Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 325) (1890 04 02)
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. ¥., as Second Class Mail Matter. April 2, 1890, 42.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams. Price, No. 325, at Year. No. 98 Witla Br. New York. ’ wieder, Vol, XXV, ‘““WHOOP!] WHOOP! HURRAH! 1 HOPE I MAY BE KNOCKE£D TO THE OTHER SIDE OF CHRISTMAS IF IT ISN'T DUSKY DARRELL!”
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‘ Dusky Darrell, THE CAMP DETECTIVE; oR, The Dandy’s Daring Dash. BY EDWIN EMERSON, CHAPTER I. TRAILING A SHADOW, Onx bright afternoon in August, a number of years ago, & man, looking quite lonely and dis- contented, strolled leisurely down to the river, which flows by Independence, Missouri, at some distance from the village. Considering the place in which we find him, he was a man of extraordinary appearance. His dress was cut in the latest city style; a dainty white cravat was fastened around bis shining collar by a neat little bow in front, a costly diamond pin sparkled amid the snowy ruffles of his shirt, a heavy gold watch-chain, adorned with a variety of glittering charms, formed a contave bridge from his button-hole to his left vest-pocket; and, in singular contrast with all these, he carried a rifle, a powder-flask and bullet-pouch, two knives in a belt under- neath his coat, and a brace of pistols. His chin was shaven clean, but his cheeks and upper lip were covered by silky, light-colored whiskers, long. and flowing, which he was constantly caressing when his hands were not otherwise employed. Gold-rimmed eye-glasses sat majes- tically on his nose, and the Jong, slender blue ribbon fastened to them swept gracefully back over his shoulder. - In short, he was a dandy in appearance, and his name is Adolphus Perkins, ~ Notwithstanding his appearance, which sug- gested the opinion that he had never ventured so far west, he handled his rifle so naturally. and at times carried himself in such a hunter- like manner, that the first opinion was in dan- ger of being shaken. Indeed, after spending over six monthbsin the vast wilderness lying north of the Black Hills, with one of the most, famous trappers west of the Mississippi, it is not strange that he should feel and act as though he were somewhat accustomed to wild life. ‘As we have said, he strolled down to the river, with a look of foneliness and dissatisfaction. His left haud alternately toyed with his watch- chain and his whiskers, nervously and mechan- ically, as if he were not aware of its wanderings. Ashe approached the stream, there was only one person in sight. This was a.young map walking slowly up and down the bank, leading a horse, Adolphus Perkins merely bestowed on him a passing glance, paying no further atten- tion to him, “Hangnation!” he muttered, in no pleasant voice, “It’s just my luck. I wonder if any- body ever knew me to have any better? If so, they would do me’a favor by jogging my mem~ Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. Ny ory, so that I could find some consolation in the recollection, Here [ve landed in Independence, with the intention of making a journey across the plains, and, with my usual luck, I have ar- rived just in time to be too late. The last wagon-train left one week ago, (I’ll be hanged if I didn’t stop in St. Louis exactly that length of time,) andghere is no telling when another will start.” _ He paused, sat down under a tree, and took off his hat. Laying his gun across his lap, and resting the crown of his head against the tree, he sat there for a long time in the cool shade, looking up at the blue sky and the few white clouds that flecked its illimitable disk. He had evidently fallen into a brown study, and the young man, whom we havo mentioned as lead- ing a horse backward and forward along the river-bank, cast ae Md glances in that direc- tion, as if half decided to go forward and form the acquaintance of the extravagantly dressea stranger, At length the exquisite brought his eyes down from the sky, and changed his position, With a prodigious yawn he looked Jazily about. him, and then, thrusting his hand into an inside pock- et, he hesitatingly brought something to light, It was a small black picture-case, handsomely carved and inlaid with pearls. He opened it, with quite a changed expression of countenance, and looked long and earnestly at,the miniature it contained. He became so absorbed in this pas- time, that he seemed closely studying every feature of the person representec, . By Jovel I'd like to know who she is,” he said to himself, ‘ With the single exception of Myrtle Forrest, I think I never saw as pretty & face. I’d give dollars to know who she is and where she resides. Demme! I believe I should call on her, without so much as asking leave. Can’t be that she lives in these parts. Lost by one of the last emigrants that were here, I sup- pose. If I should see her to-day, I know I should wake up in the morning and find myself over head and ears in love. Like as not 1’i] find myself in that condition, without seeing her, if I look at her picture much longer.” Adolphus Perkins was no poor judge of beauty, The likeness he admired so deeply was that of a beautiful, girlish face, possessing at- tractions of an indescribable nature. It was one of those strangely interesting faces, which | invariably claim something more thana passing glance, and which mako one feel as though he could look at it forever without tiring. The hair was dark and unadorned, pushed straight back from the classic brow, and falling in a shower of beautiful curls to the shoulders, The face was oval; the eyes large and soulful in their expression; the mouth rosy and deliciously tempting; and about the fanltless lips played a smile that showed their owner was not entirely averse to mischief, / Adolphus was about to return the picture to iene et, when a voice intruded on his soli- ude, ‘Hallo, sir! What?s that you've got?” He started out of his planes peniceath, and — looked hastily around to see who had spoken. } The young man leading the horse was coming toward him,
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Tihsbrts heh eke SA MEATS ier steno er _ Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. 3 “T beg your pardon; did you speak to me?” he inquired, coolly regarding the stranger through bis eye-glasses. ‘I did, sir,” answered the man respectfully. **T saw you looking at something. I should like to know what it was?” ‘Indeed! What is that to you?” “Well, my friend, if that something was a miniature, and you found it in this vicinity, it’s a great deal to me.” “ Ob—ah—indeed !” stammered Adolphus, His countenance fell instantly, and he stared at the stranger with a look of jealousy. This, then, was the rightful owner of the picture he had found, and, as a matter of course, was the accepted lover of the original! He was not at allan ilklooking fellow, either. He possessed a fine,open countenance, an bonest, truthful, fear- less eye, and (worst of all) what the ladies might term a killing mustache, Another at- traction of his pleasant, manly face, was the look of indomitable cheerfulness it wore—a cheerfulness that. often rose to playfulness, but never sunk to despondency. Adolphusregarded him narrowly for a while, and then, after some hesitation, said: ‘Suppose I didn’t find the picture?” “Then, sir, I have only.to bid you good-day, begging your pardon for my seeming imperti- nence.” He said it in an open, honest way, and, with a pleasant smile and bow, he turned to leave the spot, : Pe Hold on,” said Adolpbus, whose sense of honor would not permit him to let the deception remain unaltered. ‘‘Hold on, This picture isn’t mine, If it’s yours, take it. I picked it w near this spot this morning. I suppose it’s yours,” The stranger took the case with thanks, and opened it to make sure that there was no mis- take. He immediately said it was the one he had Jost, and thanked the finder again, “T have been looking for it for more than an hour,” he said. ‘To any one else it could searcely be esteemed an article of value, but I should have been very sorry indeed to leave this lace without recovering it.” And he put it in is pocket. ** Just my luck!” growled Perkins. ‘I'd like mighty well to have kept that reflection, but if you love her and she loves you—-why, that’s an end of it, and I may as well consider my goose cooked,” The stranger was obviously surprised. ‘*T fail to comprehend,” he said, ‘You ap- pear interested in this picture. Pardon me, but it can hardly be possible that the original is an ac- quaintance of yours.” ‘* Good gracious, no! I never saw her in my life, but P'll be hanged if I wouldn’t like to! - Til tell you what, my friend,” exclaimed Perkins, rising to his feet and laying his hand on the young man’s shoulder, ‘*I don’t mind telling you, because you are in a condition to sympa- thize with me. The fact is, ’m—ahem!—I’m struck! That is to say, I—I have almost fallen in love with this damsel, merely by looking at her picture. By Jove! the angels cannot have prettier faces than the one that picture repre- sents, and, whoever you are, I consider you any- thing but a gentleman to steal her heart when my back was turned.” “You talk in riddles,” returned the other smiling. ** Of course I do,” was the muttered rejoinder. “Deuce take me! I never talk in any other way. Butuever mind. I say, sir, this young lady must think the world of you? I can. tell by her looks that she is capable of a deep, sin- cere and everlasting love.” ““T should be extremely sorry if she did not think a great deal of me, She is my sister.” “ Your sister!” se nen § “Certainly.” “Oh, Lord! You don’t tell me so!” Adolphus leaned against the tree, completoly out of breath, and stared open-mouthed at the stranger. Only his sister! , That put a new phase on affairs, Recovering himself, and feel- ing that an apology was expected of him, Adol- phus cleared his throat, and confusedly stam- mered: ; “Forgive me, old fellow, I didn’t know— that is, I—youn—I mean, I had no idea I was talking about your sister. Confound it! I hope you are not offended?” “Not at all,” laugbed the stranger, ‘‘not at all. You have said nothing that even my sister could be offended at; then why should I? On the contrary, I have taken quite a liking to you in the few minutes we have been conversing, and I am willing that we should be friends, if you are not of a different inclination,” ** Give me your hand, old buck; give me your hand. You're a trump, you are. What’s your name?” * Jack Weller.” ‘* rom where?” “Cincinnati.” * And lam Adolphus Perkins, from Boston, at your service.” They sbook each other heartily by the hand. “Take a cigar,” said Adolphus, producing a well-filled case of fragrant Havanas, He was in an excellent humor, Each took one, and began to smoke, Then Adolpbus ventured to ask what had brought bis companion to that part of the country. “Gold fever,” was the reply. ‘‘ Not that I have got it, but my father was lured from home by visions of wealth.” “No! Where is your father?” “He is with the emigrants that left here one weck ago, He and my mother, and my sister—” “Your sister?” ‘Of course.” “Ts she crossing the plains?” “To be sure. Why not?” “Why, yes, indeed—why not? Perfectly natural, of course, Pray excuse me—ahem! So she is going to the gold regions with your father? Just so, By the way, what is her name, if I may ask?” * Julia.” “Julia? Exactly. Just so. I tell you, Wel- Jer, 1 admire her style of beauty. And so she is going to Californiaf Just so, Exactly. But, my dear fellow, your presence here still remains unexplained, It seems you did not go to Cati- fornia with the rest of the family.” ‘“No; but I intend to, I was left behind to
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settle up father’s business, which required a reater time than had been expected. was to join them at Independence, but did not arrive until yesterday, and then I learned that they were gone. They left a letter, however, telling me to wait until another caravan should start.” “ Blamed if you ain’t in the same predicament Iam,” exclaimed Adolphus, slapping his thigh. ““T guess we'll have to wait together. Compan- ions in misery, ain’t we, Weller?” * Are you on your way across the continent?” * Ain't I, though? Why, bless you, [ left the Atlantic Coast with the determination to stop only when the Pacific Coast was reached, Un- less, indeed,” he added, to himself, ‘‘ I should be fortunate enough to find a wife between those two points,” ; “But we cannot tell when another party of emigrants will start,” said Jack Weller. ‘“ Hom the looks of things at present, a caravan will not leave this place for some time to come, and I’ve been thinking about it till Pve decided not to wait.” ‘*Not wait? What, then, do you intend do- ing?” a You see that horse standing there? 'To-mor- row morning, at an early hour, I shall mount him, and turn his head toward the setting sun, Tl put him forward at good speed, and shall overtake my parents long before they reach the Rocky Mountains,” *‘ Decided to pursue ’em, eh?” “J have. I presume you are not without a horse, Perkins?” *¢ Got as good a one as ever bore saddle.” “Then, since we have the same destination in view, perhaps you will bear me company to- morrow?” Our hero’s eyes opened very wide at this. “My stars!” he exclaimed, scratching his head; ‘it will bean awful dangerous journey to undertake by ourselves. If a band of murder- oo red-skins should surround us, what could we do “T have taken all that into consideration,” said the young man, coolly, ‘‘and am not in the least afraid.” “Oh, neither am I—neither am I,” Adolphus hastened to say. ‘‘ I didn’t mention the fact be- cause of fear, but because I thought you had oot borne in mind what a helpless and hopeless con- dition such an event would place usin. [ama stranger to fear, and always have been. f was among the Indians two years ago, and killed several; butchered a grizzly bear on the Yellow- stone, and slaughtered a whole pack of wolves. i am not afraid—oh, no!” “Then you will go with me?” ‘Of course, if you wish it.” Perhaps Adolphus, even then, would have found some, excuse for remaining bebind, but for the beautiful face that rose before his mental vision, and the reflection that sweet Julia Wel- ler was with the party his friend wished him to join. Here was an opportunity to see the lady whose picture he had found, and to form ber ac- quaintance, This thought drowned the remem- brance of the risk incurred in the undertaking, and. he was eager to be off. So it was decided that they should commence the journey alone on the morrow, »_— Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. They sat there in pleasant conversation, taking no note of time, until the sun went down, when Jack Weller again took charge of his horse, which had been grazing near by, and the two men slowly returned to their lodgings. CHAPTER II. IN PURSUIT OF THE WAGON-TRAIN, On the following. morning, just as the sun rose, two horsemen galloped out of Independ- ence, evidently equipped for a journey, with their fates turned resolutely westward. They were Adolphus Perkins and his new friend, Jack Weller. They were looking fresh and full of vigor, after a night of comfortable rest, and, both being armed to the teeth, they seemed ready to meet their savage foes on hostile grounds, Adolphus frequently found occasion to remark on the probability of their being as- sassipated by the ‘‘deuced red-skins,” but his’ friend cheered him by recalling him to the re- membrance that the emigrants were only a week out, that they could be no great distance away, and that it would be almost a wonder if wild In- dians should come so near the settlements as to intercept them before they could reach the cara- van. ith this fact in view, they traveled with comparative Jeisure. That night they procured rest and shelter in a lonely cabin, where lived an old hunter and his family. When morning broke, they were in their saddles and on their way, making the best of the cooler part of the day. Civilization thinned rapidly as they advanced, and that night they slept in the open air, with nothing but their blankets to protect them from the falling dew. Adolphus was more accustomed to this than his friend—although, judging from appearances, one could not help thinking differ- ently—and consequently took to it more nat- urally than Weller. They were favored with fine weather, al- though, on the third day out, a thunder-shower, of two hours’ duration, relieved the monotony of the sunshine, and purified the atmosphere toa degree that rendered traveling much pleasanter for the time. On this same afternoon they met a party of bunters coming in from the moun- tains, well laden with spoils. On making in- uiries they learned that this party had met the wagon-train, and that the latter was mak- ing rapid headway under the piloting of its guide. One of the hunters then went on to say that they had nooned. with the emigrants, and that while they were discussing their dinner a single horseman had hove in sight on the west- ern horizon, and came galloping toward them. ‘*We all thought,” said the loquacious fellow, “that the beaver war goin’ to jine us in our meal, but, shoot me if he didn’t stop *bout half a mile away, and set stock-still in his saddle, starin’ at the encampment fur several minutes, Then he tarned to the left, struck his horse into a dead run, and made a complete circle round the camp, wavin’ his arms in the air like a blamed lunatic, Arter that he cantered off, ap- peerently satisfied, and he didn’t show his mug ag’in while we’s thar,” The story of the talkative hunter was scarcely heeded, and consequently made little or no im- j pression on the minds of those to whom it was
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_# Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. ~_ A & related. Perhaps neither Perkins nor Weller would ever have thought of the circumstance afterward, had they not been repeatedly re- minded of it by repetitions of the circumstance itself—and reminded of it in a manner that pro- hibited every possibility of their ever forgetting it again while they lived. From the first they had followed the well- beaten trail made by traders and emigrants, and each day the track of the caravan ahead of them grew fresher, as it were, encouraging them in their effort to reach it before entering the dangerous country. But to dwell on every particular of the lon: and tedious chase, would be to try the reader’s patience unnecessarily. On the sixth day of their journey it became evident that the party they were pursuing eculd not be more than twenty-four hours in advance, Toward noon Jack Weller brought down an antelope with his rifle, and was consid- erably elated im consequence thereof. The choicest portions of the animal were secured for the mid-day meal; the horses were picketed, a fir2 was kindled, and the meat was ily skewered, properly roasted and forthwith de- voured. It was a beautiful day—such a day as brings to a healthy constitution a knowledge that there are times when simple existence is enjoyment. Heaven and earth seemed perme- ated with what we will venture to term silent music, soothing the soul into a delightful seren- ity, elevating the spirits, and seeming to lift up mortality into an atmosphere of divine purity. When they had finished their dinner our trav- elers did not mount and away at once, but lin- gered on the spot long enough to smoke a cigar apiece, generously furnished by Adolphus, Our hero, not forgetting a lesson learned in a former Western tour, had bethought him to lay ina bountiful supply of the companionable weed on the present occasion before leaving home, For a time they conversed desultorily, as they re- clined languidly on the grass, but they soon re- lapsed into listless silence, and puffed away un- conscious of each other’s presence. The delight- ful temperature, and the sweet, inaudible music that d the air, awakened an answering vibration in their souls, and infused in them such a feeling of calm, delicious rest, that they Brow. more and more unwilling to move or speak, Before they could acquire energy enough to arouse themselve from their inertia, their pleas- ant dreams were interrupted, and their activity restored in a manner quite unexpected, All at once a deep, gruff voice exclaimed: ‘Sleep on, strangers! It’s a free country!” This not on!y broke the spell that bound them, but caused them to start to their feet and seize their guns. When this they had done, the sight that met their eyes, and the loud, hearty laugh that greeted their ears, made them pause and stare in wonder and confusion, There, within ten paces of them stood a man, coolly regarding the yontatul twain with his small, twinkling eyes, olding in one hand a-rifie as long as himself, while the other grasped the bridle-rein of a horse—a large, powerful animal of a jet-black color, The man’s appearance proclaimed him a —_—— { hunter and trapper—one whose chosen home was the wildest solitude of the American con- tinent—whose chosen pastime was contention with the Indians—who had reveled in dangers for years, and feared nothing mortal. He was neither short nor tall, but of medium height, wiry, well-developed, a splendid type of phys- ical beauty. His dress consisted entirely of skins, fitting his limbs tightly, and showing the lay of his muscles to good advantage. His es was expressive and pleasant, though rug- ed, sunburnt and partially covered with beard, ns short, he was a character in whom an honest man would have recognized a faithful friend, but who was no less ardent as an enemy to any who called forth his hatred. The young men were abasbed as well as surprised to think he had come so near without their knowledge, and leading a horse at that. But with Adolphus it was soon over. His surprise suddenly changed to blank amazement, His mouth flew open, bis eyes dilated, his fingers expanded, his gun fell unheeded to the ground, as he started back with an exclamation of min- gled import, Then, snatching off his hat, he flung 1t into the air in an ecstasy of delight, and shouted vociferously: “Whoop! whoop! hurrah! whoop! It’s Dusky Darrell! It’s Dusky Darrell! Hurrah! I hope I may be knocked to the other side of Christmas if it isn’t Dusky Darrell!” Evidently astonished by these singular de- monstrations, the trapper ceased laughing, and looked searchingly at the author of them. In- stantly a gleam of recognition overspread his countenance, and he came forward, with his hand extended, leaving the black horse at liberty. His large, brown hand grasped the more delicate one of his former friend, which he shook long and heartily, without uttering a word, his face alone revealing the pleasure afforded him by this meeting. At length he ste back, folded his hands over the muzzle of his rifle, and surveyed the young man from head to foot, Then, in his deep, rumbling voice, he said: “Wal, Spider, I never ’spected to see you in these parts ag’in; blowed if I did!” Adolphus laugbed gleefully. “And I’m powerful glad to see you,” added the trapper. F Adolphus slapped his thigh and stamped his ‘oot, **Thunderation!” he cried, ‘‘ I do havea streak of luck at long intervals, and this is one of ’em, I would haye given dollars for the privilege of meeting you on this tour of mine, and here you have turned up when such an event was least expected. Oh, Lord! give me your band again, Darrell. This is my friend, Jack Weller, an ex- cellent fellow, whom I fell in with an Inde- mdence. You see this man, Jack? His name is Dusky Darrell, and there isn’t a braver man this side of the Mississippi. You have heard me remark that this is not the first time I have been on the prairies? Well, there stands the man who was with me in my first experience of Western life.” Jack had been at_a loss to understand what i oor meant, until thus enlightened by his rien
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6! Z Dusky Darrell, the Camp Deteetive, ‘*Wal, Spider, ’m blowed if I ever ’spected to see that face of yourn in these parts ag?in,” repeated the trapper. ‘““You might have expected it,” declared Adolphus. ‘I told you when we parted, that I should be out here again before Jong.” ‘““Wagh! I know yer said it, but I ‘lowed *twar all moonshine.” “You didn’t think I'd be as good as my word?” The trapper’s eyes twinkled roguishly as he replied: “Pil tell yer why. You used to swar a dozen times a day that of you war’ lucky enough to git back to the States with yer skuip, you’d never leave ’em ag’in if you lived a thousand ears.” . ‘Pooh! that was when I was out of humor.” “Tt was when you thought of gittin’ a crack on the head from some pesky Blackfoot’s toma- hawk,” corrected the other, “Demnition! what do you mean?” snapped Perkins, turning very red, and glancing at Weller as if to discover whether he had under- stood the hunter’s remark or not. Dusky Darrell clapped his bands on bis sides and gave vent to a laugh which, though it elicited no noise, shook his entire frame. Per- kins turned redder than before, but made a feeble attempt to smile. “See yer’, Spider,” said Darrell, when his mirth had subsided; ‘‘reckon you hain’t forgot that you used to be afeard of Injuns!” “ Me afraid!” Adolphus became the very pic- ture of injured innocence, Tben, with a smile, he turned to Jack Weller and said: ‘‘ Of course hoe will place no weight to my friend’s words, ® has always declared (in jest, of course)that I am afraid of Indians, though I have never given him the least cause to think so. Now, old fellow,” turning to the trapper again, ‘if you don’t cease rallying me, I shall not tell you the news from St. Louis.” It was plain that Adolphus was not a little annoyed by what his eccentric friend had said, but he could not have hit upon a better mode of changing the subject, than that which he adopt- ed. He had no sooner mentioned news from St, Louis, than the trapper’s face became grave and eager, and he spoke much more quickly that he wasin the habit of speaking. A long and earnest conversation ensued between Adol- phous and the old trapper. On discovering that the conversation con- cerned none but the participators therein, Jack Weller graciously withdrew, and employed him- self in rubbing his horse’s limbs, overturning the contents of his pack for examination, etc. When past events were reviewed to the satise faction of both parties, Dusky Darrell came ab- ruptly down to the present. ‘Come, Spider,” said he: * you hain’t told me yet what brung you to the prairies on this ’casion. Not gold, I take it—nor yet a burnin’ fur adventure. When we parted at In- dependence, I remember hearin’ you say as how you mougbt be expected ‘long in this @rection ag’in ‘fore many years, but, now I come to think on’t, I b’lieve you said it war’ to be a weddin’-tower. Whar’s yer squaw, Spider?” Adolphus coughed, and looked confused, ‘*T have none,” he replied. “oTain’t a weddin-tower, then?” ‘No, I am now traversing the West in search of a wife!” Darrell bent forward, and looked keenly at Adolphus, as if inclined to doubt his sincerity. Then he threw his head back and broke into another silent but hearty laugh, to the intense annoyance and confusion of its object. “Spider, I’ve allus said you war’ the most cur’us chap I ever run afoul of, and smash me if I take it back now. In s’arch of a wife} Ain’t thar more feminines on t’other side of the Missis- sipp than thar is out hyur?” “That is neither here nor there,” said Adolphus, loftily. ‘‘ Iam now on the trail of one of the prettiest damsels it ever fell to my lot to see, ** Are, hey?” “Indeed Lam. She is Jack Weller’s sister.” Whereupon he told the trapper all about the picture he had found at Independence, and how the owner claimed his property. He expatiated considerably on the exqnisite beauty, of the copy, and he remarked that it must be beyond the power of the strongest imagination to con- ceive of the divine loveliness of the original. The trapper heard him through, with an ex- pression which it would be difficult to describe illumining bis visage, and when the story ended he appeared on tae eve of exploding into an- other fit of laughter. Instead of giving vent to his amusement, however, he simply inquired: “Whar is the gal, at present writin’?” “She and the rest of the family (except Jack there) are with an emigrant party on their way to California. We started with the intention of overtaking them. We judge from the trail that we will be able to join them to-mor- row.” Darrell looked at the trail, and informed him that he was right. By brisk riding they would assuredly be able to overtake the emigrants on the next day. “Can't you go along with us, old fellow?” asked Adolphus, The trapper smiled. ‘*S'pose you think I’ve nothin’ to do but tramp ‘round after you,” he said, good-naturedly. Don’t think any thing of the kind,” pro- tested the other, ‘but your time doesn’t seem occupied at present, unless you are on your way to the trapping-grounds, The fact is, demmit, I don’t relish the idea of parting so soon.” Darrell relapsed into silence, and looked away toward the southern horizon with that steady, J a vacant stare which shows the mind to be utterly » |) to wrapped up in itself. his reverie, and said, quietly: “Wal, Spider, now as we've come togethar after a long sep’ration, I allow thar’s no »= bein’ in a hurry to turn our backs on eau: other. [’m goin’ to trap a spell in the Rockym Mountains this season, and I reckon I won’t Jt goin’ much out of my course if I rides with yor till yer overtakes the wagons.” it “Then you will accompany us?” ar * That’s what [ve been sayin’,’ : At length he came out ofi; ” 9
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Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. _ ae qv “Good! A man doesn’t feel so confounded uncomfortable riding across the prairies, when there’s a man of experience in the party.” Jack Weller joined them in time to hear these last remarks, and expressed himself highly pies by the trapper’s decision to accompany eM, - ‘“ But,” said he, exhibiting a little impatience, if we lose more time, I fear we shall not over- take our party to-morrow.” This beaver war ’bout to make the same s'gestion,” said the trapper, glancing at the sun. ‘We kin make sev’ral miles yet afore sundown, if we git off ’thout losin’ more time.” In less than three minutes after this, they were all in their saddles, cantering briskly west- ward, Tbe sun was three hours high when they started, and they made good use of the time granted them before it set. When night came on they turned aside from the trail and camped in a cottonwood grove, After discussing their supper, they sat around the cheerful fire smok- ing, Dusky Darrell whiling away the time by re- citing thrilling reminiscences of his adventurous career, for the amusement of his companions. CHAPTER IIT. THE MYSTERIOUS RIDER, NEXT morning they were up bright and early, and were delighted to find the weather most auspicious for the continuation of their jour- ney. Preparations were hastily made, and when the sun’s first rays shot athwart the sky their animals were between their knees, moving at a brisk but gentle canter along the prairie trail, The company of Dusky Darrell proved a great pleasure to the young. adventurers; scarcely less so to Weller, who had never met him before, than to Adolphus himself. He was somewhat eccentric, to be sure, as men of bis class gener- ally are, but beneath his eccentricities beat a heart honest and unchangeable, ever true to a friend, but exceedingly bitter toward an enemy. Flashes of humor frequently broke through his grave exterior, and, from sundry hits a6 Adolphus from time to time, it became apparent that our hero had, from some cause or other, once been the principal ’scape-valve for these flashes of bumor. _ Darrell said he had recently learned of a place in the Rocky Mountains abounding with beaver and otter, and it was for this place he was bound at the present time. “It’s more’n two hundred mile north of the pint whar this trail strikes the mountains,” he added, “and this route ain’t my neardest one by along shot. If I git thar at the time I want to git thar, I'll have to leave you when we veach the wagon-train, and strike off in another drection.” bey kept their horses at a rapid and steady “all the forenoon, and mile after mile was rp a off by the pounding hoofs of the ani- Ts le “ost at noon, as they drew rein for the pur- . “of roasting a prairie chicken, which had a Med =< dinner, bs itapper surprised his save sions by raising his han inti urht ahead, 2 Bees rewire “Look yonder,” he said, pe They looked in the direction designated, but saw nothing. - ‘“Yer doesn’t look fur ’nough away,” added the trapper. They saw it now. With careful looking, the object—or objects—alluded to became visible to them, At this time the level prairie was on every side of them, as far as the eye could reach, and not so much as a single tree was visi- ble in any direction. Directly over their horses’ heads—a number of small white spots were seen. At first they appeared stationary, but a more careful scrutiny showed them to be in motion, and slowly ascending a swell in the prairie. “‘What are they?” inquired Adolpbus. ° “That’s yer caravan,” was the reply. *Good!” exclaimed Weller; “this is better than I expected. Two more hours’ ride, and we shall be with them.” “Thats jist whar you’re wrong, youngster. Two hours’ ride and we'll be a good ‘eal cluser to ‘em than we are now, but we’ve got to make our hosses show their mettle if we overtake them emigrants inside of six hours,” “Six hours!” “Six hours, You'll have distance wrong every time if you don’t b’ar in mind that you're on the plains, Them wagons ain’t as near as they look. It’s now ’bout noon, If we lose no more time than’ll be required in puttin’ away this fowl, we’}l come up to’em ’*bout time the sun goes down.” » They dismounted now, and hastily gathered together what little fuel they could find in that vicinity. A fire was made, the chicken roasted and devoured, and it was no sooner done than the three men were again in their saddles and on their way. Two hours passed. pe 4 could see that they were steadily lessening the distance between them and the wagons, though they were still far apart, P aaeiin hour passed. The wagons were very distinguishable now, with their white canvas tilts, and the horsemen, riding in advance, be- hind, and on either side of them, could also be seen. If no accident happened within the next three hours, Darrell said they would very nearly. if not quite, overtake the emigrants at the end of that time, Whether they themselves bad as yet been discovered by the party in front, could not be determined by any manifestatiors on the part of the latter. : All at onge the trapper drew rein with a sud- den jerk. Ts companions toliowed his example, and Conan at bim for an explanation, “What now?” queried Perkins, “Look right in our path, straight ahead,” said the trapper, coclly. They looked as directed, and saw what they had before failed to notice, but which the watch- ful eyes of Darrell had not failed to observe. It was nothing more, however, thai a sivgle horse- man riding along at some distance bebind the main body of emigrants, as if some trifling acci- dent had caused him to fall in the rear. “To you mean that solitary rider?” “ Sartinly.” “T see nothing extraordinary there,” said Adolphus, “Nor I,” added Weller.
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8 Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. The trapper looked at both of them, and a broad sroile illumined his visage, “ Look ag’in,” said he, ‘ You think that feller’s goin’ other way. Heain’t, He's movin’ in this direction” ‘Coming toward us?” | Perkins and Weller looked at each other in surprise. “What is he coming this way for?” asked the latter, ‘That remains to be seen,” was the quiet response. “Do you think he belongs to the emigrant arty?” ‘Ruther think not—can’t say fur sartin. He’s furder away from the wagons than he ‘pears to be, and if I ain’t powerful mistook, he’s comin’ this way. Yas, I know heis, Can’t be likely he’s comin’ to meet us, and see who we he. Anybody ’d be a blamed fool to do that, Reckon he don’t belong to the party. Hunter, maybe, comin’ in from the mountains.” “Well, shall we sit here and wait for him to come up? or continue on our way?” ‘Continue on our way, in course,” returned the trapper, Without more words they gave the animals the rein and galloped forward. Adolphus ven- tured the opinion that they would do well to turn aside from the trail, and give the horseman a wide berth, but he immediately abandoned it when he saw the look of blended drollery and surprise on Darrell’s face. The trapper remind- ed him that if the stranger was a friend, all would be well—if an enemy, they were more than his match in numbers; consequently, there could be no danger in either case, So they rode on, with unabated speed, toward the stranger, and the stranger rode on, with una- bated speed,toward them. Itsoon became obvious even to the less experienced eyes of the two young men, that the stranger was really approach- ing, as the trapper had averred, and not reced- ing, as they had at first supposed. The rate at which they and the opposite party were going, rapidly contracted the space between them, and Dusky Darrell was soon able to assert that the unkpown rider was awhiteman, But the others had not thought of his being an Indian; there- fore the discovery was neither a surprise nor a relief to them, At last; when they were within a mile of each other, the stranger came to a dead malt. Fora minute he sat stock-still in his saddle, apparent- ly gazing at the approaching trio; then, with a yell that was borne faintly to the ears of our friends, he waved his hand over his head, turned aside from the trail, and dashed away at break- neck speed toward the south. With a side view thus presented, they saw the strange equestrian at a better advantage than before. He was, to all appearance, standing erect in his stirrups; his head was uncovered, and his long hair flying at the mercy of the wind, as was also a long, light mantle that streamed back from his shoul- ders. The steed he bestrode was large, well- built. and fleet-footed, and, altogether, the sa rider presented a wild, picturesque aspect, > ur friends drew their animals down to a walk \ and watched the strange being as he swiftly re- treated southward, **T knew he wouldn’t have courage enough to meet us,” said Adolphus, looking inexpressibly relieved. ; ‘* He is surely an Indian, after all,” said Wel- er. ‘*A pale-face, or I’m mighty deceived,” said — Darrell, / “Fe looks like an Indian.” ‘* He ain’t, howsomever.” “Then he is a madman?” | That's likely, But whoever he is, or what- { ever he is, he’s a quare chap, shore asshootin’,” — They watched the stranger as he sunk further | ! and further into the distance—till he became a 4 mere wavering speck on the horizon, and then 1! disappeared altogether. ] Now that this phenomenon was gone, and gone 4 unexplained, our adventurers showed a deter-_ mination to lose no more time by once more put- ting their horses to their speed, and dashing steadily forward on the track of the emigrants. Just ot sunset the emigrants came to a halt, and began to form their encampment for tle night, after the fashion usually practiced on the | 2 plains, The wagons were placed as closely to- h gether as possible—wheels and tongue locked to- gether—and arranged in a rude circle, so as to | b inclose a hollow space of ample dimensions for) ® the congregation of the entire party, in the pre- p paration and discussion of the evening meal. tt It was immediately after the arrangement of | 5 the wagons was completed, that the trio of trav- | © elers rode upon the scene, Half a dozen men | ° came out a short distance to meet them, and 4! gave them a most cordial welcome, Among the. number was Jack Weller’s father, who shook his — $ son warmly by the hand, and said it was a most 2! agreeable surprise, and declared his mother and sister would be delighted, and that little . Rosa Brown would be overjoyed. Mr, Weller if proved his loquacity and parental affection, ahd 2¢ then showed that he could be polite tostrangers, | O° by expressing his gratification that Jack had CU fallen into such worthy company on bis journey. “4 He sincerely hoped the trapper and Perkins sli would remain with them for many days, if not th until their destination was reached, and ex- CO ressed much regret when the trapper informed rit Fetes he would have to leave them on the next ‘othe tien ites ¥en = ae E I D v h E r € morning. } Go As may be conjectured, Adolphus was burn f _ ing with impatience to see one other member of *% the emigrating party, and be was glad whe they at last entered the inclosure. No soone ast were they within the circle of wagons, than the found themselves surrounded by strangers of all ha sizes and sexes. They all dismounted, and per- Pe! mitted Mr, Weller to take charge of their ani- mals; then Adolphus began to look around in, search of the fair being whose likeness he had . had the exquisite pleasure of seeing every day’ tL for a week, While thus employed, his search re arrested by a joyful exclamation behin im: “ Jack, my dear boy!” bi Then there were two exclamations in Jack’ )}5 voice: ‘Mother! Julia!” followed by the soun ie of hearty kisses. f “ Adolphus whirled round, and as he did go, the*
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__ Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. _ 9 .. | sight that met his eyes fairly took his breath for the moment. Jack Weller was exchanging o greetings with two women. One of them was y evidently his motber—a fine-looking lady of forty, or thereabouts, with regular features, slightly wrinkled, and a pleasant, smiling coun- _ tenance. But the other was the one that riveted d | our hero’s attention, and caused him to forget his good breeding so far as to stare almost rude- ly ather. In her he recognized the original of the copy he had found at Independence. Beautiful Julia Weller! It would be folly to | attempt anything like an accurate description of » hercharms. Language of ours cannot bring her sr before your imagination as she really was. Even a | Adolphus, who had seen her picture, and studied it by the hour, was surprised at first sight of her _ living self. The wealth of dark hair, falling about her shoulders in a shower of glossy curls ne r- | —the arched eyebrows, faultlessly penciled by t- _ nature’s brush—the classic forehead, and vel- 1g vet cheeks—the rosy mouth, and glowing throat _ —all these he had seen in the miniature, and It, had thought the representation so life-like. But here was the sweet smile—the clear, musical voice—the ever-yarying expression of her face—the crimson tide, surging beneath the transparent skin at each new motion— the large, | brilliant orbs, whose bewildering beauty no ‘or | artist could portray, These were charms Adol- re- pay had scarely thought of, and they sent a | thrill through every pulsein his being. How of, Soon he would have recovered himself, by his yv- | own efforts, it is impossible to say, but he was en Opportunely brought to his senses by the voice of nd_ his friend, ‘he _ ‘‘ Come, Perkins, allow me to make you ac- his” E Meese with my mother and sister. Mother— ost Julia—this is my new but valued friend, Mr. ner Lerkins, from Boston.” tle ., This precluded all possibility of escape, even jer if he had meditated such a thing. He was by ler no means a bashful man, but he blushed a little yrs, 00 this occasion, though he did not fail to exe- rad, cute a profound bow, He accepted gracefully the ey. hand of each lady as it was extended to him, ins Slightly pressing that of the younger one, and not then Sprearink immeasurably confused in the ex- consciousness that he had run the risk of incur- ned Ting her displeasure, ext ‘1 had the good fortune, Miss Weller—ahem! /—of finding your picture a short time since. in- Consequently, your face is not altogether un- familiar to me,” he stammered, hes ‘Of finding my picture, sir?” she echoed, in ner astonishment, : hey Yes, I—that is, you—I mean Jack, there; he ¢ all bad a portraiture of you, which he lost at Inde- per- pendence, and which I had the honor of finding. ani- was through it we became friends.” din ‘‘Indeed? She turned toward her brother ith a smile. ‘You careless fellow! I can day, sever safely intrust anything to your care again, arch It has not beer a month since you lost that pretty hind locket uncle gave me, and but for this gentleman | that miniature would have shared its fate.” _* Then,” said Jack, playfully twitching one of ide his sister’s curls, ‘ the accident of losing it must ae Lie been a fortunate one, or the accident of 3 is gentleman 8 finding it must have been un- , the fortunate, “That is not clear.” ‘Isnt it? Suppose I had been more careful of thepicture than I really was? In all probabilit you would never have met my esteemed friend, Mr. Perkins. Bearing that fact in mind, if you are still indignant at the temporary loss, you cannot be pleased at the liberty I have taken in sper my friend, Is it clear now, my dear little lady?” “No, ’tis not! I am sure Mr. Perkins is too wise to look at the affair in the light you do.” Adolphus bowed his acknowledgment of this compliment. ** At all events, Jack,” said Mrs, Weller, ‘‘ the finder is more to be commended than. tbe Joser, and I bope you did not neglect to thank your friend sufficiently.” “Surely,” said Jack, ‘‘ you cannot think me capable of wasting breath to thank the finder of so insignificant an article as that?” Here Adolphus determined to make a striking remark. * He offered his thanks, madam,but I could not accept them asa remuneration, They were not sufficient, Undoubtedly it was the height of im- pudence to desire a reward for so small an act, but, to confess the truth, nothing less than the picture itself would have been deemed a satis- factory compensation for the restoration.” They all laughed at this, and the peach-bloom on Julia’s cheeks spread all over her face, ‘¢T will not trouble you with the care of my miniature longer, Jack,” said she, turning to him and holding out her hand. He produced the diminutive subject of their conversation, and returned it to its owner, She scarcely glanced at it, but instantly handed it to Adolphus. Our hero was struck dumb with amazement. “Take it,” she said with a laughing giance at Jack. ‘I believe it will be safer in your hands than in those of my brother.” Then growing serious, she added: ‘ Please accept it, sir, not as a present, but as a simple memento—a token of friendship—for my brother’s friends are al- ways mine.” Adolphus’s heart was beating against his vest, and was almost too full for utterance. He took the present, turned it over and over in his hand, and then managed to articulate: “TI did not expect this, Miss Weller, Your kindness is only excelled by your beauty. Iam very, very thankful indeed, and I promise you that this handsome memento shall be cherished to my dying day, as the most highly valued of all my treasures,” ‘* But where is your other friend, Jack?” asked Julia, skillfully turning the conversation into another channel, . “You mean Dusky Darrell?’ said Jack, “« Yonder he is, talking with father. He is one of the most distinguished trappers living, if Mr. Perkins’s information is correct.” “And it is, I assure you,” said Adolphus, “Darrell and I trapped together one season on the Yellowstone—” ‘« Ah! here comes Rosa!” exclaimed Jack just then, Adolphus looked up athim, and saw his cheeks flush and his eyes sparkle, Then he looked around, and saw approaching, a young girl,
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Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. plainly-but neatly dressed.: She, was small, of stature but faultlessly formed, very pretty and say shy, smiling: sweetly and blushing beauti- ullyey 1: ‘“T am glad: to\see you, Jack,” she said, asshe Jaid.one of ber little hands in his, in a confiding, affectionate way, | “AndIam happy to find you well, my dear Rosa,” he. returned, stooping to kiss her, brow, Then the, pretty, shy; little. maiden, whose name was Rosa Brown, was introduced to Adol- pe who understood at once that these. two, oved each other, and took uo pains to concea) the fact, Poor, Rosa. was an, orphan, who had never known her mother, and whose father had died. years ago. Mr. Weller, her father’s dear- est friend, in life, had, taken her to. his home in childhood, and reared: her with his. own children, who were so kind to her that the sorrow of. her early bereavement was. greatly alleviated, In course of time they all became so attached toher as to feel that if, she were taken, away, it would be like. depriving them, of,.one. of. their: own family, and Jack, had resolved that,she never should be taken away. By) this| time it was, growing dark, and a number of, fires were being Jighted,.by the em- igrants, “In a few minutes) the, air was. filled with; the redolence of boiling, viands,and in=" dustrious women were-busy about the fires vari- ously employed in the preparation of supper, Dusky Darrell: and Adolphus ate with the Weller family, and the latter, was. happy in securing a,place; close to the lovely Julia... He kept up.an animated conversation with. her, during the entire meal, and was. charmed by the rapidly-changing expression, of ber face, At times it would seem that sbe could not be any- thing but, grave and earnest, when. talking, but the. very next momenta ray of wit would flash like, a ray of sunshine: through the, sober exterior, or her eyes. would brighten’ with a gleam of mischief, showing that she was, only a sunny-tempered, fun-loving) girl, after, all, sens- ible and educated though she was. Her, laugh was:low; rippling.and,.musical, never too loud, hut. often, hearty, and, invariably, infectious, Her. charms were irresistible, and Adolphus be- lieved he was nearly in.love with,her already! After/ supper, Jack’ mentioned . the , strange horseman, whom he,and his friend had. seen that, afternoomiiioig | baa bel nt “He was, a, queer-looking . specimen, of: hu- manity,” observed Jack, as he quietly puffed. his cigar, ‘*though he bestrode a handsome, fleet- footed ‘horse, At the distance, from, which: we saw him, I.should have judged, that; he was an Indian, He wore no hat, bis hair was,long, and his manner! was wild and; savage. But Darrell declared \that he: wasiawhite,man. and I have only-to conclude that my: impression was wrong, From the direction in.which he was. traveling when: we first saw him, we, supposed he had passed youyand: had. been) in..your midst.) Do you know aught of the fellow, father?” “Why. yes, my:son,-but little more, than you know. You were mistaken in supposing that he had-been amongus, for none -of jus \haveseen him/within less distance) that. half-a-mile.),,'The factis, this, same»mysterious stranger has dogged us ever since we left the settlements, and,we bave. grown somewhat, accustomed, to him, Sometimes he rides in.a circle around, us, waving his arms in every. conceivable, manner, as though trying to.communicate some, intelli- gence to us by signs,” ‘“Hain’t yer. never. s’picioned,; as. how..,he mought be up to some sort of deviltry?? inquired Darrell. Mis ‘“No;sucha thing hasnot-occurred tous, Our guide, who isa very. sagacious, person, assures us that;we need expect no danger: frony him, He says he has seen the man many times before, and knows. him to be perfectly. harmless, though insane,” ** Tusane?’”., { a fy ** Wild—mad—a raving maniac!” ** Bxactly, Who.is your guide?, What's his handle?” f '* Nina, Dedzel.” 0.5141, ‘ ** What!” exclaimed Darrell, exhibiting some astonishment, «Hush!”. said. Mr.,, Weller. now, if guide,” ; ‘¢ Yonder,he, is you wish to see him, , That. is,,our CHAPTER IV... THE. GUIDE. UNDER, SURVEILLANCE, Mr, WELLER was pointing over.the, trapper’s! + shoulder. . He. turned, his, bead, to look, as did the rest. of the party, and saw, near by aman, walking slowly up and. down,a small.,clear space, with the air of.one whose, mind is. buried. in profound reverie, Judging, from, his dark, lowering, brow, andthe look of savage, discon-, tent he wore, his thoughts were not extremely pleasant. His. arms were folded oyer his breast; ’ he smoked) his pipe. with. long, vigorous, pulls, sending volume upon. volume of smoke into; the air; and he set bis feet on the, ground,as if he. were yengefully, crushing the life out, of some- body at every; step, He was tall, broad-shoul- dered, and. heayily-built, aud, his, dress: and. acy, couterments were similar to those usually, worn: by hunters and trappers.of the Western. prairie. Ever.and anon, the light.of.a camp-fire would reveal. his dark visage... 1t).was-not a pleasant. ; visage to look.upon, either, but..was..one, with. which the most indifferent observer, could. net. be favorably impressed at first sight, and Adolphus thought theyman, would make,an. ex- cellent model for the representation of an Italian, brigand,, ora Spanish pirate. That,” said Mr. Weller again, ‘isour guide. That is; Nim Dedzel,” a ? } ‘The very man, or I’m a ghost!” muttered the trapper, with a distrustful,look at, the object of his remark, ere? ie ‘Do you know him?” asked Mr. ‘Weller. Instead of replying to, this question, the, trap- per inquired: Hi ‘* How come yer to.git him fur a guide?” | I cannot tell, His services were already en- gaged, when we arrived at Independence, , But why. do, you. ask?”. ., ' j *T s’pose he’s proved satisfactory. so fur?” “Most, assuredly !,, Nebody has; found, the slightest. cause of, complaint in him,, He).is shrewd, brave and, prudent, and, although he is | sometimes, surly and, gruff without any, visible. cause, I believe he will do all that.is expected. of, , him,” oh retaenatiater 0 a ee ee
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a etal si Satine tenant sh odin hiya} : 7 ; nl m4 y eid nll eit Cae | \~ ni | od ae | redid dad 1-018 best Meiod d c- Di} O01 dj ot Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. “i The trapper didi not answer, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and!when the little party around the camp-fire had broken up, Jack proposed.a stroll. on the prairie, So Jack and:Rosa and Adolphus and Julia left the circle of wagons, and wandered down to the river-bottom near by,..Adoilphus was elevated to the seventh, heaven of delight then,'and he openly vowed) that: he ‘had mever ‘enjoyed a moonlight walk as he did. that: one, he fair being’at his'side ‘clung te his:arm. so. trustingly, as if consigning herself to his) protection, and he felt that if nothing else could make ‘him brave in time of danger, ber confidence could. He drank in every word she uttered, and lorig be- fore the walk was over he caught himself wish- ing that be might» live) forever so! near to her witching smile'and ‘thrilling voice,’ Also he be- gan’ to think that California was no. fitting place for one of her rare beauty. and ‘refine- ment, and asked bimself! if it-were absolutely necessary that sbe should ‘t waste her ‘sweetness on the desert airy? oc When’ they parted for the night, Adolphus wandered about the inclosure in search of Dusky Darrell, “For somé time he was: unsuecessful, and began to wonder what bad become: of “his friend; butiat the’ very: moment he'relinquished the search, he saw the trapper standing silently in the shadow of one ofsthe wagons,: He walked up to him and spoke. : Darrell did! not: move; but stood as still as the wagon ‘itself, leaning: on’ his rifle. . Adolphus stared at: him in ‘astonish- ment, and then he made the discovery that the trapper was gazing steadfastly at something, as if piercing it through andithrough with his keen orbs. Following the’ course of his! friend’s eye; our hero saw 'the guide, Nim Dedzel,a few yards away, sitting on a stone inthe light of ithe camp-fire, still smoking ‘his: pipe, andestilly ap- parently, buried imithought,, «As nobody) else was in range) of\his eyes, Nim Dedzel was cer- tainly the person watched, : And why?hco Adolphus spoke again: ‘‘ What are you looking at, Darrell?” This time he drew a, long breath} and slowly turned his head toward his interrogator, ‘Lookin’ at. nothin’,” he replied calmly, WL Pes a if trifle—that’s'all,” ' ; Adolphus looked suspiciously from: ‘him Nim Dedzel, and from: Nim Dedzel:té him Abe observing that Darrell. chose: to- conceal. ‘the truth; he forebore making further inquiries on Bast topic. } H , ter some unimportant conversation; he and Darrell laid-down upon the ground, rolled them= selves) ini thely blankets and consigned. them- ee ves to rest and slumber, in which nearly all of ae? rg had preceded’ them, Adol~hns thy a ake along time, gazing: up at the stars, bed of the ’miniatnre: he had coveted so much and ‘now’ possessed, and persistently mis- construing the object of its owuer in presenting KS to\him.” When’ at ‘last he closed his eyes, the in oe haunted his dreams’ the rest’of the Next morning the emigrants were astir at an } It was evident that theisight of the mam called Nim Dedzel had set “him to thinking; and,'as be relapsed: into si- lence, the subject was discontinued. almost stern head. ) pale-faces' than’ that» same Turtle-head, |; The; early hour..,When the horsemen were,all in, their saddles, and the wagons) to, ‘move, our hero found himself alone with the; trapper. ** Darrell,” said he, holding out/hisghand, “* you ow Were determined to leave this morning, suppose the time for saying farewell has come, L hate'to: say it, Darrell—hanged: if, I don’t! It’s. a dem’d) nuisance, that’s what itis, But, you see, I. have’noidesire to spend another season in the ‘trapping regions; not to mention; the fact that this party isneedful of able-bodied menlike me, for the protection of the females, . you know,’ Ahem!” : { “‘Jist puta stopper on that clappin’ apparatus of you'r, will yer?” coolly. interrupted, the, other. * If yer thinks! I’m goin’ to leave yer to- day, yer powerful mistook, that’s all. ’ve come. to the: detarntination ‘to, travel'with these emi- grants fur awhile, and to freeze to’em till ve made a diskivéry,-: Like’ as! not, Spider,..we won't: have; to: turn ‘tail: on, one another fur, . several days.” : Adolphus was delightfully surprised. i ‘© What in) creation bas,caused this change in your plans?” he asked. ‘‘ You niusthave.an im- portant | purpose in view: sincey to accomplish it, you take: a portion of the'time belonging to your vocation,” 4 ‘ “Pm: not ‘sartin) what. all that . gibberish: amounts: to, but Ireckon you ain’t fur from thes. | truth. The ‘fact isy my: s’picions bave got to be: confarmed, or; blowed higher’n a kite.” : ‘7 don’t understand.” « ; “ Wal, then, to speak plainer lingo, I’m goin’ to turndetective fur no other purpose than to, ~ keep an'eye on this yer guide, Nim Dedzebli 9). Adolphus had. suspected! this, and was now sur- prised. Lond Gaede (ft ‘““Why are vyou so \suspicious of-him?? he. ~ said and asked. gir “Doeshé look to you like a honest man?’ de- manded the trapper. vate ot fawels ‘©Hangnation—no! At first sight of. him I thought he looked more like a: cut-throat.”)) |. 1) “* Wal, he ain’t nothin’ shorter, L opine,” ‘* Oh, thunder!) you can’t be in'earnest#” | | * Dol ee to be jokin?” said the trapper, |) iy. See. yer’, Spider; this are not the fu’st time I’ve: see\d Nim Dedzel—notiby a. long shot—and if you ever: knowed Dusky, Dar-.. rell to misplace a s’picion, you know. more ’bout, it than Darre)l’ hisself.1's’picioned| that: man). the fu’st time’T sot-eyes on him, and Vij tell yen... why. It-war ‘bout four: years) ago, /cordin’ to. my recollek,'and: I» seée’d him in friendly confab. || with that great chiéf: of the Cheyernes, Turtle- | I didu't’ hear a word they said, but I. knowed thar never wasa greater enemy to the, next ‘time! I: see’d ‘him: war ina. drunken), row ‘at Westport: He had. gambled all. his money away at a card-table, ‘and then bad drawed a bowie, and bawled out at the top) / of his voice | that lie’d have the life of the feller as’ won! hisgold. But the, otber chap |: across ‘the muzzle, and... the cowardly. whelp slunk away like a prairie-\ ; wolf. The last time I'see’d him ’fore this war .. jist two year ‘ago this month, at. Fort Leayen- worth. Teowar on my .way to}:the itrappin’~ >» grounds, and stopped thar a day to refresh my Es him’ a swipe
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’ self and hoss, When I arrove at the fort I found that an emigrant-party of the smaller kind had halted thar. It was a party of fortune- hunters on tha’r way to the diggin’s—all men— no wimmen or children among ’em. And tha’r guide war the same Nim Dedzel. I didn’t think much *bout it then, but when I came down to the settlements the next summer, I found out sunkthin’ that made me s’picion the cuss more’n ever. The party I met at Fort Leavenworth had got as fur as the Rocky Mountains, when they war tacked by Crow Injuns, Every man was butchered ’cept Dedzel, and how he give the red devils the slip nobody knows to this day. He come trottin’ back by hisself, tellin’ a big story *bout the massakree, and then he lounged ’bout the forts and settlements for more’n a month, drinkin’ whisky and spendin’ money like dirt, and it struck this beaver as how be didn’t come by his money honest!” “Good Lord!” cried Adolphus, who had begun to grow a little pale as the trapper approached the close of his speech. ‘* You certainly cannot mean to intimate that the fellow led that party of gold-seekers into danger purposely ? You cannot mean that?” “Can't I” coolly responded the trapper. ‘‘ Maybe not, but hyur’s as don’t hold Nim Ded- zel above the deed,” “You don’tsay! Thunderation! Who knows but that the scoundrel will lead us into some out- landish place, and let the red-skins clip off our scalps one by one? Oh, blazes! it’s too horrible to contemplate, I say, Darrell, don’t you think it would be best, on second thought, to go off on your trapping excursion without delay, instead of forcing yourself upon the hospitality of these emigrants. If you would come to that conclu- sion, maybe I could be persuaded to accompany ou, and spend the season in your mountain ome,” “ Wagh! don’t be a baby, Spider. afeard to stay—” “Afraid ? Hal ha! ha! Me afraid? The idea! Why, on my word, you certainly forget to whom you are speaking.” ‘“Tt’s jist likely,” continued the trapper, “ that this yer’ guide means mischief. T’ll sw’ar he’s a friend of the Cheyennes—I s’picion he’s got the good-will of the Crows—and smash me if I’d stake much that he ain’t on good terms with the color in gineral, I’m goin’ to keep the cuss un- der my twinklers till I Varn his intentions, and then if his plans don’t promise safety to these eople, we must try to nip ’em in the bud, yur’s what considers hisself a match fur Nim Dedzel, every day in the week.” “And here’s another,” said Adolphus pom- pously. : Here the conversation was interrupted by the aepeeaet of Jack Weller, and as Darrell desired to let none of the emigrants know of his suspi- cion at present, he communicated as much to Adolphus by a sign. S.. The trapper then galloped forward and joined the guide, with whom he was seen to enter into conversation in a free and pleasant manner. Adolphus and Jack rode side by side, sometimes in front of the train, sometimes behind, and often swerving to one side. They conversed on yarious topics, of course, but Adolphus never Ef you're Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective, liked so well to hear his friend talk as when he was speaking of his sister, and to “draw him out,” he frequently resorted to the artifice of pane the Gypsy-like beauty of little Rosa rown. Thus the day passed. At sunset they went into camp, just as they had done on the preceding evening, and in the same manner practiced every night since their departure from the settlements, Once more supper was cooked and eaten, and once more our hero found more enjoyment in his position close to the fair Julia than he did in the discussion of the meal, Then came another moonlight stroll on the prairie by the young folks, while the elder ones, especially the men—though including several women—resigned themselves to the soothing influence of their pipes. Night deep- ened. Strolling and smoking were: soon given up, and one by one the entire party retired to rest, No guards were appointed, the guide as- suring them that none but himself need remain awake, since an attack from Indians was not to be thought of that night. Dusky Darrell spread his blanket on the round, within a dozen yards of the spot where he guide had taken his stand, and stretched himself upon it as if he were very tired and sleepy. On one side of the inelosure a gap had been left between two wagons, looking out upon the prairie toward the west. In this opeving Nim Dedzel bad stationed himself, to watch over the sleeping emigrants. Here he walked slowly backward and forward, now in the shadows. and now in the full light of the moon, keeping a sharp lookout for danger, and ostensibly as faithful as he could be to the responsibility he bore, The hours slipped by, and he did not leave his post, but kept up as sharp and unremitting a watch as he could have done were it absolutely necessary, which he himself had declared it was not, Shortly after midnight, however, when every- body bus himself seemed locked in slumber, there was a change in his movements which would certainly have attracted attention and caused surprise, had there been any one awake tosee him, First he paused and stood still for some minutes, gazing keenly around. ‘Then, dropping to a stooping posture, he moved webs from the opening, and began to glide throug! the shadows of the wagons, stopping at every wagon as if listening, and then moving stealthily on. In this manner he went completely round the circle, and paused at the starting-point. After that the guide remained stationary for a short time, Then, as if struck by a new thought, hoe walked straight to the spot where Dusky Dar- rell was lying wrapped in his blanket. Bending low over the silent form of the trapper, he gazed searchingly at his face, and listened to his deep, regular breathing. Seeming satisfied with what he saw and heard, he resumed bis upright posi- tion, and muttered to himself: “Sound asleep. Nothin’ to be feared from him. Ef he don’t s’pect anything, nobody does; tharfore, [ll jist consider myself safe, Bah! ef Dusky Darrell goes to findin’ out more’n he ought to know, I'll show him some right how a few inches of tempered steel kin silence a man, He! he! he!” With this, the fellow turned on his heel and
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Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. 13 a ea walked away. Once more he stood stock-still in the gap, casting hurried glances about him fora minute or two, as if to make sure that he was not watched, Then, in a crouching attitude, he hastily left his post and glided out upon the open prairie, leaving the camp to take care of itself. No sooner had he taken this sudden flight from the encampment, than Detective Dusky Darrell slowly rdised his head and looked after him. Then, with the stealth of a cat, he rose to his feet, wrapped his blanket around him and crept to the opening. The next moment he had left the inclosure—left the sleeping camp—and was following in the footsteps of the guide. CHAPTER V. THE SPIES ON DUTY, DaRRELL had been feigning sleep for the pur- pose of watching Nim Dedzel. Having observed that that person was particularly desirous that none but himself should remain awake, it be- came at once a settled point in the trapper’s mind that something was to be done that night, which the doer thereof deemed advisable to en- act without the knowledge of his employers. And, with this conclusion, be had resolved to be a detective upon Dedzel’s actions, When he saw Dedzel leave the camp, he did not hesitate an instant about following. He de- termined that if anything was done he would be a witness to it. Once upon the open prairie, in the full, bright light of the moon, he saw the guide some distance ahead, moving swiftly on, as if in a great hurry to have theaffair over, Fear- ful that the man would look back and discover him, he stooped till bis head was almost on a level with bis knees, and then darted forward, noiselessly but boldly, on the track of the dis- trusted party. Instead of remaining so far be- hind that he could just see the figure in front, as might have been expected of him, he moved ata swifter pace than that of the guide, ‘His object in doing this was to get so near that he coulds the guide distinctly, and be ready to drop in the 5 whenever he glanced back over his shoul- er, It soon became obvious that Dedzel’s desti- nation was a grove of oak trees about a mile from the camp. This grove resembled an island on the ocean, as it rested like a dark blotch on the bosom of thé broad, level plain, and by the name of islands such groves are fre- quently called by prairie-men. Darrell could not but wonder what his errand to such a place could be, and he was. determined to find out if he could do so by keeping the object of his sus- Pcion in sight. Twice he was compelled to hrow himself on the ground, to escape the keen eyes of Dedzel as they shot backward, and both times his wonderful quickness saved ‘him from discovery, _They soon neared the grove. Dedzelslackened his pace as he entered the shadows of the trees, and his pursuer did the same. A few mora steps and Dedzel disappeared. The trapper did not wait an instant then, but darted forward like a flash, and in another moment he, too, was under cover of the darkness that pervaded the patch of timber. Here he paused, and hugged the trunk of a large oak i take breath and listen, They were both in the grove now, where the moonlight did not pene trate, and he could no longer see the guide. As he listened, however, he heard footsteps slowly receding through the wood. This showed that the guide was still moving on, and had not dis- covered him. Darrell was about to follow by the sound of footsteps, when he was checkeil by the low neigh of a horse close at hand, and the stamp of an iron-shod hoof on the turf. Within the same minute a strange voice cried out, impatiently: “Whoa! Stand still, you fool, or I'll larrup you till you have a cause for being restless!” Somewhat astonished, Darrell stepped quick] back and again stvod as close to the tree-trun as possible, In this position, resembling a part of the tree itself, he listened fcr an explanation of the mystery. Presently that same strange voice exclaimed: * Hello, Ledzel! Is that you?” And then came the. reply, in a voice quite familiar to the listener: “Tn course it’s me. Didn’t suppose twas any- body else, did ycu?” *“No; I’m glad you come.” ‘Bah! yer didn’t think I'd furgit? That ain't Nim Dedzel’s style. I knowed this was the fu’st place of meetin’, and yer’ I am, and yer’ youare, and we'd better be quick about it,” * Well, has any suspicion been placed upon me? ss Not any. Thar was at fu’st, but I settled that. ‘*Good! I shall come in sight every day, and if anything extraordinary happens you can com- municate to me.” ‘That'll do.” ‘* It will be a pretty good haul, I suppose?” “ Devilish good.” » “How much?” “Three thousand in gold and silver.” ** So much?” ‘*No less.” A prolonged whistle of surprise. ‘* It will be well worth our trouble then.” “ That's my calculation.” * Well, Ihave a strong body under my com- mand,” “Have, hey? When shall the thing take place?” ‘Tn about three weeks.” “ Whar?” “Tn Bloody Hollow, on the banks of Devil’s Creek, Ha! ha! I guess you know where that is, since those names originated with you.” ‘“Wal, I reckon that’s the proper place for’t. Don’t fail. See't yer comes up to the scratch, whatever happens.” “ Trust me for that.” And there the conversation ended. Immediately following the last words, the stranger was heard to chirrup sharply to his horse, and then there was a crashing of brush- wood as the animal moved away. Before that noise ceased to be heard, Nim Dedzel brushed by the trapper so close that their garments near] touched, Watching him like a serpent, Darre saw him leave the grove and h across the open prairie toward the camp. en Darrell tree, standing perfectly still to | wrapped his blanket tightly around him, crouch»
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14 _~, Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. ed so low that he was almost concealed by the grass, and darted after the guide, Thus’ they both returned’ to camp, ‘When they reached the wagons the guide resumed his post in the entrance to the inclosure, filled his pipe anid lit it, as if he had no intention of clos- ing his eyes that night. Darrell made a detour, by worming himself through the grass, and crawled uuder a ‘wagon, wibh all the stealth he could command,’ He regained’ his position un- discovered; and ‘once more laid) down to rest, ‘But' there was no ‘sleep for him‘now.'» His:mind was’ so occupied with what’ had: just:transpired ‘that sleep was entirely out of the question.” His thoughts ‘were ‘full of ‘what he had’ heard, Every word of that strange dialogue passed again and again through his mind, in regular pro- cession. Dedzel’s ‘remark about’ three thousand in'pold and silver being a good haul, caused hin no ‘little anxiety, for that very day he re- membered to have heard one of the emigrants observe that there was about that amiount of hard'thoney in the party, and he: could not rid himself of the belief that’ it was this’ money Dedzél' had ‘alluded to. During all the hours that intervened between that timeand dawn, he lay there and thought of it. By watching the guido, he had seen and heard more than he had expected ‘to see and hear, and the! result was that ‘his suspicions were in a’ measure confirmed. There no longer existed a doubt in bis mind that Nim Dedzel was a villain and a traitor. When morning broke, and the party began: to stir about, making the usual preparations for another day’s journey, Darrell left his Sleepless resting-place and began to-do the'same, | But hoe was untsually silent: and grave, and more than once as he moved about he shot a’ threatening lance at the guide from his piereing orbs. Ho fia notideem it advisable'to tell the people what had transpired while they slumbered, excepting Adolphus, to whom he related the whole circum- stance justvas it: occurred! «Adolphus was con- siderably alarmed, and declared they:could not do better than to let the emigrants’ know all about it, so that the fellow could be discharged at Once, But Darrell said they-would keep their own counsel, and wait. ‘Ono third on’em wouldn’t ‘believe it,” said he, ‘if should tell’em, They all have faith in him;‘appeerently, andiif! I war to open my head they mought think I’s the one as had deviltry, in my noddle, ll let’ the matter'rest awhile, and keep up my detective work, and if: I kin gita chance to prove the fellow’s treachery, in time to save tha’r'lives; hyur’s what'll do his durned- est. ** You really think he meditates mischief to this party?” “ does,” That afternoon the mysterious rider who had been dogging the wagon-train, once more made his ‘appearance; | Tho: emigrants called him the Wild \Horseman;:and none of them seemed to experience’ the slightest uneasiness at his com- ing, but'were rather samused ‘as ‘they watched his insane actions; This time he came from the south, and nied par ata steady canter, For along time: he kept: this course, but at length, when within 163s than a mile of the wagons, he suddenly changed’ to another’ direction. Goy- erned by a single movement Of the hand that held » the ‘reins, ‘the large; handsome:|ihorse swerved to’ one side witha graceful demi-yolt, and ‘began to perform a circle round:the wagons, Every one watched . the unkhosn: rider ‘with more or less interest, ashe began: toisweep round them, with his long hair and: mantle, flapping unheeded: in the wind, . At. one time he would throw, himself back in the saddle. and wave’ his arms wildly in the air; at another} he! would rise in the stirrups, lean forward and urge the fleet-footed animal to its best speed; as-ifi a legion of ‘devilswas in hot pursuit... In this manner he:completed the circle,.and)then with a shrill, maniacal cry, and a parting: wave, ofi the hand, he cantered leisurely away in a southerly direction, toward .the..point from which he had come, “That chap’s'crazy as a loonj” said the guide to Darrell, when the rider had disappeared in the.distance, ** Dhink so?’ was the short response. ** Don’t think nothin’ ’boutiit.. [ know it,” ‘*'Phar’s room for) more’n,one opinion thar,” said Darrell, significantly, and, .without step- ping to note the effect of his words, he;turned away, and joined Atieiphos and Jack, It is not worth while to, particularizeevery day and every incident of: that, tedious jour- ney! across the plain.) .Day after day, and week after week passed away, and nothing - worthy of ,record, occurred, to vary the weary monotony.» Dusky. Darrell occupied;:;much of. his time ,in thinking of what bad trans- pired’ inthe grove, and after that Nim, Dedzel was watched’ like: a hawk, morning, noon, and night, Adolphus ofteu relieving his friend) when nature demanded, rest for the latter,. He secret- ly resolved that be would never leaye|the party till. satisfied that nothing more was to. be appre- hended.from the cunning; villainy of the guide. The Wild.Horseman. made bis; appearance nearly every day. Sometimes,.he described a circle round them, riding with, the,speed of. the wind; at; other, times he merely crossed) their path in front or behind; but; invariably, he exe- ‘cuted bis entire pantomimic performance, to the amusement of his traveling audience. His ac- tions were. indubitably those of a madman; ard as such he was regarded, almost. without an ex- ception. Sometimes it, was thought that Dusky Darrell had his doubts on, that) point, but the trapper was_as inaccessible as an oyster on. the subject, One evening, more than three weeks after the memorable night.on which Darrell had been a, witness to. the suspicious actions of Nim Dedzel, the wagon-train was once more brought to. a.halt. on. the. approach of darkness, The encampment was formed after the usual fashion, and_ by ten o’clock ‘everybody was asleep, with the single exception .of |, Adolphus: Perkins. Darrell had whispered to him just before dark, charging him!to remain awake and keep,watch, | while be himself caught a little ‘sleep, for) the © restoration of exhausted nature, The detective also’ gave orders) that be should) be. instantly awakened: if ‘anything/extraordinary occurred, and was promised. obedience... Soi this, was 'the reason that Adolphus'was. awake when the rest were locked in slumber, slept: pth ‘that ‘throg “ M urd
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Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. i6 He thought of a thousand things, and, at last, ‘owhen every other subject for reflection was ex- hausted, he remembered, with a start; that he had’ been charged: to watch Nin Dedzel! He was lying’ on his blanket, so as to appear asleep, and the thought had no sooner wena him than he turned his: head to look at the man. ‘What was’ his surprise’ and: consternation,;when he _ made the discovery that Nim Dedzil had: disap- ‘pared; and was nowhere to be seen? * Confound it,” he growled, ‘I should like to know where the: deuce the’ slippery fellow has gone?) Why couldn’t he stay here and behave himself? No» good’ will come of: his ungentle- manly conduct. I’m positive of that. Oh, Lord!” The exclamation with which Adolphus’ con- cluded his’ soliloquy ‘was uttered in a husky, frightened whisper. «juin lo bio ' He turned pale. His eyes started half out of their sockets; and fastened themselves upon some object with a: scared look, The object iniques- tion- was nothing more nor less than’a’ hurnan figure. It was crawlingunder a wagon—crawl- ing slowly and softly, as'if intent upon entering . the camp unseen—and coming directly toward -ohim?! It was but a little distance away—under »emne ence ae nen ene eae oe : f the nearest wagon—and unless it changed its 1 SLi would soon be on the spot where he was , | sitting, y For a moment Adolphus’stared at the figure, a and then, almost breathless with terror,'Ke lay ; .. down and covered his head with his blanket. In s] i this position, breathing huskily and: short, his d beart throbbing wildly’ and fast, he ‘silently. om awaited his fate. \ He fully believed the intruder Ex was coming to kill bim, and he well-nigh smoth- y ered himself with bis’ blanket, with a vague feel- Zs ing that there was hope in such a concealment, He heard the stranger coming, slowly, stealthily x9 | heard him crawling ¢lose to bis head—heard a him pass—and then the sound died out, and all al was still. This surprised’ Perkins: The in- ir | trader had undoubtedly passed on without no- Pi | ticing him. For some moments ‘he’ lay ‘still, he , thinking it too good to be true; then, with'a de- va } termination to be bold, he’ ventured: to throw pi side the blanket and raise his head.’ .x- _ AShé did this; the first thing he saw. was.the ky | Very figure'that had startled himso, Itewas not ‘yo | ON all-fours'now, but standing erect. » He could the fee the outline of the form, and a form of hercu- ia mold it was—tall, muscular, massive, At the | its feet, something lying silently on the ground sy | attracted his notice This | i gen Bo : y is something “was the fim | Prostrate body of @ man; evidently unconscious bt jjnslumber. Adolphus gave a treniendous start, Rhe pret half-rose’ to his feet, He remembered who ion, he sleeping man was—it was no other than vith | Dusky Darren. ius. ee intruder’ wag ‘standing Over him appar- ark, 1Ge os looking down upon. his’ upturned face. teh, | ir of Keaven! what was it that he saw? A ‘the | Knife glittering in the stranger’s hand! Horror! ive slop iy Soing, ‘to murder’ the trapper as’ he 8 This was t20 much for Adolphus. Withia yell see that might’ have done’ justice’ to a half-dozen rest throats, he'sprung to his feet, 7° Help! Murder!’ Fire!” he shrieked: “‘* Fire! Murde! Help!” Wake up, Darréll, if you don’t: se want fo be killed! Hangnation! Blood and thunder! Help! Nigger in the pit! Ob—oh— oh! Put him out! Roll up,tumbleup-h-e-l-p!? The noise was almost sufficient to wake the Seven Sleepers. Darrell jumped ‘up as if he were struck, and:confronted' his would-be assas- sin, | The Jatter staggered. back, hurled his knife to the ground, and turned his blazing eyes upon Adolphus. “Then was madé the startling discov- ery. tuat the midnight ;prowler was, not a stranger, as had been supposed, but Nim Dedzel, the guide! Then there was aislight commotion in camp. Quite a number of people were awakened by the vociferous cries of Adolphus, and. while some merely looked out of the wagons, and inquired the cause of ; the disturbance,.others rushed ex- citedly to the spot, and surrounded)the three men with a clamor of interrogations. “))):.% As soon as! Perkins: could ‘speak intelligibly, the explained: briefly, that ‘the guide ‘had been sneaking about -with a knife inj bis band, and that he was on the point of. stabbing Darrell, when he had seen proper to interrupt the mur- derer by shouting to the trapper,’ Dedzel, with his arms folded over his broad chest, looked at the speaker with a ‘smile of err and said: stile you all: b’lieve: what he says. Hel he! hol» ‘The feller’s been dreamin’, I. take it, or else he’s'a blamed coward!” : t ““Oh, what a lie!” returned: Perkins. : ‘' I first saw you under that wagon. You were on your bands and knees, crawling toward me, ou assed on |to» Darrell. . You were) about'to stab im*when:l raised my voice.” ‘Adolphus was: terribly. excited}, Dedzel was eook : “JT was jist) walkin’ around,” said. the latter, addressing the crowd. «‘t 1 was ‘passin? this spot when that spindle-shanked cuss jumped ‘up and begun to squawk like askeered a” i/* Demnition!: youre: an awful liar.) Why, here’s the very knife which you had’ raised over my friend.” And.as he spoke, Adolphus stooped and picked a0 ate knife which he had seen »im Dedzel’s and,' eH ‘“ That Sticker: don’t belong to me,” said the | guide, coolly. ‘ Here’s mine, inmy belt.” Dusky Darrell looked at. the weapon,’and in- stantly declared! that it ‘was his: property. Then a loud laugh was raised at our, hero’s expense, “T don’t care a straw!” yelled the exasperated fellow. ‘He took it out of Darrell’s belt—that’s what he did.” r iz “Don’t say.any: more, Spider,” whispered Darrell; closeto ‘his ear. *t They won't ibelieve you now, if you blow all night.” rae The crowd) dispersed, with many jokes. and outbursts of laughter, and once more “ turned in,” all under the impression that Adolphus had been the victim of a frightful dream. , i$ CHAPTER V1. IN HIS OWN TRAP, ee LrtTLE was said» themext:day about Perkins’s midnight adventure. Once in a while some waggish fellow would, fling a joke-at him for being frightened in his sleep, but.no one thought of putting any! weight upon the accusation made
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16 Dusky Darreli, the Camp Detective. against the guide. And so it afforded little food for conversation, During the latter part of the day, Perkins and Darrell found themselves riding alone at some distance behind the caravan, and then the subject was discussed by them for the first time. ‘tT say, Darrell,” said the exquisite, in a trou- bled voice, ‘don’t you believe what I told you last night? You didn’t think I was lyin’, did you, in what I said about Nim Dedzel?” ‘*T believed all that you said,” was the reply. “That the scoundrel was going to puncture your person?” “ Exactly.” “And that my interference prevented him from so doin’ “a Sart’in.” “Then why the deuce didn’t you say so on the spot, and maybe they wouldn’t have had the iil-manners to laugh at me as they did?” “ Bab! tha’r laughin’ ’mounted to nothin’, and thar was no needcessity fur me to open my mouth. That knife could never been out of my belt ‘less twas tuck out by human hands, that’s said. But these chaps is fresh from the States, b’ar in mind, and green as hammered elm, and con’squently they ain’t goin’ to give up tha’r faith in Nim Dedzel till sunkthin’s proved ag’in’ him. But never mind: Pll open tha'r eyes to-night.” “ How?” ‘‘No matter; Pl do it, sure’s shootin’, The stranger as I heerd talkin’ toGreen that night in the grove, said sunkthin’ war to happen ’bout three weeks from that time, It’s been now nigh onto four weeks and I’ve been expectin’ that ar’ sunkthin’ fur two or three days.” “ And you think it will occur to-night?” “T wouldn’t bet ag’in’ it.” (good gracious! maybe it'll be something dreadful.” *« More’n possible,” ‘Maybe they'll blow us all up with gun- powder while we’re asleep.” “ Hyur’s what this beaver thinks, pale-faces are leagued with Injuns.” “Well?” ‘ Them two ‘And them Injuns are spilin’ fur a skulp- dance, while the whites are hankerin’ arter the money as belongs to these people.” “Thunderation! You don’t believe it, though?” **T does,” Adolphus began to breathe hard. “This is terrible,” he said, wiping the per- ¢piration from his brow with a perfumed hand- kerchief. ‘‘I don’t like such nonsense as_ this, and I won’t stand it! It makes aman feel cold to think about it, I tell you what we can do, though. Weare under no obligations to any one here and if we should slide out at once, and leave them to take care of themselves, we might escape with our hair, you see,” He ceased speaking as he observed the dark aia settle likea thundercloud on the trapper’s row. ‘Spider, ’m ashamed of you,” he said, al- most severely. ‘I allus knowed you war afeard of reds, but emash me if 1 didn’t think you war more ofa man than to talk in that > £ = style at a time like this, If Il ain’t awfully fool- ed, you’re struck arter that purty Weller gal, but as soon as danger comes you're willin’ to give her up, leave her to a horrible fate, and git. $ that the sort of a man youare? If tis, hyur’s as wants no more to do with you.” Adolphus turned scarlet, and dropped his eyes with shame, ‘* Hang it!” he exclaimed, “ itdoes seem devil- ish cowardly in me to think of nobody but my- self. Poor Julia! Suppose she should be killed? Gracious whatafooll am! T’ma clam! I’m a bug! I’m everything! Tobe candid with you I’m deeply in love with that charming maiden!” ‘**'You don’t desarve her,” “Now don’t say that, Darrell; please don’t! I'm not so great acoward as you think, I’m not really afraid of Indians, but { don’t like them— not any. I spoke thougttlessly a moment ago; I will stay and see the fracas through. Wherever my dear Julia is, there I shall find it a pleasure to be, though surrounded by dangers of the most appalling kind.” ** Now you’re talkin’.” “ But, see here, Darrell,” continued Adolphus, stammeringly, ‘don’t you think you had bet- ter warn the emigrants of their peril, before this thing takes place? In that case they could be on their guard, and perhaps we would not then be—wiped out, you know?” ‘* Leave that bianess to me, youngster,” And there the subject was dropped. That evening they turned aside frorn the trail about half a mile, and went into camp. The place was well-chosen—even Dusky Darrell ad- mitted that. lt was in a small hollow in the prairie, and through one side of it ran a small river, or creek as it was called, deep enough at that point to render fording impossible, It was an abrupt bend in this stream that bad been selected for the encampment, so that when the wagons were loeked together in their usual man- ner, and everything was prepared for the night, the emigrants found themselves defended on three sides by impassable water. “This,” said the guide, ‘tis Bloody Holler, and the stream runnin’ through it are Devil’s Crick, I give’em them names myself, and no others would ’a’ been half so ’propriate.” “ Indeed?” returned Jack Weller. ‘* You have stopped here before, tien?” “Wal, I jist has,” responded the ee, em- phates with a covert twinkle in his snake- ike orbs, “And why did you give this the name of Bloody Hollow?” Dedzel hesitated before replying to this in- quiry, and looked as though he would like to say something if he could but deem it prudent todoso. However, he merely remarked: “T hain’t time to tell you the story now, youngster, but afore we leave this place I'll warrant as you will be convinced that Bloody Holler is the proper name for’t.” With this he walked away, chuckling slyly to himself, Before it had grown dark, Darrell began his self-imposed task. Taking great pains that the guide should not observe his movements, and divine their import, he went to every man separately and talked to him briefly and hurried-
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Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. _ i? [rr ly. In most cases his whispered words created perceptible excitement, and looks of surprise, doubt, indignation and vindictiveness were freely bestowed upon the unsuspecting guide, while a few were observed to turn pale and shudder, When his task was done, Darrell went to Adolphus with sparkling eyes and a smile of triumph, ; “Now we'll see who wins,” said he, in a low tone, ‘I’ve putevery man on his guard, and it’s my opinion we'll have a lively time hyur to-night. Some on ’em don’t helieve thar’s any cause for s’picion, but all admit that no harm kin come of bein’ ready fur *mergencies. I told em how to act, They’re not to do or say anything that will give Dedzel the least idee of what’s goin’on. They’re to go to bed to-night, jist as usual, but not to sleep, and the very minute I gives the word every one on ’em comes forth ready fur duty.” “ Good!” said Perkins, approvingly. ‘* You’ve arranged things handsomely. But, judging from your zeal in this, you seem perfectly satis- fied that the aforesaid thing will take place to- night.” 7 “Dd een a’most sw’ar to it.” “Then, my friend, our opinions differ. My view of the affair is just this: if the fellow had meditated harm to us during this halt, he would net have chosen a locality so disadvantageous for attack.” Darrell shook his head. “That ain’t my view of the case, by a long shot. Dedzel’s object in selectin’ this p’int fur a hid ees Sas are to pull the wool over our eyes, and make us think he’s awful keerful. But ‘tain’t often this beaver gits hoodwinked in that style, This is a good sitiwation fur defense— no two ways "bout that—but what chance would we have to defend ourselves if a body of reds war to come down on us while we’s ali asieep? That’s the way they intend to work the thing, and they wouldn’t leave a grease-spot of us if tha’r plan *u’d succeed. But we'll see how it turns out now.” That evening, as they ate their supper and smoked their pipes, the only change perceptible in the emigrants was their unusual silence and gravity. Nim Dedzel was obvioasly ina very good humor, haying a good-natured word for every one he met. Upon being questioned as to whether he would station guards over the camp that night, he replied that such a precaution was absolutely unnecessary, ‘‘Howsomever,” he added, ‘‘Tll stay awake myself and see that nothin’ comes nigh. If I git sleepy toward the middle of the night, I'll rouse one of the men and let him e my place.” When the proper time arrived all “turned in,” just as usual, and as naturally as if it wero to obtain their customary rest and sleep. In a few minutes silence brooded over the camp— silence deep and solemn—and the traveling winds paused to hover about the canvas tilts for awhile, as if warning the inmates of the = apa peril, and then, with a gentle sigh, pa on. No one seemed awake except Nim Dedzel. He reclined on the soft grass near the entrance to the inclosure, quietly smoking his piye, and looking complacently about him at the score of heavy wagons forming a semicircle on the river- bank, There was something more than com- placency, there was exultation in his look—a greedy anticpation of triumph, and a golden harvest, He gazed at the silent caravan as though it were in his power, and he was al- ready free torummage it from one end to the other, About two hours after the last man had re- tired, the guide ceased smoking, put bis pipe out of sight, and cautiously rose from bis re- cumbent positicn, He then drew his cap down to his very eyes, tightened his belt, took up his rifle, cast a last searching Icok cver the encamp- ment, and darted through the opening as noise- lessly as a serpent. He was gone, leaving the camp unguarded, As soon as he was out of sight, a figure rose silently from tle ground where it bad been ly- ing as motionl ss as the ground itself, It was the figure of Dusky Darrell. He had been feigning sleep skillfully enough to deceive the most acute observer, but his detective eyes had scarcely left the reposing form of the guide, Now he glided tothe opening and looked out, Dedzel was hurrying away, and fast disappear- ing in the darkness, ‘Go on, you varmint,” growled the trapper, as he turned away. ‘‘Go on, and bring yer copper-skinned crew to lift our ha’r, if that’s yer game; but smash me if yer doesn’t find us ready to receive you. It’ll bea complete su’- Belo: sart’in, but the su’prise’ll all be on t’other side, : With this he began to arouse the camp, From wagon to wagon he went, lifting the cover of every one successively, and addressing a_few words to its inmates in a low tone, When this was done he passed among those ly- ing on the ground, and gave them the word. Several had fallen asleep as they waited, but they were cout awakened by the low, pene- trating voice of Darrell. In a few minutes the area was swarming with dark figures. Women with blanched faces hud- dled together on the banks of the stream, strain- ing their children to their bosoms, and raining tears upon their helpless heads, Poor mothers} they knew. not how soon their little darlings would be torn from their arms, and butchered before their eyes, Men burried to and fro, ex- citedly~but in silence, some looking to the prim- ing of their guns, others filling their powder flasks and bullet-pouches, while a few, who had no preparations to make, took this opportunity of comforting their wives and children. No one seemed to entertain a doubt, now, that the guide was a traitor, and that he was about to show them convincing proof of his treachery. Else, why had he stolen away, like a thief, at that hour of the night? A number of them had seen him go, and were positive that his depar- ture was premeditated, They now looked upon Dusky Darrell as their leader, and they awaited his commands, He gave them with the coolness and clear judgment of an old pei accepting his position without a word, knowing that he ne the most competent person in the party to ili it. ! ; } n
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is Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. _ There were thirty-two men of the defenders, the greater number of whom were brave and~ self-confident, while’a few, who otherwise would have held back, felt themselves endowed with courage bya single thought of the dear ones under their protection. Darrell spoke cheerfully and hopefully. “The attacking party, he said, could approach only from one quarter, and, un- less the party was much larger than he suspected it would be, they, with the wagons for fortifica- tions, would undoubtedly have the advantage, The men were stationed at regular’ intervals along the line of wagons, all guns heavily charged and freshly primed. It was decided that, when Darrell gayé the order, one-half of them should discharge their pieces, the other half reserving their fire until the effect of the first was noted, and thesecond command given, | After that they were to load and firé as rapidly as possible, with- out further orders, '’ When all préparations were finished, Darrell -went out to see if the foe were coming, In a few minutes he came hurrying back, and bounded into the area with flashing eyes, “What is it?? inquired Adolphus, who knew “in an instant that his friend had made’ a dis- Govery. “Thoy’re comin’,” was the brief reply. “t° Who's coming?” “ Tnjuns!”? | The excitement was ‘intense now. There had been sacrét hopes’ that they would’ not’ be at- tacked that night, but the oa words “dashed every hope, and warned the enjigrants ‘that they must fight or die. There was a com- pressing of Hps, a flashing of eyes, ’a steadying of nerves, and in a moment every heart seemed stecled, and every face wore a look of dogged determination.’ Anxious glances were shot at the group of women and’ ‘children, but the anxiety in them was hidden as much as possible, ‘Those were brave souls which resolved then and thera that ‘no violent hands should touch the helpless ones looking to them for protection, until their own bodies were trampled under foot. Darrell said he had not heen able to determino the number of their enemies, precisely, but he significantly added that the band’ was not a smaller one than “‘ he’d looked for.” "They war comin’ slow when I see’d ’em,” he continued, ‘*so as to git as clus’ to the camp as possible ‘%thout wakin’ us up. DTwar jist near mough to see as they were hossmen, but I’m sart’in they’re réds, They’ll be onto us ‘fore long. Hist! Took!” ‘Every tongue was silent, and every eye and ear on the alert, While speaking, the ‘quick-sighted detective detected a form—a single form, dim and shadowy, but evidently that of a man—out upon the prai- rio, at a little distance from the encampment. Tt was in motion; that was obvious at first sight. A second look showed that it was approaching— and. approaching with the bold, free step, and cool assurance of one who feels no'cause for fear. Darrell ordered ‘every ‘one to lie ‘close to the ground and maintain a strict silence. The order was ‘promptly obeyed; even the children gave vent, to no sound, éxcept that occasioned by their husky breathing; ‘and the stillness'of the grave brooded over the canip. The lone individual came steadily on; until within a few yards of the wagons,,, Then. he stopped, and inclined bis head -as if listening, He spent about a minute in this attitude, when, seeming Satisfied that all was well, be put. his fingers to his mouth and gaye vent to a soft, tremulous whistle. It was a singular sort of a whistle, low but penetrating, such as,may be heard—especially;on an‘open prairie, in the dead of night—fully as well at the distance of a half- mile as at a dozen feet, , , But he had no sooner given the signal than he was seized by a pair of strong hands,and, hurled violently to thé earth! Sinewy, fingers clutched his throat—a rough’ palm was. pressed. tightly over his mouth, until a gag was slipped betiveen his teeth—and in this manner, unable to utter a sound, he was dragged into the inclosure a belp- less prisoner, ye c It was Dusky Darrell who had : captured the prowler, CHAPTER VIL THE HOUR OF PERIL, — ‘Bg still; you wolf-cub!” commanded Darrell, as he threw his prisoner on the ground, among the astonished emigrants, and placed one heavy foot upon bis breast. ‘* Be still, or, Dll) smas yer pictur’ in the flirtof a skunk’s tail, you devil’s' imp!” “ Who she?’ asked Adolphus; and several others reiterated the question. ‘““Who is he?” repeated. the trapper. , “ Jist take a‘ squint at him, and I'll sw’ar you won’t ax ag’in. Yer know him as well as I.” He stepped back to give them.a ketter view. They bent over the prostrate. man, hastily scrutinized his face, and then started back with various ressions of surprise. z “Nim Dedzel exclaimed a dozen in a breath, ; “Yas, it’s Nim Dedzel,”, coolly; remarked Darrell: € “Why, L thought it was an Indian,” said Mr, » Weller. ““Wagh! he’s worse nor .an;Injun;,or Pll knock under!” 5 16 “*T think you are too hasty, my friend,” said a@ lank individual, stepping forth with an im- portant air, ‘* What right had you to capture this: gentleman, and gag him in this cruel man- ner? He had simply strolled away a short dis- tance, and was returning. tcan you prove against him?” “Were not his actions calculated.to excite suspicion?” answered Jack’ Weller.» ‘Did he not.stop outside and whistle, in a, manner that showed plainly he was signaling to, somebody? The result of that signal:is»yet to be seen, and in all likelihood—” : { ‘Tho! result of: that ar signal may be seen now,” interrupted Darrell, ‘‘ Look out yender, if yer wantsito see it.” 1f 44s ; ‘6 was pointing toward the'prairia,: All-eyes were turned in that direction, and a black; shapeless mass was seer moving! slowly across the plain, likeva:storm-cloud. Jow down in the horizon.’ Ifo was just: discernible: to the naked eyé, and what it was composed of could not be determined. | Everyone: instinctively é
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Dusky Darrell, the: Camp: Detective. i9 guessed the truth, however, and was. prepared to bear the whispered declaration of Darrell: “That ax’s the attackin’ party, sure’s shootin’, and it’s b’arin’ down on us, too... Don’t make any, more noise than you kin. Hyur, two or three of you fellers help mo tie this cuss’s hands and feet, and the;chap as takes that gag out of his. mouth will, git one put in his’n., Yer mought as well b’ar that in mind, kumrid,” he added, addressing the lank individual, who had objected to the treatment imposed upon the uide, . Dedzel was bound securely, hand and foot., He . looked the. fierce hatred, disappointment, and fear be could not express in. words, and was tauntingly laughed at by his captors, They threw him out of their way, in a manner, more expeditious than, gentle, and left, him jying on the bank of the creek; where he amused himself by trying to push the gag from his mouth with his tongue. In another minute every man was at his post, ready for action, and every mother, with her little ones gathered round her, awaited the onset with silent dread. In.an instant the plain was covered with fly- ing horsemen, while from fifty savage throats burst a yell, wild and hideous, evidently intend- ed to paralyze the whites as it aroused them from their slumbers,, Every one knew that cry, It was the war-whoop of the Indians. And there, was one in the party, at least—Dusky Dar- rell—who knew, from that cry, that the assail- ants were Cheyennes, All at once the clear, stentorian voice of Dusky Darrell rung out: “On the right, thar! Steady—ire /” : A sheet of flame flashed out in the darkness, like avglare of lightning—there was a crash equal to the report of a cannon—and sixteen rifles were emptied in the face of the foe, Then there was dire confusion among the In- , dians, The exultant battle-cry was changed to howls of pain, rage and disappointment. There was.a tumultuous pounding of hoofs; frightened steeds became ungoyeruable, and dashed, madly hitber and thither, while a number of riderless ones went careering across the prairie with ter- rific speed. Death-shrieks, and groans of agony mingled with fierce mandates and hoarse shouts of anger; and more than one of the defenders fancied they heard, several times, the voice of a white man rising above those of the savages. Ina minute the enemy had rallied, and once more, with appalling yells, the dusky band bore down upon the. whites, \ _ Then came, Darrell’s second command, firm and distinct: ‘‘ Now—you on the left—fire!” The remaining sixteen, rifles, reserved for this moment, were discharged with deadly effect, and again there was destruction and confusion among the Cheyennes.. By this time many | of thcse. who had fired the fitst volley had reloaded their pieces, and now they began to shoot as rapidly_as they could load,and unload, The Indians. were, furious. with surprise and rage, and a terrible din was created, Being now close upon the wagons, they fired a number of random shots, though it_is scarcely possible . that they saw the persons shot at, There wasa plunging and. snorting of »maddened horses—a thundering of hoofs on the ground—unearthly screaming, groaning and) yelling—cheer upon cheer from the whites, and a rapid cracking, of rifles, In a. moment after the savages outside the in- closure left off firing, and with one last wrath- ful yell dashed away as fast as.their frightened animals could carry them, And then rose a long, lusty cheer from, many lusty pair.of lungs, followed by a chorus of thanksgiving to God for the merciful deliverance,., The danger was; over —the assailants had fled in a panic—and. the grateful emigrants were saved. The gag was now remoyed from Nim Dedzel’s mouth, since his dusky allies were far beyond the reach of his voice, but. as it was.deemed too much trouble at present to guard him, the cords were allowed to remain upon his ankles and wrists. ; H The fight took place shortly after midnight. About an hour after it ended, some one made the discovery that one of the party was missing. That was no other than Adolphus Perkins. He had not been seen since the fight, and no one could tell what had. become of him. He was gone-missing—and_ had left no trace by which his whereabouts could be determined, Jack Weller. testified, that. when, the approach. of the attacking party had first. been discovered, he and Adolphus had) taken. their positions side by side, but immediately after the. first, volley had been fired he had disappeared. Julia Weller then, remembered, that while she and Rosa Brown were standing on the bank of the stream, locked in each other’s arms, Per- kins had rushed by them witha smoking gun in bis hand, and had shouted good-by to then as he passed,. .They had supposed he was jesting, howeyer, and had not entertained a suspicion that be was really leaving. Furthr investigations were made, and it was discovered that his horse was also gone, which was refutatory to the general opinion, that. the missing man had been shot while standing near the creek, and had fallen into, the water, It Was now unanimously conceded, that after firing one shot at the enemy, he had mounted his horse and fled, Dusky Darrell knew Adolpbus Perkins better than any one else in the party, and although he was wise enough to keep his own counsel, he was secretly assured that nothing but cowardice had taken his young friend away. ; So, unwilling to wait till the light of day should favor him, he, stole away from his com- panions, and went out among the bodies of the slain. Cheyennes to look for, that, of our hero, praying, nevertheless, that it could not be found t . While .moying slowly about, the fanper’s mind was susdienly diverted. from the search by the sight of something he had not, before seen, it was a horse, standing, directly in front of him, distinctly outlined against the distant sky. With his eyes bent upon. the ground, he had not seen it until within a few yards of; where it stood. The, animal,.made no noise whatever, bnt maintained a solemn: silence, as if he were standing guard over the corpses. lying aronnd him, It:could be seen that a saddle was on his
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20 back. This led Darrell to believe that it was not the property of an Indian, but that ofa white man, In all probability it was Adolphus Perkins’s horse, and that unfortunate individual was lying on the ground, dead. It was a horri- ble thought, and Darrell was on the eve of moy- ing forward to investigate, when his steps were arrested by the voice of a man—a low, guarded voice, evidently proceeding from a dark, crouch- ing form on the ground at the horse’s feet, “Hello, Dedzel! Is that you?” Darrell gave a tremendous start, and then stood perfectly still, calm and collected in an in- stant. It was not the surprise of being unex- pectedly addressed that caused him to start, but the fact that the voice and the words were familiar to him. On that memorable night, _ when he had followed Nim Dedzel to the oak prove, and had heard the significant colloquy etween him and the unseen stranger—then and there it was he had beard that same question, uttered in a.voice so closely resembling this one, that he could only conclude tkey belonged to one and the same person. While such thoughts were flashing through his mind, he stood gazing silently at the crouching figure before him. “Tt is you, Dedzel?” asked the stranger again. The detective did not hesitate longer. His mind was made up the next second, and he gruffly replied: “Sartinly it’s me, “ Bah! you know me?—Buek ‘“ Not ’tain’t Buck?” *Tsn’t it? Hal ba! ha!” “Sh! not so loud—they’ll hear you from the camp. Bufflers! what you doin’ hyur? <Ain’t hurt, be you?” “Lord, no, Went away with the Cheyennes; came back alone, to see whether you got through safe or not. See here, Dedzel, I don’é under- stand it at all. How did you make such an awkward mistake?” “Wal, I did make ’bout the biggest blunder of my life, that’s sart?in, but I’m powerful glad it’s no wuss.” “ How did it happen?” ‘ Jist in this yer’ way. Youseo I thought they was all asleep, every mother’s son on’ em, but hope I may be shot if they warn’t shammin’, and jist as wide awake as youare now! That chap as they call Dusky Darrell, I reckon he smelt a mice, and found out somehow that the Injuns war goin’ to ‘tack ’em, ’cause he wouldn’t let any of ’em go to sleep.” “Then why did you give the signal for us to advance when you went back to the camp? “Cause the cussed snakes kept so still that I was green enough to think they war asleep. didn’t find out the truth till it war too late. I did give you the signal to retreat, but at the same second the reds give a screech, and ’tain’t no wonder you didn’t hear it.” - “Do the pale-faces Gb eat you?” “T think they does, though I can’t say fur sart’in. ‘hey axed me who I was whistlin’ to, Who are you?” igler?” when I give you the signal to advance, and I told ’em I was tryin’ to wake them up and put at on tha’r guard, ’thout lettin’ the Injuns know t, i The reds is sorter mad, ain’t they?” ‘‘Mad! Tshould say they were, They blame Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective, eat you fur the destruction of their brethren, and are impatient to get their hands upon you,” “ Bufflers! they wouldn’t kill me?” “They would tear you limb from limb,” tho ‘Tt would be best for me to steer clear of dea them then.” on ‘For the present, yes. But what makes you he talk so curious, Dedzel? Your voice isn’t nat- @bil ural,” Spot In the beginning Dusky Darrell had imitated id the voice of the guide so skillfully, that there Be § was no danger of the fraud being detected, but 'OUS the words of his companion reminded him that Di he was growing careless, But putting on a bold ™en front, he coully rejoined: BS g ‘Don’t know what’s the matter, less I’ve they ketched cold, and I didn’t think *twur possible the fur this beaver to dothat. He! he! he! reckon ell thar ain’t no use tryin’ to git the reds to make follo another attack?” hot “None at all, They won't do it,” woul ‘Then what in creation will we do?” ind t “Til tell you—we'll resort to another method. NV: You keep your position as guide, and I will con- tinue to dog the caravan. When we reach the?Y T mountains we will manage to steal the gold, ‘he SI without massacreing the emigrants, some very” oul dark night. Do you agree to that?” 0 re; “Yas, in course.” aS “Then look out. for the Wild Horseman, day® st A C) after day.” leedii Like a flash the crouching figure leaped up, "UE and bounded upon the horse’s back. The next) cap instant he was off like a rocket in the darkness, Ver; riding across the prairie at a terrific rate, honti ere CHAPTER VII, ies A RACE, AND WHAT CAME OF IT. hey « THE ates sudden departure surprised Dar-bll st rell not a purpose the man was in his saddle and away,/t w: and before his trusty rifle could cover the a stilh ing form, it was too nearly swallowed up in thewam] darkness to admit of any certainty in the result ite had he fired. But he did not. 978 an “Go, you varmint,” he growled, as he loweréd,!bin the hammer of his rifle; “‘ yer time hain’t com@04 @ yit, that’s plain as the nose on a man’s face, bupM'ng if it don’t come fore many days are gone, Dusk, 4e 0 Darrell misses his guess, It’s cl’ar to me no id, that this chap as calls hisself Buck Zigler, ar‘@cefu the same chap as the whites call the Wild Hos? illity man, avd he and Dedzel are on mighty goodlck e, tarms. Tharfore this ain’t the last we'll see oNow, him, that’s swore to.” ought Unable to discover the slightest trace o8p i Adolphus Perkins, Darrell rejoined the emir. grants, and told them how he had personate¢
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f __ Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. 21 Wim Dedzel in the dark, and what he had learn- ~~ ed thereby. F nd | All were more or less surprised to hear that he Wild Horseman was the accomplice of Nim Dedzel, instead of the harmless maniac they had thought him, and a score of men swore, over the dead bodies of their fallen comrades, that, if he continued to dog the caravan, he should share ou the punishment in store for Dedzel. In all prob- at- ability the guide would have been killed on the spot, but for the interference of Darrell, who aid the fellow’s time had not come yet, though e should certainly receive his just deserts before long. an Takey, Darrell—who, by unanimous agree- old Ment, had been installed in Nim Dedzel’s position as guide—said it were better to remain where tye they were during the remainder of that day and plothe coming night, In that case they would be on Well prepared to resume their journey, on the ake tollowing morning. None objected to this, for hot a few believed the attack of the Cheyennes would be repeated when darkness came again, and they could not hope {to find another point so od, Convenient for defense as that they now held, : me Adolphus Perkins was another consideration, the By remaining on Devil’s Creek—as Dedzel called old, he stream on which they were encamped—they ery vould be giving the missing man an opportunity to rejoin them, on the event of his still being Vive. Now, as he recalled his interview with dayne stranger, Buck Zigler, Darrell regrétted ex- leedingly that he had not been thoughtful up nough to inquire whether or not Adolphus was rext captive among the Indians. He thought, how- 1ess, Ver, that Zigler would have been very likely to ~ hention it, without waiting to be asked, if such vere the case, r That night nobody retired early, and when hey did, many of them were so uneasy that hey did not fall asleep until a Jate hour. Dar- pil stationed six guards around. the camp, who ‘wasere to be relieved by as many more at a cer- “ain hour of the night. This he did more to sat- i¢ toly the others than because he deemed the pre- = Mes aution necessary, for he did not expect to be + bezain molested by the savages. , yil- The information he had drawn from Buck | nigigler convinced him that if they were again , higSturbed it would not be by the band that bad thetacked them on the preceding night. Never- ht ofeless, there was nothing preposterous in the +h anflection that Indians from another tribe might d notll upon them, and after all there was no safety 16 his Sleeping unguarded, = .way,lt was near the hour of three in the morning. -eced: Stillness deep and impressive brooded over the tA ge eras The buge wagons, with their esulf ite canvas tilts, loomed up in the darkness oil 6 an impassable barrier, inclosing the sleepers were’ 'bin the circle; and the half-dozen sentinells com@od at intervals round the space inclosed, some e, buf@ning against the wagons, quietly smoking, Jusk tile others walked slowly backward and for- enotd, Up to this hour the night had passed r, arvacefully away, no incident disturbing its tran- Hos¢ illity, no signs of danger being detected by the ; goosick eye and ears on the alert. see oNOw, however, at the very moment when all oughts of such a thing were relinquished, the ice 08lp ring of @ horse’s hoofs sounded upon the y emir, onater hard turf at a little distance from the camp. In an instant every sentinel was listening intently, and peering sharply through the intervening gloom toward the spot whence the sound pro- ceeded. Nothing could as yet be seen, The hoof-strokes were not those of a galloping horse, but one that was moving at a brisk, steady walk, The sentinels stood silently at their posts, none of them turning aside to speak to his neigh- bor; for if was plain, that ehectar friend or enemy, there was but one person coming, and that there was no cause for alarm, Presently the solitary rider came in sight. First the head and shoulders of a man gradu- ally rose out of the darkness, and became dis- tinetly outlined against the distant gray sky Then the horse’s head also appeared, “Halt!” cried the nearest sentinel. ‘* Who goes there?” In obedience to the stern command the in- truder drew rein, and bis animal stood still. But he did not answer a word, Sitting in his saddle as silent and motionless asa graven im- age, he seemed contemplating the obscure scene before him in speechless wonder, ‘‘By the Lord Harry!” yelled one of the guards, hurrying to the spot. ‘It’s the Wild Horseman !” “The Wild Horseman!” shouted another, “Down with him! Shoot him! Don’t let him escape!” ‘The last exclamations were uttered just at the moment that the strange rider wheeled around with the quickness of lightning, and dashed away at a furious rate in the direction from which he had come, ‘Shoot him! Quick!” eried several voices, Three rifles were discharged almost simul- taneously at the flying stranger. But all with- out effect, At that juncture another horseman swept by the spot where the six guards were grouped to- gether, and dashed madly out upon the plain in the tracks of the first one, leaning forward almost to his animal’s neck, and gazing ahead with blazing eyes! Tt was Dusky Darrell. He had been lying awake and had heard the nocturnal wanderer, He was listening when the guard accosted the new-comer, and shortly afterward the cry that it was the Wild Horseman thrilled him through and through like an electric shock. Quick as thought he had leaped to his feet, and snatched up his rifle, Without waiting to hear more he had then run to the spot where bis steed was standing, and bounding upon his back” with the agility of a monkey—had given him the word “go!” and a few seconds later the camp was behind him, and he was hotly pressing the stranger who had ridden so boldly up to the wagons, Now began a race of a most exciting nature, The broad prairie stretched out before them as level as a floor, seeming to invite an endless run, though the darkness that hung over all was suffi- cient to hide whatever obstacles might bave lain in their way. Obviously the retreating man was now riding for dear life, as the fast-clattering hoof-strokes told that he was putting bis horse to the test. It was a mad, impetuous ride. Dusky Darrell allowed the reins to lie un-
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22 Dusky Darrell; the Camp Detective.’ touched; while he held his rifle in both ‘hands, The faithful black charger that bore him wanted no guiding, and needed no spur. ‘It was not bis first race by many, and with’ his intelligent eye on the dark figure in front, ‘he stretched ‘his beautiful limbs to the task, as if he took pride in exhibiting his éxtraordinary fleetness of foot. Before the first mile was fairly completed, it could be seen that the trapper was steadily gain- ing ground. “This surprised even the trapper himself, for, without’ forgetting that his own good steed had never been ovtdone'in & match of speed, he had ‘nevertheless made a miscaleula- tion at starting,” What he had séen of the Wild Horseman had led him’ to believe that he had a swift traveler to contend with. He had often watched the fellow’ as he ‘circled around the caravan, and his own eyes had given ‘evidence that there was fleetness in the long, clean’limbs cf the horse, that’ was seldom excelled. Nat- urally, then, he had not once thought of lessen- ing the distance between them so soon. A 'thotight strack him, Probably it was not the Wild Horseman, afterall. The guardsmight have been mistaken. But, if not, who could it be? That he was not an Indian the trapper would have taken his oath. Another thought struckhim, Tt was the Wild Horseman, and the animal’s failing speed was caused either by fast traveling, or by a ruse of the rider, who'in this manner was én- couraging his pursuer on toan Indian ambush, Thé former conjecture became a settled one— ths latter was given up as an improbability. Thoughts such ‘as these flashed ‘through Darrel’s mind, but'at the same time he passed over another mile without abating a jot of the rate at Which he was going, With both hands clutching the’gun in front—with his body bent forward in an attitude moré congruots than graceful—with his piercing orbs flashing fire'at every bound of the spirited brute beneath him— with a settled determination showing itself in his sturdy; brown face—thus, like a meteor, he darted ‘across ‘the level prairie, with his whole soul in the éxtiting chase, The object of his pursuit was in easy rifle- rangé, and Darrel could have brought him’ to’ the earth ‘at’ ay moment, if he had felt so in- clined; but that was not his purpose, Tt was his desire to'Gapture’ the miscreant, take*him’ back to camp alive, and place’ him with his fellow- conspirator, Nim-Dadzel: f On ‘they thundered, pell-mell, headlong, helter- skelter—on, ‘on, as ‘swiftly as swallows on’ the wing. © ; ‘After an hour of hard riding, Darrell saw that the race 'was'almost at an'énd, and a grim smile troubled the beard about his’ mouth, He was close upon the retreating horseman, 1 All at once the latter turned abruptly to the left, and galloped away at right angles with the coursé hé had been pursuing.’ Darrell instantly drew rein, and came to # sudden halt. | Quickly his gun leaped to his shoulder, and was just as quicwy aimed, ‘The trigger fell—there was a ash in’ the darkness—a report kéen and start- ling—and the galloping horse and his rider came thundering to the earth. ; The trapper gave vent ‘to a low chuckle, and vode forward slowly, | He had not'shot the man, putthe horse, oo) oF Us HOt p Nevertheless, when hé came to the spot where they had fallen, one was lying as motionless as ! the other, The man appéared to have'no more’ lifein him than’ the horse, and the horse was stone-dead, apart. © Supposing the féllow was merely stunned, Darrell dismounted and approached’him. Bend- ing down he ‘seized him by'the shoulder, and shook him a little; The éffect’ was’ startling in the extreme, Tho stranger turned over, with a groan, and testily exclaimed: “*Hangnation! why can’t you lét'a man alone? I’m deader than any door-nail in the county! Pm shot! Haven't you humanity enough to let my remains rest in peace?” usky Darrell drew back, and stared at the prostrate man in blank amazetnent. |The next ‘instant he clapped’ his hands on’ his sides, and’ burst into such a hearty fit’of laughter that his’ whole frame shook, as if he was seized with the ague. “Hal hal ha! ha! ha!’ I hope Ii may be smashed flatter’n a beaver’s tail if *tain’t Spider!” he ejaculated. ‘* Wal, that’ beats my time ‘all holler, I-knock under. What ‘you Jayin’ thar fur, youngster? You ain’t shot, any moren’ it am, . Darrell’s unrestrained merriment seemed to astonish the fallen man exceedingly. | He roe to a sitting posture (forgetting, evidently, that he was dead) and stared at the old trapper like one just waking from a dream, **Git up, Spider. Don’t you know me?” ** Thunderation! how should I know you?’ ‘I’m not acquainted with everybody. Besides, P’m not’ sure whether this is Heaven or’ the infernal regions!” Adolphus Perkins—for it was uo other—passed his hand across his forehead two or three times, and looked about with a bewildered air. Darrell shook with laughter again, ‘“You're still’ on’ “arth; Spider,” he said, “and ain’t likely to be anywhar else fur'some | time.” **Good Lord! that’s Dusky Darrell talking to: me,” exclaimed Adolphus, rising to his feet ap-~ parently without much effort. “Sarin it is,” was the qniet reply.’ '** Who did you think it was?” xi d il ' “Why, I'll be hanged if I didn’t think you were an Indian!” “And byur’s as thought you was the Wild Hossman.” ‘*Hal ba! ha!” laughed Adolphus, ‘who’ was immediately himself again; ‘‘this 7s a nice go, : isn’t it? But, gracious goodness!” he’ added, growing serious again, and shrugging his'shoul- ders, as he bestowed # glance on his dead horse; “ there was no occasion whatever to shoot at 6. : T shot ‘at the animile, not at you. “But ‘you may jist consider yourself all-fired lucky to escape as slick as you did, fur [ war’purty like to draw bead on you instead of the hoss.” i The exquisite shuddered, and began to feel himself all over, to make sure that he was not P really shot, J *'T didn’t think of ‘yer bein’ anybody else but that ’ar Buck Zigler,” continued the trapper, “and T had a ‘notion ‘two or three times of” They were lying ‘several ‘yards’ “ ; mts ft nn Ar at
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—<) wat — te Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. kuockin’ you out of your saddle, jist to see you drop. “Gracious goodness!” It could be seen, even in the darkness, that Adolphus turned pale, ‘Tt wea been ‘yer own’ fault if Thad settled your hash,” the hirater wertit'on, with’ stern em- phasis, ‘‘’cause if it hadn’t been fur yer-blasted cowardice thar’a been no danger of sich a thing. Arter’ all, I don’t ‘know but I ought tovhave plugged yer confounded noddle.” “Why, demmit! that would have “been an awful shabby trick.” } ‘Bah! you’d no bizness to run from yer friends,” t : ‘How should I know’ that ‘you were a friend? When I’ approached the camp, you all set up sucb a yell that I at once concluded ‘the whites were all killed, and thecaravan captured by In- dians, ‘There was not enough ‘hospitality ex- tended to me} so T retired.” : ‘You war foolish fur leavin’ the camp inthe fu’st place.” Adolphus looked confused, OY ‘* Well—T—yes) T guess I was,” he stammiered ; “but I really did not think so ‘at the time.” ‘You thought'then it war tke ‘easiest way to save yer life?” ‘* There is just where you ‘are mistaken; my friend. I didn’t go for that purpose. When we fired the first volley, I killed an Indian who had a fine; gold-mounted rifle in his possession, and'T thought it worth risking my life to procure. So I mounted my horse, and’ dashed out: of ‘the inclosure after the prize. But I was headed off by about a hundred savages, and I was com- elled to fly for my life. As luck would have it, Finbtiage to elude the red devils—” | ‘““Wagh! interrupted! ‘the trapper,’ * you needn’t carry that story any furder, onless you kin sprinkle a little truth in it as yer goes along, Anybody ’u’d “know you couldn't see a gold- mounted shooter in the Injun’s hands} when it war'so blasted dark you could’skeercely see the Injun hisself, Besides: that, you’rs the last per- son as would risk his life to git hold of sich a prize; and you may tell: a’ straighter tale than that, or none.” “Tf you know the story better than I, tell it,” said Perkins, doggedly. ‘““As yer likes,” was the’ imperturbable re- joinder, «“* When the first volley was fired the njuus raised such a bubbub that) you thought we’s allidoomed, so you concluded ‘to save: yer own life’ by cuttin’ sticks. That’s» why you went, and it’s a thousand wonders you didn’t lose yer ha’r by it.” “ Well,” said Perkins, after some hesitation,, * vou meedn’t repeat that story to the fellows. in canip. I should not like ‘to’ havé the Wellers heariity’ fio sits : “T shau’t tell any one, though all,on, ’em ought to know its) I'm. eena’most out, of patience with you; Spider. . But we. hain’t got time to stand hyar palaverin’, , Pye an idee my. patentee is needed in camp, and Lreckon. we'd etter be gittin? back thar.” ; “Just what I was thinking,” said Adolphus, glad to change! the subject.; ‘tL bhayen’t been out of theysaddle, since’ I | left you, nor haye I bad a mouthful of food, As a natural con- sequence, I am. tired; and hungry... But; my horse» is dead,” he, added, ‘‘L. will have to walk.” ‘*Mine will carry both of us,” said Darrell. Git on bebind. the saddle, Thar was two or three Injun hosses captured arter. the, fight, You kin have yer choice out of them to pay for yourn,” They both mounted the trapper’s, steed, and turned his head in the direction of the encamp- ment, ’ CHAPTER IX, THH CONDITIONAL, ‘' YES.” : Ir was broad daylight when.the two,men reached Devil’s Creek, and rode into the inclos~ ure, amid the cheers of the emigrants, Dusky Darrell quietly remarked that,the Wild Horseman had given, him the slip, but that the chase was a lucky one after. all, sinee be, had fallen in with Perkins, who. was lost upon, the prairie, ‘The latter was cordially greeted, and when he casually mentioned that he had eaten nothing since'they saw him last, Jack, Weller made haste to mention that his sister and Rosa Brown had prepared.a very palatable breakfast, in the discussion of which he must join them,, Of course he did nof refuse, for besides, being hungry he had been burning to see Julia Weller, from whom, it seemed to him, he bad. been. sep- arated.an age, Imagine, then, his discomfiture when, on finding himself onee,more face to, face with the beautiful object of his adoration, she merely bowed to him with cold politeness, and turned away. He was stunned. He could not guess what had'so changed her, Even Brown, usually so .shy, manifested ‘much more pleasure: at seeing him again than did Julia, from whom be, had expected,so much, No one. appeared.to notice the, change. in her.but himself, ne not only noticed, but felt it keenly; and began to wonder who his_ rival, was, e joined. the family at breakfast, but,.he did not relish the food he ate. Long as, he had. fasted, his appetite was gone, 23 1 Julia. was lively as.ever,.and. chatted gayly. with the other members of the party, but when- ever he spoke she was silent, Eyidently; from some cause or other, she had formed an.Aversion to him, and,that during his.absence, Who was the backbiter?- Who had taken the opportunity... to vilify him when he was not present to defend ~ himself? He resolved to find out before..the lapse of twenty-four hours, and, unless. immedi- ate reparation was made, there would certainly be a.quantity of blood shed in that. vicinity! Shortly after breakfast, was over the.camp, broke up; everything about it was in motion;, the wagons moyed forward io a line, and Deyil’s Creek. was. left in the rear, Under the super- ;, vision of the new guide everything was,properly .. conducted, and the emigrant train crept on over the illimitable plain. toward the, distant ‘‘dig- xings.” The Rocky. Mountain Range was in sight... Far away, and still. low down in the hori- zon, the dim, bluish peaks could be seen, like a pile of clouds in the sky, reaching away. to. the north and south, That evening, when the bustle and confusion — of going into camp had subsided, Adolphus de-_. termined to addréss Julia on the subjeet which ~
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24 was causing him so much mentalpain. She had at to him but two or three times during the ay, and even then had merely answered some pointed inquiry he had put to her. He made up his mind that this thing had gone about far enough, and that he must learn the cause of her very singular conduct toward him before retir- ing. As soon as a suitable Spey offered, he appréached the girl and spoke to her in a low tone, “ Miss Weller, will you do me the honor of walking with me for a few minutes, out upon the prairie?” “Excuse me,” sho replied, calmly, ‘I shall not walk this evening.” And she made as if she would leave him, “Stay one moment,” said Adolphus, and there was something in bis quiet, steady voice that held her to the spot. ‘I have requested the honor of your company for a few minutes—not for the simple enjoyment of that honor, but for a purpose, 3 have something of importance to say to you.” ‘Could you not say it here as well?” “ No.” “Then you will have to postpone it.” Adolphus bit his lip, and toyed nervously with his watch-chain. Buu when he spoke again his yoice was firm and resolute, : ‘* Miss Weller,” said he, ‘‘ what I have to say must be said at one time or another, and a post- ponement would be an inconvenience to me, be- sides doing you no good. Begging your pardon, I have decided irrevocably that you shall hear me on this matter of importance to-night. If ‘you absolutely refuse to let me take you aside from all these ple, I will speak here, where Tam likely to be overheard by others; but you will certainly regret, before [am through, that my simple request was not complied with. I leave it to your good sense to choose between tho two alternatives.” : Julia was surprised. She looked at him as if she would read his thoughts. His face was calm and impenetrable, fter somo hesitation, aren even then appearing undecided, she said, riefly: ey Will go with you.” “Thank you,” he murmured, And together they walked slowly away—be- yond the circle of wagons, out upon the open prairie—just as though they were strolling for pleasure. At a short distance from the encampment they paused, and began to walk backward and forward in a space of some yards. Then, at a look from his fair companion; Adolphus be- ans ‘““You have probably conjectured ere this, Miss Weller, that my object in bringing you hither is to request of you an explanation—” He paused, and cleared his throat. ““An explanation—” repeated the girl, in a manner that invited him to proceed, “* Previous to the event of our bloody conflict with the Cheyennes,” pursued our hero, “ you were vastly different from your present self. You did not shun me then as now; you did not seem cold and haughty; you treated me with the unreseryed familiarity of a friend, The Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. change was forced upon my notice immediately after my return this morning.” ‘** Well?” sho returned, coldly. Adolphus bit his lips again, and grew more | nervous. ‘* Will you explain why this is so?” he asked, ‘* Remember we can not always account for the little changes others may presume to dis- ' cover in us,” “But I am positive—begging your pardon— that you are able to assign a cause for the change I have presumed to discover in you.” “Thank you for reminding me of my mis- take,” said she, with a bow. Undaunted, =e proceeded, “Has some one been assailing my character in my absence? That is, have 1 an enemy in camp who has sought to alienate us by slander- ing me while my back was turned?” 0. “Tf so, I shall take upon myself the responsi- bility of shooting him so full of holes that he won't make a decent sieve!” **T said, No.” "So you did; excuse me, But if that isn’t the right explanation, [am unable to guess the cause of your singular dislike forme. Won’t you tell me? I certainly have a right to know.” ‘* Have I said that I dislike you?” “ Yes,” ** You mistake, sir—” ‘“By your actions you have said it a dozen times,” Julia was silent, Adolphus stopped in his walk, folded his arms over his breast, and turned toward her. ‘““T see you are determined to tell me nothing,” he said, and his voice shook a littlenow. “I see you are resolute, and I will urge you no fur- ther, though you certainly can not blame mo for wishing to know how I have forfeited the esteem of one whose good will is prized above that of all others.” She raised her glorious eyes to his, and there was undisguised pity in the look she gaye him then, She hesitated and stammered, but only for a moment. Quickly recovering her self- possession, she spoke frankly and briefly in an- swer: “Forgive me, sir—I do not blame you for making the inquiries, but, believe me, to answer them would be to hurt your feelings unneces- sarily, without doing the least good. 1 do not hate you—don’t think that. [have acted rudely to-day, perhaps; I will try and be more friend- ly hereafter, for I truly believe, aside from one failing, you merit the esteem of more worthy persons than I.” “© Aside from one failing,’” repeated the young man, ‘‘ May I ask what that failing is?” “ Please don’t. If this particular foible were not the only grievous one you have shown, I could mention it to you without compunction, but since vou have appeared a man in every other respect, I would forbear. Others, very likely, would not view this in the serions light that I do, but Lhave always felt a singular loathing for the weakness in question, regarding it as unpardon- able in a man, and quite contemptible even in a woman, Therefore, if I deem you worthy of —La
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Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective... | ee » contempt, it is all because of that disgraceful weakness you possess,” . Adolphus was astonished. He tried to con- sider. “Do tell me to what you allude,” he pleaded, / unable to conjecture, ‘If I but knew the na- ture of this habit, or foible, of which you speak, \ I would cast it from me without delay.” “T fear not,” she returned, shaking her head, “Would I not? Try meandsee. Why, bless you, there is nothing in the wide world I would not do—or attempt to do—for your sake, Will- ingly would [ lay down my life at your feet, if by that means I could win back your respect for me. I would do anything for you, Julia.” “ Wor me?” Her eyes sought the ground, and a blush man- tled her cheeks, Adolphus instantly found himself ungovern- able. | “Julia,” he cried, passionately, seizing both of her hands and holding them tightly, “‘ dear, dear Julia, I see you have guessed the truth. Since it can no longer be concealed I may as well confess. Darling, I love you—lovye be with a strong, fervent adoration which lan- guage of mine cannot express, T had thought my love was encouraged—had dared to hope that it was even reciprocated—but to-day I have evidently less favor in your sight than at the [natin of our first meeting. Julia, speak to ‘me, Can you not overlook this fault of which you speak, and be mine forever? Or tell me what it is, that I may attempt rectification, Don’t turn me away without an explanation, ‘Try to bear with me. I worship you! I cannot —oh! I cannot live without you!” She hesitated, and was silent. His passionate loutburst was entirely unexpected, as her confu- sion showed, and the sudden avowal so bewil- dered her that she could not frame an answer at jonce, { With a determined effort she succeeded in mastering her emotion, and with comparative jcalmness said: | “Sir, this was so unlooked-for; I cannot an- swer now.” **You can! You must!” cried Adolphus. ‘I cannot endure the suspense. You certainly know whether you love me or vot. Oh, tell me that you will be mine! Tell me, even, that [ may hope.” _ She looked up.at him now, and in the dim light it could be seen that she had resolved to hide the truth no longer, _ “Mr, Perkins,” said she, gently but firmly, “as you will have me say it, I can never con- sent to be the wife of a—a—” | “A what?’ he demanded, “A coward |” } rigs took a step backward, and stared at ber. © understood it all now, and was over- whelmed with confusion, / Cowardice, then, is the despicable weakness ms have discovered in me?? he stammered, ooking very foolish indeed. | “Tt is,” she replied. And do you really think ’m a—ahem!—a oward? ; _ “Tam certain Qt it, sir, If you were not, it j a doesn’t stand to reason that you would have fled on the night of the attack.” “Then you concluded that my flight was caused by fear?” “Asa matter of course, There aremany who believe you had pardonable reasons for leaving when you did—reasons that you do not care to mention—but I cannot be so convinced.” “ And why?” ‘‘ Because, when you rushed by the spot where Rosa and I were standing, any one might have seen that you were frightened half-out of your wits, Your eyes were wild, and terror was written on every lineament of your face. In- deed, I don’t like to say it to you, but you can- not censure me after driving me to it.” “Tt ¢s a most pray ee weakness, I ad- mit,” said Adolphus. “I have always been ashamed of it, but never so much as now. Tell me, darling, if I give you my word of honor as a gentleman that I will never act the coward again so long as I live, will you, in return, promise to be my wife?” Julia blushed again, and kung her head. “T have never thought of such a thing.” “But I wish you to think of it now,” he re- plied, “ Before I answer, tell me this: are you will- ing to prove instead of promise, that you will cast off this unmanly timidity?” “Willing? Just tell me how I can prove it, and I'll mighty soon show you whether I’m willing or not.” ‘“Then, on one condition, I will consent to your proposal.” ‘*Name the condition.” “ Will you capture the Wild Horseman ?” i a staggered back as if she had struck im “Capture him,” she continued, in her calm, clear accents, ‘‘and bring him prisoner to the camp. Lf you do that my hand is yours.” He looked at her as if he were inclined to question her sanity. She said no more, but waited for him to speak. He could not regard itasa jest. She meant it, certainly. They walked back to the encampment, neither of them uttering a word until they were within the inclosure, Then they parted. He bade her good-night quite cheerfully, kissed her hand in a very lover-like manuer, murmured, ‘‘ My own darling!” and left her standing there‘alone under the star-studded sky. He was still a little pale as he walked away, but a quiet, resolute look was stamped upon bis face, which no person ever before bad seen there. Dusky Darrell was standing with his back to- ward him, en joving his evening pipe. “Darrell, Til be one of the watchers to- night,” he said, quite authoritatively, “ You?’ exclaimed Darrell; ‘‘ain’t you afeard a red-skin ll sneak on yer? If yer wants to watch to-night, Spider, yer kin stand guard over that wagon thar whar Nim Dedzel is covered up. What do yer say” “All right,” was the quiet response, “ In- stead of being one of the sentinels I will stand guard over Dedzel.” And Adolphus walked briskly away. “Smash me if that don’t sorter s’prise this beaver,” muttered Darrell,
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CHAPTER X., A NIGHT OF EVENTS, ADOLPHUS PERKINS sat in the fore end of the wagon, in which the traitorous guide was con- fined, his rifle between his knees, and one of his favorite Havanas between his teeth. It was just midnight by his unerring chronometer, and everybody but the guards had long since retired, The half-dozen vigilant sentinels occupied places at regular intervals around the inclosure. A strong wind swept down from the distant mountains, occasionally bearing with it the shrill cry of some distant animal, and the black clouds went scudding across the sky like a fleet of phantom vessels on the sea. Adolphus had a lantern beside him, which he held up to the opening every once in a while, as he looked to see if the prisoner was all right. At length he tossed his cigar away, and tak- ing up the lantern, he quietly slipped off the back of the seat, and in an instant was inside the wagon under the canvas tilt that covered it. On a bed of straw, surrounded by boxes and barrels, lay the burly form of Nim Dedzel. He was fast asleep, and snoring loudly. He was bound hand and foot, Thrusting his hand into the breast-pocket of his coat, Adolphus drew forth a little book, from which he tore out a blank leaf, and placed it, with the book and lead-pencil, on a box ati his elbow. After that, he made the light in the lantern as brilliant as possible, and set it on the floor so close to the sleeping man’s face that it almost touched his nose. Then he deliberately drew the revolver from his belt, cocked it, and, with his finger on the trigger, placed the muzzle quite as close to the prisoner’s face as he had placed the lantern, In this position he watched and waited, his eyes fixed upon the rugged face of the guide, Presently the strong light did its work, At first there was a scarcely perceptible quiver of the eyelids; then the eyes slowly opened, and, dazzled by tho bright glare, began to blink rapidly. i Devil take the glimmer!” growled the man, turning bis head to escape it. Then he beheld Adolphus Perkins bending over him, the revol- ver close to his head. He turned white, and tried to shrink away from it. ; “ Heavens!” he gasped, ‘take that ar’ thing away! Who be you?” * Silence!” commanded Adolphus, in a whis- per. ‘I don’t want to kill you. Answer me this question: Can you write?” “Wal, kinder; nothin’ to speak on.” ‘tDid Buck Zigler ever see your writing?” “Who?” Nim Dedzel started violently. “Buck Zigler,” repeated Adolphus. ‘ An- swer me quick! Don’t stop to ask questions. Did he ever see your writing?” “‘More’n once.” Adolphus drew a Jong breath of relief, “See here, Dedzel,” said he, in a hard, reso- lute tone, ‘I am going to untie your hands and have you write a note to Buck Zigler, at my dic- tation, You needn’t stare; I mean precisely what I say; and the first sign of a refusal seals your doom. It will do you no good to try and get the advantage of me as sooa as your hands are free, for if you attempt to harm me there f _.. Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective; will be no chance of your escaping with your life while your feet are tied.” He laid the weapon aside as he spoke, and d2x- trously removed the cord that bound the cap- tive’s wrists, This accomplished, be took up the piece of blank paper and placed it on the floor in the light of the lantern, Then he put the lead-pencil in the clumsy fingers of Dedzel, took up the revolver and once more presented it at the villain’s head, commanding him to write while he dictated. The latter rested himself on his left. elbow, and, holding the pencil in his right hand, waited to be told what he should write. In his own characteristic style he put down each word as if fell from our hero’s lips. What with his awkwardness and inexperience, he was a long time finishing the few words that were to be written, buf when at last the note was completed, Perkins looked at it and was satisfied, It was a miserable scrawl, but the words were ceeepis of being deciphered, They ran as fol- lows: “ Buck Zigler:—They is a Young chap in kamp as sez he kan whip you in a far fite On hoss bak and he says he is Boun fur tu chalnge you the Varry nex time you kum insite. He is alittle feller and he is ofile Green and he is rite from the staits and he thinks he is offle smart. If you kum roun tumorry and he rides out torst you jist wate fur him and tail his chalnge. Yule kerflumix the kuss in the whisk of askunks tale. Now i hav my reezins for axing this and i want you to Do it. They haint no danger, “NimroD DeDzel.” It would be utterly impossiblo to describe the expression the guide’s face wore as he handed this note to the dictator, but amazement was predominant. Perkins, instead of paying the least attention to the searching look bestowed upon him, coolly proceeded to retie the ruffian’s hands, just as be had found them. Then, after warning Dedzel, on his life, to mention the trans- action to nobody, he returned the revolver to his belt, took up the lantern and resumed his posi- tion on the outside of the tilt. “So much done satisfactorily,” said Perkins to himself, as he hghted another cigar, ‘tbut it may be weeks before a chance will offer to put it in Buck Zigler’s possession, Nevertheless, be it early or late, on the day after he reads this note he becomes my prisoner, or I die by his hands! I wish he had the message to-night.” A half-hour later, as he still sat there in deep meditation, he espied the form of a man gliding swiftly along on the ground, below him. It came in from the prairie, passed through the boundary and was within the inclosure. It came close to the wagon where our hero was watching. He recognized the actions of the igure. “Hello, Darrell,” he hailed; ‘‘ what the blazes are you doing out at this hour of the night?” “Hush, Spider,” admonished the trapper, com- ing close to the wagon, and speaking in a low tone, ‘I don’t want anybody to know it ’cept you, but Pye see'd a sight.” The trapper point- ed toward the plain and whispered: ‘* The Wild Horseman are right out yonder.” “The Wild Horseman!” ejaculated Perkins, almost jumping from his seat. Whereis he?— how far away?” ; |
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~ Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. _ — Sa ee a “Only a little ways, He’s hanging round tryin’ to see Dedzel, I take it.” ** And you didn’t pop him over!” ‘No; he’s thar yit. I’m goin’ fur to try to take that cuss a prisoner and am goin’ fur the lary-at to noose him,” and the trapper hurried away. No sooner was he gone than Adolphus leaped nimbly to the ground, and glanced sharply in every direction, “TI don’t like to work against you, Darrell,” he muttered, ‘‘ but we'll see whether the Wild Horseman is your game, yet.” He had proceeded but a short distance, after leaving the confines of the camp, when he halted suddenly. There, right in his phe was a horse, and a man was on his back, e had come upon them unexpectedly. It was the Wild Horse- man! “Stop!” commanded the man in his path. ** Who comes there?” “Fly, Zigler! Quick! for your life!” Adol- phus said in a low tone, as, advancing, he hand- ed the horseman a piece of paper and then was one, : As he fled, he listened intently, and in a mo- ment had the satisfaction of knowing that his warning was heeded. The clatter of horses’ hoofs broke upon bis ears. The Wild Horseman was retreating at break-neck speed. Hark! The keen crack of a rifle rung out up- oa the stillness of the night. It was Dusky Darrell’s rifle. Had.be shot the horseman, after all? The clatter of hoofs on the hard turf con- tinued with unabated swiftness, Was it the steed alone, flying frantic with fear, made rider-~ less by the discharge of that unerring gun? Adolphus approached the camp by a circuit- ous course, entering it at a point nearly opposite that at which he had made his exit; informing the guard, as he passed, that he had been out for a littlescout. He hurried back to his post, half- fearful now he had been detected in his act. Panting with excitement, and the exertion he bad undergone, he leaped upon the seat in front of the wagon, and sat down beside his lantern, No sooner had he done so than he saw the trapper coming. He was walking slowly, load- ing his rifle as he came. Before he could enter the inclosure, Darrell ‘was surrounded by the guards, and several others who had been awakened by the shot, overwhelming him with eager, excited inquiries, Adolphus could not hear the answers that were given, but he kept his seat, fairly trembling with impatience for the crowd to disperse, ‘When the trapper was once more alone, our hero dropped to the ground and joined him, “Hello, Darrell, Shot him, did you?” ‘“Wagh ! you heern my shooter bark, I s’pose?” ‘You didn’t miss him, I hope?” * Didn’t do nothin’ else,” <a miss?” othin’ shorter; didn’t hit the cuss,” per- sisted Darrell, ‘‘’cause I didn’t see him wheat fired. Don’t know what made the coon git in sich a blasted hurry, but jist afore I got in sight of him he put, as fast a8 that long-legged hoss of his kin travil. You see, I might have wiped him out when I first see’d him, but I thought I'd \ just lasso the sneak and so drag him into camp for a show. Good Lord, how he did git! mought as well ‘a’ shot at a streak!” : The next morning dawned bright and beauti- ful, and the wagon-train was in motion at an early hour, A marked change had come over Adolphus Perkins; a change that none could help but ob- serve. Heno longer seemed the lively, laughing dandy he had hitherto been, but was grave and silent, as if at last a serious thought had entered his mind. Even Jack Weller or Dusky Darrell, could draw but few words from him, and he never 80 much as looked Julia in the face when he came near her, At noon the emigrants halted, as usual, for the mid-day rest and repast. The horses were unhitched, and fed at the rear end of the wagons, and every preparation made for the customary hour’s halt. Smoke began to rise from a num- ber of fires, which the men kept replenished with fuel, while the women cooked, and the air was soon laden with the savory odor of smelling meat. ‘The day, which had dawned so glorious- ly, had lost none of its beauty. The sun shone unobscured from the zenith, and that, with the steady breeze, which is always felt on the plains, rendered the temperatiure delightful. While nearly all of the partly were engaged in the interesting duty of contributing to their ap- petite, a small boy jumped up and cried out, at the top of his voice: “There he is Whoop!” It was the Wild Horseman. He was still far away, but was approaching swiftly. At length it was seen that be was coming much nearer than he had ever ventured before. The bold rider suddenly drew rein, and sat silently in his saddle, looking toward the camp. He made a tempting target for a skillful marks- man, and more than one gun was taken up and cocked, ; The stranger did not move, Adolphus Perkins was seen to separate him- self from the crowd, and walk hastily to the spot where his horse was standing, As if in a great hurry, he vaulted into the saddle. His next act was to cast bis rifle to the ground; his next to examine his revolvers; then he tightened his belt, gathered up the reins, and turned the animal’s head toward the Horseman! CHAPTER XI. THE TOURNAMENT ON THE PRAIRIBP. “ Houp on, Spider!” shouted Darrell, ‘“* What you goin’ to do?” He turned half around, and pointed toward the Wild horseman, : “Dm going to capture that man! he said, in a clear, steady voice, Had a thunderbolt fallen from the blue sky above, it could scarcely have created more sur- prise. It would have been startling from any source, but Adolphus was the very last person from whom such a thing was expected, He was outwardly calm, but pale as death, and it could be seen by every one that there was no jest in the words he had uttered. All were on their feet now, more or less amazed, alarmed and excited, again! Here he comes!
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28 “Don’t fear for me,” he said, speaking loud enough for all to hear, ‘‘If I fail in this under- taking, cowardice will not be the cause, I arranged with this fellow last night to meet me in mortal combat to-day, and if he is not my prisoner in a half hour—there is but one al- ternative.” He waved his hand, gave his horse the spur, and rode out upon the prairie at a gentle canter. “Mount yer animals, *bout a dozen of yer, and see that yer weepins are in order. That young chap are in ’arnest, shure’s shootin’, and if the varmint proves too much for him we'll jist gallop out thar and part ’em,.” Every man mounted, and all held themselves in readiness for a charge. When within a hundred yards of his enemy, Adolpbus reined in his steed, and for some min- utes they sat still, looking at each other. The contrast between the two was most striking. The apprehension which the emigrants felt for their man, amounted almost to despair as they looked at the big, muscular, ferocious fellow with whom he had to deal. He, on the other hand, possessed neither great strength, powers of endurance, nor experience. There was a breathless silence, as they waited for the fight to commence, All at once Adolphus threw up his hand asa signal. Like a shot the two horses bounded for- ward at the same instant. But the tactics of the combatants were entirely different. While Adolphus dashed straight ahead, as if he would ride over his opponent at full gallop, the latter, more experienced, wheeled suddenly to the left and began to sweep around him at headlong speed. Adolphus saw at once that his antagonist was trying to draw as many shots from him as possible, and at the same time reserve his own; so he acted accordingly, keeping his eyes on the fellow like a hawk, and bolding his six-shooter in readiness. As soon as they had passed beyond each other, both changed their course and dashed forward again, the outlaw now riding around his man in the other direction. Seeing that his plan a failed, the Wild Horseman fired the first shot. It was quickly done, and accurately aimed, but Perkins saw what was coming in time to avoid it. Quick as lightning he dropped behind his horse, and when he rose again to the saddle he revealed the fact that he had escaped un- hurt. ‘Tt is his excellent horsemanship, rather than his fighting abilities, that saves him,” observed Mr, Weller. “He's powerful active, that’s dead sart?in,” said another of the men, ‘* Thar ain’t many of us in this crowd what ’u’d dodged that shot as purty as he done it.” Just then there was another report, Perkins had emptied one chamber of his revolver, but with no better success than had attended the other, The outlaw now fired two shots in rapid suc- cession, Despire the ducking of his head, one of the balls whistled by close to Perkins’s ear; the other inflicted a slight wound in his thigh, and splintered the back of the saddle. Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective, ey dodging and maneuvering with the agility of cats, each closely watching the movements of the other, It was a horrible sight. to witness, and yet there was an awful fascination in it that held every eye enthralled. On the dark face of the Wild Horseman was a look of beastlike ferocity. Adolphus was still calm, pale and impenetrable, but there was an air about him which was deadly, and which his friends did not fail to observe with renewed hope. All at once the outlaw changed his tactics, With a whoop that would have done justice to a dozen Indians, he wheeled ’round and galloped away like the wind, us if he were suddenly beset with fear, and was flying for his life. Before Adolphus could recover from his surprise, the man changed his course as quick as thought, and fired! Adolphus dropped to the ground like a stone. But the next instant he was on his animal’s back again, though his hat was off now, and the blood was streaming down over his white face from a slight wound at the roots of his hair. The vil- lain saw that he had not missed his aim this time, and with a roar of exultation he bore down upon his young adversary with all the speed con- tained in the limbs of bis fleet charger. But the young knight did not flinch. His heart was still firm and bis hand still steady, though almost blinded by blood. Those who were watching him saw his revolver leap up to a level with his icc lad a moment when they were least expect- ing it. There was a puff of white smoke—a sharp re- port—and the outlaw and his brave steed came tumbling to the earth together! But, it was the animal that was killed, not the man, While the former lay motionless where he had fallen, the latter sprung to his feet and glared at his enemy like a ferocious beast. He was evidently of the opinion that he had found his match in the little fellow from ‘ the States.” Adolphus was seen to make another quick movement, Something began to whirl ’round his head in a series of circles or coils, and then it shot out into the air like a long black serpent. “The lasso! the lasso!” yelled one of the spec- tators. ‘“‘Smash me if it ain’t the lasso!” cried Dar- rell, speaking rapidly. “T shot Spider’s critter tother night; he’s rid the Injun’s hoss ever since, and thar was a lasso attached to it, Look! Hurrah!” The noose of the lasso settled down over the neck and shoulders of the amazed and _ half- stunned villain. He gave a hoarse yell, and made a frantic effort to throw off the coil, but, with a quick jerk, Adolphus tigusenn the noose, and at the same time hurled t to the ground. He then leaped nimbly from his saddle, and ° ran to the spot where the fallen man lay. He was stretched out on his back, with both arms pinioned to his sides so securely that, with all his , strength, he was unable to move them. ing this, Adolphus seized the rope and passed it. e man violently ; ) —- ee ee SSomeonnowon Observ- ! ims« In several times more around the arms and body of arg the renegade, tying it carefully, After that, he ‘im | assisted him to his feet, and informed him that ould Now they began to circle ’round each other good would come of further resistance on his nd r
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_ part; that he was a prisoner, and could make nothing else out of himself for the present. _ Adolphus was master of the field. He once _ more mounted his horse, and rode slowly back to camp, holding the lasso which bound his captive, _| while the latter had no alternative but to walk _ quietly along behind, : : Cheer upon cheer rose from the excited emi- rants, as he coolly led his crestfallen prisoner into their midst. They crowded ’round him with a deafening chorus of yells, “Hurrah for Perkins!” was the cry. : “Spider,” shouted Dusky Darrell, pushing through the crowd and grasping his hand, ‘smash me if you ain’t a trump! ou’ve behaved yer- self like a man—you have, by the Btarnal! and byur’s as never calls you a coward ag in!” : “Thank you, Darrell,” he replied, with a tri- umphant gleam in his eyes. “Itis a pleasure to feel that | have redeemed myself.” L The Wild Horseman—or Buck Zigler, as he U may now be called—stood among his enemies - erect and silent, A sullenscowl was on his dark $ visage, as he glanced from face to face, and none 2 of the inquiries addressed to him received the - slightest answers, by word orsign. He wasa tall 2) man, muscular and well-proportioned—a perfect ul tower of strength and physical beauty—compar- it ing to his captor as the lion to the squirrel. x | His hair streamed down his back, long, and black, is and straight as an Indian’s, and the character of t- his dress was panely savage. But he was a ‘white man, for all that, Hee a few argued e- that there was Indian blood in his veins. 1e@ ~=~©—- As soon as the crowd that encompassed him would permit, Adolphus rode forward, still lead- 10 ale his helpless charge. His searching gaze re alighted upon Julia Weller, standing by herself. id He leaped nimbly down from his horse’s back, Le ‘and stood before her; bowing low, he said: < ad “Julia, the Wild Horseman is here. He is your prisoner, not mine. Have I won the prize?” ck She blushed and trembled, Everybody was nd ooking at them in blank surprise. The girl it recovered her self-possession, and lifting her ; innocent, truthful eyes to his, she gave him her ec- hand. “7 am not the person to break a promise,” ar- she replied, frankly. ‘‘ You have proved your- ter self a hero; lam yours from this hour.” ce, Then the people saw instinctively how matters ok! stood, and the air was filled again with shouts, and cheers, and congratulations. Mr, Weller the stood back, staring at them in speechless wonder alf- for awhile; then he grasped the happy lover’s and band. mut, ‘ My blessing on you both,” he said, ‘* Take ose, ood care of her, my boy; you have indeed won itly a prize, though I, her father, say it.” Our young Lochinvar had received two slight and Wounds, or scratches, in the fight. He now He roceeded to wash the blood from these, and rms When they were properly dressed, he quietly | his ‘nade the announcement, that “Richard was erv- lt imself again.” .d it. In the mean time, two or three men took ly of ' arge of the prisoner. After lookiag about {, he ‘im for a while, as if in quest of somebody he that Duldn’t find, he appeared to lose all patience, n hig Xd gave vent to a fierce oath, Pst Whar's Nim Dedzel?” he gruffly demanded, Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective. ee 29 Before an answer could be given, Dusky Dar- rell stepped in front of him and coolly surveyed him from head to foot, “ Who's that you’re inquirin’ arter?” he asked. “T want to see the guide of this wagon-train,” was the bullying reply. “Wal, lookat him, ‘* Where is he?” “Stan’in’ right afore yer twinklers.” ‘It’s a lie! The guide’s name is Nim Dedzel.” ** Ts it? I thought ’twar Wusky Darrell! Thar’s a orey layin’ on his back in that wagon yender, with his hands and feet tied, and sez his handle are Nim Dedzel. But he ain’t the guide fur this party, nor hain’t been since the night the Chey- ennes attacked us, His treachery war diskiver- ed afore the attack, and he’s been in limbo ever since.” Buck Zigler looked frightened and, perplexed. *T could not have been deceived,” he cried. “Vou have been, till this minute,” said Dar- yell, ‘‘ You think you had aconfab with Ded- zel right arter the fight, on the battle-field, don’t yer? Wal, yer didn’t. Dedzel was in limbo, It was me you war talkin’ tc.” The outlaw was silent for a minute or two, Then he started, and with an air of credulity ex- claimed: ; “By Heaven! I thought that voice sounded strangely. Curse you!” he hissed, ferociously, * But I still believe you lie,” added the ruffian, ‘* Here is a note I received from him last night, It is his handwriting. I would know it any- where,” The prisoner was allowed the use of' one hand till the note was produced. Some one read it to Darrell. “ When did you git that?” he asked, “Last night; Twas near your camp.” “Who gave it to you?” ‘*T didn’t see the man’s face, but I concluded it could be no other than Dedzel,” “T can explain that note,” said a cheerful voice, and Adolphus Perkins appeared beside the trapper. Thereupon he briefly related how he had pro- cured the writing from Dedzel, and how it had been delivered. The prisoner ground his teeth, ‘* How could I have been so blind?” “You may thank your lucky stars that you war so blind,” said Darrell, “fur if you hadn't tuck Spider’s warnin’ and put, jist when you did, this shooter of mine would have kivered you, and thar’d been one less scoundrel in the world.” With this he ordered the men to put Buck Zigler into the wagon in which Nim Dedzell was ete and to tie his limbs as Dedzel’s were ied, It’s a free kentry.” CHAPTER XII. OF COURSE, THaT night the emigrants formed their en- campment near a patch of timber, and on a re- mote tributary of the Platte River, The noon halt had been so lengthened by the combat be- tween Adolphus and the Wild Horseman, and the matter-of-course delay that followed an event so exciting, that they only traveled five mniles further before sunset, Adolphus was the
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30 Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective, hero in the camp that night, and but little else was talked about besides the fight, its cause and result. Julia did not object now to a stroll with him in the starlight! During the evening, before any had retired for the night, a man suuntering lazily about, ac- costed Dusky Darrell in a careless manner: “T say, Darrell, 1 suppose you’re going to be the judge as to what shall be done with the pris- oners?” “T don’t know,” replied Darrell. ‘If the rest want me to, I will, though any one else would do as well, I take it.” “Tt is expected of you, nevertheless,” “Then I’m in fur it.” * And what will you do with the scoundrels?” “Wal,” said Darrell, musingly, ‘I hain’t thought much abort it yit, and since they killed two of our fellers, I wouldn’t feel very bad to seo ’em strung up to the nearest tree. But, hyur’s as likes to see justice done every whar, and I reckon we oughten’t to do that without givin’ the cusses a fair show. I opine we'd bet- e hand them over to the people at the next ort.” “Hem! Yaas; I think they'll stretch,” the man muttered, as he sauntered away. It was past midnight, As was usual at that hour, the camp was wrapped in silence, and everybody was asleep, except the guards, Tbese executives up to this time had stood quietly at their posts, as though they had noth- ing in their minds beyond the faithful discharge of their duty. But now there was a movement among them that-would have occasioned much surprise, if pot suspicion, had they been watch- ed. They all came together in one spot, and be- gan to talk to one another in low, earnest tones, gesticulating in a very mysterious manner, In a minute they were joined by six other forms, all approaching stealthily from different points, and they were received by the first six in a man- ner that showed their coming had been expected, The consultation continued fora few moments longer. Then began operations which would have looked still more suspicious to'a looker-on than anything preceding them. The lit- tle band separated into equal parts, and each half left the spot as if it were a group of spirits, if one might judge from the noiselessness of their movements, Six men stole to the wagon in which the prisoners were kept. After hovering aboutit for awhile, some of them climbed cautiously up in front of the vehicle, and disappeared within. The others waited for them in silence, apparently keeping watch. There was some delay inside; then the men reappeared, dragging with them the two prisoners, who were still helplessly bound, and who had handkerchiefs tied securely over their mouths to insure silence, The outlaws were now carried back to the spot where the whispered consultation had been held, In the mean time the other six men had procured two horses which they were holding there in readiness, The cords that bound tbe feet of the captives were speedily removed, and the captives themselves were lifted upon the backs of the horses with their hands still tied. When this was accomplished, two men led the animals, while the rest walked beside them and watched the riders, and in this manner the party moved away. The timber was not many rods from the encampment, They approached it with the solemn silence of a funeral cortege. Only a word now and then was uttered, and so softly even then, that the stillness rémaiued unbroken, Plainly the woods was their destination. They entered the somber shadows, and were under the dense foliage of the trees, where the darkness wasintense, They moved on until they came to asmall glude, on one side of which stood a tree of immense size. Here they halted. The gigantic tree in question had one large limb projecting horizontally from the trunk, at a distance of ten feet fromi the ground. The two horses were led forward, and made to stand side by side, di- rectly under the horizontal limb. A rope was produced, and a noose made in each end of it. One of these nooses was then put over Nim Dedzel’s head, and drawn closely around his neck, The rope was drawn up, and passed three times around thelimbabove, Then the other end was brought down, and tle noose fastened to Buck Zigler’s neck. All was ready now for the final act. Two men stood by, each with a whip in his hand, waiting for the moment they should use them, Ata given signal they both gave the horses a sharp cut with the whips. The animals bounded forward simultaneously. There could be but one result. Both horses were riderless in an in- stant, and the two outlaws were dangling in mid- - air! Dusky Darrell’s work as a camp detective was finished, And now there is but little left to tell. Under the skillful guidance of Dusky Darrell, the wagon-train was conducted through the Rocky Mountains safely, and at the first fort they arrived at, west of the range, Dusky Dar- rell bid the emigrants a friendly farewell and left them, All werereluctant to part with bim, and especially Adolpbus Perkins, but he declared it ‘* warn’t needcessary that he should go furder.” Before leaving he secured the services of a guide at the fort, whom be put in his place with the assurance that he could be trusted. Adolphus never saw the trapper after that day. The emigrants reached their destination in due time, and one day, in the city of San Fran- cisco, there was a double wedding, which not only made Adolpbus and Julia bappy for life, but also Rosaand Jack. Our hero was content- ed in the conviction that he had won his wife fairly, and never after that did his former tim- idity reappear. | But he did not like the country in which they had settled, and in a few months be announced his determination of returning to the Hast with his young wife. Jack and Rosa were tore than willing to accompany them, and as Mrs, Weller would not consent to part from her children, and as Mr. Weller was already disgusted with his undertaking and new location, they all de- cided to go back together to their former homes. But, instead of risking another perilous and te- dious journey across the plains, they took the steamer from San Francisco and bid adieu to the land of gold. THE END,
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f i | BEADLE’S POCKET “LIBRARY. Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, "1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Rona, By EL. Wheeler, Kans«s King; or, The Red Right Hand. By Buffalo Bill. The Flying Yankee. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 1 2 4 Thg Double Daggers. By Edward L, Wheeler. 5 6 z 8 The Two Detectives. By Albert W. Aiken, The Prairie Pilot. By Buffalo Bill. The Buffalo Demon, By Edward L. Wheeler, Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide, By Ol) Coomes, » Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By “Texas Jack? 0 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol. “By E. L. Wheeler. 1 Ralph Roy. the Boy Buccaneer. By Cel. Prentiss Ingraham, 2 Nick o’the Night. By T. C. Harbangh. 8 Yellowstone Jack. By Joseph £. Badger, Jr. 44 WildIvan, the Boy Claude Duval. By E. L.Wheeler. 15 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 16 Keen-Knife, Prince of the Prairies, By Oll Coomes, 1? Oregon Sol, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy.’ By J. F. C. Adams. 18 Death-Face, the Detective. . L. Wheeler. 19 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustang By Oll Coomes, 20 Roaring Ralph Rockwood. Harry St. George. 21 The Boy Clown. By Franx S, Finn, 22 The Phantom Miner or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza. Edward L. Wheeler. 28 The Sea-Oat. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 24 The Dumb Spy. By Ol! Coomes. 25 Rattling Rube. By Hurry St. George. 26 Old Avalanche, the Annihilator. By E, L. Wheeler. 27 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. By J. F.C, Adama, 28 The Boy Captain. By Roger Starbuck. 29 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. By Capt. F. Whittaker, 80 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian. By Edward L, Wheeler, 81 Nightingale Nat. By T. C. Harbaugh, 82 Black John, the Road Agent. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 88 Omaha OU, the Masked Terror. By E, L. Wheeler. 84 Burt Bunker, tho eatpar By George E. Lasalle. 85 The Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By A. C. Irons, 86 The White Buffalo. By George E. Lasalle. 87 Jim Bludsoe, Jr. By Edward L. Wheeler. 88 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. By Capt, J. F. C. Adams, 89 Deadly Eye, the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo Bill, 40 Nick Whiflles’s Pet. By Capt. J. F.C, Adama, 41 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles, By Edward L. Wheeler. 42 The Border King. By Ol] Coomes, 48 Old Hickory; or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. By Harry St, George, 44 Vhe White Indian. By Capt. J. ¥. C. Adams. 45 Buckhorn Bill, By Edward L. Wheeler, 46 The Shadow Ship. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 47 The Red Brotherhood. By W. J. Hamilton. AS Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaw of the Oregon Trail. Harbaugh. 49 Hurricane Bill. oe Sor le E. Badger, Jr, ee Single Hand; or. A Life fora Life. By W. J. Hamilton. 51 Patent-leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. 52 The Border Robin Hood. By Buffalo Bill. 58 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. By Edward L. Wheeler. 64 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, A Greenhorn in the Woods. By Capt. J. F.C, Adams, 55 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. By Oll Coomes, 566 Mad Tom Western. _ By W. J. Hamilton, 57 Deadwood Dick on Deck. By Edward L. Wheeler. 5S Hawkeye Harry, the Young Trapper. Oll Coomes. b9 The Boy Duelist. 2+ Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 60 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken, 61 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo. By Edward L. Wheeler, 62 WI Somers, the Boy Detective. By Chas. Morris, 68 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapver. By A. W. Alken. 64 Rosebud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler. 65 Lightning Joe. By Captain J. F.C. Adams, 66 Kit Harefoot, the “Tood-Hawk. By T. C, Harbaugh. 67 Rollo, the Boy Rangr. By Oll Coomes, 68 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, By Edward L. Wheeler. 69 Detective Dick or, The Heroin Rags. By Charles Morris. 70 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, By Ol) Coomes, 71 Sharp Sam}; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J, Alexander Patten. %2 The Lion ofthe Sea, By Albert W. Aiken, %8 Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth; or, Rosebud Rob's Reappear- ance. By te. L. Wheeler. @4 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. By Charles Morris, %S Inland Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. By Bracebridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway), 6 Nap AND 3 the Shadow. By Edward L, Wheeler. T7 Dick Dead Eye. the Boy Smuggler. By Col. P. Ingraham. 78 Deadwood Dicks Device. By Ka. 1. Wheeler. @9 The Black Mustanger. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 80 Old Frosty, the Guide. By T.C. Harbaceh, 81 The Sea Viper. By Col. Prentias Ingraham. 82 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. By E.S. Ellis. 88 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By KE. L. Wheeler, 84 The Dumb Page. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. a4 poe Bey: era By. ere 4 Ellis, ae arkaway in New York, By Bracebridge Hemyng. 87 The Hussar Captain. By Col, Prentivs Ingrahane: ‘eis By T. C, 88 Deadwood Dickin Leadville. By Edward L. Wheeler. 89 Bill Biddon, Trapper. By Edward 5. Ellis. 90 Tippy, the Texan. By George Gleason. 91 Mustang Sam, the King of the Plains, By Joe. E. Badger, Jr, 92 The Ocean Bloodhound. By Samuel) W. Pearce, 98 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. By Charles Morris. 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler, 95 Buck Buckram. By Captain J. F. C. Adams, 96 Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L, Wheeler. 9? The Black Steed ot the Prairies, 98 The Sea Serpent. By Juan Lewis, 99 Bonanza Bill, the Man Tracker. By E. L, Wheeler. 100 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. By B.S. Ellis, 101 Daring Davy; the Young Bear Killer. By Harry St. George 102 The Yellow Chief. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 108 Chip, the Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 104 The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuck. 105 Wandsome Harry, tho Bootblack Detective. By C.[Morris, 106 Night-Hawk Kit. By Joseph FE, Badger, Jr. 107 Jack Hoyle’s Lead. By Ex L. Wheeler, 108 Rocky Mountain Kit. By T. C. Harbaugh, 109 The Branded Hand, By frank Dumont. 110 The Dread Rider, By George W. Browne, 111 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks, By Edward L, Wheeler. 112 The Helpless Mand. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 118 Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter. By Oll Coomes, 114 Piney Paul, the Mountain Boy. By T. C. Harbaugh. 115 Dandwood Dick’s Double. By dward L, Wheeler, 116 Jabez Coffin, Sian: By Capt. F. Whittaker. 117 Faney Frank, of Calorado. By “ Buffalo Bill.” 118 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. By Chas. Morris, 119 Alona: Bills or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base, By Edward 4. Wheeler. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. C. Harbaugh. 121 Marry Armstrong, the Captain of the Club. bridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway.) 122 The Hunted Hunter. By E4ward S. Ellis. 128 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Edward L. Wheeler. 124 Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. 125 The Land Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 126 Hlue Blazes; or, The Brexk o’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar, By Frank Dumont. 127 Tony Fox, the Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler. 128 Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer. By Charles Morris, 129 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. By O!l Coomea, 180 Gold Trigger. the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh. 181 A Game of Gold; or, D sdwood Dick: Big Strike, By Edward L. Wheeler, 182 Dainty Lance, the Soy5.. By J. Badger, Jr, 188 Wild-fire, the Boss of che 20nd. By Frank Dumont. 184. Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Charles Morris, 185 Deadwood Dick of Dendwood. By E. L. Wheeler. 186 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton Holmes, 187 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G. Waldo Browne, 188 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas. Morris, 189 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, By Jos, .E. Badger, Jr. 140 Captain Arizona. By Philip S. Warne, 141 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective, By E.L. Wheeler, 142 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Ol Coomes. 148 Deadly” Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. By Jos, E, Badger, Jr. 144 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 145 The Tiger of Taos, By Geo. Waldo Browne, 146 The Cattle King. By frank Dumont. 147 Nobby Nick of Nevada, By Edward L. Wheeler. 148 Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George. 149 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. By Charles Morris. 150 The Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne, 151 The Sen Trailer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine, By W. R. Eyster, 158 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, By E, L. Wheoler. 154 The Boy Traltlers, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 155 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 156 Will Wildfire in the Woods. By C. Morris. 157 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T, C, Harbaugh. 158 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By E, L. Wheeler. 159 Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. By Philip. S. Warne. 160 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. “By Col. P. Ingraham, 161 Bob Rockett, the Crackaman, By Charles Morris. 162 Little Wurrteane, the Boy Captain, By Ol] Coomes, 168 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By E. L. Wheeler, 164 Tornado Tom. _ By T. C. Harbaugh. 165 Buffalo Bills Bet. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 166 Will Wildfire Wins and Loses. By Charles Morris, 167 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George W. Browne. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Ward, By Edward L. Wheeler, 169 The Boy Champion. By Edward Willett. 170 Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. By Charles Morris, Beadle’« Pocket Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street New York. * By James L. Bowen, By Brace-
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. Published Hvery Wednesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, 71 Frank Merton, the Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes, By Edwin Emerson, By Edward S, Ellis, 5 G. W, Browne. Ve. Will Wildfire’s Pluck, The Boy Commander, By Co rentiss Ingraham, The Maniac Hunter. By Burton Saxe. Daint: Lance } or, The Mystic \iarkaman. By J. EB, Badgers 0 The Boy Gold-Munter. “By T. C. Harbaugh. 181 The Seapegrace Son, By Charles Morria. 188 The Dark-Skinned Scout, By Lieut, Col, Hazeltine. 188 Jabeox Dart, Detective, By Oll Coomes. 184 Featherweight, tho Boy Spy. By Edws 185 Biron Billy 0 Sverland Prince. By Col. ain Lance and His Pard, 187 The ie ieietetedeieinint d Willett, ntiaa Ingraham, By Maj. Sam. S. Hall. y James L. Bowen, By Geo. Waldo Browne, By Harry St. George. Grim, By Edward L. Wheeler. 4 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By Ol] Coomem % The Tenderfoot Trailer. By 7. C. Harbaugh. 96 The Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris. 197 Roy, the Young Cattle King. “By Col. Prentiss Ingraham 198 Ebory Dan’sa Mask. By Frank Dumont. 199 Mietionary Nat, Dotective. By T. C. Harbaugh. 200 The Twin Horsemen. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards, By Wm, R. Eyster, 02% Tom, the Texan Tiger. By Ol) Coomes. 208 Sam _ the Office Boy. By Charles Morris. 204 The Young Cowboy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 205 The Frontier Detective. By Edward L, Wheeler. 206 White Li. hénings or, The Boy Ally, By T. C. Harbaugh. 207 Kentuck Talbot’s Band. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 208 apes Tom’s Castle Mystery. By 011 Coomes, 209 The Messenger-Boy Detective. By Charles Morris, 210 The Hunchback of the Mines. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 212 Little Giant and Wis Band. By Philip 5. Warne. 212 The Jimtown Sport. By Edward L. eeler, 218 The Pirate’s Prize. By C. Dunning Clark. 214 Dandy Dave, of Shasta. By T. C. Harbaugh. 215 Paving Dan, the Ranger; or, The Denver Detective. By Ol! /OOMes. 216 Theo Cowboy Oaptain. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham 21% Bald Hend of the Rockies, By Maj. neat 8. Hall, 218 The Miner Sport, By Edward L. Wheeler. 219 Buck, the Detective, By Albert W. Aiken, 220 Orack-Shot Frank. By Charles Morris, 221 Merle the Middy. By Co). Prentiss Ingraham, 222 Rosebud Ben’s Boys. By O11 Coomes. 228 Gold Conrad’s Watch-Doga. By T. C. Harbangh, 224 Frisky Fergus, the New York Boy, By G. L. Aiken, 225 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son, By Edward L. Wheeler. 226 Dakota Dick in Ohicago. By Charles Morris. 227 Merle, the Boy Cruiser. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 228 The Preacher Detective. By Oll Coomes. 229 Old Wickory’s Grit, By John J. Marshall. 280 Three Boy Sports. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 281 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Kdward L. Wheeler. R82 Merle Monte’s Treasure, By Col. Prentie Ingraham. 288 Rocky Rover Kit. By Enaign C. D. Warren. 284 Baldy, the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F.C. Adama, 285 Jack Stump’s Orulse, By Roger Starbuck. 286 Sierrn Sam’s Double, By Edward L. Wheeler. 287 Newsboy Ned Detective. By Charles Morrin. 2 Merle Monte’s Sen-Seraper. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 239 Ben’s Big Boom, By Capt. Mark Wilton. £40 Sharp Shoot Mike. By Ol] Coomes, 41 Sierra Bam’s Sentence, By Edward L. Wheeler, 42 The Denver Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. 48 Dutch Jan’s Dilemma. By Mal: L. W. Carson. 44 Merle Monte’s Disguise, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, A5 Baldy’s Boy Partner. By Edward 5S, Ellis. 46 Detective Keen’s Apprentice, By Charles Morris, 247 The Girl Sport. By Kdward 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’s Device. By Kdward L. Wheeler, 258 The Boy Tenderfoot. By Capt. Mark Wilton, 254 Black Willa Ben, By May. Lewis W. Carson. 255 Jolly Jim, Detective. By Charles Morria, 256 Merle Monte’s Laat Cruise. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 25? The Boy Chief of Ro Pass. By Maj. BE. L. St. Vrain, 25S Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By Ol Coomes, 260 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 Buoys; or, Lige, the Light-Houss Kepper, By Capt, J. F. C. Adams. 864 Denver Doll’s Partner, By &. 1. Wheeler, & 2 2 2 2 2. 265 Billy, the Baggage Boy. By Charles Morris, REE Guy's Boy Chum. By Capt. Comatock. 267 Giant George’s Revenge. By Buckskin Sam, 268 Dead-Shot Dandy. By Col. Prentisa Ingraham. 269 Che Quartzyille Boss. By Edward Willett. 270 Denver Dolls Mine. By E. L. Wheeler. 271 Ebony Jim’s Terror. By Oll Coomes. 272 Kit, the Gtrl Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. 278 The Gat Rider; or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise. Badger, Jr. : 274 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. By Col. P. Ingraham. 275 Fred, the Ocenn Waif, By Charles Morris. 276 Deadwood Dick Trapped. By Edward L. Wheeler, 277 The Idiot Boy Avenger. By Albert W. Aiken. 278 Arizona Alf, the Miner. By T, C. Harbaugh, 279 Colorado Jack, the Tiger. By Frederick Dewey. 280 Dead Shot Dandy’s Last Deal; or, Keno Kit’s New Role. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 281 Ned, the Boy Pilot. By Jack Farragut. R82 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy’s Fortune, By Edward L. Wheeler. 288 Roving Sport Kit. By Edward Willett. 284 The Showman’s Best Oard. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker, 255 Old Rocky’s Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 286 Dick, the Dakota Sport, By Charles Morris, 287 Ned, the Boy Skipper. By Jack Varragut. 288 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise. by Edward L, Whoeler, 289 Colorado Nick, the Lassoist. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, 290 Rube, the Tenderfoot. By M a}. . L. St. Vrain, 291 Peacock Pete, the Leadville Sport. By Albert W. Alken. 292 Joe Morey, the Night Hawk. By Jos, Ei. Badger, Jr. 298 Dwarf Take, 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 Govinda, the Tiger Tamer, By Capt. F. Whittaker, 297 Arizona Glant Georges or, The Boyees of Sardine-Box City, By Buckskin Sam, 298 Dalsy Doll’s Dash; or, The Ten Colorado Pards. By T. Cc Harbaugh. 299 The Balloon Detectives; or, Jack Slasher’s Young Pard. By Harry Enton. 800 Deadwood Dick’s Mission, By Edward L. Wheeler, 801 Dandy Duke, the Cowboy. By Maj. E. L. St. Vfnin. 802 Big Benson’s Bet. By T. C. Harbaugh. 808 The Hotel Boy_ Detective; or, The Grand Central Robbery. By Chas, Morris. 804 Bald Wend’s Pards or, Creeping Cat’s Cunning. By Buckskin Sam. 805 Dusky Dick’s Duel; or, The Demon’s Trail, By Harry Hazard. 806 Spotter Fritzs or, The Store Detective’s Decoy. By E. TL. heeler. 807 syle ue Boy Sportz or, Three Plucky Pards. By Maj. E. a » Vrain, 808 Double-Fisted Mat; or, The Mystic California Giant. By Jos. BE. Badger, Jr. 809 Old Greybeard’s Boys or, The Girl's Ruse. By C. Dunning Clark Ark, 810 Kit, the Girl Captain; or, The Mad Sailor’s Legacy, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 811 Frio Fred in Texas. By Buckskin Sam. 812 The Detective Road-Agenty or, The Miners of Sassafras City. By E. L. Wheeler, 8 Honest Jack’s P. . By P. §. Warne, Clip, the Boy By Bay rd Willet. ‘Tom, the Arizona Sport. By Major E. L, St. Vrain, The Street-Arab Detective. Py Charlea Morris. Buckskin Ben of Texas. By Buckskin Sam, 818 Colorado Charlie’s Detective Dash. By E. L, Wheeler. 819 Frisky Frank in Idaho. By Roger Starbuck, 820 Cool Sam’s Girl Pard, By T. C. Harb ugh. 821 Billy, the Kid from Frisco. By J.C, Cowdrick, 822 Fred Flyer, Detective; or, Abe Blizzard on Deck, By Chas, Morris. 828 Dead Shot Ike in Montana; or, Hex Helper the Yankee Pard. By Roger Starbuck. 824 Kit, the Denver Sporty or, The Bonanza Miner King. By Edward L. Wheeler. 825 Dusky Darrell, the Oamp Detective. By Edwin Emerson, 826 Roy, the Boy Cruiser. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 827 Ned, the Roving Miner, By Harry Hazard 828 Rocky Ben’s Band. ly W, J, Hamilton, Rendy April 23. 829 Dave, the Colorndo Wrestler. By Maj. E. L. St Vraln, Ready April 30, Bendle’s Pocket Library 1s for sale by all Nowsdealera, five eonta per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE ANY ADAMA, Publishers, 98 William Strect, Now York, By Jon. Ey = & & & 8 43 FRAA 1 t 1 1 1 t i