Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 322) (1890 03 12)
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I | No, 322, aienr. No. 98 WILLIAM St., New YORK. Five Oeate, Vol, XXV. »» OF FRED FOUND HIMSELF IN THE STRONG HANDS OF THE IRATE CONSTABLE, WHO GRASPED HIS COLLAR WITH A VIGOROUS CLUTCH,
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2 Fred Flyer, Detective. Fred Flyer, Detective; Ry ABE BLIZZARD ON DECK. BY CHARLES MORRIS, AUTHOR OF “‘ FRED HALYARD,” ‘‘ BOB ROCKET,” 4* DETECTIVE DICK,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. FRED MAKES THE DUST FLY, “Tapes no use talking. It’s the slowest old world that was ever launched, that’s my notion. Why, a chap might as well be in the ark with daddy Noab, jus% floating round, and looking at it rain. Here's a week gone by, and notan item. Idon’t see what’s ever to come of the Star if somebody don’t murder somebody, or if somebody else don’t bu’st into somebody else’s bank, wud flirt away a million or two of _ specie, There’s no use being a reporter in times like these. A chap might as well be a ditch- digger. Not even a political dig-out, or a prize- fight. I’m getting ashamed of such a slow old world. Won’t somebody cork me upin a bot- tle of lavender, and lay me away on a shelf?” A loud burst of laughter broke out in the office of the Morning Star, as Fred Flyer, the youthful reporter, went through this diatribe, with a face a foot long, and an expression as if he had just been to the funeral of: two of his uncles, “Come, come, Fred,” exclaimed Mr, Brace, the chief editor of the Star, “don’t go into a decline over the lack of newse We'll try and keep the poor Star on its feet by giving the biography of the King of the Sandwich Islands, The paper is alive and kicking yet, I fancy.” “Not more than half alive,” declared Fred. ‘“ It’s lost. all its spice, and a newspaper without spice is like mince-pie without raisins, Why the poor thing is so dull and drooping that I weep every time I read it,” “Then ‘go into the business yourself, my boy. Knock down a policeman. Snatch some young lady’s purse. Set fire toa barn, Steal a case of diamonds, Try any of those nice little amuse- ments, We'll promise you a column a day, The Star shall blaze with your history. Dil doable-lead the arrest and trial. We'll send a reporter every day to the prison, and tell the story of every bean in your daily pot of soup. Come, Fred, make a martyr of yourself for the good of the Star.” Fred shook his head gravely. “Ts a pretty game; but it’s a bit too one- sided,” be remarked very solemnly, ‘‘f calcu- late I’d do better as a law-maker than a law- breaker. Better send me to Congress, I bet you I keep you posted then in some neat ways of stealing without going to jail. Just put me on the track of the Congressmen, and see if I don’t show the light-fingered folks some new tricks.” . The laugh broke out again, One merry-faced editor wheeled around on his tall stool at the high desk, and called out: “‘T tell you what it is, Fred, there is a neat opening just now for a young man of your size. Streak up-country to Potter county where all this jail-breaking fun is going on. There’s elevon men got out of jail the other night. They are robbing stores and hen-roosts all over the county, and the citizens are getting up a Vigilance Committee to chase them into the mountains,” “Isn't it up that way that another chap is starving himself?” asked a second, ‘In prison for horse-stealing and hasn’t eaten a mouthful for thirty days?” “Just so. There’s a chance there for Fred to distinguish himself,” “Pil do it!” exclaimed Fred, who had taken all this in with eager ears. ‘“ {’m your lad, for a cow and a plate of muffins! Why, that’s just my style, toa hair, and I’m going for that Abe Blizzard heavy now, I promise you.” He sprung up in such haste as to send his stool rolling over on the floor, and danced an im- promptu jig at the prospect of such a congenial job of work. Fred was a boy of apparently some eighteen years of age, a tall, well-built lad, as graceful as a deer, and seemingly as agile. His cheeks were blooming as those of a ripe peach, and his eyes as black and sparkling as midnight stars, while his handsome face had in it a prompt de- cision which showed that he was not the sort of boy to be played with, There was a gleam of fun in it, too, as of one who kept an eye open for the bright side of life, and didn’t know the meaning of the blues, “I'm your donkey!” continued Fred, dancing more lively than ever, ‘I bet you I make the Star sparkle. There’s some prime items afloat up there, and a chap like me ought to be salted down if he can’t makemore. You've got a level head, Mr. Prince. Queer I didn’t think of it my- self, Wager you high I’m off for old Potter be- fore the sun goes down this blessed night. Strike while the item’s kot; that’s the reporter’s motto. Pack me up a ream _ of paper, a gross of pens and a gallon of ink, Keep one side of the Star open for news from old Potter, Charter a tele- graph line and a train of cars, for ’m going to make things spin. You might throw ina photo- graph gallery, soI can send you genuine pic- tures of the outlaws; then you needn’t use that old picture that you've had in already for Gen- eral Grant, Henry Ward Beecher and QGuiteau. Good-by; I’m off! Put in my obituary with a piece of poetry, if I kick the bucket, A chap might as well play seven-up with a rattlesnake as try to come it over that Blizzard. He’s an old coon, they say, but I’m a young coon, Good- by. Keep the Star spinning.” A louder burst of laughter than ever followed Fred, as he shot like a rocket out of the door of the editorial room, and went down the stairs taking three at a stride. His high spirits and liveliness were so infectious that be left a breeze of good humor behind him that sparkied tho next day in the columns of the Star. A touch of Fred’s life and jollity had some- how got into the pens and ink-bottles of the editors, _ It was not long afterward when Fred broke into his own home with a crash of the front
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Fred Flyer, Detective. a door, as if the house was about to fall from its foundations, “Mercy on me! What’s the matter?’ ex- claimed Mrs, Flyer, showing her motherly face anxiously at the door, while she brandished a toasting-fork in her right band, ‘‘ Has some- body backed a coal-cart into the front of the house?” _ “No; it’s only me, mother!” cried Fred. ‘I came in in a hurry, you see,” ** Laws bless| us, I should think so! You've got such a way of coming in in a hurry that it’s a mercy there’s any house left. And what’s the matter now?” “Pinner first,” answered Fred with a gay laugh, as he pushed his mother back into the room with a loving kiss, ‘I want to fill up the provision-chest, for I may go some days without my dinner before the month is much older.” ‘““What’s up, Fred?” demanded the father, who was seated ona settee at one side of the room smoking a very long pipe. ‘‘ Got march- ing orders, hey, boy?” “The worst kind,” answered Fred. ‘ Got to streak up into the mountains, and smell out that band of Blizzards that’s making things lively up-country, Items for the Star, That’s the eake I’m going to bake.” ‘* Bless you, my boy, isn’t it dangerous?” asked his mother, anxiously. “A trifle maybe, mother, But what’s that to me? I’m used to that sort of thing, and I always come out right side up with care, You know that, You remember the time I crossed the river on the floating ice, and the time I was inarailroad bu’st up, and the timeI jumped out of the fifth svory of a burning house, and the time I fell down a mine, and the time—” “Dry up there!” cried his father, vigorously. ‘You're too confounded risky. If you hadn’t been made of india-rubber you'd been smashed to a pancake long ago,” “But I am made of india-rubber, soT ain't going to be smashed toa pancake. Don’t fret. Fred’s going to pull through all right. Stir up dinner, mother, Time’s short. I’ve got to do some packing up, for I guess V’ll want a clean shirt and stockings beforeI get back. Got to shoot down to the office again and get hold of some funds, and the train goes out at three, so there’s no time left for snoozinz.” Fred waited for no reply; but was off up- stairs like a squirrel, Hurrying into his own room, he seized his traveling sachel, and com- menced to rifle his drawers as if he intended to take all bis possessions with him, Shirts, stock- ings, coats, hats, shoes, all his extra clothes were piled ina heap in the middle of the floor, and the impulsive boy within five minutes had filled the sachel three times over, not knowing just what to take and what to leave. He had just emptied itout for the fourth filling when his mother called out from the foot of the stairs: “Come down, Fred, Dinner’s on the table.” “All right,” answered Fred, ‘stuffing some- thing hastily into the sachel, and closing it. “Tl be down in a jiffy.” | Down he came, almost at a bound. Dinner smoked on the table, His father, who had a 48 reputation for laziness, and managed to have more off days than on days, had laid aside his pipe, and drawn his chair to the table. Fred’s two younger brothers, just come in from school, wore surveying the viands with hungry eyes. “Hallo, snippety jibbety!” exclaimed Fred, Got through with your A B C’s, have you, and come in for pork and cabbage? Bet you can’t tell me how many blue beans make five- and-forty.” “Hush that nonsense,” cried Mr. Flyer, severely, ‘and come to your dinner.” Fred drew up to the tuble, with his brothers; but he had quite spoiled the appetite of the younger of these youthful scholars, who spent half of his dinner-time trying to cipher out with bits of bread the difficult problem which Fred had given him, Unfortunately he had no blue beans, or he might have got to the answer with less trouble. “What have you putin your sachel, Fred?” asked his mother, “Oh, I don’t know, Plenty, you bet,” and Fred spread another slice of bread with butter. ‘A little of everything. I ain’t going short, nary tim2.” “Let me see,” said his mother, who did not altogether trust her headlong boy, She opened the sachel, and began to investi- gate its contents, But in a moment she dropped it, while her hands went up in a gesture of horror and despair. “Mercy on us! was there ever such a boy? One stocking, six collars, a torn handkerchief, and a dusting rag, and ‘he’s going traveling! And what's this? Bless me, if it isn’t that night- cap of mine, that I lost six weeks ago! Just look there, Jacob, That’s our Fred’s notion of going a traveling.” ‘Oh, let the boy alone. Last time he got in nothing but a pair of old shoes and a match- box,” growled Mr. Flyer. ‘*But you called me down to dinner,” ex- plained Fred, a little abashed, ‘IT hadn’t time to get through.” * T suppose not,” answered his mother dryly. “You go on with your dipner, Fred. ll pack your sachel for you while you finish, I hardly think you are to be trusted.” The careful mother made her way to Fred’s room. But she stopped in utter dismay when she got her eyes on the floor of that apartment, It looked as if there had been an earthquake in the room, and esif the contents of bureau and closet had been shaken into a heap in the middle of the floor, ** And he was up here enly five minutes!” she exclaimed. ‘‘If he’d bad an hour, I wonder ' what sort of a mess he would have made? Couldn’t have been much worse, than this, though.” But itis surprising how soon a careful house- keeper can bring order out of confusion. She was no longer than Fred had been, but in that time she had filled his sachel with the neces- saries for a journey, and replaced the remaining things in their appropriate quarters, “Here it is, Fred,” she remarked, handing it to him with a severe look. ‘¢ And I must say—” ‘Now, mother, don’t mind. I'll fix the room up when I come home,” broke in Fred, “f
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never could do things neat in a hurry, Kiss me good-by, mother, Ill write to you to-mor- row. And you can find all about what Tam doing in the Star. Good-by, dad. ‘Take care of yourself, Tommy. Good-by, snippity jibbity. ind your eye sharp, little fellow.” “Say, Fred,” exclaimed the young gentleman thus addressed. “ Well, snippy, what is it?” “How many blue beans does make five-and- forty? I’ve jist been cipherin’ all dinner, and. I can’t tell,” “ Ask your teacher, He'll tell you. I haven’t time,” laughed Fred. ‘‘Good-by, all, Take care of.yourselves. Keep an eye on the Star, and you'll know what I’m about. I’m going to stir up some fun now, just you see.” He snatched his sachel, and darted away. In an hour from that time Fred was stepping into a car of a west-bound train, off for old Potter, and items for the Star. CHAPTER II. A DARK MEETING. Into the neat little town of Oxford, Potter county, landed Fred Flyer after dark of a ch evening. It was a pretty little place, that lay like an egg in a nest of the mountains. Some of its streets ran at a steep slant on the flanks of the hills, while a mountaiu of considerable height sloped to within a mile of the town. It was pitch dark. There were here no gas- lamps nor rows of electric lights, while not a star was visible in the sky.. Tbe young traveler had asked his way at the station, but it was not long before he found himself all astray. “Bless me, if [don’t think ’m_ climbing up- hill!” he at length declared. ‘* Wonder if ’m lost? Where are all the folks that live about here, anyway? The town is as empty as a miser’s meal-bag.” It was just then the supper hour of the good people of the town, and the streets were desert- ed in consequence, while all the lights of the houses were in the kitchen quarter of the habi- tations. Fred wandered on, growing more con- fused atevery minute. He stopped at length, and flung bis sachel on his shoulder, “Well!” he ejaculated, *‘it’s my private no- tion that this thing is about played out. Don’t like to disturb folks at their grub, but you can bet Lain’t going to stumble round bere mach longer, like a rabbit ina potato-patch, Guess T’ll rap somebody up from the supper-table, and ask for a pilot.” He looked around him, To his surprise all the houses were behind him, He had made his way on to the hillside out of the town. “A chap might think I was on a tramp,” be growled, in a discontented tone. ‘‘ Best port my helm, and sail back on the larboard tack. Don’t want to snooze to-night on the nose of the mountain,” ‘Hold your level, my hearty,” Game a hoarse voice from the darkness, “ Jist nail yerself thar, if you don’t want to see brimstone and blazes.” “ illo!” cried Fred. ‘ What’s this?” “@Quess you'll find out, if you kick up any didoes.” : A dark form made its appearance, vaguely Fred Flyer, Detective. outlined in the gloom. The features of a whis- kered face were just visible. But what Fred particularly noted was a hand grasping a re- roles which was uncomfortably close to his ead. ‘Now keep yer level, youngster,” continued the speaker, ‘I only want to have a sociable confab with you. Reckon as how, from some- thin’ you let drap, ye’re a stranger in these diggin’s?” “Then just suppose you wait for an introduc- tion before you get so mighty well acquainted,” grumbled Fred. The stranger laughed, but he kept his weapon almost in contact with Fred’s ear. It was evi- dent he meant business, “What fotches you hereaways?’ he sternly asked. ‘©Come up after newspaper items,” answered Fred, coolly. ‘I’m a reporter, old fellow. Going to look a little into this jail-breaking business, and try and pick up Abe Blizzard’s biography.” ‘“Ho! ho!” laughed the ruffian, ‘‘ Arter old Abe, hey? Want items, do you? Wal, I reckon you’ve got one to start on, See here, my chap, I ain’t going to hurt you, and I won’t go through you if you jump squar’. But if you kick up any didoes 1’ll send you to ‘Davy Jones quicker’n a cat’s wink. D’ye take that?” “Take it for blow,” answered Fred, boldly, “T don’t scare easy; so you may as well stop bluster and come to business.” “Look here, you young game-cock.” He struck a match, which for an instant illu- minated his face, and then was quickly extin- guished, It was a harsh, stern, determined face, sun-bronzed, and full of dark lines of reso- lution. The eyes glared out from deep, over- hanging brows, “Think you'd know me ag’in?” ** Reckon so.” “Well, Pm Abe Blizzard!” Fred started. Was it possible that he had already, not ten minutes in the town, fallen afoul of the noted convict? And what was bringing the hunted robber to the very threshold of his enemies? “Don't jump outer your skin, young feller, The devil ain’t never so black as he’s painted, Now, see here, I want a few words with you.” “Pile in!” answered Fred. ‘‘ But just take down that bit of hardware. Ive seen it. You needn't keep showing it.” The outlaw laughed again, as if Fred’s cool- ne-s amused him, But he lowered his pistol. “You're a reporter arter items,” be began, “Well, here’s an item for you, Abe Blizzard got outer jail. Reckon he’d been a jackass if he hadn’t. But you mought think I was a cow in a clover-field, the way they’re chashin’ me round, Now that’s played out, an’ I’m goin’ to make Rome how! if it ain’t stopped.” “But they say that you don’t let up. You keep robbing stores and houses all over the country.” “Ts a lie!” roared the outlaw. “Ther ain’t an old hen snatched from a roost in the coun- ty but they lay it on me, Ther’s a lot o’ scala- wags at work, and Abe Blizzard is got to father it all. Now I want you to tell ’em this from . :
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_ quality. Fred Flyer, Deteetive. 5 me:—If they don’t let up, and stop chasin’ me in the mountings, Pll guv ’em a bis o’ my Do you hear me?” “Calculate so,” answered Fred, as quietly as if this was an ordinary conversation. *“There’s a judge in this here town. Allen, they call him, That’s the coon that’s rakin’ up the coals on me. Now, see here, You've got some money?” “ T ain’t quite dead broke.” * Jist do what I want, and you kin keep it. There’s a bit of warnin’ here which I want handed to Judge Allen. If he takes it, all’s hunky, If he don’t, I’m goin’ to touch him in a sore spot. You take?” **-You bet!” ‘‘Hang me, if I don’t like you, boy! You've got a tech o’ sperit, sure. on’t you shake hands?” “No. Not witha man of your record,” and Fred drew himself up proudly, An oath came from the outlaw’s lips, while his brows frowned ominously, ‘1f a man’d said that to me I’d ha’ knocked him kickin’. Ye’re a-playin’ with gunpowder, little man, now I tell you, Here, Take this. Put it into Judge Allen’s hands, And tell him all I’ve said.” He thrust a folded paper into Fred’s hand. ‘And the next time Abe Blizzard asks to shake hands with you, you'll do it, or there'll be ruc- tions. Mind your eye, my hearty.” He vanished almost as he spoke, He disap- peared so suddenly that he seemed to have melted into the night. Fred stood holding tho note that had been given him, and looking into the empty gloom. For the moment he bardly knew if this had been dream or reality. It seemed as if some phantom bad come from the night, and vanished into it again, All around was silence and darkness. But he felt the note between his fingers in assurance of its reality. Fred shook himself as if just awakening from a sleeps “Tf this isn’t a prime start, I'll sell out,” be declared. ‘‘ Why, the job’s just egy Be into my hands. Got anitem already, and I can see plenty of fun in the wind, That coon ain’t ‘oing to be snatched like a hen off a roost. ell make things lively before they take him. Well, it’s my job now to streak for that sie pet my supper, and then hunt up Judge en. He turned back toward the town, whose lights lay immediately behind him, A few steps brought him once more within the range of the houses, “ Don’t think T'll go flopping around loose any longer,” Fred soliloquized. ‘‘ Guess Ill stir up some of these pond folks, and find out just where the hotel is. ‘on’t pay to sail around all night in the dark like a cow in the prairie.” Before him, as he spoke, rose a handsome house, surrounded by a broad stretch of well- adornea grounds. To the door of this he walked up, and rung the bell. It was all one to Fred whether it was the residence of the mayor of the town, or of one of its humblest citizens. He was not the lad to hold back for want of cheek. E After a minute the door opened, A light Judge hung in the vestibule, so that the person who had opened the door was clearly revealed, It was a young lady, the first glance at whom gave Fred an odd sensation. He was stre he had never seen anybody quite so pretty and engag- ing in his life before. She was of small figure, dressed in light-blue silk, and with a face that danced with anima- tion, while it bloomed like an apple-blossom in the warm lamplight that fell upon it. Fred hesitated and stammered a little as this apparition stood waiting to hear from him. “Excuse me for disturbing you,” he at length said. “I ama stranger in this town, and have lost my way to the hotel. If you can only tell me how to find it—” “The hotel? Why, certainly. 1 did not think anybody could miss it in this bandbox of a town,” Her voice was full of music and amuse- ment, ‘* You have only to follow this street a short distance, and it will bring you into the main street. Then turn to your left, and ten steps will bring you to the hotel,” “Thanks,” answered Fred, ‘I tried that be- fore. But it was so dreadful dark that I got all twisted up.” ‘Shall I send some one with you?” “Ob, no! I beg not. I am ever so much obliged.” Fred was running round in his mind for some excuse to keep up the conversation, The young lady stood holdiug the door as if quite ready to dismiss him. ‘“By the way,” he continued, as a thought struck him, ‘I hope you will excuse me for troubling you, but as you have been so kind can ou inform me where [ will find the residence of udge Allen? I have some business with him,” “Judge Allen?” she exclaimed, while her eyes lighted on with surprise. ‘‘ Why, he lives here, Judge Allen is my father.” It was Fred’s turn to be surprised. “ Well, that is strange,” he declared, “To think of my hitting upon his house at the very first asking! Is he in? “Come in, sir, and I will see,” invited the young lady, whose eyes had been admiring red’s face quite as much as he admired hers, He lost no time in obeying the invitation, and seated himself in the hall, while she went back into the house. She returned after a minute, in her pretty, impulsive way. ‘‘T am so sorry,” she declared, “but father is notin. I think you will find him at the hotel. They meet there every night to talk over this dreadful affair of the robbers in the mountains. You've heard of them?” ’ “Oh, yes!” answered Fred, “Terrible fellows they seem to be.” ‘*T do so hope they will be caught. They keep me awake at night thinking of them.” ‘“‘T suppose I will not be able to sleep either,” rejoined Fred, though the cunning fellow well knew that a ten-pounder tied to his ear would not keep him awake. ‘Isn't it too dreadful for anything? They are robbing all around.” “Tt is just terrible.” “ But sometimes I can’t help wishing that Bliz- zard will get away. He is so brave and bold. And there’s something so romantic about hig doings.”
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Fred Flyer, Detective. EEEEEEnEEEEnmenennenme *T hope he will, if you do,” replied Fred. She looked into Fred’s serious face for a mo- ment, while an amused look gathered around her lips. {t ended by her breaking intoa merry laugh, “ So play!’ she exclaimed. go on to the hotel, sir.” “T will dance to that tune alsc,” answered Fred, returning her laugh. Those few minutes had made them better acquainted than hours of formal intercourse, am ever so much obliged. Good-night.” ** Good-night!” The door stood open as he went down the street, the light nalts | to guide his way. A few minutes brought him to the main street, and into easy view of the lights of the botel. Fred’s first duty now was to get a good wash after his journey, and to do justice to the appe- tizing supper which was quickly prepared for him. These necessary duties completed, he strolled into the tap-room of the hotel, where he found a group of the more solid people of the town, engaged in anearnest conversation. They looked at him questioningly as he entered, “‘T beg your pardon,” he said, “‘ but is Judge Allen present?” “Yes,” answered a stout, bandsome gentle- man. “Lambe. Do you wish to see me?” “T have been given a note, which I was to deliver into your hands,” replied Fred. “I think you will find it important.” Judge Allen received the note with a look of surprise, tore it open, and Nip ran his eye over its contents. He had hardly done so ere he sprung to his feet, with a very red face and a look of deep indignation, ‘* By Heaven!” he cried, “‘ we shall see! Do ae outlaw! But I will hunt you to the eath |!” you are ready to dance to any tune I **T think you had better CHAPTER IL OUT ON A MOUNTAIN HUNT. “Trmr’s no use talkin’, Jedge Allen, but ther’s pot to be a squar’ back-down somewhar. I’ve rot it nm my woolag’in’ you. You sent me to jail wity «wt no evidence whatsomever. You've been +-huntin’ me ever since I got out, jestas if I was a cucumount, You're a-blamin' me fur things sich as I never thought 0’ doin’, Now you hear me, this thing’s got to stop. You let me alone and Tl let ga alone. But jest you keep on huntin’ me, and Pll tech you sore. I'll make you howl. I ain’t no baby, Jedge Allen. I’m a quiet chap, as don’t want to trouble nobody. I won’t tech hair nor hide in this a ae if you drop yer hunt. But if you keep it up, loo oat for sqnalls, I’ll make you squirm like a nipped rat. That’s my signatoor. ABEL BLIZZARD.” Judge Allen stood erect, reading this precious document to his comrades in the bar-room of the hotel, while his stern blue eyes blazed with in- dignation and energy. What do you think “There it is, gentlemen, of it?” — “Td back down if it was me,” answered a portly, easy-going fellow. ‘‘There’s no telling what that chap might do if he’s cornered too close, When a rat shows his teeth it’s best to give him some ay. “He might burn your house, or steal your horses,” suggested another, “Or attack you in the dark.” “He might do a good many things,” answered the judge, with a curling lip. ‘* What do you say Branson?” be person addressed was a slender, wiry in- dividual, with a dry, wrinkled face, and dressed in a half-hunting garb. ‘* No use whatever fur you to go in the pickle, jedge, Let the rest on us keep up the chase, Vell fetch up the rascal.” ‘* That’s very wise, cautious advice,” answered the judge, angrily, throwing himself into his chair, ‘ There is only one weak spotinit, Itis given to the Mined party. Il am going to lead the bunt against this outlaw till I capture him, no matter for all bis threats. He shall find that he is not playing with a child.” The judge fumed and fretted with indignation. It was evident that the outlaw’s letter had sorely touched his pride, He turned suddenly to Fred, who had seated himself, and was listening with interest to the conversation, “How did you get this letter, sir?” he asked sharply, eying Fred with doubt and suspicion. ‘*Gotit from Abe Blizzard,” answered Fred, easily, as he settled himself into a more com- fortable position. “From Abe Blizzard!” The exclamation was general, Several per- sons sprung to their feet in surprise, ‘Just so. By mountain post. Came straight as a rifle-bullet.” a ‘‘What do you mean?” cried the judge stern- ly. ‘* Who are you?” 20 ‘Excuse me, judge,” rejoined Fred, coolly, “Tm only a boy, you see; but I always take the world as it comes, I only landed in your town an hour or so back. Got sort of mixed up in my geography in coming to the hotel, and strayed on to the high grounds back. It was dark as seven thunders, but there was light enough to see a hand and a revolver, and to hear a voice.” “ Abe Blizzard!” broke out one of the com- pany, in an excited tone. “That's what the chap called himself. He's a very badly treated individual, so he said. The people around bere don’t seem to appreciate his virtues. He wants to be let alone, If he’s hunted any longer he’s going to make Rome howl. I tell you, gentlemen, I had a very in- teresting conversation with that hand and re- volver. And I took the advice of that voice, not to stir till he got through,” * Gracious me!” exclaimed the excited person, “Ts esc the bold ruffian has been so near us? hy, he might murder us all in our beds, and nobody be the wiser!” “ Oh, he’sas amiable as a pig in a turnip-bed,” continued Fred. ‘‘ Wouldn’t even take my purse, if I’d be kind enough to carry that note to Judge Allen, You never saw such a soft- hearted cut-throat,” The townsmen looked with some surprise at the easy-toned youth, as he described his adven- ture with a careless drawl. They were curious to know who he was, and what was his business in Oxford, but no one ventured to directly ask him the question, Judge Allen sat with his chin on his hand,
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Fred Flyer, Detective. id and his eyes fixed on Fred with a scrutinizing glance. His face worked as if he was quietly communing with himself. ‘So it seems you have had the pleasure of a rivate interview with the famous runaway,” fe remarked somewhat sarcastically to Fred. “Since you have been so fortunate, will you be kind enough to give me your opinion? What would you doif you were in my place?” “Do you want it square and fair?’ asked Fred. ‘Square and fair.” “Then Vd never be choked off by a threat. If I thought it my duty to run him down, I’d run him down, and let him do his worst, But I am only ripen for myself, judge. I don’t want to sail your boat. The fellow means mis- chief, and if you push the hunt on him there may be trouble ahead, I am only a boy, and don’t pretend to have a man’s judgment, so you had best take the advice of wiser persons,” “Never!” cried the judge, springing up and warmly seizing Fred’s hand. ‘* Your opmicn is my own, my lad. I am going to lead a party into the mountains to-morrow, in pursuit of the fugitives. You may join us if you will.” “You couldn’t hit my notion better if you'd offer me a brick house and a pigeon roost,” an- swered Fred, as he returned tne judge’s pres- sure. ‘‘I want _to see your famousoutlaw by daylight. And Dn like you, judge. I’m only a boy, ut Pve got a touch of git in my bones,” ‘To-morrow be it, then, ou hear, gentle- men? The meet will be at the foot of Camel's Back. That’s where the villains are in hiding. But they won’t have much chance to escape to the neighboring peaks, fur the whole country will be up and after them. I have just received a messenger from above. Harry Trueman’s store was robbed last night, and the farmers are in armsforaraid, If we do our work well, we will bave them all safe in jail again before the sun sinks to-morrow night.” A long conference succeeded, in which the de- tails of the next day’s work were fully debated and each one’s duty laid down, Fred left them still talking, and retired to his room. He had work before him ere he could retire to rest. He had to write out an account of his evening’s ad- venture, to be ready for the next day’s early mail, as an item for the Star. When the young reporter raised his curtain the next morning and looked out on the scene before his window, he saw a pretty, well-shaded country town, lying in the lap of a beautiful valley and under the beams of a crisp, frosty, October sun. All was clear and clean, and the far-off peaks were brought so near in the transparent mount- oe that they seemed but a short walk dis- tant. It was ten o’clock when he met the scouting- pee who were gathered just outside the town n readiness for the day’s hunt, They were all armed, maioly with rifles, Judge Allen was with them, stern and determined, é “ How is this thing to be managed, Branson?” he asked the wrinkled-faced hunter, ‘ You're an old hand in the mountains,” “Fo’st thing,” drawled_ Branson, leaning on his rifle while he scratched his thin hair—* fu’st thing’s to ’p'int a gineral, and next thing’s to ‘pint a boss.” ‘“*A genera] and a boss? That’s a queer con- glomeration.” ‘Look here, jedge. I ain’t used to handlin’ this sort o’a gang. S’pose you set up fur gin- eral, and gi’n ’om Hail Columby if they don’t toe the scratch,” ** And who is to be boss?” “Calk’late V’ll take on that little job. You don’t know no more ’bout the mountings nor a cat bout apple-parin’s. I want you to boss this caboodle, and I’) boss you, and we'll sail up-hill lovely.” “Very good,” laughed the judge, ‘I fancy you are right, Branson.” “Most allers am,” drawled the hunter. ‘* Now look here, Ther’s a white spot ’way up yander on the nose o* the old camel. That’s where we're to streak fur. And we've got to split into three squads, so’s we kin scour the hill up to that pass. Til take the center. Here’s Joe and Bill Hall, old mounting coons, askin lead the flanks— Hillo, young sprout! On hand, eh? Got any weepons?” ** Got a revolver,” answered Fred, “Then don’t go practicin’ on jay birds, Streak up, gentlemen, Guy’ ’em the’r orders, jedge. eir journey soon proved no easy one, A mile or two brought them from green fields into rocky slopes, where huge bowlders and fallen trees made the path anything but easy. “Go keerful, gentlemen,” warned Branson, “It's a trifle rough hereaways, but it gits smoother a bit on. Howsomever, we ain’t fetched upto the real diffikilties yet, and I'd *vise ye to save yer wind fur the mounting chmbin’ ahead.” “Save our wind!” cried, the portly, ease loving individual of whom we have already spoken, ‘ Lord! is this what you call fun?” His observation was suddenly cut short by a tumble over a concealed log, that brought his nose into sudden contact with the recky ground, A laugh followed from his nearest neighbor, but the laugher quickly came to grief. He stumbled into a hidden hollow, and to save him- self dropped his rifle, which exploded with a sharp report, the bullet whistling uncomfort- ably close to Branson’s ear, “Who in the blue blazes is that?” yelled the guide ina fury. ‘‘ What infernal, thick-head- ed, slim-witted son of a gun is flinging his bul- lets around loose here? If I don’t smash that shoat’s snout, then—” “Tt was alla mistake,” explained the unluck man hastily. ‘‘ The piece dropped and went o' of itself.” “Then I'd advise you to go off of yourself,” broke out the irate hunter, “I think you'd find better quarters in the bosom of your family, than out huntin’ outlaws on the mountings. We was doin’ this on the sly, and blast me if ou hayen’t guy the alarm five miles ahead! ush on, gentlemen, I’m mad. Td kick my- self if I wasn’t.” This energetic reproof prevented any more wild rifle-shooting, The ground beyond grew more practicable, After half a mile of this difficult belt they reached a plateau, thickly —
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8 Fred Fiyer, Detective. covered with woodland, and stretching for a mile almost at a level. “Make the most of this smooth sailing,” said Branson, dryly. ‘‘T’other side of it you’re go- in’ to have a breezer, You ain’t done no mount- ing climbing yet, but you’ve got itafore you hot and heavy. Any chap that’s got soft bones had best turn and toddle back,” It soon proved as he had said. The level ground came suddenly toanend, Before them rose a steep hill that looked almost perpen- dicular. The portly gentleman gazed at it in despair. ‘* Have we got to go up that?” he groaned. “You kin take t’other bull by the horns, if you like,” answered the guide, dryly. ‘‘If entghd ‘ot a feather-bed at home, mebbe you'd make fur it, ’cause you won’t find these rocks no feathers. Any chap as wants to climb Camel’s Back has got to mount that slope. Guess ’tain’t as bad as it looks, though, Push on lively, folks.” It was, indeed, a hard climb, There was no trace of a path. A series of huge rocks, which it was necessary to scale, closed the way, and the less agile of the party had to be dragged up many of them by main force. Fred’s youthful agility stood him in good stead here, and he made his wa he with an ease that brought a grim growl of approval from the guide, ‘ You’ve the makin’ of a mountaineer, young %un,” he remarked, ‘‘ But don’t be toospry, or you mought step inter a hornets’ nest afore we're by to whip’em off. Give me yer hand, jedge. ‘That's a rough bit o’ rock.” ‘* Rather,” gasped the judge, as he was helped up a smooth rock eight feet high. ‘‘ You must ay a fly’s feet, Branson, and hang on by suc- on, ** Guess so,” was the short answer. A half-hour of this difficult ascent brought them to the white spot which the guide had pointed out, It proved to be a great mass of quartz rock, standing, clear of trees, on the mountain’s flank. One of the two other divisions of the party had got there before them, The remaining division quickly ap ed. So far the coast was clear. No trace of the fugitive pris- oners had been seen, ‘Didn’t expect to stir ‘em up yit,” remarked Branson. ‘ But they mought be in that bit 0’ ground ahead of us.” He pointed upward. The mountain continued to slope rapidly, and some hundred feet above their heads loomed a perpendicular rock, whose bluff summit formed a long lookout over the valley below. Suddenly, before their up-turned eyes, on the very brink of this precipitous cliff, appeared the figure of a man, tall and imposing. He was dressed in the costume of a hunter, and his face at that distance looked dark, stern, and threat~ ening. A deep oath came from the lips of the guide, ine Abe Blizzard, by all that’s lovely!” he ejacu- ted. ra “ Jist 80, Elick Branson,” came back, in stern accents, ‘Here I am. Come and take me. But if bay a wise man, ye'll lead that crowd of practi bies home ag’in, while the’r skin’s whole, ~ = ES “Surrender!” cried Judge Allen, in a loud voice, ‘‘ Surrender, you villain! We will have you, dead or alive!” ‘*So it’s you, jedge? That’s what I’m here to see. Ive guv you warnin’, and it’s this way you take it. t's war to the knife, then, is it?” ‘* Yes, or to the bullet, if you will, I have sworn to capture you, and I will never rest till I have done so,” “That's plain talk, jedge. I told you I'd ee youif you kept it up. So mind yer eye, ou won't find Abe Blizzard no slouch, Here Iam. Come and take me,” He stood defiantly erect on the brow of the cliff. There came the report of a rifle from one of the party below. bullet sung wildly through the air, With a threatening move- ment of his hand the daring outlaw stepped back from his exposed position, and in a mo- ment was lost to view. CHAPTER IV. THE CHASE UP THE MOUNTAIN FLANK, ‘On, lads! On, my boys! We have him now! Weare ten to his one, and he cannot es- cape us!” cried Judge Allen enthusiastically, as he pressed forward toward the upward ridge, “Hold yer level, jedge,” replied Elick Bran- son, ina tone of sarcasm, ‘Strikes this coon as it’s bout the thing jist now to hold a coun- cilo’ war, Tell you one thing, if you buy Abe Blizzard for a fool you mought as well have yer money inter a pig-sty.” “What do you mean?” asked the judge short- ly. ‘“T mean in the fu’st place he’d never ’a’ showed. hisself thar only he’s got a clear track behind him. In the second place we're nary ten to his one, There were eleven on’em got outer jail, and Ireckon the hull crowd’s afore us, I don’t want to pile cold water on yer game, jedge, but there’s sich a thing as lookin’ afore you leap.” The judge repressed himself with an effort. There was a red spot of anger in his face, ‘“What bave you in view, Klick?’ he at length calmly asked. ‘We have not marched to the top of the hill to turn and march down again,” ‘“‘This is my idea,” answered Elick calmly. He seated himself on a bowlder, and rested his chin on the lock of his rifle. ‘ dest at this min- ute thar’s five hundred men climbin’ the moun- tains, for ten mile fore and aft, The’r’ wastin’ the’r time, too, ’cause the runaways are afore us. Now if we push on blind we'll only drive ’em into some other hidin’ place. It’s my idea to fotch up the parties from Pilot and Old Tom, yere, to the right and left, Let them stretch out and close in t/other side o’ Camel’s Back. When they git in posish we'll push for’ard, and all close in together. That’s what I call gittin’ our fishin a seine net, They can’t escape if we manage it judgmatical.” “A very neat thought!” exclaimed the judge ardently. ‘‘But how is it to be done? The parties you speak of are five miles away.” ‘*T never strike a spark till I’ve got my tinder ready,” answered Elick, sturdily, ‘‘ Here’s the Hall Sf bekea es mountaineers, as knows the hills ike a k. They'll cover the distance 1 an ( ~ oP ssc set
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a a -Fred Flyer, Detective. .) ae nme ~~ ol hour and a half, A couple of hours more will bring the fellers into posish, Then all we want isa signal that the hunt’s on, and everybody can push for’ard.” ‘* A good scheme! A very good scheme!” an- swered the judge, approvingly. ‘I fancy the gentlemen won’t object to a few hours’ rest after their hard work. But cannot the outlaws turn on flanks and get into the mountain behind us “They mought if they was eagles or swallers, Can’t do it without wings. We've got hold of the only pass, See here, lads, Bill Hall, you streak out to Pilot Peak. Tom, you shoot off tu yer namesake, Old Tom, You've caught my idear, I s’pose?” “Yes,” answered the two scouts, a pair of slender, wiry, keen-eyed fellows, “Get your men in posish as rapid as you kin, Let the signal be a brush-blaze on the hill-flank. The minute we seo it flash everybody’s to push for’ard and close in. Then hey fur the run- away game, They'll want wings to git through the line of hunters. Off with you now; and be apr.” he two scouts stopped only to tighten their belts, set their foxskin caps firmly on their heads, and bring their rifles to a trail, Then they dashed off like hounds on an open scent, mal ing nothing of the steepness te the pass which bad been ascended with such difficulty. Elick looked after them approvingly, and then nes and keenly surveyed the mountain before m, ‘Guess you mought all flunk down and take a rest, gents,” hedeclared. ‘‘ Them ladsisas spry as deer, Ther’ won’t be no grass grow under their feet. But it’ll take three hours at the shortest to bring the boys up.” “And meanwhile what may become of the Outlaws?” asked the judge, doubtfully. ‘‘ Our halt will look suspicious. They may take the hint and escape.” “Where?” asked Elick, grimly. ‘‘ They don’t dare take to the open, t’other side the moun- tings. They’d be nabbed there, sure. If they strike right or left they’ll meet the parties com- se! up. Tes my notion we’ve got ’em in a fox- rap. “Yet it’s not safe to let them think we’ve given up the chase,” persisted the judge. * They are not fools, as you acknowledge. They may find means to break through the meshes of your “Tl settle that,” answered Elick. ‘I’m goin’ for’ard on a scout, You see that bill above there, with the blasted pine on its snout?” “ Yes,” answered, the judge, looking up to a cliff several hundred feet higher. “* When you see a flash start up at the foot of that pine, take that for the signal, and push boldly up. I’ve got to go up there to catch the Hall boys’ blaze, And meanwhile I'll scout the runaways.” With these words he started up the rocky and difficult slope before him, and in a few minutes "tha party lett bokinid © party left ind prepared in various ways for the long rest before them. The most of them seemed quite ready for it, Judge Allen being nearly the only one who showed any signs of impatience. Some stretched themselves on the smoothest rock they could find. Others wandered vacantly about, or seated themselves in conversation. One party produced a pack of well-thumbed cards, drew up some seats around a smooth-topped bowlder, and soon a game of eucher was in busy operation. This easy way of hunting outlaws was not quite satisfactory to the young reporter. He had ascended the mountain to this point with a warm enthusiasm native to his young blood. There was adventure in the wind, and for that he was ripe. This check to the pursuit, and the prospect of three or four hours’ enforced rest, were a feature of the fun he did not quite relish, He had not yet begun to be tired, and wandered around like a caged animal, eager to be on the hunt. ** This isn’t the way to pick SP items,” growl- ed Fred, discontentedly. ‘‘ You must go for them if you want them. Waiting for them isn’t worth shucks, (ve got the Morning Star on my shoulders, and I’ve got to keep up the repu- tation of that paper.” His uneasy roaming soon took him out of sight of the party, around some protruding rocks, Before him lay the mountain-side, at a gentler slope than where Elick Branson ascended, Fred looked at it askance fora moment. The temptation was too strong to be resisted. « W hat’s to hinder me going on a scout, too?” he muttered. ‘That old hunter understands the business better, I allow; but I’m not quite a baby. DP’ve anotionIcan give a good account of myself, Anyhow, I'd like to interview Abe Blizzard by daylight, to see if he’s any better looking than he isin the dark, He got the ring in my nose then. Maybe I can get it in his snout next time.” The opportunity was too tempting to be resist- ed by the ardent youth. He looked around him to see if he was observed, and then sprung hast- ily 7 the rocky slope. .In a few minutes he was lost to sight in a screen of bushes that grew thickly on a soil-covered level. He quickly found, however, that blind moun- tain-climbing is no child’s play, The way be- fore him: soon grew difficult. Here he had to clamber over a protruding mass of rock; there to make his way up a narrow and rugged slope; and again to ascend over a shelving place coy- ered with loose, small stones, that gave way at every step beneath his feet. Here a steep ra- vine tore a passage through the rocks; yonder opened a yawning cavity which it took a peril- ous leap to cross, A dozen times he slipped and only saved himself by a hasty clutch at some rock corner, At length, thoroughly weary, he gained a shelf several hundred’ féet above his starting-point, where he flung himself down to rest after his vigorous climb, “Somehow, I guess Old Elick’s right,” he de- clared. ‘‘ It’s glorious to be a pioneer, but it’s lucky for the rest of the party that they didn’t have to follow me, There would haye been some funerals,” Fred lay for a half-hour ere he had ner ean = ly recovered his wind. He then resumed ascent by a path not quite so difficult as that he had follow A broad ravine, smoothed some-
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2 a eee SL AOE LES i SAT SRS POLI ATI a LP 10 : _ Fred Flyer, Detective. . what by winter torrents, offered an easier road up the mountain-side. Meanwhile the resting party below continued to pass away the time as agreeably as possible, The card-party indeed seemed quite content to gamble away the outlaws, and showed no eager- ness to pursue them, “Right bower on your ace, and the game’s mine,” exclaimed one at length, as he slapped down his card, ‘That wins me Caleb Strong’s old clothes, and Ike Marvel’s left eye.” * All right, I’ve won the whole of Abe Bliz- zard, I won’t put him up against less than two whole men aid both ears of another,” The laugh that followed this declaration was checked by a hasty exclamation which brought their fun to a sudden close, Judge Allen was on his feet, and pointing excitedly upward. ‘«There’s the flash!” hecried, ‘*Thar’s Bran- son’s signal! Up and away is the word!” All eyes were turned upward. On the lofty cliff to which the scout had pointed, and at the foot of the blasted pine which overhung its edge, a sharp blaze had suddenly broke into the geet noontide air, the promised signal for ac- ion, But as they continued to look, the blazing material leaped into the air, as from a hasty kick, and came dropping down in flashing frag- ments along the precipitous rock. In a minute or two its relics dropped into the tree-tops far below and vanished from sight, “Look! look!” cried one of tho men, point- eer ak upward, ‘ There’s trouble above us For an instant the forms of two men, clasped as in deadly struggle, were visible on the beet- ling edge of the cliff. They seemed to bang over the precipice, and as if nothing conld save them from a dea ily fall. Then they vanished, as if they had staggered back from the rock edge. RSalick’s in trouble, and of the worst kind!” cried one of tae party. ‘‘ Hurry, boys. There’s no time to waste now.” There was no need to repeat this summons, A hasty spring forward took place, and the up- ward climb was quickly resumed. “What has become of that boy?” asked Judge Allen, looking around, “Don’t know. He slipped away two hours ago. Likely he has had enough of the fun, and has gone back to Oxford,” * Let him go, He’sa green hand at moun- tain work. Push on, gentlemen!” With all haste they continued their upward course, by a pass far easier than that which Fred had ascended, Yet it was difficult enough, and the struggle on the cliff was likely to be ended long ere.they could reach the height. We must go up in advance of them, and see what had taken place during their inactivity. Elick had not been idle during this period. He had made a search through the loftier levels of the mountain; but in vain. No trace of the fugitives was to be found, He had finally made his way to the lookout cliff, gathered some dry twigs for a blaze, and waited patiently for the signal-fires from the outer mountains, After an hour’s wait a flash, and then a blaze, to the right, showed that all was in trim in that direction. He waited ten minutes more, with his eyes fixed on the western hill. Then the flash showed itself there, through an opening in the trees, ‘‘All’s lovely,” he cried. ‘‘ Now for -my beacon light.” A burning match, a flash in the dry leaves, then the flame caught the twigs and shot sharply up. Hardiy had it done so when an agile form leaped vigorously forward, seized the scout’s rifle, that lay on the open rock, and with a sweep of its barrel sent the blazing pile flying into the air over the brow of the cliff. The rifle followed it, with a strong sweep. ‘“‘ Blick Branson,” cried the voice of the inter- loper, ‘‘I don’t know what hinders me from finging you over the rock after your signal- re, “You can’t doit, Abe Blizzard!” yelled the scout, as he sprung madly forward and grappled with the outlaw. ‘‘You are my prisoner, and will go with me to Oxford.” “Pll go with you to the blazes of the lower region first! Look out for yourself! You've got no baby in your hands!” A fierce struggle ensued, that brought the well-matched contestants nearer and nearer to the dangerous brink, until they toppled on the very edge of the lofty precipice. A single false step now, and both would be dashed to atoms on the rocks below, CHAPTER V. THE FISH IN THE NET. “Yrrm my deer’s meat, Elick Branson. What's to hinder me now from tossin’ you over the cliff?” “Tf you take a boy’s advice, you won’t do it, Abe Blizzard. It wouldn’t be healthy.” This question and answer passed at the top of the mountain cliff. Elick lay prostrate on the hard rock, half stunned by a fierce throw in the struggle with his powerful antagonist. The lat- ter stood over him, one foot upon his breast, with flasting eyes and frowning face. But the unexpected answer to his question from a strange voice made him turn hastily around. There, on a bowlder close by, sat a youthful figure, resting a revolver on his crossed knees, and taking quiet aim at the astounded outlaw. ‘Don’t do it, Abe,” he repeated. ‘ I’mafraid this pistol might go off. If it does, it will give Be the worst case of toothache you ever went brough,” ‘“Who in the blazes are you?” roared the dis- comfited outlaw, “Only a young chap that’s come up here to enjoy the scenery. I’m after items, Abe, Guoss I’va got one. Don’t you kick up any didoes now, or Ill get another.” “Why, blast my eyes if it ain’t the little sprout that I hailed last night in the dark.” You've hit it, Abe. ou had the revolver hand then, Seems to me I’ve got it now.” ‘©What do you want?” roared Abe. “Only an item, Abe,” _The cornered villain looked irresolutely around him, He wasin a decidedly tight place. The stunned scout was stirring beneath his foot, The
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Fred Flyer, Detective. _ il shouts of the party ascending the cliff were com- ing nearer. There sat the imperturbable boy with a sure aim, and as cool as if he was aiming at a sparrow. ‘You want me, eh?’ came in a savage growl, “ Yes.” “Then take me! Better dead than a pris- oner!”’ He made a fierce leap toward the boy, who closed the only avenue of escape from the cliff. In an instant there came the click of the de- scending lock, but no report, The pistol had hung_fire. Fred sprung hastily to his feet, and again raised his weapon, with a look of deadly deter- mination in his eyes. “Stop!” he cried, ‘‘or down goes your house!” The outlaw paused, glared wildly at the reso- lute youth, and then with a fierce oath turned and dashed back to the brow of the cliff, as if with intent to fling himself over the precipice. A quick spring, and down he went, over the sheer face of ‘the rock. A cry of horror broke from F'red’s lips, It was echoed by Elick Bran- son, who had now regained his senses, “The desp’rat? devil! He'll be dashed to mince-meat!” roared the scout. ‘t Down the precipice, sure as shooting!” cried Fred, rushing forward. He was joined ‘at the brow of the cliff by Elick, who came limping forward. He had been hurt by his fall. They both looked down the steep face of the precipice with horror-struck eyes. It was so perpendicular that a man might have fallen three hundred feet without touching the rock wall. Far below them a leafy screen of tree- tops closed the view, and shut out the probable fate of the outlaw from their sight. ‘*Poor fellow! It is all over with him!” groaned Fred, mournfully. “Don’t you bet high on that notion.” Fred turned and looked with surprise at his companion, on whose face appeared a look of shrewd suspicion. He was gazing keenly along the face of the cliff, “ What do you mean?” ‘*T mean that Abe’s one o’ the best moun- taineers in these parts. He’s not goin’ to kill hisself while there’s a goat track open. Look down yere, lad. D’ye see tvat narrer shelf "bout six foot down, "long the face of the rock? It slants down’ard and gits wider further on. My head fur a pickled herrin’ but that’s where Abe jumped to.” Fred looked down. There ran the ledge, ap- parently not six inches wide. It seemed im- possible that any human being could have trusted himself to such a — His eye follow- ed it for some ten feet, It widened and slo downward, as Elick had said, until it turned an angle in the rock. Fred hastened torward to this point, followed limpingly by Elick. There was the track still, pow more than a foot wide. At some twenty feet distant it entered a cleft in the rock. Fur- ther on the precipice pee off at an angle. “The risky hound! He’s follered it, fur a fraction!” cried the scout, hurrying forward. ‘* Here it jines the rock, and it’s easy climbin’ from here on. See here! By the Seven Pipers, but he’s a cunnin’ coon!” He pointed down to a spot where the crum- bling rock had left a small heap of sandy frag- ments, In this spot was visible the imprint of a human footstep, as clearly defined as if it had been molded there, “Do you think he made that?” asked Fred, staring at it steadily. “That's the size of his hoof. I’m as sure of it as if I see’d him now.” “Then I’m after him,” cried the ardent boy. ‘He fooled me neatly. But I’m not going to be thrown from the track so easily as that.” “ Best keep back, boy. You don’t know the mountings. And if you catch Abe you'll catch a Tartar.” ‘All right,” cried Fred, resolutely, ‘‘ Aren't you going ahead?” “No. The hound flung me so savage that he’s took all the go outer me. I'll wait till the folks climb up here. They’re nigh at hand now. Best wait.” “Not much,” answered the energetic lad, as he sprung forward along the path which the ged must have followed, he voices of the ascending party were now close at hand. They were making as much noise as if they were out ona picnic. Soon the end of the line appeared, winding around the rocks, “Shoot me if they ain’t all turned magpies!” growled the discontented scout. ‘ There’s enous blow in ’em to make a batch o’ wind ies “Klick!” cried the foremost. ‘You are safe? You escaped the villain? Have you cap- tured him?” “Not much. He captured me,” came the grumbling reply. ‘‘Come ahead, and shut off that windmill.” A few moments more brought the whole party to his side, on the broad shelf at the summit of the cliff. Judge Allen hastened forward and questioned the guide, while the others were panting from their sharp labor. A few words, briefly delivered, put the judge in possession of the main facts, “The boy was up here, and is after the out- law?” he queried, in amazement. ‘Jest so, jedge; and I’ve a notion if we're ary» we've got the game in our own hands, he lads from Pilot and Old Tom must have stretched their line at the foot by this time, and are comin’ up the slo We've got the run- aways afore us, and kin drive ’em into the net. I’m a bit lamed, and I'll hold this pass with one or two other chaps, so as the game can’t work no traverse on us. Push ahead and spread out, Don’t leave a spot behind you as ain’t s’arched, It’s my opinion we've got ’em tight.” The advice he gave was quickly followed. Several of the worn-out members of the party stayed with bim, particularly the portly gentle- man who had flattened his nose further down the pass, The others pushed onward, rifle in hand, and spreading their line as they advanced so as to cover every available foot of the ground, They went forward now more silently, under Elick’s stern admonition, He had told them that
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12° Fred Flyer, Detective. _ a a they were worse “than a flock of blackbirds in a corn-patch,” Meanwhile Fred had gone onward on his soli- tary hunt. Several indications that he was on the right pass came to him as he advanced. In fact, it would not have been easy to take any other course, for the way here led up the stony bottom of a ravine, down which ran a consider- able stream, He had to spring from stone to stone as he proceeded, while the lofty sides of the mountain glen almost touched above his head. Ascreen of bushes hung over the edges aud closed out the light until it was very gloomy and dark within. He continued to follow this damp and gloomy path, which narrowed and grew steeper as he advanced, Finally he reached a point in which the sides of the ravine came almost together, leaving an opening hardly wide enough for a human being to pass through. Here the step- ping-stones disappeared, and the swift-flowing water quite filled up its bed. It was almost dark ahead, but he could make out a shelving rock down which the water flowed, and which seemed to end the ravine, “He couldn’t have come any further this way, that’s sure,” muttered Fred, looking around him for some way out of his difficulty. “ Ah! there’s the track now. Not a promising path, but there’s no other.” A narrow ledge led up the steep rock, broken here and there, yet passable, The cleft was here twenty feet deep, but in a minute the ac- tive lad had gained its summit, after a slip or two on the damp, mossy stones. He paused and looked inquiringly arourd him, He was still in a rugged and difficult defile, a heap of broken and tossed rocks, cleft in twain by the narrow ravine. Several hundred feet upward was visible a knoll which seemed to be the sum-nit of the mountain, He resumed his ascent. A few minutes of hard climbing brought bim to an easier region. It was still rugged ground, however, and on turning the corner of a buge rock he found him- self suddenly face to face with an individual, who seemed quite as surprised as himself at this unlocked-for imap It was not the outlaw leader, but the shrewd lad saw in an instant that it must be one of his followers. It was a tall, cadaverous, evil-faced fellow, who looked as if he had not made ac- quaintance witb a razor for a month, “Stop there, my friend, I want you,” * You want me?” growled the outlaw. “Just so. That's what I am here for.” ‘Then take me!” With a spring like a cat the fellow leaped for- ward, and seized Fred ere he could make use of his pistol. The agile boy loosed his hold of the weapon and grappled with bis antagonist. In an instant they were firmly locked in each other’s grasp. It was not such an uneven match. Fred was strong and muscular beyond his years, while his antagonist was of a spare figure, and looked half-fed, They wrestled and struggled for sev- eral minutes on the rock surface without either gaining an advantage. Fred mg silent, with set lips, while his foe growled and spit like an angry animal. The lad knew something of the art of wrest- ling, and quietly maneuvered for a trip which he had been taught He had just got the desired advantage and twisted his right leg around his antagonist’s feet, bearing him strongly back, when there came a sharp report from behind, and a sensation passed through Fred as if his brain had been suddenly seared with a red-hot iron. Down they went, he and the outlaw in a heap. But the latter in an instant tore himself ioose from the unnerved arms of the lad and dashed rapidly away, leaving Fred stretched in a sense- less and lifeless heap on the bare ground. His relaxed limbs lay limp on the barren stone, bis face turned in deathlike pallor to the sky, the blood oozed from his head and crimson- ed the brown rock surface. Whose band had fired the fatal shot that had laid the youth life- less at the very moment of triumph over bis an- tagonist? CHAPTER VI. THE END OF THE CHASE. ‘1s that you, Bill Hall?’ “Pye got a notion it’s bout my caliber.” * And where are your men?” “ Here they come, arter me. Joe’s leuadin’ his party up yonder side, Where’s yourn?” bar’ f a behind. Seen anything of the runa- ways “Not ahair. Have you?” “ Not an eyelash.” ‘‘ Where are they, then?” “Old Nick knows. They were up here, we know that. They must have slipped your line.” “Nary time. A swallow couldn’t have got through unseen.” “They didn’t pass ours, that’s sure.” “Then where are they?” The question was easily asked, but not easily answered. The net was drawn, but where were the fish? The whole mountain had been surrounded by a line of men, who had ascended with an eye on every spot where a fugitive could pass, Yet they had now met together from all sides, a hundred armed men, who looked at each other with doubt and question. A hundred voices broke the silence, each giv- ing an opinion of the mysterious affair, Judge Allen’s. party declared that the fugitives must have re through the other line, This was scouted by the others, who declared that a rat could not have passed them, and who doubted that the outlays had been on the mountain. “There you are mistaken,” exclaimed the judge. ‘Blizzard showed himself to us at two different points.” ‘*Blick Branson can swear to that, for he got a nasty fall from Abe,” vouched another. ‘‘ He’s limping yet.” “So can I,” averred a man who had just come up. “I got a shot in on one of them back there, not ten minutes ago. I dropped my bird, but he jumped up and made for me with a big knife. I got out of his way.” A laugh followed this admission. “You are drawing the long how, Jake,
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~% * Fred Flyer, Detective. _ : is —_—— LC ne I can show you the spot if you don’t believe me.” A number followed him back to a spot a quarter of amile away. He led them among some ugly rocks and finally halted and pointed down in triumph. A patch of blood, not yet dried, reddened the rock. It was the spot where Fred had fallen, but he was no longer there. ‘“ Who's a blower now?’ exclaimed the man triumphantly. ‘‘There’s my sign manual, When I shoot something comes down,’ “And gets up again,” answered a sarcastic member of the party. ‘And then you get out without waiting to ask questions,” By this timealarge group of men had come up. “Has anybody seen the young lad, the stranger, who had pushed on ahead of us? He certainly should have been outside our line,” They looked doubfully at one another, No- had seen him, The affair was growing more and more mys- terious, A party of no less than eleven outlaws had been on the mountain, They had been in- closed within a living line. The line had been drawn together, yet it was empty. Even the boy, who could have bad no motive for conceal- ment, had vanished, It was an extraordinary end to the bunt, “They must have some eto Be on the mountain, which we have overlooked,” declared Judge Allen, “Don’t believe it,’ answered Bill Hall, shak- ing his head positively. ‘‘ [ve hunted over this mountain for ten years. There ain’t a spot on it I don’t know, Your idear won't work.” The judge looked bewildered. Here was a riddle too hard for all his powers of guessing. There was but one thing yet to be done: to make a second search of the mountain on their return. After another wordy conference the party broke up, its members moving off in every direction like the beads from a broken string. A rifle-shot was to be the signal of any discovery. No shotcame, They reached the lower slopa without a clew to the outlaws. The Oxford party marched back into ube town utterly worn out and disheartened. A failure with such fair chances of success seemed to remove all hope. The outlaws could snap their fingers at the authorities, That evening, after the weary searchers had refreshed themselves with rest and supper, they gathered again in the public room of the hotel, eager to debate concerning the strange mystery of the day’s adventure. “T cannot imagine what became of that young stranger,” declared the judge. ‘‘ That is as strange a thing as I seo in the whole affair.” “Who is the boy, and what is his business here?” asked another. Nobody knew. Fred had said nothing about his mission. Doubt gathered in several faces. ‘Ts be mixed in with this gang?” asked one. ‘Perhaps he is a spy, whom they sent to find out our plans,” “That's all rascally nonsense,” exclaimed Elick Branson, indignantly, ‘*Thelad drew a line on Abe B He pulled trigger, too, but his pistol hung fire, Don’t tell me, I might ha’ been flung over the cliff only fur him.” * Pistols hang fire on purpose Sometimes,” re- torted the doubter. “Dry up, won’t you?~ Didn’t Abe run like a kill deer from the boy?” “You and me got in all the work to-day, Elick,” came in a boasting voice from the oppo- site side of the room. ‘tI know 1 dropped my men neat,” “Your men, Jake? There was only one.” “‘Tf I said one I lied,” declared Jake, boldly. “There were two, Ilsaw their heads over the rock, I dropped one of them where you saw the blood. The other one made for me witha knife.” “That won't do, Jake, We don’t take any second editions here,” “It’s the truth, every word of it, Dll swear to it,” cried Jake, excitedly rising, ‘‘ You’re all mad because I was the only man that got in any work. I wish the chap I winged was here now to make my word good.” “You've got your wish,” came a voice from the door. ‘The chap you winged is here.” The startled assembly hastily turned at these words, and gazed in surprise and alarm toward the door, There stood a figure which no one recognized, The clothes were soiled and torn, the hair red and matted, the face streaked with brownish-red lines, till he looked almost like an Indian in bis war-paint. “You the chap?” gasped Jake, “Well, I reckon so, what’s left of me, you awkward blowhard of a jack-fool! Excuse me, folks, but this bragging ninny ought to be cooped up in a hen-coop, with a lot of other geese, He’s a sweet specimen to take outona — bunt,” ““Why, it’s the boy himself!” exclaimed Elick, hurrying eagerly forward. ‘‘ What is the matter, lad? What has happened?” “Got shot by a fool,” answered Fred, for it was he. ‘I had one of the outlaws safe nabbed, when I got my head creased by a rifle-bullet, and I’ve just heard this puppy bragging about firing it, He ought to be lald down somewhere for a door-mat, that’s my notion. And I'd like to be the first to wipe my feet on him.” Fred was boiling over with anger. The brag- ging huntsman recoiled before bis eyes, and slunk back into the room. He ‘bad not a word to pays “By heavens, the boy tells the truth!” ex- claimed Blick, examining Fred’s skull. ‘Ho has made a deuce of anarrer escape. Where have you been since, -young ’un?”’ “Let me wash the blood from my face first, and I will tell you,” answered Fred. half-hour afterward he re-entered the room, a very different-looking personage. Un- der Hlick’s skillful hands he had got his face cleaned and his wound dressed, while his soiled clothing had been made more presentable. ‘“Tisn’t as bad as I was afeard,” announced the scout, ‘‘It’s only a skull-crease, Bled free, but won’t hurt the lad. He'll be sound ag’in afore a week,” F ‘“‘ As for my story, gentlemen, I have but little to tell,” declared Fred. ‘‘AsI told you, I met one of the outlaws and grappled with him, He
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aoa PL SEE TS TS TS RL ETT DIE entaa te o g t a RSNE % 14 Fred Flyer, Detective. was a slim fellow, not quite my match. I had got in a neat trip on him, and was just fetching him down, when there came a red-hot blow on my head. Down I went like a log.” “That was Jake’s neat shot,” explained Elick, looking around, But Jake had disappeared. “ T suppose I was out of my senses for awhile,” continued Fred. ‘‘ When I came to I found my head covered with blood. I didn’t know what had happened, and never did know till I got to the door here and heard that jackdaw bragging. I thought the outlaw had knifed me.” ‘‘ How did you get here?” asked Judge Allen, “Thardly know. I got tomy feet and made my way over the rocks, I was weak, but I man- aged to slide down the hills. Ihave been stag- gering on ever since dark, and ae got in.” Fred was now decidedly the lion of the hour, All the glory of the day had been his. He had saved Klick Branson from a deadly peril, and nearly captured the leader of the outlaws. He had gecepled another of the gang. This was just before the scouting-party had come up. he mystery was redoubled by this information. Here was evidence that at least one of the out- laws had been within the net when its folds had been almost closed. How had he eseaped? Where had he concealed himself? This question was asked Fred, who shook his head in reply, as he sipped a stimulating bever- age which the landlord bad mixed for him, ‘1t is a strange affair right through,” he de- clared, ‘I don’t undertake to explain it, Is Beer aay cave or hiding-place on the moun- tain “No,” answered Elick. “‘ Nothing bigger than a fox-hole, Leastways I've tramped it fur years and ought to know it pretty sound.” The conversation continued for several hours, but Fred early withdrew. He stood greatly in need of rest, His business in the town was yet a mystery to the good people assembled, but they unanimously voted him a bold and daring youth, who deserved the thanks of the commu- nity. Fred had a beavy item on hand for the Star, but it had to wait till the next day. It was three days, indeed, ere he was fairly able to be out, By that time his healthy young blood had begun to assert itself, his wound had closed, and showed signs of rapidly healing. ‘Tm as good as ten dead men yet,” declared Fred, joyfully, glad to get once more into the fresh outdoor air. By the next day he was quite strong again, and walked quite freely about the town, eo his adventure had made him quite a ion. “Ah, Mr. Flyer,” exclaimed Judge Allen, warmly, on meeting him. “Iam glad to seo you abroad again. Will you not come home with me? My wife and daughter have heard of your exploits, and are very anxious to meet you and hear the story from yourself.” ‘‘ Certainly, judge,” answered Fred, who had not forgotten the very pretty girl he had seen by lamplight afew days before, ‘I shall be glad to do so,” “That's clever, Come right now, if you don't object,” “By the way,” asked Fred, as they walked along. ‘*‘How about that threat which hangs over your head? Has Abe Blizzard shown his hand yet?” “No danger of that,” answered the judge. “Tt is only a wild threat. I have a fancy that these fellows will make themselves scarce, and not trouble us again.” He opened the dour of bis house, and led his young companion into a handsomely-furnished room, where sat a fresh-faced, middle-aged lady, ee the blooming girl whom Fred had met be- ore. “My wife and daughter,” he introduced, ‘“ My dear, this is Mr. Flyer, the youthful hero of Camel’s Back.” ‘‘T am happy to congratulate him,” answered the lady, bowing gracefully. The younger lady courtesied deeply, to con- ceal a conscious blush that came to her face, She had recognized her handsome boy visitor of a few nights before. CHAPTER VIL HOW FRED NABBED THE GANG, A WEEX has passed since Fred Flyer sot off in such eager haste from his home. ithin that modest mansion all looks to-night as home-like as it did on that occasion, Mr, Flyer is seated on his favorite settee, smoking his pipe, ond reading the paper, Mrs. Flyer is busy over the stove, looking after the supper. The two younger folks are sprawling upon the floor, one busily engaged in studying bis schoo] lesson, the other slyly tying an apron-string to the cat’s tail. **T tell you our Fred’s a coon!” ejaculated the father, as he threw down the paper, ‘‘ He’sa spry lad, or there never weren’t none.” “What is he up to last, Jacob?’ Mrs, Flyer turned with great interest from the stove. “Dunno. Ain’t read the evening paper yet. This is the Star, where he tells all about how the outlaws have been robbing stores and houses, and how they’ve been setting traps for the foxes, but the foxes won’t drop in.” ‘Oh, that’s stale. 1 read that ten hours ago. See if there’s anything in the evening paper.” “Don’t s’pose there is, Ain’t often anything.” He took up the paper in question, and turned over its pages. Several minutes passed in silence, Then a sharp ejaculation broke from Mr. Flyer’s lips. “By Jack and Gill,” be cried, ‘tbut here's high old sport! Deuce take that rascally boy, I always said he’d come to the gallows!” “Who are you talking about, Jacob? What do you mean anyhow?” Mrs, Flyer’s face was red, and her voice hot with anger ‘*T mean Fred. Here he’s gone and got his- self into a deuce of a scrape, like he’s always loing.” ‘What is it? Read it out, quick!” Her excited tones startled the cat, which sprung up, and darted wildly about the room, scared by the white thing tied to its tail, “Drat the cat! What ails the creature? What you been doing to it, you young var- mint?” “It’s only got mammy’s apron twisted round “ a
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5 at a 6 Fred Flyer, Detective. 16 it,” answered young hopeful, ‘*Come here, puss. Nice pussy.” But pussy choose to go out the window throngh a broken pane, so close to Mr. Flyer’s head that the apron switched round his ears, and held fast, only the broken string clinging to puss'’s tail, * You confounded little jackanapes.” The mover of this mischief did not wait to hear more. He knew what was likely to follow as soon as his dad got his bead clear from the apron, and made a bee line for the door, in which he was aided by a slap from the flat of his mother’s band, which sent bim through the door like an avalanche, “The young rascal, He wants a trouncing. And he'll get it, too, drat his dirty hide!” “Oh, never mind that, Jacob, Vl switch him soundly to-morrow, Got a whole week to settle for. But what is it about our Fred? You know I’m dying to hear.” “He's gone and got himself in a nasty old scrape, e outlaws burst into a big grocery store late last night, and tore round lively, But they got ambushed by the people, and had . to run for their lives. The folks only nabbed one of the party in the store. And who do you think that was?” ‘* How the gracious should I ever know? Abe Blizzard?” “Fred Flyer; sure as you live.” “Our Fred?” The mother’s voice rose to a scream, “Dead sure, Mixed up with the gang. That’s a sweet outlook for our Fred. The folks there swear he’s one of the party, and they’l] put him through a course of sprouts.” “Our Fred? Oh, you're fooling, Jacob, I can’t believe it!” ‘Read it for yourself, then. There’s the ial -sagi fr, Flyer plumped himself down angrily on a settee, “And you don’t meas to say that they’ve locked him up? Our Fred? For a thief?” ‘Not much, mother. Got to catch your goose before you can cook it.” Mr. Flyer sprung up as if he had been stung by abee, These words came through the broken window-pane, out which the cat had just leaped, He turned sharply round. ‘* Who in the blue blazes is that?” ‘It’s Fred! My Fred! Our Fred! Don’t you know the voice? Oh, you Fred!” Further speech was drowned in a shower of kisses, from the youth who had just sprung through the open door, and clasped the lady ina warm embrace, “Fred! By gosh!” “°Tain’t nobody shorter, dad. Ain’t in any Oxford lock-up, no matter what that paper says. Just been listening to you reading, dad.” ““You young rascal!” Mr. Flyer caught his hand and wrung it warmly. ‘ Hang me if I was ever so glad to see anybody yet. How d’ye do. tes anyhow? And how the blazes did you get o “Tell you after supper. I’m hungry as a wolf. Got any grub, mother? Come down in the lightning-express, and no time for lunch on the road,” ‘‘Supper! Of course there is. If it ain’t all burnt up. To think of your coming in that way! hy, you’ve given me a regular set- back.” “Ts me, anyhow. These are my fingers, and this is my nose, No wax-work figure this time. Had a tight squeeze, you bet. Couldn’t nab this coon, though. But let’s have supper. Then we can talk.” Certainly! Of course!” Mrs, Flyer turned to her neglected cooking, which was frying away lustly over the fire, “You didn’t jumpinto no mine this time, Fred?” asked his younger brother, looking up to the young hero with eyes full of admiration. ‘Not quite that bad, Bobby. But been down holes and up mountains, and fooling folks the worst way. They don’t guess who I am out there, Playing sly onthem. Think I’m General Jackson, or the King of the Canary Islands, What you got for supper, mamma?” - ‘* Mutton hash, Fred. And fried ’taters, And hominy.” “That’s prime. Been eating stewed rattle- snake and bear’s ’ile out yonder.” “You lie you rascal!” growled Mr, Flyer. ‘That's ’cause I’m hungry. Can’t be trusted when I’m hungry, If you ever want me to tell the truth again, you'd best pile on the grub.” ‘Freddy, my boy, I’m "feared it hasn’t been any good to your morals to go West,” cried his mother, as she hurried up the supper, Jest Fred should get off another whopper. ‘I wish you could only stay home, among pious folks,” ‘Yes, down at the Star office. Sweet and ious, they are. Why, them chaps tell so many ies that the sky looks green out of the office windows, It gets in the paper once in a while, too, *Tain’t all truth that you see in the Star-- My! that’s prime! Ain’t no hash out West like yourn, mamma,” “Oh, you Fred!” exclaimed the mother, with a gratified air. ‘ It’s solid fact, anyhow. Where's snippy!” “Slid from a scorchin’; the blamed young varmint!” growled Mr. Flyer. ‘*Hillo! Been at his tricks again, has he? Oh, come, dad, let him off this time, Fred’s back, you know.” ‘* Always letting him up. That’s why he’s sich a rascally sprout. You’re too tender of his hide, lad.” “Only this time, dad.” ‘¢ Well, being’s you’r’ back, Fred—” He had no time to finish, The young culprit had been crouching in terror just outside the door, He ran hastily in at these words, his eyes dancing, ‘Oh, Fred! That’s ever so good!” “Come here, you rat!” cried the father, snatebing angrily at him, ‘ You’re a bit too soon. I hado’t got through, yet.” “Oh my! you ain’t a-goin to wallop me after telling Fred— ’Tain’t fair, nohow, ‘Twasn’t me, anyhow. "T'was the cat.” ‘Here, snippy.” Fred gathered him up into his lap. ‘‘ You keep mum, and you can eat out of a corner of my plate. Dad’s only funning.” ‘Am I? came the grim answer, * Fie's learning ’rithmetic at the school. See if I don’t teach him how toadd up, T’ll add this scorch-
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TES os tay ee gs tome ee boiler,” cried Py) ié6 Fred Fiyer, Detective. 2 el ing onto the next, and show him how much one and one makes.” The culprit laughed slyly to himself. He cal- culated to make the sum one in subtraction, as he had often done before. He began his teagy by the subtraction of victuals from the table, Mr. Hlyer cooled down slowly, He was one of the sort that heat quick and cool slow. But supper had a mollifying effect upon his temper, and by the time he got through he was as mild as a cherub, ‘* Now, Fred, let’s hear how it all came out.” They were gathered around the table, on which burned the evening lamp. ‘‘Been through the mill,” answered Fred, shrugging his shoulders, ‘‘They came near making me into a dredge-bow with bullet-holes, Want me to begin at the beginning?” - “No, Tell us about this store scrape first; we'll take t’otber afterward, to top off.” “Well, somebody’s been robbing up.in Potter county. I ain’t dead sure it’s Abe Blizzard’s pane, but the folks swear it is. They’ve been ying for them ever since we had the mountain hunt, but they couldn’t nail anybody, Then I took itin hand, Items were getting scarce. I was afraid the Star might quit shining, so I thought I'd stir up some; and it was a neat stir up, now you bet!” : “ Always is, Fred, when you get your finger in the pie,” said Mrs, Flyer, Fred laughed slyly to himself. He knew that if he hada genius for getting into scrapes, he had an equal genius for getting out of them, so he rather enjoyed his mother’s opinion, “‘ Knowed they must be getting short of grub, and calculated they’d make their next break on a provision store, so I hung ’round a country ery just out of Oxford, kept by a chap called ill Barley. I smelt the thieves coming that way, and so they did, They made for it last nig! t, and I caught them.” ‘You caught them?” ** Just so,” answered Fred, gravely. ‘‘ Caught the whole gang. Made them go along with me toward the store—me in the middle, and them around.” “Why, you young villain!” broke out his father. ‘‘ Are you playing on us?” ““Nary time, dad. They persuaded me to go along—persuaded me with a revolver. You never saw such a nice taking way they have, Thought [I'd just go along and see what they were after; then I could bring them back and land them in the lock-up, you know.” “Now, Fred,” cried his mother, lifting her hands in deprecation, ‘‘ why can’t you tell a story straight? They took you, that’s it. You got among them, and they wouldn’t let you go. “ Shouldn’t wonder if some of them looked at it that way,” answered the grave boy. “I thought all along some of them had the whim they had nabbed me. They calculated they were taking me along so that I couldn’t raise the alarm. They didn t know what I wasup to, you see,” “Now, drop that, Fred, or Pll burst your father, angrily, ‘‘ You ought , to be ashamed of yourself, playing off your jokes on your daddy and mammy.” “ Anyhow,” continued Fred, as if there had been no interruption, “they kept persuading me with that revolver till we came to the store Then some of them persuaded the door to come open, and took me in, while the rest stood on watch outside, I wasn’t interested, you kuow. I just squatted myself on a cheese-box, and looked on while they were passing out hams, and crackers and the like, Had my note-book out taking down items. Just then there came a sort of a roar outside, and a kind of a run inside, and a ripping, and cracking, and yelling, as if a big riot had broke loose. Such a noise you never heard, It struck me it wasn’t healthy, so I put away my note-book, and slid for the door.” “There was an attack?” ‘Yes, And I was the only robber caught. The rest all got away, but I plumped right into the hands of a big chap that nabbed me just like a rat would a bit of cheese, You bet I felt blue when I saw all my nice game bu’sted, And it wasn’t pretty to hear them saying, ‘Didn’t I tell you so? ‘Knew he was mixed with them,’ ‘He’s a spy.’ ‘Lock him up, we'll railroad him, _ anyhow.’ They couldn’t listen to a spark of reason; but just handed me over to a constable, who was one of the party. He snatched me off, while the rest went after the runaway gang.” “T said so, Fred. Another of your scrapes, You're always getting into them.” “Always getting out of them, too, ain’t I? Got out of this one, anyhow.” ‘You must, or you wouldn’t be here. How did you do it, Fred?” “Just pulled the wool over that constable’s eyes, Made him think I was made xp of honey and sugar-cane. Then I gave him a sly push off a bit of rock, and brung him down on his nose. While he was cursing, I was sliding. He pelted after me, though, you bet. Fired off five or six revolvers. Might have thought there was a heavy wind the way the lead whistled,” * And didn’t hit you?” ‘‘T wasn’t a barn-door, and that’s what he was firing at. AnyhowIslung him. Trotted across country. alked near forty mile, I reckon, Then took a train. Here I am now, and done with Abe Blizzard. Don’t catch me up there again soon, nohow.” An hour afterward Fred was safe in bed, tak- ing the rest he needed after his wearisome adventure, CHAPTER VIII ABE BLIZZARD GETS EVEN WITH THE JUDGE, Frep’s advent into the Morning Star office the next day made no less a sensation than he had made at home, Editors, reporters, and the whole fraternity generally, sprung from cheir and stool, and made for him with a host of questions, “Glad to see you, Fred, Knew tha was all a lie about your robbing a grocery store. It’s one of the telegraph facts. But we've got it here. It was wired to us just the same. What’s in it, anyhow? And what brings you here? You haven't worked out the Blizzard mine yet,” 2 , Yrs 4
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ve © . time’s flying. Fred Flyer, Detective. ae “Too hot up there to hold me,” answered Fred, with a shrug. ‘‘There’s only one weak spot in that story, there’s too much truth in it, It’s boiling over with facts, That’s what brings me down, They’re too pressing hospitable up there. Wouldn’t let me come at all if I hadn’t slid when I did.” “Oh, come, Fred! the solid fact now.” “The solid fact is | was laying for the gang, and tumbled into them. They took me along with a pistol at my ear, and promised me salt in my coffee if I whimpered. Well, they robbed the store, the town folks pelted for them, they slid, and I got nabbed, that’s all.” ‘“*Not much. There’s more bebind all this, Finish it up, Fred.” ‘*Nothing more, except I told the constable he wasn’t good-looking enough to keep company with me. He requested me to stay, but I po- litely declined, @ sent some messenger-boys after me to coax me back, but I wasn’t coax- able.” i ‘‘Messenger-boys? What sort of messenger- boys?” “Bullets, That’s ‘the sort; Sowed them around lively. But the rain was too scattering. I walked between the drops.” ** You young villain!” The chief editor caught Fred by the shoulders and gave bim a lively shaking. ‘*Can’t you tella plain story, just for once? Just to oblige Benson?” “Hand me a chair,” cried Fred. “Tl tell you all about it,” He had an interested audience, as he told the story of his stirring adventures in Oxford and its vicinity. Fred was a good talker, and made his account very graphic. No work was done on the Star for the next half-hour. ‘“‘That’s all,” he at length declared. ‘‘ You've had the cream of itin my letters, This is only the skim-milk to fill up. But Pve done with Oxford. Dropped it like a hot potato. Only one thing there I took a fancy to,” ‘One thing, eh! What was that, Fred?” “Just the prettiest little angel in calico that ever took the starch out of Paradise. Too high- toned for me, though. Big family. Got a judge for daddy. And I’m only poor Fred ‘Iyer, -whose daddy piles pig iron, when he ain’t loafing and pipe-smoking. Might as well to whistle down a star. Good-by to Minnie Allen, She’s two huckleberries above me. Whiff, and off it goes.” He puffed his lips as if he had blowu a whiff of smoke into the air, “That ends that. Now what’s upf I’m on hand for duty.” “You can take a day’s holiday, Fred. Go out to the romantic banks of the Schuy!kill and mourn over your lost love. Come, gentlemen, Pens, paste and scissors. Down to work again.” He was quickly back at bis desk and his pen flying like lightning over the paper, as if he had an idea which be wanted to shoot on the wing. The rest of the party got back slowly to their work, while Fred wandered through the office, chatting bere and there, While this was going on a messenger-boy entered, and handed a telegram to the chief. The latter opened it and ran his eye hastily That's taffy. Out with over its contents, A shrill whistle came from his lips that startled everybody in the office. “More Potter county,” he cried. ‘‘ Here’s something rich and entertaining. Why, Fred, you came away from the circus before the per- formance got started. You'll have to go back again.” : “Not if the court knows herself,” answered Fred, decidedly. ‘Left the pot boilivg there. Ain't going to pelt back into the scalding water, “Potter county, ehf’ asked another. ‘‘ Any- thing stirring?” “Yes. The outlaws have abducted the daughter of one of the chief magnates of the town. The whole country is up.” Fred started as if a hornet had stung him, ‘* Who is it?” he demanded, in almosta threat- ening tone. ‘This is villainous writing. It’s Judge Ap— At— “ Judge Allen?” ‘Ves, that’s it. Judge Allen.” “Then it’s Fred’s sweetheart, Minnie Allen, that the hounds have stolen.” ‘The deuce! That’s a bad go.” Fred stood silent, and as if overwhelmed. All the blood seemed to have left his face, and he was as pale as a ghost, A moment thus, and then it came back with a gush, “« Pye reconsidered my resolution,” he said, in a yey, quiet tone. ‘I will go back to Oxford.” ‘What for, Fred? Whbatcan you do? You will only get into trouble.” ‘* Won't be the first time. Reckon I can take care of number one. I'll tell you what. Abe Blizzard threatened the judge with revenge, if he didn’t give up the chase. And this isit. He’s stolen little Minnie, Poor little thing, [’ll have her or leave my head. Those hounds have a~ hiding-place somewhere on Camel’s Back Moun- tain, and I’m bound to find it. Got an idea about where it lies,” ‘Good for you, Fred,” cried an enthusiastic youth. ‘“That’s the way to break down the fence between the judge’s bench and the pig-iron jle, Get the girl from their clutches and who ows what may come of it?” “*T don’t care a nickel what comes of it,” an- swered Fred, angrily. ‘‘Do you suppose that’s what I'm after? I haven’t gone into the retail business yet. If Iwasa manand could marry the girl to-morrow, I wouldn’t do it on that plea. But I’m going to bu’st back for Oxford, sure as shooting.” But leaving the Morning Star office for the present, we must take a quick flight back to Ox- ford, where all was in uproar and confusion from the event briefly telegraphed to the city. The abduction had taken place on the preced- ing day, at an hour shortly after that in which Fred so suddenly appeared at his paterpa! home. Minnie Allen had been on a visit to a friend ata short distance outside the town. She had left there on her return in the dusk of the evening, utterly unaware that a paic of dark eyes watched har movements, and a pair of wolf-like feet slunk along on a path parallel to the road which she followed, without a suspicion of dan- ger. What succeeded was not yet known, It wag
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IEE AEE PLEO TE OE EOE EON Le TE Te oe SIS Sarees is Fred Flyer, Detective. only known that she had failed to return home as promised, But no uneasiness was felt until it began to grow late, without a sign of her return, Finally Judge Allen had gone over to the friend’s house where Minnie was visiting, thinking it too late for her to come home alone, To his astonishment and alarm, he learned that she had set out for home three hours before, The alarm rapidly spread. The town was searched, No trace of the missing girl could be found. Quickly the people of the town turned out with lanterns, and set in train a thorough search of the road which she must have followed and the adjoining localities, This search had an alarming ending. Stuck in a crevice of a railof the roadside Since was found a scrap of white paper, which one of the more curious of the party captured and exam- ined. Its contents explained the mystery. It was a penciled note, written on a soiled sheet, to the following effect: “ Jnpen ALLEN:—Them as kicks out must 'spect to git kicks back, You wouldn’t take warnin’, so you kin take t’other. Told you I'd aun yousore, and I have. The gal’s my game. You'll never sot eyes on her ag’in till we all git a free pass out this dig- gin’s, and cash to set us up ina honest life. M post-office is the bald spot on old Camel Back’s nose, ABEL BLIZZARD.” The effect of this precious epistle was im- mense, Word of what had happened sped with wonderful rapidity from end to end of the county. By morning there was not a village that did not know of the abduction by the out- laws, and by noon of the next day the news had spread through the farm-houses, until the whole county was up in excited indignation, Judge Allen was universally respected, and many a harsh oath was taken that day to hunt down the fugitives to death, and revenge bitterly the out- rage which they had committed, twas impossible for any one to settle down to his regular occupation, Hundreds were out all day on the hills, with the forlorn hope of dis- covering the much-searched outlaws, Others debated for hours in hope of getting the idea of some plan of countermining the villains, Many thought it advisable that the judge should come to terms with the outlaw leader. Abe certainly had the whip hand now, and there was no tell- ing to what outrage he might be driven if the search was continued, The great majority, however, were in favor of pushing the villains to the wall, And to this idea the bereaved fa- ther assented, though his heart was almost broken in the effort, Near eh Seat a conference was held in the main parlor of the Oxford Hotel, attended by the principal people of the place, among them several who had spent the day in a fruitless search of Camel’s Back. About the same time a passenger train had rolled into the station of the town, unloaded its few passengers, and steamed away again. One of these, a spry, youthful figure, walked briskly toward the hotel, with less difficulty than the same figure had experienced on a previous land- ing in the town. It was, in fact, Fred Flyer, n the hotel conference the conversation had got round to his name. * That boy is mixed in this,” declared the ~ constable, positively. ‘'That’s what brought him to town, He was sent to spy out the chances,” “That's all gammon,” declared Elick Bran- son. ‘' You’re mad ’cause he tripped you, that’s all. You had no business peltin’ bullets at the boy, and if you’d hurt him I'd bu’sted yer head, “‘ What brought him into that store? Tell me that, will you?” “His feet. Don’t I know he was scoutin’ fer the robbers? i was out one night with him. He tumbled among ’em, that’s all. If the lad ain’t honest, then— Hillo!” The old bunter sprung to his feet with this exclamation, his eyes star- ing at the door, in which stood a well-remem- bered figure, “‘ Square for you, Elick,” exclaimed Fred, for it was he, ‘*Give me your hand on that, old man,” By this time everybody in the room was on his feet, and a dozen loud exclamations broke out, “Hang it, boy, you’d best have stayed away!” cried Elick, squeezing his hand vigor- ously. ‘But ’m your backer through thick and thin, square up.” “Didn't intend to come back,” answered Fred, ‘till I heard of this last bit of work, I’m here to help rescue the young lady, and a I will, while there’s a hair on my head or a nail on my fingers.” This spiri declaration elicited a burst of applause from several of the persons present, Others kept silent, however, and the constable sprung angrily forward, ‘Tye a notion you won’t have much chance,” he declared, ‘‘ You are my prisoner. Into Ox- ford lock-up you go, till you are tried for store- ari ae “Hold yer level,” cried EHlick, getting be- tween the officer and the boy. ‘‘ Don’t be too hasty. We've got to have a bit of a confab on Mor tet of law.” ‘* By heavens, [ll have him!” The irate offi- cer caught hold of Elick to hurl him aside, “Will you? Slide, boy, while your skin’s whole. The p’int o’ law jist now is ag’in’ you.” ‘©Will you obstruct the law?” ‘Oh, no,” said Elick, standing as immovable as an oak tree, ‘ Jist push me out o’ the way. I’m a bit rheumatic in the jints, and don’t move easy.” The constable songht to push him aside, but he might as well have tried to move a house, Finally, with an oath, he loosed his hold, and sprung around him, Too late. Where the boy had stood was a vacancy. Fred had vanished as suddenly as he had appeared. CHAPTER IX, AT A MOUNTAIN LUNCH-COUNTER, Tue strange appearance and disappearance of the mysterious youth made new matter for the attention of the town meeting, A wide difference of opinion prevailed. Some sided with the constable, and believed that Fred wasa spy sent out by the outlaws, Others had faith in bis [SOREN and looked on him as a useful associate, « (om ere
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Fred Flyer, Detective. 19 “Don's tell me. Guess I’ve been thief-vatchcr long enough to twig a reprobate when I see him,” averred the constable. ‘The boy’s got the making of a bad one. You can see it in his eye. And I'll have him, or the feathers will fly somewhere,” “T agree with you, Jerry,” answered Judge Allen. ‘*I doubt if the boy is honest, What reason can he have for concealing his busi- ness?” a Why, bless you, jedge, that’s jist what I like him fur,” declared the old hunter. ‘I don’t cotton to that sort as goes round with a Jabel on their caps: y name’s Tom Fiddler, and I git my livin’ by rag-pickin’,’ Llike a chap as kin keep hisself to hisself. And I tell you that boy is as sound at center as a hickory-nut that has jist drapped,” ‘“‘Hickory-nuts often drop because they’re rotten at heart,” Pe eee the constable. ‘The boy’s my meat, I tell you. He’s got to prove hisself Innocent, and he won’t find that no baby’s job,” He stalked angrily from the room, bitterly determined to arrest the boy when and where he could find him, But Fred Flyer was not the lad to be picked up at a venture. Jerry scoured the town in vain, No trace of the fugitive could be found. It looked as if be had made for the hills, to spend the night out of doors in that chill Octo- ber weather. For an hour the irate constable kept up the hunt, and then gave it over in despair. ‘1ll nail him to-morrow, if he’s about town,” he declared. ‘‘1f he’s with his ee friends, we'll take them ina heap. I bet you prove my words before lam through with this job. . A half-bour afterward Elick Branson returned to his cottage on the mountain flank, a short distance outside the town. He stalked in and flung down his cap angrily, “That Jerry Brown is the most rantankerous idiot he began. He stopped suddenly, and stood looking in surprise before him, For there sat Fred Flyer, as coolly as if he had just rented the house, ‘“* Hillo, boy!” he cried, ‘‘You here? Why, J thought you’d mae a bee line fur uhe moun- ting. There’s Jerry Brown swearin’ he’ll barbe- cue vou without pepper. ’ s “Got to catch his cow before he can milk it,” Fred coolly answered, ‘“£ ain’t quits a fool, Elick. asn’t brought up to sleep with Potter county for a bed and Camel’s Back for a pillow, and with the sky for a bed-cover, That’s too much like putting on airs. I thought I’d call round and see if you couldn’t find me a shake- down and a morsel of grub.” ‘Well, I'd smile!” answered Elick, heartily, “Guv us yer hand, boy. Glad to have you. My best feather-bed’s yourn; and a clear sheer ofall the grub in the shanty. And if Jerry Brown don’t like that he kin soak his head in buttermilk. Supper ’most ready. mother? We've got young gentleman cornpany.” ‘“* He’s as welcome as the flowers of May,” an- swered Mrs, Branson, heartily, from the kitchen. ** Ready in ten minutes.” That's clever, I want to hold a confab with you, young man, arter supper. You’ve gotsome idears, And that’s more than I’d like to say fur all the folks in this here diggin’s,” Fred took his share of the supper with an ap- petite. Hewas as much at home asif he had lived there for six months. To morrow might take care of itself. He was safe for the night, and wasn’t the boy to borrow trouble, After supper Elick lit his pipe, and seated himself in the chimney corner for a long chat with his visitor. We need not say that the search for the outlaws, and the abduction of Minnie Allen, were the main subjects of their conversation, “Guess it’s about bedtime,” declared Elick, at length, after a couple of hours had passed. ‘“* We're ’arly snoozers, out hereaway; and ’arly risers, So we're o’ one mind. Them chaps is hid somewheres ‘bout where you got the bullet scratch on yer top-knot.” : “That’s my notion. And I tell you this, Elick, I wouldn’t be here to-night only I’ve took a boy’s fancy for pretty Minnie Allen. It isn’t no love, yon know, nor any of that nonsense, But Abe Blizzard has got to give her up, or I’ll comb his hair,” ‘In course I know,” answered Elick, with a sly wink to his wife, ‘Boy and gal fancy. Time ’nough fur love when you've l’arnt how to shingle a meetin’-house, Come, bunk’s the word. And be sure and keep the gal out of your dreams.” : The nigut slipped by without a creak in its axles, Fred was past dreaming. He was sleep- ing now for business, and he woke up the next morning with a week’s work in his veins. It was yet dusk, Only the first red flush of the dawn touched the edge of the sky, Elick was no hand to let the daylight catch him in bed, ** Now, my lad, go's the word,” he declared. ‘Taint healthy fur you’round here. Streak up the mounting. Jerry Brown won't trouble you there. I’ve got some chores to do, but I’m goin’ to climb them hills afore noon. i mought bring down a deer, and mought bring down a Blizzard. ‘You understand where we're to meet, and trade cheeks?” “T won't forget,” answered Fred, as he ex- amined the loads of his revolver, ‘I suppose I'd better dig out right now, before the sun gets his nose up.” “What, without any grubin your meal-chest? What sort of a skunk do you take me fur? Breakfast’s smokin’ on the table now. Come in and fill up. Why, young ’un, the old woman wouldn’t leave a hair in my head if [let you go off that way. And I’m goin’ to treat you to as sweet a slice o’ venison steak as was ever shot in the Alleghanies.” _ As may be imagined, Fred was not loth to do justice to his new friend’s good cheer, And breakfast over, the hospitable lady of the house pressed on him a lunch that looked big enough to keep a hungry bear in a week’s provisions, ‘‘Much obliged, Mrs. Branson,” Fred laugh- ingly declared, “‘but my shoulders are not broadenough, Just put me up a couple of sand- wiches, and I'll make out.” “But who knows when you may set down to table ag’in?” remarked the anxious matron. ““Hlick’s duberous but you mought go hungry,” | el
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Mi 20 Fred Flyer, Detective. * Not likely, while ’m in yourhands, I know the way back, if I get near starvation. Now that’s enough—oceans, Good-by. Fling your slipper after me for luck, Mrs. Branson, T’m going for Minnie Allen, and old Abe’s got to get up early in the morning if he wants to fling this locomotive off the track.” Away went the light-hearted fellow, with a step as free as a deer’s, and a heart as light as a king’s, He was in the first flush of youth and health. He had trust in his luck and his pluck, There was a new world of a mountain range be- fore him, The briskness of the October air was in his veins. Up the eastern sky came the sun, blinking at him with rosy eyes. It was a glo- rious morning. Nature was alive and cheery, and Fred had got some of her electricity in his boots. The mountain was to him like an: ant- hill, as he trudged lightly upward. Noon found him high up on the mountain, not quite so spry on his feet, but as warm of beart as ever. He had had a hard bunt for several hours for the hiding-place of the outlaws, but all in vain. Every nook and crevice which Fred eould find in the locality he had diligeutly ex- pied, but without finding a hole that could ide a beetle, “That's all very pretty Mrs, Partington,” he said to himself. ‘‘ But they’re not a half-mile off from this spot, I'll bet lively on that. They were inside the line we drew round them that day, and I don’t believe they crept through it. And nobody saw them flying over it, through the air, hat’s left, thenf They must have sunk into the rock. That’s where they are, somewhere inside the rock, And I'll find them if I have to take a month, and turn over every stone between here and Old Tom off yonder,” Fred looked around him. He was in a sort of natural nook, with high rocks on three sides of him, On the fourth was a narrow opening, by which he had entered, The sun, now high in the heavens, shone warmly down into this rock fastness, “Ttsa sort of natural lunch counter,” averred Fred. ‘And it seems to me that there’s a hol- low inside here as big asa hogshead. I don’t see any better fun just now than to sit down and go for Mrs, Branson’s lunch. Wish I'd bypught more, now. Didn’t properly gauge the size of a mountain appetite.” He seated himself cosily in his strong arm- chair, flung his hat lightly aside, and drew with some difficulty the bulky sandwiches from_his pocket, He fell to with a decided relish, THun- ger and venison steak combined to make his meal a most appetizing one. His appetite satisfied he leaned back in the warm sun-rays for a comfortable rest, A half- hour passed, without a bee or a butterfly to break the perfect calm, Fred thought he was keeping up a big think, and did not notice the sly fingers of sleep, that were drawing cobwebs over his drowsy eyes. : He was not exactly in a snooze, bat he was not many miles away from the land of dreams, when there came a heavy step, and a cry of surprise, that brought him back to his senses as aaa as if somebody had shot an arrow into is ear. veil Hallo! By the blue blazes that played be- fore Moses, if this ain’t gay! Why, I’m shot if I didn’t think that coon was in limbo for plun- derin’ Bill Barley’s grocery store!” Fred’s wide-open eyes took in the situation at a glance. There before him, filling up the en- trance to his rock den, stood the burly figure of Abe Blizzard, quite as much surprised as was the boy he had so rudely wakened. Fred scrambled hastily to his feet. Here was a situation in which quick wits were decidedly necessary, “Glad to see you, Abe,” he heartily said. “ Didn’t build on no such good company. This is counter number one on my lunch route. Won’t you take a bite? Got some grub left,” “Don’t keer if I do,” answered Abe, with a grim laugh. ‘* You're a cool’un, boy, Pass over the provender.” Fred did so. The sturdy outlaw’ seated him- self colly on the rock before him, and munched away hungrily. ; Jt was a decided situation, A half-hour be- fore it was the height of Fred’s wishes to get his eyes on Abe Blizzard, But he did not quite relish the way that Abe Blizzard had got his eyes on him. It looked like a turn of the tables, “Thats deuced good,” declared the outlaw, “Got any more?” ‘Cleaned out,” answered Fred, ‘You're sound on the goose, anyhow. AndI like you. See here, They snatched you arter that store-openin’, How did you git off? Any sort of a hab’us corpus?” “Dusted away,” answered Fred, ‘* Made tracks for the city. Thought I had about enough of that game.” “And if you’d had the wit of a suckin’ pig you'd stayed in the city, What the Jericho fetches you back here again?” “Til tell you what, Abe,” Fred straightened himself with dignity. ‘‘As long as you hada row with men only, I was satisfied to keep clear of the fight. But when you changed the cam- paign and began to war on women, I whistled back again. You've done a dirty trick, in carrying off that young girl. Let her go, and J drop the game. Hang on to her, and I'm going to hunt you till my toes drop off.” : Abe sat, looking grimly at the bold-speaking boy. For a minute or two he continued his ob- servation, without a word. But if he thought to look down his youthful antagonist he was mistaken, Fred’s eyes had in them the blue glitter of steel. “So that’s what you're arter, eh?” growled Abe, with an evil glare in his eyes. ‘‘ Now, I tell you what, boy, you’re meddlin’in men’s work, That gal’s my prize.” “Ig it men’s work to steal girls?’ answered Fred, sternly.. ‘‘ Where girls are concerned boys have some say. You took Minnie Allen to sting her father, did you? You stung more than her father. You stung me, too.” “So-so, Is that the way of the wind? You're soft on the gal, hey?” “No matter whatI am. Let the girl go, and T’m your friend, Keep her and I’m your foe, oo hear that. And you won't find me any by. “Dry up, now!” Abe's tone was angry, “ Pretty fool I’d be to let a puppy-dog bark me
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. Fred Flyer, Detective. 21 out o’ my wits. Now see here, boy. This time I guy you warnin’; next time I'l guv you wuss, dist you take keer how you stir up the hornets’ nest, ’cause there’s stings about. Take old Abe's advice, and slide while yer skin’s whole.” “Then you won’t give up the girl?” “Nary time.” “That settles it. I’m going for you, Abe.” “All correck, Come on, midget,” “Ts war to the knife, then?” “ Or to the pistol.” Abe was on his feet, pistol in hand. “Tm goin’, boy. Don’t you try to foller me, if you know when you're well off. If I pull this trigger, you kin order yer coffin.” he fierce outlaw backed off, his eyes fixed with threatening sternness on Fred’s face. In a moment he disappeared. Fred made no move to follow. He was satisfied it would not be healthy just then, CHAPTER X. ON THE TRACK OF AN ADVENTURE, Tr was a peculiar situation in which Fred had been left, and one rather aggravating to his brisk young blood, Outside went the man whom, of all others, he desired to follow, yet he was not fool enough to attempt it, He had caught the glare in Abe’s eyes, and he knew that they meant shoot; and he bad heard enough of Abe’s skill with the pis- tol not to want to play target for him. Yet he was not going to stay there, like a fly in a spider’s web. Something must be done, and that quickly. Fred took a hasty survey of the situation, The rock-bound nook in which he stood had perpendicular walls, which rose to from ten to twenty feet in height. They were far too smooth toclimb. It was a natural alcove, only broken by the narrow entrance in its front. In the rear the sides of the alcove came closer together, and were succeeded by a crack that ran far back into the rock, At this point the wall was over twenty feet in height. Fred looked around him in disgust. His eyes surveyed this crevice, “‘T might do it,” be muttered, ‘‘but— S’pose Itry the front, anyhow. Abe must be too far off for good pistol practice. Out of sight, likely enough.” He hurried to the opening and looked impul- sively out, but drew back quick as lightning for bis keen eyes had caught a sharp flash, and he was just in time to escape a bullet that came with a sharp ping! against the rock, “Keep yer nose in cover,” came in Abe’s harsh voice. ‘I’m on guard outside, and don’t intend to slide till the patrol comes round.” “T believe you lie, Abe,” said Fred to bim- self, ‘* You're trying to scare me, so you can vamose, That’s my notion, anyhow; but you’re sorascally quick on the trigger that it ain’t safe to test my idea. Got to play some other game, or else throw up my hand.” He looked back again to the spot where the walls came within two feet of each other. ‘Somehow it seems to me [ can shin that,” he muttered. ‘I’ve gone up worse climbs at school,” - No sooner said than done, He stationed him- self between the two vertical rock faces, which were close enough together to give him a pur- chase of bands and feet, Pressing against the two sides with arms and legs he began to climb, hand over hand, The task was no very difficult. one while the rock faces were close together. The young acro- bat mounted rapidly. But higher up they flared apart, until he gained a point where they were nearly thiee feet separate. Climbing now was noeasy matter, The full stretch of bis arms bare- ly reached from rock to rock, and he could get little purchase, His feet had better hold, how- ever and he still went up inch by inch. Finally he reached an altitude from which no furtber progress could be made. His out- stretched arms just reached the opposite rocks, He was within a foot.or two of the summit on one side, but it seemed impossible to go an inch further. “Have I got to flop together and drop back?” asked Fred, desperately. ‘‘ Won't do it with- out one jump for life anyhow,” His feet still had some eee enough to aid him in. a spring upward. It was a desperate venture, for a failure meant a tumble of twenty feet on a rock bottom. But Fred hated like fury to be beaten, and he took the chances, Stooping so as to bend his knees, he sprung u ward with all his strength, throwing his iy to the side where the wall was lowest. His spring took him a foot upward. His grasping fingers caught at the top of the wall; but failed. as it all over? Would he drop back, mayhap to bis death? No, His bands caught in a narrow crevice in the stone. He clung on with adeath grip. He had missed the —p by six inches, ‘red hung for a couple of minutes, clinging with his fingers, and lying against the slightly sloping rock. Then with a desperate lift he drew himself slightly upward. One hand suf- ficed to hold, while he clutched upward with the other, Fortune favored him. He had caught the sharp edge of the rock. In a moment more both hands bad a firm hold, He drew himself up un- til his head was on a level with the summit of the rock wall, The daring young scout took a long look ahead over the summit. The rock shelved away so that he was able tosee the mountain level at some distance ahead. And there, to his delight, op the form of Abe Blizzard, at a distance of several hundred yards, The redoubtable outlaw was slowly re- treating, with his eyes turned back, as if eager to give the young prisoner another warning. i Fred’s present Sag he was invisible to the outlaw. But he dared not climb higher, as he would thus be brought again into full sight. The situation was yet no sinecure. Ho had to support his whole weight on his fingers, and they were just growing weary with the effort, Abe moved very slowly, while the boy gritted bis teeth in desperation. “Tf he’d only go faster! this, and down I go.” He sought to get a foothold for his feet on the smooth rock, but in vain, His body sunk down A minute more of
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22s. Fred Flyer, Detective. Latent — —_ until his eyes were below the rock level. His finger-hold began fo slip. “A chap might as well die by lead as stone,” he cried, savagely. ‘*‘ Here goes, and deuce take Abe’s revolver.” He jerked himself up with a desperate effort, Several inches were gained, and he got a safer hold. Another jerk. His scraping foot fortu- nately found a slight crevice. This was enough for the agile boy. In an instant more he was on the summit of the rock, where he flung him- self prostrate. Abe, fortunately, was just then looking ahead. Fred found himself on the top of a slender rock buttress, that sloped downward on all sides around him, except to the rear, where it joined on to the pe en range of the mountain, ‘o the right was a level range of rock, running off for some distance, To the left all was jagged and broken, with trees and bushes at every avail- able point. Abe was retreating to the right, his wary eyes noting every point of the scene as he did so. Allatonce Fred noticed him to slightly start, and then hastily dart forward to the shelter of a protruding bowlder, He had been looking down the mountain at the moment. The young spy turned his eyes in the same direction, and in an instant saw the cause of the outlaw’s hasty movement, There was a rustle in some bushes below, and then a head appeared. It was the shaggy poll of Blick Branson. Fred lay cogitating. What should he do? Here came the mountaineer. But he had not geen the game, and was climbing but slowly. Ten or fifteen minutes would elapse before his appearance, and minutes now counted. ‘Abe Blizzard’s a sharp one, but he isn’t the only razor edge in the mountains,” declared Fred. ‘‘He’s playing a blind on me, That slide off to the me means that he’s going to hole to the left. If 1 can only get aneye on him again. But how to post Elick? His aid might yet be needed. A moment's reflection, then Fred took a note-book from his pocket, tore out a leaf, and hastily scribbled some words on it. Then he placed his cap on a slender, upright stone, with the white paper stuck in its band. “He'll see that. Mountain post. Item for Rockside Star. Now to ambush old Abe!” The agile youth made his way back from the narrow shelf on which he lay to the wider brow of the buttress beyond. Back he went until he had gained the mountain face again. It was here broken and rugged, and travel was no easy matter. Fred made his way slowly to the west- ward, the direction which he was sure the out- law would soon take, It was no easy passage. Bowlders obstructed the way. Here and there deep crevices cut far into it. No path had been made by careful pioneers. It was all in the wild ruggedness of nature, Here a leap was necessary. Therea hard climb, Yonder a descent into a ravine and a mount up its opposite side. Again a forcible passage through a clump of bushes, where a patch of soil permitted their growth. He had thus made his way for a quarter of a mile over the rocks, Nothing was yet visible of his game, But in that rough region it was impossible to get a clear outlook a hundred yards ahead. One thing Fred took care to do, to disarrange and break the bushes he peaness through. It might be well to leave a trail for Blick. There ta no knowing what dangers yet lay before Im, Fred checked himself and hastily stooped. That was surely a foxskin cap on a shaggy head! But it was not Abe Blizzard’s brain-pan. Others of the outlaws were abroad, The scent was growing warm, He keenly observed the head, of which only the upper portion had become visible, amoog the broken rocks beyond. It was but a glimpse. In a moment it disappeared. “There’s my guide, by all that's lucky, if I can only keep him in sight,” declared Fred, as he dashed hastily forward, without regard to his shins. This onrush soon brought him to an impass- able locality. He found himself on the edge of a deep ravine that cut downward to a depth of twenty or thirty feet in the rock, its sides nearly perpendicular. It could be seen running up and down the mountain for a considerable distance in each direction, What had become of the man he had seen? He had certainly been this side of the ravine, He could not have crossed it at this point. Yet he was not visible above or below. Fred stood on its edge, putting this and that together. It could not be far from here where he had wrestled with one of the outlaws the day he got shot. Could there be any hiding-p The current of his thoughts was broken by something familiar in the locality. He had certainly seen that mountain channel before, Recollection came back to him. It was tho same ravine up whose bed he had made his way in pursuit of Abe Blizzard on the day of the great hunt. ‘By thunder!” exclaimed Fred, ‘tI wonder if I flew the track too soon that day? There’sa fox-hole somewhere about here, and it might be about this rock-spilt, Let me see. I was stopped by a stream of water that came sliding down and filling up the whole opening. Aud there it is now.” He could see the glint of the shooting water, in the dark bed of the ravine, some short dis- tance ahead. Was that the head of the channel, or did it go further back? Was there a descent into its depths beyond the point where he had been checked before? It was worth an investigation. He followed upward aloug the edge of the crevice. It rapidly narrowed as_he advanced, until it was not ten feet across, Looking down into its bed he could see just below him the sliding stream which had stopped his progress on that former occasion, He continued upward. The ravine grew still narrower. Its bottom seemed but a line, and appeared to rise. Soon the opening became a mere crack in the rocks, of some ten feet-in depth and an equal width, while at the botto:n it narrowed to a crevice, “There’s one mighty queer point about this,” said Fred to himself, as he stood looking down Q
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Lo Fred Flyer, Detective. 23 — the ravine. ‘‘What’s become of the water? That's a lively little stream below. But it’s as dry as a chi a here. Where does that stream come from ock’s one thing, and water’s another, and nobody ever knew of one turnin into the other. But that rattling little beast comes from somewhere. If it don’t come over the rock, it stands to reason it must come out of the rock,” Fred scratched his head. He bad a decided idea, Was he on the track of a discovery? At any rate here was a natural curiosity that was worth investigating, He pr ed some distance further, to where the ravine almost came together at top. Here he sprung across it, and proceeded down the other side. He had not forgotten the path on this side, by which he had got out of the ravine on that former occasion. His notion now was to follow the same path back into its depths. He was not long in finding the narrow and slippery shelving path, not six inches wide. Down it he went, slipping and sliding, A minute or two brought him to the bottom of the ravine. ; Here all was dark and damp. The stream ran purling downward. Just in front it slid through its narrow channel, down the sloping rock, filling the whole space to a foot in depth, There was a wade here, and a heavy one, against the force of that rapid. But that was what Fred was here for. He was bound to carry out his plan, wet or not. He might find ’ a mere rock spring; or he might find—who could tell what?” Setting his teeth he trod into the stream and pushed his way upward. It was no easy jour- ney. The water came down with considerable pressure. It grew darker and narrower at every step. The rock sides approached until there was barely room for his body to pass through, A chill set through his bones as the cold water bathed his limbs, Yet on he pushed, step by step, bound to pro- cee as far as possible, He had thus gained about twenty feet of pro- gress, It seemed almost useless to venture fur- ther, yet he persisted. The slope down which the waters rushed now became more of a level. It soon became quite level, and he found him- self standing in a shallow pool, at the head of the rapid. It was almost dark here, The passage had widened. He forward, A few steps and it became quite dark, except for the dim rays of light down the channel. The passage was wider, He could not touch its sides with his outstretched hands. The stream narrowed again. He stood on dry rock at its side, Above him was a dark wall of rock, Had he entered a cavern? Suddenly there came to his ears a hollow and startling sound, that made him draw back and crouch down in involuntary fear. CHAPTER XI. FRED SCARED BY A SPECTER. “Swear I see’d a summat movin’ up here- away. But whether it were a varmint or a human ain’t inside my category.” These words were spoken by Elick Branson, who had now gained the level where the events just described had taken place. He stood and looked around him, with the experienced eye of an old hunter, He knew the spot well, and had been more than once in the peculiar nook where Fred had taken bis lunch. He was about to step forward and explore it, when something odd at the surface of the rock caught his eye, In a flash the rifle was at his shoulder, with a quick aim at the suspicious object. “Hold yer level, boss, or I'll bore ye. Want to have an interview— Great Jerusha, it’s only a blind! Somebody’s head-cover stuck on a stone. Who's been browsin’ round here?” There was one way to tell. The rock was steep, but he was not long in climbing to its summit, ‘As I’m a livin’ sinner, it’s the boy’s head- riggin’? Stuck on a stone, and with a bito’ white paper furasignal! Blast my old eyes, if there ain’t somethin’ back o’ all this!” Before examining the cap he took a cautious look over the surroundings. From that ele- vated point a considerable range of sight was availants, But nothing living appeared. All was still and noiseless, save the faint rustle of leaves before the light wind. ‘Nota rat stirrin’.. But there was summat up here ten minutes back, Wonder if anything ugly is come to the lad?” He grasped Fred’s cap, and took the white paper from its band. Before opening this he ex- amined the cap closely to see if it conveyed any other intelligonce. “ Ho ain’! swapped his head fur a stone out o’ fun,” was tue muttered comment, ‘ Let's see what’s ahindit all, Bet the boy’s smelt *pos- sum.” He opened the paper and read its contents, while a grim smile curled his grizzled lips, “Tam on Abe’s trail,” ran the document. ‘See you coming, but haven’t time to wait. He has just turned the corner of the big rock to the right. I’m off over the rough track to the left. Can’t tell you what to do, forI don’tknow. Use your wits. Bet we’re not far from the rat-trap. RED FLYER,” “Looks as if there was summat in the wind, anyhow,” declared Elick, ‘‘So Abe’s about, hey? That’s fun.” e leaned on his rifle, and reflected what movement was best to take, whether to follow the boy or the outlaw. “Tain’t afeard but he'll do his sheer o’ the job judgmatical,” he considered. ‘* That boy’s no slouch o’ a mountaineer, But two heads is better nor one, and a double trail better nor a single. Guess Pl try and track Abe.” The big rock to which Fred referred was un- mistakable. There it lay, a quarter of a mile off to the right. Hescrambled down the steep slope, and made his way toward it. Turning its flank, a practicable pass up the mountain was visible. It was all hard rock hereabout, and no chanco of discovering a trail, But there was only the one pass. He trudged up it. Mt opened out upon a broad shelf, that ran off right and lett, well covered with trees, which found here a good patch of soil. There were grass and dead leaves on the ground,
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Se 24 The sharp eyes of the hunter observed these heedfully. Yes, there it was! The unmistakable track of a human foot. And another! It was Abe Blizzard’s trail! It ran off to the west, the di- rection in which Fred had gone. “ Good as wheat!” Blick ejaculated. ‘*‘ Why, the lad’s a reg'lar little steel-trap. He’s smelt out the whole game, and put out to head Abs off. I'll foller the trail.” It was no difficult matter. The leaves had been moistened by a recent rain, and readily took the impressions of footsteps. The old hun- ter made his way rapidly forward, as confidently as if he saw his prey before him. It was a charming scene. ‘The dark leaves of pines and oaks intertwined above, only letting the surlight. down in patches. Through the tree-trunks was visible the long down-slope of the mountain, and far off the valley, with its glinting stream, and the town of Oxford planly in view. The air had the fresh feel of mid- October, But little heeded Blick all this. He had but one thought in his mind, to follow those leaf- tracks to their destination, Unluckily the wood quickly ended. He had reached that rugged locality into which Fred had penetrated, There was nothing here but rough and broken rocks, crevices, ravines, steep slopes, and sheer descents. The trail was lost. Only hammer and chisel could have made a track there, “Pil swar I’m not far from the mark,” growled the hunter, after ten minutes’ blind search of the locality. ‘*The hidin’-place is somewhar in this rough lot. But whar the blazin’ blue-lights it is I guy up. Been over this ground fifty times afore, and ain’t seen a rat-hole.” The time of the search stretched ont to a half-hour, but without result. The lost trail was not recovered. No trace of living being was visible, All around spread the broken sonind, as if it had been torn by an earth- quake. ‘¢ Tt’s like hunting the needle in the haystack,” he growled. ‘‘ Wonder if the boy’s had better luck? Mebbe I’d best go back and take up his trail. Mought be an easier one to foller than Abe's,” This idea was quickly put into effect. He made bis way southward toward the rock but- tress. Ere reaching it, however, he found him- self near a clump of bushes, in which his experi- enced eye saw traces of a recent disturbance, He moved up for a closer examination. “Looks as if a deer, with full antlers, bad gone through ’em, They’re powerful thrashed. But—ha! J thought so. That’s beeu done a purpose. The lad’s been through here, sure as shootin’, and he’s ripped the bushes to blaze his track.” It was no difficult matter to follow Fred’s trail, He had taken good care to make it plain enough, It was not many minutes ere Elick stood on the brink of the deep ravine, at near- ly the same spot at which the boy had reached “He stopped here thoughtfully, It was impos- sible to descend into the cavity at this point, Fred Flyer, Detective. i The boy must have gone up or down its banks. The hunter stood irresolute, looking for some- thing to guide his next movements, As he did so his quick eyes caught sight of some moving object beyond the ravine. What it was he could not make out, whether living being or something moved by the wind. He crouched hastily down and sought cover, from which to observe unseen this suspicious object. But we must leave him and return to his fel- low-scout, whom we deserted in a ticklish situa- tion. He had just crouched back against the rock, startled by a strange sound, that rose in hollow accents over the rushing noise of the rapid. t seemed to come from down the stream. But in a second it was repeated, this time seem- ingly from within the heart of the rock, It was a sort of deep sigh or groan, that rolled in hollow rumblings through the cavernous depths, What’ was it? He could not imagine. He continued to crouch in a crevice of the rock wall, with a feeling of awe. To his excited fancy it seemed as if this was something super- natural. It was repeated, now almost at bis ear, and the faint light that camo up the stream was darkened, as if by some obstruction. While he continued to crouch, in dread and wonder, there came 2 splash in the water close by, and some- thing seomed to stand on the rock at his side. Fred crouched lower, while his hair rose in superstitious awe. The thing, whatever it was, halted there. He could have touched it with an outstretched hand. Its deep breathing was audible. An instant only, then if moved onward. There was the sound of footsteps. Fred’s wits an to return to him. hosts don’t wear boots, and don’t breathe quite as loud asa bear. It was no specter that had passed him, buf a human being, and the startling sounds he had heard might be some sort of a signal. It was the echoing depth of the cave that had given it such a hollow, nerve- shaking tone, Here was something, at any rate, worth test- ing. The boy’s spirits rose as much as they had been depressed. He sprung lightly out from the crevice into which he had squeezed himself, and began to follow the advancing figure into the sg of the darkness before him. he gloom soon became utter blackness. He could hear the stream flowing beside him. On the other side was the rock wall, whicb he touched at every instant. The two served as guides, Before him the sound of footsteps was still to be heard. Fred trod lightly in pur- suit. Now a flash of light in front broke on the thick gloom, He could see that he was in a low and narrow passage, that appeared to widen in advance. Tones of voices came to his ears. He reached a spot at which the opening sud- denly broadened. From an avenue it had be- come a& cave. Fred hung back, His quick glance had revealed two men to his éyes, one of them agers be lamp, from which came the illumination of the cave. The man who stood before the lamp-holder, he
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“a Fred Flyer, Detective. 25 who had just entered, Fred needed no second look to recognize. It was Abe Blizzard, the leader of the outlaws, The secret was out. This was the hiding-place of the runaway convicts. From here they issued on their Pisndering raids, Within this well-con- cealed covert they laughed at the authorities and defied pursuit. Here they bad brought their help- less captive. A thousand quick thoughts rushed through the boy’s mind. What should he do—withdraw and lead a to the cave, or take the risk pe penetrate in search of the prisoner him- se His adventurous spirit incited to the lat- ter course. And the glory and credit of mak- ing oe rescue without aid was not to be de- spised. While revolving these thoughts he was listen- ing to the conversation of the two men. IJt might aid in forming his resolution, * What’s the outlook, Abe? The coast clear?” “No,” answered Abe, with a harsh oath. **That_ confounded boy’s nosing around. And Elick Branson’s out, Guess I’ve settled fur the boy. Skeered him out o’a week’s growth with . abullet, But old Elick’s dangerous. We'll have to keep in quarters,” “Why didn’t you bu’st the boy’s b’iler?” “Didn’t want to hurt the baby. I kinder like the chap, anyway. And skeerin’ a rabbit’s as good as skinnin’ it.” The contempt of this tone settled Fred. His mind was made up now. There was no more thought of backing out. He would show Abe Blizzard if he was a baby or a scary rabbit, ‘* How "bout the gal?” continued Abe. “‘ Play- in’ ugly yit? Won’t eat her grub, won’t she? Wonder if she’s "feared of bein’ p’isened?” “Dunno,” answered the other. ‘‘ She’s sort o? dazed. Just moaned and cried away one whole day, as if she was going to turn to water, and all run out at her eyes, But she’s got a stiffer lip to-day. Don’t say nothin’, but glares like a tiger-cat.” - ‘She'll come round,” said Abe, indifferently. “They allers go through them queers. Don’t wan't to hurt or fright the Lin It’s ber dad I’m tryin’ to skeer. Maybe I’d best go smooth her down a bit.” He made a step toward the left side of the cave, Fred’s lurking ow gazed in that direc- tion; and caught sight of a door set in the rug- ged rock, “Yes, you'll smooth her, with the fur rubbed the wrong way,” growled the other. ‘ You'll jist waste yer powder, Abe. Let her alone. he'll come round herself.” ‘*Guess that’s sound logic,” answered Abe, turning back. “I’m kinder wolfish, Joe. Cal- pee ‘ll take some grub. No more of the boys out?" cf No. Silas jist took a peep out, but he’s back "in. we rhe walked further into the cave while speaking. Fred watched them until they dis- appeared around a rock projection. The stream turned at this point, and ran at a different oe et though the lamp was removed the cave was not quite dark, A faint light came from the left, where he had seen the door, There seemed to be a light behind this portal. Fred hesitated, and reflected long before mak- ing his next move. It was not easy to decide what action to take. He ended by boldly ad- vancing toward the point where the outlaws had disappeared. It was wisest to ‘study the situation before plunging into peril. As he had imagined, the stream curved here, and the swelling cavern grew narrow again. It became but a passage, dimly lit from beyond. After a few steps, however, it widened again into an apartment of some twenty feet diame- ter and ten “feet high, and of unknown depth, though it seemed to narrow again in the dis- tance, This part of the cave was rudely furnished, In its center was a table, around which a group of men were seated. The new-comers had just joined them. Loud voices and hoarse laughs came from the rough crew. Fred drew cautiously back. He had seen enough, By good fortune the prison of the cap- tive was in the outer cave. Or at least he im- agined so, and it remained to test this belief, He quickly made his way to the rough oaken door, from above and below which came the rays of light, = e listened. All was deathly silent within. He tried the door. It was firmly locked. At the sound he heard a stir within. He flung him- self on the rock floor, so as to get his lips to the opening beneath the door. ‘* Hist!” he cautiously cried, ‘‘ Are you there, Minnie—Miss Allen?” There came a kind of rushing sound, and then a voice full of oe pe excitement. “Who calls? Ob! is that a friendly voice?” “Be cautious, It is 1, Fred Flyer. I am here to rescue you. But—” “Oh! quick, quick! I shal! go mad in here!” ‘*Hush! I hear steps!” He hastily turned. Steps indeed were comin: from the inner cave. The light of a lamp ised ahead. Discovery seemed certain. There was no time to seek his former cover. CHAPTER XII, A DASH FOR LIBERTY, WE left Elick Branson on the brink of the ravine, crouched behind a covering rock, his rifle advanced, a finger on the trigger, can- tiously waiting the next move of the object he had seen beyond. Soon it emerged into view from behind the screen of bushes, and took the forni of a man. Like a flash the old hunter was on his feet, and with a deadly aim on the unconscious stranger, ‘“‘ Halt there!” he commanded, sternly. ‘Ive ot you under the nose of a bullet, my chap, Cut up any cantikoes and I'll guv you a taste of the leaden toothache. Jist trot up here to the edge o’ the cut, I want to twig yer phisiog closer.” : The stranger, utterly taken by surprise, hesi- tated for a minute, But Elick’s renewed threat brought him forward. The old hunter glanced at the face now clearly revealed to him, and then dropped his rifle with an oath of vexation. ‘Hang it all, it’s only Jake Primrose}|. And I
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Sel TR ‘ Me SS 86 Fred Flyer, Detective. _ nn eee yaa yyeE ya thought I had one of the jail-birds nailed. What the blazes fetches you here?” “ Hello, Elick!” returned the other. ‘“ Jupi- ter, old boy, you scared me out of a week’s ap- petite. There’s a party of us up here, scouting round, Thought we'd try again to bag the rab- bits.’ “There is, hey? Where are they?” “Oh, scattering. Some here, some there, Taking a general bunt.” “And mighty likely to find somethin’ where old scouts have failed,” was the contemptuous answer. ‘‘S’pose they’re out fur exercise, Arter an appetite fur supper. But I'll tell you one thing. The job’s warm. We're not fur off from the rascals, Who's headin’ the crowd?” “ Judge Allen.” ‘“‘Then I want a confab with the jedge. Meb- be you kin p’int out his whereabouts.” ‘*He’s off somewhere behind you, with the main body. They're taking a rest, while some of us are on the hunt,” “* Clever logic. Here’s fur the jedge.” He shouldered his rifle and turned back, mak- ing his way toward the open ground that lay off to the east. Here was what might prove a fortunate cir- cumstance for the young scout within the cave. Friends were at hand if he could but get the captive out, But how was that to be done? e had been surprised during his conversation with her by the gleam of a light and the sound of approaching footsteps. hat was to be done? He looked eagerly round. It was im- possible to gain the cave entrance without dis- covery. There was no other visible hiding- place. Was he, after all his efforts, to fall into the hands of the outlaws, and become a second prisoner? There was nothing for it but to take the chances. The lamp in the hands of the coming person gave no brilliant light. His clothes were dark, There was yet a forlorn hope. All this had passed like a flash through Fred’s active brain, Not a second was to spare, With a low warning to the captive he darted away to the rear of the cave, and flung himself prostrate on the ground, in the angle made by the floor and the wall, If the new-comer should turn his eyes that way all was lost. The chances were but one in fifty. But it was not the first time that Mred Flyer had speculated high on a slim chance, ardly had the fugitive taken his position, when the cave was illuminated by the lamp of the approaching outlaw, This was a raw-boned, harsh-faced fellow, with an evil look in his twinkling eye. Fred clung to the wall as if he formed part of it. Fortunately for him there was no suspicion in the mind of the outlaw. He walked steadily toward the cave without turning his eye to right or left. * Don’t be skeered inside there,” he said, with an effort to soften his voice, ‘‘ I’ve jist come to put some ’ile in yer lamp. Don’t want to leave ‘ou in the dark, ’mong the ghosts.” He laughed oarsely as he placed his lamp on the floor, and extracted a key from his pocket, Fred had his eye on the fellow, as he listened intently-to this conversation, Ina minute more a ie A the door of the cell was opened and the outlaw entered, leaving his lamp outside, The scout crawled nearer. He heard some words of conversation from the cell, the soft, sweet tones of the captive mingled with the hoarse ones of the jailer. ** Don’t be skeered, little ’un,” said the latter, in a voice that made some effort to be gentle. “Nobody here ain’t goin’ to hurt you. We'll send you safe home again as soon as yer dad, the jedge, comes to tarms, There, drat it, I didn’t come none too soon, The lamp’s burnt out, *Tain’t no odds, though. Got another ’un settin’ outside, Guv you that, I guess.” His feet could be heard moving toward the door, But ere he could reach it, there came a rushing sound, and in an iustant all was blank darkness. The lamp had been extinguished. “The hound take the luck!” growled the out- law. ‘‘That’s one of them rascally bats. I'd like to smash the caboodle of em, Never mind, al, I'll fotch you another lampinajiffy. Jist ock you in, though, while I’m arter it, cause that’s Abe’s orders,” He could be heard groping out of the cell. Then came the closing of the door, and the click of the tnrning key, But mingled with this was another faint? swishing sound, as if bats were in- deed flying about the cave. The outlaw recovered his overturned lamp, and stalked off to the point where a very faint illumination revealed the passage leading to the inner cave. His steps were no sooner within it than Fred was at the door. He tried the lock hastily, with a groan of dismay on discovering that it was really fastened. ““Oh, Minnie!” he cried, in suppressed tones. “Tt is tight locked. Oh, if you were only out- side now!” He started as if he had been shot when the re- ply came in a soft voice at his very ear. **So I am outside,” it said, “I knew you were here, and I slipped out ahead of him. Ob, ate , can we not escape? Thank that fortunate at, “Guess I was the bat that kicked over that lamp,” laughed Fred. ‘There's only your sharp wit to thank, for slipping out so cutely. Where are you? There is not a second to lose.” He stretched out bis hand in the darkness. They encountered soft fingers that sest a thrill of new sensation through his veins. He drew her to him, holding one hand in his, while he placed his other arm round the slender waist. ‘¥ixcuse me,” he murmured. ‘ I must guide and support you. Quick, Minnie. Keep up your spirits and we are safe.” He ran across the floor of the cave, half-carry- ing her in his haste, The gloom was intense, et Fred knew precisely what he was about, e remembered the general direction from the cell to the cave entrance, while the faint gleam in the rear served as a surer guide. The prattle of the flowing waters also helped to direct his footsteps. In less than a minate he found himself within the narrow entrance ‘e, with the wall to his right, and the stream to his left. Far, seem- ingly very far, in advance, was visible a dim gleam of light, ~
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sf Fred Flyer, Detective. 27 “It is the blessed daylight, Minnie,” he whis- ; pered, ‘‘Keep up your courage, and we will “T fear nothing with you, Fred,” she mur- mured in return, in a tone that thrilled his heart with delight. She yielded to his embracing arm, indeed, as if she liked it quite as muck as he did, and Fred would have been content to stand there in that warm gloom for untold minutes more, but that the footsteps of the returning robber warned him that haste was now highly expedient. “Come, Minnie! Quick!” He hastened onward as rapidly as possible, feeling his way at every step. They turned a slight curve, and the light ahead grew stronger. A few steps more, and the sound of the flowing brook rose into a loud murmur. It was the voice of the rapid, just in advance. ** We have to take to the water,” he whisper- ed. ‘‘ You will get very wet. Perhaps I had better carry you.” “*T have no doubt you would like to,” she an- swered, with a s'y laugh; ‘but I fear that would not be very safe, just now. I have had my feet wet before, and don’t mind that.” *“You don’t know how deep it is, You will be wet to the knees.” “No matter, Come,” At this instant there sounded a loud ery in the cave behind them, coming to their ears in hol- low reverberations like those that had startled Fred before. Evidently the flight was discoy- ered, This was the jailer’s cry of alarm. In a minute more all the outlaws would be on the move, and the pursuit begun. The startled fugitives sprung quickly into the stream and hastened forward. A very few steps brought them to the head of the rapid. The fierce gurgle of its rushing waters filled the air, The lightahead grew stronger at every step. Down the rapid they hastened as rapidly as was safe to prevent stumbling and falling in the swift rush. Fred clasped her more firmly with his strong arm and balf-carried her, as he set his feet strongly, one after another, on the rocky bot- tom, On, step by step. A glow of sunlight lighted the sides of the ravine ahead. They were at the bottom of the rapid, drenched and shivering, yet safely in the outer world, And from the cave behind came an odd roar, The outlaws were evidently yelling with rage, They would be dashing on in pursuit in an in- stant more, : Down the bottom of the ravine fled the fugi- tives, They were quickly at the foot of the th which led upits sides. This was evidently impassable to Minnie’s untrained feet, but—a thought came to Fred. “T have it!” he cried, ‘You hurry on down the ravine, and hide somewhere below. I will climb this path and draw them off. You can escape while they are chasing me.” “But you? They are furious. They may—” “Don’t mind me. Run! Quick! L can take care of myself.” 2 He gave her an impulsive push forward, and himself turned and hurried up the narrow path, \ Minnie looked after him in a moments doubt, a glance of warm concern in her eyes. She then hurried forward, as Fred had ordered, The winding ravine, and the rocks that strewed its bottom, soon concealed her from view. Fred dashed up the path with impetu- ous haste, He bad gained the summit of the rock, and was looking down into the gloomy depth of the ravine, when the foremost pursuer prake into view. It was the well-remembered orm of Abe Blizzard. The outlaw gazed up, and an oath of dire in- tent came from his grizzled lips as he caught sight of Fred’s face. ‘“‘Tt’s you, young catamount, is it?’ he yelled. “By the eternal, [ll have the gal ag’in, and cure you of meddlin’!” He rushed for the path, followed with fierce oaths by the others, Fred dashed away, firing a load from his revolver as he did so, He had cunningly drawn them off from pursuit of Minnie, But he had himself to look after now. They might murder him in their fury. Elick Bransun must be near at hand, Apistol-shot might bring him to the rescue, Fred hastened up the side of the ravine, and sprung across it at its narrow portion above. He now fled back among the broken rocks to the right. He looked behind him on gaining shelter, There was the whole outlaw gang io full chase, They caught a glimpse of bis head, and yelled in triumphant fury, as they dashed forward, It was a desperate effort. Fred was young and agile, But the path wasa difficult one. He had only once traversed it, while it must be fa- miliar to the pursuers, He fired his pistol again as he pushed onward. A sight of old Elick’s homely but honest face just now would be worth so much gold-dust. Over rock, through bush, across crevice, up and down hill, Five minutes and he dashed from the rock labyrinth into the open space beyond. With a yell of triumph the outlaws broke out bebind him, not ten paces in bisrear. There was a hasty stop and recoil. For there before them, drawn up in line, were at least twenty armed men, who returned the cry of the out- laws with a shout of equal triumph, Fred stood between the two opposing forces, to all appear- ance the leader of the outlaw gang. lt was a decidedly unexpected situation. CHAPTER XIII. BETWEEN TWO FIRES. Crack! crack! crack! came the rattle of pis- tols and rifle-shots, Both parties fired wildly, the outlaws in retreating, the townsmen in ad- vancing. And Fred stood between, a target for the bullets of both parties, . He had wit enough, however, to fling himself to the ground, out of bullet range, and to crawl resi back to the shelter of the rocks behind im, The next minute the armed party came dash- ing wildly on, yelling with excitement, “After them, lads! Don’t let a soul escape! We have them now! Snatch that boy, some- body. He's the leader of the gang. Where are you, Jerry? He’s your game,”
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ESSE PROS SR a 28 Fred Fiyer, Detective. Fred found himself in the strong hands of the irate constable, who grasped his collar with a vigorous clutch, ‘You're my meat, little foxy. I beta cat’s paw you don’t get off so easy this time. Come ahead, you wood rat, Iwant to see this fun out,” Fred made no resistance. Infact he had got his work in, and had no reason to fear evil consequences, The rush after the escaping out- laws went on, with shouts and shots, and many an ugly tumble on the rough ground they traversed. . The outlaws made no, resistance, Their sole object seemed to be to escape. But soon a diversion took place. Shots were heard from the other side. Excited cries came- from the direction of the ravine, Evidently the men who had been out scouting in that direction had taken the cue, and were hurrying up to the eoatict The outlaw band was between two res, “On them, my merry boys!” came the cheery voice of Judge Allen. ‘Don’t let one escape. They are in a tight trap.” “Pile up, lovelies!” came Elick Branson’s voice from the other side. ‘Squeeze ’em! Stretch out, lads, rigbt and left. We've got em where the hair’s short.” There came a change in the game. The fugi- tives halted in their wild flight, and dropped behind the sheltering, rocks, from which came the spiteful patter of pistol-shots. They had taken in the peril of the situation and made up their minds to fight for liberty. It was no agreeable business. The bowlders that were strewn thickly around afforded plenti- ful shelter, and it might not prove easy to dis- lodge the ambushed outlaws. The first dis- charge had wounded several of the pursuing party. The others dropped back under shelter and returned the fire, But it-was now a sheer waste of powder. They were firing at stone walls, “* Spread out yer line!” came the shrill voice of the old hunter. ‘ Surround the bloody runa- ways! Close in on ’em, And stop shootin’, dang ye! We want ’em alive, not dead.” This advice was good. Judge Allen repeated the order on his side, The party pushed for- ward on its flanks, to meet the others, and form a living ring around the inclosed outlaws. The Mattar saw their danger, and made a wild rush to escape from the inclosing ring. In_ this two or three succeeded, but the remainder found themselves confronted by stern faces and leveled rifles, “Surrender, you dirty dogs! Guv up, or it’ll be wuss for you. "Tain’t no baby play tunis time, blast yer eyes!” : As Elick shouted this he grasped one of the : Fa te 25 the collar, and sent him back with a fie i ree jer “Snatch that parsnip, some o’ you!” he yelled, as he hurried forward among the dismayed out- laws, whoin their panic had given up all thought of resistance. ““Where’s Abe Blizzard? Where’s the ring- leader of the gang?” ‘Here he is! D’ye want him? Take him, then|” ne ne UU EEE EEE The burly reprobate dashed suddenly forward from his shelter, knocked down the two men before him with a double thrust of his brawny fists, and burst through the inclosing ring. ** Here’s Abe Blizzard! Take him!” The bold fellow had sprung to the surface of a tall rock, and waved his bat in triumph as he prepared to dash onward, But he was within an inch of death at that moment, Jerry, the constable, had sprung up in excited fury, rifle at shoulder, and now coy- ered the fugitive with a deadly aim. “Surrender! Or you're a dead man!” ** Never!” “Then take it!” He pressed his finger on the trigger. All eyes looked to see the outlaw fall, for Jerry was a noted marksman. But at the same instant a slender, youthful figure sprung up beside him, and struck up the muzzle of the rifle. It was just in time. The bullet whizzed not two inches above Abe’s head. ‘Good for you, boy!” cried the daring outlaw. “ | won't forget it.” He sprung from his perch, and in a moment was lost to view. While several of the party dashed forward on his track, Jerry turned in a rage to his prisoner, who had thus saved the outlaw’s li‘e, ‘‘ Hang your ugly young picture! What did you do that for?” He caught Fred’s collar with an angry clutch, *To keep you from committing murder,” an- swered Fred, with an unflinching look. ‘ Did you think that was a wild duck, or a rabbit? Tain’t the thing, nowadays, to make targets of men, you sour-faced galoot! Let go my collar.” “Pll shake the fun out of you, if I hear more slack from your impudent tongue.” “You will, eh?” In an instant, Fred, by some wiry twist was free from his grasp. “Now keep your distance, or I'll give you a boy’s lesson.” Frred’s pistol was in his hand, and a look in his eye that made his captor hastily draw back. ‘‘Where’s Judge Allen? I must speak to him tbis instant.” : “T am here, boy. What do you want? Be quick, for I have no time to wasteon you. You are a prisoner, you must understand that, You led that gang to the attack on us, I know you now in tots true colors, as a spy and a robber, though I am sorry to see one so young in such a bad trade,” P ‘“*T led them?’ answered Fred with surprise. A short laugh of amusement broke from his lips. ‘*A queer sort of leading. Why, judge, they were after me like cows after parsnips.” “You bet on that,” growled one of the prisoners. ‘*We wouldn’t be fodls enough to guv ourselves up; only fur chasin’ that squib of a sky-rocket boy.” The judge looked from one to the other, and then shook his head in doubt. “That story won’t do, The thing was too evident. Give yonrself up, boy. arrested for being concerned in that store peel and for aiding and abetting these out- laws, “There is one thing you forget, Judge Allen,” ‘* What is that?” = i You are. ~ Se
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ie OE et ee ea — “You forget what brought you here. The rescue of your daughter from these men.” ‘‘Oh, can you lead me to her?” cried the judge, with a sudden change of tone. There was an accent of anguish in his voice. ‘‘I can forgive you everything if you but give me back my stolen daughter!” “ She is safe,” answered Fred, with sympathy, “T have jest rescued her, That is why I was pursued. She took another course, and they followed me. Come, I will lead you to her.” The judge sprung eagerly forward, “Oh! if this is the truth I shall reward you nobly! Quick! Lead me to her!” He turned to the listening men. ‘* You know what to do. Secure your prisoners, and remove them. The others cannot escape. Elick is leading his men in hot pursuit, Come on, boy. And you, Jerry. This young fellow remains your prisoner till he has proved his words,” A smile was on Fred’s lips as he led briskly onward, followed closely by the judge and the constable, He calculated on very quickly get- ting out of the difficulty into which circum- stances had thrown him, A few minutes sufficed to bring them to the brink of the ravine, : “Tt was down this way I escaped with Minnie Allen, your daughter,” explained Fred, ‘I climbed to the top, while she went'on down the hollow. This way. We will find her some- where below here. He led the way down the brink. The bottom lay plainly revealed to their eyes. Yet though they walked for a considerable distance, no trace of the escaped girl was visible, Finally they reached the mouth of the ravine, which opened out on a precipice, The stream escaped through a side creek, No living thing was within view. The judge turned with stern suspicion to the perplexed guide, “Have you been deceiving me?” he angrily demanded. ‘“ By my life, if it proves so it will go-hard with you. I could forgive anything rather than that.” * As I ama living boy I left her in this hol- low!” protested Fred. ‘*I cannot imagine what has become of ber. It may be that some of the outlaws recaptured her and took her back to the cave.” **The cave? Whatcavef” ‘‘ The hiding-place of the outlaws. I have dis- covered it. it lies at the head of this ravine, It was from there I rescued your daughter. She may be back there again, Follow, and I will prove my words,” At this point descent into the ravine was easy. The two men followed Fred, curiously but sus- piciously. lt was evident they feared some scheme to escape, and Jerry kept very close to his prisoner guide, : Up the bottom of the ravine they climbed, Nothing to indicate the late presence of the fugitive was discovered. In a few minutes they stood at the foot of the shooting rapid, that so cleverly masked the entrance to the oom, gent ow, gentlemen, you must prepare for a wade,” eaid 1 Fred decidedly. “Through that water?” Fred Flyer, Detective. : * Just so. That is the path to the robbers’ en. The judge hung back in surprise and alarm. **That cannot be} The stream comes from a spring!” **Do you suppose these men could have hid- den from Elick Branson’s sharp eyes if they’d had any common hiding-place? I tell you this is the path to the cave, Follow me, if you are not afraid.” “ Afraid, boy? Lead on!” Fred plunged into the shooting water. He was followed by his two companions. To their utter astonishment they found his words to be true. A few minutes brought them within the cavern. The lamp which had been recently brought from the inner cave yet burned on the floor, and illuminated the rock-bound apart- ment, Fred’s followers turned their eyes in wonder from point to point. Here was indeed a discovery. But it was an old song to Fred, who hastened to the door of the late prison. It was unlocked, and he finng it hastily open. There was nothing within, Minnie had not been brought back, ‘Tt was from there I rescued her, judge, See, Do you recognize that ribbon?” e held up a flowered blue ribbon. It was eager] y seized by the excited father. ‘Tt was hers!” he cried. ‘*It was my Min- nie’s! Oh! where is she? What have you done with her?” ‘““We have not ended our search,” answered Fred. ‘There is more of the cave to be ex- plored. Come with me.” He took up the lamp and led the way to the inner cavern. To their surprise they were met by glaring eyesand sturdy forms. Two men stood before them like deer at bay, They were a brace of the fugitive outlaws, who had made their way back to the cave, ‘““Some more game!” cried Jerry. ‘I know them. Give yourselyes up, my men, or it will go hard with you.” = He advanced with presented rifle. But the men made no resistance, They were utterly demoralized oy this invasion of their strong- hold, and by the face of the constable, whose prowess they well knew. While Jerry was securing them Fred made the round of the cave, followed closely by the judge. But no trace of any further hiding- place appeared, There were only bare, rugged walls. The stream gushed from the rear of the cave, through an impassable cleft in the rock. Evidently the cave ended here. “T was mistaken, judge. She has not re- turned. She is somewhere outside on the moun- tain. The look of suspicion deepened in the judge’s eyes. He turned to the two prisoners, “Do you know this boy? Ishe not one of your ag : ** You bet be is,” answered one of the outlaws, with an evil lcok in his eyes, ‘He’s the one as broke inter that pervision store tother night. We hadn’t nothin’ whatever to do with it, jedge.” “And where is the young lady prisoner you had here?” “Ob! Abe tuk her away yisterday, This ain’t our only hidin’-place,” ; 2
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PATE VE ROE SY, a SE, TS SAE TON AAT 2 Fred Flyer, Detective. TS Sane NN “TI thought so. You have lied to me, boy. You will make nothing by it. Come, Jerry, bring your prisoners. We will make some of them lead us to the prison of my daughter.” He turned with a frowning and bitter expres- sion toward the cave entrance, CHAPTER XIV. THE MOUNTAIN TRIBUNAL. Wrrntn a natural amphitheater of the moun- tains sata groupof men. Judge Allen, Jerry with his prisoners, Elick Branson and several others of the party of search. They were seated on the stones with which the ground was thick- ly strewn, the captives in their midst. Fred had cast himself angrily down, with a defiant look on his face. The judge had been examining the outhful prisoner ina manner that roused the y's anger. *That is all,” he declared. ‘‘I have told my story. If you do not believe it, do your worst. You will be sorry yet.” “Your story is a little too romantic,” an- swered the jedge, with a curling lip. ‘* All this about your being a newspaper reporter is very pretty, but it doesn’t agree with your close ac- quaintance with the robbers and your intimate knowledge of their haunts. I prefer to believe these men.” ‘t He's one of us, jedge; you kin take that fur sartin,” declared Fred’s accuser. “So Ido; and I will not quickly forgive his base story about my daughter’s rescue.” * That’s all confounded taffy!” broke in Elick angrily. ‘If the boy says he tuk the gal out he did, That ther’s no two ways about!” “* Hold our tongue, Elick!” cried the judge; “ Tintend to settle this affair, and don’t want your advice. See here, men, I wiil make it well worth og while if you will lead the way to that other hiding-place, and aid me to rescue my daughter, I have influence to set you free, and will reward you richly!” “Can’t do it,” was the sneering answer. “You haven't got cash enough to buy us to turn traitors to Abe Blizzard.” ‘*Then you, boy. Put me on the track, and I will forgive you all.” ‘*You are at liberty to do what you please, Judge Allen.” ‘* By heavens, then you shall fill Abe Bliz- zard’s cell till he is ready to occupy it himself!” cried the enraged judge. ‘‘ You defy me, do you? He is your prisoner, Jerry. I will give you the warrant to-night. He shall be hostage for Abe Blizzard and for my daughter.” Jerry was advancing to the youthful pris- oner, a look of mocking triumph in his eyes, his hands holding a pair of steel handeuffs, when he was suddenly checked by a loud voice from the rocks to the left. “Hold yer hosses there. Nobody shall be hostage for old Abe. The lad saved my life, and I ain’t the hog to let him go to prison in my place.” Every one started to his feet at this loud voice, and turned to face the harsh-featnred, strong-limbed man who advanced from the sheltering rock, “Tis me,” he said. ‘Abe Blizzard. I reckon some of ye’ve seen me afore. [ fling up the sponge, jedge. I’m ready to sarve the balance o? my sentence, Been listenin’ to yer little confab. and I’d bu’st my cocoanut afore that boy should go to prison fur me.” Fred was on his feet with the others, “Thank you, Abe,” he said, gratefully. ‘* I re- fused to take your hand once. I will doso now, convict or not.” He firmly grasped the outlaw’s extended hand, ‘But you need not have feared for me. My imprisonment was likely to be but a short one.” ‘Blick, there is your game,” returned the judge, sternly, ‘* You take charge of Abe Bliz- zara, As for you, boy, don’t betoosure, I said you should be hostage also for my daughter. vy Heaven, if she is not forthcoming it shall go hard with you!” “The gal’s safe enough, now you bet on that, judge,” cried Abe, earnestly. “What these two chaps has been tellin’ is all stuff, jist to woi you. She’s out, and the boy got her out, It wouldn’t been healty fur him if I'd cotehed him at the time, But beings he’s saved my life, I forgive him all the rest.” ‘ “Oh! is it sof? Can it be so?’ The judge's heart was in his words, as he broke out tn feel- ing accents, ‘‘My daughter! My dear daugh- ter! Has she fallen over some precipice? Why did you leave ber to wander alone over the mountain? Where is she? Ob, where is my dear, lost daughter?” ** Here, father!” The voice came from the same clump of rocks from which Abe bad just before emerged, Out of this wild place came flying a girl’s light form, her hair free, her eyes beaming with joy. “Here, father. It is I, your Minnie!” She sprung into his arms, and clasped him in a warm embrace, ‘Minnie! My Minnie!” He folded her to his breast, and bowed his face above her, while tears of joy stood in bis eyes, ‘‘My daughter! My ewn daughter! How came you here? Where have you been wandering?” “*T was rescued from the robbers’ den by— Oh, whereishe? They pursued him! Have they killed him?” She flung the blinding hair from her eyes and looked eagerly around, Her eyes rested on Fred, who stood gazinz with intense emotion on her speaking face, In a moment she had sprung forward and flung her arms impulsively around him, “This be! Itis he! Alive! Safe! Oh! I would never have forgiven mnyself if any harm had come to bim!” This impulse lasted but fora moment. She released the happy-faced youth, and returned with a blushing countenance to her father, hid- ing her face on his breast, “T could not help it,” she murmured, ‘ He took me out of that dreadful den. He left me in the ravine, and lured off the robbers. I have been wandering about the mountains ever since. I beard your voices, and crept up to see if it might be friends. And you may know how glad I was when I heard my own father’s voice, “Do you want me any longer, judge?” asked Fred calmly, “I am hostage for your daugh- ter, you know,” — ae
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Fred Flyer, Detective. $i The judge looked at him with an odd ex- pression. “Tt seems to me, young man, that you have been making your way rapidly. But I owe you an apology. Ihave misjudged you, I perceive. But the circumstances were such—” “They didn’t fool me, jedge,” broke in Elick. **T knew the boy was true grit, from the star!.” “Nor me,” said Minnie, frankly extending her hand to Fred, “1 believed in him and liked him at first sight,” “| think you owe me something more than an apology, Judge Allen,” answered Fred, a little bitterly, though his tone softened as he felt the warm pressure of Minnie’s hand. *¢'You have treated me very harshly, I don’t think that I look so much like a thief or an out- law, that you should insist so strongly on my being one.” “Come, come, young man,” answered the judge, in some confusion, ‘* When be have een on the judge’s bench as long as I have you will learn to not put much trust in people’s faces, Iam ruled by circumstances, and you must acknowledge the circumstances looked black for you. have sent men to prison on less evidence, more than once. But I see that Ibave wronged yous and am ready to make amends, What shall I do to repay my injus- tice?” : “Not now, judge. Til tell you some other time. I want time to think over what reward I will ask.” . ee The judge looked into the shining eyes of the youth, and at the reddened cheek of the daugh- ter, and an_ odd thought came into his mind, He turned brusquely to the men, not wishing them to notice the tall-tale evidence he had reeived. : ** Come, gentlemen,” he said in a command- ing tone. ‘‘Our work seems to be done, We have all the outlaws, We have their prisoner. There is nothing more to keep us here, Let us descend,” Down the mountain they went, anc to the distant town, Fred acting as Minnie’s escort, and taking great pleasure in assisting her over rough places in the rocks and down steep de- clivities. The rogue managed to press her hands, and to get his arms around her waist, rather more than necessary, and not quite to the satisfaction of the judge, who said noth- ing, however, bat night the recaptured outlaws slept in their old cells in Oxford jail. Fred, at the judge’s invitation, moved bis quarters from the town to his residence, where a warm welcome was given him, ** You must excuse me, judge, and you too, ladies,” said Fred, an hour after supper. ‘ All this is very pleasant, but I have some writing to do, and duty before pleasure, you know,” “Oh, never mind the writing. That will keep. “Excuse me,” answered Fred, positively. ‘You are all very kind and agreeable, But as Tye told you, judge, I have the honor of a newspaper on my shoulders. Iam reporter for the Morning Star. Do you suppose I'm going to let the other papers get ahead of the Star, witb a prime bit of news like this? Not much, | It’s got to be telegraphed down before an hour, all about the capture of the outlaws. I'd sell my coatif any paper got ahead of the Star on this item.” ‘Mercy, you are not going to tell all about innie in a flutter my adventure?’ exclaimed of excitement, ‘‘ All about the escape, and the walk through the water, and—” She stopped and blushed, as she fancied that he might telegraph how closely he had twined his arm around her waist. “Ob, no! All that must keep for my letter to-morrow. I can only send the bare story of the capture down by telegraph. But you may be sure I will not miss getting in the balance of our pleasant little adventure.” No, no. You must not. I will never for- give you if you put my name in the paper.” Fred smiled and turned away to his task. ‘*T may get it in the paper yet, in some fash- ion,” he poquisty said, over his shoulder. ‘‘ But not until it is altogether agreeable to you, I will ask your permission first. If you say yes, in it goes.” A blush came over her pretty face. It struck her that there was more meaning in Fred’s re- mark than appeared on the surface, She was cute enough to fancy that the handsome youth was deep in love with her, It was two days before Fred took his depart- ure on his return to the city. Dehad taken the opportunity in the mean time to get on the right side of the judge, and his wife, each of whom took a strong fancy to the frank and handsome young reporter. As for Minnie there was the sparkle of a tear in her eye as she bade him good- Ys “ And you'll be sure and come again?” ** Some time,” His look said that it might be soon, ‘** Good-by, lad,” cried old Elick, clasping his hand warmly on meeting him at the station. “Hang me if I don’t hate to see you goin’, Come up next season and I'll guv you some fun. There’s prime gunnin’ and fishin’ on the mount- ings and there’s no better guide in these diggin’s than Elick Branson.” “Thank you, Elick. I won't forget.” And he didn’t forget. Several years have passed since then. Fred is a well grown and very bandsome young man, with a lucrative po- sition on the Star. Minnie is a well grown and beautiful belle, with a frown for the beaux of Oxford, and a smile for the junior editor of the tar. And the judge loves Fred as if he wasalready his son, and will hardly say nay when Fred asks for the hand of his daughter. And all the signs look as if it would not be long before Fred gets her name in the paper, in a marriage notice in which his own name is also likely to appear. As for the rest of our characters, Elick Bran- son has had his wish in many a hunt with Fred Flyer. The outlaws bave partly served out their terms, and are partly still in prison. Abe Blizzard is free for one, and has settled down to an honest life, in his old business of hunter and mountain guide. And so we leave them all to the life before them, with the wish that it may be a long and happy one. 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, 2 Vom te Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes, The Yankee Ranger, By Edwin Emerson. Dick Dingle, Scout. By Edward S, Ellis. Dandy K Scheme, By G. W, Browne. The Arab Di tectiy By Edward L, Wheeler. WIL Wildfire’s Pluck, By Charles Morr. The Boy Commander. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. ube rie I sags “ie Burton Saxe. ninty Lance ; or, The atic Markaman, By J. E, Badger: ‘The Boy Gold-Hunter. "By C..Ce hae a 1 he Scapegrace So) By Charles sorris. The Dark-Skinned Scout. By Livut. Col. Hazeltine. 8 Jabez Dart, Dewetive. By Oll Coomes. Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Edward Willett, Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. by Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Dainty Lance and His Pard. sy Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Phe i capecd Tiger King. By Gharles Morris. The Ventriloquist Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler, Old Rocky’s Boys. By Ma mn. S. Hall. Stim Simpkina, Scout. By James L. 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Harbaugh, Poring Dan, tho Ranger; or, The Denver Detective, By Ol pines. The Cowboy Captain. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham Bald Mead of the Rockies. By Maj. Sum 8. Hall. The Miner Sport. By Edward L: Wheeler. Buck, the Detective. By Albert W. Alken, Crack-Shot Frank. By Charles Mi rrie. Merle the Middy, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Rosebud Ben’s Boys. By Oll Coomes. Gold Conrad’s Ws by T. C. Harbaugh, - y Fergus, th . By G.L. Alken. 7 ard L, Wheeler. jarles Morris. Prentiss Ingraham, By O11 Coomes. »hn J. Marshall, t. Frederick Whittaker. Edward L. Wheeler. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 7, ak pak a kk pk kjk RSeEne ra 228 The Pren 229 Old Hicko 280 Three I 2831 Sierra Sam, the 252 Merle Monte’s Trenst 288 Rocky Rover Kit. By Ensign C. D. Warren, 284 Baldy, the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 285 Jack Stump’s Cruise, By Roger Starbuck. 286 Sierra Sam's Double. By Edward L. Wheeler. 287 ate? | Ned Detective. By Charles Morris. 288 Merle Monte’s Sea-Scraper. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, ? Ben’s Big Boom, “By Capt. Mark Wilton. 0 Sharp Shoot Mike. By Ol} Coomes. 1 Sierra Sam’s Sentenee. By Edward L. Wheeler. 2 The Denver Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. 8 Dutch Jan’s Dilemma. By Maj. L. W. Carson. 44 Merle Monte’s Disguise. By Col. Prentirs Ingraham, % Baldy’s Boy Partner. By Edward S. Ellis. 6 Detective Keen’s Apprentice, By Charles Morrl, 'f The Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler, 8 Giant George’s Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 9 Ranch “ob’s Wild Ride. by T. C. Harbaugh. 50 Merle Monte’s Pardon. By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam. 251 The Deaf Detective. By Edward Willett. 52 Denver Doll’s Device. By Edward L. Wheeler. rfoot. By Mark Wilton, By May. Lewis W. Carson, . By Charles Morris. nte’s Last Cruise. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. R57 The y ief of Rocky Pass, By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain, 258 Denver Doll as De K. L. Wheeler. 25 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By O' Coomes, 260 Skits the Cabin Boy. By Edward Willett. 261 Blade, the Sport. By T. ©, Harbaugh. 262 Billy, the Boy Rover. By Col, Prentiss Ingham. 263 Buster Bob's Buoys or, Lige, the Light-House Keeper. By Cap’. J. F.C. Adama, 264 Denver Doll’s Partner. By E. L. Wheeler, oe == = == == => u BEVVCKKOKEKEY 265 Billy, the Baggage Boy. By Charles Morris. 266 Guy’s Boy Chum. By Capt. Comstock. 267 Glant George’s Revenge. By Buckskin Sam. 268 Denad-Shot Dandy.) 1. Prenties Ingraham. 269 The Quurtzyille Bo Edward Willett. 270 Denver Doll’s Mine. By E. L, Wheeler. 271 Ebony Jim’s Terror. By Ol! Coomes. 272 Kit, the Girl Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. 278 The Girl Rider; or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise. Badger, Jr. 274 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. By Col. P. Ingraham. 275 Fred, the Ocean Waif. By Charles Morris. 276 Deadwood Dick Trapped. By Edward L. Wheeler. 277 The Idiot Boy Avenger. By Albert W. Aiken. 278 Arizona Alf, the Miner. By T. C. Harbaugh. 279 Colorado Jack, the Tiger. By Frederick Dewey. 280 Dead Shot Dandy’s Last Peal; or, Keno Kit’s New Role. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 281 Ned, the Boy Pilot. By Jack Farragut. 282 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy’s Fortune, By Edward L. Wheeler. ae ai 288 Roving Sport K yy Edware ett. 284 The Bhowman’s Best Card. By Capt. Fred, Whittaker. 285 Old Rocky’s Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 286 Dick, the Dakota Sport, By Charles Morris. 287 Ned, the Boy Skipper. By Jack Farragut. 288 Deadwood Dick's Disguise. By Edward L. Wheeler, 289 Colorado Nick, the Lassoist, By faj. H. B. Stoddard, 290 Rube, the Tenderfoot. By Maj. B. L, St. Vrain, 291 Pencock Pete, the Leadville Sport. By Albert W. Aiken, 292 Joe Morey, the Night Hawk. By Jos... Badger, Jr. 298 Dwarf Jake, the Detective. By Ed. Willett. ; 294 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza’ Jane, the Girl Miner, By Edward L. Wheeler. si 295 White Wing, the Ferret Flyer. By Charles Morris, 296 Govinda, the Tiger Tamer By Capt. F, Whittaker. 297 Arizona Giant George; o; The Boyees of Sardine-Box City. By Buckskin Sam. 298 Daisy Doll’s Dash; or, The Ten Colorado Pards, By T,C Harbaugh. 299 The Bailoon Detectives; or, Jack Slasher’s Young Pard. By Harry Enton. 800 Deadwood Dick’s Mission. By Edward L. Wheeler. 801 Dandy Duke, the Cowboy. By Maj. E. L, St. Vrain. £02 Big Benson’s Bet. By T.C. Harbaugh. 808 The Hotel Boy Detective; or, The Grand Central Robbery. By Chas. Morris, 804 Bald Henad’s Pard; or, Creeping Cat’s Cunning. By Buckskin Sam. 805 Dusky Dick’s Duel; or, The Demon's Trail. By Harry Hazard. 806 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store Detective’s Decoy. By E. L, Wheeler. . 807 Nick, the Boy Sport: or, Three Plucky Pards. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 808 Double-Fisted Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 809 Old Greybeard’s Boy; or, The Girl’s Ruse. By ©. Dunning Clark. 810 Kit, the Girl Captain; or, The Mad Sailor’s Legacy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 811 Frio Fred in Texas. By Backskin Sam. 812 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassafras City. By E, L. Wheeler. 818 Honest Jack’s Protege. By P. 5. Warne. $14 Clip, the Boy Sheriff. By Edvard Willet. 815 Tom, the Arizona Sport. By Major E. L. St. Vrain, 816 The Street-Arab Detective. By Charles Morris. 817 Buckskin Ben of Texas. By Buckskin Sam. 818 Colorado Charlie’s Detective Dash, By E. L. Wheeler, 819 Frisky Frank in Idaho. By Roger Starbuck. 820 Cool Sam's Girl Pard. By T. C. Harbingh. 821 Billy, the Kid from Frisco. By J. C. Cowdrick. 822 Fred Flyer, Detective; or, Abe Blizzard on Deck. By Chas, Morris. . 828 Dead Shot Ike In Montana; or, Hes Helper the Yankee Pard. By Roger Starbuck. Ready March 19, 824 Kit, the Denver Sport; or, The Bonanza Miner King. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready March 96. Beadle’s Pocket Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Strect, New Yorke | By Jos, E, Mats or, The Mystic California Giant. By