Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 294) (1889 08 28)
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atter. August 28, 1489. No 994 @2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, Vol XXIII a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM St., New YorK. Five Cents. THE BPORT KNOCKED CARMEN 4 CONSIDERABLE DISTANCE OUT INTO THE WATER,
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ie es 5) Dumb Dick’s Pard. Dumb Dick’s Pard; *Liza Jane, the Girl Miner. ¢ BY E. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “ DEADWOOD DICK ” NOVELS, *‘ ROSE- BUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘t DENVER DOLL” NOVELS, ETC,, ETC, CHAPTER I. THE PERI OF THE GULCH PARADISE. “@ anc, Mehetible, you lazy beast, or we'll not get to our journey’s end to-day, Consarn you, behave yer switchin’. There ain’t a fly near ye. Heigh ho! e **On the other side o Jordan, In the sweet flelds of—” “Jerusalem! Can it be possible#” The lone traveler reined in his burro, with very little effort, for it was by no means a fiery, untamed beast, and sat staring ahead of him, The course of his journey lay through a nar- row gulch, walled in at the right and left by precipitous heights, upon which clung only an occasional shrub or tuft of vegetation. A gurgling little stream ran down the gulch, frequently crossing the seldom-travelea mule- trail. lt was just after rounding an abrupt bend in the gulch, that the man and his steed came to a halt, and the cause of the wayfarer’s surprise was readily apparent. Facing the mule-trail, at the mouth of this glen, stood a small but strong cabin, with a ve- randa in front. A chair was placed upon this veranda; a hammock was swung in under the shade of u large tree, whose limbs reached out to the cabin roof; a bed of flowers bloomed just beside the path leading from the trail to the ste) th wal a pretty and picturesque spot, and there was something so refreshing ghcait the fact, to travel-stained Parson Priggins, that he was excusable for drawing rein in surprise. He saw more than we have described, too—a system of sluice-boxes, that had their beginning somewhere up in the glen, and running down ag the cabin, emptied their muddy waters to the little gulch streamlet; he saw a young and pretty girl near the shanty, engaged in shoveling a small heap of dirt into one of the sluice-ways, and working the ‘‘cradle” ina very business-like manner, as if she were no less than a time-tried veteran at the profession of gold-mining. Parson Priggins was only thirty, good-look- ing, after a meek fashion, unmarried, fairly educated, and had a snug little “ nest egg” in the wallet which he invariably carried in his inside vest: pocket. Therefore, no wonder his heart beat a little faster, as his gaze wandered from the cosey cabin to the cosier little piece of femininity working at the cradle, She was, possibly, nineteen years of age, though her fresh face looked even younger; she was a trifle below the medium stature of women, but perfectly molded in figure, She was dressed ina homespun waist and skirt, the latter not reaching quite to the shapely ankles; her feet were incased in a dainty ect of leather-top boots; a broad-rim slouch at was set back upon her head, and a belt about her waist contained a pair of gold- mounted revolvers. This much saw Parson Priggins, without be- ing seen by the dashing Girl Miner; then, his curiosity getting the Sattar of him, he urged the burro toward this paradise of the gulch. ‘* G@ lang, Mehetible, you beast! At last, it appears, we have reached the boundaries of civilization.” The footfalls of the animal soon reached the girl’s hearing, and she hastily seized a rifle, which was leaning against a bowlder, bnt laid it down again, when she noted the ministerial aspect of the new-comer. “No tough thar!” she commended. ‘“ Looks as if he might hev jest fell out of a camp-meet- in’.” And a moment later, Priggins drew rein, and doffed bis beaver, in true Chesterfieldian style. “ Good-afternoon, sis!” he saluted. ““ Howdy do, sonny!” the Girl Miner retorted. “ Does yer mother know you’re out, pray?” “ Quite well, miss,” the parson replied, seeing that “sis” did not strike the girl favorably, ‘‘ or at least the old folks ought to know, since ’'m two months.gone from Montpelier.” “Oh! you’re from tne East?” “Tam, and am proud to say it. Ihope I do not look like the rough Western characters I’ve met, so far.” “Oh! no. You're just too sweet for anything. Where you going?” ““T> uncle’s, an’ no further. Dunno how fur that is, I suppose? Nor I, nuther. Rezkon it’s a good jiece on yet. What’s yer name? Mine’s Jim Priggins,.” ‘* And mine is Liza Jane!” *Tjiza Jane! Jerusalem! I us’ter court old Gilroy’s gal, who was called’Liza Jane, What's yer other name?” . * Give it up!” “Ye dil? That’s queer! Whar’s the old folks —don’t see any of ’em about?” ‘* Good reason. Thar ain’t none,” “Phew! Ye don’t mean to say ye live all rte hyer, by yerself, in this lonesome coun- try “ That’s the case.” r “Sho! You must be nervy, ef I do say it.” “ P’rhaps I am!” The girl spoke in adry, good-natured way, that seemed habitual with her. “ Guess you’re a preacher, ain’t ye?” she added, a twinkle in her oye. _ “Why?” and Priggins stared. “Oh! I suspected so. You don’t sw’ar!” “Great guns! Is that how ye tell? Why, up at Snodgrass Corners, nobody swears.” ‘* All preachers, eh?’ ‘““No, but they all knows the commandments. Ye see my father aire deacon o’ the church, an’ he got me to study up ministry.” ‘Well, how did you make out?”
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Dumb Dick’s Pard. 3 “Purty well. Ye see I got along well, till I tackled preachin’, fer I us’ter do the marryin’ up brown. But one day suthin’ happened, an’ dad said I better take a vacation fer awhile,” ‘** Indeed.” “Yes; you see old man Byles wanted his son Jack to do the preachin’, ’cause the collection wasn’t no small penny of a Sunday. But it made Byles awful mad when I stepped in, So he us’ter try to annoy me, an’ one day he set up some o’ the members to f° to sleep an’ snore, while I was preachin’, stood it awhile, an’ then I told Byles if he didn’t quit, ’d come down ao’ punch his warty nose, He wiggled bis ear at me an’ laffed; then I mounted him, an’ throwed him out the winder, inter Garrick’s sheep- pasture, where the ugly ram went for him, an’ when Byles got hum, he couldn’t set down fer a week, So, as tar-an’-feathers were plenty at the Corners, I tho’t I'd come out and visit uncle.” “Think of preachin’ out bere?” “Mot till I getacquainted. Know where uncle lives?” ‘* What's bis handle?” “ His handle?” “Yes; his name.” “Oh! Why, he us’ter be Hank Wetherill but I’ve hearn tell as how he’s got cunnel tixed to his name now,” “ Ha! ha! 1 know where Colonel Wetherill lives,” and ’Liza Jane’s eyes flashed and her cheeks flushed, ‘ He’s a stuck-up aristocrat, as lives on a ranch, jest out o’ Pokerville.” **You don’t tell? Know him, then?” “T know all] want toof him. He’s a regular cuss fer meanness, an’ nobody likes him, they say.” ‘Where is Pokerville?” “Down below, where the the bottoms. The colonel’s p camp.” eS Rice place?” “Scrumptious!” * And Pokerville?” «The hardest hole of its size along the range, you bet. If you’ve got lots of wealth to part with, go there.” * Not much! I want yer to guide me to uncle’s. Ill pay ye wages for it.” You'll have to excuse me. Ido not care to go there.” “Git out! Ef ye go with Jim Priggins it will be all right.” The girl eyed him steadily. C “You're all right,” she said, ‘but if 1 was you I wouldn’t go there!” “Thun— I mean Jerusalem. Why not?” ‘*You don’t know ’em, They’re a stiff lot, Like as not you’d get snubbed.” The young parson’s eyes snapped. “Kinder look meek an’ preacherfied is why ye think [ll take snubbin’s, eh?” be said. “ Well, all right. Ye don’t know me,” “Maybe not, But, if I were you, I’d wait till to-morrow,” “ Why?” “Because there’s goin’ to be a wedding at the Elms to-night—a bang-up, high-toned af- fair, too, which will be attended by folks from thearmy from Washington, an’ blazes knows ich comes out on is beyond the where—regular freeze-ye-up-stiff nobs, ye see, in silks an’ broadcloth, That’s why I allow maybe a country cousin wouldn’t be welcome.” Priggins was silent a moment. His eyes were riveted upon the ground, and the peculiar expression on his face was not easy to interpret. ‘“*T understand what you mean,” he said, “but I don’t keer a durned ef ’m welcome or not, I walks right in, ye see, an’ twixt you an’ I, Henry Wetherill dassen’t turn me out.” “‘Tndeed? He is a man who seldom attempts a thing without doing it.” ‘That's all right, Who’s to git spliced?” “Theo.” ’ **Ts she a nice ‘un?’ “She is pretty—in a stony way—self-con- ceited, hacia he and disagreeably arrogant.” ** You two don’t hitcb,” “No. As the tiger hates the lion, so the Wetherills hate me.’ “Why? **T do not feel disposed to tell.” «Secret, eh? Who's the gal going to marry?” ** A Californian, Clinton Carmen, by name.” ** Who is going to marry them?” ‘Squire Hines, of Pokerville.” “ Humph! Well, I guess i and I wil’ take in that splicin’-bee, Miss "Liza Jane, so get ready.” He spoke as though it were a settled affair, and slid out of the saddle to let Mehetible drink from one of the sluice-boxes, the water now running clear. “Sir,” the Girl Miner said, ‘I told you I could not go.” “ Why not, pray?” ‘For different reasons, I would not be wel- me,” ‘Pll fix that. I want you to go, to show me the way.” She was silent a few moments, her eyes wan- dering toward the sun, which was nearing the horizon, but finally spoke: ‘Mr. Priggins, we are strangers, but I believe you to be a gentleman, and [| will consent to accompany you, on conditions,” ** Name them,” be said, quietly. Very well. Firstly, | have a morbid curi- osity to explore the Wetherill mansion, and if I go with you, I propose to do it while the cere- mony is taking place. ‘In this aetion I shall ex- pect you will not give me away.” S$ tt is settled, Goon.” “The second condition is that you perform the marriage ceremony!” ’Liza Jane said, em- phatically, He looked at her in surprise that he made no attempt to disguise, ‘“ Why do you wish that?” be demanded, ‘**T decline to answer, sir.” ‘* Well, it’s all the same, anyhow. It is settled that if Theo Wetherill gits spliced, ’'m goin’ to do the job, So everything being settled, let’s be off as soon as possible.” ‘*No hurry. They’re not to be married till eight, or later, and it is but a short ride from here, I do not care to be seen in the vicinity until after dark. Let your horse graze, and we'll have tea.” ; She gathered up a pouch which contained the
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4 Dumb Dick’s Pard. gold she had washed out that day, and led the way to the cabin. ithin everything was in the rude style of the mines, but neatness prevailed everywhere. Jim Priggins could but admit that even at home there was no more cheery evidence of a home than within the Girl Miner’s abode. ‘Liza Jane bustled about, and soon had a tempting repast set forth, consisting of dried venison, bread, coffee and huckleberries, not to mention a dish of wild honey to take the place of butter. “Thun— Jerusalem, I mean,” Priggins said, delightedly ; ‘‘ this is ninety shades better’n any- thing I’ve struck for a fortnight, hanged if it ain’t, Wouldn’t mind puttin’ up beer, if ye don’t charge tew much for board.’ **T don’t run a hotel,” "Liza Jane replied smil- ingly, ‘‘and, accordingly, could not accommo- date you.” ““You’re a queer ’un, Don’t no one never bother ye?” “Not often. If they do I generally plants %em. See that knoll across the gulch? That’s my cemetery. Got two Injuns an’ one tough planted there, Folks fight kinder shy o’ hyer, cause Dragon Gulch is haunted, you know.” “Thun— Jerusalem! What?” “T remarked that this gulch aire haunted!” ‘Liza Jane answered, soberly. “ Haunted? By ghosts?” “Yes, Did you ever see the picture of a dragon, such as us’ter promenade in former ages —the winged crocodile, with barbed tongue, eyes of fire, and so forth?” aa | Yas.” ‘* Well, such a monster haunts this gulch by night, at frequent periods. 1 suppose were diamonds strewn by bushels hereabouts, no one would venture here, who knows of the dragon!” Priggins’s surprise had vanished, He seemed hare interested, “ The dragon,” went on Liza Jane, ‘is a ter- ror to the surrounding country. It is as near the size of a burro as anything else, but bas the appearance of a crocodile with wings. Its legs are longer, however, and thicker, and covered with scales, Its eyes seem to be balls of flame, and with fire leaping from its open mouth, it rushes by with terrific speed, bearing on its back a human figure, clad in ghostly white. The rider’s face is deathly white, as is its beard and streaming hair, and this thing, for it is nothing else, is known as Don Dragon.” Prigginus laughed. «You've seen it?” he asked, “ Yes,” Then she unslung a field-glass from her belt, and gave it to him. “ Watch oe board across the gulch,” she commanded. She then drew a revolver, and fired the six shots it held. “Thun— Jerusalem!” Priggins gasped. “Those bullets didn’t go a quarter of an inch apart, You're a dead-shot.” “Then, Don Dragon is not mortal, for if I have fired at him and his steed once, I have fired a hundred times,” “ And—? “Wasted my ammunition, So has ever man in Pokeryille, I reckon. But, come; I will call my horse, and we'll be off. You may have an opportunity to see the dragon, to-night.” CHAPTER II. THUNDERBOLT ‘TAKES A HAND.’ Liza JANE flung an oilskin cloak about her shoulders—for the heavens offered evidence of a storm’s approach—and, then, seizing her rifle, she and Priggins left the cabin. ‘Don’t ye lock up?” he asked, seeing that she left the door wide ee ** Ha! ha! no. ittle fear any one will enter my palace, during my absence!” Bite then took a silver whistle from ber pockst and blew a peculiar blast upon it, which was directly answered, for an unbridled and un- saddled horse came dashing down out of the len. s It was a handsome snowy-white, clean-limbed and spirited creature, and Priggins could but look ruefully at his own serene burro, which was browsing near by. ‘liza Jane sprung nimbly to her steed’s back as it paused near by her, taking no heed of Priggins’s proffered assistance. “Look out for yourself, parson. I can allus look out fer "Liza Jane,” she advised, “But, Jerusalem! ain’t ye goin’ ter put on no bridle an’ saddle, young ait , “Nary! Thunderbolt wouldn’t bear one. Wo knows our P’s an’ Q’s don’t we, beauty? Come, parson!” And she was dashing away down the gulch, nearly out of sight, ere the parson could get his sorry beast under way. The Girl Miner, however, finally waited for him to come up, her eye dancing with mischief. **You’d do well to chase a road-agent—that is, so far as the agent was interested,” she laughed. “Thun— 1 mean, thar aint no road-agents n these parts?” he puffed, the ungainly canter 3 she burro having bounced him up a good eal, “Oh! you bet!” "Liza assured. ‘‘ They’re thicker’n flies on a Denver dorg. Never was to Denver, eh? More dorgs thar than people. An’ road-agents? Why, we've got lots of ’em, around here! Some gallus, bang-up fellers, too! Nigh every man in Pokerville has had experi- ence at the business.” “Jerusalem! Ye ain’t goin’ that way?” “You bet! Want to stop at the post-office, for a cigar.” Priggins looked horrified. “You don’t smoke?” he faintly articulated. ‘Bet Ido! Have to, now an’ then, ’cause I’ve got to do suthin’ to keep my tongue still.” About dusk they cantered down into Poker- ville which was located in the mouth of the gulch, and looked out over a vast expanse of rolling prairie or bottom-lands, which stretched to the westward, Pokerville was practically a mining-camp of three-score of inhabitants, though it was, at the same time, a supply-station, and a herders’ or cowboys’ rendezvous, so that its population was made up of many grades of human beings
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Dumb Dick’s Pard. /8 —a heterogenous mob of the rougher element of various races and nationalities, in which the roystering rough of the mines was most promi- nent, Few well-disposed people lived there, al- though the surrounding country was fairly well populated with a more estimable class of citi- zens, There was but one street, and all the shanties, cabins and tents faced upon this, the business part of the town being about the Demijohn, a combination of drinking-saloon and hotel, kept by old Blood Bixby, the richest man in the camp. Across from the Demijohn was the grocery- store and post-office, adjoining which was Hem- lock Harry’s gambling ‘‘ palace,” known as the “Hour Aces,” Then there were several other stores and saloons, and the dwellings, which made up the camp. : At the post-office they drew rein, and ‘Liza Jane left the parson to mind the horses while she ran in for the mail, She had hardly disappeared within the gro- cery, when a buriy-looking rough came striding down the street, with a confident swagger, and paused to stare at the parson, as he drew near. ** Hillo, thar, me pious-lukin’ tenderfoot, whar did ye cum from?” he demanded, gruffly, evi- dently calculating to awe the parson, from the start. ‘Come! come! chirp out, lively!” * None of your business, where I came from!” Priggins replied, with coolness scarcely in keep- ing with his pious aspect, And Scorpion Sam, the ‘‘ bad man” of Poker- ville, was surprised, “* Did I understani ye right?’ he demanded, his face getting more fiery as he stepped close to the side of the parson’s burro. ‘‘ Did ye ven- ture to remark anytbing jist then?’ And he leered insinuatingly, while a crowd gathered in anticipation of a *‘ funeral,” which Scorpion Sam had the reputation of being able to arrange on short notice, *T did remark, I believe!” the parson said, quietly, ‘‘ that it was none of your business, and | further venture to emphasize that re- mark!” Then there was a detonating spat, which was too quickly given to be readily comprehended by the bystanders, and Mr. Scorpion Sam dro ped serenely upon the ground, rolled partly over, and was quiet. Parson Priggins could not claim all the glory, however, if so disposed, for, seeming to notice a long-longed-for opportunity, Liza Jane’s fiery steed gave a‘snort and wheeling upon its bind feet, dropped its bead forward, seized Scorpion Sam by the seat of his trowsers, aud raising him by the grip of its strong teeth, started off up the gulch at a dead run, amid excited shouts from the assembled spectators, Half a mile—perhaps a little further—from Pokerville was the residence of Colonel Henry Wetherill, within the boundaries of bis valuable ranch of a thousand acres. This ranch had been located, and this resi- dence built, some three years before, when Pokerville was not in existence, consequently it was not known just how Colonel Wetherill came by the magnificent estate, The residence itself was of block graystone, a valuable quarry of which was upon the estate. The house covered a ee area of ground, and was like unto some of the old Spanish castles, half-arsenal and half-monastery, with towers, battlements, strange gables, and great central court, with dark cellared apartments under the whole structure. There were numberless rooms, so numerous, said those who ought to know, that many were never used or entered by the Wetherills. Then, too, a rumor had somehow got out that there were apartments no one knew of, and that spirits were wont to haunt these, sometimes appearing at the top of the turrets at the dead of night. These rumors, however, were generally valued for about what idle rumors usually are, At any rate, ’twas not to be denied that with- in doors the Elms was as near to a palace, in the way of luxurious furniture and adornments, as a millionaire’s purse well could make it. Then there were fine outbuildings, a well-kept lawn, flower-gardens, a Jarge natural pond, with the more dignified name of Lake Theo; a gravel- ed carriage-drive to Pokerville, and, in fact, seemingly everything that could conduce to the happiness of a home, The colonel was a man of means, "twas said; anyhow, he lived in the best style, had distin- guished visitors, in whose honor he gave grand receptions; was lavish with his money at the camp; had his grand barouche and retinue of servants; owned a thousand head of cattle and many sheep and horses, and had the help to look after them; yet there were but the two—father and daughter, A half-tipsy miner, at Pokerville, one night, had said that there were more Wetherills than two, when the ranch changed hands; but, as he had ‘ died with his boots on,” the same hour, no one felt disposed to believe bim, Henry Wetherill was not over well liked b the Pokervillians; but as Henry Wetherill’s hired help numbered a small regiment of the hardest fighting characters in that section, no one dared to try a rumpus with the ‘“ Nabob,” as he was called, He was a man of forty odd years, rather pre- possessing in appearance, with a portly form a full, mustache-shaded face, silver-streaked hair, and dark intelligent eyes, He dressed well, used good Janguage, and was apparently well-calculated for the position he occupied, ‘ His daughter had been fairly described by *Liza Jane, the Girl Miner. Henry Wetherill now and then dropped in, of an evening, at Hemlock Harry’s, but no one could say that they ever saw him smile and say it truthfully, It always appeared as if some great sorrow or secret were worrying bim like a relentless phantom, Another peculiarity of the Wetherills was the fact that they were never without a number of guests, all of whom were apparently well-to-do, and occupied a high social position, Army of- ficers and their families, legislators and distin- guished people were constantly coming and going to and from the Elms; and Kight-Toed
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Dumb Dick’s Pard. Epb, the stage-driver, boasted of having carried nore “big guns” on his coach than any other man in the mountains, The servants of the Wetherill place were numerous, but one time-tried servitor, of the colored persuasion, named Suse, ‘ bossed” everything from the pantry to the wine-cellar. And Suse was so near white that she consid- ered herself as good as ‘‘ white fo’ks,” In the Pokerville bank, it was know that Suse had the snug little sum of six thousand dollars laid by. Hemlock Harry did the bank- ing business for any gne who had savings to lay by: the“ Four Aces” was,consequently,the bank. Hence the marriageably disposed element was “struck” after Suse, and all she had to do, when she wanted a busband, was to ‘‘ nominate her choice,” Suse would imbibe, occasionally, however, and drop up into camp to fill her bottle, at such times as she didn’t care to go to the Wetherill wine-vault, On such occasions she would be a little newsy, and then, only, the Pokervillians could learn much of the goings-on at the castle. Henry Wetherill kept his ready cash at the Elms, evidently, for he had no banker at the camp, and had been known to win as high as ten thousand dollars of an evening at the ‘‘ Four Aces,” We have stated that few cared to declare en- mity against him; yet there was one man who was not careful in making known his hatred of the Nabob—a pal, he was, of the ruffian Scor- pion Sam, who rejoiced under the characteristic name of Liver Legs; though, how he came by t_e appellation, no one seemed to know. He was a typical rough, and a boon com- panion of Scorpion Sain, the camp bully. Liver Legs had once been in the employ of Henry Wetherill, but for some reason unknown to the public, had reappeared one night, ina pitiable condition, ‘ No coaxing could induce him to give any ex- planation of the mystery, more than to state that he had met with an accident, and would yet be revenged on the colonel. Another matter which served to bring the Wetherills into more prominence to the gossip- mongers, was the fact that the Devil Don and his terrible dragon steed, seemed to haunt the vicinity of the Elms at night, and was said to have been seen on several occasions on the top of the great tower on one corner of the building, and could only be reached by passing through the house; and the occasions when it was thus seen were in the dead of night, at which time it appeared surrounded by a weird spectral light. be colonel had offered a large reward for a solution of the mystery, but no one stepped for- ward to attempt to “lay” the thing, untii— About the hour that "Liza Jane and Parson Priggins arrived in Pokerville, a stranger on horseback approached the Elms by way of the sinuous drive. CHAPTER III. IRON-NERVE, THE SPORT. THE man who cantered leisurely up the shaded drive leading to the Elms, was one who would attract attention anywhere. Though young in years—for not over twenty- five summers had passed over his head—his whole physique was that of a man constantly inured to tbe hardships and perils natural to the existence of a free ranger, In stature he was of medium height, and was attired in a costume of elaborately-tauned and fringed buckskin, with spurred top-boots, and a sombrero, His hair was cut short, however; his hand- somely-chiseled but sun-tanned face was desti- tute of beard, excepting a slight, well-trimmed raustache, giving him a more boyish appearance; his eagle eyes were piercing, yet with a womanly softness of expression. He was armed with an elegant Springfield rifle, which, judging by the costly trimmings and chasing upon it, bad been the present of a friend or friends, His belt was also well supplied with small- arms; and the deep black horse he bestrode was an animal of more than ordinary mettle. As if a part of the spirited horse, did the stranger ride, showing that he was a fine eques- trian. He rode up to the carriage-steps, and securing his horse, mounted the veranda and sounded the knocker, The summons was answered by Suse, who started at the handsome sport inquiringly. **Does Colonel Henry Wetherill live here?” the stranger asked, tipping his sombrero polite- ly, a mark of respect that at once won the gen- tle negress, * Yes, sah! de cunnel libs right heah!” she re- sponded, “Thank you. I haven't a card, but kindly tell him a gentleman desires to speak with bi.” “* What’s de name, sah!” ** Tron-Nerve,” “De good Lor’ bress us, what a name! 'Spects de boss isn’t at liberty, sah! House done chuck full vis’tors, sah—big-bugs, sah!” ‘* Never you mind about them, my good wo- man, You say to tke colonel, that Lron-Nerve Nat wants to see bim on important business,” An 1 the sport slipped a quarter-eagle into her ebony hands, which had the effect to cause Suse’s instant disappearance down the grand but gloomy hall, As she left the door ajar, Iron-Nerve entered the hall, and as he spied another door to his right partly open, and presumed it led into a parlor, he stepped within. It was indeed a parlor—one of the grandest the sport had ever seen, for the room in itself was large, and the furnishings were the choicest that a lavish expenditure of money could pro- cure—quite astonishing, indeed, for that remote region, Upon a sofa, in one corner, sat a young lady and gentleman, engaged in low conversation; the lady was clad in a robe of pink satin, with costly lace trimmings; the gentleman in black broadcloth, white vest and tie, This lady was Miss Theo Wetherill; the well- formed gentleman, with tawny mustache, was Clinton Carmen, Miss Wetberiil’s betrothed. He arose with a haughty stare, as Iron-Nerve Nat stepped into the apartment. “Sir, you have made a mistake, 1 prestime!” he said, in a freezing tone.
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Dumb Dick’s Pard. 9 “*T presume not,” Nat replied, coolly, as he became seated, ‘Mr, Wetherill will join me, directly—I will await him here.” ‘“You will find the reception-parlor on the opposite side of the hall, sir. Be kind enough to step that way,” Miss Wetherill demanded, “Thank you. I am quite comfortable here,” was ths provokingly cool dissent. ‘* Do not let me interrupt your tete-a-tete in the least,” Carmen’s naturally red face assumed an apo- plectic hue, and he took a couple of steps for- ward, in great anger. ‘* Will you leave this room?” he demanded, in high anger. “* Directly—after the colonel comes,” with im- perturbable nonchalance. ‘But, I say now /” Carmen roared, his rage now at a boiling-point. ‘‘If you don’t leave this room at once, I'll throw you out, you ill- bred ruffian!” s “* You haven’t got the muscle to do it,” Iron- Nerve smiled, ‘* Be seated, sir, or you are liable to be taken sick, and won’t be able to play bride- groom to-night!” The words seemed to imply a threat, and the sport’s hand dropped significantly to the butt of a revolver, Miss Wetherill screamed. Carmen caught hold of a bell-cord, and gave it a jerk. ** We'll seo!” he gritted. The following instant, a narrow door which a large pier mirror had hidden from view, swung inward, and two treacherous Mexican peons glided :nto the room, Their very appearance was a certificate of their evil natures, and what their duties were at the Elms, Tron-Nerve started a little, at their sudden ap- a ga but his face expressed no surprise or ear, “ At him, Gila, Pipo!” Carmen hissed, savage- ly, ‘* Pitch bim out of the house!” Instantly the two peons started for the sport, their black eyes gleaming, hike those of a ser- pent, . They stopped suddenly, however, for there were tiwo rapid shots, and the tools of Clinton Carmen were whirled half around in their tracks —an ear cut off each! * Now off with you, you fools, or the next shot will be to kill!” the young and now terribl defiant stranger cried, with still leveled revol- ver, It was enough. With howls of fear and an- ger the two servitors vanished as they had come, just as Colonel Wetherill burst into the room, ““Who is shot? What does this mean?” the colonel gasped, excitedly. “Tt means that yonder puppy attempted to have me thrown out by your. hirelings, and I shot an ear off of each,” Iron-Nerve auswered, “to learn them manners!” *‘ In God’s name, who are you?—why are you here?” the Nabob asked, his face white, and eyes wildly glaring. “Tam Nat Blossom—usually nicknamed Iron- Nerve. I entered this parlor and was ordered out. I didn’t feel disposed to leave, and the dude, yonder, set the two Greasers on me, 7 Henry Wetherill, I came to see you, on business —not the dude! Let’s retire to the open air— the atmosphere here is decidedly too sweet for me. Come!” He stepped from the parlor and out upon the veranda where were several chairs, The Nabob followed him, and both became seated. The pallor had not left the former's face, and he seemed to be laboring under a hard attack of nervous agitation. “Sorry to have harmed the Greasers, but I could not get around it,” Iron-Nerve remarked, as he lit a cigar. ‘* No consequence. State your business!” Col- onel Wetherill rejoined, coldly, “Correct. I just drcpped down into this country lately, and while at a camp up here I came across a reward-notice with your name at the bottom of it.” “* Well?” ‘Well, being without much to occupy my time at present, I thought I’d run down and see what terms we could come to 1n the matter,” “None, sir, The mystery of the dragon can- not be solved, or else it would have been long before this,” ““Pshaw! you’ve never had the right galoot at the reins,” ** Have you seen it?” “JT have. It paid a visit to the vicinity of my camp, up-prairie, last night.” ae Welle? “You'd sleep easier if the thing was laid, I hear?” “Who told you so?” * Heard so up at the camp,” The Nabob was silent for a moment. “Yes, Pll admit that the accursed thing is the horror of my hfe,” he finally said, hoarsely, ‘tI can never know any peace of mind as long as it haunts the Elms and the surrounding country, as you may well suppose,” “ Has any one ever been harmed by it?” “Not to my knowledge, though dead men have been frequently found with no mark upon them to tell how they met their death.” ‘* Humph! merely a coincidence, likely. The so styled Don Dragon, who rides upon the devil- ish-looking beast, you think is a dead man?” “Tt has that appearance, 1 believe.” ‘*Correct. I am of the same belief.” vin Well, be brief with what you have to ' **T will. How much money is there in the job, from you, if I effectually lay this ghost, ghoul, demon, or whatever it may be?” ‘*T offered five hundred dollars,” “That was more for the name of offering it than because you expected that any one would exert themselves to earn so paltry asum, Do you know what I'll lay the dragon for?” “ ‘You have a mouth.” “ Well, Pll wager ten thousand dollars I can solve that mystery and corral Mr. Dragon with- in ten days.” : It was something extraordinary for the colo- nel to do, but he laughed. ‘* There’s not a man in this section but what's failed to capture the Devil Don and his dragon, Ask up in Pokerville, and be convinced,”
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8 Dumb Dick’s Pard. *¢ From a rough estimate I should judge there isn’t stamina enough in the whole crowd to scotch a rattler.” ‘Get them down on you, and you'll likely think otherwise,” with a slight sneer. ‘ But Pll tell you what I willdo, You seem to have a great amount of self-assurance, which is all well enough, providing you can back it. You mentioned wagering ten thousand that you can capture the Devil Don and his dragon within ten days. I'll bet you two to one you cannot do it. “ That is—twenty thousand against ten?” “* Exactly.” “ Tt’s a bargain. Are you ready?” ‘* As soon as necessary. To-night the mar- riage of my daughter will take place, If you will present yourself, after the ceremony, I will have a contract drawn up, and you can deposit your money in the hands of any one of my dis- tinguished guests, and go to work.” “You will do the same?” Mi If you require, although my reputation is “Tam not dealing with reputations, sir. But we can doubtless fixit all right, There is another thing important to know.” “ ell?” ** Am I to have the freedom of the Elms in pursuing my investigations?” “Certainly not. There is no connection be- tween the case and my residence,” “On the contrary, [ learn the dragon has been seen upon the turret-top at nights.” ‘** Nonsense—positive nonsense. The stairway to the tower can only be reached by passing through my bed-chamber, and the door has been sealed ever since I have lived here.” “Indeed! Who did you buy the Elms of?” “ A Mr. Thorntoa—but that has no bearing on the case. If you undertake the job, I cannot have you prying about my residence, for 1 am constantly entertaining distinguished guests, who would not care to be brought in contact with aman of your station in life!” The handsome face of Iron-Nerve flushed a trifle, but he otherwise showed no offense at the thrust, “T presume I might have the liberty of your grounds?” be said, sarcasm in his tone. “Certainly, providing you remember your tion, and keep yourself strictly to yourself. ut, let me tell you, that you will eventually be more money in pocket by abandoning the ven- ture, at the outset.” Tron-Nerve smiled. ‘* We shall see!” he said. ‘I do not propose to speculate with you alone, as there are others who would like to have the mystery ventilated. I will be on hand to-night at—” “Ten o'clock.” “Very well. You'll have your servants ap- rised of my freedom about the exterior of the Ims or there’ll be more ears shot off.” ‘Tl see to it.” “Oh, yes, something I forgot. That was your dau hter, inside?” “She's going to marry the dude?” ‘Tf you refer to Clinton Carmen, sir—yes, But, pardon me, what is a dude?” ‘ * A half-jackass and a half-kangaroo, sir!” ‘* Mr, Carmen is a gentleman!” “Ts he? Oh! well, times change, and I sup- pose people do. I’m off, now. Good-evening, sir, And leaping into the saddle, the sport galloped away down the drive, upon the back of his hand- some black steed. The Nabob watched him ride away with a peculiar expression of countenance, CHAPTER IV. THE STREET DUEL—‘ IT IS A DEVIL,” To say that there was excitement in Poker- ville, just about the time of the startling acci- dent to Scorpion Sam, would be “ drawing it mild.” The bystanders shouted and swore, and some even ran swiftly in pursuit of the white steed, which was making off up the gulch at a swift gallop, still holding Sam in his powerful jaws. ‘Liza Jane hearing the commotion, dashed out of the post-office, and one glance sufficed for her to comprehend the situation. “‘ Stop yer hoss! Stop yer hoss, Jane, or Sam bi be killed!” several of the Scorpion’s cronies yelled. “Do him good, the brute!” was the Girl Min- er’s retort. ‘‘ He'll know better’n to go meddlin’ wi’ my hoss next time, eh, parson?” Priggins’s face was pale and anxious; he evi- dently fearing that he was the direct cause of the bully’s death, ‘* Stop the horse, Miss ’Liza!” he entreated; ‘it’s all my fault. I knocked the fellow down, and then the horse pitched at him,” She then put two fingers to her lips, and gave a shrill call, which echoed and re-echoed along the walls of the gulch, The effect was magical; for the horse spun around upon his hind. feet, as if worked by mechanism, but still held Scorpion Sam swaying to and fro. Then the sagacious animal came trotting back, now and then shaking its head spitefully, with the evident purpose of giving the Scorpion an extra stirring up. He finally paused, and at a motion from ’Liza Jane, dropped the terrified ruffian near where he had fallen, Sam gradually gathered himself up into a standing position, and glared from one to the other in a dazed way, as if ata loss how to begin to cpm bis injnred feelings. ‘“ Well, what’s the matter, Sammy?” the Girl Miner asked. ‘Been foolin’ around my Ara- bian ag’in, have ye? How often have I told e he wouldn’t hev no one fussin’ around im “Cuss yer picter, I wasn’t doin’ nothin’ to the hoss—leave it to the boys ef I was,” Sam bel- lowed, ‘I war jest waltzin’ up ter shake hands wi’ the stranger thar, an’ welcum him ter our camp, when he up an’ hit me a Waterloo right plum in the eye, an’ I stubbed my toe an’ fell. ae yer cussed beast gobbled me up, an’ made off.” “Certainly. Served you right. Next time a stranger comes to town, you'll know enough to let him alone, eh?”
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Dumb Dick’s Pard. a “‘Wull I? Guess ye don’t know who I am, do yer, de , “Yes, I do, right cute, Sam Sligo, an’ more’n that, I reckon you an’ every other galoot in Pokerville knows who and what J am!” the girl retorted, fiercely. ‘‘ I’m just the argument as says I ain’t afeard o’ forty wild-cats!” he declaration seemed to carry weight, for a murmur of assent was heard on either hand, which by no means lessened the Scorpion’s fero- cious scowl. ‘Liza Jane had been located in the gulch only a season; but she was a daily visitor to the camp, and had demonstrated on more than one occasion that she was not only able to take care of herself, but was equally able to take care of any enemy who offended her, y the majority of the Pokervillians she was regarded with a sort of awe, because of her reckless nerve, as they expressed it, in dwelling in the dragon-haunted gulch, and no other man than brutal Scorpion Sam would have thought of angering her, without first considering the consequences, The Scorpion, however, while secretly fear- ing her, had boasted contemptuously that any man as would weaken to a young woman was beneath his notice, and that he would in time illustrate that Liza Jane was more bark than bite. “So ye ain’t afeard o’ me, hey?” he roared, ‘‘me, whose hoss-power is more’n forty~leven wild-cats?” “No; I am not afraid of you!” was the reply. “You're a big, overgrown, good-for-nothing loafer, and can’t scare me, if you can others, You’re more, Sam Bg arr a hang-dog villain, Ever since I located up the gulch, you've tried to injure me by hinting various un- savory things of me. You've tried to turn the ople against me. You’ve done all you could create an unfavorable and suspicious impres- sion of me, I hurl it in your teeth, you dog— you dare not deny it!” The Scorpion’s face reddened, and & malicious gleam entered his vicious eyes, “ Reckon every one’s a right to his own opin- ion,” he growled, with a wink at his pals. ‘Pain’t ’cordin’ ter reason thet yer’ a saint, nohow. Guess every one allows ye ain’t gittin’ rich out 0’ thet claim; an’ no one w’u'd live in Dragon Gulch what hadn’t some secret reason hid thar. Fact is, gal, ye’r’ ruther a ’spicious character, an’ ther fellers aire bout greed that it’s fair that ye ’splain severial things!” “What?” The Girl Miner’s eyes glittered like diamonds as she looked him in the face. “Oh! it don’t matter jest now; we'll settle that some dther time. Dragons an’ sich like kin be tolerated, but thar’s them as ’spects as how a Be pd might a tale unfold. A gal stayin’ all alone in sech a place ain’t accordin® ter the laws o’ natteral history, an’ we law- abidin’ citizens don't keer about livin’ in ther neighborhood o’ kerricters whose exact bizness standin’ ain’t known, Mr.—” “Stop!” "Liza Jane interrupted, in a ringing voice; “you need not mention Henry Wetherill as being largely interested in turning popular opinion against me, It is an open fact that he is my bitterest enemy, and is unscrupulous) using every effort in his re to rid this vicinity of my presence. His secret, for all this, he is too cunning to give even to you who are his tools. Ha! ha! serve bimif you like, I defy you all.” She shook her clinched little fist under the bully’s blooming nasal appendage, and turned toward her horse, but the ruffian pushed her back. “Stand aside, gal; don’t be in a burry. Allowin’, ye’re right, and all squerect, thar’s somethin’ else that ain’t settled!” ‘* What?” and her hand dropped mechanically to the revolver in her belt. ‘‘ Just please ex- plain what isn’t settled!” “* Waal, ye see,” Scorpion Sam went on, ‘‘ ’'m calculated to be ther mayor o’ this hyer city, an’ am tharfore a personage to whom much re- spect is natterally due. I don’t mind gittin’ carved up a leetle one’t in a while, but when a feller slugs me betune the eyes, like as if he war goin’ to sp'ile my entire landscape, ye kin jest bet yer boots that. aire very stool-pigeon has got ter ’pologize or fight.” And the bully glared at Parson Priggins. ‘Liza Jane also turned toward him to note that his face expressed not the least concern, ‘*-You hear, parson?” she said, ‘‘ The delecta- ble, sweet-scented Sam’l demands an apology. Can you accommodate him?” For reply the young man slid from the back of his burro to the ground, ‘“‘T presume so,” he said, ‘* What way shall it be, mayor?” “ What—wh—!” Sam blustered, ‘‘ How will you have it?’ Priggins demanded, ‘‘ the satisfaction you desire. Shall I administer it straight from the shoulder, or will you have it by slicing, or in the leaden style?” ‘*-Ye won't apologize, then?” ‘Most assuredly not. I have nothing to apologize for, as I acted in self-defense. You must either fight or crawfish, you great, whisky- shop loafer!” "Liza Jane was surprised, Likewise was the crowd, The meek expression had vanished from the arson’s face, and it looked decidedly as if he ntended to push the matter to a climax. “You bet Dll fight!” Scorpion Sam growled, understandink at once that he could not bluff the stranger. ‘‘Clar away to the sides o’ the street, boys, an’ make a pistol-range. Ker-scat! but won't 1 do it up beauchiful fer this saint- manyfacterer!” “Pistols, eh?” Priggins said. ‘* Waal, I once shot a hen-hawk over at the Corners: guess I mought hit sech a mayk as you be. Pardner, lend me one o’ yer little guns.’ “You bet!” ‘Liza Jane assented. ‘‘ Just you plug the tough right whar he lives, an’ Pll buy yea gold medal as big as a bar’l-head,” “Mebbe youd better try it!” Scorpion Sam gritted, preparing for the duel. “If you don’t swaller a heap o’ yer slack, curse me ef I don’t make a job fer the coroner.” “}] take yer word for it, Sammy, Every one’s dead loads afeard 0’ you!” and she laughed scornfully. The crowd had been cleared to one side, and
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10 Dumb Dick’s Pard,. twenty paces marked off in the middle of the dusty street. The two men then took their places without further ceremony. The parson was a trifle flushed in the face, but otherwise perfectly cool, Scorpion Sam, with his usual appearance of braggadocio, did not seem much alarmed. “Get ready, gents, I will act for the parson in the funeral!” ’Liza Jane announced, as she took a commanding position, * And if no one has any objections, I will act for the other man,” a voice cried, aud Iron- Nerve Nat rode up, mounted upon his ebon steed, All eyes turued upon him in curious inquiry for an instant; then ’Liza Jane said: “Very well, sir. Fair play’s the word. The duelists raised their weapons toa level, and took what appeared to be deliberate aim. “ One Y “Two!” “ Three!” shouted ’Liza Jane. * Crack! Both weapons spoke simultaneously. Neither man dropped. The parson stood wiping a tiny bead of blood from the side of his face, cansed by the wind of the bullet. Scorpion Sam, however, with his right hand clasped to bis left elbow, was dancing about frantically and howling at the top of his voice, ** Ob, jumpin’ Jehosephat! Oh! oh! oh! my crazy-bone! my crazy-bone!” he yelled, for the bullet from the parson’s weapon had struck that sensitive place upon the elbow commonly desig- nated as the crazy-bone. The crowd roared with laughter, which so in- furiated the ruffian that, forgetting his pain in his rage, he raised his revolver and proceeded to bone a volley into their midst, thereby scat- tering them promiscuously. Parson Priggins, however, and the two seconds kept their paces, and when the bully ceased firing ’Liza Jane called out: “Time! Hev you got enough, Scorpion?” “Fer to-day!” was the grim answer. ‘I'll see ye all later.” And with that be shuffled off toward the ‘Four Aces.” * Put up your pop, parson,” "Liza Jane or- dered, ‘‘ the blizzard aire over for the present.” Iron-Nerve, who had dismounted, approached. “This is Parson Priggius, a tenderfoot from Monte-peel-yer,” ’Liza Jane explained, as_ they walked toward the gaming palace. ‘‘As fer my self, ’m a pepper-pod, by name *Liza Jane,” “And 1am known as L[ron-Nerve Nat, some- times lron-Nerve for short.” They then entered the place. ‘Liza Jane and Iron-Nerve stood chatting for a few minutes, seeming to have taken a lik- ing to each other, ally [ron-Nerve remarked: “Tf yon’ve nothing more pressing, let’s havea game of cards.” ; “You will excuse _me,” she said, ‘but we must be off for the Elms. It is already getting dark.” Tron-Nerve started. piel «Excuse me,” he said, ‘but might I inquire the nature of your errand there?” “Certainly. This gentleman, Mr. Priggins, isa relative of the Wetherills, and he being a stranger hereabouts 1 ventured to act as his guide, Come, parson, we will be off.” And without giving Iron-Nerve further op- portunity for questioning, the Girl Miner bowed herself out of his presence, and she and the par- son quitted the gambling palace, followed by more than one curious glance, Iron-Nerve noted this fact, as he seated him- self at a table. “Here’s a likely girl, occupying rather a questionable position,” he mused, listening to the clinking of glasses, and other sounds in the room, ‘‘A miuer, I judge, yet something about her indicates that she’s too shrewd to adopt such a life without some other motive than money. Queer, what ideas will get into a fel- low’s mind. Well, anyhow, the Girl Miner is a beauty, and Vl try to keep her acquaintance, if for nothing more, to drive away the blues, Heigh ho! I wonder what will be the result of my dragon venture? It will be a devil, indeed, if I fail to fetch it to time!” ** It is a devil |” The words came to his ear, in a shrill whisper, With an exclamation, he leaped to his feet, and glared about him, No one was looking at him—no one was stand- ing within a dozen feet of him. hat infernal mystery was this? That was what he wonderingly asked him- self, over and over. CHAPTER V. A NIGHT OF SURPRISES. THE Elms was literally a blaze of light. Almost every window in the grim structure, was lit with wax candles, and wreathed and festooned with evergreens, The great arched doorway and the veranda were similarly served, while from the branches of many a tree in the stately park, were sus pended myriads of Chinese lanterns, No expense had been spared by Colonel Wetherill to make the event of his daughter’s marriage one long to be remembered, As many of the citizens, miners, and ranch- men had been invited, numerous tables were out on the lawn, and Chinese waiters glided about to furnish the guests with fruit and drinks, Within the mansion the more cultured element was assembled, the majority being composed of the colonel’s guests, only a limited few of prcm- inent Pokervillians and their wives, having been asked to the ceremony. : The three grand communicating parlors, with their dazzling lights and handsome furnishings were thrown into one vast apartment, and with the well-dressed guests promenading to and fro, looked not unlike the reception hall of a verita- ble palace. It was already time for the ceremony and the guests became seated. Outside, the band was playing a wedding march, and the hilarity of the outer guests awoke the birds in the branches of the elms, Colonel Wetherill stepped from the parlor, a
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few minutes later; then returned, followed b “the Squire,” ruddy-faced, and benignly smil- ing. fie was a meek-looking little man, with start- ling red hair and whiskers, and a game eye, Tbe book he held in his hand, looked as if it had served in Noah’s time. The bride-elect soon thereafter entered, upon her father’s arm, while Clinton Carmen fol- lowed, accompanied by his best man; after whom came a number of groomsmen and maids. The bride was attired in a magnificent white wedding costume, which had been imported at a great cost, and wore some rare jewels. The groom was also elegantly dressed, and looked as if he bad quite exhausted the tailor’s art. A faint flutter was observable among the spectators, as the insignificant-looking little "quire took his position, book in hand. ut the ceremony was destined not to pro- ceed, yet, for into the parlor strode no less a personage than Parson Jim Priggins, who ap- proached Colonel Wetherill. “Waal, by m!” he ejaculated, puttin forth bis hand; “ how do yeou do, Uncle Hank Gosh bang it, shake! Hain’t seen ye since ye used ter run the grist-mill on Snake Hollow, up in New Hamphire. ‘Scuse me fer interruptin’ the ceremony, but I’m gosh all-fired glad to see ’ ye. “Sir!” Wetherill cried, drawing back, “ Are you mad, man?” “ Dog-gone it, no! I’m ye'r’ nephey, Jim Priggins, an’ ye know it. So don’t go to lettin’ on that ye don’t know it. I don’t keer a durned ef ye aire rich an’ stuck-up: ye can’t go back on yer blood relations, Say, ‘Squire, you git! I’m a reg’lar ordained preacher, an’ I’m goin’ to do this splicin’ bizness fer my own cousin’ thar, sure’s you’ro born!” : “This is a disgrace and an outrage,” the cole- nel cried, ‘‘ Ladies and gentlemen, if you will kindly have patience, we will summarily dis- pose of this lout.” “You will, will ye!” Priggins retorted, his face flushing and his eyes gleaming, while he whipped a pair of revolvers from his pocket. ** Now see: here, folks; I don’t want to turn this blessed weddin’ inter a funeral, but that’s what I'll do, ef bd try to come it too promisc’us over me. Uncle Hank, ye might as well give in. I kim out here a-visitin’, and since I got here in time fer the weddin’, why I’m goin’ ter hev the job, hey? I know ye don’t wanter—” “Enough!” the nabob interrupted, his face white and red by turns. ‘I recognize you, sir, Ladies and gentlemen, this is a nephew of mine, James, you are at liberty to perform the mar- riage service, ‘Squire, you are excused!” The colonel’s words were icily spoken. He then introduced the parson to Carmen and Theo, and the parson took out his book, A bush prevailed, when Priggins cleared his throat, and began to read the marriage service, His countrified manner bad for the moment vanished, and in a deep, impressive voice he proceeded with his task, He had got as far as asking: “Has any man or woman anak to say why these two people before me, shall not be joined in the banns of holy wedlock—?” Dumb Dick’s Pard. 11 When suddenly there was an ear-piercing, blood-curdling shriek, It was more the shriek of some demoniac monster, than that of a human being—it fairly stilled the blood of those who heard it. All eyes, por ah turned toward the open window, and there beheld a sight that ren- dered them powerless, speechless—dumb with awful terror, Upon the lawn, near the window, was the Devil Don and the Dragon. Yes, the devilish-looking, fiery-eyed, flaming- mouthed, winged crocodile, and upon its bac the white-robed, white-haired corpse-like figure of aman, whose eyes were closed and whose hands, which were crossed upon the breast, were those of a skeleton, J Theo Wetherill saw it among the first, and fainted dead away, and so paralyzed with ter- ror was Clinton Carmen, that he allowed her to fall, heavily to the floor. The others remained equally like statues, for several moments, and only when they were con- scious that the spectacle was gone, did they re- cover from the shock, Wetherill and the parson recovering first. “* Curses seize the infernal thing!” the Nabob gasped, advancing to the window, and pulling down the curtains, ‘Ring yonder bell, Prig- gins, and order water.” The parson obeyed. Several of the ladies had fainted, and for half an hour the excitement was terrible. Soliciting Priggins’s assistance, however, the colonel finally got matters somewhat quieted down among his guests, As none of those on the lawn in front of the house had seen the dragon, no report of theaf- fair was allowed to disturb their hilarity, Wetherill explained all that was known about the monster, and then, urging bis guests to have no further fear of it, he proposed that the wed- ding should be consummated, so Theo having recovered, the bridal couple again took their laces, Priggins proceeded once more, and final- y pronounced them man and wife. e’words had scarcely been spoken and the congratulations made, when a door opened, and Iron-Nerve Nat stalked into the room, The sight of him caused the colonel to utter an exclamation, while Clinton Carmen smoth- ered an oath, * Colonel Wetherill, I am here!” the Sport said, in his clear tone, which penetrated every part of the room. ‘ Are you ready?” ; “Tam, sir! Ladies and gentlemen, you will excuse me, but I have a little business matter to arrange,” “Tt can be done here, before witnesses,” Iron- Nerve-announced, coolly, as he saw it was the Nabob’s purpose to leave theroom, ‘In fact, I choose to have it done here!” | na ** Very ‘well, sir,” Wetherill assented, biting his lip with vexation. “But, pray, sir, how came you by these scratches ea your face?” ““T was pounced upon by a brace of fellows, who wanted my ne, or my life. As I couldn't conveniently spare either, on at present, I got the scratches in the struggle.” “Served the rascals right, sir,” the Nabob said, briefly, ‘* Now, how about the contract?”
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12 “None is necessary, Put up your money—I will do the same.” “ But the stakeholder?” “Your relative, thar, Parson Priggins. will fill the bill!” “T am afraid not, a large sum to intrust in any man’s hands Wetherill sneered. “T presume some of your honorable guests will feel elated at your bewildering trust in mankind,” Iron-Nerve suggested, dryly. “‘Oh! no—no! I made no reference to my guests!” the Nabob stammered, ‘*See heer, Uncle Hank, ain’t I a minister, an’ every inch as good as ary one o’ yer guests?” Priggins demanded, advancing toward the colo- nel threateningly, ‘I want ve to know I don’t knock under to no one. I'll hold them stakes, jest as t’other feller said. I’m honest as the pen- dulum ov a clock!” “You'll hold the stakes?” Wetherill gritted, his face flaming with baffled malice. “Ti hold the stakes, an’ do it squar’!” was the emphatic reply, given in a way which pretty lainly signified that the parson proposed to have ‘is way in the matter. “Very well!” assented the Nabob, but in a manner that betrayed his wish to throttle his nephew then and there. e turned to the guests, then, with a face wonderfully calm, **ixcuse me, pray,” he remarked; ‘‘ but I will explain what may seem strange to you all. It concerns you somewhat, too, “To begin with, this character, calling him- self Iron-Nerve—a way of creating a big im- ression, these odd titles—came to me a few ours ago, He isa perfect stranger to me, but evidently having beard of the several failures to capture the dragon, he proposed to bet me _ ten thousand dollars against an equal amount—” ‘* Beg pardon!” Iron-Nerve interrupted. ‘t You offered to bet me twenty against ten!” “ Well, I was getting to that!” the colonel scowled, ‘‘ The man bets me ten thousand dol- lars he can capture the dragon within ten days. Since he seems so flush, and as it is worth a great deal to my peace of mind to have the cap- ture made, I have agreed to put twenty thou- sand dollars against his ten. If he succeeds, Priggins is to give him the thirty thousand, Otherwise, itis mine. The ten days begin at midnight to-night. Is this correct, sir?” “Tl believe so. Have you your money, sir?” “«T will write you a check in a moment,” “That will notdo, It is the cash I want to see put up.” etherill frowned. How often, that evening, had his will been baffled. He was wondering what opinion his guests were beginning to form of him, “You are devilish particular!” he growled, “My check is as good as the U. 8, Mint.” “Not tome. I bave here ten one thousand- dollar notes ready to put up,” the Sport said grimly, as he took a neat roll from his vest- pocket, ‘‘If you baven’t the amount, perhaps some of your friends can lend you the balance.” And Iron-Nerve sneered in the blandest man- ner, which thoroughly infuriated the colonel. ‘Curse your impudence!” he roared, “ I have He Thirty thousand dollars is ! Dumb Dick’s Pard. money enough to buy you heart and soul, and Pil bet you pty thousand to ten you cannot capture the Devil Don and bis dragon!” e rushed from the parlor, but soon returned and placed a large roll of bills in Priggins’s hands, “Count ’em!” he commanded, sententiously. ‘Fifty thousand dollars!” cried the parson a moment later. “Correct! Cover them, Mr. Iron-Nerve, and then rid us of your presence!” The Sport bowed and handed his money to the parson. ‘* Now begone!” Wetherill ordered, “Not jest yit, me mutton!” a voice cried, and Scorpion Sam, together with a number of Wetherill’s rancheros, marched into the room. ‘*We want that sardine, Iron-Nerve, fer mur- der in the furst degree!” CHAPTER VI. WHAT WAS THE SECRET? THE sensation caused by the sudden appear- ance of the rancheros and Scorpion Sam, and the demand of the latter, caused a profound sensation in the bridal parlor, Even Iron-Nerve was for the instant aston- ished; but, quick to think, hein the same instant drew the conclusion that the bodies of his two assailants had been found, and he threw himself on the defensive by drawing and cocking his two revolvers. “Do you want me very bad?’ he called out, placing his back against the window sill, know- ing the sash was raised although the curtains were down—a fact that none of the others ap- peared to remember. * Well, we jist about do that!” Scorpion Sam averred, ‘Yer’ a mighty good-lukin’ feller, as all will allow, an’ mebbe kin skeer sum folks, but when ye cum in these parts to shute folks jest as ye please, we take it you’re wrong!” ‘You found the two ruffians ’twixt here and Pokerville?” | “They weren’t no roughs. They war respect- able ranchmen, as tuk their toddy straight every time, you bet!” “Oh! were they? Well, they got it straight when they tried to rob me. I ain’t accommo- dating the whims of strolling footpads as much as I used to be!” And the Sport showed his pearly teeth ina defiant smile. “They didn’t try ter rob ye. They war goin’ back to camp, an’ ye shot ’em down like dogs!” ‘* You lie like a thief!” Iron-Nerve retorted. “Mr. Wetherill, I believe, can make an expla- nation te you in regard to the matter!” **How am I to know but what you have lied to me?” the colonel replied, coldly. ‘It is not in my line of business to defend criminals,” “Does any one know what your line of busi- ness is, anyhow?” the Spcrt asked, significantly; then be added: “I didn’t mention employing you to defend me. Indeed, you’d be working against yourself in doing so, both pecuniarily and otherwise.” “The cunnel hain’t got no say in this, no- how!” Scorpion Sam spoke up, ‘‘ We're the lads, These fellers aire pards o’ Stokes an’
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‘Dumb Dick’s Pard. Steel, w’ot ye killed, an’ they perpose ter inwite e ter a little neck-tie party. There’s no use o’ ickin’; killin’ is murder, an’ murder is punish- able accordin’ tew the laws o’ hemp. So sur- render, wi’out parley!” Iron-Nerve looked the crowd over, with a de- fiant smile. “Twelve of you, eh?” he said, “Mr, Wether- ill, have you boards enough about the premises to make stretchers out of, on which to carry these fvols back to their homes?” **No, sir. I wash my hands of the matter. If they choose to hang you, it’s none of my busi- ness. You had better surrender!” ‘* When I do, it will be when these beautiful carpets are dyed red with human blood, sir. I am not the man to be taken without resistance,” was the defiant assurance, ‘*No, don’t sp’ile the carpets, uncle,” put in Parson Priggins. ‘It’s notright tohang a mor- tal, so order those fellows away.” «What! you dictate to me? Wetherill yelled, growing livid with rage. ‘‘ You have done too much of this—” *“Calmly, calmly, uncle! Don’t never exas- perate a preacher, for he who teacheth that which is good, hath a power—” “Hell and furies seize you!” the colonel roared. ‘ Men, leave this house, and leave the Sport alone. He will be glad to die soon enough!” ** The colonel knows best,” one of the ranch- men said. ‘‘ We'll abide by what he says. If Scorpion Sam wants vengeance, let him git it hisself!” This speech seemed to change the minds of the party, and they filed out of the room, the baffled bully following, growling. When they were gone, Iron Nerve crossed over to the side of Parson Priggins, and seized br gr the hand, “My friend, I thank you for saving me the trouble of gery) blood on these carpets,” he said, with a grim laugh. ‘‘T am glad to see you have power here; but, look out. These walls contain hidden assassins, I clipped the ears of a pair of ‘em during a_previous visit here, Re- member—wide-awake.” He then turned to the colonel. “Pll now bid you good-evening. Sorry if anything has proved unpleasant, through my fault.” Then, tipping his sombrero to the assembled guests, he backed from the room, He did not choose to make his exit otherwise, for his gaze had caught a snaky gleam in the eyes of the Nabob, which was the quintessence of rancorous evil, Once in the hall, the Sport made his way boldly from the house, and joined the crowd of half-tipsy revelers upon the lawn. It is unnecessary to state that his eyes roved searchingly about, and that he expected an attack, But none was made. Scorpion Sam was nowhere to be seen, and among the revelers, the Sport saw none whom he recognized as having been in the would-be lynching-party. Concluding that there was no further use for him akout the Elms that night, he returned to 138 Pokerville, and turned in at the Demijohn for the night, as he was pretty well fatigued. And now let us return to the Elms, The festivities on the lawn were continued until a late hour; but within, the guests finally wearied, and retired to their apartments, or homes, as the case might be. If Colonel Wetherill had surmisee, privately, that the events of the evening had excited a deal of curiosity among his friends and visitors, he was not wrong; for both the Pokervillians and his own guests, now had good cause to sus- pee that Colonel Henry Wetherill was not what 1e usually appeared to the world, The colonel with his iron will, had some secret —else why did sae ba so many times to the be- nign-faced man from Montpelier —the redoubt- able Jim Priggins, and why did the shield the stranger Sport? As soon as the guests began to depart, Colonel Wetherill suddenly began to look around for the parson, for it was by no means his intention to let that worthy leave the Elms, with tho wager money; but Parson Jim was gone, and a search failed to find him. At last the guests had all retired, and the house wasshorn of its gayety, though the fes- tivities still continued on the lawn; for as the colonel had made no stint in furnishing liquors, the outside revelers were evidently disposed to * make a night of it.” In the grand parlor, however, three persons still lingered. The colonel sat at the table in a reverie, er Carmen was lounging upon a sofa, smoking a cigar and looking satisfied. Theo sat in a great easy-chair, apart from the rest, staring into vacancy, while she tapped her tiny foot upon the plush carpet, as if she were impatient. he was evidently undergoing several changes of mood; for now her face would wear that cold, stony expression; then it would soften, and her eyes would warm up gloriously, trans- ee her completely into another type of enuty. The voice of Carmen brought the cold, hard expression back to her face, ‘By the way, colonel, it has been a deuced odd wedding night. In ’Frisco such 9 ings would create a lasting sensation. ho in thunder is Priggins?” ‘*T believe you heard him introduced,” he re- plied, a ‘‘Humph! then he is really your nephew?” “Yes, I wish he were not! ‘* He has a secret of yours?” ‘“* How do you know?” “A key don’t turn ina rusty lock, generally, without a good deal of power!” was the answer, “Right you are. I didn’t know him at first, He had his own way, and I couldn’t help my- self? Do you think others noticed it?” ‘*T didn’t observe any blind people in the as- semblage!” Carmen answered, significantly. Wetherill gritted his teeth. Theo had been watching—listening. “ What is this secret, papa?” she asked. * Nothing for you to know!” was the tart re-
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14 Dumb Dick's Pard. ply, at which Theo flushed, while Carmen ughed quietly. “Your father is right, peerless. The wife shonld never meddle with the business cffairs of the bead of the house!” “ Indeed!” was the cold answer. ‘There’s another thing,” Carmen went on, addressing the colonel, ‘‘ that you deserve cen- sure for—letting that Sport escape. Why didn’t you permit the fellows to lynch him, and you would not only have ridded me of an enemy, but yon would have also been ahead a clear ten thousand,” ‘* My father is not in the habit of making his money by giving up other people’s lives, sir!” Theo interrupted spiritedly. ‘Oh! no--no! Of course not!” Carmen apol- ogized, seeing he had stirred up a slumbering hornet. ‘By the way, to change the subject— if you have those papers ready, we might as wellsign them. I am anxious for the privilege of saying I am a partner in this beautiful home, and we will begin life under the happiest au- spices, Eh, colonel, old boy?” _. Wetherill did not notice the other’s familiar- ity. “The deeds are ready, but cannot well be signed to-night!” was his answer. ‘Why not, pray?” * Because you are not legally married !” Clinton Carmen sprung to his feet, while Theo gave such a sigh of relief that both men gazed at her in a startled way, and noted that her cheeks were rose-tinted, and her whole expres- sion was that of exultation. “You seem overjoyed!” Carmen sneered. ** Did I address you?” she answered, haughtily; and the next instant she swept from the room, with the bearing of an offended queen, Carmen, furious with passion, would have followed, only that the colonel waved him back, “Stop, you jealous fool!” he ordered. ‘Go on! explain yourself!” the other gritted, pacing up and down the carpet, his fury held in check, but not abated. “ Well, I don’t see what ails you. Supposing she did manifest a little joy ata reprieve. It’s but maidenly. Then, too, you ought to know she isn’t dead in love with you, when she told you so yesterday.” ‘Bah! go on—about the marriage?” “Simple enough, Priggins had vo right to perform a ceremony.” ‘* Who is he? hat is he?” ** A bad person to deal with. He is a detect- ive with more aliases than a sneak-thief, He’s been after me for years. I last heard of him in Oregon, as being dead. Fancy my surprise, then, to-night.” “What part of Oregon?” Carmen queried, anxiously. ‘Portland and vicinity.” “ Humph! Well, let’s send for the ‘Squire at once, and make the thing sure!” “Not to-night. To-morrow will do as well, Carmen, for safety, two persons must be dis- ** Priggins and the 7 hak “Exactly; both without fail.” ‘The sooner the better, to suit me!” UU EEEEnEnnSnENSIDENnd ‘‘Leave it to me. It shall be attended to at once—or as soon as possible!” * And the wedding?” ‘* Afterward.” * Curse it, no, tion!” ‘Bah! I am the master. Off to bed with you, now, and we'll have everything right. ou will oecupy your old apartment, but no one will be the wiser until all is settled.” ““ Why don’t you settle that Girl Miner in the bargain, too—make a clean sweep of all the coyotes on the trail?” ‘Not yet. Why do you fear her, Carmen? Have you a secret, too?” ‘Bah! no. I hate the girl because she’s too glib of tongue, and pokes fun at me,” “T have a stronger plea than that—but enough, upon us, We'll knock the neck off a bottle of champagne, and then turn in,” The champagne was opened, and after empty- ing the bottle, they sought their respective apartments. Parson Jim Priggins had quitted the Weth- erill mansion about ten minutes before the col- onel’s discovery of his absence. Skulking around to the rear of the premises, he found ‘Liza Jane waiting at a place which they had previously agreed upon. “Well?” she interrogated, ‘‘ How’s every- thing going off?” ‘Very serenely, when I left,” he answered. “What luck did you have?” “ Very little. I went pretty well through the establishment, but failed to satisfy myself upon what I wanted to. Did youdo as I bade you?” “Yes, It will make the difference of only a few days, I reckon.” “Why, wasn’t it satisfactory?” “T know it wasn’t to Henry Wetherill. Time will tell, however. Are you ready?” “Yes, I must be getting back to my home.” * Are you not afraid?” “Halha,no. As we go, let’s hear all that tap ened inside.” ey shaped their route in a roundabout way, and ’Liza Jane took the parson’s arm, as they walked along, while he proceeded to relate what had occurred. ‘You have dropped your unpolished talk, I notice,” the girl observed, keenly, ‘* You also have control over Colonel Wetherill to some ex- tent. You're a queer preacher !” “Think so? Well, preachers are a queer se’ often, Now I ag I cannot be consider one of your boarders, and shall have to stop in Pokerville.” “ Certainly. It would be more proper.” “ Well, then, here isa package. I want you to take it and keep it for ten days—let no one know you have it. Keep it carefully secreted. If I should peg out before the expiration of ten days, you are to deliver it to ‘Iron-Nerve, ft is the wager money, between Iron-Nerve and Wetherill—not thirty, bat sixty thousand dol- lars; so look sharp!” “Very well, Tl take ee care of it. I'll see you again to-morrow, probably!” They parted as soon as they reached their She will get all out of the no- If we tarry longer, day-dawn will be ©
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Dumb Dick’s Pard. 15 Re ar nS ET A ERY eR ee Se a a eae. horses, Priggins riding toward the heart of the camp, and *Liza Jane toward her lone gulch eabin, It wasa dark and gloomy ride, but the Girl Miner paid no attention to this fact, her mind seeming occupied with other thoughts, As she neared her cabin home, they found ex- pression in words: “f[ went there to-night but return with no more knowledge than when I went, except that one man has teen baffled. He knows not that 1 am to be his destroyer. I fancy, however, that he has suspicions, It is not time to strike yet! I must strike like a Nemesis, when I do strike!” CHAPTER VII. THE NOCTURNAL VISITOR, TuE Demijobn at Pokerville, as we have be- fore stated, was the principal hotel of the camp; in fact, it was the only one, barring a little one- story restaurant kopt by a Jew. Wexeover, as the Demijohn was well patron- ized, it was well kept, and its rubicund proprie- tor, the major, had made money there, to add to the hoard be was reputed to have stored away. As the stages had no regular time for arrival at Pokerville, and were as liable to turn up in the dead of nigbt as any other time, the Demi- john was an all-night house, the major geuerally staying up himself, but usually dozing off the better partof his time in his buge arm-chair, which had been made especially to accommo- date his unusual avoirdupois. The major was up when Iron-Nerve reached the hotel, and the two took a “ night-cap” to- gether, after which the young Sport sought his room, For a couple of hours more, an occasional straggler dropped in, until by the rapid multi- a ares of “night-caps,” the major began to eel rather sleepy when the clock rattled off three A, M. Concluding there was no liability of his being disturbed until daybreak, he settled down in his chair, and was soon in a doze—as virtually out of his cares as a living man could be. The major had lately got smitten with a rich widow in Howlin’ Bar, and he was complacent- ly dreaming of her, when he felt: some one pull- ing at his ruby-tinted nose, and started up with: ‘Yas! yas! hot-Scotch—certainly! Strong one for four bits!” But he stared, when he got the sleep partly rubbed out of his eyes, “Why, bless my eyes—a woman!” he gasped, aan (hic) ma’am, what ye doin’ out this late our?” For it was indeed a woman, clad in black Sb head to foot, and wearing a heavy black vail. ** You are Mr, Bixby, sir?” “« Yes’m—Major Blood Bixby!” “You keep this hotel?” c “Yes, mvan Ido! An’ I keep her in bang- up style!” “So I should judge, if you are a sample,” the lady replied. ‘‘Havye you a_ person stopping here named Nathan Norcross?” = ‘*No, ma’am.” ‘* How "bout Iron-Nerve? Any such a party as that?” “ Ab! yes, I see—l see! Iron-Nerve. Ah! yes; he’s in bed, long ago,” The lady took a wallet from her pocket, ex- tracted a card from it, and gave it to the major, who read the name with manifest sur- prise. “Sh! nota word! Never/breathe that I was ever bere!” the woman warned, laying ber hand upon the major’s arm. ‘“‘ Listen! want to visit Iron-Nerve’s room for about two minutes, providing I can do so without disturbing him from his slumbers. You shall accompany me, to see that I do him no evil. Remember, you must ‘swear to always keep this matter g secret, Now, what is your price, for th trouble” The major was staring at her inopen-mouthed astonishment. ‘Why, bless your eyes, I’ve no right to enter the man’s room!” he grunted. ‘‘ Like to 'com- modate ye, ma’am, but ye see it’s out o’ the question!” The vailed lady stamped her foot. “Tsay ’tis not! I merely wish to gaze once more upon the man’s face. Here is a hundred dollars! Will that be any temptation?” “No, ma’am. Come along, like a mice, Luv affair, I spose? Wanter see bis face once more afore ye commit suicide, hey? Ob! I can read these tender sex like a book. Got a mash on a widder, myself, over in Howlin’ Bar. She lets on she don’t keer fer me, but she does—she’s dead gone on my shape an’ my genial thousands, Come right along!” And the rubicund host of the Demijohn led the way through a ball and up a pair of stairs to the secoud floor. Here another hall ran trans- versely; a short distance down this Bixby paused at a door to his left and listened. * He's sleepin’ like a burro I reckon,” he whis- pered., ‘‘ Mind, now, disturb or harm him at your peril.” * Never fear,” was the quiet answer. The major then quietly opened the door, and the two tip-toed into the room, which was lighted by a bar of moonshine that poured in through the window. He was breathing regularly, and as sound asleep as a person well could be, a peaceful ex- pression resting upon his countenance. The woman glided forward and knelt by the bedside, at the same time raising her vail and revealing a beautiful face that wore an expres- sion of loving tenderness, as her gaze was bent upon the sleeper. Old Blood Bixby gazed at the face of the woman curiously, marking her every expression, even though his night-capped eyes were hardly fully opened for business. For a couple of moments the woman gazed steadfastly into the face of the Sport, as if she was trying to impress every feature indelibly upon her memory. : Then she motioned to the major. “Can you roll up his shirt-sleeve on his left arm without disturbing him?” she whispered. “Lordy, no! The least Stir would arouse a man like him!” the major gasped, trembling in,
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£6 fear of having himself discovered as a participant in this mysterious nocturnal proceeding, “Never mind—I can fix it,” the woman re- plied, and drawing a pair of scissors from her pocket, she deliberately proceeded to cut a piece out of the Sport’s white flannel shirt, near the elbow. Prepared to make a dart out through the open door, should the Sport awaken, old Blood Bixby stood looking on. The deft fingers of the woman were not long in accomplishing the work, and when the patch of cloth was removed, a portion of Tron-Nerve’s white arm was exposed to view. Right where the cloth had been cut out was e the scar of a former wound, which, from its ragged outlines, must have been made by an arrow. A stifled cry escaped the woman as she saw it, and she bent forward and kissed the scar softly. “She then arose, restored the scissors to her pocket, pulled down her vail, and signified her readiness to depart. They left the bed-chamber and descended to the hotel office, “Tam very thankful for your kindness, sir,” the woman said, ‘‘and I feel sure I can depend on your reticence.” And she was gone ere the major could follow her to the door, ‘“* Blast these pesky women!” he muttered, tak- ing his eye-opener alone, ‘‘ They’r’ a bigger bother than a bootful o’ snakes. onder what Tron-Nerve will say when he sees his shirt? Wish I’d taken the gal’s money. Worth every cent of it, to lie out of this matter.” CHAPTER VIII. DUMB DICK, As soon as ’Liza Jane reached her shanty she turned Thunderbolt loose, knowing he would not go far, and bathing her flushed face at one of the sluice-boxes, entered the cabin, which bore the same appearance as when she de- parted. Lighting a lantern, she arranged the scanty furniture about in order, cleared away the dishes ey from the evening meal, and swept the room ou Next advancing to the southern wall of the cabin, where a profusion of dresses, blankets, i skins were hung, she carefully put them aside. As we stated previously, the cabin was built in the mouth of the ravine, which branched off from the main gulch. The southern end of the building, however, was against the precipitous cliff where the mighty walls of gulch and ravine met, On revea. Lantern in hand, the Girl Miner entered what proved to be a cave or subterranean chamber, with high ceiling and a floor area of atleast fifty square yards, It was by no means barren of comfort, al- though the walls were of rock, for a cherry fire burned near the center of the adamantine floor, ~ the smoke of which found escape through a crevice in the ceiling far above, palling aside the clothing a low door was Dumb Dick’s Pard, 4 A rude table and a couple of stools were near the fire, as was also a rough cot-bed, covered with bear and buffalo skins, Partly bolstered np on his bed was a young man, who looked up with an expression of glad- ness as "Liza Jane approached and seated her- self at the table. He was evidently not over twenty-five years of age, and was attired in a coarse but service- able suit, His face and eyes were strikingly handsome, and his hair worn ina long wavy ‘profusion down over his shoulders. A graceful mustache adorned his lip, anda close observer would have noticed a little con- traction of the left side of his face, from the mouth to the throat, that indicated paralysis, His arms too were painfully drawn behind his back, as though bound there, There was an intelligent expression about his face: there was a sorrowful look there too, Pee it partly vanished when ’Liza Jane en- er * Poor Dick!” the girl said placing the lantern upon the table and drawing her stool to bis bed- side, while her hand stroked his hair, ‘* Have you been lonesume while | was away?” He nodded, with a # ake gt sort of a smile, It then became evident that he was powerless to speak. **T have been to Pokerville and to the Elms,” ‘Liza Jane continued, watching him, I didn’t find out much, Dick, but I found out something. There’s a man in Pokerville who is the perfect counterpart of you,” He looked surprised, excited, eager. *Liza Jane was also eager, as she noticed his interest. She went on cami poops “Oh, Dick! I believe everything will all come right yet. I pray to God that it will! Just a year ago to night—do you remember it?—I found you, a starving maniac, in the moun- tains!” He nodded, and tears of gratitude entered his eyes, which gazed up into her face lovingly. “ Yes, just a year ago to-night,” the girl re- eated. ‘‘I was a wanderer—desperate, wild. had made up my mind to ‘kill myself, but when I found you, a creature of God’s creation, as miserable as myself, the Divine Spirit told me to live—live for you; that a terrible wron had been done, and I could right it. [ pray for strength to help me, and it was granted. I took you in charge and labored over you. The result has been great. You are no longer de- mented, Dick—you baven’t shown a symptom for a month,” He nodded. His piteously-grateful gaze never left her face, Oh! could his lips have spoken the feelings of his heart, what gratitude and love for his faith- ful benefactor he would have poured forth! “God has been good, and I know he will aid me in restoring you to perfect health and strength, and perhaps restoring your power of speech. Then, Dick, you can unravel all this mystery.” Once more he nodded eagerly. “This counterpart of yours,” "Liza went on, ‘““has come here and wagered ten thousand dol- a w
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ak Dumb Dick's Pard. i? lars he can capture the Devil Don and his | "Liza Jane said, a few minutes later, turning to dragon. I hope he can do it, but fear he can- not. Dick, do you know who this man is? He calls himself Iron-Nerve?” The dumb invalid shook his head. “Did you ever have a brother, Dick?” He nodded in the aflirmative. “Ts he living?” A negative shake of the head, * Are you positive?” ’Liza Jane asked. He nodded in ass at. ‘“‘Then, perhaps after all this man is in no way connected with our case, The resemblance may be merely a chance one. Have you thought over the name of Wetherill? Are you sure that that is not the name of your enemy?” Once more he nodded in assent. “Strange! strange!” the girl mused. “Tam inclined to think Henry Wetherill is the man, but that you knew him bya different name. Did you read the long list of names I wrote for you?” He assented; then shook his head, to indicate his failure to find the name he wanted. "Liza Jane had written upon the paper up- ward of two hundred different names, in hopes that he could find that of his enemy and indicate it to her. From the time that "Liza Jane had first taken the mute into her care, he had seemed restless, and when asked, bad implied that he had an enemy, and it had been through his instrumen- maak that he had been stricken paralyzed aud umb, Little by little the faithful girl had eked out such information by questioning him as led her to believe that some terrible crime was back of all the m ent After locating in the gulch, it was, she had heard the rumor that it was not known how Henry Wetherill came into possession of the Elns estate. This so aroused her suspicions that she at once set her heart upon the matter, and believed that Dick was connected with the case, One day she had taken him over the moun- tain and pointed out to him the Elms, and his eyes lighted up with recognition. To all her questioning, however, regarding what he knew about the estate or his past bis- tory, he remained literally ‘mum,’ shaking his head as if to deprecate all inquiry! yet a fierce gleam in his eyes on such occasions, satisfied Liza Jane that he did know much, but would not give it away--no. at least until he could speak, and make everything clear. : The Girl Miner was silent, in deep meditation, for some time after her last reek Then she seated herself at the table and picked up the latest Eastern paper. “It is the tenth of September,” she said, aloud. ‘I sent ‘off for the battery over a month ago. Strange it don’t come. Once I get that, Dick, if a series of shocks won’t bring you to rights, 1 am afraid you are doomed never to speak. I have confidence, however, that the battery, properly used, will help you.” Dick shook his head and smiled faintly. | , He evidently did not have much faith in electricity. : “There was.a wedding at the Elms to-night,” the mute, ‘ Then she uttered a low cry of surprise, Dick was apparently fast asleep. ‘“‘That’s funny. I never knew him to dro asleep so quick,” she mused, listening to his heavy breathing. ‘“‘I guess V'll take a nap, too, She re-entered the cabin, leaving the hidden door partly ajar, as was her usual custom, She had been asleep perhaps half an hour, when a rabbit, which bad been hopping about the cabin in search of crumbs, sudde took alarm and bounded away. A footfall within the cabin had startled it, An instant later a hatless figure stole out upon the veranda with the stealth of a cat, It was Dumb Dick! His eyes were closed; but he paused, as if lis- tening. A moment later he glided down the path into the gulch, and strode away toward Pokerville. ‘Liza Jane bad awakened the moment he came out on the veranda, and lying perfectly still, had noted that he was asleep. “ He is a somnambulist!” she mused, “ Ah! he goes toward Pokerville. Am I at last to learn something?” She waited until he was fifty yards away; then, seizing her rifle, she set out in pursuit of her pard, ly Ere. CHAPTER IX. THE ISLAND GRAVES AND A RESCUE, THE sun was up, and the town had been astir a long time, when lron-Nerve awoke the follow- ang cosine. shamed of his laziness, as he termed it—for he was usually an early riser—he sprung up and began to make his ablutions, preparatory to go- ing down to breakfast, ‘Nine o'clock,” he mused, glancing at his watch. ‘I ought to have had a martina ride by this time. Hello! what’s this?” He was brushing his hair at the glass when he discovered the hole in his shirt-sleeve. At first he was too much astonished to give further utterance, for it needed no critical ex- amination to prove that the piece had been scissored out, ** Well, Pll be blamed!” he ejaculated, his face flushing, ‘‘ That’s about the cheekiest thing I’ve seen yet. I'll swear there was no piece cut out of thissleeve when I entered this hotel last night. It’s taken out right where the scar is, which I got a couple of years ago. Humph! That re- calls the event vividly to mind,” and a grim, ~ rather disappointed expression came over his face, “I d come down to Omaha with a load of pelts. When nearing the city I saw an Indian and a white man struggling with a girl, whom they had evidently surprised and were trying toabduct. I killed the devils and got the girl, but also received this wound. She was a school-girl—pretty Laura Leigh. Ineverfound . out much about her parents, as they did not live in Omaha, where she was attending school, but I found, after our third or fourth meeting, that” I, great burly plainsman, was head over heels in love with the prettiest and most intelligent little lass in Omaha. Heigh-ho! ‘twas but a
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is Dumb Dick’s Pard, day’s dream though. When TI considered my- self the bappiest cuss on the prairies, and, see- ing her affectionate bearing toward me, was about to pop the momentous question, she sud- denly disappeared, leaving behind this letter ”"— and he took a crumpled letter from his pocket— “ which seared my heart as @ red-hot iron could not do. ‘She thanked me for helping her to while away an occasioual hour, and gratifying her penchant for coquetry, but I must never think of her again. er station in life was im- mensely superior to mine, and she hoped I had not been foolish enough to make serious of our acquaintance: when she got home she’d implore the guv’nor to send me some money as a reward for rescuing her!’ Gods! bow I could have crushed her fair face had I had her then! LI bid Omaha a.very abrupt good-by then!” Passionately the Sport paced to and fro as he uttered the confession, seeming unaware that bis thoughts were uttered in words. His face was pale. His eyes gleamed strangely. “ Ah! about the shirt!” he said, directly. ‘TI had nearly forgotten about it. Some one en- tered here while I slept, and cut out the piece of cloth—more, they cut it out to see if that scar was on my arm! ** Who did it? That’s the question, Who for- merly knew me, knew of the scar, and is here now, and enough interested in me to adopt the stealthy method, in order to prove my identity? No friend, ’ll swear! I'll wager old Bixby can throw some light on this matter, the infernal old rum-sucker, T’}l see.” ; He finished bis toilet, and was about to leave . the room, when an object caught his attention which he had not seen before, It was a lady’s white handkerchief, of rare texture. As the Sport hastily picked it up, the most de- liciously peculiar perfume he had ever inhaled arose from it. Examination failed to discover any name upon it, or other trace of ownership. ‘Tl keep this,” Iron-Nerve * Great God! can it be that I am to be again thrown in the way of false, heartless Laura Leigh?” He rushed down-stairs, into the bar, to find the major behind it, waiting on a couple of miners. * Ah! good-morning, Mr. Iron-Nerve.” * By the way, major, is one of your attractions at this hotel, hosts?” ‘* Ghosts!” the major repeated, in evident as- tonishment, well knowlng what was coming. ‘* Why, bless your heart, no.” ‘* Who has charge of the keys at night?” “I do, sir, aside from those furnished each oc- cupant of the rooms.” “Then, perhaps, you can oe the mystery of that? Iron-Nerve said, thrusting forward his arm, ‘Some one entered my room, while I was asleep, and cut that piece out of my shirt!" “The devil!” gasped the major. “*T can’t say if ‘twas he or not,” Iron-Nerve returned, grimly, ‘‘ but it was a devilish mean trick. Major, who could have entered my room without your assistance?” _ “T have no idea!” ** Major,” he said, sternly, ‘‘ I believe you are lying to me.” ‘Mr. Irdn-Nerve,” cried the major, ‘‘ I know nothing of the affair.” For a moment Iron-Nerve was fairly stunned, for he felt positive the major did know. “Tf you are telling the truth I ask your par- don,” he said. ‘‘ If you are lying, you’ve nerve enough to warrant you in getting safely through purgatory on your own hook,” Iron-Nerve said no more, but hastened in to breakfast, After satisfying his appetite, he put on his hat and ordered his horse for a ride. While waiting on the veranda for the horse to be brought, he struck up a conversation with a miner, who, he soon found out, knew every one, a pretty nearly every one’s business in Poker- ville. ‘Not many women in the camp, I take it?” Tron-Nerve remarked, * Durned few, an’ most all married, as it is. ‘Liza Jane’s ’bout the peartest ’round hyer- ways.” “A likely girl. here, not?” oe Leigh? Waal, thar ain’t much o’ a family. Hyer comes the head o’ it,” and the man indi- cated a giant, rough-looking miner, whe, mount- ed upon a ule and accompanied by a sneakish- looking dog, had just ridden up, “Heavens! that can’t be toh father!” was Tron-Nerve’s thought, * Hello, Leigh,” sung out the Sport’s inform- ant. ‘‘ Hyer’s a feller as hes bia inquirin’ about the Leigh family. Guess you’re ’bout the full deck, hey?” The giant spat out a huge quid, and looked at Tron-Nerve, speculatively. “Vas, the hull family’s prisent—Bill Leigh, Jerusha Leigh, and Canine Leigh,” ** You’re not possessed of a daughter, or niece, then?” Iron- Nerve queried, “ Nary, pardner! Married a squaw, but ar- terward planted her, ’cause she tried. to raise my ha’r!” ‘ Guess you’re not the party I refer to, then.” His horse having been brought around, he leaped into the saddle and dashed out of the eres: toward the open country. “There's something queer about this,” he “There seems no But, solve it I Family named Leigh lives mused, as he galloped along. way of my solving the mystery. will, if it takes an age.” Avoiding the Elms, he rode along, so preoc- cupied in meditation that he scarcely noticed where he was going, until he found himself up- a4 the shore of Lake Theo, opposite from the Ims, This sheet of water was about a mile anda half long, from the Elms to its end, where Iron- Nerve halted, aud was not over half a mile wide, Tbe water was very clear, as the lake was remarkably deep, and nearest its center was a densely- wooded island, of not over a half- acre’s extent, which gave the lakelet a pictur- esque appearance. ‘is : enry Wetherill had caused a tiny sail-hoat ‘to be placed upon the waters, and there were also several row-boats. . One of these, a light two-oared skiff, was
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Dumb Dick’s Pard. anchored about fifty feet out from where Iron- Nerve had halted, “Tvea mind tocapture it and row over to the island,” he mused. ‘‘I hardly think the haugbty colonel can object.” He led bis horse into a slight arroyo near at hand, and then, equipped with a lasso, ap- proached the water’s edge. A skilled throw of the lasso settled the noose over the bow of the boat, and he soon had it ashore, Springing in, he pulled for the island, It took but a short time to reach it, and beach- ing the skiff, he plunged into the hardly pene- trable thicket of chaparral which grew upon the isle to the water’s edge. After considerable labor he reached the mid- dle of the isle, where there was a slight clearing, Here, to his unbounded surprise, he found two mounds, which he rightly concluded were graves, One was overgrown with grass; the other was fresher, ’ Who was buried here? Some of the Wetherills? lron-Nerve judged not, Henry Wetherill was a rich man, and would not likely bury his family here, without erect- ing something to mark the spot, “There’s more than one secret about the Elms, and I fancy Iam on the right trail!” the Sport muttered. ‘The girl Liza Jane, is con- cerned in trying to ferret out something, too, if I mistake-not. Ill try to join her to my inter- ests, the very next time we meet. As for these Bebe I mean to see who isin them, ere long. ello The wind had increased, and it was growing suddenly dark, “It’s a storm. They spring up, quickly, in these parts. I presume my best plan will be to remain here, until it’s over, as I’m booked for a ducking, anyhow!” The sound of excited voices caught his ears, He hastily crept. toward the side of the island nearest the Elms. Here, a swift, sweeping glance, discovered several things, It was getting very dark, the wind was in- creasing in velocity, and a deluge of rain was but a few minutes off, at the furthest. t was not all, Driving down the lakelet, under full sail, and swaying to and fro, like a drunken thing, came the Wetherill sail-boat—a mere toy in the grasp of the tornado, Certainly it was doomed to be a wreck, Theo and Carmen were the terrified occu- nts;—way down at the further end of the ke, an excited crowd were sbouting and ges- ticulating, like so many lunatics let loose. Carmen was doing his best to keep the boat from going ashore, for it was aiming for the island, but it was a bard job. His hat was gone—he looked like a frenzied pirate, r Theo, uttering appeals for help, was clinging to the side of the boat, white as death. “The boat’s a goner!” Iren-Nerve muttered, “but he can save the girl, if he will.” Carmen had now got the boat headed too far away from the island, and just as the rain be- | 19 gan to descend, in torrents, a sudden gust cap- sized the craft, when she was a good hundred yards from the island. “Swim! swim!” Carmen shrieked, himself striking out for the mainland, leaving Theo struggling iv the water, “The cursed brute!” escaped from TIron- Nerve’s lips, and the next instant bis jacket was off, and he was in the water, swimming toward her. “Cheer up; keep afloat!” he cried, ‘Pll save you!” He saw her go down, and his heart sunk within him, but with superhuman .strokes, he sped through the water, and caught her, as she arose for the last time to the surface, “Thank God!” he gasped; then, placing her on his back, be struck out for the island. At last, in a nearly exhausted condition, he reached it, and laid her fainting, upon the ground. The storm was now nearing the height of its fury, and he could see nothing of the mainland, and was satisfied that none of those, thereon, were certain of Theo's fate, The rain upon her face quickly revived her, and he assisted her to arise, “May Heaven reward you, sir, for your brav- ery!” she said, gazing at the tempest-tossed waters with a shudder. ‘*Did he get ashore, sir?” “Your husband you mean?” he said. “-Yes—no! I mean the contemptible coward who was with me!” She spoke with terrible bitterness, “T puess he got out all right, although the pore hid him from view, so that I am not cer- tain, “Oh! why! oh! why did he not perish?’ she moaned, clasping her hands, in agony, and seeming not to realize the Sport’s presence. “Tf you will step further into the chaparral you will not be so much exp sed to the storm | he said, to change the subject. She turned toward him, with a startled ex- pression. “Excuse me—I forgot you when I was speak- ing. But, it matters not. I care not who knows my hatred for him, whom I am ferced to wed. But we’re not married yet—oh! no! no} no!” she almost screamad, Iron-Nerve wondered if she was going mad, “ Be calm!” he enjoined earnestly. “Calm. Hal hal ha! Dll be stormy—who wouldn’t?” Then she turned and gazed at him with her searching eyes, now black as jet, in her excite- ment. ‘““Who are you?” she asked abruptly. “Tam called Tron-Nerve. I was at the Elms last night.” < “Were you? Excuse me. I didn’t see you. I was stupefied with drugs, given me to make me marry Clinton Carmen. Oh! I comprehend, You visited the house earlier in the evening?” “T did.” , ‘Then forgive me for my part in what oc- curred there, It would have cost me my life to have done different. You do not know the Elms, nor the inuer life at the Elms, and con- sider yourself fortunate that you don’t,”
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26 Dumb Dick’s Pard. “Thank you for your confidence, Mrs. Car- men; but there is nothing for you to forgive.” * Mrs. Carmen !” She laughed contemptuously. ‘‘When I am wedded to Mr. Carmen by rope authority, then I wilbbe Mrs. Carmen, Until then, I am Theo Wetherill. Priggins is a detective, not a minister. Do you remember the tower— But stop. I forget sometimes, I'd get twenty lashes were if known I am so thoughtless, I seldom get free from restraint, and when I do—" And her teeth shut together with a click, She was silent a few moments, shuddering oc- casionally at the fury of the storm, Finally she turned to him. j “We are strangers, sir—that is, you never saw me before last night?” “Not that I remember,” ‘Well, it matters not. It will probably be so arranged by the colonel that we will be stran- gers hereafter, Bot I think I can trust you.” “Té you desire, I will vouch for it!” “Enough said. Ihave something here I want you to take and keep for me until I eall for it” and she took from her pocket a richly-carved silver snuff-box, the lid of which was sealed shut with wax. “This is it. This box contains something Carmen would give much to destroy. It also contains that of which, did I possess the missing link, I would be the happiest woman alive. Take it, sealed as it is, and keep it. Should I die, if you are near, bury it with me, é **T will do so, Miss Wetherill, and you can rely on me. It is something of a novelty for me to take charge of a lady’s trust, but I am square in all my dealings,” * Ah, if that could only be said of all men. You are a single man, sir?’ “Tam.” **'You propcese to hunt the dragon?” “ I do.” “Be careful, sir, for my sake. You have saved my life; I must warn you to keep watch for your own safety. Perhaps it will be saying enough that you are not popular at the Elms.” “No need to tell me that, I see the storm is somewhat abating. As soon as it is over I will row you home. y horse is at the lower end of the Jake, but I can trust him to remain there until you are safely home.” “Thank you. I shall never forget your kind- ness,” The sky began to lighten rapidly, and the rain to cease; so Iron-Nerve pushed through the thicket to the further end of the island, and rowed the skiff around to where he had left Theo. Assisting her to a seat facing him, he then pulled toward the mansion, Half the distance was accomplished, when they suddenly saw Carmen and a ranchman on the right-hand bank, near which they were pro- ceeding. ‘Hello, there! Pull ashore here!” the ducked dandy cried, hoarsely, ‘‘ Pll take charge of that lady myself!” “Will you?” TIron-Nerve shouted back. ‘TI reckon you won’t—not till we reach the Elms!” Carmen follewed along the shore at # run, howling anathemas at each bound, so that he reached the Elms landing only a moment atter the boat, and just as lron-Nerve was assisting Theo to alight, ER to the Sport the infuriated man rushed, fairly frothing at the mouth in his rage. ** Curses seize you!” he yelled, seizing the Sport by the shoulder; ‘“‘ why didn’t you pull ashore when I ordered you to?” ‘Take your hand from my shoulder, sir!” Tron-Nerve ordered, threateningly. ** Answer me!” shrieked Carmen. He got his answer with a suddenness that was wonderful, for the Sport’s hardened right fist shot out in a well-aimed blow, and struck Car- men full in the mouth with such force as to knock him a considerable distance out into the water, where he would have drowned but for the assistance of two rancheros, who got him ashore in a senseless condition. “See here, sir!” Henry Wetherill cried, strid- ing up. ‘Vl have none of this work, Why did you hit that gentleman?” ‘** Because I chose, sir, A man who will leave a lady to drown deserves killing. I have re- turned your daughter, sir, in safety, and will bid you good-day!” “Stop!” Theo cried. my father thanks you. the other end of the lake, go for it.” “Wxcuse me, Miss Wetherill, for that would be useless, No manon your ranch could touch that animal without my being present.” “The gentleman knows best,” Henry Wether- ill said, half-scowling at Theo, ‘‘and has my sincere thanks. Come, Theo—you must change your attire.” Theo turned and seized the Sport’s hand, *T too thank you, sir, and ycu shall not lose by to-day’s ducking.” She then turned and followed the Nabob into the a igi whither Carmen had already been carried,, “You shall not go until More, your horse is at One of the men shall CHAPTER X, ‘LIZA’S BOLD VENTURE AND IRON-NERVE’S JAM- BOREE. *LIzA JANE, as she steadily pursued the trail of Dumb Dick, could not conceive where he was going, for her discovery that he was a somnam- bulist rather upset all her calculations, Eagerly she followed, however, believing that through this manner of procedure she would gain some further knowledge of the mystery that concerned his life. For half an hour they moved on; then Dick used and looked back, as if, in his somnam- ulistic state he heard his pursuer. Liza Jane stood perfectly still, in the shadow of the gulch wall, and finally the sleep- walker hurried on again; nor did he pause until he had passed Pokerville, and stood within a hundred yards of the residence at the Elms. Liza Jane was not a hundred feet behind him, her face flushed with eager anticipation, As he paused under the shadow of one of the trees upon the Jawn, "Liza Jane saw him raise his gaze toward the tower of the mansion, al- though his eyes were closed,
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— Dumb Dick’s Pard. 21 This tower was high, and at the top had been so built that a number of persons with a small cannon or gatling-gun could command a large sweep of the surrounding country. _ A man could stand on its top witbin its forked, irregular stone railing, and see everything that was going on below without exposing much of his person to bullet range. Below this surmounting battlement there were singular little grated windows in the sides of the structure, which looked as if they might furnish light for dungeons within. ‘oward this tower the mute’s face was turned and ’Liza Jane’s gaze was turned that way, too, but she saw nothing but the gray stone, and the grated windows, The lawn was deserted, for the roysterers of the wedding festival had gone, and there were no lights visible in the Elms to indicate that any one was awake, Daybreak was not far off. ‘Liza Jane wondered if Dumb Dick would stand there forever, for she grew impatient at his inactivity. The answer soon came, for, with a peculiar ery be turned mechanically, and strode back toward Dragon Gulch. “Pl let bim return!” ’Liza Jane mused, “He'll go all right, (11 guarantee.” Accordingly, she did not return with him, but crept closer to the Elms, er eyes burned with a stern, resolute fire, * There are secrets about that place, and it is for me to find them,out,” she said to herself. * Poor Dick has a claim here, I shall always be- lieve, and if I am right, no power except Al- mighty power shall keep him from having his own, I am here once more tonight, and I shall not leave without at least gaining some knowledge. My exploration of the house, a few hours ago, did not satisfy me, I was in nearly every apartment, from cellar up, but not in the tower. I found but one door leading to that, and that opens off of Wetherill’s bedroom, It was nailed shut, and is not to be easily opened. There seem to be no secrets about the house. unless they are Jocked up in that tower. tt there, I will soon know.” Beginning from the ground, a net-work of vines crept up the cold gray sides of the tower, to the battlements. The piercing gaze of the Girl Miner rested upon the fearful ladder of chance, speculative- ly, noting almost the turn of each twig and stem, as it had reached upward, ‘7 wonder if I am crazy,” she murmured. She crept forward to the foot of the struc- ture. Examination proved that the vine growth was of two species—that of the true Virginia creeper and of the real Irish ivy. “T believe I can go up to the top, without their giving way,” she mused. ‘I can try it a ways, anyhow!” During the first ten feet of her movement, she tried and tested the green ladder with all her strength only to find that the tough strands clung tenaciously to the cold wall. 5 All fear leaving her, now, she climbed rapid- ly, aie in a few minutes stood in the top of the wer She felt like yelling, then, to give vent to her feelings of triumph, but not knowing what —— might yet encounter, concluded that her wisest course was to keep decidedly quiet. Looking down inte the park, she calculated that she was fully a hundred feet above terra jirma, Turning her attention then, to her present position, she found that the space in the top of the tower was barely large enough for half a dozen persons to stand in, comfortably, The flooring was of planks, and a small trap-door was included therein, A shudder passed. through the girl’s frame, when she noted that there were numerous blood-stains upon both the walls and floor, ‘“Some foul crime has been perpetrated here, Tl wager!” she mused. ‘I wonder if it will be healthy for me to go any further, in my explo- rations? I can’t more than get killed, anyhow!” With a revolver, ready for use, in one hand she cautiously raised the trap-door, and peered down. Darkness greeted her vision, at first, but after a steady look, she saw an occasional bar of pale light, which she concluded came in through the windows, Means of descent were furnished by an iron ladder, which was fastened to the wall by bolts, The next minute she was going carefully down the ladder. Before expecting it, she was forced to halt, for she stood upon a tiny landing by a narrow window, Peering out, she perceived that she was stand- 3, hi a level with the roof of the mansion. rom the platform a spiral stairway ran on downward, dark and gloomy. On the window-ledge was a lantern covered with cobwebs, but ’Liza Jane found to her joy that it contained a piece of candle, and there was a slide to shut off the light, Producing a match, she lit the lantern and closed the slide; then cautiously continued her descent. She soon came to where a door branched off, and she judged that it was the same one that opened into Colonel Wetherill’s bed-chamber. The stairs continued on, however, and she fol- lowed them, In the course of five minutes, and when she calculated she was some distance below the sur- face of the earth, she came to the end of the stairease, and found herself in what was evi- dently an underground passage or cellar. Wondering if she was doing right, she Le hel the lantern-gate, letting forth a bar of ight. At the same instant the lantern was dashed from her grasp, and a heavy cloak thrown over her head, after which she was seized bodily and borne swiftly off. She struggled fiercely, but all tono use. She was powerless in a giant’s grasp, ; Realizing this fact, and that she had nothin to do but succumb, she ceased struggling, an allowed her captor to hurry her away—but where? Alas! she knew not, Iron-Nerve turned away from the landing, as
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22 Dumb Dick’s Pard. - Wetheriils proceeded toward the man- on. He looked back but once, and then he saw Theo wave her hand to him just as she was about entering the door. A strange expression was upon bis face; his eyes burned with an unusual fire. “ That woman, by Heaven! I almost— But oma it?s madness to think of such a thing. here is nothing about her that reminds me of Laura Leigh, or I'd swear twas she!” he mut- tered, as he strode along down the bank of the lake toward where he had left his horse. He took from his pocket the crumpled envel- ope, and extracted from it a photograph which had never been mounted, His eyes gazed at the icture, his face wearing an expression of touch- ing sadness, ‘here was nothing stately or dignified in that face—nothing cold or worldly, yet those eyes— Tron-Nerve airly trembled as he recalled the expression of Theo’s eyes while she was excitedly ing upon the islands, ** My God! I believe it is the girl!” he gasped. “ Everything seems to point that way—the cut sleeve, the costly handkerchief, the trust she put in me. Curse it, this matter is unnerving me! Am I again under the influence of the heartless chit of a siren who once wounded me? Does she think to play with me again, as a child would with a puppet? No! a thousand times no! Be she who she may, she sball not trifle with me. Pm done with.women. Ill have nothiug to say toher. Let her go to the dog she says she once He cannot break her heart, for she has none Grimly he spoke, and it was a relief to his tortured mind when he found himself once more Se saddle and dashing back toward Poker- ville. He looked so stormy when he strode into the Demijohn that Major Bixby began to feel chills creeping down bis spine, in anticipation of trou- bJe in store for him. But the Sport mie a went in to dinner. He next took a smoke, on the veranda, where he was joined by the major, who desired to make himself as “solid” with Iron-Nerve, as possible, The latter seemed moody and sullen, however, and little inclined to be sociable. It occurring to him, however, that he had not seen the parson ohana , he inquired of the major concerning im. ‘The parson, eh?—the meek-faced chap w’ot fit the duel wi’ Scorpion Sam?” **The same!” [ron-Nerve answered. ** Dunno as I hev seen him since he got up this mornin’. Though, now, come to think, I did hear him ask a miner,a while arter, if Liza Jane were around,” “Who is that girl, major?” **Dunno no more bout it than you do, sir. She squatted in the gulch, several months ago, i “ her cabin, an’ hes bin thar since. All hat I know is—she an’ the Wetherills don’t hitcb, an’ she knows how to look out fer Number ine. I should infer as much,” the Sport assented, languidly tipping back against a pillar of the veranda, ‘I think I'll take a nap.” Considering himself dismissed, the major went inside to take a “ tonic.” For a couple of hours [ron-Nerve dozed pleas- antly; then he was awakened by the major, who held a magnificently-mounted and effective-look- ing bull-whip in his hand, ** Here, Iron-Nerve, ain't it a beauty!” the host cried, triumphantly. ‘‘ Thar ain’t another sich in the mountains,” Iron-Nerve looked it over approvingly. “Itis a good one!” he admitted, handing it back—but the-major refused to take it. ‘*No, no; keepit!” he said. ‘* Keep it!” ‘* What use have I for it, pray?” ‘Plenty, sir, *twixt you and me, Iron-Nerve, there’s music in the air. I just got an inkling that Clinton Carmen is coming up here to horse- whip you.” ** Indeed?” “You bet! Yesee, Suse—the nigger servant at the Elms—Suse, she war up heer, an’ told me to put the flea in yer ear.” So that’s their prc ne; eh? Well, you'll see how well they’ll succeed in carrying it out. Vil keep the whip.” About an hour afterward, while still sitting upon the veranda, Iron-Nerve saw a posse of rancheros, headed by Clinton Carmen, coming up the street. Buttoning his jacket over the bull-whip, be quietly awaited their approach, taking note as they drew near, that there were fifteen of pi coat including Carmen and Colonel Weth- eri, The party soon came to a halt in front of the Demijchn, and the Sport then saw that none of the men wore any weapons visible about their persons, which, however, did not deceive him, for he knew they carried them in conceal- ment; but Carmen carried a formidable bull- whip in bis grasp. ‘*Mr, Iron Gal, I would have a word with you!” Carmen , importantly. “You would was the response. ‘‘ Then spiel out! J can hear you without disturbing my siesta.” ** You coward, dare you step into the street?” Carmen yelled, **You bet!” was the cool reply, and jerking his whip out from in under his jacket, he leaped from the veranda out into the street, CHAPTER XI. VAMOSING THE RANCH. Liza JANE, the Girl Miner, had no doubt, as she was borne along, that she had stumbled into an unenviable trap, and that an unknown ter- rible fate was in store for her. Her captor ran swiftly for a short distance— then suddenly debouched into a large, subter- ranean vault, or chamber, which was lighted by numerous bonfires. From this main chamber, in every direction, branched off narrow hall-like passages, which pecuat y penetrated into the bowels of the earth,
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Dumb Dick's Pard. As ’Liza Jane’s captor approached the wig- wams, he gave vent to a peculiar cry, and three masked, bearded men, in miner’s gurb, darted from a neighboring passage. They took the Girl Miner from the grasp of her captor, who was also masked, and disarming her, bound her hands behind ber back, and bade her be seated on a camp-stool, The whole four, then, retired to one of the passages, consulting in low tones as they went, The next instant the howl of a bloodhound broke upon ber hearing. ‘Great God! I shall be torn to pieces!” she gasped, running as she had never run before. On—on—on! and the yelp of the savage pur- suer grew nearer. Suddenly, in her blind rush, she banged against a door which barricade the way. The tremendous force with which she struck the door, burst it open and she fell headlong upon the threshold, her senses leaving her. When she recovered consciousness, she found herself in what appeared to be a wine-cellar, for numerous barrels and cases of bottles were strewn about. She was lying upon her side, and squatting beside her, holding a lighted candle, was a fat negress--no less a personage than Suse, the Wetherill family servant. “* De Lor’ bress ye, chile, ye done hab a nar- rer ’scape,” she said, as’Lize Jane opened her eyes. ‘ How d’ye come in de secret mine?” **T climbed the tower,” our heroine gasped. “The dogs—where are they?” “Whar dey nebber trubble no one, missy, I done cotch ’em, cut deir throats, an’ fro’ de miners off de trail!” **Then, am I safe—are you my friend?” **Bet your life I is, honey. Suse is ebery- body’s friend but Hank Wetherill’s; he hab to pay fo’ my friendship.” * Where is he?” ; * Done gone up to Pokerville, wid de gossoon Carmen, fo’h to clean out de huckleberry Sport, miss. Ob, dar’s fearful goin’s-on at de Elms, to- day, missy—fearful goin’s-on, suah!” “ How do you mean, Suse?” “Oh! de Lor’, missy, I can’t ’splain eberyt'ing missy, all at once; but, bress ye, ole Suse knows de hull Ving frum beginning to end!” “You do, Suse?" Liza cried excitedly. ‘Do you know of the Elms’s past hist’ry, Suse?” “Eberyting, missy—eberyt’ing. I wouldn't tell you dis, gal, but I hope fo’ God, dis am Suse’s las’ day at de Elms!” * Are you going to leave, Suse?” ‘Deed I is, miss, deed I is! Dar’s bin bad doin’s to-day; de guests am packin’ up to leab’ an’ Suse is gwine, too, Dunno where, missy, but anyw’ar’s to get out ob de reach ob de hell- hound, Hank Wetherill!” : “Suse, come tomy home. I will hide you, and you will be safe. Ere long I intend to leave this vicinity, and you shall go with me!” “Bress youh, chile—I’ll do it—Vll do it; but de Lor’ knows, I can’t go an’ leab de missus.” “The mistress?” ‘De gal, chile—de Missy Theo. Dar she be layin’ up in de library, a-moanin’ till ye’d done blubber right out, wid her back all cut up in stripes, Ob! it’s awful!” ‘Liza Jane arose, white and stern, ‘For God’s sake, explain, Suse!” she said. **T will, missy, de best I can. You knows she was married, Well, de marriage wassn’t legal or suffin’ like dat, an’—well, de cunnel has allus whipped her, but to-day was de wu’st— Lor’, ’deed it was! ‘* Youh see Carmen took de young leddy a- sailin’, an’ de storm come up, dis forenoon, an’ capsize de boat, Carmen swum ashore an’ Theo done was rescued by de lron Nerve-chap, Dat make Carmen awful jealous, an’ he git knocked down an’ his front teeth done knocked out, Well, when he come to, he demanded of de col- onel a marriage at once. De missy ’clare up an’ down dat she nebber would marry him—dat she lub de_Tron-Nerve, an’ nebber marry any one else. Dende cunnel knock her down an’ Car- men kick her. Den dey strip ber to de waist, an’ while Carmen hold her de cunnel whip her till she faint. Den dey go off up de camp tolick de Sport. I skins up *head of ’em an’ gibs warn- in’, an’ hyer l’se back ag’in.” ‘“*God bless you, Suse! Though this may be a dark day for some, you shall never regret it. Vil guarantee a better master for the Elms soon. Now let me see, Tron-Nerve can take care of himself, Miss Wetherill must be at- tended to first, Take me to Theo,” They left the vault. In five minutes they were in the grand li- brary, where Theo lay upon the sofa, her face buried in a pillow. She was moaning piteously. Suse and ’Liza Jane knelt by her side, “Sister,” the Girl Miner said, ‘‘ are you badly hurt?” Theo’s tearful face looked up in piteous sur- prise. ““You here?” she gasped. ‘Oh, Heaven! do true friends come when enemies leaye me? Why are you here?” * To be your friend and help you, dear.” : iid Thave always trea you so badly. “Don’t think of that, Theo. I have heard of your trouble, and I pity you,” and she bent for- ward and kissed the pallid brow. ‘ This is no lace for you, dear, Every one has gone, It is ikely Carmen and the colonel will soon return, My home is open to you, Theo, Will you come with us? Suse is going, too.” A glad look came over her face. “Yes, I will go with you. May God bless you for taking me away from here!’ She arose with an effort, and Suse helped her to make preparations to leave. While they were thus busied ’Liza Jane took a eee through the house, which was now de- serted. When all was in readiness Suse procured three saddle-horses from the stable, which they mount- ed and then set out on their journey to the Girl Miner’s cabin. % ‘Liza Jane knew she was undertaking a re- sponsibility that was liable to bring her trouble, but she was none the less resolute and brave, It was dusk when they left the Elms, so that they were not seen, and by passing through the outskirts of Pokerville they got into the gulch without attracting attention and reached the cabin in safety,
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24 Here they found Parson Priggins seated in the doorway. **T’ve been waiting for you all day,” he said. “The stage man at the camp had a package for you, and so I offered to feich it up.” “TPs the battery!” "Liza Jane cried. ‘Now Tl know if Dick can ever speak or not,” They all entered the cabin, and thence went into the cavern. Dumb Dick lay upon his couch, fast asleep, “ The fellow near startled the wits out of me, a bit ago,” Priggins said. “TIT didn’t know of this secret apartment until I saw him suddenly emerge from it and go out for a drink of water. He looked at me suspiciously, then returned to the cave.” “He is paralyzed—be cannot speak,” ’Liza Jane said, ‘‘I hope no one else has seen him during my absence.” “But there has. While he was after the water, [saw a man,a piece down the gulch, watching him. When your mute came in, the man went toward Pokerville.” “A spy!” "Liza Jane said, grimly. ‘“ T’ll not be surprised if Henry Wetherill’s gang attack the cabin to-night.” She then explained to Priggins concerning her recent adventures, ** Wetherill has about run to the end of his rope. I have sent for detectives to help me ar- rest him, He is wanted in the South for mur- der and abduction, of fifteen years’ stand- ing.” This was said low, but reached Theo's ears nevertheless, “Murder and abduction!” she cried, excited- ly. ‘Am I not his child?” “No, ma’am, You are of a fine Southern family, from whom Wetherill stole you out of revenge. I have been hunting you for years, and Wetherill knows it—knows that only a desperate course of action can now save him. Theo, you are my own sister!” Great excitement then followed for the mo- ment, and warm was the reunion of the brother and sister. In the mean time, "Liza Jane was engaged in preparing the battery, and the others became eeply interested, At last she had it in readiness, “Tam going to experiment with my last hope for poor Dick,” she explained, “If electricity won't relieve him, nothing will.” He was lying upon his side, still sleeping. His hands were partly unclinched, as the had so long been, in their position behind his ack, She slipped the two electric handles into his grasp and placed the battery on the chair. Sie next instant she turned on the full cur- rent With a wild yell, he rolled from the bed and gained his feet. He had lost his grip on the handles, and his mu and hands were back in their natural posi- jon He gazed at Liza Jane with an expression of rofound gratitude; then, suddenly seizing her we arms, he turned to the spectators and Said; “God is good, Glory be to His name!” Dumb Dick’s Pard. CHAPTER XIL AWFUL DOIN’S. Let us return to Pokerville. When Iron-Nerve leaped into the street with the whip in his hand, it is only fair to say that Clinton Carmen was surprised, for he did not anticipate that two could, on so short notice, en- gage in a game of cowhiding. Iron-Nerve advanced until within possible striking distance of the dandy, when he paused and eyed Carmen with a stern, unwavering glance, that made the villain quail. ‘‘T am here, Sir Dude,” he said. ‘State your errand.” ‘** ‘You need hardly ask that,” Carmen sneered. **T have come here to thrash you within an inch of your life.” “ After which, you having satisfied your spite, you'll turn what’s left of me over to your intend- ed daddy-in-law to tar and feather, and then send me off on a horse with a eactus-stalk under its tail, eh?” the Sport cried, with bitter em- phasis, And the crowd yelled. As a majority they rather liked the Sport, and did not like Wetherill or his rancheros, “ Yas, everything’s goin’ to be squar’ ’round hyer, if the court knows herself,” cried a plucky miner, well named Battle. ‘You two fellers aire so fond o’ one another, ye’ve jest got ter strip an’ hey it out, lickety-cut! e’ll see fair play an’ no favors.” his proposition was greeted by another cheer from the Pokervillians. Henry Wetherill uttered an oath. “This shall not be, The Sport is too much for my friend. I'll give five hundred dollars to the man that will capture the Sport.” Iron-Nerve felt that he was in jeopardy, and the offer maddened him, Quickly raising the whip, he struck the dandy a cut across the faco that laid the flesh open. At the same instanta dozen of the roughs from both sides sprung upon the Sport. But he was not taken, His knife was in his hand, and he used it with terrible effect, for with awful quickness he had made a clearing. Then a pistol-shot struck him near the heart, and he fell like a log. Then a yell of victory went up, and he was seized and bound. D ‘‘ He is not dead!” Henry. Wetherill cried. “Restore him to consciousness. He shall pay dearly for this work!” * Iron-Nerve had not been severely hurt. But for the fact that he had slipped the little box he had received from Theo into bis left vest pocket, his heart would have been pierced by the treacherous shot. He was revived without trouble, and sur- rounded by the rancheros, each of whom held a pistol leveled ready for emergency, in case the resolute man should attempt escape. “ Now, then!” Colonel Wetherill cried, ‘I presume you'll admit that you'll.take a cowbid- ing, you infernal rough!” re ** You have the jeniporaey advantage!” Iron- Nerve gritted, ‘‘ but it is your turn now, it will be mine next!” ‘
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Dumb Dick’s Pard. 25 epee Re a) a) pion cen ce ee “ Will it? You'll find your next turn in eternity. Boys, tie his bands in front of him and cut the clothing from his back. To-day will demonstrate that I run this camp,” ‘* Yas, that’s right, ecunnel—you an’ I runs the town ourselves!” broke in Scorpion Sam, who had fired the shot at the Sport. ‘It’s a bliz- zardous day when I an’ the cunnel don’t have our say.” As soon as Jron-Nerve’s back was bared, Colo- nel Wetherill turned to Carmen, who had been tying up his cut face, “ Carmen, now is your chance. Hurry up and get through with this matter, for I expect to have another work to do before this day is over.” Carmen seized the Sport’s whip, which lay on the ground. “Ha! ha!” he cried, with devilish exultance. “You bet Dll attend to the fellow in proper style. I say my man, we'll see whether you are rigbtly called [ron-Nerve, With the whip you would have tickled me, I'll tickle you, and don’t you forget it! And with all his strength he struck the initial blow. ‘Give him twenty lashes—that will be suffi- cient,” the colonel yelled. Not a sound from Iron-Nerve, At the twentieth blow, Carmen had just got his hand in, and he showed no disposition to stop. The rancheros exchanged glances; then one of them stepped forward. ‘*Let up thar! We're solid wi’ the colonel, but this whippin’ has gone fur enough—ebh, bot he cried. he others assented, ** Of course; throw down your whip, Carmen!” the Nabob cried, not caring te go against the will of his backers. Carmen obeyed unwillingly. Henry Wetherill then Bae a bucket of strongly-salted water, and dashed it upon the Sport’s back. Tron-Nerve groaned at this. His agony was excruciating. e Hat ha! that fetches the music out of him!” Carmen yelled. *« Your musical days are to come!” Iron-Nerve replied. ‘‘ My curse rests on you, you cowardly brute!” “Your curse is of little account,” Henry Wetherill said. ‘Carter, go get this devil’s horse!” A faint expression of pain came over the Sport’s face. He knew his horse was in the stable securely tied, otherwise no man in Pokerville could ap- proach it, Three men set out for the fiery animal, and soon returned with it, having all they could do to hold it. - Iron-Nerve was then seized, and tied upon his own back across the horse’s back, his head and heels dangling downward, Mauer, “Now, then,” Henry Wetherill said, “ when the cactus is sli in under your charger’s tail, farewell. owl never see your loving friends here again, sad though it may be. We would honor you with a coat of tar and feath- ers, but have none handy, Thus ends your lover’s hope of ever again seeing Theo—once your Laura Leigh. Ha! ha! The other time I forced her to turn you off—this time I try a different method. Your fair Laura has profited by the same punishmentas you, Ready, boys!” pares rahe heard, and he also comprehended all, Laura had never been false to him! All now pointed to this fact, | He would have answered, but at this instant his horse gave a scream of pain, and bounded furiously away up the gulch ’mid yells from the crowd, On! on! on! it tore, like some mad creature, and he expected every minute to have his brains dashed out against the rocks, On! on! on! He wondered if the suffering brute ever would stop. It did stop, all of a sudden, They were over a mile up the gulch, how- ever. The cactus had become detached from in un- der the horse’s tail. It paused, with a snort, and gazed about, as if at a loss what to do, “Billy!” the Sport called. “ Billy 1” The animal turned its neck around in evident surprise. Then, recognizing its master, it gave expressi6n to its delight in a low whinny, and evidently realizing its master’s situation, began biting at the lariats, which bound his hands, as he reached out his arms to encourage the saga- cious brute’s work, Carefully, faithfully it worked, growing mo- mentarily more eager to release its owner’s cruel bonds. The thongs rapidly softened under the hot moist breath and sharp teeth, and in five minutes the Sport’s arms were free! Then it took him but a short time to gain his liberty. He then dismounted, and with some remnants of his cut garments, bathed his back in the water of the gulch creek. mg Among the rags dangling about his waist, to his astonishment, was his vest, held fast by the pistol-belt. Quickly he examined its inside pocket, and there safe but not sound was the lit- tle silver box, but the bullet shock had opened the lid, and there lay before the Sport’s gaze the ring—the tiny gold circlet which he had given Laura Leigh in Omaha! “Thank God!” he murmured. ‘She is still true to me.” Placing the treasure in a pocket of his trow- sers, which were yet whole, he remounted his horse, and headed back for Pokerville. He soon came to the "Liza Jane shanty, but saw no one, and was unaware of its ownership, A sudden thought ang him, he headed Billy into the glen, and halted him among the ines. At P'll hang around here until dark,” he mused, “Then I can slip into Pokerville and get some clothing and weapons from the major.” From where he had halted he could observe the cabin, Seeing no stir, he finally concluded it was untenanted, and so stole toward it, On reaching the door he saw, to his surprise, that Priggins was inside, fast asleep in his chair. pon the wall Iron-Nerve saw a miner’s shirt ae
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ae 26 han2ing, and ulso several rifles, revolvers, and cartridge-belts. Resolved not to disturb the parson, he took off his boots and stole into the cabin, with the stealth of a cat as it nears its prey. Without difficulty he procured the shirt and an old sombrero; then a rifle, a pair of revol- vers, and such ammunition as he needed. Thus equipped, he returned to the glen, and in due time was fixed up in a more presentable style. e was suffering much from his lacerated back, and throwing himself upon the ground, thick with the dead spines of the mountain pine, he passed off into a deep and refreshing sleep. It was after dark when he awakened, and his horse was lying down near at hand. He rose, feeling stiff and sore, and was in the act of preparing to start for Pokerville, when he heard voices, He crouched down by Billy and listened, Presently two men came steadily up the glen from the direction of the cabin, and plunged deeper into the forest. They passed but a short distance from him, and he recognized them as roughs he had seen in Pokerville. ‘“*The colonel says this is the last night,” one of them said as they passed. ““Yas, I reckon he’s after the sixty thousand dollars.” * Well, we can’t growl. We've made our pile, an’ we’ve bin lucky to git off s> neat.” “You bet. I’m glad it’s to be thrown up. ['m tired out, It’s my turn, eh? Well, I hope itis the last. D’ye know, ve wondered some one didn’t pop a bullet right in under the fet- lock, an’ lame the burro?” Tron-Nerve did not catch the auswer. He had arisen to his feet. His face was flushed with triumph. “Sooner than I expected!” he muttered. have it now. I'll work the clew.” Motioning his sagacious animal to remain where it was, he set out on the trail of the two “Ty =e, apn 6 tracked them to a cavern a mile from ‘Liza Jane’s abode, and there, on entering, they lit a torch. Tron-Nerve watched their movements eagerly. First of all, a small but wiry burro was led forth, and one of the men mounted it, lying face “Soa and lengthwise upon the animal’s In this ce and holding the reins, he was strapped by bis companion, Then, from overhead, an ingenious contriv- ance was lowered, which, when fitted, strapped and tied down, completely bid the burro and rider from sight, and represented the winged crocodile and the Devil Don! _ It was a remarkably clever piece of mechan- ism, as Iron-Nerve could see. The crocodile body and all that covered the burro, except its legs, appeared to be made of sheet-iron, worked and painted artistically to represeut what it did. The leggings were of steel chain-net. The ghostly figure was of India-rubber, painted white; consequently, both dragon and rider were bullet-proof, When so much had been done, Bones, the as- Dumb Dick’s Pard. » sistant, mounted a stool, and witb a can, poured a quantity of liquid of some kind into a tiny hole between the crocodile’s eyes; next he ap- plied the lighted torch to the eyes and mouth, and jets of flame leaped therefrom, Then, seizing a can of prepared phosphorus, he washed the dragon with it, and said: “Thar! I guess you’ll do fer ter-night, Jimmy. It’s our last night, anyhow, TU slip down to Poker an’ collect w’at’s comin’ from the colonel, then, arter ter-night, we'll light out fer other parts wi’ our invention, an’ speckilate on it.” Not yet!” Iron-Nerve cried, leaping into the cave, and seizing the burro by the uncovered bits, at the same time covering Bones with a re- volver. ‘*Throw down your weapons, or you’re a dead man!” Bones uttered an oath, and hesitated, “Obey!” Tron-Nerve cried, ‘“‘for the game’s up! If you would live, you have but one choice!” “The jig’s up, Bones,” piped Jimmy’s voice from under the covering. ‘‘ Don’t be a fool!” Bones threw his weapons down, “Take that rope,” Iron-Nerve ordered, ‘' and tie this burro’s legs together.” Doggedly the man obeyed, covered with that threatening revolver. ‘““Now, more rope,” was Lron-Nerve’s next command, ** What ye goin’ to do?’ Bones growled. “Tie you, of course. You are my prisoners for the present. Obey, or flat you go on your face—a dead Wetherill tough!” “But, sir, ye’re not goin’ to let us getlynched, aire ve?” “Oh, no! Obey me and Ill see that no one oe you, I may take you into my own em- oy. * Hillo! ain’t ye goin’ to let me out o’ hyer? It’s no comfortable posish, boss,” groaned Jim- m y: sis Keep quiet, and remain as you are for the present,” was the significant rejoinder. Binding Bones securely. Iron-Nerve then picked up his rifle, “Til be back erelong, likely. Noone will dis- turb you till I return, I dare say.” With feelings of victory he then set out for Pokerville, ‘**Tt’s ten thousand dolla's I haven't lost, but fifty thousand I’ve won,” he muttered. ‘A fellow can stand a sore back or so for that,” CHAPTER XIII. DICK DALLAS SPEAKS, As he reached ’Liza Jane’s cabin, Iron-Nerve concluded to enter it, and see if Priggins were stil] there; but when he stalked into the room, the parson was not to be seen. An instant later, however, "Liza Jane came from the cavern apartment, “Tron-Nerve,” she ejaculated, ‘‘you are a welcome visitor, indeed, Come in here,” and she led the way into the cavern, where buta few moments prior to the Sport’s arrival she had accomplished such magical results with the battery in restoring Dumb Dick from his semi- paralysis of limbs, and entire paralysis of tongue, |
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Dumb Dick’s Pard. ae Tron-Nerve uttered an exclamation of aston- ishment, as by the firelight he saw the group collected within the cavern. x “Well,” he said, turning to ‘Liza Jane, “‘ you have quite a houseful of visitors. Perhaps I am intruding.” 2 ‘No! no! no!” "Liza cried. ‘‘ You are more than welcome. But your garments are stained with blood, sir; are you wounded badly?” * A little cut in the back is all. I got a horse- whipping at camp this afternoon, I’m but little the worse for it, though.” The eyes of the Sport then became riveted upon the face of Dick. ‘Liza Jane saw the two men regarding each other, and asked almost unconsciously: “Tron-Nerve, do you know this gentleman who looks so much like you?’ Both men had grow a trifle paler. ‘Great God! Dick, Dick Dallas—my brother —can this indeed be you?” Lron-Nerve gasped, extending his hand. Which the other seized, heartily. ‘*-Yes, I am indeed Dick Dallas, though it has been many months since Ihave been able to speak the name, until bof ke T owe all to my pard,” and he pomted to Liza Jané, ‘ But, it cannot be possible—” “That lam your brother, Nathan Norcross Dallas?” “Exactly.” “Then, know that it is possible, for I am none other!” And the brothers then indulged in a good old- fashioned hug. “*T never expected to see you again, though I came down into this country, in hopes of find- ing some trace of you, and of father and mo- er. “Their faces you will never see again,” Dick pales said, sadly. Then, he turned to ’Liza ane: “My faithful friend, I suppose you are anx- ious to hear my story, and since you have be- stowed upon me the precious gift of speech, you shall know all. ‘This is the first time I have met my brother, in ten years, for, that many years ago it was, that he ran away from our home, in Nebraska, and became a ranger, in the far western wilds. I, however, remained with my father, and a year after Nat’s departure, we heard of his death, in an Indian massacre. “ About this time, my father came to this section, and being well-to-do, bought up ail the tract of land, comprised in the estate known as the Elms!” ; All looked surprised, except "Liza Jane. “My father, a little later, by a fortunate speculation, made nearly a million dollars, and at once set to work working the Elms into a beautiful home, using money without stint, and employing the best workmen to be procured, When.the Elms was built, we made a discovery that a vast mine of gold was underlying our residence, and so determined to keep it a secret, until we bad worked out all we needed of it. “For years we mined, and no one was the wiser for it, for our home was in the heart of the wilderness then; and when I tell you that a large share of our profit was laid out about the * 24 Elms, you may not wonder that such a stately home exists, as it does, to-day, At last, how- ever, father took an old friend into the secret— a boyhood chum of his, Donald Carmen by name, “Things went on well, for awhile, but finally Carmen turned up missing. Father would never believe anything was wrong, until one night Carmen took us by surprise. He came back witb a pal named Leigh—that’s the name, *Liza—and a dozen ruffians to back him!” “Leigh! That is my name!” ejaculated the parson. “Henry Wetberill frequently assumed the name, years ago,” Theo put in. “Ab! he, then, is the man who accompanied old Carmen!” Dick averred. ‘* Well, we were all taken captive, and Carmen had us imprison- inthe mine. Here we were kept, for months, Finally my mother died, of the Sane and ex- osure, and not long after, Wetherill shot my A a then ensued, be- tween Carmen and Leigh, or Wetherill, and I never saw Carmen again. The ruffian miners who never left the mine, said Carmen had lef the Elms, with his death-wound. ‘Well, about three years ago, as near as I remember, I heard the miners say Leigh had moved into the Elms, and was living in great style. About this time, I made an attempt to escape, aided by our old servant yonder, Suse— Heaven bless her! It was a failure, though, and I was terribly beaten. Soon after, how- ever, I made another attempt, and succeeded. Tleaped from the top of the tower of the Elms, to the ground |” A cry of horror escaped the listeners, at which Dick Dallas ipiebad: ‘*‘ A desperate man may do many things,” he ‘ather down dead. id. “ Of myself, however, and of my wanderings from that day until about a year ago, I know not, I was Peps cw abtar out of my wits. I have ajfaint recollection of that, and that I was hunted. A year ago I was found by ’Liza Jane, and she has made me what [ am!” And he put bis arm around her waist and drew her to him, “Nat,” he went on, “the Elms is ours, and we have each a son’s vengeance to wreak on Henry Wetherill!” “True, Dick; I owe him no good-will, you can bet! Priggins, I captured the dragon to- night, and have it, with the two men whom etherill hired to work the invention, safely caged Yr? ‘The money is in Miss ’Liza Jane’s bands, sir. My name, however, is not Priggins, but Gerald Leigh, of the Crescent City detective force. This young lady is my sister, and 1 hope no one will think ill of her for being a member of Henry Wetherill’s household, as he abducted her when but a child, and she declares her in- nocence of any complicity in his termes In- deed, she has suffered terribly at his hands,” “Miss Leigh is cleared of everything,” Iron- Nerve said, bowing, but not_raising ‘bis gaze to Theo’s le face. ‘* Miss "Liza, you will still continue as banker of the wager money. Dick and I have work to do yet.” “ What, Iron-Nerve
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28 Dumb Dick’s Pard, “Henry Wetherill isa murderer! He must face me and fight!” “T have a warrant for his arrest, sir, for murder of long standing,” Gerald Leigh spoke up. ‘But since your claim is stronger than mine I will withdraw from the case. ‘T'o-mor- row, however, I will arrest Clinton Carmen, and with my sister, bid you all good-by.” “What would you arrest Clinton Carmen for?’ ’Liza Jane cried, excitedly. “Ah, excuse me! Perhaps lam treading on some one’s toes, eh?” and the detective laughed, “You see, miss, while I was up in Oregon re- cently a warrant was given me for the arrest of one Clinton Carmen wherever found, for the murder of one Mabel Dare.” “Then your case is identical with mine. I am Mabel Dare’s sister Jennie—’Liza Jane be- ing merely a whim to hide my identity—and I am here to settle with Clinton Carmen myself!” the Girl Miner cried. “Not while I’m your pard!” Dick Dallas in- terposed. ‘‘T'll just attend to any little accounts that rest with you to settle, my true friend! This Carmen must be a relative of Wetherill’s chum, and I owe him a grudge on that account,” “* Then let’s get ready for a visit to the Elms!” Tron-Nerve suggested. ‘There is no time like the present for matters of this kind.” “Tf Liza Jane will look out for my sister and Suse, I will. accompany you,” Gerald Leigh an- nounced, ' “You bet Tl took out for ’em!” was ’Liza’s assurance, ‘‘I only wish I had a hand in the circus, too, My pard will fill the bill, though. Come along into the cabin and I'll rig you all out with weapons sufficient to start a cemetery at least.” They all followed the cheery elf except Theo, and Iron-Nerve, seeing that she intended to re- main bebind, lingered also, “T wanted to tell you that to your little silver box I owe my life,” he said, stepping closer to her. ‘I carried it in my vest-pocket, and but for its presence there to-day a bullet would have entered my heart.” “Indeed! Then I am so glad I gave it to you,” she murmured, her gaze averted. “ The lid got open by the shock of the bullet, and I could not resist the temptation to take a peep at the treasure,” he said, ‘ Laura, may I place my little ring back upon your finger?” She gave him a startled glance and buried her face in her hands as be drew her toward him. “Oh, Nat! you know not what you are say- ing!” she sobbed. ‘‘ You do not mean it—you are mocking me in my misery!” “War from it, Laura, I am not the man to do that. I know what you would say—that I can never forgive that cruel blow dealt me at Omaha! Did I not know that you were forced to write, as you did, by Henry Wetherill, I should not forgive you easily.” “Then you know—” “Enough to satisfy me. Wetherill, this after- noon, made his brags that he forced you to write the letter. You visited me at the hotel?” “Yes! I could not rest until I was satisfied that it was you. Oh, Nat, do you fully forgive me? Then Ican go with my brother to-morrow with a lighter heart.” — **T forgive you, if there is anything to forgive —but, my jewel, you shall never leave me again, Tell me one thing, dear—did old Blood Bixby let you into my room?” ** Yes—but oh! don’t scold him, I made him promise,” “*The infernal old scamp! Well, there’s one thing—he’ll lie like blazes before he'll break a promise!” The parson, as we shall still call him, popped into the cavern just then, and started at seeing the Sport’s arm about Theo, in a very lover- like fashion. “ Hello!” he demanded; ‘‘ what’s this?” “A matter of a year’s standing, sir, just come to a focus,” Iron-Nerve replied. ‘‘ Parson, this is my intended wife!” “Waal, dog my cats ef things ain’t getting rather warm!” the parson ejaculated, wiping his forehead, ‘‘I escaped from the other room so as not to interfere with a sort of billing-and- cooing match. Reckon I’m left out in the cold, unless I tackle old Suse.” Half an hour later the three men, well-armed and mounted, rode rapidly toward Pokerville, It was moonlight and pleasant, and they chat- ted sociably until they reached the Demijohn, where they dismounted, The major was standing on the veranda, look- ing down the street where a crowd of men were congregated, ‘** Hillo, Iron-Nerve, you old hunk!” the major eried, seizing the Sport’s hand. ‘Still alive, yet, Isee. Did all I could ter ye, boy. *Twa’n’t no use, tho’. Queer how things will take a turn, eh? Yesterday Henry Wetherill was the biggest gun, hyerways, an’ now I wouldn’t give ten cents fer his scalp.” ** What's wrong?” “Why, ye see, arter you war sent off, he and the rancheros had some words, an’ he discharged the bull passel,” ** An unwise move, I should say.” “Jest bet. The fellers didn’t say much, at first, but begun fillin’ up on whisky, an’ they’ve got *bout a tankful, now. That's them down yonder, They’re goin’ to pay the colonel a wisit at midnight, an’ ye kin jedge what’ll happen.” “Then we must get in ahead of them,” Iron- Nerve declared. ‘*Major, this is my brother, Richard Dallas—the rightful owner of the Elms. Heary Wetherill does not own an acre of the place, as can be easily proved.” “ Well, well! of all things!” and the major shook Dick’s hand, warmly. ‘Bet yer life Pokerville will back ye, young man, every day ina week! Come in, boys,” Then Lron-Nerve asked: “Where is the whelp, Clinton Carmen?” “He went along wi’ the cunnel,” the major replied. *So much the better. We'll gobble the both of them, By the way, major, I have a request to ask of you.” “ State it, sir—it’s already granted.” “Tt is this: Write up to the fort and have a chaplain come down. I and Theo Wetherill propose to get married.” : ‘Great Jupiter! Then I’m goin’ to get spliced to the widder at the same time!” ** And, Major, as we shall stop at the Demi- — !
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Dumb Dick’s Pard. 29 jobn a few days, I want a special lock put on the door of my room.” The major eyed the Sport amoment, — “See here, friend,” he asked, “aire ye screwin’ around at a hint?” : ; ‘Not exactly: I think I gave it straight from the shoulder.” “Well, by gosh! me?” “ Precisely what she did, you old sinner, But, on account of the huge size of your gall, Pll have to forgive you, this time.” Then, mounting their horses, they rode down to the Elms, which looked like some grim castle in the spectral moonlight, Leaving their horses at the edge of the park, they crept toward the mansion, As soon as they had approached near enough, they perceived that the hall door was wide open, and upon the threshold, weltering in blood, lay Clinton Carmen—dead! ** One life less to dispose of,” Iron-Nerve mut- tered. ‘ The tiger has evidently killed his own mate. I dare say Wetherill bas taken flight.” Such, however, was not the case, In his own bed-chamber, lying upon the snowy bed, the colonel lay, his face white and blood streaming from his side and dyeing the counterpane, He looked up with a glare of defiance, as he saw the trio enter—his surprise did not seem to increase at sight of Dick Dallas. pet ones you were not dead,” he said, rais- ing himself on his elbow, ‘in fact, I was quite sure of it. I suspected that ’Liza Jane had you hid away. Was I right?” * Quite,” Dick Dallas answered, “Tt is my fault,” he went on, as coolly as though speaking of some trivial matter. ‘It can matter but little now, however. The me’s about up. Ican’t hold out more than fralf an hour, then the Elms will be yours, You'll find the papers and everything in my li- Did that gal go squawk on bra: ea *Tndesd! Then you’ve concluded to give up” “There seems little else for me todo. Lve played my cards for all they’re worth, and Jost after all, There were too many knaves in the hand, Where is Theo?” ‘*Safe in my protection!” Iron-Nerve cried. “Henry Wetherill, are you able to stand and meet me face to face?” “T am not. If you choose, you can shoot me where I lay, or wait till death comes—which will be ere many minutes.” “T strike no helpless man, even though he were the murderer of my father and mother, Are those their graves upon the island?” “They are.” “You did something wonderful in burying them at all! Who killed Carmen?” “I did. He tried to kill me, to get full pos- session here, and we had it out. I guess he did as much for me as I did for bim.” Then a hard expression flitted over his face. “You baven’t captured the dragon yet, I dare say™ he at length remarked, ‘On the contrary, Ihave. I have both Bones and Jimmy secured in the cave. That's a clever invention—the dragon—but Ill give it away to-morrow,” “Well, I suppose so. It’s been a bad day. T’ve had my time, though, and can’t growl. I suppose I'll have to make the best of it. Do you see this?” He touched one of two knobs that were affixed to the wall at his bedside, ‘*T see!” Iron-Nerve responded, “Then watch!” He gave the knob a violent jerk, “That signifies that the gold-mine beneath this castle is flooded, and henceforth of no value. The jerk of that knob opened a secret flood- gate connecting from the lake, Five minutes will suffice to fill the mine!” “But there are your miners in the mine Iron-Nerve cried, horrified. ‘* Let them die as I do!” was the answer. The next instant he had placed a pistol to his head and fired. It was the last act in the drama for bim, and the two brothers and the detective left the Films, their vengeance most fully appeased. Henry Wetherill and Clinton Carmen were buried next day upon the ranch, and a wooden slab placed upon each grave, to tell who lay be- neath the sod, After undergoing some changes, the Elms was taken possession of by Suse and a retinue of servants, About a month later there was a wedding at the Elms, to which all Pokerville had an invita- tion; that is, there was one wedding, and two others as accompaniments. Tron-Nerve, the Sport invincible, took as a phen’ for life, the one of his choice, Laura eigh, The second couple was our heroine, ’Lize Jane, alias Jennie Dare, and Dick, and in taking Dick Dallas for a life partner she not only made an excellent choice, but became mistress of the Elms, Iron-Nerve and Laura, later, removing to Oregon. ajor Blood ey married the ‘‘ widder,” Mrs. G. Washington Williams, and as she had some wealth, a claim in Howlin’ Bar, and an easy temper, the major declared he had struck a veritable bonanza, After the wedding, a little sensation was created by a shot being fired through the open window at Iron-Nerve. A search was made, and Scorpion Sam captured. The Pokervillians wanted no greater provoca- tion than this, and as Sam was a bad character, one of the elms of the park was utilized, and he was disposed of in short order. Before leaving Pokerville, Tron-Nerve per- mitted Bones and Jimmy to escape, and he ex- hibited the dragon-invention to many curious ones, after which he presented it to ick asa guard-of-safety to the Elms. Wetherill had indeed flooded the mine; but the ranch was a fortune, and Dick and ’Liza Jane, now his life-long pard, have asnice a home as heart could wish. x While with the wager money, Iron-Nerve and Laura are well content, the parson living near them, i THE END.
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BEADLE’S BOY’S LIBRARY. Published Every Saturday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents 150 The Boy Mustene: -Munter; or, Eaulalie, the Beautiful Amazon, _ By Frederick Whittaker. 151 Frank Yiites, the Young Trapper; or, Mountain Kate’s Warning, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 152 Wild Raven, the Scout. By Ol) Coomes, 58 Byex-Osp $ or, Four Trappers’ Among the Sicax. By Paul 154 The “Champion Texan Rider; or, Red Butalo and the Hercules Hunter. By Harry St. George. 155 Dusky Dick’s Doom. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 156 Frank Bell, the Boy Spy. By Ol! Coomes, 157 Nick Doyle, the Gold Hunter. By P. H. Myers. 158 Kidnapped Dick; or, The Fate of the Fire Fly. By J. Stan- ley Henderson. 159 Sam’s Lon rail, By W. J. Hamilton. 160 Hank Tri we Vow. By Harry Hazard. 161 The Mad Skipper. By R. Starbuck. 162 The Trapper King. By Maj. Max Mertine. 168 Simon Kenton, Hunter. By Emerson Rodman. 164 The Boy Chief or, Frank Bell’s Compact. By Oll Coomes. 165 The Trader T raltor. By J. Stanle: = enderson. 166 Old Jupe’s Clew. Mra. Orrin 167 The z oung T = By W. J. Hamilton. 168 The Specter Spy. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson. 169 Lank Lute, the Old Colorado Hunter. By E. W, Archer. 170 The White Wolf. By Edward) Willett. 171 The Swamp Guide. By W. cNeil, 172 The Vankee Peddler, By ©. ng Clark. 178 The Scout and His Young ri sh By Warren St. John. 174 placksmaith ‘Tom’s Mask. By Gilbert, 175 The Buckskin Rider. By od. 176 The Squatter’s Surprise, By Mrs. H. J. Thomas. 177 Four Fellow Scouts, By J. Stanley Henderson. 178 Old Kit and Mis Comrades. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 179 Uncle Grill’s Disguise. By Harry Hazard. 180 The Marked Miner. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 181 The Wild Huntress, By Capt. Bruin Adama. 182 The Dwarf Decoy. By Maro 0, Rolfe. 188 Job Dean’s Tactics, By Ingoldsby North. 184 Vankee Eph’s Dilemma, By J. R. Worcester. 185 The Wily Witch’s Ward, By Edwin E, Ewing. 186 Frank, the Forrier. By J. Stanley Henderson. bts Diana, the Fair Mountaineer. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 88 Jack’s Snare. By Mri. Ann E. Porter. 180 Sam, the Swamp Scout. By W. J. Hamilton. 190 The Dashing Trooper. By _Frederiek Dewey. 191 The Boy Brave. By James L. Bowen. ase Sandy Bill, by i Sis By Edward Willett. tid Uarry Winkle’s Long Chase. ry Wm, R. Eyaster. E areoke yr Cato, the Shadow Swanp Trailer, By F. Dewey. ips The tanger Detective. By Harry Hazard. 196 OR age Realy , the Mountain Witch, By C. D. Clark. 197 The Branded Captain, By W. J. Hamilton. 198 Old Crossfire’s Crisia. By Capt. Charles Howard. 199 Zebra Zack, the Texan, By W. J. Hamilton. 200 The Nameless Hunter. By George W. Robinson. 201 The Yankee Captives. By Edward Willett. 202 Teddy's Long Trail. By Edward S. Ellis. 208 Old Hank, he Hermit. By Edward W. Archer. 204 Gooschead’s Best Shot. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr, 205 The Dutchman’s Dread. By Capt. Chas, Howard, ee Kit Burt's Mosk, By W. J. Hamilton. 7 Eagle-E ree Tim. By C. Dunning Clark. Bos The Village Gpere a James L. Bowen. 209 Buck Burt's Pluc By Edward Willet. 10 The Tell-Tale Bullet. By J. Stanley Henderson, 1 The Boy Surveyor. By W. J, Hamilton. 12 Yunkee Drover Swipes. fy Seelin Robins. 8 Silver City Tom. By James L. Bowen. Nick, the Detective. By Edwin Emerson. Muatan Rider Roy. By Albert W. Alken. ees Dakota Dutchman.’ By Maj. Mgx Martine. Yankee Josh, the Rover. By B. H, Belknap, M. D. Rew York Ned in California. | By W. J. Hamilton. pontuclsy Kate's Shot. By Edward Willett. *Frisco Frank’s Rival. py. Paul J. Prescott. Doctor Bag, Detective. By Lewis Jay Swift. 22 Sly Sam’s« Snare. By Louis Legrand, M. D. 228 Old Nancy’s Ward. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 224 Rattlepate, the Nabob, By Scott R. Sherwood. 22d } Night:1 fawk Bill; or, The New York Sportsmen’s Ciow. lamilton. 226 The Masked Maniac. By Maro 0, Rolfe. 227 Barney’s Bold Brush, By James L. Bowen, 228 The Deadwood Sports. By Lieut. S, G, Lansing. 229 qian Schmidt, Jr.; or, The Diagnised Yankee. By W.J. lamilton. 280 Lone Star’s Sure Shot. By Harry Hazard. 281 Mark Morgan’s Mask, Bv Capt. Charles Howard. 282 Billy Broom’s First Cruise. By H. Minor Klapp. 288 The Girl Rifle-Shot, By W. J. Hamilton. 284 Old Ky le’s Long Tramp. | By Henry J. Thomas. 285 Old Bill Syce’« Pledge. By Edward Willett. 286 The On-the-Wing Detective. By Ed. 8. Ellis. 287 The Dolphin’s Youn ay er. By Roger Starbuck. 288 Josh’s Boy Pards, By 5S ing. eee 4 5 iy z 8 Cuwee eeeseoee = | ane, pee ale " Disguise. By Maro O. Rolfe. ‘a Ka By Arthar L. Mese: y J. Stanley Henderson. ed. Capt. R. M. Hawthorne. Flas -Light Joe; or, Brave. the Canine Scout. By Charles . Isley. 244 Bob Baker’s Last Leap. By T. Benton Shields, U.S. A. 2: 45 North Woods Nat, By W. J. Hamilton. The ee Chief; or, Dolly's Droll Disguise. By J. M. Dick, the er Pat or, The Miners of Deadwood 248 Black Jim’ Sihoomy « or, r, Billy Bowlegs’s Revenge. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 249 Morgan, the Sea Rover; or, The Shrewd Scotchman’s Schome, By John S. Warner. 250 Zach’s Ghost Trap; or, The Haunted-House Havoc. By George Applegate. | 251 Kyi ‘Bold Game; or, The Death-Trail Mystery. By ‘au pba. 252 Sancho Sam’« Shots or, Fort Binkley’s Specter Riders, By George Gleason. 258 Crafty Crazy Slack; or, Tho French Fugitive. By Harry ALATC 254 The Fighting Quaker; or, The Droll Darky's Dismay, By Edward 8. Ellis. 255 The Ranger’s First Cruise; or, The Yankee Tar Abroad. By John Ww arner. «a Crew; or, The Boys of Logger Camp. By 257 Tommy’« Fast Pacer; or, Searching for “ Uncle Josiah.’ By W. Hamiiton. 258 Doc Bell's Pl: icky or, The Frenchman’s Fate. By Capt, Chas. Howard, 259 Rocky Mountain Burt; or, Harry, the Furrier’s Son. By Edward Willett. 260 Reckless Ralph’s Risk; or, The Tell-Tale Clew. By James L. Bowen. 261 Sole Nugget Dicks or, Two Boys’ Good Luck. By Tom *. Morgan 262 tra’e Big Bonanza; or, Mysterious Crazy Tom. By Harry azard. 268 Josh Maraten, Detective; or, The Crafty Agent's Crime. By Mary A. Denison, 264 U nole Jerry, the Quaker} or, The Schoolmaster’s Trial, Bv John Nes 265 The Skipper’s Mate; or, The Cruise of the Fire-Fly. By Harry Cavendish 266 The Girl Cowboy Captain; or, The Skinners of the Carolina Swamps — By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 267 Eph, the Mimto- Spy* or, The Frenchman’s Doom. By W. J. Hamilton, 268 Ralph’s Last Tramp; or, The Woodman’s Recreant Rival. By Edward S, Ellis. 269 Sol Stecle’s Grudgey or, The Madman of the Miami, By Edward Willett. 270 Jack, the Cons’ Detective; or, The Disguised Captain's Clerk. By Roger Starbuck. 271 Old Gotlieb, the Jolly Landlord, or, The Daring Duteh Damsel. By Herrick Johnatone, 272 The Boy Boomer; or, Pawnee Bill’s Protege. By Howard M. Boynton, 78 Red Mike's Ruse. By W. J. Hamilton. wad 274 Bonny, the Dutch Dame; or, The Alderman’s Little Protegee. By Decatur Paulding, U. 8.N, 275 Conrad, the Ocean King; or, Leon Lorraine’s Disguise. By Harry Montert. 276 Pat, the Plucky Sergeants or, Ralph on the War-path, By W. J. Hamilton. 277 qnek Jersan’ « Pard; or, The Santa Fe Hunters. By Mra, 1. letor. 278 Tom, the Old Tar; or, Jack Winthrop’s Long Trail. By Roger Starbuck. 279 Dolly’« Death-Shot; or, Dusky Mark, the Young Wild-cat. By Capt. Charles Howard. 280 Detective German Joe; or, Tho Flying Dutchman Ont West. By Howard M. Boynton, 281 Joe Curd’s Double; or, The Idiot's Cunning. By Jos. F, Badger, Jr. 282 Nat Dodge, the Peddler, on Black Cato’s Trick, By Henry J. Thomas. Ready Supt. 7. 288 Ned, the Btow away; or, Adrift in Brazil, By c. D. Clark, Ready Sept. 1 284 Dan, the meuiy Dwarf} or, Brock and his Trained Dog. By Ralph Ringwood. Ready Sept. 21. 285 The Mexican’s Double, By T. W. King. Ready Sept, 28, Readle’« Boy’s Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mall on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,
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A BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. Published Every Wednesday. Lach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Vive Cents. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. By EL. Wheeler, 2 Kanse« Kings or, The Red Right Hand. By Buffalo Bill, 8 The Flying Yansee. y Col, Prentiss Ing The Double Daggers. Kdward L. W or. & The Two Detectives, By Albert W. Alken, 6 The Prairie Pilot, By Buflalo Bill, @ The Butfalo Demon, By Edward L. Wheeler, 8 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout, Deadwood Dick In Leadville. | By Edward L. Wheeler. BULL Biddon, Trapper. By Edward 5, Ellis. Mppy, the Texan. By George Gleason, axtumge Sam, the King of the Plains, By Jos. The Ocean Bloodhound, By Samuel W, Cearce, Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. By Charles Morris, Dendwood Dick as Detective. By Wheeler, Buek t kra By Captain J . Adama, t-Edged Dick, By Edward Vhoole Sadger, Jr, 1 nee of t The Black Steed of the Prairies, By James L. Bowen If Katoh Roy, the Boy Buccs The Sea Serpent. By Juan Lewls, 1 ht. By T. rn Bil, the Man Tracker. By BE. L. Wheeler, 1 nck. By Jos re 100 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. By E, 8. Ells, 1 the Boy ¢ laude Duval. F » Wheeler. Dar he Young Bear Killer. By Harry 8t. George 15 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, By |-102 The Yellow Chief, By Capt. Mayne Reld. Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 108 Chip, rl Sport, By Edward L. Wheeler. 16 Keen-Knife, Prince of the Pratries, By O11 Coomes, 104 ‘The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuck. 17 Oregon Sol, Nick Whiffles’s Boy By J. F.C, Adams. 105 Handsome Harry, tho B otblack Detective. By C, Mortis, 18 106 Night-Hawk Kit. By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. 1 By Ol! Coomes. 107 Jack *e Lend. “By Edward L. Wheeler, C 1 kw ood, By Harry St. 108 Rock n Kit, By T.C, Harbaugh, rank S, Firin, 3 109 The Branded Hand, By Frank Dumont. 3 or, Déadwood Dick's Bonanza. By | 110 The Dread Rider, By George W. Browne. 5 - 111 Boas Bob, the King of Bootblacks, By Luward L. Wheover. i By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 112 The Helpless Mand, By Capt. Mayne Reid. 24 ‘The Dumb Spy. By Oll ¢ 118 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, By ¢ | Coomes, 2% Rattling Rube, By Hurry St. George, 14 y Paul, the Mountain Boy. By T. U. Harbaugh. 26 Old Avalanche, the Annihilator, By 1. Wheeler, 115 Deadwood Dick’s Double. By award L. Wheeler. RT Glass. : the Groat Shot of the West. By J. F.C, Adams. 116 J Collin, Skippe By Capt. F, Whittaker, 28 The Boy Capta . By Roger Starbuck, 117 Fancy Frank, of wrado. By “ Buffalo Bill.” 29 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. By Capt. F. Whittaker, | 118 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. By Chas. Morris, 80 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian, By Edward L. Wheeler. 11) Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. By Edward Pas Nighting Nat. By + Harbaugh L. Wheeler. 82 lath vat the Rond ibe E., Badger, Jr, 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. C. Harbaugh. mahn Mas’ + Wheeler. 121 Harry Armstrong, tne Captain of the Club. By Braco. Rina pA exe Fe rear var Ot bridge £ y ng, yk Hathaway.) 1S. Elli > 3 or, id Camp. By A, C, Trons. 2 ted unter. y Edward S. Ellis. 86 The White Buffalo. iasniles er othe Boy Road-Agent. By Edward 1. Wheelor. 87 Jim Bludsoe, Jr. By 12 h. dr. By T. C. Harbaugh. 88 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper, 1 rates, By Capt. Mayne Reld, BY Deadly Eye, the Unknown Secor 1 Iazex; or, The Breuk o’ Day sof Rocky Bar. By 40 Nick Whitles'’s Pet. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 41 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles, By Edward L. Wheeler, 1 a ale an King. By Ol] Coommes. 1 48 Old Hickory 3 or, Pandy Ellis’s Sealp. By Harry St. George. | 433 44 The White Indian, By Capt. ke Cc, Aniaras? ERS 18 45 Buckhorn Bil. iy Edwar L. Wheeler, 1 aM ow Ship. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, a nes . atRetne hood. By W. J. Hamilton. andy sae 3 or, The Outlaw of the Oregon Trail. By T. C. 188 WIL 49 Hurricane Bill. By Joseph Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler, 1 Wildfire’s Racer. By Charles Morris. Eagle Kit. the boy Demon. By Oll Coomes. Gold Trigger. the Sport. By T. C, Harbangh. A Game of Gold; or, © ydwood Dick. Big Strike. By r. ey the Soy d. ® Boss ot the nde 184. Mike Merry, the Harbo Badger, Jr. 185 Deadwood Dick of De By J. EB. Badger, Jr. By Frank Dumont, ice Boy. By Charles Morria, wood, By E. L. Wheeler. Br Patentlanther Je — By Philips Warne ji 186 Old Rube, the Hunter, By Capc, Hamilton Holmes, 62 The Border Robin Hood. By Butfulo Bill 187 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas, By G. Waldo Browne. 58 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. 1 Wheeler 188 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas, Morris. 64 Old Zip’« Cabin; or, A Green V By Capt. | 189 mae Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, By Joa, J. F.C. Adams, - f. Badger, Jr. " rare 5 « Young Ra ee ‘ . P 140 Captain Arizona, By Philip S. Warne. BG Mud Tom Western ty Wed Hanlon: Om — | LAL New York Nell, the Bos-Girl Detective, By E.L- Wheeler 57 Deadwood Dick on Deck. By Edwart L. Wheeler 142 Little Texans, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes. 68 Hawkeye Harry, the Young Trapper. By Ol Codmen 148 mene, Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. By Joa. E, 59 The Boy Duelist. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham } Badger, Jr. Abe © o Crow-Killor, tW. Aika AA Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 60 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer, By Albert W. Aiken. See eit le erty eT mou. By Gea Waldo Brownss 61 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo. By Edward L. Wheeler. 62 Wil ers, the Koy Detective, By Chas. Morris. 68 Sol Gly » the Giant Trapver. By A, W. Alken. 64 Rosebud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler. 65 Lightning Joe. By Captain J, F.C. Adama. 66 Kit Harefoot, the Wood-Hawk. By T. C. Harbaugh. 67 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes, 68 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. By Edward L. Wheeler. x 69 Detective The Cattte King. By Frank Damont. h wee N ick of NS vada. By Edward L, Wheeler. T bolt Tom. By Harry St. George, Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. By Charles Morris, The Mad Miner. By G. wWaiae Browne ; The Sea Trailer. ‘By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Pas Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By W. R. Byaters Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bra By EB. L. Wheeler. The Boy Trallers, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit By Col. Prontiss Ingraham. WILL Wildfire in the Woods, C. Morris. Ned Temple, the Rare Boy. ae x true es yr Dick’s Doom. By bb. oulers Farber ee her Joe's Defent. By Philip. 5. Warne. Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, | By Col, P. Ingrahant Rob Rockett, the Cracksman. By Charles Morris. Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain, By Olt og tn Deadwood Pick’s Dream. By E. L. Wheeler, Tornado Tom, By T. C. Harbaugh, ; Ruffalo Bill's Bet. By Col, Prentiss ngTADh Will Wildfire Wins and Loses. By Charles Movgis, W. Browne. 1 ek ¢ or, The Hero tn Rags. By Charles Morris, 70 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. By O1) Coomes. ZL Sharp Sa or, The Adventures ofa Friendless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. The Lion of the Sen. By Albert W. Atken. Photograph Phil, the Boy Slenth; or, Rosebud Rob's Reappear- a By E.L. Wheeler. 74 Pleayun Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. By Charles Morris. 7 Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. By Bracebridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway). 76 Wateh- Shadow. 7 Dick De >} ™ y re TS Dendwood Dick vice, L. Wheeler. Dandy Rock's Pledge. | By Guotns . a 79 The Black Mustanger. apt. Mayne Reid, 168 Deadwood Disk’ Wark. eeermia 80 Old Frosty, the Goic By T. C. Harbaugh. 69 The Boy Cha S on Toth. » Charle 81 The Sen Viper. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 170 Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life, By Charles Morris, B2 Se a ea: or, The Captives o e Frontier. By E.S. Ellis, 2 y y wi o" Be Dente de he ose ica Chien ek: Lr Wheeler. | _ Bendle’s Pocket Isbrary lef eal by all Nevudealers 84 The Dumb Page. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. cents per copy, oF sent by mall on Fe I : ; Sa Jamey, pliners. By Edward s a ta BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, arkaway York, By Bracebridge Hemyng, ca N22 87 The Hussar Unptaine By Col. Prentiss Tngrabates sats 98 William Street New York
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, Frank Morton, the Boy He #. By Oll Coomes, The Yankee R By Edwin Emerson, Dick Dingle, y Ei 5. Ellis. Dandy Rock’s Se W. Browne. The Arab Detective. b) ard L. Wheeler. 6 Will Wildfire’s Pluck, By Charles Morris. 177 The Boy Commander. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. The Maniac er. By Burton Saxe: 179 Dainty La The Mystic Marksman, By J. E. Badger: 180 The Boy nter. Harbaugh. 181 The Scapegra on. By lorrin. 182 The Dark-Skinned Scout. By Lieut, Col, Hazeltine, 188 Jabez Dart, Detective. By Ot Coomes. ‘catherwelght, the Boy Spy. By Edward Willett, Bill, the Overland Prince. by Col. Prentiss Ingraham, y Lance and His Pard. Sy Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 187 The Trapped Tiger Ki By Charles Morris. 188 The Ventriloquist Detective. By Edward L, Wheeler. 189 Old Rocky’s Boys. By M m, S. Hall. 190 Sim Simpkins, Scout. By Bowen. 191 Dandy Rock’s Rival. By do Browne. 192 Hickory Harry. By Harry wee, 198 Detective Josh Grim. By Edward L. Wheeler. the Boy Miner. orf Trailer. By y Detective. By Cha d 197 Roy, the Young Cattle King. “By Col. Prentiss Ingraham 198 Ebony Dan’s Mask. By Frank Dumont, 199 Dictionary Nat, Detective. By T, C. Harbaugh. 200 The Twin Horsemen. By Capt. Frederick Whittake:. 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards, By Wm. R. Eyster. 202 Tom, the Texan Tiger, By Ol! Coomes. 208 Sam_ the Office Boy. By Charles Morris. 204 The Young Cowboy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 205 The Frontier Detective, By Edward L. Wheeler, 206 White Lightoing; or, The Boy Ally. By T. C. Harbangh, 207 Kentuck Talbot's Band. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 208 Trapper Tom’s Castle Mystery. By 01! Coomes, 209 The Messenger-Boy Detective. By Charles Morris. 210 The Hunchback of the Mines, By Joseph FE, Ba leer, Jr. 211 Little Giant and His Band. By Philip S. Warne. 212 The Jimtown Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 218 The Pirate’s Prize. By C. Dunning Clark. 214 Dandy Dave, of Shasta, By T. C. Harbaugh. 215 Daring Dan, the Ranger; or, The Denver Detective. By Oll ATOR. 216 The Cowboy Captain. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham 217 Bald Wead of the Rockies. By Maj. Sam, 8. Hall. 218 The Miner Sport, By Edward L. Wheeler, 219 Buck, the Detective, By Albert W. Aiken. 220 Orack-Shot Frank, By Charles Morris. 221 Merle the Middy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 222 Rosebud Ben's Boys. By Ol! Coomes. 28 Gold Conrad’s Watch-Dogs. by T. C. Harbaugh. 24 Friaky Fergus, the New York Boy. By G. L. Aiken. 225 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son, By Edward L. Wheeler. 226 Dakota Dick in Chicago. By Charles Morris. 22TZ Merle, the Boy Cruiser. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 228 The Preacher Detective. By Ol! Coomes. 229 Old Hickory’s Grit, By John J. Marshall. 280 Three Boy Sports. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 281 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 282 Merle Monte’s Treasure. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 288 Rocky Rover Kit. By Ensign C. D, Warren. 234 Baldy, the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F, C. Adama. 285 Jack Stump’s Cruise, By Roger Starbuck. 226 Sierra Sam’s Double, By Edward L. Wheoler. 287 Newsboy Ned Detective. By Charlies Morris. 288 Merle Monte’s Sea-Seraper,. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 289 Ben's Big Boom, by Capt. Mark Wilton. 240 Sharp Shoot Mike. By Ol! Coomes. 241 Sierra Sam’s Sentence. 242 The Denver Detective. be 251 The Deaf Detective. 252 Denver Doll’s Device. By Edward L. Wheeler, 253 The Boy Tenderfoot, By Capt. Mark Wilton, 254 Black Mills Ben. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson. 255 Jolly Jim, Detective. “By Charles Morris. 256 Merle Monte’s Last Cruise. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 257 The Boy Chief of Rocky Pass. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain, 258 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By O'l Coomes, 260 Skit, the Cabin Boy. By Edward Willett. 61 Blade, the Sport; or, The Giant of Clear Grit Camp, By T. . G Harbaugh, pan be ; des fk 262 Billy, the Boy Rover; or, Terror Tom of Texas. By Col. P. Ingraham. 268 Buster Bob's Buoys 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. Billy, the Baggage Boy; or, The Young Ratlroad De- tective. By Charles Morris. Guy’s Boy Chum; or, The Forest Waif’s Mask. By Capt. Comstock. Giant George’« Revenge; or, The Boys of “Slip Up Mine.” By Buckskin Sam, Dead-Shot Dandy; or, The Rio Grande Marauders. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. The Quartzyille Boss; or, Daring David Darke, By Edward Willett. Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss, By E, L. Wheeler. 271 Ebony Jim’s Terror; or, Ranger Rainbolt’s Rose, By Oll Coomes. QT Kit, the Girl Detective; or, Dandy Dash in California. By T. C. Harbaugh. 278 The Girl Riders or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise. By Jos. Ey Badger, Jr. 274 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Benito, the Boy Pard. By Col. P. Ingraham. 275 Fred, the Ocean Waif; or, Tho Old Sailor’s Protege. By Charles Morris. 276 Deadwood Dick Trapped; or, Roxey Ralph’s Ruse, By Edward L. Wheeler. 277 The Idiot Boy Avengers or, Captain Wild-Cat’s Game. By Albert W. Aiken. 278 Arizona Alf, the Miner; or, Little Snap Shot’s Luck, By T. C, Harbaugh. 279 Colorado Jack, the Tiger; or, The Ghost of the Trailer, By Frederick Dewey. 280 Dead Shot Dandy’s Last Deal; or, Keno Kit’s New Role. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 281 Ned, the Boy Pilot; or, The Pirate Lieutenant's Doom. By Jack Farragut. 282 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy’s Fortune, By Edward L. Wheeler. 288 Roving Sport Kits or, The Ghost of Chuckaluck Camp. By Edward Willett. 284 The Showman’s Best Card; or, The Mad Animal Tamer. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 285 Old Rocky’s Pard; or, Little Ben’s Chase. By Buckskin Sam. 286 Dick, the Dakota Sport, By Charles Morris. 28T 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. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard. 290 Rube, the Tenderfoot; or, The Boys of Torpedo Gulch, By Maj. E. L, St, Vrain. 291 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. BE. Badger, Jr. 298 Dwarf Jake, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Man-Hunt. By Ed. Willett. r 294 Dumb Dick’« Pards or, Eliza Jane, the Girl Miner. By Edward L. Wheeler. 295 White Wing, the Ferret Flyer; or, Old Dirk, the Oyster Pirate. By Charles Morris. Ready Sept. 4. 296 Govinda, the Tiger Tamer; or, The American Horseman ‘Abroad. ly Capt. F. Whittaker, Ready Sept. 11. 297 Arizona Giant George; or, The Boyees of Sardine-Box City. By Buckskin Sam, Ready Sept. 18. 298 Daisy Doll’s Dash; or, The Ten Colorado Pards, By T. C, Harbaugh. Keady Sept. 25. 299 Harry Brown, New, York Detective; or, Jack Slasher’s Young Pard. By Harry Enton. Ready Oct. 2. Beadle’s Pocket Library is for sale by all Newsdeniers, five cents per copy. or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,