Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 336) (1890 06 18)
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No. 336. $2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle a Adanis, Price, Vol. XXVI, a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM St., NEW York. Five Cents. “THERE! LIE THERE, YOU COWARDLY CUR!” FRED CRIED, “AND MOVE A MUSCLE AT THE PERIL OF YOUR ure!”
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Fred, the Sport. Fred, the Sport, IN BRIMSTONE BAR CAMP: OR, ; The Boston Wrestler’s Confederate. BY ED. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ‘‘ ROSE- BUD ROB” NOVELS, ‘‘SIERRA SAM” NOVELS, ETC., ETC,, ETC, CHAPTER I. ““T WILL DIE FIRST!” “7 wii die first!” It was a dramatic scene in which figured the speaker. The locale was Brimstone Bar, a young min- ing-camp of Idaho, and the scene was within the chief place of resort in the camp, known as the Eldorado. The saloon consisted of one large room, and was equally a drinking place, dance-hall and gaming den, rudely furnished, and in all ‘e- - spects characteristic of the tastes and wants of the new “‘ burg,” and its inhabitants. A group of men stood near a table, while each rough, sun-burnt, bewhiskered face, bore an ex- pression of undoubted determination. At the table two persons were Seated. One was a man of some four-and-twenty years, whose whole appearance indicated the Hast- erner,” or in Western vernacular, a ‘ tender- foot.” © The person seated opposite him, and with whom he had evidently been playing cards, was a young woman, whose age might be guessed to be between eighteen and twenty years, She was possessed of a trim figure and pretty face. Her features were finely chiseled, her ie plexion clear, and eyes and hair of jetty an : She was attired in a plain, but neat-fitting black dress, and wore no ornaments or jewelry whatever. _,. Any one familiar with this woman sport of the mining-camps, would have been surprised to find so modest a looking girl as she at the table. It was she, who, with flashing eyes, had ut- tered the words: “J will die first! If you think youcan scare me you are mistaken, and the sooner you find it out the better.” ‘‘ We hain’t come here to try ter skeer ye!” the spokesman of the party declared, ‘ but we've come on bizness, an’ that aire bizness has got to be settled to-night. You know somethin’ we want to know, Goldie Glenn, an’ you’ve got to tell us!” ; ‘*T will tell you nothing!” the girl cried, her temper rising. ‘*I came here, Jack Homer; to attend to my own busineys, and have done so, and intend to continue doing so. I know noth- ing that concerns you to know, and therefore can tell you nothing.” “Git out! Homer retorted contemptuously. ** Don’t try to pull no wool over my eyes, Goldie, for it won’t work. We aire men, we aire, and it’s ag’in’ our will ter do ye any harm, ef ye do ther squar’ deal by us, but we hey got our pint to make, an’ we’re goin’ ter make it ef we have to bu’st Brimstun’ Bar all ter blazes, Eh, boys?” The miners growled out a sort of assent, The young Easterner, who had been playing with Goldie Glenn, now looked up at Homer meditatively. “ What is the trouble,my friend?” he asked quickly. ‘*‘ What bas the young lady done, to warrant you in making so hefty a threat?” “I don’t know thet it’s any o’ yer bizness, young feller!” Homer retorted, insolently. ‘Spect like enuff ye wanter take the gal’s part, hey ” **T should not hesitate to do so if I saw fit to lend her any assistance!” the stranger answered with quiet firmness, that caused the miners to again exchange glances. ; “That's because ye’r’ a darned fool!” Homer cried, admonishingly. ‘1 see ye’r' a fresh mackerel, as ain’t onter ther lifein the West, or Yd not be long in sockin’ ye one fer yer smart- ness, Guess mebbe ye don’t know that you're tarryin’ in the toughest o’ the tough towns in Idaho?” “Tf you are a specimen of the population, I should say I might safely infer something of the sort!” the stranger smiled, blandly, at which Homer looked both savage, pleased and puzzled, “See heer!” he cried, taking a step forward, as if tempted to annihilate the Easterner on the spot; ‘‘did ye mean that aire as a compliment or a slur?” “Oh, as a compliment, without a doubt,” was the dry retort, ** You look like a thoroughbred!” ‘I am a thorougbred, you het!” Homer roared, executing an impromptu leap into the air, “I’m a screamer, I am, from ’way up Yreka Gulch. I kin out-fight, out-talk, out- run or out-wrestle ary man as ever sot fut in this byer town o’ Brimstun’ Bar!” “You may be all right in thiaking so, my friend, but in one of your specialties I am seri- ously afraid you overrate your prowess!” _ Homer pricked up his ears, so to speak, in an instant. “Oho! is that so?” heejaculated. ‘ An’ which one is that?” “Wrestling, sir. You may be ahead of the field as a slugger, as a talker, runner or jumper, but I’ve an idea I could throw you.” aie >. “You throw me ?” and Homer burst into a boisterous guffaw, while his comrades and the other bystanders looked amused. “Yes, I can throw. you!” the EKasterner re- peated pleasantly; ‘‘ that is, I think I can.” ‘* Who aire ye, anyhow?” ‘My name is Joe Chapman, a Boston wrest- _ ler. 4 “Ha! ha! Wal, now, Joseph, I suppose you are content to let-your joke drop, providing I ve ye off this time; for Pll be darned ef I'd ike to break the back of sech a good-lookin’ greeny like you, Jest set’em up for the boys, — an’ we'll excuse you this time. A joke the likes o’ yourn generally costs a man his life, byer in - camp!”
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Fred, the Sport. “Ah! I see, You are willing to admit that you are no wrestler?” Chapman said, good- naturedly. ‘¢ Me? Why, man alive, thar’s nothin’ west o’ the Mississip’ w’ot kin throw one side o’ me!” ** For how much?” © Hey? D’ye want to bet?” “Tam willing to believe that I can floor you, and am equally willing to back my pre- sumption with what little money I have with me!” ‘For how much?” ‘* A thousand dollars,” “Kerwhoop! Ye durned fool, Pll jest hev to go ye on thet aire. Git up, an’ yank yer shirt off, an’ I'll break yer ribs, an’ toss yer over the moon.” Chapman got a chance to speak to Goldie Glenn, who was regarding him keenly as she toyed with the cards. “‘T have given you a chance to escape these fellows, although I know not what they have against you,” he said. ‘‘ You are an utter ‘stranger to me, and have a cool thousand of my money, but I would not see you come to harm.” “Thank you,” she said, quietly. ‘I see that you are a gentleman, and I respect you accord- ingly. But there is no need of their trying to scare me, for I am not afraid of them, Bah! no, they dare not harm me!” “*T fear won are imprudent. They are alaw- less set, and are in dead earnest.” ‘Tt is you, who are wrong, sir. I know thém better than you, and again assure you they dare not harm me, Another time, you may learn why. You, however, had best look out for yourself. The town of Brimstone Bar is in- deed a rough place, and its inhabitants are not one of them to be trusted, especially by a stranger.” ‘You include yourself?” “Of course! That would be but fair, for I am by no means an angel, nor will you find any of the angelic persuasion in_ the camp. When gentlemen sit at this table, I yenerally make it a point to warn them to look out for themselves, I believe, however, I neglected to warao you.” “Tt would seem so!” the Boston boy said, aris- ing, with a sbrug of his shoulders, “I thought myself fairly lucky with the pasteboards, but the absence of the weight of a thousand dollars in my pocket, convinces me that I have no chance with you!” “You cannot blame me. You insisted on playing, when you saw luck was against you 7 “Ob! certainly, I do not blame you. A reck- less indifference as to whether I lost, or won, blended with the fact. that I rather enjoyed watching you, as you played, was what caused me to tarry at“your table, Excuse me, now, pray, until I see what I can do for Mr. Homer.” “Are you not fearful that you have under- taken a rather difficult job?” ‘Not in the least. I will play with the fool, awhile, and then, when his conceit and ambi- tion get pr meroused, I'l dump him.” “Do so. I will pee on you, expecting of course that you will try to win the money for me, since I see that I have made an impression upor you,” “You are rather previous, are you not—or have I unwittingly made a confession, of any- thing so serious?” * “Oh! no, But, you see, I can read men, even as I can read cards. I warned you, awhile ago, that I am a dangerous person, and hope you will remember it. For, you see, were you to get spooney I should have to tell you then, as now, that I wouldn’t have the best man living, if every hair in his head was hung with diamonds. Ihate men. Go ahead now! You are forewarned, consequently forearmed!” “You are at least candid!” Chapman re- turned, with an odd laugh, as he walked away, wondering not a little at the peculiarity of her remarks, and at what had caused her to abide in such a camp as Brimstone Bar, when, clearly, she was fitted for a much more exalted station in life, if, indeed, she had not formerly occupied such a station, CHAPTER II. : THE DEADLY DROP. Jack Homer had thrown off his coat, shirt and boots, and stood among a throng of excited admirers, Homer stood five feet ten inches, in his bare feet, and weighed about a hundred and eighty pounds, with scarcely a pound of superfluous flesh upon his brawny frame. He indeed looked a Hercules, as he stood in waiting, apparently nothing but sinew and bone. : In face, there was little about him to attract, for his features were coarse and marked with numerous scars. His mouth, large and of sen- sual expression, was shaded by a heavy, inky mustache, and his eyes and hair were of the same hue. “Ruffian” was stamped upon the man, and could not well be erased, 7 Joe was not-quite so tall as his adversary, and did not look so ponderous of frame; never- theless, he painly was a man of no mean muscelar prowess, : He was a good-looking fellow, with a care- lessly-re sort of countenance, a pleasant mouth, brown eyes, and well-shaped head. His hair*and beard were light-brown in color. In citizen garb, he had little of the appear- ance of being a dangerous man, yet it was no- ticeable that Jack Homer, blatant and boastful as he was, did not manifest so much noisy con- fidence when he saw his adversary stripped to the shirt, f ‘© Wilt we wrestle here, or in the street?” the Boston boy asked, when he was ready. “Here, of course!” Homer replied, sneeringly —‘as it is bardly worth while to take the trouble to walk to the street.” ; “Put up your stakes with the proprietor of this place, and I will do likewise, and then we will amuse each other.” The money was promptly put up. There was Vigorous betting among the crowd that now swarmed within the Eldorado, for each athlete had his admirers, who were ready to risk winning or losing money on the result. Goldie Glen, the mysterious girl gambler, ree he Ela ot
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Fred, the Sport. also entered into the spirit of the occasion, and wagered various sums of money that Chapman would be the victor. The match was to be catch-as-catch-can, best three out of five falls, and when a suitable ring had been secured in the center of the saloon, the two men stepped into it, ready for busi- ness, For a moment they eyed each other keenly, Then, all of a sudden, they rushed forward and clinched, It was then that Homer’s superior size became more noticeable, and Joe’s backers began to feel a little doubtful of their choice, At the end of ten minutes, however, when neither man had gained a point, their enthusi- asm increased. The crowd suddenly gave a yell as the Boston boy caught bis adversary at an unguarded mo- ment, raised him Lei in the air, and hurled him to the floor, entirely breaking his hold and scoring a fall, Amid the confusion that followed Homer lay quietly where he had fallen, catching his breath, which had been pretty nearly knocked out of him, He finally arose, with a bitter oath, and the two men rushed at each other again, This time the struggle was inaugurated with a vengeance, It took but five minutes, however, for Chap- man to score another fall on his antagonist, which brought him hearty applause, ‘ Ye'd better guy it up as a bad job, Jack,” a sympathizing miner advised. ‘‘Ther galoot aire too much fer ye!” ; “Cuss him, nv! Ill break his neck this bout!” the infuriated athlete declared, vehe- mently. ‘I’m ther best man an’ Pll prove it!” Once more he rushed at the Bostonian with the aspect of an infuriated tiger, but it was only to be snatched instantly off his feet by his adversary and sent spinning through the air over the heads of the nearest bystanders, When he struck the floor it was with such force as to render him temporarily unconscious. “Ther stranger aire entitled to ther stakes,” cried the referee, ‘‘ for he won it fairly.” The announcement elicited a cheer from those who had won money by Joe’s victory; but those who were the losers looked dark and savago, and were not careful in manifesting their dis- approval of the stranger. ‘It’s a danged shame,” one fellow. asserted, who belonged to Jack Homer’s particular set, “ter let an outsider come hyer to Brimstun’ Bar an’ soak in cur cash in thet style ,’thout giviy’ us his pedigree beforehand.” “On course it is,” agreed another, ‘* An’ as ther’ is a remedy fer such complaints, I propose that we adopt it to suit this hyer circumstance!” They held a sullen sort of consultation, and then Buzzard, Jack Homer’s ‘‘right bower,” advanced toward the dashing Bostonian, fol- lowed by his pals. * “See hyar, me larkis,” he eaid, gruffly. ‘‘ We don’t tumble kindly to this leetle racket 0’ yourn nohow, You've soaked in a lot o’ our stuff an’ we want it back, you bet!” “Pye none of your mouey, sir!’ Chapman cried, his eyes flashing, for he saw that there was a disposition on the part of the men to kiek up a fuss. ‘[ made my wager with the man whom I yanquished, and have nothing to do with your outside bets.” “Ye hain’t hey? Wal, now, we see fit to argy different, You were the cause of our losin’ our hard earnin’s, an’ you’ve get ter make us whole, D’ye hear?? “* Tf I hear you will be surprised to learn that I do not heed,” Joe returned, ‘Don’t think you can convert me into a toy for your personal amusement, gentlemen, because you cannot!” ** An’ don’t think we're a pack 0’ coyotes as will let a tenderfut soak us nuther,” Buzzard growled savagely, “Ef ye want ter know it, we're the Rope an’ Limb Boys o’ this hyer burg, an’ we adjudicates all defickulties, so, ef yedon’t want ter git yerself inter a elervated sityuation you’ve got ter make us fellers hull, you bet.” ‘* WherrI do you'll know it!” the Boston Wrest- ler responded, his cheeks flushing. ‘I did not come here to quarrel with you gents, but you'll find you cannot impose upon me, If you want your money_back, get it of those who won it. The stake I won, { certainly propose to keep, and don’t you forget that. ‘So if you have or- dinary good sense you'll use it. If you have not, the inevitable result will fall upon your- selves.” ‘Oho! Ye mean fight, do ye?” **T shall stand up for my rights, yes, though there were a thousand to one against me!” was the stern reply. \ ‘* Waal, ye shall have a tankful of it, cuss ye. T'll.give ye jest five minutes ter decide which - you'll do—give up the swag or swing. So work yer thinkers, lively!” “T give you my decision, now!” Chapman answered, quickly. ‘‘ Neither will I give up the money nor swing. The one of you who at- tempts a hostile move, ll drop, and all others shall follow!” 5 Buzzard did not reply, but fixed his eyes on the clock, upon the wall. His comrades stood ready to rush upon the Boston boy, at a moment’s notice, The other occupants of the Eldorado had drawn to one side, It was evident that they intended to have no hand in the prospective melee, but were inclined to let Chapman defend himself, As for the Bostonian, he stood erect, facing his enemies, his face perfectly at repose, and his eyes stern in their piercing glance. Chapman partly turned his head, once, to look at Goldie Glenn. She was seated at the table, and as he looked, he caught a glitter of something in one of her hands, but could not tell what it was. Their gaze did not meet, however, for she was looking toward the clock, P At last a click warned them that the five minutes was up, as did a movement on the part of Bije Buzzard. “Time's up, pilgrim!” he growled. =p Do we it the swag, or do we not? Speak up ser You do not !” Chapman’ cnswered, calmly, “ But I warn you not to. touch me!” “Oho! Is that so? Boys, when I say ‘one, two, three,’ dye go fer rs. First Jim Hoon,
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Fred, the Sport. 6 ye git a noosed rope ready, We'll l’arn Bosting a few things she aren’t familiar with.” Hoon started to obey the order, but had taken scarcely half 2 dozen steps, when he suddenly uttered a piercing yell, threw up his arms, and fell backward to the fleor. Then, a tiny spot of blood was seen oozing from the center of his forehead! He had been wounded, yet there had been no report, either of rifle or pistol. “The Deadly Drop!” Bije Buzzard cried, staggering back, ‘Quick, boys—search the neighborhood |” With enraged cries, the Rope and Limb Gang rushed from the Eldorado, with drawn wea- pons, some of the bystanders joining in the stampede, His countenance expressing his unbounded astonishment, Joe Chapman took advantage of the absence of the Regulators to doa the gar- ments he had divested himself of, prior to the wrestling match, Who was the Deadly Drop, and what was the mystery concerning Hoon’s tragic fate? CHAPTER III. BOOTH BARON, THE young town, or, more properly, the young “camp,” of Brimstone Bar, was a wild place, ‘‘ planted” amid rugged surroundings. The camp was not yet two months old, and there was no prospect that there would ever develop a “city ” of importance, for, barring the fact that it was on the line of the popular route to the gold-placers of the Coour d’Alene Mountains, there was nothing to give promise of permanent existence. Thirty odd habitations comprised the town— a mixture of mud-huts, shanties and tents, and as for the inhabitants, they were of the typical class indigenous to nearly every mining-town— the representatives of mafiy races and many natures. The Bar had no single main street, as in many other mining-towns, but the abodes were built in a circle, facing toward a level plaza, or public ground, In reality, Brimstone Bar had been located there for the sole purpose of offering a stop-off, for the winter, of such sanguine pilgrims as had started for the Coour d’Alene Hills, and found the terriule mountain snows too much to battle with. : On the night of the trouble in the Eldorado Saloon, when the full April moon flooded the little town and its rugged surroundings, a girl- ish figure stood in the doorway of one of the cabins which faced upon the plaza—a petite yet strikingly pretty little maiden, who, though her attire was plain, was the personification of all that was sweet and lovely. Finely chiseled featares, a tempting mouth, blue eyes and a wealth of brown hair were hers. Probably not more than seventeen years had passed over her head; but she was a bud ae promised to blossom into a glorious woman- ood. ; At dengt, a footstep sounded, and sho utter- ed a glad cry as a manskulked around the corner oa the cabin and pushed past her into the in- erior **Oh! Booth! How you did startle me!” she said following him and closing the door behind her. The man did not reply, but striking a match, lit the lamp upon the table, and the light re- vealed a person of striking appearance, He was tall, and of powerful build, and attir- ed in black, with top-boots slouch hat and a scarlet-lined clcak. belt about his waist con- tained weapons, and his face was hidden behind a full black mask. A dangerous-looking customer he was to meet ona dark night, ina lonely place; yet the girl appeared to haveno fear of him. “Booth, has anything gone wrong?” she asked, laying her hand on his arm. ** Yes, curse it!” he replied, snappishly. ‘* Has not everything gone wrong? Does it not always go wrong? Where's the old man?” “Over at the Eldorado, I presume!” and the girl heaved a sigh. “What is he doing there?” the man demand- ed, /‘1 don’t know, Tam sure, but I fear, Booth, that he is falling into the habit of gambling!” “Bah! An old igno—” “Stop, Booth! My father is not an igno- ramus. You forget that he is a gentleman of education and intelligence.” “*Of course he is, Cherry. I sometimes speak what I don’t mean, Your father is so con- founded odd sometimes, that I get provoked at him, Has he said how long he intends to stay in this place?” : “No! But I hear that he has leased this place for a month longer, the week we have stayed here has seemed an age to me,” Booth grated his teeth, “And to me, too!” he muttered. ‘ Has the old man any suspicion that I am following?” “None. He does not even suspect that I know anything about you. Ob! Booth, if he did, I don’t know what he would do, He would arouse the whole country but what be would find you, But you are out of danger, bere, and should be brave and good, and try to atone for the past!” ; He arose, with a harsh, impatient laugh, and paced to and fro, across the room. “Safe?” he said, huskily. ‘‘Oh! no; T am safe nowhere. I am no fool, Cherry. Conse- quently, [keep myself posted. You said your | father had no suspicion cf my being in this vicinity; but you are wrong. I have learned from good authority that detectives are already en route for this place, and no doubt, ere two more sunsets, reward papers will be posted in Brimstone Bar, for my capture. But, curse ’ein I will fight ’em to the bitter end!” Cherry heaved a deep sigh, . If Booth Barron did not understand its mean- ing she did. She loved this outcast, with all the strength of her young, innocent nature, but he did not know it; or, if he did know it, he did not appre- ciate the fact in all its fullness, It wasa singular story, which ran in connec- tion with the two young people’s acquaint- ance, Jackson Chambers, a year before, had been a prosperous money-lender, in an Hastern town,
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Fred, the Sport. and was as popular, as he had been reputed wealthy. At the time mentioned, he was a widower. He had been married, when young, and a son had been the result of that union. His wife, however, died shortly after the birth, A few years later, a second marriage oc- curred, and a daughter was the result of this union. The second wife also died, leaving him mouch of the wealth that afterward formed the basis of his heavy speculations. He did not marry again, and his two children grew up together. When they were aged respectively ten and fourteen years, another member was added to the family in the person of a bright eleven year- old daughter, of a particular friend of Mr. Chambers, who, having lost his wife, had con- cluded to try and better his fortunes in the min- ing, country of the far West. : hambers had kindly consented to become temporary guardian of his friend’s child, until such time as Mr. Leeds should return. Edna Leeds was a beautiful child, of winning disposition, and, as the years passed over her head, advancing her toward a glorious wo- manhood, she became the object of universal admiration, Even pretty Cherry Chambers was less a “favorite than her companion, although the girls were fast friends, and uo rivalry appeared to exist between them. From the time Edna reached her sixteenth birthday, she was literally besieged by lovers, and, child though she was, had many eligible offers for her hand, Among the throng of would-be suitors for her hand were Jackson Chambers himself—who appeared anxious to again assume the matri- monial yoke—and his son, Charles, Father and son now were in business together, but no sooner did it become apparent that they were rivals in love than their feelings toward one another underwent a change, and they of- ten had violent quarrels, which resulted in Charles Chambers’s eventually withdrawing from his business. ; 7 Pretty Edna also had another suitor, in Booth Barron, the son of respectable parents, and a very handsome and es young gen- tleman he was; and of all her suitors, Barron was the most favored. Matters ran on until Edna was past seven- teen, without any one having gained the vic- tory; then it became whispered about that Barron would shortly lead Edna to the altar, The report resulted in several bitter quarrels between the Chamberses, and Barron, in which, Laat the latter always seemed to come out est. The culmination of the matter was a tragedy. Edna Leeds suddenly and mysteriously dis- appeared, and on the same evening, Charles Chambers discovered Booth Barron in the act of robbing the village bank, and was shot dead. Barron was arrested and jailed, and madea confession, stating that he and Edna were to have been married within a week, and not having the requisite funds, necessity had tempt- ed him to burglarize the bank, and borrow a small sum to see him through his honeymoon, Self-defense was his alleged cause for shooting young Chambers, The news of Edna’s strange disappearance excited much comment, and it was not until several days had elapsed, that any cause could be assigned for it; then the photograph of a handsome Western frontiersman was found among the effects she had left behind, and it was generally believed that she had been in cor- respondence with him, and had fled to the West, to link her fate with him. In the mean time after but a few hours’ im- prisonment, Booth Barron had, in some inex- plicable manner, effected his escape and was not recaptured, Believing he had fled in the wake of Edna Leeds, and swearing vengeance for the murder of his son, Jackson Chambers, shortly after the tragedy, closed up his business in the East, and set out for the far West, In the course of his roaming, accompanied by Cherry, he had come to Brimstone Bar. Such is a brief outline of the case, and as the reader has seen, Booth Barron was also there, and in communication with Cherry. ** Yes, [am hunted!” he said, ga at his watch, ‘‘ but they shall not harm me, I'll out- wit them, sharp as theyare, AllI live for is vengeance on her whom I loved so—she who gave me encouragement, only to prove false to me, Curse her! Curse her!” **Don’t, Booth—don’t! Sbe did not, least of all, encourage you to do robbery or murder, 1am sorry for you, Booth, but you did very bale “Maybe I did—but so did she—so did she, My time will come for triumph ere long, how- ever. Tl crush her as I would a worm,” He drew Cherry toward him for a moment, and pressed her head against his breast, “You are a good, true little friend to me, Cherry!” he said in a hoarse, choked voice ‘““and may God reward you! There, now, must be off!” He took a stride toward the door, but stopped short, as there resounded a heavy rap upon the outside, : “Lost!” he gasped, turning to Cherry. ‘Quick, hide me, or I may have to answer for another murder.” : CHAPTER IV. THE SCHEMERS. Artrer he had finished donning his clothes, Boston Joe approached the card-table where Goldie Glenn sat, as unconcernedly as if no human life had been taken within the room, : Her face betrayed no emotion, but her eyes were more lustrously beautiful and expressive than before, She looked up with a bewitching smileas | Chapman paused beside the table, “What] Are you going to try your luck with the pasteboards again?” she pleasantly in- — quired, her gaze resting so searchingly upon his face, that he felt uneasy, “Hardly, after what has just happenes he replied, dryly. ‘* Whokilled that fellow? ‘Deadly Drop, I Suppose. does all that sort of thing, you know.’
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Fred, the Sport. “More correctly, I don’t know. Deadly Drop?” ‘That is more than I, or any one else in this camp, can tell you. He is an unknown, in- visible messenger of death, who visits vengeance upon the lawless of this camp.” “Ah! Then this is not the first murder?” **By no means, Many have fallen since my advent here, in the same manner as yonder ruf- fian, and the name Deadly Drop has become a terror to evil-doers.” ‘Indeed! Might I ask, what brings you into such a place, then?” “Tt. is nobody’s business but my own, sir. That’s plain, but I mean it.” “T think I could point out the person who killed the man,” Joe said, drumming idly on the table. “Ah! do you? Who?” *° You!” “Heavens! You astonish me! Do I look like & person capable of such a crime?” “You warned me that you were not to be trusted, I believe, Then, too, I saw something glitter in your hand just before the man fell.” ‘* Ha, hal it was this,” and she exposed to view a small revolver. ‘‘This would make more noise than the instrument with which Deadly Drop performs kis work.” ‘What were you about todo with it, then, when I detected the glitter of it in your hand?” **'You have no right to question me, sir!” “But I take the right just as freely. If I were to hint, for other hearing, that my con- victions were that you are Deadly Drop, what do you purpose would be the result?” “Bah! do you think to alarm me? They would not believe you. If you are anxious to know—I had the weapon ready for use, with a view of defending you should the Rope Boys rush upon you in a body.” * Are you sure?” * Positive!” “Then, allow me to apologize, and at the same time thank you. Do you think they will capture the assassin?” ‘No. Whoever or whatever he is, he is not one to be easily taken. His presence is the sure sign of death, but no man has yet been spry enough to detect him,” he Boston boy did not immediately answer, but glanced at his watch, and appeared ready to depart, ** Do you propose to tarry long in Brimstone Bar?” “Until the snow melts in tne Coeur d’Alene country, perhaps, This is my objective point.” Then bowing gallantly, he left the Eldorado and its heart-winning queen of the cards. Brimstone Bar was, for a wonder, not the pappy owner of a palatial hostelry; consequent- ly those who were not permanently located had to abide with such accommodations as tkey could get, Joe, however, was not unprovided for, since he made his way to the little tent at the southern side of the Plaza and entered without ceremony. The interior was but scantily furnished, and dimly lighted by a smoking lantern suspended from the ridge-pole. Who is A man was seated upon a three-legged stool, | chanel in an attitude of waiting. He was commo attired, and wore a long, well-kept beard. His appearance, as a whole, was rather prepossess- ing and he looked to be a person of about five- and-forty years, His countenance lighted up with expectancy as Chapman entered, and he relit his pipe, as if anticipating news, The wrestler threw himself upon an apology of a bed, of blankets, in a half reclining posi- tion, and lit a cigar. ** Well?’ the man on the stool said, interroga- tively. ‘* Did you see her?” “Yes, and had a chat with her, too.” “What did you make out?” “Nothing. She attends emphatically to her own business, and don’t permit any one to mind it for her,” “Did you put the inquiries I suggested?” "Some of them, sir, but got no satisfactory answer.” “She assigned no cause for being here, in so strange a situation?” ‘None, in particular. In fact, Mr, Chambers, IT am satisfied she is not the one you seek.” “Bab! ’'m no fool. I’d know the girl were I to meet her a hundred years hence, much less a year.” “But, sir, faces often deceive one, I have studied the girl. I am satisfied she is not the one, ‘Give me your reasons,” ““ Well, in the first place, the card queen is in my estimation an 1 adventuress, She is sharper than a steel-trap, and has evidently been schooled by experience for the position she now occupies, She handles the pasteboards with marvelous skill, and is, in more senses than one, a woman of the world, She warned me to trust no one in this camp, not even herself, ad- mitting that she was a dangerous character, T’ve not a doubt but what she’d skin a man of re boodle, without a solitary pang of compunc- ion, “‘Indeed! Did she skin you?” ‘*She raked in the better share of my cash, at cards.” Jackson Chambers frowned, . “Thad no idea thata man of your stamp would be thus taken in,” he growled, ‘* Neither had I!” Chapman frankly acknowl- edged, ‘‘but she did, From what dealings I have had with the tender sex, I should decide that the one who picks this gir] up for a fool will be sadly mistaken.” Jackson Chambers was silent for several min- utes, Garing which time his gaze fell upon the ground, and his face was the scene of changing expressions, “Chapman,” he said, finally, ‘you were rec- ommended to me asa shrewd detective, and I place every confidence in you as such—other- wise, I would not poe you. I have already given you oné cause for my following the girl— my love for her, Iam satisfied beyond a doubt that the girl at the Eldorado is Edna Leeds. I am so. positive of it that I would risk ten thou- sand dollars on it,” “And lose. She would swear she was some one else, and whack up with the man who bet you. But go on,”
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Fred, the Sport. “Believing asi do, and trusting that I can be confidential with you, I have something to communicate which will give you even more work,” “Go ahead, sir, You have my attention,” ‘Well, you see, when this girl fled from my home, in the East, it was a matter of surprise to every one except myself.” “Yes. It was a matter of wonder to every- body but me.” ** And why not to you?” “T will explain, You see, I loved the girl devotedly, as I have told you, and as she had several suitors, there was naturally a spirited rivalry and a deal of jealousy among the rivals, Resolved not to be thwarted, I adopted tactics which, if not exactly honorable, were fair in the war of love.” “What?” “Well, you see, as all the family mail came into my possession first, I found it convenient to examine the letters addressed to my protegee. It was, in fact, my duty to do this, as the child sb guns and much in need of a governing nd. **Rather a questionable proceeding on your part, I should say.” “You may think so;I do not, Well, asa result, I finally became the recipient of a com- munication from a Western correspondent, who wrote the girl that, upon hearing from her, he had most important news to send her,” “ Ah!” “Yes. My curiosity was aroused, for I at once suspected that my old friend, Leeds, had died and left behind a goodly fortune, Hoping to learn more, I allowed the letter to pass into the girl’s possession, and bided my time. But no more letters from that source came to her. This satisfied me that she suspected me of tam- pering with her mail, and had changed her ad- ress, When she suddenly decamped, there- fore, I became satisfied that she hed gone West to meet her correspondent, and that, too, in re- gard to property matters, So I followed in pursuit,” ‘““Who was the man with whom she corres- ponded?” ‘He signed himself ‘Fred the Sport,” from which I infer that he is one of the sporting characters peculiar to this country.” “Chapman started a trifle, = Very likely, Well, now, what else?” he said, “This. I feel positive that the girl has in- herited a fortune, even if she has not come into ssession of it. I mean to have both her and he fortune, Do you see? It will be your work to ferret out the case, in all its points, and keep me ay aie Once I find that the card queen at the Eldorado is Edna Leeds beyond the shadow of a doubt, I can easily force her to marry me, Then, all will be well, and you will be liberally rewarded, ** How liberally?” “ That shall be for you to say.” ‘* Very well. I presume you will lic low?” “ Yes, or if I move about, it will bein dis- guise, Ihave not been to the Eldorado since I | discovered the girl there, and then she did not see me,” “Tt is well, For her to know of your presence here would spoil all, I will work up your case, and if you do not see me again you may be assured that I am not far off.” And as the wrestler threw away his cigar, and stretched himself out on the blankets, Jack- son Chambers took the hint that the interview Ree at an end, and arose and stalked from the nt. CHAPTER V. THE SPORT SURPRISED. Tux knock upon the door of the cabin, oc- cupied as the temporary home of the Cham- berses, was peremptory, and caused both Cherry and Booth Barron to visibly pale. “‘Tt’s not father!” the girl whispered; “it is not his knock, Quick, hide here!” At one side of the room was a table, the cloth of which reached to the floor. Without delay, Barron crawled under it, and was thus concealed from view. Cherry awaited until there came another rap, thea called out; ‘“ Who is there?” * A visitor. Open the door!” wasthe answer, in a pleasant voice, which, however, did not sound familiar to the trembling girl. “Your answer is not satisfactory. I must first know who you are,” she called out. ‘Oh! well, lam called Fred, the Sport, or, if you prefer, First-Class Fred. I wish to see your father, on business,” ““My father is not home yet, sir.” ‘*Not? Ob! well, with your permission, I will come in and wait for him.” Cherry hesitated, not knowing what todo, If it should, indeed, be an acquaintance of her father’s, and she should refuse him ad- mission, she had no doubt but what her parent would be very angry; and if it should turn out to be some designing villain, was Booth Barron not present to protect her? At this thought she stepped forward, un- barred the door, and opened it, ; Before ber stood a man of commanding figure, and prepossessing appearance. His at- tire, of faultless cut, was of rich brown cloth; he worea broad-brim felt hat and patent-leather knee boots; a huge diamond sparkled in his white shirt-front, while a ponderous gold chain was looped from pocket to pocket, across his vest. In face he was what many would call a hand- some man, for his features were full, round, and good-natured of expression, and his eyes keen, brilliant and magnetic. -His hair was of a decided blonde tint, and worn in a flossy pro- fusion down over his shoulders, and his mus- tache, a shade darker, was well trained and luxuriant, Plainly, too, he was a man of no mean mus- cular power and physical endurance, and was one to attract attention in any bey His appearance struck Cherry so forcibly, at a glance, that she stood staring point-blank at him, for a moment; then, recollecting herself she stepped to one side, “Tf you are a friend of my father’s, sir, you
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Fred, the Sport. : 9 are welcome to come in—although I do not know as I am doing right in admitting a total stranger,” **-You need have no compunctions about ad- mitting me, I assure you, dear young lady. I bave some business to transact with your father, and I dare say he will soon arrive,” “It is past time for him, already, Pray be seated, sir!” and, closing the door, Cherry placed him a -stool where he would not com- mand a ready view of the table, under which Booth Barron was cowering. Fred the Sport seated himself, and opened a pleasant chat, proving himself not only an in- teresting conversationalist but a man of superior education; and, though the free and easy style of the frontier was to be detected in his words and ways, all was devoid of coarseness or vul- garism. Ere ten minutes had passed, Cherry found herself more interested in him than she would have cared to confess, His address was such as men would be bound to respect, and women admire, “You are a stranger here, are you not?” Cherry asked. “Well, not exactly—that is, I am familiar with the vicinity, although few, here, know me, if nes I am a sort of ranger—omnipres- ent, you know—liable to turn up at "most any place, at any time.” ‘Indeed? And such a funny name you have —so odd!” “Yet, suiting my personal tastes. I like everything to move off first-class, you see, I argue that there are but few reasons why a person should not live and be first-class instead of dropping to a lower level, A man with honor and integrity need not necessarily go down hill if he has a cent’s worth of ambition and perseverance in him, | always make it a rule to surmount difficulties and come out first- class, on top of the heap, so to speak,” There was arap upon the door just then and Cherry arose, “That’s papa now,” she said, ‘I know his knock,” She one the door with alacrity and ad- mitted Jackson Chambers, about whose step there was a trifling unsteadiness, that might have caused a close observer to suspect he had been drinking. ‘Papa, here is a gentleman who called to see you on business, Sir, this is my father,” Cherry said. Fred arose and bowed, while as for Jackson Chambers he simply stood still and stared, He was evidently not a little surprised. “Hal I think-I have seen that face before!” he exclaimed, excitedly. ‘Speak, man—who you? “Fred the Sport, sir, at your service,” was the unhesitating answer, ‘‘ You, I presume, from your daughter’s introduction, are Mr. Jackson Chambers, of Rhode Island?” “Then, you are the very individual I want to see!” Chambers declared with emphasis, ** And likewise you are the apple upon which I came here to set my eye,” Fred responded, auraneatly not in the least discomposed by the ex-broker’s tone or manner, ‘So, as we are mutually satisfied, I see no cause why you shouldn’t be seated and join me in a cigar—that is, of course, with your daughter’s permission, lalways carry a first-class brand of smokers,” “We will adjourn to the outside,” Jackson Chambers decided, promptly, ‘*My business with you is private,” He led the way from the cabin, and Fred had no choice but to follow him, Instead of choosing the Plaza, the ex-broker led the way up the gulch trail to the Coour d’Alene’s for a short distance, and then faced about, confronting the handsome stranger. ‘“‘ Well, now, sir,” he began, his tone not ex- actly civil, ‘I Suppose we may as well under- stand each other, “There is not the least reason why we shouldn’t,” Fred replied. ‘TI ese judging by what [ have seen, that you have seen me be- fore, though Pll agree I don’t remember of ever having met you.” ‘Very likely. night.” “Ah! Then how came you to say you had seen my phiz before?” ae at en I have—on‘’a photograph.” “oe b ! ‘Yes, ah! Does the announcement surprise you? Or bad you forgotten that you were ever the owner of a photograph?” ‘*Not at all, sir. And, since you appear to have such a volume of venom on board, might I beg to inquire how you came into possession of one of my pictures, sir?” ‘It matters vot, I saw the face and swore to see the owner of it, and hereIam, Now, then, what have you to say for yourself?” , It was evident that Mr, Chambers was not only angry, but growing vengeful, The ae eyed him a moment curiously and then took a step closer, “See here!” he ‘said, sternly, ‘what do you want? Out with it, and use more civility in your manner of speech or Pll mop the ground witb you despite your age!” ** You will, eb “You can bet high on it, If you want to talk to me as a gentleman, you will find me always on deck, If you do not, I give you a tip that I am first-class in all respects and do not = a rule take back-talk from any loafer that ves, “Sir-rh! Dare you call me a loafer?” “If your actions warrant the calling, yes. But, go on, sir; I want to know what you want of me.” “T want my child.” “Your child?” ‘“Bxactly—she whom you enticed away from her Eastern home.” “You talk like a crazy man, sir, I know ab- solutely nothing about your child, except what I have just seen of her at this cabin,” “1 do not mean Cherry—I mean the other, whom you wrote to, from Eagle City.” “Oh! you mean Edna Leeds?” ‘‘She that was known as Edna Leeds, yes.” ‘Why, you surprise me, It was for the pur pose of finding out about her that I desired to see you! I learned you had broken up your Eastern home, and were coming this way, and We never met before to- a wie al ent ae —
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10 supposed, of course, that Miss Leeds was with “You lie, sir—you lie! You know where she is, and cannot deceive me!” Jackson Chambers cried, hotly. Y Z 7 A gleam of fire leaped instantly into the bril- liant orbs of the Sport. “Look here, sir; I shall expect you to retract those words, Iam not an aggressive person but I will take the lie from no man!” he cried. * You can take it or let it alone, so far as lam concerned, I retract nothing I say.” “Then, if you are not gentlemau enough to do that, you shall have the opportunity of fighting me, or by declining, prove yourself a coward, You hear?” **T will neither retract what I said, nor will I fight you. But, I'll make you tell me where she is—Edna s, 1 mean—or I'll kill you where you stand!” A cocked six-shooter suddenly appeared in the ex-broker’s hand, leveled full st the breast of the first-class man, who had not deemed it worth while, evidently, to be on his guard, “Move a muscle, and [ll drop you!” Cham- bers hissed, venomously. ‘‘You may style tore first-class, but you will find I'd as lief sill you as look at you,and if you don’t want me to double you up, try to escape or draw a weapon,” “Indeed? You think I am afraid of that lit- tle pop-gun? Why, I assure you Iam not. And or. attempt to terrify me is really too amusing or anything.” ‘*-You shall see. You shall tell me what [ de- sire to know, or by the powers of Him who rules above, V1 kill you. I am dead in earnest, as any hesitation on your part will prove, Now, then, you wrote to Edna Leeds, didn’t you?” eV e0.” “You advised her to open communication with you, as you had something of utmost im- portance to communicate to her?” o Fact,” ““Well, what did you write her, afterward?” “That does not concern you.” “Tt does. The girl was betrothed to me—was to become my wife, and whatever you wrote her caused her to decamp.” “Impossible, I wrote nothing that should have caused an estrangement.” “ Do not lie to me, for it will avail you noth- ing. If you do not answer me truthfully, when I eis this spot you will be a dead man.” “Pshaw! Lam not afraid of that, although I am telling you the truth, The first letter 1 wrote her you appear to be cognizant of, Its answer ailvised me to send any further conmu- nications to a different address, I sent but one, and that as requested, I sent ber simply a sealed package, which was intrusted to me to deliver to her.” “You did not know the contents?” “T did not, although I should presume it was made ‘ave it to you?” A onot tell you.” “You shall, curse you!” “ Linsist that I cannot, sir!” _ “Do you dare refuse, man, with death staring you in the face?” Fred, the Sport. “Yes, a hundred times, yes!” Fred cried, in a ringing voice, “Then, your fate bo on your own hands!” Jackson Chambers gritted, savagely. He raised his revolver and covered the Sport’s heart, and— Did not fire! CHAPTER VI, THE SINGULAR MESS4GE, THE result of the rush from the Eldorado saloon, in quest of the mystericus slayer of Jim Hoon, was, as Goldie Glenn had predicted— fruitless. And the miners and ruffians came straggling back minus their prey. Hoon’s boily was removed, and Jack Homer, whose back had been badly sprained by his last fall, was taken away by his pals. Order once more restored, the games were resumed, and Goldie found herself busy until a late hour, for she was a favorite among the more respectable of the crowd, and they patron- ized her table liberally, ‘When the business of the night began to wane, however, she flung a cloak about her shoulders, and putting on her hat, left the place a number of hundred dollars richer than when she had en- tered it at dusk, Making her way across the Plaza, she entered one of the numerous tented habitations, before which a burly negro, armed to the teeth, kept unceasing vigil. ** Do not go to sleep to-night, Sam,” she said in passing him, ‘‘and awaken me at the slightest suspicious sound, A few more nights cf the sort of luck I have had to-night, and I will be ready to quit this place for good.” ‘Deed an’ dis yar nigger will be dog-goned glad of it, Miss Goldie,” the darky mumbled. Once within the tent, Goldie threw off her wraps and sat down at a rude sort of table, which with a stool and couch of blankets, was the only furniture. “IT wonder who he is?’ sho mused, her thoughts reverting to Joe Chapman, the wres- tler. “I am certain that he tock a strong interest in me, or he wonld not have allowed me to win from him as I did, and would not have espoused my cause by quarreling with Homer, Oh! if I could but penetrate the mystery, what would I not give. Something seems to tellme | that I am destined to have trouble soon, though ~ Ido not know from what source it can come unless—” ; She compressed her lips, as if disliking to utter the name that arose to them; then drew an Official-looking envelope from her bosom and extracted a document from it, _ This she spread out upon the table and exam- ined carefully, as if to catch the full intent of its meaning. Tt was a singular communication at best, and ran as follows: ‘*BrimstonE Bar, —— 18, 188-. “To THE ONLY HEIR oF JOHN RAapHart LEEDS; “ GREETING :—The reception of this document will warn you that the writer came to this country, soli- tary and unknown, several years ago, as a prospect- or. The locality wasa forbidding wilderness—and I £ w to love it—the wildness and isolation. Day yy day I delved away, prospecting inch by inch of
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—-_ Fred, the Sport. the ground,in hopes of finding the much-coveted Strike, for which humanity often barters its very Soul, One, two, three years rolled by, but the prospector tired not, although his heart often earned for the child he had left far away in the ast. “At last, however, I ‘struck it rich.’ A chance accident placed me in possession of a great secret— the secret of a vast gold mine, wherein was imbed- ded the riches of a world, all to be had for the work- ing. With a light heart 1 set industriously to work, and each day turned outa handsome sum of gold, in nuggets and dust, which, as fast as accumulated, I consigned to the safe-keeping of a cache, where there was no danger of its being found. “Thus the days, weeks and months rolled on, and then the lone miner, for the first time, became aware that he was in bad company—was possessed of the devil. His Satanic Majesty came daily to the mine, seated himself upon a rock, and eatened me labor in grim silence, never interposing, objecting hor speaking. Of course I was alarmed at first, but the regularity of the demon’s visits soon caused a cessation of fear, to be superseded by a feeling of resignation to the inevitable. “Finally, when I had amassed and cacied a for- tune of a number of hundred thousand dollars, the devil spoke and said unto me; *** John Leeds, you have labored faithfully for the interest of your child, and have, by enriching her, laced her eventually in my toils. Lam Satan. You ave entered my domains and delved from my para- dise for her sake, and have provided for her hand- somely. You must now delve for me. For every ounce of gold you have extracted for her you must produce one for me. Until you have done so ycu are my prisoner. Therefore, write to your daughter to come hence. On her arrival she shall stay here until she has earned ten thousand dollars, That shall be the price of your ransom, for, for that sum you shall again be free. When your daughter comes, | will send her the choice of two husbands, well worthy of her. I will also send a messenger as _ guard, that no harm comes to her. She sball have suiturs in numbers, but ‘between two she shall de- cide. If she chooses the right one, and pays me the Named ransom, you shall go free, for the man she should elect possesses a mystic charm which even I am bound torespect. If she chooses the wrong one, you cease to dig for gold and become forever mine, and your child shali never see you nor the gold you have cachet for her, It shall be searched for and found by those who serve me better.’ “ Thus spoke Satan unto me, your informant, and at his command I went forth, wrote these lines, and, with blinded eyes, gave them to one, ordering him to send it to you. By which presents you knoweth my condition, and that which is required of you. “(Signed,) Joun Rapwart Lreps.”’ Goldie Glenn read and re-read the strange communication, her face pale, her eyes luminous with wonder. “* So strange—so very strange!” she murmured. “Tt seems like the warning of some one unearth- ly: still it is the chirography of my father. Can such things be—tbat_he is really alive, and still in the power of the Evil One? Oh! that I could solve this awful mystery!” ‘*Perhaps, if you were to employ me, I might be of assistance to you!” were the words that sounded in Goldie’s ear, She looked around with a nervous cry. What she saw caused her to utter another cry, this time of alarm. A man stood within a few feet of her, attired in black, and wearing a black mask before bis b> face. Oa ___ It was Booth Barron, the outlaw, 4s) ** Who are you?” Goldie cried, rising quickly, * Sir, this intrusion is unpardonable! How did you gain entrance here?” **One question at a time, please,” Barron re- sponded coolly. ‘‘ 1am not a walking encyclo- pedia of answers, As to howI got in here, I chloroformed the African, and my feet brought mein, Ishould think you would provide your- self with a stronger body-guard, Miss Goldie Glenn Edna Leeds!” ‘Sir, I command you to leave my presence at once, or I will scream for help!” the girl cried, greatly excited, “Tf you do, it will be your last trumpet-note upon this earth!” was the significant warning. **You’ve no cause to make a fool of yourself whatever. If I am not mistaken, I fancy I bave some little right to call upon you.” And as he finished speaking, the outcast removed his mask, A darkly handsome face was revealed, with eyes like stars, so bright and scintillating they were; a pleasant mouth, shaded by a slight jetty mustache, and hair black and closely cropped, oldie uttered an exclamation of surprise and a tint of pallor crept into her cheeks. ‘ You, Booth Barron?” she faintly articulated, her bands clutching the document, which she quickly restored to her pocket. * Yes, I, Booth Barron,” he responded, calmly, “Ts there anything extraordinary in the fact?? se In Heaven's name, what brings you here? I—I—’ “You thought I wasin jail, eh, where you left me, and cruelly deserted me. Edna Leeds, I never thought you would prove so false,” ‘I knew nothing of your crime, until long after I had left the Chambers home, therefore you cannot accuse me of that, As for desert- ing you, at all, I did not, sir, for you had no claim upon me, and | cannot see what satisfac- tion you can derive from coming here and annoying me,” “Ha! Il annoy you, do 1? Well, let me then suggest that if you do not act a little more sensibly, the chances are, that I will annoy you to some effect before I’ve done with you, Edna, I am a hunted outcast!” “Tt is not my fault, Booth, I would be the last one to counsel you to do what you did or to uphold you in your evil course,” ‘Yet, you were the prime cause of my doing: what I did, I loved you—fairly idolized you, and believing you were to be mine, was tempted to do what I did—rob the bank—for your sake, Ob! Edna, do not go back on me, now when all the world has deserted me, because of my unfortunate act!” “Do you supposo I would link my lot witha man like you? No! a thousand times, no! Be a man, Booth Barron, and at least compel my respect; or be a ruffiann, and forfeit it—as you’ choose, sir. I trust you will not prolong this in- terview, but take your departure, at once.” “Not quite yet, my girl. I want you to under- stand me. I now prefer your batred to your re- spect without your love, Iread that document over your shoulder, and see that you seek an opportunity to break oth . Are bt ae eee
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12 you have mine, I might have sweeter ven- geance by causing you to live in torture, but shall not. She who would not be mine shall never belong to another—I swear it!” He thrust the revolver into its holster, and drew a keen-bladed knife instead. An instant later he was towering over her like an exultant demon, his upraised hand clutching the vengeful knife, CHAPTER VII. THE GOPHER GENT TO THE RESCUE, JAcKson CHAMBERS did not fire; for the re- volver was wrested from his grasp! With a cry of rage he wheeled to confront his adversary, but to bis unbounded astonish- ment, discovered no one! Not a single living human being was withia the range of his vision. ‘ ‘* By all the plagues! who seized that pistol?” he cried, both furious and mystified. A low laugh from Fred caused him to wheel again withan oath, to find that the sport now held the drop himself, -“ At your service, sir—Fred, the Sport, from Gopher!” was the salutation. ‘’Pon my word, friend Chambers, it looks a bit as if I was on top of the heap after all, does it not? Very much obliged to that invisible somebody who relieved you of your blooming ‘ six.’ How d’ye like the situation at the present time?” “Curse you! Put down might go off.” ** Just as likely as not, for it has a hair-trig- ger, and my nerves are not of the steadiest or most reliable, [ assure you. Still, you did not consiter the danger I was in just a biti ago!” Chambers saw that the tables were fairly turned, and naturally felt ill at ease. ** You see!” Fred went on complacently, ** that the old poultry adage, ‘It’s not good policy to count your chickens before they’re hatched,’ comes in with beautiful aptness just now, A moment ago you had me booked, and my bag- gage checked for a trip up Salt River, but a bub- ble in the boiler of your nautical craft burst, and I am still here—in fact, very muchly here. And now, in regard to business matters, let me tell you that I have tumbled gracefully to your lit- tleracket, You have come West in search of your former ward, because you have an idea that she is heiress to a fortune, and you can get a slice of it!” ‘“*Tt’s false! She is my betrothed wife, and I mean to make her marry me,” “Indeed! What proceedings do you pro- eer bring about this singular consumma- ion?” | “ That’s none of your business!” “Ah! Isn’t it? Now, really, I thought it was. Supposing you diverge from useless for- mality, now, and be confidential!” and the ham- mer of the sport's revolver came back to a full cock, with a suggestive click. . “Stop. If you shoot you'll be hung!” the ex- _ broker cried, nervously. “And [ll be hanged if I don’t shoot if you _ don’t answer me straight, Answer my ques- tion, or Pll shoot your boots full of air-holes!” ‘Furies seize you!” that weapon—it Fred, the Sport. “Go on—out with it! Howdo you propose to make the girl marry you?” ‘She was the accomplice to the murder of my son, and if she refuses to marry me, V’ll give her up to the law!” Chambers declared, vindictively. “You will?” * By all the plagues, yes, a hangman’s noose.” ‘* What will I be doing all this time?” : es Humph! You'll not dare to hinder or inter- ere, “You will see. Now, then, let me give you a little bit of friendly advice. You pack up your effects and get out of this camp as fast as you know how. Tl let yon go, now, out of piteous contempt for you, but if sunrise finds you in Brimstone Bar, just so sure as deer- meat is good eating, that sure will you hear from the Gopher Sport. Go!” Jackson Chambers did not hesitate, nor did he Peace any response to this threat of the dashing port, Lucky in escaping so easily, he mate haste toward his cabin without pausing to look back, Her neck shall fill The would-be assassin of Edna Leeds was spared the awful crime which the uplifted hand was to consummate, Goldie, as we shall still con- tinue to call her, was untouched, for the descend- ing blade was buried in Barron’s own lez, above the knee, inflicting a painful wound, At the same instant, he was raised bodily and thrown upon the ground with a force that) seem- ingly must have broken every bone in his body. “There! lie there, you cowardly cur!” a voice cried, ‘* and move a musele at the peril of your life!” and a man’s foot was planted upon the vicious lover's breast. It was Fred, the Sport, who had opportunely interrupted the act, and his face flushel with indignation, as his gaze roved from Goldie to her assailant. *“Who is this chap?” the Sport from Gopher demanded, ‘‘ Whois he, that would attempt to kill one like you?” ‘Ob! sir, he is a friend of mine, and he got angry at me, and he’s not very much to blame, Please let him up, sir!” ‘Let him up, to get another chance at you?” ‘He will not try it again—indeed, he will not. ‘You won't, will you, Booth?” “No!” was the gruff answer. The knife’s sticking in my leg,” “Tt ought to be sticking in your heart, in- stead!” Fred said, removing his foot from the villain’s chest. ‘* Now, look here, before you get up, beg this young lady’s pardon.” “T beg it, of course,” Barron said, ungra- ciously. ‘She made me mad, aad I diin’t stop to consider the consequences of what I was doinz.” rs “A pretty nice way of getting out of it, I ain’t sure but what I ought to shoot you, as it is. But, since the young lady is so fond of giving you another chance at hér throat, youshall have three minutes to get out of this camp, Get up now, and scoot!” “With pleasure my lord! Your kindness “Let me up.
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aks abrenne vere Fred, the Sport. 13 shall ne’er be forgotten!” the outlaw ‘declared, as he arose and limped from the tent. Fred followed him outside, and watched him until he was out of sight, then, he turned, to | find Goldie standing near him, “Oh! sir, [ have to thank you, so much, for rescuing me,” she said, frankly putting forth her hand. “I think he would have killed me, but for your opportune arrival.” “There’s not the shadow of adoubt about the matter,” the Sport from Gopher declared, dryly. should have another opportunity at you.” “Oh! no—but I do not wish that harm should come to him. He loves me, and because I can- not encourage his hopes, he is Jealous, and not responsible for what he says, or does.” “Indeed! By the ig I see a mask there on the floor. From that I should infer that the feliow is an outlaw.” Goldie’s face flushed, and for a moment she knew not what to say. ** He is an outlaw, in name!” she finally said, “but not at heart. A hastily performed act caused his banishment from among honest people, and he is now a wandering outcast, with no one to love or pity him,” “Tt is sad; but that does not excuse him for attempting to murder you. Excuse me, young lady, but may I ask your name? Something seems to give me the impression that I know you better than a stranger.” you are Fred, the Sport.” “Correct your are! And naturally I may know you, as Miss Edna Leeds.” “That is my name, although I am known here, as Goldie Glenn.” “Why the change of title, may I ask?” “Still you seemed nothing loth that he | “*T made the change because I expected to be | pursued by enemies, and thought a different | name wouldaid me, somewhat, in concealing my identity.” “What enemies did you have, who would be apt to pursue you?” “*T found, just Sg to my flight, that the man with whom I had been left, by my father, was a scheming villain, and was bent on becom- ing my husband. Satisfied that my only safety lay in flight, Iran away, and came here.” * And this man’s name?” “ Was Jackson Chambers.” “As I thought. Your opinion of him was not without good foundation. He isa villain of the first water, and his purpose is to marry you, in hopes that he can thus get hold of a fortune he suspects you of inheriting.” * Ah! Do you know him, then?” “ By ‘slight acquaintance, yes. I intend to know more of him, too, if he tries any funny games. I suppose you are aware that ho is in this camp?” “No! no! Jackson Chambers in Brimstore Bar? Impossible!” : And Edna’s face blanched with terror, “Tt is quite possible, young lady, and a fact, I assure you!” Fred said. ‘* Not over an hour ago I had an interview with him, and warned him to get up and get out of the town. I have no doubt, however, but what he will stay.” “Then, if he does, there will be no remedy for me but to again pack up my few effects and fly, for I could not remain hero, to endure his persecution.” ‘Fear him not, younglady. While Fred, the Sport, isaround you need bave no uneasiness or alarm. If the man annoys you, you can rest | assured [ will attend to his case,” “I thank you very much, I am sure, but I could not think of asking a total stranger to fight my battles for me. I see no better way than for me to leave this place, and locate in some strange town, where he will not so easily find me.” **Pooh! Nonsense! You remain right where _ are, aud consider me your protector. If ackson Chambers shows his cloven foot, Vil agree to make it so uncomfortable for him that he will be glad to leave these parts with all haste. You need not have a fear that he will ever again trouble you.” **T am sure I shall appreciate your friend- ship, sir. But tell me, how came you to write me and send ine the sealed package?” ‘That I will explain, so far as I can, for it is somewhat of a mystery tome, You see, I was wrospecting up in the mountains one day, and ecoming wearied, lay down for a noonday nap. When I awoke, it was to find the sealed package upon my person, and also a note, re- questing me to communicate with you, and | then send you the sealed package, together with “And, I, too, faney I bave seen your face, | You are the one who wrote to me in the Kast— | my photograph. I did so, and that was the last I heard from you. I wrote you afterward, but getting no answer, came to the conclusion that you either had no occasion for further cor- respondence with me, or was en route for this art of thecountry, And it turned out that the atter was the case,” “Yes, The nature of the communication T received in the sealed package was instrumental in my coming here. After you read it, per- haps you can assist in throwing some light upon the matter, which now remains a mystery to me!’ CHAPTER VIII. AN OPINION. AND so saying, she handed him the document to read, which she had herself been examinin; a short time before, when interrupted by Boot! Barron. The Sport seated himself, and gave it a epee perusal, digesting the contents as he read, ‘“* Well, this is rather a singular things he said, finally. ‘‘Is this your father’s chirography, Miss Leeds?” “Itis, beyond a doubt. handwriting anywhere.” “ What do you think of the nature of this ex- traordinary communication?” “T donot know what to think, sir. It was mainly in hopes of being able to throw some light on the matter that I came here.” “Exactly. You pursued the right course, no doubt, Have you gained any additional news since you came here?” “Not to speak of. That my father was in this vicinity, some months ago, there can be no doubt. It seems, also, to known to some of I would know his
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the miners that he buried a fortune in gold in the vicinity, for a quiet but energetic search is daily in progress for it.” “Ah! Who is at the head of the movement?” Fred demanded, eagerly. ** A local rough named Jack Homer. He car- ries the idea that I know where the gold is secreted, as do many of the other miners, and they have made attempts to force me to tell them that which I do not know. Their at- tempts, however, are fruitless, and I brave them, believing they dare: not offer me violence, from the fact that a strange, invisible friend, known as the Deadly Drop, seems to ever watch over me.” She then related all that was known con- cerning the unseen and mysterious avenger, to which the Sport from Gopher listened attentive- Ne Well,” he said, when she had done, ‘‘ it looks probable that your father has a valuable cache of gold somewhere in the vicinity, as he states; but this story about his being claimed and im- prisoned by Satan, is of course all nonsense.” ** But, sir, where is my father, and what was his object in sending me the strange letter?” “T am sorry I am’ not able to answer you. The only thing we have to base an explanation on is that your father is crazy !” * Oh, sir—that would be awful!” ** Very true, Miss Leeds, very true. But that is the only practical solution of this problem. T look at the matter in this light. Having amassed a considerable fortune, your parent’s mind has become turned, from fear of losing it, and by a strange freak of mind imagines him- self in the power of the Evil One, and by him held a prisoner.” __ y “Tf this be so, if would be better if I never found bim.” “Quite true, unless the sight of you might have the effect to restore his reason.” “That is not probable.” **No. {guess you are right. There is some- thing about the case, however, that is not plain tome, This Deadly Drop—who or what is he, or she, whichever it may be?” **T have no idea, If my father is indeed not d of his right senses, might it not be he who has assumed the role ?” “There are large chances that it may be. However, this unseen avenger must be a most accurate marksman, as you have told me that each one of his victims is invariably shot in the ' center of the forehead, Was your father so good a shot” **That would be impossible for me to say, as Iwas but asmall child when he came West, He has had ample chance to become a good shot, in the time he has been absent.” *“No doubt, Now, Miss Leeds, I shall tako pleasure in being of assistance to you all that I ibly can, and I trust that we can, by work- ing together, do much toward clearing up this _ mystery, and perhaps obtain for you the buried _ treasure.” _ “Yon are very kind, sir, I am sure. I place greater confidence in you than I would other- wise do, owing to the fact that you were selected to deliver the message to me,” ‘ _ ** And your confidence shall not be misplaced, x Fred, the Sport. —— I peers, you. What business are you engaged in here?” Goldie’s cheeks flushed almost scarlet, “T am almost ashamed to tell you,” she said, averting her face to conceal her embarrass- ment, as much as possible, ‘‘Wken [I first ar- rived here I was out of money, and not know- ing, what else to turn_my hands to, I began playing cards at the Eldorado for money. As a result, having been very lucky, I am still there.” ‘Since you are located as you are, I advise you to go right along with your business, and we will await developments. I will see that you are not troubled, or, in case of my absence, that you have ample protection, I must be go- ing now, and trust that you will not be further molested, after restoring your colored compan- jon to consciousness.” And tipping his hat, the Sport from Gopher sauntered away. CHAPTER IX, THE POOLING OF ISSUES. SATISFIED that Edna Leeds could easily be found at the Eldorado, Jack Chambers did not make any extra exertions to see her, at once, for he wanted time to consider just what moves he was to make in the game he intended to play. He arose, bright and early, the next morning, and leaving Brimstone Bar behind, took a walk up the Cosur d’Alene trail, It was a bright morning, with an invigorating breeze blowing down from the distant snow- tapped mountain peaks—just the sort of a morn- ing for a thoughtful stroll, ‘ By shrewd maneuvering, only, can I hope to win my point!” he mused, as he walked, ‘I have got to play for all, or nothing, and the present state of my finances demands that I Should win. To do this is to fight a battle such as few men ever before fought, single-handed. Ihave a man to contend against who is danger- ous in more ways than one, Shrewd, sharp and daring, this Sport is in my path and I both hate and fear him! Curse him!” he exclaimed aloud. in his excitement, ‘if he thwarts me he is a dead man!” ‘*Then, since you have so much at stake, why not pool our issues and divide the profits?” The astonished schemer paused, for there in his path stood Booth Barron, blockading his passage, a formidable pair of revolvers in his grasp. ‘You, Booth Barron!” he cried, ‘Curses on you, chance has once more thrown you in my way!” “Oh! no!” Barron coolly replied. ‘ Chance had nary a thing to do with it. I purposely threw myself in your way, knowing that you were searching for me.” “T have not been searching for you. I hoped you were in Hades, long ago.” ** Ah! did you really wish to let me off as cheap as that? You are kind. But, you see, I happen to know that you have a paid detective on my track; so here [ am!” “You are mistaken, Booth Barron. I never expected nor wished to set eyes on you again.” “Sorry, Jackson, old fellow, that my confi-
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Fred, the Sport. dence in your veracity is not sufficient to war- rant me in believiug your pleasantry. I have already sized your man, and am satisfied that Joe Chapman, the Bostonian, is not only a de- tective, but a very keen one, I congratulate you on your selection, but just tell Joseph, while you are tendering him my respects, that i defy a dozen like him, and he will never lay a hand on me.” “Boast not, you cowardly assassin, for retri- bution will sooner or later overtake you, even though you hold the advantage of the drop atthe present time. Your neck will yet fit in “oe hangman’s noose for the murder of my ‘ay. “ If I did assassinate him, it was at the insti- gation of another. If I committed murder, an- other plotted the crime and tempted me by money and great promises to do the deed.” “What? Do you mean to tell me that you, whom everybody once thought to be an honor- able man, was hired to do that dastard crime?” “Just what I do declare, But, though I sinned, I was terribly tempted—more so than you can even imagine. I did not come here to palliate my crime. I have regretted it most truly aud the thought of it has made me a very desperate man. I have sought you at this time to sdy that I can be of immense service to you, You are about to get yourself into serious trouble, and I know tbat by letting bygones be bygones, we couid mutually reap a great harvest —one of.a lifetime.” Chambers eyed the outlaw, however, with doubtful, gleaming eyes. ‘ ou say you did not willingly murder Charlie?” he said, slowly—‘ that you was hired to do it? Tall me, who, in God’s name, would hire you todosuch a thing? Perhaps I shall be more ready and willing to consider What further you bave to say if you can prove what you have confessed.” Barron laughed good-naturedly. ‘* Well, one whom you would least suspect,” he said, keeping a close watch upon the ex- broker. ‘You may or may not be aware that while Charlie was fickle in bis attachments, there was one who favored bim more than sho did other suitors, and yet at that very time sho was desperatély in love with me, and I with her, I finally discovered, however, that she was fish- ing for Charlie because she knew you had made a will bequeathing all to him. See?” “T comprehend, You have reference to Edna Leeds.” “Yes, Assoon as she knew you had changed your mind—bad destroyed the first will and made a new one, she came tv me and let the cat-of-her-intentions out of the bag, and invited me into the concoction of several first-class schemes, One of them was for me to kill you, and she would then claim to have been your wife, and obtain control of your estate by de- stroying the second will. This I utterly re- fused to consider, even with the promise of her hand in marriage, and a life of ease and luxury to follow, ; “The next thing proposed was that I rob th bank. We would then run away together and get married, As you know, J got so far as tackling a part of my mission when I was | nabbed, Fearing I would make known her share in the enterprise, the girl lit out.” Jackson Chambers listened with so much com- posure that the narrator was piqued. ‘Barron, are you willing to take yout oath that Edna Leeds was your evi} genius in your criminal proceedings?” “Tam willing to swear a hundred times that she was my evil genius—that she had me so ir- retrievably in her power that she could literally twist me around her finger at will.” ‘“T think, then, 1 can understand how you became responsible for my son’s death,” Cham- bers said bitterly. ‘‘ Atone time that girl could work me to her will, so infatuated was I with her—and therefore I hold you less to blame than I would otherwise do.” “T was so sure you would when you came to understand matters,” Barron declared, ‘‘ that it gave me hope of your forgiveness, and that te- gether we might successfully work against the evil genius of us both.” ‘You have taken a sensible view of the mat- ter, and while if would be unnatural for me to forgive the great wrong you have done the, if there is anything to be gained by it, the mem- ory of the crime can be dropped, and no allu- sion be made to it hereafter,” “Then, the next thing is for us to understand one another, You came here in search of Edna Leeds?” “TI did.” “You believe her to be here?” SO Wo (ola ‘* What cause have you for believing this?” “My agent—” ** You mean Chapman, your detéctive?” “Well, yes, if you choose to dub him so, He came here in advance of me and began a search which resulted in his setting his eyes on a female gambler at the Eldorado, ri herself Goldie Glenn. He believes her to be my fugitive ward.” “ And you?” “T haven't the slightest doubt about the matter,” “You haven't? Well, I have seen her, too. I paid her a visit, but got coolly received, and was dumped on the ground by a sport who is the per- fect picture of Joe Chapman,” ‘* The deuce you say !’ ‘““Yes. Ho balances all to the name of Fred the Sport!” “Ts it possible? It was of Fred the Sport Iwas _ speaking when you interrupted me.” 5 “T suspected as much, You evidently have met him?” “Yes. He called to see me, and we went up the Coeur d’Alene trail to havea confab, I got thedrop on him, but ap patol was suddenly and mysteriously snatched away, by some in- visible hand, and the fellow turned the tables on me and ordered me out of the town.” **T suppose you'll go?” ‘*When 1 get ready, of course,” ““That’s the talk! ; but let’s pool our issues, and fight him together, One important thing is money, Report bas it that there is an immense treasure of gold, buried in or about this camp, and there are several parties eager to find it. A movement is \ ee we Don’t let him bluff you,
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Ay, 16 on foot for a combined effort to prosecute the search and to keep others off the premises, Here is the call.” He handed Chambers a written notice, which ran as follows: “TO WHOM CONCERNED: “This notice is submitted to a select few, that may be by it interested and benefited. “A meeting will be held to-night for the purpose of drafting rules and regulations of an organization, and for the purpose of deciding upon the most easible plan for finding and securing to our mutual benefit, the immense cached treasure, of one Joho R. Leeds, reasonably supposed to be concealed close to the town of Brimstone Bar. Publicity of this movement is not desirable, so it is suggested that every visitor be properly disguised, and that one member shall not be personally known to another. Further particulars at the meeting, which will take lace on Copur d’Alene trail, at the mouth of Dark un, at nine o’clock, to-night. ** By order of “Wr Caprain.” ** Who is he?’ Chambers asked, ‘“‘Tt matters not. Come, and we may learn much that will be the means of furthering our own plans,” “Very well. I will be there!” CHAPTER X. ESTELLE THE HAT-THROWER. CHAMBERS returned to the Bar, and seeking the general store, and the proprietor’s confi- dence, was able to procure such articles, and make such alterations, that when he emerged from the store he was so well disguised that his own daughter would not have known him, had she met him on the street. He was thus able to wander about town dur- ing the day, incognito, and visited the Eldorado oon several times, remaining an hour or two. Goldie Glenn presided at her table, as usual, and was well-patronized, for more reasons than one, Now, she had a professional card-sharp to deal with, whose object was to fleece her if he could, which was not often accomplished. Then came a miner, very flush, who could not papal a oad and was not heart-broken. if © won or lost at a sociable game of draw; next, an impecunisus tenderfoot, not entirely “broke,” but hopeful of bettering his financial condition, Goldie treated one and all, with equal cour- tesy, and as she won oftener than lost, the day’s play added sensibly to her hoard. Fred the Sport was seen about the Eldorado, but Chambers noticed that he seldom approach-. ed Goldie’s table. Whether this was by agree- ment or not, he was unable todecide. __ The more the ex-broker g azed upon the pretty face of the card-queen the firmer became his belief, that, without the shadow of a doubt, she pc gaa real Edna Leeds, who had been his ward, Yet one thing, puzzled him: to his certain knowledge the girl never had any experience with cards or card-playing, and if she had hbe- come an expert, in the few months she hac been absent from his Eastern home, her case was without a parallel, ___ Her mannerisms at the card-table, too, some- = r= ‘ Fred, the Sport. what differed from those of the Edna who had graced his home and was the belle of the village. Nevertheless, no moderate argument could have dissuaded him from the belief that she was other than his runaway ward, and he was sev- eral times on the point of going forward, and speaking to her, but remembered Booth Bar- ron’s advice, and refrained from doing so. Just toward evening, a little breeze was stir- red up, to break the monotony that had pre- vailed during the better part of the day. It was caused by the appearance within the saloon, of two characters, who both seemed out of place in a camp like Brimstone Bar, The one was a youta of perhaps fifteen years, of remarkably handsome figure, which was shown off to good advantage, for his attire was a suit of cotton, flesh-colored tights, such as is usually worn in the circus ring. His feet were incased in tight slippers, and upon bis head was a clown’s hat. His face, 00, was painted up ludicrously in clown fashion, and its contortions elicited roars of laughter from the rough crowd. His companion was attired in a short, gauzy costume similar to those worn by girl bare-back riders of tHe arena, only, in this instance, the tinseled skirt reached below the knees, and the dress was not cut low in the neck. She wore a jaunty fur turban on her head, from beneath which her wealth of brown hair rippled almost to her waist, Her feet were incased in slip , with flesh- colored hose; her arms were bare, white and shapely, and her hands glittered with costly rings. In face—but stay! on other faces, Jackson Chambers half rises from his seat, with an incredulous gasp, his gaze riveted upon the new-comer in the eagerness of doubt, Fred, over there, leaning against the bar, straightens up, a flush pateliion 9 upon either cheek, and gives the new-comers his strict atten- tion. Several other bystanders glance first from the face of the girl in short attire to Goldie Glenn, the card queen, and then back again, in astonishment, a The faces of the two girls were as alike as two photographs taken from one negative! In every respect is the resemblance complete —in casts of features, expressions of face, eyes, and mouth, hair—all, Just at this point a wiry little third party glides into the Kldorado, and into position be- tween the two “‘ sarcus” folks, He is a Frenchman, His nose—his darting, little, shrewd eyes—indeed, his very presence, betrays his nationality; yet he g most ad- mirable English, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor of introducing to your notice the young Monsieur La Rode and the charming Mademoiselle Estelle from Le Grand Cirque, Paris, both of whom have been engaged by me, at an enormous expense, to exhibit in this country, where true talent never lacks of hearty appreciation—especially among the critical audiences of the far West. (Ap- plause). As we have arrived too late in the day for any formal exhibition, I would respectfully ao + Let us note the expressions
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Fred, the Sport. ! say that my great aggregation of wonders, known as Varleri’s Continental Congress of Co- lossal Novelties, will give’ two exhibitions, to- morrow afternoon and evening, upon the Plaza, and that all who patronize will get their money’s worth. As a small advertisement of what is in store for my patrons, I will intro- duce the Monsieur and Madamoiselle in a few of their specialties, with your kind indulgence.” No need to say that a rousinz cheer ensued, There was an instantaneous buzz of excite- ment and the habitues of the Eldorado felt like yelling, out of their joy at the glad tidings. A circus coming to town! A big holiday—and a big drunk—in store. What more could the human pulse of that wild town wish for to set it way up in G. Fred still stood at the bar. He had glanced but once or twice at Goldie Glenn to discover that she had recognized Bstelie; the tell-tale color that suffused either cheek of the queen be- bay that. ut hers was a face that was bard to read, even when she was excited or confiised. Jackson Chambers, in his disguise of a moun- | taineer, had resumed his seat once more, and his gaze, like that of the Sport, from Gopher, dwelt alternately upon the faces of the two girls, ‘* Now, ladies and gentlemen,” called out Var- leri, ‘‘I will leave my. stars to amuse you for a few minutes while I attend to some outside business.” He then skurried away, while Master La Rode and his beautiful companion began their per- formance. Estelle first assisted the boy to do some clever mastic feats. Then, after she had placed erself against the wall, backward, he borrowed a score of bowie-knives and hurled them with such precision that they became imbedded close around her until she was literally pinned to the wall, and yet unharmed by as much asa scratch. La Rode then prone. a spade, and standiag upon the ears 0} SS ET a A ae A 17 the reader can well imagine, a long distance for a person to hurl a hat with anything like pre- cision. A murmur of wonderment escaped the crowd, for they believed it impossible for the beautiful Estelle to accomplish the feat at that distance, The bullwhacker turned up his nose in infinite diszust. ‘“ Ker-whoop! That aire a snortin’ old reach, but while I, ther old Howlin’ Hatchet from Cherry-tree, kin do it every time, I’ve got golden ducats ter allow you can’t do it, me charmer!” he remarked, swa zgering nearer to the girl. She turned a flashing glance upon him, meas- uring him from head to foot. ‘““Who are you addressing your remarks to?” she demanded, haughtily. ‘* Why, to you, ter be sure,” he replied. Without anotuer word she turned her atten- tion to La Rode, and giving a cry of “hip!” sent the hats whizzing through the air, One after another they gracefully settled upon the youtli’s head, one on top of another, until they bad all reached their goal, and were stacked in a pyramid, A yell of admiration and cries of ‘* Bravo!” went up on all sides, Howlin’ Hatchet danced closer to Mlle, Es- telle, a sort of leering grin upon his ugly face. ‘*Ye did it, me gal—ye dia it like a leetle man; but I kin beat it, by ther Eye-toothed Ezekiel, I kin! Jest ye stan’ yer boy out on ther Piaza, an’ P'll stan’ sixty feet frum him an’ do yer same act, or eat my brogans, That’s me, the Howlin’ Hatchet, an’ I live on chicken- brains to boot!” ‘There is no use to argue with you, sir—you could not do it. [tis an impossibility.” “Tm bettin’ a hundred ter one I kin do it!” the bullwhacker declared, “Very well, Pil bet you. Ill reverse the order, however, so you will not be a heavy loser. Til bet you a hundred dollars against one that you cannot do it.” ‘““Taken. Fetch your pard.” ** Come, La Rode.” And with sparkling eyes, the fair hat-thrower led the way from the Eldorado out upon the Plaza, Did the crowd follow? Nothing short of a free fight would have kept them inside the saloon, Unless he was a more remarkable being by far than he looked, the bullwhacker would be beaten, and every one was actually eager to wit- ness such a result, Stakes were driven sixty feet apart, and La Rode took his position at the further one, while Howlin’ Hatchet stood by the other. “Now give me the hats!’ he yelled, ‘Let me illustrate how easy Ikin chip ther sarcus gal’s conceit!” The hats were handed him, and after giving them a trifling examination, he sent them flying through the air, one after another, Instead of going sixty feet, ont one of them fell to the ground at a distance of not over ten feet from the starting-place. t A series of groans and caterwauls rent the air, “Oh, screech away, galoots!” Howlin’ Hatchet sung out; ‘I kin stand it!” a
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Fred, the Sport. *€ You have lost. I will take the dollar, if you please,” Estelle said, stepping forward, * No, ye won’t!” the bullwhacker declared. *T hain’t got nary red cent ter my name!” “You miserable skunk!” cried Fred, strid- ing forward. ‘‘Is that the way you treat ladies? If so, you’ve struck the wrong camp to i ga in, Deliver up the dollar the lady won of you, or I'll break every bone in your body !” And by his tone, the Sport from Gopher was evidently dead in earnest, Howlin’ Hatchet gazed at him a moment with an angry scowl. “See hyer!” he growled, what do you want?” “T am Fred, the Sport, and [ want you to fork over the dollar she won of you!” “Thain’t got nary a dollar to my name, I'll sw’ar, stranger!” “Then why did you seek to place her in so awkward a position by betting, when you knew you had no money?” *?Ca’se | wanted ter git a free interdooce tew ther Epa in gineral!” “Then, by Jupiter, Pll see that you get it, you cur!” the Sport cried, sternly. In a twinkling he pounced upon the bull- whacker, and, seizing him as though he were but a child, raised him bodily in the air and dashed him heavily to the ground. As Howlin’ Hatchet struck terra thud and a grunt, a hand Secor arm, while a cool voice cried: “That willdo. Hadn’t you better turn your attention to a more worthy subject?” The speaker was Joe Chapman, the wrestler- detective, “ Who aire you an’ firma with a red upon the CHAPTER XI. THE APOLLOS MEET, FRED, THE SPoRT, wheelel around and con- fronted his accoster, without an exclamation to denote the surprise he must have felt. His face, however, grew hard in its expres- sion, and the flashes of his eyes had hatred in them, Joe's face was likewise sternly set, and the by- standers came to the immediate conclusion that the men were enemies. The wrestler’s words, too, were as good asa challenge. What was impending? Were these two specimens of well-developed manhood to settle some feud of the past, now and here? P {fso, the Brimstone Bar folk were nothing loth to be present at a “funeral.” But, what was this! A discovery is suddenly made. These two Apollos are literal counterparts, in oint of general resemblance, except that the opher Sport’s hair is lighter in hue and more luxuriavt than that of his companion, What strange coincidence this, that two pairs of people should meet in a little camp like Brim- stone Bar, all in one afternoon, whose resem- blances were so marvelously marked? That Fred the Sport and Chapman might be brothers, seemed possible, but the Bar-ites bad little time to refiect upon this fact, now, “Well, sir, lam at your service, What do you want?” was Fred’s composed answer, “ That is a foolish question to ask!” Chapman responded, coldly. ‘Is it not understood be- tween us, that the pair of us cannot live in the same camp?” “That bas hitherto been the understanding, sir, and, it has been obeyed to the letter, Iam also aware that, a tour last meeting prior to this, rather than kill you until the day set for our final duel, I evacuated the town. Do I under- stand that you would have me repeat that action now?” “You could not have guessed straighter,” Chapman confidently rejoined. ‘I happen to have been first in Brimstone Bar, and do not propose to vamose. You are the last comer, and as one small camp, like this, is not large enough to hold us both, it devolves upon you to play Arab— fold your tent, and silently steal away. “Which I unhesitatingly refuse to do. I am here to stay, and if either goes it shall be you!” : , ** Never!” Chapman cried, determinedly. ‘I, too, am here to stay!” The faces of the two men were now dark with passion, and their eyes emitted gleams of deadly hatred. They thus stood eying each other, neither of- fering to precipitate an assault. “Well, what is to be done about it?’ Fred de- manded, finally. ‘‘ You say you will not quit Brimstone Bar—neither will I, According to our agreement you are breaking your word, Do I understand, then, that our difficulty sha!l be forever settled to-day, instead of waiting until the fourth of May?” owen The Boston boy did not answer immediately, but seemed to be cogitating. His brows were knitted, and apparently he was at loss what an- swer to give. **T see no other way than that we shall have to come to a final settlement now, sir!” he at length, answered. ‘As neither of us will go, the death-duel set apart for May 4th must take place to-day. What shall it be—knives or pis- tols?’ It was now the turn of the Sport from Gopher to delay answering for a moment, during which time his gaze roved quickly over the sea of faces that surrounded the Plaza. ‘Neither knives or pistols will do,” he said. ‘*We are both expert with them, and probably would kill each other, which the feud does not demand. Therefore i suggest that we take a recess of twenty minutes to half an hour to originate some better form of duel. The one suggesting the most ingenious and at the same time the fairest plan for both shall win the choice, Tow do you like it?” “Tam satisfied. Three disinterested parties shall be chosen to decide between our proposed methods, as regards which is the fairest, and at the same time the most novel.” ** Agreed!” Without another word the two foes separated and walked away. : Fred, the Sport, went to the Eldorado; Chap- man toward the supply-store, which also con- tained the post-cflice, ;
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RL re ib ee Cl ier en Fe Be oa % As for the denizens of that wild camp, they were in a feverish state of curiosity and excite- ment, Not only were they nonplused to know why these two strange men were such implacable enemies, but they were also curious to know which would be the lucky inventor of the most original plan for settling their quarrel, In the mean time the crowd did not leave their places about the Plaza, and Howlin’ Hatchet, the terror, having partly recovered from the shock of his fall, arose, and shook pelea as a great shaggy dog might have one. “*Whar’s ther galoot w’ot swiped me?” he bel- lowed, glaring ferociously around, ‘‘ Where is he, I say “Oh, he’ll be out here in a jiffy,” a by- stander assured, “‘an?-ef you want ter git off witha whole back, you’d better git up and puckachee!” ‘*What! me puckachee—me, the French- freckled Howlin’ Hatchet frum Cherry-tree? Oh, no! Nary a time, frum now ter twenty- seven o'clock! I’m a stayer, Lam, and heer I wait ontil he returns, By ther way, feller- paloods, I ain’t noslouch, ef I do look it, an’ yar I am, fer yeall ter gaze at. Aintla daisy, tho’? You bet; but ’tain’t every one as appreciates the wholesome fack. I’m a snorter, f am, an’ I’ve got whiskers on my eye-teeth, Don’t some anymile wanter come trim_’em? Hey ye all had a fair look at me? DoT look like @ darned fool? No sir-ee! Nor I ain’t. I hold ther key-note ter ther biggest secret in these hills, I do, an’ lam hyer ter be auctioned off ter the galoot what has got the most fun or money in him. Did any one say drink?” No one did. . All were evidently suspicious of the Honorable Mr, Howlin’ Hatchet, **'No one even sighed, hey? Oh! well, gents, ef ye don’t can afford ter giv’ us a treat, fer sake o? Parnin’ a secret worth millions o’ dol- lars, why I'm thet build I kin goit dry, as long as er nsas perarie in fly-time. Good-day, gents. When ary one 0’ ye wants ter spend five thousan’ on me fer a shampain supper, I’ve got ther purtiest little secret ter impart that ye'll find outside o’ a Presbyterian primmer. Day- day! I’m goin’ ter drink wi’ Howlin’ Hatchet ther Hilarious High-Horned Hummer, from Humpback!” and ‘‘the Hummer” swaggered away toward the Eldorado, with a significant grin upon his ugly visage. At any other time, his words might have at- tracted more attention; but just now the minds of the populace were literally carried away with excitement over the prospective duel. At the expiration of twenty minutes, the Sport from Gopher promptly appeared upon the Plaza with no alteration in his appearance, ex- ot that he was, if anything, calmer than be- ore, No one ventured to question him, for the crowd seemed to stand in awe of him, after witnessing the unceremonious manner in which he had handled the Howling Hatchet. Ten, fifteen, twenty minutes elapsed. Thena boy approached the Sport, from the direction of Chambers’s cabin, and said: \ : - ‘Mister, a feller told me to come, and say as | ward, Chapman and I—two of the bitterest of = Sa © Fred, the Sport. how he was called away on important bizness, but would see you later!” A smile of contempt lit up the Sport's face, as he turned toward the hotel. “The coward!” was his only comment, and that was inaudible, CHAPTER XII. TWO LETTERS. THE miners and hangers-on of the camp of course were mystified as much as before, and thoroughly disgusted because the duel did not come off, and unanimously voted Joe Chapman a coward. it did look rather suspicious, this strange ab- sence, considering the fact that he had been the aggressor. As for Fred, he sought the Eldorado, and tak- ing a cigar, he sauntered over to Goldie Glenn’s table. ** Business is not brisk?’ he remarked. **Not just at present. Won't you sit down?’ “Thank you. I will, for a moment,” And he took a seat facing her, ‘““T am so glad Mr. Chapman did not return,” she said, looking up at him earnestly. ‘TI should have so disliked to see you two gentlemen burt one another.” “Tn all probability but one of us would have been hurt,” he replied, dryly. ‘“ By the way, I see you are interested in Mr, Chapman, as he dubs himself, *“Oh, no—not more than a chance acquaint- ance, But is not his name Series “Not that lam aware of, But then he is the owner of so many aliases that it is hard to tell what his true name is.” “Indeed? I took him to be a gentleman, in every sense of the word. Do you know, wien I first met him I believed him to be you, who sent me the picture? Then, too, from the way he quizzed me, [ felt more assured, as I saw that he suspected me of being who I am.” “Not impossible. Since finding Jackson Chambers here, I have little doubt but what the Bostonian and he are together in the conspiracy against you.” “Ob, how cruel!” “Well, 1 am not prepared to say as to that. Do you know, some one is playing it very fine in this matter, or, eventually, will try to play it fine? Then, too, considering the message of your father, who knows but what, withoutour know!- edge, Chapman and myself may be the very two parties selected for Edna Leeds to choose be- tween?” ‘*That had not occurred tome, It might be 80, however.” ‘Certainly. Have you the message with you?” : ‘“\No, For fear I would lose it, I left it ina safe See in my tent, which Sam occupies dur- ing the day and s at night.” “Ah! well, don’t matter. What do you think of the new-comer—the cireus-gir]?” “IT do not know what to think of her, [ am sure, Itseems so very strange that two of us should happen to meet wko bear such a striking resemblance to one another.” “Very true. Yet, not half an hour after-
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20 Fred, the Sport. foes—encountered, This world is made up of | work, with his coat off, and silk hat crammed startling events. But the strangest question | back on his head, and he danced about and now agitating my mind is—which young lady is the real Edna Leeds?” ‘Why, Iam, to be sure!” “You say so, of course, but pardon me if I attach some little significance to Ma’m’selle Estelle’s coming to Brimstone Bar at this par- ticular time.” “Pooh! Allowing that we look alike, in every particular, I fail tosee why you should have-any reason to believe but what Iam the real Edna Leeds, Tho other girl knows nothing about the case.” “* That remains yet to be ascertained.” ** Even so, it is not probable that a home-bred girl, who has been aksent from home the short time Edna Leeds has, would, in that time, become an expert hat-thrower and circus char- acter,” “T might say the same in regard to flipping the pasteboards!” Fred laughed. “* However, let the comparisons drop. There’s a scheme on foot here to counterfeit the real | Edna Leeds, but whois at the push-end of it I haven’t definitely decided. If you are the real Edna, that other girl has been run in here, to fit into the scheme, If you are not the real Edna, and that other girl is, you are playing a cunning, a bold, and a desperate game, which I shall make it my business to expose and baffle. Do we rightly understand each other now?” ‘*T believe we do.” Her face was not while her hand tremb: with the cards, She did not allow her gaze to meet his as frankly as she had done before, and he hardly knew whether to regard this as a sign of modesty or of guilt. ‘*T have no hesitancy in asserting my identity if it becomes necessary to distinguish me from this other girl,” she continued, after a pause. ** Although I have but few of my former effects with me, I could easily have them proven as be- longing to the true Edna.” As a couple of men sauntered up just then to try their hands at a game with the Card Queen, Fred arose, and bowed himself. out of her presence, ‘“*A woman is an enigma, at best,” he mut- tered, as he left the Eldorado, and walked off toward the post-office, ‘ ladmire that girl, yet something seems to tell me that sho is not Edna Leeds, owever, I did not take a decided fancy to the circus girl. She did not thank me for interfering with the ruffian in her behalf. I wonder where she is,” He glanced upon the Plaza, and saw that lively preparations were being made for the circus, Five or six wagons pale. but rather flushed, ed a trifle,as she toyed been drawn upon the pie and were being unloaded. The main tent was not yet up, but several smaller tents had already been put up, probably for the accommodation of the performers and horses. The yenturesome showman had pushed thus far, at great risk, so as to be the show, and reap the first harvest in the Coour d’Alene re- gion, when spring shovld fully open, and the stampede of gold lunatics” should occur. Signor Valeri was busy superintending the yelled like a Comanche, - Seeing nothing of Estelle or La Rode any= where, Fred the Sport continued on toward the post-office. Not that he expected any mail, as it was seldom he received any, His surprise, therefore, was great when, on inquiring, he was handed out two letters—the first he had received since corresponding with Edna Leeds, One of these wasa large envelope, buff-col- Hite on which was scrawled his name in pale ink, The other one wasa delicate envelope, direct- ed by a pretty, feminine hand. He started as he gazed at the chirography. It was like to that employed by Edna Leeds in her letters. ‘* What does this mean?” hemuttered. ‘Can it be—” $ He did not pause to finish the sentence, but curbing his curiosity, he opened the larger en- velope first, There was but a scrap of paper within, upon which was scribbled the following: “Frep THE Sport:—Beware, lest you get en- tangled. Quagmires all around you, ““Deapiy Drop.” ‘Phew! Worse, and more of it!” Fred mut- tered. ‘‘ Now, who is this Deadly Drop, and what interest has he got in the matter? By my soul, I’ve a notion to believe John Leeds’s story, and come to the conclusion that the Old Nick really has broken loose. I don’t know of a bet- ter view to take of it.” He next opened the other missive, 7 “Mr. Frep tue Sport,” it began; “you will be surprised to receive t..is, but, having arrived in Brimstone Bar, I would like to see you privately, in regard to the matters of my father, touching which you sent me a strange document when I was living with Mr. Jackson Chambers, in N- Call to-night at two A.M, Very Respectfully, ‘*EpnA LEEDS, $4 Es telle.)” “Pp. 8. Please excuse'me for inviting you at such an unseemly hour, but I donot want Varieri to know of it. La Rode will be with me. He doesn’t under- stand a word of English, you know,” “Or, rather, I don’t know a blamed thing about it,” Fred muttered, ‘“‘ The devilis to pay, and where’s the funds to come from, figurative- ly speaking, to pay him with? Ah! I have it! Goldie Glenn is raising *em, at the card table. Ha! ha! Happy. thought! Happy situation, too, T’ll be shotif it ain’t! Wonder how—which —where—when—blame it—what—oh bosh!” And entirely out of patience, the Gopher Sport strode away, provoked at himself, and the most bothered man in Brimstone Bar, CHAPTER XIII. THE MEETING AT DARK RUN. Axovut dusk, that evening, Booth Barron was prowling along Coour @’Alene trail, near Brim- stone Bar, waiting until it was dark enough to venture into the camp without being recognized, when he suddenly found himself face to face with Joe Chapman, the wrestler. : The two appeared to know one another, for they shook hands familiarly,
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Fred, the Sport. } “Well, how goes it?’ Barron demanded, in his gruff manner, ‘ Things working all right?” **T can’t complain. Now that I’ve got all the points, I am satisfied I can make a case of it,” “Tam not sorry to hear that. Vm in ses eS we can raise some greenbacks before long. My wallet is as thin as a wassup’s stinger, after a hard winter.” “ We, you say?” “Certainly! Aint that right?” rs laughed, grimly, ; ‘Well, I should decline negatively!” he de- clared, ‘* What is to be made | can take care of without the least inconvenience,” **But, look here! What’ll J get if you propose to gobble all? * Why, you'll get left!” **¥ don’t believe that you'll play crooked with me, Joe Chapman. You promised to whack up the spoils with me?” “Nothing more natural, sir. A man will do a great deal nowadays to gain a poinf, you know!” ‘* Then you did not intend to keep-the promise when you made it?” **T was uncertain about it.” **You are a black-hearted scoundrel, Joe Chapman!” Booth Barron cried, hotly, ‘* Hasy—easy |” Chapman returned, with pro- yoking coolness. ‘I don’t mind being called bad names; and besides, you must have been as great a scoundrel as myself, or you would not have associated with me. Now, look here, Barron, you are a murderer, and I have the power to arrest you if I choose. Vd be a fool to share any spoils with you, and I give you a chance to get out of the Bar.” **Curse you, no! I ain’t the man to be so cheated—oh, no, not I. Ill stay here, and if you don’t do the fair shake by me, rh expose your whole game!” “You will not!” * And how will you help yourself?” “Pll tell you. You see, having worked you for what’s in you, I have come to the conclusion thattyou are in my way, and I must have you out of it.” ‘Tm every inch as good as you are, as you'll find.” The Boston Wrestler dil not reply. His hands had been in his coat pockets, all along. Suddenly, as Barron ceased to speak, there z by a sudden report, and Barron staggered, and ell, At the same instant a hand fell upon Chap- man’s shoulder, and an awed voice cried; “George Chapman, you,too,are a murderer?” It was Cherry Chambers who spoke, With a bitter curse, Chapman wrenched _ himself away, and fled, That evening, the little camp was literally flooded with handbills, announcing that Mlle. Estelle would, at midnight, walk a slack-rope. without aid of balance-pole or other artificia means, the rope to be stretched from the top of the roof-peak of the Eldorado Saloon,at an angle of forty-five degrees, to the Plaza, below, Hs- telle was to light her dangerous path, by carry- _ ing a blazing torch in either hand, The same bills announced that Varleri’s great show would be open, the following afternoon, presenting a carnival of wonders, The evening passed quietly. There were no fights, and everybody seemed to hold aloof from the usual bacchanal sports, soas to be in proper ‘fighting trim” for the morrow. About eight o’clock, it might have been no- ticeable that a number of the prominent roughs of the camp were absent from their usual haunts, but few of the populace noticed the fact. - An hour later, a group of men were assem- bled on the Coeur d’Alene trail, at the mouth of Dark Run—a, forbidding place, well fitted for the transaction of almost any crime, Tower- ing mountains arose on either hand, and the Run, which branched off the trail, was a seam penetrating, seemingly, into the bowels of the range. The men thus congregated were fifteen in number, roughly dressed, and mostly masked— those who were not masked being disguised by clever wigs and false beards. They appeared to be waiting for new ar- rivais, and in the course of five minutes five more men, similarly disguised, put in an ap- pearance, a“ Then, at the motion of one, who appeared to be captain, the gang squatted upon the ground, the leader alone remaining in a standing position, “Well, boys,” he said, glancing over the party, searchingly. ‘‘I am pleased to seo here present all I have summoned, Though none of you know who I am,Tam in a measure ac- quainted with you all, and am satisfied that you are men who can be trusted, and who are willing to undertake the job we have before us, and push it through, to success, even though we have to go through fire and blood to achieve our end!” There was an instant murmur of approval, and El Captain went on: ‘*In me you have one who will lead you witbout fear, and if we fail, it shall not be my fault. Now, to business. There is a general un- derstanding that one John Raphael Leeds, some years ago cached an immense fortune in gold, in or about the present town of Br?mstone Bar, On what is this understanding based?” “Dunno as fer that,” exclaimed one of the men, ‘’cept that a pard o’ mine, named Melk- ton, once found a paper, stating as how John Leeds had that day buried his fortune in gold. It appeared like the leaf o’ a memorandum, From Job the story spread to others, an’ ye know a story never loses for the tellin’.” “Was the memorandum anything like this?” the captain asked, and taking from his pocket a document, he read the contents aloud. ‘ It was word for word the same message as Goldie Glenn had shown Fred—the singular tale John Raphael Leeds had left behind, to mystify those who should read it, “That’s about the same thing,” the man as- sented; ‘‘anybow, thar was a gal mixed up in it, and so forth, an’ I presume ef Job war alive oN he’d say this war like what he had,” ee “Well,” El Captain resumed, ‘you'll all
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22 agree that this is a rather extraordinary docn- ment, and possibly is the creation of a dis ordered brain; but it still is reasonable to believe that the buried fortune does exist. The old fel- low no doubt struck it rich, and cached it; then his good fortune and fear commingled knocked him off his base, and he feared to unearth his treasure, lest he be robbed of it, and wrote this document with an idea of using lunatic strategy as the motif of placing his child in possession of the fortune.” ** He must be a smart crazy man!” one of the band observed, “Of course. There are plenty of instances where men and women are seat crazy, and are yet so rational and cunning that their de- mentia is not discovered for some time. It may be so with Leeds. But, now, before we proceed further, it may be well to perfect our -organiza- tion. Do you all-solemnly swear, by all the sacred ties of earth and heaven, to follow and obey me, as your ruler and captain, until such time as we shall find John Leeds’s buried trea- sure, performing whatsoever acts your leader shall deem necessary, and clinging to one an- other like brothers, to the very death? Rise, with uplifted hands, and swear?!” The niaeteen men obeyed, and there, in_ the grim shadows of Dark Run, the oath was taken. “The penalty of treachery or deception, in any form, is death!” E! Captain announced. ‘* Now, commencing at the mig it, as you siand, you will be known as Z, Y, X, W, and so on, in rotation, until the nineteenth man is reached, who willbe A. You may now sit down.” They did so, when El Captain produced a jug from aclump of bushes, and pi if around. When all hands had taken a formidable swig, he went on: ‘* Now, be it known to you or not, there are two persons in this town who claim to be Edna Leeds, the daughter of John Leeds, and con- sequently the heir to his gold. One of these is the female gambler of the Eldorado, Goldie Glenn. The other is the nowly-arrived circus girl, Estelle. As you may bave noticed, they are perfect counterparts, in point of personal resemblance, and it is hard to tell which is which, I do not know myself, nor am I able to give an opinion in favor of either. It will, I think, be a hard matter to decide which is the genuine, and which is the bogus Edna. Both claim to be the true heir; both ars armed with documents similar to that I possess; both claim to have run away from tkeir guardian, one Jackson Chambers, in the East; aud old Cham- bers, who is here after the right one, is uzzled to know which is which. The girl, Glenn, I never met until] I came to Brimstone Bar. The circus girl I met several weeks ago, further East, but at that time T knew nothing of the strange documents, nor that she claimed to be other than whom she was represented to be on the show bills.” “How came these two girls to two documents so exactly alike?” Letter H asked. “That is an enigma, in one sense. Jt ap- pours; from all I can learn, that the fellow, ed the Sport, was the person to whom Jobn Leeds assigned the original message, to be transmitted to his daughter in the East, Both Fred, the Sport. girls claim that they received corresponden: and a document, from him. So you see, the matter is as much mixed as ever. It, howevor, places the Sport in rather a peculiar light, does it not?” _ There was a decided grunt of assent from the listeners, ““ Now, you remember,” El Captain went on, “the clause I read you in the message, where Satan, speaking to Leeds, mentioned that two suitors, should be sent, for the choice of the girl. It looks as if Fred were the one, he being originally intrusted with the message, Does it not stand to reason that, not being certain whether he will be the chosen one of the two, he means to win, hit or miss, and has therefore put forward the second claimant, in hopes of winning through her—whichever the false one may be?” “ You're right,” Letter X cried, “‘it does look decidedly that way. The fellow is a ‘scaly cus- tomer, at best.” “Correct! It looks very likely that he knows which girlis which, and intends to play to win, between them. He is, as a consequence, in our way, and tke soonor he is fot out of it the better it will be to our interests,” **T)’ye think he knows where the treasure is?” “No. But if he is left to roam about loose. he is liable to find it in advance of us.” ** You're right. The Sport must die!” The words were uttered simultaneously by a chorus of rough voices, “There is another thing to mention,” El Cap- tain added, “in connection with the strange message. 1 have been turning the matter over in my mind, and have about come to the con- clusion that the unknown terror, Deadly Drop, who haunts the vicinity of Brimstona Bar, is the same thing or being that the message prom- ises shall guard over Leeds’s daughter.” “Not at all impossible,” Letter H assumed. “T hope the accursed thing will give us a wide berth.” “Which it will, if we work together and in secret, as we must needs do if we hope to suc- ceed with our plans. Ove more proposal I have to make: Weare now united as a brotherhood and our object is plunder. Should we be dis- covered we would _ be branded as outlaws. Why not, then, take advantage of it—take time by the forelock, as it were, and make an honest nny while we are awaiting possession of the ‘ortune? To-morrow evening, between eight and nine, the first stage from eels oe to Brimstone will come down this trail freighted with Coeur d’Alene gold. Shall we permit it to reach Brimstone, or do we need some of the auriferous ourselves? That is the question now before the house.” “T opine we do want some o’ that same,” Letter I declared, ae Pw I second the motion,” chimed in Let ter H. : The others readily accorded their assent, not a man hesitating. ‘Then the matter is settled!” El Captain de- cided. ‘All bands will meet here to-morrow night at eight o’clock, armed and ready for business. In the mean time, if anything occurs — in Brimstone Bar necessitating the ying of
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| } Fred, the Sport. i our forees for immediate action, a rocket sent | up from the rear of the Eldorado will be the | signal. {will now dismiss you and _ we will all » quietly await our chance at John Leeds’s for- _ tune. I feel satisfied that something will, ere long, turn up to give us a clew.” The band then broke up the caucus and dis- persed. as CHAPTER XIV. ’ THE MIDNIGHT ROPE-WALK. BRIMSTONE BAR was up late that night, or at least its people were; for, as the soaring moon cast its brilliant shower of light down upon the wild young town at twelve o’clock, it disclosed the fact that a large crowd thronged the Plaza— a mixture of many kinds of folk, such as went to make up the populace. No need to ask why the commotion, Estelle, the circus beauty, was to disport her- self upon the slack-rope for the edification of the denizens of the camp and as an advertise- ment for Varleri’s Tented Congress of Novel- ties, which, on the morrow, would be happy to welcome the Bar-ites and their shekels, The Plaza had been somewhat monopolized by the spread of canvas; still there was room for _ the sight-seers, a large percentage of whom ap- peared to ‘‘ feel their oats,” so to speak, judging y the noise they made, Old Howlin’ Hatchet was there, full up to the neck, and cutting up so many drunken capers that he was rather an attraction in himself. Twice did he essay to walk up the rope, which was fastened from a stake in the Plaza to the roof-peak of the Eldorado, but in each instance did he tumble off and go sprawling to the ground, “Oh, I ain’t no hog—I know when the swill’s exhausted!” he Jugubriously snorted, after the last attempt. “TI fan't walk er rope, ner 1 can’t fling a bat, but I tell ye I can jest git up an’ git, and kerry ther biggest secret as ever did exist. I do—I, ther great and only Howlin’ Hatchet, o? Cherrytree, Washington county, Georgia, An’, reckomember, gentle galoots, that ther secret is fer sale, ter ther highest bidder. Ah! what— did I hear some one cry ten million dollars? Whar is he? Show him terme. Ten million an’ not a cent: less will I listen to, as a starter. Ten Tve got! ten I’ve got! Who says twenty?” But no “galoot” even breathed ‘“ twenty,” and so, with a sickly grin, the bullwhacker turned a clumsy handspring for diversion, When twelve o’clock came, the multitude be- gan to grow impatient, and anxious for Madem- oiselle Estelle to make herself manifest. If they _ hadn’t spent en admission fee to see the show, it had cost a round sum for their indulgence in _ “rust-killer,” and they wanted some return for their money. Fred the Sport stood leaning against a brace of the cireus tent, idly engaged in smoking a cigar, and watching the different faces and phases around bim. He hed come to see Estelle walk the rope. By watching her he hoped to be able to satisfy himself whether she was the true Enna Leeds or the false, a thing he bad not yet been able to decide, The handsome Sport from Gopher was occu- pied in bis cogitations, when he felt a touch upon his arm, and was surprised to see Goldie Glenn standing by his side. She had a fur dolman* flung about her, and n saucy little sealskin cap upon her head, and looked irrepressibly pretty and captivating. ‘Excuse me, pray,” she said, smiling, ‘but I did so want to get a good view of the—the sen- sation;” with a roguish twist of the pretty lips —‘‘and I wanted to ask you if I might consider myself under your protection, for a few min- utes,” “ Why, certainly. I shall be delighted to be- come your chaperon, Miss Glenn. I was just puzzling my brain with a little enigma!” “Oh! what is it? I love enigmas.” “You must adore yourself, then—eh? But the enigma I was pondering on—how is the fair Estelle ever going to waJk up that rope without falling off, and breaking ber neck?” “Oh! dear. I bate to think of such things, What if she should fall and break her neck?” ‘Why, I should then think there was a chance of her being the real Edna!” ** And if she gained the top in safety?” **T should not take so many chances on it,” “Then, not wishing her neck any ill luck, I hope she won’t be able to perform the feat!” Goldie said, with a pouting laugh, ‘‘ Ab! here she comes now!” The crowd parted, and Mademoiselle Estelle was seen approaching, on ber way to the rope, carrying two unlighted torches in ber band, As she was passing where Fred and Goldie was standing, she raised ber eyes and flashed the Gopher Sport a quick, pleasant glance, at the same time accompanying it with a graceful inclination of the Lead, He doffed his hat, but whether she saw the action or not he could not tell, Goldie’s hand fairly pinching bis arm, recalled him to bis senses. “Do you know her? Have you spoken with her? she demanded, in a quick, low, passionate voice, »He tried to conceal a sense of annoyance he felt, as he looked down on her. ‘* What! you are not jealous of your counter- part, are jis he replied, evasively. “Ves I am!” she said, impetuously, “ But you bave not answered my questions,” ‘Well, to be truthful, I shall have to answer ‘No’ to both of them,” he smiled. ‘I have not as yet had the honor of an interview with made- moiselle, She has notified me, however, of her presence here.” * Ah! she pretends to know you, then?” “*Tt would appear so.” Goldie was silent a moment, ‘Well, I have told you whol am,” she said, after a pause: “‘and you must be your own judge whether I have been falsifying to you or not, Ab!” There was a sudden glare of light. Estelle’s torches were ignited, and she had stepped upon the rope with one of the burning brands in either hand, held above her head on either side. The illy-stretched rope swayed dangerously beneath her feet, : ; A strange, awed bush pervaded the threng of spectators, Even the boosiest bummer in the = ce * - ; { ; 1 \ 4 al
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semblage felt constrained to silence until the girl’s » erie feat should have been accom- lished, 2 Fred and the Card Queen watched with breath- less interest. Signor Varleri stood at the foot of the rope, as did La Rode, while several others of the cir- cus people were near, Three steps upon the swaying rope—then Es- telle balanced herself upon one foot, and waved the torches at the audience. Then facing abont, she slowly but steadily be- gan the ascent, the swaying rope threatening every instant to precipitate her to the ground. She retained her equilibrium, however, with raceful ease, and steadily advanced until final- y, amid thundering cheers, she steppec from the rope to the solid roof, and throwing dowu her torches, kissed her hand to the audience, She then moved along the roof to the scuttle, out of view, but soon reappeared upoa the Plaza from within the Eldorado. Here she was greeted with another ovation of applause, and it was with difficulty Varleri could open the passage through the assemblage to her tent. *“* What do you think of her?’ Fred asked, as he conducted Goldie toward the Eldorado, “T do not like her,” was the quick response. * She is wily, scheming—/false!” : th Perhaps! How late does the Eldorado keep “* It will be daybreak ere it closes now.” “Good. I will see you again between now and morning. I will put you to a test to sat- isfy me which of you two girls is the true Edna Leeds.” “T am ready to meet it now; I may not be at the Eldorado when you come,” * f will ran the chances; I prefer to have time for thought, Ah! here we are, Aw revoir |” a with a courteous bow, he left her at the oor, As he turned away, he fancied he heard a stifled sob, and looked quickly around, but she had disappeared. CHAPTER XV. THE TESTS. Frep THE Sport was resolved to settle in ‘this mind before he slept that night, the one roblem that was agitating him—was Goldie lenn the real Edna Leeds, or was she a shrewd, wily, accomplished schemer, and an impostor? It yet lacked an hour and a half, when he turned away from the Eldorado, ere he could see Mademoiselle Estelle, and so he wandered out of the camp and along the Coeur d’Alene trail. He had no thought or fear of being followed, and therefore guarded his movements with no particular caution. When he had gone what he believed to bea about a mile, he turned and retraced his foot- steps, his mind busy with thoughts of Goldie, whom he had grown to regard with a some- ° what stronger feeling mere than fancy, Suddenly, and without any warning, three masked men leaped upon him from behind a bowlder, and attacked him with heavy clubs, Leaping back, he drew a revolver and tired ‘twice upon them, dropping two of the party Fred, the Sport. instantly; but ere he dould fire the third shot the revolver was clubbed from his grasp, and a second blow alongside the head brought him { to his knees. Then the assailant drop the club, and fell upon him, forcing him back to the ground, Resolved to give him a hard struggle, the sport threw bis powerful arms about the fel- a low’s body and drew him iuto a bear-like hug. / An instant later he was astonished to find that the man did not move a muscle toward continuing the attack. Rolling him off witffout any trouble, he pro- ceeded to make au examination, and was elec- trified to find that biood was oozing from a small bullet-hole in the center of the dead man’s forehead, bh ‘The Deadly Drop!” escaped Fred’s lips. ‘‘T must be a favored one, for, if I mistake not, | this is the second time I have been delivered by this unseen avenger.” He arose and looked carefully around him but even by aid of the brilliant moonlight failed , discover any trace of the mysterious Deadly rop. “By the gods! there is something infernally strange about the happenings in and about | Brimstone Bar!” he muttered; ‘and I faucy I f won’t be’ sorry when my mission in these parts $ is ended.” Removing the mask from the face of the dead man, he made the discovery that it was none other than the local desperado, Jack 1 Homer. \ y A similar examination of the other two as- | sailants resulted in the finding of Bije Buzzard, | | chief of the Rope and Limb Boys, and another hard-looking character whom Fred did not rec- \ { ognize. The latter two ruffians were simply badly wounded, but not knowing what else to do, Fred left them lying where they had fallen. He then continued on his way to Brimstone Bar, and reached the yicinity of Estelle’s tent . at the appointed hour. Except across the Plaza, in the immediate vicinity of the Eldorado, the camp was wrapped in quiet. ne tent designated by Estelle in her letter contained a dimly-burning light, and as Fred F approached the entrance she stepped forth to meet him, “Ah! IT have been waiting for you, and am so glad you came,” she ssid, putting forth her hands, * Walk in. La Rode is dozing on the cot.” Not without some doubts as to whether — he was doing altogether right or not, Fred bart t ed, and was given a stool to sit upon, while the fair counterpart of Goldie Glenn occupied a similar seat, “Do you know, I have feared we would never ' reach this town, and I have been so anxious. > too!’ she said, ‘I did not write you when i : left the Chambers place because I did not know | whether I could reach you at Eagle City or not, > Thad no money, and at first di. not know how =; Ishould get here—but to get here I was Bound, — after reading papa’s strange message. I man- aged to reach New York, and there saw an ad- vertisement for young ladies to learn the circus — business, I applied, was accepted, and by care- 2
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‘one of you two, out of a name, in : _ will have no trouble in proving me to 5 ET eI A Fred, the Sport. a ful and conscientious efforts succeeded so well, that Mr. Varleri saw me, and offered me a chance to come with his ‘snap’ show to this wild country. And here I am!’ **T received a note to the efiect that you were here,” Fred observed, ‘t And allow me to add that Iam somewhat surprised to see you so far advanced in your profession for the short time you have been at it.” ‘There is little surprising about it when you come to consider that I was placed under an ex- cellent tutor, and then, too, I proved to have an aptitude for the business. hat has turned up that is of interest to me since I last heard from you?” “Oh! very little of importance, YSur former guardian, Jackson Chambers, has ar- rived here in search of you.” “The monster! Oh! mercy, what shall [I do? I would not meet him for worlds!” “You need do nothing. I fancy he will not pirecips to molest you.” “Thope not. Iloathe and despise him, Is dear, sweet-tempered Cherry with him? She is such a nice girl!” “His daughtor is here, By the way, Miss Leeds, I suppose you have your father’s message with you?” : “Oh! yes, indeed! Such a strange, incom- prehensible thing it is too,” and she drew a document from her pocket and gave it to him. ‘*Has anything new been learned about my r demented papa, or the treasure he purports have buried?” “Nothing in particular,” Fred answered, as he drew near the light. His face was perfectly composed as he close- ly serutnized the message. He at last folded it up, satisfied that it was in every respect a counterpart of the one he had seen iu possession of Goldie Glenn! ‘* Nothing in particular, except that there are various parties endeavoring to find the treasure, and appropriate it to their own use. There is also another young lady in this camp who claims to be Edna Leeds!” “What nonsense! You mean the young lady who stood with you to-night?” ‘* Yes; and she is the very image of you.” ‘** Merely a chance resemblance.” “That may be, but it also happens that she has a document like this and that I sent it to her when she was in the Hast.” “Indeed! How very strange! Why, I don’t know what to make of it. never expected any one would try to cheat me out of my very name,” : é “Well, an attempt is being made to cheat The fact of itis, young lady, one of you two is a most ‘dangerons impostor, and believing that I am one of the two favored ones designated in the message @8 Suitors for the hands of Edna Leeds, T have an interest in detecting which one is the impostor.” “Oh! I’m so glad of that, From what I have seen of yom my Confidence is already so great i that I feel easier, because I know you be the genuine Edna.” tas, Never once did the keen, searching gaze of the Sport from Gopher leave the girl’s earnest, pretty face, and, skilled student of human nature that he was, he was secretly forced to confess that he was puzzled. For the life of him, he could not have made a positive decisiou, whether he was facing the genuine or the impostor, so artlessly earnest did this girl seem. “| shall try to deal fairly!” he declared, ris- ing and buttoning his coat. ‘ After due medi- tation, I havo arrived at two tests—one for you, one for the other girl. As they shall determine I shall work out the exposure.” “Good. Isee you are a natural born Cetec- tive, . “Oh! no. By the way, what co you think of the marriage part of your father’s message?” ‘Just this: money nor any other considera- tion, could tempt me to wed a man whom f did not love, I would forfeit a dozen such fortunes, as my father purports to have left, rather than marry his choice for my husband, did I not like him.” : “Well, 1 must say [admire your frankness, and womanly spirit!” Fred confessed, candidly, “T must be going now. Iwill sce you again, at another,time.” “ But, your test?” “‘T will give you the easiest one, reserving the hardest one for the other rival, Have you the first letter I wrote you?” ‘““Thave not. I destroyed all I received from ou, except your photograph, which is in the ttom of my trunk yonder. Do you wish to see it to-night?” Oh, no! I will not put you to that trouble. I can see it to-morrow as well, I will now bid you good-evening,” and with a bow, Fred left the tent. ‘*Oh, heaven!” he mused, as he left her fed ence, “must I, after all, believe Goldie ‘alse, just when I have begun to—” He shut his lips tightly together, and moved rapidly away. The sky had become overcast, and gloom pervaded the Plaza. Suddenly Fred saw a shadow moving ahead of him, and some impulse caused him to leap forward. His hand fell upon the shoulder of Goldie Glenn, and he wheeled her around, facing him. “Goldie!” he ejaculated, reproachfully. ‘* You were listening!” With a gasp, she attempted to release herself; but he held her firmly. “ Please let me go,” she stammered, I—I— couldn’t help it!” “There, now, don't say a word, I do not blame you, Perhaps you had a right to spy. Goldie, listen; You heard me give her the test. Are you ready to receive yours?” She was silent a moment, then responded in a choked way: “Yes,” a “Well, don’t tremble, It is not hard if you are the true Edna, Have you the first lettor I sent you” es, ‘Once more: What was the name of the post- office at which you received the message 2” “Tt was at Elkland.” . “Thank God!” Fred ejaculated, “Edna, you are Edna, beyond dispute, and I loye you. I 4
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; | f should have told you this to-night, had your answer been what it might. Here and now, as an honorable man, and regardless of any future developments, 1 ask you, will you be my wife?” His arm was about her waist, and he knew that she was trembling violently. “You surprise me,” she said, finally, in a faint voice. ‘‘I cannotanswer younow. Come to me to-morrow, at nine, and I will give you your answer.” She then released herself, and darted away toward her tent. CHAPTER XVI. ARCH PLOTTING. AFTER leaving the presence of the Sport from Gopher, Goldie ‘Glenn hurried directly toward her own tent, where her servant, Sam, stood faithfully at his post of = duty. Her cheeks were burning, and her bosom heaved rapidly; but otherwise she betrayed none of the excitement she felt. ** Well, Sam, have you seen any one prowling about since I’ve been gone?” “Deed an’ I habn’t missy. Eberyt’ing done be a about de tent.” “That is good, Keep a vigilant watch until daybreak, Sam.” And so saying, the Card ueen passed into her tent and lit the lautern. Then she sat down, as on the previous nights, and counted up her little store of money which the cards had won her, A i sen ery escaped her when she summed all up, for she had exactly ten thousand dollars —the price of her father’s ransom, “Oh, how glad I am!” she murmured. “I had no idea I had so much, Ten thousand dol- lars! What shall I ever do with it to keep it safe?” ° ** Be kind h to hand it over tome, and I will deliver it to the one to whom it belongs!” Goldie’s blood nearly froze in her veins, as she heard the words uttered, as they were, in a ree: sepulchral whisper. he scarcely dared look up, so great was her terror; but when she gained the courage to do so, she felt somewhat reassured by discovering the ugly bullwhacker, Howling Hatchet, stand- ing near her, with folded arms, he had expected to seesome hideously horned envoy of Satan confronting her. “Sh! not a word aloud, at the peril o’ yer life!” the Howling Hatchet hissed. ‘‘ Yeneedn’t be afeard o’ me, fer ’m as harmless as a’skeeter sin winter. I am sent to wait upon ye for Jobn Leeds’s ransom-money. I am the agent of the man who holds John Leeds aprisoner, That man’s name is Satan!” Goldie gazed at him in mute astonishment, not unmingled with disgust. **You are an impostor and a ruffian!” she fiercely breathed, laying her hand upon the money. “Don’t ye believe it, gal. I have the power to set your father free, or forever lose him to this outer world, Look at me—I am the living representative of the ruler of the infernal re- om and I have come for your money. Shall bave it or not?” Fred, the Sport. The character of his speech was risibly changed, and his tones, though he spoke but in a whisper, were stern and anthoritative, Goldie’s face was pale, but by a great effort she retained her courage. ‘* You shall not have the money until I have satisfactory proof that my father will be releas- ed, and restored to me!” she cried, fi *mly. “* The proof is forthcoming!” Howling Hatchet replied, advancing to the table, and laying down a piece of paper. ‘“‘ Read that, and satisfy your- self that it is correct.” Goldie did so. j 7 The contents of the paper were as follows: ss “Brrstonge Bar, April —, 188—. * Received of Edna Leeds, known as Goldie Glenn, female gambler, the sum of ten thousand dollars, in payment for the release from captivity of her father, John Raphael Leeds. “* (Signed) Saran, King OF THE INFERNO. “ Per his authorized Ag’t, Howling Hatchet.”” “Pp.S. Thereby testify to the correctness of the above. Joun R, Leeps.” “The last is certainly my father’s chinpgens phy,” Goldie cried, excitedly. ‘‘Thank God, then, he still lives!” = “Are you now satisfied?’ Howling Hatchet + demanded, gruffly, I- “<'Yes! yes! Take the money, and go set my aa father free. You are more than welcome to it,” vi **Ttis well! Preserve this receipt. Lose it ¥ under ho circumstance or condition or you wi'l poereh it!” saying, tho Howling Hatchet scooped the : ey a - tale ink, a peovae perk, and Fs isappeared under the back side of, the tent, as i ’ quisetys as he had come, leaving Goldie dazed =f and bewildered, as she stared at the receipt. = About an hour before the time Fred visited 5 Estelle’s tent, Joe Chapman entered the Eldo- rada, and took a sharp look around the apart- ment, as if searching for some one. Not finding the person he wanted, among the noisy habitues, he took his departure as unceremoniously as he had entered. . As he left the saloon, a rough-looking cus- tomer, evidently a miner, approached and seized him by the arm, A ‘Sh! not a word!” the man warned. “Iam Jackson Chambers, and I want you. Come!” The detective gave him a doubtful glance, but | accompanied him without a word. They walked res and were soon in one of — the gaps, east of the camp, where the moonlight did not penetrate, but the waters roared. * Now, then, what do you want?’ Chapman demanded, pausing, and evidently not of anin- — clination to go any further. F Se “Want?” Chambers peered, facing bim, want toknow what playing me false you’d not live an hour.” “Oh! I den’t know about that. But don’t fre yourself. Ihave never once thongat of playing you false, I'm working the game in our mutual interests, and you ought to be content to lay by, and lock on,” : a
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“But, lam not. I want an insight into the matter, Who is this new-comer?” ‘* Estelle, you mean?” “ Yes.” “* Why, she is Edna Leeds, of course.” “Bah! I do not believe if.” “You'd be a fool if you did. Nevertheless, she is Edna Leeds, You understand?” “ Well!” “Well, [have fitted her out with all requi- sites, and learnt her her little lesson, and you can bet she is as quick as lightning to catch on. I’ve sized up the other girl, and have made up my mind we can’t do much with her, backed as she is by Fred. Our only grip, is through Estelle.” “Who is she?” “That matters not. When I sent for ker, I knew the sort of a bonanza I was laying hold of.” “TLikely. What is the difficulty between you and Fred, the Sport?” “That is emphatically none of your business, “Oh! you needn’t bristle up. I know you are brothers, and suppose you’ve had a row over some love affair, But, as_ you say, it 1s none of my business, of course. Goon with what you have to say.” “Well, you see, as I before remarked, our only hope tes in this girl Estelle, She is bold, quick-witted, and capable of facing a cannon, if ee Si “* But how are you going to utilize her?” “Leave that tome, In the first place, I have posted her on the circumstances of the case, in all particulars up to the present day. “Secondly, I have armed her, and myself, with an exact copy of the message Leeds sent to his daughter,” — eR Shes, se Captain?” - am, nd, accordin ou must Fitton» , BY, “Tam Letter H” Very well. We now understand each other still better.” “But, hold. How is it I reeéived my notice from another, whom I naturally supposed would be captain?” “So did I. You refer to Booth Barron?” At Yes.” “Well, I concluded the fellow was unsafe, and after working him for all there was in him, I concluded I was more fit to head the movement than he,” “Ah! you—” pean “ Was forced, in self-defense, to kill him.” Jackson Chambers shuddered. _ Rank yillain though he was, he had never yet stooped to do murder. «+,¥0U need not care,” Chapman went on. oe retribution on him, for killing your “Perha i work the matte: the duplicate mace tau sips “Easily. I secretly visited the Glenn girl’s tent, yesterday, borrowed the message from among her effects, made two exact copies of it, . and escaped—all while the ni lept.” * You are a trump,” = ead “You. do me proud,” with a dry laugh. _“ Now, there are two points we must yet make. Fred, the Sport. -O 27 First, we must place in Estelle’s possession the photo of Fred the Sport.” “Easy enough, have that. behind,” ‘Good! Next, we must secure the two letters written to her by the Sport.” “ That will not be so easy.” ““T fear not. But, come; let’s go back to my quarters, Fred is to have an interview with Hstelle, and then she will report tome, There may be news to work on.” ** But, look here; [ cannot see my way clear yet. In case we succeed in establishing this ad- venturess as the real Edna, what profit is to be derived from the fact” “That remains to be seen, In some manner or other the real Edna must be put out of the way. Estelle shall then be provided with cap- ital to free her pretended father, We will lie in wait, in the background, and as soon as the gold is brought to light we will help ourselves, with Estelle’s connivance, and akin’ , “Then why this organized band? “A dodge to keep ’em together and from blundering into our case or upon the cache. If worst comes to worst, and they unearth the gold, we stand in for a share of it, you know!” Chambers stared at the arch villain incredu- lously. “Tf think I see clearly, now,” he said, “all but one point: Where's this ten thousand dol- lars to come from with which old Leeds is to be rausomed?” Chapman shrugged his shoulders, ‘You ought to be retired to the home for incurables!” hereturned. ‘* Do yousuppose l’ve been in the detective service for years without now and then collecting little budgets of the ‘queer’ from ‘crooks’ who were not anxious for prison honors, as well as some solid collat.? Oh, no! Ihave some very fine specimens of the art—more than enough,in amount, to straighten out any contingent difficulties, So you see we are all fixed, and if we don’t win we ought.to go with those of our fraternity whom Justice Edna left it has given free passage to other parts.” They retraced ,their footsteps toward Brim- stone Bar, both rather congratulating them- | selves that they held the “bulge” side of the game and were bound to win, CHAPTER XVII. CHAMBERS REPENTS. PROBABLY neither Fred nor Edna Leeds, otherwise Goldie Glenn, had any idea ‘that their interview on the Plaza had been overheard; but such was a fact. No sooner had they parted than a light figure darted away, and directly entered the larger of the small tents. It was Mademoiselle Hstelle. Her face was flushed with passion, her eyes nee dangerously, and her bands were clinched, - : “So he loves her, eh, when J tried so hard, and thought I nearly had him in my power!” she hissed, pacing to and fro, “Ob, how it roused the fire in my beart when I heard him declare his love for her! But stop! I am not ten yet. I will not be beaten. He believes her to be the real Edna Leeds. Let him keepon thinking so, What a lucky thing I heard the a 2
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28 name of that post-office. Let me think! let me think!” She paced to and fro like a chained tigress. Her brows were knitted, and her whole being seemed set to the work of concocting some subtle scheme. Her breath came quick and fast, and red spots dotted either cheek like roses, By and by thé cloud cleared from her brow, and she clasped her hands in ecstasy. **T said [I would win, and I will! I have the very plan, and it will succeed. But work must be done,” She put on her hat, and leaving the tent, has- tened toward that occupied by Chapman, She found the detective and Jackson Chambers in conference, * Well?” Chapman interrogated, quickly no- ticing her excited appearance. “What's the word?” * Good, if used at once, and I played my part well, He gave me a test. He asked me if [ had his first letter. I told him no; but stated that I had his picture in my trunk, and would get it for him if he liked. He said he would not put me to that trouble. He left. On the Plaza he met the other woman, She had been spying on him, and he told her so, He then gave her a test, asking her at what post- office she received his letter containing the mes- sage. She answered him ‘at Elkland,’ and he said that was correct, and that he no longer had a doubt but what she was the genuine Edna Leeds, He then told her that he loved her, and asked her to be his wife.” “Aha! And what was the answer?” “She told him to come to-morrow—that is, I suppose, to-day—at nine o’clock, and she would give him an answer.” Joe Chapman smote the table with his fist and uttered an oath, ** Yes, curse the luck, and she will accept bim, Something must be done.” ‘You never said a truer thing in your life, Joe Chapman. Something must be done, and that, too, right quick.” “ And what?” ** Listen, and you shall know. I must change places with that girl, or rather, occupy her posi- bore fae Estelle, decisively. Fred came to see me, “Exactly. Edna Leeds must be taken in cus- tody at once, and smuggled away. I will ex- change my effects for hers, and when Fred the Sport comes to the Eldorado, at nine to-morrow, I will be there, dressed in her garments, to re- ceive him, Estelle, the circus girl, will be among the missing!” “ But the cireus—how about that?” ‘fT will leave a confession behind, stating that I, having been playing a bold game, and becoming satisfied that I was, the loser, had pee French leave, to escape the penalty of the law. P ‘‘Fstelle, you are a jewel. But, what about the marriage business?’ *“T will accept the Sport’s.offer on condition of immediate marriage. You probably have surmised that Fred is the one to whom Edna’s marriage will be good luck! Well, when we are married, the old man will reappear, we will get the gold, and the husband and daddy can suck Fred, the Sport. their thumbs, and lament over the untrust- worthiness of mankind.” Chapman glanced at Chambers. ** You see clearer now, don’t you?” he smiled, “Tt’s a clear case, The first thing is to get the girl. The next thing is, what are we going to do with her? It is too near daybreak to attempt to carry her off.” “Drug her, and take her tomy cabin, She will be safe there!” Chambers growled, ** But your daughter—” “Dare not say her soul’s her own when I set my foot down, Tl guarantee for the girl’s safety.” “*So far, so good. But, now—how about the capture? The negro will first have to be chlo-_ roformed, and then the girl quieted.” ho **T have plenty of chloroform,” Estelle said. * T sometimes inhale it to produce sleep,” “Then get it, while I reconnoiter,” Chapman ordered, ‘*Chambers, you remain here,” A visit to Edna’s tent resulted in the dis- covery that the negro Sam was snoring away ata great rate on the outside, and everything being quiet on the inside, seemed to argue that Edna was also asleep. When the detective got back to the tent, Hs- telle had also arrived there, with a bottle of chloroform and a sponge. After a short consultation, the tric crept away toward Edna’s tented habitation. Chapman carefully pulled aside the canvas lap, and crept within. A lantern was dimly burning on the table. Edna lay upon the couch of blankets, that served as a bed, and her face was turned toward the further side of the tent. — Fasteving the sponge by a string to a slender stick, the villain liberally chloroformed it, and creeping into the tent, held the sponge in such a way that Edna must at every breath inhale the pungent odor of the drug. In less time almost than it takes to tell it she was under the influence of the anssthetic, ‘** The job’s done!” he whispered, ‘ Now, Es- telle, we will retire, until you exchange clothing with her. When you are in readiness we will convey her to Chambers’s cabin.” They then retired, leaving the one beauty in charge of the other, In fifteen minutes Estelle notified them that all was in readiness, Entering the tent they found that the girl had effected an exchange of dresses, and had taken possession of Edna’s other apparel and trinkets, Raising the form of the insensible girl, the two men bore it from the tent, while Estelle remained behind to prepare for the task before her. On their arrival at the Chambers cabin with their burden, the two villains found it de- serted. Laying Edna upon the bed, Chambers aeeey struck a light, and was rewarded by finding a note upon the table, written in Cherry’s—— hand, It was as follows: ‘WaTHER:—It has come to my knowledge, the vil- loin us work you are engaged in, I am shocked and mor ified beyond expression. I cannot remain on here to share the degradation and dishonor that —__
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Fred, the Sport. must inevitably result from your badness. Booth Barron was not killed—only stunned—by the bullet of your confederate, Joe Chapman, and he has told me all. He has promised to lead a better life, if I marry him, and redeem him from the fallen life. Good-by; and that you may turn aside from the path of wickedness is the wish of your daughter ** CHERRY,” Jackson Chambers’s hand trembled, and he was visibly affected by the note. “This is tough,” he said, hoarsely. ‘‘ You can go, Chapman; I want to bealone. [ll at- tend to her—” with a nod toward the bed. ‘All right,” answered Chapman, as he took his departure. When he was gone, Chambers spread the note out on the table, and sat staring blankly at it, as though bereft of his senses. At last he arose with a deep sigh, and went over to the bedside where Edna lay. His fea- tures softened as he gazed down at her. Procuring a basiu of water, he bathed her forehead, and poured a few drops of water be- tween her parched lips. Chancing to glance teward the window, he saw a human face pressed against the pane—a wild-looking, hairy face, with deep, burning eyes, ‘Uttering a yell, balf of rage, balf of horror, _ he sprung to the door, and out into the early gloaming; but when he got outside, the man of the wild fece was nowhere in sight, Chambers did not search forhim. He stag- ered back to the doorstep, and rs | down, 1 wed his head in his hands. When he arose if was sun-up, and people were bustling about on the other side of the Plaza. Opening the door, he entered the cabin care- fully, but there was no need for caution, for Edna was sitting up on the bed, staring won- deringly about, She uttered a startled cry at sight of him. ** Don't!” he said deprecating ly: “*T wish to talk to you, and you to listen. ill you?” *t Proceed,” she said, coldly. ‘*I suppose I am your prisoner?” ; “You were; but I confess now, and proudly, too, that I am a conscience-stricken man, have been plotting and scheming against you, aided by Joe Chapman, until I have lost my own child, and now, alas, when it is too late, I am repentant!” He went on, earnestly and deliberately, and made a clean breast of it, explaining to Edna all which is already known to the reader, but of “much of which she was ignorant. He told of the latest and boldest scheme of all, and its probable result, if there was no intervention, - Edna listened attentively, and became satis- fled of his honest intentions; then, they spent Some time in arranging plans to baffle Chapman and his adventuress accomplice. CHAPTER XVI. CONCLUSION. Tue clouds of the latter part. of the night cleared away, 2nd the day dawned bright and warm, The people were up and stirring early, for this was “ circus-day,” and not to be missed, ra mint of money. 2 When Varleri went to Estelle’s tent, and found a note there, stating that she had “‘skip- ped,” be raved, swore and tore his hair; but when he became more rational, he decided to announce as soon as his afternoon audience should be seated, that Mile, Estelle had sud- denly been taken very ill and could not appear. Happily, he had several other good perform- ers with him, ; Fred was up and about bright and early, and looked as dashing and handsome as ever, and was in unusual good spirits, for he felt sure that the arrival of nine o’clock would secure him a favorable answer from Edna, After breakfast he lit a cigar, walked down to the post-office, and asked for his mail, A buff-colored envelope was handed him. ‘From Deadly Drop!” he muttered, glancing at the rambling ee ee He tore away the envelope and glanced over the contents of the note, This was what was written: *“Frep, THe SportT:—Go ahead!” “DeapLy Drop.” That was all. “Well, T’ll be hanged,” was the sport's muttered ejaculation. ‘That beats the cats, It would seem that the fellow knows more about my own business than I do.” He pondered over the strange advice for some time, but the more he pondered the less satis- faction he got, so he finally tore the letter into shreds. As soon as the hour of nine arrived he repair- ed to the Eldorado and found Edna, as he sup- posed, seated at her table as usual, She smiled him welcome as he approached, and motioned to him to be seated. ‘‘T have been expecting you,” she said, drop- ping her gaze, ‘‘and—and I wish to thank you for making meso very, very happy last even- ing. “Then am I to be made happy in return?” *T—TI don’t know, I will marry you, on con- ditions,” _ “On conditions?” he echoed. ; : “Yes,” laughingly. ‘‘ You put to test my identity, last night, and I will test your pro- fessed love, now. Marry me here, in this room, and at once, and I will become your wife, and quit the Eldorado forever.” Something like a chill passed through Fred’s veins, and he gazed at her in surprise, * And why here?” be asked, at eal the simple orc that I wish it so. I wi eaving an undesirable life, the that is desirable.” 1 ee “Very well. It shall be as you wish. Where will I find some one to marry us?” ‘“Over yonder is a lawyer, Mr. Lewis, He has the legal right to perform the ceremony. You can speak with him, and I will*return, in five minutes.” ; Fred secured the services of the lawyer, but in spite of his caution it leaked out that the mar- riage was to take place, and the room rapidly filled with an eager, excited crowd. Estelle soon reappeared, aud as the crowd Was by this time dense, if was necessary for Fred, and her, and the lawyer, to stand upon chairs,
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Y i 5 a 30 The lawyer had barely begun the ‘prelimi- naries of the marriage, when there was acry: “Stop! stop! Make way! This marriage must not take place!” And a moment later Jackson Chambers and Edna stood before the lawyer. “Fred,” the ex-broker cried, ‘‘ that woman by your side is not Edna Leeds, nor is she the Goldie Glenn known to this place! She is Estelle, the circus girl. An infamous swindle has been imposed upon you. .I was a party to it, but repented before it was too late, and am here to save you, Here is Goldie Glenn, other- wise the real Edna Leeds, She was drugged and kidnapped last night, and yonder impostor was substituted inher place, I swear it, by high Heaven!” Dazed and bewildered, Fred stood staring at the speaker, while Estelle uttered a piercing shriek and fell back in a swoon. Before another word could be uttered by Chambers, the form of Joe Chapman the Boston Wrestler arose above the crowd, across the room, and either hand clutched a revolver. “Tho game is up, Fred Freeman!” he cried, “but you shall not triumph. For you the fourth of May has come, curses upon you!” His weapons came up with two clicks, and in an instant more the Sport from Gopher would have received their contents, but Chapman did not fire. His hands dropped to his side as quickly as they had been raised, and a tiny red spot ap- peared in the center of his forehead, as he stag- | gered and fell back among the crowd. ‘The Deadly Drop!” resounded the cry. “Clear the room of this crowd!” commanded Fred, in stentorian tones. ‘The marriage will not take place at present!” What remains to be told can be briefly sum- med up. When the crowd was thinned out and order restored, the Sport from Gopher ordered the body of Chapman to be removed to his tent, and Estelle was placed in charge of the circus manager, Varleri. Fred and Edna then rg ypc Jackson Chambers back to his cabin, where a long con- sultation and a series of explanations was held. For Chambers’s personal safety, it was deemed best that he get i out of the town, and believing him sincerely repentant, Fred and Edna both freely forgave him, and he took his = ake, i hat perils hi ot knowing wha’ ils might beset them Fred and Edna also took their departure by the noon stage, going to the next eastern town, Fred, the Sport. where they. step off, expecting to hear from the mysterious Deadly Drop. They were not disappointed. By the first mail they were the recipients of the following: “LAST MESSAGE OF JOHN LEEDS. ‘“FREDERICK FREEMAN, “Epna Leeps: “By these presents do you know that this is the last you will ever hear of John R, Leeds. * Years ago he came to these parts, struck it rich, beyond his most sanguine expectation, and over bis good fortune became a luratic. At times he was violent, and again cunningly rational; but always insane. He was possessed of a strange belief that he was in the power of the devil, and penned a singu- lar document, with which you are wel ee tg d. Tt appears he intrusted this to you, Frederick Freeman, and it has ever since been his desire that, were you an honorable man, you sbould wed his daughter. I having been his companion a’ d attendant, through sympathy, know whereof I speak. * He was never at rest, and even I could not con- trol his actions, He was in all respects a wonderful man. I grew to respect him. But he was wily, cun- ning and agile. He was here one minute—there another. He had the quickest faculty of making himsel invisible of any man I eyerknew. He has watched the plotting and scheming in re; to his daughter with interest—rational interest, I might say, and bas known and overheard nearly every plan and plot. He has been within a few feet of you, un- known to you. With his marvelous air-gun and his skill as a marksman, he has played his role of the a Drop whenever in a humor for that sort of work, “T scarcely need recount all of those who have fallen by his aim. He was in the Eldorado when he killed Chapman, the Boston Wrestler, “Had he not, in some manner unknown to me, become convinced that Chambers was to stop the marriage, he woujd have killed Estelle. I never knew where his gold was until to-day. When he came back from Brimstone Bar, he lay down with his head in my lap, and breathed his last. Before he died he gave me directions to give to you. The is buried twenty miles east of the Bar, at the side of a fall in a little stream called the Sentinel. The in- closed map will direct youto the spot. “At bis dying request I have laid him tenderly away at rest, and though you an: I may never meet, Ishall, as long as I live, eyer keep green the grave of the wonderful man to whom I was as faithful as a brother. ¥ ‘van “Yours very truly, ~ % J. B. McCune, “The Howlin’ Hatchet from Cherry-tree.”” The gold was found, just as stated, and trans- ferred to a place of safety, where it will keep the husband and wife, Fred and Edna, in luxury during the,remainder of their lives. Thus ends one of the strangest romances con- sequent upon the opening up of the wonderful Brimstone Bar mining country. : — pa os - wg ee te igh ty pes monn eae
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en ee ROr-iaan =SsENA BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. Published Every Wednesday, Hach Issue Complete and sou. av the Uniform Price of Five Cents. *1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Rona. By EL. Wheeler, 2 Kansvs King; or, The Red Right Hand. By Buffalo Bill, 8 The Flying Yankee, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 4 The Double Daggers, By Edward L, Wheeler. & The Two Detectives, By Albert W. Alken, 6 The Prairie Pilot. By Buffalo Bil. 7 The Buffalo Demon, By Edward L. Wheeler, 8 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By 01) Coo *” Ned Wylde, the Boy Se By “Texas Jack,” 10 Butfalo Ben, Prince of the Piswl. By E. L. Wheeler, 11 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer. By Cc 1, Prentiss Ingraham, 12 Nick o’the Night. By T. 0. Harbangh. 18 Yellowstone due By Joseph £, Badger, Jr. 14 WildIvan, the Boy aude Duval. By E. L.Wheeler. 15 Diamond Dirks or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. By Colonel Prentiss Ingrabam, 16 Keen-Knife, | fthe Prairies. By Oll Coomes, 17 Oregon Sol, Nick Whithes’s Boy Spy. By J. F.C. Adama, 18 Death-Face, the Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 19 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomen, 20 Koaring Ralph Rockwood, By larry St. George. 21 The Boy Clown. r 22 The Phantom Mine Edward L. Wheeler, 28 The Sea-Cat. by Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 24 Phe Dumb Spy. By Ol! Coormes. 25 Rattling Rube. By Hurry St. Cases 26 Old Avalanche, the Annihilator, By i. L. Wheeler. 27 Glasa-Eye, the Great Shot of the Weat. By J. F.C. Adama, fy Boy Captain, By Roger Starbuck. 29 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider, By Capt. F. Whittaker, 80 Bob Woolf, the Border Raffian, By Edward L, Wheeler. 81 Nightingale Nat. By T. C, Harbaugh, 82 Black John, the Rond Agent. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 88 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror. By EL. Wheeler. 84 Burt Bunker, tho pep yer. By George E. Lasalle, BS The Boy Rifles; or, 1 ihe U ground Camp. By A, C. Irons. 86 The White Buffalo. By George E. Lasalle. 87 Jim Bludsoe, Jr, By Edward L, Wheeler, &S8 Ned Mazel, the Boy Trapper. By Capt. J. F.C, Adama, adhy Exe. the Unknown Scout, By Buffalo Bill, Nick Whiftles’« Pet. By Capt. J. F.C. Adama, 41 Deadwood Dick's Eagles, By Edward L. Wheeler, 42 The Border King. By Ol] Coomes. 48 Old Hickory 3 or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. By Harry St. George. 44 The White Indian, By Capt. J. F.C, Adams. 45 Buckhorn BILL, By Edward L. Wheeler. 46 The Shadow Ship. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 47 The Red Brotherhood. By W. J. Hamilton. As Dandy eecks or, The ‘Outlaw of the regod! "rail. By T. C. arbaugh. 49 Hurricane Bill. By Joseph E, Badger, Jr, 50 Single Hand; or, A Life for a Life. By’ W. J. Hamilton, 61 Patent-leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. 52 The Border Robin Hood. By Buffalo BIL 58 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. By Edward L. Wheoler. — . 64 Old Zip’« Cabin, or, A Greenhorn in the Woods, By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. BS Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. By Oll Coomes, 566 Mad Tom Western, By W. J. Hamilton, 57 Deadwood Dick on Deck. By Edward L, Wheeler. 58 Wawkeye Harry, the Young Trapper, By Oll Coomes, 59 The Boy Duelist. 3B» Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 60 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Aiken, 61 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo. By Edward L. Wheeler, 62 Will Somers, the Boy Detect By Chas. Morris, 68 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. By A, W. Aiken, 64 Rosebud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler. 65 Lightning Joe. By Captain J. F.C. Adama, 66 Kit Harefoot, the “ood-Hawk. By T, C, Harbangh. 67 Rollo, the Boy Rang.r. By Oll Coomes, 68 Idyl, Ae Miner; or, Rosgbud Rob on Hand, By Edward L, Wheeler. 69 Detective Dick; or, The Heroin Rags. By Charles Morris. 70 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. By Ol) Coomes. 71 Sharp Sam} or, The Adventures ofa Friendless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 72 The Lion ofthe Sea. By Albert W. Alken, 7% Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth; or, Rosebud Rob's Reappear- ance. By KE. L, Wheeler, 74 Pleayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. By Charles Morris. %5 Island Jim or, The Pet of the Family. By Bracebridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway). - Wateh-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L. Wheeler. Dick Dead Eye, the Boy Smuggler. By Col, P. Ingraham, Deadwood Dick's Device. By Hd. _U. Wheeler, The Black Mustanger. By Capt. Mayne Reid, Old Frosty, the Guide, By T. C. Varbanghs The Sea Viper. By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam. 82 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. By B.S. Ellis, Canada Chet, the Coun’ rfeiter Chief. By EK. L. Wheeler, 84 The Dumb Page. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 86 Jack Wastes ta New Yorke Hi ne! arkaway in New York, By Bracebridge Hemyng. 87 The Hussar Oaptaine By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. dward L, Wheeler, 88 Deadwood Dick In Leadville. By E i Ellis. 89 BIL Biddon, Trapper- By Edwar 90 Tippy, the Texan. By George Glea: 91 Mustang Sam, the King of the Plains. y Jos, E. Badger, Jr, 92 The ¢ » Bloodhound. By Samuel W. Pearce. 98 Phil Hardy, the Bow Boy. By Charles Morris. 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By EB. L. Wheeler, 95 Buck Buckram. By Captdo J. F.C, Adams. 96 Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheoler, 97 The Black Steed of the Prairies, By James L. Bowen. 98 The Sea Serpent, By Juso Lewis, 99 Bonanza Bill. the Man Tracker, By E. L. Wheeler, 100 Nat Todd} or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive, By B.S, Ells. 101 Daring Davy; the Young Bear Killer. By Harry 8t. George 102 The Yellow Chief, By Capt, Mayne Reld. 108 ip, the Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 104 © Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuck. 105 Handsome Harry, tho Bootblack Detective, By C. Morris, 106 Night-lWawk Kit. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 107 Jack Hoyle’s Lead, By Edward L. Wheeler, 108 Rocky Mountain Kit, By T. C. Harbaugh. 109 The Branded Hand. By Frank Dumont. 110 The Dread Rider, By George W. Browne. 111 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks. By Edward L, Wheeler, 112 The Helpless Hand, By Capt. Mayne Reid. 118 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, By Oll Coomes, 114 Piney Paul, the Mountain Boy. By T. C. Harbaugh, 115 Deadwood Dick's Double, By Edward L, Wheeler 116 Jabez Coffin, Skipper. By Capt. F. Whittaker, 117 Fancy Frank, of Galorada. By “ Buffalo Bill.” 118 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, 3 Chas. Morris, 119 pence Billy or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. C. Harbaugh. 121 Harry Armstrong, the Captain of the Club, By Brace- bridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway.) 122 The Hunted Hunter. By EAward §, Ellis, 128 Solld Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Edward L. Wheeler, 124 Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. 125 The Land Pirates, By Capt. Mayne Reid. 126 Klue Blazes; or, The Browk 0’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 127 Tony Fox, the Ferret. By Edward L. Whooler. 128 Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. By Charles Morris, 129 Engle Kit. the toy Demon, By Oll Coomes, 180 Gold Trigger. the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh, 181 A Game of Gold; or, 0. wwood Dick’, Big Strike. By Edward L, Wheeler, 182 Dainty Lance, the Soy b., By J. EB, Badger, Jr, 188 Wld-fire, the Boss of che ad. By Frank Dumont, 184 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boys By Charles Morris, 185 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood. By E. L. Wheeler. 186 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt, Hamilton Holmen, 187 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. en G. Waldo Browne, 8% Bob 188 B ockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas, Morris, 189 The Black Giants or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, By Joa, E. Badger, Jr. 140 Captain Arizona, By Philip S. Warne, 141 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. By BE. 1. Wheeler, 142 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes, 148 Deadly Dashy or, Fighting Fire with Fire, By Jos. E, adger, Jr. 144 Lite Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col, Prontiss Ingraham, 145 The Tiger of Taos. By Geo. Waldo Browne, 146 The Cattle King. By Frank Dumont, 447 Nobby Nick of Nevada, By Edward L, Wheeler, 148 Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George. 149 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, By Charles Morris. 150 The Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne. 151 The Sea Trailer, By Col, Prentiss tngra 152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigersof High Pine. 158 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By BE. L. 154 The Boy Trailers. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 155 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 156 Will Wildfire in the Woods. By C. Morris, 157 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T. C. Harbaugh. 158 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By E. L. Wheeler, 159 Patent-Lenther Joe's Defeat, By Philip. S. Warne. 160 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, By Col. P. Ingraham, 181 Rob Rockett, the Crackaman. By Charles Morris. 162 Little Murricane, the Boy Captain. By Oll Coomes, 168 Deadwood Dick’s Dream, By E, L. Wheoler. 164 Tornado Tom. By T. C, Harbmigh. 165 Buffalo Bit?s Bet. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 166 Will Wildfire Wins and Loses. By Charles Morrla, 167 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By Guorge W- Browne. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Ward, ‘By Edward L. Wheeler. 169 The Boy Champion, By Edward Willett. 170 Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. By Charles Morris, Beadle’s Pocket Library 1s for sale by all Newsdealers, five cents per copy, Or sent by mail on receipt of alx cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street New York. . » R. Eyater. heoler,
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRary. Published Every Wednesday, Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, 71 Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. By ou Coomes, %2 The Yankee Ranger, By Edwin 78 Dick Dingle, Scout. By Edward . 74 Dandy Kock’s Scheme, Browne, tS The Arab De tective. By Edy a L. Wheeler. z e's Pluck, By Charles Morns. 77 The Boy Commander, Cot, Prentias Ingraham 78 The Maniac Hunter. “Burton Saxe. 79 Dainty Lance; or, The Myitl Herkamen, sO ie he Boy Gold-Hunter, SL" Scapegrace » Dark-Skin ez Dart, Detective. 144 F eatherweight, the Boy Spy. hd Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. y Lance and Wis Pard, J apped Tiger King, By Chark 3 Ve ntriloguist Detectiv Ks By Edward L, 189 Old Rocky’s Boys, 5 Sam. 8. Hall. 190 Sim Simpkins, Scout, Bowen. 191 Dandy KRock’s Rival, ildo Browne, 192 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George by Detective Josh Gri By Eawa rd L, Wheeler 194 Prospect Pete, th By Ol Coomes. 195 The Tenderfoot Trailer. Harbaugh. Hong Detective » the Young Cattle Kin By Col. Prentiss Ingral 198 Ebony Dan’s Mask, By Frank Dumont, ra, 199 Dictionary Nat, Detective. By T. C. Marbangh, 200 The Twin Horsemen. — By Capt. F rederi Icke Whittaker, 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards, By Wr - 202 T the Texan Tiger. By Ol) C a the Office Boy, By Charles Mor Young Cowboy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 205 The Frontier Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler 206 White Lightotng; or, The Boy Ally. By T, G. Harbaugh, 207 Kentuck Talbot's Band. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 208 7 eUpee M Castle Mystery, By Ol! Coomes, 209 T Losse r-Boy Detective. By Charles Morris. 210 The shDack of the Mines, By J i. Badger, Jr. 211 Little Glant and His Band. B 212 The Jimtown Sport. B 18 The Plrate’s Prize, 1 Dandy Dave, of Shasta. & Daring Dan, the Ranger; or, Coom 6 The By Col. Prontias Ingraham Bald Head of the Rockies. By Maj. Sam, 8. Hall. % The Miner Sport, By Edward L, Wheeler. 9 Buck, the Detectives By Albert W. Aiken. ) Crack-Shot Frank. By Charles Morris, Merle the Middy. By Prentiss Ingraham. o Ol! Coome 1 Dogs. By T. C, Harbaugh, y Fergus, the vw York Boy. By G. L. Aiken » the Miner’s Son. By Kdward L, Wheeler. 226 Datota Dick in Chicago, By Charles Morris. 27 Merle, the Boy Cruiser, By Prentia Ingraham, 28 The Pre cher Detectiv 229 Old Wickory’s Grit. By 1 280 Three Boy Sports. By Capt 231 Sierra Sam Detective. By . Whee 282 Merle Monte’s Teonsurs. E Prent 2838 Rocky Rover Kit. By Enalgn C. D. Warren. 254 Baldy, the Miner C h By Capt. J. F.C. Adama. 285 Jack y fi By J.E. By T. ugh, By C ahs | orris ‘ By Livuts ol. Hazeltine, Badger; Siedeelatedetelelelotio’ = ze e se Wheeler, r. By Cc i Morris, Ne ee ieshaueX, The D. aver Detective, “Ts By Ol owboy Capt nin, eee © tS Us 1 1s 1 17 1 1 2 22 22 2 2 & 5 Ingraham. 288 SMe rle Monte’ 4 Be. -ateScrapere By Col. Prentiss Ingranam, 289 Ben's Big Boom, By Capt. Mark Wilton. 240 Sharp Shoot Mik By O}] Coomes. 41 Slerra Sam’s Se ward E. Wheeler, i Dec gh. By Maj. By ¢ oe tirs Ingraham, Disguise. Partner. By Edward 5. 6 Detective Keen’s Apprentice. By ( harles 8 Morris, ? The Girl Sport. By Kdward L. Wh 2 nt Geor By Bucks 249 Ranch Rob $ erle Monte? « Pardon. he Deaf Detective. tt. er Doll’s Device. ard L, Wheeler, bites The Boy Tenderfoot, t rk Wilton, 254 Black Wills Ben, W.. Carson. RSS Jolly J Detectiy By Charles Morris. Merle Monte’s Last Cruise, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 257 The Boy Chief of Rocky Pass, By Maj. E. L. St, Vrain. 25% Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By O'l Coomes. 260 Skits the Cabin Boy. By Edward Willett. 261 Blade, the Sport. By Harbaugh. 262 Billy, the Boy Rover. By Col. Prentisa Ingraham. 268 Buster Bob's Buoy; oy Lige, the Light-House Keeper. By Cap!. J. F. ©. Adama. 264 Denver Doll’s Partner, By E. L. Wheeler, pe RD BSNS WS W WWE U farbaugh. ntise Ingraham 5 Billy, the Baggage Boy. By Charles Morris. 266 Guy's Boy © hum. By Capt. Comstock, 5 orge’s Reveng By Buckskin Sam. hot Dandy. By Prentiss Ingraham. artzville Boss, Edward Willett. ver Doll’a Mine. By FE. L. Wheeler, cbony Jim’s Terror. Oll Coomes, Kit, the Girl Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. Girl Rider; or, Ned’s Surprise. By Jos. Ey By Col, Charles Kiowa. rapped, « By Edward L, Wheeler. By Albert W. Aiken, U. Harbaugh. P. Ingraham. ewe De sndwood Dick 4 The Idiot Boy Arizona Alf, the Miner, Colorado Jack, the . By Frederick Dewey. Dead Shot Dandy’s Last Deal. ByCol. P. Ingraham. ed, the Boy Pilot. By Jack Farragut. 2 Buck Hawk; Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler, Roving Sport Kit. By Edward Willett. The Showman’s Best Card, By Capt. Fred, Whittaker, Old Rocky’s Pard. By Buckskin Sam. Diek, the Dakota Sport By Charles Morris. 7 Ned, the Boy Skipper. pi Jack Farragut. Deadwood Dick's, aguise. By Edward L, Wheeler, Colorado Nick, Oe; asoist. By Maj. H. B, Stoddard. Rube, the Tendertoot. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain, Peacock Pete, the Leadville Sport. By Albert W, Joe Morey, the Night Hawk. By Jos, &. Badger, Jr. 98 Dwarf Jnke, the Detective. By Ed. Willett. Dumb Dick’s Pard. By Edward L, Wheeler. White Wing, the Ferret’ Flyer. By Charles Morris. 5 Govinda, t Tiger Tamer.” By Capt. ¥. Whittaker, t George; or, The Boyces of Sardine-Box kin Sam, iny Doll's Dash. By T. ¢ Be Detectives. Diek’s © eleledeied PRS gee * Aiken, Harbau; By H. Mission. the Cowboy. By Maj. « Bet. By T. C. Harbaugh. The Hotel Boy Detective. By Charles Morris, Bald Head’s Pard. Buckskin Sam, Dusky Dick’s Duel. By Harry Hazard, Spotter Eritzs or, The Store Detective’s Decoy. Wheeler. Nick, the Boy Sport. By Major BE. L. St. Vrain. Double-Fisted Mat; or, The Mystic California Giant. By Jos. EB. ft Old Greybe sard’s Boy. Kit, the Girl Capta Frio Fred in Texas, Detective Road-Agent ext Jack’s Protege. &. p, the Boy Sheriff. By Tom, the Arizona Sport. 1 The Street-Arab Detective. By ahr Morris. Buckskin Ben of Texas, By Backskin 8 1 Charlie’s Dete etive Dus By E Tdaho. By Hat Statice Pard. By T. ©. Harb sugh. Frisco. ty J, C. Cowdrick. Morris, ty Roger Starbuck, 1@ Bonanza Miner King. By Dandy 2 Big Bensor By E. L, By C, Dunning Clark By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, y Buckskin Sam, By E. L. Wheeler, P. 5, Warne. ward Willet, Major E. L. St. Vrain, 1 Wheeler. Bitty, the Fred Flyer, Detective, By Chas 3 Dend Shot Ike In Monta Kit, the Denver Sport; or, " Edward L, Wheeler Dusky Darrell, the Camp ants tive. By Edwin Emerson, ,» the Boy Cruise By Col, Prenties Ingraham, Ned, the Roving Mi 3y Harry Hazard. Toe ky Ben’s Band. W. J. Hamilton, Dave, the Colorado Wrestler. By Maj, E. L. St Vrain. ‘he Denver Sport’s Rackets or, Kit’s Big Boom. By ward L. Wheele Const heelee. tive; or, The Smuggler’s Shadower, By Roger Starbuck Dakota Dan In © By Philip 8. Warne Rootblack Ben, the Detective; or, Pooler Jim and His Pard, By Anthony P, Morris. Fri Tom on Deck; or, The Golden Gate Smugglers. By George Henry Moree. Ben Bandy, the Boss Pard; By J Stanley Henderson. Fred, the Sport, In Brimstone Bar Campy} or, The Boston Wrestler’s Confederate. By Ed L. Wheeler, z Datsy Fas ¢ the Colorado’ Galoot; or, The Boss of Dend Line Harbaugh. Rendy June? 25 1 he ford ‘Bar Detective; or, Iron Ike the Solid Man, By Major E. 1. Vrain. Ready July 2, 889 Rardo, the Boy Gypsy 3 or, Reckless Rolfs Revolt, By Win, G. Patten. Ready July 9, Beadle’s Pocket Library is for sale by al! Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, ‘ BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, yon City; or, Colorado Kate’s Check, or, The Plucky Parson,