Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 321) (1890 03 05)
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eeu March 5, 3800. a Year. No. 98 WinitAm St., New YorK. Five Cents, No 39] 82.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, Vol XXV ' is ’ ' . THE FRENCHMAN BOUND THE MAJOR TO HIS CHAIR, AFTER WHICH THE TWO RASCALS LEFT THE ROOM, L
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2 Billy, the Kid from Texas. Billy, the Kid from Texas’ SILVER-MASK’S CLEW. BY J. C. COWDRICK, AUTHOR OF “THE VAGABOND DETECTIVE,” ‘““ WRESTLING REX,” ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I. GOLDEN-EGG. GoLDEN-EGG wasa young and flourishing New Mexico mining-town, It was a town of perhaps four hundred domiciled inhabitants, besides an itinerary population of half as many more, and like other mushroom towns of the Far West, was built for the most part of canvas and rough boards, The history of Golden-Egg was this: Raymond Wilmont and his friend, Joe Gar- ret, while on a prospecting tour in Southern Arizona, were meeting with such poor success that after discussing their condition and de- bating all the different sides of the question from every point of view, pro and con, they re- solved to strike over into New Mexico and try their fortune there, So, after collecting the paraphernalia appertaining to their culling, and packing their mule, they struck over ac- cordingly, “Pil tell you what it is, pard,” said Joe, as they were at work one day, “if we don’t mighty soon come across the goose that lays the golden eggs, it’s my opinion that we'd bet- ter pull up stakes and strike a bee-line for homa, I’m a-gettin? mighty weary of bambvozling around in this God-forsaken land, I can tell you. A man can’t tell what minute a dig Injun will come along and gobble him up. ‘ Whoop-la! Much chief! Ba-a-h!’ and away goes his hair.” si Raymond laughed at his friend’s ludicrous ao ne of the scalping process, and re- plied: “Well, Joe, to tell the truth I am getting tired of it myself; but— Hallo! perhaps this may be our golden-egg goose coming up the canyon now,” And he pointed to a sorry- looking mdividual who was at that moment ap- proaching. ‘€Good-mornin’, gov’nors, good-mornin’!” the man exclaimed, when he came up. ‘‘ How d’ye do? My name is Wells—Christopher C, Wells. Kitty, fer short. I’m proud and happy to meet 4 ye. _ “Dye find th’ yaller—th’ genuine article? or is it a blind? See bere!” he exclaimed, as he produced several specimens of ore, ‘* how’s them? Ain’t them rich? Don’t th’ wery sight of ’em jest tickle yer opties? Ive found one of th’ biggest, sure-enough, bony-fide true fissures ve ever heard tell of! Wouldn’t ye like to inwest?” The ore was the richest the two young miners had ever seen, and of course they were anxious to invest in such a “find” at once, And as the stranger offered to guide them to the spot where | it could be found ia rich profusion, they de- serted their claim and started. After a two days’ tramp, they emerged one morning from a deep and narrow canyon into a charming little valley. When they had pro- ceeded about balf-way through tkis valley they crossed a creek that wound its way through it, and clambering up the side of the mountain they soon reached a plateau, where their guide halted. * Ye see, gov’nors,” he said, ‘*I was a-settin’ there on that bowlder one day, sort of ruminat- in’, as 1t were, upon the chronic adwersity of my fortune, an’ tryin’ to piteh bits of rock into th’ creek down there, when I happened to notice that they were full of gold. I begun to scout around fer an outcrop, an’ I found it before I’d gone a dozen yards. I chipped off a few Hig fer samples, pocketed ’em, an’ then it out fer Son Marcial to offer my find fer sale. But when I fell in with you, and you said you'd like to inwest, I thought I'd give ye th’ first chance, Now, there she be; an’as ye’ve seen the animile, what?s yer bid?” The young men wanted to buy, but all the wealth they could raise between them amounted to a little gold-dust, their mule, three Mexican dollars, and an old pistol. These, however, they offered for the claim. ; Naturally enough the discoverer hesitated for some time, but at last he said: “Well, pards, we'll call it a trade.” When the exchange had been made to the satisfaction of all parties concerned, Wells mounted the mule and took the back trail for San Marcial, while the young miners began at once to develop their treasure; and in a few duys they became fully convinced that the mine was of extraordinary wealth. ‘* Wells was the Gocse,” said Joe. “Yes,” answered Raymond, ‘‘and this is the Golden-Kgg.” It did not take long for the news of the dis- covery of such a mine to spread, as that sort of news will in the wild, bonanza lands; and within a few weeks the bills fairly swarmed with pros- pectors, who pitched their tents and camped in the little valley, and who, in the course of a month, had staked out hundreds of claims, In the mean time Raymond Wilmont had written to his uncle—Major Tom Wilmont, a_ retired wine merchant of considerable wealth— sending him specimens of the ore and asking him to come out and seee the mine. And Major Tom, having first had the specimens assayed, obeved the summons with alacrity. When he beheld the mine, he quietly in- formed Raymond and Joe that he would put u a mill, provided they would give him a half- interest in the property: and this offer, of course, had to be accepted. “That's th’ blessed advantage of havin’ ready money,” remarked Wells, who had re- turned to the scene of his first discovery and was again prospecting around the valley. ‘‘ It’s a shame to have to give half of th’ mine away just to get a start!” The two young men thought differently, how- ever, Indeed, they rather congratulated them- selves to think that the major had not demanded a two-thirds share,
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Billy, the Kid from Texas. Prospectors continued to pour into the little valley, rich placer mines were discovered in the neighborhood, and ten montks later a town had sprung up. While the Golden-Egg Mine, ope- rated with the very best of improved machinery, was yielding a treasure that amounted to thou- sands of dollars every week. So much for the town’s history, Only one street had Gelden-Egg, and that fol- lowed the winding course of the Little Colorado, as the miners bad named the creek that flowed through the valley, and principally upon the north side of the street were the buildings. On the opposite side of the-valley, upon the side of the mountain, could be seen the mine from which the town derived its name, Most of the buildings were low, shanty-like structures, the majority of which were whisky- shops; and while ull were gambling-dens, a few of the larger ones were fitted up for dance-houses as well, The only house that could boast of having more than a single story was the hotel, whose sign pro- claimed it to be the ‘‘ Palace Royal,” and that, taking into consideration the place and the sur- roundings, was a palaceindeed. It wasastrong, well-built bouse, three stories high, and Golden- Egg’s-center of attraction. In it were contained the post-office, the Ex- press-office, the coach-office, and, in short, the entire business of the town so far as related to communteanen and commerce with the outer world, Twice a week, Tuesday and Friday, the mail- coach arrived, and twice a week, on Wednesday end Saturday, departed; connecting with the line running between Las Vegas and Las Cruces. The days of arrival were always exciting ones in Golden-Egg, and long before the coach could reasonably be expected to arrive the miners would leave ¢!:eir work and come flocking into the town from all directions, each with an air as of having the greatest expectations. The mills appertaining to the mine had been built in the valley, for convenience and economy in the working of the ore, and it frequently hap- pened that passengers got out of the coach at the mine and descended by means of the rude dump- cars that were used to carry the ore, thus reach- ing the Palace Royal fully twenty minutes before the coach itself. Thus was Golden-Egg at the time of my story. Alas! fated city! It wasa Tuesday. The day was drawing to a close and the lamps in the different shops, sa- loons, and dance-houses were being lighted, but they were hardly needed yet, and consequently not very effective, for it was not quite dark. The town was filled with miners who had come in to'see the arrival of the coach, and the street was crowded. Men, and women too, stood in groups, wondering why the coach did not come, while rife were the speculations as to the proba- ble cause of the delay. In the public room of the Palace Royal was a group of men in earnest conversation, ~ “T can’t help it, Joe; I tell you 1 am feeling uneasy. If the girl was not with him it wouldn’t matter so much, but as it is—” and Raymond se mot ended the sentence with a shake of the ead, “Didn’t yousay there were two women?” ask- ed Joe Garret. “Yes; but the other one is quite able to take care of herself, and Major Tom, too, for that matter; but with the girl it is different. What in the name of common-sense he wanted to bring them out here for is more than I can understand, but Limagiue they had settled it in their minds to come, and with aunt Julia to back it up their plans have been carried forward. Be that as it may, however, the only thing I desire at present je to see them arrive safe and sound in this val- ey. % As for me,” put in the postmaster, who was one of the group, ‘‘ I believe this story about the road-agents is all bosh!” “Don’t be too sure about that,” responded Wells, who was standing near; ‘‘ mebby ’tis, an’ mebby ‘taint. My name is Christopher Columbus Wells, although they call me Kitty, for short, an’ I never seen a town of this size yet that didn’t have to pay toll; an’ I’ve seen quite a few in my time, too.” “Youre about right,” assented the Express- agent, who was anotl er of the group. ‘“ Show mea Wells-Fargo shingle, and V'll show you a trail where you'll find rcad-agents, The way they follow that sign around is a caution!” ** Well,” added Raymond, ‘* we can only bope for the best, but the coach is now three hours late, and that is something new for Double Jim- mie. He isa good driver, and nothing short of oe ea mishap would make him so late as this, : Further conversation was cut short by a great excitement in the street, and thinking the coach had at last arrived, thcse in the room rushed out. It was not the coach, however. ‘lhe moon had just risen above the bills aud was shedding its light down into the valley, and the cause of the excitement was seen coming down the street. It was only a man on horseback, but such an ex- traordiaary spectacle of the kind had never be- fore heen seen in Golden-Egg. The horse’s hoofs were flying wildly about as it dashed along at full speed, and it seemed to be at least twenty or twenty two hands high; while at every spring it made it app2ared to clear a dozen yards of ground. The rider was a little, weazen old fel- low, wearing a soldier’s blue overcoat, and bis position on the horse’s back was ludicrous in the extreme. He was sitting as far back as possible on its bind-quarters, holding fast to the crupper- strap with both hands, and at every leap the an- imal made he appeared to be in imminent danger of falling off. But he held on with great tena- city. and shouted at the top of his voice: * Up th’ road, down th’ road, Cooney, Cooney Clay! Up th’ road, an’ down th’ road, Cooney, Cooney Clay! Right about, Baroum!” and at his command, having about reached the end of the town, the horse turned and dashed up the street again to the terror and astonishment of the crowd, At last, after he bad taken three or four eae up and down the street, the little old man cried: *“Whoa, Barnum!” and after a flourish or two of the hoofs at that moment in the air, the giant ~-¥ '
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4 Billy, the_Kid from Texas. pesauped came to a stop before the Palace oyal. toed evenin’, boys! How d’ye flourish?” the rider said, his homely, wrinkled Jittle face fairly wreathed with smiles, as he let go his hold and slid to the ground, ‘I hope I fiad ye well, I do indeed. How d’ye do? how d’ye do?” and before they were hardly aware of it, he had shaken hands with almost every man within reach. “Say; stranger,” said Santa Fe Pete, the bully of the town, “how d’ye mount thet little pony?” “Show the boys how I mount ye, Barnum,” said the litcle old fellow, and instantly the horse gd as upon its knees, when he sprung upon its back with the agility of a monkey, “Mither av Mcses!" cried Pat McCarty, an honest young miner, ‘look at that. Did ye ever see such ab’aste? By the harp of Tara’s, I’m astonished entirely.” “Stranger,” demanded Kitty Wells, as he pressed forward to the front, ‘‘ what might your name be?” “ Great jumpin’ Jerusalem! after my bawlin’ my name fer th’ last ten minutes, a-purpose to interdoose myself, ye come an’ ax me what it are! My name’s Clay, gentlemen — Cooney Clay.” ‘Which way d’ye steer from?” persisted Kitty. “ Wal, pard, I hung up at Santa Fe, last; but to-day I’m fresh from Fort Stanton.” “Did you see anything of th’ Golden-Egg coach on th’ road?” “ Yes,” replied the little oll man. ‘‘I passed a ‘hearse’ some time this afternoon, an’ she wur jest a-bowlin’ right along, too! I spent three or four hours a few miles back here in the hills, though, a-poundin’ at some ’riferous rock, as the Ysayers calls it, an’ I expected she’d pass me, but her didn’t.” ‘Did you notice whother there were any ladies among the passengers, Mr, Clay?” asked Raymond Wilmont, > “Did 12—didn’t I? One o’ th’ purtiest little faces I ever sot optics onto war a-lookin’ out 0’ th’ winder as I kim by, an’ she said, ‘Ob, my, what a hoss!-—meanin’ Barnuin heur,” and he patted bis horse’s neck caressingly. “* Butcome, boys, what?ll ye take? Let old Cooney treat ye. Jest lead th’ way t? yer boss saloon, an’ we'll take a drop o’ th’ real reluvinatin’ jiquid—I mean th’ rejuvinatin’ liquid. DPlset’em up all Yround. Forward, Barnum!” and off ubey start- ed, heading straight for a saloon yclept Solid Comfort, ‘Another hour went by, and vet the coach did not arrive. Raymond Wiimont had engaged several men to accompany him down the trail to learn the cause of the delay, and they were all ‘armed and mounted ready to set out, The saloons, dance-houses and gambling-dens were in their glory; but we must leave the good old moon to keep watch and ward over the little valley, while we anticipate Raymond Wilmont and his band in ascertaining what had happened to detain the coach, CHAPTER. II. THE ROAD: AGENTS. Ir was early in the day, and the Tuesday eoach to Golden-Egg was en route. The passen- ! : 2 : gers were in the very best of spirits imaginable, y LEvIOR enjoyed a night of rest at the last sta- jon. There was Major Thomas Wilmont seated upon the box beside the driver, smoking his morning cigar, and evidently quite satisfied with bimself and the world in general. Inside the coach were his sister and daughter, and with them was a colored young girl, who acted in the capacity of waiting-maid to both. On the top of the stage, besides Major Wil- mont and the driver, the passengers were one Professor Buggs, two Chinamen, and several miner. Last of all, but not by any means the least, was the driver. His-name was James James, but to his friends and acquaintances he was bet- ter known as Double Jimmie, He had been a driver for Ben Holliday on the old Overland route, almost before a railroad to the Pacific had been thought of, and when roused from his meditations by a little black flask that was thrust under his nose by Major Wilmont, he be- came talkative, and made the journey quite pleasant by relating some of his adventures of the plains and the mountains. About noon the coach stopped ata relay sta- tion to change horses, and the passengers alighted to stretch their weary limbs, and to eat their lunches. But they were soon on their way again, looking forward with pleasant an- ticipations to their destination, “Then you ain’t troubled with road-agents on this route, eh?” said Cock Robin, supplementary to an adventure the driver had related just be- fore stopping at the station, “No, not as yet,” the driver answered, “‘ but there’s no tellin’ how soon we will be, I’ve been a-lookin’ for ’em ever since we commenced to carry th’ Wells-Fargo stuff.” ‘7 hope you will excuse my many questions, my good friend,” said Professor Buggs, “* but may I ask.another?” f as Certainly,” replied Double Jimmie, “ fire away!” Well, my good man, what do you do when you are attacked by those fellows of whom you speak ¢ “© What do I do?” Double Jimmie exclaimed ‘why, Ido just as they order, blamed lively! When they say ‘Stop!’ I stop; an’ when they says ‘ Hands up!’ up they goes, quicker’n greased lightnin’!” « Are they really such dangerous creatures?” “Be they? Don’t you ever trifle with ’em, that’s all!” After that the conversation lagged for some time, and the coach was rolling along at quite a lively speed, when suddenly the professor cried out: : ub: ““In the name of all that’s wonderful, what antediluvian monster is that coming behind us?” All eyes were at once turned in the direction in- dicated, “ Ave there any elephants in this country?” the professor asked. “T never heard tell of any,” answered Double Jimmie, “ but if that thing ain’t an elephant, or # rhinocerous, or somethin’ in that line, ’m a Greuser!” As the object of their wonder drew near, it =7 : . | od i a | | 3
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Billy, the Kid from Texas. & proved to be a horse with a man upon its back, | odds as this. No, 1 thank you; not any in mine! and they soon came up. *‘ How d’ye do, boys, how d’ye do?” cried the rider, ‘ Air this th’ Golden-Egg hearse?” “Yas,” replied Double Jimmie, “it air. But Tsay, uncle, where did ye get sich a hoss?” ** Raised him,” was the reply. “Onl what a horse!” exclaimed Stella Wil- mont, as she caught sight of the animal, ‘ Just look, auntie, did you ever see such a monster?” ‘* Well, so-long, boys!” said the rider, “ T'll tell th’ folks ye’re a-comin’. Gee-up, Barnum!” and away he went, leaviig the coach behind with ease, At the relay station Major Wilmont had taken a seat inside the coach, allowing Professor Buggs to occupy his place beside the driver; and after the advent of the little old man and his giant horse the professor did not allow the conversa- tion to flag for a moment. The coach was rolling peacefully along, the two Chinamen were fast asleep, the miners were enjoying a quiet game at cards, and the professor and the driver were entertaining each other when four masked men stepped suddenly into the road from behind some rocks and bushes, and leveling their rifles at the driver’s head, cried “Stand!” ‘““Whoat Hold up there, you leaders!” and the stage was stopped almost instantly, the driver letting the lines drop from his hands. *‘Hands up!” shouted the foremost of the masked men, and up they went, the professor’s the highest of all. ‘‘Wor Heaven’s sake, gentlemen,” he cried, “do point those deadly weapons another way!” “ Hold your jaw!” was the retort. “Th—th—they might go off!” the professor moaned, “They will go off if you don’t shut up,” warned the leader, and to the driver he added: ** Now then, you and your passengers tumble down and bundle out from there, and let us see what you've got!” This command was soon obeyed, and with Professor Buggs somewhat in the rear the pas- sengers stood forth confessed. ‘are you Major Tom Wilmont?” the leader demanded, addressing that gentleman. : “That is my name, sir,” replied the major, promptly * And is this young lady your daughter?” “ She is,” “Then you're just the party we want. Num- ber One, do your duty!” One of the men stepped forward, unhitched the traces, took the horses from the coach, and after stripping them of their harness, except the bridles, led them off up the road. “ Well!” cried Double Jimmie, ‘if this don’t just beat all I ever did see! I’ve had my hearse stripped purty clean afore now, but durn my cats if I ever had my hosses took, too!” “Driver,” said Professor Buggs, in a loud whisper, ‘‘ why don’t you fight them?’ And those who looked around saw that learned man under the stage, tr ing to open his umbrella and conceal himself behind it. “*T ain’t a born fool, pard,” Double Jimmie. answered. ‘‘I’d fight ’em if I had a ghost of a chance for my ‘ white alley,’ but not ag’in’ sich Why don’t you step to th’ front and do it?” When the man who had taken the horses stopped, after walking about two hundred yards up the road, he was joined by another, who was leading the robbers’ horses, and leay- ing all the animals in his care, the first man re- turned tothe coach, “Now, major, you and your daughter follow this gentleman,” said the leader, ‘‘ and as soon ae you are mounted we will join you and be oi : “What the deuce do you mean?” cried the major, indignantly. “Just what I say. Don’t I speak plainly enough? Come, now, we’ve got the drop on you, and if you don’t follow of your own will we'll use force.” The major saw it was useless to resist, so he and Stella preceded their captor, whose rifle covered the majcr’s heart. When they came to the place where the horses were standing they were assisted to mount, and in a few minutes were securely bound to the horses’ backs. Then the other ‘‘agents,” with their rifles still at their shoulders and facing the passengers, started up the road, walking backward, and when they reached their horses they sprung in- tothe saddles and galloped away, leading the two unburdened animals after them, and leay- ing the coach in a helpless condition. “Willains!” cried Professor Buggs, coming suddenly to the front and flourishing his um- brella, ‘You rascally scoundrels! come back till I chastise you as you deserve. Come back, yon arrant knaves, till I annihilate you. You bloodthirsty demons—you predacious rogues, come back!” E , “ Well, boys,” remarked Double Jimmie, ““heur we be. I s’pose somebody has got to hoof it to Golden-Egg for hosses, an’ I s’pose Pm elected to do it; so V'll be off atonee. I'd ask some of ye to go along, but of course ye wouldn’t think of leavin’ these women here alone, so jest keep up your spirits till I return,” and off he started at a good round pace. ‘Oh, you cowards!” cried Miss Julia, as she glanced around upon her fellow-passengers, “Ts this a specimen of the kind of gallantry and protection we are to expect in this strange land? For sbame!” and she clambered back into the coach, followed by the weeping Dinah, ‘ Fear not, dear ladies—I mean fair maidens,” said the valiant Professor Buggs, ‘‘fear not, I am here!” CHAPTER III. SILVER-MASK, “ Wuen Raymond Wilmont and his little band of eight or ten picked men started from Golden- Egg, they proceeded at a rapid pace up the nar- row canyon, and in a short time were seen again as they passed along the face of the mountain above the town, galloping away to the east. They were well armed, some with rifles, and all with the ever-indispensable revolver, and ready for almost any emergency. In a short time they met a man who was cracking a whip, and whistling merrily as he walked along at an easy! swinging gait, seem-~ ingly as happy as a king,
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“ Bless my soul, if it isn’t the driver himself,” cried Pat McCarty. ‘ Phat d’ye m’ane by com- ing along in this style? Where’s yer caboose?” “ What bas happened, Double Jimmie?” asked Raymond Wilmont, eagerly. ) “Everything’s happened,” the driver replied. “A band of road-agents ordered my hands up but instead of goin’ fer th’ coach in th’ usual way, they took two of my passengers an’ all th’ hosses.” ‘ Who were the passengers?” cried Raymond. * “Major Wilmont an’ bis darter,” was the reply. a icgasl, men, forward! Double Jimmie, you mount behind Bill Dayis, and I'll leave you } a couple of horses to gét your coach in witb. There, that’s it; now, men, forward!” and away they dashed at full speed. In due time they reached the place where the robbers had done their work, and were ap- proaching the couch when a man stepped forth from the shadow into the moonlight, with a revolver in his hand, and commanded them to halt. *‘ Who are you?” he demanded. *‘ We're friends, pard,” Double Jimmie an- swered, as he dismounted. The passengers had made a fire and gone into camp, and after making the two women as com- fortable as possible in the coach, the men had posted a guard and seated themselves around the fire, determined to make the best of a bad situa- tion until the driver’s return. Raymond Wilmont rode up to the door of the coach and greeted his aunt. “Dear Raymond,” said she, when he bad “made himself known, “‘ where have they taken my darling Stella?” *©T will soon know,” he answered, ‘and we - -will bring the villains to account for the out- rage.” “These miserable cowards!” she cried, mean- ing her fellow-passengers, ‘‘I wish J were a man! J’d have shown them! The idea! holdin up their hands like so many helpless idiots! suppose if those scoundrels had taken it into their heads to cut our throats, these cowards would have submitted, meek as lambs, Bah the ninnies! ‘The only one of them all that t heard say a single word about fighting was Professor Buggs. If he had only been armed I am sure the robbers would have been driven off, Ob, my poor, poor Stella!” “Be of good cheer, Aunt Julia,” encouraged Raymond, ‘for as soon as I can get the coach started I will go to the rescue, When you reach Golden-Egg, go to the Palace Royal and oceupy the rooms I have engaged there. Good- night!” and he turned to the men who were harnessing two of the horses and hitching them to the coach, “Come, boys, be lively, we’ve got work to do,” and then to one of the oes he added: “Can you tell us in which direction those road-agents went?” “Dye see that bill off thar?” “ e 7 _ “Wal, th’ last I see’d of ’em they wur a leetle to th’ right o’ thet bill, a-bearin’ off to the north- s' ‘What do you think about it, Uncle Sid?” Billy, the Kid from Texas, . Raymond. asked, turning to an oldman of his own party. ‘Is there any hope?” “ Wal, cap’n, all I kin say are this: ef I can’t trail nine hosses by this heur moonlight my name ain’t Sidney Summers, which it are.” The coach was now ready, and started off, with Professor Buggs inside by the kind per- mission of Miss Julia. “Pm sorry, boys,” said Raymond to the two men whose horses he had put to the coach, ‘ but you see it couldn’t be helped,” “Phat’s all right, cap n,’ they answered, as the coach rolled awaty, ‘* we'll help do the hang- in’ when ye bring ’em in,” Raymond then directed the old scout to take up the trail, For an hour or more they rode along in silence, until at last the old guide stopped and remarked: “ Boys, this are awful tiresome work, an’ I’ve ot an idea in my noodle that'll beat it all holler, wse cusses has made straight fer Apache Pass. What follers? Why, we'd jest better drop th’ trail right heur an’ scoot fer Apache Pass, too, What d’ye say?” To as you think best,” Raymond assented, ‘Wal, then, boys, forward!” and away they went, heading straight toward a range of hills, several miles ahead, which could be seen in the moonlight. When they arrived at Apache Pass Uncle Sid dismounted, and after carefully scrutinizing the ground for a moment he exclaimed: “T wur right, pards; they’s been heur! Now we'll trot right through ther ‘Pass,’ an’ see what course they’ve took on t’other side.” When he again dismounted, however, he groaned in spirit and likewise in the flesh, ** Boys,” he said, ‘‘ they’s parted. Some’s gone one way and some’s gone t’other, Ef it wur only daylight now, I'd read this heur thing like a book; but as it are, I’m a little bit to sea. Howsumdever, Pll do what I kin,” and be drop- ped upon his hands and knees, and commenced to craw] around on ‘all-fours.” ‘Three hosses hev gone this way, that’s sure; but durn me if I ain’t discomfoodled. Ef it’s done fer a blind, then th’ pris’ners is with th’ small party; but if it’s done fer anything else they’re more’n likely with th’— Hooroar! boys, hooroar!” he suddenly shouted, ‘‘ Th’ gal are no fool, by jingo!” The men crowded around him, and he held up to their wondering gaze a little glove. “She hev dropped it a-purpose to show us Mes heed they’ve been took, bless her little ea Raymond Wilmont took the glove, and after- i when unobserved, pressed it fondly to his ips. - : : ‘“*T see it all now, boys.” said Uncle Sid, ‘an’ we'll jest forge ahead. This henr trail leads to th’ home base, an’I surmise thet I can guess urty close to whar they’re a-headin’ fer ag’in, ’m afraid they’s got home by this time though, an’ th’ chances is they’!l be too many fer us; but we'll push on an’ do all we kin, anyhow.” An hour or so later a single horseman ap- peared suddenly before them, an] ordered them to stop. The moonlight fell full upon him, and revealed beneath his broad-brimmed hat a shin- —
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Billy, the Kid from Texas. ; Lf ing mask, apparently made of silver. He was mounted upon a black horse, and in either hand he held a revolver. “Who are you?” he asked. “We're a poe out after a band of road- agents that robbed th’ stage this afternoon,” re- sponded Uncle Sid. And ho added: “* Who th’ tarnation be you?” The stranger instantly lowered his revolvers, and thrust them into his belt, saying: ** You are after two of your friends who were taken prisoners, are you not?” “Yes, sir,” said Raymond Wilmont; ‘‘ have you seen them?” **-Yos,” was the reply, ‘I have.” And turn- ing half-around in his saddle, he shouted: ‘Friends, major; come forward,” and from behind a clump of stunted cedars a short dis- tance away rode forth Major Wilmont and Stella, When the astonishment and excitement had somewhat subsided, the masked stranger said: * Well, Major Wilmont, now that you are with your friends, I will bid you adieu. And you, fair lady, I trust will reach your destina- tion without further mishap,” and raising bis hat politely to Stella, he was about to depart, when Raymond requested his name. . ‘Men call me Silver-Mask,” was tlie reply, and, as though anxious to escape the Reet which beth the major and Stella were shower- ing upon him, he rode rapidly away. ‘The most remarkable man I ever met,” ex- claimed the major. ‘‘ He found usin our trou- ble this evening, and before we could guess w hat his intentions were, he was popping away right and left with his revolvers. Both of our cap- tors were killed outright. One of them was mounted bebind my daughter, and when he fell from the horse she fell, too; but I guess she was not hurt. We had quite a repast with our mys- terious friend, and were just on our way to Golden-Ege.” ‘Wal, boys,” demanded Uncle Sid, “‘are it camp here, or move fer home?” The men were unanimously in favor of return- ing at once, and so they started for Golden-Egg. * No,” answered Stella. to Raymond, as they rode along, ‘the fall did not burt me at all. But did any of you find my glove?” ‘ Yes,” Raymond answered, ‘' Uncle Sid found it, and with your permission, I will keep it, ‘You ses a horse has stepped on it, and you can never wear it again.” “Certainly, you may retain it if you wish, but J] cannot imagine what you will do with the worthless thing.” “*T will keep if as a remembrance of your ad- venture,” responded Raymond, ‘‘ and to remind me of its fair owner.” ey “Do not be uneasy about that, cousin mine,” Stella retorted, with a laugh. ‘‘ You shall be reminded of me often enough while I am out here, [ can assure you, First und foremost, let me tell you that you must shave off that beard. I am not sure whether you are yourself or not. Only six years ago you left home with a sickly little mustache, and now I find you bearded like alion. Off it must come, or you are banished from my society.” And chatting thus as they rode along, the time passed rapidly away. me CHAPTER IV. THE PRINCE OF MARKSMEN, THe hour of midnight was at hand, and Golden-Egg was in a state of feverish excite- ment. The gambling-dens and dance-houses were in full blast. In due time the coach drew up and stopped before the hotel, and Professor Buggs, with his umbrella under his arm, followed by Miss Julia, and Dinab, got out and entered the house, The driver threw the mail-bag to the postmaster, and handed the Express-box to the agent, and the two Chinamen were just clambering down when Santa Fe Pete rushed forward, exclaim- ing: BLook ’e heur, boys; d’ye see these yaller varmints? Ain’t it bad enough that we've got Injun, Irish, Dutch, an’ nigger, without havin’ Chinee, too? Let’s string ’°em up, pards, we don’t want no pig-tails in this heur town!” A rush was instantly made upon the un- fortunate Chinamen by several of Santa Fe Pete's followers, and they were roughly handled. “No hurtee Chinaman! No hurtee China- man!” they yelled, ‘Chinaman klum washee- washee. No klum dig, klum washee, No killee me! *“*Oh-ho! ye kem t? washee-washee, did ye?” shouted the bully.‘ Wal, we'll wash ye clean out, right now! Ye wouldn't dig, would ye? Couldn’t hire ye to, I don’t s’pose. Bi'ast ye, ef we was t? let’¥e stay there’d be fifty more of ye bere ’n less ’n_a week! Bring ’em along, boys, we'll fix th’ p’izen cusses.” **Hol on, Pete,” exclaimed a voice in the erowd; “*weneed a Jaundry bere, durn’d bad! Why don’t ye encourage business? If th’ yaller- skins is a-goin’ to stick to their legitimate callin’, leave ’em alone!” ‘* Who said that?” the bully shouted. ‘*‘ Who chipped in then?’ drawing a revolver and springing upon the step of the coach to get a full view around. “Just show me th’ galoot thet stuck his finger into this pie, an’ see me plug him!” But the crowd was silent. Indeed, the power of the bully was so well known that not a man was willing to interfere to save the China- men’s lives, “Bring a rope, somebody,” he howled, and dragging the Chinamen after them he and his followers started up the street, followed by the crowd, On the bank of the creek near the head of the little valley was a big cottunwood tree, and to this the two Chinamen were hurried, Ropes were quickly placed around theit necks and the ends thrown over a convenient limb, “Now, then, boys,” shouted Santa Fe Pete, “Jet em dangle!” “ Hold!” It was a commanding voice that spoke. - The men at the ropes staid their work, and all looked quickly around, A man was seen pushing his way to the front, He was a tall, splendid specimen of physical manhood, broad-shouldered and handsome, ‘*What have these Chinamen done to deserve this?” he asked, as he stepped forth under the tree,
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Billy, the Kid from Texas. “What’n thunder’s that your business?’ wled the bully of the town. **Oh, it’s no business of mine in particular! I just felt curious to know, that’s all!” ** Wal, then, jest wait a minute till th’ circus are over, an’ I'll tell ye th’ whole story, Pull away, boys; let ’em swing!” ‘Hold! The first man who pulls a pound on those ropes will get hurt!” Santa Fe Pete’ turned and drew a revolver, but before he could use it there camea flash and a report, and the weapon was sent flying out of his hand, hit by a bullet, Several of the bully’s friends drew their revol- vers, but they were no sooner out than there came another flash and a report, and one of the men came to grief with a bullet in his shoulder; and before the others had time to recover from their surprise and bring their weapons to bear upon him, the stranger had them ‘ covered” with two heavy Smith & Wessons. “ Hold steady, boys!” he warned; ‘‘it’s no use. Tve got the drop on you.” ‘‘ Who fired them shots?” demanded Pete, who was again to the front. “Tt was I,” declared the bold stranger. ‘TI carry a couple of toys in my pockets, niy friend, and they go off once in a while of their own ac- cord, ‘* Mighty tail shootin’,” observed Kitty Wells, who stood near. “My friend,” said the stranger, addressing Kitty, without for a single moment removing bis eyes from the men he held at bay, ‘ will you please to step forward and release those China- men?” ‘Really, pard,” and Kitty hesitated, ‘‘ I'd like to oblige ye, I would, indeed; but it don’t look exactly healthy in that wicinity.” *€ Don’t feel uneasy, my friend, for if one of these men moves an inch he’ll be a corpse before he can wink. I mean business, every time!” Thus,protected, Kitty released the prisoners, who departed for a more wholesome guarter as fast as their legs could carry them, : “Now, gentlemen,” spoke up the stranger, **the question that most naturally bobs to the surface is; What are you going to do about ** Wal, boss,” returned Santa He Pete, ‘‘ you has got th’ drop on us, fer sart?in; an’ we calls fer quarter, I’ve hearn tell 0’ jest sich fellers as you be, though, an’ if there’s any sand in ye ye'll fight this heur thing out with me on a fair an’ square footin’,” “ Allright, my tulip; put away your pop-gun, and I will do the same, and then we'll arrange the matter in a moment. There—that’s. it. Now, how do you want to fight?” “Wal, s’pose we try it fists first, an’ if that don’t do, we'll wind up with weepins.” ** Just suits me to a T!” assured the stranger, smiling. ; The preliminaries were soon arranged, and after /aying aside. their weapons, the men faced each other, f Santa Fe Pete had a trick of springing upon his man the instant the word was given, and merally catching him unawares, would bear im to the ground, and beat him most unmerci- r This trick he tried upon the stranger; but never wasa man more thoroughly astonished, The stranger caught him on the fly, as it were, and raising him in his arms, threw him back- ward over his head, landing him ten or a dozen feet away! ? The bully jumped up with a how! and aroar and rushed forward again, swinging his long arms wildly about and making desperate passes at tha stranger, who parried every blow with an ease and a grace that proved him to be an adept in the science of boxing. Presently, however, he-— the stranger—changed his tactics from defensive to offensive, and struck the bully a blow that made bim turn a complete somerset, landing him onee more upon the ground, He jumped to his feet again almost instantly, but this time he did not rush forward to the at- tack, as before. He kept at a safe distance, and shouted: ‘* Hol’ on, stranger—hol’ on! Ihas got enough T has, an’ I don’t want no more! I’m no durne hog, I ain’t, that don’t know when he’s satisfied, But jest let me get a hold of my old weepins, an’ see how soon I'll make ye take water!” The majority of the crowd, when they saw that the bully had found his master, transferred their allegiance from him to the stranger; and although the latter declared he did not wish to earry the warfare any further, his friends insist- ed, and the two men were sooa facing each other with their revolvers in hand. “Now, gentlemen,” ordered Kitty Wells, ‘let each man face hisadversary, an’ I'll count three; an’ th’ minit I say ‘three,’ you are at liberty to unlimber your guns an’ go in, Now, then, here goes! One—two—” “Bang!” went the bully’s revolver, but wide of the mark, “Three!” cried Kitty. ° _ The stranger fired two shots in quick succes- sion, “Whoop!” yelled the big rough, dropping his revolvers and clapping his hands to his head— ‘“whoop! yow, yow! who-o-op!” and Santa Fe Pete hopped, skipped and jumped around like a fakir dancing on hot stones, ; Several of his followers burried forward to his assistance, while the crowd surged around to as- certain the extent of his injuries, What was their astonishment when they found that a hole had been made through each of his ears by the stranger’s two shots! “Great Jerusalem an’ th’ bugle o’ Jerrekow did ye ever see sich shootin’?’ cried Cooney Clay, enthusiastically. ‘‘ Stranger, you beat th’ Dutch!” ‘“ Well, my friend, are you satisfied?’ the stranger demanded. ‘For if you are not, we'd better finish the business right here,” “Vos,” admitted, Santa He Pete, “I has got enough. But let me warn ye that I’m a-goin’ to put cold lead into yousome time when ye least expect it!” ‘“‘{ shall always be prepared for you,” the un- known answered, little thinking under what cir- Po oh a the bully’s threat would be carried out. The crowd followed him to the Palace Royal, where he registered himself “Jarvis Black,”
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* and although # , Billy, the Kid from Texas. So ~_ To which some one surreptitiously added ‘‘ the Prince of Marksmen.” CHAPTER V. WANTED, A SUPERINTENDENT, THE morning sun rose clear and bright, and Golden-Egg appeared as peaceful and quiet as though the wild scenes of the night had been but a dream, In the Palace Royai were- Raymond Wilmont and Major Tom, talking over the business of the mine. ‘Where is Garret?” the major presently asked, ; ‘He has gone up to look after the men a lit- tle,” replied Raymond,.‘‘ but he will be here soon.” A moment later Joe Garret entered the room, oe after shaking hands with the major, he said: “Pm mighty glad tosee you here safe and sound, major. Quite an adventure, that.” “Yes, rather so,” replied the major; “ but thanks to Raymond and Mr, Summers, or more directly, I suppose, to that mysterious Silver- Mask, we came out all right.” “How is your daughter?” “She was quite fatigued when we reached here, and I have not seen her yet this morning, but I guess I may seis! sav she is quite well.” “Uncle Tom,” said Raymond, presently, *‘ Joo and I have come to the conclusion that we are about able to give up work and employ a superintendent to manage the mine, hat do you think about it?” “T am perfectly willing,” was the reply ‘provided we can find a man competent to fill the bill; but Iam afraid that will be a hard thing to do in this place,” ‘s We can try, at least,” said Raymond, “ and if he is not tobe found here we can try else- where.” “Certainly; it willdo no harm to advertise ‘and see what will come of it.” : An hour or so later posters were to be seen in several conspicuous places about the town, hay were not remarkable for their artistic beauty, having been executed with a rude brush and common paint, yet they served their purpose, They read as follows: “A MAN WANTED ro SUPERINTEND THE GOLDEN-EGG MINE, APPLY AT THE OFFICE.” Raymond, Joe, Major Tom and the ladies, were all seated in the office of the mine, when there came an applicant for the position, and as he entered the room, bat in hand, he was re- cognized by the major and the Jadies as one of el fellow-passengers of the day before—Cock obin, “ Good-mornin’,” he said, with a peculiar nasal twang and quaver, and in a key about an oc- tave higher than the usual tone of the human voice, ‘how d’ye do? I thought I’d drop in an’ see if I could get a,job, Isee you want a super- intendent.” c ‘“What experience have you had?’ he was asked, “Well,” he answered, ‘‘fur as minia’ goes I ain’t had much, but I used_ to be boss of a gang of trackmen on the U. P. Railroad, *T hardly think you'll do,” said Raymond. **Nos I didn’t s'pose 1 would, myself;-but then ‘there’s nothin? in the world like tryin’, ye know.” And making a bow, he put bis hat on, curled his goatee around his finger, and saun- tered out. *T guess we will have to go beyond this val- ley to find our man,” said Raymond. “It certainly looks that way,” said Major . Tom, while Joe, who was near the door, re- marked: : “Here comes Kitty Wells. I wonder if he wants the job, too.” “How d’ye do?” said Wells, as he came in. “YT see by your advertisement ye want a boss here. D’ye mean it?” “Yes,” was the answer, ‘f we want a superin- tendent.” “Well, if you want a big, A number 1, gilt- edge, double-j'inted quartz-crusher, take me!” ‘Are you in need of employment?” they asked. “Be I he cried, ‘‘I ain’thad a good square feed fer more’n a week!” The three owners spoke together in low tones for a moment, and shen Raymond said: “We eae! think you could take full charge of the mine, Kitty, but we will give you a place as handy man in general, if you will have it, at fifty dollars a month. You found the mine, and it is no more than right for us to help you along by giving you a good job.” ‘A regular sinecure, in fact,” said Joe. **Gov’nors,” said Kitty, ‘I?m likeacork. I won’t stay under water unless I’m held there, Therefore, when cruel fortune takes me ey the scalp-lock and plunges my head beneath th’ waves an’ the tlood-tides of adversity, she’s got to hold fast to keep me there, 1 did think Td gone under for th’ last time, though, but, bless ye, bere I am ag’in, a-bobbin’ around on th’ sur- face as cheerful as a big blue-bottle in th’ dog- days. Excuse my language, ladies, that’s my way. Guv’nors, I accept your proposition without further debate.” And thus was the discoverer of one of the richest gold-mines in the world—a mine that was ‘‘ panning out” colossal fortunes for its owners—given a place upon the eg soe that had onco been all his own, wherein he might earn his daily bread. Such, however, is life. Late in the afternoon there came a personage of a different sort to the office of the mine. “Gentlemen,” he said, removing his hat and acknowleging by a slight bow the presence of the ladies (the Misses Wilmont, who had come in a few minutes previous). “f am here in answer to your advertisement for a superin- tendent, to apply for the position, ean you have not already found a man to fill the place.” “The place is still vacant, sir,” said the
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10. _ Billy, the Kid from Texas. r —- major. ‘‘Pleaso be seated, I suppose you have had experience in this line of business, Mr.—” “My name is Black, sir. Jarvis Black. Yes, T have managed mines in California, and I un- derstand the business thoroughly. I can refer you to Simmons & Sharp, of the Shasta Mine; to Davids & Jackson, of the Little Pearl Mine, and to several others. Here are the letters from those I have mentioned.” “T guess you are just the man we want, ‘Whatsalary do youdemand?” “ Five hundred dollars a month.” “And when can you take hold?” asked Ray- mond, ‘* [mmediately.” “ Are you satisfied, Uncle Ton?” “ Yes.” ** Same here,” said Joe Garret. _ Then I guess pha may consider yourself superinteudent of Golden-Egg Mine,” said Ray- mond, Tne business was soon settled in proper form, “Mr, Black,” said the major, ‘allow me to introduce the ladies, This is my sister, sir, Miss Wilmont, and this is my daughter.” After a few commonplace remarks such as usually follow an introduction, the new superin- tendent wasshown through the mine, and prop- erly installed, with Kitty Wells as his right- hand man. “What a noble-looking mau!” said Stella, when the gentlemen had left the room, ‘Such eyes and teeth! But see! there is papa calling us! He is going tothe hotel, Come, aunty, and captivate Mr. Black.” ‘Captivate, indeed! If I am any judge, I think he has captivated you!” “What nonsense!” cried Stella. But the warm blood mounted to ber face and suffused her cheeks with blushes. - They joined the major and started to the hotel, but they had not gone far when they met Professor Buggs, who raised his hat and said: “ Major, and ladies fair, ?m glad to see you well. Miss Wilmont, I am on my way to the foot of the valley to behold the wonderful little waterfall, May I ask the honor of your com- ag ih ‘Yes, pecennrs Miss Julia replied, ‘‘ you may, and I shall be pleased to go. love to see the beautiful in Nature,” “This honor is more than I dared to hope for,” said the professor, and once more lifting his hat he and Miss Julia started off. ‘+ A well-matche | couole, by great!” exclaimed the major, in bis bluff way. Whon the professor and his companion reached their destination he found a ¢omfortable seat for the young lady, and then flung himself upon the ground at her feet. They were all alone, «The little creek bubbled at their feet as, reflecting the tinted clouds and the grand old mountains, it rushed along and dashed itself over the precipice into the canyon below with a solemn, monotonous roar. “How beautiful!” cried the virgin, clasping her hands in affected juvenile delight. “Tt is indeed,” said the professor, ‘The magnificence of the rutilant water, as it dashes down into this tenebrious gorge, cannot be sur- “How beautiful the sky, too, up there be- tween the mountains!” ** Sublime!” said the professor, And thus they talked until the sun began to sink behind the western hills. And when at last Miss Julia requested to be taken back to the hote! the professor rose suddenly to one knee, and placing his hands upon his breast over the heart, he exclaimed: ‘*Oh, liliaceous maiden! No longer can I for- bear. Brighter far than sky or sunshine are your eyes to me, No, do not rise! Hear me! I love you. Since first I saw you in the coach I have been your slave, I—” “ B g! “ Whoop!” yelled the professor, springing upon a rock and pulling Miss Julia up after him, and she, after a quick glance around as though to calculate on the propriety of the act, fainted in his arms. ** Oh, dear, ob, dear, who is shot?” the profes- sor moaned, ‘‘T hated t? interrupt ye, pard,” said a little old man—none other than Cooney Clay—stepping forward with a smoking revolver in his hard, “ but this heur tarnation rattler wur a gettin’ a lettle too nigh to ye fer comfort, so I bad ter shoot,” And be picked up the headless body of « large rattlesnake, “Oh, Lord!” the professor groaned, pressin the fair Miss Julia to bis manly breast, “* Than Heaven, this lady is safe!” ; “Heur, pard,” said Cooney, as he produced a dirty-looking flask from some mysterious part of his raiment, ‘ jest let a leetle o’ this brandy trickle down her throat, an’ she'll soon come round,” But at that moment the lady came to her senses, and begged piteously to be taken to the Palace Royal at once. As they walked up the street she leaning heavily upon the professor’s arm, he whispered: “May I hope? Just give me one word: dear lady, and I am your slave forever.” "Oh, Rigg ont I—don’t know, I—I—am so nervous, I— Ask my brother. No, don’t! I— Oh, dear, oh, dear, what am I to say?” “Speak, dear lady, just one little word. May I hope?” “Ye—yes,— I—I mean—” “Thanks, deat lady, sweet angel, thanks!” They soon reached the hotel, and seeing the lady safe with her relatives, the enamored pro- fessor sov¢l-t his room. CHAPTER VI. ‘ A LIVELY SCENE, THE leading saloon in Golden-Egg was the Solid Comfort. It was located near the Palace Royal, and was a large, one story structure, built of rough clap-boards, But, rough and un- painted as was the outside, the inside was paper- ed and gilded, and shone resplendent with mir- rors, It wasa bar-room, dance-house, gambling- saloon and eating-house, all in one, When their labor of the day was over many of the miners sought the .Solid Comfort, and there proceeded to enjoy themselves in various popular ways; the other saloons receiving a fair amount of patronage too, and on the night following in order the events of the last chapter the place was crowded, 4
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> __ Billy, the Kid from Texas. __ 3 ; , The news of the fight between Jarvis Black and Santa Fe Pete had spread like wild-fire, and the miners had flocked to town to behold this mighty stranger, who had, upon his advent into Golden-Egg, so severely punished the bully of the town, There was ‘ blood on the moon,” as they expressed it, and they meant to see the difficulty to the end, It was early in the evening when Jarvis Black, Major Tom, Raymond Wilmont and Joe Garret entered the saloon to while away an hour or two, and at their entrance aloud murmur - ran round the room. Men were seen to nudge one another and point to the conquering hero, and when the party had seated themselves at a table at the furthest end of the room, some of the more curious ones stood up to geta better view of the zreat chief, the Prince of Marks- men, Major Tom ordered wine and cigars, and when they were brought he poured out a glass of the first mentioned and offered it to the superintend- ent, “Thanks, major,” said Black, “but I never drink, ‘I will take a cigar, however, and smoke with you.” The major did not try to press the wine upon him, but passed the cigars around, and inashort time they were all comfortably settled and doing credit to tho name of the saloon, Presently, in a low voice, holding his cigar up and turning it round and round between his fin- ers as though his remarks were concerning it, lack said: ‘*Gentlemen, I expect there will be trouble here to-night. As we were coming in, I noticed Santa Fe Pete in close conversation with a man known in this part of the country as Billy, the Kid from ’Frisco, and it strikes me that Pete is one of his band. Like the Irishman’s dog, step on his tail and he’ll bite; and taking Billy the Kid as the dog, and Pete as the tail, he has been hag: on pretty badly. Are you all armed?” es, ‘* Not that I expect you to help.me fight my battles, but if there should be any trouble, you might find use for your weapons in self-defense, We are in a good part of the room for a fight, but a poor one escape from; 80, if,you see there is going to bea ‘breeze’ kicked Wp, pe. haps you had better be nearer the door when the ‘squall’ strikes.” “My dear fellow, you do me wrong!” ex- claimed the moa lor, speaking low. ‘‘I have been in harder battles than can be created in this lace, and if I ever desert a friend in trouble, 1 feos to be hung!” : “T beg your pardon, major,” said Black, “‘ but I felt it my duty to explain this thing, and not lead you blindfolded into any trouble.” “That's all right, sir,” the major answered; ‘say no more about it.” = ey stand by you,” said Raymond, and Joe added: “Dve heard a great deal about this Billy the Kid, what a mighty chief he is, and so forth; but it’s my opinion that he is only a common cut-throat,” “ That he is, most certainly; but he is a man cigar between his teeth, he added: ‘ Well, it smokes freely, Havana or not!” A little later on a number of women entered the saloon, followed by a man with a fiddle, and in a moment all was confusion. Tables were piled up against the wall and chairs stowed away under them to clear a space in the middle of the floor, and several miners having taken the “ladies” for partners (for which they had to pay,) and several miners baying taken other miners for partners, they were soon dancing. When the order to clear the floor had been given, Kitty Wells, Uncle Sidney Summers, Pat McCarty, and several others moved oyer to the corner wherc Major Wilmont and his party were seated. The major ordered more wine and Siar and for an hour or so they all sat and talked and watching the dancers, Presently the music stopped and the dancers flocked to the bar, and then it was thata man - sprung upon one end of the bar and shouted: ‘*] want every man jack in this room to come up to this shelf and takeadrink. I’m a young man from Frisco, I am, and I want to make friends all around, Come up, now, one and all, and the gals, too.” He was a young man with a beardless face, and was dressed in a rich Mexican suit, that was ornamented with gold lace and bright but- tons, On his head he wore a sombrero, around which was a gold cord with two heavy tassels that dropped over the brim at the left side. In his belt he carried a small arsenal of weapons, and on the heels of his high cavalry boots he wore a pair of cruel-looking silver spurs, At bis cdll almost every man and woman in the room crowded round the bar, The stranger threw a small, well-filled canvas bag to the bar- keeper to pay for the treat, and after testing its weight upon a pair of scales, the barkeeper tossed it aside and began to pass out his wares to the thirsty multitude. “Think there’s enough to pay the bill?” the stranger asked, ‘I’ve got plenty more if you don’t. ‘Double enough,” the barkeeper answered. aad give yer back th’ change as soon as th’ rush over. “Allright. Fill’em up, boys; don’t be afraid of it, it’s all paid for,” said the stranger. ‘I’ve just come to town, and I want to do the square thing, right up to the handle, I want to be on good terms with all, Come up, pards, come right up.” he stranger filled a glass and offered it to Jarvis Black. ; “I thank you, pard,” said Black, politely, “ but you must excuse me. I never drink.” “‘Pshaw! nonsense! take it!” “No,” said Black. ‘I never drink, under any circumstances whatever.” “Do you mean to say you won't drink?” “That is my meaning exactly, sir.” Quick as a flash the stranger drew a revolver from bis belt and thrust it into Black’s face. “ Now will you drink?” he demanded, “No, sir,” came the calm reply, “‘ I will not drink, Only a single second more of this fearful sus- of great nerve and daring as well,” said Black. | pense, and then all became confusion. A man And then in a louder tone, as he replaced his | stepped suddenly between Jarvis Black and the
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12 Billy, the Kid from Texas. | stranger, coming from no one seemed to know where—a man with a wide-brimmed sombrero upon his head and a mask of silver over his face —a man whose presence no one had noticed be- fore, who said: ; “ Billy, the Kid, you are my prisoner In recious meta] had been weighed, was a handful of sand; with three or four bullets thrown in to give it weight. “The blamed thief!” the barkeeper cried. “Tf he ever puts his nose inside of this saloon again I'll blow his blasted head off! A fifty- dollar bill wouldn’t cover what I’ve lost.” ‘ a a hail! good friends, and ladies fair, all ai The laugh at the expense of the barkeeper was checked in an instant, and while he with another string of curses threw the dirt away, all eyes were turned toward the door, There stood a man of the mozé remarkable stamp. In-.general appearance he would have paired well with Professor Buggs, but bis air was more exalted. He wasa long, gaunt speci- men of humanity, wearing a long, black, thread- bare coat that was buttoned to his chin. His shoes were much the worse for wear, his face was covered with a stubby beard of about three weeks’ growth, and in his hand he carried an old-fashioned carpet-bag. “By Providence divine I am here at last,” he said, as he stalked into the room and dropped his carpet-bag. Then approaching the bar he leaned over it, took the barkeeper by the sboulders, and in a loud whisper, said: ‘““My noble lord, hear me one single word I beseech of you. [am a man whom Fortune hath mest cruelly scratched. At the present moment, my lord, my cameralistic condition is such that Iam peuniless. Will you, most noble sir, as ag matter of charity, under such circum- stances, give me a drop, one single drop, of the fiery nectar?” ““No, sir!” cried the barkeeper, moving away from him. ‘That game is too old! It’s played out! If you’ve got any of the necessary about your old clothes—” : “Ay, most noble toparch, but that, as I said before, is just where the great pain lies, lam, to use the expressive word, bu’sted.” = “Then you can’t get anything here!” The stranger ned. “¢- You're: jist too late for th’ free distribution, o?d ghost,” said Santale Pete, ‘It’s been a- flowin’ as free as water.” The crowd laughed itself hoarse, Putting down his carpet-bag, the stranger opened it and took therefrom a roll of paper, a hammer, and a dozen or so of tacks, Frten he mounted a chair and proceeded to tack the paper upon the wall, and when he had done, the crowd read the following, printed in large and gor geous letters; ; = we
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>) Billy, the Kig from Texas. : 13 SCHUYLER SHAKESPEARE BRACKET, PROFESSOR OF ELOCUTION AND VENTRILOQUY. Hvumoroos, DRAMATIC, AND CLASSICAL READINGS. VENTRILIQUISM! The Professor has Read before All the Crowned Heads of Europe. ~ COME ONE AND ALL! ' Doors open at 7 o'clock, The stranger read the poster aloud, and then stepping down from the chair and striking an attitude before it, he said: “ Gentlemen, that refe s tome—S. S. Bracket, at your service. For further particulars, see small bills,” CHAPTER VII. ANGELS IN THE MOUNTAINS. ‘ AWAY up among the strong recesses of the mountains, whose rugged tree-crowned bluffs tower above the surrounding plains like grim and sturdy monarchs, standing upon a broad plateau and looking down into the valley beneath them, with the nooutide sun beaming upon their shapely heads, were two young girls. One was evidently a daughter of sunny Spain. Her black hair fell like a mantle over her shoul- ders, reaching below her waist, and her black, velvety eyes shone like stars. She was dressed in a richly-embroidered Spanish-Mexican cos- tume, and on her feet she wore a pair of Indian moccasins, small in size and pretty in shape, which were beautifully beaded and stitched. She was about eighteen years of age, and had a ‘gracefully rounded figure and a face glowing with the tint of as as health, although it wore asad, weary look, as if some secret sorrow was gnawing at her youthful heart, The other was an Indian girl, as straight as an arrow. She was clad in a handsome, heavily- beaded buckskin dress, and her hair was braided in two parts which she had twisted into a coil around her hea, At her back she carried a small rifle, while a knife and a revolver were in the belt that girdled her slender waist. “Why does my sister Sweet-Face mourn for her brother?” the Indian girl asked, taking her companion’s hand in hers, ‘“‘ Is he not bold and brave, and strong in battle?” “Ob, Song-Bird!” the other replied, ‘t what would I do if my brotKer were-never to return to me? He is strong arid brave, it is true, but he cannot avoid unséen dangers.” “ Has Sweet-Face no other friends?” the In- dian girl asked. “Are not Great-Bear and Song-Bird her friends? The great warrior, Silver-Mask, did not save their lives that they should desert Sweet-Face in return, No! were he never to return, Sweet-Face would find other friends as good and true. But see! be is com- ing!” and she pointed down into the valley where a horseman was just coming in sight. A sunny smile instantly éhased the shadows from the Spanish girl’s face, and catching hold of her companion’s hand she ran with*her swift- ly down the rugged trail to meet the approach- ing rider, who proyed to be none other than Silver-Mask. “Ob, my brother, my brother,” cried the Spanish girl, when they met. ‘1 am so glad you are here again! What detained you?” “T have had quite an adventure, Nina,” Silver-Mask replied, “ and -1 1:ave much to tell you. But let us go on to the cavern, for I am very tired.” At the entrance to the cavern, stood an old Indian, lazily stoking a pipe. “Great-Bear is glad to see big chief home again,” the [Indian said, as he took charge of Silver-Mask’s horse, ~ Silver-Mask entered the cavern, where a small fire was burning in one cornor, a crevice in the rock allowing the smoke \ escape. and threw himself down upon ~ rude couch, Nina seated herself by his side upon a stool, while Seng-Bird stirred up the fire and prepared 2 ees some game which she had recently illed. “Remove your helmet, Miguel,” said Nina, and Silver-Mask obeyed her gc command, The moment the visor was raised : 11 the hel- _mef removed, the girl gave her brother a hearty iss, A bold, handsome, serious face was his, with eyes as black as jet and as bright as diamonds, o disfigurement was there that would cause him to wear a mask, and why he did so was as yet a mystery. Nina brushed back the bair from his forehead caressingly, and—but was this thesecret? There, upon the broad, high forehead was a blood-red mark, the Cross of the Golden Keys, “Nina,” said Silver-Mesk, presently, “ aro you weary of dwelling here?” ; “No, Miguel,” she replied, ‘it is quite a oo place, and by far the safest of any we ave had since we began our pilgrimage in this wild land.” “Then you would not like to go away from here, eb? “J would like to return to Spain, to Barce- lona,” Nina answered. “That is impossible at present,” said Silver-- Mask, and a shadow passed over his face. ‘Do you remember the young lady I spoke to you about yesterday?” ** The one you rescued?” “Yes, As I told you, sheis the daughter of Ma- jor W.ilmont, one of the owners of the Golden-Hgg Mine, and they are stopping atthe Palace Royal Hotel. As the timeis drawing near, Nina, when I must make another search for the lost cathe- dral, would you not ratber spend the time, dur- ing my absences in a lively little town, with - pleasant company, than stay here in this nest in the mountains?” “T suppose I would.” “TI thougbt so. I am going to Golden-Egg again to-night, and 1 will then engage a room for you and Song-Bird at the Palace Royal.” Song-Bird had by this time prepared the game, and she called Nina and Silver-Mask to the table. Great-Bear, the Indian, stalked in and took his place at the board, and Song-Bird having poured the coffee, the making of which was another of. her newly-acquired accomplishments, the meal — progressed, :
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14 _ Billy, the Kid from Texas. = — i ewe = = ‘‘Great-Bear,” said Silver-Mask, “we are going away from here to-morrow, forever.” “Ugh! Great-Bear go too!” he of course; but what I was about to say is this: “We are going to Golden-Egg to dwell among the pale-faces, and Great-Bear—and Song-Bird, too—must forget that they have ever seen Silver- Mask’s face. Do you understand?” “Ugh!” the Indian grunted again. ‘ Great- Bear know.” * Does Song-Bird understand, too?” “Yes,” replied the girl; ‘* Song-Bird has a still tongue.” “Tam satisfied,” said Silver-Mask, and then to Great-Bear be added: _ _ When the sun hides its face behind the big hills in the west, then Great-Bear may put fs saddle on Black-Kagle and call me from my sleep. “‘Great-Bear will do so,” was the reply, and then Silver-Mask threw himself upon his couch, and was soon asleep. ‘* Many pale-faces in Golden-Egg,” said Great- Bear, as the girls were chattering like a pair of magpies over their prospective change, ‘‘an1 Sweet-Faceand Song-Bird will lose their hearts ” And having uttered this bit of logic the old In- dian lighted bis pipe and stalked forth from the cavern to enjoy a quiet smoke, “ Song-Bird has no heart to lose,” said the In- dian girl, amply. “Why?” asked Nina, ‘‘ HasSong-Bird got no heart at all?” “The great chief, Silver-Mask, has my heart, and it is all his own.” “‘Pshaw!” exclaimed Nina, ‘‘I knew that, long ago!” ‘“ Song-Bird did not tell her sister.” ‘*No, but [ have sharp eyes.” “Does Silver-Mask know?” Song-Bird asked, bursting into tears. “No,” said Nina, “ but he will know it some time, Come, now, dry your eyes and let me hear you read; for you must learn to read well to please the one you love. I have sharp eyes, Song-Bird, as I told you, and [ think your fool- ish little heart is safe.” And kissing the beauti- ful Indian girl upon her brow Nina and she sat down, the one wiliing to teach, and the other more than eager to learn, CHAPTER ViIL. : BRACKET’S ENTERTAINMENT, On the morning that followed the night of the trouble in the saloon, Jarvis Black was seated in the office of the Golden-Egg Mine, smoking a cigar, when Miss Julia Wilmont and Professor Artemus Buggs entered. ‘*Good-morning!” said Black, bringing his fect down from the desk and laying aside his cigar, ‘ pleaso to be seated.” “ Thank you,” said Miss Julia, ‘‘ Allow me to introduce to ‘you Buggs, whose ac- uaintance I made while en route to,this dread- ul place, Protessor, this is Mr, Black, superin- tendent of mv brother’s mine,” ‘10 professor bowed, and held out his hand, “{ am proud and happy to know you, sir.” said Dlack, shaking the proffered hand quite vigorously, ’ At that moment the door opened, and a per- son of very wagic air and appearance strode in. He bowed low before Miss Talia, laid aside his hat, and then producing a small and remarkably dirty package from his pocket, he opened if, and took therefrom three cards, which he handed round, “ Prof. Schuyler Shakespeare Bracket,” Black read aloud, ‘“ At your serviee. sir,” said the man, with an- other bow. ** What can I do for you?” asked Black, “Much!” was the reply. ‘There will be a freight-wagon here some time to-day, contain- ing all the necessary paraphernalia for a first- class printing establishment, I am about to start a newspaper in this young and flourishing burg, and I want all good and wort citizens tosubseribe, Ican assure you the Golden-Egg News will be a wide-awake paper six days out of the seven, and the price is only a dollar a month, Let me enter your names?” “You may put my name down,” said Black, ‘“‘T am always in favor of encouraging a worthy enterprise.” : “ And .nine, too,” said Professor Buggs, ‘Do you advocate women's rights?” asked Miss Julia. “Fair lady,” said Bracket, with an eye wide open to business, “I am devoted to the cause.” “Then, sir, you may take my name, too.” Having taken the names, the professor con- tinued: “The money will be payable after the first issue of the News, “There is to be a grand entertainment this evening in the saloon called the Sclid Comfort, Lam to appear in my justly-popular and cele- brated role as professor of elocution and ven- triloquy. Humorous, dramatic, and classical readings, and ventriloquism.” And quoting his play-bill entire, he went on: “The professor has read before all the crowned heads of Europe. Come one and all. Doorsopen at seven o’clock. The professor will struggle to the front at eight. © ‘‘T hope I shall see you all present, and for further information—see small bills.” Then with another bow he opened the door and took his leave. Miss Julia and Professor Buggs departed soon after, and then in a few moments back came Professor Bracket. ; “Say! who is that lady?” he asked. “That is Major Wilmont’s sister,” Black an- swered, * He’s the man that runs this mine, ain’t he?” “ Yes, sir; he is at the head of it.” * she, being related to him, is likewise related to the mine?” “Tn a manner, yes.” ; ‘That being the case,” said Bracket, ‘I’m in clover. As soon as our Chinese citizens get ready for business, I shall have a b’iled shirt, and then adieu to Professor Buggs. Proclaim it not upon the house-tops, my Christian friend, Lao that fair lady is destined to become my ride. “¢Tf mortal man ean win her hand, I’m the man to do it.’ “I have been on the lookout for a wife for eet ee >
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+ Billy, the Kid from Texas. quite a long time, and now I guess ]’ve found her.” « And once more he departed “Well, well, well!” said Black, as he relighted his cigar and threw his feet upon the desk again; *¢ of all places in the world for ‘ characters’ and originals,’ take a wild Western town like this.” Prof, Schuyler Shakespeare Bracket improved every minute of the day in canvassing the town of Golden-Egg and the neighborh adjacent thereunto, soliciting subscribers for the promised Golden-Egg News, and also advertising his pub- fic entertainment, which was to come off that evening in the Solid Comfort. And when the shades of night began to fall over the little valley, the miners flocked into town to “‘ see the circus.” Satisfactory pecuniary arrangements bad been made with the proprietor of the Solid Comfort, and precisely at seven o'clock the professor took his place at the door to collect the fares, is very first applicant was Cock Robin. “Be you the man what turns th’ crank?” he asked, “1am the man who is to give the entertain- ment, if that is what you mean,” the professor replied. a “ Jest so. Now, s’pose a worthy citizen comes to eee an’ says he’s strapped; will ye let him in “No, sir.” ** Jest so ag’in. Hev ye got a partner?” “ No ” “Then, who tends door while th’ performance is a-goin’ on?” Oh! [ generally find some good and honest pilgrim who is willing to de it for a trifling con- sideration,” was the reply. en “Then, pard,” said Robin, ‘ that pilgrim’s me. I’m yer huckleberry.” “ Eh?” “T mean that I’m a-lookin’ fer jest sich a job.” “ Are you honest?” “ Honest as th’ day is long!” { “Well, Pll try you. I wili pay you a fair price, and trust to your honesty, At present you may go in and regulate the lamps a little.” And thus did Cock Robin become a satellite to the great professor. The saloon filled very rapidly, the miners pay- ing their mite and entering in a peaceable man- ner, and all was passing off nicely until Santa Fe Pete tried to bully his way in without pay- ing. e Hold on there, my Christain friend!” the professor exclaimed. ‘You must ‘ante up,’ or at these portals you cannot enter!” “ D*you own ther place?” the bully growled. “Yes, This building is mine until the clocks peal out the hour of eleven.” : “ Wal, I don’t keer a cuss whose it are, ’'m a- goin’ in; an’I ain’t a-goin’ fer t’ pay nothin’, neither. You hear me!” and he gave the pro- fessor an angry push and stepped into the saloon, “ Bolts and shackles!” cried the enraged pro- fessor, ‘‘ shall this fellow live? No! by my father’s beard, no! Base Trojan, thou shalt per- ish!” And catching the bully by the neck he jerked him out into thestreet in the twinkling of an eye. F Sunta Fe Pete made a blustering attempt to draw his knife, but finding the professor's revol- “18 ver already under his nose, he desisted and walked away. Verily, his star as the bully of the town was set, Major Wilmont, witb Stella, followed by Prot, Buges and Miss Julia, with Dinah Lee, entered and took up the seats that had been reserved for them, and the men who were smoking threw away their cigars out of respect for the ladies, prominent among them being Kitty Wells, Uncle Sidney Summers, Cooney Clay, Pat Me- Carty and others. Raymond Wilmont and Joe Garret sauntered in and seated themselves near the major and Stella, and at a few minutes to eight o’clock Professor Bracket placed Cock Robin at the door, and retired to the kitchen at the rear of the’ saloon to make bimself ready for the stage. The stage, by the way, was a temporary structure, about twelve feet by twelve in size, male by laying boards loosely upon some empty oxes, In a short time, at eight o’clock precisely, the professor reappeared. e was dressed in a red flannel shirt and a paper collar, a low-cut vest anda swallow-tail coat, a pair of rough and seedy trowsers and rouzher cowhide boots, And as he stepped upon his platfo>m he created quite a sensation, s He bowed, . Men continued to drop in by twos and threes, and by ten o’clock the place was crowded. About that time Silver-Mask entered, and found his way to Major Wilmont, who greeted him heartily, as did Stella and the others, “Do you notice anything a little peculiar about this crowd, major?” Silver-Mask asked. « “No,” replied the major, as he glanced around the room, ‘I can’t say that Ido. What is it?” ‘Do you not perceive a great number of men with red cords around their bats¢ They are all round us, and one is stationed near every lamp in the room.” % By George!” cried the major, in a suppressed pari you are right. Whom do you take them to be They are the men who stopped the e and carried you and your daugbter off.” on g ‘* Great heavens! can this be true? I must get my daughter away from here at once!” “Too late,” said Silver-Mask, calmly. ‘* We must not let them know we have detected them, and perhaps we may be able to capture their leader. 1 will pass the word to our friends, and then we will wait for further movements on the part of the rascals.” Silver-Mask quietly informed Raymond and Joe, and they in turn, and in the most cautious manner, conveyed the information to Uncle Sid and the others who were seated near them. * And now,” said Professor Bracket, as the hour of eleven drew nigh, ‘‘ with the exception of a few remarks which I desire to make, the performance is over, “T have a brother. His name is Abminadab Sardanapalus Bracket, Hes a minister. He is now on his way to this place, where he hopes to engage in bis good work, and I trust that you will receive him as warmly into your midst as you have received me, He will also fill tue post of associate editor of the Golden-Egg News, and if any among you should become matrimonially
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18 Billy, the Kid from Texas. a inclined, you will find it greatly to your advan- tage to call upon us, e will give you a first- elass wedding and a gilt-edge certificate, toge- ther with a quarter-column notice in the News, all for the modest sum of twenty-five dollars. “T must return thanks for your kind appre- ciation of my modest endeavors tc please you, and inform you that the receipts of the evening are sufficient to set the Golden-Egg News up in fine style, and give the enterprise a healthy start, “JT will now -bid you all good-night and retire to my humble cot, where, throwing my- self into Morpbeus’s arms, I shall soon be con- veyed to the land of elysian repose.” And bowing very low to his audience, the professor stepped down from bis platform and disappeared into the kitchen, = As tho door closed behind his retreating form ashort, sharp whistle was heard, and instantly every light was extinguished. Then came a great rush of feet, and all was confusion. The women screamed, and the men shouted and struck at one another as they crowded toward the door. . . Silver-Mask, Major Wilmont, Raymond, Joe Garret and Uncle Sidney Summers all stepped in front of Stella, and not an instant too soon; for hardly was the room plunged in darkness when two men a i forward to seize her, Silver-Mask caught one of them and Raymond the other, and in a trice they were both securely held by willing hands. “So, my bird, we’ve got you have we?” “Yes,” answered the outlaw, ‘and you'd bet- ter make the most of your advantage.” « “Have no doubts updn that score,” was the ply. ‘‘ Well hang you to-morrow as high as ilderoy’s kite,” u Weil, boys,” said Major Wilmont, ‘‘ I must leave you and take the ladies to the hotel, but I hope you will give the prisoners a fair hearing before you decide their fate,” “They shall have a fair trial in the morning, sir,” said Silver-Mask., | : And, by the way, major,” be added, “I would like to see you for afew moments, if I ‘may, before you retire for the night.” y Certainly, my dear sir, I will wait for you at the hotel.” , The major went out with Stella leaning upon his arm, five or six armed men bearing him company, and Professor Buggs followed with Miss Julia and Dinab, “Tis now th’ wery witchin’ time of night,” said Kitty Wells, imitating Professor Bracket, ‘when churchyards yawn, an’ hell itself bréathes forth contagion to the world. Now could I do such bitter business as the day would quake to look upon, Bring forth this wulgar willain, pards, and we'll elewate him in less’n two shakes of a lamb’s tail!” ‘Be thou not too hasty, Kitty, my dear,” said Uncle Sidney Summers. ‘ We've had quite enough fun for one night, an’ ef we hang these heur hoss thieves now we won’t have any fun fer to-morrer; so we'd better keep ’em over.” “ Have you a jail herein town?” asked Silver- **No,” said Uncle Sid, ‘but there’s a purty stout sort o’ cabin down the street heur a ways that'll do,”, - ; ; “‘ Boys,” said Kitty Wells, ‘‘ sure’s ye lock em up ye'll lose ’em, * Better fix ’em out, right now!” $ “Wecan’t hang them without a trial,” said Silver-Mask, ‘* and as it is now too late to go in- to the case to-night we must lock them up and make the bestof it. I guess they will not get away if they are well guarded.” “Wal, bring ’em along, boys,” said Uncle Sid, as he moved. toward the door, ‘‘ Make way, gentlemen, don’t crowd th’ mourners,” and he led the way to the jail. ’ The cabin was a small one, bavivg but a single room, and Silver-Mask and Raymond Wilmont examined it carefully before trusting the prison- ers toitscare. But finding it capable of holding them, they were placed within and the door secured. Then a guard of five men was posted. of which Pat McCarty was one, and the crow went back to the Solid Comfort, “Til bet forty cents to a slapon th’ back,” said Kitty Wells, ‘that they don’t stay there two hours!” ** Ye mought make it forty-five,” said Cooney Clay, “‘ an’ then feel purty sure o’ winnin’, Th’ Kid has got more friends right here in this very town than ye’d ever dream of.” When they returned to the saloon Professor Bracket was just squaring accounts with Cock Robin, “Dye find me all square an’ fair, an’ true blue?” the latter asked, as the professor counted the money and put it away. “Yes,” was the reply, ‘‘ for a red-headed man with green eyes, you are remarkably honest in- deed. Hereis a dollar.. Put it with the one you slipped into your pocket when you passed in that wooden-headed Dutchman, and you'll have two. ‘*Now, professor,” said Robin, without even a blush as he Hay the money into his pocket with the stolen dollar, “I hear you’re a-goin’ t’ start a printin’ office.” = “Yes, quite true.” : ' ‘Jest so. When I was a boy I served my time with a printer as principal devil, an’ I can do anything from sortin’ type to carryin’ papers, Don’t ye think ye could give me a job?” ‘*Can you set type?” “You bet! an’ Ican tell two-line pica from diamond, every time! I’m no common slouch, I ain’t!” “Well, come round and see me to-morrow, my friend, and T’llsee what can be done for. you. : And taking a “nightcap,” at the bar the pro- fessor'went to the Palace Reyal, and to his humble cot thereat. = CHAPTER IX, THE PRISONER ESCAPES, SinverR-Mask found Major Wilmont waitin; for him in the public room of the Palace Royal, and drawing up a chair he sat down, saying: ‘*T hope you will pardon me, major, for hav- ing kept you in waiting; but I will be as brief as possible in what I have to say.” Do not mention it, sir,” answered the major. Od time is yours, so do not hurry yourself at x i ) “ My name,” said Silyer-Mask, “is Migueg ; eee - pie HF
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Billy, the Kid from Texas. Pabascoz. I ama native of Barcelona, Spain’ My sister is with m¢ in this country, and, to” gether with an old Aztec Indian and his grand- ‘daughter, we are at present camping in the mountains, In a short time it will be necessary for me to leave my sister for a few weeks, and having formed the acquaintance of yourself and your daughter I think I will engage awoom for my sister and her companion, the Indian girl, here at the Palace Royal, trusting that your daughter will favor them with her friend- sbip during my absence, If you think of re- maining bere some time, I will bring them to Golden-Egg to-morrow; but on_the otber hand, if you intend to return East, I shall certainly feel more satisfied to leave them where they are. “The old Indian and his grandchild are deeply attached to me, owing to my having at one time, saved their lives, and my sister and I are also attached to them; and I feel sure your daughter will find them delightful companions.” “My dear sir,” the major answered, “it is our intention to remain here for some time to come, and I edn agsure you that we will extend a hearty friendship to your sister and her com- panions, “If you bring your sister here we will take her under our care while you are away and I hope you will bring her at once, “ By the way, I suppose we shall have io dis- pose of our prisoners ina few hours, Do you » propose banging them?” ‘“My dear major, our prisoners will bé far away from here before sunrise, Billy, the Kid, has any number of bis men in the town at this moment.- Had we attempted to bang him to- night there would have been a terrible fight, and one upon very unequal grounds; for we could not distinguish friend from foe. Why, I can swear that one of the men who are now guard-+ ing the prison isa member of the Kid’s band.” “Why not alarm the town and guard the prisoners in full force?” the major suggested, “Tt can’t be done, major,” Silver-Mask an- swered, ‘ for the reason that the Kid’s men are already here, -If they were expected to come in a body to rescue him, then of course it would be different; but as we can’t tell friend from foe, as I said before, it isnext to impossible. The only chance this town has got to get square with Billy the Kid is to catch him on a fair field, or else run him to his hole and then force him out. Let me warn you to look well to your daughter’s safety to-night, for itis possible that they in- tend to make another attempt to steal her.” “T suppose you are right, but I hate to see him get away from us so easily.” “We can hold him, major, but only at the cost of many good men; so I would say, let him escape if he can, and wait till we have a better chance at him.” “T will bid you good-night,” said Silver-Mask, as he closed his visor, which he had partly raised during their conversation, ‘I will see ye again in the morning, and until then, fare- well. **Good-night, Mr. Pabascoz,” said the major; and after bespeaking a room at the hotel office, Silver-Mask went forth into the night, As the night rolled on apace, the guardsmen “49 around the ‘‘unilocular” jail began to move away from their posts and congregate before the door, where Pat McCarty was expatiating to a-companion upon certain (or uncertain) deeds of valor in times gone by, in which he himself had figured as the chivalrous kero, Some of his yarns were possibly true, but whether true or fictitious, they were all told with the same deep air of earnestness, * Come, boys,” he said, ‘* there’s no use stand- ing around like stray sheep. The lads within areas snug as bugs in arug, and we might as well stand here together and, have a quiet chat,” e : Half an hour Jater, just as Pat concluded one of his stories, a short, shrill whistle was heard, The lights in the town were all out, and hardly a sound was to be heard, save now an@ then the neighing of a horse, and the whistle sounded with startling distinctness throughout the val- ley. one that?” exclaimed Pat, ‘* Did yez hear it : “Give it up,” answered one of his companions, “Guess I'll take a peep inside an’ see bow the prisners is, S’puse they’re O. K., though,” So saying he undid the fastenings of the door and pei within, and then, quick asa flash drew a knife and severed the bonds that held the prisoners, This done he banded them each a revolver, and stepping back to the door blew two short blasts on a whistle. _ The result was magical. In a second, and be- fore Pat McCarty and the others were hardly aware of it, the street fairly swarmed with horsemen, and Billy the Kid and his companion . stepped forth from the cabin free men. “Get in there,” he said to the astonished guardsmen, and as he had the ‘““drop” on them they could do nothing but ee 3 the command. He secured the door upon them, and then mounting a horse that was brought to him, he and his followers—the traitor guardsman in- cluded—dashed up the valley uttering war- whoops that were loud enough to raise the ea The Golden-Eggites sprung from their beds and hurried into the street, some of them very meagerly attired, and they were justin time to see the horsemen vanish into the canyon. “Great Peter th’ Fisherman!” exclaimed Uncle Sidney Summers, ‘It’s most *nough t? astonish th’ natives!” “Jest asI told ye,” said Kitty Wells. “If we'd hung ’em right up we’d have ’em.” The jail was opened, and the guardsmen were ressed for information. Explanations fol- lowed, and then the citizens again retired to their beds and bunks. CHAPTER X. “A CLEW AT LAST!” BRIGHT and early the-next morning, Friday, Professor Bracket made arrangements for the use of a small building near the Solid Comfort, and baving engaged Cock Robm, the two went to work with a will to prepare for the Golden- Egg News—the press, paper, type, etc., having arrived, palcen ee was growin The two Chinamen had Srebed their place of
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18 Billy, the Kid from Texas, eT business, and were ready to “* washee-washee ” almost anything that might be offered; a store had lately been opened, stocked with a great variety of general provisions, etc., and on this morning a barber had hung out bis shingle and flung his doors open to the public, thereby sup- plying a long-felt want to the community at large. And, with a printing establishment in view, the town was, as the miners said, ‘‘ jest a- boomin’.” It was quite late in the afternoon when Silver- Mask rode forth from the little canyon into the valley, heading straight for the Palace Royal, and bringing with him his sister Nina, Song- Bird, and Great-Bear, Silver-Mask was mounted upon Black-Eagle, his noble horse, and Nina and Song-Bird were riding upon a large cavalry horse, while Great- Bear walked behind, leading two pack-mules— or burros, Stopping at the Palace Royal they dismount- ed, an while Silver-Mask escorted the girls into the house, Great-Bear, the Indian, began to un- pack the mules, ‘“‘More shemales, eh? said Cooney Clay. ‘Wal, th’ more th’ merrier, as th’ old sayin’ goes; but bu’st my suspenders, ef [ don’t think th’ more wimmin ye git into th’ town, th’ more trouble there’ll be! uy oe beauties, though, ain’t they? Look at th’ Injun gal—straight as an arrer!” ‘“ Pard,” said Kitty Wells, ‘‘ef ever I marry, itll be to a Injun, an’ blame meef I don’t set my old cap fer this gal. There’s no doubt that In- jun gals make the best kind of wives, an’ when it comes to a purty little rosebud like this, th’ pill ain’t bad to swaller, by no means, From this time forth I’ll be her wassal—her slave.” Having shown the girls to their room, Silver- Mask returned and assisted the Indian in the un- loading of the mules. When this was done, the Indian led Black-Eagle and the mules away, while Silver-Mask saw that the things were car- ried up to the room, Misses Julia and Stella Wilmont gave Nina Pabascoz and Song-Bird a cordial welcome, and ina short time they were the best of friends, More suitable garments than those she wore were provided for Song-Bird, and it was then a hard matter to say which of the three, Stella, Nina, or Song-Bird was most entitled to ‘be called belle of the town. Evening came, and, being a Friday, with it came the stage-coach. Double Jimmie tooted his horn long and loud as “he dashed into the valley, and a moment later, with a loud ‘‘ Whoa!” he brought bis four- in-hand to a stop at the Palace Royal. “Any agents, Jimmie?’ asked the Express- agent, , ‘No, none this trip,” was the reply, as the driver handed down the box and threw the mail to the postmaster. The first passenger to get down was a fac- simile of Professor Bracket, and as the professor was standing near, his double fell into his arms and they em raced. Never in the world were two men more like each other. They were as similar in all respects us two new pins of a kind. And as they walked away, arm-in-arm, it was a difficult matter, as ~ Cooney Clay remarked, ‘to tell t’other from which.” Even Cock Robiti, as he followed be- hind them, carrying a carpet-bag for the new arrival, kept his eyes well fixed upon the original Bracket, lest he should get them mixed, He afterward put a private mark on their coats. Thefe were several other passengers, but as they do not figure in this history we will not mention them, Darkness settled over the town, and the Solid Comfort filled a emg as usual, In the course of the evening the two Brackets entered the saloon, and stalking forward until they reached the end of the room, they faced about and then Schuyler 8. said: “Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce my brother, Reverend Abminadab Sardanapalus Bracket. He has just arrived among us, after traveling for many days, and I trust you will give him a cordial greeting.” Here the original Bracket sat down, and Ab- minadab §, stepped forward, ‘* My friends,” said he, ‘‘ my brother has just introduced me as the ‘Reverend,’ ef cetera. Allow me toset you right. Six days out of seven Iam aman of the world. On the seventh day, however, I put the prefix to my name and point out the straight and narrow path to poor struggling sinners, Therefore, when you have heard my teachings, do as I tell you to do, but not as you may see me do myself. “To-morrow 1s Saturday, and the -next day will be Sunday, and then, if you will come and hear me, I will try and give you a few words of hope and good cheer.” And with a low bow he sat down beside his brother. Professor Schuyler Shakespeare Bracket was in earnest in regard to his intentions toward Miss Julia Wilmont. He was determined to get Professor Buges out of the valley, and have the whole field to himself, Now, among bis trappings the wily Bracket had a complete Indian outfit, and on this Satur- day morning he put it on and started up the valley after Professor Buggs. Buggs was up early every day, and off in search of a new plant or leaf before half the citizens of the town were awake, and this morn- ing was no exception, racket found him near the big cottonwood tree, and raising his tomahawk be sprung upon bim with a wild whoop that made the Galles ring. “Oh, mighty Indian, most noble sagamore,” groaned Buggs, falling upon his knees. “Pat Buggs. “You are a medicine-man to the pele-faces,” said Bracket. ‘*1 have seen you plucking leaves and plants, and I know you are a mighty medi- cine-man, It is owing to this that I spare your Jife, But you must leave this place at once, and never return’ Before to-morrow’s sun shall have set I wit swoop down upon this valley with four bundred thousand of my best warriors at my back, and not a single pale-face shall escape, I do not kill my enemy’s medicine-man in war,
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4 Billy, the Kid from Texas. 19 (eet and therefore I warn you to away at once; for if you tarry until to-morrow I cannot save ” “Do put away tbat awful weapon,” said Buges, “and I will do anything.” ‘“Tt is well,” said Bracket, placing the toma- hawk in bis belt. ‘* Fly hence while there is yet time.” “7 will, Twill, I will warn her whom I lo— I mean I will warn my friends, and—” Out came Bracket’s tomahawk like a flash, ~ “‘Tf you attempt to warn a single soul you shall die upon the instant!” he cried, ‘‘ The coach will leave in a few minutes. You walk up the canyon, and when it overtakes you, get aboard, Remember, if you do not do as I tell you, you die!” and he flourished the tomahawk io a manner that made Bugg+’s blood run cold. Poor Buggs, he was in a dilemma. But at that moment a big form sprung from behind the cottonwood tree and confronted Bracket with an upraised knife, It was Great-Bear, who had been.a silent witness of the scene, ah Dog of an Apache,” he cried, ‘‘ you shall ‘Ob, Lord,” gasj Bracket, and with two hasty jumps he was bebind the tree. Bracket had not seen Great-Bear before, and consequently did not know him; but taking him to be a “sure-enough” wild Indian, he fairly quitked in his boots. Great-Bear made a dash at the supposed Apache, but Bracket took good care to keep the tree between them. “The Apache dog is a coward!” Great-Bear cried, with a grunt cf contempt. ‘‘ He dare not come forth and fight his enemy, but skulks be- hind the tree.” ‘““Most noble and wortby sachem,” said Bracket, ‘‘I bave no desire to fight you, I am the chief of a powerful nation. Ove whoop from me would bring # thousand warriors to es side. So, if you value your life, begone!” y this time Professor Buggs bad recognized the frightened Bracket, and retiring to a little distance be sat down to look on, He had seen Great-Bear before, and enjoyed the fun im- mensely, now that it was not himself that was in trouble, “Ugh! exclaimed Great-Bear, making a thrust around the tree with his knife that caused ee to Lowl with terror, “‘ talk heap much cheap! ‘Oh, thou noble paramount, forbear! Don’t for the love of goodness do thatagain, It makes my flesh creep! Thou truculent, fucated devil! do not rouse my anger, for if you do woe will surely betide you.” “Ugh, ugh!” with two or three thrusts of the knife that Bracket found it no easy matter to avoid.“ Apache dog talks like old woman!” “Oh, Lord!” Bracket again, as he jumped this way and that to escape the point of the cruel-looking knife. ‘If I only bad my re- volver here, I would soon fill you so full of lead that you couldn’t draw another breath.” “Great Bear, most noble chief,” said Buggs, . “this man is not an Indian, but a white man in disguise. He is a bad one, though, and if you will thrust your knife between his ribs the town will shout your praise,” “The white medicine-man is the friend of Silver-Mask, and if the white medicine-man says this dog must die, Great-Bear will kill him. ‘* Yes,” said Buggs, glad of the chance to give his enemy a good scare, ‘kill him.” It was a case of the biter bit. Bracket had set out to scare Buggs, but now he was getting the worst of it by long odds, Only for the In- dian’s knife he would no doubt have made a good fight; but the sight of the naked blade, as we have said before, unnerved him com- pletely. ‘*Oh, thou most armipotent warrior,” he said, ‘Jet us bury the batchet and smoke the calumet, Put away that Icthiferous knife, and let us go and take a social drink.” ‘*No, coward, you shall die! and when your flesh has made food for crows your bones shall whiten in the sand.” The Indian then made such a Cecided charge upon Bracket that the latter took to his heels and ran, ‘Whoop! whoo-00-oop!” yelled the Indian as he gave chase, and Bracket increased his speed accordingly. “Stand by me, legs, if you ever did,” he groaned, straining every nerve, and striking a bee-line for his printing-oflice, while Professor Buggs laughed till he cried, The Indian continued to yell and whoop, and quite a crowd was attracted by the unusual noise, Bracket snatched off his head-dress as he ran, and consequently was recognized of all who saw im, “What an article this would make for the News !” cried Kitty Wells, ‘‘ Two columns more gone to waste!” The crowd hooted and cheered as the profes- sor dashed by, but not a particle did he slacken his speed until he was safe within his sanctum once more, Safe there, did we say? Notso. Cock Robin was busily engaged when the professor came rushing in, flourishing his tomahawk in one hand and his head-dress in the other, and being ex- cited at the sudden appearance of a wild Indian in full paint, he began to fire upon him with his rev: lver. “Hold on! you blasted fool! I’m Bracket!” screamed the professor, as he dodged behind a IX. ‘Th’ deuce youare!” said Robin, ‘*‘ Whatare you fixed up like a wild Tnjun for?” ‘‘Never mind that; don’t stand there like a fool, but bar the door.” Robin sprung to the door to obey the order, but just as he tid there, in came G: eat-Bear with a blood-curdling war-whoop. “Oh, Jerusalem!” exclaimed Robin, and in two seconds he was across the floor and out at a rear window, while Great-Bear sprung upon Professor Bracket. At that moment Silver-Mask entered, and put a stop to further hostilities, Bracket’s plan to frighten Buggs out of town had proved an utter failure; but when it came to a question of physical courage, Bracket was worth adozen like Buggs vets and during the afternoon he tried another plan,
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4 20 Billy, the Kid from Texas. Professor Buggs was seated with Miss Julia Wilmont upon the veranda of the Palace Royal, enjoying a social chat, when the other Bracket —Abminadab §8.—approached, and handing him a card, said: “ Professor, my brother challenges you to mor- tal combat, and desires you to namie the time, place, and weapons, at your earliest conve- nience.” Poor Buggs. His heart almost jumped out of his bosom with fear, The idea of standing up and being shot at almost took away his breath, “But,” thought he, ‘I have the choice of weapons and I will fight with swords only. Swords or nothing. I am quite good at fencing, and perhaps I shall gain a great advantage.” Then remembering that his fair coinpanion was watching him, he quieted his nerves as best he could, and replied: “Sir, you may return to your worthy brother, and say that I will meet him at four o’clock, before the Palace Royal; the weapons to be swords.” : ‘Oh, Artemus!” cried the fair Julia, as she caught hold of Buggs’s arm when Abminadab Sardanvapalus Bracket was gone, ‘‘ this must not be, He will kill you. I know he will!” “Let him,” said Buggs. ‘* No one will mourn my loss,” “Ob! how can you speak thus? There may be a heart whose every throb is for you.” “Pair lady,” cried Buggs, catching her hand “T will fight the rascal, and prove to you that t am a brave man, and worthy of your heart’s de- votion.” Abminadab §, returned to the printing-office, and reported to his brother. “ Schuyler,” said he, ‘‘ f found your enemy in the company of the lady, and gave him your card in her presence, as you directed, so that he was forced to accept.” “ And he accepts?” asked Schuyler. * He does.” * Good! L[ will shoot him as sure as my name is 8. S, Bracket.” “But, Schuyler,” said Abminadab, ‘the does not mean to give you a chance to shoot him. He demands that you fight him with swords.” Schuyler’s jaw dropped. If there was any- thing in the world that he dreaded, as we have said before, it was a knife or a sword, : *‘ Abminadab,” Schuyler answered, ‘I can’t fight him. It is out of the question. I never had a sword in my hand in my life.” “You must fight. Your reputation is at stake. If you back out now your chance of marrying the old girl with the bloomers is gone forever.” The news of the coming duel soon spread, and at four o’clock the population of Golden-Egg was congregated to witness the fight. The barkeeper of the Solid Comfort furnish- ed a pair of very ancient-looking swords, which had hung over his bar as curiosities, and every- - thing was ready for the battle to begin, At four o’clock the combatant< appeared, both very pale, but very bold. They faced each other, and at the word they raised their swords, And then, from the manner in which they han- dled their weapons, it was plain to be seen that Buggs held the winning hand, - _ Abminadab S, acted as second to Schuyler, while Pat McCarty filled the same office for Professor Buggs. The combatants made a thrust and parry, and Bracket received a wound in the arm. This maddened him, and he struck out regardlessly. In a moment more his sword was thrown out of his baud, and he was at the mercy of his ad- versary, Down upon his knees he dropped; and begged for his life, It was a ludicrous scene, “See the cur!” cried. Buggs, ‘‘ Behold the coward! Arise! thou knave, and slink back whence you came.” And, still taking good care to retain possession of his sword, Professor Buggs entered the hotel, Silver-Mask picked up the sword which Bracket*had lost, and was looking at it, when, as his eye fell upon the handle, an exclamation of surprise escaped him, What he saw was a curious mark upon the end of the handle, the Cross of the Golden Keys! ** At last I have a clew,” he muttered. He went at once to the barkeeper of the Solid Comfort, whom he questioned closely as to how the sword came into his possession, and found that it had come from a band of Aztec Indians somewhere in Southern New Mexico, in tie Sierra Madre. “T want to buy it,” said Silver-Mask, as he produced a bag of gold. ‘‘ Name your price.” The sword was soon his,. ‘A clew at last,” he said, as he left the saloon, “‘and now to find the treasure.” CHAPTER XL A BOLD ROBBERY, SILVER-MASK, the Man of Mystery, lost no time in organizing a party, after finding so un- expectedly a clew for Which he had been search- ing for years, and before the sun*bhad sunk to rest he was ready to set out upon his journey to the Sierra Madre. Twelve good men bad he chosen, and among them were Uncle Sidney Summers, Cooney Clay Pat McCarty, Bill Davis and others, and all were well-armed and mounted, Before starting, Silver-Mask entered the hotel to bid farewell to Nina and Song-Bird, whom he found in tears. ‘* When will you return?” Nina asked. “ Well, Nina, I hardly know myself. I shall be gone three months, perhaps four; but no longer. And I may be back ina much shorter time. In case of trouble of any kind that will render it unsafe for yon to remain here, [ have instructed Great-Bear to take you back to our mountain bome.” ‘*Tf you fail this time, Miguel, will you then give up your search for the lost treasure, and turn your attention to the finding of the surviv- ors of the lost ship Barcelona?” : “Yes, Nina; should this search prove a failure I will then give the treasure up, and put forth “every effort to find the children of Mignel Ro- sario, who are supposed to have been saved from + the wreck,” Silver-Mask then bade farewell to Nina and
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Billy, the Kid from Texas. . | 21 Song-Bird, and getting his men together, he started upon his perilous journey. ; “Two gentlemen wish to see you in private, sab,” said a colored waiter to Major Wilmont, as the latter sat smoking a cigar in the public room of the Palace Royal, an hour or so after Silver-Mask had set out from Golden-Egg. ‘“* Where are they?” the major asked, : ; In the little room behind the Express Office, sab.” The major started for the room indicated, wondering who his callers could be, and entered - at once. = At first he saw only one person, but as he closed the door another suddenly appeared before him with a cocked revolver, and asked him to be seated, f The major sat. “ Perhaps you fail to recognize me,” said the man with the revolver, “T certainly do, sir,” the major replied. The man removed a false beard from his face, and lo! Billy, the Kid, stood forth, “* Know me now?” he asked, “Yes,” said the major, ‘‘I know you now.” “Very good. Now, perhaps you can’t tell who this other pega is, can you?” ‘“‘No, l[think Ihave never made the gentle- man’s acquaintance.” Hereupon stranger No. 2 removed his disguise, but still the major failed to recognize him. “You must go back about eighteen years, monsieur, and recall a night of storm and ship- wreck.” ; ‘* Jean d’Amersforte !” the major exclaimed. “The same,” was the reply. “Major,” said Billy, the Kid, with mock oliteness, “let me introduce you, This is Cap- in Jack, asthe boys call him, my right bower. He’s a whole team, I can tell you. We have called to see you upon a little matter of business to-night, which he will explain.” ‘* Yes,” said the Frenchman, ‘‘ we are here on business. { would like to have those papers we found in the Spanish belt that night. If you have them about you, please hand them over, I have taken a notion to look up that buried treasure, and I want the papers to guide me to the place.” “You scoundrel!” the major cried, ‘do you suppose I will give you those papers? Never! here is the boy whom you stole—have you brought him up to be as great a rascal as your-’ self?” ; : ‘“*T have no objection to telling you all I know about the boy, monsieur, for it is not much, I |. sent bim to school and gave bim a good educa- tion, but he run away from me at last, and I have never seen him since, That is all, and if you have the papers about you, please hand them over,” “Sir, if this story be true the boy is now alive and well, and perbaps he can be found. If there is.a single spark of humanity within your breast, I hope you will restore him to bis sister.” “TI have no intention of doing anything of the kind,” answered the nchman, “If I can find the lost treasure [ will withdraw from the mine altogether, and if_not I have another plan, Now, those papers! Where are they?” Most unfortunately the major had the papers with him at that very moment. He had been showing them to Raymond that afternoon, and had not yet put them away. “The papers may be a thousand miles from here,” he said. “ And,” said Billy, the Kid, “‘ they may be right in your pocket. Captain Jack, you search him,” The Frenchman stepped forward and began the search, while Billy, the Kid, held his re- volver right in the major’s face, and the major had to submit. 2 ae papers were soon found, and then Billy said: “Now, major, we will leave you. But we must request you to sit where you are and keep quiet until we are outof the way. Captain Jack, you apply the persuader.” The Frenchman bound the major to bis chair, and when’ this was done he put a gag into his mouth. Then resuming their disguises the two rascals left the room, An hour later the major managed to work one of his feet loose, and by pounding vigorously upon the floor with his heel attracted the atten- tion of the waiter, * Golly!” exclaimed the darky, ‘“* who hab done dis?” and he cut the bonds, “Tt was Billy, the Kid,” the major replied. “Oh, de debil!” cried the waiter, ‘‘am he gone?” and the little darky seemed to turn a shade lighter. “Yes, he’s gone, You don’t see him here, do you?” and to give vent to his passion the niajor caught the darky by the shoulders and kicked him three or four times around the room, ‘Do you see him anywhere around here, you black rascal?” “No, massa, no! For de lub ob goodness let dis chile alone.” The major’s only reply was to kick him out of the room, 3 : Singly, and by twos and threes, horsemen de- parted from the Golden-Egg that night, meeting a few miles up the canyon, and when all were at the rendezvous they rode away to the south. At the head of the cavalcade rode Billy, the Kid, and Captain Jack, and they headed straight for the Sierra Madre, They, too, were in search of the lost treasure. During the next Monday forenoon the Golden- Egg News appeared. Cock Robin distributed the paper around among the subscribers, and all were well pleased. The News was a success from the very start. ; There was an item in this, the first issue, to which Kitty Wells paid special attention. It was credited to the Las Cruces Republican, and was headed The Home of Gold. It was an ac- count of a wonderful valley of gold in the Sierra Madre, in Southwestern New Mexico, and per- hans as great a lie as ever was penned. { The story created quite a sensation among some of the citizens of Golden-Egg, and more than one man set out alone to find the enchanted spot. ‘ “ Werily, werily, I say unto you,” said Kitty Wells, ‘there must be somethif’ in it. This story must ’a’ had 9 start at some time or other,
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Billy, the Kid from Texas, _ based on fact, an’ I'll bet there’s more truth ’n | nothing to reward him for his pains, for there poetry about it, after all.” : “Ye can’t most always sometimes tell,” said Cock Robin. ‘‘ There may be some truth in it, an’ then ag’in there mayn’t; but I’m rather of th’ opine that there is, [Pd jest like to know where t? find it, anyhow.” “ Well, feller-pilgrims,” said Harry Bates, an experienced miner, ‘‘I once knowed a man who used to swear by th’ moon an’ stars that he’d seen just such a place once when he was pros- ctin’, but he couldn’t get down into th’ valley. @ took good care to mark th’ place though, an’ then went off fer his pards; but when they set out to find it ag’in it wasn’t to be found, Th’ Tnjuns must ’a’ been a-watchin’ him, an’ changed every landmark he made so be wouldn’t know the place.” *¢Td be willin’ t? bet my old boots that th’ lace is there to be found,” said Kitty, ‘an’ I Kin tell ye I’d like t? be th’ one t? find it. Blame me if I ain’t a notion t? pack up my wiaticum straddle old Moscow, my mule, an’ go find th place anyhow.” “And then sellit fora song, eh?” observed the postmaster. “Nary! 1 was foolish once, but I’ll_never be so foolish ag’in, you can bet, If ever I find th’ adit—th’ gate as it were, that opens into this New Jerusalem, Vl! put down my claim-stakes an’ keep possession like alittle man! Itell ye it’s *most enough t? make me concamerate my back like a Cheshire cat, an’ say ‘meow,’ whenever I think of th’ Golden-Ngg. I might ’a’ been in better leather at th’ present timo if I’d’a’ held on to it.” “Then you wouldn’t do so any more, eh?” “Not much!” said Kitty. “Tf I was foolish once, that was my misfortune; but if I do sich a thing ag’in it’ll be because I am a fool.” The next day the News made another sensa- tion, On the first page, in bold type, was the following: $1,000 REWARD! “Onm thousand dollars reward is hereby offered for the capture of Billy, the Kid, dead or alive, “WiLLIAM BLOOM “ Deputy Sheriff.” Kitty Wells was between the horns of two dilemmas, He thought he might possibly cap- ture Billy, the Kid, if he made the attempt in earnest, and he alsohad an idea that he could find the wonderful Home of Gold; and Cock Robin was in the same predicament, These two great minds were troubled sore. | “ Pard,” said Robin, ‘ let’s try it.” “Which one shall we wenture on?’ asked Hie “Don’t you think th’ search for th’ Home o’ Gold would be th’ safest for our health an’ fu- ture happiness?” “Yes, accordin’ to th’ eternalffitness of things, T think 16 would.” Kitty and Robin then went to work to organ- ize a party, and ina day or two they had quite a band, Kitty resigned his position in the Golden-Egz Mine, Robin severed his connection with the News, and then for the promised land they started. It looked as though some ons would be likely to find the Sierra Madre, even if there was were sixty or more in the threo parties thither bound, and all were in search of that lever of the world—GoLp. Who would find it? CHAPTER XII, THE HIDDEN TREASURE FOUND, ONE night about two months after their de- parture from Golden-Egg, Silver-Mask and his little band were encamped in the very heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains, “Thank God,” said he, ‘if it is anything to be thankful for, we are here at last!” * An? now th’ next move will be to find th’ Lost City,” said Uncle Sid. ‘I wonder where itis, anyhow? I declare to goodness, I’d give forty cents to know)” “Well,” said Silver-Mask, ‘‘we must make the most of such information as we have been able to pick up while on our way here, and trust to luck for the rest. But we must find the Lost City, or prove that it does not exist, before we leave these mountains,” They were seated near their camp-fire, and the meat they were roasting being done, they fell toand ate as only bungry mencan, Then they posted their guard, and after talking and smoking for an hour or two, rolled themselves up in their blankets and were soon asleep, Bill Davis was acting as guard, and as the hours passed by he found that he was getting very sleepy. © realized the responsibility that was resting upon him, howeyer, and banishing all thoughts of sleep from his mind, he con- tinued to pace up and down at a little distance from his slumbering comrades, It wasalm ost time for him to call Pat McCarty up to take his place, when suddenly he felt a light touch upon his arm, He had not heard a sound, and when he sprung back at the touch and drew a revolver, he was surprised to see a a Indian girl standing near him, “Big wildeats, gall” he exclaimed, ‘tye almost made me jump out o’ my boots! Who be ye, anyhow?” “Tam Black-Eyes,” said the girl, speaking in the Indian tongue, ‘ and I want to see the white chief and speak to him.” “ Don’t know nothin’ about no sich lingo as that,” said Bill; “but Vl call th’ boss an’ let him chin to ye. I wouldn’t mind kissin’ yo though—blamed if I would!” he added, with a grin. He roused Silver-Mask from his sleep, and when he came forward the girl said: ‘“T am here to warn you and your men to fly for your lives. My people will surely kill you if you are here to-morrow. I have watched you all the afternoun, as you wound your way into the mountains, and resolved to warn you as soon as I could do so, Please do not stay here, but go away atonce, You are near the Lost City, and. no white man has ever come thus far and lived to tell of it.” “You need not be at all alarmed,” said Sil- ver-Mask, ‘‘ for we are able to take care of our- selves, although I thank you for the warning. What sort of placeis this Lost City of which you speak?” “Tt is within a wall, and has many white
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Billy, the Kid from Texas. 28 houses. My people say it was built by white men, many years ago.” “At last, at last,” Silver-Mask muttered. And then taking from bis pocket a small coin bearing the sign of the Cross of the Golden pre © placed it in the girl’s hand, saying people, and ask him to meet me here at daylight.” The girl glanced at the coin, and then turned and walked away in the darkness, Two hours later a strange sound was heard. It was like the “bum! bum! bum!” of a base drum, and the distant strains of martial music. “ Phat the deuce is that?” cried Pat McCarty. “*T guess it’s Gabe a-blowin’ th’ last trump,” said Cooney Clay as he sat up and looked around, Nearer and nearer came the music, and at last a bright light shone along the trail and up the valley, and then a long procession of torch- bearers came into view. They were Indians, At the head of the file walked the girl Black- Eyes, immediately followed by three men dressed in white, who had their bands crossed upon their breasts, and their heads bowed down. ‘Don’t use your weapons,” said Silyver-Mask to his men, who had drawn their revolvers, ** these Indians are friends,” When they had come to within a short dis- tance of the camp the music stopped, and the procession came to a halt. Then Black-Eyes and the three men in white came forward, “Our chief accepts your token,” said one of the men, addressing Silver-Mask, ‘‘and he de- mands that you be brought before him alone.” “T will go with you,” Silver-Mask replied, and then to bis men he added: “ Boys, Lam going with these Indians. I may return to you to-morrow morning, but you need not feel anxious if you do not see me before to- morrow night. Should I remain longer, how- ever, you will then know that something has hegened.) aying this, Silver-Mask stepped between two of the men who were clothed in white, and the girl and the other man in white taking the lead, the music started up again and the procession moved on through the valley and around the mountain, out of sight of those who watched the receding lights, “Thunder and turf!” cried Pat McCarty. ‘“Somebody pinch me till I see whether ’m awake or dreaming!” . “Say truth ain’t stranger than fiction, eh?” said Cooney Clay. ‘‘Why, ye might tell this iP yer own grandmother, an’ she'd call ye a iar? For an hour or more Silver-Mask was led for- ward into the mountains, and at last the pro- cession entered a narrow valley which was walled up on either side toa great height, and at the end of which was a narrow opening, beyond which a thousand blazing torches could be seen. Straight up this valley and through the nar- row opening, Silver-Mask was conducted, and then his wondering eyes beheld a grand city, full of white houses and palaces, and he knew that at last he had found the Lost City, As he entered at the gate he noticed that the gir] Black-Eyes was led away in no gentle man- ner by two warriors, and when he saw them tie her hands together, he knew that she was a prisoner. He soon lost sight of her, however, and then he began to look about to see where he was being led to, Presently he came to a white palace, and into this building he was conducted. He was taken first into a wide hall, and thence into a large room wherean aged Indian was seated upon a throne with several attendants near him, bear- ing long lances, ilver-Mask advanced to the first step of the throne, and then crossing his hands over bis breast he made a low bow to the Indian, who answered the salutation by a mysterious sign. ‘* Are you here to take away the treasure of the Lost City?’ the Indian asked. ‘*T am,” was the reply. “ How am I to know you?” “ By this token,” was the answer, and Silver- Mask bared his breast and showed thereon the sign of the Cross of the Golden Keys. : ‘It is well, Listen, Iam Lococa, the line de- scendant of Chihua, who was the friend of the good fathers who built the Lost City. “‘Chihua was the chief of a powerful tribe, and when the wars were he was on a visit to the good fathers in this place, The good fathers gave him a sword, which had upon its handle the same mark that 1s upon your breast, They then buried thair treasure, telling Chihua to bring his people and capture the city, and to re- main and guard the treasure until they could re- turn for it, saying the sword would help him to win every battle he fought. “Then the good fathers gave Chibua a piece of gold, just like the one you sent to me to-night, telling him that if they should not return, the one who would come would carry with him a golden token of the same kind, and to him, if the strange mark should bo upon his breast, the treasure was to be delivered. “The sword was retained by us, generation after generation, until a few years ago, when L lost it in battle. ‘‘Chibua commanded his people to carry out the good fathers’ wishes, and to the present time we have waited for the one to come who would carry with him the golden token and prove his right to the hidden treasure as you have done. ** Ts this the sword you lost in battle?” Silver- Mask asked, and he handed the Indian the sword ey which Professor Bracket had fought his uel. ‘* Yes,” said the Indian, ‘it is the same. I a you for its return, Where did you got it Silver-Mask told him all he knew concerning the sword, and added: “Can I get the treasure to-night?” **-Yes,” replied Lococa; ‘‘we will get it at once,” The old chief called a number of torch-bearers, and then led the way out into the street. As they walked along Silver-Mask was lost in wonderment, Presently they came upon the ruins of an old cathedral, and here they stopped, The old In-
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24 Billy, the Kid from Texas. dian led the way, and after the torch-bearers had cleared away some of the debris they came upon a stone which bore the sign of the Golden eys. ‘This was lifted, and two brass-bound boxes appeared, They proved to be too rotten to handle, but were full of gold. “Tococa,” said Silver-Mask, “‘how am I to earry this?” “My men shall carry it for you,” was the reply. i T think it would be better to have my horse brought here, so that I can securely pack the gold upon its back while under your protection, Will you allow one of your warriors to go to my camp and bring my horse, and also one of my men?” “Yes, if the man will come here with bis eyes blindfolded, so that he cannot see the way.” Silver-Mask produced paper and pencil, and wrote a note, and the old chief dispatched his men with it at once. . In due time they returned, bringing with them Cooney Clay, who was mounted upon his horse Barnum, and leading Black-Eagle behind him. “No gum games, now, my Christian friends,” Cooney was saying, as he came up, “fer if yo try any tomfoolery with me, Pll let Barnum heur loose among ye, an’ ve’ll annihilate the hull kit an’ caboodle of ye like a devastatin’ whirlwind. He won't leave a grease-spot of yeas big as m hat, He area terror, Barnum are, so jest look out. Steady on yer port, now, try an’ find a softer place than that for Barnum to step! Easy, there!” “You are all right, Cooney,” said Silver-Mask, “eet down and let them take off your hood- wink.” : : “Tm mighty glad t’ hear it,” said Cooney, “fer 1 tell ye l wur gittin’ alittle skittish, It smells too blamed strong of Injun heur to suit my taste.” ‘He dismounted, and the Indians removed the bandage from his eyes, and then ashe glanced Seine the little old man exclaimed: “Catherine Marier! where be I? Is this heur me, old Cooney Clay, or is it some other cuss? Kick me, somebody, fer goodness sakes, fer I believe I’m a-dreamin’!” Assuring Cooney that he was not dreamin, Silver-Mask went to work to pack up the gold, and in less than an hour he had it securely de- : age in bis saddle-bags and strapped upon the ack of Black-Eagle. “‘ When this was done the old chief led'the way back to his palace, and telling his men to guard the horses, he asked Silver-Mask and Cooney- Clay to enter. ae ““Jigger my top-royal,” said Cooney, “‘ if this heur don’t beat th’ Jews!” , The Indian seated himself upon his throne, motioned his attendants to provide, seats for his guests, and said: ‘* Why does my friend hide his face beneath a mask?” } This, much to Silver-Mask’s astonishment, was spoken in tolerably good Spanish. “T wear this mask,” Silver-Mask replied, ‘‘ to preserve my life, ‘Iam hardly at liberty to ex- plain how this is, but, thank God, the time is “ Will my friend allow me tosee his face?” the Indian asked, “Do you recognize this sign?’ and Silver- Mask placed his hands in a peculiar manner up- on his breast, ae No,” said the Indian, ‘I do not know what it is. Hearing this, Silver-Mask raised his visor, and allowed those present to see his face, : “Ha!” eried Cooney Clay, speaking in Spanish, ‘ the Cross of the Golden Keys again? It seems to me that I am bound to stumble over that sign wherever I go,” “What!” exclaimed Silver-Mask, ‘‘ you speak Spanish?” Yes,” replied Cooney, “I learned it on a Spanish vessel. I was shipwrecked once and picked up at sea by a Spanish trader, and I sailed on board of her for several years, Is’ l would have been a sailor yet, had I not got shipwrecked again, on the coast of New Jersey, but I drifted West, and since that time I have hardly seen the salt water. Talkin’ abont th’ Golden Keys, though,” he added, dropping back into his English again, ‘‘ there were four persons on board that same vessel that bore the mark upon them, bet th’? woman was drowned when we came ashore. Th’ man lived till th’ next day, while th’ two children—” “Tn God’s name,” cried Silver-Mask, ‘ what vessel was that?” , “The Barcelona,” Silver-Mask sprung to his feet, closing bis visor with a snap, 4 ‘* Why didn’t you tell me this before?” “Never thought of it. Had no idea you was interested in it.” ** Have you seen either of those children since the night of the wreck?” Yes,” answered Cooney, ‘‘ one of them is in Golden-Egg at this minute, I s’pose. She is known there as Major Wilmont’s daughter.” ** How in the world do you make that out?” “ Why, ye see, th’ major was on th’ vessel him- self, an’ he took both of th’ children with him, I knowed him th’ minute I saw him in Golden- Be. ““And the boy?’ Silver-Mask questioned bg ‘Wal, about th’ boy I ain’t so certain, but once when I was up in Shasta, California, I saw aman there that had the mark on his breast, Of course I don’t know whether he was th’ boy or not, but it seems to me that I’ve seen th’ same chap since, amd not very long ago, either; but durn me if I can say where.” ‘We must not lose a moment in getting back - to Golden-Egg,” said Silver-Mask. And then to the old Indian, speaking ; Peain in the Indian tongue, he added: : s ‘Will you allow your men to guide us to our camp?” “Yes,” was the reply, ‘but first come with me and see a traitress punished,” Leaving the palace again the old chief led the way up the street to a place where a fire was burning upon:a large flat stone. ‘Bring forth the prisoner,” he commanded: and to the horror of Silver-Mask and Cooney now near at hand when I shall lay it aside for- | Clay, the girl, Black-Eyes, was dragged into ever, and once more become a free man,” their presence,
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Billy, the Kid from Texas. 88 (be eee “his traitress,” said the chief, “has been for some tite suspected, and to-night she was heard to warn you and your men away from the valley. She shall now be burned alive. She is the daughter of one of my warriors, who married a white woman, and if she is allowed ba live she will some day do us harm, She must ie. “Save me—saye me!” cried the girl, in pit- eous accents, “You gum-blasted old thief!” cried Cooney Clay, as he saw what the girl’s fate was to be, “if you harm a hair of her head down comes your dog-house, and don’t you forget it!” ‘*Keep cool,” Silver-Mask cautioned. “We have got our heads into the lion’s mouth, and we must be careful how we act.” Then to the old chief he added: “This girl deserves to die, but she is young and will make a good slave. Give her to me in return for the sword that I restored to you, and i will take her far away.” “It is well,” said the chief. ‘*The girl is yours,” Their horses were brought, and they mounted them at once, Silver-Mask taking Black-Hyes up in front of him. “ My warriors shall take you to your camp,” said the Indian, ‘‘and there leaye you; and to- morrow at sunrise you must depart from the mountains, The commands of the good fathers and of Chihua are fulfilled, and no white man shall ever enter the Lost City again, Lococa bids you farewell.” Cooney Clay was then blindfolded again, and an hour later Silver-Mask and he were with their friends, while the Indians returned to their mountain stronghold, amid the loud beating of drums and the flashing of torches. CHAPTER XIII, ASTOUNDING NEWS FOR SILVER-MASK, WHEN the Indians were out of sight, Silver- Mask arranged a comfortable place for Black- Byes, to sleep, and then he sat down and ques- tioned Cooney Clay in regard to the wreck of the Barcelona. Cooney took pains to tell all he knew, He could not remember names very well, but those were supplied in part by Silver-Mask hiniself, He told the story about as it is known to the reader, or that part of it at least which it was possible for him to know. His leg was broken, and he had to remain for a few weeks in a little village near the scene of the wreck, he and an- other sailor; but the others went on by rail to New York. He bad never seen any of them since, until he saw Major Wilmont and Stella at Golden-Egg, unless the man he saw at Shasta, California, was the boy. That was all, In a short time it was daylight. Silver-Mask and his party started upon their homeward journey to Golden-Egg, and they rushed for- ward with all possible speed. Two days after starting upon their return to Golden-Egg, they were riding along at a moder- ate ae? through a charming valley, when snd- denky e sound of firearms reached their ears, as volley after volley of shots followed each other in rapid succession, . “ Somethin’ is rotten in Denmark,” said Uncle Sidney Summers; ‘‘an’ I guess we'll soon find some more Injuns to amuse ourselveS with. Don’t see what it can be if it ain’t Injuns.” * Or cowboys,” said Cooney Clay. “ Mebby it’s a lot of cowboys a-havin’ a social good time,” Silver-Mask gave .Black-Hyes into the care of one of his men, telling him to remain in the rear and keep her out of danger, and then he and the others hurried forward to ascertain the cause of the shooting. The valley took a sharp turn a short distance ahead of them, and before they could reach the turn the firing had ceased, They hurried on, however, and soon came in sight of the com- batants, One party—quite a large one—was in the val- ley, partly sheltered by small trees, while the other was intrenched behind a mass of rocks near anarrow canyon. ~ From these rocks there waved a flag of truce—a white rag tied toa stick —and presently one of the horsemen in the val- ley Sods out from behind the trees, and shouted: ““Have ye got enough, up there, neighbors?” “Do you accept th’ truce?” came the reply. ‘Yes, show yourself, an’ let’s hear what ye’ve got to offer!” At this a well-known form appeared upon the rocks, and, after a glance around, the man said: “Tf it’s all th’ same t? you, my bold Billy Kid, we beg to announce that we don’t want no more, We is satisfied. There’s no use in our fightia’ ye, Billy, fur adwersity is ag’in’ us. Now, we want to know what ye will do if we lay down our arms, adwance, hold up our paws an’ sur- render?” “We'll hang ye, of course,” replied the horse- man, ‘‘ every one of ye.” “That bein’ th’ case,” said Kitty, (for Kitty Wells it was,) ‘‘ we will stay where we are. To be shot is bad enough, but to be hung is worse; so you may open th’ ball ag’in as soon as ye please. Vll haul down this Teg, and then ye can sail in an’ we'll fight it out.” And so saying Kitty took down the flag and disappeared, while Billy, the Kid, rode back to bis men, “Now, boys,” said Silver-Mask, “here is a chance for us to have a little fight. Billy, the Kid, and all his men are after a handful of our Golden-Egg friends. What say you, shall we go for them?” “Sarttin sure!” cried Uncle Sid. ‘ They hain’t seen us, an’ as soon as they begin we'll waltz right in an’ take a fronteseat.” Ina sere time the Kid and his men made a charge upon the rocks and then Silver-Mask and bis party made a charge upon them, and Kitty Wells meeting them pretty strongly in front, the outlaws soon found themselves ina tight place. Tn the heat of the battle Billy, the Kid’s horse was struck by a bullet, and in falling it threw its rider with such force that he lay stunned and bleeding upon the ground. The next instant Kitty Wells dashed forward from the shelter of the rocks, and amid a shower of flying bullets caught the Kid by the scalp- lock and dragged him back under cover without receiving a scratch, t Immediately after the fall and capture of {7
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~ the 26 Billy, the Kid from Texas. mT Billy, the Kid, his right bower, Captain Jack, was struck by a bullet and killed instantly, and then the others turned and fled. “My dear Billy Kid,” said Kitty Wells to his prisoner, ‘‘ don’t ye wish ye hadn’t done so? I’m a-goin’ fer to take ye to Golden-Egg, where Billiam Bloom, E:quire, is waitin’ fer ye, with a thousand dollars fer th’ man who can bring ye to him. I tell ye you’re a prize, Billy; ye are indeed. Adwersity bas gone, and Fortune is once more a-smilin’ upon me. Werily, I feel happy.” itty Wells would return to Golden-Egg, that was certain; but bis comrades were in- clined to go on in search of the fabled Maidre @Oro. An offer of two dollars a day from Silver-Mask turued them, however, and an un- derstanding was soon arrived at. Later in the day they all started upon the home trail. Silver-Mask looked for further trouble from Billy, the Kid’s men, and he did not look in vain; for during the weeks that followed before be reached Golden-Egg he had several fights with them. One night, while sitting by their camp-fire, Silver-Mask and Cooney Clay fell to talkin, about the wreck of the Barcelona, and mention the Cross of the Golden Keys, “Why,” exclaimed Kitty Wells, breaking in upon them suddenly, ‘I know a man who has got that mark upon his breast!” “ Who is he®” asked Silver-Mask eagerly. “Tt is Jarvis Black, the Prince o’ Marksmen,” Kitty replied. ‘I've seen th’ mark upon his breast myself.” **There!” cried Cooney Clay, “‘I knowed I'd seen that chap somewhere, an’ now I remember him. He is th’ very lad that I wasa-telliu’ ye I seen up in Shasta, California.” “We must push forward to Golden-Egg with all possible speed,” said Silver-Mask. _ ‘‘ This man may go away before weget there. Itseems likely that be will,” And then to himself he added: “Thank God! I am at last on the very thresh- old of success. What every effort of mine failed to accomplish, has been achieved by chance alone. Now to see these persons, and prove them to be the two children of Miguel Rosario, and then me) to Spain! It will no doubt sur- prise Miss Wilmont and Jarvis Black to learn that they are brother and sister, if indeed they are. I can hardly understand, though, how itis that his name is Black.” Onward he pushed, until at last he and his men found their journey drawing to a close, and themselves within half a day’s travel of their destination, ‘We'll be there by noon, if nothin’ happens,” said Uncle Sid. About the middle of the forenoon they met a party of prospectors. “ Hallo!” exclaimed Uncle Sid, ‘‘ where’re ye from?” “ We're from Golden-Egg,” they answered. “Glad t? hear it, How’s things up in that aha little burg?” “ Everything’s a-boomin’,” was the reply. “ By the way, my friends,” said Silver-Mask, "do arn know whether Jarvis Black is still at olden-Egg Mine?” ¢ = ‘* Yes,” replied one of the miners, “ he is. An that makes me think of somethin’ else, too. There’s a-goin’ to bea big time in Golden-Egg to-day, an’ if ye hurry ye may be in time fer th ball, There’s a-goin’ fer to be a weddin’!” ” A wedding!” Silver-Mask exclaimed; ‘* whose can it be?” “Why,” the miner answered, “ Jarvis Black is a-goin’ to marry Major Wilmont’s darter. I vell ye, pards, there’s a-goin’ to be a big time, an’— He could say no more for astonishment. Silver- Mask had put spurs to his horse and was flying like the wind toward Golden-Egg, leaving his men to follow at their leisure. ‘Great God!” he cried, as he struck his spurs ‘rowel deep into his horse’s sides, ‘‘shall I be in time, or will I find that brother and sister have been made man and wife?” Maddened with pain the noble horse fairly flew, but even at that moment Jarvis Black and Stella Wilmont were standing with clasped hands before a priest in the parlor of the Palace Royal, and the marriage ceremony was being performed. Ride on, Silver-Mask, ride as you will; but no power of yours can save them now! CHAPTER XIV. SAVED BY AN ENEMY, Four months and more have elapsed since we last saw Golden-Egg, and to that place we must now return, The usual coach-day crowd was to be seen in the street, loitering’around the Palace Royal and the different saloons, but a perfect quiet seemed to reign throughout the town, As the morning advanced, however, there ap- peared to bea little stirof excitement in and around the Palace Royal without any visiblo cause to warrant it, and people slowly gathered before the hotel until the crowd at that point al- most blocked the street. “What's th’ difficulty, pards?” asked’a lately- arrived stranger as he pushed his way to the front. ‘‘Any one dead, or going to be hung?” ‘““My dear Christian friend,” said Professor Schuyler yh amg Bracket, who stood upon the veranda of the hotel, ‘‘ there’s going to be a wedding here this morning.” “A weddin’!” cried the stranger, ‘be that a fact? Kerwhoop! I’m. jest th’ boy that kin dance at a weddin’ every day in th’ week!” The stranger was a stout, broad-shouldered, one-armed man, dressed in a neat suit of black broadcloth and wearing a broad-brimmed black hat. His hair was lohg, black and curly, and he bad ashort beard. He walked with a slight limp, and carried a cane of most enormous size in his band, ~ ‘* Yes, sir-eo, a weddin’!” said Santa Fe Pete. ‘* There's goin’ to be a grand old circus beur to- day, you bet! You must be on band an’ see it. Shouidn’t wonder much if I wur theré myself.” “Tl be on hand every time!” the stranger suid. “I wouldn’t miss seein’ a weddin’ fer nothin’ at all! 1f’s my delight! I’m achief, I am, of th’ first water. I’m a full blood, “But say, pard, you’re th’ first man that I
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Billy, the Kid from Texas. 2” ever met with that had windows in bis ears, Hope you'll excuse my curiosity, but how did it happen?” This remark brought fortb a roar of laughter from the crowd. he truth was, Sante Fe Pete’s appearance had not beep improved any by Jarvis Black’s bullets, on the night of their little unpleasantness over the Chinese question, and the hole about the sizeof a half dime in each of his ears drew attention to him at all times, “Them hcles, pard, d’ye mean them holes?” and Pete stuck a finger into each of the aper- tures indicated. hy, I keep them t’ remind me of a little scrimmage thet I hed once upon a time. Don’t you fail t? be at th’ weddin’ though,” he added, ‘‘fer I tell ye it ts a-goin’ t’ be interestin’, sure!” “Tm a chief,” said the stranger. A few weeks previous to the day of which I write, Jarvis Black bad gone to Major Wilmont one morning, and said: .** Major, 1 have received a communication from my lawyer in San Francisco, informing me that [am a rich man. For morethan two ears I have been fighting fora mine up in basta county, California, and at last, have won the battle. am now the owner of a mine as rich as the Golden-Egg. . ‘Under these circumstances, major, I have something of rather a delicate nature to say to you, which I would not mention under any other. I love your daughter, and I have ever reason to believe that she lovesme. I would as' your permission to lay myself and my fortune at her feet, and ask her to become my wife; for \I think that our marriage would be a happy one, ‘*T am all alone in the world, unless my sister, whom I have not seen since we were children together, is still living; and I am, and always have been, an honest man, I am a Spaniard by birth, but thoroughly Americanized, and this is now my country.” “My dear Jarvis,” the major answered, ‘* you astonish me, I had no idea of this. But I like you, sir; and if your record is clear, have no objections to your seeking Steila’s hand in mar- riage, te low me to tell you, however, that she is not my daughter, although she does not know this, nor is it necessary that sheshould. She came to me when she was only four or five years of age, and does not remember her parents, But I can assure you that she is of honest birth. Her father was a gentleman, and her mother was one of the most amiable ladies | ever met. I will tell you all I know of her history. I—” “ Major,” said Black, “I do not wish to hear it. LIlove the lady for herself alone. She bears our name, and as your daughter I will marry er. A week later he spoke to the major again, “Major,” said he, “ Stella has promised to be my wife.” : “Jarvis,” said the major, ‘‘take her and pase ber happy, and may she prove a good wife. _ And thus if came about that there was to be a wedding in the Palace Royal. A messenger had been sent to Las Cruces to _ secure the services of a priest, and in due tim he had returned, bringing with him good old Padre Juan, of that place. The ceremony was to be performed at ten o'clock in the parlor of the Palace Royal, and as the hour drew nigh the invited guests began to assemble. At the appointed time Padre Juan entered the room, followed by Jarvis Black and Stelia Wil- mont, who were supported by Raymond Wil- mont and Nina Pabascoz. The room was full, but not crowded, while upon the veranda there was a perfect mass of people. ‘“Here they come!” was passed from lip to lip, and then a cheer arose and well-wishes of all sorts were heard. As the priest opened his little book there was a stir in the room, and Professor Artemus Buges and Miss Julia Wilmont arose, hand in hand, and stepped out before him at the side of Jarvis and Stella. “This lady having bestowed upon me her heart and hand,” said Buggs, ‘‘ we desire to have the same ceremony performed for us.” “This is quite a surprise,” said Black, ‘ though of course we are pleased to have company.” ** But,” said Padre Juan, “‘I cannot marry both at the same time.” “Thad hoped that we might have tbat honor,” said Buggs, ‘‘ but if not we will wait.” ‘*'No, no,” said Black, ‘‘ we will wait.” “Yes,” Stella added, ‘‘ we will wait, Youth: should ever and always give way to age.” The look that Miss Julie gave her was enough to chill the blood in her veins. ; Padre Juan began the service, and in a few minutes Professor Artemus Buggs and Miss Julia Wilmont were made one, Then the happy couples exchanged places, and the ceremony was commenced again, Padre Juan bad asked the preliminary questions, and was about to proceed, when without the slightest warning a loud report was heard, and with a groan of agony Jarvis Black fell to the floor with a bullet in his breast, ; ‘*Ha, ha, ba! Santa Fe Pete never forgets!” cried the bully, in witd, demoniac tones, and his ugly face was seen for an instant at one of the windows, But these words were the last he ever uttered. The two Chinamen, whose lives Jarvis Black had saved on the night of their arrival in Golden- Egg, were directly behind bim, and as he turned to fly they each drove an ugly-looking knife into his heart. ‘Chinaman he no forgetee, allee samee, too!” they said, ‘or asecond every heart in the room coased to beat, but the reaction soon came, “Yam a chief—a warrior bold, And likewise a medicine-man, ” said the one-arnied stranger with the big cane, as be stepped forward and produced some surgi- cal instruments, Shae : “Look out for the young lady,” he added, * She's fainting!” He quickly tore open Jarvis Black’s clothes and began to examine the wound in his breast, while Major Wilmont and Raymond carried Stella away, ;
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28 Billy, the Kid from Texas, “Take me to my room,” Black gasped, and he was lifted tenderly up and taken from the crowd. With a practiced hand thestranger went to work, and in a little while he had found the bul- let and removed it. Major Wilmont entered the room at that mo- ment, and turning toward the wounded man the first thing that met his eye was the Cross of the Golden Keys upon his breast. ‘Great God” he cried, “ he is her brother!” And sinking on a chair, he wept like a child, An hour fater Silver-Mask, the Man of Mys- tery, dashed into Golden-Egg, bis horse white with foam, Straight to the Palace Royal he rode, and springing from his horse he rushed up the steps and into the house, “Ts the wedding over?” he demanded, Yes,” said the postmaster, who stood in the door of his little office; ‘* all over.” “Too late—too late!” Silver-Mask cried, as he dropped on a chair; ‘my God, too late! And they are brother and sister.” Raymond Wilmont aad Joe Garret happened to enter the room at that moment, and heard the words. . “Who are brother and sister?’ asked Ray- mond, Silver-Mask looked up, and seeing who the questioner was, replied: “Jarvis Black and Stella Wilmont; other- wise, Miguel and Stella Rosario, “Where is Major Wilmont?” Silver-Mask added. “He is up in the room with Jarvis Black, who, it is feared, is dying.” : * Dying! What has happened?” *¢ Ho was shot by Santa Fe Pete,” replied Ray- mond. ‘ You have so astonished me that I had forgotten to let you know what has happened here,” Raymond related the events of the morning, as they had occurred, aud when he had done, they went up to the room where Jarvis Black was lying in the most acute pain, Major Wilmont was walking the floor in a nervous manner, and the stranger, who was no novice as a ‘*medicine-man,” was carefully watching the wounded man on the bed, “Do you know the truth, major?’ Silver- Mask asked, with a nod toward the bed, “Yes,” the major replied, ‘‘ I know all.” “ Who is this gentleman—a doctor?” Before the major could reply, the stranger ex- claimed: ‘Oh! I am a chief, a warrior bold, a medi- cine-man also, and a sort of universal genius, a jack-of-all-trades, as it were. My name is Smith. arnaby Smith, M. D,” “Do you think the wound is fatal?’ Silver- Mask asked. ~ “No,” replied Smith, ‘‘He will come out all right. I have got the bullet out, and I have no fears now. The wound isa very bad one, though, and it was a close call for him to step across the ‘ big divide’ and ‘ ante-up’ his checks, but he'll pal througb now.” “ May I speak to him?” ‘* Yes, I guess he can talk a little withont any harm, but I don’t want him to do too much of it Silver-Mask approached the bed, and leaning over the wounded man, said: “Ts your natne Jarvis Black or is it Miguel Rosario?” Quick as a flash Jarvis Black turned his face to the speaker, but he quietly replied: tor name is Jarvis Black, Why do ‘you as’ Silver-Mask opened his buckskin hunting-shirt at the throat, saying: ‘Have you a mark like this on your breast?” ‘¢-Yes,” answered Black, ‘I have.” “Then, sir, your name is Miguel Rosario, and you have a sister whose name is Stella.” “That was my tame, but itis not now. Sit down, and I will explain. But tell me, first, whether you know aught of my sister.” ** Your sister is alive and well, and you shall soon see her, Now to proceed.” ‘*When I was about ten years of age,” said Black, ‘‘my father started with his family to come to America, The vessel was wrecked, however, and both my father and my mother perished, leaving me and my sister Stella or- phans. I can remember Stella as a sweet-faced little child, whom I dearly loved. “here were two gentlemen on board the ves- sel who cared for us. The name of one was Jean d’Amersforte, but the other’s I do not re- member. They were very kind to us, I had a broken arm at the time, and was ill for many weeks, I cannot, therefore, recall the events just as they bappened. I never saw my sister_ ut once after the wreck, that I can remember. It all seems like a dream, ; ‘“‘T know I lived in New York, and went to school there for a long time. As I grew older I began to think more and more about my_ lost sister. I even took an oath that I would find her if she lived. I questioned D’Amersforte, but ho . would give me no information at all. -" “Then Iran away from school, resolved to be no longer dependent upon any man, and fully determined to find little Stella. “Then it was chat I changed my name, to hinder D’Amersforte from finding me, and took upon myself the name I now bear, “The years passed away ono by one, and I found that the search for my sister was almost a hopeless task, with only her name fora clew. I drifted to California, became interested in min- ing, and having become so used to my new name that I liked it batter than the old one, I took the proper legal steps and adopted it. So, my true and only name is Jarvis Black. That is all, unless I add that I never heard a word concern- ing my sister until a moment ago, and now, if you know where she is, tell me.” me Your sister is at this moment beneath this roof,’ “ What!” and Black sprung up suddenly. “Out of the room, every one of you!” ex- claimed Smith, ‘‘ and don't come back till I tell/. you to, or his life won’t be worth a cuss!” Major Wilmont, Raymond and Joe went out, and Silver-Mask followed. They repaired to the major’s room, where they | toand Stella with Professor Buggs and his bride yee
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~~ Nina Pabascoz, Song-Bird and Dinah Lee, all trying to comfort the poor girl. ° hen Nina saw Silver-Mask she sprung into his arms with a cry of joy, while Song-Bird’s leasure at seeing him could be easily detected in her dancing eyes. “Oh, papa,” Stella moaned, ‘how is Jarvis— will he die?” Z “No, little one,” the major replied, ‘the doc- tor says he will live.” That afternoon, when Barnaby Smith, M, D., declared Black better again, Major Wilmont and Silver-Mask had a long talk with him, Professor Bracket found his way into the room, having heard something of the romantic story, and asked permission to publish it, which, after due consideration, was granted, Here was an item for the Golden-Egg News, CHAPTER XV. KITTY WELLS MAKES A STAKE, “Up the road, an’ down th’ road, Cooney, Cooney Clay!” was the cry that was heard two hours after the arrival of Silver-Mask at Golden-Egg, and the citizens beheld Cooney Clay and his borse Barnum flying down the street, while in the rear came Uncle Sidney Summers, Pat McCarty, Cock Robin, Kitty Wells, and the others of that party. “Where, oh) where is Billiam Bloom, Th’ deputy-sheriff man?” sung Kitty Wells, as he drew rein at the Palace Royal. “I want to see him bad. He’s gota thousand dollars fer me.” Mr. Bloom was right on hand. ‘Here I am,” said he; ‘* who wants me?” ‘*Do you know this wiperous willain?” Kitty asked. : ““ What!” cried Bloom—* Billy, the Kid?” “Th? werry identic,” “* How in the name of the Seven Wonders did you catch bim?” “Ob!” said Kitty, “I managed to circum- went th’ noble chief an’ lay violent hands upon him; an’ when that was done he was my mut- ton! An’ now, Mr. Bloom, if ye’ve got th’ thousand dollars about ye, ’m ready to take em.” “The reward is yours, my good man,” an- swered Mr. Bloom; ‘‘ but first let us put the prisoner where he will be safe, and then I will pay you the money,” “ Nary!” said Kitty. “T want th’ ducats put into my paw right here, or we don’t trade,” There was no help for it, so the deputy-sheriff had to produce the required sum and hand if over. This done, he took charge of Billy, the Kid, and walked him to the hotel, where he put a pair of handcuffs on him. Silver-Mask took the Indian girl. Black-Eyes, into the house, placing her under the care of his sister Nina. Song-Bird looked upon the stran- ger with no friendly glance, though she said nothing. But when she found a chance she pro- ceeded to find out who and what the girl was. Song-Bird was no donht a little jealous, When the shades of night began to fall Mr. Bloom looked about him for a place to lodge his Billy, the Kid from Texas. risoner, and at last hit upon the cabin where illy, the Kid, had been confined before, It was his intention to remain with the man himself, to see that he did not escape, and also to place a guard outside of the cabin to hinder any one from coming near. : or this duty he picked half a dozen good men, and having put his prisoner within the cabin he stationed his men 6n every side of it. Then, as it was yet early, he thought he would take a turn about the town before he entered the cabin for the night. He walked back up the street as far as tho Solid Comfort Saloon, and there he entered, It was past the hour of midnight when he thought of his prisoner and started for the cabin, There upon the ground lay his guardsmen, bound hand and foot, while the door of the cabin stood wide open and Billy, the Kid, was gone. The men did not know how to account for it, The first they knew, they said, a dozen men dropped right down among them, and they were caught before they could move. Then the men broke open the cabin and released the prisoner. © 1t was evident that the Kid’s men had been con- eealed upon-the top of the cabin, ‘‘There was weepin’ an’ wailin’,” as Uncle Sid- ney Summers expressed it, ‘‘but it didn’t do a mite of good. Th’ blamed fool orter ’a’? knowed better!” Billy the Kid was gone, that was certain, and another thing that was equally as certain was, Mr, Bloom was a thousand dollars out of pocket, The next number of the Golden-Egg News was replete with interesting matter. The paper usually went to the press about seven or eight o’clock in the evening, and was publisbed early the next morning; but on this issue the two Brackets had labored late into the night in order to do justice to the rush of news, Cock Robin bad been engaged again upon his return, and Professor Bracket threw. himself in- to the editorial department, body and soul, The Reverend Abmiuadab assisted him, The exciting affair at the wedding in the Pal- ace Royal was set forth in glowing colors; the capture and escape of Billy, the Kid, ditto; while the burial of Santa Fe Pete and the exculpation of the Chinamen were equally well described. On the first page and commencing in the first column, however, was evidently the master- stroke of this edition of the Golden-Egg News, It ran as follows: “TRUTH STRANGER THAN FICTION! “A Romance mn ReAt Lire. “Yor many years there has existed in Spain a secret religious order, known as the Cross of the Gold-n Keys, which, at the present time is a power- ful organization. “Some time during the seventeenth century there came to America a party of holy friars, who repre- sented this Order, bringing with them a large som of gold, and founding a Christian Mission in the southern part of what is now New Mexico. 7 “Their mission flourished for a long time, and they built a city; but af last came trouble with the Indians, and they lost all. They never saw the land of their birth again. Only one of them lived to reach the city of Mexico, and there, after sending various mare aus papers to the head of the Order in Spain, e died. ~ 29> >
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3 wacom Billy, the Kid from Texas. Ee ewe ree eee a ES fen 0 Se eee ee “About nineteen years ago there sailed from ain a vessel laden with wine, bound for New ork. This vessel, the Barcelona, was wrecked on the New Jersey Coast. Among her pssengers was one Miguel Rosario, native of Barcelona, Spain, and member of the Order of the Cross of the Golden Keys. He was next of kin to the friar who had vied in Mexico years before, and to him and the Order belonged the gold which the friar had buried some- where in the New World. He had with him his wife and children, and it is of the latter that we are about to write. “The eldest was Miguel, a b»y about ten years of age, and the other was a little girl of four or five, named Stella. These children, like their parents, had upon their breasts a curious and indelible mark, two keys and two swords in the form of a cross, the sign of the Cross of the Golden Keys. ‘When the vessel was wrecked the only persons saved were these children and their fa'her, a man named Jean d’Amersforte, an American named Thomas Wilmont, and two sailors, one of whom was named Clay, an American by birth, Miguel Rosario, the father of the children, was badly wounded, how- ever, and after giving the children in‘o the care of Thomas Wilmont, he died. There was a belt aroun his waist containing his papers, etc, and these Thomas Wilmont and the man D’Amersforte exam- ined, learning therefrom the secret of the friars’ hidden treasure. “Jean d’Amersforte was at heart a bad man. Like many another Frenchman. he was treacherous; and while he appeared to Thomas Wilmont to be his friend, he was planning at the same time to steal the papers, and find the buried gold for him- self. But this he failed to accomplish. He took the boy, however, hoping some day to reap a rich reward by suddenly restoring him to his people in ner and thus brother and sister became separ- ated. ‘Thomas Wilmont adop‘ed the little orphaned girl, giving her his own name, and she grew up as nis‘own child. Jean d’Amersforte gave the boy a good education, and _ while he was at school spent most of histime in New Mexico, trying to find the lost treasure. “Asthe boy grew older he began to have hopes that he might be able to find his sister, whom he remembered, and at last he ran away from school with that intention; and to hinder D’Amersforte from finding him he changed his name to Jarvis Black, which he afterward adopted as his true name. “At the loss of the boy, D’Amersforte was wild with rage. He resolved to make oue more attempt to find the friars’ hidden gold, and failing in this he would by some means steal the girl Stella from Thomas Wilmont and take her to Spain, as he had intended to take the boy, trusting to chance to make somethinz out of it. Accordingly he returned to New Mexico, and for several years, in. company with the notorious outlaw, Billy, the Kid, searched for the treasure. “Major Tom Wilmont, as he is now k own, had a nephew, Raymond Wilmont and this young man was at this time a miner in Arizon>; bu’ having ngthing but poor luck there he came to New Mcxico, where he was fortuaate enough to strike no less a prize than the Golden-Egg Mine. He was poor, how- ever, and he sent for his uncle, Major Tom, to come out and see the property, and give himastart. This the major did, and some months later. when a city had sprung up he brought out his family. “About this time Jean d’Amersforte began to lose faith in the story of the lost treasure, not being able to find it, and was about to return Hast, and steal the girl, when he learned that she was being brought right to him here. This was Inek for the rascal indeed, and he engaged Billy, the Kid, to help him secure her “Every attempt they made to kidnap the young lady, however, was frustrated by the timely inter- position of a stranger, who is now known hereabouts as Silver-Mask, the Man ef Mystery. “Jarvis Black was engaged to superintend the Coen. Bes: Mine, and in the course of time, as we all know, he became the accepted lover of Miss Stella Wilmont. Previous to this, however, Silver- Mask had started to find the friars’ hidden gold, be- ing directed to the hiding-place by a clew which he picked up here in Golden-Egg. ““Among his men was one named Cooney Clay, who proves to have been one of the sailors who were sived from the wreck of the Barcelona. This man happened to relate a scrap of his history to Silver- Mask, who questioned him further, and learned that Major Wi mont’s danghter was Stella Rosario! Mr. Clay having recognized the major, the moment he saw him, as a passenger on the Barcelona. “ Our readers will recall two it. ms which appeared in the W-ws a few months ago. One was an account of the robbins of Major Wilmont of some valuable apers by Billy, the Kid, and one of his men, and be other was a story about a wonderful valley of gold in the southern part of this Territory. The papers taken from Major Wilmont were the maps, et«., relating to the hidden treasure, and the man with Billy, the Kid, was John d’Amersforte, Being unable to secure the girl, he made another bold move to find the gold which he knew was hidden in the mountains, andl, with the maps to guide them, he and B lly, the Kid, set out to find the piace, The s°cond item mentioned save many of our citizens the ‘fever,’ and some of them went to find the plice. Am ng these were Kitty Wells, and several others whom we know, “Now, these two paries met and had a fight, and Silver-Mask appeared upon the scene with his party, just in time to turn the battle against Billy, the Kid, who was taken prisoner. In this fight Jean d’Amers- forte met his doom, “The rest of this fiction-like story you all know. But who and what is Si'ver-Mask? is name, we learn, is Miguel Pabascoz; but more than that we do not know, and therefore cannot tell you. Let us still call him the Man of Mystery.” Major Wilmont and Silver-Mask were seated in the office of the Golden-Egg Mine when Cock Robin made his round of delivery, and he rushed into their presence shouting: ‘‘Double-headed extra! All th’ latest news! Th’ capture and escape of Billy th’ Kid! Death of Sante Fe Pete! A wonderful romance in real life! Truth stranger than fiction!” Majer Wilmont read aloud the ‘ romance in real lite,” and as he concluded, Silver-Mask said: “T suppose I am a man of niystery, major, and I wish it were not so. 1 must ask you to al- low me to retain my secret for a short time lonver, though, and then you shal! know all, “JT have a request to ask of you, and upon your answer depends much of my future. I must have Jarvis Black and Stella Rosario to accompany me to Spain, and I desire you to go too. I will state that I came to this country for the purpose of finding the lost treasure men- tioned in the News, and also to find some trace of Miguel Rosario or his children; and as I have accomplished both objects, I must take positive proof to Spain to show that my mission is don’. “Of course I expect to bear all expenses, and I can promise you a glorious time while you are in Spain, What say you—will you go?” “Yes,” replied the major, ‘‘I will go, You must wait, however, until I can put my affairs ~ i i
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¢ Billy, the Kid from Texas. si in proper shape, and then I shall be at your ser- vice. “Thanks, major,” responded Silver-Mask, ‘tI shall not hurry you, so take your own time about it. And I promise to tell you, on the day before we sail, who and whatIam, Then, thank God, after the object of our trip is accom- lished, I can lay aside my silver mask! I wear it now to protect my life!” CHAPTER XVI, THE FATE OF GOLDEN-EGG. Srx weeks passed quickly by, and at the end of that time Jarvis Black was able to take charge of Golden-Egg Mine again, His doctor had presented his bill as soon as Black had no further need of his services, and being promptly Pe that queer specimen of humanity declared his intention to go on a “tear,” “Oh, I am a chief,” etc,, he shouted; but when, a few days later, he left Golden-Egg, he was about as sorry-looking a “chief” as one could wish to see. Black gave Double Jimmie five hundred dollars to hand the doctor when he left his couch, and that was the last that was seen of Barnaby Smith, M. D Jarvis and Stella soon became accustomed to their new relationship, and were happy, as were all the others whose acquaintance we have formed. But the happiest of all, perhaps, were Professor Artemus Buggs and his bride. Black settled his business in California through his lawyer, making arrangements to have his mine worked under the management of a friend, and Major Wilmont having settled up his af- fairs, they intended to start for the East, on the first of the coming month, leaving Raymond and Joe to run the mine. The party started East, leaving behind them many warm friends, among whom were Uncle Sidney Summers, Kitty Wells, Pat McCarty and others whose names have been mentioned in these pages. One bright day, in the spring of 18—, the steamer City of Madrid started from New York, epee on a long voyage to the shores of sunny ain. ' ataoie her passengers were Silver-Mask and his companions, There was Major Wilmont, and near him stood Stella, looking out across the water. Prof. Buggs and his bride, Silver- Mask, Nina, Cooney Clay, Raymond Wilmont and Jarvis Black formed another group, while Great-Bear and Song-Bird stood apart. Mr, and Mrs, Joseph Garret were to be seen, too; and Mrs, Garret was none other than the Indian girl, Black-Eyes, whom Joe bad married in New York, Silver-Mask had put aside his mask, but around his forehead he wore a bandage of cloth to hide from view the crimson mark of the Cross of the Golden Keys. On the evening before sailing he had told his history and secret to Major Wilmont. His name was Miguel Pabascoz. His father was a member of the Order of the Cross of the Golden Keys, Eight years previous to the time of my story a traitor had given secret informa- tion to the world concerning the Order, and the finger of suspicion pointed direct to Miguel Pabaseoz, Silver-Mask’s father, although his guilt could not be proven, He was tortured horribly, but he still declared his innocence. Then he was given a chance for his life. He had ason and a daughter, Miguel, the son, was twenty-five years oi age, while Nina, the daughter, was but eleven, The com- mander of the Order had these two brought be- fore him, and in the presence of the father he ut upon the youpg man’s brow a mask, which, if seen by any member of the Order would in- stantly cost the wearer his life, then giving him a sum of money, said: You can speak the English language. Go, and your sister with you, to America, Find there the buried gold of those of our Order who died years ago in New Mexico, and bring us tid- ings of the fate of Miguel Rosario and his fam- ily, who sailed in the ship Barcelona, in 18—, Do this, and return to me within six years from thisday. Then your father shall be_ free, and the curse removed from your brow. Fail! and your father shall die, while the mark of a traitor shall remain upon you.” Then the commander gave him all the infor- mation he could to facilitate his search, and taking leave of his father, the young man and bis little sister started upon their almost hopeless mission. “But I bave not failed,” Silver-Mask said. **God has aided me thus far, and I have still two months and six days in which to reach Spain, and save my father, God be with me to the end!” The vale of San Bernardino, in Southern Cali- fornia is an earthly paradise, Several mansions are before us, surrounded by groves of trees laden with oranges, and fields ripe with grain, while grapes and other fruit abound in rich profusion, One of the mansions is the home of Raymond Wilmont and his wife, Stella. They have two bouncing boys and a little girl, while Major Wilmont, bale and hearty, is with them. Dinah Lee, or rather Mrs, Rose, and ber husband, are in their employ, as is Cooney Clay. The latter still keeps his big horse near him, and thinks him the finest animal in the world. Another of the mansions belongs to Miguel Pabascoz (Silver-Mask.) His wife is none other than Song-Bird, the Indian girl. His father is with him, a white-haired old man who cannot speak a word of English, but who is as happy as a king. ‘ Not far away live Jarvis Black and Nina, who have a little girl to bless their home. Kitty Wells is with them as right-hand man. Professor Buggs is a big gun in some college in the East, and he and Julia live in a neat little cottage where they enjoy every earthly blessing. Joe Garret is a resident of San Francisco, Major Wilmont Raymond, and Joe are still working the Golden-Egg Mine, but it is not pay- ing as it did at first. Jarvis Black, however, owns the richest mine in California, How Billy, the Kid from ’Frisco ended his days, is known to all. THE END.
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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 Hercules. By Oll Coomes. The Yankee Ranger. By Edwin Emerson. Dick Dingle, Scout. By Edward S. Ellis. Dandy Rock’s Scheme. By G. W. Browne. The Arab D- tective. By Edward L. Wheeler, Will Wildfire’s Pluck, By Charles Mons. The Boy Commander, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. ‘The Mania unter, By Burton Saxe. Dainty Lance; or, The Mystic ‘iarksman. By J. E. Badgers The Boy Gold-Hunter. “By >. Harbaugh. The Scapegrace By ¢ Morris. The Dark-Skinn . dient, Col. Hazeltine. Jabez Dart, Detective. Featherweight, the Boy Spy. Bison Bill, the Overland Prince, Prentiss Ingrabam. Lance and His Pard. Sy eph E. Badger, Jr. rapped Tiger King. By Charles Morris. ntriloquist Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. Old Rocky’s Boys. By Maj 8. Hall. Sim Simpkins, Scout. By Dandy Teock’n Rival. Hickory Marry. By Harr: ctive Josh Grim, ward L. 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By Charles Morris. 296 Govinda, the Tiger Tamer. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 297 Arizona Giant George; The Boyces of Sardine-Box City. By Buckskin Sain, 298 Daisy Doll’s Dash; or, The Ten Colorado Pards. By T.C arbaugh. 299 The Hailoon Detectives; or, Jack Slasher’s Young Pard. By Harry Enton. 800 Dendwood Dick’s Mission. By Edward L. Wheeler. 801 Dandy Duke, the Cowboy. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 802 Big Benson’s Bet. By T. C. Harbaugh. 808 The Hotel Boy Detective; or, The Grand Central Robbery. By Chas, Morris. 804 Bald Hend’s Pard; or, Creeping Cat’s Cunning. By Buekskin Sam. 805 Dusky Dick’s Duel; or, The Demon’s Trail. By Harry Hazard. B06 Spotter Fritzs or, The Store Detective’s Decoy. By E. L. heeler. 807 Nick, the Boy Sports or, Three Plucky Pards. - By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 808 Double-Fisted Mat; or, The Mystic Callfornia Giant. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 809 Old cirovuearns Boy; or, The Girl’s Ruse, By C. Dunning Sark. £10 Kit, the Girl Captain; or, The Mad Sailor’sa Legacy. By Col. 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