, and dumfounded Sam Lefferts for a mo- ment, but his ugly temper soon found vent. ‘*¥You miser’ble little tenderfut,” he vocif- erated, ‘‘ how dare you lie ter ine?” **So you doubt it? Well, sometimes people won’t take any stock in George Washington’s hatchet.” His perfect coolness enfaaed the young bully more and more, If he had been frightened, or had shown signs of fighting, he would have been happy, but this composure was like a rock in the way of bis wrath. ; The majority of the men in the room were smiling at bis cheek, even while they expected to see him ultimately drag the tenderfoot’s pride low in the dust; but there were two or three men who had nosympathy with Sam aud would gladly have helped his marked victim if they could. * ‘See hyar!” shoutec Sam, “jest you let up on that style o’ talk, We're men hyar, an’ sen- sible, too. Et’s very plain yowre from the East. Durnation! will you talk sense, or shall I ebuck you through the winder?” “What harm bas the window done?” It was too much for the bully, and witha

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Rube, the Tenderfoot. 3 snarl of rage he thrust out one hand with the evident intention of catching Mr. Redtop’s nose between his thumb and finger, but, quicker than his own motion, Rube’s hand arose, Moses Halpine, one of the miners, was not dis- posed to see the affair proceed, however, He saw that Reuben Redtop had plenty of courage, but he believed his fate was sealed if he went into the fight. Such being the case, Halpine stepped in front of Lefferts. “Come, Sam,” he urged, ‘“‘let me treat all rigbt and call it square. What do we care for this boy?” ‘““We care so much that he can’t come inter Torpedo Gulch an’ kick up any row, nor put on any airs. You stand out o’ ther way, Mose Halpine!” ith his face distorted with rage Sam raised the revolver and took a snap-shot, so quick and accurate that Halpine had neither time to an- ticipate him nor attempt to dodge the lead; and, reeling back, the rash defender fell heavily te the floor. The eyes of Redtop Rube flashed with a vivid- ness one would not have thought possible, but before he could take any step toward ven- geance, a slight, girlish figure darted through the door and, with a moaning cry, threw her- self upon the form of the fallen man. CHAPTER Il. REDTOP RUBE FACES THE CROWD. THIS unexpected interruption caused a stay in the proceedings and some of those who recog- nized the girl as Zella Halpine, the danghter of the prostrate miner, felt a little sorry for what had occurred, though the majority looked on with stolid faces. Reuben Redtop surmised the relationship, but after one expressive glance at Sam, moved for- ward and would have knelt beside him to ex- amine the wound on his bead which was bleed- ing so freely, but the young bully made two strides, caugbt him by the shoulder and jerked him back. “Hands off!” be ordered. ‘‘No man can touch what I ied an’ es fur yerself, you’d better look ter number one.” ** Slow and easy, my double-barreled fighter!” said Rube, ont: ** Pll attend to you present- ly, but just now I prefer to attend to him!” He pointed to the fallen man, over whom the girl was weeping and crying for a sign, a word, to show that he lived, and then once more he started toward his side. A fierce exclamation came from Sam’s lips and his hand fell heavily on the other’s shoul- der, Mr. Redtop wheeled lightly, and at the same moment his fist shot out like a flash, stopping only when it touched the bully’s neck, The blow sounded like the crack of a whip, and it was immediately followed by a louder, heavier sound, as after a few vague motions, Sam went crashing to the floor, Reuben knelt beside Moses Halpine. Up tothat time Zella had paid no attention to her surroundings, but as she saw the young man skillfully examine the red line along her father’s head she grew interested, ‘Have no fear, miss,” said Rube, quietly. “This hurt will never confine him to the bouse aday. He is stunned, but no real damage is done. See! the bleeding already grows insig- nificant and [ believe—yes, there are signs of returning consciousness, “May Heaven bless you, sir!” she said, with deep emotion, ‘* My father is all [ have.” ‘You may feel wholly at ease.” * But these men—they will kill us all,” and she shuddered and looked around the room, “ Are they as bad as that?” “They are perfect demons, My father has always said that if anything occurred to draw their anger upon him, he would be killed with- out mercy, Now—now you see what has hap- pened,” Reuben grew thoughtful, If matters were as bad as she said, there was indeed reason for fear, He knew Torpedo Gulch had a bad name, but he was learning that it was worse than he father, scious from my blow, and we must not wait for him to recover.” “But how are we to carry my father?” Zella asked, “Tf these fellows let us alone I can do it my- self— Ha! he opens his eyes!” Halpine did, indeed, recover at that moment, and that he was in full possession of his senses was shown by the keen glance he swept around the room, At sight of Zella he looked freshly alarmed. “You here!” he exclaimed. ‘Yes, with you!” she answered, firmly. “ Better be in a den of lions,” ‘Whatever be the danger, my place is beside you,” she replied, and Reuben wondered at such firmness in one of her years, “Are you able to leave here?” he asked, ad- dressing Halpine, who had not stirred. “So far as strength goes, lam; but I am not so sure the roughs will let us pass. I have been plainly warned that if I ever raised my hand against them I should seal my own fate.” Up to this time the speaker had not stirred, but he had not been idle. His gaze had been used to good advantage and he saw his worst fears realized. Beyond a doubt the roughs were ready to bar the way if they started, : Reuben Redtop knowing less of Torpedo Gulch, failed to discover all this, ‘Let us at least try,” be urged. And as he spoke, up went his revolvers, two reports fol- lowed, and with a jingle of glass, out went the lights and total darkness fell over the room. Another instant and Rube grasped Halpine’s arm. “The rear window!” he whispered; ‘ they will not think of locking for us there,” Halpine caught at the idea and yielded obedi- ence as men will when a strong mind comes to the surface in a crisis, 4

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4 The noise made by the roughs, all of whom seemed called upon to loudly comment on the loss of the lights, drowned what noise the trio made as they glided across the floor, and for a moment it seemed as though they would reach the window in safety. Suddenly, however, their way was barred, and as some one laid hold of Rube he laughed triumphantly. “Hal ha! I’ve got ye, my young rooster! Now, come down here!” The last order was accompanied by a jerk and a thump against Rube’s feet, but the young man did not ‘‘come down.” On the contrary, he avoided the peril and, catching at his adver- sary, tossed him over his head with remarkable quickness. A terrible tumult ensued, but the two men had the advantage of knowing friend from foe, and they pushed steadily toward the window, At times it seemed to Rube that others were helping them, but in the uproar everything was uncertain, “ Come, old man, away from here, or you are doomed,” said one of the strangers, catching him by the arm. ** Zella!” cried Halpine; ‘‘I will not leave without her. She is captured!” ‘Tt is death for us all to stay, Leave har for now, and we will rescue herlater, We will help her; I swear it!” Just then a bullet whistled past them, and it became so evident that they would soon have the entire lot of roughs at their heels, that Hal- pine yielded, and they glided away in the dark- ness. Rube Redtop had resolved to cling to the for- tunes of the man who had met misfortune in his service, and as they moved off he closely scanned the two strangers who made up the quartette. Both had the appearance and motions of young men, but in the darkness little more was to be told, though it seemed that they had ce forces with the smaller party in good ‘aith, Behind them arose the angry yells of the rougks, who had plainly been thrown from the scent for the time being, CHAPTER III. WHERE IS ZELLA? Haurpine did not go far. He had left his daughter in the hands of the roughs, and though he realized the importance of taking . care of himself, he did not intend to rest in idle- ness, ‘‘ Enough of this!” he said, suddenly pausing. “T am going back for my daughter.” “Tam with you,” said Redtop Rube. “And I,” added each of the others, Halpine looked at them keenly. **T don’t know either of you,” he said. ‘You backed my cause in the saloon, and I thank you; but it’s a strange fashion for Torpedo Gulch,” ““We don’t belong here, and we follow a fashion of our own. We're cowboys from Texas, come here to hunt for gold. We're young, I acknowledge, but. we know how to use our sixes, and we are with you in this game, Rube, the Tenderfoot. I’m called Brown Ben, and my friend is Jack Silver.” The voice of the cowbey had a manly ring which impressed Halpine strongly. ** 'd like your aid till I get my poor Zella out of the hands of those fiends, but I tell you fairly that you risk your life in bucking against them, There isn’t a harder place in Arizona than this same town.” ** We never show the white feather in a good cause, and in this we’re with you clean through. Ain’t we, Jack?” Clean through,” replied Jack tersely. ‘“We are four resolute persons,” said Rube, with yd igor “and such a force may doa good deal of execution, Let us lose no time, but at once move to rescue Miss Halpine. Lead the way, sir, and we will follow.” Correct!” said Brown Ben, “and I opine if Redtop Rube, as they see fit to call you, gets at them in dead earnest, he’ll spread himself so that they .-veep, What say, Jack?” “ They'll wee,” agreed that young man, By this time all were striding toward Bel- dick’s saloon led by Haipine, It was arranged that if they could rescue Zella they should at once flee from the village never to return, Halpine stopped his allies a few yards away and then went forward to reconnoiter. He re- turned at the end of five minutes, “They are all there, and Zella is with them,” he said, in an unsteady voice. ‘They have bound her to a post and are now engaged in looking to their wounds,” ‘* What's your plan?” Rube tersely asked, “Go boldly in and demand her,” said Brown en. ‘* Useless!” uttered Halpine, sadly. ‘‘ All of you are strangers in Torpedo Gulch, you do not know these fiends asI do. { tell you they know no mercy.” “‘T begin to understand them,” said Rube, ‘and I see, too, how we must deal with them, I see they have their lights going again, but it will be easy to prt them out, I propose that we do this and then make a dash for Miss Zella, The roughs will not for a moment dream that we would be so rash as to venture back, and in that very fact lies our ip of success,” * Right you are,” said Brown Ben, ‘and you can depend on us to the death, can’t they, Jack?” “Mo the death,” replied the second cowboy. Halpine was silent for a moment, for though he was willing to risk his life for Zella, it seemed like madness to venture among that crowd. *¢ Time is fleetin’,” added Ben. ‘*T can see no other way,” muttered Halpine. “Then let us try that, by all means,” said Rube, somewhat impatiently. ‘‘A bold dash will often do wonders, as I myself know.” The remark settled it. The youn stranger had a way of making others think as he did and Halpine was so far impressed that he asked him to take the lead. Rube was not at all reluctant. These people had met their trouble through Halpine’s mis- taken idea that he—Rube—needed help, and he was resolved to see them safely through, while he was well aware that the only way to accom-

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ae Rube, the Tenderfoot. 5 plish the work was to strike at once, and with a vim which should carry all before it, The young leader led his small force to where they could view the interior of the saloon and quickly formed his plans. “You,” he said, addressing the cowboys, ** must go to the rear of the place, and the mo- ment I shoot out the lights, open a rapid fire with your revolvers, which will make them think the point of attack is there, and, under cover of this feint, Halpine and I will slip in and secure the girl, I suppose you've heard a Comanche yell?” ‘Right you are,” “Well, when you hear it again, just draw off and make for the front of the shanty. You may see us by the way, but in any case make for the hills to the west. We must get out of the town.” His systematic plan pleased every one, and the cowboys bastened to their station. ~ Rube Redtop had been furtively scanning the captive girl. Slightly younger “44 “himself, she had .a well-developed figure, and a face so fair and refined that his resolution to aid her re- ceived fresh strength. ‘* Are you ready to follow?” he asked, turning to his companion, ‘* All ready,” Halpine firmly answered, Two dim lights had been placed side by side, as was necessary to get any degree of light, es Rube felt fully capable of extinguishing em, Crack! crack! Two reports sounded almost as one, and amid a fresh rattling of glass the room was again plunged in darkness. Almost at the same moment the second fell in pieces, Rube bounded through the window like a cat, and, without waiting to see Halpine be- side him, glided toward the captive girl. The room seemed to have been turned into a veritable menagerie. The roughs, long accustomed to have everything their own way, were in the last stage of fury, and amid their shouts and curses the movements of the young champion were pot easily detected. He reached the side of Zella safely. “Have no fear, Iam a friend!” he whisper- ed in her ear. ‘ Follow me, and you shall be saved!” While he spoke his knife was busy, and the bonds fell away. He saw some one by his side, and, recognizing Halpine, joined their hands, “ Hasten away!” hosaid, in the same business- like manner, ‘ Don’t stop to think of the door; use the window, if possible, and I will guar your retreat.” The elder man had impulsively folded the girl in bis arms, but as Rube gently pushed them both, he put sentiment aside and moved away. There had been a general call for more lights, and when Beldick assured them he had nothing of the kind, the wrath of the rougbs broke loose, and they turned their curses upon him. One man, however, did not fail to suspect the meaning of this fresh demonstration, and as Redtop Rube turned away, he heard Sam Lef- ferts’s voice from near the post: “Ther gal is e!. Howlin’ Hannab, this hyar is a riot, Hyar, you fellers, scatter an’ hold ther fort, Don’t let a man er woman leave ther room. Five dollars ter him who delivers Redtop Rube inter my hands!” With one arm clasped about Zella, the des- perate father sprung forward, striking right and left. Rube saw where he was needed, and sprung into the thick of the fray. They were sur- rounded by the crowd, but once more toey had the advantage of knowing friend from foe, and the window was reached by a gallant spurt. Once more the roughs were learning that they bad aroused a bad enemy when they molested the young stranger, who had been so quiet until forced into trouble, ‘* Quick—jump through!” said Rube, and Hal- pine obeyed, as all the youth’s friends seemed obliged to do, He leaped out in safety and turned for Zella, but Rube had not allowed any time to go to waste. He bad swung the girl outside by a powerful effort, and even as Halpine wheeled she was set on her feet beside him, ~ “Run!” added Rube; “YIl cover your re- treat.” He did not by any means intend to remain in the room to do it, but as the last word his lips a hand fell upon his collar and he was jerked back several feet. ‘Shoot ther critter!” “Git a rope!” So shouted the roughs, but Redtop Rube bad no intention of being thus served. e knew the men of Torpedo Gulch at last, and, setting his teeth, he plunged into. their midst as he would among wolves seeking his blood, The saloon bad become a perfect pandemoni- um, and as several fights bad been started bere and there because of senseless quarrels in the dark, it seemed as though the Gulch would be considerably depopulated before the morning sun arose, ste would Rube Redtop be among the survi- vors CHAPTER IV. TROUBLE CONTINUES, RUBE was well aware that if he escaped at all it must be done quickly, and as he could not very well face a score of hard fighters alone he resorted to stratagem. While the roughs were endeavoring to get at him in the darkness he quietly changed bis position, and then, dentin Been to fight among themselves, slipped out o} the room. His little trick had been planned and executed with equal neatness, and once outside he has- tened to look for Halpine and bis daughter, Hurrying around the corner of the building he looked all around, but they were invisible, Just then Brown Ben and Jack Silver, who had done their own work well, came to his side, and the exchange of a few words established. the fact that the fugitives must have gone in a westerly direction, ; : ‘¢T think we are all right, if we make haste,” said Rube. ‘“ Let’s get away from those howl- ing fiends.” , They hurriedly left the place and started alon among the cabins, but not more than a himane

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Rube, the Tenderfoot. feet had been passed when Ben stumbled, and nearly fell over something in his path, ‘Hallo! here’s a man!” he said. ‘‘ Yes, and— hold on there—tis old Halpine!” The announcement brought the party to a sudden halt, and Rube turned back in surprise. Sure enough, Halpine lay there, perfectly in- sensible, and it at first seemed lifeless, Rube tore open his shirt and felt of his heart. ‘* Only stunned, but some one must have given him an ugly blow.” **This complicates matters,” said Ben. * T reckon it does, for the question now arises: “Where is Zella?” It was one none of them could answer, but there was room for the gravest fears, Father and daughter had started together, and now the for- mer was sound as described, and Zella had en- tirely disappeared. “They've got her again,” said Ben, mourn- ully. “y believe they have, although I don’t think she has been taken to the saloon. We must re- vive Halpine and learn what has occurred. Wait, there may be water in this shanty; Pll go in and see.” As there was no door to oppose him he was soon inside, but the darkness was so great he could see nothing. He had just struck a match, when there was a renewed tumult outside. Revolver-shots sounded, mixed with shouts, and as he sprung to the door his arm was seized by Brown Ben. “Git up and dust!” exclaimed he, hurriedly. He had time to say no more, for just as Rube saw a solid mass of men around where Halpine lay, they rushed toward them in such aumbers that even Rube thought it wise to retreat. For the time, at least, they could do nothing for their friend, and it was not likely he would be killed while insensible, so it behooved them to look to themselves, We need scarcely say that it was not hard for three active young fellows like them to do this. The darkness was in their favor, and, after dodging rapidly among the shanties for a few minutes, they found themselves beyond the limits of the village, and free from pursuit. They paused where the western hills came down in a bold descent to the level on which stood the infant ‘‘ city.” “Well, I reckon this here is a lively town, Jack.” It was Brown Ben who spoke, and his taci- turn partner answered as usual, * A right lively town.” ** See here,” added Rube, ‘‘ we want to decide on our course of action at once. We are all strangers to this town and its rough citizens, but we have got mixed up with its affairs, and I for one am bound to see the matter through.” Both the cowboys announced that they were with him. “Of course,” he resumed, ‘* Halpine can’t live any longer inside this place, but he don’t want to die there either, e and his daughter are in trouble, and I move we see them through, as I'said before.” “Tm with you, and so’s Jack.” “*Remenber, we are to fight the whole popu- lation.” ‘So muck the better. We'll give ’em an idea of how we do business in Texas. We make you ° captain, Redtop Rube, and in your lead we'll foller.” Before this honor could be accepted or de- clined, the sound of vociferous cheering from near Beldick’s saloon was borne to their ears. * “*Reckon somebody’s making a speech,” said en. He spoke lightly, but Rube took a different view of the matter. The roughs were pleased about something, and whatever it was, must be unfavorable to the cause he wished to defend. He gave his views, and the trio unanimously agreed that they ought to return, Very little time was consumed in gaining a position where they could see what was being done; still less was necessary to understand all. From the upper window of Beldick’s building a timber had been run out, and they were then engaged in making it fast, and in arranging a rope which dangled down toward aman who could be none other than Halpine. ‘‘Great Cicero!” exclaimed Brown Ben, “ they’re going to hang him!” “Shall we allow it?’ demanded Rube. ‘* Well, seeing’s how there are af least thirty men in the gang, I doubt if we can help it; but we can, at least, wade in and try.” “Thavea plan,” said Rube quickly. ‘‘ My horse is in the stable behind the saloon, and with it are other animals, I move we all mount, and then dash into the crowd and try to carry Hul- pine off.” . It was a bold scheme, since they, brave as they were, counted but three, and the roughs were ten times that number; but he had spoken to just the right persons for the venture. The cowboys had seen too many dashes among the as ages braves of Texas to fear the Arizona roughs, They had no time to waste, and witb rapid steps they proceeded toward the stabl-. No one was there to oppose them, and three horses were soon bridled and led out. Each youth bad taken his own, though Brown Ben looked longingly at some of the others that seemed superior to his own strong but ungainly animal, Back toward the crowd they then went, where they found the roughs prepared for the last act in the drama, The timber had been secured, and the rope adjusted to Halpine’s neck, and in a minute more he would be dangling in air. Redtop Rube spoke sharply to his followers, and then, riding abreast, they dasbed toward the crowd, In the excitement of the moment,sthey were not seen until close at hand, and then, as the roughs gave sudden attention, the gallant trio burst into ear-splitting yells, not discreditable to Comanche braves. The bravest man in the world has no desire to be trampled under the feet of a horse, and the first rank parted before their rush as they spurred toward the prisoner. Just then a loud voice arose commanding the roughs to fire, and the boy pards waited no longer. Right and left they blazed away, though, agreeably to Rube’s orders, they fired high, hoping to frighten rather than kill their enemies,

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Rube, the Tenderfoot, hs ¢ The leader had rode with a knife held in his teeth, and as he reached Halpine’s side he sud- denly stooped, cut his bonds, and raised him to his horse by a powerful effort. Then if not before, the roughs,understood what was afoot, and amid angry yells they opened fire, It was a critical moment for the young men, but they did not falter; their plans had been previously arranged, and they held to them grimly, . With their lives at stake they wasted no mercy, and still urgiug on their horses, sent sev- eral well-aimed shots into the crowd before them, while the cowboys nearly split the air with their Comanche yells, Luckily, their horses were fiery-spirited and not inelined to be caught by the bit, and amid all this miniature war they swept through and down the main street of the town, Halpine had been gallantly rescued. ‘‘We must leave Torpedo Gulch and take to the hills,” said Rube, looking back at their fad- ing pursuers. ‘But Zella—where is she?” demanded Hal- ine. ‘* Now you have me. you left me?” ‘Several men sprung from behind a shanty and attacked me so suddenly that before I could successfully resist, or even recognize them, I was beaten down, I saw Zella seized, and I have no doubt bnt that she is in the hands of the i ‘*T have an idea that sbe was not taken to the saloon. Did you see Sam Lefferts when you were under the gallows?” “ No.” * Did he ever show any fancy for her in the past?” “Yes; and it was because of that I was going to leave Torpedo Gulch.” ‘Then it’s my opinion she is Sam’s_ prisoner. Where would he be likely to take her?” **'To the saloon; that’s his headquarters,” ‘*T don’t believe she is there, and if she is, we can’t get her to-night, War is formally de- clared between them and us, and we can’t fool them any further just now. Mc, Halpine, I’m afraid you'll have to let this matter rest until to-morrow.” “T dare not! Zella must not remain among those scoundrels.” ‘*-Your remarks are wil right in theory,” said Brown Ben; ‘‘ but you forget that we're on the weak side, and that the enemy holds the fort, Just bold over till to-morrow, old man, and we'll see you right through the game, if the bank bu’sts, won’t we, Jack?” “Through the game,” echoed Mr. Silver, with more than usual fervor, ‘You can depend on us all,” added Rube, . CHAPTER V. THE BLACK REGULATORS’ PROCLAMATION, By this time the last cabin of the village had been passed, and as all sign of pursuit had ceased, they rode slowly up the gulch which led to the rocky fastnesses which hemmed the Gulch in on three sides. - Due deliberation convinced Halpine that bis What happened after young allies were right; it would be madness to venture near the roughs again, and he only wondered that they had escaped so well. Rare indeed were the cases where people escaped the teeth of the Gulch tigers, Zella’s fate must for the time remain in doubt, He shuddered as he thought of her, but as nothing could be done it was as well to main- tain an outward calmness, ‘* We must now look to ourselves somewhat,” suid Rube, ‘‘We shall be sought early in the morning, and we should have seme place where we can defend ourselves against} any force they may bring.” “That is the easiest thing of all,” replied Halpine. ‘There are many caves among these hills, and I bave long had one in view as a pre- caution against this very trouble, It is large, easily defended, and so far as I know, unknown to auy other person, In it there is ample room for our horses and curselves,” “Let us go there by all means. We don’t know how long a pull we have against those hounds.” “T wish I had twenty cowboys here!” Brown Ben uttered. No one answered, but Redtop Rube fell into deep thought. He had taken an interest in Zella Halpine, and as the troubles of the two, father and daughter, were primarily to be traced to himself, it was his duty to help them. In doing this, they must work squarely against Torpedo Gulch, which was, believed to be solid for the opposition, and four men could not bold a town, He had a plan in connection with all this, but it was not then time to mention it. Halpine led the way to the cave. Difficult of access and easy to defend, it was spacious and well-suited to their purposé, while the dry air of Arizona did not admit of that disagreeable dampness one finds in suck places in more north- erly regions. he remainder of the night passed unevent- fully, the members of the little party takin turns on guard. Morning found them ir g¢ condition, but the fact was forced upon them that they lacked food both for themselves and horses. . ‘““ We must skip breakfast,” said Rube coolly. “and then if we succeed at the Gulch, we'll feast at noon, What’s your plan?” he added, addressing Halpine. ‘*T shall now risk all, and go to the village,” was the firm reply. “Pll accompany you, and let our friends remain here. Of course we go ina peaceful role,” While they were preparing for departure, Brown Ben came to Rube’s side, “Better keep an eye on the old man,” he said, warningly. ‘‘He is that stirred up that he has_ lost all caution, and will run his head into some trouble and get sent over the range if you don’t look wild.” “That's just what I intend to look out for,” said Rube quietly. : -Whatever prudence Halpine might usually have had was no longer in force; anxiety for Zella had made him really incapable of govern- ing himself,

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¢ — He had, however, begun to obey all Rube’s directions promptly, and he was not leaning on a brittle reed.. Leaving the cave they started toward the vil- lage, and Halpine so far aroused as to take due precaution and lead the way where no danger would be likely to be found. All seemed as quiet as usual though, and it was not until they gained an elevated place and looked down on the village that they saw any apn of life. Torpedo Gulch bore no marks of the trouble of the previous night. Lying calmly beneath the hot sun, the shanties glimmered as usual, and a few lone pedestrians trod her irregular streets—’twas the usual picture, as Halpine soon saw. While they were considering their next move, they saw a horseman ride out of Beldick’s stable and start toward the western hills, Usually this would not have created a ripple in their minds, but as matters were then situ- — they at once became interested in the lone iS Possibly his business in some way concerned them, This theory was advanced by Halpine, and Rube smiled grimly. “We will make it concern us,” he said. *‘ This is just the chance we desire. From this man we may learn the exact situation at the Gulch, and what has become of Miss Zella,” The elder man caught at the idea, and as the rider approached the hills they proposed to re- ceive him, His errand seemed wrapped in meyNtery for though he was making for a place called Thunder Pass, it was one which finally ended in the mountain fastnesses and horses had seldom trod its limits, Before the stranger reached the rocky region our two friends had ambushed themselves in the and as he rode forward he was no longer unknown. Halpine announced that he was a friend of Sam Lefferts and named Tom Rose. As soon as he entered the pass he began to look from side to side and their suspicions seemed confirmed, but just before reaching them a look of satisfaction crossed his face and he halted and slid from his horse. Just before him and only a few feet from the ambushed men, the cliff arose for forty feet in a form unusually regular; and toward this rock Ton went, leaving his horse where he stood. He was now in the power of the ambushers, but they had become interested in his move- ments and waited to see what he would do, their uncertainty being very much increased by the sight of a small pail he bore in one hand. Once at the base of the cliff, however, he went to work with the skill of a professional bill- r and on the face of the rock pasted the lowing notice: “*$100 REWARD! “The above sum will be paid for the capture of one Reuben Redtop, altas Redtop Rube, a noted des- Perego. who is wanted by the men of Tornado Gulch. he money will be paid and no questions asked to whoever delivers the outlaw to justice. { * Article 2. Moses Halpine is informed that his daughter, Zella, is in the fiends of the Black Regu- lators of the aforesaid town, and that she will be held until Redtop Rube is surrendered. Halpine is cautioned not to enter the Gulch until the outlaw is —~—ye—-™™* Rube, the Tenderfoot. secured, as he will be shot at sight. It is hoped that he will know enough not to protect Redtop at the expense of his daughter. * Sam Lervrrrs, * Ouptain of Regulators.” Such was the laborious proclamation read by the two men in ambush, and it seemed to arouse all the ole! Fores of Rube, The bill-poster had just finished his work when he was a little sur- prised. **Rom Rose!” He wheeled abruptly at hearing his name spoken and had a very discouraging view of a ir of revolvers which covered his breast, while ir. Redtop looked sternly along the barrels. “You are one of the men who wants Redtop Rube, I take it. Allow me to say that ‘ noted desperado’ is here and you can at once proceed to take him back to camp!” ‘*)’m hyar ter put up ther notice, es you see, but that eends my work an’ ef you please Vil amble back to ther Gulch,” “Don’t hurry, Thomas, What’s been done there?” “ They’s held a meetin’ an’ formally did what that notice says.” * And so Iam outlawed, witha price on my head?” “ Yas.” “Comforting, that; very composing to the mind. But, see here; what of Zella Halpine?” ‘Sam Lefferts has got her prisoner.” To hold till I am caught?” “ Ye-es,” “You chew your words, Why? Has Sam a double game? Is it all a trick on his part? Perhaps. I’ve heard he once tried to win her for his wife. When he gets me he’ll keep her,too!” “Oh! no, no!” oA pes eo Rose, but his very eagerness betrayed the fact that Rube had made a close guess. Up to this point Halpine had kept out of sight, eal e now emerged from the cover of the bowl- er. ** See here, Tom Rose, I’m here, too, and I am not in a playful mood either. Do those men in- tend to keep me out of Torpedo Gulch?” “That's what Sam Lefferts says.” “What has he to do with it? Is he king of the Gulch?” ‘* Well, they’ve orgainzed a band which they call the Blac Regulators, because every one wears a strip of black cloth round his left arm, an’ they made Sam captain. He does rule in ther Gulch jest now.” Halpine laughed sarcastically. “ A fine man he is for a Regulator. He had better regulate himself, first of all, Tom, where have they put my daughter?” **T don’t know, Mose.” “Tis false. You know well enough, and though I won’t ask too much of you, that much you sball tell. Where is Zella confined? An- ate by my life, Pl treat you as I would a wo. CHAPTER VI. THE RIVAL BANDS, HALPINE’s eyes glowed with a light which startled Tom Rose, and he hurriedly raised his hands again.

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Rube, the Tenderfoot. 9 = ** Hold on! hold on!” he cried, ‘Pll tell, Just ive meachance, She was kept in an ole cabin fast night, somewhar at the south eend o’ the village, but now she is in ther upper part o’ Bel- dick’s saloon, an’ Sam has set five o’ ther Regu- lators ter watch all ther time.” Redtop Rube burst into a mocking laugh. “Sam goes mene cautious, considering he is at the head of ‘orpedo Gulch. I reckon he has had his wits stirred up a bit. See here, Tom Rose, it’s my turn at a proclamation now. You tell Sam that if he don’t meet me at this spot, one hour before dark this evening, I will make the Gulch howl worse than Rome ever did, while of him I won’t leave a landmark, Hear me, Tom—tell your Regulator captain to bring Zella Halpine here this evening. ill you do it?” Rube spoke with more feeling than usual, and the bill-poster went further into his boots than ever, He had seen fighting in his day, but he didn’t care to chip in with a human tornado, Hespoke very meekly to the youth, and assured him all should be as he said, and then, greatly to his re- lief, he was allowed to ride away, “+ Well, what now?” Rube abruptly asked, Halpine started from deep thought. “‘T suppose we may as well return to the cave?” ‘Exactly. Now, what hope have you of worsting Sam Lefferts and his gang?” ‘* We must worst them.” “That isn’t the question, What are our chances? Let us abandon heroics for a while and come down to bed-rock.” ‘* Pm afraid our show is poor,” Halpine gloom- ily acknowledged. “So I thought. How many men at the Gulch?” “ fi 7 ** All ronghs?” > ‘*Not quite. Three men I am sure are not of that stripe, and I think as many more would be glad to see harm come to the gang.” ‘* Well, it is clear tome that we must set up an opposition party, They have organized the Regulators; now let us organize a band of Vigil- antes.” ** Who will we get?” ‘* Probably half a dozen men from the town, and I know where to find enough more to run our number up to near twenty. Brown Ben has confessed that he and his companion are members of a party of twelve who have come to Arizona from Texas—all ex-cowboys—for the Berpces of finding a new and rich gold region. @told me this morning that the party would like nothing better than to play outlaw for a while, live in the mountains and «ake things warm for the Regulators, as they call them- selves.” P “i Will this work?” Halpine asked, more hope- ‘ully. ‘It’s our business to make it work. As near as I size Torpedo Gulch, it is a place which needs purifying. I don’t believe in letting o gang of toughs hold forth as those fellows du, and if I can do anything to upset them, I’m go- ang, fa do it.” alpine put out bis hands, — **By George! you’re a brick!” he declared, — =e ee a ee : . ‘ - ve pteiti 3 9 ia al “You put me to shame, for you have more energy at eighteen than I have at forty-five. You teach me a lesson and I'll take it seriously; from this time I'll be a rock instead of a reed.” They shook hands over the understanding and then hastily returned to the cave. It was de- sirable to get the cowboys to the scene as soon as possible, if they were coming at all, and Rube wished to see Brown Ben. That young man literally jum at the offer, The idea of wild, mountain life in a resolute bund just suited him, and when he left to look up bis absent friends, Jack Silver laconically | remarked that when the footing became good | Ben would make his horse “‘ fly.” Nothing of interest occurred at the cave until the middle of the forenoon, when they were agreeably surprised by the return of Ben and his reinforcement. He had found them much sooner than was to be e ted, and ev man had hailed the chance to join the ‘* Vigvantes,” Rube was not long in deciding that good ma- terial had come to his band, Rough, the cow- boys were; but not one seemed vicious, and though Brown Ben bad made an explanation, they required another from those at the cave before they would make any Pit and their scruples removed Rube’s last doubt. As a result, they were formally enlisted as a beginning of the band which was to oppose the Black Regulators, and though Halpine was the only one in the lot who bad seen twenty-one years, it was a resolute party. Rube had named Halpine for captain, but that man emphatically declared that the young- er man bimself was fittest of all for the office, and when a vote was taken he was unanimously elected, with Ben for his lieutenant, It was a strange udanimity when the nature of young men, and the fact that Rube wasa stranger are considered; but he had a way of winving men when be tried, and all hailed Rube tbe Tenderfoot as prince of the Vigilantes, When once these preliminaries were settled, Rube gave attention to another matter. He had asked Sam Lefferts to meet him in Thunder Pass at sunset, and as he bad an idea that oung rascal might try some trick, he resolved bold the winning cards in case ofa crisis, Thus it was that, at the end of an hour, the little Vigilante band was stationed near the ren- dezvous, well armed, but concealed from casual — view. A little before the time Rube had named, Sam appeared in the pass, walking from the town as unc ncernedly as though peace reigned all along the hills. Rube bad been attentively watching, and just as his rival reached the place of meeting, he might have been seen coming from the opposite direction, Sam’s face remained calm, but in his eyes litter which indicated that he intended i was a to make the meeting something more than a conference; while the absence of the revolvers from bis belt, where he always kept them, might have been a sign of peace, but did not so inform the young Vigilante, The Regulator remained silent as they came face to face, an Rube, pointing to the notice posted on the cliff by Tom Rose, spoke quietly: — ,@. tee §

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10 Rube, the Tenderfoot. “This is a very appropriate place for us to ” Jk. “You'll find me ready ter talk, an’ them’s still my sentiments. Torpeder Gulch bas spoke in a big voice an’ she don’t shake her record.” ‘By which you mean tbat I am still an out- w. ”» “Yas; an’ so ter stay till you stretch hemp.” “Go away; you can’t be serious.” “‘T am all o’ that,” said Lefferts, savagely. “ Well, we will — of this later. First, let us talk of Zella Halpine. I suppose she is still your prisoner.” ‘Right, my young ON pts Se right.” * And you will yield her when I surrender!” “ Yes.’ “Well, you see I can’t think of surrender; I’ve no wish to stretch hemp, as you playfully express it, so I shall have todecline. But in what other way can we trade? Of course the irl isn’t to blame for our muss, and I really hink she ought to be set free.” “Oh! do ye? Wal, now, that’s queer; 1 thought you was jokin’. Wal, she can’t go free till you are ee in her place.” ‘Why should you persecute a girl?” “That’smy business. It’s enough for you that T’ve got ther king-row, an’ I mean ter keep it,” “ You're fixed in that resolution?” “ if am,” “ Well, it’s a cowardly piece of business.” * What?” shouted Sam. **T say that any one who will persecute a girl to gain revenge on some other Sona is a coward and rascal. nless you free Zella Halpine you are both of these.” Sam’s face had grown very red, and when he would have spoken, only a gasping sound came from his throat. ‘ From out his pockets he snatched his revol- vers. One quick blow sent the first revolver ‘flying several feet away, and then Sam’s other band was seized in an iron-like grasp. Baffled and angry, he made a desperate effort to release it, but, very much to his own surprise, he made no headway against that hold. He gave up the struggle after a minute, and looked at Ruble with furious eyes. For years he had not been mastered—it was his reckless bravery and fighting qualities which had made men twice his own age elect him captain of the Regulators. ‘Free my wrist!” he hissed, madly. “IT see you arein a passion; but we are not now in Beldick’s saloon, among your bravos. You wanted a row then, and got it, but if any doubts remain in your mind as to who is the best man, try me!” This perfectly cool challenge was too much for Sam, and he lanched out his right fist in a heavy blow—struck, and then found himself lying on his back with Rube’s foot on his chest. ‘ow it was done he never really knew, for the young Vigilante had moved like a flash. Quickly, however, Sam uttered a whistle, and then from the cover of the rocks three of his men sprung into view. CHAPTER VII. THE FIRST COLLISION. Sam Lerrerts looked to see his enemy quail in this new danger, but Redtop Rube remained provokingly calm. “ Hello!” quoth he, coolly; ‘‘ here are some of your friends. Glad to see you, boys, for Samuel is not well; in fact, be seems to be quite sick.” ‘Let me up!” roared the Regulator. « Will you be quiet if I do?” “Yes, for I am going to take you to the Gulch, It would be poor satisfaction to wipe ye out, hyer: once at ther Gulch, [ll make ye howl, an’ keep Zella besides,” ‘Now you talk business. Up you get!” Rube stepped back a little and Sam arose, ‘*Ha! hal” he said, with an unnatural laugh. * Quite a little episode, boyees. It war all did fur effect, fur I wanted ter see ther critter turn pale when you popped out,” “Got your wish, didn’t you, Samuel? I look pale as a ghost, don’t I?” Rube laughed unconcernedly, and the Regu- lator was ope stung to a fury. ** Fool!” he exclaimed, *t you don’t know ther trouble you arein. You're as good as planted. Rube whistled in turn, and from the rocks at the other side of the narrow pass arose half a dozen of his Vigilantes, with rifles presented, while every bowlder in the vicinity seemed to be surmounted by the same kind of an orna- ment. Sam Lefferts was never more surprised in his life. He had not suspected that Rube had more than three men for a following, but they seemed to spring from the very earth at his comm: nd. Sam’s surprise began to give way to boiling wrath. Being no coward he was tempted to try to strike his enemy dead and take his chances, but be had an unpleasant fear that one of the riflemen would drop him before he could strike. “*Tt must by this time be clear to you that you are outwitted,” continuéd Rube. ‘I drop- par to your game and covered the ground first. saw your men ambush themselves, but it just suited me. I wanted to show you that I am master, and I reckon I’ve done it.” a ‘*You dare not meet me in equal fight,” said am. For a moment Rube hesitated. ‘*T will not,” he then said, firmly. ‘‘ Other things go first, but I'll accommodate you-some day. First of all, let me refer to that placard. You ordered it up?” “Yes,” was the defiant answer. “Very good. Take it down!” Lefferts changed expression but did not stir. **Do you hear?” “Yes, I hear, but I'll be shot afore I tech it!” “My man, you tried to bully me in_ the saloon, when you held the king-row, and I let youamble. Now I take pay for that insult and for your abuse of Zella Halpine. Take down the placard!” Sam grew white with emotion. He knew he was wholly in the power of Redtop Rube, but the humiliation threatened was terrible to him. “Tl die first!” he hissed. > ‘¢Tt’s for you to choose, but I warn you I am in dead earnest. I give you just three minutes in which to decide.” All the jesting mood had gone from the young Vigilante, and bis expression was enough to have

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—* x Ye Rube, the Tenderfoot. 11 cowed a man less brave, He called his nearest follower and bade bim time the Regulator, and then silence fell over the crowd—that same si- lence observed when a crowd at a legal execu- tion watches for the last act in the drama, Sam Lefferts had grown pale under all his bronze, It was a terrible hour for him, for he saw that his pride must be dragged in the dust, For a moment he felt like defying the Vigilante and dying where be stood, but that would be too great a triumph for his enemy. No; he would submit to this shame and live for vengeance, Without another word he turned to the cliff and began tearing duwn the notice. Tom Rose had done his work well, and tbe paper stuck closely, but Sam plucked away doggedly, and piece after piece fell, ‘*That will do,” said Rube, at length. ‘‘ The rock looks as though a circus-manager had stepped on it, but it no longer calls for gore.” Lefterts turned back in silence, but his gaze rested on his rival’s face with a terrible glare. “You will see there is another band in the field,” added Rube, quietly. ‘‘ The Black Regu- lators need regulating, and that’s why the Vigi- lantes are out to-day. Their purpose is very simple, however. When Zella Halpine is safely delivered to her father, my men disappear, and you can run Torpedo Gulch to suit your- self.” “If you want her, go an’ get her!” snapped Lefferts, “Excuse me, but I know a better way. You are my prisoner, and such you will remain un- til, by your orders, your men bring Zella here,” “They shall never do that,” “Then you never will be free again. You must confess that I hold the king-row, just at present. I shall take you to the retreat of the Vigilantes, and there you stay until the Regu- lators cave.” Sam Lefferts felt like howling with rage, but he managed to keep himself within bounds. He looked at the grim young men around him, and, reading resolution in each face, saw how utter- ly helploss he was, “We can’t delay here,” continued Rube, im- patiently. ‘‘ You will go to our retreat; your men can return to the Gulch,” When they were gone, Rube directed his men to bind the hands of the prisoner, and whena bandage had been tied over his eyes, the return to the cave was begun. Already it was growing dark, but they made such good use of their time, that their journe was soon finished and Sam confined in a small room off the larger one, with silent Jack Silver and another man for guards. Around a glowing fire the Vigilantes prepared and ate their supper, at the same time discuss- ing the future, Redtop Rube, with his usual boldness, bad formed a plan. He believed the Regulators would expect him to remain quiet and rely on his prisoner to bring them to terms, and he looked at the matter like a sagacious general. To be successful in war, one must strike just where and when be is not expected. _ Thus it was that he proposed a midoight dash into Torpedo Gulch, and his summary of the - a situation was all that was needed to arcuse the cowboys to enthusiasm, Excellent borsemen, they had seen so much of the life in Texas, that it was like a leaf from the old book. At the appointed hour the party wound down the mountain, Halpine alone remaining at the cave, For this work Rubo would have chosen Jack Silver, but the elder man was an indiffer- ent horseman and, as Sam was left bound, nothing was to be feared from him, When the Vigilantes arrived near the village a halt was made, and Brown Ben went forward to reconnoiter, When he returned he reported all quiet ex- cept at Beldick’s saloon, and the few men who remained there were likely to stay for hours, as they were deep in the mysteries of poker. Rube was satisfied and no further time was lost. Down the main street they started at a moderate gallop, going in a double row with their leader a little in advance, The miners were nearly all asleep, for the preceding night and day had given them little time for rest, and they were improving what seemed a good chance, The little noise made by the Vigilantes did not arouse them, and almost as silently as spec- ters the httle band dashed up to Beldick’s saloon. Rube bad selected four men to follow him, and as they came to a halt, they leaped from ~ their saddles and strode in through the door. Seven men, including the landlord, were pres- ent, and as thi¢y looked up to see who was seek- ing their classi¢ retreat at that hour, they had a very discouraging view of a line of glittering revolvers whicW covered every man of them, ‘Hands up!” ordered Captain Redtop in a clear voice. ‘‘Make one move tow. your revolvers and we use ours, Hands up, every man! Consternation seized upon the gamblers, All of them had seen that first quarrel forced upon the young stranger, but his situation had changed materially since then, and their sand slipped rapidly away. ‘Hol’ on, bol’ on?” cried Beldick, first of all. “Tm in proper posish.” He put up his armsand his example was fol- lowed by all, Redtop Rube held the ground just then, but the tigers’ teeth were muffled, not drawn, If he went through Torpedo Gulch in triumph he might call himself a lucky man, CHAPTER VIII. A SURPRISE FOR REDTOP RUBE. Tue Vigilante prince turned to Beldick as soon as he saw matters thus situated. fe Landlord,” said he, ‘lead me to Zella Hal- vine, “To Zella? Why, she ain’t here,” said Bel- dick, ‘* Don’t take the trouble to lie. I know she is, and you may as well cave. The Vigilantes hold the floor to-night, and they ain’t joking. ‘You will produce the girl, or Pll fire your old ranch!” : Rube had no intention of doing such a thing,

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12 Rube, the Tenderfoot. but his words produced the desired effect; they frightened Beldick nearly out of his boots. Hol’ on!” he eried, ‘don’t say that. Dve caved; I’m. knocked clean over the ropes an’ outer ther ring; I don’t put in my warble ag’in’ ours at all, but when you’ve gone all over this ae place from top ter bottom, you'll see I am right.” edtop believed he was lying, and perempto- rily ordered him to lead the way, but at that moment there came a revolver-shot from out- side the door, followed by a second and a third, and the chief wheeled about, ‘* Hold the crowd, boys!” he ordered, and then strode through the door, He found only two of the band at their post, but the others were frisking about among the adjacent cabins, * Whatis it?” he demanded, **Some critter took a few shots at us from the dark. Ther boyees are arter him.” ** We have no time to lose; he will arouse the whole camp. Yes, they begin to pour out now, Here, Tom Austin, come with me.” With these words, Rube dashed back into the saloon, and when he ordered Beldick to lead the way to the upper part of the building there was that in his voice which compelled prompt obedi- enoe. The landlord caught up a lamp, and they as- cended the ladder togetber, but as they reached the floor, an awkward movement on Beldick’s part sent the light crashing at their feet, leaving them in total darkness, **Tt don’t make no difference,” said the man, hastily. ‘*The girl is here and you shall have her, ‘“* Be quick, then!” the Vigilante peremptorily ordered, as a lively firing began outside the _building. Beldick tossed aside a wooden bar, threw open a door and spoke again, ‘The girl is inside,” Before Rube could answer, there was a rustle of female garments, and some one ran straight into Rube’s arms—a slight, girlish figure he was not slow to recognize as Zella Halpine. ‘Oh, let me go! let me go!” she pleaded, as though she thought him an enemy. ‘ My father will give you all the money you ask,” “Have no fear, Miss Zella,” Rube hastil said. ‘*I am not an enemy, but a friend, and am here for the express purpose of rescuing you. You shall to your father. Just follow me and you shalt be saved.” She murmured a few words of thanks, which the young man scarcely heard, Instead, his ear was stretched to catch the sounds of strife out- side, The firing had become brisk; it was plain the roughs were turning out in force; there was no time to lose. He sprung toward the ladder, and raising the girl, carried her down bodily. The saloon was in darkness, suggesting some new trouble, but one of his men spoke reassur- ngly. f tes all right, cap’n; one o’ them gamboliers upset the table, but we hold the fort, Have you got her?” ‘Yes, Are the boys all here?” “ Yes,” “Then away we go. The whole village is awake, and we must escape while we can.” “ Don’t leave me!” uttered his fair companion; and Rube, remembering bow his heart had pal- pitated at that first meeting, made a somewhat extravagant vow that the roughs should only reach ber over his body. When they emerged from the saloon it was seen that Brown Ben and bis men were having a lively little fight. But though the roughs were numerous, they kept well away from the little band, and neither party was doing much dam- age in the darkness, Rube sprung at once to bis horse, and with the girl held in his arms was ready for depar- ture, “Attention, Vigilantes! Forward—charge!” His voice rung out clearly, and with a sweep and dash the ex-cowboys galloped directly to- ward their foes, The latter were not cowards by any means, but aman must be pretty sure that a sacrifice is demanded before he will let a horse trample him under foot, and without exception they fell back and gave ample room. Each party fired a few harmless shots, and then the Vigilantes shook off their rivals and went thundering through the village, the cow- oo making the air quiver with their Comanche yells, Some one chanced to see a horse, and as war had been formally declared, he was promptly confiscated and given to the girl; and tbus the rescuers rode out of the village in triumph, not having Jost a min and having uo wounds of im- portance, Redtop Rube would neglect no precautions, so the girl was placed in the center of the little party, while he himself rode at the head, In this way the return was safely made, and when the hour was yet some distance from day, they re-entered their cave. Rube had been thinking of the pleasant meet- ing between Halpine and his daughter, and as the place was quite dark, since only one torch was burning, he bade her remain silent for a while and, taking ber hand, went toward the niche where the elder man and his prisoner had been left. The former was not visible, nor did he answer to his name, and the chief seized the torch and swung it about to increase the blaze. This act brought a surprise which speedily increased to fear; neither Halpine nor Sam Lefferts was visible. He called the former’s name, once, twice, three times; but no answer was returned, Rube turned toward the girl, his face very grave, and then almost staggered as a second surprise met him, She was not Zella Halpine! No wonder the young captain stared, for the pos-ibility of such a mistake had not before oc- curred to him, and with parted lips he was for some time speechless, Then he started forward a seized her arm ina hold anything but gen- tle. ‘ What trick is this?’ he demanded, harshly. “Oh! Heaven save me!” she cried, shrinking back, ‘* What have [ done? Do you, too, turn against me? Oh! what is the matter?” s ~

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Rube, the Tenderfoot. ‘* Where is Zella Halpine?” he demanded, **] don’t know; nor do I know who she is, What are you blamiuy me for?” “ Because I am a fool, I reckon,” thought Rube; and then a’oud: ‘Don’t you know Zella?” “T do not. I think there was another wo- man at that dreadful house, but I never even saw her,” “ And who are you?” ‘““My name is Ellice Norton, and I live at Gray Horse Bar, I was stolen by those men, and confined in the house, I thought you had come as a friend, but I guess—I guess [ was wrong.” She seemed on the point of bursting into tears, but Redtop Rube did not seem very much affected. Naturally somewhat suspicious, he could not get rid of the impressivn that there was a trick somewhere, absurd as it seemed— but be was not wholly proof against female beauty, and his new acquaintance’s unusually large share of it made him drop his harsh man- ner. “Weare the friends of all who are deserving,” he quietly said, ‘*‘ and you are as safe as though at your own home, Iam, however, greatly dis- appointed, for we went to Torpedo Gulch to rescue a certain person, and now I find our ef- forts unsuccessful,” ‘*T am sorry for you,” “IT am sorry for her,” said Rube, gloomily. “For myself, I have but one word—idiot! Boys, you see the blunder I have made, and I frankly say I am not fit tolead you. I resign in favor of Brown Ben!” ** No, you dn’t!” cried that man, quickly. ** Are you ter blame fer gettin’ mixed on a girl you never see’d except in ther saloon onc’t? I guess not. We are all sorry, but we don’t blame 1% we say, three cheers fur Captain Rube Red- hey were given with a will, and the young Jeader saw that, right or wrong, the band was going tostaud by him, He expressed his grati- tude, and then once more remembered the sin- gular disappearance of Sam Lefferts and Hal- pine, A thorough search of the cave failed to dis- cover a sign or them, and Rube strongly sus- ted that the young villain had hoodwinked alpine, and agreeing to surrender Zella, had lured him away from the cave, “Yes,” said Brown Ben, * ard very likely the old man is by this time a prisoner at the Gulch. Well, Jet bim go; he’s done a pile of foolish things since we knew him, and if be would trust Lefferts he ought to get pulled in.” “Such folly is certa nly inexcusable, even when we know it was his Jove for bis daughter that sent him on such a dangerous road,” At this moment one of the band came in from the outer air, “Dve found Halpine,” he said, ‘‘ but he'll never do any — work for the band, or get taken in ya Be “Ts he dead?” Rube demanded. “That’s the name for it. He lays outside with a knife-slash right through him. And they fonnd it even so, The unfortunate miner Jaya hundred feet from the cave, and 13 | Rube’s suspicions were confirmed. Beyond much doubt Sam Lefferts had used his tongue well aud deceived his guard, and then, when once outside, he bad seized his opportunity and killed him without warning. The cowboys, practicable and sensible them- selves, neither expressed or felt sympathy, for they strongly condemned the folly which bad led to the pis ye 2 but Rube remembered Zella, and was a good deal depressed by Halpine’s un- timely end, CHAPTER IX, A BOLD UNDERTAKING. Reptop Ruse called his men together and made a brief speech. He pointed out very clearly the fact that the escape of Sam Lefferts would make their cave no longer a safe refuge, Lefferts would, of course, be able to guide the Regulators to the spot, and outnumbered as they were, they would become practical prison- ers; they might even have to fight hard to hold their quarters. Such being the case, it was best to change to another cave if they could find one. With the death of Halpine went their last member who was acquainted with the mountain, and as they might not easily find this other refuge, it was well to hold to their present one until a better way was open. be disgust expressed for Halpine’s folly led the young leader to fear his men would vote to abandon their comrade; but when he pictured Zella’s situation, deprived of her father and in Sam’s hands, they solidly declared eternal devo- tion to her, and as lasting an enmity against Torpedo Gulch, All this pleased Rube greatly, and be then proceeded to interview Miss Ellice Norton, Seat do you know of Lefferts?!” he abruptly asked. “Simply that he come to Gray Horse Bar often and forced his attentions upon me, I dis- liked him, and would have nothing to do with him, and then I was stolen by his men. He confined me in the old house where you found me, and ney, frightened me to death by swearing that I should marry him.” All this looked candid enough, and in keeping with Lefferts’s nature, and Rube told himself it was mere obstinacy which still made him doubt the girl, for doubt her be did. ‘Where is this Gray Horse Bar?” he asked. “ About fifty miles west of bere,” Rube pondered. Had the distance been under twenty he would have sent her away at once, Lut it would be in.possible to detach a part of his men at such a time, ** Well,” be said, slowly, “if you can get along with our humble accommodations we will 4 to see you safely through — difficulty. Of courre we must all remain inside the cave until the matter is decided.” His words conveyed a hint which Miss Ellice did not fail to understand, but sbe calmly an- swered that she was satisfied. Rube directed Brown Ben to arrange a place for her occupancy and then ostensibly retired to his own nook for the night, or, rather for the two hours of darkness which remained; Really, be had wholly different plans, and ag ©

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14 Rube, the Tenderfoot. soon as his men became quiet he secretly left the eave, well armed, and with his face toward Tor- pedo Gulch descended the mountain as fast as was possible. His mission was one of danger at the best, but be was resolved to risk all. His mistake in regard to the girls chagrined him more than he could tell; he had taken his brave followers into peril without any perceptible gain, and he was resolved to make a second attempt and risk no one except himself, Perhaps I ain as foolish as poor Halpine, but I don’t believo they will expect another move to-night.” It was half an hour later when he reached the cabins of the Gulch. Nothing could be more quiet than the whole place, not a light was visi- ble, and not a sound arose on the air. The young Vigilante glided along like a shadow. He was prepared for any emergency, and as this quietness might be but a mask such astate of affairs was possible; but he reached the side of the Beldick saloon without trouble, Dark and silent was the whole building, but had he seen less of the place he might have hesi- tated before entering. As it was, he thought only of the means. nowing that Beldick slept on the lower floor, he searched several minutes for a ladder, but such a thing being little used in the town he was unsuccessful, though he did md on a plank by means of which be knew he could enter, “Help me up,” he said, addressing this novel ladder, ‘‘ and as for the coming down, leave me to shift for myself, as somebody said when he was to be hung.” It was not hard to reach the second-story window, and once there he cautiously pushed it up and paused to listen. All remained silent and, going further, he passed through and stood on the floor, He was now fairly in the den of the tiger, and the chance that the beast was asleep did not look very large when he remnembered that Tom Rose had said that Sam kept five men over her asaconstant guard. Rube was sure this was an Sxsanerntion, but the chance of her being left wholly alone was small indeed. He moved cautiously toward the room im which he was sure she must be confined, but only a few steps had been taken when there was a stir near his feet and something arose and grappled with bim, It was a startling interruption, but he was equal to the emergency, and as he recognized the hands of a man he was not long in moving his own until they closed around the fellow’s throat. A desperate struggle then began, and one which Rube felt_sure would arouse the people of the house. His adversary was a muscular man, and, though he lacked Rube’s agility, a hard one to con uer, while it was necessary to retain a firm hold on his throat to prevent an alarm. Back and forth they went, while every mo- ment seemed sure to bring Beldick to the lad- der, but Rube was not disposed to delay the Catching his antagonist by a cunning lock, he flung him around with such force that after striking against a post, he settled down and lay quite still. His head had received a thump which placed him hors du combat, at least fora while, Satisfied that this was so, Rube burried to the door where he believed Zella to be, still moving in the dark. A bar held the door, but it was soon removed, and he passed within. ‘Who is there?” The challenge arose quickly and in plain alarm, but it.was also clear that it was that of a woman—of the very one he sought, unless Rube was mistaken. ‘‘ Hush!” he said warningly. ‘‘I have come to take you from this den if, as I suspect, you are Zella Halpine.” “Tam she,” returned the girl, with a sudden change of voice. ‘‘Are you the young man I saw in the saloon?” “ Yes.” * And my father?” ‘* He is in trouble, but your own life depends on your leaving here.” “*T will go at once.” She glided to his side, and he saw she was all ready for flight. Their hands met and he felt a thrill of exultation, but there was no time to lose, Delay in that house would ruin both; the only wonder was that all had gone well up to that time. He led her across the floor to the window, but there he would have baen in a dilemma had not she declared her ability to descend and proved the fact by going. Hope began to burn brightly, but the flame bad a severe draught as, half-way through the window, a hand closed over Rube’s ankle, and though all remained silent above, he was held as in a vise. Desperately he endeavored to wrench away, but the only result was that he lost his balance, and, falling head downward, was in another - moment swinging by one leg, still held by his unknown captor. The situation, comical as it might seem under some circumstances, was decidedly serious, Quiet as the town was, it would take but little to stir it up. Rube’s clutching bands encountered nothing except the top of the plank. There was a loosening of the hold on Rube’s ankle, and he shot down. Quick as a flash it occurred to him that to drop was to break his neck, and his hands again seized the plank. He whirled over in the air, and wrenched his arms severely; but breaking bis fall, was soon on his feet. He was none too soon. Loud shouts were sounding here and there, showing that the firing was reawakening Tor- pedo Gulch, and Rube grasped the hand of the frightened girl. be “ We've got to run for it!” he said. ‘* Don’t be alarmed, for I think we are sure to succeed. Come with me!” He had laid out his course before entering the house, in case just such a dilemma should be forced upon him, and with rapid steps they sped among the cabins to a place of safety,

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Rube, the Tenderfoot. The roughs were arousing like bees from their hives, and when it is remembered how lately they had settled down to peaceful rest, it is not strange they awoke in a most ugly mood. Luckily for the fugitives, one of the crowd saw fit to mistake a neighbor for an enemy, and his shot was the signal for a brisk serenade, which was soon drawing all to a common point, Rube had just begun to feel at his ease when he was hailed by a man who came running after them, ‘Hold on, Redtop!” said this person, “ I’m our friend and not your foe, and if you want nalf a dozen true men to join your band I'll get them for you.” ‘* His name is Lane; he is father’s best friend,” Zella interpolated. The Vigilante remembered what Halpine had said, and as more men were really needed in the band, he bade Mr, Lane seek him at Thunder Pass the next day for a talk, He had not paused while speaking, and by the time he had finished the village was passed, and they hastened on toward the mountain. All depended on reaching the foot-hills before the Regulators. CHAPTER X. THE SIEGE OF THE CAVE, As the fugitives gained the open space their footing became reliable and they were able to run rapidly, but it was not long before loud shouts in the rear announced that the roughs were in pursuit. Nothing could have saved them then had Zella weakened, but she retained her courage in a& way which surprised her champion and they were yet beyond revolver-shot when the broken country was reached. Rube saw with some uneasiness that day would soon be upon them, and dangers seemed to thicken. At the best, Sam Lefferts knew the situation of the cave and could send men to in- tercept them if he was wise enough, and with daylight to render them plainly visible it would be a hard pull. “‘Are you capable of aseending this moun- tain?” he asked, A “Anything; I could almost fly. But, don’t fear for me, | have been over the mountain time pr again and I’m sure I can move as rapidly as U1. She set the example by running lightly u the rough way, anid Rube followed with Ma creased confidence, The shouts of the roughs bad grown danger- ously near, but a little while later it became evident they were being shaken off, Both the young people were lighter than they, and these things tell in a race, Thus they gradually neared the cave, and just as day was breaking the guard was amazed to see his captain appear from the outer air with a poung lady in charge. He made no comments, but when once more alone could not avoid think- ing that it would be very pleasant to act ‘* Vigi- a ” if the cave was to be stocked with young ladies, Redtop Rube had a ful duty to perform; Zella must know that her father was dead, She bore the news better than he had expect- ed, but her assertion that she was “left alone” touched his heart deeper than ever and he vowed she eros never want for brotherly care while he lived. Ellice Norton was mentioned, but Zella had never seen her, nor had she known that another girl was kept at rae™ at Beldick’s, so the proof of Ellice’s real character must come in the fu- ture. Once at the cave fatigue and sleepiness had so assailed the young leader that be could scarcely keep his eyes open, and calling Brown Ben, he directed him to manage affairs and himself sought a bed. e soon fell asleep, and when he awoke it was from a dream in which he was a boy again and firing particularly gigantic fire-crackers d when fairly awake the dull reports were still borne to his ears, Instantly he bounded to his feet as he realized that fighting was going on, and as he left his niche saw Zella and Ellice, ‘The latter swooped down upon him at once, ‘Oh, captain!” she exclaimed, ‘‘ those terrible men are trying to enter the cave—” “ So I see!” Rube spoke curtly and strode past ber. He soon reappeared, accompanied by Jack Silver, but Zella saw no anxiety in their faces. On the contrary, the Vigilante prince had found bis men holding the entrance well under Brown . Ben, and he and Silver were merely making a tour of the interior to make sure there were no other entrances. The besiegers felt tolerably secure on the whole, though their feelings would have been more pleasant had they possessed a better stock of provisions both for themselves and their horses, : - : Outside the voice of Sam Lefferts was plainly heard giving orders to his men, but he took good care to keep himself out of sight of the lous and close-shooting cowboys. Redtop Rube made a careful survey of the whole interior—a work requiring some time, since there were many branches of the main room, running here and there, One other open- ing was found, and this of a nature which Jack Silver unclosed his taciturn mouth to term a “skylight.” At the very top of the ridge a small opening led to the outer air, one through which the ex- — passed only by some squeezing, but hrough they went, resolved to get a view of the soene around them, Nothing could have been more successful, for, looking down to the gulch, they saw the besieg- ers at their post, and their horses not far away, the latter eating the fodder that had been brought for them. f All this gave Rube an idea, His nah as we have before said, was weak chiefly in the scar- city of food for both man and beast, and it oc curred to him that it would be an excellent idea to secure whatever was in the enemy’s camp, Jack Silver, being a man of deeds rather than of words, was not made a confidant, but they returned to the cave, secured the en ce well as possible, and hurried back to the ver room.

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ee ae eS AEC Sat Fa EE exe LT es, WA 16 Rube, the Tenderfoot. They had come just in time, for the besiegers had ceased firing, and a white flag was flutter- ing from a large bowlder. een Ben, after some delay, was about to notice it, when Rube’s return relieved him of the responsibility. The latter at once put out a responsive signal, after which Sam Lefferts appeared, and the two met on the level space in front of the cave, ** Glad ter see yer,” said Sam, abruptly. “I didn’t know but what you would feel so peart in your six-by-seven cave that you wouldn’t come out,” “T believe it was you who took the first ray said the Vigilante, coolly. ‘tI have come to hear what you have to say.” ‘That's easily done, an’ I'll come right down to ther pint. I’m hyar as a friend.” “Just the impression I received when you began firing on the cave.” Ob! that was only playfulness. We took keer not to hurt anybody.” His audacity was refreshing, but Rube re- mained as unmoved as ever, “Well, sound your bugle,” “T will that, an’ I want ter say right here that my friends are dre’ff’ly worried by all this fightin’. Torpeder Gulcb an’ its citizens are men 0’ peace, an’ this trouble has teched them sensitive. They want ther batchet ter be buried, an’ that’s why I’m here.” “Tn order to secure their end, they have only to march back to the village and leave us alone.” “Yas, but they object toan armed force on their s’ile.” “Had they behaved themselves, the armed force would not have been here.” ““Mebbe they was a leetle hasty, but they mean wal now, Do you agree ter ther proposi- tion?” * “ve heard but little of itso far. What do you want?” “First, that ther armed force go away; sec- ondly, that you go away an’ sw’ar never ter re- turn; an’ thirdly, that you surrender Zella Halpine inter our custody.” Rube laughed lightiy. “Now you begin to talk, Why didn’t you say at once that you wanted Zella? For a plain blunt man like you there has been a waste of breath. Well, in answer, let ma say that both myself and the ‘ armed force’ are willing to go away as soon as the pati is clear, but as for Zella Halpine—you can’t have her!” “Tm her lawful guardeen!” cried Sam. “Lawful grandfather! What do you mean?” “ Halpine epplinsd me,” « a. did he? Before or after you murdered ‘You're crazy, Rube! Why, poor Mose com- mitted suicide, be did. Sez he: ‘I have a pre- sentiment 0’ evil, a feelin’ that my eend is nigh. I wouldo’t keer only fur Zella. ‘Sam, if any- thing does happen ter me, will you keer fur her? I said yes, an’ then he made me sw’ar, it no sooner had I did it than he killed his- f, “That'll do,sir. You not only make a fool of yourself, but assume me to be one. Your game won't work, You killed Moses Halpine— the vengeance of the law shall fall upon you. As for Zella, I would as soon deliver her to a wolf; let that end the discussion.” A savage look crossed Sam's face and a curse fell from his lips, Some one had suggested that he try stratagem on Redtop Rube, and this transparent series of falséhoods had been the result. He saw that it was labor thrown away, and his anger burst all bonds. ‘Oh! you’re a highflier, you be, ter come from nobody knows whar an’ try ter ’arn me/ Wal, ef you want war, war it is.” ‘Hold a bit,” said Rube, placidly. ‘* Remem- ber it requires at least two to make a bargain.” ‘*T can at least starve ye out,” said Sam, CHAPTER XL A FRESH MISFORTUNE, THE interview was not protracted a great deal longer. Both men saw the folly of further con- versation, and though Sam Lefferts eased his mind by hinting at the terrible revenge he would have in the future, the interests of history do not uire their presence on paper. Redtop Rube returned to the cave, but he did not go with the intention of remaining quiet, His rival had spoken only too truly when he mentioned the danger of starvation which men- aced the little party, and Rube resolved to at once make a stroke to better the condition of their larder, He had seen oe when at the upper en- trance to show him that the Regulators had a supply of provisions, and he hoped to secure them by a bold stroke, He explained his views to Brown Ben, and asked bim how many men he would require to hold the main entrance during the attempt. “* Give me Jack Silver,” was the grim reply. ** Who else?” ** Nobody.” ‘* But you may be hard pressed.” ‘* With our shooters ready, we can block the way with corpuses so they can’t get at us.” Rube said no more. He saw the pluck of the ex-cowboy, and had faith in his ability. The two were stationed at the entrance, and then the leader explained to the others what was re- quired of them, but gave each man a chance to choose for himself, and go or stay. The response was prompt—every one was ready for the ven- ture, No further time was wasted. They went to the upper entrance, and silently passed outside. A few steps further they secured a full view of the besiegers, They lay in a ravine, which was a mass of piled-up maces, an though the coveted supplies were dangerously near the midst, it was clear that all were thinking of the besieged, and looking only at the main entrance, Rube gave his directions clearly, and the ad- vance was commenced. The movement was to be irregular, and very much like the ‘‘ each man for himself” order, but all were to act witha common object. It was not hard to reach the head of the ravine, but there the real difficulty began. Sooner or later they would be seen by the

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- Rube, the Tenderfoot. iv roughs; it was madness to hope otherwise; but the success of the undertaking ger on de- laying discovery as long as possible, At that moment fire was reopened on the cave, and Rube smiled as he heard Brown Ben and his ally make a good deal of show with their repeating rifles, he young leader waved his hand to his men, Each one dropped on bis hands and knees, and then began a slow, laborious, but resolute crawl, 1t was a pleasure for the cowboys, for it re- minded them of some of the events they had seen in Texas, and from rock to rock they went like Indians, Bowlders were numerous, as we have said be- fore, but it was not always easy to pass from one to another, and the men were often com- pelled to crawl flat on their stomachs; the crisis must only be reached when thsir hands were on the provisions. In the last respect they were successful, but just as they reached the point where they must necessarily uncover, a horse which was standing not far away uttered a loud snort of alarm, “ Now!” Rube needed to say no more, and as one man his gallant allies sprung forward, their hands outstretched to seiza the provisions, Of course the Regulators had looked around at the snort from the horse, but what they saw was so surprising that fora moment they were incapable of motion. The sight of a dozen young fellows briskly gathering up their eat~ ables was not according to their expectations or wishes, Sam Lefferts was the first to recover his wits, “Tt's that infernal Redtop Rube!” he howled, in a wild voice. ‘‘ Shoot him! shoot the blamed critter!” “Quick!” exclaimed Rube; “back to the cave!” It was easier to say than do this. They had secured the food they coveted, but the Regula- tors were arousing like angry hornets, and it would not be easy to gain the cave unbarmed. Along the back track they started on a run, but the rifles of the enemy began to crack, and only the friendly bowlders saved them from destruction, and as it was, a bullet now and then sung unpleasantly near their ears, or flattened on a rock close at hand, Lefferts was not long in seeing that some other means should be adopted, and then, at his com- mand, the Regulators came leaping along the rocks in fierce and noisy pursuit. The fugitives were soon brought to see that it was more difficult to ascend a rocky bill than to go down, especially when they were loaded aud as such haste, but they were not men to falter, and they clambered steadily, the singing of a bullet now and then urging them on, if st had felt inclined to pause. ith the steepest part of the hill before them, the scene assumed a most interesting aspect—in- teresting to all except the Vigilantes. All the way up the ascent men were to be seen leaping from rock to rock, drawing them- selves over ledges and taking risks before which @ common man would have hesitated. Rube surveyed the scene keenly, keeping well in the rear of his men, and resolved to show fight with a vengeance if the worst came. Outnumbered as they were, it would be a ey, foe that could reach them by that rough path, But, burrah! the top of the ridge grows near at hand, the danger grows less as the distance shortens, and the triumph of the little party seems assured, when a rock upon which he had relied, gives way under the foot of Redtop Rube, and he reels, falls, and goes rolling down the ascent, As soon as possible he regained his feet, but brief as had been the delay, it was enough to ruin his chances. He was in the midst of his foes, and as he felt in his belt for the revolver Ele was no longer there, they piled upon im. Still undismayed, he endeavored to shake off the weight upon him. Vain attempt! with the Regulators ee around him like wolves ona wounded buffalo, he was held firmly and menaced at more than one point by sharp-edged knives. Too proud to make a useless struggle, he lay in the grasp of his enemies without motion, and the single glance he took up the bill showed his band still making for the secret entrance. His misfortune had not been observed, Just then Sam Lefferts appeared and burst into a loud laugh at sight of bis helpless enemy. **So you've got taken in, you venomous leetle reptyle!” he said, in high glee. ‘‘ Right after bragging so much, an’ jashin’ me with your tongue, you fall inter ther web jest like a fool y. Oh! you’re a sharp boy, you be!” “That's right, Samuel,” was the cool reply, ‘¢ you’ve got the upper hold just now and I ad- vise man to free your mind,” “Pll do more!” Lefferts declared. _‘* Tl make ne free yourn before I get through with you; “11 make you how! like a painter in a trap.’ The Vigilantes, having reached the entrance to the cave, and being in a happy mood at what they thought their triumph over their enemies, had at last Jooked around and discovered the absence of Captain Redtop. They could not fail to comprehend what meant the group half-way down the bill, and there were so many signs that they intended to move to his aid that he raised his voice ina clear shout: ‘Back to the cave! Back to cover, every man!” He would have said more, but Lefferts sprung forward and closed his hand over his moutb. ‘Silence, or Pll bu’st your bead!” he snarled, ‘*Let them fools come down byar if they will; we'll make them welcome.” No doubt he would, in his way, but the chance was not given. Brave as the young Vigilantes were, they were not fools by ey means and they saw the wisdom of their lead-— er’s words. * One by one they disappeared through the narrow entrance until all were inside the cave, Once Lefferts reached out and took a rifle from one of his followers, but he did not raise it. “So your gang has two doors,” he said, thoughtfully. “VU see that both are kept closed after this, an’ ef I can’t get inside any

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is Rube, the Tenderfoot. > other way I’ll blow ther hull ridge inter pieces, Back ter ther Gulch, men!” They obeyed, taking Rube with them. He had been bound so that he could not use his hands, and was practically at the mercy of the roughs, Having reached the ravine, Lefferts looked at the few crumbs left of the former stock of pro- visions, and expressed bis views in his usual fashion. The besieged now had enough food for man and beast to last three or four days, and they had gained a very important point. Sam, however, was a persistent hater, and he had no sooner seen his prisover firmly secured than he went on a tour of observation, The discovery of the second entrance had given him a hope that there might be more, or that he could in some new way reach and strike his enemies, He returned at the end of an hour, his move- ments hastened, perhaps, by the renewal of fir- ing before the cave, but when he saw it was un- important be sat down on a rock, his expression unusually sour. It was plain that hs was thinking deeply, bow- ever, and at the end of half an hour he sprung to his feet and slapped himself congratulatingly on the thigh, “T have it!” he declared. ‘Git a flag of truce!” CHAPTER XII. SAM LEFFERTS’S LITTLE PLAN. THE manner of the young rough had under- gone a very Sagi catia change, and where he had been surly, be was suddenly jubilant. It was plain that some idea had flashed upon his mind which, if not brilliant, was for the time just as good—he believed in it. The flag of truce was brought, and he waved it exultantly around his head, ‘* We're goin’ ter eend this affair right away,” he said, confidently. ‘‘You kin ease up on the shootin’ while I talk a bit with them crit- ters, an’ then, ef they choose ter be sarcy, we'll make them yell.” Some one remarked that all this would please them, and then, after thrusting the flag into Rube’s face with brutal facetiousness, the young villain toiled up the ascent to a favorable place for an interview, something he soon secured by means of the flag, and Brown Ben came out to meet him. _ ‘‘ Hallo, Old Hundred!” was Sam’s swagger- ing Gioeting. “How d’ye find things in thar?” ‘Right peart,” Ben answered, coolly. “Glad on’t. I s’pose ye know we've got yer cap'n?” “Yes,” said the lientenant, briefly, and long- ing to fling himself on his enemy and thus equalize matters. te gd d@ye s’pcse we're gwine ter do with im “ Don’t know.” “Wal, ef you don’t trot out ther gal, Miss Zella, Pll show you ther biggest circus you ever see’d purty soon.” ’n’t surrender ther girl,” Ben dog- gedly said, “Then Mr. Redtop Rube goes up ther flume.” “You wouldn’t do that, would ye?” Lefferts broke into a loud Jaugh. ® “Dil tell ye what [lldo. Vl place Redtop Rube over a keg o’ gunpowder an’ start a fuse that'll blow him ter thunder ef you don’t trot out ther gal, I give ye fa’r warnin’, ther men oy Torpedo Gulch are done with foolishin’.s We want Zella Halpine ‘cause she are a legal voter, but we don’t want Redtop Rube. I tell ve fa’r thet ef you don’t produce ther gal I'll blow Rube inter mincemeat.” This long speech was delivered with the swag- gering air of one who feels himself master of the situation, and as Brown Ben had become devoted to his leader he was accordingly de- pressed in spirits, @ made a little plea for mercy—something he would not have done for himself—but Sam remained unmoved, He had but one proposi- tion to make: if Zella was delivered to him he would free Rube; otherwise the latter would be blown to pieces'in sight of all. Poor Ben was in a tight corner, but rough though be wasit was a part of his creed to stand firm when fighting for the right, or for woman, while if he had been tempted to give up Zella there arose in his face the positive be- lief that this would not save the Vigilante prince, Toward him Sam had an undying hatred, and he was not at all likely to abandon his re- venge for a lesser object. Believing thus, the lieutenant declined to make any such bargain, and they separated in a Venomous mood. * Just you keep ga eyes open for a circus!” was the farewell Lefferts threw over his shoulder, Brown Ben returned to the cave, and was met near the entrance by Zella and Ellice Norton. He did not need to tell them what had oc- curred, **T am going out!” declared Zella, “Sho! What for?” Ben inquired. “T heard what Lefferts said, and I will not allow Mr. Redtop to suffer for me. Sam won’t kill me.” “She tried ter go out before, but I stopped - her,” said the guard, who had, indeed, been put to considerable trouble to tc the brave girl from at once surrendering herself, Ben admired the spirit by which she was actuated; but as it would be a mere sucrifice, he hastened to present the case in its proper light. As well trust a rattlesnake as Sam Lefferts, In the meanwhile, that worthy had returned to his men, and was preparing for his grand scheme. . Rube was taken to the top of the ravine where one of the few trees of the vicinity found root, growing near the verge, and looking weak and forlorn enough, The first move of the. Regulators was to take akeg of powder, and digging a little Lole be- side the trunk of the tree, set it on end in such a way that it was immovable, and then Rube was directed to stand upon it. He was beginning to comprehend their plan, and bound as he was, he hesitated. Near at ~~

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Rube, the Tenderfoot. 19 hand was the verge of the ravine, and just there the descent was forty or fifty feet sheer, but it looked more inviting than the powder-keg. His views were not consulted, however, ‘“‘ Pick him up, ef he’s too weak ter stand!” sneered Lefferts, ‘‘ This hyar is his first meetin’ with danger, an’ I’)i let you see him how] like a whipped dog. Isay, Redtop, how do you like it?’ ‘“Talk sense if you want an answer,” said ey with a coolness we confess he did not feel. “Oh, this is sense; red-hot sense, as I'll show you. That’s it, boyees, tie him tight.” When their work was done, he stood on the keg, immoyably bound to the tree, bis arms stretched aloft at full length, “a | strongly suspect you ketch onto my little idee, Redtop,” said the young ruffian, “I am goin’ ter run a three-foot fuse from ther bung- hole o’ this keg out this-a-way, arter which it will be fired, an’ unless yer friends care enough about ver ter trot out ther gal in your place. ther instant ther fire teches ther powder, you’l sail up skyward about two bundred feet, more nor less, Fine prospect, ain’t it?” “ Nothing extra.” The Vigilante prince was sorely troubled, but he would not give his enemy the pleasure of see- ing bim show fear, Pleading would certainly make no change in the situation, and, if he must die, it were better to die like a man, Up to this time their movements had been hid from the view of those in the cave by a fringe of intervening bushes, but Sam knew the re- moval of these would afford an ample chance for the Vigilantes to watch, and the hour seemed fraught with triumph. All the Regulators were now called uP and the two places of exit so guarded that a ly on the part of the pana would be madness, while the gang sent to clear away the bushes per- formed their work so well that those in the cave could see all, Brown Ben hastened to use the small telescope one of his men possessed, and as he saw that, un- less appearances were very deceptive, luckless Rube was really standing on a powder-keg, his nerveless arm fell to his side, < Zella sprung forward and grasped the tele- scope. ‘* Let me see!” she said, breathlessly. “No, no, child!” Ben huskily answered, re- taining the instrument. ‘It is nothing. Go to your room. You—you are in the way here.” ‘*You cannot deceive me!” she said, firmly. “Let*me know the worst. Reuben Redtop is doomed by those wretches. I must, [ will go out! She tried to reach the entrance, but he caught and held her, ‘“ Would you see him die?” she demanded, wildly. *T would not see you fall into their hands, too, when it will do no good.” “Coward! you bope to see him die so that you may be captain of the Vigilantes!” It was an ungrounded and ungenerous charge, as no one knew better than Zella, but she bad lost her self-control for the time. Brown Ben flushed slightly, but, wild and ex- citable as he could be at times, he had a good deal of the same cool nature that belonged to Rube, and now he acted with the kind resolution of one fur older than he, ‘Remove both these girls to their room,” he said to Jack Silver. The order, which Zella deemed most cruel, and against which Ellice Norton loudly protest- ed, was promptly put in execution, It gave kind Ben some uneasiness, for he hated to deal rudely with a girl, but he saw matters arriving at a crisis, and was resolved that Zella should not interfere through any mistaken sense cf duty, as sho was trying to do, He culled the Vigilantes around him, “ Boys,” he said, ‘‘ you see our captain out there in an infernal fix, Just so sure as the sun shines Sam Lefferts will blow him into pieces unless somebody chips in, while it is pretty sure that death awaits whoever does chip in. Now, boys, they are forty odd and we are ten. Who is willing to make a dash when the crisis comes, and So what seems sure death?” The response was rolled out by the little band with gratifying unamimity and volume; every man had spoken. Brief as had been their ac- quaintance with Rube, they liked him well, and 7 were men accustomed to every wild scene and foray common to Texan soil, “Then, by Jupiter!” cried Ben, ‘* we'll be in at the death!” The death seemed very near, for, as the last of the bushes had been cut away, Lefferts deemed it wise to bave the fuse fired so that the rifles of the Vigilantes could not play upon them, ‘Now, then, see what your friends will do for yon!” be sneeringly said to Rube. ‘They call you leader, but they'll set on their heels an’ let ree be blowed up, fur which their excuse will that they like ter see a man rise in ther world!” \ CHAPTER XIII. HOW THE PLAN RESULTED. Wiri this would-be facetious reply, Sam Lef- ferts turned and hastened away. He had no desire to tempt the Vigilante rifles, and the fuse had been properly fired. We need scarcely say that Sam was acting in his usual villainous fashion, If Ben had been foolish enough to surrender Zella, Sam would have received her with pleasure, and then have butchered Rube just the same, Even asit was, he intended, if Zella came out and gave herself up, to let the fuse burn on. ‘ Redtop Rube was in the tightest corner-of his life. He was bound so that he could not stir to any extent whatever, except by bie the tree, which he was able to do somewhat; but that would not free him, and he was as helpless as a child. He looked at the fuse and the gg flame. It burned steadily and approached the keg all too fast. At the latter point one end of the fuse disappeared inside the keg and it was easy to imap how the fire would creep in the same way. Then—farewell to earth! As the evil eye of a serpent mesmerizes its human victim, so did the tiny flame gain power

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20 over Rube. His gaze was fixed upon it, and as he watched the fuse grow shorter, he seemed unable to turn his eyes away. He looked toward the cave, and, having no doubt but that he was being watched from there, raised his voice in a hail, calling the name of bis lieutenant. Brown Ben promptly answered. ** Keep your place, in there!” added Rube, clearly. ‘* You can do me no good, and you must take care of the girl and of the band. Do not treat with these men; they would break their word and I should die just the same. Stay in the cave!” Lefferts had not thought it necessary to gag his prisoner, but he now appeared at the west- ward side of a bowlder, where he was invisible from the cavs, and roared a command to his victim to be silent, His threat of bodily harm, in case the shout was repeated, was somewhat absurd under the circumstances, The Vigilante looked at him with cool con- tempt. The interruption served to take his thoughts from his approaching fate and was rather welcome ‘han otherwise, but his eyes soon turned toward his feet. ' The burning fuse was growing short; the fire was nearing the powder; and that meant death to Redtop Rube. Once more he strained at his bonds, but the only effect was to make the frail tree sway back and forth; the cords had been well se- cured, The rocking of the tree, however, gave him anidea, It was so feebly rooted that, if un- bound, he could easily have pulled it over, and though no lasting good could come of it, he re- solved to try to disturb Sam's plans, Tn thus resolving, he forgot the precipice be- hind him, over which the tree must surely go if it fell backward. He began to rock it as he had decided, and all the while the creeping flame moved on to- ward the powder. It was a thrillingly interest- ing moment for all. From behind the rock Sam Lefferts watched both prisoner and the cave; from the latter point Brown Ben looked through his telescope at the burning fuse, his men standing ready for the rush when he gave the word. Come what might, he would nof see his leader die thus under his very eyes, . Rube still rocked the trée, and as it would move and move it was a wonder Lefferts gave no heed. Did he fail to observe it, or did he think there was no danger of uprooting it? On crept the flame; it moved very slowly, but to the prisoner it seemed to rush. Suddenly there was a snap, as though a large root had broken, and then the tree bent slowly backward—back toward the precipice—while the earth gave way around its foot and it was left unsecured, Friend and foe looked in surprise as, going rapidly when once its course was assured, the double object receded from its former position; and then all became breathlessly interested as the tree fell over the edge of the precipice, bear- Mg Roitop Rube with it! e young Vigilante had not been slow to. Rube, the Tenderfoot. perceive his new danger when the course of the tree became certain, but the furious effort to burst his bonds proved again futile and with that sickening sensation a fall always gives, he went over the brink, The tree struck in such a way that the shock was but slight, but ina moment more it was going downwurd, top first, a: 4 as a result Rube was going head-foremost. Fifty feet below he had’a view of jagged rocks, upon which a fall meant death, but he closed his lips tightly and uttered no cry. Down!—down! The tree started briskly on its course, but only a few feet had been passed when, witha slight shock, it stopped and ‘seemed to be sus- pended in empty air. Taking a more practical view of the case, the youth looked upward and saw that the roots of the tree had caught on the edge of the precipice, and there was another reprieve mecured. It was a strange and thrilling situation. The tree swayed dangerously, and Redtop Rube every instant expected its frail support to give way and dash him onthe deadly rocks which showed raggedly forty feet below. Suddenly, there was a sound of firing above, loud shouts and angry yells, the clash of steel and the crack of revolvers, What could it mean? There seemed but one answer: the Vigilantes had sallied from the cave and attacked the renee. ‘* Useless!” almost groaned the youth; ‘they will give their lives in vain. They are but a handful compared with Lefferts’s gang; they cannot help-me; and by this mad, but noble, attempt they will make the triumph of the Black Regulators complete!” The strife seemed to have reached a point of fury above, but its echoes were so painful Hace as they did of the annihilation of Brown Ben’s men, that Rube turned his atten- tion to his own situation. The roots still held, and bad it not been for his weight would have been enough to firmly retain the tree, which was but light of weight, but with his hundred and fifty pounds added they seemed liable, to give way at any moment. hen—forty feet below were the pointed rocks! To fall seemed sure death, Ha! the tree slips a bit; the weight is pulling it over; it will soon fall, A feeling of horror assailed the Vigilante prince. Brave he was, but where is the person, man or youth, who could meet such a fate calmly? With the blood settling in his head, face and neck, his sight grew blackened and misty, the veins swelled and darkened, and he almost wished the end might come gukiy. Again the treo has a shock; the roots have slipped another inch; it cannot hold many mo- ments longer, Redtop Rube no longer knew whether the fight raged above. His mind began to wander and was scarcely conscious of his own situation. Perhaps ten seconds passed, or it may have been as many minutes—he had no means of tell- ing—and then a greater shock ran along the

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Rube, the Tenderfoot. 21 tree; it seemed to give way entirely; it moved downward, Redtop Rube was prepared for the worst, but very much to his surprise, he did not go down as he expected. The movements of the tree were eccentric. It whirled around once, and then, unless he was gr¢. tly mistaken, steadily arose, He winked briskly several times, and, looking up, saw beyond the room of a doubt that this was true. The tree was going back in the same path it had come. : Steadily it pursued its course, and then, mov- ing to the level, both it and its human burden became stationary and horizontally placed. The bonds which held the youth fell away, his head was lifted, his mouth opened, and some fiery liquor ran down his throat. oe gasped, opened his eyes, and saw Brown en, “ Hurrah!” cried the faithful lieutenant. “I knew we would bring him around. Captain! I say, do you hear me? Rube made a great effort, and gained his feet. His prostration was rapidly passing away, and though he still needed Ben’s arms, he spoke clearly. “The Regulators—where are they?” “ Running pell-mell for Torpedo Gulch!” cried the lieutenant, in great glee. ‘‘ They are scat- tered to the four winds, and the powder won’t explode to-day. We have nipped that little scheme in the bud, but not alone. These men were our allies.” As he spoke, a stout, bearded man came to Rube’s side. **T don’t spose you know me, Cap’n Redtop,” he said, ‘‘ but you may remember a man by the name o' Lane, who offered you his help at ther Gulch, Thet’s me. I was ter meet you in Thunder Pass to-day, but neither on us was able ter get there.” may” Rube’s head was by this time clear, and he had no difficulty in remembering Lane, while he also remembered tbat Zella had said the man was perfectly honest and trustworthy. He took his hand, and then it was soon ex- lained to him how the Vigilantes, under Brown n, had made a dash, and had been promptl seconded by Lane and half a dozen of ES Pet ferts’s men, who bad gladly seized the chance to desert the Regulators, and work for the cause of the right. Their united efforts had put the Regulators to flight, and then the tree had been raised from its singular position by means of lariats, and Rube saved from his impending fate. He had had a “close cat,” but by the help of Providence and his good friends, had come out of the jaws of death unharmed. The fuse had been pulled away and trampled on, thus pre- venting an explosion of the powder, buta fire had been started in Rube’s mind, which might cause a greater explosion. CHAPTER XIV. TREACHERY. THE Vigilantes lost little time outside the cave, Their triumph was so complete, as far as it had gone, that Rube was inclined to follow it up and strike the foe anew, A good general w To k ae am 9, ’ Maken ea 7 never lets a beaten enemy retreat in peace if he is in condition to follow, “We will return to Zella and talk matters over a little, and then the war shall be pushed into Africa,” ‘* What of Sam Lefferts?” asked Lane, ‘He is the murderer of Moses Halpine, and as the latter met his fate by working for me, I'll try to avenge him if you and your friends, Tepeeeearing oe best men of Torpedo Gulch, sa the word, hen I named my band the ‘ Vigil. antes’ it was an unwarranted assumption of the name, but we will make it a thing of fact if you so vote,” : ‘We do so vote. We represent three-fourths of the wealth of the Gulch, and have only hired these ruffians to work for us because honest men stood no show in the town, Clear away this element and we are all your friends, while in the fight we'll serve under your lead and obey you as do your other men,” It was an offer Rube would not refuse, and though the Vigilantes were still in the minority, they felt capable of winning the day. he united force revarnelt to the cave, where Brown Ben had left two men asa guard when the dash was made, The lieutenant was in ad- vance, and as he passed within bis face clouded, Both the men were invisible, and that certainly meant something ire * Alf! Alf Belden! here are you?” All had paused, and as Ben heard a sortof choking sound at one side, he strode in that di- rection, There lay Belden, bound and gagged. The lieutenant’s hands moved ateKiy and as soon as the gag was removed Belden spoke; he had not been long enough confired to have stiff jaws, j ** Quick!” h® said, excitedly. ‘‘ They may not hev got are yet,” “Who? as it Sam Lefferts?” The question came in Rube’s keen voice. He saw that some misfortune had fallen, but he in- tended to make sure, “No; it was Ned Norris an’ that tiger-cat, Ellice Norton, She bewitched him an’ he turned traitor. It was bim what tied me up.” The case had been stated in a nutshell, and Rube’s opinion of Miss Norton was confirmed. “Which way did they go?” ‘Toward ther upper entrance,” Rube dashed away, followed by his men, and the cave and the adjacent vicinity were soon searched, Useless work; the entire party—El- lice, Norris and Zella—had disappeared, Alf Belden kept by his captain’s side and told the story as they searched, He had not for an instant suspected that anything was wrong until he was beaten to the ground by the weight of his fellow guard, and then, by the help of Ellice, Norris soon bound him, It had been so quietly done that Zella, who had gone to the extreme limit of the entrance, heard nothing, and was brought to the realiza- tion of her fresh misfortune when seized by Norris. She had been hurried away despite her strug- gles, and Belden had seen them no more, By the time the disconnected story was told, the foot of the mountain was reached, d y - * . t s < isd os 7 4 ¢ << tho ae RS; is : fe

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22 Rube, the Tenderfoot. roughs were seen just entering the village, while the fluttering of female clothing told that Zella and Ellice were there. “ Baffled!” muttered Brown Ben; but Rube turned to Lane. ‘What would be the chances if we madea charge?” “Tm afraid it would work mighty bad just now. Weare twenty and they near forty, and it’s pretty clear we can’t take them by surprise just at present.” “ You are right,” said Rube, gloomily. ‘Sam Lefferts has snatched victory out of defeat by the treachery of Ned Norris.” Belden again came to the front. “ve just thought of somethin’ more, which I b'lieve explains why Ned kicked over ther traces,” ** What is it?” “This morning I heerd Ned an’ that female tiger talkin’ kinder sly-like, an’ 1 ketched enough that was said tosee she was tellin’ him about ther gold some man had buried, and that she knowed whar it was, an’ that it would make ther man who dugituprich. O’ course I put my oar in, an’ then Ned seemed kinder flustrat- ed, an’ said she had be’n givin’ him a wild yarn *bout an ole monk that buried gold near a mis- sion in Californy, near where she used to live. Now it’s my opinion she made him b’lieve this yarn, an’ that’s why he turned traitor.” “Hold on!” said Rube, quickly, ‘‘ How did Ned act while he was explaining to you? Did he seem to believe what he was saying?” ‘Wal, skeercely. He kinder stumbled over his words.” “Exactly; because he was lying. His story was all moonshine. If he turned traitor for gold, the real or imaginary pile of which she told him is not so far away as California.” “T have an idea!” cried Lane. “ What is it?” “Moses Halpine buried all the gold he got— so did all the honest men about the Gulch—and I remember, when I was at the town, hearing Lefferts talking with Ellice. He suspected she knew where Halpine’s gold was buried, and de- manded the secret; but she swore she knew nothing about it. He bluntly told her she was lying, and so 1 think she was. Now, is it wild to think she upset Ned’s honesty by talking of this very treasure?” “T cotton to your theory a good deal,” said Rube, promptly. “But this Ellice—who and what is she?” ‘* A first-class sharper, I take it. Ive heard it said she had to flee from California because of some swindle in which she was engaged, and she came here to get out of sight. She has been around several weeks, but she has lived at Bel- dick’s and kept very shady, so that few people knew she was here.” ‘*T have had a suspicion that there was some sham in that affair when I carried her off by mistake.” “So there was. She had promised Sam to go to your cave and betray you all into his hands,” “Bxactly; and when she found me carrying her away it just suited her purpose. She is, in- deed, deep and artful.” Rube said no more, but, withdrawing from his men, gave himself up to earnest thought. He was fairly and, according to Arizona ways, legally entitled to purify the morals of Tor- o Gulch. The name “ Vigilantes,” which d at first been a boyish freak, had become a thing of fact. A band was in existence to subdue the roughs of the town, and as its leader there was werk and thinking for him to do, The present question in his mind was whether Ellice Norton intended to deal fairly with Ned Norris, providing she had told him of Halpine’s buried gold. He wasinclined to think she did, The defeat of the Regulators would naturally impress her forcibly, and it seemed that rather than to follow Sam Lefferts’s waning fortunes she would accept the gallant Ned as a cavalier, and, securing the gold, flee to fresh fields of action, At any rate, it would not do any harm to watch for the pair, even though he had no idea where Halpine’s gold had been buried. He consulted with his men, and when he said that he was in favor of a bold attack on the town that night, and a settlement of the matter one way or another, every Vigilante voted with im. With this matter settled, they took position where they could watch and make sure no one left the place, and thus they awaited the moment of action. At that time Zella Halpine was alone in the room at Beldick’s which she had previously oc- cupied when a prisoner. She had been thrust in with her hands still bound, and giving way to despair for the first time, and wept freely, but the weakness soon passed and when Sam Lefferts entered she was calm. The young villain’s face bore an ugly scowl. He bad been badly beaten in the mountain, where death and desertion had deprived him of one-fourth of his men, and this fact, with the supposed escape of Redtop Rube, more than overbalanced the capture of Zella. He looked at her with an evil smile, ‘* Well; you’re cooped up ag’in, ain’t ye?” was his coarse taunt. ‘* Base wretch!” she cried, passionately, ‘‘ how dare you speak to me/—you who murdered my father.” ‘““Tve already said that Mose committed suicide!” ‘Don’t trouble yourself to repeat it. No- body believes you. I know my dear father too well to suppose he would proceed to such a step. Your hand, Sam Lefferts, took his life!” She had arisen, and was confronting him with eyes whose flashing anger awed him fora mo- ment, but he foreed an unnatural laugh from his throat, and looked like a dog which first cringes and then shows his teeth in a surly way. ‘“ You kin hev this matter jest as you please; I don’t go out o’ my way a peg ter change your views, but I will try ter give ye practical proof that I mean ye wal, my pritty one!” His smile became more natural, but it was one which made Zella shiver. * Ef I have robbed you of a father,” he con- tinued, ‘Tl try ter fill up ther gap in ther fam’ly. What d’ye say ter a husband in place o’ a parient?”

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Rube, the Tenderfoot. 23 Sa en aed 2 a Pe a ie 1 Zella’s heart sunk and her face paled. Sam had long and industriously made love to her, but there was that in his manner now which told that affairs were to be pressed to a crisis, She could not answer, and then he added: ““Thar’s a minister in ther burgh, an’ I’ve asked him over here. He’s come, an’ now we will be tied up in the shake of a deer’s huff, You will find me a right nice, indulgent husband, chicken.” CHAPTER XV, THE BURIED TREASURE, ZELLA found speech at last, but she spoke with a manner as though the terror which had at first chained her tongue was now what made her speak, having become too much for her en- durance, “Oh! no! no!” she cried. ‘* You would not be so cruel; you cannot! Oh! let me go away from here, and I will never come back. I never harmed you, Sam. Let me go and I'll never return!” It was a cry from her heart ratber than an argument, but Lefferts remained unmoved. He was not one to let sentiment or pity interfere with his plans, and he bluffly informed her that such was the fact. He bad sent for the minister, he had come as directed, and the ceremony was going forward. ‘*T'll bring good witnesses, an’ see that all is did in first-class style,” he added, as he went out, Zella sunk into a chair, miserable enough, and wishing she was with that father who had evi- dently left her friendless, Friendless? No; she was not that while the Vigilantes lived, but they were now powerless. She thought of Redtop Rube and shuddered. Her Jast glimpse of him had been when he van- ished over the precipice. He had been kind to her, and now he was lying dead at the foot of the rock. r Truly, she seemed beset by ali imaginable evils. She aovaaee to free her bands, for she had the will to defend herself, feeble girl though she was, but the work was useless, and she sat down once more to await the next act in the drama. At least an hour passed, and then the sound of footsteps outside the door was followed by the appearance of Sam, Ellice Norton, Beldick the landlord, and another man whom she did not know, It needed no explanation to tell her this was the minister, real or pretended, and she looked at him sharply, but the gathering shadows of evening, coupled with the big beard and pro- fusion of hair he wore, were proof against al- most any gaze. h She could not tell whether he was a villain or not. Sam waved his hand in a wide circle. ‘Mr. Smiterock, minister, and so forth, this is ther bride-elect,” he announced, The stranger bowed very low. ‘Happy I am to meet her, and glad to my heart are such scenes,” he said, in a whining tone. The voice and the words were enough to con- vince Zella that he was either a consummate hypocrite of a minister, or no minister at all; but he was a man, and she would let no chance pass to try to improve her fortunes. Earnestly she made a plea for his protection, but the coolness and patience of Lefferts were proof enough that she spoke in vain. If Sam was willing she should talk, it was because ho had no fear that she would move the so-called minister. And she did not. At the end he briefly in- formed her that, having learned she was an orpban, he believed it his duty to provide her with a brave and honest protector, and such he knew Sam to be, Ellice approached to add her word, but Zella fiche a2 turned her back upon the traitress who had brought this fresh trouble upon her, — the young woman silently accepted the re- uff, Zella, young though she was, was duly ob- serving, and she was so sure this Mr. Smiterock was no minister that she resolved to quietly submit to the ceremony. Certainly, that was the only way to get her hands free, and while they were bound she was wholly helpless. Accordingly, when Beldick approached and asked her to take her place she quietly submit- ted, though troubled. by one matter. What should she say when asked if she would take Sam for her husband? She was unexpectedly helped from her dilem- ma, for the minister seized the chance and, stooping, whispered in her ear: ‘For heaven’s sake don’t let your face betray you, but you need have no fear, Jam Brown Ben!” Nothing could have astonished her more, just then, but the voice was too familiar to be doubted. She saw that she kad friends even when she least expected them, and all hesitation vanished, Now, indeed, could she go straight forward. Luckily, the gloomy dusk of the room pre- vented them from reading her face, and, assum- ing an air of great reluctance, but resisting no further, she went through the ceremony with considerable firmness. It was a great risk to take, but she had faith in Brown Ben and felt sure he had some way provided for her escape. The farce being over at last, she was once more left alone, only Sam and Smiterock pane ing to make comments. The former was in an exultant mood, but the Vigilante, while mum- bling some words aloud, managed to slip a knife into her bands—they bad been unbound for the ceremony and left thus—and to utter a few ad- ditional words of encouragement. Sam locked the door once more as they went out, and then ordered Beldick to bring liquor for the whole crowd. “By Judas! you area trump, Dan. I knew — you were just the man for the place, but you have gone beyond what I hoped. Why, your disguise isso perfect I sw’ar I wouldn’t know e!? ““Mebbe I bad better keep it on a while, and show myself to the gal to-morrow, You don’t want her to smell a mice, ez she would be likely ter do ef Mr. Smiterock vanished too sud- den,”

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24 The little artifice worked well. “You are right, Dan, jest mght. disguise on.” In the meanwhile Ellice had left the hotel and hastened to a shanty where she found Ned Nor- ris, the cowboy she had caused to turn traitor, sitting morosely by the table. **So you’ve come,” he muttered. you had given me the slip,” ““Why should you think that? she asked, re- proachfully. ‘* Because you was gone so long.” i ** Are you ready for the trip after the gold?” ** All ready.” ** Then we will start an hour later.” _* Are you sure it was gold you saw Halpine bury?” ** I can’t doubt it, now I’ve heard his gold was really buried somewhere, At any rate, we can look and see, and if we get fooled we can return here, and Sam Lefferts need not know we in- tended to leave.” Norris agreed, as he did in all things proposed by her; and thus it was that, at the appointed time, they secretly left the village and took their way toward the western hills, Some caution was necessary to do this successfully, for the Regulators were trying to protect themselves b means.of pickets, but they were cunning enoug to s safely through, borses and all. othing troublesome occurred until the bills were reached, and then Ellice easily led the way to the spot where she had absently watched Halpine burying something one day, little sus- pecting it was of importance, ‘Here we are, all right!” she said cheerily to Norris, ‘‘ Take the spade and dig.” **Tt is for our future, Ellice.” a ‘“Of course, but never mind that,” said the irl woman, who did not feel like sentimentality Tot then. Norris struck his spade into the ground, and then he, too, became wrapped in golden dreams, 4 Torpedo Gulch had never been a very prosper- H ous town, and many barely obtained a living, but HaJpine had been frugal; perhaps he had a great treasure saved up, Norris worked steadily and the earth accu- mulated around the place quite rapidly, while Ellice Norton stood near and watched breath- lessly. She was risking a good deal on that ewan of work; how much, only the girl herself new Keep ther **T thought 2 Suddenly the ex-cowboy uttered a subdued i ery. f A What is it?’ Ellice demanded. H “* Whatever is buried, Wait! here is a box!” } He stooped and grasped something at the bot- tom of the hole he bad made, One minute he i exerted all his strength and then, rising, drop- ; a box on the level ground, ee “Quick!” cried Ellice. ‘The spade! off the cover!” She did not need to urge him; he had become as much infatuated as she; and with a few sturdy blows of the spade he wrenched the box in pieces, be interior was open to their view, and both gazed as though fascinated. Gold was there; a yellow glitter which made their eyes glitter in Tesponse, Tear Rube, the Tenderfoot. Then down on their knees they dropped, both plunging their hands into the worshiped mass, ‘Thousands of dollars, and all for us!” cried Norris. “Are you sure itis gold?’ demanded Ellice, her cold tone coatrasting with his eager one. ‘Sure? Of course it is; I could swear to it!” * And worth thousands of dollars?” * Five thousand, I should say.” Ellice stood erect. Her face seemed pale in the partial moonlight, but she had never been calmer, “Look again at the bottom of tbe pit; there my be more there,” she said, e bent down, and then, witha tion, she thrust Ned Norris forwar pit. uick mo- into the CHAPTER XVI. BROWN BEN AT BAY. Sam LEFFERTS was a busy man that evening, for though he was giving so much attention to his private affairs, and had become a married man after a fashion peculiarly his own, he did not close his eyes to the fact that danger might be abroad for Tornado Gulch in general. The events of the day had so wenkened bis foree and strengthened that of his rival, that though be had little doubt of his ability to whip the Vigilantes at any time in a fair fight, he did not think prudent to give them the advantage of a surprise, Hence his course in posting sentinels, Despite all his precautions, it has been seen that one advantage bad been secured by the enemy; Brown Ben was in the Regulator camp, and whatever the result might be, he had con- trived to do Zella a kindness, Lefferts had studied out the idea of a mock marriage, and as he knew one of his men pos- sessed a disguise, had sent him to his cabin to getit; but the fellow had been pounced upon by the Vigilantes, and the whole plot forced from him, Then it was that Brown Ben volunteered to assume the disguise, and act the part of the so- called minister, It was risky work; but as Sam would expect to see him well disguised, it was at last pronounced feasible, and he entered the town. His opening success has already been told, Lefferts devoted a short time to celebrating what he considered his triumph, and then went outside to make a circuit of the town, leaving ‘* Smiterock ” in the bar-room with Beldick, The Vigilante, however, was not in the least: disposed to sit down and act like a block of wood. Zella was a prisoner, he was there to help her, and he meant to do it if such a thing was possible. How was it to be done? He had no excuse for going again to the upper part of the house, and as Beldick was a faithful friend of the Regulator oe it was not likely he would allow any one there. Luck, bowever, turned in his favor. ‘*Tt?s queer where that gal, Ellice, is,” observ- ed Beldick. ‘*Sbe is wanted ter watch t’other 1. g “That's ther idee,” observed Ben. ‘Ef yer want ter see a job nice done, set one woman ter x ——

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Rube, the Tenderfoot. 25 watch another, They'll find out ther hull busi- ness, an’ more, too.” “T don’t trust that Ellice overly,” said Bel- dick, thoughtfully. ‘* Ef ever anybody was all fur number one, it’s her. I kinder s’pect she would shake us ail bad, ef twas to her advan- tage,” * Mebbe she has sloped now.” ‘* Wouldn’t be s’prised.” “But, see hyar: Whatef she means ter set Zella free? Them desperadoes may have see’d her, an’ bought her over to their cause.” The idea startled Beldick, “Durnation! she orter be watched—Zella had.” “T'm ther man fur ther job. Sam has gone away an’ we must take care o’ his bride. Ill go up on the other floor till we hear from bim.” Beldick agreed that it was a wise plan, and Ben was not long in ascending the ladder. Once on the upper floor his manner changed. He was in the camp of the enemy and in great danger. put. he intended to let no oppurtunity pass to ai Zella. If nothing better could be done he would stand at bay at the head of the ladder and keep others down, hoping the predicament would be ended by the swoop of the Vigilantes. His first step was to communicate with Zella, and he was not long in making her understand the state of affairs. ““We have now two ways before us,” he ob- | - served. ‘* We can remain here and trust to luck that Reatop Rube and his men will pull us through all right, or we can make an attempt at escape.” ‘* Let us do the latter, by all means,” : +f But, it seems impossible to escape observa- ion. ms “T have a plan; wait for me,” She disappeared in the room which Ellice Norton had occupied, but soon returned so changed that, at first glance, Ben would almost bave sworn it was Ellice, herself. The latter, who was of a coquettish turn of mind, usually wore a white hat and light shawl —garments well known in Torpedo Gulch—but for the night expedition on which we have seen her go, she bad taken darker-colored clothes and left these. Brown Ben understood Zella’s idea. “Excellent!” he exclaimed. ‘I would al- most swear you are Ellice, aud I begin to have hopes of pulling through, At any rate, we'll make a trial,” “We must go from the window.” “More than that, we must make a hole through the roof at the rear. The quieter the way, the better our chances. Hush!” A well-known voice was heard at the foot of the Jadder, and as iv seemed to ascend Ben pointed to the inner room. “Get to cover—quick!” he said. ‘ Itis Sam Lefferts; we must pull the wool over his eyes if possible,” Tt was but fifteen seconds later that Sam’s ugly head arose to the level of the floor, but when he looked around he saw only “ Smite- rock,” who was seated in a chair and calmly smoking. “How's ther galf” Sam asked, *« Quiet as a chick’n,” was the terse reply. ‘*T reckon I'll go in an’ see her.” ‘“* Better leave her till ther fight is over,” said Ben, in alarm. ‘*When she sees them durned Vigilantes all wiped out she'll be twic’t as pli able. ‘Don’t you be afeered,” said the Regulator, with an evilsmile, ‘‘ I’m aman an’ she only a chick’n, ez you call her, an’ Pll make her get down on her knees an’ swear allegiance ter yours truly, inside o’ half an’ hour,” His tone convinced Ben that arguments would be in vain and he said no more, but he was not sure he was sorry that it was so, If Sam really did lay hands on the girl, he, Ben, would chip in, and as he was confident of his ability to worst the young ruffian, the Regulators would be minus a leader. Lefferts entered the room and stood before Zella with his old, evil smile. ee my dear wife, we meet once more,” he said. ‘Your dear wife! You prove how true that is by keeping me under lock and key,” she said, with a boldness caused by the sight of Ben’s face at the door, He paused suddenly. He had been advancing on her with hands outstretcbed, but as she pro- duced the knife Ben had given her, both his feet and his tongue came to a standstill, and he stared at her blankly, ‘* Keep your distance!” she said, clearly. ‘“‘ Whar did ye get that knife?” he demanded, in complete astonishment, ‘“ Never mind; enough that I have it.” “You've got ter drop it, durn quick!” he snarled, ‘* Down it goes, or tu— What unmanly threat he would have uttered must remain a mystery, for at that moment Brown Ben, who had seen the folly of nveng to get along peaceably and had crept u a neatly knocked his feet from under him, an dropping him on his back, planted his knee on his breast, Then the glitter of another knife flashed so near Sam’s eyes that the blade almost touched the iris. : “Not a word—not a yip!” said the Vigilante, sternly, ‘ You shall not be harmed if you sub- mit quietly, but I do swear that Iam going to have my way here, You are my prisoner.” “Are you mad, Dan?’ gasped the young bravo. ‘No; ’'m not Mad Dan or any other mad- man, but l’m in dead earnest, like Mark Twain’s mother-in-law. Remember that! Zella, can you hunt up some ropes or something with which to tie him?” It dawned upon Lefferts that his assailant was not the “ Dan” whom he had believed in so much, and though he cared not to see just where the cheat came in, he was filled with a sullen fury, which shone in his eyes and darkeued his face; but it was very clear that bis enemy was not a man to be fooled with safely, . Such being the case, be lay very still, and trusted to the future to again place him on his feet. “Tella had no difficulty in finding stout cords, and with these Sam was soon bound, Ben thought it prudent to add a gag, and then

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dickens is to pay. 26 Rube, the Tenderfoot, their work was so well done that the redoubt- nas had become temporarily merely a child. ‘** We must not delay,” said Ben, as he led Zella from the room, “If the iganee attack there will be an immediate rush for Lefferts to lead the defense, and that will place all our hopes in Super ayes As though his words were prophetic, there arose on the air at that moment the report of rifles, scattering, itis true, but sufficiently nu- merous to prove that the town was attacked. Ben sprung toward the further end of the room, and began to remove the light covering which made the roof, but at that moment the head of Beldick appeared above the floor. ‘* Whar’s Sam?” he demanded. ‘ He’s want- ed outside,” His appearance had been so unexpected that he saw not only Ben’s operations, but the face of Zella, and stupid indeed must have been his mind had he failed to understand a part of its meaning. ‘** Hil” he suddenly said. ‘* This way, boys; the his way, all!” With a fierce exclamation, Brown Ben sprung toward him, bis revolver turned about for a club, but Beldick was truly regardful of his ia head, and he made such haste to escape is peril that he lost his footing, and fell head- long to the foot of the ladder, knocking down A the roughs who had responded to his ca Brown Ben saw that he was in for a fight, and he met it squarely. A minute was given him for preparation, and it was duly improved, A glance from the window showed the streets filled with fighting men where the rival factions were galloping to and fro and “‘ making the air hideous” with their yells, the sounds of strife and other unpleasant ways. CHAPTER XVII. A WARM OCCASION. “We can hold them back until the Vigilantes come,” said Zella, firmly holding the revolver taken from Lefferts, ‘*T hope we can,” said Ben, who did not think well to add that he doubted if the Vigilantes would come. Relying on a dash as they did, they ought to uaye appeared before then, if it was working well. The lieutenant lost no time but, leaving Lef- ferts on the floor, bade Zella watch the ladder, and himself renewed his efforts to gain an exit by way of the roof. Once there it was probable he could find some way of reaching the ground, though all was confused and vague, and the movement might result in making them a target for the factions. He had removed the slabs nearly enough for the purpose when a cry from Zella was followed by a racket on the lower floor and, looking around, he saw the girl pointing toward the ladder. ** What is it?” “ Lefferts!—he has rolled through the opening. It was my fault, for I did not watch closely, but I was looking at— I believe we have another danger. Don’t you smell smoke?” Ben certainly did, and he spoke quickly: “The building is on fire!” ‘* They have done it to drive us out.” ‘*No; they would not do that while Lefferts was here. Some accident caused it, but unless ‘tis extinguished matters will be warm for us,” At the fast word the young man ran to the opening he had made in the roof, but the view was most discouraging. The fighting seemed to have ceased, and all around the building were to be seen the Regulators, Plainly, Redtop Rube’s men had suffered a check, Such being the case, and with Lefferts at lib- erty and the house on fire, Brown Ben felt that he was in a close corner, The scent of smoke became stronger and a red Marrs of fire crept up through the floor. “Tt is gaining rapidly,” he said, setting his teeth, *‘ and as this old shell is as dry as tinder, it will spread all over it in a short time.” ‘*Must we surrender?” Zella asked, as though rn for one ray of bope. Ben did not answer, but with considerable recklessness walked to the top of the ladder and looked down, The saloon was entirely deserted, though not yet untenable, and it looked as though they had been left to their fate; as though the Regulators were willing the house should go if the two occupants could be de- stroyed. Zella was looking at her Pepe det with anx- ious eyes, but for once Ben had no encourage- ment to give; he did not see any way of escape. Suddenly, however, it flashed over him that he had mistaken the motive of tne Regulators in deserting the saloon, and the real reason for their going was certainly enough to frighten even a brave man, Behind the counter and near the fire Ben had half an hour before seen two kegs of powder, and it was clear the others had deserted the place to save their lives. Ne ag did not fail to perceive her compsnion’s start. “What is it?’ she cried, ‘‘ What now?’ But again Ben failed to reply; be was trying to think of some way to save themselves from being blown to eternity. Ned Norris’s fall into the pit proved instantly atal, ‘Ha, ha! I win the game and the gold is mine —all mine!” cried Ellice. “Ha, ha! Lam rich at last—rich, rich, rich!” Wildly the words rung out, but in the pit he had dug, and which proved to be his own grave, the late partner of her guilt beard it not. How long Ellice would have fondled the stuff is uncertain, for a heavy hand was laid on her shoulder, She looked up quickly, wildly. Red- top Rube stood beside here, and close at hand were his Vigilantes. The young man’s face was stern, yet sad. He had seen all, but not for a moment did he sus- pect the fate in store for Ned Norris until the fatal deed was done. - He stood looking silently at the murderess, but with a serpent-like hiss she struck vainly at bis face, and then tried to flee. They caugat and held her, even though she

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Rube, the Tenderfoot. 27 fonght like a tigress, and then it was seen that she was really insane, Truly, retribution had speedily came to the two who betrayed Zella Halpine into the bands of her enemies. ben the truth was discovered Redtop Rube was no longer disposed to make war upon her. She was taken away and one man left to guard her, and then the band prepared for the pro- pa dash into the town, first taking care of the gold, Rube dared not delay a great while.’ The risk taken by his faithful lieutenant might result fatally if he was not promptly seconded, and Ben was too valuable a man to lose, One of the Vigilantes, named Freeman, had proved himself a brave and sagacious fellow, and to him was given the care of the band while Rube went on a tour of observation—a work he would trust to no one except himself, The night had grown darker since Ellice and Ned Norris began their treasure-hunt, and one must be near an object to distinguish it in any degree, so Rube felt justified in trying to ap- proach the town. He worked around by the base of the bills as close as was possible and then, with a compara- tively short distance to go, dropped on his hands and knees and began a sort of Indian-like ad- vance. All this was done because he suspected the fact that guards might have been posted. As he neared the shanties he saw a man pac- ing to and fro, but he was not aware that the majority of amateur guards are easily out- witted. He tried it then, and in five minutes had passed the beat and was safely within the town, : Once there he stood erect and walked steadily toward the Beldick saloon, moving like one of the Regulators, except that he took the precau- tion to keep in the shadow of the buildings. Beldick’s had never seemed quieter and he wondered what had become of Brown Ben, The way to learn was to investigate, and this he proceeded to do, By means of the window which once before played so important a part in his career, he took a view of the interior, Neither his lieutenant nor Lefferts was present. He looked toward the second-story window. py he saw a light, and there, no doubt, was ella, Unluckily for him he remembered how he had once before carried the girl off secretly and re- solved to try the same experiment again. If Ben had escaped detection and was near her, their united efforts might work wonders. He found the very plank by which he had be- fore ascended, and leaning it against the build- ing, began to go up slowly, all the while watch- ing for undesired observers. Unknown to himself, he was watched in turn; his boldness had gone a step too far, and trouble was brewing, A sentinel posted near the place had some time before decided that he wasa supernumerary, and sitting down with his back to a neighboring shanty, had kept quiet during Rube’s preliminary movements simply because, until he began to climb, he was not sure he was an enemy. Having decided on the latter point, he was too cautious to risk himself alone; but, creepin away, he collected half a dozen companions an returned to the scene. Thus it was that Redtop Rube, when half-way up on his difficult climb, was startled at seeing a crowd of men dart around the corner and to- ward him, Another moment and, before their rush, down came plank, Rube and all; and the youth only saved bimself from a bad fall by an agile leap into the very midst of his enemies, Quick to think, it bad been clear to him that only by desperate exertion could he free himself, and as a result he went in with all possible vim. Two Regulators divided the hovor of receiving his weight, but it proved too much for them, and down they went like logs, while Rube, with the lightness all men envy in youth, madea second leap and struck squarely on his feet. “Here’s a letter home!” he cried, with grim facetiousness, as he planted his fist in another man’s face, The blow, or the pun, prostrated the fellow, and then those who remained standing had a vanishing glimpse of the Vigilante as he dodged behind a shanty, and theu settled down toa hard run, But he was not so easily to escape. Nore of the roughs were severely injured, and, looking over hls shoulder, he had a glimpse of them in rapid and furious pursuit. . t needed no magician to tell him that this chase would result to his misfortune unless he could outwit them, for the village would soon arouse, so, instead of going in a direct course, he took advantage of the shanties and the dark- ness, and, by skillful doubling, soon bad them entirely off the scent, “T reckon the time is ripe for the coming of the Vigilantes now,” he thought. ‘I’ve wa up the hornets, and, if given time, they will be dangerous.” Thus it was that a moment later a shrill, far- penetrating whistle rung out on the air, and before any one bad succeeded in learning what it meant the Vigilantes came down at a hard allop. . Redtop Rube was soon in his place at their head, and then, as the Regulators rallied to meet them, that fight began which was heard by Brown Ben and Zella, as before described. CHAPTER XVIII. THE DOOM OF TORPEDO GULCH, Tue Vigilantes struck heavily, for the older men caught the dash and spirit of the wild cow- boys, and as they battled with the enemy the night air was made vocal with their yells, t first all was in scattering form, and every one fought about as he pleased, but, gradually, the fight centered around Beldick’s saloon and waged hotly. Again and again the assailants hurled themselves on the solid force that would have gladly been assailants themselves bad they been strong enough, but for a long time all was in vain. The Regulators, however, were affected by the absence of Lefferts, and Tom Trufant could not snakes re good. Not that he was so very powerful in any way, but every force rae ere

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“og yo BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. Published Every Wednesday. Bach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Vive Cents, Deadwood Dick, .ae Prince of the Road. By E. r, The Red Right Hand. By ULLAlO f5L. “ 8 The Flying YS 2e; or, The Ocean Outcast. By Col. Prentiss L* raham. 4 The Double Daggers; or, Deadwocd 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. 7 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 Scour, xf “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 the En- chanted Ground, By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. 14 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. By E. L. Wheeler. 15 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellow- stone. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 16 Keen-Knife, Prince of the Prairies. By Ol Coomes. 17 Oregon Sol, Nick Whiffles's Boy Spy. By J. F.C. Adams. 18 Death-Face, the Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 19 Lasso Jack, the. Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes. 20 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Reckless Ranger. By Harry St. George. 21 The Boy Clown; or, The Queen of the Arena, By Frank 8, Finn. #2 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bo- nanza. By Edward L. Wheeler. 283 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- tucky, By anRy. St. George. % Old Avalanche, the Great Annibilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. By EB, L. Wheeler. 27 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West, By J. F. C, Adams, 28 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. By 29 it Dart ne, th Pony E: Rider, By Capt ick Darling, the Pon. ress Rider, ‘apt. FK. Whittaker. Tr, Seti 80 Rob Woolf, the Border Ruffian. By Edward L. Wheeler. 81 Nightingale Nat; or, The Forest Captains. By T. O. Harbaugh. 82 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaws’ Retreat. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 83 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. By E. L. Wheeler. 84 Burt Bunker, the Trapper, By Geo, E. Lasalle. 85 The Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By nm A, C. Irons 86 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, ©. Adams, 39 el Eye, the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo 40 Nick Whiffles’s Pet; or, In the Valley of Death, By Capt. J, F. C. Adams, 41 Devdwood Dick’s Hagen; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. By Edward L. Wheeler, 42 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. By Oll 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 lugraham. ; 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, 49 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 50 Single Hand; or, A Life for a Life. By W. J. Hamilton. 51 Patent-leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake the Charmer, By Philip 8. Warne. 52 The Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. By 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, 87 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, By Edward L. Wheeler. 58 Hawkeye Harry, the Young Trapper. By Ol 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 Poreanay Charlie, the Boy Bravo, By Edward L, Wheeler. 62 i Teiguonte) the Boy Detective. By Charles Morris. 63 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. By Albert W. Aiken, 64 Rosebud Rob; or, N’ usec Ned, the Knight of the Gulch, By Edward L. Wheeler. 65 Lightning Joe, the Terror of the Prairie. By Capt. J. F. C, Adams, 66 = agit the Wood-Hawk, By T. C. Har- augh, 67 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes, 68 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, By Edward L, Wheeler. 69 Detective Diek; or, The Heroin Rags, By Chas, Morris. 70 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. By ON 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. Py Charles Morris. 75 Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. By Bracebridge Benras (Jack wa GA 76 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By E. L. Wheeler, 7 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggler. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 78 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Donble Cross. By KE. L. Wheeler. 79 The Black Mustanger; or, The Wild Horse Hun ters. By Captain Mayne Reid. / Old Frosty, the Guide. By T. C. Harbaugh. 81 The Sea Viper; or, The Midshipman’s aC’ By Col, Prent:3s Ingraham, — a TeGUey

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oe 8&2 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. By E.S. Ellis. 83 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L. Wheeler, 84 The Dumb Page: or, The Doge’s Daughter. By Captaid Frederick Whittaker. 8 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. By Edward 5S, Ellis. y 86 Jack Harkaway in New York. By Bracebridge Benyns. 87 The Hussar Captain; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 88 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty, By Edward L, Wheeler. 89 Bill Biddon, ptenee or, Life in the Northwest. By Edward §. Ellis. 90 Pippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George Gleason. 91 Mustang Sam, the King of the Plains, E. Badger, Jr. 92 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, the Red Pirates of the Caribbees. By Samuel W. Pearce. 93 Phil Hardy, the Boss Hh or, The Mystery of the Stronghold. By Charles Morris, 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 2 Aor L. Wheeler. 95 Buck Buckram; or, Bess the Female Trapper. By Captain J. F. C, Adams. 96 Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 97 The Black Steed o: By James L. Bowen. 98 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By Juan Lewis, 99 Bonanza Bill, the Man Tracker; or, the Secret Twelve. By E. L. Wheeler. 100 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. By E. S. Ellis. 101 Daring ea D the Young Bear Killer; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf. By Harry St. George. 102 The Yellow Chief; or, The Half-Blood’s Ven- geance. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 103 Chip, the Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 104 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. By Roger Starbuck. 105 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective. By Charles Morris. 106 Night-Hawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. By Joseph FE, Badger, Jr. 107 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune. By Edward L. Wheeler. 108 ot Mountain Kit, the White Mustanger. By T. C, Harbaugh. 109 The Branded Hand, or, The Man of Mystery. ay Frank Dumont. 110 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. By George W, Browne. J 111 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks,. By Edward L, Wheeler. 112 The Helpless Hand. By Capt. Mayne Reid, 113 Scar-Faced Saul, the Silent Hunter. By Oll Coomes. 114 ey. Paul, the Mountain Boy. By T, C. Har- ugh, 115 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gor- on’s Gulch. By Edward L. Wheeler. 116 Jabez Coffin, Peal ga or, Lost in the Polar Regions, By Capt. F. Whittaker. 117 Fancy Frank 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. By Edward 'L. Wheeler. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. CO. Har- augh, 121 Harry Armstrong, the Captain of the Club. By Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway). By Jos. the Prairies. 122 The Huuted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman of the Prairie. By Edward §, Ellis. 123 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Edward L. 1 Judge Lynch, Jr. or, The Boy Vigilan udgs Lynch, Jr.; or, The Bo: ite. Ty ©. Harbaugh. gf = 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 Edward L. Wheeler. 128 Will Wildfire’s Racer; or, V By Charles Morris. 129 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. ; 130 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or} By T. C. Harbaugh, 131 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. By Edward L, Wheeler. : 182 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph E. Badge Jr. 138 Wild-fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Du t. mont, 134 tee the Harbor Police Boy. By Chas. Orris. 135 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. 136 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton Holmes. 187 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G. Waldo Browne. 138 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas. Morris. 139 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 140 Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road-Agents. ee Philip 8. Warne. 141 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 142 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes. 143 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. By Jos. i, Badger, Jr. 144 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. eae 145 The Tiger of Taos; or, Wild Kate, Dandy Rock's Angel. By Geo, Waldo Browne. 146 The Cattle King; or, Cortina’s Right Bower. By Frank Dumont. 147 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, the Scamps of the Sierras. By Edward L, Wheeler, 148 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the Wolf-Herder of the Rockies. By Harry St. George. 149 Bob Rockett, the Bank Kunner. By Charles Morris. 150 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom, By G. Waldo Browne, 151 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Wel! Kept. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By W. H. Eyster. 158 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By E. L, Wheeler. 154 The Bo: Oll Coomes. e Girl Avengers. By Col. Prentiss In- Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War- Path. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 155 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 156 Will Wildfire in the Woods. By C. Morris. 157 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T. C. Har- baugh. 158 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure. By E. L. Wheeler. 159 Patent-Leather Joe's Defeat; or, The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip 5. 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, 163 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, the Rivals of the Road. By E. L. Wheeler. 164 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack from Red Core, By T. OC. Harbaugh. 165 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. By Col. P. Ingraham, 166 Will Wildfire Wins and Loses; or, ‘A Tromp _._ Card,” By Charles Morris. 167 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death, sy George W, Browne.

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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Ward: or, The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 169 The Boy Champiom. 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 E.iward 8, Ellis. 174 Dandy Rock's Scheme; or, The Golden Hand. By G. W. Browne, By Ol 1% 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, Dark-Skinned Scout; or, The Freebooters 182 The Ditississippi.. By Lieut, Gol, Eazcitine. 183 Jabez Dart, Detective; or, The Hermit Trapper, By Oll Coomes. 184 Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Edward Wil- lett. 185 Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. By Col, Pren- tiss Ingraham, 286 Dainty Lance and His Pard. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 187 The Trapped Tiger King; or, Dark Paul's Plot, By Charles Morris, triloquist Detective, A Romance of <3 el gs By dward L, Wheeler, 189 Old Rocky’s Boys; or, Bonito, the Young Mus- tang-Breater, By Maj. Sam, 5. all. 190 Sim Simpkins, Scout; or, The Faithful Mountain Mastiff. Poy James Te Bowen. 191 D: k’s Rival: or, The Mysterious Wolf Rider Roe 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. 94 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By Oll Coomes, 195 The Tenderfoot Trailer; or, Plucky Phil, of the Mountain, By T. C. Harbaugh. 196 The Dandy Detective; or, The Abducted Boy Mystery, By Charles Morris. 19% Roy, the Young Cattle King; or, The Texan Sport Unmasked. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 198 Ebony Dan’s Mask; or, The Rival Leagues of the Mines. By Frank Dument. 199 Dictionary Nat, Detective; or, Bill Bravo, the Tamer, By T. C, Harbaugh. 200 The Twin Horsemen; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance. By Capt, Frederick Whittaker. 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards; or, The Hawks of High Pine, By Wm. R. Eyster. 202 Tom, the Texan Tiger; or, Old Luke's Luck. By Oll Coomes, 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 EB. L. Wheeler. 206 White Lightning; or, the Boy Ally. By T, CG, 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 Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado, By E. L. Wheeler, 213 The Pirate’s Prize; or, The Mysterious Yankea 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 O!l Coomes, 216 The Cowboy Captains or, Ranger Ralph’s Ruin, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 217 Bald Head of the Rockies; or, The Ang’l of the Range. By Major Sam §S. Hall, 218 The Miner Sports or, Sugar-Coated Sam’s Claim, __ hy 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, 224 need Fe gus, the New York Boy. By G. L. ken, 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 Bue- caneer, By Colonel Prentiss ‘Ingraham. 228 The Preacher Detective; or, The Boy Ventrilo- quist, By Oll Coomes, 229 Old Hickory’s Grit. By John J. Marshall, 230 The Three Boy rts; or, The Sword Hunters. By Captain Wetpree Whittaker.

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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY, 231 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 282 Merle Monte’s Treasure; or, Buccaneer Brandt’s Threat. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 283 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, 285 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, 287 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 nch,. 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. P. Ingraham. 245 Baldy’s Boy Partner; or, Young Brainerd’s Steam Man. By Edward §. 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. 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 Ingrabam. 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. 258 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. E. L. St. Vrain. 258 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L, Wheeler. 259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By Ol Coomes. y 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 Soe or, The Forest Waif’s Mask. By Capt. Comstock, By 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 Denver 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 ~ indy’s Double; or, Benito, the Boy Pard. By Coi. Prentiss Ingraham. 275 Fred, the Ocean Waif; or, The Old Sailor’s Protege. By Charles Morris. 276 Deadwood Dick Trapped; or, Roxey Ralph's Ruse. By Edward L. Wheeler. 277 The Idiot Fey. 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 Trhiler. 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 Sport 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, 287 Ned, the Boy Skipper; or, The Sea Sorceress’ Cruise. By Jack Farragut. 288 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 289 Colorado Nick, the Lassoist; or, Old Si’s Protege. By Major H. B. Stoddard, 290 Rube, the Tenderfoot; or, The Boy’s of Torpedo Gulch. By Major E. L. St. Vrain: 201 Peacock Pete, the Leadville Sport: or, Hawk, the Boss Miner. By Albert W. Aiken. 292 Joe Morey, the Night-Hawk; or, The Black Rider. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 208 Dwarf Jake, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Man Hunt. By Edward Willett. Ready August 21. 294 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Ready August 28, Brapwe’s Pocket Liprary is for sale by all News- dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on re- ceipt of six cents each. : BEADLE AND Apams, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, By