Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 334) (1890 06 04)
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i His fa at (lo Co Copyrighted, 1890, by Beanie as » Entered at the Post Office ot. 50 ‘Published Bp edains b Beadle alll Adan; er tee No, 334, 8 W mot Ae ry New YORK. nts, “a Voli XXVI. INA I HA | h 9 oo) Sal %
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Frisco Tom on Deck. Frisco Tom on Deck; Be, The Golden Gate Smugglers. BY GEORGE HENRY MORSE, AUTHOR OF “‘ THE TELEGRAPH DETECTIVB,” ETC, CHAPTER I. A FRIEND IN NEED, “(Ons thousand dollars on the ace! Ef it wins, it’s double the stakes; lose, an’ I drap it, along with the other four thousand, an’ Amber- gris Ben bids you good-night\” The speaker was a rotund, hearty-voiced man, about fifty years of age, and his short, bristling beard, little. watchful eyes and white, glistening teeth made up a combination of features rather a study than a striking oddity. His hands were podgy and small, his face of almost even roundness, with a suggestion of the shrewd and cautious in hisglance. Good-nature seemed a prevailing characteristic, but when any suspicious move on the part of the dealer of the cards, in the game of faro at which he was en- gaged, attracted Ben's attention, he suddenly became transformed into a far different being. “Tm on a lark, my friends,” he would say, softly, ‘‘but no tricks, Don’t call on the old man to show his teeth,” And, suiting the action to the word, as the white ivories projected over the steady lower lip, the speaker betrayed a fighting expression that was menacing. The scene was a gambling-der in the lower end of San Francisco, the hour, midnight; the actors in the little drama, in which Ben was the star for the time, being the dealer, a tall, bearded man by his side, and. the usual attendance of hangers-on and players, There was one other member of the little coterie with whom our story has much to do, buf he was practically in the background at tho present time, and had been scarcely noticed by his companions. He bad entered the place a few moments before Ben’s last speech, and had seated himself at the elbow of the latter, watching his playing with a steady glance from his keen, searching eyes, almost, con- cealed by a full, bushy beard and a well-dfawn sombrero, The dealer looked a little uneasy as Ben, who had been rattling on volubly since the com- mencement of the game, suddenly ceased talking and looked straight at the cards falling from the box. He dealt more slowly, and then, as if ask- ing some cavual question, turnéd to the well- dressed man at his side: “Tsay, Ellis, just order me a brandy-sour, will you? I’m feeling somewhat unstealy.” The man designated as Ellis nodded signifi- cantly, advanced to the sideboard, and gave the required order to the man in charge, Then, as if the dealer’s words had conveyed a pre- arranged hintof action, he addressed himself to the player. ‘“That’s a singular name of yours,” he re- marked, Ben looked up quickly, fixed a knowing glance on the speaker, and then resumed his attention to the cards, te it was the scheme of the dealer and his accomplice to distract the old man’s at- tention from the game they were destined to fail, for bis eyes never wandered from the deal- ing-box, although he carried on a quiet conyer- sation. ‘What name, stranger!” he asked “ Ambergris Ben.” ‘“‘ Ain’t it good enough for all purposes? It represents exactly fifty of those thousand-dollar notes, an’ it’s gota history too. Aha! luck for once! I’ve won.” The ace had turned on the winning side, Ellis scowled darkly and the dealer looked somewhat annoyed. ‘*Put the bull amount on the deuce,” coolly remarked Ben; and resuming the broken con- versation, he continued; “I’m no Border’ Bill, or Road-agent Hank nor Coonskin Jack, Loud names never caughtme, But, a rover by land I became a rover of the sea, an’ Ambergris Ben is as well known in the North Pacific as Buffalo Bill on the plains. The bearded stranger at the old man’s side, sitting silent as a statue, startei as the dealer shuffled the -cards and described a rapid sleight- of-band motion. But he restrained himself, and seemed to listen to the conversation be- tween Ben and Ellis. ** Indeed,” remarked the latter; ‘“‘a seafaring man, eh?” ‘“‘Yesand no. I kip hunt, fish andtrap. I’ve killed my man in a fair duel, and tracked down many a treacherous red-skin, I’m fat, but I kin run, an’ good-natured, but I kio fight, But, of late yoars, mind ye, I’ve taken a fancy to the sea, They used to call me Pug-nosed Ben, Let ’em laugh; they don’t sneer at my short nose now, sence it made my fortune,” A token of interest was manifest among the hangers-on at the last significant declaration, ‘*Your nose made your fortune?’ repeated Ellis, in evident surprise, “ Prezactly.” Ben smiled all over his face as he noted,the mystified crowd about him, **T see ye’re interested,” he said, somewhat ex- citedly, and gratified at the curiosity he had evoked; ‘‘ wal, Pll explain the mystery in one word—Ambergris. Ishipped on a whaler. No whales. Finally we found a dead one, The b’yees wouldn’t tech the carcass, but my nose was true to its old teachings in a cologne fac- tory in the East where they used ambergris as the basis of perfume. I bought that carcass an’ found—-” o What?” “Two hundred and fifty pounds: of ‘ambergris —worth forty dollars a pound; put it in a bar- re! and shipped it to New York, an’ sold it for spot cash, Then I went bunting dead whales, T found two in the next year; a dozen sence, Thet’s how I come to be called Ambergris Ben, an’ I reckon I’m desarvin’ of the name and about as cute, honest and generous as they make ”» ott Lost!” The dealer swept the money from the card as he turned the deuce on the losing side, Amber-
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Frisco Tom on Deck. 3 : 7 | gris Ben made a mock grimace of disappoint- ment and arose coolly to his feet. Ellis had turned to leave the spot, his share in facilitating the play evidently accomplished. He paused, as the stranger who had not spoken a word. addressed the old man, “You may be cute enough to find amber- is,” he said, quietly, but half-sarcastically, ‘but you are not cute enough to know when the land-sharks are fleecing you, Mr. Ambergris Ben.” Ellis turned, quick as a flash, sprung forward and wheeled the stranger face to face, with an oath. “What do you mean?” hand seeking his pocket. The stranger never flinched, His eyes fixed steadily on the face of the gambler, outlaw and thief, ho said, in an aggressive tone of voice: *T mean exactly what I say, Horace Ellis— gambler, adventurer, and renegade; you’ve robbed this stranger of five thousand dollars by crooked dealing, and I’m not the man to stand by and see it done,” “You don’t mean that, stranger? Robbed me?” Ben’s face had grown dark with suspicion, doubt and uncertainty. ‘*T mean every word of it.” * You lie!” hissed Ellis, * And you lie—there |” The stranger raised his fist—with a thud it crashed into the face of the gambler who fell backward as if struck by a cannon-ball, Half a dozen men joined the dealer as the lat- ter arose excitedly from his seat, Threats, oaths, echoed on the air, ** One word,” the stranger cried. ‘ This man has been robbed of five thousand dollars. If that money is not paid back to him before another minute there'll be the liveliest fight in this room you ever saw,” ““Who is he? Down bim! Some cursed de- tective,” mingled with the shuffling of the feet of the huddled throng, No,” broke fiercely from the stranger’s lips, You all know me, and you all hate me, but you are cowards, blacklegs, thieves, every one of you, and you are afraid of me, The money, Tsay, or ll make it warm for you!” He had thrown up the brim of bis sombrero, Every man fell back, awed to silence, Only a gasping murmur from the dealer anncunced the truth of the stranger’s words. “ Frisco Tom!” he demanded, his **That’s my name, and you know my reputa- | tion for fighting, and the truth, One! Twol— You are wise, and get out of this, old man!” The dealer, with a crestfallen, rage-crossed face, had handed five bills to Ben, who thrust them into his pocket, His face bad grown lurid, His little bead-like eyes darted out a violent flame. His hands worked to and fro with a nervous restlessness that caused the dealer to become wildly alarmed, Then, with a sudden growl, Ben sprung forward, His fingers grasped the throat of the dealer, Raising him from the floor, he flung = bodily against the men standing back of the ie, The money! Take your cash “Take that, ye sneaking cur!” he cried, “ As ef the chances of yer thieving game wasn’t enough ag’in’ me, thet ye’d try to make an hour’s play at cardsa crime, Come on, ye thieves an’ blacklegs! Pll handle the last one of ye at fists.” He was a monument of rage and courage. In his excitement he began to roll up his sleeves, shaking his fists at the gambler’s associates until the stranger drew bim back. **Get out of this!” commanded the latter, ** We've done with them for this time,” “I’m sharpening my teeth. I’m sp'iling for a fight.” Ben’s speech was suddenly checked. Frisco Tom had forcibly pushed him back toward a door, just in time to evade a bullet sent whizzing from a revolver of some one in the rear portion of the room, Slowly retreating, his eyes blazed a deadly menace until he reached the door, which he sent crashing open with a backward blow of his fist. ** You'll pay for this,” Ellis spoke the words. He had arisen to bis feet, his blanched face scowling a baffled hate at the retreating men. ‘Not this time, Horace Ellis, and never in fair fight, I'm going to leave the place with this man. If one of your sneaking curs so much as winks after us, Pll come back and clean out the ranch in a way that will surprise you,” He turned coolly, as if a dozen murderous shots were not in reserve for him, Following Ben down the stairs, he reached the street, took his arm, and led him from the spot, Tom spoke not a word as the old man raved, threatening in an insane rage to return and fight it out. He forced him silently along until a a straggling structure was reached. Then he spoke. ‘*Mr. Ambergris Ben,” be said quietly, ‘* this is your hotel, Goin and go to bed, You've had enough of the city life for one evening,” The old man turned a surprised face on him after surveying the building before them, * How did you know this was my hotel?” he demanded, ‘* Never mind, for the present. I know more than you think, as I will inform you when I see “he again, You are getting old enough to now better than to throw your money away as you do,” en resented this reproach half-angrily. “Tt’s my own money I reckon,” A stern look came from Frisco Tom’s face. ‘*'Yes,” he replied impressively, ‘‘it’s your own money, but you have a charge in this hotel too precious to risk by exposing yourself to peril, perhaps death among desperate villains,” A quick cry of alarm sprung to the old man’s lips. He tried to detain the speaker. The lat- ter with a wave of bis band turned and walked rapidly down the street, Ben, with a mystified ese, disappeared within the doorway of the hotel. “Who is bef” he muttered. secrets, He’s right. “He knows my Frisco Tom? I’ve beard the name afore an’ as thet of a brave man, a terror to villains, He'll see me ag’in, He was
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4 right, he was right; I am a fool to risk my life, when I haveasacred trust toa friend to per- form.” If he had remained at the door a minute longer, he would have seea two stealthy forms glide from a shadowed doorway and follow directly in the steps of Frisco Tom. But, he would have feared vainly for the safety of his newly-found friend, for as the latter cast a quick glance behind him, he murmured: “Horace Ellis is as good as his word. He’s started a pair of his emissaries on my trail. Pll give them a lesson they won’t forget.” The two men had reached his side as he was passing a dark cellar-way. One sprung sud- denly forward and directed a quick 5 at the young man with a slung-shot. The latter wheeled. One movement of his foot sent his assailant reeling to the sidewalk. Then, with aspring, he caught the throat of the second r' B He bad both down on the pavement. With a werful twist he clutched the throats of both, Packing their heads together with a resonant crack, They struggled like mice in the grasp of a t. ‘* Murder 1” Tom relaxed his hold, springing to his feet. ** Murder and a cry for help!” Tom murmured anxiously as he dashed toward the hotel, ‘‘end the voice was that of Ambergris Ben.” : CHAPTER IT. VILLAINS AT WORK, A FINER specimen of perfect humanity never trod the streets of the Golden City than the man who had just disposed of two murderous ruf- fians, and was bent on a new venture of peril, without so much asa tremor of excitement or fear. When Ben had repeated the name of Frisco Tom, with a dim recollection of hearing it be- ‘fore, connected with deeds of daring, he had echoed a memory which time had but partly ef- faced. For ten years Tom had been a character of the Pacific Slope, a miner, a stage-driver and a scout by turns, and in each avocation the young man had acquitted himself in a remirk- able manner, No delver for ore ever drove the pick or bandled the shovel with deeper energy than himself, No bandit ever guided his met- tled steed over the mountain roads with surer poise, and, in trailing the dusky denizen of the woods, he had exhibited a skill and caution that had made him a terror to the warrior tribes of the island. Possessed of a clear, kindly eye, a calm, generous nature, and a noble face, he had ever been the champion of the poor and weak, and had supplanted the bullyand braggart on many occasions, fn the present case, from his mysterious ap- pearance at the gambling-den to his strange revelation to Ben, a deep motive aside from natural chivalry had inspired him, A mighty secret was locked within bis breast, which was destined to be brought to light sooner than he had anticipated, by the fast-occurring incidents of the night, * Murder !” The cry had already reached other ears than , Frisco Tom on Deck. his own, and the echo of the word had acceler- ated his run toward the hotel, He dashed through the doorway like a flash, toppling over a terrified servant; and, by intuition or from some previous knowledge of the place, he found himself at the very door of the apartment oc- cupied by Ambergris Ben. A glance indicated to Tom that his recogni- tion of the voice of the old man was nota mis- take. A lamp burned in a bracket, and its rays showed a scene of excitement and confusion, Upon the floor, bleeding from a slight wound in the head, was Ambergris Ben slowly struggling to his feet. Near him was a trunk, its contents scattered over the floor, while the lower part of the window leading to the side yard of the ho- tel, had been torn from its place, the splintered glass covering the sill and the floor. ‘“* What has happened? quick! man; you were assaulted? Which way have they gone?” Old Ben with a glance of recognition at Frisco Tom pointed to the window, “Two of them,” he gasped out, ‘One the man Ellis, could swear to it. My money! a slung-shot.” His last words did not reach the young man’s ears. He had sprung tothe window nimbly. When he returned, five minutes later, a score of men filled the room listening to Ben’s story of the robbery. A shade of dismay and concern came into Tom’s face, “There is no trace of the villains,” he said, calmly, ‘‘Gentlemen, please leave the room. I wish to question my friend about this affair,” The throng dispersed at his words, Frisco Tom closed the door, and turned to Ben with an anxious look. The latter had been lifted toa chair, and the blood washed from his wound. “ Are you seriously hurt?” asked Tom, “No, only a stunning blow. But, the money! They tore it from’ me before I could resist or shoot, although I fired through the window at them. My heavens, man! am I crazy? Juani- ta! This commotion will alarm her terribly. I forgot all about her.” ** At the mention of the name Juanita, Fris- co Tom started. The first trace of excited emo- tion he had yet shown, crossed bis brown, hand- some face. He paled slightly, his eyes became anxious and he seemed about to speak. But he repressed the impulse, still betraying, however, a deep concern, A woman’s name bad stirred his being more powerfully than the menace of death itself. Ben arose to his feet and advanced to a door connecting with an adjoining room. He opened it, and repeated the name he had before spoken: * Juanita!” There was no response. He peered into the dark apartment and called the name again, Still silence was his only answer and he grew wildly alarmed, ‘Quick! if anything should have bappened to her! But no, no!—she is asleep, The lamp,” he said, hurriedly. Almost as much excited as his companion, Frisec Tom took down the lamp from its bracket and hastened to the next room, Its rays illu- minated the interior, showing an apartment so disordered that Ben uttered a Frantic cry. “Gone!” he ejaculated. ‘See! yonder win-
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Friseo Tom on Deck. dow also is open, her cloak and hat are on the floor. It is as I feared; oh! fool that I was to give way to a spirit of gaming, when I should hev guarded her with my life.” Exhaustion and excitement made him totter like a child. Tom did not speak. His face showed the most poignant emotion, and tben, suddenly, a new light came into his eyes. “Ay, gone!” he cried. ‘‘ Abducted by the same hand that stole your money. It is all some part of a deep plot of that villain, Ellis. There is no time to lose; he shall be traced and punished. Oh! I will not spare bim this time.” “The trunk! the papers!” gasped Ben, ab- ruptly, as he hurried to the other room. ‘The Villains, again! Gone, girl and documents, both. I am ruined, lost!” He had examined the scattered contents of the trunk with feverish haste. He fell back as if struck a sudden blow, as he came to a large envelope heavily sealed. Its inclosure, evi- dently the prized document to which he re- ferred, seemed to have Sbeen taken away by the thieves. A deep shadow crossed the young man’s face. He seemed lost in a puzzling reverie. His com- panion, utterly overcome, sat staring blankly at the scattered papers before him, He ap- ooh to slowly realize it all. His money had geen wrested from him; a young girl—his pene Su abducted; a valuable paper stolen. “You said a plot,” he breathed, finally. “Who could get up a plot to do all this unless they knew—” ‘“* All your secrets,” interrupted Tom. ‘‘ They did. Are you blind, Ben, to think your money only was what they sought—that they would carry away a young girl in the heart of San Francisco because she had a pretty face? No; a deep game of fraud and crime has begun, It commenced when you, an hour since, unwit- tingly walked into Horace Ellis’s gambling-den and placed yourself under the power of your deadliest foe and that of Juanita.” Ben sat transfixed at the words of his compan- ion. roca he appeared to comprehend their meaning. e listened like one turned to stone as Frisco Tom went on: “There is no use of my deceiving you. I know you, I know Juanita, [ know your secret. Five years since your old friend, Arnold Leslie, died, leaving his daughter to your care. He feared enemies, he feared for his child, for his wife was the daughter of Ayal Trujillo, the last living descendant of the royal line of Montezti- mas. You knew what that meant, The mystic secret of his life centered about the child, Juanita, for she was the heiress to vast wealth, When she was eighteen years of age you were directed to enme to San Francisco to apply to Marston, the banker, to receive a certain paper explaining your future course in regard to her. You did so. That paper contained the secret of her life; scarcely an hour in your possession, it has fallen into the hands of a merciless enemy, and you and herself are in ignorance of its pre- cious contents.” A deep groan broke from old Ben’s lips. “Pile it onto me! Curse me, boy! I desarve it all for my recklessness,” “No,” returned -Tom, ‘‘for you have been a faithful guardian to Juanita, When, three years since, you found her hunted down by an old enemy of her father, Bryce Willard, you escaped from him and placed her at school at Matamoras, She was safe there; you went to see her, return- ing a month since, and you brought her here to get the papers.” “How do you know all this?” “* Because [ am the afflanced busband of your ward,” “ You 2” The old man shouted the word incredulously. “Yes; I met her, [loved her, When you re- turned, we determined to keop it a secret for a time at least. When I followed you to-night to Horace Ellis’s gambling-den, it was by Juanita’s earnest desire,” The accumulating surprises of the evening seemed to overtome the old man, He did not speak, ‘“* You were followed, traced. The enemy you once feared is again on your trail, That paper stolen to-night undoubtedly tells of treasure, or a great fortune held by some fanatic devotee of the Aztecs. You know the story of the myste- rious heritage of Caldeiras, the mountain hermit —that he holds uncounted wealth, saved from the pillage when Montezumas died, to be given to some lineal descendant of the old kingly race, who will restore the glories of the Aztec empire. What if Juanita’s claim was something like this? Ben, arouse yourself! The game has be- gun, the trail is fresh, Bryce Williard must be followed!” “Bryce Williard?”’ “* Ay! for he is the man who has wrought all this trouble to-night. Bryce Williard and Horace Ellis are one,” “Ye don’t mean it?” Old Ben’s vernacular was inadequate to ex- press his amazement, but a moment later his rage broke forth unrestrainedly, **T see it all, stranger!” he eried. ‘*The plot, the villain, the game—lI see yer interest in’ this affair. I jine hands with ye, A nobler man I never met, fer ye show yer mettle in yer face an’ deeds. We'll hunt this man down! We'll save the gal, an’ punish him, or my name ain’t Am- bergris Ben.” He gathered up the papers and placed them in the trunk, For over an hour he was busy ar- ranging things to his satisfactlon. Then the two men scoured the city and its vicinity all through the night for some trace of Juanita’s abductor, Tireless as bloodhounds on a scent, cautious and shrewd as expert detec- tives, they haunted the lowest and most public places of the city. Nota trace of the girl or her abductor could be found. Juanita had disappeared; but in the early morning, just as they were despairing of tracing the gambler, a discovery was made that set them both at fever-heat. A clew had been found, not to the villain Bryce Williard, or to his prisoner, but to a com- panion of the former, with whom they believed he would communicate within the next few hours. They ascertained that Bryce Williard, aside from his gambling schemes and the abduction of Juanita, had formed a confederation of
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8 Frisco Tom on Deck. crime in the Golden City which he would in- fluence to aid bis designs, and that this band of desperadoes was no less a formidable association than the notorious opium-smugglers of the coast, CHAPTER ITIi. AT THE COAST TAVERN, ‘Tv sarved my time, an’ I owe the State a grudge. Howlin’ Sahara, but I’m sp’ilin’ for a figbr!” “ Easy, stranger. This is a public house, and I’m a peaceable man, Don’t!” The last word was a frightened appeal on the part of the laudlurd of the Coast Tavern, and he paled and trembled as he spoke. ‘*Ye ain’t used to catamarans, are ye? That’s me, Catamaran Bill. : The scene was a common one, A rough, in- solent bully had entered the Coast Tavern half an hour before the opening of this chapter, and since then bad kept its frightened host on the qui vive of terror and excitement with his reckless threats and actions, To the latter, he was some desperado or convict bent on mis- chief, each moment inspired to renewed devil- try. To a careful observer, however, the shrewd glitter in his eyes indicated a deeper mo- tive in his maneuvers than that of the brag- art, Evidently his performance was not intended for the landlord, for that individual was al- ready under the influence of fear, The atten- tion of the ruffian was divided between the two other occupants of the place, and his purpose seemed to be to frighten or drive them away from the saloon, Something, however, in the manner and ap- pearance of the youngest of these two prevent- ed his acting on the open aggressive toward them. Twice he had staggered past the youn- gest of the twain, who was seated in a chair smoking a cigar, placidly indifferent to the drunken antics of the bully. To all appear- ances he was a Spaniard, his dress and hair be- tokening a peninsular ranchero, or petty official. But, although inferior in size to the man who had announced himself as Catamaran Bill, the steady glance of bis eye from beneath the drawn sombrero showed a defiance and contempt for the bully that cowed him. The other occupant of the place was a man of full habit, with a face shaven perfectly smooth and brown as that of a Malay. He wore a pair of dark spectacles, useless at present, however, for his eyes were closed, and his attitude was one of drunken slumber. Toward him Cata- maran Bill directed his attention at last. “Git up, hyar!” he ordered, as he gave the sleeper a vicious dig in the ribs, ‘It’s time for ol: men to be at bum and asleep.” The speaker gave utterance to a grunt, and sunk lower and more helpless in his chair. His evident inebriation seemed to make him un- worthy of further attention from the bully, for the latter returned to the bar, drained a glass of liquor, and then strolJed to the open door of the tavern. The silent smoker changed his position as the bully’s back was turned, and tilted his chair against the wall. The movement brought him nearer to the sleeping man—so near, in fact, that he almost touched him. A single sentence, murmure:! cautiously, swept bis lips as he lit a fresh cigar. 1t was addressed to the inebriate: * Admirable, Ben! You're a star actor.” The pretended inebriate smiled, Then he re- sumed his drunken pose, only a gleam in the corner of his drooping eyelids telling that he was watching the man at the door, Silence fell over the scene, and the landlord glanced at Catamaran Bill with a sigh of relief as the former moved toward the door. The bully evidently had no intention of leay- ing just then, however, for he lolled against the door-post, his eyes fixed on the black expanse of water—a little bay lying beyond the road in front of the hotel, Suddenly he started, and strained his vision to pierce the gloom-laden air of the night. The silent smoker leaned forward eagerly, and glanc- ing past the figure blocking the doorway, saw the cause of Catamaran Bill’s excitement, Flashed once, twice, across the bay, a mere speck in the distance, was alight. So unmis- takably was it the cause of Catamaran Bill’s interest, so engrossed was the stranger in ob- serving it, that the former turned quick enough to detect the other staring fixedly at the now stationary light. An angry oath issued from Catamaran Bill’s lips. For the first time he ventured to approach the stranger. ‘* What are ye spying at?” he ground out, “ It *pears to me ye’re oncommon curious about affairs in here,” Not a word was ventured in response, The calm eyes were fixed on the face of the bully, but their owner continued smoking carelessly, his lips opening only to puff the curling smoke directly in the face of the snarling braggart who confronted him, “*Mebbe you think it’s a signal? Mebbe ye’re some cussed revenue, pokin’ your nose in other people’s affairs?” *“T do think it’s a signal. What of it?” * Pipin’ geysers! ef I thought a man couldn’t meet a friend at a quiet hotel without bein’ spotted by some pesky copper, I’d cl’ar ther ranch. An’ mebbe, stranger, ye think this a signal, too.” He had sprung to the wall and seized a lamp, Raising it, he waved it twice before the open window, replaced it, and glared menacingly at the smoker. “T know it is.” ““Ye impudent Greaser! once forall, Take thet!” Catamaran Bill had thrown bimself forward with a lunge of his big, sprawling arms, Their sweep met nothing. As spry as an athlete the smoker dodged aside, gained his feet with a dexterous movement, and directed a single blow of his powerful fist at the forehead of his burly antagonist. With a thud the desperado sunk to the floor, and then with an oath he struggled to his feet again. “Whar is he? Ill crush him ter dust, I sw’ar I will! Whar hez be gone?” He stared around him with utter amazement, T'll settle yer case
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Frisco Tom on Deck. As if swallowed up by the earth, his antagonist had disappeared. Raving, threatening, cursing, the burly des- perado scoured the room and its vicinity, re- connoitering the outside and gazing under tables, the bar, and into adjoining apartments. It was useless. His assailant was nowhere to be found, and the landlord shook his head when questioned as to his fligbt. Still raving wildly, Catamaran Bill came to a dead stop as a form appeared in the doorway enveloped in a long cloak, Stepping quietly into the room, the new-comer conceuled his face as he glanced sharply about the place, and glided to the side of the bully. “Quick!” he spoke in a hoarse whisper, “I got the signal. Is the room ready? Are you mad to raise a row at a time like this? Are there any suspicious characters around?’ ted bully’s manner changed to abject ser- vility. «Ts all right, captain, I’ve engaged the room, We'll be safe hyar.” He led the way to a door, and they both disap- ared from view, { The landlord muttered disconsolately to him- self, deeply annoyed at the suspicious and troublesome guests of the evening, He failed to observe the sleeping stranger leave his seat and glide stealthily through the open front door. There was no trace of inebriation in this man now. His voice was clear, his eyes gleamed like two coals of fire as he gained the outer air, “Catamaran Bill and his captain, Bryce Williard!” he muttered, between his teeth, “Frisco Tom gave the bully a blow that will be followed by a wuss one afore the night is through ef we don’t collar his boss and find the al. Whar hez the lad gone to; to watch ’em? hen Pll take up my position under yonder tree, Bryce Williard, ye’re in a trap, with two deter- mined men on yer trail, an’ yer don’t leave hyar to-night till yer give me back my money, the al an’ the paper ye stole, or my name ain’t mbergris Ben!” CHAPTER IV. A NIGHT OF ADVENTURES. ALL the elements of a deep plot were present in the little roadside tavern at which- Ben, dis- gamed, had appeared on the trail of the man he ated most of all human beings, The old whale-hunter bad been induced. by Frisco Tom to act contrary to the hot impulses of his reckless nature. He had been convinced that Beripeate haste, while it might bring Bryce iliard to grief, would not be likely to cover all the long trail of guilt and fraud ‘the villain and his confederates had made. They must meet caution with caution, shrewdness with a matchless deftness; and the result of a confab after discovering a clew to the haunts of Wil- liard’s associates, was to disguise themselves suc- cessfully, and repair to the spot where they be- lieved Williard would soon appear. The result has been shown. It was Tom who laid the burly Catamaran Bill prostrate on the floor of the bar-room, but his flight had not been one of cowardice. He had simply taken advan- tage of the downfall of his foe to escape to an ab- sence which, later on, would enable them to trap their foes, It would be folly at the present state of the game to meet in open conflict. And while old Ben grimly watched the build- ing containing his foe from the shadow of a tree, Tom bad penetrated to the upper portion of the structure through a convenient doorway, and was now traversing the gloomy attic, endeavoring to locate the position of the new-comer and bis confederate, Catamaran Bill was silent as he led the way to a room back of the bar, As the door closed, his guest threw aside his cloak and flung it into a chair. “ Sit down,” he said, here?” *« As safe as if on the coast at Glorietta.” “No names, Bill. You hada row just now.” “Curse the meddling stranger! yes, I tried to get the coast clear for you. But ye needn't fear, he’s run off. He was the only one I thought looked as if he might be on the watch.” “Have you looked out for the old man and that infernal Frisco Tom?’ “Yes, but I can’t find’em. They’ve mysteri- ously disappeared, Safe enough you are now, if they get the whole polico force after ye.” Bryce Williard looked uneasily about the apartment. “Not if lhave to come this near the town very often. But to business. You know the new lay!” “ Opium.” “Exactly. The coast has been watched for a month past, and two packages dropped by the steamer were gobbled by the revenues. But we're bulking a fortune ona big run, It came in to-night.” Catamaran Bill started. “Inter the city?” ** Exactly.” “You amaze me, captain.” Williard smiled complacently. Tt was a clever dodge. All you've got to do is to hire a horse and wagon, and bring the stuff down to the ranch,” * The opium !—ye don’t mean—” “That it has passed inspection and will be delivered to you all right! Ha! what was that?” A little dust had fallen upon the table between them, Williard looked up quickly. ‘Some rat in the ceiling,” reassuringly replied Bill. ‘* Go on with yer orders, captain,” , “The package is at the Government ware- house. Here is the receipt,” and Williard took a piece of paper from his pocket, ‘Package No, 2824, Thot ends any necessity of being in town again very soon.” * And the gal?” Williard’s eyes sparkled, “A clear million when the game is ripe,” be replied. ‘‘ You won’t repent fair service to me this time, I'l] warrant you.” He had arisen to his feet, as if, his business accomplished, he was bent on leaving the place, At that moment there was a crash, The star- “You say we are safe tled men sprung aside as a cloud of dust, mortar and broken lathes covered the table, followed by a heavy body.
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Frisco Tom on Deck. It was Frisco Tom. In his curiosity to over- hear them, he had bored a small hole throygh the plastering. In peering through, his balance became overburdened and the frail partition gave way. Catamaran Bill sprung forward as he dis- cerned the intruder, “Ts my man, he that floored me!” he cried. , “Tt’s Frisco Tom!” ejaculated the excited Williard, ‘Finish him, or we’re lost! He’s overheard all. Not that!” Bill sprung toward the prostrate body of Frisco Tom. As he spoke, Williard raised his revolver and dealt Tom a heavy blow with its end. The youhg man fell back apparently in- sensible, ‘* Finished!” ejaculated Williard. ‘‘ He's off ovr trail at last.” ‘* No, only stupefied. Quick, the door! Some one is coming!” and Bill ran to the door and locked it. Williard hastened to the window as he spoke. “The very thing!” he muttered, as he re- turned and seized Tom, ‘‘ When I whistle, fol- low me.” He dragged the body through the window. His signal rung out a minute later. “What be you goin’ to do?” inquired Bill, as he gained his side. * Lift the body.” * Ye ain’t goin’ to carry it off?’ “ No.” ‘“ What then?” “The well. See, it’s ten feet away. I see a form coming toward us.” Together they lifted the inanimate Tom and hurried toward the open well, A cry of alarm from Williard’s lips was mingled with the re- port of of a revolver as the body slipped from their grasp and disappeared with an echoing plunge into tho well! They did not delay to face their new foe, A man had darted toward them, firing twice after them, and then, with a wild ejaculation of hor- ror he sprung to the well-curb and gazed down into the darkness, “Tom! Tom! are you there?—alive or dead!” shouted Ben, excitedly—for he it was, A faint murmur reached his ears, It grew to an ejaculation, a minute later, for the means employed to kill Willard’s foe, had resulted in hie restoration to consciousness, Contact with the water had revived Tom, “The rope!” he called back, as he heard Ben’s voice. With prodigious strength Ben began turning the windlass, and he dragged the form of Tom over the curb a minute later. “* Are ye hurt?” he asked solicitously. “Not seriously, but badly shaken up.” “Then I’m off, fer ye can’t j'ine me, weak as yeare. Willard hez given me the slip, but Pl trace him down this night if I search the ocean for him,” Leaving his half-drowned companion, lyin on the ground exhausted, Ambergris Ben dashe: off in the gloom of the night. CHAPTER V. THE SMUGGLED OPIUM, Frisco Tom lay perfectly still as he saw Ben fF Quick! disappear in pursuit of his enemies. The land- lord, attracted by the commotion, had come ‘hurriedly to the outside of the tavern. Then, fearing some new incursion of the desperadoes, he hastily closed and barred the doors and. windows and the place became enveloped in darkness, Twice Tom essayed to arise, but found his strength failed him, and for half an hour he was compelled to remain where he was. Restored vitality came at last. He struggled to his feet, glanced searchingly over the deserted landscape, and then with an anxious solicitude for the brave and rash Ben, turned thoughtfully toward tha distant lights of the city. His first move was to repair to a hotel and secure dry garments; his next to seek a few hours’ rest. He was utterly in the dark as to the coast haunt of Williard’s men, and as mys- tified regarding the result of the probable pur- suit of Ben. His mind acknowledged a leading motive in his plans—the reserfe of Juanita, but the discovery of the evening made him realize ‘tbat its developments were of an importance to the Government not to be undervalued. Day- light found him still awake and thoughtful; sunrise discovered him making his way to the residence of a well-known Government official, and he routed the officer from his bed, uncere- moniously. “You are Colonel Clowry, Chief of the Pacific coast Revenue Service?” he asked the officer, as the latter entered the room where Tom was seat- ed, with evidences of a hasty toilet. His host bowed affirmatively, but with some little annoyance in his manner. Evidently, he disliked having his morning nap disturbed, but the message Tom had sent was imperative, ‘*T have called on a matter which, ingjident- ally discovered by myself last night, will, Iam certain, startle you.” “In reference to—” ‘The opium-smugglers,” The officer’s eyes brightened. “Tt is current gossip,” went on Tom, “ that within the yast ten years the opium smuggled into the city has defrauded the Government of over six millions of dollars, and that so deftl and successfully do these smugglers cover their tracks as to utterly defeat the efforts of your officers to bring them to justice, Am T cor- rect?” “T regret to state that you are.” ‘‘ While several seizures have been made, the mysterious operations of some well-organized confederation engaged in this illicit trade have been kept from official and public view. Acci- dent has revealed the identity of the league to myself. Self-interest, combined with duty. brings me to you to announce my discovery. i know the chief of this band. I even know where a large consignment of opium is now lying in a package, passed by the custom-house as non- dutiable.” “You amaze me!” **T have learned that a certain package num- bered 2824, now in the Government warehouse, and landed yesterday from a China steamer, has, in some mysterious manner, passed official inspection. This package, I am positive, con- tains opium.”
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a ‘It seems incredible! The revenue officers have been unusually vigilant and careful of late. * A visit to the warehouse—” “T was about to suggest the same thing. Your information is of a character most im- portant if it turns out to be true, Will you excuse me for a few moments? I will join you soon,” ‘ When Colonel Clowry reappeared, he led the way from os house and down the street toward the wharf. he massive edifice used as a Gov- ernment warehouse was soon reached, Its closely-shuttered windows and_ iron-barred doors made it resemble a tenantless structure, but in reply to hard knocking, a man appeared at the door, He was the custodian of the place, and as he recognized the chief of the Secret Service, he admitted him and his companion. A search was at once instituted for the package referred to by Tom, Among a hetero- reneous mass of boxes, casks and packages, a Sivas oblong chest was at last drawn forth. It bore the number of 2824, and was so heavy that Tom and the colone] were compelled to, aid the custodian in dragging it out, ; ““ Arrived yesterday on the China steamer,” murmured the officer, somewhat excitedly, “and the number corresponds. So far you are correct, Singular, though, it is branded as ex- amined and passed upon, and has evidently been opened and investigated, My man, are the memorandum-books available?” ‘Yes, sir; they aro in the bookcase, I will zet the book in which we note down the first inspection.” Do so.” The man disappeared and: returned shortly with a book over the pages of which the colonel looked rapidly. ‘* Here we are,” he said. ‘* Consignment, one box containing embalmed body of Jacques Roquet, died at Hong Kong, and shipy to William Ball, Sacramento City. There must be some mistake.” ‘Will you open the box and see?” The colonel hesitated. Evidently he was in- clined to believe Tom the victim of a mistake, but, after a few minutes’ thought, he said: “Yes, to satisfy you, I will. The hammer and chisel,” The man produced the tools, The box was made of rough, close-fitting boards. It was an easy task prying it open. The colonel looked eagerly into the box. Tt contained a metallic casket, To all appear- ance the contents of the same was an embalmed body, for in the upper portion was a glass, and beneath it, plainly visible, the face of a man, The closed eyes, the white features, the dark hair could be seen. The glass seemed slightly dimmed, but the colonel’s face showed that he was satisfied that Tom had fallen into an error, “ You see itis a body,” he said, ‘‘ It is a com- mon thing to ship foreigners here, even as we send the Chinamen home when they die. You have been pu ly or innocently deceived, sir. That package is straight.” **T don’t believe it!” Frisco Tom spoke in a firm, earnest tone. Frisco Tom on Deck, we * May I ask why?” ‘*Because that glass,” and Tom touched it, ‘tis obscured as if purposely on the inner sur- face, If I had the official right, I would do what the officers evidently have not done.” ‘“* And that is—” ‘* To open the casket.” The colonel frowned. He apparently believed he was right. With another ejaculation hesaid, finally: “Very well,” and he proceeded to unscrew the top of the casket, A cry of utter amazement rent his lips as he removed the top, The disk glass taken off, the features or the occupant of the casket were more plainly visible, Flesh and blood never looked thus, A single word told of a deft fraud as Colonel Clowry gasped out: “ Wax " ‘** Exactly, a dummy” cried Tom, triumphant- ly. ‘See! and lifting the wax face he showed that it was indeed so, In a moment the lower portion of the casket was unscrewed. A dull taint began to fill the air. They found a dozen packages neatly ar- ranged in the casket, which filled the space not taken up by the wax head. Colonel Clowry was amazed. His face betrayed the most intense astonishment. He scarcely heard Tom as the latter said: a A man will call for this packagein the morn- ing.’ “Then we will arrest him.” ‘““No, Colonel Clowry. I have brought you valuable information, I have a deep motive in tracing the box, but should detectives be set on its trail they will be eluded, I am no revenue detective, but I have a motive in following the man to whom this box will be eventually de- livered—a motive sufficiently strong to enable me to act also in good faith with you in hunting him down.” ‘What are you driving at?” “Simply this:—I have a plan for tracing the smugglers to their haunt. Remove the coffin and the opium, bore half a dozen breathing holes in the box and deliver it to the man who calls for it.” “ Empty?” ‘ No,” : ‘What do you mean, then?” “That you allow me to take the place of the casket—that you place me in the box, and de- liver me to this emissary of the Golden Gate Opium Smugglers!” CHAPTER VI. AMBERGIS BEN ON THE TRAIL, ‘“ Wnr’ve settled him, but there’s another one after us,” muttered Bryce Williard as he dashed away from the Coast Tavern followed by Cat- amaran Bill. ‘Don’t delay I can’t afford to get into trouble just now.” ** Which way, captain?” “Down the shore, and keep near the bay, I’ve a horse over near the road.” The two men skirted the water's edge at a running gait, but lessened their speed as a back- ward glance revealed no pursuers in sight. As they reached the side of the little indentation of land opposite the tavern, Bryce Williard pro-
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10 ceeded to a clump of trees and came out on the beach a minute later with a bridled horse, ** He’s tired from ths ran from the old den,” he said, ‘but he’ll carry me back as far as the boat. Remember, Bill, use caution with the box, and don’t let any one follow you.” “Trust me for that captain,” and as they parted, Catamaran Bill made his way across the sand-hills in the direction of the distant city, while Williard mounted his horse and started southward down the beach, All fear of pursuit seemed to have left the mind of the latter. He believed he had effectu- ally disposed of Frisco Tom, and he adjudged the second mysterious arrival at the tavern to be some passing pedestrian or officer who would not be likely to discover Tom’s flight. His bead dropped thoughtfully on his breast as he pur- sued his way, aud, unconscious of any lurking peril, he allowed the steed to jog along at a lazy canter. A dozen rods behind him, on the beach, a man’s form had dogged his course ever since he had parted with Catamaran Bill. The threat of Ben that he would not lose sight of his foe was not an idle one, and, runniug at times, then walking, he kept his enemy in view. Thus, for nearly ten miles, and far up the beach, pursuer and pursued continued their way. It wasonly when the latter halted ata little old building, that Ben secreted himself in the timber and watched bis man cautiously. He heard Williard give utterance to a shrill, peculiar whistle. A minute later a man came out from the house and took the reins from bis hands, Then the latter, with a few low-spoken words tothe man, darted down the road as if bent on continuing his journey on foot, Ben, close on his trail, was somewhat puzzled as Williard reached a stream with a swift cur- rent, and from among some bushes drew out a skiff and boarded it. ‘*He means to cross the river,” Ben decided. *There’s no use to trifle longer. It’s a bold move, but ef he diskivers mo, it’s fight, thet’s all,” Just as the boat left the water’s edge, to the undisguised amazement of its occupant, Amber- gris Ben appeared in view, and, springing into its stern, coolly uttered the single word: * Howdy?” Bryce Williard stayed the oars and stared fixedly at the intruder. “What does this mean?” he demanded, ina suspicious tone. ‘‘ Who are you? Get out of this boat!” “Not much. Stranger, I’ve bin chased for twenty minutes or more by sume friends as don’t over-like me, an’ yo’ve got to give mea lift down the river.” To Ben’s surprise, Williard cid not resent his ' on gga Instead he said, in a light, careless me: **Oh, some refugee from the police or the revenues? All right, my friend, V’ll take you as far as I go,” and forthwith he began to pro- pel the craft toward mid-stream. As Williard did so, he looked suspiciously toward Ben, but he did not break the silence which ensued. Quietly the boat proceeded down the stream, old Ben in the stern, and for over an hour it floated rapidly on its course, Frisco Tom on Deck. Twice, in the distance, Ben had noticed a light gleaming which seemed to enchain the attention of Williard, but he could make out no outline in thedarkness, He had begun to flatter himself that his enemy did not recognize or even suspect him, when an incitlent occurred which startled hins. The current was running fast, the light in the distance had grown nearer, when suddenly Wil- liard arose in the boat. Before Ben could rise to avert the blow, the gambler brought the oar with tremendous force down over his head, sprung into the water, swam to the shore and disappeared in the durknoss. So startled and confused was Ben that he did not realize kis peril tilla minute later. He ob- served that the boat was being rapidly whirled down the river toward some rapids, It was with difficulty that he managed to swim ashore, Wet and exhausted he lay on the bank, grimly comprehending the unpleasant denouement of bis soil with the man he intended to trace to cover, and then compel to disclose the whereabouts of ube «bducted Juanita, ‘* He’s given me the slip, thet’s sartain,” mut- tered Old Ben, disconsolately, as be struggled to his feet. ‘ But it’s equally sartain he was near home or he wouldn’t have clipped meso soon, Whar’s the lights I saw? Ef [ kin trace them, I’m mortal sure to locate this coyote.” Ben wrung out his water-soaked garments, paced the banks of, the stream slowly, and scan- ned his surroundings. The spot wasa strange one to him, but as ho finally came toa rocky break in the shore and saw ontlined against the sky a large rambling frame structure, he uttered a satisfied ejaculation, and drew back in. the screening shadow of some bushes, For over an hour the old man viewed the place and all its surroundings that were visible in the darkness, It seemed to be an old deserted mill, and approachable only by a narrow wagon-roud on the upland. The rapids were located a few rods above the mill, and it was impossible to gain access to the place from Ben's present spot of espionage. “ Thar’s lights thar, an’ men. Suthin’ is goin’ on, an’ Bryce Williard’s in the swim,” solilo- quized the veteran, ‘‘ Well andgood, I believe he’s housed yonder, probably with friends, and Pil be cautious how I move! Tl think the thing over.’ Ben solaced his disturbed mood with a quiet smoke for over an hour, At daylight he awoke from an involuntary slumber, and pursued his | investigations. He learned considerable concerning the old mill during the morning. To all appearances, in broad daylight, the place was deserted, He did not see a trace of occupancy during the entire morning’s scout in the vicinity; but, about noon, he ran across some casual discoveries that inter- ested him, In his wanderings in the neighborhood he found, about a mile from the mill, a little old hut, and applying for food he was met at its door by a grizzly, uncouth specimen of humanity, who he afterward learned was a fisherman and hunter, His application for food and payment for the same led toa brief conversation; although the old hunter was loth to talk at first,
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Frisco Tom on Deck. “T don’t keer to set a spy on 4 neighbors,” the close-mouthed pioneer had said. ** Not at all, not at all,” interrupted Ben glib- ly, ‘‘[’'m only cur’us, Thar’s people in thet old mill yonder, an’ I was sorter speculatin on thar means Of livin’, that’s all.” “« An’ ye hain’t no revenue?” “DoT look it, my friend? I don’t hardly know what a revenue is,’ “Them does!” remarked the old hunter with a mystifying nudge of his shoulder toward the mill, Ben’s eyes snapped eagerly ‘They do, eh?” be replied. ‘* Sort o’ as bagel in-the-day-time an’ operate-at-night-people, eb? Oh, you’re a sly old fox! Ill guarantee, you’ve got ’em down fine,” The old hunter, gratified at Ben’s tribute to his shrewdness, winked slyly. ** You see it’s none o’ my business,” he went on, “They buy game of me and pay me well, to say nothin’ of a boat they bought of me fer ten times its value. Atween you and I, howsomever, I sort o’ imagine thet the twenty odd men thet come and go yonder air road-agents or smug- lers,” “ Ye don’t say so?” *T do, an’ yonder is ther hoss and wagon makin’ fer the bridge over the stream, I de- clar’!” They had been standing in the doorway of the hut, from whence a perfect view of the river and its surroundings was afforded. The hunter had indicatéd a point in the landscape a short distance down and across the stream, Old Ben did not want to question his host further. A single glance had revealed to him a familiar form seated on the box of the wagon, He did not linger to apologize for his abrupt departure. Skirting the path leading to the river, he gained the frail log bridge spannin the narrowest portion of the stream, and stood, half-concealed by a tree, awaiting the arrival of the wagon, which was slowly rumbling over the irregular river road His revolver ready for use in his pocket, a shrewd plan outlined to at last gain access to the old mill from which the laakis was just visible, Ben sprung suddenly forward as the horse’s feet touched the first timber of the bridge. With a bound he reached the side of the astonished driver, and pressing the cold muzzle of the re- reyolver directly under his nose, he said, in a quick, earnest tone: “Stop your team, Mr, Catamaran Bill, I’ve got the drop an’ Tintend to have alittle private conversation with you.” CHAPTER VII. IN THE LION’S LAIR. BEn’s sudden appearance had taken Catama- ran Bill completely aback, The latter involun- tarily tightened the reins, and then as the horse came to a dead stop he sat stock-still, his eyes shrinking from the deadly menace of the levelud revolver only to seek the determined face of the disguised Ben, The ruffian’s first words indicated that he re- cognized the old man. _“Whatdo yer want,” he demanded sharply. 11 “You are the drunken man of the Coast Tavern.” “T wan’t any drunker then than I am now, my friend, Catamaran Bill, when hs precious partner who calls himself Horace Ellis asks you again about Ben, tell him you've seen him, for I’m that varmint.” “Your” Tt was all Bill could say. His eyes filled with speculative amazement, he sat staring blankly at Ben as if at a specter. * Now, then, no foolin’; yer pals hev got a gal an’ some of my money i intend. to hev, or I shall kill them off one by one, beginnin’ with you.” Bill’s eyes began to grow crafty. hand crept suspiciously near his belt, denly whisked a knife into sight. ‘“'No ye don’t, Be keerful, my friend. ye rile me, if ye’r’ wise,” Catamaran Bill uttered a sullen oath, As he drew the knife, Ben had struck his wrist a blow with the revolver that sent the weapon flying over the edge of the frail bridge and into the water below. Ben’s eyes wandering over the wagon rested on a heavy, oblong box, He directed a quick question to his companion, who, disarmed, sat glowering at him wrathfully. ‘* What's in thet box?” “You find out.” “Oh, I kin guess. Some plunder from yer maraudin’ exploits, I suppose. Now, then, Mr. Bill, I jest give ye five minutes to peel off yer clothes and git ready to be gagged an’ bound fer a few hours.” But for the leveled revolver, it is doubtful if Bill would not have sprung boldly on his cap- tor. As it was, a defiant, dare-devil expression came into his swarthy face. ‘“T see yer game,” he hissed out, “but it won’t go, even if I was fool enough to help ye, Tap your shootin’-iron, I won’t do as ye bid me. **-Ye won't?” ** No,” “Be keerful,” and a dangerous gleam came into Ambergris Ben’s eyes, “In yonder old ranch thar’s a gal I intend to find, an’ I'll doit or scalp the last one of yer in- fernal gang.” * Will yer?” Catamaran Bill’s words were a half-triumph- ant sneer. He made a quick move as he uttered them, On the square fight Ambergris Ben might have been bis equal, but he was no match in the crafty arts at the desperado’s command. For Catamaran Bill had executed a little maneuver that so suddenly upset all the old veteran’s plans that Ben could scarcely realize its operation. Before he could recover himself, the front part of the wagon shot back, flinging him bodily through the air, the box slid down the incline to the bridge, and then with a crash went whirling into the eddying waters below. “Tricked, by gum!” was jolted from Ben's capacious mouth as he landed with a thud on the boards of the bridge. ‘‘Spermaceti! but he worked it well.” Catamaran Bill’s little trick had indeed been a clever one, The wagon was one of that kind His free He sud- Don’t
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12 which upsets to unload by means of a pin at the front. Realizing his peril, with the odds against him, the wily scoundrel with his foot had worked the bolt loose, holding the bottom in place until the catastrophe just related had overtaken his enemy, Had Catamaran Bill after making a spring forward in time to avert a backward somer- set, have fled precipitately, he could have eluded further conflict with bis foe. As he saw a denouement that he had not counted on, however, be became wildly excited and alarm- éd, The box had fallen into the river, and Cat- amaran Bill, knowing or imagining he knew the value of its contents, had reason to.be con- cerned. For his load had come clear from San Fran- cisco, and was no less than the box passed origi- nally at the Custom-house as the remains of a certain French alien in Hong Kong named Jac- ques Roguet. The first move of the opium-smuggler was to put into execution a maneuver agreed upon generally between himself and his associates in times of peril. He haddrawn a peculiar whistle from his pocket. In a moment a shrill, echoing signal rent the silence of the valley. This delay had given Ambergris Ben time to recover himself. The desperado, believing his opponent stunned or killed by the fall, started on a keen run toward the shore across the bridge as the old whaleman’s form came around the dismantled cart. “Stand, or ye’r’ a goner!” Ben’s stentorian mandate had no effect upon the fugitive except to increase his rate of speed. The issues of the moment were portentous to the excited mariner. He raised the revolver and fired. Catamaran Bill uttered a cry of pain, stum- bled and fell;—fell so suddenly from sight, that Ben’s eyes opened to their widest as he reached the spot where he had gone down. Before the whaleman’s glance was revealed a deep pit, or well, or mining excavation, so dark beyond the surface that the honest old fellow fairly shud- dered as he theorized that not only had he mor- tally wounded the desperado, but that the vic- tim of his sure aim had saved his friends the necessity of employing an undertaker, by leap- ing into his own grave Ben’s face became serious as he recalled his thinking faculties to the exigencies of the present moment, As he glanced down the river he saw the box which had slid from the wagon shooting down the vortex of rushing waters, and beyond, at a window in the old mill, the forms of several men just come into view. “Catamaran Bill’s_ settled,” he muttered, grimly, ‘‘but those fellows yonder probably heard his signal and my shot. { won’t back out. Tl resk it, by gum, I will! Here goes,” Ben’s rotund face became determined as he rearranged the cart, sprung to the seat, and whipped up the horse, His busy brain had formed a wild plan of penetrating to the den of smugglers. He believed his disguise would de- ceive Bryce Williard if be saw him, and he stood the chance of being received at the old mill by some one else. The wagon jogged along and reached the up- Frisco Tom on Deck. land, crossing the narrow roadway toward the mill, Old Ben was trusting to luck to guide him as Catamaran Bill would have proceeded, and he felt that his boldness might carry him through, A large gate rolled back as he reached the front of theold mill. It closed as quickly as old Ben drove into an immense apartment on the ground floor of the structure, Half a dozen men surrounded him as he pre- pared to dismount, One of them, evidently a leader in a way, brushed the others aside, and, with every manifestation of excitement, reached old Ben, ‘What was the row, Bili? You signaled— Why, it ain’t Bill! Who are you, anyway?” The critical moment had come. In the ob- security of the place, the men had not discerned that the driver was a stranger. Now, a menac- ing murmur went up, and their hands sought their weapons, Ben was equal to the occasion, He had ex- pected to be questioned, and he had prepared himself to answer boldly. “Give a fellow a breathing-spell, will yer?” he jerked out half-angrily. ‘* Whew! I’ve had arunofit! Some of you loafers bring mea fe I'm nearly choking with the row I’ve nad, The leader followed Ben as he coolly sat down on @ cask, ‘See here, my man,” he said, in a suspicious tone of voices ‘‘ who are you?” Ben looked up with every affectation of amaze- ment. “Who am I?” he repeated with a derisive laugh. ‘‘ Well, thet’s good! Who should I be but the driver that took Catamaran Bill’s place. Mebbe some of you want tospare me the job next time, I don’t want it.” ** But the signal?” “The signal! Wouldn’t ye signal if you was jumped on by some ’tarnal revenue?” “The revenues, boys! We're spotted!” cried the man who had been questioning Ben. ‘Set the lookout! Get your guns ready, and tell the captain about it, quick!” The men separated at the man’s orders, As for the leader, he listened silently to Ben’s gar- rulous talk, It was the role the old sea-dog had adopted to help him through—talk. ‘‘ The more I talk, the less they'll question,” he theorized, and he went over the assault ut the bridge just as it had hap- pened, only that he transposed the circum- stances in their recital. “* How did you come to drive the wagon, any- way?’ demanded his companion, “Bill gave it up to me, He knows me. I’m to be trusted, captain, an’ no questions asked, don’t fear, although I’ve had a hari experience in these quarters. Why! would you believe it, I got clean knocked out of a boat in these diggings last night, by a mean coyote of a fellow from the city.” Ben had a motive in view_in his candid admission of hisrencounter with Bryce Williard, Sooner or later bere, his visit must lead toa meeting if Williard was in the place; sooner or later, too—aud the sooner the better—Ben told himself he would locate the missing Juanita,
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Frisco Tom on Deck. He chuckled serenely as every vestige of sus- icion seemed to fade from the mau’s face, and e turned to listen to one of the returning men. As they left the room, Ben sauntered coolly after them, and stood at a landing they finally reached surveying curiously a scene in progress in the room beyond, Several men bad just dragged from the stream the very box that had slid trom the wagon over the bridge. A man was directing their opera- tions, and bidding them convey it to the next apartment. Despito himself, Ambergris Ben thrilled wildly, for that man he instantly recog- nized as Bryce Williard. ‘‘Tt’s mortal heavy, captain,” one of the men was saying. “Ts lucky if the stuff ain’t spoiled,” replied Williard, witha frown. ‘This way, boys, and send the driver to me. I don’t understand why Bill did not make the run,” Ben dodged aside. He was not quite pre- pared to meet his foe fage to face yet, He was aware that some new commotion was going gn in tho next apartment, for he heard the sound of prying open the box suddenly suspended, and a startled exclamation echo from Bryce Wil- liard’s lips. Suddenly the door of the apartment into which Williard had the box conveyed was opened. Williard himself, excited and pale, turned to the men, ‘t Where’s the man who drove the stuff here?” he demanded, Ambergris Ben could evade him no longer. He moved forward with a rough obeisance, “ Hyar [ am, captain, at yer orders,” A sinister light shone in Williard’s eyes. Ben fancied he heard him grate his teeth, At all events, he was certain that he detected an un- mistakable menace in Williard’s voice as he said, hoarsely: : * You come with me!” “Suthin’s happened. The game’s blocked— but how?” Ben whispered to himself, He grasped his revolver in his pocket, and swept the room into which Williard led him with a searching glance. On the floor, the cover un- screwed, but unremoved, was the box taken from the river, and behind a door, partly closed, and leading into some other apartment, a sound emanated, as if a listener was posted there, Bryce Williard wheeled so suddenly that Ben involuntarily recoiled. ‘*T have a few questions to ask you,” he said, hoarsely. ‘Wire away,” calmly replied Ben. “You drove that box here?” “*T did,” was the response, ou are also the man I knocked out of ast night?” Ben had counted on this. He feigned the tmost surprise, and stared blankly at Wil- ard, “Waal, bless my eyes, ef you ain’t the man thet clubbed me. I owe you one fer thet.” He had thrown a half-threatening, balf-jocular intonation into his voice, but Williard’s somber ‘ace never relaxed, ‘* My man,” he said, slowly, his burning orbs hover leaving Ben’s face, “{ believe you are DBs 13 . Me lyin’? Oh, come, captain, I did my mis- sion!’ “You are no wandering nobody; man I know well, and your name is— Williard paused impressively. “Waal, captain, out with it, ef you know,” interrupted Ben. ‘¢ Your name is Ambergris Ben.” Old Ben retreated a step or two. His dissem- bling manner gave place to his natural pose of face, His little twinkling eyes grew deter- mined as he tightened his grasp on his reyolver, ** Who sez so?” he demanded, T do,” From the half-open door a form came sudden- ly into view, a figure covered with dirt and blood, Catamaran Bill, escaped in some mys- terious manner from the pit, and on hand to unmask his pretended messenger at a critical moment, confronted the amazed Ben, Ambergris Ben’s hand shot out, He was on his mettle ina time of peril; but his revolver flashed into view too late, As both Williard and Catamaran Bill sprung forward, he was held a struggling prisoner in their grasp, while the former shouted for help, Two of the smugglers burst into the room and seized the struggling Ben at a look from Williard, “Take him below—you know where,” com- manded Williard. ‘‘ We'll shut his meddling mouth for good this time.” “Let meat him! Oh! if I’d only fixed you when I had the chance,” raved Ben, giving way to his rage, Catamaran Bill turned to follow the men from the apartment, As he reached the door Williard spoke to him, “See that they take that man to the water- room, and make no mistake in silencing him for- ever, You understand me, Bill?” Perfectly,” Bryce Williard turned as his ally left the apartment. Then every vestige of blood desert- ed bis face as he staggered back, as if'dealt a sudden blow. For, sitting bolt upright in the box he had _be- lieved beld smuggled opium, was a man holding a leveled revolver in each hand, Upon Bryce Williard’s amazed hearing fell the startling words; : * Countermand that order, or you are a dead man!” And the speaker he recognized in a flash as his old-time enemy, Frisco Tom! CHAPTER VIII, DOOMED! Tr Ben had startled Catamaran Bill when he climbed into the wagon, the unexpected appear- ance of his deadliest foe, combined with the re- markable fact of his being in the opium box, fairly stupefied Bryce Williard. With fallen jaws, the leader of the smuggling league viewed the calm but threatening face of Frisco Tom, and his craven beart thrilled with terror as an ominous click followed the scout’s threat, The denouement to Tom’s proposition to Col- onel Clowry to get into the box had been attain- ed only through a series of the most unpleasant ou are a
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14 episodes, Tom had induced the chief of the rev- enue service to follow out his desires, and when Catamaran Bill appeared to claim the box, sup- posedly containing the corpse of the mythical Jacques Roguet, to all appearances the deception of the boldly conspiring Jeague of criminals had not been discovered. Several holes had been bored in the box as Tom had requested, the opium and wax face removed, and the crafty Catamaran Bill never suspected that he was carting into the very heart of the enemy’s stronghold the worst foe the unscrupu- lous league he represented knew. The reader may consider the attempted fraud on the revenue service a deft one, yet the cun- ning of this class a short time since was actually successful in filling an embalmed body with opium and smuggling it from China to San Fran- cisco! All went well with Frisco Tom except a slight suffocating feeling and numerous painful jolts along the rough road until the rencontre on the bridge. When the box slid off, up- turned, and went crashing into the water, the adventurous Tom realized what had transpired, and became seriously alarmed, Fortunately, however, the water trickled slowly through the air-holes, and the box was dragged from the stream by the smugglers within a very few minutes after its descent. When the top was pried loose, through the interstices Tom could see what was going on in the apartment where he had been removed, and was a witness to the interview between Ben and Bryce Williard, but he did not manifest his presence then. It was only while Williard was giving his final orders to his accomplice, Bill, that the im- prisoned Tom thrust the cover to one side, and, when Williard turned, confronted him with a surprise that fairly startled him out of his senses, Tom did not risk giving his adversary an ad- vantage by lowering his weapons, but remained seated in the box. The flash of intelligence that came to Williard’s mind as he saw the box otherwise empty, told the young scout that he comprehended all. In a tone that brooked no cavil, Tom repeated his command, Bryce Williard trembled, but did not move. Then he essayed to speak, but his voice qua- vered. “To countermand the order,” he muttered, ‘how can I?” “Open that door and shout as I direct you, villain!” came angrily from Tom’s lips, ‘ Re- member, if you stir one inch over the threshold, I fill your carcass with lead.” Bryce Williard sullenly moved toward the door. He well knew his adversary, and con- sidered discretion the better part of valor in the present instance. His hand on the knob, he started, Tom watching his every movement asa cat watches a mouse descried a hopeful expression on his face, He could only imagine its cause from the direction of Williard’s glance, desperado had looked back of the.man in the box, and then stood perfectly still. Before Tom could turn, he learned the cause of Williard’s emotion. One of the smugglers had appeared on the threshold of the room in The | Frisco Tom on Deck, which Catamaran Bill had beon secreted. He had heard Tom’s words, and had discerned his leader’s peril. With the agility of a cat, he had crept toward the unsuspecting Tom, and, with a rough, strong grasp, clutched the arms of the young adventurer, drawing his bands back- ward and rendering bim helpless, The room was filled with men while Tom vainly endeavored to free himself. Bryce Wil- liard’s evil face gleamed balefully as he hissed his triumph to the discomfited Tom. “ Cornered!” he said, tauntingly, ‘* both you and your friend, Ben. Do you know what we are going to do with you, my friend?” ** No, and don’t care,” “We're going to clip your wings for good. Bill,” to his ally, who had crowded into the room with the others, ‘' We'll light out of this at once,” “Why!” ** Because it’s getting too hot to hold us, This bold envoy of the revenue came directly from them, and they may be watching the old mill even now, Bind that man and leave us alone,” ordered Williard to the smugglers who held Tom a prisoner. His orders obeyed, Bryce Williard bestowed a tantalixing look on his captive and sat down, motioning Catamaran Bill to a rest, ‘‘ Weare going to leave here,” he continued, evidently intending that his words should reach Tom’s hearing; “you and I, half a dozen of the best of the boys, and the girl, Juanita.” ** And desert the old place for good? **No, let the lieutenant and the remainder stay and watch. If it looks suspicious, they can leave. We've lost the opium, but yonder fledgling shall pay for bis work. Get the boat ready and we’ll slip down the river and cross over to Marey Canyon.” Frisco Tom started at the sound of that fa- miliar name. ** And when I have married the girl and got her fortune,” pursued Williard, slowly, “ we'll retire from business,” Tom ground his teeth, but was silent. He realized with torturing chagrin that the game was completely in his enemy’s hands, “You see the fortune is no bagatelle,” went on Williard with a malignant side-glance of satisfaction at his helpless foe. ‘‘ The papers I got from that noisy old shark, Ambergris Ben, and the girl in my possession, settles the matter. There isa man named Caldeiras, an old, crazy fanatic who lives in Marcy Canyon, to find, and the matter’s settled. You see us off safe, Bill, and come after us down the road on horseback to see if we're followed,” “ All right, captain.” Bryce Williard arose and strode to where Tom lay. “As to you,” he hissed out between his set teeth, ‘‘ P'll settle a long score of hate I owe you. You spoiled my game twice, and gave me a scar I wil] carry to my grave,” Bryce Williard exhibited a deep abrasion on his wrist with a vengeful look, ‘*T prevented you robbing a poor old miner, I'd do it again,” remarked Tom. ‘*' You'll doit no more, Hello, there!” Williard shouted the words through the open
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Frisco Tom on Deck. door, and two of the smugglers again answered his call. He gave them some low-voiced orders and they cut the bonds securing Tom and forced him through the doorway. Leading him down a dark, narrow passage, they finally halted at a room in the center of which a buge frame door stood open. Tom was watching his chance to attempt a conflict with his captors, but they beld him with an iron grip, and finally forced him tothe edge of the opening. ** Jump or fall, as you like,” remarked one of the men with a coarse laugh, as he gave Tom a forward push. ‘It’s a cl’ar drop of twenty feet, and ye’r’ likely toend yer misery ef yer break yer neck,” Tom had no choice as he fell precipitately through space. He landed abruptly against a hard stone floor badly shaken up, and in com- plete darkness except for the dim light entering the place from the opening above, “Ye 'tarnal catamounts! give me one round in squar’ fight an’ Pll settle all of ye.” Tom started,, The voice sounded near him, and he recognized the tones of the irrepressible Ambergris Ben, a prisoner like himself in the mysterious dark pit of the smugglers’ haunt. “Hear the bully crow!” laughed one of the men overhead, Bang! One of the men fell back with a yell of pain as an unexpected bullet from Ben’s revolver pierced his arm. ‘“*T’ve winged one of ye,” cried Ben in wild delight. ‘‘ Aha! ye’d better.” The trap was slammed down violently, and the two captives were left in entire darkness, ** Ben!” The old whaleman moved nearer to the sound of Tom’s voice, “Waal, old boy, we’re in for it,” he remarked somewhat seriously. **Tt looks so.” ‘* Whatever this hole is, Tom, ‘thar’s no elimb- in’ up, or diggin’ down.” * What's their idea in putting us here?” ** We'll soon know. Hark!” A slight, rasping sound broke on their hear- ing as Ben spoke, It was followed by a roaring, gurgling rusb. “Water!” ejaculated Tom. “I see their game, Ben, and I guess we're settled, this time.” ‘* What do ye mean, lad?” “They've opened some water gate, and they intend to drown us, Stand firm, old boy. Can you swim?” ‘Like a water-rat, an’ cl’ar grit to the last, yer bet!” CHAPTER IX. ON THE TRAIL. Inxy blackness prevailed in the underground apartment into which Frisco Tom and _ his friend Ambergris Ben bad been thrust by the smugglers, yet, in a very few moments, the en Ai ag scout comprehended their situation ully. “This place is surrounded by stone on all sides,” he explained to his companion. ‘The water comes in from the river through an opened trap near the top.” ** Let’s reach it, and crawl through,” **'You’re wild, Ben. We couldn’t scale that steep wall, and the aperture js not very large, judging from the way the water comesin, You see, it’s beginning to fill in here.” ‘An’ meantime, those critters air gettin’ away with the gal!” ground out the old man. «Courage, Ben—we aiu’t done yet.” Inch by inch, the water began to rise, It fell in a little stream, or trickled down the stone sides’ of the aperture, and then, increasing in volume soon covered the boot-tops of the two men standing grimly awaiting the worst, They did not speak now. Both, experienced men of nerve, were thinking over their unpleas- ant predicament and formulating a plan of action when the final crisis arrived. Within half an hour after their incarceration, their ex- pertness as swimmers was called into requisi- tion; ten minutes later, and they were flounder- ing about in a dozen feet of water, Ben puffed like a porpoise, and was compelled to clutch at the projections on the sides of the place to keep above water. “Tf we can hold on an hour longer we are saved,” spoke Tom confidently. ‘What do you mean, lad?” ‘The rising water will lift us to the level of the floor overhead.” “That'll shut out evén breathing space,” re- marked Ben. ‘* Wait, and see.” The imperiled captives arose foot ky foot until at last their bards touched the floor above them, Tom floating in the water and feeling around touched the under side of the trap-door, He pressed vigorously against it. “‘T guess we’re caged,” remarked Ben rue- fully. “Not yet. other side,” “Then thar’s no use trying to foree it—we hain’t got tools nor purchase,” ‘Hand me your shooting-iron, Ben.” The next moment there was an explosion that shocked the two men, ‘“'Yo'll rouse the smugglers,” muttered Ben, ““Then we must fight for it, Aba! I thought that shot against the bolt rasp would fetch it, As Tom spoke he pushed the trap-door back with a slam and climbed through the aperture to the floor above, ‘“ Your band, Ben, some one is coming,” Completely drenched and chilleé, the two men stood within the apartment, The report of the pistol seemed to have alarmed the denizens of the place, for the door suddenly opened and a man rushed upon the scene, Tom had heard him coming and was prepared for him, The smuggler measured his length, completely stunned, on the floor, as Tom’s fist welcomed his appearance, ‘We won't dally here,” spoke Tom quickly, ‘This way, Ben?” ** Ye mean to leave the ranch?” ae Yes,” “ But the gal?” ‘‘ Williard has undoubtedly gone by this time,” replied Toin as he advanced to a window and looked out. “We must be on the trail, and at This trap-door is bolted on the
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16 once. See, Ben—by leaping from here to the ledge of rocks below, we can reach tbe river.” **Go on; I’m with ye.” Tom descended from the window to the head of the stream with slowness and caution, fol- lowed by the old whaleman, The former seemed to understand, from what he had over- heard Bryce Williard say, the direction the smugglers bad probably taken, They were forced to ford the river to evade swimming through a narrow gorge, and soon reached the upland, They could see the old mill in the distance, and they paused to consider their situation and future movements, “ What's yer intentions?” Ben asked finally. “To follow Bryce Williard, of course, I happen to know that he is making for Marcy Canyon with the girl, Juanita, your money, the papers he stole from you, and half a dozen icked men.” “*Ts that far from hyar?” “A matter of fifty miles,” ** An’ ye know the place, Tom?” Frisco Tom smiled significantly. “Know it?’ he repeated. ‘I know every foot of the old valley as well as the streets of San Francisco. I lived there for years, and at last I begin to understand the game our ene- mies intend to play. More precious than the fortune these men hope to secure, however, is your charge—Juanita, She must be rescued, and the sooner we overtake Bryce Williard the better.” , “Then let us hurry on, Yonder trail, along the ravine, is probably the way he has gone,” Tom was thoughtful for a moment, “There's no certainty of that,” he remarked. ‘They may have diverged to the timber yon- der, Ban, you makea detour that way and come back to the ravine again, and I’ll try and find some trace of their course along the edge of the gully here.” : os Alfright, Tom; an’ signalme ef ye fall into any danger.” om saw Bon disappear, and proceeded along the edge of the ravine, his eyes bent on the round, seeking some trace of the party he be- ieved had gone that way. So engrossed was he in his task that he did not look behind him un- til the sound of a horse’s hoofs echoed on his ear, He turned quickly. Rounding a rock on horse~ back, and evidently intent on overtaking Bryce Williard and his party, was Catamaran Bill. The surprise of both men was mutual, Tom, disarmed in the haunt of the smugglers, was at a disadvantage, but he now started for an open- hand conflict with his foe, Catamaran Bill’s horse shied aside, and Bill himself lifted his head suddenly, The man must have been an expert at the course of tactics he immediately adopted, for suddenly a lasso shot out from the saddle, encircling the form of Frisco Tom, and ere the latter could make a move to dodge aside, had pinned his arms helplessly to his side, A boisterous, gleeful laugh rung from Cata- maran Bill’s lips, “ Ahal” he cried, triumphantly, ‘‘I thought the old trick would fetch you. Escaped, eh? Waal, a caught in time, it appears, and ye won't slip my clutches so easily again,” Frisco Tom on Deck. a et He gave the lasso an extra jerk, tightening its cutting folds as he spoke. Tom, chagrined, be- wildered at his sudden capture, was jerked clear off his feet as Bill’s horse started up. ue The smuggler seemed to enjoy bis enemy’s dis- cormfiture with hilarious glee, He turned him- self sideways on the saddle, allowing his horse to proceed ata leisurely gait, and tying the other end of the lariat arcund his waist, he sat regard- ing his helpless captive with diabolical satisfac- tion. Tom had struggled to his feet and was com- pelled to walk the distance of the lasso’s length after his captor. The little roadway leading along the edge of the ravine was beginning to darken with the oncoming sbadows of evening, and Tom realized as he discerned that the lasso had caught him in a tight slip-knot around his body that he was indeed ina ice ** We'll soon overtake yer especial friend, Mr. Bryce Williard,” sneered Bill, ‘ Yo'll see yer gal, too; a last parting, ef i can jedge from Wil- liard’s temper this afternoon. Hal i The last ejaculation was a token of mingled alatm and dismay. The horse had slipped sud- denly and had gone down arut in the road. So abrupt and unexpected was the movement that it resulted in a singular catastrophe for both the desperado and his prisoner, The lurch sent Catamaran Bill from the saddle and gave Tom a jerk several fect ahead, The lasso was tied tig’ a around Catamaran Bill’s waist, and as he fell it swung with his body. To his horror Tom saw the desperado fall to the ground, gain a sudden impetus from an incline leading toward the edge of the ravine, and the next moment the form of Catamaran Bill disap- peared over the edge of the gully. Frisco Tom attempted to brace himself to re- sist being drawn after the smuggler, but his effort wasa vain one, He was pulled headlong to the ground, the lasso grew taut as a ship’s line in play, and then, with a whirl, he was driven to the edge and over the rocky verge of the precipice, The fall to the bottom of the gully would have killed both, but the apparent fate that threatened them was averted, Both had gone over the abyss—both were whirled with terrific velocity through space, but a singular episode had transpired, At the spot where the descent had occurred a large tree grew at the very edge of the gully. The long lasso had caught around this, and Cata- maran Bill had fallen op one side, Frisco Tom on the other. \ With a violent jerk, ten feet from the top, the two men came together suspended over the yawning ae below by the frail lasso, their dangling bodies meeting with a shock in that critical moment of mutual peril. CHAPTER X. A LUCKY ESCAPE, A WILDER episode could not well be conceived amid the wild scenery of that mountain gully. The peril now staring him in the face seemed momentarily to stun Catamaran Bill. His ad- versary hung silent and helpless, while his own body swayed tent hen he grasped the lasso and glared around him,
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Frisco Tom on Deck. i? ! He had nothing to fear from his foe, for that foe was securely bound. His only thought seemed of self-preservation, and as he discerned a means of certain escape, he ground out a satisfied ejaculation, and drew a knife from his belt. With one hand the desperado grasped the rope over Tom’s head. The equipoise, owing to his superior weight, was on bis side, and he lowered his helpless enemy, and lifted himself several feet at a single movement, ‘*Look down,” he hissed out vengefully, ‘ ef yekin. Ye’ve given us lots of trouble, but I'll settle ye with a hundred-feet drap this time.” He placed the edge of the keen-bladed knife across the lasso. His intention was a diabolical one, for he meant to cut the lariat below his grasp, and send Tom whirling to the rocky bot- tom of the canyon below, and then ascend hand over hand, painter fashion, to terra firma. “ Drap that!” A stentorian voice sounded the dire command, thrilling the renegade’s heart to sndden_ terror as he recognized thetones. The knife fell back, and he glanced up, An excited face looked down from the edge of the precipice overhead. A murmur of the deep- st amazement and alarm parted Catamaran Bill’s lips, ‘Ambergris Ben!” he muttered, hoarsely. “Curse the fates! Iam beaten—lost!” It was indeed the old whaleman, and his little winkling eyes announced a terrible determina- ion while. his strong hands reached the rope, With one jerk he lifted Tom out of peril, lower- ing the desperado several feet as he dragged the rope across the tree, he craven nature of Catamaran Bill asserted itself, He uttered a frantic yell of terror as he egan to descend, “Would you murder me?” he cried, “No, my friend, jest keep cool till I help the riend ye hed at yer mercy a minute seuce, an’ I'll attend ter yer case,” replied Ben, coolly. Dangling in mid-air, Catamaran Bill, looking ip, saw Ben lift his friend to the ground, re- lease him and double the rope around the tree, Ben seemed to pay no further attention to him, put after releasing Tom, began volubly to detail his good fortune in reaching the place in time to Fave his partner’s life, Darkness grew over the lonely scene while he two friends were talking and deciding how yest they could use their prisoner to further heir plans. As Ben advanced to the edge of the ravine again, Tom heard him utter'a dismayed ejaculation, He hastened:to Ben’s side with a hurried query, “What's up?” “* Look fer yerself.” Ambergris Ben, with a blank face lifted the imp lasso as he spoke: As the dangling end ame into view, both understood what had occurred, ** He has escaped!” ejaculated Tom. Escaped or dropped to the bottom; it’s one an’ the same, he’s gone,” replied Ben, senten- tiously, ‘‘ He’s a cute one, this same Catamaran ill is, an’ we're losin’ valuable time in discussin’ he critter,” Catamaran Bill had certainly again escaped his enemies, Either he had cut the lasso and climbed by overhanging shrubbery to some other part of the upland, or had lifted himself by the rope to terra firma, and escaped while the two friends were unsuspiciously conversing, The horse Bill had rode was browsing some distance away. Ben started toward the animal to secure it, when a distinct, peculiar whistle echoed through the valley. At the same moment the horse pricked up his ears, listened, and started on a keen gallop away from the scene. ‘‘Thet settles it,” remarked Bon as the horse disappeared, «Settles what?” demanded Tom, ‘* Thet our friend Catamaran Bill hes escaped. He'll hurry after Williard, an’ our chances of stealing in on ’em will be mighty unsartain,” Tom thoughtfully considered Ben’s words, and was silently reflective for some time. “T reckon you're about right,” he remarked finally, ‘‘ We won’t try to trail the men, Ben,” “ What then?” ‘Cut around to Marcy Canyon, and be ready for them when they arrive.” “Tin agreeal le,” The tramp they took up was a cautious one at first, for having decided that Catamaran Bill would be likely to set a watch for them, the two friends now sought to evade a useless and unequal contest with their adversaries. The again crossed the stream, struck off in.a dit- ferent direction, and the next evening at dusk entered & canyon surrounded by the grandest and wildest scenery the State afforded. ‘“‘ An’ this is Marcy Canyon?” queried Ben, as the fading beauty of the place became dimmed by the growing twilight. “This is Marey Canyon, Ben,” replied Tom, “and [ never come to this grand old spot with- out feeling a thrill of enthusiasm, It’s wild as nature produces, but dangerous, Ben, for the red-skins contend for the possession of the valley with the white men.” “What is Williard’s business hyar, then.” “That you shall soon know, We're here in advance of him, and need rest, Look yonder.” Tom pointed down the canyon. Old Ben strained his eyes surprisedly as he saw a few rods distant and apparently suspended by some mysterious means between heaven and earth, the outline of a rude hut. “ Ambergris and spermaceti! what's thet?” he ejaculated in open-mouthed wonder, Tom smiled placidly. ‘‘A house in the air, Ben, and its mysterious perch on nothing will soon be explained to you. Go careful, old boy; a few steps further and we reach a cave leading to my mountain home,” ‘“* fal the warnin’s needed badly.” Ben had suddenly drawn back, Frisco Tom, too, came to a dead halt, and drew back among some heavy brush, Both peered forth, watching intently some moving object a few rods distant. Old Ben drew his only weapon, a revolver, and glanced searchingly forward awaiting Frisco Tom’s orders, his low-breathed aspiration announcing the possible peril that threatened them, as he whispered ominously— * Tnjuns!”
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Prisco Tom on Deck. CHAPTER XI. IN MARCY CANYON, THE spot of espionage of the two friends was a peculiar one, and even in the deepening dusk allowed an interesting’ view of Marey Canyon. On either side, extending apparently for miles, the great mountain-sides shut in a scene of rare, rugged beauty. A little rushing rivulet dashed down a rocky roadway, while the re- maining area of the canyon was clothed in rich verdure, At the point where Tom and Ben stood, how- ever, nature had made a curious formation, Two almost perpendicular rocks of enormous ize arose to the height of nearly one hundred fect. At the base they were half an acre in ex- tent, gradually narrowing to the top, and seem- edat the summit to be broken off abruptly. They were of a peculiar, chalky formation, and stood like grim sentinels guarding the val- ley beyond. At the top, where the two rocks diverged about twenty feet, a singular spectacle was af- forded. This was what had fixed and startled Ambergris Ben’s attention, now distracted by the lurking savages. As if built between the two rocks, and held in place by them, a log- eabin was held firmly between the two pillars of stone in a half-slanting position. [t could never have been built originally in that way, and its singular location was what had amazed Ben. The mystery of this apparently inaccessible house in mid-air was soon to be explained by Tom, who, as the gliding forms of tke savages disappeared from sight, beckoned silence to Ben and led the way directly toward one of these high pillars of rock. Its base was covered with an undergrowth of shrubs and vines, and as Tom led Ben into a perfect tangle of bushes, he pulled aside what seemed to be a portion of the earth itself, but what was in reality a moss- covered bowlder, and uttered the single word: ** Follow!” He had himself crawled through an aperture into a dark underground passage, and, Ben fol- lowing him, he replaced the stone. Taking his companion’s hand, Tom led the way asif fa- miliar with the place, over stones and logs up- ward and sideways until the old man’s laborious breathing well-nigh gave out. He paused at last, drew aside the branches of a stunted wil- low, and both stood in the fresh air, A half repressed exclamation of the utmost surprise parted Ben’s lips as he looked down and around him, They stood on the very summit of one of the lime-stone rocks, the valley repos- ing a hundred feet down, He viewed his com- panion with questioning surprise, but the latter advanced a step or two and pushed open a door, showing tbe interior of the house set between the two rocks, and said, smilingly: “ Come in, this is my home.” Ben’s curiosity was too great to admit of his accepting the offered hospitality without ques- tion. hen Tom had gone to a shuttered win- dow and examined it to see that no stray gleam of light would penetrate to the outer air and had lit a lamp and seated himself, Ben followed his ‘example, but with a slap on his knee ejacu- lated forcibly: “ This bangs Banagher!” Frisco Tom's face wore a gratified expression at Ben’s homely compliment to hisraude home. ““It is certainly a curiosity,” he remarked, quietly. ‘* Yes, Ben, this is the home I knew for years, bunting, fishing and scouting in yon- der valley. I have not visited it for a long time, and I only do so now temporarily.” “Ye guy it up, then?” “T had to,” “Ye had to? Scared away, Tom?” “*T don’t scare, Ben; but, on my last scout against the thieving red-skins I won their bit- terest enmity, They found out my house and haunted it. My life was not safe, and 1 could do no good staying here.” * But they couldn’t reach ye?” **No, the secret of the means of access to this lace is as great as the mystery of how it came ere, “ How did it?” Old Ben’s eyes were like saucers as he asked the question, ‘*Simply enough,” replied Tom, ‘Ten years ago this big rock was neither perpéndicular nor divided, It wasa hill, and on its apex an old hermit built his rude home commanding a view of all the valley. Time wore on, Piece by pieco the rock wore away, and split down as you see into two pieces, The two sides holding the cabin in place seemed firm, Anyway, I dis- covered it, and accidentally found out that the inside of one of the rocks was hollow. I de- signed a way to reach it, and lived here in soli- tude and safety, as you know.” ** But the danger—” “Ay, Ben, some day one of the rocks may crumble and there will be a crash, but probably not during our short stay.” ** You leave in the mornin’?” : ** Yes, on Williard’s trail, These Indians will probably pass on, and unless they are my old enemies will prove friendly enough. Now, then, Ben, something to eat and a sleep, and then a tramp in search of Williard and his party and ad secret mission they are engaged on in this place, ‘Ve know what it i8?” “T can imagine. A mile distant from here lives a man who for twenty years has existed in a solitude, mysterious and silent as death itself. He is a Mexican, and his name is Caldeiras,” ‘* Ha!” remarked Ben, with a start, ‘‘it pears to me I once heard Juanita’s father mention that name,” “Very likely. From what I have gleaned from Williard’s lips, that man has something to do with the fortune supposed to be referred to by the papers Williard stole from you.” **Did you ever see him?” “Caldeiras? Yes; but never to speak to him. He is a gloomy recluse, a fanatic of some extinct Aztec race, who has a cave-like home in the val- ley, respected alike by whites and red-skins.” ‘* Why don’t ye seek him out?” ** No, it is better to trail Williard and learn all the truth, for I could not probably gain access to Caldeiras’s home. Come, Ben, to rest, and with the morning a final effort to rescue the woman I love, and defeat the evil designs of Bryce Wil- liard, gambler, smuggler and thief.”
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Frisco Tom on Deck. Frisco Tom flung himself on a rude frame couch as he spoke, and old Ben followed his ex- ample. The latter could not enjoy the ready re- pose that came to his tired companion, however, for the newness and strangeness of the place in- terested and attracted him. His eye wandered curiously over the interior of the old hut, and, thinking over all the marvelous story Tom had told, old Ben arose to a sitting posture, “T can't sleep!” he muttered restlessly, ‘‘ The idea of being mountain high in a little but, yerched above human babitation! It beats the Jutch, I declar’ it do! I'll take a look outside, It’s wu’th the trouble, an’ the opportunity may not come ag’in.” Old Ben’s seafaring experience had possessed no parallel to guide him and warn him that un- der certain circumstances caution was necessary in opening a window with lurking foes outside, The whaleman unfastened the tight-bound blind and flung it open, and then drinking in deep, in- vigorating draughts of the ang evening air, stood gazing ontranced at the sleeping valley below. “What a picter!” he ejaculated, ardently. ‘I don’t wonder Tom likes the gal. He’s used to beauty, fer nex! to her pretty face Marcy Can- yon equals anything I ever saw on land or sea—” Bang! thud! With a start old Ben dodged aside. A report had come from below, a bullet sent with uner- ring aim had penetrated the window-sill. “*Spermaceti! am I gettin’ ter be an ijiot?”’ gasped Ben as he dodged to where the lamp was, and hastily extinguished it, ‘* What did do thet piece of foolin’ fer, leavin’ the light burnin’, showin’ myself at the winder, and as much as invitin’ the red-skins to pepper me?” A perfect fusilade beat against the open shut- ter as Ben started to reach it. * Tt’s no use!” groaned the old man, ‘ Tom’ll cuss me for my pesky folly. Tom! Tom! I say, Tom!” is host sprung from the bed at his call. ‘“What’s the row? the window open! Ben, what have you done?” In a deprecatory tone the whaleman recited his act of folly. **You’ve sounded the alarm, sure enough,” muttered Tom, ‘but it car’t be helped now, Let them fire, they can’t hurtus, The old cabin has stood many a leaden hail,” An arrow darted through the open aperture as Tom managed to close the shutter. The inci- dent seemed to trouble him, for be murmured audibly: ** My old enemies and new ones mixed, They can’t reach us, and if they snrround the rocks and stay there, we'll have to steal away some- Shots! a he firing subsided, and all was quiet for some time. Tom did not relight the defn nor seek rest again, but sat thinking anxiously over this new complication which might engage Bryce Williard in unexpected trouble, and ne- cessarily imperil Juanita should the smugglers’ party come in contact with the Indians. Ben started quickly forward, as after a series of dull thuds as of some objects striking the floor beneath, he fancied he detected a slight amell of smoke, “*They are at it, lad, It’s fire!” ** Tt seams so.” “It is so, They’re shootin’ their pesky fire- arrers inter the floor, I kin see a hittle spot of fire below, an’smell the smoke, Frisco Tom started anxiously to his feet, ‘“The wood won’t burn, probably,” he said, * Ar’ ef it does?” “We are still safe inside the rock.” “ve got ye in a nice box, haven’t I?” “Don’t worry, Ben; you didn’t mean it, floor is burning.” They could hear the logs crackle, and Tom realized that the cabin might be doomed, Both, he and Ben stood undecided in the center of the’ room, “Shall we leave the old ranch?” inquired the former. “Not yet. Ha! we'll have to move quickly. Ben, to the door!” Frisco Tom had spoken none too soon, A tearing, crackling sound, mingled with the swaying of the floor. One end of its support had evidently burnt through, and just as Ben reached the door the floor began to move down- ward, Too late to follow his companion, Tom sprung to the side of the cabin. His action saved him from certain death, for the next second, as he clung to the log-side of the dismantled hut, the entire floor, weakened by the fire, dropped through space and went crashing, a lurid mass of cinders, to the valley, sheer one hundred feet below. The CHAPTER XII, THE HOUSE IN THE ATR, Srnce leaving San Francisco, the undaunted Frisco Tom and bis quaint old friend had met with a series of startling adventures, The last one in the house in mid-air, however, had capped the climax, and Tom felt all his powers of endurance and deftness called into requisition as he clung to the side of the ruined but, The burning floor of the cabin falling through mic-air, scattered the score of dusky forms haunting the landscape below only momentarily, for as Tom began to ascend rapidly as possible, climbing around the wall to the door, he was greeted with a volley of random shots, “Phew! that was a close shave,” ejaculated the excited Ben, as his friend finally gained his side on the rock, Here, safe from the shots of their enemies they were enabled to obtain a complete view of the valley below. The savages were yelling with discomfiture and rage as they realized the deft escape of their foes. The floor had carried the fire with it, and the ruined cabin was now dark and desolate, While the two friends were discussing their situation, a sudden stampede was made by their massed foes. Its cause puzzled Tom for some time, but finally as the sounds of a new fusilade some distance away greeted his hearing, he directed Ben to follow him. ‘© What's up, now?” inquired the latter. ‘The savages have engaged in some new con- flict.” ‘“P’raps with another hostile band?” ‘It’s not likely,” replied Tom, ‘ They are
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20 remnants of tribes generally leagued together. Ihave an idea that Williard’s party have been met by them.” 3en ubtered an alarmed ejaculation. By gun! Tom, we're ‘* An’ the gal in peril? badly needed ef ’tis so.” They descended as they had gained the emi- nence, and cautiously crept from the None of their foes were in sight, but constant reports half a mile down the valley told that a conflict was in progress, Tom dashed down the ravine. Ho was un- armed, and Ben’s sole armament consisted of an empty revelver. Anxiety for Juanita impelled both to rash procedure, bowever, and they did not relax a running gait until at a stight turn in the valley they confronted a picture of savage warfare, The scout’s worst fears were confirmed. A party on horseback was plainly outlined among crouching savages, and that party was under the leadership of the man Tom counted his worst foe, Bryce Williard. Step by step, the smugglers were contending with the red-skins, As Tom seized a rifle lying S the side of a dead warrior, be shouted to en: ** Arm yourself, and try and reach the girl.” **Every man for himself!” cried the whale- man, and the men were lost amid the confusion of the melee. Tom had sought to make a détour, and get to the spot wbere Juanita if she was with the smuggler’s party would be placed for safety, but a <lozen difficulties confronted him, Twice he had a hand-to-hand conflict with a savage, and twice he was slightly wounded hy a bullet from the othen party. The fight grew hot and furious, he saw the smugglers turn to fly, and recognized with a wildly beating heart,a woman’s form in their midst. Then, as the savages seemed to reach the smugglers, the figure was torn from her defenders, and a blur vf vision mingled with a woman’s shriek of alarm as Frisco Tom felt a heavy blow on his head, and he sunk insensible to the earth. He had eyes alone for the imperiled Juanita in the conflict, else he would have perceived the crafty savage who brought his uplifted rifle down over his defenseless head, For an hour life was a blank to the brave young scout, and when he returned to conscious- ness, he could with difficulty estimate his, sur- roundings, He finally made them out, however. He had been borne a short distance down the valley, and a savage sat on the ground at his feet apparent- ly guarding him, The sounds of battle had ceased, The savage, as if awaiting the arrival of his fellows, sat with his back to his prisoner. Frisco Tom arose cau- tiously to a sitting posture, crouched for aspring, and then with sudden agility landed on the In- dian’s shoulders, His sinewy hands met around the throat of the dusky warrior, and forced him to the ground, notin time, however, to prevent a muf- fled yell escaping the Indian’s lips. As the savage fell back insensible, and ‘Tom saw sey- eral forms approaching the spot, he sprung to his feet and darted away in the darkness with rock, | Frisco Tom on Deck. ) : the fleetness of a deer, pursued by a dozen ran- dom shots, He had climbed a little ledge of rocks and was proceeding along them when he drew back suddenly. Thn valley seemed baunted with strange ap- pearances that eventful night. Several men, whom he recognized as the smugglers, were pa- trolling the spot, Frisco Tom, as he drew back, was surprised to find that the rock he shrunk behind led to a sort of defile, He pursued it for a few steps, came to an opening in the solid hillside, and then paused, Ataturn in the defile a singular sight had been revealed to him. Before them was a spec- tacle most remarkable in that out-of-the-way locality. He could see a large cave-like apartment, richly-furnished with skins and ornaments on the wall. Inalarge rustic chair sat an aged man with white, flowing beard and sunken, but piercing. eyes, But it was upon the other occupant of that apartment that Tom’s interest was centered, The latter stood in an attitude of half-obeisance before the strange old man, and was unmis- takably Bryce Williard. “‘T come directly from San Francisco, as I have told you,” Williard was saying, “and if you are Caldeiras, you are the man Arnold Les- lie directed me to find.” Frisco Tom started, and peered more search- ingly into the apartment. The old man spoke slowly, impressively: “Tf you are indeed a messenger from the man you name, you have the prcof that you speak the truth.” Bryce Williard’s band went into his pocket, He brought to lighta package of papers—the precigns documents stolen from Ambergris Sen! “The proofs are here,” he said sententiously, Frisco Tom prepared for some interesting cis- closures, “At last,” he murmured, ‘‘I shall know the secret surrounding the woman I love—Juanita Leslie.” CHAPTER XIII. A DASTARDLY CRIME. Bryce WILLIARD bad handed the package of papers to the old man be had designated as Caldeiras, and as Frisco Tom gazed fixedly at the hermit and his long, flowing robes, he re- cognized the mysterious denizen of the valley, with whom he had never spoken, but whose stange isolation he had often heard discussed, The eyes of the hermit were like two coals of fire as he carefully, almost eagerly, scanned the paper which he unfolded, His bosom heaved, and he seemed deeply affected over the memo- ries they evidently evoked. “The same!” he declared, as he glanced over them; ‘‘ they are the papers given to Arnold Leslie fifteen years ago. Do you understand what these documents contain?” he demanded, fixing his eyes on Bryce Williard. Whatever the game of the latter, however much changed from its original design by the
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Frisco Tom on Deck, 21 evident abduction or death of Juanita Leslie among the savages, Williard maintained a bold front. He shook his head negatively, and in an indifferent tone of voice replied simply: “ How should I?” ‘* Then how came they in your possession?” ‘““How? Ah! I should have told you. You know that Arnold Leslie is dead.” A sorrowful expression crossed the hermit’s face. “Dead!” he repeated—‘the husband of Zelda, the last of the Montezumas, dead!—and she, too, gone these many years! But the child—the last descendant of the royal line with Aztec blood in her veins, little Juanita?” **Ts safein San Francisco. Of course, I could not bring her amid these dangers to see you.” “Tt is unnecessary,” the ola man hastened to reply to Williard’s bold lie. ‘‘ My duty to her Must overlook an affectionate desire to see her. ou were sent hither by her?” ““No, by her father. When he died, he in- trusted those papers tc my care, and told me to come to you when Juanita was eighteen years of age.” The old man was plunged in a deep fit of ab- Finally | straction for some time, 1e aroused himself, **Look!” cried Caldeiras, with sudden energy as his hand swept the rich hangings and quaint furnishment of the place, ‘‘ For a quarter of a century I have been here in voluntary exile from Mexico, surrounded only by the sacred emblems of the Aztec faith, and yonder warden of the mysterious secrets of my race, Alquer- que. As he spoke the name Williard started vio- lently. From a shadowed alcove in the rock two piercing eves gleamed, and a hoary eagle, immense in size, croaked gloomily, and flapped its wings, as if in answer to its name. “‘T was,” continued the old man, ‘the war- den of a vast fortune rescued from pillage among our race, and handed down through the years in the hope that some day a valid de- scendant of the Montezumas might appear to claim it, and, with mighty valor, employ it to regain the Test empire of our fading people.” ‘om thrilled at the mystifying realism the old man employed in his speech. Even Williard was. somewhat impressed, but he listened silently. “T had hoped,” continued Caldeiras in a dreamy, broken tone, ‘‘ that the old kings might arouse from their graves av a mighty trumpet- blast and proclaim the glory and faith of the race they led to victory in the years agone, It was but a dream. They have passed away until only one lineal descendant of the old king ly line lives, and sheis far removed by inter- marriage with the Americans. I mean Juanita Leslie, the daughter of the peerless Zelda,” * And she is the heiress?” ** Of all this hidden wealth, yes,” interrupted Baldeiras, with solemn dignity. ‘I told Zelda when the child was born, that when it graw to be eighteen years of age a demand for the sacredly-guarded wealth would be houored, You come to me as her father’s messenger, your peouts are furnished me, The wealth shall be ers,” The gloomy tones of Caldeiras contrasted strangely with the gleaming avarice in Wil- liard’s eyes, “Then my task ends in disappointment, for the wealth will not revive the old glory of our race, alas! a vanished dream for me. Then [ die and pass away, and the grave shuts in the last hope of the Aztec empire.” Caldeiras rose and proceeded to a quaint old cabinet and unlocked it. Evidently Bryce Williard expected that he would reveal the coveted wealth at once, Instead, the old man drew forth writing materials, seated himself at the table again, and was busily engaged for some moments in inditinug a missive of some kind. He looked up at last, and tendered the scroll to Williard, “This letter, taken to Roderiguez, a banker of San Francisco, and presented by the girl, Juanita herself, will entitle her to the fortune,” Bryce Williard’s face fell visibly. “Then that fortune—” “Ts not here, Think you I would tempt the eupidity of any strolling vagabond by keeping the wealth in this unguarded place?” Williard perused the scroll curiously, almost disappointedly. “Read it,” commanded Caldeiras, “read it aloud.” ; Williard obeyed him, and Tom listened in- tently. “*To Juanita Leslie, and to her alone, presenting cértain documents in the possession of her guardian, Roderiguez will deliver over the fortune left him by Caldeiras fifteen years since,’ read Williard. “ But there is a line below I cannot make out,’ he added. A deep, expressive look crossed Caldeiras’s face, but he said quietly: “It is only a line in the Aztec that Roderiguez will understand,” Bryce Williard arose. His face was clouded with disappointment at not receiving the covet- ed fortune at once, but the watchful scout read in his crafty eyes an ability to cope with this contingency, Tom had no idea of allowing Williard to leave the place with the precious order, however, He realized that with it and the other papers in his possession even if Juanita was not available, Nilliard®would readily secure some girl to re- presenther, Thescout acted on a quick impulsa, and sprung suddenly forward, Bryce Williard fell back with an ejaculation of amazement. Caldeiras turned and viewed Tom with suspicious alarm, ‘Hal an eavesdropper and cried. ‘*No,” returned Tom quickly, ‘‘A friend to Juanita, This man is an impostor.” ‘* An impostor!” repeated Caldeiras, excited- ly. ‘Then he is not Arnold Leslie’s messen- ger?” ‘He is not; he stole those papers from Juanita Leslie’s real guardian.” Caldeiras sprung forward to wrest the papers from Bryce Williard’s hands, The latter drew a knife quickly. To Tom’s horror, ere he could prevent it, the knife sunk deep into the old her- mit’s breast, and Caldeiras bathed in blood sunk intruder,” he
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Frisco Tom on Deck. with a moan of anguish to the rocky floor of the cave, ‘* Monster!” he gasped out. ‘‘ You havekilled me, but it will not avail you, The line in Aztec will prevent imposture,” Williard did not heed the last dying utterance of the hermit, for Frisco Tom with a cry of mingled indignation and rage sprung toward him, The young scout’s hands met around Wil- liard’s throat, and, unarmed, as he was, Tom held the struggling craven at bis mercy. ** Fiend! assassin!” he cried, ‘* you have mur- dered that defenseless old man, you have robbed me of my bride. I will kill you!” He would have choked the life from the mis- creant’s body in his risiug anger, but that an unforeseen contingency defeated his rageful pur- 086. : The eagle witnessed the assault on its master, and amid the confusing conflict, with vengeful instincts of fidelity, with a wild scream flut- tered down over the heads of the swaying com- batants, Its talons met in Tom’s hair, its wings blinded his eyes, its beak tore at his hands, He was forced to relinquish his grasp on Wil- liard’s throat. As the latter staggered back he uttered a ery for help. When at last Tom fought off the eagle’s vicious assault, the cave was filled with Williard’s waiting associates from the outside. “Tie and gag that infernal meddler with a dozen ropes,” he yelled forth, pointing at Tom, ‘“ We have succeeded, boys, but we'll settle him. Pile this stuff around the middle of the cave and set fire to it. Fling Frisco Tom into the pile, and block up the cave with rocks, We'll settle him, and remove all evidence of yorder old dotard’s death at the same time,” Tom, pale but resolute, was silent as he found himself bound and gagged securely. The men stripped the costly antique hangings from the cave, piled them together as ordered, and set fire to them, flinging the body of the bound scout upon them and applying a match, A lurid flame lit up the place as the smug- glers retreated. The dense smoke permeated the cave, and then with a groan of dismay and defeat, Frisco Tom felt life and sense deserting him amid the terrible peril of the moment. CHAPTER XIV. CAPTURED BY SAVAGES, “Tom! Tom! where are ye?” Ambergris Ben's frantic tones echoed through the cave in which Frisco Tom lay insensible on the burning heap ten minutes after the dastard- ly act of Bryce Williard and his associates, How the old whaleman had managed to reach the spot at that opportune moment the reader will soon know. Ben, blinded with the lurid flames, and half- choked by the dense smoke filling the place, could not for a moment distinguish the form he sought among the blurred outliaes of the cave, He finally, however, made out the true status of the case. He saw the bleeding, rigid figure of the old hermit with the dead eagle by his side, and discerned the bound form of his friend. The old veteran staggered under his load and the difficulties of the situation as he seized Frisco Tom bodily in his arms, Hoe sunk exhausted to the ground as he reached the outer air, but reviving finally under its influence, hast- ened to the brook and securing some water in his hat returned and dashed it in the face of his unconscious friend, Tom soon revived and, released of his bonds, shuddered as Ben excitedly related how narrow had been his escape from death, : ‘The old hermit Caldeiras?’ cried Tom, sud- enly. ‘* He's dead, T could see that,” replied Ben, Tom uttered an ejaculation of sorrow and rage, “That inhuman fiend, Williard!” he cried, wildly. ‘He shall suffer for his crime. But bow came you here—how did you learn I was in that cave?” ‘Simply enough,” replied Ben, ‘ When we left each other in the tussle with the red-skins, I ee a party of ’em as he’d carriad off the gal, “Then she lives?” ‘“ Ay, partner, butin bad hands. I couldn't help her, and I wandered around kind 0’ loose, keepin’ ’em in sight an’ lookin’ fer ye, when I ran across a little covey of men outside hyar.” ‘“* The smugglers.” “Prezackly, [ hadn't laid low long when thar was a rumpus, They ran into the cave at a yell from Williard an’ out ag’in, an’ from their talk { jedged that ye were in danger—” Nias And you rescued me at the risk of your own ife, ‘*{ did my duty, old partner, an’ glad of the chance,” ** And Williard and his party?” “Tuk the horses and scooted down the valley fer San Francisco.” é Carrying the precious order for the fortune with them!” cried Tom. ‘Come, Ben, there is no time to lose, The trail must be followed and that man defeated.” ‘** Arter the gal Tom, yes.” Frisco Tom started. “True,” he replied. ‘She has: fallen in bad oe The Indians—they are still in the valley, en? “*T reckon not,” % “Then they will carry Juanita with them. Once on the way to their camps, and she will be lost to us or consigned to some cruel fate.” Tom arose agitatedly to his feet, and witha sorrowful look at the cave where Caldeiras had met his death, started from the spot. ** Ben,” he said, suddenly. ‘* We have our choice of two alternatives,” “What are they, partner?” “The girl or the fortune.” * An’ ye hesitate atween ’em?” ‘No. Rather let the fortune fall into Bryce Williard’s hands a hundred times than Juanita be threatened with peril and death.” ‘Then tackle the red-skins, Tom.” * Yes, alone, You must not accompany me, I will tell you all that is necessary to know to defeat Bryce Williard’s evil plans.” “For what purpose?’ “To prevent his succeeding in his scheme to secure the wealth belonging to your charge, You and I must part,”
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| leave ye alone to foller the gal.” Frisco Tom on Deck. ~ Ben stared ruefully. Ye don’t mean it, Tom?” “T do. We will hasten to the first settlement beyond bere. There I will secure a horse and arms, and you will return to San Francisco at once.” Ben demurred to bis companion’s programme, but Tom was decided, and he informed Ben what he must do in hastening to Roderiguez, the banker in the golden city. | It was daylight when, without meeting any trace of the party of savages, they reached a | little settlement beyond the canyon. Here, at the tavern of the place, Tom secured a horse |and arms, and seeing Ben mounted and ready to start, gave his final instructions. **Good-by, old boy,” said Ben, soberly, as } their hands metin parting. ‘*I don’t like ter “‘ Never fear, Ben, she shall be rescued, You see that Bryce Williard is found, apprehended for Caldeiras’s murder, and his plans defeated, and | will either save the woman I love or die in the attempt!” With a last waveof his hand, Frisco Tom started his horse down the valley, and Ben with a rueful sigh turned toward the distant city, At noon our hero found the trail ef the sav- ages, They had several hours’ start of him and were proceeding south; an hour later he was closely pursuing them, and he knew he would soon reach their camping-place for tho night, He had stopped to water his horse and take a \survey of the situation beyond a little wooded stretch of valley, when he drew the steed into the thicket and peered searchingly down thestream. |} A canoe was coming with the current, and it _ contained a dusky form, A glance at tha approaching figure told Tom _{ that the man was one of the party he was trail- ing. He tied his horse securely, advanced to the | river-bank, and, sheltered by the overhanging willows, awaited the arrival of the canoe, CHAPTER XV. SAVED, THE canoe containing the solitary savage came nearer and nearer, and Frisco Tom, sheltered by the copse, could make out the attitude of the boatman to be one of listless inattention to his surroundings, Evidently, the Igdian had been sent for the canoe, and was doubtlessly convey- ing it to the camp of his fellows. Tom soon decided on his course, Amid the crooked and numerous windings of the stream he might lose sight of the man, and he had no knowledge of the probable extent of his journey. The Indian was looking ahead and idly keeping the boat in the mid-stream current with his paddle. He did not, therefore, notice an almost noiseless maneuver on the part of Tom as the latter entered the water. The moment the boat had passed him Tom dived down under the water. He was an expert in that line, and he seized the end of the boat gently, and kept his head well out of view. Tho unsuspecting savage allowed the boat to proceed probably a quarter of a mile, when he turned it suddenly ashore, In the darkness, he 23 . did not notice Tom, and the latter saw him se- cure the boat, leap ashore, and give utterance to a signal whistle. A minute later four savages came from the woods beyond the shore, and a long confab en- sued. Tom, familiar with their dialect, made out that they comprised a section of the attack- ing party in the canyon, and that they were to proceed down the river with their captive, while the main party on horseback made a foray fur- ther east. Our hero managed to glide ashore, and secrete himself among some bushes. He saw the four men point to the interior, and the boatman left them, Tho others prepared at once to disrobe, “They are going to take a bath,” murmured I'll soon make my presence felt Tom here,” The savages laid arms and clothing aside, aud were soon sporting like school-boys in the river, It was an opportune moment for Tom, He cautiously crept toward the pile of discarded apparel, seizing the entire outfit, and dashing into the woods without being discovered by the bathers, He paused long enough to secrete the stuff and select a rifle and brace of revolvers, Then, asa gleam of light from the timber enchained his attention, he started toward it. A wild joy pervaded his being as he neared the place, Ho had not expected to find the main body of war- riors gone, but to his surprise and delight he found, piling wood on a camp-fire, the single savage he had followed in the boat, The man was guarding the cause of all Tom’s emotion and anxiety. Secured by a light lasso toa tree, and seated in an attitude of tearful despair, was the fair captive of the savages. ‘Juanita!’ murmured Tom, ‘ At last I have found her, at last her release has come.” He did not wait to exercise caution. With a rush he reached the spot, with one vigorous sweep of the club-end of his rifle he laid the savage prostrate and stunned on the ground, * Juanita!” He uttered the fond name tremblingly, start- ling the maid as he approached her, Her low, delighted words greeted his ear as he cut the bonds, securing her, and her tear-filled eyes beamed with joy as she arose to her feet, “ Hark!” “She uttered the word with a sudden shiver of fear, as, amid the rapture of their reunion, a series of yells sounded on the silent night air, “The Indians from the stream—they have discovered my trick; they are coming this way,” cried Tom. ‘‘ Ab! they have dashed into view.” Sure enough, from the belt of timber a quar- tette of half-naked savages were coming toward the spot. j , Tom spoke a few forcible words into the agi- tated Juanita’s ear, > “Obey me implicitly,” he attered rapidly. “Glide toward the river north, and follow it closely.” “ And you?” “JT will join you shortly. You_will find a horse tied ‘half a mila distant. If I do not come, mount the animal and hasten away.” | With a tremulous sigh, Juanita obeyed him, * Good!
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24 Frisco Tom on Deck. and Tom turned to meet and rout his oncoming enemies, The savages’ shots told that they had discoy- ered and recognized him as a foe. Our hero lifted his rifle. The trigger came down, but there was no report. “Unloaded!” he uttered, in a tone of deep chagrin. “Foolish that I was, not to examine it first. The revolvers both empty!” and as he gazed down the barrels. and discovered the fact, he flung the useless weapons away. The savages discerned his predicament, and dashed toward him, The foremost of the quar- tette, bolder than the others, reached Tom’s side, and witb a yell announced his readiness for a hand-to-hand conflict. Tom was prepared for the onslaught. He dodged down as the swinging sledge-hammer fists of the red-skin grazed his face, With a dexterous move, he lifted the astonished Indian bodily from his feet, and sent him hurtling through the fire directly in the faces of his com- panions, Then following up his advantage, he jumped to the vicinity-of the fire, and seizing a long, flaming stick darted it toward the savages. As the burning wood came in contact with their bodies, the Indians retreated with yells of pain and discomfiture. Tom gave the fire a kick that sent the blinding cinders in all directions, and then dashed off toward the river. Juanita had apparently followed his instruc- tions implicitly for he did not come up with her. He was growing anxions, when, as he reached the spot where he had left the horse, he saw the animal plunging wildly forward a few feet dis- tant. Juanita sat in the saddle, but a glance told Tom that her unpracticed hand was worrying the horse into a fever of terror and flight. the steed was dashing wildly from the scene, our hero made a running jump. “Juanita! safe at last, and now a wild ride for love and liberty!” He breathed the words fervently in her ear, as he gained the saddle behind her and seized the reins from her trembling hands, On and on through the night, her fair head pillowed against his manly breast, Frisco Tom urged the mettled steed. The woman he loved had been rescued. Now to reach San Fran- cisco in time to outwit the evil scheme of their mutual enemy—Bryce Williard! CHAPTER XVI. BRYCE WILLIARD’S PLOTS, FortTyY-£1GHT hours after the timely rescue of Juanita Leslie from the hands of the savages by Frisco Tom, a scene of rare interest and excite- ment—to at least one character of our story, was trapspiring in a little restaurant in the city of San Francisco. That day had witnessed a series of events bearing vitally upon the issues involved in the game for the Caldeiras fortune. At. daybreak a band of dusty travel-worn men had reached the confines of the golden city from the south and separated. They were the pore of smugglers, and their leader, Bryce illiard, as he left them bade Catamaran Bill accompany the others to a well-known haunt As and report to him that afternoon at a certaiy retired restaurant on points he mentioned ag they separated. Later on in the day, the faithful emissary o1 Tom, Ambergris Ben, entered the city from thg same direction, proceeding to a hotel where bi perfected an elaborate disguise, and before a hour had passed was on the trail of the man hd bad determined to. bunt to his doom—Bryed Williard. And later still in the day, there entered the city from the self-same direction Frisco To and Juanita Leslie, in time to baffle the evi scheme of the man who held the order for tha Caldeiras fortune from the dead hermit oj Marcy Canyon. In the restaurant to which reference has beer made, a man sat in a little compartment toward the close of the afternoon, impatiently thrum- ming on the table before him and watching from the half-parted curtain every person who entsred the place. It was no other than Bryce Williard, and his face grew gratified and his tones were relieved as he said to a man who finally entered the place and hastened to the little compartment: * At last, Bill! What news?” Catameran Bill sat down and drew a folded paper from his pocket, which he handed to his companion. ‘From the boys, eb?’ muttered Williard) ‘They expect us to join them in going fro Starlight Rock to meet a ship with a consign ment on? Well, let them think we are still with them, but we won’t go, Bill.” ** Ye won't?” ‘‘Not if we manage to get the banker Rodri guez to disgorge. The woman, Blanche, did you get her?” “T did.” ; ** And she will do?’ **She is here.” “Where?” ‘*Tn the outer room,” “ And can be trusted?” 4 Pl bring her in and you can see for your self. ** Do so,” Catamaran Bill left the compartment, There was a suspicious sound behind the board parti- tion of the place, but Bryce Williard was ob- livious to all save the issues of the present mo- ment. He looked up quickly as Catamaran Bill entered, leading a woman radically beautiful, but with dark, scheming eyes, who met Wil- liard’s glance boldly. Williard eyed her critically for some mo- ments, Then he said: “You understand what you are to do?” ‘To represent a certain Juanita Leslie.” * Ah! Bill bas posted you?” **On every point.” “And I can rely on your fidelity and secrecy ?” “* Wor money, yes.” ‘Tt shall be yours—a cool thousand dollars if you succeed. There is no need of delay. I have sent a letter to the banker, Rodriguez, tellin him I will call at five o’clock. Come, Bill, w: you order a carriage?” Catamaran Bill bowed assent, and Jeft the
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Frisco Tom on Deck. compartment. In a few moments Bryce Wil- liard and the woman followed. They had not got clear of the door of the res- taurant before a form glided after them from the compartment adjoining the one in which the mysterious conversation had transpired, The apparent spy on their trail was well dis- guised, but Ambergris Ben’s honest tones were unmistakable as-he muttered: “They’re putting their scheme into play, eh? Wal, I can call the police at any time. As it is Vl foller them. Rodriguez, the banker!—good enough, and, Mr, Bryce Williard, Pll be on hand to nip yer little game at the proper mo- ment.” The schemers had entered a@ carriage that proceeded some distance, and finally paused in a second-class street in the lower portion of the city. The building before which they alighted was a gloomy edifice of stone, and was well known at that time to the denizens of the city as the home of a private banker of great repute, named Rodriguez, Brice Williard, the woman on his arm, bade Catamaran Bill remain in the vicinity, dismissed the carriage, and entered the house boldly. At the open portals a servant stopped him, but as Williard mentioned his name the man bowed politely and said: “This way, sir; my master is expecting you.” A minute later Williard and his companion were ushered into an apartment fitted up with desks and asafe. Its sole occupant was a dark, skrewd-looking Spaniard, who viewed his visi- tors searchingly, and beckoned them to a seat. “‘T have received a note signed Bryce Wil- liard, to-day,” tne banker said, abruptly. ‘It informed me that you would call on important business, Will you explain?” For reply Williard drew from his pocket the note Caldeiras had indited. The banker started, and perused the missive eagerly. Then he looked up. * And this is the lady, Juanita Leslie?” he in- quired, with a glance at Williard’s female com- nion, Yes, the heiress—” **To the wealth I have held in trust so long. You desire it sent to you?” ** No, I will take it,” A half-suspicious light was visible in the banker’s eyes at Williard’s eagerness, but he said, as he advanced toward the safe in one cor- ner of the apartment: “As you like. It is a royal fortune, and all I require are the papers—” “Ah! the documents are here,” interrupted Wilhiard, producing the papers stolen from Ambergris Ben. * And the remaining evidence that this is in- deed Juanita Leslie?” concluded the banker, Bryce-Williard started. “he remaining evidence?” he stammered, vaguely. : “Exactly. Caldeiras has attached a postscript in Aztec to bis letter, bidding me to be sure on that point.” ““T do not understand you.” “‘The mark, the brand.” “The mark—the brand!” quavered Williard. Ts not his order sufficient?” — ‘No; this lady, if the real Juanita, still bears on her wrist an indelible brand, a mysterious symbol of the Montezumas, imprinted there by Caldeiras’s request in her infancy.” ** Curses! we are foiled!” Amid his terrible dismay, Bryce Williard hissed out the words, and sprung to his feet as his companion uttered a cry of chagrin. “Hal” cried Rodriguez, suspiciously. ‘* An imposter! The mark is not there, Then she is not Juanita Leslie!” ‘*She is!” cried Williard. ‘“ The fortune, old man, it belongs to‘her, The papers are proofs; you think to defraud us.” He had advanced threateningly toward the banker. “Hal you threaten!” cried the latter. “* Back, villain! would you rob me?” “Ay! of Juanita Leslie’s rightful fortune. Give it up, I say!” “Stand back, Mr. Bryce Williard, or, you’re a dead man!” The words came unexpectedly. Williard turned, to utter a frantic cry of rage and dis- comfiture. Yor, filling the doorway, a leveled revolver in his hand and vengeance in his eye, was Amber- gris Ben! s CHAPTER XVII. OUTWITTED, BEN was recognized by the discomfited Bryce Williard as the latter showed in his paling face when he heard the old whaleman’s sten- torian voice, The banker, Rodriguez, recoiled and stared in wonder at this new appearance on the scene while Williard’s accomplice, the woman, started toward the door, “The game’s ended, it seems,” she remarked with a wicked laugh. ‘I won’t burn my fin- gers with it any longer. Will you allow me to pass, sir?” Ben hesitated, and then stepped aside. “Yes,” he replied, ‘ye kin go; my business is with yonder sneakin’ coyote.” _ The woman passed through the door, and Wil- liard began to edge his way toward the open window, ‘““Mr. Bryce Williard, alias Horace Ellis, the gambler, yer goose is cooked!” came impres- sively from Ben’s lips. ‘It'll be the jail fer ye to-night.” ‘Who is this man—an impostor?’ demanded Rodriguez, his eyes resting on Williard. “ Prezackly, Mr. Banker! I am_ the real guardian of Juanita Leslie, an’ he stole the pa- pers from me he presented to you.” ‘But the order from Caldeiras?” “ He obtained by fraud and deception and then murdered the poor old man he had delud- ed!” ‘“Murdered him?’ echoed Rodriguez, in a tone of anguish and horror, *‘ my old friend, Cal- deiras, dead?” “Tt is false!” asseverated Williard, ‘‘ This man is some blackmailer who hopes to benefit by a cunningly devised lie,” ‘*T warn ye to keep quiet,” remarked Ben, a meuacing glitter in his eye; “ye’re workin’ yer way to thet winder, Mr. Bryce Williard, but I
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26 Frisco Tom on Deck. advise ye not to try ter light out or ye’re a gone coon.” Williard stood stock-still as Ben’s revoiver clicked ominously. “Now, then, Mr. Banker,” spoke the latter, ‘jest seo thet a policeman is called till I give this coyote inter custody,” *On what charge?” demanded Williard. “Murder! The killing of Caideiras the her- mit!” A spasm of alarm and fear crossed Williard’s bloodless face. ‘There are no witnesses!” he cried. “Oh! ye confess it, then?’ interrupted Ben. *‘ We'll sottle the matter when Frisco Tom appears. Ha! ye varmint, what new trick is this?” ** Foiled!” cried Bryce Williard suddenly, as he sprung to the window, An episode quite favorable to his plans had occurred. Evidently bis female accomplice, in departin from the house, had informed the lurking Catamaran Bill of the peril of his ally, for the door had suddenly opened and the lev- eled revolver was knocked from Ben’s hand. “Light out, Williard!” cried Bill, as he grap- pled with Ben. ‘*?’m afraid we’re spotted on the outside, too.” F With a glance of chagrin and hate at the banker, Bryce disappeared through the open window. The banker uttered a cry of alarm, and then stood gazing aghast as Ben and Bill went down with a crash, tightly clinched, on the floor. Tn the fall, Ben bad struck a chair, splinter- ing it to pieces. Half-stunned, he lay at the mercy of his enemy, who arose to his feet and drew a murderous-looking weapon. “Tl settle ye, or hev the fortune!” he cried, desperately; ‘tan’ I'll settle the only man who *pears to know how Caldeiras died!” “There is another, and he is here!” Catamaran Bill wheeled like a ‘tiger at bay, and drew a revolver. A long, desperate experience had hardened him to surprises, and while he was staring at the new appearance on the scene, he acted in accordance witk the villainous instincts of his nature ne Hal Frisco Tom, and not dead, eh? Take thet!” He had fired point-blank at Tom, for it was the young scout’s figure that filled the doorway. The shot was returned; and as Bill, seeing the game lost, sprung to the window, he staggered ack against the sash, his arm shattered by a bullet from Tom’s weapon. ‘“* Stop, and surrender, or I will fire again!” Bill heeded not the command. Wounded as he was, he lifted himself over the sash. Frisco Tom heard him utter a cry of pain as he fell headlong from view. Catamaran Bill had met his fate in that last reckless attempt at escape. He was precipi- tated sheer twenty feet below into a stone-paved area, whence a few minutes later he was re- moved, his skull crushed—dead} In a few words Tom explained his identity and the meaning of the exciting scene that bad just occurred to the banker. He had arrived with Juanita, and, a minute later, he led the young girl into the apart- ment, He had no difficulty in convineing Roderiguez of the validity of her claim, The mysterious brand was found upon her wrist, and the banker was ready to deliver the Caldeiras fortune at any time she desired it. “Not yet,” spoke Tom, solemnly. ‘There is more work yet todo. Ia-k you to shelter my poor Juanita, worn out by travel and excite- ment, until my return,” “You are going away again?” inquired Jua- nita, anxiously. ‘Yes, to avenge the murder of Caldeiras—to find the man who has caused all our trouble and has escaped—Bryce Williard.” * An’ I kin direct ye to him.” To Tom’s delight Ben arose to his feet. The scout grasped the whaleman’s Hand in glad welcome. “Not hurt!” he cried, ** Not seriously, Tom.” ** And you know where Williard has gone?’ “JT kin surmise, When trailin’ him I heard bim tell about a meetin’ with the Smugglers’ League at a certain point.” ‘* Where?” Starlight Rock,” **T know the place well. gling venture,” **T reckon so,” “But he may have abandoned his purpose?” ‘“* Not likely, seein’ as his game here is spoiled. Justice demands his capture, Tom, and Cal- deiras’s murder must be avenged.” An hour later Tom, with an affectionate adieu to Juanita, whom he consigned to the care of the banker, started forth with Ben to track to cover their deadly enemy, Bryce Williard, the leader of the Opium Smugglers of the Coast. Some opium-smug~ CHAPTER XVIII. AFTER THE SMUGGLERS, Down the coast from the city several miles at an hour closely approaching midnight, a scene of considerable mystery and excitement was transpiring the same night Frisco Tom and Ambergris Ben had started forth on their mis- sion. The beach was rock-lined, and, in a little inlet sheltered by an overhanging cliff, a party of men huddled close to the rocks stood silent and grim, while ten feet distant a coterie of three seemed scanning the ocean and the vicinity with searching glance. “ Thar’s no sign yit of the varmints, it seams,” remarked one of the trio, in a low, guarded tone of voice, ‘““We don’t know that, Ben,” replied Tom. “The colonel here has had longer experience with these coast bandits than we, and he believes these lights mean something, Ha! there they are again.” About half a mile down the coust the three leaders of the revenue party which Tom had im- pressed into his service saw a series of lights flash forth suddenly in the darkness, and then some distance out at sea, a reply seemed to be made to these signals, ““We must put off the boats,” said Colonel
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Frisco Tom on Deck. Clowry, after a pause of reflection. ‘I think 1 understand this affair.” “You do, colonel?’ inquired Ben. “Yes. Some vessel that has stolen down the coast is making a night journey to San Fran- cisco.” “* Waal, what of it?” They have some opium on board, and they intend dropping it at sea into the hands of their emissaries ashore. Look there!” In the dim night a boat could be discerned leaving the shore. Colonel Clowry at once hastened to his men, and their shadowy forms were soon stealing down the beach. A moment later, and almost noiselessly, they launched a long boat. Ben and Tom were hastening after them, when the latter paused. **Go on, Ben,” he said. minute.” “What hev yer discovered, lad?” ‘Never mind. Go ahead.” The cause of Tom’s halt was what he im- agined to be the visible outline of a form skulk- ing in and outamong the rocks, At the same moment a dull whistle sounded from its vicin- ity. ‘Ben reached the boat just as it was pushed off. ** Jump in,” ordered Colonel Clowry. “ Wait a minute, colonel. My partner willbe along soop.” oe as the moments went by no Tom ap- red, ‘We must not delay. @ may be engaged on some new trail. Push off, lads.” Despite Ben’s anxiety, the boat left the shore, His interest now centered on the operations of their enemies, however, the old whaleman con- soled himself with the thought that Tom was able to care for himself. The boat cut the water like a knife. The ace informed Ben of his theories and inten- ons. “ The boat that just left the shore belongs to the smugglers,” he exclaimed to Ben. “ An’ ye intend to follow it?” ‘No, to keep it in view. Out where that ves- sel stands, a package will be thrown to these men. That we must intercept, provided they do not see us and take the alarm.” Half an hour’s row brought them fairly with- in sight of a brig sailing very slowly in a due- northerly course, At that moment the man on watch in the bow sung out: “ They’ve spotted us, colonel.” “ Who, the brig?” ‘*No, the small boat, and they’ve changed their course.” The colonel surveyed the situation. “Tt looks so, sure enough. Very well, lads, row fast and reach the brig.” Whatever Colonel Clowry’s plan, he did not y further attention to the small boat, With- in hailing distance of the brig, he made out sey- eral forms on the stern, As he ordered the men to slow the oars, he caught a hail from the ror ‘Hello, there! All ready?” In a deep, graff tone, Colonel Clowry sung sut: “*T will join you ina * All ready!” The next moment a large, dark object was dropped over the stern of the brig. ‘* A rubber balloon,” whispered the colonel, to Ben. ** What's it fer, anyway?” “Tt contains the opium, and will float, you see. Row toward it, lads,” Almost within reaching distance, a sudden cry came from the brig. Distinctly on the hearing of Ben rung out the words: “1 see the uniform buttons of the men! We've been tricked! they’re revenues!” **Sink the balloon!” A flash and a shot came from the brig. A bullet struck the rubber air balloon, and it collapsed just as Ben seized it. The brig put about es if anxious to evade be- ing overhauled. Colonel Clowry ordered his men to return to the store, ‘* We've captured the prize,” he remarked as he dragged the collapsed balloon containing the opium into the boat. ** But missed the smugglers,” replied old Ben, ruefully. “Perhaps not, watch,” “That's so; but thar’s no sign of him.” Sure enough, when they reached the beach they could discern no trace of either Tom or the smugglers, Ben was anxious about his friend. He paced the beach seeking some sign of him, and only paused when he came across a knife lying on the rocks, Evidences of a struggle were visible around, Ben turned to Colonel Clowry. “Colonel,” he said ominously, “my friend's got in trouble with those ’tarnal smugglers, I fear, and I can’t rest till 1 find him.” “Tam with you in that, friend Ben,” replied the revenue officer, ‘‘ Frisco Tom has done too much for the Government for us to desert him in an hour of danger.” CHAPTER XIX, CONCLUSION, Brew was somewhat anxious when he failed to discover any trace of Frisco Tom. Had he known the situation of bis friend at that mo- ment, he would have been doubly distressed, for the young scout was in a most unpleasant and dangerous position, When Tom had seen the skulking form on the beach, and had told Ambergris Ben to repair to the revenue boat, be had glided among the rocks and immediately started in pursuit of a figure, a few moments later recognized by him as the person he sought, Bryce Williard. The latter, either arriving late at the place of meeting, or left on shore to signal danger, had evidently seen the revenue party, for he acceler- ated his pace, and the positions of the two men rapidly changed to pursued and pursuer. Once reaching the beach, Williard started on a keen run, and Tom, finding that he was recog- nized, hept in close pursuit. Finally Williard disappeared around a ledge of rocks, finding Frisco Tom will be on the | time, ere Tom appeared, to flash a lantern lying
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28 in a little nook toward the ocean. This had caused the smugglers’ boat to put hack to land, His mission effected, the desperado turned at bay, and backed against a bowlder on the inlet as Tom dashed into view, The latter bad the drop on bis foe, and his lev- eled revolver caused Williard to stand motion- less and pale, awaiting his first words, ** At last, Bryce Williard,” spoke the scout, in deep, ominous tones, ‘* we are alone, mar to man, and you are my prisoner!” “Since when have you constituted yourself an officer of the law?” sneered Williard. ** Since the murder of Caldeiras, the hermit,” was the stern, accusing reply. ‘Throw down your weapons, or—” “You'll murder me? Is that it? Come, you boast of your prowess and chivalry, You can never convict me with the crime youcharge. It is a personal issue between us two,” The hot blood of indignation and rage mounted to Tom’s bronzed cheeks, **So be it!” he cried; ‘“‘ between us two the issue lies, as you say. For your dastardly treachery toward the woman I love, I demand the apology of blood; for the murder of Caldei- ras, vengeance!” * And you will fight me, man to man, knife to knife?” “ Yes,” “Then lower your revolver.” “No; first fling yours into the surf, and I will follow suit.” Whatever the wily schemer’s plan, he saw fit to obey. “ One of us will never need the shooters again,” he remarked, grimly, as Tom hurled his weapon in the water, and both drew their knives, The night was not starless, and the knives gleamed as they were raised. It was light enough to fight; light enough to kill a craven, cowardly wretch, Frisco Tom decided, and he circled around his enemy, whose policy seemed to consist in evading his assault, rather than in- viting and attempting to cope with it. Twice the flashing blades clashed. Twice, by a clever feint, Williard evaded a hand-to-hand conflict. He parried and retreated until Tom grew suspicious and impatient. “Tm giving you every chance,” he remarked, between his set teeth, ‘“‘and you have some crafty plan in putting on the time, To the scratch, Bryce Williard, or I will force the fighting.” He sprung forward once more. Williard sud- denly wheeled, Frisco Tom anticipating his flight, dashed forward to intercept the craven. At that moment a dozen men rounded the rock. The smugglers had returned, and for their re- turn the cunning scoundrel, Williard, bad been waiting. In a moment the scout was sur- rounded and a prisoner. He cast a glance of withering contempt on the triumphant Williard. ** You sneakin’ coyote!” he uttered, forcibly. “You are too cowardly to live, too treacherous to deserve the friendship of a living being.” “I've got you, close enough,” came the chuck- ling reply. ‘Til carry my point yet, and Juan- ita shall be my bride—her fortune mine!” Tom was silent, and as the smugglers after a Frisco Tom on Deck. brief confab started for the inland, he allowed them to force him along their way. They halted atlast. It was at a point where two somber-looking structures faced each other across a little stream. They seemed to be the familiar haunt of the smugglers, for Tom was led into one of the structures, his hands bound, and he was thrust into a darkened room, An hour went by, during which he could hear in various parts of the structure sounds of great commotion, which was explained as, in the cor- ridor without the room in which he was con- fined a prisoner, he heard Bryce Williard’s voice, He was addressing one of the smugglers, and he asked: \ “The stuff is all ready to take up-stream and dispose of?” ** Yes, captain,” was the response. “Then we will soon desert this old ranch, dispose of our booty and blow the buildings up. “ Why not stay?” “No,” interrupted Williard, ‘The revenues are upon our trail. This infernal Frisco Tom has ruined our plans. We must disband.” ** And your prisoner?” ‘* Wait for half an hour. Then leave yonder building at a signal from the window across the stream. I will end all traces of our past career, and settle our enemy, Tom, at the same time.” All right.” A minute later Bryce Williard, bearing a lamp in his hand entered the room. He glanced malignantly at his bound captive, ““T have come wae ie offer you your liberty,” he said bluntly. “Y want no trifling, and I give you ten minutes to agree to write a letter to Juanita Laslie, insisting on her delivering her fortune to me to save your life,” Frisco Tom laughed derisively. **- You are modest in your demands,” “ Just think it over,” repeated Williard cool- ly. ‘‘ Either that or death. I’m in earnest.” **So am I.” Williard left the room. He was gone some time. When he returned he was pale and ex- cited, and as he hastened to the window his eyes gleamed with alarm. ‘“‘The revenues are here,” Frisco Tom heard him mutter. ‘The boys are to leave the place. Ha! the signal! They are leaving, and the revenues will enter the building. They are doomed! Now, Frisco Tom, your answer to my demands.” “You have had it already.” Williard sprung to a corner of the room, hand touched a knob in the wall. * An electric wire connects with a concussion- fuse in the building across the river,” he said. **A powerful explosion will blow your friends to atoms.” He touched the button—an explosion that shook the place sounded upon the still night air. Frisco Tom uttered a groan of horror, He had not believed Bryce Williard’s murderous threat. As he witnessed its consummation, he gathered himself for an assault, bound as he was, His hands were tied behind him, but spring- ing from the floor he flung his body forward, His
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Frisco Tom on Deck. His foot struck Bryce Williard in the chest just as the latter was getting ready to end his life with a revolver-shot, The desperado sunk back, stunned and bleed- ing. There was a wild commotion in the cor- tidor without; the door was suddenly burst open. Ambergris Ben, followed by balf a dozen revenue officers burst into the apartment. “The explosion!” gasped Tom; ‘‘you were not burt?” “No,” replied Ben. ‘*We traced you hyar, an’ drivin’ the smugglers inter the building yon- der, we started ter investigate this place when the one over the river blew up. Ha! ye coyote, stand still thar!” Williard, recovering from his insensibility, had sprnng to his fect. As he realized that he had doomed all his confederates by a terrible mistake, he jumped wildly toyard the win- dow. A dozen shots from the revolvers of the revenue men pierced his body. He fell to the ground outside, dead, “That ends the smugglers,” remarked Ben, grimly, as he peered down at the prostrate form of the desperado. “And avenges the death of Caldeiras, the hermit,” added Frisco Tom, solemnly, A few hours later, in the early dawn, Juanita Leslie welcomed her lover to her arms again, and before nightfall they were wedded, and the fortune turned over to the rightful heiress, Ambergris Ben recovered his stolen money, for it was found secereted on the dead smuggler, Bryce Williard’s untimely death, and that of his confederates, filled the public interest for many days, and Frisco Tom was a hero, in people’s estimation, for his part in routing out this formidable confederation of criminals, In his last courageous fight against the league he had effected a great public benefit, for he had effectually broken up one of the greatest pests the Golden City ever knew: the Opium Smug- glers of the Coast. ; THE END, BEADLE AND ADAMS’ Dime Hand-Books. Hand-Books of Games. Handbook ef Summer Sports. Yachting and Rowing. Riding and Driving. | Book of Pedestrianism, Book of Croquet. i Chess Instructor. Cricket and Football. Guide to Swimming. Handbook of Winter Sports—Skating, ete, Manuals for Housewives. 1. Cook Book, 2. Recipe Book. 3. Housekeeper’s Guide. 4, Family Physician, 5. Dressmaking and Mik linery. \ gp" The above books are sold by newsdealers everywhere, or will be sent, post-paid, to any ad- dress, on receipt of price, ten cents each, Bmapie AND ApAms, Publishers, 98 William st., N. Y. BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS Speakers. The Dime Speakers embrace twenty-five volumes, rs S . Komikal Speaker. 3, Youth’s Speaker. Patriotic Speaker, ‘, Eloquent Speaker, Comic Speaker. 3. Hail Columbia Speak- Blocutionist. er. Humorous Speaker, . Serio-Comie Speaker, Standard Speaker. | 20. Select Speaker. . American Speaker, National Speaker, DO CORD com Stump Speaker. . Funny Speaker. Juvenile Speaker. 2. Jolly Speaker. Spread-Eagle Speaker | 23. Dialect Speaker. Dime Debater. . Recitations and Read- Exhibition Speaker. Fe ings. School Speaker. 5. Burlesque Speaker Ludicrous Speaker. These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, etc. 75 to 100 Declamations and Recitations im each book, Pah bah pak ak pt im Co tO Dialogues. The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em- brace thirty-seven books, viz.: Dialogues No. One. Dialogues No. Two. Dialorues No. Dialogues No. Ff Dialogues No. Diatogues No. Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Dialogues No, Dialogues No. Dialogues No. . {Dialogues No. Nineteen. Dialogues No. Twenty. |\Dialogues No, Twenty-one. |Dialogues No. Twenty-two. Dialogues No, Twenty-three, Dialogues No. Twenty-four. Dialogues No Twenty-five. Dialogues No. Twenty-six, DialoguesNo, Twenty-seven, Dialogues No, Twenty-eight, Eleven. (Dialogues No, Twenty-nine, Twelve, |Dialogues No. Thirty. Thirteen, |Dialogues No. Thirty-one Fourteen, Dialogues No, Thirty-two, ‘ifteen, |Dialogues No. Thirty-three, Dialogues xteen. |Dialogues No. Thirty-four, Dialogues eventeen|Dialogues No. Thirty-five, Dialogues No. Kighteen. Dialogues No. Thirty-six, Dialogues No. Thirty-seven. 15 to 25 Dialogues and Dramas in each book. Each volume contains 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collee+ tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Recitations. Dramas and Readings. 164 12mo Pages. 20 Cents. For Schools, Parlors, Entertainments and the Am- ateur Stage, comprising Original Minor Dramas, Comedy, Farce, Dress Pieces, Humorous Dialogue and Burlesque, by noted writers; and Recitations and Readings, new and standard, of the greatest celebrity and interest. Edited by Prof, A. M. Russel, The above publications are for sale by all news. dealers or will be sent, post-paid, on receipt of price, ten cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pusiisuers, 98 Wiii1aM Street, N.Y, 1,
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BEADLE’S BOY’ Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents Published Kvery Saturday. 150 The Boy Must Iria dase nate By Frederick Whittaker. 51 Frank viten the Young Trap ner, By J. E. Badger, Jr. Wild Raven, the Scout. By O!] (oomeéa, Lynx-Cap3 or, Four Trappers’ Among th: Bibbs. The C arabian Te Rider 5 D xky By Jos. E, Badger, Jr, By O11 Tes. Fr ran iter. By P. H. Myers 10 Fate of the Fire-Fly. Sioux. By Paul By Harry St. George. Kidnap pe d Dick; or, nderson. aur By W. J. Hamflton, Hank Triplet’s Vow. By Harry Hazard, 1 The Mad Skipper. By R. Starbuck. The Trapper King. By Maj. Max Martine. 10n Kenton, Hunter. By Emerson Rodman. he Boy Chief; or, Frank Bell's Compact. By ON Coomes, The T rader Trattor. By J. Stanley Henderson, Old Jupe’s Clew, By Mrs. Orrin ‘nmes The ¥ oung T . J. Hamilton. The Spee wis W,. Carson, Lank Lute, the Old c lobed >) Hu By E. W. Archer, The White Wolf. By Edward Willett. The Swamp Guide, By W.N. MeNeil. The Yankee Peddler. By C. Danning Clark, The Scout and His Young Chum. By Warren St. Blacksmith Tom’s Mask. By Geo. D. Gilbert, ‘The Buckskin Rider. By Guy Greenwood, The tter’s Surprise, By Mrs. H. J. Thomas, Four Fellow Scouts. By J. Staniey Henderson, Old Kit. and His Comrades, By Js. E. Badger, Jr. Uncle Grills Disguise. By Hur lazard. The Marked Miner. fy I i. Hazeltine, The Wild Hu as, By Capt. Bruin Adama, The Dwarf Dec By Maro O. Relte, Job Dean's Tactles, By tigeldaby North, Yankee Eph’« Dilemma. by J. R, Worcester. The Wily Witch’«s Ward. by Edwin E. Ewing, Frank, the Furrier. By J. Stanley Henderson. Diana, the Pair Mountaineer, My Capt. F. Whittaker, Jack’s Snare. by Mrs. Ann EF. Porter the Swamp Scout, By W. J, Hamilton. Dashing Trooper. 3B. derek Dewey. The B Brave. By James L. Bowen. Sandy se of Texas, By Edward Willett. u kle’s Long Chase. By Wm. R Eyster. Cr Ate ‘ato, the Shadow Swap Trailer. By F, Dewey, The Ranger Detective. By Harry Hazird. Gypsy Mag, the Mountain Witch, By C. D. Clark. The Branded Captain, ‘By W. Hamilton. Old Crossfire’ Crisis, By harles Howard, Zebra Zack, thy Texan. By V Hamilton, » Name leas Hunter, we W. Robinson. ‘dward Willett, 3. Ellis, W, Archer. fk i Dh hk ANNBEBTRRAAR cys mace Seca cee John. zm SSS SSCCCLFETTPLE PL ErIAKrAcined sLagebhdiee ag z- 1 1 1 1 i i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 J 1 1 1 1 1 1 En Capt, Chas, Howard. Hamilton, Hat oy Clark. Tunes L Buwen, wle-Fyed Tim. By ¢ The Villare Sport, ‘By Buck Burt's Plack, By ward Willet, he Tell-Tale Bullet, By J. Stanley Henderson, The Boy Surveyor, By W Hamilton. Yankee Drover Swipes. in Robins. Silver City By .Jamea L Ni vk, the Detec a. OF Mustang Rider Roy By Alber; n. By Maj Max Martine. Yankee Josh, the By BR, H, Belknap, M. D. New York Ned in California, — By W Hamilton, Kentucky Kate’« Shot. By fdward Willett. 220 Frisco Frank’s Riv ‘aa ty Paul J, Prescott. 221, Doctor Bag, Detectiy Ny By Lewis Jay Swift. Sly Sam’s« Snare y Louth: Le rand, M.D. Old Nancy's Ward. Ry Lieut. Col, Hazeltine. Rattlepate, theNonob. Ry Scott R. Sherwood, { wie Bill; or, The New York Sportamen’s Clew, umniiton. } Masked Maniac. 27 Barney’a Bold Brush, By James L. B The Dendwood Sporta, By Lient. 8. 6 Nana Schmidt, Jr.; or, The Discuised Yankee. Hamilton. lone Star’« Sure Shot. By Hurry Hazard. Mark Morgan’s Mask. By Capt. Charles Howard, 282 Billy Broom’s First Cruise. By H, Minor Kapp. 288 The Girl Rifle-Shot. By W Hamilton. 284 Old Kyle’ Long Tramp. ly Henry J, Th 28% Old Rill Syce’s Pledge. By Edward wil ; 286 The On-the-V ring Detective. By Ed. Ellis, 287 The Dolphin’s Young Skipper. By yt Starbuck, 238 Josh’s Boy Pards. By S. G. Lansing, 289 Lee Dakin’s Disguise, By Maro O. Rolfe. 240 Daring Dick’« Race. By Arthur L. Meserve, 241 Uncle Ephe’s Boys. By J, Stanley Henderson, ze TRH RO te wwwwwwern na ok Ok, By Maro 0. Ro! Lansing. By W.J. FO RR Re nh pa Borate Me LIBRARY. Cyclist Bob Snared. By Capt. R. M. Hawthorne, Flash-Light Joe. Sy Charles P. Isley, Bob Baker’s Last Leap, BY T. Benton Shields, U. 8. Ay North Woods Nat. 5 . Hamilton, The Girl Chict. ‘ Xi Nevill Denver Dick, the ; i Jim’ Doo wewweW ol. Hazeltine, S. Warner. Tra Applegate. is Bold "Gare By Paul Bibbs , Sancho Sam’s Shot. By George Gleason, Crafty Crazy Slack; or, Ihe French Fugitive. Hazard. The F ighting Quaker. The Range rw First q rufxe. By Bob G sure ‘a Crew. By John Neal. Tommy’s Fast Pacer. By W. J. Hamilton Doc Bella Pluc By Capt, Chas, Howard Rocky Mounts Burt. By Edward W Reckless Ralph’s Risk. By James L. Gold Nugget Dick. By Tom P. Moran Ira’s Big Bo ra, By Harry Hazard. Josh Marateh, t et ctive. By Mary Unele Jerr ys, the Quaker, By John The Skipper’s Mate. By Harry Cavendis The Girl Cowboy Captain. By Joa. E Eph, the } Imic Spy. By W.) Hamiltou. Ralph's Last Tra By Edward 8. Sol Stecle'’s Gru By Edward W the Const Detective, By Re a Gotlieb, the Jolly Landlord. By He k Johnatone, > BR er. Hy Howard M. Boynton, we. Ww Hamilton, the Oatch Pan tue By Decatur Paulding, s. Conrad, the Ocean King. By ‘ure Monfort, Pat, the Plucky Sergeant. By Haw lton, Jack Jordan's Pard, | By Mrs. M. V, Victor. Tom, the Old Tar, By Rover Starbuck. Dolly’s Denth-Shot. _ By Capt, Charles Howard, Detective German Joe. By Howard M. Boynton, d’« Double, ty Jos, . By nige, the Peddler, By Henry , Ne dl, the Stowaway; or, Adrift in Bra il. Dan, the Dark By Ralph The Mextie By 'T. King. Job Sharp, the Detective. By Ran 0. Rolfe. The Two Middies, By Lafayette Laforest, Rover Dick Dingle. By Edward §, Ellis. Molly, the Girl Captain. By Mary A. Denison, Detective Dick’s Pard. By H.M. toynton. The Miser’« Lost Ward, By C. B. Lewis, 2 Bullet-Proof } W. J. Hamitton, Warr. ward Willet. i! . Warner. By N. C, Tron, Tr'pp. By Jos. E. Badger, Tr. By W. J, Manilton. wer Storbuck, By Howard M, Boynton, By Paul Bibbs, By Lieut Col, Haze'tine By Maj. L. W. Carson By Roger Starbuck. Edward Willett, By Capt. Chas. Howard, By George Henry Prentiea, we By Harry By Edward S, Ellis. John S. Warners Denison, Badger Jr, Alderman’s Little oq ide katad Oe quatter Die k's eave Tron "Nerve Despard. Cast Away ek, By Re Kid Keen tn Ne w York. Texan BIL, the Rover, Old John, the Hermit. Yankee Seth’s Ruse. Tiger Dick, the Conat P Peddler Pauls Pard Phil, the Boy Bo eat ° 7 Gottiich, the The Codct De H. M. Boynton. Colorado Jac ek « Pards, By Frederick Dev Captain Clew’s Crulse, Vy Roger Starbuck Frisco Frank’s Booty. By Capt, Frederick Whittaker, The Cafe Detective. By Perey Preston Duteh Hans’« Pranks, By Edward S. Ellis, Bald Wead, the Donble Dodger. By Ol! Coomes. 5& Nevada Jack’s Scoop. By Frederick Dewey. The Numb Detective; or, Steele Sharp’s Doubles. By Edward 4. Wi 817 Jolly Skipper Jacky or, The Young Licutenant’s Cruise, By Roger Starbuck. 818 Sharp-Shooter Sam; or, Arran O'Rourke's Plunder. By Edwin Einerson, 819 Deacon Wale’s Grit; or, Ebenezer Day’s Mad Ride. By John Neal, Ready May 24, Beadle’s Boy’s Library ie for sale by all Newsdealers, five cents per copy. or sent by mail on receipt of aix cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and So... av the Uniform Price of Five Cents. te *1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Rona, By E L. Wheeler, 88 Dendwood Dick in Leadville, By Edward L. Wheeler. Kanses King; or, The Red Right Hand. By Buffalo Bill, 89 Trapper. By Edward S, Ellis. The Flying Yankee. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, y By George ¢ The Double Daggers. By Edward L. Wheeler. M Sam, the The Two Detectives, By Albert W. Aiken, The ean Bloodhound, The Prairie Pilot. By Buffalo Bill. 98 Phil Hardy, the Boss Bo: » The Butfalo Demon. By Edward L, Wheeler. 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective y » Wheeler, Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By O!) Coomes, 95 Buck . By Captain J. F.C. Adama, Ned Wrylde, the Boy ¢ ‘ 96 Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L, Wheeler, Buffalo Ben, Prince of t oT. 97 The Black Steed of the Prairies, By James L. Bowen, Ralph Rey. the Boy Buccan , 98 The Sea Serpent. by Juan Lewis, Nick o’the Night. By T. v. i. 99 Bonanza BIil, the Man Tracker. By E. L. Wheeler, Yellowstone duck. 8 100 Nat Todd or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. By E. §. Ellts, Wild Ivan, the Boy nV a or. 101 Daring Davy; the Young Bear Killer. By Harry St. George Diamond Dirk; > Ms owstone. By | 102 The Yellow Ohief, By Capt. Mayne Reld. Colonel Prontiss I : 108 Chip, the Girl Sport. By Kdward L, Wheeler. Keen-Knife, Pr ‘ f the Prairie By Oll Coomes, 104 The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuck. Oregon Sol, Nick Whittes’s Be By J. F.C. Adama. 105 Handsome Harry, tho Bootbiack Detective. By C. Morris, Death- ce, the D ¢. By BE, L. Wheeler. 106 Night-Hawk Kit. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Lasso Jack, the Y Mustanger. By Ol Coomes, 107 Jack Hoyle’s Lead, “By Edward L. Wheeler, Koaring Ralph Rockwood, By Harry St. George, 108 Rocky Mountain Kit. By T. C, Harbaugh. The Boy Clown. By Frank 8, Finn. 109 The Branded Hand. By Frank Dumont, Phe Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick's Bonanza. 0 The Dread Rider, By George W. Browne. Edward L. Wheeler Sous Bob, the King of Bootblacks, By Edward L, Wheeler. e Helpless Hand, By Capt. Mayne Reid. car-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, By Oll Coomes, ?Iney Paul, the Mountain Boy. By T. C. Harbaugh. Pendwood Dick’s Double. By Edward L. Wheeler, abex Collin, wyedmh By Capt, F, Whittaker, ney Frank, of Calorado. By “ Buffalo BIL.” ddl dill airel-nd-eterted The Sca-Cat. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, The Dumb Spy. By Rattling Rube. . Old Avalanche, ¢ r Wheeler. Glasa-EBye, the Great Shot J. F.C. Adama, The Boy Captain. By Roger Bob Woolf, the Border By Edward L. Wheeler. Nightingale N i Harbaugh Black John, Agent. By Joseph BE, Badger, Jr. Omaha OL, the Masked Terror. y ‘ Burt Bur r, the Trap; 3 The Boy flea; or, The The White Buffalo. Blonde Billy or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base, By Edward L. Wheeler. ) Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. C, Harbangh. Harry Armstrong, the Captain of the Club. By Brace- ige Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway.) 22 The Hunted Hunter. By E4ward §. Ellis. 28 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent, By Edward L, Wheeler. u 2 4 or. 24 Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. oth = zoly hey are bre < be ‘wai Nine 25 The Land Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid, y bye, the Unkno COL sy Buffalo . 5 q T ‘ouk 0” y 7 Nick Whiflles’s Pet. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams, 26 ine Lends or, Tho Breuk o’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar. By »D Edward L, Wheeler, 127 Tony Fox, the Ferret. By Saward L. Wheeler, . ) . 128 Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer, By Charles M Old} t kory 3 or, Pandy E . By Harry St. George. | 129 tS Kit. the Hoy Demon. By Ol Cadman, (sigan ei Oe ] d Adams. 180 Gold Trigger. the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh, Buckhorn Bill, By Edward L. Wheeler. 181 A Game of Goldy; or, 0 wlwood Dick’ Big Strike, By The Shadow Ship. By Col. I ties Ingraham, Edward L. Wheeler, The Ked Brotherhood. By W. J. Hamilton. 182 Dainty Lance, the Soy: By J. E. Badger, Jr. Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaw of the Oregon Trail. By T.C. | 188 Wild-fire, the Bos 2 . By Frank Dumont, Harbaugh : 2a 184 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Charles Morrla, © Bill, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 185 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood. By E. L. Wheeler. af pnd; or, A Life for s Life. By W. J. Hamilton, 186 Old Rube, the Hunter, By Capt, Hamilton Holmes, Petent-leather Jeo. By Philip 5. Ware. 187 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas, By G. Waldo Browne, ane rorser ie Eb tir fet oe : 188 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas, Morris, », the shooter. By Edward L. peler. T xk G y Lan v y Zip's Cabin § or, A Groenhorn In the Woods. By Capt, | 189 The Binck Glamsy or, Dalaty Lanse in Jeopardy. By doa, Dela rare Di 140 Captain Arizona, By Philip 8. Warne, th i 4 } 141 New York Nell, the Boy-Gir active. By E.L. Wheeler, Dend w oe : a e, 142 Little Texas, the Young Mostanger. By Ol Coomes, Hawkeye Harry, tho Young Trapper. By ON Coomes, 148 Deadly, Daxhs or, Fighting Fire with Fire. By Jos, EB TRS AAS toe ierkae tar tren Src 44 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, Abe Colt, the Crov er. By Albert W. Aiken, " 45 The Tier of’Taos, By Geo, Waldo Browne, Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo, By Edward L. Wheeler. | 74 @ phe Cattle King. Be Teank Dumonts Will Somers, the Boy Detective. By Chas. Morris, 4? Nobby Nick of Nevada. By Edward L, Wheeler, Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapver. By A. W. Aiken. 48 Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George. repre Rob. By award ae Wheeler, 9 Rob Rockett, the Bank Runner, By Charles Morrla, Jghtning Joe. By mptatn - F.C. Adams. 0 The Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne. Kit Harefoot, the “Tood-Hawk. By T. C. Harbaugh. i The Sea Trailer. Thy Cole Preitles Ingraham Perth td Lapa te ea cremnee . 2 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By W, R, Eyater, a viet trl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Haud, By Edward 8 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bra By E. L. Wheoler. 4 neoler, iy =f n ¢ ® a 1” The y ora, By Joa. E. Badger, Jr. Detective Dicks or, The Heroin Rags. By Charles Morri 4 The Boy Trailers. By adger, Jr, Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. By Ol) Gbomeat anil ge Gold id “ eke We i ; ogee! Jogrehan: Sharp Bam § or, The Adventures ofa Friendless Boy. By J. Not pemnples the Border Boe BT Harbmagh, sxander Patten, T y : ~ The Lion of'the Sen, By Albort W. Alken, 8 Deadwood Dick's Doom, By Wheeler, ‘J raph P e Slenth; coset U Patent-Leather Joe's Defea y. Phili Warne. : Rovner t Mil the Boy eek Sparel ancl: oa Buffalo Itilly, the Boy Bullwhncker, ‘By Col, P, Tngrahams Pie Petes or, Micodemus, th iog De . 3 Rob Rockett, the Cracksman. By Charles Morris. Ficas I Stes r lemus, the Dog Detective. By Little rricane, the Boy Captain, By Ol] Coomes, Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. By Bracebridge Deadwood Dick’« Dream. By E. L- Wheeler. Hemyng (Jack Harkaway), s Tornado Tom, By T. C. Harbaugh. Wateh-Eye, the S Buffato Bill's Bet. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, TZ Dick Dead Ey f Will Wildfire Wins and Losesy By Charles Morris, 78 Deadwood D rie Dandy Rock’s« Pledge. By _Gvorge W. Browne, 79 The Black Mustanger. By Capt. "Mayne Reid. Deadwood Dick’s Ward, By Edward L. Wheeler. 80 Old Frosty, the Guide. By T. C. Harbaugh: 169 The Boy Champton, By Edward Willett. 81 The Sea Viper. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 170 Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. By Charles Morris, eth J or, The Captives o' frontier. By E.§ ‘ x 88 Canada het, ihe Countareiter Chit, ‘By HL. Wheeler, | Beadle’s Pocket Library ts forsale by all Newsdealery ive 84 The Dumb Page. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. cents per copy, or sent by mall on receipt of alx cents each, The Boy Miners, By Edword S. Ellis. Jack Harkaway in New York, By Bracebridge Hemyng. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, The Hussar Captain, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 98 William Street Now Yorks | 1 1 1 1 1 1 i Dick Darling, the Pony Exp By Capt F. Whittaker, | 118 W4£ll Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, By Chas. Morris, 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
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aera enery ed BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. Published Every Wednesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, ‘y Oll Coomen, nerson. Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. The Yankee Ranger. By Ed Dick Dingle tdward ellis. Dandy Rock’s ea By G. W. Browne. The Arab Det By Edward L, Wheeler, WIHIL Wildfire’s hes k. By Charles Morns, The Boy Commander. Sy Col, Prentiss Ingraham The Maniac Hunter, 1 " Dainty Lance}; or, TI The Boy Gold The Scapegrace Son. The Dark-Skinned Scout. Jabez Dart, Detective. By Ol € Featherweight, the Boy 5; Bison BIL, the Overland Princ Dainty Lance and His Pard. The Trapped Tiger Ki The Ventriloquist Dete d Rocky’s Boys. Simpkina, Scout. Dandy Rock’s Rival, Hickory Marry. By Harry St. Georg Detective Josh Grim. By Edward r. Wheeler. Prospect Pete, the Boy Mir By OIL Coomes. The Tenderfoot Traller. . C. Harbaugh. The Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris. Roy, the Young Cattle King. Col. Prentiss Ingraham. E bohy Dan’s Mask. By nt. Dictionary Nat, Detectly Harbaugh. The Twin Horseme lerick Whittake.. Dandy Darke’s Par . Eyster. 2 Tom, the Texan Tiger. By Ol Coomes. ~ Sam_ the Office Boy. By Charles Morr’ The Young Cowboy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. The Frontier Detective By Edward L. Wheeler. White Lightoing; or, Th ‘. Harbaugh, Kentuck Talbot’s Band. By Capt, Mark Wilton. T ld r Tom’s Castle Mystery. By Ol! Coomes, The Messenger- Boy Detective. Charles Morris, The Hunchback of the Mines, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, Little Giant and His Band. By Philip 5S. Warne. The Jimtown Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Pirate’s Prize. By C. Danning Clar Dandy Ds of Shasta. By T. C. Harba > Daring Dan, the Ranger; or, The Denver Dete Coomes. The Cowboy Captain. By Col. Bald ne pad OE 4 Rockles. &% The Miner Sport. 9 Buck, the Det 0 Crac hot Firs 1 Merle the Middy, 2 Rosebud Ben’« Boys. By Ol! ¢ 8 Gold C careas Watch-Dogs. By T. ©. Harbangh, 224 F risky “ergus, the New York Boy, By G. L. Aiken. 225 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son. By Edward L. Wheeler, 226 Dakota Dick in Chicago, By Charles Morris. 22TZ Merle, the Boy Cruis By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 228 The Preacher Detective, By Oll Coomes. 229 Old Hickory’s Grit. By John J. Marshall. 280 Three Boy Sports. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 281 Sierra Sa the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 282 Merle Monte’s Treasure. By Co), Prentiss Ingraham. 288 Rocky Rover Kit. By Ensign C. D. Warren, 284 Baldy, the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F.C. Adama, 285 Jack Stump’s Cruise. By Roger Biavbus ke 286 Sierra Sam’s Double. By iL. Wheeler, 287 Newab. Ned Detective. By Charles Morris. 288 Merle Monte’s Sea-Seraper. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 289 Ben's Big Boom, By Capt. Mark Wilton. 240 Sharp Shoot M By O1] Coomes. 241 Slerra Sam’s Sentence. By Edward L. Wheeler. 242 The Denver Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. Jan’s Dilemma. By Maj. L. W. Carson. Merle Monte’s Disguise. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Baldy’s Boy Partner. By Edward S, Elia. Detective Keen’s Apprentice. By Chs The Girl Sport. By Edward L, Wheele' Giant George’s Pard, By Buc 9 Ranch Kob’s Wild Ride. 50 Merle Monte’s Pardon. >1 The Deaf Detective. By) 2 Denver Doll’s Device. The Boy Tenderf Black Wills Ben, By Maj. Lewis W. Carson. 2h5 Jolly Jim. Detective. By Charles Morris, 256 Merle Monte Last Cruise. By Col, Pre 2 The Boy Chief of Rocky Pars. By Mai. Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 259 Little Foxeye, the By Otl Coomes, 260 Skits the Cabin Boy, lett. 261 Blade, the Sport. By T. Harbaugh. 262 Billy, the Boy Rover. Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 268 Buster Bob’s Buoy; or, Lige, the Light-House By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 264 Denyer Doll’s Partner. By E. 1, Wheeler, pecs pede hatapababete ka! BARI ward Willett, ; phe harlen Mc By Edward L, Sam. §. Hall. By James L, Bowen. By Geo. Waldo Browne, Badger, Jr ‘Wheeler, : hs se 2 os oe as FEMS SONIA BMH -~ see Prentisa Ingraham By Maj. Sam, S. Hall, By Edward L. Wheeler. By Albert W. A By Charles M Col. Prenti ‘ z yam. « Morris, 1 1 4 4 1 is 4 y T. C, Harbaugh. By Col. Prentias Ingraham, ward Willett. ward L, Wheeler, Mark Wilton. PEPELELES 2 Colorade By Kdwa Prentiaa Ingraham, ise Ingraham. L. St. Vrain. Keeper. 265 Billy, the Baggage Boy. By Charles Morris. 266 Guy’s Boy Chum. By Capt. Comstock. 267 Giant George’s Revenge. By Buckskin Sam, hed De ad. Shot area y-_ By Co » Prentiss aan: Yr Jim’s Terror. By Oil Coomes. e Girl Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. Sts Rider; or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise, r. i De fa: ‘Shot Dandy’s Double. > Fred, the Ocean Waif. By Charles Morris, § Deadwood Dick Jrapped. By Edward L, Wheeler. The Idiot Boy Avenger. By Albert W. Aiken. Arizona Alf, the Miner. By T. C. Harbaugh. Colorado Jack, the Tiger. By Frederick Dewey. 280 Dead Shot Dandy’ Last al, By Col. P. Ingraham. 281 Ned, the Boy Pilot. By J Farragut. 282 Buck Hawk; Detective. cdward L. Wheeler. 288 Roving Sport Kit. By Edward Willett, 284 The Showman’s Best Card, By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 285 Old Rocky’s Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 286 Dick, the Dakota Sport. By Charles Morris. 2ST Ned, the Boy_Ski Jack Farragut 288 Deadwood Dick ise, By Edward L. Wheeler, Colorado Nick, the Lassoist. By Maj. H. B, Stoddard. 290 Rube, the Tenderfoot. By Maj. B. L. St, Vrain. 291 Peacock Pete, the Leadville spor By Albert W. » Morey, the Night Hawk. y Jos, K. Badger, Jr. vart Jake, the Dete cd. Willett mb Dftk’s Pard. By . Whee hite Wing, the Ferret F By C naslane Morris, Govinda, the Tiger Tamer. By Capt. F. Whittaker. Arizona Giant George; or, The Boyees of Sardine-Box City. By Buckskin Sam. 298 Daisy Doll’s Dash, 299 The Balloon Detectives. 800 Deadwood Dick’« Mission. By 7 iward L, Wheeler. 801 Dandy Duke, the Cowboy. B Maj, E. L, St. Vrain, 802 Big Benson's Bet. By T. C aba: 808 The_ Hotel Boy Detee iteal By Charles Morris, 804 Bald Hend’s Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 805 Dusky Dick’s Duel. By Harry Hazard, 806 Bpotte r Fritz or, The Store Det fective’s Decoy. By E. L. Wheeler. 807 Nick, the Boy Sport. By Major E. L. St. Vrain, 808 Double-Fiated Mat; or, The Mystic California Giant, Jos. E dger, Jr. 809 Old eybe ard’s Boy. By C. Dunning Clark. $10 Kit, the Girl ptain. By Col. Prentias Ingraham. 811 Frio Fred in Texas. By Buckskin Sam. 812 The Detective Read-Agent. By E 8 Honest Jack’s Protege. By P.S. V ¥ 4 Clip, the Boy heriff. By Edward Willet. Tom, the Art an Sport. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. I » Detective. By Charles Morris. Bue skalin, Ben of Texas. By Buckskin Sam. 818 Colorado Charlie's Dete i 819 Frisky Frank In Idaho, t 820 Cool Sam’s Girl Pard. By T. $21, Billy, the Kid from Frisco, Fred Flyer, Detective, By Chas. 828 Dead Shot [ke In Montana 824 Kit, the nver Sport; or, Edward L. Wheeler. 825 Dusky. Darrell, the Camp Detective, By Edwin Emerson. 2% Roy, the Boy Orulser. By Prentiss Ingrahain. B27 Ned, the Roving Mine r. By Harry Hazard, 7 Rocky as al y, J. Hamilton. 29 Day By Maj. E. L. St Vrain, 330 The Denver Sport’s Rackets or, Kit'’s Big Boom, By Edward L. Wheeler. 881 The Coast Detectives or, The Smuggler’s Shadower. By Roger Starbuck 882 Dakota Dan in Canyon Clty; or, Colorado Kate’s C heck. By Philip 8, Warne. 888 Bootbiac k Ben, the Detective; or, Pooler Jim and His Pard, By Anthony P. Morris. 884 Frisco Tom on Decks or, The Golden Gate By George Henry Morse. 885 Ben Bandy, the Boss Pard; or, The Plucky Parson, Stanley Henderson. $86 Fred, the Sport, in Brimstone Ear Camp}; or, The Boston Wrestler’s Confederate, By L. Wheeler. 887 Dalsy Da y the Colorado Galoot; or, The Boss of Dend Line City. By T. Harbaugh. June 25 888 The Gold ‘iiur Bbetective r, tron Tke the Solid Man. By Major Eb. . Vrain. Ready Jul 889 Rardo, the 'B Gypay 3 or, Reckless Rolf’x Revolt, Wm. G, Patten. BR ady July % Readle’« Pocket Library is for sale by all Newadeniers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of nix centa each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, By Jos. Ey By Col. P. Ingraham. DO RS & BNA sanann wwe Aiken. 297 By T. C. Harbaugh. By Harry Enton. By L. Wheeler, i 1 i 1€ iv +». Wheeler, By J. ¢ Morri Py Roge 1 Bonanza Mi Starbuck. er King. By Smugglers. By J. By