Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 324) (1890 03 26)
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. Ni T itt a ut a! at a a a nt Sa ATT Copyrighted, 1890, by Brapz Anp Apans, Entered at the Post Office at New York, N, Y., a8 Second Class Mall Matter. March 26, 1890, N 0, 39 4, 2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, Vol. XXV ; a Year, No, 98 WiLLiam St., NEW Yorx. Five Cents, ) pu! zi 1 ust oe ( \\\ te) AREER, “BELLO! WIE GAHTS! HOW YOU WAS DUTCHY?” KIT SALUTED FAMILIARLY,”
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‘ < AUTHOR OF ~-—jest_as ye please—all the way from Denver, ' try for, anyway? ee ae _ ‘Kit, the Denver Sport. - =” Soe. Wit, the Denver Sport: . THE BONANZA MINER KING. BY E. L. WHEELER, “DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘* ROSEBUD ROB” NOVELS, ETC., ETO, CHAPTER I, A PUSHING BOY, r “Say, inister, be you the boss of these hyer diggin’s?”. he one who uttered this query was a’ mere boy in years, probably not over sixteen, and looked even younger, owing to his shortness in stature. ‘ ; ; He had, however, every appearance of robust health, and his round face would’ bave been ~ prepossessing had some of the dirt been washed from it, His eyes were sharp.in their dusky glance; his well-formed. mouth, with its wag- gish sort of twist in one corner, ihdicated a, predominant trait in the boy’s-sunny ‘nature; his hair was curly, and of a brick-red color, His attire consisted only of a ragged calico shirt, a pair of trowsers several sizes too large, with holes af the knee, and a cap without a frontispiece, His mud-splashed feet were guilt- less: of boots or shoes, and bis general appoar- - -ance indicted that he had tramped long and far, : The person whom he addressed’was a tall, handsome fellow, attired in miner’s habili- ‘ments. His eyes were brown, and yet pene- trating; his hair and his graceful mustache. were a shade or so lighter than the hair of the youth. , The. scene was the heart-of a rugged gulch, where two scores of miners were’ busily en- gaged in mining with pan and shovel, while the young man spoken to.was leaning idly against a rock, watching the men at work, and ap- peared to be a boss. An expression of annoyance passed over his face as he turned to gaze at the boy. “What's that your business?” he demanded, gruffly. 1 “Lots, you bet!” the young ragamuffin re- plied, with. a wink. “‘Ye neectn’t be so cranky because a feller axed yer a ‘portant question.” Pi . “Who are you?—what do you want?” “T want ter know ef you be the high-cocko- lorum what owns-these hyer diggin’s?” “No, lam not. What of it?” “Dash it, yer as short’ as pie-crust. I. jest wanted ter find out, I’m Redtop Christopher, or Christopher Redtop, or Kit, the Denver Sport and I want work. Oh, I’m a bouncer, you'd. better believe, if my hair is like yourn—a rich auburn,” and the vagabond grinned at his joke. “Auburn! I should say so,.you red monkey’s brother, What are you out in this wild coun- Why, you’re nothin’ but the stub of a cigar--a runt of a boy—a mere kid!” _ | “Ob, you dry up on that, mister, Don’t kid | \ : . me, ease Pm sorter sawed ‘off; alongside 0’ you, . Pm sixteen, and hey come ter stay, till I ker back a gold brick big as a hoss-car. What want is work, whar T tet ‘git a livin’, and la by some shekels, in view of buyin’ out a rail- road or two one 0’ these days.” ; “Well, I reckon you’vg struck. the wrong town, my lad. Slim chances of your getting a job hereabouts, I fear. Kangaroos are at-t dis- count just now.” F “Git out! Guy me a job yonder, handle a shovel likea Patrick; you bet!” “Thave nothing to do with -hiring the men. I simply see that they keep to work,” “Oh, I see—you’re gang boss, Whar’s the money boss? He’s ther’ hairpin I wanter inter- View, you bet.” 2 Soe Poe : Zo le “Mr, pene has not returned from Chicago. He will likely be back in a day or two, . Then, ° you might strike hit.” + E Fre: - “A day or two! Jumpin’ Jerusalem, how d@ye ’spect ‘a feller to wait a day or two, when he hain’t had nothin’ to eat:fer four weeks and_ a half? D’ye’spect him ter chaw grass, or sub- sist on ther pine-scented breeze? Reckon you never was hungry!” : ne “T. generally git hungry about meal-time!” was, the dry reply, with a glance at his watch—. T can | for it lacked but.a few minutes of ‘quitting time, - - which was at sunset. “Say, mister, what’s yer name?” the young Bricktop demanded, rather aggressively, ““Yowre too inquisitive, my kid,” was the “quiet retort, oe ge ‘ “Not a bit of it! How’s a feller ever to get - along, ef he don’t learn who’s who!” __ The overseer eyed the lad a moment, keenly, then put his hand in his pocket, and drew forth several pieces of silver money. “Here, you young tramp, take this and clear out, My nameisSandy.. Git, now!” he ordered sharply. es, “You bet, Sandy, old ‘stockin’s. You're jest & prime sort ov nabob, you be, and I'll be yer humble sarvent pervidin’ yer ain’t-too sassy! I'll jest go an’ surprise my digestive apperatus wi’ as big a set-outas ther state of my finances will admit. Know of ary ’stablishment where a. feller kin git the worth of my money?” ms ““A Jew keeps.a grub-shop up in camp. Go there!” : } “Allright. Much obleege to you. I'll go an’ eat him out, an’ then go. interview Boss Inyons’s. gal, an’ see if I can’t indooce her to work me in fer a job!” and he marched off, whistling-as merrily as though be were a born duke, |.” “Queer chap!” Sandy muttered, gazing thoughtfully after him, ‘‘ He’s, got brass.cnoug! to carry himself through the world, Pll vow, if he don’t acquire any of the more precious metals, ‘At first, I almost fancied I had seen his face, before; but of course I am mistaken. He is probably some young runaway, from Omaha or Denver.” ; “He vaid-no further attention to Kit, but turned toward the miners, several of. whom had ‘indulged*in “sbirking ” while he was busied in conversation with the little tramp. Ghoul Gulch Diggings, owned and controlled: by James -Lyons, of whom mention has been made, and the town, or mining-camp, ‘known as _
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‘ i * ) | " Kit, the Denver Sport, - 4 ” Ghoul Gulch, were located about a quarter of a - whole of the yielding Ne tuile apart. . , 2 4 The diggings were extensive, both as placer and. quartz vein, but Mr. Lyons owned the where prospect- ing had thus far discovered_any gold; and would not allow any habitations or other build- ings on his property, except his quartz-mill, and his own private residence, which was built- of stone, anid far more pretentious than any other residence in that section of country. The mining-camp had been situated further up the guléh, and consisted, besides -its-dwell- ings, of a ecouple of general stores—a tavern _ boasting of the name: of ‘the Grand, Union—a ~ vicinity. smithy, restaurant, several saloons, public gam- bling-houses and dance-halls. © ~ .The population was rather mixed as to pationality, and was daily increasing, as Ly- ons’s lucky strike a few months before our story had led people to believe that there must surely - ~ be other productive territory besides his in that The restaurant of which Sandy had made mention to Kit was located near the. head of |- the camp, and was .owned and managed by a . ponderous cross between a Jew and a German, ‘ 4 - --an’ that wouldn’t go. fur in ’ ’ noddings but silver-vare und shiney. - who rejoiced in the- name of Hans Glockenspiel. _ Such of the miners as couldn’t afford to pay the charge of the Grand Union, or- had no homes of their own, generally patronized Hans’s- place; consequently he did a. living business, Having money, he also dabbled a little im pawn- | broking, on a small scale, having frequent opportunities to-take in various things for a very insignificant loan; which hine times out of. ten were never redeemed. ~~ - : Kit at last spied the den, and before entering paused to: count the money which Sandy had given him, : 2 ae ‘*T reckon, I’d better not go in too heavy, on ther stummick, ’til I’m sure ov a job!” he solilo- quized. ‘I’ve got only seventy-five cents hyer, ayin’ for wittles. Wonder ‘ef I can’t work a racket on his giblets? Never try; never suck—eggs, eb! Well, here goes!” : He strutted into. the little one-story edifice,. where Hans held forth, with the air_of a full- fledged bonanza king, - .The fat-faced, big-bodied proprietor was .within the eating bar, perched ona stool, and engaged in secking solace in powerful whiffs _ from a huge meerschaum pipe, . “Hello! Wie gahts! How you wag, Dutchy!” Kit saluted, familiarly. ‘‘Is this ther place sores feller gits ther worth of his ducats in ~ “Dot ish der ferry blace!” Hans declared, ‘You goes mit-der Grand Union, und you got ou “gomes here mit my blace, und I gives you v’ot you can eat, sheep as haff vot you pay der odder blace.” < : Squerect!. that’s ther ‘prime ticket! All I ' wants is the worth o’ my monéy, Have you ‘ ‘got-any quail on toast, egg-flitters and snap- + . way blace. You gets beef. und . breadt und. coffee—dot’s all!” r soup?” rt Vo you dakes me‘for? I keebs no Broad- potatoes, mit “Well, my. appertite ain’t werry fastidgus, to-day, so fetch it along!” : The steaming hot edibles: were soon placed in front of the young vagabond, and he *“‘ pitched into” them with a will. ; : _-Whed one square meal bad vanished, he Jook- ed up, wistfully. oe ““Hain’t got no.stewed American eagle, or burro chowder, hey you?” he asked. ~ “ Ldells you I keep no such stuff!” ‘*Nor fricaseed taran’tler, ala mode icy parle on francaise!” ‘ “Nol! no!” Hans blustered; “You got youst ss all v’at. you get.” - Oh! well, considerin’ the Jattertude I'm in, mebbe I hey* got the worth of my money. © Here’s yer ten cents!” . Z “Ten cents!” roared Hans, growing apoplec- tic. ‘' V’y, young vellers, I sharge you seventy- fife cents for v’ot you haff.” oa rea Ss ‘Git out, you overgrown cheese. Didn’t- you tell’‘me you’d give me the worth of my money? Now, what you kickin’ about? with what I got for ten cents!” **But, my poy, you don’d vas understood v’ot Imean. I gives you-a pig meal, und sharges you seventy-five cents.” | A $ “Oh! I see, Well, just charge it—name’s Kit, an’ when’ I strike a pay streak, Ill. come around and settle. Thanks for your liberality. Willdrap in ag’in, ’beut breakfast time, By-by, old bologna!” ~ as ; And sliding from his. stool, the Denver Sport started for the door. gti Bare The suspicious sound of click! click! caused him to suddenly pause and look back, to behold a formidable revolver in the Dutchman’s grasp, and a determined expression upon his rubicund visage. = *“ Hello! anxiously. : 4 “You bet! Youst you hand ofer dot odder sixty-fife cents, or I plow off der hull of. you scrapium!” | F Be ** Ye needn’t put yerself to so much trouble; Dutchy. I’ve got use fer this lodging-house o’ philosofy, fer years to come, yet. Heers yer ducats, ye stingy old sauer-krout barrel—every red I’ve got, ’cept my hair. Wait till I patron- ize yer pig-pen .ag’in! O-ob! wouldn’t I like to bite off yer nose, tho’! By the way—can’t ye give.a feller a job?” ¥ “Gif you noddings! You git!” ‘*-You bet.» Requiscat in peace, old lager!” And the boy glided from the place with considerable less grace than when he tiad enter- edit. .- eee “Thet old porkypine don’t take ter little cheru- bims, liké me, I guess,” Kit observed, ashe saun- tered away, feeling much the better for his meal. ‘“Them wittles war like Ker’sene ile on troubled waters, tho’, Another pound o’ that beef would ‘a? made me feel like a fightin’-cock. Hello! thar goes ther bullgine whistle at the breaker, fer ther hands ter quit. ’Spect ef .I wanter inter- view Miss Laurel Lyons, I better be doin’ it.” He directed his footsteps, then, toward the residence of the bonanza king, asJames Lyons was called by all who knew him. ‘= The handsome stone dwelling had been built in | a grove of maples, which was surrounded by & _ Pm satisfied goin’ ter shoot, eh?’ Kit inquired,
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4 3 Kit, the Denver Sport, hedge. An abundance of shrubs choked up the grounds, wherein were arbors, serpentine walks, and rustic seats, : , -Kit found the heavy gate open, and therefore had no difficulty in gaining access to the grounds, He oe to gaze about him, when a voice oe is attention to a grotto-like arbor, near at and. ** What do you want here, young man?” The voice was sharp and high pitched, that of a woman, evidently far beyond her thirties, with a sharp face, but with a simpering manner, Her hair was nearly as flery ‘ auburn” as Kit’s own. She was dressed in a flowing wrapper of start- ling colors. *“ Old maid, out an’ out!” Kit inwardly com- mented. ‘‘Some ancient spinster who never caught a mash, you bet! Bin readin’ poetry, too, as I’ma ducki Wonder ef I can’t scrape acquaintance, and havesome fun? Let mesee— old maids’ names aire generally Angeline-—won- der how it would strike this old gal?” He stepped toward the arbor, and doffed his hat like a born Chesterfield. * Beg parding, lady—did you-address me?” he asked, in his most gracious way. “TY asked what you want here?” the occupant of the arbor answered, a little less harshly, “Ab, yes! Why, you see, I called to see Miss Laurel,-on an errand of mercy. I wish to ob- tain work, you see, You, I presume, are the fair Miss Angeline?” “Indeed! “How strange! How did you come to hear of my name?” **Hasy enough, I fellin wi’ a fu’st-class young feller, down hyer, a bit ago—another sorrel-top like you_and [—and he spoke of you so descrip- tively an’ endearin’ly, thet I knew ye at sight. Reckon he must be stuck on you, not?” “Tt—it cannot be possible that it was—it fo and Angeline grew as rosy as a blood- et, : “Yas, it war the identercal chap—Sandy ho ealls hisself. He's jest all broke up on you. He sez you're jest reg’lar old free-stone peaches an’ goat’s milk, wi’ honey fer sweetenin’.” “Oh! fiel You are poking fun at me.” “‘ Hope to eat my suspenders ef I am! Why, he raves ’bout you to his intermut ’quaintances like me. He privetly remarked to me thet he did hev a notion fer Miss Laurel, but on mature consideration he found the diff’rence. You was sedate, stately and womanly—fit fer ther thumps an’ knocks o’ marriage life; no! no! them weren’t ’zactly the words, but he meant you were solid, mentally an’ intellectually, while Laurel war young, giddy an’ girlish—unfit fer mattermonial consummation or suthin’ like that.” “Oh! I can hardly believe it true, It seems so sudden—so unexpected!” and Miss Angeline’s nervousness was laughable to behold. “Yas, he sed ho-had neglected to make known his change of mind, because he was so timid, an’ so he commissioned me ter fetch you this as an ice-breaker, to let ye know of his undying love.” Kit had picked a full-blown réd rose near the gate, and he advanced and p' esented it to her. _Angeline was really too overcome with emo- tion for utterance, and Kit calculated it was high time for him to hop out, “Ye see, Sandy didn’t happen to hev any change in his pocket when he sent me—would I be too bold?” he asked, half apologetically. “Oh! no! no! bless you, no!” Angeline ex- claimed, eagerly, and out came her velvet purse in a jiffy. ‘‘Here is a dollar, my good boy. Now, please, leave me to my own sweet, sweet red rose!” **Sold ag’in an’ got the tin!” quoth the saucy vagabond as he hurried away. ‘‘ What a soft old goslin’ she aire anyhow. Bet a bumper she piles onter his giblets, Sandy, wi’? a hull cart- load o’ lollygaggin’, Phew! won’t ther’ be a circus then, an’ won’t my stock—that in the bulge of my pantaloons—go up a-kitin’! Oh! hum! Well, there’s no use livin’ ’cept one can have fun. Hello!” ‘ He was some distance away by this time, when he was brought to a halt by a band upon his shoulder, ‘ Wheeling around he was confronted by tke prettiest girl with the prettiest mischievous face and starry eyes that he had ever seen. In fact, this brown-haired, brown-eyed, rosy- cheeked vision of loveliness, in a charming, airy costume, nearly took his breath away, so great was the surprise, 3 “You audacious young rascal!” this vision of loveliness exclaimed, trying not to laugb. “Whatever shall. I do to you, now that I have captured you?” ‘Dunno! Who are you, an’ what’s bitin’ ye?’ demanded the boy, doggedly. “Who am 1, and what’s bitin’ me? Well! well! worse and worse! Why, Mr, Impudence, Tl have you know that there’s nothing bitin me, as you term it; and, furthermore, that I am Laurel Lyons,” “Bully! Youre my mutton, then. Put ’er thar, Laurel, old gal!” and the young irrepres- sible put forth a powerful palm: that looked de- cidedly as if it had not touched water in weeks. “ You dirty little vagabond,.do you suppose I'd touch that terrible hand?” Miss Lyon cried, stepping back, “Do as yer like about that, old fist to grapple onter, tho’. boss’s darter, eh?” ST aro.” * “Right ‘ye are, too, I’m a sport all the way from Denver. On account 0’ the pe- cooliarity ov my propensities fer jumpin’ into other folks’ good graces, I’m best known as Kit, the Denver Sport. Got onter my racket wi’ An- gerliner, did ye?” “Yos, ‘How did you know?” “ Judged so, What d’ye think of it?” “Tt was awful badin you. But I enjoyed it, though. Really, you ought to be ashamed of yourself, Mr. Kit! A more outrageous boy I never met.” “Oh, git out! Whar'd you be *bout that time —fer enjoyin’ the circus?” “Ob, bush! You have too much tongue.” “Nary! I’m thinkin’ o’ splicin’ on a piece. Thet feller Sandy’s yer feller, not?” “No, sir! Mr. Impudence,” “Phew! Bet adollar ye—” “What do you want here, sir? she sharply interrupted, her eyes expressing anger, It’s an horiest So you’re the | ‘Want to see the guv’ner!”
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—+-——— te Kit, the Denver Sport. ° — - 5 — * He is not at home.” ‘‘ Where is he?” *‘ Homeward bound from Chicago.” *‘ Who runs the roost now?” “7 do.” “Youre my Salvator Rosa, then. job, an’ want it bad.” “T have nothing to do with my father’s bisi- ness arrangements, sir.” “But you’ve got influence, Be a good girl, now, an’ work mein. I’m an orfun, wi’out ary a show ’cept what I can go fer myself. I can work like an ox, an’ ain’t dainty bout what ther job is, neither, as long as it pans out an honest living.” Miss Lyons relented, for she gazed_at the saucy stranger with a kindly smile, She was barely over eighteen herself, and yet she was gifted with more than ordinary intelligence, and could see that this boy was a diamond in the rough, and would rapidly improve by a little lish. “Would you. like to work in the mines?” she asked, kindly. : “You bet! Ikin doa man’s labor, if I géta man’s price.” : “ Well, I will see what I can do for you. Ah! here comes Mr, Hawk now. He is papa’s super- intendent.” A gentleman in faultless attire was coming leisurely toward them from the direction of the gate—a man of swarthy complexion, with eyes, hair and mustache all dark, : He eyed Kit with a frown as he ep and the youth returned the stare coolly. ‘‘ Good-evening, Harry,” Miss Lyons accosted. “‘Here isa young lad who wants work in the mines. Can you give him a chance?” “No; we have more help than we need now, and plenty of applications from able-bodied men.” “But I thought it was papa’s intention to in- erease the force?” “ Haven’t heard of it, I assure you,” “T wish you could put this young ladon. He is willing to do a man’s work, and needs money to help him along in the world. I guess you can do it, can’t you, Harry—if I ask you?” ‘*Bixcusa me before answering; but what's your interest in the chap? He looks like a pat- ent tramp.” ‘Ef you didn’t hev a red, ner no friends, you’d tramp, too!” Kit declared, spiritedly. .~ “Dry up!” returned Hawk, ‘“‘T simply take a merciful interest in him, sir!’ Laurel responded, quietly. ‘It isour duty to help the poor.” “Humph! you're a first-class moralizer, Miss Laurel. ell, for your sake, I'll do what I can, If the kid has got the necessary tools he can come to work in the morning, and try it till the governor gets back. That is as far as my power ‘es. ‘‘Thank you, boss. I haven’t nary a tool, but ef I don’t skeer up a set *twixt now and sun- rise you can set me down fer a flat.” “Look out ye don’t become too sharp,” Hawk warned, significantly. “If you steal you will be made to squeal, and that, too, at the end of a” I wanta have been used an’ got rusty again!” was Kit’s retort; and thrusting. his hands into his pockets, and striking into a whistle, he strode away. He-had taken but a few steps when he pau and looked back. : “Hey, Miss Laurel!” he cried. “Well, Kit?” : “T fergot ter say I’m much obleeged to ye, a hundred times, Good-night.” “Good-night. Be a good boy.” “You bet! Good-night, Mr. Hawk.” The superintendent made no answer, as heand Laurel walked on toward the house. CHAPTER IL. SUPERINTENDENT AGAINST BOSS. ALTHOUGH by no means a city, Ghoul Gulch - was as lively a camp, after working-hours, as any other place within a hundred miles of it—in* fact, it was in many respects an infant Dead- wood City. The only street was thronged with people of many conditions, faces and characters, among whom the scum and out-scourings of different cities, States and nations were noticeable; the dance-houses, saloons and gambling-dens were in full blast, with open doors; every vacant lot had some one of the catch-penny affairs on ex- hibition that draw forth the lucre of the unwary. It was literally a carnival of strange people, and a stranger discordant buzz of sound. Among the principal resorts that were most attractive to the average digger of the dust, was a gambling-den known as the Mabille—a large, one-story affair, rough in its exterior, but well fitted up and furnished within, from the gorge- ous bar to the magnificent gambling parapher- nalia, pictures and carpets, Facilities were here offered for playing almost every known game; not that the proprietor was profiting largely from running so extensive an establishment; she, rather, had an eye to the future, when the population greatly increased, as it seemed to be gradually doing. For the owner was a woman—a very mys- terious woman, too, of whom no one knew any- thing more than was to be learned by every-day - observation, She had. suddenly appeared, built the place, and stocked and furnished it. She dressed in deepest black, and ever wore sufficient thickness of vail over her face to prevent any feature be- ing discernible, except her eyes, dark and liquid, for the use of which suitable holes had been cut in the vail. She wore the tightest fitting of black gloves, and no jewelry except a gold watch and chain. Her actions were always modest, and woé be to the one who made an improper remark in her presence, She never spent over two out of the twenty- four hours in the place, and then it was at the gaming-tables, During other hours the place was run for her by a shrewd Spaniard, named Carlos de Castra, and a corps of attaches. * Even Carlos professed to know no more of the ~ strange woman than the public. She always appeared at midnight, was hand- ed over the money, less the expenses, and de- parted within two hours afterward—whither, “When I steal, old Gabriel’s trumpet will | no one could find out, ‘
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« 6) ni eric o-- Kit, the Denver Sport. _ She came and went like’a shadow. ~ She seldom spoke, *most always nodding when questioned by a customer of her place. Her hour for coming had given her the title in Ghoul Gulch of Madam Midnight, and no one knew her as anything else. : At the tables she had varying luck, but gen- erally won. e f Other women gambled at the Mabille, as- well as the Madam, but they were miners’ wives whose husbands sanctioned the sport, and noth- ing wrong was thought of it, it being regarded. as onorable and pleasant pastime, . It was in the neighborhood of midnight of the evening succeeding the events last related, and the Mabille was comfortably filled with people— for a wonder all men—the majority of whom were engaged in the various games, , __ At one table, and apart from any one else, sat arry Hawk, the superintendent of the mines. He-seemed to take no interest in any’ of the games going om around him; on the contrary, ‘rather appeared to be watching for some one, as his gaze was turned toward the entrance of the resort. . : E £ A perceptible scowl mantled his brow, and one acquainted with him would have surmised that he was out of temper. He glanced at his-handsome watch occasiondl- 1¥ impatiently. : Curse the luck, why don’t the fellow come?” he muttered, “He is mighty long, it strikes me.” - ‘ As if in answer to his growl, the stalwart fig- ure of Sandy, the gang boss, was seen at the other end of thé room. He came leisurely into the place, with graceful step, and looking hand- some in the glare of the many lights, He was a man of some twenty-five years, or about two years the junior of Harry Hawk, ~ “Ai! there—this way, Sandy!” the superinten- dent called. ‘tI want to see you.” Without change of his usually good-natured sg Aan Sandy obeyed, and paused near the. table, : aye * “Sit down,” Hawk commanded. $ “Sandy, what is your name? You're a queer sortof conundrum, and must have some other sort of a title.” : *«Sandy suits my needs, sir, and I have no use for any other!” was the évasive answer. “But you have another?” re Possibly. If soI propose to keep it to my- self.” - ‘¢Some shadow in your past career, that'makes it necessary, I presume!” T presume not, sir!” Sandy retorted tartly. “Oh! pray don’t take offense. I meant noth- ing. It seemed so strange, to-me, you know. Let me see; you’ve been with us three weeks,” “T have,” _ “And have given Mr. Lyons the greatest of _ satisfaction, I understand, with but one excep- tion,” . “t Ah! I was not aware of my not having done everything entirely right.” , “Well, to tell the truth, you have so faras the overseership is concerned. But you see it’s this nia very en Mr. Lyons, is a very rich ‘ a way. man, an his ears t! very sensitive one. It has come to tt you have formed the acquaintance of his daughter, during his absence, and as he had based great hopes on her future, he is grievously eneg: that there should have unfortunately een several meetings between you and Miss . Laurel.” i “Indeed! How, unfortunate?” ge Sandy had flushed somewhat, and his -eyes flashed with’a spirit he could not.control. © : ‘“‘ Unfortunate, as you must know, because. your stations in life are so at- variance,’ Youare @ man who-depends upon thesweat of your brow for sustenance, while she is a wealth and culture.” ~ “T fail to see, sir, how you know that I am beneath her social position, You, nor any other rson in Ghoul Gulch, have any data as to who “am, what I am worth or what are my con- nections with’ matters worldly.” ‘Maybe not. That is not for me to say. I know you to be a nice-appearing fellow, I speak only in the interests of my relative, Mr. Lyons.” |. - ““ Did he commission you to do this?” _ “He did.” ‘“‘He must have received information from you, then?” , fa a “He cid. I felt it my duty to write him. Laurel is but a child yet.” -** You have made yourself decidedly fresh, sir, I assure you. Will you show me your in- structions?” “T haven’t them with me—left the letter on my bureau.” : ‘“ Perhaps, then, you can give mo some idea’ * as to whom Mr, Lyons designs to marry his daughter?” : ; “T flatter myself I can, that!” and Hawk rubbed his hands and smiled. * “The gentleman could wear my wardrobe, and it wouldn’t be a misfit.” - “T thought as much. ons can satisfactorily explain the matter on his return!” : 5 ‘ ¢ “What! dare you. insinuate that he did not write such a letter, you—” 4 * “Have .a care how you address me, Harry Hawk. insulted with impunity.” ; “You have insulted me, sir! Ill have satis- faction for this!” Hawk cried aloud, his passion aroused, and leaping to-his feet he drew a re- volver, : = : Before he could hope to use it, it was knocked -from his hand. “Enough of this, Mr. Hawk. You nor any other man can fight in my place!” It was Madam Midnight who spoke. She, stood in. their presence, her handsome form looking queenly. : Hawk instantly cowered, and leaving his wea- pon lying on the floor, reseated himself, Sandy arose. ~ - - Z “It’s a matter of slight importance, madam,” he said, doffing his hat, ‘and you-are right— this is no place to settle a personal matter, If Mr, Hawk wants satisfaction he can send no- tice by his second any time. I have neither inclination to fight nor to refuse to fight!” A game of faro was just starting, and the pot war heavy. ’ 2 Sandy strolled up, noted the piles, and drop- young lady of | Very likely Mr. Ly- T'll have you know I’m not a. man to be
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} t pee ae = Kit, the Denver Sport. =. * ke oy. ped a hundred-dollar note on the queen of dia- ~ monds. 2 : ‘* A hundred to one I win!” he said, Five hundred even you don't!” Hawk grit- - ted, pulling forth a bundle of money. “Take you!” from Sandy. : The bet was‘made; .Carlos de-Castra held the stakes.’ a4 : - The cards were then drawn, Sandy won. i ; A murmur from around the table; while Hawk looked annoyed and vengeful, ies ‘I’m broke!” Hawk confessed. ‘ Is my. check “ Perfectly.” : af ¢ good till Lyons gets back?” The game was much lighter this time; never- ‘theless, Sandy made another scoop, He was upwards of twelve hundred dollars in, .** That will do for me!” he announced. . * Crawfish!” Hawk.sneered, ‘ ‘* Liar!” was the hot retort. The: superintendent leaped to his feet with a. terrible oath. 3 . TT make you choke that back, curse you,” ho yelled. ‘‘Come out into. the street, if you are not afraid,” ° ‘Lead ahéad,” was Sandy’s order. ‘We might as well Settle the matter now as at any other time,” : , : : Hawk obeyed, uttering a string of bitter im- precations as he went. cartes ; Sandy followed close behind him, no trace of fear upon his handsome face. Outside a moon nearly full poured down a mellow flood-of light upon the» town, illuminat- ing all objects with startling distinctness. mn addition to the crowd. already upon the wide,. rough thoroughfare, the Mabille was soon emptied of its habitwes, and the greatest excite- ment soon prevailed, F The opponents took to the center of the street, _which was left clear for them, for no Westerner of.much experience is fond of. stopping the bul- lets of a street duel, wherethe spectator is full as liable to get “‘ salivated”” as the duelists, “What: weapons do you propose to. use?” - + Bandy demanded; when they were facing each other. - : i ; “Revolvers, curse you, or knives. I’m not . + particular, because I'll make a case for a coyote east, anyhow.” Bis . “Rayolvers,. then, let it be. Choose your .seconds, and I will mine, and théy shall put the tools in order,” 4 2 .“* Who will act for me?” Hawk cried, looking around. ‘‘I want a second,” - : “Pm yer man,” cried a low-browed fellow, with bandy legs and an eye that some one had ‘recently frescoed in raven color. “It’s a cold day when I don’t load yer poppers kerect fer ye; Harry.” ’ er “And I will act fer the other gent!” a long- geared, meek-looking, smooth-faced man said, towering forward, fully six feet..and a quarter in height. ‘‘?’'m Steamboat Steve, from the Mississip, an’ a stranger hyerabouts—but that - don’t matter, fer ’m as square asa cube. All right, pardner?” “Youll do,” Sandy replied. ‘* Who will act ag referee, now!” F Wo one replied. It was not a job that the yawene | ordinary ‘pilgrim coveted, foran unsatisfactory decision to either party was liable to entail a free- fight in such a multitude as surged im-. patiently at either side of the street, . **Comie, gents; a referee is an imperative ne- cessity here; Who witl oblige?” “Ker-whoop! Hurray! Whar’m I wanted? Make roomi—breathin’ space fer the great chaw- ’em-up of Chico—ther untamed flowin’ fly from Vultureville. I’m yer. man—Monkey Mouth, the biggest storm o’ blood an’ butcher-knives this.side o’ anywhere. Bow-wow! ba-a-a! who sed obleege?’ Down the street, tearing along with panther-_ like leaps, had come a gigantic specimen of the bummer race, with roars and yells, until he was forced to pause and gasp for breath; then he’ glared around at the assemblage as if he would like to swallow. them one by one. - Hatiless and bootless, and clad only in a suit .of tattered, greasy overalls he possessed, in addition to his huge limbs and trunk, a mon- strous head, minus many visible patches of hair, and a terribly cut face of positively wolfish ex- - pression, the ‘mouth of. which stretched open nearly from ear to ear, and disclosed an ex~- panse .of large gleaming teeth, with here and there a vacancy where he had lost ones. : ‘As a-whole, be was & hideous object to gaze upon and a murmur of surprise was audible, -- “Oh! ‘ye kin Juk at me! yf know I ain't purty. 1 war ther chromo ©’ ther Norwest, a week ago, but I went on ther rampage, an’ got licked liké thunder. Who wants a second? Squeal!” me =: = Oey * We do,” spoke up Sandy. _ **Bow-wow! ba-a-al I’m “yer howlin’. old. bull-calf, then. My handle is Monkey Mouth, the chaw~em up, an’ I’m every bit as good as i look, Get ter yer persitions! I’m yer bloomin’ dandelion fer the squar’ deal every time, an’ ~ don’t ye two ferget it!” -. . a . _. CHAPTER TIT. AN EXTRA SHOT. “ Hurray! thet’s the ticket—leter go!” cried - Kit, the Denver Sport, who had by this time arrived on the scene, ‘“‘ I’ve gota lone dollar w’ot-sez thet Sandy gits erway wi’ Hawky in four.rounds, Oh but ain’t this a pic-nic tho’!” ~ “Jest ye keep yer gab outen, or I'll chaw ye up an’ spit ye out!” Monkey Mouth growled. so, ferociously that Kit» involuntarily. ed ed aways 5 : “Thet feller looks like he-might be able to swaller a porkypine, que and all,” he observ- ed to a miner.” ‘Guess his old woman was jealous-of his beauty an’ got mp an’ lambasted him, Sech is life. Who dye bet on, pard?” “Looks like Sandy will give Hawk more than he bargaimed for—that is, if he’s as good wi’ .the shooter as he aire wi’ other things.” : ‘* You pile yer rhino on him every time.” : “Tl *zamine them pops, ef ye please, beloved seconds!” Monkey. Mouth declared. ‘I want tosee that thar ain’t no possum bizness in’ this hyar funeral!” : é “That’s right!” Sandy agreed, ‘Let it. be seen that eacli wedpon contains all the car- — tridges it will hola!” The weapons were made ready by the seconds
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3 ; Kit, the Denver Sport. and then handed over to Monkey Mouth, who, after a minute’s inspection delivered them up to the two principals. “Put yer backs to each other!” sung out the referee; “then each take ten paces for'a’d. Then, when I squeal out ‘Keno!’ wheel about and blaze away, one shot each. When I squeal ‘Keno!’ each time, let her flicker. When ye git enuff, let us know!” They took their positions, these too men who were to fight each other, and marched forward ten paces and paused, their weapons held in readiness to wheel about and fire at the given word, ‘Ready, gents?” sung out the giant, ‘\ Ready!” responded Sandy. “Ditto,” echoed Hawk. ‘‘Then the devil take ther poorest shooter, an’ some-one pass around ther hat, an’ take up a kerlection fer funeral expenses, Keno!” The report of the weapons rung forth upon the clear night air. A howl of pain from Hawk. His left wrist was shattered, and there wasa bullet wound in his cheek. “Foul play!” he shrieked, twice!” In an instant all was excitement of the most intense character, as the crowd surged around, Hawk had fallen to the ground, and the seconds were examining his wounds. “The cursed feller did it!” the superintendent roared. ‘* Somebody salivate him for me,” “You are wrong,” Sandy protested, he hay- ing drawn near, ‘‘I fired but one shot, as the cartridges in my reyolyer will prove,” and he handed the still smoking weapon over to Mon- **Thaye been shot key Mouth. “The chap tells the straight,” the giant de- clared. ‘Tbar’s been but one bullet fired from this pop!” “VYot Mr, Hawk has undoubtedly been hit twice,” Steamboat Steve spoke up, from his kneeling position, ‘‘ Here is a bullet im- bedded in Hawk’s left wrist, and a bullet has also grazed his right cheek with force enough to draw blood. Some one certainly fired a second shot, or else the single bullet struck his cheek first, and glanced down and shattered his wrist,” The idea aroused the risibilities of the rough audience, and they broke into a roar of laugh- ter. It did not please Harry Hawk, however, for he uttered a string of curses. “Take me in the hotel!” ho roared, “‘and get adoctor. I'll yet live to be revenged for this night’s work!” is request was granted; several pairs of will- ing hands volunteered. After he had disappeared within the hotel, and the majority of the crowd still lingered in the street, Sandy entered the Mabille, and spied “poten: Midnight looking out of an open win- low. She evidently did not see him, until he touched her Hehe on the shoulder, when she turned with a little gasp of alarm, “Oh! it’s only I!” Sandy laughed. ‘I won- ae eo many know who fired that extra shot? e ““T don’t know!” she replied, in a strange tone of voice. ‘Do you?” **T should say I do!” She gazed at him a moment, in a way that made him feel uneasy. ‘“Who did fire it?” she demanded, in the same constrained voice, ** You did!” he replied, candidly. A faint, sarcastic laugh escaped her lips, and she turned and swept away from him. Saudy gazed after her, half regretfully. ‘Strange! strange!” he mused, ‘She is a mystery, and she knows it, and means to re- main so, And I—I have resolved to penetrate her disguise, let come what may. hy is it that she is ever connected with my thoughts? I sometimes fancy—” * What he fancied, was not to be known, for he abruptly turned and left the Mabille. The Denver Sport was in a quandary. He had already fallen in love with the camp of Ghoul Gulch, for he was in the seventh heaven of delight where there was any fun or excite- ment to be had. And he wanted to remain; but, how was he to doit! He had been promised work, yet he required a pick, shovel, pan, and potich, and had not the wherewithal to purchase them. How, then, was he to become possessed of the import- ant tools? It was not probable that he could buy them on credit; it was not likely that he could bor- row what he wanted, and as for stealing, that was out of the question. The prospects looked dubious. ‘*Tt’s a durned shame that a feller o my Den- ver wit can’t see a way out o’ this dilemmer,” he ‘mused, as he sauntered along with the crowd after the duel was over. ‘‘Thar’s whar many a feller kin never mount to shucks, ’case he ain’t got any graft to start on. "Tain’t goin’ ter stunt my financial growth, though—not fer Mary. I’ve got ther requisite gall, an’ all I want aire ther perquisite—ther hard doubloons, Thar’s old Dutchy—I noticed he had a number of outfits fer sale. Ef I could only strike a dicker> wi’ him. Reckon thar’s no use 0’ bein’ afeard o’ tryin’, anybow.” His stroll soon brought him to the restaurant of Hans Glockenspiel. The only person present besides the Teuton was a red-faced man with bushy beard and a cherry-red nose, who was leaning against the bar. Vell, vot you vants now?” Hans growled,. as he spied his tormentor of a few hours before. ‘Oh! nothin’ much. Jest dropped in ter let ye kno’ I’ve struck a job an’ kin now afford to masticate two square meals a day at your cara- vansary,” Kit replied, loftily. “Davish good. V’ot vill you haff?” “Pen dollars out of the till, I never drink. But, lookee here, Dutchy. If you want ther honor o’ caterin’ ter my custom, you must do me a favor.” “*Nix, I favors nopody. Von mans vas yoost so goot as anodder, v’en he haff der tin,” “Oh! but.look yer’. How much will you sell one of them outfits for?” ‘Fife tollar. Dey vas cost me ten.” ‘What a whopper! Mow, lookee yer’. ’Fore { \
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Kit, the Denver Sport. ea) I kin go to work, I wants one of them aire out- fits. Dll go wi’out breakfast an’ give ye a_dol- lar on one of them—every red I’ve got, Then, when I git paid, I'll give you the remainder.” “Shimminy gracious! v’ot you dakes me for? You @inks I vas a fool?” ‘Nary a time. You are the smartest-lookin’ chap I’ve met in a dog’s age, Why, I’ve heard Presydent Arthur speak of how liberal an’ ac- commodatin’ Hans Glockenspiel was.” “Taffy! Nix! Isellsfor cash,” ‘Ye won't trust me then?” “ Not off der court vas ’quainted mit hisself.” “Allright. That’sone lowe you. Just wait an’ see how Ill git even wi’ you.” “Wot you mean?” ‘You won't know till all at once. Pll make you wish you was a canary-bird, durned ef I * don’t!” ‘See hyer, boy, what d’ye want of an outfit?” the red-faced man asked, “To go to work in the diggin’s with. Got ther job already.” ss yous you want ther tools ter-night, hey?” ‘You hit it.” “Well, you look like a smart ’un, an’ I kin gin ye a lift. I know whar’s a purty set o’ tools w’ot no one don’t use, Feller as owned ’em passed in his checks t?other night.” “Then, spit her out, an’ I'll gobble onter ’em, quicker than Christmas!” “Will ye, tho’? Neow, you're kinder clever, too,,, S'posin’ ye wouldn't give yer dollar fer em “Yas, Pll do that, perwidin’ thar’s no skin game? “Q’ course not. Do I look like a fellor as would fabricate? My name’s Sol Shyster, as Hans kin tell ye, here.” “ Dot vos all square!” Hans assented. ‘«Then spiel out, and the stuff is yourn.” “The dollar first, I aire allus mistrustful o’ kids,” Kit considered a moment, Might he not as well run his chances, as to lay out of work? ". ‘ Here’s thedollar. Now let’s heer from you.” “Waal, boyee, you foller up the pe till Pg cum to a dark, narrow ravine, right-hand side, *bout three miles from here. Pick yer way up the ravine, till ye cum to a big cedar tree, Climb this, an’ in the crotch you'll find the tools, an’ no mistake, Ef ye don’t I'll give ye back yer dollar.” “That's fair, Well, here goes!” The young sport from Denver left the restau- ‘rant and trudged away hopefully, rather enjoy- ing the moonlight night. Although already footsore, he did not mind the rough tramp, so absorbed was he with the prospect of getting the work-tools, Being a . : & toe walker, he covered the distance of three m es in a short time, and found himself at the- mouth of the ravine, which was nothing more or less than a deep black seam that rent two moun- tain walls asunder. The moonlight penétrated but a few yards into it—beyond tle grimiest darkness prevailed, ‘Gosh all fish-hooks! Looks like there might be spooks in there!” Kit commented, pausing to take in the lonely surroundings, ‘Spooks or uo spooks, here goes!” He boldly entered the fissure, which in places was barely wide enough to admit the passage of a pack-horse, All the way along a shallow stream of water ran over the rough bottom. After a full mile was passed over, the rift struck a transverse seam, while the main passage gradually began to widen, and in a short time Kit came to a big cedar tree, “T reckon this is my hardware store,” he muttered, looking carefully around, half-sus- pecting that he bad been led unwittingly into -some trap; but everything seemed quiet and harmless, The hoot of an.owl was heard further up the ravine, which sounded dismal enovgh to the ad- venturous boy. The tree was an unusually large one with low growing branches, and was crotched about ten feet from the ground, Kit knew he could climb it easily enough, but bad no means of knowing whether it would be worth his while, for he could not see up in the crotch, ‘Wf that sardine has fooled me, I'll eat my shirt if I don’t git square with him!” he mut- tered, ‘‘I fancy he’s a cut-and-dried rascal, and Pll venture that the Dutchy ain’t fur bebind him. But Vl shin up and find the tools, if they are there.” Without much trouble he succeeded in draw- ing himself up among the thickest of the branches, and readily reached the crotch, Sure enough, the tools were there, in a large canvas sack—a shovel, pick-ax, pan, pouch, and besides these, a bowie-knife, loaded revolver, and a snuff-box. “Struck luck, by Jinks!” Kit muttered, ‘ Vl jest rest here and examine my treasure,” ‘All but money,” he soliloquized, as he finished the inspection. ‘‘ These are purty new tools, too. The pop an’ the pricker will jest fix me out like a reg’lar miner. Woe be to his giblets who treads on my corns now.” He sat a few minutes to rest, The owl still hooted in the distance. The breeze wafted along that peculiar odor which indicates the approach of a summer thun- der-storm. “Guess I might as well be joggin’ along back,” Kit muttered. ‘ "T'won’t be many hours till daybreak now. Wonder ef that Harry Hawk won’t accuse me o’ stealin’ this lot 0’ fix- in’s? It would be just like him. ‘Spect like enough Sandy will get bounced fer givin’ Hawky the salivatin’, Quare lot o’ people they aire in Ghoul Gulch.” He was about to descend from the tree with his prize, when he fancied he heard voices, so he resumed his seat, his heart beating fast with ex- pectation, : ‘Wonder ef I ain’t pot myself into a hornets’ nest?” the boy from Denver mused, as he lis- tened, Ha! There it was again! Tt could not be the murmur of the wind. It was two persons in conversation, A couple of moments of suspense—then the voices again, “They're comin’ this way from further u the gulch, Bet a chew oy spruce-gum they’re
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10 outlaws, or somethin’ o’ the sort, and I’m a corpus within the jerk of a snake’s tongue.” Footsteps were now audible, and two men soon came. to a halt beneath the branches of the cedar tree! F Hach carried a lighted lantern, and Kit was enabled to make out that they were enveloped in dark cloaks, slouched hats and black masks, They had scarcely halted, when a man came from the direction of Ghoul Gulch, and joined them. He, too, was equipped like the others; and Kit anxiously awaited developments, CHAPTER IV, SANDY GETS A HUG, THe man who came. from the direction of Ghoul Gulch, was of about medium stature, while the other two were strapping big fellows. “Well, captain, how’s things, now?” one of these latter asked, leaning against the tree, idly. ‘ Anything stirring?” “ Rest assured on that score, or I wouldn’t be here,” the other responded, chuckling as he spoke. “Then, out with it, for we’re as dull and lazy as gluttoned buzzards, wi' hevin’ nothin’ to do.” “Didn't ye tackle that case I warned ye of, then?” : “Waal, we should articulate not! There was nothin’ ia it, cept a pair vo’ nooses for a pair of galoots of about our size!” “You Were sensible, then. I suppose you are prepared to go in toes, fingers, nails an’ tooth- picks, for a job that will pan out big results?” “We? ttow don’t talk! Ef ye put us strad- dle of a lead, ef we don’t make it hum, our name’s not Jack an’ Jill!” “ Well, Jack, I can put you on a lead, that will pan out better than anything we've tackled yet. You know I told you that Jim Lyons had gone to Chicago?” it Yas,” ‘‘ Well, he’s comin’ back, an’ will reach Ghoul Gulch, by stage, about ten o’clock, to-morrow night,” * Ye don’t say!” **But I do, you know.” ** Does he bring back a fat pocket-book?” “Tf he don’t it’s queer. He took ten thousand in bullion with him, and is going to fetch it back in paper.” ‘Then he’s our mutton!” *Of course. That ain’t all the prizm gobbled onto a wife in Chicago!” “Durn the wimmen! What of her?” “Wait till ye hear. This particular piece o° petticoat aire a rich ’un, an’ I’ve Varned she wears suthin’ like ten thousan’ dollars’ worth o’ diamonds.” * Wuss an’ wuss!” “Better an’ better, I should calculate!” Jill gurgled, ‘“* That’s our pot, as sure as thar’s feathers on a shanghai’s foot. We orter make a haul as would fix us up in bizness for a long time to come.” “Better than that.” “But say, ain’t it rather risky to ‘tack the hearse light-handed?” “ T reckon we're enuff for it. The night-stage never comes in with more’n two or three | He Kit, the Denver Sport. { passengers. However, I'll find out beforehand, The stage gits to Pineville about five P. M. So Tl telegraph there about that time, and find out how many passengers the shebang has got aboard.” ** Look out it don’t rouse ’spicion!” ‘Leave that tome, If ye war as old asI am in the bizness, ye’d not trouble yerself a away. I never was nabbed yet, in all my years of roguery |” “That ain’t sayin’ you mayn’t be yet, But, capv’in, where are we ter "tack ther hearse?” “Five miles out, where the stage abruptly | rounds the Indian Nose rocks, It?s a capital place. Itreaches there at eight o’clock always, unless for some accident. You be there on time!” *Wull you be thar?” “Unless something turns up, more than I © know for, at present,” “*Tt would be risky ‘tackin’ it alone.” **Nonsense. You've dene it before now. Bs there, without fail, well heeled, and don’t let it — get away from you.” be Keerect, boss! We're to have a ekal divvy, hey? x Of course. Get back now!” Then, turning, the captain strode swiftly in the direction of Ghoul Gulch, while the other two took up their lanterns and made off in the | opposite direction, | Kit had been listening with all ears. He | comprehended, acutely ‘enough, that those below him were professional road-agents, and their daring plot for robbing Mr. and Mrs, James Lyons had inspired him with more than | ordinary interest, | Perhaps it was because he was about to enter the employ of Mr, Lyons—perhaps it was be- { Mi \ } 1 cause he recognized—or thought he did—the voice of one of the two—the voice of Jack—the one who had conyersed the most with the cap- tain, ‘Tf I’m off my base, I hope I’ll be put out of the club,” he muttered, after they were gone, using a base-ball phrase to express hissentiments, “Tam getting decidedly interested inthe ker- — acters that Ghoul Gulch pans out. ‘But, there’s work, to-morrow, and to-morrow night, and Dll be jiggered if I don’t need sleep. So I'll shuffle off for camp, an’ sleep on the soft side of a sod, { til dawn.” Descending from the tree he hurried back to the mining-camp, sought out a corner where he was not liable to be disturbed, and was not long — in dropping off into a sound sleep. When the six-o’clock whistle blowed, however, he was at the office of the Lyons Mining Con- cern, and found Harry Hawk busy dispatching the men to work. Kit came last in the line, and the superintend- ent glared at him ina way that would have abashed any ordinary lad; but the Denver Sport was cheek-proof to scare, and nodded as famil- iarly as though he had known his boss for years. “Good-morning, Mr. Hawk! Dash me, but I'm glad to see you looking so well, after last night. "I'were a downright shame fer ye to git it so rough. I’d’a’ bet on you, fer my pile, you looked so sure, Hope you won’t be laid up long?”
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Kit, the Denver Sport. __ The boy’s apparently candid sympathy took Hawk by surprise. “*T guess not, boy,” he said, pleasantly. ‘‘ That man Sandy—do you like him?” ‘*He’s a son-of-a-gun, I’ve got a grudge ma- turing ag’in’ him. I’m watching him like a weasel,” “Good. That's what I want. Mind! if you can catch him—or implicate him, do you under- stand—in any crooked action, your fortune is made!” “Kerect! Isavy! But, where am I tosling my muscle to-day ?”” “Pll put you under Sandy. Watch him like a ferret, Will you do it?” “Tf I don’t, Pll chaw my own ear,” “Good! Be off now. As long as I see you are working for my interests against—you know —I'll give you seven a day. That’s three above the others.” _ “Tm your mutton then,” Kit declared, danc- ing away. . : hen out of earshot, he chuckled softly, to himself: “T ain’t so green as I look, mebbe, Ef thet Harry Hawk ain’t jest a prime old piece of willainy, I don’t want no grub fer a month, Wants ter make me his stool-pigeon too, to work out some mean revenge on Sandy. Seven dollars! Wow-o! that’s a figger, kut et can’t tech me, I'll jest pertend ter be in wi’ Hawky an’ scoop the collateral, while in reality Pil not let harm come to Sandy. [ can’t fergit thet it was bis Joose cash what got my stomik on speaking terms wi’ beef an’ pertaters, on my arrival heer. He’s a prime gud feller, but Vl bet thar’s trouble in store for him.” At the diggings he found Sandy setting his men to work at the placer claim, Still another gang of men had already gone to work in the drift that had been tunneled into one side of the mountain, “Hello! what’s this?” Sandy exclaimed, as he saw Kit. ‘You look as if you meant busi- ness,” “ Bet I do, old stockings! Had orders to ren- der my elbow-grease under yonr direction, and heer Lam.” “Who sent you?” “The feller what you salivated — Harry Hawk,” “That’s strange. He’s hardly the man to show any one a favor, especially a boy.” “Oh, the gal did it~yer gal—Miss Laurel. She coaxed him a bit, and he wilted like a frost- bitten cabbage.” ‘Oh, that’s the way of it, eh? Well, get to work, and let’s see what you can do.” Kit did get to work with a will, and literally “hoed his own row” with the biggest of the miners, until the noon whistle blew. He then sat down upon a bowlder, and rather ' wistfully watched the miners trudge off to their ais Ri ome, Kit, are you not going to your din- ner?” Sandy asked, as he vs Booey ts depart for his own repast. ** Nix!” the boy replied. pay-day for my grub.” ‘Nonsense. You trot along upto the Grand Union, fill yer bread-basket to your satisfaction, “Hev ter wait till and tell the clerk who ‘sent you. It will be all ” right. % Much obleeged to you, sir. Vl not ferget yer kindness,” and, greatly elated at his good fortune, Kit skurried away. *¢ Where are you now, seven per-day?” and he laughed as he talked. ‘“‘“Ef ye was a ten ye couldn’t tempt me ter go back on Sandy.” He took particular pains to pass Hans Glock- enspiel’s place, and found the Dutchman stand- ing in the doorway. “Hello, poy! how you vas?” he saluted. ‘Dinner vas all ready by der inside.” **Ye don’t say so, Dutchy! Well, you just go right in and git outside of it yourself. I’m stop- ping at the Grand Union, No more second- class grub for yours truly!” : re he strutted on with the pomposity of a lord-mayor, = The Grand Union was a large frame building with plenty of room, and was as nearly a first- class hotel as could be found in the mining- regions. The dining-room was large and liber- ally furnished, and the meals were bountiful and the dishes varied, Kit entered with several other miners, and was served with courtesy he little expected, con- sidering his dilapidated appearance, and the way he put down the victuals was astonishing to the waiters. “Ef I’m ter sojourn at this caravansary, I'll hev to inwest in some better togs,” he mentally soliloquized, ‘‘ This ain’t no half-shell place.” After dinner he went to the office and men- tioned who had sent him, “That's all right,” the clerk said, suavely. “ Call again.” ‘ Reckon mebbe I will; as soon as my finances aggregate sufficiently, I ’spect to stop here reg’- lar,” he announced, On the way back to the diggings he met Harry Hawk, both of whose arms were in a sling, while a patch of court-plaster ornamented his cheek. “Well, boy, how d’ye like it?” he demanded, surveying Kit keenly, “Bully! Feel as if I could knock out a loco- motive already. Thet aire Sandy are a grouty overseer, tho?!” “You'll soon get him down, ss! the way, I’d forgotten you had no money. Step into the office, here, and Simmons will pay you for to- day’s work.” : it obeyed, and then betook himself to the diggings as he observed: “Hawky is nice as goose-egg om’let. Thinks he’s caught ontoa reg’lar softy. Too bad to collar his shekels an’ deceive him, both—but, he orter know better’n ter pick up a Denver boy fer a flat.” On arrival at the claim, he found no one there but Sandy. It was not yet one o’clock, and the miners were lingering about the saloon, . The overseer = — apen a rock, evi- dently engaged in deep thought. “ How S ncir per ounce fer yer thoughts?” Kit asked, cheerily. “Not much, I was day-dreaming.” “Bout the boss’s gal, hey? Don’t blame you, She’s sweeter nor a cocoanut pie, she is, Thinks a heap o’ you, too, I reckon,” ‘
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‘Nonsense. We have known each other but afew days, and are scarcely on terms of inti- macy.” “Git out! Can’t close my lookers. By the way, the old gent is comin’ back to-night!” Sandy gave a start, while a peculiar expres- sion came over his handsome face, “How do you know this?” he asked, eying Kit sharply. “What war ears made fur but to hear?” “ Who did you hear say so?” “That's my biz, I never gives away ’portant secrets. Give ye one p’inter, tho’. The guv’nor aire fetchin’ back a bride.” *“T suspected something of the kind. has been confiding to you.” “Like Patsy Bolliver went to Congress. That close-mouthed rogue hev got too much sense.” “Perhaps,” “While we’re alone, I want ter give ye an- uther p’inter,” Kit added, mysteriously. ‘‘ Hey ye got your life insured?” “Ha, ha! I fancy not.” “Well, ye better git it. trouble afore many moons.” “Maybe! What makes you think so?” “Case that Harry Hawk is watchin’ fer a sly chance to git squar’ wi’ ye. He has picked me up asa reg’lar sponge-headed softy, an’ sent me heer ter watch yer fer some action that will im- peach yer kerrecter.” “Indeed! This is news; tho’ he is villain enough to do anything!” “Bet he is! Reg’lar thoroughbred rogue. I gt extra wages fer pipin’ you—seveng per diem, ow’s that fer clam-bake?” ‘“T suppose es are taking it?” *“Wouldn’t [ orter be kicked ef I didn’t? bet I’m scoopin’ in sech snaps.” Hawk Yer liable to see Just * Well, how have you made out for him—. caught me inany criminal action?” *Nary act! D’ye take me fer a mean, dirty nincompoop of a slouch? Ef ye do, ye’re off yer narrow-gage. Hf Igo back on you, I hope I may be ground up an’ stuffed into red-hot bologna to be masticated by Dutchmen! When a feller does me a good turn, my name ain’t Christopher Bricktop ef I don’t stick tighter tew him than perfume tew a pole-cat!” Sandy smiled at the boy’s apparent earnest- ness, = “ Well, I’m glad I’ve got one friend,” he said. His tone would have seemed to imply that be had but few. ‘‘A true friend is nore valuable than gold.” “T orter know that,” Kit replied. ‘“ But, I say, old stockin’s, ain’t thar-some obstacle ter ye makin’ headway up thar?” atid he nodded toward the Lyons residence. “Perhaps. Why do you ask?” ‘Ca’se I kinder dropped onter the idea. She’s rich, ye know—least wise her daddy is—aw’ you’re _ nothin’ but a laborin’ chap, like me, fer instance, 1 know suthin’ bout it myself. Got masbed on a purty Chinese gal up in Denver, whose daddy war rich; but ’ca’se I wouldn’t let: come one flat- ten my bazzoo0, an’ wear my shirt outside of my breeches, the parent said no.” “Your tongue will run away with you some day, boy,” Kit, the Denver Sport. < “Not if the court knows herself, and she ruther opine she do, But, lookee here, Sandy, I'm akid, yet I fancy I know a few p'ints, Ef ye war well-fixed in every respect, yerd sail in fer Miss Laurel fer all ye was worth,” “Tf I had wealth—although I am not exactly a poor man—and good social position, it is true it might be different. I keenly feel the differ- ence in our spheres in life; the more so since Hawk kindly reminded me of the fact last night.” “Don’t you take no stock in him. He’s after the same chicken you are. Jest ye listen an’ Pl tell ye how to git yer work in on the old man, J est smooth Ais pin-feathers an’ the gal’s yourn.’ Sandy could not help taking an interest in what Kit said. The young vagabond’s words were so often filled with good sense that the handsome miner was growing to like him. “Go ahead, Kit. evs but a few minutes more, so be brief with your discourse.” “Well, asl war sayin’, ef ye git yer work in on the old man your stock’s ’way up. I'll tell ye how ter do it, D’ye know whar ther Injun Nose is?” ‘About four or five miles to the south, along tho stage trail.” “ Kerect. Well, ther stage, at night, gits to thet place abyut eight o'clock?” ‘Yes. “Ter-night at eight it will be stopped at that point by road-agents, and the guv’ner an’ his lovey-dovey will be robbed o’ their ducats and other waluables.” : “The deuce you say! boy?” ‘*T overheard the plot last night ’twixt three masked men—I reckon ye call’em road-agents out here,” Kit then related the circumstances of his trip to the lone ravine in full. ‘““By beavens! this is an outrage, and we must, balk their little game.” “Bet yer ace-flush on that! See the pint? You an’ me gits ahead 0’ road-agents an’ gives warniw’ to ther stage, an’ we'll give the robbers fits. The guv’ner will be so elated that he'll count us as reg’lar out an’ out heroes, an’ that’s he, you'll git inter the good graces of his gib- ets.” - ¢: Sandy smiled faintly, ‘¢T’m of the opinion we wouldn’t be so greatly lionized as all that, Kit, James Lyons is not fhe man to idolize a person for doing him a favor. He would be more likely to hand us an X apiece and thank us ina polite way, which would give us to understand that he did nob consider himself under any further obligations to us. However, it is our duby to act, no mat- ter about the consequences. Keep this matter How dg. you know this, ‘to yourself and I will see you after six.” The whistle at the quartz mill blew just then, and the men came trudging back to their work. Kit did his full share of labor with the others, and seemed to rather enjoy his new occupa- tion, The afternoon, however, seemed to drag slow- ly tohim. His mind was full of their impend- ing nocturnal journey. ‘ It was about mid-afternoon, when Kit spied
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} | oo re ee Kit, the Denver Sport. something that set him agog with excitement, and brought a broad grin to his face, Sandy was idly leaning against his accustomed bowldsr, watching his men, his back turned to- ward the Lyons mansion. Tripping along from the same direction, came Miss Angelina Lyons, elegantly attired, and looking like a school-girl at a distance. ‘* Now for it!” Kit muttered, feeling like roll- ing on the ground and yelling, ‘“ If anexplana- tion follows, and I’m exposed, won’t Sandy give it to me, tho?!” He managed to change his position so that his back was turned to the overseer, for fear Sandy would observe the expression of merriment upon his face, Nearer and nearer approached Miss Angelina, her movements stealthy and catlike. It looked as if she was desirous of taking the overseer by surprise. Sandy, mentally absorbed in one of his day- dreams, was oblivious of everything exvept his thoughts, and his watch of the laborers; conse- quently the surprise to him was complete, Miss Angelina reached the back of the bowl- der, and throwing her arms about his neck, twisted him around, and kissed him repeatedly upon the cheek, The cry of astonishment that Sandy uttered attracted the attention of the miners, and all hands looked around in time to take in the last kiss of the exceedingly dramatic scene. A roar of laughter was the result! Sandy grew as red as a beet, while Miss Ange- line’s hug about his neck was evidently there to stay. Unable longer to contro] himself, Kit lay upon the ground, conyulsed with laughter. “Let loose, woman! Blame it, what do you mean?” Sandy at length cried in hot anger, and breaking from her embrace he held her away at arm’s length. “Oh! Sandy!” she ‘how cruel you are! broken.” ‘““My dear woman, consider yourself lucky that your neck isn’t broken!” the astounded overseer cried, white with anger and mortifi- cation, ‘For Heaven’s sake, Miss Lyons, what is the meaning of this ridiculous scene?” “Why—why, Sindy, I didn’t know I was doing you any harm, See, love, I have your little red rose, as fresh as when plucked, over my heart—” “What red rose? Confound it, I—I—” Sandy was too excited for utterance, con- scious, ,the while, that the miners were taking in the s¢ene, with immense delight, “Didy’t you send it, Sandy?—didn’t you send it as a souvenir of your love for your dear “Angeline?” . “Ob! Lord preserve us!” groaned Sa dy, Oh! Heaven, what does shemean? Red ‘rose —souvenir of love—confound it, woman, you're crazy! I never sent you so much as an atom of anything.” | “You fi you did, base deceiver! The cried, reproachfully, My heart is nearly young genfleman said so, He brought me your declaration, of loye—he came to break the ico between us!” “Break the ice between us?” and Sandy was 138 Oe used up. The sweat rolled down his cheeks, and he would have been overjoyed had the earth opened up and swallowed him, “What fellow?” be continued, he? How did he look? murder him!” “T—f forget!” Angeline faltered, faintly. “So great was the ecstasy of my joy, that I have entirely forgotten him.” “Oh! eracky! what a relief!” thought the young Sport, ‘‘ Hope to gracious her memory continues -bad. Sandy would annihilate me ef he found out ‘twas me as engineered the circus,” * You are evidently laboring under a fit of mental derangement, madam,” Sandy declared trying to control himself. ‘OTis false. I know what I’m about, and you can’t put me off with such pretenses, You’ye won my -affection, and then publicly trampled on it, Ob! sir-rh, en shall pay dear- ly for this! very one shall know 6f your base perfidy, and [ll have legal redress in the bar- gain!” and, shaking her fist fairly under his nose, with unmistakable wrath, she turned and hurried away. “Go to work, you fools!’ Sandy roared to the miners, ‘‘ before I shoot some of you, The crazy creature has clear knocked the breath out of me. What possessed her to assail me in that style, beats my time. Ive a notion—” ‘* So have I!” snorted Kit, endeavoring to con- trol his merriment, ‘Tl bet the broken bones of an old orang-outang, that Hawky has been puttin’ a job up, on you, ter pay fer his last night’s lunch.” “Tf I thought he had—” Sandy did not finish the sentence, but the ex- pression of his face spoke better than words, that if such were the case, Mr. Hawk had bet- ter look out for himself, The men went to work, and the remainder of the afternoon passed without incident, : Sandy kept his usual position, but his face was clouded, and he was plainly in no pleasant humor. “Look out fer another moonlight fracas, ter- night!” Kit mused, as he worked away, “TIT kinder wish I hadn’t done that thing. Here- after, shoot mg ef [I don’t fight shy of old maids,” However, when quitting time came, Sandy did not go near the office, but straightway sought his own rough shanty. This was a relief to Kit, and he went to sup- per, with an easier mind. After supper, he sallied forth, to purchase some cartridges, a cheap flannel shirt, a pair of pants, and a serviceable pair of boots, which nearly exhausted his day’s wages. “¢To-morrow I'll ay and scoop in a better article of head-gear,” he muttered, as he betook himself toward Sandy’s shanty. ‘ Dunno whether Pll find Sandy in humor for our trip, to-night or not. He had the genuine sky blues the wust kind, this afternoon.” Naturally light-footed he approached the overseer’s humble abode without much noise, The shanty was somewhat isolated from the other habitations, by the handsome fellow’s choice, for he was naturally of a retiring dispo- “Who was Show him to me! Tl sition, seldom courting the society of any one, — -
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14 Kit, the Denver Sport. As the boy drew near the shanty, he fancied he heard voices, “‘Mebbe he has got wisitors, an’? my presence would be obnoxious. Ill not interdooce myself at present, but I would like ter know who his visitor is,” he muttered; and after a brief pause he stole nearer. As he did so, the yoices be- came plainer, Z It was a cloudy night; the moon only showing itself at intervals; so he readily obtained a posi- tion where he could see and hear without danger of being noticed, Sandy stood near the door, leaning against a tree. In front of him was the figure of a woman —a graceful-looking person, too. Kit had as keen a pair of eyes as any one well could have, and he leveled them at the female searchingly. *« Bet a pint o’ cider it’s the guy’nor’s gal, Miss Laurel,” he muttered. The sound of her voice a moment later corrob- orated ‘his opinion. It was indeed Laurel! “ Now fer sugar an’ lasses!” chuckled the irre- pressible Denver Sport. CHAPTER V. A BUSY NIGHT FOR SANDY. ‘Sanpy, what have I done—what have I said, that you treat me so differently?” Laurel’s voice demanded. ‘‘ Why are you so cold—so different from your usual self? Something must have occurred to bring this change?” “Tt might as well be explained now as at any other time,” hesaid. ‘I was fascinated by your dear face and charming manners, and sought your acquaintance, blind to the fact of the strong contrasts in our respective positions in life. Indeed, I did not pause to consider until spurred to do so by the information that your respected father urgently requested that our in- timacy should immediately end.” Oh, sented this is not true! I know papa did not say that.” “T was informed that he did, and when I came to consider that I am but a poor working- man, and you a beautiful, cultured young lady of wealth and position, I cannot doubt but that it was your father’s edict. Naturally, he must have loftier aspirations for your future.” ‘‘ Hush! hush, Sandy! Don’t let this trouble you in the least, love. Who told you that my papa made such an absurd remark? “ Harry Hawk.” “T thought so. You can rest assured that there is not a word of truth init. Heisa bad man, “Yet aspires to your hand, and his suit is sanctioned by your father.” mat no means, Father never once men- tioned such a thing to me, and Harry Hawk is well aware that I heartily despise him, and repulss whatever advances he makes, Now, you will cheer up, won’t you, and be like yourself again? I must go, now, and get ready for the coming of papa, and my new step-ma! A kiss, Sandy, and I'm gone.” ue embraced her fondly, and then she hurried away. ““Werry well execooted!” Kit muttered, still . crouching in his concealment, “Ther gal, tho’, has ter do ther most of the manufacturiu’. Sandy’s as green as a skuleboy at love biz. Guess I better sneak off, an’ cum up whistlin’, as aa no one had been kissed wi’in a hundred miles of here. He suited action to the word, and directly ap-. proached the shanty, whistling. “You're late,” Sandy said. make big time, now.” “If Pd been ’arlier, I might ’a’ prevented a smack!” was on the end of Kit’s tongue, but he only answered ; JA guess we kin make it; you lead, an’ I'll foller.’ Without further parley they darted away through the gulch, toward the-Indian’s Nose, at a jog-trot. Once Sandy paused to look at his watch. It was half-past seven. ‘““Womay have trouble in getting past the Nose!” he remarked. ‘‘ At best, we can’t get far beyond it before we encounter the stage.” They increased their speed. Both were good runners, and long-winded, and consequently did not mind the exercise, At the Indian Nose (an abrupt bend in the course of the gulch), the trail curved close around the mass of jagged rocks, from which the place derived its name, The gulch there being quite wide, the two kept to the further side, and thus got by the proposed road-agents’ trap, without encountering a soul. Not pausing, they sped on, and re-entered the a about a mile and a half above the ose, They were by this time beginning to get con- siderably ‘‘ blowed,” and came down to a walk. ‘The stage is due, already,” Sandy said, look- ing at his watch, ‘* It’s eight-fifteen!” ‘It’s lucky we got so fur,” Kit replied. ‘* We better make as fur as we can, however, fer the stage kin be heerd a good ways off, an’ ef the road-agents war to hear it stop, they might smell a mice, and slide off.” “You reason well, Kit!” Sandy assented. “We must try to lay out these scoundrels. How many did you say there would be of them?” ‘* Two, sure—mebbe three—judgin’ by what I could hear.” “ Well, Pll register for two of ’em.” They continued on, for some distance further —then, from afar came the rumbling of heavy wheels, “The stage!” Sandy announced, ‘* We might as well stop here.” “Yas, but thar’s one thing ye’ve fergot.” “ What?” ‘Hf we try to stop the hearse we may be tuk fer road-agents, an’ git a hull shot-tower plugged thr’w’ us!” “True; but we must manage it somehow.” “T hev ther ijee. Build a fire in the middle of the trail, and stand near it, They'll take it asa signal o’ danger, when we wave our head- ear. ““Good! We must be quick about it.” Combustible material was plenty in the vicin- HAG ait they soon had a large heap of it in the trail, ‘We'll have to |
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Kit, the Denver Sport. 16 Waiting until the stago was thundering along, close at hand, they applied a match, In an in- stant, a blaze shot upward, illuminating the sur- roundings., On came the stage until it was less than a : aes rods away. Then it made a sudden alt, | ‘‘Hillo, ahead, thar! What's the matter?” /roared the stentorian voice of the driver. | ‘‘ Come ahead to the fire!” shouted Sandy. |. The vehicle, drawn by its four-in-hand, slowly | drew near, and as it once more halted, a man’s _ head was thrust from the window. “What the cog is up?” demanded Bill Blake, the a ehu, eying Sandy suspiciously. ‘‘ Who are ou “‘Road-agents are waiting for you at the Nose, i and we are here to warn you,” Sandy replied. | “Is Mr, James Lyons aboard?” “Yes; here I am!” cried the man with his head out of the window. “ Hello! by my soul! is it you, Sandy?” “ ce Lbaser Bits? x You say there are road-agents abead?” “Yes, sir, They haye designs upon your money and your lady’s jewels.” / ‘*The deuce! How did you find this out?” | “My companion, here, Little Kit, overheard | the plot between three masked men, He told |-me, and we came tv help you through,” “ Your kindness shall not be forgotten, over- seer, Who is this boy?” ‘A waif who is working under me— a now arrival.” _“ Ah! Now, about this unexpected trouble. How is it to be averted?” Leave that to me, Take Kit inside of the coach with you. “ V’ll ride on the box with the driver. e will make the bend at a speed that will defy a hundred road-agents, providing the driver knows how to handle the riSbons!” You bet I do!” Blake said, grimly; “ an’ there’s nary a team in the mountains that kin tech mine,” “Good! Now, then, Mr. Lyons, when I rap on the top of the stage, you and all parties in- side crouch as low as possible, till you hear from me again. Get inside, Kit.” _, The boy obeyed; then the “ hearse” resumed its journey. Sandy sat on the driver's seat, on the side from which he expected the attack was to be made. He held a pair of six-shooters in his grasp, and his penetrating gaze never once left the route ahead of them, ow many have rd?” he in- terrogated, y you got aboard?” he in *, Only the two, besides you fellers.” i. Light, ain’t you?” a Generally thet way, the trip this way.” ete ne Eite aie word, let go around the don't Heel ge eer speed, but take care you “You bet on that! Thet war the fu’st thing I Yarnt at drivin’—goin? ’round rate Peper n’ safely ’round a sharp They were now close to the Indian Nose. se head lay nothing but darkness and uncer- manda oe Sandy in a shrill whisper com- _ Now, then—let her go!” and at the same time rapped on the top of the coach, 2. Blake had no need to use the whip. All he had to do was slacken on the lines, and the four spirited horses leaped forward with a rush, Around the bend they swept at full speed, the coach careening and running for some distance on the two side-wheels, “Halt!” came in a hoarse yell, and a man leaped in front of the horses, endeavoring to check them in their headlong flight, while a second brigand attempted to clamber up the side of the stage. Bang! A bullet from Sandy’s revolver went crashing through his shoulder, and he fell backward to the ground with a howl, A terrified shriek from the lips of the other ruffian told that he had been trampled down be- neath the horses’ feet. If there were any moro of the party, they were careful to keep well out of sight. The stage rushed on at the same furious rate, until well beyond the bend, when Sandy ad- vised Blake to slow up, as all danger was over, Without further incident the stage arrived at Ghoul Gulch, and after halting at the Grand Union to let Sandy and Kit off, drove on with Mr. and Mrs. Lyons to their residence, : “Not a word of what has happened!” Sandy said to Kit in alow tone, ‘ By keeping quiet we may possibly beable todrop-on the ring- leader of the gang.” > “That’s so, Guess ther capting didn’t par- ticipate in the ’tack,” “T should judge not. There were only two that I could see.” ‘Well, we'll see how the guv’nor deals out his gratitude ter-morrer. Didn’t even say as much as Jack Robinson to me, by Jinks! Pm off fer a snooze, now. Take keer of yerself, Sandy.” “Twill, Kit; good-night.” They separated then, Kit entering the Grand ees and Sandy strolling on toward the Ma- bille. Entering that establishment, he found the usual crowd there as regarded numbers, and nearly all were engaged in games of chance, Carlos de Castra, as usual suave and polite, moved about here and there, with 4 pleasant greeting for new-comers and a supervising eye to business, . He was literally as keen asa steel-trap, this oily Spaniard, and it is doubtful if Madam Mid- night could have chosen a better representative of her interests. Harry Hawk was not present, and Sandy con- cluded that he was at the Lyons mansion to welcome back the bonanza king and bride. — Sandy was just as well pleased. He felt in an ill-humor over what had occurred at the dig- gings that afternoon, and would not have cared to meet the superintendent, lest another quarrel arise that must surely be attended with unpleas- ant results. ' ; That he was regarded with glances of curiosity and merriment he was quite conscious, as h sauntered about through the great room, and he knew by this fact that the report of the scene on the flats had received general circulation about the camp. That many believed he really had been ‘* mash- -4
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16 ; Kit, the Denver Sport. robable, ing” Miss Angeline he knew was than de- and his chagrin can better be imagin scribed, In sauntering about he encountered the long, gaunt individual, Steamboat Steve, who had acted as his second in the street duel. “Hillo, Sandy!” the Mississippian saluted, familiarly. ‘Just been looking for some genial fellow as kin play cards. What d’ye say to a game o’ poker? If you’re as good at cards as you are handy with a shootin’-iron, then Pil lay down my boodle an’ sing anthems ov unbounded praise to ye.” u : Sandy had not taken a particular liking for the fellow from the first, and he now gave him a sharp scrutiny. « Are you very desirous of losing your cash?” Sandy asked, dryly. ‘If so, you’ve not met the wrong man to tackle. I fancy I've met you be- fore, sir.” j “Like enough, Ef ye ever plied up an’ down the old ragin’ Mississip, et air more than likely. Ab! here’s a vacant table. Here, waiter, fotch us a fresh deck, Sandy was satisfied that the man was a pro- fessional card-sharp, but he was not the one to back down before a challenge, no matter what odds he had to contend, with. “What is to be—draw poker?” ‘¢-Ves—if you like.” “For what figure, asa starter?” ‘A hundred dollars.” “Very good. MHere’s my stake. andcut for deal!” : The money was planked, and the deal fell to Steamboat Steve. ‘“T see five hundred extra on this hand!” he said, a few minutes later. “You are a good bluffer,” Sandy observed. “ Before we go any further, I propose we lay down that which talks!” Without a word Steamboat Steve laid down his stake, in greenbacks, and Sandy did the samo, “Now, if you have no objections,” he said, “Dll rake in the pot!” and he spread out his eards upon the table. Steamboat Steve uttered an oath, Tt was a winning hand, “Are you satisfied?” gathered up the money, ‘* Perfectly!” the Mississipian replied, with ret ag nonchalance, and they rose from the able. Cover it, Sandy asked, as he CHAPTER VI. SANDY'S COURSE OF TRUE LOVE. Sanpy soon got interested in watching a four- handed game of eucher until twelve o'clock came; and with it the woman mystery of Ghoul Gulch, Madam Midnight, Whither she came from, or how she gained entrance to the Mabille, Sandy failed to note, but there she was, at her post at the card-table, looking precisely the same as she did every night, at this particular hour. andy did not go near the table, but kept aloof, and watched her narrowly, He had made up his mind to one thing. If she left the Mabille that night, he was going to find out wkither she went, if such a thing were possible, That she knew something concerning his past, he was almost certain; yet, who or what she was, aside from her present calling, he could not imagine, She evidently felt, by intuition, that he was watching her, for she gave him a quick, furtive glance occasionally, and as quickly returned her gaze to the board. a About two o'clock a dispute arose between two miners at the bar, which momentarily at- tracted Sandy’s attention. When he again turn- ed his attention to the faro-table, Madam Mid- night had vanished. ‘A muttered exclamation of vexation escaped * him, and he hastily made his exit by the rear way. “She's as sly as an eel!” he muttered. “She can’t be but a moment ahead of me!” Without, the darkness now was dense, and a drizzling rain was falling; but ahead he fan- cied he saw a moving object, after which he hastened with the stealth of a fox, to soon dis- cover that it was indeed Madam Midnight. He bade fair soon to overtake her, when she turned around the corner of a shanty, and was lost from view. Sandy continued on, and also rounded the corner, only to find himself confronting the muzzle of a revolver, held by the gloved hand of the madam, “Stop!” she warned, quietly, ‘If I were you I would not tire myself by trying to play spy.” Sandy could not find the use of his tongue, “YT wouldn’t like to hurt you. What on earth ever caused you to dog my footsteps?” she de- manded. “No find out who you are that knows so much of my past!” ‘““Whatever caused you to suppose that I know anything of your past?” ‘‘T cannot tell you—I hardly know; but I am sure you are in some way connected with my past life.” ‘ Nonsense!” was all she answered. ce And you are evasive as you are mysteri- “Not at all. Because I have on several occa- sions chosen to show you favor at the faro-table it is not saying that I am posted in your per- sonal history.” “Tell me who you are, and I swear never to divulge the secret, except with your permis- sion,” he said, bending toward her with eager- ness that was almost fiercely earnest. She laughed at him proyokingly. ‘You go back to camp and forget that your curiosity ever got the better of you,” she re- sponded, advisingly. ‘If I ever catch you fol- lowing me again I'll have to shoot you.’ * You will?” ‘ : “ As sure as I am Madam Midnight!” “Well, I don’t know but what I’d stand a bul- let: or two for the sake of knowing who you are. At all events, I'll find out souner or later, or my name ain’t Sandy!” " ‘¢ Maybe it would not be to your advantage to know!” she said, significantly. She glided away and Sandy stared after her ~* 2e
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Kit, the Denver Sport. i? a in perplexity, until the darkness hid her from view; then he turned and sought his own shanty. During the next forenoon, when the men were at work in the diggings, and Sandy was at his usual post, a servant came over from the Lyons mansion and delivered bim a note. He tore it open and the following lay before him: ‘‘Drar Str:—I request your immediate presence at my residence, Leave the boy in charge. ‘Yours, etc., “Jas. Lyons.” “All right. Tell the gentleman 1 will call directly,” he said to the servant. Summoning the Denver Sport, he gave him instructions. ‘Goin’ ter see ther guv’nor, eh¥” the boy asked. ‘ Look out Angeliner don’t git in yer hair!” : “Dry up!” Sandy growled. He hurried. over to his shanty and donned’ some more presentable attire, after which he started for the mansion, feeling more ill at ease than though he were about to face a regiment of enemies, » : His ring was answered by the servant who had brought him the note, who ushered “him into a pleasantly-furnished parlor, where three persons were seated—Mr, Lyons, Laurel and the new Mrs, Lyons, : “Mr. Sandy, my wife!” the bonanza king said, rising. ‘‘ Louise, this is the gentleman who 80 opportunely came to our aid last night!” Both parties acknowledged the introduction with a courtesy; both parties gave a visible start as bogie eyes met for an instant, and grew a trifle ale, - Mr. Lyons noticed it, Laurel noticed it. Neither, however, allowed their surprise to find the least expression, Sandy, taking a seat, turned inquiringly to Mr. Lyons, who, aware of the young man’s embar- rassment, came quickly to. his rescue. “ Well, Sandy, how have things been panning out during my absence?” he asked. “Very nicely, sir, I believe. Mr. Hawk, I presume, can give you e better general idea.” “‘ Undoubtedly, sir, but the lazy dog has not turned up, as yet, to welcome me back. By the way, I hear from sis, here, that_you two gents had a slight unpleasantness, and Harry came out second best!” and the mine-owner laughed. “T am sorry to say such was the case,” Sandy replied, bowing. ‘ We had a little dispute, and he grew hot-headed, as did I, and the result was a duel.” “Well, from what I can hear, you served the rascal right. He always was a disagreeable dog, and is more so since he came back to me a few months ago. Iam sorry, however, that you crippled him, for I am now out of a clerk and eine oh to say nothing about a superinten- lent. “T believe Mr. Hawk continues about the office, sir.” ‘That may be, but he is not capable of attending to my business in the way I want it attended to. have been considering the matter, sir, aud the obligations I am under to you, and I have come to the conclusion that you are the man I wantin Hawk’s place, “You are, I perceive, well educated, and have a fair capa- city for business, and f am confident you would suit me.” “T do not deserve this kind treatment, Mr. Lyons, and I should not like to be the means of losing Mr. Hawk his position.” “That?s my business. I give him your pres- ent job. It will suit him much better, iv his present condition. You will take charge of the office to-morrow. And now, Sandy, there is an- other matter we had better come to an under- standing about.” - Ae A slight flush came to the young man’s cheek. He knew well evough what the subject was to be. ‘* You see,” Mr, Lyons proceeded, ‘* that Iam aman who makes if a point tospeak frankly. Laurel has been telling me that she has had the honor of making your acquaintance, and finding you an intelligent man and gentlemen, has formed an attachment for you, and believes that you have for her. She also tells me that Hawk warned you to keep away from here, or risk the peril of my Sie displeasure.” ri “He did, sir. he quarrel arose from that act. ; “Well, now, the matter stands this way; Laurel is my only surviving child, and I. have the keenest of anxiety for her future welfare. I want to see her married to a worthy man, whose aim in life shall be to make her happy. Jt is not exactly necessary that this man shall be wealthy, asin event of my demise, Laurel becomes my sole heir, But I want her to have a man’ who shall be not only worthy of her, but shall also be of good name and reputation as a citizen.” “Your desire certainly is commendable,” Sandy replied, earnestly. * T think itis, Now, as far as I know you, I am well pleased with you, and believe, with Laurel, that you are a worthy young man. Still, as you are aware, we none of us have known you for longer than a few weeks, We are thus placed in a peculiar position. You have never given your real name, and that, in itself, would seem to indicate that there was a cloud hanging over your past, which made it necessary that you should remain incognito. Therefore until you can give us yourreal name, and some assurance that your character in the past has been and is yet above reproach, I can- not feel safe in saying that I approve of you as a suitor for Laurel’s hand.” = “And you are perfectly right!” Sandy as- sented heartily. ‘‘ No judicious parent could favor the union of his daughter with a man without a name, I had a name, once—and was the only son of a most highly respectable family—bnt an unfortunate circumstance made mean outcast and a wanderer upon the world, I renounced the name belonging to me, and chose that which I now bear, in order that I might lose myself, among strangers, never to be recognized ‘and connected with the past. I have told you al] I can tell you—more than T have ever told any one else. As fate has decreed that I shall not mingle with society suited to my taste, I will do what is gentle-
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is Kit, the Denver Sport. manly, at least—pay your estimable daughter no further attentions than what a passing ac- quaintanceship warrants.” A trifle paler, but even more noble-looking and handsome than ever, he arose, hat in hand, to depart. Laurel’s face was turned away, and she was weeping softly to herself. Mr. Lyons was evidently somewhat affected. He arose and put forth his hand. “Tam more than pleased with your answer, Sandy, because you express the sentiment of a noble-minded man. What your past has been, I wid not-ask, I have every confidence you can seme day render a satisfactory explanation. Until then you are always. welcome to our family circle, and I shall, believe me, take the keenest interest in promoting your welfare.” “Tam very grateful, sir; more I can hardly say, 1 think. I will,bid you a good-morning.” And bowing, he took his departure, He went back to the diggings, literally a new man. During the day the matter of the attempted stage-robbery became public through the facts being made known by Mr, Lyons, and Sandy and Kit were the heroes of the camp. A posse of men were deputized to visit the Indian’s Nose and bring in the two outlaws, if anything was to be found of them, but the mis- sion was unsuccessful; no trace of the brigands, dead or alive, was to be found. During the afternoon Sandy saw Mr, Lyons standing just outside the office engaged in con- versation with Harry Hawk, the superintend- ent. Judging from occasional gesticulations, on the part of the latter, Sandy formed the opinion that Mr. Lyons was making known his proposed change. “There will be trouble out of it!” Sandy mused, as he watched the miners at their work. “ Hawk is as thorough a rascal as one can pick up, and I know he will strike back with a will, if I succeed to his position. If he does, he'll not catch me napping. DPve an idea that he was connected with that stage robbery, but un- fortunately have no evidence to use against him, And—that woman! By Heaven, my time for revenge does not look so far off! Will she assume the offensive or the defensive? I shall not have to wait long, I fancy, to find out! And Kit, too, as he worked away, preserved that thoughtful and withal anxious expression of countenance, He looked keenly at Sandy now and then; which act the latter noticed, and wondered what he meant. CHAPTER VII. A NEAT LITTLE GAME, AFTER work was over for that day, Kit went to the hotel, got his supper and made some slight alterations in his meager toilet. _When he came out of doors he found Sandy sitting on the steps of the veranda, engaged in smoking, while he watched the swarm of miners and others who filled the street, ‘Ah! is that you, Kit? Iwas just waiting for you,” Sandy said, “1 wanted to havea chat with you.” “*Thet so? Well, I’m allers open fer an argy- ment, you bet!” declared the boy. “Come! we will take a little walk up the gulch where we will not be apt to be overheard, or interrupted,” A few minutes served to take them-out of the camp proper, where there were no dwellings, and they found seats, facing each other, upon a couple of bowlders, Tossing Kita cigar, and giving him time to light it, Sandy watched him, a moment, in- tently. ‘* Kit!” he said, finally, ‘‘do you know what my thoughts are, just now—what they have been, all day?” “*Ken’t say as I do, Sandy. ‘ Ye seo, I didn’t happen to be born a walkin’ microscope ner a mind-reader,” “May be not. But just allow me to tell you that I believe you are a first-class fraud.” “Humph! You're complermentary, Tl be darned ef ye ain’t. What’s bitin’ ye? What the blazes have J done to make ye thunk it?” ‘Well, I’m not positive that you have done anything in particular, thus far, but I suspect you’re not all you seem, Own up tho truth, now. Hadn’t you a mission, that brought you to Ghoul Guleh?” ‘*Ho! ho! a mission? Yas, you bet I had! Pecuniary circumstances forced me to make an omission of a number uv square meals, and I made it my mission ter come heer in s’arch of grub.” ‘* Eivasively answered. Nevertheless, I am not one to be easily deceived. You did not come here from Denver, at all, You came from Chicago!” “Waal, if ye know more "bout it then I do, ther’ ain’t no use 0’ me sayin’ a word!” and Kit grinned provokingly. * Am I not right?” “Dunno! Reckon you ain't, tho’.”' “You reckon! You are non-committal. You might as well out with it, for I suspect you. You were sent here to hound me !” “Git out! You’re crazy! Ther idea o’ a young rat like me, a-houndin’a big feller like youl The way ye talk, you’d ’most make a feller thunk he do amount to somethin’,” “Bah! nonsense! You are awful innocent, but Pll guarantee a sharper young whelp don’t live. Let me tell you, however, that I’l] never be taken back to Caicago alive!” There was a stern ring to Sandy’s voice, and a deadly gleam in his eye, all of which went to prove that he was in earnest, Kit eyed him askance, his face still distorted by its irrepressible grin. - “Hf ye wait till I tote yer back to Chicago, you'll wait a long while,” was his answer. ** An’ now, if you’ve got thr’u’, let’s go back ter camp.” ‘Very well. Please understand this much, however: I know you in your true light, now, and shall govern myself accordingly. You are not here alone. You have a confederate. You give him my respects, and tell him I am not afraid of him!” fr eens ft
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— me © be Kit, the Denver Sport. . ‘When I see sich a feller, I'll tell him!” said Kit, soberly enough. They arose, and went back to camp, saying nothing until they came to the Mabille; then Sandy turned to Kit, and gave him a sharp, searching glance, as if trying to read his inner- most thoughts,” “Kit, I did you a friendly act.” “ Bet: ye did, ole stockin’s, an’ I’m jest ther sort of hairpin w’ot ’preciates sech a thing.” “Tf I thought you didn’t, ’d be tempted to give you pretty hard usage.” ‘* An’ I'd jest let ye apply ther toe of yer boot to ther seat o’ my pants with a vengeance, I would, Squealout, now. I know yer wanter ax sumthin’, an’ ef I kin return ther favor, I'll do it, sure!” “T want you to truthfully answer one ques- tion. De you know the person who is known here as Madam Midnight? “T do, There, now, don’t ax me no further, for sure’s my name is Bricktop, I won’t answer ye. Jest ye keep joggin’ right alcng, mindin’ yer biz, an’ ye’ve a show ter die rich an’ respect- ed. It’s a good day fer fishin’, but you keep right on hoein’ corn, an’ the fish won’t bite you,” and without another word the young red-head turned and strode away. — Sandy gazed after him with a frown, “T thought they were connected,” be mut- tered. ‘‘ Both are undoubtedly detectives, and this Madam Midnight is the head one. Let me see: she was here several weeks ahead of me, Could she have known of my intention of com- ing here? Irather fancy not. If not, they are not after me, Perbaps they are after Mrs, Lyons and the fellow, Steamboat Steve.” That same night, in the wee sma’ hours, there was a dim light in the front parlor of the Lyons residence, and Harry Hawk paced impatiently to and fro across the richly-carpeted floor, His face wore a scowl, and the expression of pie dark, sinister eyes was not good, to say the least. Directly his face brightened, as he heard a light footstep, and the new Mrs, Lyons swept into the room. She wore a waterproof with hood attached, which enveloped her figure. Her face, ‘which was one of some beauty, was cold in its expression us she faced Hawk, “Not a word here,” she murmured. ‘T gave him a drug, but he may not sleep long. We must seek a safer place.” : ‘‘ We had better get out in the open air. Steve is waiting outside anyhow,” the dark man an- swered. ‘There isno one prowling around at this hour, and we can converse without fear of interruption,” He stealthily led the way from the house, and she followed, closing the door behind her. They quickly left the grounds, outside of which they were joined by Steamboat Steve. When they halted, they were in close proximity to the spot where the interview had previously taken place between Sandy and Kit. “Well, now, let’s understand ourselves,” Hawk spoke at last, lighting a cigar. “I see you have made your point, Cassie.” © 3 “‘As far as it amounts to anything, I have,” the new Mrs, Lyons answered. “Humph! What would you ask for—the earth?” “Oh, no! What’s on it would suit me better, If you fancy that I’ve fallen into a bonanza dip, you are much mistaken.” ‘“ fixplain yourself.” “Well, in the first place, you are doubtless aware that we are being most emphatically, per- severingly and determinedly hunted for.” “T believe I am. I should hardly bave left Chicago, to come here, if things had not looked suspiciously warm for me there.” “Y, too, was satisfied for my part,” Cassie de- clared, ‘‘ and Steve here, had no reason to be to the contrary. That unfortunate Morton mur- der was too bad. Thank Heaven my name was never brought in connection with the affair, even by my professional name. Well, as I was about to say, when I got to this dull camp, I naturally calculated everything safe. Fancy my consternation, when I had been here only a few hours, at meeting face to face, one of our fattest victims!” “Who?” “Dick Douglass. You remember the tenth of last March?” Hawk uttered an oath. “Well, curse my stupidity!” he exclaimed, *T could not locate the fellow, until now.that you recajl that night, although I have had a notion all along, that we had met before. So, this Sandy is the fellow we cleaned out of the fifty thousand?” ‘The same,” ** Did he recognize you?” “Of course, He isnot tke person to easily forget a foe. So you see the fix we arein. We could hardly be in greater peril if we were back in Chicago.” “You reckon he'll make it warm for us, then?” “*T fear so.” “Maybe two can play at that game, you ea I’ve got a grudge against the chap, any- ow. “Tf he will act, he has already sent for help. I fancy, though, on second thought, that unless he is crowded, he won’t precipitate the attack. You see, there’s officers wanting him, too, and he evidently came here to lose himself from the reach of the law.” “Curse him! that’s not going to help him. The old man has changed our positions, and ut him in my place. If I don’t get square with im my name ain’t Harry Hawk,” “Be careful what you do, Harry. I fear this man more thanIdo any of our enemies. A word from him would get me kicked out of my beloved Jimmy’s house, and ‘knock every- thing in the head.” ‘Well, what’s to be done?” “There is but one course plain tome, We must gobble on to all the lucre we can raise and skip. Providing I could get sufficient wealth to out-balance my affection for my dear Jimmy, I don’t believe but I should be quite satisfied to make a change of base.” ‘‘'Yelr’ sensible,” Steamboat Steve added. | “‘There’s no doubt but we could find hundreds if {
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20 : Kit, the Denver Sport. i a of safer places. I know one thing: I was tracked some distance after I left Chicago, and am not positive I threw the hounds of the law off my trail, even then. There may be a detective here watching for me this very minute.” The trio exchanged glances of alarm. “Tm cursed if I like the looks of matters, my- self,’ Hawk growled. ‘‘Once the law gets a grip on us, we’re gone, for there’s certainly old charges enough standing against us to set us to breaking stone for ten years. If you two had ey kept away, confound you, I’d have been all ft. right. % Wouldn’t you, though?’ Cassie sneered. ** You'd like us to lift everything off of your shoulders. Your kind wishes are likely to strike in and kill you one of these days. No! I am glad we are all together.” Ow hy?” ** Because in’ union there is strength. We have been partners in many a little game for gain, and I know we'll need each other’s co-operation in the future.” “T know one thing,” Hawk growled. ‘‘ You always managed to get more than the lion’s share of all the business wo did. You can sport around diamonds to.the tune of ten thousand dollars, while I’m lucky to have ten dollars about my pocket.” - ‘It’s your own fault. Gambling rarely makes a person rich, for they who gamble, as a rule, never salt anything away. With meit was differ- ent, so you_have nothing to growl about. Is it decided that we had better pull up stakes?” ‘‘Them’s my sentiments,” declared Steve. “Tm cursed if I care to be yanked into cus- tody!” Hawk snarled, ** Both of you are sensible. If we can make a big haul before we go, weare all right. Lyons keeps most of his wealth about him, outside of the mines, I understand.” ** He does, In his office there’s a big burglar- proof safe, wherein lays ’most all of bis ready cash, and it ain’t no small sum, you can bet. Then he has a smaller safo in which he keeps a few thousand at a time to carry on business with.” * Had you access te these safos?” “*Only to the small one, you bet. Only 4 professionn! sharp could opon the other by long pe and proper tools, for besides the com- pation locks, the old gent always carries a hasp ey. **T dare to presume I could open it,” Cassie cried, her eyes gleaming. ‘‘ It will be the first one Tever failed on if I cannot, It is the same one Lyons has my diamonds locked up in for safe-keeping.” “You can bet they’re safe then,” Hawk chuckled, ‘The racket will have to be worked with care. If we could implicate Sandy in it, it would be a good idea, and I fancy I can work it.” “We are listening.” ‘* Well, it will require a couple of days and nights todo it in. To-morrow, or rather, this morning, Sandy takes charge of the office, bas the handling of the cash, and the closing up of the office, and is virtually responsible for the safety of everything. About this time twenty- four hours hence we will meet again. I will er ‘miners had gone to work, when enter the office and take a couple of thou- sand doilars from the small safe, Mis; Ange- line hates Sandy for a fancied injury, a job having been put up on her by, I suspect, the young rascal, Kit. I can work her like a babe, and cause her to denounce Sandy as being the robber out of revenge upon him. I can imitate his handwriting to perfection, or any one’s, for that matter.” “ Your idea is good, so far. But go on.” “On the next night, if the land lays good, you shall have an opportunity to try the big safe, and if you succeed in opening it, we'll seize upon the lucre immediately and skip, know of asafe place where we can hide until the affair blows over a little—then, we can go where we deem it the safest!” ** Good idea!” Steamboat Steve agreed. “T think so,” chimed in Cassie, ‘*I must get back, for fear the governor might awaken, and that would explode everything.” : On the ensuing morning Mr, and Mrs. Lyons ate breakfast alone, Laurel not having yet come down-stairs, and Hawk having already © gone to the diggings, , ‘“* My dear,” the bonanza king said, “I have something to ask you—something that struck me as being rather queer when I noticed it; When this man-enigma, Sandy, paid me a call yesterday, I noticed that when you two saw each other, immediate recognition was observ- able. Will you kindly explain to me how this happens?” ‘James, 1 will, for itis but right you should know,” Mrs, Lyons said composedly, ‘“ You see, this Sandy is not Sandy at all, but Dick Douglass, by wame, I made his acquaintance over a year ago at a reception and learned that ho was the son and partner of a well-to-do Phila- delphia gentlemai and cpeculator. He repre- sented the firm in Chicago and bought up grain in their interest for che tern markets, the old gent supplying ihe aoney.” 8 Well?” % After forming my acquaintance, he paid me considerable attention for a while, and & grew to looi upon him as © suitor. One night he told mc he had just received fifty thousand dollars from his fatber, with which to catch on toacorner in grain. The next day he came to bid me good-by, saying he was forced to fly to parts unknown. He had lost every cent of the money at cards, and had written to his father to that effect; but knowing his father to be astern, unforgiving man, nothing remained for him but flight. A week later I learned that the elder Douglass was in Chicago, hunting for Dick with a posse of detectives. Thai’s all I know about the matter.” Mr. Lyons looked very much disappointed when he left his residence and walked toward the office. CHAPTER VIII. A POST-OFFICE TEAR. SANDY was already at the office, and the Wer. Lyons reached there, ‘*Good-morning,” Sandy saluted. ‘Pleasant morving, sir,”
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Kit, the Denver Sport, £21 “Quite so. I thought I would run down and see how you are getting started,” “TJ have not done anything more than dis- patch the men to work, In regard to matters within tho office, I preferred to receive instruc- tions from you, sir, before touching anything, in order that you might see how things were be- fore I took charge.” ‘Very sensible of you. We will get to work and sec how Harry has loft thing¢s,. Where is the under clerk?” ‘“*He has resigned, caying hedid not care to stay, unless Hawk had charge.” “Indeed! That's rather singular, I havo occasionally noticed that he and Harry were pretty thick togother. If there is any worthy person you have to suggest as®=, helper, it is your privilege.” “Considering the corvicc he has already done you, I should say young Kit was as deserving of promotion as any one,” “True. I had nearly forgotten the lad, If you ‘think he will answer your ourpose, you shall have him.” They then made an examination of the differ- ent books and accounts, and Mr, Lyons looked dissatistled. “T sec that Harry has largely ovordrawn his salary, which he had no authority to do, Let it pass, however, I! trust my now superintend- ent will not dc likewise.” “You need have no fear, sir, You will find that ‘my conduct of the business will bear the closest scrutiny.” “FE hope so. Here are ilve thousand and one hundred dollars which I leave in the small safo for genoral business purposes, although it is necessary. to use but s small portion of it tc meet the running oxpenses. Here is the key to the combination of the cafe.” A few more explanations wore made; then Mr, Lyons took hic departure, After he was gone, Jandy x directly made hia appearance, deal surprised. ; ‘* Did ye cond fer me, Handy?” he demanded, poking his head in 9% the door, * Yes, Come in, Kit, I’ve got you an easier job in the office. Can you write?” * Reckon!” “ And figure?” -‘*Sum, Guess I could figger out how many cubes of quarter-inch blocks would go in a box o’ the dimensions of a square inch!” You'll answer, I guess, Your business will be to remain at the office and do whatever I have to set you at.” “Kerrect. But, how about thecollat, Sandy?” * Oh, that will be fixed all right! What Lyons don’t give you, I'll] make up out of my own pocket.” r So Kit assumed his new position, and during the day proved that he not only knew how to read and write, but was a creditable book- keeper. At six o'clock, after paying off the men, Sandy locked the safe, put everything to rights, and left the office, taking good care to lock the door behind him, _ He then sought his own shanty, where he pre- pared and ate his evening meal, , mt for Kit, who evidently a zood “Hawk took the change very coolly,” he mused, as he seated himself in the doorway, af- ter he had finished his supper. ‘*What does ho mean? No good, Pll vouch. The new Mrs, Lyons recognized me, and since then it occurs to mo that Harry Hawk and the fellow Steam- boat Steve are the same two men who wore prowling near her residenco the night I was robbed. They aro all here together, and havo designs upon James Lyons’s property. Shall I expcse them? Or shall I watch and bafile them?” He sat for over an hour in deep thought. “Tr Kit is not here to spy upon me, he is here for another purpose, Perhaps it is to seize upon this precious bundle of blacklegs, who cleaned me out, and made me an outcast,” When it was dark, he arosoand gauntered over to the general grocery store, which also contain- ed the post and telegraph offices, All three departments were run by a dwarfed, little hump-backed individual, with keen eyes and dark complexion, whe had the reputation of being vs shrewd @ business man as Ghoul Gulch boasted of, The store was = favorite resort about mail time, which was when the stage arrived, and among those present as he entered, Sandy be- held the giant who had acted as referee at the duel, and who had announced himself as Mon- key Mouth, the chaw-‘em-up, and very appro- priately co, too. ‘ The giont’s appearance had not changed a particle, only that, if anything, he was dirtier and more bloodthirsty-looking than over. His notice fell upon Sandy the moment he ontered, and # glare of hatred ontered his blood- shot oyes, “Thar he oir, an’ he’s my roast o! rib fora dollar’ he muttered to bimself, while ho winked tmowingly at sevoral of Ghoul Gulch’s ‘hardest cases, Who were cuffians of the most pronounced character. a was ovident thot the giant meant mis- chief, “Good-evening, Bondul,” Sandy accosted, addressing the storekeeper. ‘‘ Did you get any answer from that telegram?” “*T did that,” the hunchback replied, handing Sandy a piece of paper. ‘ Here it is!” Sandy received it and glanced over it, an ex- pression of satisfaction coming upon his face, ~ The message was from Leadville, and read as follows: “Mr. Sanpy. Srr:—I will start at once, with the power to make the arrests. “R. Jayne, Dep. Sheriff.” While Sandy was engaged in the perusal, Monkey Mouth had stolen nearer, with the evi- dent intention of looking over the superinten- dent's shoulder, Sandy anticipated this, however, and quickly put the paper in his pocket. ‘See hyar, me bloomin’ young goslin’, s’posin’ ye let me hev a squint at that air paper!” the giant snorted, putting his arms akimbo and striking an attitude. ‘Jest do yer royal uncle ther honor ter let him into yer secret, me duck.” “JT rather guess not, darling,” Sandy re- , a a ne As tion ance theon rth bade
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22 Kit, the Denver Sport. _ plied. “I am amply able to digest my own messages.” ‘ Kerwhoop—wow-o! d’ye heer him now? Sez he won’t let old rampageous Monkey Mouth see thet air dockyment—ther original Monkey Mouth, ther great chaw-’em-up of Chico, Oh, thunder! oh, rantankerous alligators! What way shall I annihilate him fer his imperdence?” “Maybe you'd better not adopt any positive plan,” Sandy suggested, ‘I don’t half believe you really want to get hurt, and therefore, I should advise you not to attempt anything rash.” “Yo wouldn't, hey? Ye think I orten git up an’ chaw on ye, like I would a plug of old navy, hey? Then, jest Pe waltz out thet aire telegraf dispatch, before 1 walk all over ye!” the giant cried, his aspect growing momentarily more ferocious, “You'll have some tall walking to do, sweet- ness, before you get that message,” Sandy an- swered, his composure vot in the least ruffled, “T want you to understand, Mr, Chaw~em-up, that you can’t chaw even one side of me, and as for walking over me, yow'll have to wait till the woodbine twineth over my three by six!” ‘*Yo won't surrender thet message, then, ter me, ther champion scrouger 0’ Sorrocco—ther roarin’ cadaverous pestilence from Pineville?” ‘Not by a long shot, you big porpoise!” “Then by the great eternal, I’ll mop this yer’ floor wi’ ye, till ther ain’t enough left o’ you ter make a taller dip of!” s And with the words, the giant made a leap forward that threatened to carry the young superintendent off his feet. t did not turn out that way, however, The handsome man evidently had no idea of becom- ing the bullwhacker’s victim. His steel-like fist shot forward with a suddeaness that was surpris- ing, considering that his arms had _ previously been folded, and Monkey Mouth received a terri- fic blow between the eyes, that nearly carried him off his feet, ponderous as he was, A howl of rage burst from his lips, and once more he made a furious rush for Sandy, intent on clinching with him, but again that catapult of muscle and bone struck out, and caught the chaw-’em-up full inthe mouth, knocking several of his tusk-like teeth from the sockets and caus- ing him to reel backward, and choke until he was purple. “See hyer, this ain’t fair!” a quartette of the roughs cried, he ieee 3 forward. ‘ We aiu’t go- in’ ter see Monk git abused by no lout ofa sport, like you, nary a time.” “Oh! then your baby elephant isn’t equal to ee emergency, eh?” and Sandy smiled scorn fully. ‘Tif he can’t lick yer, we kin!” the spokesman cried, whose handle was Cranky Jim. ‘ We kin show ye thet ye can’t maul whoever ye please, hyer in Ghoul Gulch.” “Tndeed! So you think the combined crowd of you brutes possess sufficient stamina to tear out a single man,eh? Well, now, you might possibly be mistaken.” Anda pair of six-shooters suddenly appeared in Sandy’s grasp, levoled at the ruffians, Just how they appeared so suddenly in the superintendent’s grasp, or where they came from no one present could have given a clear idea; yet there they were, looking at Cranky Jim and his pals Pepe ee “Take keer thar!” Cranky cried. ‘Put up them aire shutin’-irons, wull ye? Ye might let ’em go off!” “You never told a bigger truth! I did not come here to fight, but 1f you are hankering after a scrimmage, I’m jest the gent to accom- modate you. If you pick me up for a flat, you're liable to drop me ag’in for a hot flat- iron, “T dunno whether we aire or not!” Cranky growled. ‘‘Hi, Monkey! shall we stamp on him?” { The giant had by this time sufficiently recov- ered from his discomfiture to take in the situa- tion. “Kerwhoop! Yes, sailin an’ tear the cussed skunk limb from limb, D’ye hear? Cut off his head an’ use et fer a football,” he yelled. “Hurry! I, ther great chaw-em-up, will head the movement,” ** Halt!” Sandy shouted, as they were about to rushina body upon him, “I give you all fair warning, and you’d better heed it. Death will greet you if you come for me,” “Tf ye shoot, ye’ll bo hanged!” cried Cranky im. * And if I don’t shoot Pll be hanged!” Sandy retorted. ‘‘ You pay your money and take your choice—so suit yourselves!” The ruffians hesitated. Although they could have torn the superin- tendent limb from limb with a good will, they were by no means anxious to venture into the jaws of what promised to be certain death, ‘At im!” the giant howled. ‘“‘ Aire five of us afeard o’ one chap o’ thet galoot’s figger? One! two! three! at him!” Freshly inspired, the ruffians, with vengeful yells, leaped toward Sandy, who stood fearless- ly awaiting them, Bang! bang! bang! Three times a jet of flame leaped forth, and almost with the same breath Cranky Jim and two of his companions dropped to the floor, The fourth wheeled about and ran for dear life out of the post-office, while Monkey Mouth paused, with a baffled oath, “Shute!” he roared, ‘ Take advantage o’ yer drap while you've got it, ye low-lived cuss!” "No, Pll not shoot!” Sandy replied. ‘I'll spare you, for I’ve no desire to kill so worthy a ease as you, You're too pretty and sweet to sage yet. Face abont, and get out of this uilding the liveliest you know how, and all will be right. If you disobey me, I'll tell the public who played up—” toate “Tet up! I call quits!” the giant. cried, his jaw dropping, and a sudden fear seizing him, **You’re a square cuss, an’ when I say quits, I mean it!” and he left the post office, his face a study in its changing expressions of fear, baffled rage and chagrin. Sandy restored his revolvers to his hip hol- sters, and laughed quietly. He then left the post-office and walked away as if nothing had happened, The job for the undertaker was not complete, however, Examination proved that neither of the e's
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> , Kit, the Denver Sport. 23 three roughs were mortally injured. So that in a few minutes Cranky and his two confederates were restored to consciousness, Not long after the shooting, Monkey Mouth, Cranky Jim, and the otber three toughs met, just outside the canip proper, and not far from Randy's shanty. “Now ter bizness, boys!” the giant said. ‘* We all allow we want revenge on this cussed galoot w’ot calls hisself Sandy?’ “You bet!” the others chimed in, “‘ Now, I purpose we fix things, an’ give hima boost he won’t fergit!” “ How d’ye mean?” ‘ Basy enuff. Spikey, hyer, has a duplicate key ter the powder-house, We gits a couple 0’ kegs ov giant-powder, an’ roll ’em in under the shanty, which stands up, onstilts, an’ set ’em off wi’ a long train, so we won't git hurt. Whoop-ee! won't the cuss think a cyclone hey struck him?” “Bully! Yer’ a genius, Monk!” Cranky Jim eried. ‘‘ We does ther trick, you bet, and Hawky goes back in ther office to-morrow.” The villains then and there shook hands over their diabolical plan, and set out to perfect ar- rangements for putting it into execution, CHAPTER IX. THE BIGGEST RACKET OF ALL. Two miles down the gulch, from the mining- town, a trail wound up pain 2 the craggy mountains, such as might have been worn by grizzlies or other animals. A figure in male attire came down the gulch, and clambered up the rugged path, which was steep and winding. In ten minutes a rocky shelf was gained, _ Opening back into the solid rock of the moun- tain, from the bench, was a cavern somewhat larger than the ordinary parlor of a dwelling, A fire was burning within, its blaze furnish- ing suflicient illumination to disclose the fact that the interior was rudely but comfortably furnished. ; Before the fire sat a young woman, plainly but neatly attired, engaged in roasting a piece of venison upon the end of a pointed stick. She was apparently not over twenty years of age, and the firelight shining upon her face revealed a glorious picture of girlish beauty. The person ywpon the ledge stood watching ber a few minutes, admiringly—then, he ad- vanced into the cavern. She sprung up, and uttered a glad little ery, as she saw him, “Ah! is it you, Kit? Something seemed to tell me that you would be here, to-night. Take a seat.” Bet I will!” Kit assented. “It takes the atmosphere out 0’ me to climb the trail,” . “Ttis rather a tedious climb. How are mat- ters progressing in Ghoul Gulch, Kit?” “Swimmingly, Jest tell ye, sis, things aire narrowin’ down to a close, an’ we'll soon have to file up our spurs in trne fi’tin’ trim.” ‘‘ The sooner the better, Iam getting tired of the monotony, to tell the truth.” “Guess things aire narrowin’? down ter a focus. Ye know what I told ye last night,” Vos,” “Well, that can’t be helped, I reckon, but the plan can be carried out. As for t’other plan, I paid a private wisit to ther post-office arter I were heer.” * How did you make out?” ‘Nothin’ fer us, but I found suthin’ of im- portance tho’.” “What was it? Don’t keep me in suspense,” “Waal, I found a letter lyin’ on the table *dressel ter the postmaster. It were evidently an answer ter sum letter ther postmaster had written ter some one, in answer ter a former letter oy inquiry. Heer’s a duplercut copy of He handed her a piece of paper, on which was written: ; “ CHICAGO, , 188—, “Dear Str:—The man you describe, in answer to my inquiry, is undoubtedly the one I seek. Keep an eyeon his movements, and I will pay you well for it. LI will arrive in Ghoul Guich on the 18th inst. “rastus Douanass.” “ That is a litteral cappin’ o’ ther climax, ain’t it?” Kit grinned, ‘‘ Ther old man’s as hot arter Sandy as an indignant hornet.” An expression of defiance flashed into the girl’s eyes. ; “He is all for gold!” she said, bitterly. ‘* He will find, however, that he cannot always have things hisown way. Let me see—to-morrow is the 18th?” “ Yes,” “Well, we shall have to put our wits to- gether and be prepared for the work ahead of us, Kit.” The work of preparing for the destruction of Sandy’s domicile did not consume much time, and the task was at last completed to the sat- eton of the schemers who had planned the job. : Two kegs of giant powder had been stolen from the powder-house, and after being tapped were rolled in under Sandy’s shanty, the floor of which was a couple of feet or more from the ground, A heavy train of powder was then laid from the kegs to a spot some three hundred yards away. Here the five conspirators grouped together; when everything was ready for the explosion, which was to send Dick Douglass to **‘ Kingdom Come,” A strong breeze swept down the gulch, and Monkey Mouth had to strike several matches, before he could keep one lit long enough, to ap- ply it to the powder-train. He succeeded, finally, however, and a streak of fire shot toward the doomed shanty. An instant later, there was a terrific ex- a and a glare of light, as the shanty flew neaven ward, in a thousand pieces! The ruins instantly took fire, and lit up the scene as bright as day. “Guess he’s blowed all ter grease-spots!” Monkey Mouth grunted. ‘‘Come! There’s a crowd comin’ this way, Ther job’s finished an’ we better git up an’ git!” “ Haven't you made a little mistake? Dye an idea the job isn’t quite finished!”
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24 ae words came in ringing tones from behind them. They wheeled around, aghast, and as of one accord, uttered a cry of surprise! Before them stood Sandy, the light of the fire gleaming upon the: polished barrels of the re- volvers he held leveled in his grasp. “ The job isn’t finished yet!” he repeated, sternly, ‘but it will be when I’m done,” and bis revolver spoke forth the death-warrant of the Chico giant, Again and again, the leaden messenger called its man to account, until, with the fifth report, five men lay stretched out upon the sod, never to rise again. Then, not caring to encounter the crowd that flocked toward the scene of the explosion, Sandy turned, and walked rapidly away. The morning following the fire, dawned bright and clear. The Denver Sport was on his way to the office, rather earlier than usual, when he encountered Harry Hawk. The ex-superintendent carried a neatly- wrapped package in his hand, and seemed in a more pleasant mood than usual, ‘¢ Good-morning, Kit!” he saluted, ‘* Where bound?” *¢ To the office, I reckon.” “But you're too early. time torun anerrand for me. it for you. Will you go?” ; * “Dunno, Depends ’cordin’ to circumstances, What is it?” “Why, I want you to take this Jetter and package to the house, and deliver it to Miss Angelina, or, if she’s not up, tell the servant to give it to her. Mind you, it’s a surprise for her, and if you're ever asked, you’re not to tell who gave it to you. Do you understand?” “You bet!” “ Well, will you do it?” “Hor a ten-er!” . “You young scamp! But, never mind! Hore’s the cash, Now, off with you, and don’t let the grass grow under your feet!” “They're so numerous in size that no grass oud ever git a chance!” Kit grinned, trotting off. On his way to the Lyons residence, he eyed tha package and the letter, with a strange smile, “ Bet a red herring I kin tell what’s in the bun- die,” he averred. “I didn’t hear a nocturnal interview all fer nothin’. Sandy, old stockin’s, yer prospects Juk away below par, But, don’t git down in the mouth. When me an’ sis do make our move, in this game o’ checkers, some- thin’s goin’ ter drap.” ns Arrived at the mansion, he was informed that the fair Angeline had not yet arisen from her couch, so he left the letter and package in charge of a servant, and hurried back to the office, where he found Sandy already opening up for the day’s business, CHAPTER X. SANDY IN DEEP DISGRACE. Hrs face did not wear its usual good-natured expression; on the contrary, he looked detidedly out of spirits, I say, you’ve got Phove’s a Vin Kit, the Denver Sport. “ Hillo, Sandy—I hear they've bin tryin’ ter make a Czar, out ov you,” Kit saluted. “ Didn’s know we war livin’in Russian Ameriky, whar thar’s a loaded Nihilist under every stick an’ stone,” : : “No, I did not. I guess, however, the ones who blew my shanty up will have to.try thei experiments in a different climate henceforth.” uring the forenoon a large number of curious? persons passed the office, and took particular pains to look in, evidently to see the superinten- dent. No attempt, however, was made to arrest’ him, although by sending Kit out upon the street, Sandy learned that the killing of the five’ ruffians, and the explosion, were foremost topics of tonversation. : Mr. Lyons made his appearance at the office, about ten o’clock, took up a paper and began to read, while Kit and Sandy continued at their* office work, which, though not extensive, kept them employed during the better share of the ay. All three stepped to the open ‘window, as the forenoon stage was heard: to roll into the camp, for, coming from the East it usually brought a number of passengers. Among the passengers, to-day, who disem- barked in front of the Grand Union Hotel, was a short, fat individual, of past middle age, with a smooth face, pug nose and florid complexion. He was well dressed, carried a valise, and had evidently come from a distance, Behind him, and evidently his companion, was another man—a wiry, angular individual, smooth-faced, well dressed, and gifted with a habitual watchfulness on either side of him, that would indicate him to be either a hunted crimi- nal or a detective. Kit saw these two men; Sandy saw them; Mr. James Lyons saw them. Kit made a sly glance at the handsome super- intendent, and saw that his face had turned very pale. It was no matter of surprise to the youth. The man who had first got out of the stage, was Hrastus Douglass, “ Kit, ran down to the post-office, and get my mail!” Mr. Lyons ordered. ‘‘I am anxious to see how stocks stand!” “Yes, sir,” and seizing his hat, the boy was off like a shot, Office work was too tame for his nature; he loved to be out of doors, He was hardly gone, when Sandy turned back into the office, and put on his coat and hat. Mr. Lyons looked at him in surprise, a) what’s the matter, Sandy? he asked. “ Something has happenad, Mr, Lyons, which demands that [ immediately quit your employ,” was the answer. ‘I trust you will pardon me for leaving on so short notice, but it is impera- tive I should go at once. Whatever balance of salary is due me, you can give to Kit, if so you choose,” “ But, Sandy, isn’t there something remark- able about this sudden action?” “ Only so far, sir, as concerns myself and my past. Give ce amber to your daughter, and tell her my affection for her will never cease, tho’ miles upon miles may separate us.” He turned then, quitted the office, and hurried
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- Kit, the Denver Sport. down the gulch, the irregular line of shanties soon hiding him from view. ; Mr, Lyons was sorely perplexed, and paced to aud fro within his office, “What can have caused his sudden depar- jure?” he mused. ‘‘ Washe afraid trouble would come of the shooting affair? 1 don’t believe it, He is not a man to run from an attack, even hough the people were against him, en masse, erhaps the arrival of the stage had something o do with his abrupt departure.” Kit returned in a few minntes, with a bundle of letters and papers. “* Hillo! har’s Sandy?’ he demanded, on , not seeing the superintendent, his face assuming an anxious expression, » ‘You tell me, and Jl tell you!” Mr, Lyons re- =. plied, ‘‘ He left immediately after you did, and > made no mention of coming back. It is the most singular case I ever knew.” Kit’gave vent to a long whistle of surprise, “You go over to the diggings, Kit, and tell Uarry I want him, at once, You remain there, and see how well you can fill his position.” Kit bardly liked the idea of this, but seeing no reasonable excuse for refusing, he obeyed. He realized pretty clearly how it was all going, The web was weaving around Sandy as sure as fate, and since he had suddenly taken French leave, the prospects of extricating him from it looked rather dubious, The boy went to the diggings, as ordered, and made known his errand, There was a perceptible expression of triumph on Hawk’s face as he hurried toward the office, He found Mr, Lyons in a decidedly unpleasant humor, A “Here I am, sir—what's wanted?” he asked, on entering the office. “T want you to resume your former place here!” the bonanza king answered gruffly. ‘That fellow, Sandy, bas suddenly left my employ, and I judge we've seen the last of him.” ‘¢ Why, pon my word, that’s strange! Have you looked around to see if everything is all right?” i ‘No, I’m satisfied he is perfectly honest, however.” “T wouldn’t take a whole block of stock in the fellow. It won’tbe noharm to investigate, I suppose?” **Of course not. Look in the small safe; P’ll guarantee he couldn’t open the other.” Hawk did as directed, his eyes gleaming mali- ciously. Kins 36 He brought forth a small money-drawer, and began counting, “Phew! Something wrong, as I suspected. Here’s but a handful of money, compared with the usual amount. Ill-be shot if he hasn’t got- ten away with three thousand dollars! Count it yourself, sir, There’s two thousand here, less the amount of Jast night’s pay-roll.” “This seems incredible!” Mr, Lyons said, counting over the notes and coin which Hawk had placed before him. “I had great. confi- dence in the fellow, although I had heard a bad report of him since his promotion. He is cer- tainly a double-dyed villain to take advantage of me so soon,” tee 28 — **T should say so, about the matter?” “*Confound it. I'll make it a bad job for him. if such a thing is possible. Hang out a placar offering five hundred dollars reward for his cap- ture! Be ee what is that for—what is the mat- ter Miss Angeline stood in the doorway, and it was she who had spoken, “Matter enough!” growled the mine-owner. “That scoundrel, Sandy, has skipped out and en three thousand dollars of my money with, im, “Oh! mercy, what a bad man! I just came to see him. © sent me a package this morn- ing, accompanied by this strange letter. I didn’t know what to make of it, and I just thought I’d bring them here and demand an ex- planation.” “TLet’s see the letter!” Mr. Lyons cried, ex- citedly, ‘It may throw some light on the mat- ter of the robbery.” Miss Angeline banded bim the missive and he opened and perused it, his faee growing dark with anger as he did so, Appended is a copy: “Dar Miss Lyons:— “YT hereby send you a valuable package which I wish you to an! or me afew days until I need it, Under no consideration let any one know anything about it, and confer a favor on your true friend, * SANDY,” What do you propose to do ‘* Let's see the package,” Mr. Lyons said. “I have an idea that the money is in it.” The package was opened, and, sure enough, there were the three thousand dollars, intact. “T told you so!” Harry Hawk cried, in tri- umph, ‘‘Isuppose you're satisfied now that the great and only Sandy is a thoroughbred rogue.” “T am, indeed, although no light evidence would have convinced me, Fix up and post that placard, and make it a thousand dollars reward for his capture, instead of five hundred. If that amount does not secure his capture I will make it ten thousand, but what I will have satisfac- tion for the way I have been ill-treated.” “You have the right spirit,” Hawk cried, jubilantly. ‘‘ I would never rest, if it were me, uss I succeeded in bringing the fellow to jus- ice, Mr. Lyons did not reply, but turned and strode from the office, with a troubled expres- on of countenance—Miss Angeline following im. After they were with exultance. “Tt couldn’t have happened better!” he cried meena *““In one stroke everything has been one to a neat turn,-and we are safe. Sandy is now an outlaw, and dare not return to expose Cassie for fear of being captured himself. To- night we will make au effort to rob the other safe, and the crime will of eourse be laid to Sandy—long enough, anyhow, for us to get safely out of the country. Victory is ours, and we ought to rejoice!” re : gone, Hawk’ fairly glowed The report was not long in circulating over the town that Sandy, the handsome superintend
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"of a more aristocratic family. i — . » a6. ~ ent, had absconded with a large amount, of money belonging to Mr, Lyons, and a thousand dollars reward was offered for his capture. When ‘the news of the damning charge against Sandy redched Kit’s ears, he shook his head, a wise expression chasing away the habit- ual grin upon his face. : “Ther thing ain’t settled, yit!” he muttered. * “Sandy's got in hot.water, and it’s plain that ee hes been worked purty strong against im, serape it. air purty funny-like: Heigh-ho! [ wish ter-day’s work was done, so I could begin ter move my chessmen toward the endin’’of the game.” The old gentleman, who had arrived by the stage was Hrastus Douglass, of Philadelphia, and Sandy had reeognized him, ashad Kit.* _ - Knowing that his father was after him with a warrant for his arrest; Sandy had believed dis- -eretion in such a case to be the better part of valor, and had embraced ani opportunity to get out of Ghoul Gulch while.time yet remained.” . - During the afternoon Mr, Erastus Douglass had an interview -with the postmaster, after which he paid Mr. Lyons a visit; finding that gentleman alone in his parlor. ~ uy a introducing himself, the Philadelphian said: ‘ a sone! “Mr, Lyons, I learn that you have had a young man in your employ who is called Sandy.” “Untika very few hours ago E did, and if i -am not greatly mistaken you are his father, as I can discern a great resenrblance, between you.” “Tam his father, if I, too, am not mistaken!” the oldgentanswered, ‘Iam Erastus Douglass _of Philadelphia, and proud of the faet I am, for there is not another man in that city who comes But, most un- fortunately, my son Richard is wholly different, He is a scapegrace, a dofaulter, and.a rascal, and I have sworn that he shall have no further liberty to disgrace my name.- I have come to arrest him for embezzling fifty thousand dollars - T had intrusted him with.” . *“T am afraid you will have. to find him before you can arrest him,” Mr, Lyons said, “* He has greatly deceived me. Isuppose you are aware that he hag robbed me as well as yourself?” “So Ehave leatned, ~That is what brought me to'see you. I want to know if there is not some way. we can work together in thisanatter -in order to effect his capture.” , “ None that I know of, other than you might offer an extra reward, if you have any idea that it will avail anything.” : Ths Philadelphian looked disappointed. ., ‘I shall take good care he don’t escape, if once he is captured!” Douglass declared. ‘I was al- ways a kind and indulgent parent to him, giving him every opportunity to rise and make a mark for himself in the world, and the way he used me was Villainous to say the least, and was -the means of breaking up my happy home. On the whole, I think I shall offer an additional reward, for I shall never rest until my guilty son is pun- ished,” and the old gent took his departure ina * Page. ¢ Guilty though Sandy. be, Hrastus Douglass fs certainly an unnatural father!” Mr. Lyons: re- flected after he was gone, J a But if me an’ sis can’t git him out o’ ther |. } begin to unwind, ‘Kit, the Denver Sport. . 2 bt + ff z = : aS . oan ~ a ; CHAPTER XI AUL FOR PLUCK. Tus news of the robbery was conveyed to, Laurel Lyons by Miss Angeline, who, together with the new Mrs. Lyons, ¢xpressed their heartiest satisfaction, : “YT don’t believe a word of it!” Laurel de- clared, stoutly. ‘Sandy is a gentleman of honor, and no one’could even tempt. me to be- lieve that he would stoop to commit a theft.” Patting on her hat, she left the house; and made her way down to the diggings, where Kit was acting as overseer over the men that were at work. . , , He grinned and.nodded as she came up, at the same time doffing his hat in true Chesterfi style. : a; : _ ‘Afternoon to yer, Miss Laurel!” he said. “Shute me fer a porcupine if I ain’t glad ter receive a wisit from ye. Heerd *bout Sandy, I suppose?” ; “Yes, It was to See you-concerning the mat- ter, that I came down here, Oh! Kit, it cannot be that it is true about-him stealing the money, and running away ?* . “Nary time! reckon, but he didn’t steal no collat, and ye kin bet yer life on that!” -- «Yet, how do you account for the strange part about the money and the letter in bis hand- writing being sent Miss Angeline?” 3 = ‘Basy enuff.. I-had ther legitermut honor 0° bearin’ them same to ther Lyons Ranch, an’ ef my memory ain’t all knocked into a cocked hat, I know who give ’em ter me.ter tote.” “Oh! Kit, then Sandy did not send them— there is a plot to ruin him?” “You bet! But, jest you keep as mumasa perarie mouse. Ther hull thing is drawin’-to a close, what will clear Sandy, and convict as tart a parcel o’ rogues as there is in’ the whole coun- try. . Mind, you keep mum,, but note who leaves yer father’s shanty ter-night arter the camp is asleep!” a ; “T will do as you say, Kit. “May Heayen re- ward you if you succeed.in clearing the one I love best in all the world!” , i - “You bet we're goin’ ter try!” “Who?” aa , : ““We—me an’ ther female mystery of Ghoul Gulch!” ; BAS _“ What! Madam Midnight?” ; “You bet! But, jest. ye keep yer tongue frozen between yer purty teeth ’tildevelopments hen thar’ll bea breeze.wuss than forty cyclones.” . ; “T am so glad there is a good prospect,” and Laurel’s heart was lighter as’she took her leave. The setting of the sun brought back to the ee all who had participated in the search for Sandy. - ae ‘ : _ A fagged out set of men they were, and what made matters worse, the search had-been fruit- less, not one trace of the superintendent having . beén found. eldian He's skipped the tra-la-loo, I Kit’s mind had not been idle during the day, and he had formed a few opinions of ‘his own. He. was.not prepared to believe that Sandy had left the vicinity of Ghoul Gulch for good, Ho reasoned that his.aim would be to communicate
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a half-way up, when they heard Kit, the Denver Sport. 27 secretly with Laurel and endeavor to persuade her to elope with him. After supper that night, just as Kit was think- ‘ ing of starting for the mountain cave, he was accosted by a middle-aged man in the bar-room of the Grand Union, who at the same time mo- tioned him to one side. : ; ‘« Are you the young fellow they call Kit?” he ‘asked. . ~ “ That’s me,” replied the. boy. . ** T thought maybe I could learn of you_con- cerning aman, Sandy. He directed me—I’m a deputy sheriff from Leadyille—to procure & warrant and requisition from Chicago and come here and arrest three noted thieves *and con- fidence people. On my arrival here I find Sandy has skipped out under the charge of embezzle- ment.” : ‘Don’t yer b’lieve a word: of it, I'm here after these daisies, too. They’ve sprung a sorter _ trap on Sandy, but I kin onspring it aseasy as they sprung it, an’ don’t ye fergit it! Ter-night is ther time, an’ I want: yer help. Git tergether a dozen fellers as kin keep mum, an’ be ahind this. hotel, arter midnight ter-night, an’- wait thar till I come fer ye!” : _ “Dye expect to pull em?” ‘Sure as ye’r’ born—all ’cept one feller, who’s got ter turn State’s evidence, in order to clear Sandy’s skirts of a couple of charges.” , ‘¢ Have you.power to act in this case?” “ Bet I have—right from head-quarters in Chi- eawgo. Wull ye be on band?” 4 “T sha be only too glad to assist you, young map, if you are sure of your game.” , In due time Kit reached the cave in the moun- tains, and found there awaiting him—Madam Midnight.. ~ - Without delay he made known the évents of the day in Ghoul Gulch, ; “Ther plum is ripe, sis, an’? ef we don’t pluck it. ter-night, you kin bet it’s goin’ ter fall off ther- ~tree an’ bu’st our calkylations.e We've got big work aforé us, an’ darned. litile time’ter do it, First of all, we've got ter gobble onter Sandy.” “ ‘*¥ou shall learn that when it comes to make a general explanation. _ Our sole business here is to arrest these thieves, and clear your character of a blemish,” now spoke up the woman. *‘But, who are you? I can form no idea why _ ; you interest yourself in my affairs.” “Perbaps not, All will be plain to you, in due time, however. Come! we have very little time to wait, as we wish to lay for Steamboat... Steve yet, to-night.” : “T don’t know whether I will aceompany you ~ or not. I fancy your story is only a detective’s subterfuge to secure my capture. ss “Nonsense. We could bave taken you long ago, if it had been our desire. I will. guarantee that everything is square, and before morning —_ you can prove to your father’s satisfaction that you are innocent of intentionally getting away with the money intrusted to you.” a, “Yas, she’s tellin’ yer genuine Scripter frum ther book 0’ ’Zek’el, Sandy. Ye come wi’ us an’ we'll fix ye out all in shape, so no one will ob- ject to your huggin’ Laurel Lyons!” Kit chimed in. i ‘ - ‘Well, I reckon I shall have to go long with ~ you, but if I detect the least sign of treachery, Pll shoot you quicker’n scat!” hesaid, descending toward them, : ‘“*To prove to you we mean everything as we
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ree\_ have said, when we get back to near camp, you can leave ie secrete yourself near the Lyons mansion, hen you are wanted to participate in the victory, the hoot of an ow] will give you warning to come to the front of the mansion, where you will find us.” ‘*Very well. Lead on.” The journey back to camp was made as rapid- ly as possible, for the evening was well ad- vanced, When the diggings were reached, Sandy branched off toward the Lyons residence, while Kit and Madam Midnight slowly approached the camp. Be nea: ther next thing fer us ter do, is ter cap ter Steamboat Steve!” Kit said, ‘If any one o’ the gang will squeal on a pal, he’s ther hairpin, every time.” : ‘ “7 am of the same opinion, but how to get him into our power, I cannot see.” “‘ Well, there’s one plan that may work. You stay here, and I'll reconnoiter. I’ve an idea. Hawk will stay indoors at the mansion to-night, to prove to Mr. Lyons that he was indoors all night. Such a thought, anyhow, has just oc- curred to me, I'll go to the Mabille, an’ ef I find bis jae: Steamboat, thar, an’ Hawksy not there, Pll pump him up with ther idea Hawksy wants ter see him. down the gulch, an’ I'll show him the way—right before yer shooters, Pro- vidin’ this don’t work, I'll come back, an’ we'll put cur heads together ter hatch up some other lan.” or Very well, you can try. Be expeditious, however.” Kit accordingly hurried away. When he arrived at the Mabille he found, as usual, a large percentage of the denizens of the mines there, engaged in various games, A glance told the boy that Harry Hawk was not present. ; Steamboat Steve was, however, and Kit at once approached where he was seated. ‘*Hillo! pardner!” he said, slapping the rogue familiarly on the shoulder. ‘ Be you the tarrier w’ot Hawksy sent me for?” Steve uttered an oath, **See hyer, what d’ye mean by bein’ so imper- dent? Who’re you, an’ w’at d’ye want?” “My erdtat ae appendix pints ter ther name o’ Christopher Bricktop, an’ were prevailed ‘pon by one Harry Hawk, in an’ fer ther considera- tion of a V, to wait upon a galoot called Steam- boat Steve, an’ cornduct him ter ther spot where the party o’ the first part stands wi’ the mantle 0 night wrapped around his corporosity!” Steamboat Steve gavea quick, scowling glance around, evidently afraid that Kit’s volubility would attract attention. ‘Sheteyer devilish trap,” he hissed, ‘or Dll throttle ye. Lead the way and Pll foller. How fut’s Hawk waivin’?” “ A little furder on,” “Then yekin skin back; f kin find him, I reckon!” ‘Halt! Hands up an’ mouth shut, or you are a dead man!” a ringing voice cried, and two revolvers looked the ruffian in the face, with a loud click. ‘Yes, Steamship, old socks, ef ye as much as _“ Kit, the Denver Sport.’ utter a peep, ye’r’a corpus!” Kit cried, jubilant- | ly. ‘*You’re our prisoner, an’ if ye make a moye ter escape, down goes yer apple-cart a-bilin’!” “Ten thousand devils! What do ye mean? What hev I done?” the ruffian growled, white | with rage. 4 “Done enuff, Steamer, ter retire!” K"/\5g ” sponded, producing some stout straps,!.! we concladed ter not let ye hev a finger # Se to-night at the office. Hawksy an’ Cassie kin attend to that, an’? ef you know where your neck is j’inted ye kin turn State’s evidence ag’in’ em! or take the consequences all arranged for yer reception by the sheriff's posse.” ~ = “CHAPTER XII.” A JOLLY ROUND-UP, Wuen Steamboat. Steve learned, by Kit’s words, that the plot to rob the big safe was | known, he vented terrible oaths, and worked himself into about as furious a passion, as any ordinary man well could do, “Careful, now!” Madame Midnight cautioned,’ watching him like a hawk the while, and keeping the muzzles of her revolvers right where he could look down the shining tubes. ‘‘ Don’t attempt to escape, unless you are anxious to die. I warn you! Ifyou submit peaceably, you have chances of escaping the fate that your companions in crime are certain to get. it, secure his hands uae feet, 80 that it will be impossible for him to udge, ‘*There’s but one chance fer Fon white alley, and ef ye don’t improve that I wouldn’t give six cents fer yer chances of missin? a life sen- tence!” : “ How d’ye mean?” “Why, this way: Ef ye squeal on ther clear- through record of Hawksy and Cassie, wi’ facts "bout how ye plucked Sandy an’ other sech things, that’ll be State’s evidence, an’ you go ~ scot free. -Otherwise you'll have to take yer chances wi’ yer two pals.” “Then Pl squeal! I hev bout concluded ter quit this kind o’ life anyhow, tho’ I would hev liked to get a divy of old Lyons’s wad, you bet!” “Undoubtedly, But ye’ll never corral a cent ov that till-tap. Now, ye see, arter we gobble onto Harry an’ Cassie, we're goin’ ter hey sort of a reunion an’ explanation, an’ you’re expected to make a clean breast of the matter,” “Hf I do, shall I have protection?” ~ “That’s just what you'll git. Face about, now, av’ march down the gulch, where we'll tle ye toa tree, out o’ hearin’, till you’re wanted. ’ Remember, if you try to run, you'll get a shot in the back what’ll take your breath!” Steimboat Steve made no reply, but shuffled slowly in advance of them, evidently resigned to is fate. The town was — asleep that night, for one of its wild, wakeful population, for very few lights were to be seen glimmering after one* o’clock—even the saloons being closed. About this time two closely muffled figures in male attire were to be seen standing in front of the Lyons office, in an attitude of listening. The darkness of the night was complete; a per- son a short distance away could scarcely have distinguished the two figures,
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_- Kit, the Denver Sport, , 29 tne, ! They were Harry Hawk and Cassie, and were waiting for Steamboat Steve to come. “The cuss is mighty tardy,” growled Hawk. “T want you to get into the safe, and be done with the job as soon as possible, If we were to be caught at this, the goose wouldn’t hang so There’s no danger. Open the @oor. » no particular use of waiting for Steve, as there’s nothing for him todo, He will prob- ably be along whils we are at work.” aving the office key, Hawk obeyed, and they both entered the room, closing the door behind them, Lighting a candlo, for the shutters were tight- ly closed, Hawk led the way to the huge safe, which reached nearly to the ceiling. : **T can open that in short order, I believe,” said the disguised woman, beginning to examine the combination plate. . In ten minutes the door of the safe stood open, and the plundering began. Package after package was hauled out of the interior, ‘ There’s no time to count itnow,’’ decided the woman, ‘Stuff it into the bag, and we can count it when we get to the house.” Hawk obeyed, and soon had a good-sized bag filled. : P The safe was then closed and they left the office and hurried toward the Lyons residence, of course not encountering Steamboat Steve which oceurred to them as being strange. They cautiously entered the mansion, and the front parlor, locking the door after them. No delay was made, then, in lighting a lamp, and begining the eounting of the money out on the oor. They became so absorbed that no thought of danger entered their minds, ‘A hundred thousand here,” Cassie announc- ed, stacking up her piles. “The same here,” Hawk echoed. ‘ Eureka! what a fat pile! I propose we divy even, and skip by the back way, and let Steamboat Steve smell for his share!” “ Wouldn't that be a racket though ?” It was the unmistakable deep sonorots voice of the Mississippian that uttered the sarcastic query, and Hawk and Cassie glared around in the direction whence had come the voice, Two faces grew ghastly pale with alarm, then, and well they might. The folding-doors between the front and back parlor stood open, and that end of the room was well filled with people, a number of whom held weapons leveled at the astounded safe-robbers. Foremost among the group were Kit, Madam Midnight, Sandy, Mr. Lyons, Laurel, Mr. Douglass, Steamboat Steve and the Leadville deputy, who was backed by a file of men, “Well, my gay starks, I see we've got ye, hey?’ Kit said, with a chuckle. ‘Lay ther hull blame on me an’ Madam Midnight, here. We're ther hull head o’ ther biziness. Ther gent on ther right, there, he be the deputy-sheriff 0’ Leadville, an has a warrant fer ter take ye back ter Chicago, So jest let him put the bracelets on yer “ Amillion curses on ye all!” Hawk cried, furiously, See ee eee ee a eee ee ec eee eee ee ee ee ne ee aE EERRIELIEECeDEEEa STEP RECOURSE 1 ‘Ye've played yer last skin game an’ aire goin’ ter git skinned. eputy, secure them chickens, then I, Christopher Bricktop, hev a few state- ments to make, which I think concerns several present.” Hawk yielded to being handcuffed with bad grace, while Mr. Lyons gathered up his money, probably about the most dumfounded man in existence, ‘Now, then,” Kit said, ‘‘that couple are known in Chicago as two of the cleverest thieves and cracksmen in the city, Steamboat Steve being their confederate. He has turned State’s evidence against them for the consideration of his freedom. Steamboat, what are that pair want- ed for in Chicago?” : ‘*Safe-burglary, forgery, abduction, and vari- ous acts of villainy.” “Correct. But one particular case is of in- bearpat fo me You see this old gentleman here?” ‘ O. ; * Well, he is a rich speculator, and is hunting a son who got away with fifty thousand dollars, You see this man, Sandy? eis the old man’s mutton. You have seen Sandy before?” “T have.” ‘¢ Where?” “In Chicago.” “Under what circumstances?” ‘*We were workin’ men of means, Cassie made his acquaintance, and he came to see her several times. We were there one night when he called, and learning he was heeled, we drugged his wine, went through him for fifty thousand dollars, and after throwing him in the street a mile away, moved to another part of town.” ‘*Ts this correct, Sandy?” “Tt is, I never could gain track of them, and knowing father would be unforgiving and re- vengeful, I wrote him I had lost the money, and fled West.” ‘Are you satisfied now?” Kit asked of the elder Douglass, “I suppose I shall have to be, with the best grace possible.” “As far as your money is concerned you shall have every penny of it to-morrow!” Ma- dam Midnight said, throwing off her mask, ‘I have made it, and cleared my brother where you would have crushed him; you even drove me from home because I pleaded for him. 1 did leave home, went to Chicago, and with the aid of good, brave Kit, ferreted out the whole case down to the present day. Call on me to-morrow, at the Mabille, and I will repay you for Sandy’s loss—since it is money you most want.” A cheer greeted her as she turned and swept from the room. “ She’s a clipper!” Kit declared, ‘Now, Mr. Lyons, I suppose you will admit that Sandy bas been wronged, an’ aire entitled to yer respect an’ confidence?” : “Certainly, my brave boy; but how about abe ae! robbery, and the love affair with my sis- ter Kit burst into a roar, - y “Bout the luv scrape, J got thet all up, myself, fer devilment, as your daughter, there, knows. The two robberies I overheard planned t’other night, an’ the first one were did by Hawksy,,
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30. Kit, the ‘Denver Sport. : 5 , : 7 who. hired me ter fetch ther forged letter an money an’ give it to the seryant for Angeliner, It suited my purpose to be known bere as Kit, the Denver Sport. Now, then, Sandy, ye’r’ as clear as a whistle, and.T-wanter see yer kiss yer intended oncé, fer yours truly, Kit ‘* Bricktop!” And Sandy did. ; ae _ The next day, Kit and the deputy-sheriff started for Chicago with their prisoners. Cassie and Hawk. were subsequéntly tried and received severe sentences, while Steamboat Steve escaped prison, as was promised, but with .a reputation that no decent man would care to own, * Brastus Douglass returned East, but before ho ‘did so, he willingly received fifty thousand dollars from his daughter. Lily’s object being accomplished, she willingly ‘abandoned the to her: distasteful: business, to keep house for Sandy, who, in time, became an ‘influential and -wealghy citizen, and married -Laurel, of eourse; while, upon the same, happy _ occasion, Lily married Mr. Lyons-—Cassio hay- * Pocket Joke Book. ing, in the interim, died in*prison of a broken spirit, if not of a’contrite heart, Kit, ‘after the conviction of his charges, re-" turned West. x . THE END. BEADLE AND ADAMS’ Dime Hand-Books. Young People’s Series, Brapiz’s Dine Hanp-Booxs ror Youne Propie cover a wide range of subjects, and are 2specially adaptea to their end.. ; Ladies” Letter-Writer. Gents’ Letter-Writer | Book of Etiqtiette, - Book of Verses. * Ball-room Companion, Book of Dreams. Book of Beauty, ¢ Hand-Books of Games. - Handbook ef Summer Sports, Book of Croquet. Yachting and Rowing. Chess Instructor, —_. Riding and Driving. Crieket and Football. 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2 4 ; , - . ” / | prapues POCKET iprary. y - ee . * s «. Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Completé.and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Couts. . j #4 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Roaa. By EL. Wheeler, | 88 Deadwood Dick in Leadvillo.. By Edward L. Wheeler. | 2 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. By Buffalo Bill, 89° Bill Biddon, ‘Trapper+ By Edward S. Ellis, i 8 The Flying Yankee. By Co). Prentiss Ingraham, 90 Tippy, the Texan. By George Gleason. 1 4 The Double Daggers, By Edward L. Wheeler. é 91 Mustang Sam, the King of the Plains. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, & The Two Detectives. By Albert W. Aiken. 92 The Ocean Bloodhound. By Samuel W. Pearce, E 6 The Prairie Pilot, Sy Buffalo Bill. 98 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. B; Charles Morris. % The Buffalo Demon, By Edward L.. Wheeler, 94 Deadwood Dick as Detects By &. L. Wheeler, . 8 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. » By Oli Coomes. ‘3 95 Buck Buckram. F.C. Adams. . 4 : 2» Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout.. By “Texas Jack.” ~ 96 Gilt-Edged Dick. 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Brent fngraben. | 120 BowMRockelt’s Fight for Life. By Charles More, , Be ete ote dt, the Condberielier Chet, He Leiner, /.| - Bendle’s Pocket Library ts for‘inle.by sll Newsdsaler, fre ie 84 The Dumb Phege. By Capt, Frederick Whittaker. . cants per copy, ar sent by mail on receipt of six conte each. ‘ _ 85 The Boy Miners. By Edward S, Ellis. * - rim : 7 * 86 Jack Harkaway in New York, By Bracebridge Hemyng. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Rublishers, : 87 The Hussar Captain. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, : nae 98 William Street New Yorks | = = < < ~ é. . mi wl £ - .- 2. itt j
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. Published Hoery Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes, The Yankee Ranger. By Edwin Emeron, Dick Dingle, Scout. By Edward S. Ellis. Dandy Kock’s Scheme. By G. W. Browne. The Arab Detective, By Edward L. Wheeler. Will Wildfire’s Pluck. | By Charles Morns. he Boy Commander, Sy Col. Prentiss Ingraham. ae piapla’ Hunter. By Burton Saxe. Pain ance; or, The Mystic Marksman. By J. E. Badger: The Boy Gold-1 er. By T.C. Barbangt, The Seapegrace n. By Charles Morris. The Dark-Skinned Scout. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine, Jabez Dart, Detective. By Oll Goomes. Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Edward Willett, Bison Bill, the Overland Prince, By Col. Prentias Ingraham, Dainty Lance and His Pard. Sy Joseph E. Badger, Jr, The Trapped Tiger King. By Charles Morris. Tho Ventriloquist Detective. By Edward L, Wheeler, Old uockys Oys8. By Maj. Sam. 8. Hall. Sim Simpkins, Scout. by dimes L. Bowen. Dandy Rock’s Rival. By Geo. Waldo Browne, Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George. Detective Josh Grim. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ra hae Pete, the Boy Miner. By Oll Coomes, The Tenderfoot Trailer. By T. C. Harbaugh. 6 The Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris. 197 Roy, the Young Cattle King. “By Col. Prentiss Ingraham 198 Ebory Dan’s Mask. By Frank Dumont. 199 Wictionary Nat, Detective. By T. C. Harbangh. 200 The Twin Horsemen. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards. By Wm. R. Eyster. Tom, the Texan Tiger. By OIi Coomes, 208 Sam _the Office Boy. By Charles Morris. 204 Tho Young Cowboy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 205 The Fronticr Detective, By Edward L. Wheeler. 206 White Li, htnings or, The Boy Ally. By T. C. Harbangh, 207 Kentuck Talbot’s Band. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 208 Brapper Tom’s Castle Mystery. By Oll Coomes, 09 The Mossenger-Boy Detective. By Charles Morris, 210 The Hunchback of the Mines, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 211 Little Giant ond His Band. By Philip 8. Warne, 212 The Jimtown Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler, 8 The Pirate’s Prize. By C. Dunning Clark. Dandy Dave, of Shasta. By T. C. Harbaugh. Haring Dan, the Ranger; or, The Denver Detective, By Oll oomes. The Cowboy Oaptain. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham Bald Head of the Rockies. By Maj. Sam. S. Hall, The Miner Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. Bueok, the Detective. By Albert W. Aikon. 20 Orack-Shot Frank, By Charles Morris. 221 Merle the Miday. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 222 Rosebud Ben’s Boys. By Oli Coomes. 228 Gold Conrad’s Watch-Dogs. By T. C. Harbaugh, 224 Frisky Fergus, the Now York Boy, By G. L. Aiken. 225 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son. By Edward L. Wheeler, 226 Dakota Dick in Ohicago, By Charlea Morris. R27 Merle, the Boy Cruiser. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 228 The Preacher Detective. By 0} Coomes. 229 Old Hickory’s Grit. By John J. Marshall. 280 Three Boy Sports, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 281 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 282 Merle Monte’s Treasure. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 288 Rocky Rover Kit. By Ensign C.D. Warren. 284 Baldy, the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F.C. Adama, 285 Jack Stump’s Oruise, By Roger Starbuck. 286 Sierra Sam’s Double. By Edward L. Wheeler, RB May Ned Dotective. By Charles Morris. 288 Merle Monte’s Sea-Scraper. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 289 Ben’s Big Boom, By Capt. Mark Wilton. £40 Sharp Shoot Mike. By Ol! Coomes. 241 Sierra Sam’s Sentence. By Edward L, Wheeler. 242 The Denver Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. 248 Dutch Jan’s Dilemma. By Maj. L. W. Carson. 244 Merle Monte’s Disguise. By Col. Prenties Ingraham, 245 Baldy’s Boy Partner. By Edwari S. Ellis. 246 Detective Keen’s Apprentice. By Charles Morris, 247% The Girl Sport, By Edward L. Wheeler. 248 Giant George’s Pard. By Buckskin Sam, 249 Ranch Rob’s Wild Ride, By T. C. Harbaugh, 250, Merle Monte’s Pardon. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 251 The Deaf Detective. By Edward Willett. 252 Denver Doll’ Deyice, By Edward L. Wheeler, 258 The Boy Tenderfoot, By Capt. Mark Wilton, 2564 Black Hills Ben, By May. Lewis W. Carson. 255 Jolly Jim, Detective. By Charles Morris. 256 Merle Monte’s Last Crufse. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 257 The Boy Chief of Rocky Pass. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 254 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. RHY Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By O!l Coomes. REGO Skits the Cabin Boy.” By Edward Willett. 261 Blade, the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh. 262 Billy, the Boy Rover. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 268 Buster Bob’s Buoy; or, Lige, the Light-House Keeper. By Capt. J.'¥. C. Adams. 864 Denver Doll’s Partner, By E. L. Whoele, 2 2 2 2 Vwww 265 Billy, the Baggage Boy. By Charles Morris. 266 Guy’s Boy Chum. By Capt, Comstock. 267 Glant George's Hevenge, By Buckskin Sam, 268 Dead-Shot Dandy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 269 The Quartzyville Boas.” eel Willett. 270 Denver Doll’s Mine. By E. L. Wheeler. 271 Ebony Jim’s Terror. By Oll Coomes. 72 Kit, the Girl Detective.. By T. C. Harbaugh. 278 The =e Rider; or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise. Badger, Jr. 274 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. By Col. P. Ingraham, 275 Fred, the Ocean Walf. 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. 5 pe Dewey, 280 Dead Shot Dandy’s Last Deal; 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, 8 Ri a oy hon eee By Edward Willett 288 Rovin yy Edwai ett. 284 The8 owman’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 Maj. H. B. Stoddard. 290 Rube, the Tenderfoot. By Maj. E. L, St. Vrain. 291 Peacock Pete, the Lendville Sport. By Atbert W. Alken. 292 Joe Morey, the Night Hawk. By Jos, E. 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. 295 White Wing, the Ferret Flyer. By Charles Morris, 296 Goyinda, the Tiger Tamer. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 297 Arizona Giant George; or, The Boyees of Sardine-Box City. By Buckskin Sam, 298 Daley Doll’s Dash; or, The Ten Colorado Pards. By T. C Harbaugh. 5 299 The Balloon Detectives; or, Jack Slasher’s Young Pard, Harry Enton. 800 Dendwood Dick’s Mission, By Edward L. Wheeler. 801 Dandy Duke, the Cowboy. By Mnj. E. L, St. Vrain. 802 Big Benson’s« Bet. By T. C. Harbaugh. 808 The Hotel Boy Detective; or, The Grand Central Robbery. By Chas. Morris, 804 Bald HMenad’s Pard; or, Creeping Cat’s Cunning. By Buckskin Sam. ; 2 805 Duaky Dick’s Duel; or, The Demon’s Trail. Hazard. 806 Spotter Fritz or, The Store Detective’s Decoy. By E. L, heeler. 807 Nick, the Boy Sports or, Three Plucky Pards. By Maj. E. in. » St. a B08 Double-Flated Mats or, The Mystic California Giant. By os. E. Badger, Jr. 809 Old Greybeard’s Boys; or, The Girl’s Ruse, By C, Dunning Clark. 810 Kit, the Girl Captain; or, The Mad Sallor’s Legacy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 11 Frio Fred in Texas. By Buckskin Sam. 2 The Detective Road-Agents or, The Miners of Sassafras 8 8 City. By E, L. Wheeler. 818 Honest Jack’s Protege. By P. S. Warne, 8 urd Willet. 8 8 By Jos. Ey By Harry 4 By Ea By Major E. L. St. Vrain, harles Morris. 8 819 Frisky Frank in Idaho. B20 Cool Zam’a Girl Pard. By T. C. Harb ugh. $21 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, Hez Helper the Yankee Pard. By Roger Starbuck. 824 Kit, the Denver Sporty or, The Bonanza Miner King. By Edward L. Wheeler. 2 825 Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. By Edwin Emerson, 826 Roy, the Boy Orutser. By Col. Prenties Ingraham, 827 Ned, the Roying Miner. By Harry Hazard 828 Rocky Ben’s Band. by W. J. Hamilton. Ready April 23. 829 Dave, the Colorado Wrestler. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain, Ready April 30. Beadle’s Pocket Library is for sale by all Newsdenlers, five centa per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,