Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 33) (1884 08 27)
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Copyrighted, 1884, re Bxavum axp Avima, Entered at the Port Office at Now bins. N. ¥., 08 Socond Class Mall Matter. Aagiits 97, 1884. | § Vol Ill 82.50 Published Weekly ts Beadle and Adams, Price, No 99\ ’ ‘ ¢ a Year. No, 98 WILLIAM St., New Yorx. Five Cents, OMAHA OLL, The Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. BY EDWARD L. W) L. WHEELER, DEADWOOD. DICK DECOYED,
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Omaha Oll, THE MASKED TERROR; Deadwood — in Danger. —— BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, ; Avrnor or ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK,” “‘DOU@LE DAGGERS,” “ BUFFALO BEN,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. DEL NORTE!—THE WONDERFUL EL GAMIN, Det Norte! The Monaco of America. The liveliest little town of its size in Southern Col- orado. It is situated upon the south bank of the Rio Grande river, near where it turns out of the San Luis valley from its eastward course, and runs nearly direct south, through.New. Mexico. It was only started a few years ago, in conse- uence of being on the Overland route to the ckies, and is not much.of.a place—probably con- tains between nine hundred and a thousand souls— with a class of citizens made up of all nationalities, nearly, although Spanish blood predominates. Not much of_a place for commerce is this Del Norte, nor is gold to be found within fifty miles of the locality. et it is undeniably a fast, lively place. fonstant emigration into the Rockies, which are fast becoming settled, sustains Del Norte, in a meas- ure, while its gambling repute attracts adventurers and rascals in large numbers. Its population is of this restless type, who are ever wandering from place to place, seeing what there is to see. These Del Norteans are not naturally inhospitable to strangers, but among the gambling fraternity, who at times rule the town, there is a ruffianly set of bummers, and herders from the immense cattle ranches that abound upon the fifty-by-twenty-mile | cae immediately back of the little town, = are rutish and cruel; reckless devils who shoot and kill often upon little or no provocation. From Del Norte, which stands partly upon a river bluff, a beautiful view of the herding prairies, as they stretch in gentle billows away toward the filmy mountains, whose hoary peaks are anoN-cepbet the year around, can be obtained, Here are dwellings —mostly haciendas or Mexiein farm-houses; there, great herds of cattle are grazing, These black masses upon the prairie, which are herds belonging groves or patches of timber inthe distance, A culiarly wild and interesting life is this stock- erding. The town is rather prettily laid out, with afew streets, and maybe a hundred dwellings, some of which are generally unoccupiet. And you neednot be surprised to find a gambling den in each of these tenanted habitations. For women gamble in Del Norte as well as in Mo- naco, and some of the black-eyed Spanish girls are adepts at cards, and at winning hearts. But the main resort of this town, of which the world knows 80 little, is the “ Oriental Palace,” a noble strueture of Mexican build, artistically finished and richly furnished, with only one floor and @ bal- cony up near the awning roof, where two bands dis- course music the whole day a of the night, a decoy to draw ting sti rs into the mas- ter pambilie geome of Western America. There was but one floor, but upon this floor andin a dozen average buildings. : f Imagine a tiled floor as smooth and wae Be as a glass surface, three hundred feet long by two hun- dred wide, and fitred with luxurious chairs and sofas of Mexican manufacture, marble-top card, faro and Omaha OU, the Masked Terror. to different parties, may be seen dotted down like’ under the roof far above, you could pack away half dominoes, be it ‘twenty-five, sixty-five or keno tables, with socom penn appliances, and long bars behind which all kinds of drinks from champagne to Taos whisky are kept, dispensed, and carried by Mexican girls, in short dresses, blue stock- ings and red slippers. From above come softly-modulated strains of be- witching music, below are gracious, fascinating senoritas; the averagé man needs but to step inside this palace, and he is a “ goner,” so long aihis cash holds out. : Evening is the time when the excitement at the ‘‘ Oriental ” waxes the hottest, when all the popula- tion of the town, save those who may chance to be anti-gamblers or have “private snaps” of their own, are out to witness the sport, and mayhap take a hand. Z Faro, keno, roulette, billiards and pool, besides ordinary games from eucher to dominoes and check- ers, are played here, so that a visitor can have no* excuse fornot playing but a blank refusal, if he knows aught of any game at all. And skilled’ game- sters,.too,. are..two-thirds .of these. Del.Norteans, while not behind them rank these rough cattle-herd-_ ers of the San Luis var fs Tt was one evening at the beginning of December— the close of Del Norte’s nearly perpe , summer. The night was breathless and sultry, withonly a very fuint breeze fanning up fromthe sullen, dark waters of the murmuring Rio Grande, as it swept by through its channel to the far-away Gulf. The Oriental-Palace was nevertheless crowded— crowded with men of rough, and men of dashing ap- pearance; women whom dissipated life had wrecked of their personal charms, and women and maidens who had but recently launched forthinto this gay, wildly-reckless existence. Sirens, too, are some of these passionate, black- eyed Spanish women; more than lovable when not crossed, but very devils, when their ire is aroused, Al the tables were full, to-night, and many were there strolling about through the great building, some alone and distrustful, and others in company with fascinating senoritas, or ray cavaliers. A great culonization caravan had that day stopped in Del Norte, to remain a. week for repairs and to stock up, and to this was ons fact of such a great atten- dance at the Oriental. There was a table at which presided a man named Captain Bill Monte, who challenged the world at that simple but interesting game, dominoes—a game, by the way, which you are not likely to find in the gen- eral gambling den. But this Capt. Monte was an expert, and his little game won him nearly as much as other “ peelers won from higher games. He had asystemof gam- bling by dominoes which I have seen in but one place East, and that was in Philadelphia. => Before the game commenced, you were to buy _twenty dollars’ worth of round ivory checks. if for a ‘sinall game; or if it was to be a “full tilt,” which is more generally played, three hundred dollars’ worth, These checks are num 5, 10, 15 and 20; there- fore, on a deposit of three hunc red dollars, you re- ceive a given number of these cheeks, and deposit them in the drawer on your side of the table. Your pneaeus has a like number, and the denomination of each check is supposed to represent so many dol- ee te Ce Ls comr ee 28 * gp the regular game of dominoes, you ea ve five dom- inces. n the event tha “double: ” imot drawn, and your 0 ub next largest double. ; ag Se ‘and counts ten, and you which is “*five,’hes a ; are required. ‘him one.of your “ten ” chezks. Ina few mor , it may chance that you make fifteen or twenty, and receive that number's worth f checks from your contestant. Feb In case he sks the game, which is one of the points” of it, and: you are obliged 1 w the re- maining ‘bloc whatever the count AT those €or eighty, you are’to give to himrin cheeks, which is fat-in his lar- der, he being the banker and you having to pay him ne
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Gaels Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror. for more checks, in case you wish another game. | dealt El Gamin, and the same number retained by This game in Del Norte they call «ire. Tn Philadel- hia it is more simplified and less exciting, three- Kollar stakes more generally taking the place of three hundred. description may possibly prove interesting to some of my readers, and is destined in the future to gain in popularity as a fair and honest gambling game, with few chances to cheat in it. Captain Monte was a large, smooth-faced man, dark in complexion, with a low, beetling forehead, piercing black eyes, and a habitual expression of evil cunning worn upon his face. Next to Wild Bill Hickox, he was conceded to be the best revolver- shot upon the “ middle” border, and not unlike Wild Bill,* once he learned of his master-accomplishments in that line, and that the people feared him, he made a ruffian of himself at every opportunity. Around Monte's eloire table this evening, a crowd had collected, watching the wonderful game of luck and science. Monte sat upon hisside of the table, coolly winning the game at every deal, and fleecing an impetuous Southern yon a member of the caravan, by the way, outof his last shilling. The man played straight- forward and unhesitatingly; he had made ten thou- sand dollars at bis game, and what if he did lose oc- casionally? He could soon win back. At last the Southerner arose from the table, a des- ression upon his haggard face—a wild is eyes, that strong drink had rendered bloodshot. “You have robbed me of my last pemny, you devil!” he hissed, between his clinclied teeth, “but I've not had enough yet. I'll rob my wife of her money and stake it, but what I will get back that which I have lost. Then, if I win, D'll put a bullet through your skull!” Monte smiled, and nodded, as the youth, whose creole blood had been fired, shook his fist and strode away. "Look out for a suicide directly!” he laughed, ‘grimly. “ Any gentleman got confidence enough in his dominoistie abilities to take a game?” “There is!’ a voice immediately replied, and a young man of handsome figure and stately carriage, pushed forward through the crowd. “TI have just cleaned out the heaviest faro bank in the establish- ment, and if you've got any meney to lose, now is your chance to lose it!” And the stranger folded his arms across his chest and gazed coolly at Bill Monte. No one hati seen him in Del Norte before; that he was nah tnd was certain, when Bill Monte knew him not. is face was a bronzed but handsome one, with bold, be features, and an eye of jet, as cool and unwavering as could well be. His hair, worn long, in under a Spanish herder’s hat, fell in waves over his shoulders, and he wore a slight mustache andimperial. His attire was American, although a Spanish serape, frin; with a chain of pure gold, was worn over his athletic shoulders, * And you think you can clean me out just as easily as you cleaned out the faro bank, eh?” Bill Monte chuckled, as he dexterously mixed the dom- inoes. “ De. you understand the game we play?” ‘Perfectly Y other replied, counting out a number of bi a huge wallet. ‘“ My name is ES nt to know with whom you are ti sited three hundred dollars upon noard at one end of the table, and Monte after which a package of checks was Ld Wild Bil as been made a hero in story and upon the , and now that he is dead, perhaps it is best not to haul him over the fire, but the western border never knew of a man that more deserved a rope and the limb, than he, despite the fact that he made se 00d scouts, before he becaine what he his brother's death, was, acl o bigs hrcsimed dissolute bravo and cut-throat. Monte, The game then began. Monte set the double-six, per’ rule, and El Gamin six-tray, which counted fifteen, for which he re- ceived ivories, Six bouts were played, with the most game on Monte’s side, but then El Gamin blocked it upon deuces, and Monte was forced to rake iv the undrawn dominoes. Therefore El Gamin got the game-count, and his own deposit money, with checks enough for ““second horse.”” These checks are redeemed for their face value at the end of the game. Once more the bones weré shuffled, and played, and again El Gamin blocked the game upon his op- ponent, and received a heavy conut, which put out the game, besides leaving him with over three hun- dred dollars’ worth of checks, above investment. These he retained for a new game. And, amid et ren he won the game, at the end of which he got two hundred dollars’ worth of checks cashed, aside from enough to continue. ‘ Again the game began. Againhe won!’ Not only once, but ten times; ten straight games, at the end of which he came off twenty-five hundred dollars ahead of investment. Bill Monte was by this time furious with rage at his ill-luek, “You are a devil!’ he cried; “‘ you have infatuated these bones. But you shall either lose or win all. I have eight thousand dcllars in the Denver Bank,and it is the last I have in the world, for you've cleaned me; and I'll bet that eight thousand dollars I win the next game!” * T accept!” said El Gamin, almost unconcernedly. CHAPTER IL THE HOME OF THE HARRISES—A STRANGE MESSAGE, Great excitement now prevailed. The news spread like wildfire through the palaee gambling-house: crowds surged around the ebire table; all other games were suspended, and the gam- bling-tables loaded down with eager men and wo- men, who wished to get a glimpse at this wonderful domino-monarch, El Gamin, who was to play Bill Monte for all he was worth. And half a hundred of Bill Monte’s backers, who were herdsmen and of the most ruffianly type of men, stood close at hand, ready to “climb” this new light in the gaming arena, should Bill Monte give the word. And as many or more Del Norteans’ stood, with hands resting upon revolvers, ready to back FE] Gam- in, if necessary, for Bill Monte was hated and feared by all, and the Del Norteans held a grudge against him worth wiping out. So that, from all standpoints, the situation within — great gas-lit edifice, looked peculiarly interest- ng The bands upon the baleony far above were play- ing in goncert a grand operatic melody; a strange hushed murmur ran riot; everybody was breathless- ly expectant. Bill Monte was going to stake his last dollar against the same amount put up by this unknown,handsome ¥I! Gamin that he would win the game. Fight. thousand dollars! A comfortable fortune, and though it was above thg resular line of betting in Del Norte, at Monaco it would ofttimes be considered an insignificant sum, where princely fortunes are risked upon a single game of chance. As the game was of so large a figure, no checks were purchased on deposit money ; Monte gratuitous- ly furnished these, and the game began. And the game ran: Monte led with double five, making ten: El Gamin blank-five—also ten: Monte six-five: El Gamin blank- six; Monte drew eight dominoes, and played a five; and so ran the game, El Gamin eventually blocking the game on blanks. : Monte swore like a trooper, and as if to intimidate
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4 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror. his opponent, drew a six-shooter and laid it upon the table. El Gamin stared a moment; then repeated this performance, his revolver being a heavy Der- ringer, of large bore. “Guess you meant shoot, didn’t you?” he said, laying his down, already cocked. “Guess you'll find out!’ Bill Monte growled, sul- lenly, glancing at the check he had written, to see that no one had disturbed it. ‘Go on.” ado mares and Monte won, Each had. fifty to go, now; game, two hundred. And they played—and Monte won! With a yell of delight he made a grab for the stakes, but his coun- tenance instantly came in contact with the muzzle of El Gamin’s revolver. “Hold!” El Gamin cried. sternly. ‘‘ Those stakes are not yours. You have cheated! Look, gentle- mev—a four deuce played upon the double six, does not make fifteen. Nor can we call thisa game; so we will play over!’’ The crowd saw the mistake now, and Bill Monte saw that his attempt to cheat had beenin vain. The dominoes were re-shuffled, and the game finished, El Gamin winning, just five ahead of his opponent. Instantly upon laying down the game ne, he seized his revolyer in time to cover Monte who was in the act of raising his. “No fancy games!’’ the victor cried, grimly, rak- ing in the stakes, and stowing them away in his pocket. ‘I won fairly!” “You're a liar and a cheat!” Moute roared, with a frightful.curse. “I'll give half o’ my share ter ther man that'll shoot him dead, boys. Hurra!” With an answering yell the herdsmen sprung for- ward toward the strange gambler expert. But, at the same time the Del Norteans made a rush upon them, and there in that Oriental Palace took place a bloody affray, which the men»of Del Norte won, only because of superiority of numbers. And when the battle was over, and a dozen dead and dying lay stretched out upon the blood-stained floor, it was found that, El Gamin was gone. Bill Monte and his. herders, though thoroughly whipped, were none te less boastful and defiant, and held their own in the Palace. Ready were these rough cattle-men to uphold their leader, with money or with fight, for a large percentage of them feared him, by righ: of a secret, which we shall develop in the progress of our story. Bitter was the disappointment then, among them to find that El Gamin had escaped, for not only did they wish to avenge the death, of their fallen com- rades, but to re-establish Bill Monte in business aga‘n, and restore him his money. Down the beautiful San Luis valley, about. ten miles from Del Norte, and upon the banks of the Rio Grande, was a pretty little homestead, consisting of an ancient, Mexican hacienda, built of adobes, and a number of out-buildings, all set down upon a prairie= plot of green, which was guarded on three sides. by a white picket fence, and sloped gently down to the water's edge. Back from the building rolled mile after mile of gentle, undulating prairie, a large portion of it de- voted to stock grazing, while here and there were patches of grain and corn, showing that agriculturo was not neglected. Upon these herding-plains, each man has his own individual tract, generally square in shape, With each corner marked off with a tall pole; and it means war to trespass upon those grounds belong- ing to another, even if only stepping across a line, unless you have a passageway bargained for, Thus, in the San Luis valley, lanterns are hoisted upon the tops of these claim-marking poles, of vari- ous colors of | ght, presenting a strange appearance if seen upon a particularly dark night, or in a clear one. : Two men and a pack of well-trained Mexican shep- herd dogs are all that isgenerally required to watch aherd, one change going on at noon and coming off — ~ at midnightpand vice versa. The dogs soon learn the limits allowed for grazing, and need few directions to keep the herds within their proper bounds. The principal foes of the herders of the San Luis valley are the few strolling, wandering Indians who still hunt Southern Colorado, being for the most part vagabond Navajoes. The homestead we have described was handséme- ly located, in sight of Del Norte—indeed there were no neighbors nearer, except one family further down the valley, the larger share of the herders living fur- ther inland. And to this sequestered spot, by Rio Grande Del Norte’s murmuring waters, Edward Harris had come, when in his balloon he had sailed away from Eureka, up in Idaho. it is useless, perhaps, to tell the reader of this Li- BRARY who Edward Harris is, for as Deadwood Diek he is now well known to many thousands of readers. Deadwood Dick, the prince of road-agents, once; but now a reformed man, leading the honest life of cattle-herder. Once when still a road-agent, he had come down into this valley, hearing of its great beauty and fu- ture wealth. He had seen this old Mexican haelen- da with its accompanying six hundred acres, and puronned? it fora 20mg and now with his loved and oving wife and boy, he had taken possession of it, leading a quiet life, with servants enough to do the work in the house and upon the stock lands; for Dick was annually receiving handsome profits from a gold mine in the Black Hills, and could afford:to live luxuriously. One pleasant sunny afternoon, a few days after the event last narrated, the happy little group > gathered under the trees upon the lawn in front of = hacienda, which sloped gently to the water's edge. hb It was'a beautiful day for December—just suéh a day as we have in.our Eastern States in July or August, for Del Norte and the San Luis are almost in the. tropics, it would seem. No winter ever as- _ sails them until January, if at all, and lasts but a couple of months, Overhead the sky was clear and blue, while the sun shone down scorchingly, its in- tense heat only relieved by the gentle breeze blow- ing over the prairies from the white-capped moun- ~ tains in the hazy distance. Trees were still green in company with the vel- vety grass, and the birds yet sung joyous songs among the foliage, while sweetly perfumed flowers, and towering cactuses adorned the lawn. Altogether the scene was ‘charming and. picturesque, with all—— the beauties of theJand in rivalry With the stateli- ness of the Rio Grande as it moved. murmuring by, Deadwood Dick had thrown himself upon the lawn, while Leone satin a huge bamboo chair in front of him, her gaze resting upon his handsome | face and form lovingly. Little Dick, but. a few months old, was upon the grass near by, crowing loudly as the birds sung, and kieking up his heels in babyish delight. “And how like you the new home, darling?” young Harris asked, taking his cigarette from be- tween his lips. : “Like it?” Leone repeated, half dreamily. ‘I like it. more’ Eddie. [like it anywhere where you ‘And home would be no home with peerless. Here, in this beautiful hom will leave me alone, Lcan end my days i bliss with you, my darling; and hunge ol< wild life.” ; - h “Ah! but how I fear this beautiful hoi long hold us both, Prince,” the girl-w ly. “Something seems to tell me again experience trouble—that we are parted again, perhaps forever.” ‘Pooh! you have the blues a littleover s that has not gone vight. What is it, 2 drew her down beside him on the soft at grass. ae
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Omaha Oll, the Masked Terroy. 5 eee | I know of yet, dear husband,” she re- plied, nestling fondly in his arms. ‘But I got to hinking what if we should be separated, when we are so Soe ale “It would be a bitter blow indeed, my peerless; but we will not think of such a thing. Here we have all that heart can desire, rsa neighbors, which are few and far between, and of rather an undesira ble quality. Idon’t know about that family down the river, as I have not yet penetrated that far into the valley. And, Leone, I feel that we-need appre- hend no danger—not even SCONE from our ene- mies, for a Jong time to come, igration is not coming from the North, but from the East.” “Ah! Eddie, you kn not what moment that Edith Stone may come, for she is your life-long enemy. Do you really believe that she is crazy, dear?’ ao Dick nodded his head slowly, as he re- 1E0 > Pe Ido, Leone—I can believe nothing else, for I do not think she was so evil of heart, before.” Oh! but you cannot tell. Sbe may have been, without your knowledge. Women always bear the best appearance on the outside, you know;” with a } sly nudge. ‘‘ Besides there were both her unele and ener of a villainous turn, which may have affected er,” eee Dick replied, gazing thoughtfully at the ground. * And, dear, who is that str:onge female horseman I saw spurring over the plain, this morning, from my chamber window?” “Eh? you saw her, then? Well, the herders call her the Prairie Patrol—Lestie, her name is. But I cannot make head nor tail out of it, ’ll be dashed, Strenge occupation for a yonng woman, to be roam- ing over the plains. without apparent object.”* At this juncture there were footsteps heard, and a wiry little old man, accompanied by a billy-goat, of the ugliest of countenances, came striding up, from the prairie, rifle in hand. He was clad in a hunting-suit of buckskin, with top-boots and herder’s slouch hat; yet we have no difficulty in recognizing our friend of bygone days, Old Avalanche. Both Dick and Leone smiled their welcome, as the veteran Annihilator approached, and caught little Master Dick up in his arms, and tossed him up- on his shoulder, for a *hoss-back” ride, while florence Nightingale rubbed jealously against his legs, and shook his. sledge-hammer head, in evident displeasure that his master should take a new pet. "Be still, Flor’nce, ye dasted ornevy old critter; behave yerself, afore | giv’ ye ther condoocive end of my number eleven cowhide, Durnedest old beast is that goat, sir, thet evyer war death ter grass. ’m tellin’ ye. Why, thar war ther time, up in Nevada, at Carson City, when I war tryin’ ter court up the Widder Washington—one 0’ George’s. flock. That pesky goat wouldn’t hev it, ertall, sir. He'd jest cum an’ ram his rammifications ag'in’ ther side 0’ ther house, ontel ye’d suppose an ‘arthqnake hed rolled over.. Great hysterical ham-bone! he got so mad one night when I war squeezin’ kisses out 0° ther widder, thet wi’ a beller he cum tearin’ right thru a windy, an’ smashed things generally.” “ Yes, a great soat that, and a great master, too,” replied Dick, with an amused smile. “A well- matehed team.” “Where have you been, to-day, uncle?” asked Leone, for that was what she and Dick often called the id seout, he seemed so near to them; “ roaming | on the plains, I suppose?” a “Yas, out_a-tryin’ my. new ‘oss, ma’am; but he atn’t no seech anymile as my old Prudence Corde- liar _war,I tell oa. Prudence ked sling off a shoe hit a red_nigger wi’ the utmost sang froid ye see’d. By ther wie, Dickey, boyee, here’s ; eer little message thet ther gal they call the { ; ie Patrol sent ter ye thru yer ’umble servant;” : [the old man, after considerable fumbling in his | aes | L pockets, produced an enveloped message and hand- ed it to Deadwood Dick. 3 ““Hello! what does this mean?’ the ex-Prince exclaimed in surprise; as he tore the wrapper, “Leone, what do you suspect? See! it is directed to me—Deadwood Dick.” Leone grew white instantly, for she believed that a terrible blow was impending. The message read as follows: “ Deadwood Dick, you aré in deadly danger. You need counsel, which I cannot give you on paper. Keep out of Del Norte; you have two hundred ene- mies there, and among the herders. Meetme down the river, at the ruined ranch, to-night, at moon- rise. Lestre, Prarrie Parrou.”’ CHAPTER III. THE SPECTACLE IN THE GLADE— “‘ THE ARKANSAS . TOOTHPICK,” THAT night was beautiful in the extreme, in the picturesque mountains and on the grazing prairies of Southern Colorado, soft moonlight striking here and there upon little Spanish-American towns of adobe, or an cccasional village of Navajoes: in some wild, lonely spot. Several miles up the San Luis valley from the home of the Harrises was.a large tract of timber extending from the river, which rolled sullenly through the center cf the valley, across a southern grazing prairie, finally connecting with the mount- ains, milvs in the hazy distance. ‘This timber seem- ed to form a sort of chain across the valley, and and from its dark, gloomy appearance had taken the name cf Black Wocds. It was ‘about a mile in width by twenty long, and after passing through it the valley continued on toward its head, a mass of rolling prairie, On the barks of the Rio Grande, as it flowed through one end of this Black Woods, was a ruined hacienda of adobe, which to all appearance had not heen tenanted for many years—probably rot since the Spanish settlers first invaded this country of gold. It was, in every sense of the word, a ruined and ghostly old place. It was high and irregularly built, with many curi- - ous angles and branching wings: the acobes were crumbling away, and a matted mass of wild vines nearly hid from view the semblance of a habitation. The windows were burst out, the doors unhinged and the ghostly ruins of a once grand homestead given over to the occupancy of such tenants of the animal kingdom as had no better habitation. The forest entirely surrounded the hacienda, but in front of it was a small glade that had some time been a handsome place, for crumbling statuary and marble fountains yet gleamed from recesses in the massed foliage. and serpentine grayeled walks led down_ across it to the gurgling waters of the Rio Grande, a few rods away. And on this night the soaring full moon up in the dome cf heaven, threw a ghastly flocd of light down upon the ruins, and upon a tragic scene in the de- serted glace. No—not deserted, for in its center stands a tree with outspreading branches, and to one of these a dark object is suspended by means of a stout rope. As we approach nearer, we are able, by aid of the flood of weird moonlight, to define this Rpeceacie, and make it out to be the body of a man, hung by the neck. Surely the scene is in unison with the surround- ings, for everything about the ruins reminds one of the dead and the dead past; and the river murmurs a_weird requiem, The stillness is profound, until, when the moon reaches a point almost paso over- head, there are sounds of horse’s feet heatd close at hand, and half a dozen coyotes sneak out from the hacienda, and into the wood. Then, after considerable noise, and a humber of rather broad expressions of indignation, a horseman emerged suddenly into the glade. —
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6 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror. Apparently astonished to find himself out of the timber tangle, he leaned back in the saddle and ulled with all his joey 9 upon the reins, succeed- ing finally in bringing his steed, a very ugly-tem- pered and obstinate mule, to a halt. “ Whoa-r-r!’’ the stranger sung out, with a peculiar nasal twang, as he succeeded in fetching the beast to a standstill—“ whoa-r-r, ye ungodly beast, while we take in a comprehensive view o’ ther surround- ings.” A strange pair were this stranger and his mule— as odd in appearance as one is often likely to meet on the Overland trail. The man was a seven-footer if he was an inch in hight, and as lank and gaunt as a prairie-wolf after a severe winter. Evidently there was not a spare pound of flesh about him, and if he had been accus- tomed to good living, it had in no way affected him as to corpulency. He was rather illy proportioned, too, for the longest portion of his person was his legs, his trunk or body being strangely dwarfed, and his neck long and erane-like. Upon this latter was perched a head almost twice the size of that of an ordinary mortal, covered with a straggling, matted shock of sandy hair, that fell half-way down to his waist, His arms were equally long with his legs; and his face was Caytbok to the eyes with a red, shaggy beard; which almost touched his belt. His eyes, were black and magnetic, and shaded by a broad-brim herder’s hat, with the rim turned down: while his remaining habiliments consisted of a suit of corduroy and top-bobts. , In his belt he carried both revolvers, knife and lasso, while a handsome rifle was slung at his back. “*A being strange, Guess if you can The mystery of This ‘toothpick ’ man.” & being strange, he was ludicrous, certainly, as he sat astride the mule, an animal of exceeding mulish aspect, and ugly countenance, and undersized, at that, to that extent which made it necessary for the rider to lock his long legs under the animal’s belly, to keep them from dragging. A fact it was that he could sit in the saddle, and walk upon the ground, of such exceeding length were those thills of his. “Whoa-r-r!” repeated this strange individual, for the third time, though the mule was stationary for the time being—“ whoa-a-r-r, consarn ye, an’ let yer Jord-an’-master make an observatory o’ thes leetle place. Hullo! darn my old sow’s last litter 0° pigs! what in all creat’on aire thet hangin’ ter yander limb—a man? Aire this a graveyard or seminary, _ther great Toothpick 0’ Arkansas hes stumbled inter —a sort 0’ sry prostate whar anshent Aztecs hang up corpses ter dry. Holy sulphurous fires of anshent Jerusalaam!” ~ Dropping the reins, the Arkansas Toothpick drop- ped his feet to terra firma, and walkec stralet t ahead toward the grim spectacle in the moonlight, passing over the mule’s head without any trouble. At length he paused before the suspended body, and gazed at it speculatively. “Humph!” was his next grim comment, as he in- gulfed a huge quid of tobacco, “‘et aire a sad sight ter parseeve a feller human in them distressed cir- cumstances, I sw’ar. Coiched ther throat disease, an’ choked hisself inter angelicky. _Wonder who he is—w'ether he is a Toothpick, a Jayhawker, or a Gopher? Trim-b’ilt sort ov a ’coon; young an’ *and- sum, too. ‘Spect I don't know nothin’ about how he slid off, ner *tain’t none o’ my bizness; yet I do like ter make my mark in ther world. Don’t expect et would be no harm, nuther. Judith, ye old beast, tum hayr, wi’ my writin’ materials, w'ile I write thes poor cuss’s obituary.” According to orders, the mule eame forward, to the giant’s side, but east a suspicious eye at the corpse swinging in the breeze, “Sho! ye needn’t be skeart, old gal, at thet scare- upon some paper. ‘‘ Ye've seen wuss funerals nor thet, in yer lifetime, I tell ye.” Busily wrote this uncouth man from Arkansas, and at length he finished and pinned the notice, which was penned upon half a sheet of foolseap pa- per, in large, sprawling letters, upon the clothing of the suspended corpse. Tien he stepped back, with a grim chuckle, and contemplated his wo.k with evident satisfaction. “Paint much stumps o° writin’, thet ain’t! he remarked, addressing the drowsing mule, “but et’s jain an’ homely, jes’ like ther biographer uv et. Warn’t learnt much them days I went ter schule in Arkansaw; played old sledge and seven up, most 0° ther time. Guess we've dgpe about ther extent 0’ our pile, Judith. so we might as well mog along.” Saying which the eccentric ranger spread his legs apart, and the sagacious animal aimed between them, and Toothpick sat down into the saddle with- out any ado. “Now. g’lang. ye beast, an’ none o’ yer funny biz- ness, fer we're goin’ ter reach Del Norte ter-night, or bu’st ther bviler!” . And away trotted the little mule, with his ludicrous burden, across the glade. Soon they were out of sight in the wood, and things in that lonely glade once more resumed their ghostly appearance. The moon still showered down its whitish, spectral light, a rising breeze moaned through the Black Woods, an owl hooted within the ruined hacienda, and the river moved by, with its sullen, monotonous murmur. With the departure of the midnight traveler, the coyotes sneaked back to their haunts in the ruins, and howled their disgust upon the night. But what was this message the strange individual had left upon the body of the unlucky young man, pa he might be, who had been apathaut in the glade? The paper was lit up by the light of thy weird moon, and revealed the following words, written in rude scrawls: “Jem Surrat Murry, Eskwire, ther ‘original’ Toothpick from Arkansas, desires ter annownce thet he found this corpuss hangin’ ter a limb, an’ render- ed a coroner’s verdick o’ died o’ a tightness in ther weazand. Take warning, ye sinners, for ef ther original Toothpick frum Arkansaw ever gits a cluteh at ye, ye’re bound to shake hands wi’ a devil. . “Yours trooly, Jem Murray.” The wagon-train containing the colonizationists, had camped just out of Del Norte, on the western _ side of the town and upon the river-bank. The caravan was a large one, containing in all a hundred “‘schooners,” drawn by oxen, a large stud of horses, and about sixty families, mostly from Pennsylvania and New York. : Among this strong band the males and the females were about evenly divided, a ede of each being of a marriageable age, while the remainder were the possessors of families. Naturally there was a great rivalry among the young men, which, during the long journey of the caravan, had in more faan one instance led into a quarrel and fight, though the lat- ter was generally secretly conducted. On the day that the caravan Re without the town, those belonging to it were visited by a@ number of curious Del Norteans, and not a few decoys were offered to induce the young men and maidens into the town, and to that ‘den of wholesale and retail robbery by cards. the Oriental. a But there were two of the young men who did not go. sa They refused all solicitations, and after dark thap evening, met upon the prairie, ontside of the town. Both were handsome young fellows of two-and- twenty years, well-built and physically GA re and their names were respectively Redw: and Arlington, Fred Arlington was the better tempered crow!" the Toothpiek assured, as he began to write ( of the two, and amore general favorite. Hisparents —
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X | i ew ge Sarees Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror. ye were wealthy, and he had traveled in the West be- fore—it was he, in fact, who had located the new colony which the caravan were about to start. Dean Redwood was a good fellow in his way, but one of those whom you have to get thoroughly used to ere you can say that you like them. He was a native of Montana, he stated; had joined the train only a few days’ travel beyond Del Norte, with the expressed intention of making one of the colony. reef these two young men now met upon the dark rairie, and confronted each other, with savage ooks and drawn revolvers. “At last we are alone, Dean Redwood!” young Arlington cried, in, a stern, ringing voice, that be- tra; how intense was _ his bitterness and hatred— ‘alone and safely out of hearing, where no one will interfere.” *T believe so,” Redwood assented, with a nod and aglance abont. “Your invitation out here was at first a matter of surprise, but after due reflection, I concluded it was caused by your jealousy toward me for having a few words to say to your affianced, Miss Ada Belldon.”’ ; “That for one reason, you dog. You have in- stilled poison into her mind, or infatuated her, the devil only knows which. Do not think I do not recognize you, sir, forI do, We have met before.” “Yes, we have met before,’ Redwood replied, grimly, ‘“‘and the recollections I have of you are none pleasing, I assure you. When I think of the loving girl you enticed from me and betrayed to death, I felt like catching you by the throat and choking the life out of you.” “No doubt you joined the train for some such a purpose!”’ sneered Arlington, “No matter about my object in joining the cara- van,”’ replied Redwood. ‘‘I saw the lovely girl you were trying to entrap, as you would have entrapped poor Lena Alden, had not death first interfered. And, now, sir, I confess I warned her of your past history, and to look out for you as she would for snakes.” “Yes, I know you did, and by so doing, made it necessary for me to call this interesting meeting.” “* What do you want?” *“ Your life—and you want mine!” “No, I have no desire in that direction. The great hereafter will be time enough to avenge Lena Alden’s wrongs. Ido not want your life.” “But L want yours, and will have it, or die as I would have you die.” “Very well. If you will risk your life in trying to kill me, your fate be upon your own head, Shall it be revolvers?” “Yes; as well end the work with them as any other weapons!’’ Then there in the first light of the moon that was shoving her forehead over the horizon, the two foes measured off a proper distance, and took their laces. pa We will count in concert, and fire at the word three. Are you ready?” from Redwood, Perfectly!” Arlington replied, as with a trem- ng hand he raised a reyolver on a line with his face, which was deathly pale. , “ All right then—one /” T which Arlington joined. a : “Two!” from both. in sternly ringing voices. Then came—‘ Three! Fire!” - ; : CHAPTER IV. ae THE PRAIRIE PATROL. ‘Great was the surprise of Deadwood Dick, at the contents of the strange message Old Avalanche had rought him, coming as it did from the mysterious atrol of the Prairies. And he had company in his wonderment, for the great Annihilator and Leone apres it wi him. “What can it mean? Who does it signify—this ‘word, enemies? Can it be that my old foes from ‘Deadwood have trailed me, even here?” the young ex-road-agent said, gazing thonghitully at the pa- er. “Oris this some trap to decoy me to death? y Heaven! I'd give a deal to have this riddle solved. What kind of a looking female, Alva?” “Great ham-bone thet paralyzed old Joner wi’ electricity! I hain’t ther Jeast ijeer, Dickey, my b’yee. See’d her, ter be sure, but she war about forty yards off, an’ a-sailin’ along like a veritable thunderstorm o° demolition, an’ afore I got ready ter screw my vision onter her, she war sumwhars else. Beauchifully shaped, however, an’ et’s likely thet she’s ther persessor of a scientific p’ysiogno- my!’’ “What! you were not nearer than forty yards to her, and yet you say she sent this message with you!’ *Zebulom Zack, yes!’’ and the oJd man laid back upon the grass, and for the space of several minutes was convulsed with laughter. “Soshe did, but ye orter see’d her. She tuk a bow an’ arrer from her belt. an’ takin’ aim, sir, fer an actooal fact, wi’out breakin’ ther corner off*'m ther ten commandments, she stuck thet arrer plum inter ther tail o’ Anna Dickinson, my new ‘oss. Moses-in ther scriptural bull-rushes! ye orter seen thet poor anamile, then, Dickey— ye jest or er see’d her! Ham-bone frum ther w’ale thet old Joner stowed away! she jest re a yell like a bloodthirsty Comanche, or a Settin’ Bull, an’ fainted clean away —fact, by gracious, An’ I found thes yere message tied ter ther tale o’ ther arrer. Zebulom Zackaria- her! ef thet hed been old Prudence Goréeliar, now, she wouldn’t ‘a’ fainted—oh! no. She'd jest slung a cast-iron hoss-shoe at that Prairie Gadder, in most skientific fashion. See’d her shampoo the skulp of a noble red devil up in Montana. once, in thet man- ner. But I’m tellin’ ye thar’s heaps o’ virtue an’ Varnin’ about Anna Dickinson. harrin’ ther fac’ thet Prudence Cordeliar war the likeliest beast thet ever figgered in ther historical evclutions o’ ther great Annihilation—ther great boreal disease ’o these se- questered northern longytoads and lattytudes, ef we want ter know it. “Anna kin brush a fly off’m her left ear wi’ her right vn, in astonishin’ style, an’ when ye cum ter pacin’ wi’ a mad Texan stéer, w’at’s got astray from ther herd, she’s thar, bet yer pile on that.” “Oh! Dickt” Leone exclaimed. “I fear that, as I said, our home is to be broken bi 4 —that we are to be separated. Don’t go to meet this strange woman, whose designs you know not.” “Ah! my dear, but I must go. If I were to let this warning go unheeded, it might be the means of the death of all of us, No! I sball go, but well prepared to let Greek meet Greek. Avalanche, will you order my horse, please?” * Yes, ph ng b’yee. But let me advise ye ter take this great boreal disease along wi’ ye. ‘Thar’s heeps o’ fun in ther Amnihilation, ef thar is but two remaining members; an’ ef thar’s plenty o’ Injuns ter inoculate ther great devastatin’ disease inter—” “No, scout, you had best remain here, and guard Leone and my boy, for there is no foretelling what may happen, at any moment. We are alone and in aland of strangers, and undesirable ones, too, for these Spanish-Mexican cattle-herders are but a band of border-ruffians—men who'd as soon fight as eat!” “ All right, b’yee: I'll stay and do guard duty, an’ ef ennything happens, you can caleylate that Ava- lanche didn’t go down wi’out fightin’ fer your dar- lin’s!”’ and then the Annihilator turned away, wi ing a suspicious moisture out of the corner of his eyes. For he loved the Harrises, did that grim old veteran, whose life had been given up to border- battle—they were nearer to his rough but kind old beart than others had ever been, and he felt he could willingly shed his last drop of blood in their cause. After he had gone, Deadwood Dick arose and et moodily to and fro across the lawn, his brows itted, and a sigh occasionally escaped his lips; while, with Master Dick in her arms, Leone sat upon Siete s Ta: ee
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the Fis watching her handsome prince, with proud, tearful gaze. Deadwood Dick was half-undecided what to do. He had some doubts as to this strange woman, Prairie Patrol ; suspicions that all might not be meant well for him would force themselves upon him. Yet she might bo a friend, and py Soe way have learn- ed of danger that was threatening him, and wished to apprise him of it. These were the two phases of the matter he con- templated. At last he turned to Leone, none of the moody ex- pression gone from his brow. “ Cheer up. little woman, and trust in Avalanche to a you while I’m gone. He will do it as well as I could, if not better, The ride is but six miles, and I may not be gone over three hours, Adieu, now!" He bent over and kissed her and the babe re- peatedly; then vaulted upon the back of a hand- some black horse which a pecn had brought and was dashing away, waving his hat back in farewell part- ng. ; he sun was just sinking upon the edge of the horizon, and he knew it would be close on to night ere he reached the ruined ranch, so he urged his steed into a gallop, and dashed on over the prairie, ers near to the river shore. A splendid rider he was; road-agent-life in the Black Hills had perfected him in the art of equestri- anisin, if it can be justly termed an art, and_he sat the saddle with a grace rarely equaled. Not stiff, but in a. swinging, easy motion peculiar to the horse- man of the western prairies. An Eastern equestrian will, on first seeing their Western brothers ride, be considerably amused, no doubt, at the motions in saddle; but, put the West against the world for wild, reckless any gt riding. Deadwood Dick pushed steadily on, not allowing his well-bottomed animal to leave ‘a gallop for the first three miles of the jotrney. Then, as he perceiv- ed that he’ could make the Black Woods ere night fell, he drew rein to a walk, and allowed his noble steed to profit by the cool breeze that was wafting over the b wags lepers The sun had half sunk out of sight below a horizon of green and yellow; the last rays of fas were shooting over the beautiful landscape, and as Dead- wood Dick glanced around him, a glow of enthusi- asm swept over his fea.ures. “’Tis grand!’ he mused—“ grand beyond even my appreciation of the beautiful. Such a noble location for comfortable homes; how happy I_ and Leone might be, here, if my foes would only keep away! Ah! curse them; I believe they intend to hunt me down to death. But, ere long patience and endurance will cease to be.a virtue, and I shall be driven back into that old, wild life—the past which has so bitter a sting. But surely a great Master will not allow that; he will avert the necessity of retrogression, and—and—”’ Here he fell off into a fit of musing, and for some time, apparently, was unconscious of all that was yoing on aroun him. F But then he aroused, and urged his horse on aster. Night's somber shadows were thickening rapidly, when he came into the immediate neighborhood of the wood. Only for the moon that was rising out of an eastern prairie billow, the darkness would have been intense, As he neared the forest, Deadwood Dick drew his revolvers from their holsters, and pierce fresh eartridges in the cylinders, and turned nis knife to a handy position, for he knew not how soon he mizht have occasion to use one or both, Then he his horse forward to the edge of the wood, and dismounted. Securing the animal so that he could not wander away, he stepped stealthily into the timber, and_made bee toward the ruin- ed hacienda—not boldly, but cautiously, with all his senses upon the alert for danger. fle meant to prevent a surprise, if possible. Every Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror. : ae few steps he paused to listen, and peered sharply around him, at every object which he thought might dissolve into a human form. The spectral moonlight sifting down through the tree-tops cast peer BS shadows, and the young man was several times fooled into believing these to be ambushed enemies, At last, after full half an hour of stealthy prow- ling, he reached the glade in front of the hacienda, and paused on the edge. Before him was the old ruin, looking weird and ghostly 5 but that ghastly sight which tne Arkansas ‘oothpick had seen, later in that same night, was not suspended from the limb of the tree, Deadwood Dick did not go boldly out in the glade, Tt was not because he Jacked t ‘e courage to do so, but because he preferred to remain under cover, and watch what transpired. And after an hour of watcbing, without reward, he was putin the way of making a discovery. There came the tramp of a horse's feet, and the mysterious female Patrol of the Prairies rode into the glade, upon the back of a powerful black steel, a@ near mate to the one Deadwood Dick had left out on the edge of the wood and prairie. In her arms, and partly resting across her saddle-bow, the Patrol earried a heavy burden, This Deadwood Dick had no difficulty in making out as a man’s aes and a natural curiosity pos- sessed him to know the meaning of these strange movements of this strange woman. That she - was beautiful he could easily perceive, for the moonlight shone full in her face, as she drew rein—in a face of rema-kably-perfect cast, each feature being regularly chiseled as though by the artist’s hand. The eyes were large and wild in c;.- pression, and hair of the hue of the unburred chest- nut swept over her shoulders. Elegantly contoured and graceful in a form of medium hight, she looked very pretty, with the silvery moonlight shedding a soft radiance over her. She was attired in a gown of some brownish stuif, while a yail was made to answer the purpose of a eovering upon her head, “By Jove!” Deadwood Dick commented, thought- fully, from his retreat, “she is at least a handsome woman, and there is mystery about her, I wonder who is that man she carries, and what the row is, generally?” His questions were soon answered, ; The Prairie Patrol drew rein in under the tree. where, late, hung the corpse, and glanced around her, cautiously. “Tam alone,” she said, in a tone loud enough that: her words were audible to the watcher in the edge of the glade. “El Gamin did not fall into the trap TI laid for him, because he is a coward. He recog: da my writing, no doubt, and like a shy fox, he has kept within his hole, But, it willnot availhim. Bill Monte and the Prairie League owe hima midge, and Wild Lestie will be revenged through them, w: ie kneel at the shrine, as heathen worship before the: golden idols!” = - Thus fiercely spoke the beautiful Patrol; then, with a start she fixed her gaze upon the face of the man she had carried in her arms. rsp “Hal why should I complain? Ihave one of those pop the blight mpon my life, and though another killed him, Ihave his body. Fred Arlington, even. though you are dead—dead and cold, never more to return to life—I hate you, lAate you! T Dean Redwood sent the bullet erg’ his brain, and f would love him for it, but that I have another work to perform. El Gamin has dared to come but he shall not escape the avenging hand of eel ha! no; he and his wife and child shall el 2 In his hiding, Deadwood Dick started violently, as the latter part of her speech was heard, and a sud- den faintness assailed him. y “My God!” he gasped, as asudden thought flashed across his brain, “can it be that it is I whom ss! :
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Omaha OH, the mistakes for this El] Gamin? By heaven! I believe I have solved the mystery. She has decoyed me here, to murder me, and while Iam here, this Bill Monte and the ‘Prairie League’ of whom she speaks, are 7 my home and slaughtering my wife and child! An awful horror seized upon the ex-road-agent, and for the space of several moments, he was too appalled to move or speak, ut in the mean time the strange woman, Prairie Patrol, was speaking: ‘Yes, they shall all die, curse them, to avenge the ruined life of Wild Lestie. El Gamin dead, there are but two more to follow ere the record of ven- geance is complete. Ha! ha! Fred Arlington, you, the basest villain of the lot, dead first, but not by my hand. Dean Redwood should have died just the same as you, but he was spared. He must follow, also! Ha! I will lynch Fred Arlington even tho’ he is no longer of the living and can not feel the tor- ture. Her resolve was apparent. She held the ly evenly balanced across the horse's neck, and then uncoiled along lasso from about the saddle-bow. One end she dextrously formed into a slipping noose, and shirred ahout the neck of the corpse: then she tossed the other over » the nearest limb above her. , It went over and came down, and then with a dis- ; play of considerable strength, she drew the dead colonist up into mid-air, and fastened the rope about his arm-pits, so that he was securely bung. ‘Ha! ha! there you are, Fred Arlington, an i lus- ‘ tration of the just end of such as follow in your footsteps through life. You are the first to head be ad of Lestie’s vengeance, but by no means the ' last!’ Then, upon sudden impulse, apparently, she lunged the berg into the animal’s flanks, and ashed out of the glade. But Deadwood Dick, had preceded her, and mounted upon his own fleet steed, was dashing over the prairies at a mad rate of speed. For an unnatural glow reflected against the eastern sky told him that there was need of him at the ranch at trouble was occurring there! CHAPTER V. A NIGHT OF DEATH. Arter the de; ure of Deadwood Dick, Old Ava- lanche joined ne Harris upon the lawn, where she still sat, weeping softly over her babe. ) _. “Cheer up, my little leddy!” the grim veteran a said, comforting; “for thar’s allus a calm after er juall, they say. Great ham-bove thet dislocated \ ther jaw of old Joner! w’at yec ’ at, annyhow? Cryin’ are a bad habit, I’ve hearn tell. It dries u one’s blood, and wharever a tear o’ salt brine falls onter a blade o’ that eyedentycal blade ar’ de- vastated as ef by a contagious disease. Knew a gal- ~ leon one’t, pritty as a picter, who cried her eyes out and had ter go it blind ther rest of her natteral days, fer ee in’ after a lost set o’ false teeth—like ther man thet bought a case o’ chip hats; thort ther wasn’t any more ever goin’ ter be made.” “Oh! you are kind, sir, in your attempts to cheer, but I cannot help weeping, for I have a premonition of danger; an awful fear assails me, that peril great- er than we su: t, surrounds us. Oh! Dick! why did se go? We shall never meet again!” ' “Put! tut!"? poohed the Annihilator, but with less _ | __ joviality than before, for somehow he had become possessed of this strange foreboding—‘‘tut! tut! child; don’t ery ernuther bit. Ill warrant Dickey’ll cum back. He's not ther boy ter desert a friend long, when it is possible to help it. Cum inter ther house, ma’am, and in thar ae won’t feel so lone- some, I'll bet; eh! junior Dick?" And the Annihila- tor caught = Micon and nda, Leone arose to her feet, with a sigh, and followed = in ir wake, She had resolved to hope for the Masked Terror. 9 best, though she could but feel that Dick had gone into danger—perhaps death. She went within the hacienda, which was furnished after a fastidious Spanish taste, and betook herself to the parlor overlooking the great prairies, where the sounds of boisterous laughter announced that Avalanche and master Dick had preceded her. She found the old scout trotting the child upon his knee, and singing, laughing and whistling, alternate- ly. to it, like some great overgrown school-boy. He seemed to have found a new realization of life and comfort, in caring for and amusing the babe of his friend. Perhaps it was because a ripe old age was fast nearing him toward his second childhoud. But, brave old veteran, whore heart was as pure as crystal, though hidden under a rough uncouth covering, he'll have to die—as we all s rall have to contribute our mite toward paying off the great eternal debt. But when dies one from our midst, whose goodness to his friends and devotion tu his country have been a sole object in his life, we mourn that loss, even though we be but strangers. And little did the Annibilator of Leone dream of the near ao of death, as he pleyed with Leone’s child—Deadwood Dick; but of whom he regarded as his grandchildren, and loved according- Little either of them thought of danger as such a close neighbor, until it came. Leone first discovered it—a glowing red light out upon the prairie, too low for one of the poled-claim handmarks, and yet a light shining with such bril- liancy as to reflect against the moonlit sky, appa- rently coves steadily in size. She called the Annihilator’s attention to it, with a startled scream. “Look! look! see yonder light upon the prairie? What does it mean? Oh! heaven, can it mean that our enemies have—” She paused and watched the face of the old scout for her answer. He stood just without the window, and gazed fix- edly at the light, his eyes renchiy, forth with nearly as much strength asin their youth. / At first the expression upon his face was indiffer- ent, but it gradually became ¢o grim, that she was forced to arouse him, so frightened she grew. ““Oh! tell me—tell me; is it danger?” , “*Slathers an’ haydoogins of it) M I, ef I ain’t istaken, thar’s deviltry afoot, and bet my old hat on it. Thet perarie aire ajire, off yonder, ina holler, an’ ye ken’t see it so good; but wait till ske boils over ther bill, an’ yell observe how she'll come a-whoopin’ toward us!’ “Oh! merciful heaven! is this true? Oh! what shall we do? Let’s flee, while the fire is yet at a dis- tance !’’ Leone cried, clasping Dickie to her breast. ** Yas, I opine et would be a good ijee, onless ther devil’s imps, whoever they aire, hev surrounded ther rench, in w’ich case we'll hev ter fight like a Spanish bull. You take the kid and go down to the river bank, while I bunt up the old flat-boat and launch it. Ef we can’t get out o’ thes deeficulty, I'm hanged if et won’t Leb soo ry The light upon the prairie was reflecting larger and larger against the starlit sky, casting the illu- mination of the moon in a shade. A brisk breeze was blowing im toward the hacienda from the moun- tain, and as soon as the fire erept up out of the bil- low, it had a smooth dry plain of two miles extent to the farm-house, This distance the mad flames could soon ply over, and then the outbuildings around the hacienda would fall a prey to'the fire. hurried at once down across the lawn to the banks she passed through the house. But it was a fatal action on her 5 Tn the mean time, Avalanche left the hacienda by a rear door, and strode toward the commodious © barn, against one end of which leaned a large flat- Leone, in accordance with Avalanche’s orders, © of the Rio Grandé, only pausing for a few wraps as” 3 e
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10 boat, evidently long gone into disuse, although it was still stanch and stout. : it had occurred to the old man upon instant thought, that this was the very thing they must use if they hoped to make their escape. The river was wide and deep enongh for the navi- gation of so shallow a boat, and they could on the swift current reach Del Norte much quicker than by horse, and stand less chance of: discovery by their unknown enemies. Tearing aside the vines that had grown upon the boat, he was about to attempt to drag it toward the river, when he heard a shout, and saw three men rush around the corner ofthe barn, with drawn pis- tols. “Thar the old badger is; shoot him down!” yelled one, firing even.as he spoke, and before the Annihi- lator could draw a weapon. knee with a pitiful moan. He knew by the sensation of that wound, and the blood that spurted from it, | that his hours on earth must be numbered, with a leaden mark. But, hero to the verge of death, as he was, he was not vanquished, but drew a revolver in either hand and waved them in defiance over his head, a wilc triumphant Le upon his grim, stubbly, sun- burnt face. ‘ad the old hero caught a glimpse of the great future? Who can tell? ‘ x oe off! he yelfed, and then his revolver cracked spitefully, and then two of the border ruf- fians went down. But the next instant a band of half a score swarmed around from behind the barn, and upon them did the brave old scout fire, until his last cartridge was gone, and a fifth bullet in his body caused him to drop back, in exhaustion and insensible. Poor fellow? His days of usefulness —were they over? Ah! that was a ride for life with Deadwood Dick, after he left the Black Woods, and saw the reflec- tion of fire lighting up the eastern sky. He did not stop to ask of himself the meaning, now; hea knew full well it meant danger and perhaps death | not Prairie Pa- | | hope I'm goin’ ter see him ag'in, Dickey; I don’t —death to his loved ones; for had trol in her strange soliloquy stated that Bill Monte and ‘the Prairie ranch, and destroy those whom they supposed to be the loved ones of El Gamin, the gambler, against whom they held a deadly grudge? On—on wood Dick urged his animal, at tho top of its speed—on—on, over prairie hill and prairie valley, sparing neither spur nor lash! He bent forward in the saddle, his eyes riveted upon the course ahead of him, and upon the flames that were now leaping heavenward and sweeping fiercety toward his prairie home. ‘The whole plaia was now as light as day; the heavens reflected a lurid light, and great mountain-clouds of black smoke and cinders swept through the air. A terri- ble horror assailed the flying horseman, as, when he was yet three miles away,he saw the awful flery spectacle ingulf his pretty home—saw the barn and outbuildings ignite and add to the conflagration. The hacienda was outwardly imperishable, being built of well-laid adobes. Were Leone, Avalanche and his babe in this awful hell of fire—or hadthey escaped? This was the tor- turing question, and it fairly maddened him when he remembered Leone’s entreaties for him to re- main—maddened him when his thoughts centered cee the mysterious Prairie Patrol, and herinfernal ecoy. On—on—on flew the black steed whose fleetness of foot aroused the ex-road-agent’s enthusiasm, even under the circumstances of the trying hour, for every leap took bim half a length nearer. On—on, closer and closer the wild horseman draws to the track of the flames, then de jerks his steed back upon its haunches suddenly, as an apparition The bullet took effect | in the old man’s chest, and he dropped upon one | | dear friend?” | me too fast, an’ I couldn't | ag’in’ their deal. | I’m gettin’ too old ter stan’ more’n three at one time, ague would descend upon the | Omaha OU, the Masked Terror. rises out of the grass just ahead of bim—a wild- looking, hatless man, with blood-besmeared garb. “Great God! is that you, Avalanche. old boy?” burst from Deadwood Dick’s lips; but the next in- stant the figure staggered—fell—went down in the grass again out of sight. With an exclamation, and a misgiving in his heart, Harris threw himself off his horse and ran forward, He found the old Annibilator stretched upon the Sapa just where he had fallen, with very little of ifein him. In some unaccountable way the brave old hero had crawled ont of the track of the fire, in time to escape a fiery death. Deadwood Dick knelt by. his side, and clasped one | of the veteran’s horny old palms in his own. ““My God, Avalanche, this is awful!” he gasped, as he noted by the aid of the light of the fire the awful grayish pallor that was stealing over the old man’s features ‘Are you very badly wounded, A faint smi)» layed about the old scout’s mouth for a moment. then he slowly opened his eyes, “Yes, I'm done for sure, Dickey, b’yee, an’ no mustake,” was the faint nepir: “They cur onter, p ay a trump every time, They put five bullets inter me, an’ ye kno’. Guess thes aire ther Annihilation’s last trail tergether, ontil ther great eternal ’un. Some- how, I’ve hed a notion ever sence we cum frum ther nor’, that these war onhealthy lattytudes an’ longy- toads fer me; an’ then, bu’stin’ther great Annhila- tion, in leavin’ Prudence up at Eureka kinder seemed ter wear onter me, fer we'd bin friends so long, an’ et @ d like one o’ us hed made a vacancy, by death, Nor, I don’t think I'd ’a’ come. Dickey, b’yee, only thet I c’u’dn’t b’ar ter leave thet little baby 0’ yourn. It seemed ter hev a holt onter me, by his innocence and purity w'at couldn’t be broke. Poor little boy; God took the old man, and the babe too, to keep him company!” “What! Merciful God! do not tell me my child is dead!” Deadwood Dick cried, reeling back, blinded by tears which had come as he watched the old hero fast sinking away. tui “Yes, b’yer; it’s hard, I kno’, but et’s better’n ef he war ter grow up an’ sin. He'll be a little angel. I think God will refuse me admission ter his kingdom, although I hev been a give ther everlastin’ send-off ter heaps 0’ red an’ et as wasn’t fit ter peopleize thes beautif earth!” “Havre no fears, old friend. but die with faith in Jesus!” was young Harris’s hoarse reply. “‘ But, ae wie Jpy wife and child, I pray, ere it is too late, Alva!’ * Ye-s!” the old martyr replied, dreamily, rubbing the clammy sweat from his forehead. tho’ thar ain't much wind lefs in me, any more Ther baby is dead. I fainted after the heathen herders shot me, but cum to jest as ther fire war cummin’ cluss. My thoughts instantly went ter Leone an’ yer boy, an’ I staggered aroun’ ther house ter ther lawn. Ifound ’em both—ther babe dead, an’ Leone frightfully wounded—lyin’ on ther river- bank, She prayed me ter take ther babe and it out o’ ther track o’ the fire, an’ then ef I fig do et, ter cum back fer her. I fetched ther leetie angel, Dick, but, God forgive me, I hadn’t ther strength ter go back fer yer wife!”. : Here the old man broke down hoth with grief and exhaustion. and tears coursed down his furrowed —— cheeks; while Deadwood Dick with bowed head, wept as men seldom weep—wept with a heart full of bitterness and anguish—agony such as only the loss of loved ones by death can produce. Presently strength and spoke again, gasped and hardly audible: “She had water for a choice frhm b’yee; ‘twas a better death, at least. the flan Yon’ retty rough customer, an’ — ‘SP try ter, the Annihilator summoned all his — though is words were
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» pal Omaha OU, the our little angel boy lying in ther grass, yonder, ee I laid ohn to rest. Good-by, Dickey, don’t grieve but trust in Jesus and—and—avenge us! will help you doit. Can ye pray, boyee?” With tears streaming down from his eyes, and £ ing both the dying hero’s hands in his, Dead- ood Dick raised his face to the lurid fire-lit heaven above, and prayed with all bis soul and voice— rayed for those loved ones who were dead and ne and for life, strength and help to avenge their fates. An earnest, eloquent prayer, touching and pitifully sweet, in memory of the dead. When he finished, and gazed at the old man, life’s last pulses were just ebbing out! CHAPTER VL HAWK HARRINGTON’S RIDE—OMAHA OLL. Back to Del Norte’s city of gambling we will go, | some two weeks after the events just narrated, and witness a scene among strange characters, who are to take an active part in our story. _ The home of the Harringtons was situated on the eastern side of Del Norte and upon the bank of the river, near where it débouches from the San Luis valley and rushes due southward. é ; The Harringtops were an eastern family, natives of New Hampshire, who had come into this country among the earliest of the settlers, and took = land then belonging to the Government, upon which they had settled, and now had, in addition to an excellent herding-raneh, a well-tilled farm, and a beautiful home, in the grim old Spanish hacienda, rambling and odd-shaped, which had stood by the river-side, ~ ere they came. There were five of the family, two sons, one daughter, and the parents, both hard-working, hon- est pees ‘of mature age. The daughter, Ella, was a young lady of nineteen, very pretty, as the word goes, with a face in which purity and goodness shone, and a form that was pleasingly modeled. She was the pride of her parents, and esteemed by all who knew her, Of the two sons, one was christened Hawk and the other Philip. The former received his name for his sharpness of glance, when yet but a boy. He was now a man of seven-and-twenty years, strong and stalwart, with a thorough knowledge of the prairie and herding, and all the matters apper- taining thereto; was a great favorite among the rie herders, and was rather the “boss” of the ‘amily. He was rough and sometimes brutal—had no re- | spect for cloth, as the word goes, and was little at ome, Somehow, he had but few friends among the few intelligent and refined people of Del Norte and its surroundings. It had nm whispered that he was not allas good as he might be, but whether there was any truth in this rumor, we shall soon endeavor to show. Philip was a oe opposite of his brother, in nearly evi articular. aiwae sie slight of build, and less rough and unfeeling, and his temperament was mild and affa- He was universally admired, for he was as brave as alion, and was one who would not screen the even though guilt existed in his own family. e believed in the word “justice,” and in seeing justice enforced under all circumstances. He, with bis father, tilled the farm, as a general thing, while Hawk was away looking after the herds upon the prairie. 2 One evening toward the middle of December, when a cold, raw north wind was blowing in across the plain, Hawk Harrington came riding madly in toward the hacienda upon the back of his spirited | on they went throu; Masked Terror. li heavy sweeping mustache—an expression of rage and of defiance, as occasionally he would glance over his shoulder at a group of a dozen horsemen that were hugging close inhisrear. Masked and graceful riders were these men, and mounted upon well-bot- tonied steeds, as was evidenced by the fact that they kept about the same distance from the fugitive, whese horse was reputed the fastest in the valley, without gaining or losing. Young Harrington was wounded in half a dozen places, anf blood spurted from these wounds at every jolt; but he was a man of indomitable will and rugged constitution, which was all that kept him in the saddle. “ Curses on the hounds of Satan!’’ he raved, as he plunged the cruel Spanish spurs deeper into the flanks of his nobly-striving animal. ‘On, Rocket— on, or we are lost! another bullet like those last two will drop me, if put in the same neighborhood. Furies take the accursed gang! who can they be?’ On—on dashed the handsome brown racer over the yielding turf, and on came the pursuers with e quel speed, occasionally giving a yell of command which, though the words were inaudible, Hawk knew were orders for him to halt. But this he would not have done had death con- fronted him on every side, and reckless was he of ie He would rather be shot from the flying chase, he had often said, than to be taken a/pris- | oner. On—on! the bacienda was yet a mile away; he | could see its glimmering lights in the early evening | —knew that there were strong hands and willing hearts within the grim adobe walls of the old home that would gladly sally forth to fight for him, could he but give them warning. Bang! crack! came the report of two rifles, and a bullet whizzed by each side of his head. “Ha! ha!” the fugitive cried, with a shout of de- fiance; “that kind of news from the ret urning- board is the style that suits me. How I would like to return my compliments, but the devils eut me off ere I could to horse and reach my weapous. On— on-—on, Rocket!” lt seemed as though the noble steed was doing the very utmost within his power, but every yell of the herder seemed to urge liim to greater efforts, And the raw chill night—the first foreshadow of coming winter in this land of beauty —on, on, every leap bringing the fugitive nearer to safety. Ping! agai n a rifle cracked, and a flash lif up the gathering gloom, while a bullet sped on its deadly mission. 1t hit the flying fugitive, and he wasforeed to hang to the pommel of his Mexican saddle to keep from being shook off. A yell of triumph again rung out from the pur- suers. On—on—on! the last mile shortened rapidly, and with a great leap the noble steed of Hawk Harring- ton sprung cver the five feet stone wall that encir- cled the hacienda, and fell dead, when the goal was reached. For the pursuers had come to a halt after observ- ing the leap of the gallant steed, and after a short consuwtation among themselves, turned back in the direction whence they had come, and galloped leisurely bebe Evidently they had concluded that the danger of besieging the hacienda was too great for them to incur, with so small a force. Hawk Harrington had escaped death at the hands of these strange prairie rovers, but little more could be said. He was well pierced with bullets, and only a man of his strong constitution could ever have passed through the ordeal and lived. F But the care of an affectionate mother and sister; and a proper e urse of eee soon brought bim a _ charger, which was flecked with foam, results of a Jong, hard ride. There was a sa’ , desperate ex- as ion upon the face of the rider—a face that was k and cruel, with fierce black eyes, hair, and around, and though sore and lamed, he was in the saddle again in two days, But of his pursuit, and the cause thereof, be was reticent, Perhaps he did not know the cause; pers
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42 Omaha OU, the Masked Terror. laps he had only a i oa pi of it; anyhow, he would not converse on the subject; would simply utter a curse and turn away when allusion was made to his wild ride for life. On the following evening we lead thegentle reader once more into that notorious den of gambling, the Oriental Palace, of Del Norte. The place was well-filled as usual, with the ‘ites’ of Del Norte, and a few strangers from a coloniza- tion caravan that had stopped at the outskirts for the night. ’ In consequence of the coolness of the evening, the bands occupied the floor instead of the great balco- nies, overhead, and wild strains of delightful music were wafted th~ough the immense auditorium, Gay ladies and polished villains were here; rough bullying herders from the plains, and occasionally a miner or hunter from the Rockies or the plains; a strange collection as viewed under the light of the mighty chandeliers. Bill Monte presided at the elsire-table, as usual, and the faro and keno games were in full blast. New sports had recently been added to the attrac- tions at the Oriental, such as lifting matches for prizes. and ea | ping, boxing, and_target-shooting; and the Wheel of Fortune man had also found a stall in the at palace wherein to let the man of money risk nis all, and stand a chance of winning— or losing. , . Around this game, if a game it can be justly called, which possesses its peculiar fascination, as well as other games, were collected a large group of men, some strangers, a few habitues of the Palace, and a share made up of herdsmen from the valley. There were twelve cards, with four numbers on each, beginning at one, and running up as hich as 48; each card retailed at five dollars, with fifty dol- lars in the 1, which left ten dollars to the manager of the enterprise at each whirl of the wheel, and fifty dollars to the lucky holder of the card whose number wins. ¥ Of course the banker is constantly in pocket, and in good humor, which invariably reflects largely up- on the crowd. : ; The game-wheel hal been revolving steadily for an hour, with ready sale for the cards, and a young man lounging against the railing had been watching it narrowly, without venturing anything. F He was of medium hight of Western men, straight and iron-cast in every limb, with broad shoulders, and depth of chest; and was attired in a well-fitting suit of biack cloth, with top-boots and slouch som- brero. In @ belt at his waist he carried revolvers, knife and lasso and a full mask sereened his face from view. “ Another sale, gentlemen; here’s your chance to acquire a chance, and here’s where you chance upon fortunes by luck. Who'll have this card, whose numbers are 13, 14, 15, and 16? Who'll haveit? Sure to be the winning card. No cheating in this game, gentlemen; all’s fair and honestly conducted. You can see for yourself, where the wheel stops, what number halts before the fortune-giving finger. Don’t be scared because you have lost once, pilgrims; I ran this machine in the Black Hills three months, and know of a fellow who lost. thousand dollars a and won two. Perseverance wins the crown. Sold again and got the tin. Only one more card un- sold, gents--here it is—who'll have—9, 10, 11, 12— who wants it?” “Ll take it!’? announced the masked man, laying down a five-dollar bill, and receiving the card. “And’around she goes!" sung the game-keeper, and the wheel was given a vigorous whirl, buzzing swiftly at first, but settling down slowly, and stop- ping with number ten under the finger. “Keep the card again,” announced the winner, receiving the pool, and shoving out another V. Again the wheel revolved, and again he won, the finger pointing to 11. “Better change for luck, young man!” cried the gamesman, coming along and scooping up all the cards upon the board. ‘‘ Who'll have ’em, gentle- men?’ “Hey; hallo! put my ecard back here!’ cried the young gentleman in mask. “If you know when it’s healthy for you, you won't take up my keerds till I tell you to!” And the individual in question held a cocked six- shooter in his white hand. “Come, shove it back here, ar I'l put you in a funeral way !”’ A murmur of surprise ran through the audience, and with a growl the clerk threw down the card again, and received the awaiting note in exchange. “Bet your life ye won't make on thet card again!” he leered. “No one man can’t run this game!” “Don't be so sure about that, my gay knight!’ was the cool reply. ‘See here!’ and the young gentleman of cheek wrote on the blank side of the card, in a graceful hand “There’s my business sign, gentlemen—Omaha Oil. Mebbe ye never heard of me, down in this country? “Up in Omaha, you'll find my autograph written on every deck of keerds in ther city—Omaha Oil. the Masked Terror—the imitator of George Washington, who never told a falsehcod—the man that stood on his head on the top of the spire o’ Trinity Chureh! That's the style of a sunflower you'll find me. Sum- times you'll see I’ve got a savage fit--caused by memories of past wrongs—an’ then ye'd better keep out of my way, or blood'll be spilt. Go on, old hoss; don't let me interrupt the bizness:’’ and the stran- ger took a cigar from his lips, which were reached through an aperture in the brown mask, aud blew out a tremendous cloud of perfumed smoke. Around the gamekeeper whirled the wheel, spite- fully, and when the finger pointed to the winning number, it was 14, Omaha Oll gaye vent to a queer little laugh, as he beheld the result. “See here!” he sail, avain raising his revolver, “I'm in for hayin’ this bizness fair. Pilgrims, thet wheel's loaded heavily, on one side, which makes et, stop at 9, 10, 11, or 12, if not whirled too hard. The rim of the wheel on the lower side, there, is hollow, “And then in that hollow space Vl wager my life against a cent you'll find a greater or less quantity of ballast, probably buckshot. I’ve been watehing here, fer an hour, ére I began playing!” Frightful curses escaped the lips of the four vil- lains who managed things behind the counter, and they whipped out their revolvers, in a business-like manner. “Shoot away! pluc it straight at me for all you're worth, you rascals!’ cried Omaha O!], “but first just put in your mind that I’ve sixty picked men, every one of them dead-shots, who only await my private signal ter rush inter this caboose and bu’st this gambling business and its votaries all into the middle of next week. If you don't believe it, Nae fire off one of your lead-slingers, and I’m bettin’ you'll see lively business in. this shebang, in short order. Go ahead with your funeral, if yon want ter git onter yer ear because J exposed fraud!” And restoring his revolver to his belt, the young bravo stood facing his enemies, with folded arms and form erect—daring them to begin what he had promised should be a lively affray. CHAPTER VII. ; GIANTS’ BATTLE—‘‘ TOOTHPICK” Vs. DUFFER—THE ATTACK—AND NOTICES. ' Tre manipulators of the ‘“ wheel of fortune ” hesi- tated at firing upon the young Nebraskan—hesitat- ed, for they noted the ominous glitter of the bl eyes that shone through the holes in his — ; tated. because of a rumor that was floating about to” the effect that this Omaha O'l and his hadbeen _ seen repeatedly in the valley, and were rough-look- ing customers to handle. 4 Oe ‘hose gathered outside the ring offered the Bravo —
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Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror. no molestation, for they were not too dumb to see that this quarrel, or what threatened to be a quarrel, had been made as much in their behalf as in that of the masked stranger, and it would be more than treacherous for them to interfere, Yet there was one brawny border-giant among the crowd, immense and muscular of trunk and limb, standing six-foot-six in his boots, who seemed to take it upon himself to exert his energies in behalf of the gamesters, for he elbowed his way through the ¢rowd, and slapped his great human paw down upon Omaha Oll’s shoulder, with a force that mate the young man flinch. A man less upon his guard than i constantly was, would have gone down. “illo!” the giant roared, a terrible expression upon his great unshaven, stubbly tace—‘ Hillo! ye young jackanapes. What dye say?” “T say, keep yer paws to home!” replied he from Omaha, quickly squirming out of the other’s grasp, and dealing him a deft blow in the pit of the stom- ach, which doubled Mr. Bully up like a jack-knife. “That's what I say, you big, overgrown elephant; so put it in yer pouch an’ smoke it fer terbac’!”” A roarlike that from a small-sized lion escaped the jant, and with arms outstretched and eyes glaring, e rushed upon the youth as if he would annihilate him. But at this instant there was a timely intervention, which was probably the luckiest thing that could have happened for the Masked Bravo, as he stood a small chance of victory in a war-hug with the burly bully of Del Norte—Old Jim Duffer was his name, and he was the undisputable “ boss” wherever he roamed. For at this juncture, when the giant sprung for- ward, intent upon crushing his adversary, the crowd parted, an iron-like hand seized him by the collar, and he was jerked back upon the floor quick enough to cause him to forget all of his past history. “Thaire!”’ exclaimed a voice, and the whole of the attacking individual forced a passage into the ring, which had been formed—* thaire ye be, pilgrim, jest as ’ansum & high 4) rooster as ther eyes of man ever rested on, ‘arn ter take a feller o’ yer size next time, won't ye—sum’thin’ o* my stature an’ er, fer instance!” ruised and enraged, Duffer crawled back to his feet, and eyed the new-comer savagely, “Jem Murray!’ he growled. “The Arkansas Toothpick!” assented the other, politely raising his hat. “Et seems ye ain’t fergot er old. friend, Jimsy, in ther days that hev dissolved brs atmosphere, sence we war rivals up in Little Yucatan, in Catamount Gulch. Apparently yer memory hesn’t suffered a collapse!” * You ter ——!” leered old Duffer, naming a place notoroiusly remarkable for i's torrid temperature. “Guess I don’t owe you nuthin’,doI? Reckon ye ack yer finger inter ther ’rong pie, ye long-geared aboon! “Sho! ye ain’t got over yer bad habit o’ callin’ bad names, yit, Jimsy!"’ commented the seven-foot Toothpick, glancing scornfully down at his adver- sary. ‘“Ner hain’t growed none, either, Ye're a Lilly tian banty, Jimsy—a reg’lar leetle barkin’ w'iffet, w’at never bites, onless he ken snap at sum smaller fry than himself. W'y, Jimsy, w'at ever stunted yer growth? Ye’re no more’n & mouthful!” “When a hog possesses sech a_gol-durned trap like yourn!” retorted Duffer, angrily. ‘* Don’t com- pare birds wi’ beasts!” y ‘ “Oh} 0’ course not, Jimsy—especially birds w’at wears white feather!” f » Hey! wat ye say?’ bellowed the other, begin- ning to prance about like an excited colt. ‘* Whar’s ther man thet durst say Jem Duffer ever showed ther white feather, Whar’s thet. ornery galoot? Show him ter me, thet I may manufacture him inter ; koyote fodder!” “Ye needn’t luck fur, Jimsy—ye needn't travel . a@eross ther continent ter discover - thet . festive nymph, beloved Minnesota Gopher!” spoke the man from Arkansas, grimly, “fer he’s hyar, in ther ian an’ flesh—Jem Murray, Toothpick and trav eler!”” * You/—-you durst call me white-featherite. ye durned, long-geared Barnum’s What-is-it? You durst tell me ’'m a gopher an’ a white-featherite?” “*Solemnly, respectfully, feelingly and humanely, dear Jimsy. I do announce thet I durst!”’ “Then, a. goin’ ter smash ye—stom ye, punch ye, an’ mutilate ye ontil ye can’t stand alone!” cried the Del Norte bully, and drawing himself together, he made a violent lunge at the Toothpick, They met—they clinched in a grasp of hatred—a hug of death, Both were men of cast-iron strength, with each muscle properly developed—men whose build and constitution fitted them for battle, and men who were in their highest element when engaged in a pitched combat. They clinched, and then the contest of strength and resolve began, amid much excitement. Nearly all gemes were thrown up, and the votazies thereof swarmed areund, endeavo ing to get a peep into the rinz where the two giants were battling, The two bands struck up a liveky air, peculiar to the Spanish bull-fighting arenas; lights were turned higher; an intense silence prevailed, only broken by the scuff- ling of the two men, Clinched close to each other in a bear-like hug, they weaved to and fro, using all the feints in their power to trip one another, and thus bring the strug- gle to the floor. Although the-Arkansas Toothpick was full half a fout taller than old Duffer, he was possessed of but little, if any more strength—in fact the two were os ea equal in this respect as you could have ound, Murray was long of limb and neck, and short of trunk, while Duffer was just the opposite—with short thick limbs, as hard as a rock, long body, and a bull-like neck. Back and forward weaved the two men, locked vise-like in each other’s embrace; now lurching heavily to one side; now dragging each other fiercely; lifting, tripping and feinting: it was a mar- velous sight to see two such giants baffle each other when both were infuriated. s “Oh! ye p’izen sarpint—ye heastly human rhinos- cerhoss!’ roared the Toothpick, as Duffer lodged a cleverly-aimed squirt of tobacco-juice in his face andeyes. “I'll show ye, ye reptyle—ye ungodly son ov a gopher! Spit in my face will ye? Hurrah!” and-the man from Arkansas bent down and grabbed one of the De] Nortean’s huge ears between his sharp teeth, and buried those fangs in the flesh, until the smaller giant was forced to howl outright from pain. “Oh! howl, will ye—howl!” roared Toothpick, re- laxing his hold long encugh to give vent to is over: loaded stoek of feelings. ‘I like ter heer it; et’s sweet music in my ears, Oh! ye vampire—ye sneakin’ grasshopper! Wait tel I git warmed up. an’ I'll show ye ther kind_o’ shinplasters they make down in old Arkansas. Noremonetization thar, I'm tellin’ ye; no anti-silver thar; no nothin’ thar but men 0° sterling squalifications!” Back, forward. sidewise, they lurched, the Tooth- pick’s tongue vibrating incessantly in companion- Ship with his body. Duffer was “mum,” for it re- quired all his attention to ‘tend to his *‘ knitting.” and prevent being thrown to the floor, As the case stood now, neither could do the other any material damage, ‘But once the hug was broken, there prom- ised to be banged eyes and broken parts, on one side or the other. And this was what the breathless, excited crowd were eagerly watching for, Omaha Oll, who had been in a measure the cause of all this visturbance, stood by the counter in the Same position of cool indifference he had occupied all along, enjoying the tussle full as much as any of the others. “Hug him as ef he war yer sweetheart, Tooth-
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Omaha Oll, the i4 pick!” he cried, in a clear, ringing voice. “If you want any help, just call on me.” “Oh!” I'll squeeze him!” replied the Arkansas yan, giving an extra spurt of strength about the bully’s waist, until that unlucky individual gave a grunt, ‘Ob! Vil show him cireus-tricks enough ter stock a hippodrome!” At last the bully made a misstep, Murray caught him on it, and th went down to the floor with a crash, Fortunately for him, Duffer’s head struck hard = to render him momentarily insensible; otherwise his countenance would probably have un- dergone the customary battering, which the Arkan- sas man kindly dispensed with, when he saw that his adversary was done with. But he instantly rose to his feet, and glanced around at the sea of faces, with a broad grin. ““Hurra! three cheers for the Arkansas Tooth- pick!” cried Omaha OU, — ing boldly on top of a table, and waving his slouch hat. ‘Hip! rao and three long cheers rose from the great surging erowd for the long-legged, lanky, ludicrous man from Arkansas. In the tumult some overjoyed individual emptied the contents of his six-shooters ceilingward, causing a loud roar to go echoing through the great building. Omaha Oil uttered a curse upon the action. and clinched his hands about a pair of pistol-butts. “Bly! fly!” he yelled, his stern, clear voice reach- ing every corner of the Palace. “‘Some accursed fool, by firin men, the Black Avengers. Fly! fly! all you that would save your lives, for it will be useless for you to try to resist!” Then, with an agile leap into midnight air, the Masked Terror went like a rocket over the heads of the electrified assemblage, struck the door, bounded through an open casement, and was gone. And with his departure a motley crowd, number- ing pues of a hundred black-clad, masked horse- men, burst into the — gambling palace, through windows, doors, and every accessible ground en- trance, and from their revolvers came flash after flash, report after report, until a pandemonium of pei prevailed, and the room was clouded with smoke. Sereams of affri¢ht from the females and fearful eurses from the Del Norteans arose on either side; dead and dying were lying under foot; in baste the gamblers hurled chairs and tables aside, and the lights were extinguished, leaving darkness reigning supreme. ‘his proved the salvation of those within the great hall, to a large extent, for under cover of darkness they were able to escape, and but very few of the Black Avengers’ bullets made a count. In five minutes after the lights were extinguished not a soul of the living were within the Palace, for the outlaws had also taken their departure. That was the first direct attack by prairie rovers that Del Norte’s inhabitants had ever experienced, although affrays and other ruffianly melees among the herders were common occurrences. And after that night a terrible dread of the Mask- ea Terror and his Black Avengers prevailed in the little city by Rio Grande’s sullen waters. Many were afraid to stir out after dark for fear of en- countering ‘the seourge, and the gambling Palace was not nearly as full as usual. The Del Norteans kept more within their own doors, and the herders invariably went and came in squads, for they feared the outlaw alliance full more than the gamblers, for they had cause, Upon every line=pole of the valley-herding plains for miles in either direction, was pasted a printed notice, couched in the following words: “Nortce: To all whom it may concern! The late fire upon the prairie, which destroyed the old EL Gamin ranch and outbuildings, was attended by a massacre at the said ranch, and three—an old man, a mother and her baby boy. were the victims. This crime was committed by the Prairie League, a band > | sum sich like. off that revolver, has signaled for my | Masked Terror. =a of ruffian herders, who, leagued together, are bound by oath to work together, sin for each other, mur- der for each other and die for each other. Each of the thirty herders and ruffians belonging, to said League, all of whom were concerned in this latest outrage upon innocent herders and settlers, are marked, and we the Avengers and Regulators of the Rio Grande del Norte, shall do our duty until every dog has been hung or shot. The leaders’ names are here given: Captain Bill Monte, old Jim Duffer, *Dresden La Monte, Hawk Harrington and Hank Murdock. The names of the others are all known, and each shall meet his fate. The Red Cross will signify the band of the Black Avengers. * Owana OL," No wonder then that there was a feeling of dread among the herders and also among certain ones of Del Norte’s citizens, for some there were of the: \ who were connected with the ‘ Prairie League.” Just below the above notice was invariably posted another notice, of less importance to some, and of more to others. Tt was penned in a big, sprawling hand, and con- tained the following; id “Wanrep: Information of a man calkylated ter abound in these "ere immeget vicinity, whose callin’ aire thet uv a gambler—war one timé a Leftenantin Cortina’s band—and whose name aire Ej Gamin, or Would like ter see this interestin’ in- dervidual fer about six minnits an’ twelve seconds on important bizness. Address or hunt up:—Jem Murray, Arkansas Toothpick. To be continued.” CHAPTER VIII. ENEMIES MEET GENERALLY. Wirnrx the hacienda of the Harringtons, all was neatness and comfort. The quaint though elegant old Spanish furniture was retained. and the carpets, and the grand pictures upon the ceiled walls. Everywhere a fine taste of arrangement was dis- played and evidences of a woman’s hand in the work, And pretty Miss Ella was the mistress now, forher mother was getting old and infirm. Ella was a go< girl, Spe ag ees well-edneated, and well-liked; in- deed, she had two lovers who had already declared their passion for her. These were Dean Redwood. and a young dark-faced sone named Cyril Duane, who was surrounded with a film of mystery. With him Ella met in secret, they having a trysting- place on the shore of the river. Dean wi came to the hacienda frequently.was well-liked by the fam- ily, with one exception, and it was believed that he was to become the future husband of the young belle of the valley. for as such Miss Harrington had been sis ie acknowledged. he one exception mentioned was the young herd- er, Hawk Harrington, For some reason, he sormed to bear the suitor of his sister § strong enmity. Why, or whence began this hatred, was a secret between. the two men—a secret which was not soon to be divulged through their instrumentality. A few nights after the raid upon the Oriental Pa- lace by Omaha Oll and his men, Dean Redwoon eat- loped down to the farm-house on his favorite charger, a powerful, spirited grav, and dismounting, entered the parlor, where Miss Ella was usually waiting for him on the evenings of his visits. t But she was not in the parlor, to-night, and think- ing she had just stepped out fora moment, he seated himself to await her return. is “T must have an answer, to-night, sure!” he mused, staring atthe fire, that shope in the grate— the first fire heralding the approach of winter. “She ean decide the matter—must decide it, for I eare not to stay here, after se ing that Prairie Patrol. That she is the same one—ah! there can be no mistake! Alive and as beautiful as ever, but, alas! insane! Would to God Fred Arlington had completed the work he began! It would have saved her all this = ~ ae
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. the ru _ replied, triumphantly. _ met by a party of Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror, 18 aw ny suffering. How she ever escaped death when he itched her from that cliff to the gulch bottom, a undred feet below, I can never imagine.” At this qenckany there was an audible footstep, and Hawk Harrington came striding into the room. Redwood instantly arose from his seat upon the sofa, and the gaze of the two men mot, unflinching- ly. Harriigton evidently had not expected to find his enemy there, for he started, then muttered an oath, “Where is Ella?” he demanded, gruffly. “T do not know,” Redwood replied, watching the herder narrowly. ‘She has doubtlessly stepped out somewhere, and will soon return.” “ Are you waiting for her?” oe fi am.” ** What for?”’ ‘None of your business, sir. I came to talk with her—not you.” . : “Oh! you needn’t give us any of your slack!” he rowled back, fiercely. ‘I’m boss of this ranch, and ‘or two bits I’d tumble you out.” “Oh! would you?” retorted Redwood, as fiercely as hisenemy. ‘Maybe it would be healthy for you to try it. You will find me no saint, I'll warrant you. Tf you begin the battle, I shall strike to kill!” rrington growled some muttered imprecation, and sprung forward, with a long, dangerous-looking knifein his grasp. The villain meant murder. But Redwood was not to be cut down without a struggle. He had roughed it in the early part of his life in the mines; was a Hercules in strength, @ mas- ter in all athletic sports, and a dangerous man to meet with the knife or pistol. He was now, however, as you may say, at the merey of his antagonist, for he was unarmed, while in addition to his knife, Hawk Harrington carried a small arsenal of revolvers in his belt. But Redwood was on the watch for him as he came rushing forward, and. clinching the upraised arm of ian, which grasped the knife, he threw his gther arm about the waist, and tripped him to the oor, Both men went down together, and in the fall Red- wood received an ugly cut in the breast from the knife. But in an instant more he had the blade in his possession, ““Now, beg, curse you!’’ he cried, holding the young herder down as easily as though he had been a baby. ‘ Beg, and. promise to mend your ways, or Tl plunge this knife into your heart. You know I hold the power to hang you, and I marvel that you dare provoke me, lest T éxert it.” “T will not begs nor will I tell you that which you wish to know!’ the herder Rrowied, ates ok “What do you mean! What is there which you know that would benefit me, had I the possession of “that knowledge?” Redwood demanded. “Bah! don’t think I’m a fool because I’ve got you down upon the enemy list, my sharpy. Thought no one knew why you came to Del Norte, didn’t you? But there’s where you made the mistake. We knew of your coming, long ago, and closed up the holes, like ground-mice do. 4 the winter. You may search a lifetime, and you'll not find the place you seek — the head-quarters of the Prairie League!” wood. started, and a grim expression settled _ upon his face: “You are mistaken!’’ he ventured. : “You lie—I am not mistaken!’ Hawk Harrington “You are Dean Redwood, alias Cunning Cass Cameron, the ex-Government Spy. Oh! you needn't feign astonishment, nor you needn’t attempt to leave Del Norte, for you will be mtlemen, who will boost you “way up to a limb, and hold you there by the aid eis until a reaction occurs and your it flies away.” 0! you don’t say!” ou’ll find out, if you attempt to sneak out and oe) fetch reinforcements. Stay here in Del Norte, a | good, honest, law-abiding citizen, and I'll guarantee yow ll be all right!” ““Humph! you'll guarantee, you say. Perhaps you are one of the ringleaders of this Prairie League whose existence it 1s my purpose to break up. i ought to arrest you!” —_ “* All correct; arrest_if you think it will be a healthy undertaking, I’m ys sure you'd not take me far, ere you’d wish you'd left me here.” “T shall let you go at present!” Cass Cameron said, first disarming his enemy, and then allowing him to rise to his feet. ‘Il have other work to per- form, ere I am ready for you—work which I shall push with a will. Lonly lack a few more points of compass, ere I can put my tools where I want them, and execute my work in triumph,” Then bowing, the ex-Government Spy turned on his heel and quitted the hacienda, leaving Hawk Harrington standing in the center of the parlor, swearing at the ease with which his enemy had mas- tered him. The Government Spy hurried from the yard that encircled the hacienda, and down toward the tree- fringed river, for here he perceived his horse had wandered, in cropping the herbage. He reached the animal, and was about to vault into the saddle, when the sound of voices reached his ear, and he paused and listened. They were not far away, and in low conversation, yet the ex-Spy recognized one of the speakers as Ella Harrington. Curiosity and burning jealousy tempted the man to creep forward, and act as an eavesdropper—jeal- ousy, because he dearly loved the young belle of the valley, and because she had declared she loved no one but him, -And did this not look suspicious? D: cidedly so, the Spy thought, when he crept upon a bluff near the edge of the water, and looking down beheld the object of his choice sitting side by side,in a boat that rocked upon a shui eddy, with a dark-faced man with mustache and imperial, in whose embrace she was closely clasped. Cameron started violently, and for several mo- ments, could but remain motionless—struck dumb with astonishment, He could not believe his eyes—it seemed a-mock- ing dream, when he remembered how only the even- ing before he had told her of his passion for her, and she had innocently declared the same for him, And yet, here she was, inthe arms and receiving the caresses of another, as if she had never known the existence of another lover. Asif aware of the presence of a spectator, the two lovers in the boat lowered their tone so that their words were inaudible, at any distance, and only the painful, regretful satisfaction of watching them, was left the Spy. Yet he held his position, The moon came up and showered the light down through openings in the forest branches, and wreath- ed the twain in the boat ina glory of gold and white. Still they were conversing lowly, apparently con- tent to near each other—neglectful that the nigh was striding on toward another dawning. At last, however, the man released the girl from his embrace, and seizing an oar, whirled the boat back against the shore where it had first rested, previous to being converted into a lover's tryst * He next assisted the valley belle to the dry ground, and then paused, taking her hand in his. “ Adios, senorita, and may this short interview have given you the same degree of pleasure it has me. Adios!” Then he turned, as if about to stride away, and— came face to face with Hawk Harrington. The burly herdsman had stolen up, unperceived, and stood glaring —— at the guilty pair, each of his hands griping a cocked revolver. ** Well?” he interrogated, in a harsh voice, ‘t what is the meaning of this disgraceful midnight meeting? Ella, Iam astonished!” f “Oh! Hawk, do not harm him!” entreated the girl, clinging to the arm of her Jover, . ‘* This is-Cyril —Mr. Duane, my—my—”
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16 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror. “Evil genius!’ sneered the brother, “ Your pro- fessed lover no doubt, until he has sufficiently blind- ed you for his devilish purpose; then it will be dif- ferent. Whoa! up, thar, my gay Lothario! Don’t be in so much of a hurry to take leave.” ‘Well, sir, what can I do for you?” Duane asked, turning back and facing hisenemy. ‘Though Iam unarmed, I am neither afraid of you nor any of your style. What do you want?” ' ‘I want ter know what you're doin’ out here with my sister, alone, an’ ther hour bordering upon mid- night? That’s what!” 7 “Then, my er is that it is none of your busi- ness!” Duane declared, coolly. ‘“ Were you the yoans lady’s father, ray answer-would be different; ut you've no business to ask!” *Hain't I? Mebbe ye don’t know wholam! I'm Hawk Harrington, and I can shoot, No doubt you can do ditto. In that event I'll lend you one of my revolvers, That’s the quickest way to settle a mat- ter of this kind.” “IT won't fight!” decided the other. ‘I have noth- ing azainst you, and want not your life. Besides, Iam no shot with the revolver, and my life would surely pay the forfeit of so rash a risk!” “So much the better. Thunder!” suddenly ejacu- lated the herdsman, and he leaped baci a pace in astonishment, The bright moonlight falling upon the countenance of the other, for the first ea startling discovery to the herder. “ You devil, you're Bl Gimin |" Duane smil dly. “Well, what if I am?” he demanded. ‘Duane is my real name—El Gamin a nom de plume.” * What became of the real El Gamin, who used to herd it, in this valley?” ** Don't know, I’m sure.” “You are he!’’ positively. ‘Pshaw! don’t be deceived.” “NeitherI am, You are El Gamin, the luckiest gambler in Colorado, and a traitor to the League.” “Tam not able to make a denial to fit each of those accusations,’’ El Gamin replied, coolly. “ And there is no need that you should. You must ‘ht or I will shoot you in yourtracks. The League will give money for your head.” % he should they? Though a deserter, they have suffered no betrayal by me.” “You lie! You it was who first put Cunning Cass Cameron on track. Here! will you take it?” And the herder extended a choice of his two hand- some revolvers. oo Gamin bowed, and accepted the heavier of the pair. ‘ He was averse to shooting when avoidable, but he saw that there was no hope for it now. The proper distance was paced off, and the two men took their aces. Poor Ella had sunk upon the ground, a little ways off, and was weeping violently. i ne her it seemed nothing less than murder, this jueling, But the duel was destined not to take place, for at this juncture, Cass Cameron, the exbp , dashed forward between the two adversaries, with a sharp cry. * Hold!" he commanded, fiercely. “‘ No fighting, here. I'll settle this business, if you please. ean Harrington, take your faithless sister and return to your hacienda. ['ll’tend to this notorious sharp.” Harrington put up his revolver and turned tocbey. . Strange it was, but the man held a dread of the ex- Government Spy—was awed into submission in his presence. Yet Cunning Cass Cameron, as he was known among the frontier border-ruffians, had few as bitter enemies as this Hawk Harrington; who, arousing his sister, supported her upon his strong arm, and they made their way toward the hacienda, ~When they reached it, and disappeared from one the Spy turned upon—not El Gamin, but noth- ng The card-sharp had as suddenly and mysteriously disappeared as though he had been swallowed up in the earth! Evidently, he was a coward! \ CHAPTER IX. THE MASKED TERROR EQUALS HIS NAME—THE PLOT OF THE LEAGUE—OFF ON SCENT. On the following day an emigrant train passed through Del Norte. They were bound for Santa Sina, further up the valley, where they proposed to go into winter quarters, and wait the coming of spring, before continuing their journey, There were but four wagons, and the caravan was evidently rather a poverty-stricken one. But an hour’s halt was made in Del Norte; then the train continued on over the well-beaten trail through the beautiful valley—the trail over which more emigration to the Rockies has passed than by ’most any other route. Three miles out from Del Norte, pile the wagons were hidden from view in the hollow of a prairie wave, they were surprised by a band of masked horsemen, who rode down and surrounded them without an instant’s notice. There were fifty of them, at least, mounted upon powerful animals, and armed with polished-barrel repeating-rifles; desperate-looking men, generally, who had roughed it upon the border all their lives. In advance was the Masked Terror of the valley— Omaha Oll, the young Regulator, both of which he was. The emigrants were about to defend themselves and open a battle, but the clear voice of Omaha Oll ringing out like a bugle, bade them desist. “Hold! fire not, unless you would seal your own doom!” he cried, “for we mean younoharm. We simply come for the traitor-villain who is trying to escape his doom by going with you, Haul him out and deliver him up, and I'll guarantee you no trouble will be necessary. La Mort—Diesden La Mort, one of the ringleaders of the Prairie League, is the man J want, sir!” “There is no such man in our caravan, sir!” stout- y averred one of the emigrants, “I kin give ye all er names of our party, ef ye like; we're all from one town in Iowa.” “Bah! you cannot deceive me, old man. The fel- low is known to be secreted in one of your four wagons. The sooner you haul him out the better it willbe for you.” “Tn our wagons? Impossible, sir!’ “Quite possible. old man, although you may not be aware of the fact. Is not the last vehicle, yon- der, a store-wagon?”’ “Tris, though I don’t see how you guessed it, as all the sides are closed down,” was the reply. “T knew it all the same, however,” Omaha Oll assured, ‘' Be kind enough to take a peep into that wagon, and you will no doubt find the man we want -—the double-dyed villain and ruffian you are harbor- e i All right, sir. If there is such a party in our vil company, unknown, and he is such a you represent, you are welcome to him, despite the act that your authority in demanding him is ques- tionable.” : “Not at all questionable, sir. We are a band of Avengers and Regulators, warring against the ruf- fianism of this border!’ Omaha Oll answered, un- hesitatingly, “The Prairie Leygue is composed of a gang of ruffianly herders. who prey mercilessl upon you emigrants, and commit acts more ‘h fully criminal than even the red-skins, them: S. 1 hare been one of the sufferers, and my men with me eh Without a word the settlers left their wagons, and advanced to the rear “schooner,” driven by a Texan, and containing mainly the baggage of the caravan, the other wagons carrying the emigrants and their families, : Pack. = Jabez Hendricks, the supervisor of the little — ain as
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17 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror. caravan, was a gruff but honest old farmer, and it was not his purpose to sbelter a fugitive scoundrel be it even from death. So he headed his compan- jons, and they advanced upon the "hind wagon, which was driven by the fat Texan, named Sam. Omaha Olli and bis men were drawn up on their horses on the left side of the train, awaiting the de- liverance of a subject whom it was their intention to punish with death, asa retribution for his num- berless crimes. But, ere the covers at the rear or front end of the “ schooner ” could be raised, there was a succession of sharp pistol reports, and Hendricks and two of his companions fell backward badly wounded. The tiger in his cage had clawed at his enemies. But this did not deter the other men from doing their duty; they leaped forward. tore aside the can- vas coverings, and hauled the stowaway out upon the ground, ; Omaha Olli rode forward, a triumphant laugh breaking from his masked lips. “Ha! ha! didn’t I tell you? There isthe outlaw | of halfa score of brutal border outrages, gentle- | men!” he said. ‘*Dresden La Mort is his name, and 4 a worse character is hard to find. Knights of Ven- geanee, you see the vile wretch who has struck each of youa blow or more through the agency of the | Prairie League. Take him and do your duty.” . The Avengers rode forward, and dismounted, number of them seizing the unlucky La Mort, and | securely binding him. Then he was borne off toa | lone prairie tree, but a few yards distant, and pre- | parations were made for his final Jaunching into eternity. A rope of good, stout material was shirred about his neck, and the remaining end thrown over a branch overhead. Then he was raised to a standin; position, and a dozen hands seized the pulling end o the fatal halter But they did not “boost” him, these Prairie Avengers, but waited until Omaha Oll addressed the doomed outlaw, as appeared to be his desire. After cazing at La Mort a moment in silence, the young Masked Terror spoke: “Dresden La Mort, you are about to pay the pen- alty of your crimes!” he said, sternly. ‘ You have thrown away the life that God gave you—wasted your worth and manliness, until yon are a low, de- ded wretch, of the vilest order. Your career has en one of unblushing crime, and crime, too, of the most repulsive character. In this day of discussion on the ilities of there being such a place as hell, it is not for me to say as to your fate after death; but I should not care to standin your tracks. Therefore it behooves you to repent—to ask forgive- ness of your God ere it is too late. Also, I want you te tell me of the location of the stronghold of the League, and if you know aught of the wife of my— of Deadwood Dick?” “Tl tell you nothing!” growled La Mort, fiercely, “You cannot turn me into a traitor; I'l betray no secret of the League; so go on and lynch me as soon as you can. Tam not afraid to die.” “Then it will be so much the easier for you!” Ol said grimly, waving his hand to the executioners. Md with him, boys!” There was a long rope, and Dresden La a | ull and a strong pull at the ‘ort was swinging in mid-air. { through Grande Night upon the prairies of San Luis ey which creep the wandering waters of Rio De! Norte, . Night, in December, with the warmth of late spring—with the soft balmy breezes and sounds of ature peculiar to the time—to the hour. Rollin, down from the herding-plains comes the bawl 0 cattle and the blare of trumpets; on the plains, over -which an impenetrable gloom has fallén, faintl gleam the “line " lamps porches, upon their signa: posts like diminutive Ven houses scattered wpon an n’s wavy @ . Birds of night are in the air, and send up their weird noises; two persons are out upon the prairie, enveloped in the gloom, engaged in unguarded conversation. One a man, tall and brawny and evil of face and feature, roughly dressed, and armed to the teeth, with belt weapons and rifle. The other was a woman, attired in a trailing white wrapper, while over her head was a filmy mass of silken lace-work. She was very beautiful, both in face and form, and stood close to the man, one arm resting lovingly over the bowed head of a superb white stallion and the remaining hand grasping a It was a strange tableau, in th: gloom of the com- ing night. lhe woman was speaking. “You have the messages now, so take your de- ure and bear them to — chief. Tell him that tie, the Prairie Patrol, fell into possession of them by chance, and sends them to the League that there may be a haul made.” “ Very well, my lady; I will md your orders at one’t. Is there sny olher word to bear our chief?” “None, Pedrillo; give him the dispatch, and tell him that Prairie Patrol sent you.” The man bowed Pac lace was turning away | when Lestie called him bae ‘Ho! Pedrillo; I have something to ask you ere pete go, The chief has a new woman in his strong- nold, I hear?’ - The man was silent—neither answered in the af- firmative or in the negative. Probably he had been drilled heretofore. “Speak!” Lestie cried sharply—‘ tell me the truth of the matter, or ’'ll show you what are the consequences of defying a Queen of the Plains! Who is this woman?’ Still Pedrillo hesitated to answer the question. Hesitated until he felt the muzzle of Prairie Pa- trol’s revolver against his heart; then he answered. “There is a woman, my lady, but I was told to keep the news from you!” he said, grimly, *‘ Ha! you were to have secrets from me, too, eh? And the chief, also! Curses on you, both! Who is this woman in the stronghold?” “1 know nof, ma’am, . The chief brought her, but 2 = not know where from. He calls her Drooping ily.” he arenes Prairie Patrol gave utterance to a wild strange laugh, “Drooping Lily! Ha! ha! ha! whata silly name! The chief is evidently in love. Tell him that Lestie wants to see him.” “Very well, my lady!” and the messenger turned upon his heel and stalked away into the gloom. Prairie Patrol then sprung into the saddle. and dash- ed off upon her horse in a different direction, “The chief bas forgotten me in the presence of another!” she muttered fiercely. ‘‘That is the way with men:—to my utter ruin, I have found them false and deceitful. Oh! how t hate them, and yet I yearn for 4 different life than this. Who will take me, sin-stained as I am?” ; Pedrillo the courier of the Prairie League started off upon his return to the stronghold, without sus- pecting that he was observed. But such, however, was the ease. Not adozen yards from the spot where occurred the interview tween the Prairie Patrol and the messenger, was crouching in the deep grass that w in a damp buffalo-bed, a horse and a man. ith lay perfectly quiet during the conversation of the twain, the man eagerly listening to catch every word. Then when Pedritio and Lestie se) and started off in dif- ferent directions, the man rose cautiously to his feet, and bade his sagacious animal do likewise. “Now, Clipper, we are upon the scent!” the spy muttered, patting the black upon his arching neck, and then vaulting into the saddle. ‘* We have but to follow the messenger to find what’s up.” The speaker was the Masked Terror! Like a SS of the night he had stolen up and overheard he conversation of the female Patrol and the mes-
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is Omaha Ol, the Masked Terror, senger, which was of a nature to lead him to suppose that something of importance was on the tapis, which concerned the Prairie League. Accordingly, with no thought of fear, the young Regulator set off in pursuit of the messenger—notin hot L prere but in a creeping, stealthy pursuit, his steed moving along with the carefulness of a cat. “On, Clipper, old boy! Hug him close, but don’t give him warning of your coming. If I can get close eno igh to cast a lasso over him, { mean to learn the contents of those dispatches he is bearing. But it was a delicate job to approach sufficiently near to achieve a success without being discovered by the messenger, who could easily escape by plung- ing into the tall prairie grass, and crawling away. On the Masked Terror urged his faithful steed, and the animal seemed to understand that speed and caution were required of it. But Pedrillo was wide awake, and the flash of a istol and the singing of a bullet warned Omaha ii that he had been discovered. But in that flash he had caught a sp of the messenger’s form only a few yards ahead, and quickly drawing his re- yoles he discharged three barrels in rapid succes- sion, The result was more than é: ted. There was a great yell of pain, and the sound of a heavy body fi ling the ground; then, on riding on, the Regulator found his victim outstretched in the grass. He dismounted and bent over the man, and found that he was dead. One of the bullets had entered his ear, another through his left side, plowing into his heart, and producing in.:tant death. A short search discovered the oe Pedrillo had received from Prairie Patrol There were two dii- ferent docnments, the first reading as follows; “ Cuter or Prarkre League:—Large miners’ train from the Rockies will come down the valley to- morrow night. Big amount of gold in their posses- sion; so you'd best lay for it. “ Lesrte.”’ The other paper read as follows: “Pass forty-fifth line-pole; twenty horse-lengths due south-west; hell below; heaven above!” Which ended that strange communication. “Tt’s a clew to the stronghold of the Prairie League!” muttered Omaha Oll, grimly, “Tam on the scent at last, and must pursue it.’ Leaving the messenger ly ng where he had fallen, he sprung upon Clipper’s back, and dashed away. CHAPTER X. FIGHTING RUFFIANS, OmaHA Ott, as the reader may already have guessed, was no less a person than the ex-road- agent, Deadwoo | Dick, whom we left by the side of the dying Annihilator, ; We pe. or his acquaintance there rather abruptly. Let us go back fora moment, and review his past since then, Leaving Old. Avalanche lyi , as he su posed, stark and stiff in death, the nee of the Roa turned toward the ruins of cosey home, to pro- cure some sharp instrument with which to dig a ave, for he would not leave the spot without Sivin the old-scout a decent burial. On his way he'came upon the lifeless: body of his infant son, and standing there and gazing upon the beautiful child he had so idolized, next to his darling Leone, he raised his clinched right Land toward the tirelit sky, and registered an oath of vengeance be- fore Godectan oath to avenge his triple loss, angst the consummation of that vengeance absorbed the remainder of his natural life. rt He went back then and laid the babe beside th scout, after which he retraced his steps toward the ruined hacienda, in search of a shovel or spade, with which to dig a grave. After wandering about for half an hour, in the black track left by the fire, he found the ees required, aud hastened back upon the prairie to per- form his last ghastly labor for the dead. But great was his astonishment on arriving at the spot where he had left the bodies, to find that they had both strangely disappeared! Gone, but where? They were nowhere in the immediate neighbor- hood, as a close search proved; yet they were gone, and the Paes was where and how?—a question that Deadwood Dick could not answer. Had the sneaking coyotes come and dra, them away, or had the Prairie League dragged them off to F ake ome more indignities upon their persons? he thought was maddening to Deadwood Dick. yet he was powerless to help himself. He could only curse the fate that had ever pursued him. At last when morning was near at hand, heturn- ed his back upon the ruined hacienda, and strode away. For twenty-eight hours, he prowled aboutin the vicinity of Del Norte, without food or rest. Then he fell in with a band of valley settlers, who, under the title of ‘‘ Avengers” and ** Regulators,” were organizing fora campaign against the “ Prai- rie League,” and they had chosen him their leader, well knowing of his dauntlessness from report. Thus, under the name of Omaha Oll, and in deep disguise, the former road-agent of Black Hill noto- riety, had become a Regulator. In his new comrades he found a set of men who had mente a received injury at the hands of the valley outlaws, and were eager to revenge them- selves; men who were inured to border warfare and would face death a hundred fold to accomplish their aims. And they found in Omaha Oll, as we shallstill con- tinue to call him, a leader who was brave and dar- ing to a fault; who never shirked duty at the ap- — of danger; who held as little fear of his fel- low-men asagiant would of a pigmy. Andthus having shown how Deadwood Dick be- came a Regulator chief, we will resume the thread of our narrative, and pursue it to the end, with as little digression as possible. ~ We left Omaha Oll dashing away across the pestis. after obtaining the dispatches from the out- w messenger, Pedrillo. “The den of this League of Evil must be twenty horss’s lengths from the forty-fifth line-pole!” he muttered, as he sped along, sitting in his saddle as though bound there; ‘or els: what is the meaning of this message? Iwould give a half-year of my to be able to pounce in upon those outlaws, and show them what is the vengeance of a wronged man. But, the idea of following up this clew must now be dispelled. Here is another duty—to get to- gether my men, and prepare to aid this train of miners, A year ago I should have been as willing to have relieved them of their spoils as I am now to assist them.” He rode swiftly on through the moonlit night, for that luminary had just raised itsface above the ho- rizon, Joking guilty at its own tardiness in rising. His horse he had recently purchased of an old Spaniard, who was finishing training him for the eircus, and a handsome beast he was, with black glossy coat.and limbs like polished steel, together with an arching neck and flowing mane. Broad of chest and thin of flank he was a fleet traveler as Omaha Oll had proven on more than one occasion, And yet he was to be given another chance, for a wild piereing ery welled up piteo' upon the night—a woman’s scream,, fraught wi keenest terror and indignation, 7 It reached the ears of Omaha Ol, ani in an in- stant he was all attention. His heal was bent for- ward, and his piercing gaze swept the moonjit prai- es. . Then about a mile away, he panne an in t view of a flying horse and rider, but was not able to identify the same, ior pat i ,
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Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror. 19 “It’s a woman in trouble at least!’ he muttered, gethering the reins tighter, and throwing his feet out of the stirrups. ‘Now, Clipper, away, and let it not be said that you or your master hesitated to strike in the defense of a woman. Away!” And off at the Masked Terror’s command bounded the black charger, at a wild rate of speed, with head stretched out on an even with its back, and mane and tail streaming back gracefully. And Omaha Oll rode literally with the horse, his motion and graceful movement corresponding ex- actly with that of the steed. On—on; it took but a few moments to prove that they were gaining, although the fugitive’s horse was one of no ordinary speed and endurance. And a dark scowl was upon the face of the fugitive, as he noted how rapidly his pursuer was gaining. “ Curse the luck!” he growled, gazing alternately toward the on-coming Masked Terror, and into the fair white face of the captive he carried in his arms, “that fellow is bound to overhaui me, and give me trouble. I wish I had left the girl in ber home; wo- men have ever been a curse to me, yet I cannot let them alone. And that chap is Omaha Oll the Masked Terror, too. What can he want of me?” What, indeed, but to rescue a female captive, whose cry had appealed to his heart and hearing. “On, Clipper! @ are gaining as one wave gains upon another in the surf!” Omaha Oll said, urging on his noble charger. His hat and mask were now off and in the saddle-bags; his handsome face was illuminated with a glow of pleasurable excitement; his dark magnetic eyes gleamed sharply, and his long hair blew back in a cloud upon the night breeze. In his hand he held coiled a lasso ready for instant use, one end of it a secured to his saddle-bow. Nearer and nearer he drew to the fugitive, Clipper seeming to realize just what was required of him. On—on; the thud, thud of borse’s feet beat a oo tattoo upon the prairie sod; the late moon looked down serenely; the stars twinkled in heaven's mighty dome; the prairie-dogs barked; birds ut- tered shrill cries at being disturbed from their peace- ful slumbers; on dashed the pursued and the pur- suer; animal spirits were at rivalry, while those of the two men were ee and defiant. , But closer—closer they grew—both men could see each other distinctly, now; both were somewhat amazed, for the resemblance between them was startling. Deadwood Dick’s cast of countenance was given each, and in form they wera not unlike. Omaha Oll instantly made up his mind as to the identity of the fugitive. It was the El Gamin, at whom the Prairie League had struck, when they killed Avalanche, Leone, and ‘the babe, and destroy- = G9 pretty home upon the banks of the Rio Grande '€] Norte. El Gamin, the great Gambler Prince. On—on—nearer, until Clipper’s nose was brushed by the tail of the fugitive’s horse—then Omaha Oll spoke. re Hold! Why continue this race, Sir Gambler? Already I have run you down; it will require but the work-of a moment to unseat you from your saddle, by using my lasso. So you may as well pull in.” “What do you want?” El Gamin demanded, turn- ing in his saddle. fiercely. ‘ Why have you dogged me in this way?” **Beeause a woman’s scream appealed to my man- ly nature, and called me to the rescue!” Omaha Oll replied, proudly, ‘‘You seem to be a kidnapper as well as a gambler, according to this bundle;” and the young Chief of the Regulators laid his hand upon the bundle El Gamin carried, for he was now close enough to enable him todoso. ‘I demand an ex- planation!” * By what right, pray?” z . “In the name of the ‘Regulators and Avengers, Gambler. Iam Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick, the reformed ex-road-agent, as you like!’ ’ El Gamin uttered an exclamation of surprise, and drew rein abruptly. “ You Deadwood Dick!” he repeated, in astonish- ment; “‘you the Black Hills road-agent?”’ “T was; yes!” “Then you are my enemy.” “T presume so!"’ with that old peculiar laugh. “I am ’most every one’s enemy, that finds it convenient to make me so. Don’t know that I -have a true friend living, down in this country, unless perchance there may be some of the aforesaid among my band. In what way have I encroached upon your good grace?’ “You killed my brother, Fred Audley; I shall un- dertake to avenge him!’’ El Gamin said, bitter- ly. “Ah!” Omaha- Oll started. ‘ You were his brother, eh?’ Then his memory went back to those days in the wild, strange life in the Black Hills, and a lonely, homesick feeling assailed him. ‘“ Fred Audley was a traitor !”’ “A traitor! Bah! he was not more of a traitor than you. You are a traitor to your country and to your fellow-men, and deserve nothing more than a zood stout limb with a rope and your neck attached to it! “Ah! do you really think so? We won't dispute about that, forno matter what my past has teen, my present 1am faithfully trying to improve. You say youare my enemy. What do you proposetodo that you may work off the strength of your tower- ing passion?” “We will fight if you dave. Do youknow how to use the knife?” ‘Well, providing you set a plate of uncut venison before me, I might be able to handle one end of such an instrument!” the Regulator replied, with a cool composure that annoyed the gambler. ‘ But if you say razor, razor it is!” And out of the saddle the young man vaulted, “Shall I assist your charge to the ground, Sir Gambler?” “You may Jay her ge the grass until we settle this matter!” £1 Gamin assented, yielding up bis captive, who was bound hand and foot. ‘We will fight in thesaddle!” “As well that way as any other!’ Omaha Oll re- plied, laying the girl upon the grass, and with light- ning celerity severing her bonds. *‘* Now, miss,” in an undertone, “when we get to fighting briskly, you creep away, at a safe distance, and then putfor home, wherever that is.” “T have no home. I am alone in this strange country—all alone!” was the whispered reply A sharp exclamation from El] Gamin at this junc- ture called the Regulator’s attention. “Look! look!” the gambler exclaimed, excitedly, eee up the valley, which was flooded with moon- ight. “We are between enemies all around. Yonder come the Prairie League outlaws; we have the ehoice of racing fifteen straight miles for shelter, or fighting. Which shall it be? We cannot afford to be enemies now; we must join our forces!” ‘ “As you like. I bear you no ill-will, except for abducting this maiden. o! we'll not run. — Dis- mount, and make your animal liedown. We can easily defend ourselves, I think, for I see you carr a Remington repeating rifle, and my Evans, here, is good for thirty-four shots, El Gamin accordingly dismounted, and at a word his horse as well as that of Omaha Oll, lay out- stretched upon the ground; then the two men crouched behind their’ respective barricades, and awaited the attack of the ruffian herders and out- laws who composed the Prairie League. Ol had taken care to draw the young maiden to his shelter, and now that he had time to gaze at her, he perceived that she was rather comely. of'face and form—evidently a child of western culture—for she was not yet en, A clance at her; then the young Regulator turned
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20 a eS Omaha i Oll, the his attention to the danger that was coming up in front. Of the horsemen there were at least thirty, all armed with rifles, who carried “arms,” as they rode, Ahead of them, barking and quarreling among themselves, were a pack of T'’exaa cattlo-dogs*— and Omaha Oll uttered an cxclamation fraught with doubt, as he beheld them. He knew them to be savage and stubborn in bat- tle—knew they were more to be feared than the human wolves behind them, “What is ity’ El Gamin asked, laying his revol- vers before him, and grasping his repeating rific, firmly. “ You think we—” ** Will have business to attend to, if we want to rob out of this alive!” Omaha OlLreplicd, grimly, “There are twelve dogs that must die first, and then nearly three times that number of outlaws to follow. Got ready! One, two, three!” Then the two defenders’ rifles rung out spite- fully, and though the distance was against them, two of ths dogs wen‘ down, But, still, with wild exultant yells the outlaws came rushing on. Now, they were but five hundred yards away! CHAPTER XI. FIGHTING BRUTES—THE MINERS’ CAMP. On—on they came like a charging army, their ex- ulting yells making stra.ge echoes resound over the rolling expanse of prairie, upon which the old moon threw a pale, sickly radiance, Yet ght enough was there to enable things to be seen distinctly af some distance, and Omaha Oll and El Gamin, the Gambler Prince, could see the savage jubilance expressed in the hard, grim faces of the oncoming outlaws. “Ready! Fire again! We must not lose a mo- ment, or we are dead men, and subject to a horrible fate, ten times worse than ordinary death!" the oung Regulator cried, again bringing his rifle to ear. ‘See! they are drawing rein and setting on the dogs to do the work of des:ruction, while they look on and laugh. Ready, comrade, One! two! make your bullets count, aud send them in quick succession! three and jive /” It was indeed as Oll had said. The outlaws had drawn rein just out of close rifle- shot, and while they sat in their saddles, were setting on the savage calvorties,t or cattle-dogs. And the brutes knew. just what was expected of them, apparently, for they came on, howling and barking, and quarreling over which was ta be in at the death, first. _ At Omaha's word “ fire,” both his gun and that of El Gamin rung forth, sharply, and unerring were the bullets, for two of the remaining ten dogs went to the ground, lifeless; yet on came the rest nearer and nearer at every leap—in two minutes vag ! would be at hand, savage and ferocious, thirsting for human blood. One monster brute in the lead seemed to be the commander of the gang, and he was anparently im- pregnable; for six times did Omaha Oll fire at him, in quick succession, but without effect. On the fierce brute came, his eyes gleaming, and froth dripping from his distended jaws. * By heaven, comrade, bullets are wasted on that beast!” the young Chief of Regulators cried, desper- ately. ‘“‘We must pick off the remaining ones.”’ Orack! erack! rung both rifles and pistols, and echo after echo rung over the prairie with weird re- sult, And when the last bullets of the two men were spent, there were yet three of the angered brutes to contend with—three, and they were not thirty yards * Cross between bull-dog and bloodhound — Ex- cellent herders, but ferocious and unmanageable, at times. + + Apache Indian name for large canines. Masked Terror. = ——d away. il brutes’ perseverance, they were bound not to give up till the last. “Quick! your knife! It is our last resort!’’ Omaha Oll eried, drawing his own trusty blade, and brae- | iny back preparatory against the onslaught. ‘Stand on your guard, and strike as you value life?” El Ganiin nodded, He, too, was on the guard, with his hunting-knife clinched between his teeth, and his hands free to clutch the enemy on ap- proach, On they came, side by side—the big leader, and two well matching him in size and strength. Three or four more leaps, and they would be upon the de- fenders. A great yell of triumph arose from the throats of the outlaws, and they lashed their horses nearer, that they might watch the death-struggles. For, though the loss of a herd of dogs was a heavy one, the ruffianly-tastes of the outlaws were ap- peased by watching the sufferings of an enemy—a sort of compersation for their loss. “Ready, El Gamin?” Omaha asked, without turn- ing hishead. His black, magnetic eyes were rivet- ed upon the big dog; he was trying to exert his powers of mesmerism over the brute. But to no avail.’ He could not catch the howling animal's eye. “ Ready!” ElGamin had just time to say; then came the onslaught. With roars not unlike those of an infant lion, the three dogs leaped upon the horses as they lay pros- ee and thenupon El Gamin and the young Regu- lator. The largest one singled out Omaha, while his two companions attacked the gambler, But one soon withdrew, and putting his nose to the prairie, sprung away with a series of howls fearful to hear. He had struck upon the trailof Emily, the gambler’s cap- tive, who, becoming terrified, had crept away un- noticed by the two men. “ God help her!’ Oll muttered, as, at_a glanee, he comprehended how matters stood. ‘‘ Her life is in imminent jeopardy, and how can we aid her now?" He turned and hurled off the savage brute from him with all his force, but on it came again, with eyes blazing and jaws distended. Braced back and watchful, the Masked Terror re- ceived him, and deep his knife sunk into the back of the monster's neck. With almost a human sbriek, the dog fell back, and bled out his life upon the moonlit plain, Omaba Oll then darted a glance at the gambler, and perceived that the dog was getting the worst of it. “El Gamin is all right; ha! the other dog has found the girl. Imust off to her rescue!" And the next moment Omaha Oll had sprung npon his horse, the animal was upon its feet. and they were dashing away like the wind over the prairies, So quick had been his action that he was some distances away ere the outlaws had sufficiently com- prehended to start in Pedi “On, Clipper—on like the lightning flash!” cried Omaha, as he again heard piteous cries ahead of him, in which direction the girl had gone, ‘The brute will tear her to pieces ere IT can reach her!” The captive had run nearly a mile from the battle- und, and by the time the voung Regulator had reached Her side, the ferocious ¢«lrortia had torn her so nearly up that life had hecome extinct. It was a frightful, ghastly sight,as viewed under the light of the pale moon, and a sensation of unut- terable horror swept over Omaha, as he beheld the eS destruction. It was beyond even his nerves of'st>el, An‘ the dog not content with the havoe wrought, left the mangled corpse, and sprung fiercely at the throat of the Regulator’s horse. But that saga- cious animal had had its early training, and received it thoroughly, too,and craning forward its handsome neck, caught the yelping bloodhound by the back of thé neek with its strong, white teeth, : With a chuckle, Omaha Oll came to Clipper’s as-—
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Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror. 21 a sistance, and® dispatched the ferocious brute and hurled it to the ground, Then he glanced around him for the first time since his flight. The outlaws had divided into two parties; one of these was coming hotly on in pur- suit of h who had gotten rid of his canine foe, mounted his horse, and was scouring away southward, Those in pursuit of Omaha Oll were now within nshot, and he saw that they meant to bring bim own, dead or alive. This resolved him as to his course, With a last shuddering glance at the corpse of the girl, he headed Clipper northwest, toward Del Norte, and “tucked” onthe spurs. | Then he threw himself alongsije, like an Indian, and rode thus, which prevented his being shot by the outlaws, But soon a new calamity came. There were loud rifle-reports in his rear, and a bullet struck noble Clipper in the flank, plowing a deep wound. Instantly the poor animal began to go lame, and Omaha Oll saw with regret, that he must depend upon something else than horseflesh to extricate him from the pursuing a oa Patting the limping horse kindly, he spurred him faster; then dropped off in the grass, and crept rapidly out of the track of the approaching horse- men, ‘ But his action had been observed by the sharp- eres members of the League, as was evidenced by a chorus of pokes Ed yells, and peering carefully above and over the tops of the tall i, perceived that they were spreading ou rounding him. “Ha! curse them; they are bound to haul me in, if possible, Poor Clipper! had they not wounded him, I could have shook my heelat them, As it is, matters look rather dubious. Confound it, why didn’t I think of this before? I-believe the sound will carry!” grass, he and sur- Lying upon his back in the grass he hastily de- tached from his belt a small silver bugle, artistically chased with gold mountings, and set with several flashing jewels. Tt was a magnificent affair, which he, as Dead- wood Diek, h once upon a time won from an old Jew pawnbroker, in Deadwood City. Placing the tube to his lips, he blew a sharp, long- ochaine blast, that rung far and wide over the plain, In consternation the outlaws stopped, and listened to the quavering reverberations, while their leader swept the surrounding country with his powerful field-glass, Soon he uttered a whoop of-defiance, for away to ' the east he beheld a large band of Regulators loom up over the crest of a prairie billow, which was brightly bathed in yellow moonlight, and coming Swooping down to the assistance of their leader. Then like whipped curs the outlaws wheeled their horses and fled, for the Regulators greatly outnum- hered them. and these brethern of the League had no pear te test the prowess of the followers of a Oll. If he was a sample, they did not care to encounter e 4 Seeing his enemies retreating, Omaha arose to his tents and sent a mocking yell after them; then turned and waited for his own men to come up, which they soon did, bringing wounded Clipper with them. : ‘ul examination was made, to which the noble animal patiently submitted, and Omaha was overjoyed to learn that his favorite steed was not Seriously injured. Indeed, the animal seemed great- ly relieved when the bullet was extracted, and once more ready for business, . We heard you c¢all. captain,” said Fawdon, the lieutenant in command, “and made haste this way; for we felt you were not the one to summon assist ance unless it was absolutely nece A “You were abroad, then, lieutenant?” imself, and the other was after El Gamin,° “Yes. Went over to Del Norte, but found all rpc poe Not much attraction at the Palace to- night!’ _ Probably not. The Del Norteans are lying low, in waiting for the fat miners’ train that comes into the valley to-morrow. And, my hearties, it must be our duty to see that train safely through to Del Norte, for between here and there lies danger for them, that has death in it.” “Halt!” ‘ Clear and stern the challenge of the sentry rung out, and ominous rifle-cl.cks were there to back the command. It looked as if the little band of masked horsemen who had stopped at the edge of a little glade in the heart of a prairie motte, were not too welcome peste at the darkest hour of the night before day- awn, Thirty or forty there were of these statue-like, black-clothed, black-masked riders, mounted upon thoroughbred animals, and armed with weapous of superior worth, ig hae whence came the sentry’s en in the lovely little hemlock fringed glade, a dozen wagons were corraled, and here and. there were camp-fires burring low, and casting a faint flicker- ge ey upon the scene, p in the blue western heavens the pale, listless moon hung as though feebly suspended in mid-air. Around the camp-fires in the glade were stretched the forms of perhaps a dozen men; the women of the party were quartered within the canvas-covered “ schooners,” no doubt, for the nights were growing chill and frosty. $ “Halt!” Clear and decisive the Nore rung out and the horsemen who were following the lead of . the Masked Terror drew instant rein. Judging from the speaker's tone of voice, he was no amateur at giving the order for the new-comer to halt. “ Halt it is!” Omaha Ol] returned grimly. ‘‘ What- n you have?” 5% “We'll have you and your road-agents keep a proper distance, Mr. Deadwood Dick!" was the re- ie lt You can't play Black Hills games down ere! s The ex-road-agent leader of the Del Norte Regula- tors uttered an exclamation of astonishment. What did this mean? Who was in the miners’ ' caravan that had known him in the Black Hills? The voice was unfamiliar, and for the life of him, Dead- wood Dick, or Omaha, could not tell who was the sentry. S o are you that knows aught of Deadwood Dick?” he demanded, after a moment's reflection. “My name is Dore. Guess you do not know me; nevertheless I was in Deadwood during your notori- ous reign, and recognized you by your voice the mo- ment you spoke. So, Sir Road-agent, you may as well go elsewhere for plunder, for you cannot have ours.” “Nor do we want it, Sir Sentry. You mistake our calling. Iam Omaha Ol, and these are my men— two-score in count. We are not road-agents, but Regulators; and having warning of your coming, we have come to offer you our services as protectors against the Prairie League, a band of merciless ruf- fian herders, who will attack you before you make Del Norte. Accept of us, fearlessly, and we promise you our assistance, for at the time we help you we are also furthering our own mission, by breaking up this infamous league of ruffian herders.” ? For several moments there was no reply, during which time the Avengers waited impatiently, for they had ridden hard, and needed rest, preparatory to what was in prospect for them. Then the sentry again spoke. “We accept of your story, sir; but are you not in truth Deadwood Dick?” “¥ was in the Black Hills; here, I] am Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror and Regulator.” “Then ride forward, sir, and we will trust you, for
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Omaha Ol, the 22 Tnever heard of Deadwood Dick going back upon his pledge or promise. Come into camp, and you will be welcome!” the sentry replied. CHAPTER XII. TWO ECCENTRIOS IN A FIX, “Gor darn ye!” **Gonsarn yer sugar-coated mug!’’ “T'll baste ye over ther mouth ef I ever git loose!” “An’ ef I ever find out thet ye hit me, why, by ther immort’l bone that grew fast in ther larnix uv old Joner, I'll transmogyty ye inter a petrified clam. Once know’d a feller w’at got petritied, up in Colora- do. He attempted ter steal up behind an’ kiss a gal arter dark, an’ kum ter found out et war his ugly stepmother. Great needle that threaded Cleopatra! ther spontaneous shock generated thru his systemat- ical constitoochin by thet consternatural discovery war so strained an’ electric, thet he war subjected inter ther spasmodies, uv which he finally died, an’ his petrified karkass war stud up over bis grave fer a tombstun’, memorial uv all his noble virtues and vices! The above conversation occurred between two men, who, out in mid-prairie, several miles from Del Norte, were rolling about upon the grass, in close roximity to each other, and both of them securely pound, hand and foot. No other signs of human presence were to be seen in the vicinity. Which made their situation seem strange, and lu- dicrous, 5 The more so because of the appearance of the two unlucky individuals concerned, One was that long, lanky, seven-foot, mysterious individual whom we noticed in the first part of this story, as the Arkansas Toothpick. Like a great squirming human serpent looked he, as he lay outstretched, with his tremendous length of limb, and great hairy visage. A strange being, with much about him that was odd and mysterious, The other unfortunate was literally the dead re- turned to lifs, for no less a personage was he than the old Annihilator, whom many of the readers have doubtless supposed to be dead. Yes, Old Avalanche alive, but though exceedingly lively and himself again, he was not well of his wounds, received on that terrible night when the Harris home had fallen prey to the prairie flames. ow the old man escaped, shall be known anon. And these two odd sheep of the flock had no appa- rent love for each other, judging from the above conversation, given as they lay facing each other. “Ye're ther gol-durndest sucker thet ary man ever see’d!’’ growled the Arkansas Toothpick, making a contemptuous face at his puny opposite—"‘ actooal- ly ther humbliest no-eared baboon I ever see’d!’’ “ An’ ye’re a beauty, you are!” Avalanche retort- ed, returning the inglorious grimace. ‘“ Ye're jest ther sweetest suggar-coated pill outside uv an apothecary’s shop. Lord! it’s a wonder ye don’t at- tract more wimmen an‘ less flies. Beauchiful! guess so. Ye're supeeryer ter a bunch o' sun-flowers an’ peonies. Fact, by gracious. Wonder some eddica- ted an’ interlectual an’ skientific florist don’t plant ye, an’ let ye go to seed; tho’ how he'd ever climb up to get at ther seed, aire a wuss mystery than perpetual mo hun.” ‘*Ba-a-ah!” mocked the other in contempt. ‘Ye puny little runt o’ humanity; ef T ever war tor git my arms around ye, Id flatten ye like a pancake griddle!” “Oh! ye would, hey? Great notorious ham-bone thet did old Joner tantalize—ef I war ter clap my paw on ye, ye’d imagine anuther Hell-Gat : hed bu’st- ed! ye’d sw’ar ye'd been struck wi’ ther batt-end uv a great, roarin’ N rwegian avalanche o’ annihila- tion, Ye’d think ye war encompassed wi'in ther toils uv a great tumultuous whirlpool o’ demolition —a devastatin’ eppydemic o’ ther boreal lattytudes and longytoads,” 2 Masked Terror. “Pooh! hear the banty crow! Whyeold ourang- outang, 1 ked decapitate ye so quick, ye wouldn't hear about it ontil sometime next year. Oh! but I'd like ter chaw off yer nose, or gouge yer eyes out!” ““Which delightful performance I'd love ter ope- rate onter ye, ye long-legged, big-headed elephant. Gol-dang my pins, but I’d like ter step inter thet rosy-lipped suggar refinery 0’ yern, an’ smash in them ivories, so they’d grow’way out o’ yer toes! Moses of bull-rush fame! I'd give my old j’int, Flor'nee Night-in-a-gale, I do believe, jes’ fer a chance ter sock you a dab on ther proboscis!” “An' I'd give all my future interests in Kingdom Come, ef I ked get my claws inter yer ugly face!” roared the Toothpick, making strong exertions to break his bonds. But, giant though he was, he could not burst them, which was vexatious in the greatest degree. “Whoa! January; don’t geta month ahead o’ yer- self!” chuckled Avalanche, watching the seven- footer’s efforts. ‘‘ Don’t rend them buffler cords in- ter infinity, beloved hive of honey.” “Oh! go soak yer head, you baboon. Ef I can’t bu’st ’em, you can’t, an’ we'll both rot here, ter- gether, “Great arithmetical ham-bone, no! I ain’t goin’ ter make Jand-fertilizer plaster, yet, old long- legs, not muchly. I died, or putty nigh it, other day, an expect ter make a positive flop afore many years, But [ll be dasted ef thes old eppydemic aire goin’ ter scatter his ashes wi’ any sich an ornery long- legged, lantern-jawed hippopotamus as you.” “Might be glad o’ ther honer uv sich a thing, old baboon!” And thus the eccentric twain had it backward and forward, until both had exhausted epithets and ac- cusations to hurl at each other, and could only lay and war with eyes instead of tongues. Night was coming on, and when darkness set in, they were in imminent danger from the prowling wolves, = The way they had come in this unrelishable posi- tion is easily explained, Both were out upon the U pies, in companionship, whenthey had encountered astrolling band of Nava- jo Indians, who were abroad in search of sport and game. of approached, the two scouts, and_in an unex- pected moment took them prisoners, and after bind- ing them left them on the grass and went their way, rejoicing over their “‘ much big "’ joke. he Toothpick avowed that it was the. fact of Avalanche’s having no ears that had caused the joke; and the Annihilator was positive that the Nava- joes had taken offense at them, because of the Ar- kansas man's ill proportions; from which word passed to word, until the twain were in reality mad and belligerent. Avalanche knew little about Mr. Jem Murray, ex- cept that he was no slouch in a fight. They had ac- cidentally met, and as their uncouthness, generall;, was somewhat alike, they had roamed together. Avalanche had an object and a mission to fulfill, and so, evidently, had the “original” Toothp’ck. But what it was no one would ever learn, by waiting for enlightenment from him, personally. / He was uncommunicative in matters relating to his business in the San Luis valley; Avalanche more than once suspected him of being more than he ap- ey tes but what? This was the question which even he could not answer. Deadwood Dick he had neither seen or heard from since the night of the massacre; not even a suspicion that Omaha Oll, the dreaded Masked Ter- ror, and Deadwood Dick were identical, ever enter- ed the old Annihilator’s head, ; The question of how they were ever to free, now, was not one of plain solution in it was that neither of the prisoners had strength sufficient — to burst their bonds, which left it impossible to es- — cape, until they had some assistance. = * Well, my sugar-coated pill o’ fizzic, w'at aire yer 4
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Omaha Oll, the 23 Masked Terror. views on remainin’ hayr all night?’ Avalanche at Jast questioned, rolling over toward Mr. Jem Mur- ray, the Toothpick. ‘‘’Spect you needn’t be nohow afeard 0’ wolves, fer they'd scorn ter whet their chins on sich an ornery galoot as you.” _ “See hayr, ye runt, aire ye not thru wi’ yer blar- ney?” was the reply. ‘Fer my part I feel more like chawin’ ye up fer fodder, than talkin’ so long about et. Jest roll over hayr, an’ let me utilize ye ter sum £0o0d purpuss!”” i “Wait till get free, an’ I'll come fer you like a rip roarin’ tornader o’ terrificossity—like a three- : eared meteor o’ fizzican’ demoralation an’ destruc- tiveness, frum ther Aunty’s Podes," Avalanche re- lied. ms Ye’re a durned old hog!” from Toothpick. “And, ye’re a long-legged camel-giraffe, from out o’ civilization,” assured Alva. Then silence again reigned. But only for a few minutes, Shrilly over the prairies, wafted on the wings of the evening breeze, came a strange sound—not the lowing of a cow, the bleat of a sheep, nor the cry of a human, hut the peculiar “ ba-a-a”’ of a goat. Yes, there could be no mistake about this, and it caused ane to struggle quickly up to a sitting pos- Ire. “Hooray! Great carniverous ham-bone that as- saulted ther Adam’s apple ov old Joner!” he cried, triumphantly. *‘Et aire my right bower, Florence rie a ou a-comin’ ter my resky. Oh! ye on- gainly, honey lipped statue, how d’ye like ther eydea 0’ partin’ wi’ this great devastatin’ eppydemic, now? Hayr, Morence! Hayr Florence! Cum quick, ye dasted ornery beast. an’ extricate yer master frum a consarned diffikilty.” “Ye needn’t crow, old rooster!” growled Tooth- pick, grimly. ‘*P’rapsIkin hire yer pard ter sot me free, also!” “Hot! hol guess not. Wait till ye see my pard's genealogy, or whatever ye call it, an’ ye’ll obsarve a chap w’at ain’t easily led frum ther path o’ bond ue an’ religyun, inter that o’ sin an’ contamina- on. And Florence was soon forthcoming, but not alone, for the eccentric and wonderfully educated animal was dogging at the heels of a man, who, sta first glance, Avalanche could have sworn was Dead- w Dick, But instead of Dick, it was ElGamin, the Gambler Prince. “Hello! what's the matter here?’ You fellows ap- pear in somewhat of a dilemma!” he ‘emplaienel, coming forward, while Florence sprung joyfully to her old master’s side, and whisked her stubby tail in_manifestation of her unprecedented pleasure. “Ha! by heaven! yov, Jem Murray?” “At yer sarvice!” the Toothpick said. ‘Jem Murray, Sheriff of Golden City, an’ ther original Ar- kansas Toothpick.” A dark scowl covered El Gamin’s face. “So you have followed me, eh?’ he muttered. “Well, I expected nothing else, under the circum- Stanees. What do you want?” “My daughter, and your life!’ Murray answered, fiercely, ‘else I shedn't hev sought ye. Whar's the gal first?’ 3 El Gamin threw himself upon the grass, and for several moments stared hard at the ground. “The poor child is dead!” he replied, at last, brushing a tear from his eye, at the approach o some painful memory. ‘She died a month after we left Golden City, of her old complaint, heart- disease, and I saw that she had a proper inter- ment.” ‘The lanky sheriff groaned aloud. ’ ba “T expected thet w’en I couldn’t heer o’ her bein along wi’ yer!” he said, bitterly. -“Durn ye. ef I ever git my claws onter yer weasand, ye’ll think et’s time ye squar’d accounts on yearth.”” “You shouldn’t blame me, so much, as I was vot all to blame!” the gambler replied, “ You refused tosanction our marriage and happiness and so we had _to elope and take our chances. Had Blossom lived, we should ever have been happy together.” Murray softened a little at this. ““Mebbe you. wasn't all cross-ways,”’ he allowed, thoughtfully, ‘‘ but, bein’s ’ve chased ye so fur, I ken’t let you alone wi’out fightin’ on thet score. *Twon't take long ter tell whichis the best feller, an’ that'll end it.” “We won't fight now!” E] Gamin replied, hastily. “T have other work to do; and, by the way, it was only by this eccentric goat that [was attracted here. So [il bid you good-evenin.’” And the gambler was about to turn away. But Avalanche made haste to call him back, for game yet was the veteran scout. “Tsay you chap, don't get inter such a persper- ation, ter depart. Et hasa bad reflection on yer phyz- ziecal constitoochin, generally ; asides, et’s dangerous. Actoolly know’d a man, onc’t who worked in a cluss b'ilding, an’ he got ter persveratin’, and ther sweat generated steam, an’ ther harder he worked ther more steam war made, ontel ther buildin’ &t so full that she bu’sted up entirely. Fact, accordin’ ter ther new kind of a Testament. Tharfore, nevyer git in a hurry when ye kin doa feller a gocd turn. est release me, an’ as long as ther great devas- tatin’ Syirtenic wafts like boreal fizzic thr’u’ these lattytudes, hell vote for .ye. Needn’t mind about ther baby elerphant, hyar, wi’ honey-lipped sugar refinery. He ain’t no good on earth. “Then ye ain’t pards, eh?” ““Nary a time!’’ quickly objected the “ original” Arkansas Toothpick, with a sniff of disdain. “ Ye don’t s’pose I'd ’sociate wi’ sich a humbley, or’nery pigmy, do ye? I'd die sooner!” : £1 Gamin turned without a word and severed Av- alanche’'s bonds; then strode rapidly away to the gicom that had densely thickened over the prairie. \ hither he was bound was a secret to himself. Avalanche arcse to his feet with a triumphant chuckle, and_ approaching, bent over the reclining Tocthpick, a broad grin upon his features. ‘‘Good-by, my honey lip—my gorgeous blooming eony—my fizzic an’ sugar-coated pill, good-by. I nate ter leave yer, very much, as ther leaf sed ter ther tree, in autumn; but ther best o’ friends must art. Hope yer won't cotch ther distemper, layin’ nere, or that ther wolves won’t git ye!’ “Vaa-a!l ba-a-al’”’ Murray mocked. “Very good, Jemsy, but old Flor’nce heer can beat it, you bet. Once she bl’atted so dasted hard thet President Grant heerd it way in Washington. Adieu! «u rercir, until we meet some other time.” And whistling to bis goat, the eccentric Annihi- lator turned on his heel, and strode away over the piatte in the direction where lay Del Norte’s twink- ing lights. He limped considerably yet from his wounds, and cota his progress was necessarily somewhat slow. Not ten minutes after the Annihilator had gone, Jem Murray coolly burst_ apart his bonds, and springing to his feet, hurried swiftly on in pursuit. CHAPTER Xml... j THE TRAIL PESTS—TRUCE AND DEFIANCE. Tue sentry led the wey forward into the glade, shouting for those in camp to awake, as he did so, and behind him Omaha Oll and his men followed on horseback. i : And a wild-looking set of fellows they were, too, with their picturesque herder habits, slouch ‘hats, and black masks, and the sleepy-headed miners re- garded them with suspicion, until the man Dore assured them that all was right, and safe. The men rekindled the camp-fires and began to show a hospitable disposition by setting forth food and drink, while the females of the caravan peer distrnstéully. from the canvas-coverings of the long rakish schooners. Used as they were to rough life in the mines, they were none too eager to make. the
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24 Omihw Ol; the Masked Terror. acquaintance of the almost world-notorious Dead- wood Dick, who as road-agent, dare-devil and gal- lant, had no equal in the wide West. While the miners were preparing food for them, Omaha and his men betook themselves to one side and stretched themselves out for an hour's sleep of which all were in sore need. At the end of that time, they were awakened, and summoned to the repast, which, though humble, was most refreshing- ly tempting. After the meal had been dispatched, Boss Breck, the commander-in Charge of the caravan, made his apperrance, and was introduced té the Regulators and Omaha, their youthful commander. With the “captain,” as Breck was called, Omaha had a long, pleasant chat. He found The man to be well-educated and intelli- gent, for all his rough miner’s exterior, and dialect. As a miner, he was of course in favor with the favor- ite law of Juige Lynch; believed that no punishment was too good for outlawry and ruffianism, and hoped that the Government would take activeyrmeasures to exterminite every tramp communist, and ruffian on the face of the earth. He was married and had a remarkably pret!y daughter—a young maiden of seventeen summers, the very impersonation of health, and a gay viva- cious little creature, whom no one could see without admiring. y Omaha received an introduction to her but tried to avoid her as much as possible for, when in the resence of females, his mind would go back to his ife with Leone—to his happy prospects, and how bitterly they had been blighted—frostbitten in the very springtime of their youthful existence, and then he would become sullen and gloomy. Ah! how that boy-man often wished for the old life they had lived, ere the first blow ha‘ been struck at their happiness, by the coming of Edith Stone. He was a road-agent then, to be sure, and not only sinning against the laws of God and man, but run- ning his neck into constant peril; still, those days at his “ Castle” in the Black Hills were the happiest of his whole life—stich an eventful life, foo, since then. Thoughts like these were running in his mind, as he sat in the edge of the glade, with his eyes upturn- ed to the blue sky, where morning’s light was just breaking—the heaven, where he felt sure Leone and his baby boy had long ere this found a glorious sal- vation, and an everlasting home. i He found solace in thinking that both were at peace up there. Sometimes he wondered if he were worthy of a place there, too, And in such moments bitter memories would chase away tender ones, and instead of grace his wild spirit yearned for ven- geance. ; Vengeance! ay, the craving came back this mem- ory-bringing moming. with tenfold greater strength than ever before, and it seemed to him he was given a giant's strength and courage to grapple with foes —to strike as he had never struck befor. The sun was rising beautifully in the cold, crisp. west, and the air was gradually growing keener, when one of his men came to inform him that the caravan was ready to move. So rising he accompanied the messenger back to camp. ‘Captain Breck had arranged everything prepara- tory fora start. Instead of riding in the wagons as they had done heretofore, the women were mounted upon the Regulators’ horses, while Omaha and his men were ta.conceal themselves inside the schooners, where they were to remain until the attack of the Prairie e, when they could open up their con- cealed battery, with disastrous effect upon the foe. Accordingly, with assignments to positions, the caravan left the motte and toiled along slowly over the prairie, toward its next destination. Del Norte lay some twenty five miles in the distance, yet Breck had strong, hopes of being able to push into the town by ten o’clock that evening. ° As he expected no encounter with the ruffians un- til noon, or thereabouts, Omaha Oll did_not confina himself or men wholly to the wagons, but they all took exercise in the open air. Omaha rode ahead with Captain Breck and his daughter, and chatted with them, In this way he learned that there was really a larger amount of golden treasure in the train than even the League had knowledge of; for since the death of Prairie Patrol’s messenger, he was not cer- tain if the League had been advised of the coming of the miners’ train. Breck had a large per cent. of the aggregate amount, and he was naturally anxious. “Ye see, I shedn't keer ter lose it, seein’s I’ve bin ten yeer in ther mines, and diggin’ fer't,’’ he said, seriously. ‘ A feller don’t know w’at ther value 0’ stuff is till he goes ter s’archin’ an’ diggin’ fer’t; then he finds out, I tell ye. Never struck any big nuggets w’at made me rich in a day, like some fel- lers, Panned it all out, grain fer grain.” * Andsuch as you I would hesitatejthe most to plun- der, if L was in the road-agent line again,’ Omaha ON replied. Black Hills, I always made it a practice to lay the most for them who mined their gold only to drink and gamble it away. I ca'culated I might as well have it as they, and also that I was in one sense do- ing good by keeping hell-fire from their lips. If we had less gold and less whisky, we would have more honest, sober men. “Very truly spoken, sir. Whisky and money in the overplus, are the curses of our country to-day. Do away with the whisky, and make no more money, Ha! are not those our enemi-s, now?” The miner pointed to where the head of horse and horseman were just disappearing from view behind a prairie swell, some two miles ahead. Not one man out of ten would have noticed the important fact, at such a distance. “Tt is either the whole band there behind the hill, or else a spy posted to give warning of the coming of the train,” Omaha replied, bringing his glass to bear, but without effect. “I will soon ascertain, however, for there to our right is a swell much higher than any other within the scope of two miles. and from there J can see, and signal you to proceed in the event of danger. For if the ruffians are there, we may as well keep right on, until they make the attack. This will disarm any suspicion they may have that you are prepared!’ - So saying, the handsome young Regulator wheeled his horse and galloped back to the rear of the train; standing ready for instant duty were the miners, at the word of warning. ‘*Keep your pre ta out of view, but have them where you can grab them in an instant, boys!” was the arp ap ery of the Masked Terror, for masked was the young avenger, and a grim-looking rider, whom no one could relish to meet as a foe. galloped swiftly away over the prairie toward the billow he had indicated to Captain Breck, which was the highest point in that vicin'ty for observation, Eagerly those from the train watched the dash- ing, graceful equestrian, until he reached the sum- mit; then all held their breath in suspense while he swept the eastward landscape with his clear eagle- eye. by magic, both horse and rider became prostrated upon the ground, and were scen to be crawling off the summit, “Tt means danger, fellers!” cried Boss Breck, wheeling and riding back along the train. “Stand ready ter execute my orders at er minnit’s no- tice!’ 2 Omaha and his sagacious and well-trained animal soon crawled entirely off of fhe summit, and Omaha then rose to his feet and ran around in a circle; then inted toward the halted caravan, which looked odd and picturesque, away down in the valley. The “ During the period of my reign in the . and you will see a satisfactory change in affairs, - Then, with a word of warning to bis own men, he They saw him look long and earnestly; then, as if
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Omaha Oli, the Masked Terror. next minute he had*ordered Clipper up, was upon his back, and dashing down the slope. ; “Thev move tells us ter corral our wagons, an prepare fer battle!” cried Breck, as he watched the young Regulator, anxiously. “‘ See! here he comes now, like a thunder-gust. To work, men! lively, now, and swing the wagons inter a circle. Unbitch ther mules, quicker’n ye ever did afore!” _ The commands, were. obeyed, with alacrity. The miners knew that they we:e working to save their gold, and also their lives, and they sprung to work with a will, - It was but the work of a few moments to swing the long white-covered schooners into a circle, and unhitch the draught-horses and mules and put them inside the cirele. Within the space the miners and. their families were also ig refuge, when Omaha dashed up, his horse panting and flecked with foam, while he himself was pretty well blown. “Good! It is lucky you comprehended my mean- ing, for the band of the Prairie League are so large- ly our superior in numbers that it would be rash to attempt to ride through their midst. Ha! get ready, for there they come, now! - He pointed to the eastward, where a large band of Paty horsemen were just coming into view over a™ rairie crest. ‘i here were at least three-score and a half of them, well mounted, and at.a glance, would have been pronounced reckless fighters, for their rough, devil-may-care grace in the saddle was ad- mirable, and among the cattle herdsmen of the far West you will inevitably find a pretty hard set of customers to handle. “We've got work before us, 7 tell you!’ Omaha declared, jumping Clipper over into the corral, and then proceeding from one wagon to another to give his men courage. “ You've got. to fight like song-of- guns, or you'll get licked like blazes; so make every Shot empty a saddle, an 1 if the rascals get too close use your revolvers, as you well know how. Don’t give up while there’s an ounce of blood in your bodies to shed in the defense of the train!” , Then Omaha leaped over into the corral, where the miners and their families and the horses were all crowded in. Breck stood with rifle in hand wateh- ing the approaching ruffian band anxiously. _ “You are too crowded in here!” Oll cried, taking in the situation at a glance. ‘ Here!” and he raised up &@ wagon-tongue—‘‘drive out my horses. and let Hem shift for themselves; I'll risk their going The Regulators’ animals were accordingly all driven out, and the gap reclosed. This left more fighting room within the inclosure, and made it bet- ter altogether, In the mean time the outlaws were seen to be coming madly on at the best s of their wiry mustangs, and in their lead rode the elotre man of Del Norte, Bill Monte, and the mysterious Prairie Patrol, whose connection with the outlaws made her a repulsive object, even though she was beautiful in face and form, That Wild Bill Monte was commander-in-chief of the League, Omaha had not a doubt now, and re- solved was the young leader of the Regulators to destroy bot the : min ae sme Just out 0! shot the outlaw-herders came to a halt, while Wild Bill and Prairie Patrol rode for- ward, with white rags held aloft on the muzzles of their rifles for a truce. “Shall we let them approach?” asked Bos Breck. turning to the Masked Terror. ° “Not close enough to learn eae 1” Oll replied, leaping upon Clipper’s back. ‘“T'll go out and hear : 0 roach near enough to discover the slitted canvas sides of the “ schoon- a on. lest they suspect the presence of a concealed attery. Bill nodded, and drew rein as Omaha ap- proached, then spoke: “Are you in charge of yonder train, young feller?” he demanded gruffly. “At present lam. Why do you ask, Sir Gambler and Robber?” the Masked Terror answered. “ Because I wanted ter see the gineral in com: mand,” the outlaw said, with a chuckle, as he OUgHh, no doubt, of the easy victory in store for im, “We're the Prairie League o’ ther San Luis vailey, as ye’ve doubtless heerd of, an’ we demand an un- conditional surrender of yer train as toll fer passage over our exclusive route.” Bs am is this all you come out here to say?” sneered Omaha, in cont. “Tf it is, you may as well paddle right along back, for we'll not surrender no more’n we'll cut our heads off.” “But hold! You hain’t no idear o’ how we'll slaughter ye, an* git the gold besides, if ye don’t cave!” Monte protested, ‘‘ We're five dozen ten, ter one dozen o’ you, an’ et’l’ take about ten minnits fer us ter wipe every mother’s son o’ ye out 0’ exist- ence! “All right. Go ahead and wipe as much as you please. We're ready to receive you with open arms!” 1etorted the Regulator, wheeling his animal and gal- loping back toward camp. fonte cursed furiously, and he and Prairie Patrol rode back to the outlaw's lines, where a short con- sultation was held. Evidently they were a little sus- picious; but soon it was apparent that their greed for gold had overmastered their fears, for with Joud eries they spurred their horsés on to do the opening charge. A battle was now a certainty! CHAPTER XIV. GREEK MEETS GREEK—LURKING DANGER. On came the enemy at full tilt, presenting rather an et ea | aspect. Omaha Oll had resumed his position within the corral, and stood among the miners, cheering them with words and example. Nearer and nearer came the ruffian herders, until they were within easy gun- shot; then, at a blare from Omaha’s silver trumpet, the miners, twelve in number, opened up with a deadly volley that emptied as many saddles as shots were fired. But, evidently such a defense the outlaws had a) prehended, for they renewed their cries of triump and urged their mustangs harder, while Lied oper in a rattling roller upon the train. This more harm to the Regulators in the wagons, than to the miners behind them, for several of the former were wounded more or less severely. But enough out of their two-score was left to re- taliate with a deadly fusilade, which, to the utter consternation of the herders, swept full half of their front men away, and utter confusion reigned. Among those who fell was Wild Bill Monte, and seeing him go down, Prairie Patrol quickly galloped to the front, and in Spanish rallied the men about her, and they came on with drawn revolvers. See- ing which Omaha gave the ringing order: “Revolvers all! Courage, comrades; there are only thirty more!" Revolvers were drawn, and the moment range was ained, a volley from either side tore like electric nail through the air, doing some damage to the mi- ners, and emptying several more of the outlaws’ sad-~ les, Seeing which they whirled about and beat a pre- i ar retreat, for the distarice of half a mile, w ep they halted and dismounted, evidently for a’ rest’ : “Very well done!” commented Omaha, as Captain one advanced with beaming face and extended and,
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Omaha Oll, the “T apprehended more loss ¢n our side. How many are wounded of our party, lieutenant?” addressing the Regulator, who had just completed an exam}- nation of the wagons. “Only two seriously, and six slightly, captain,” was the reply. ‘None of the lot are unable to rid 47? “Good! then we'll take leave of the train, present- Vy, if yonder roughs clear out, which I believe is their intention.” “T find that our loss has not been as severe as yours,” said Breck. “ Altogether, it has been what, i call a lucky termination of a battle against odus. You don’t think they'll attack us again, then, young man?” “Tcan better answer that question after awhile!” Omaha replied, grimly.‘ Never put any fixed con- struction upon what are the intentions of a villain and you'll avoid disappointment. Two-thirds of those unhorsed men are but slightly wounded, and will be ready for work inside of a week.” “Then why not make a charge and wipe ’em out, fer good?” “No! Iwill not strike a man when he is down. Only ruffians and savages do that. Let them go; we will finish this job soon, [iteh up your horses and get the trainin motion. Lieutenant, you may catch our horses, and we will ride on to Del Norte with the train, Ithink we have little to fear from yon human coyotes, *twixt here and there!” Accordingly the miners set to work and geared the draught horses to the wagons, Omaha Oll’s horses were caught, and in half an hour the caravan was again toiling away over the dun prairie. At asafe distance the League, in its depletion of numbers, followed. Perhaps a score of the disabled outlaws had been remo inted, and sent off southward by east, to their stronghold. Wild Bill Monte was with the party who were fol- lowing the train, he and Prairie Patrol riding in ad- vance. The ruffian had been only slightly stunned by the bullet, and was now among the fiercest of those who pursued the miners’ caravan, their object being to obtain booty and revenge. Omaha OJl and a division of his Regulators rode in advance of the train, while another division brought up the rear, And thus, making a peculiarly pictur- esque spectacle, they all moved along through the cold December's afternoon sunlight. < As he wished to make Del Norte. before bray 4 for the night, Captain Breck had the train push steadily on and as rapidly as the nature of the route would admit, The following outlaws kept on about the same dis- tance, making no attempt at further molestation— indeed, it would have been foolhardiness to have made an attack where there were now more of those with the train, than of the League, who were in fight- ing trim. “Wish I hed a gud howitzer!” Breck said, riding ahead and joining Omaha, ‘‘an I'd soon scatter them doggin’ devils in promisc’ous shape. Once served wi’ light. artillery in the war, an’ hev an’ idea I ken sp’ile a few o’ them lunkies, ’andsum, Whatdo you suppose they're followin’ us for?” “Don't. know, unless they’vye another recruit of ite in Del Norte, and intend to attack you again. el Norte. you know, has very few respected laws or law-makers, and though there is probably a few hon- est souls in the place, the evil element greatly oycr- balances the good. Consequently a Jawless state of affairs exists, as would be natural in any place where the ppcenlation is controlled by ruffians.’ ‘““Then you consider it unsafe to enter the town?” Breck. demanded, in alarm and anxiety. “No, not exactly. Not that the inhabitants as a general are too good. to hesitate at the commission of any crime, but Ido not think molestation would. be given your train, except by the outlaws, for the simple reason that the Del Norteans stand in awe of threatened invasion from the government militia to Iasked Terror. suppress the high-handed gambling and whisky dis- tilling which is going on ther.” “T en Del Norte has illicit distilleries, eh?” “So luncerstand. But thatis nothing, Compar- atively few of the Western towns of note that do not have these in secret operation—some of them boldly.” Thus they conversed, while the afternoon wore away. Atsunset Del Norte lay in sight, in the dis- tance, but it was yet nine or ten miles away, and there were no roads on which the wagons could be drawn rapidly, which made it promise to be well to ward midnight ere they reached the town. Leaving affairs at the trainin charge of his lieuten- ant, Omaha Oll started on ahead at a sharp gallop. It wes his purpose to visit Del Norte, and see how the land lay, then ride back and report. He was not im- pressed with thess Del Norteans ina favorableli ht, and he had more apprehension: of danger at the town than he had betrayed to Captain Breck. At full speed he dashed, along over the prairie, through the dying sunlight, his thoughts searc¢ly reverting to the nature of his errand, for in such moments as these only one person occupied his thoughts, and that person— Leone. Leone! Ah! what would he not have given to have her back again, as in the old days when they wera so happy’ But she was in heaven, now, with her little baby boy; both were certainly better off than though living here below on the sinful earth, On-—on, he galloped, and at last entered Del Norte, unmasked, for thus he was not recognized as Omaha Ol, the Masked Terror, First of oll he went to the gambling den known as the Oriental Palace. Here he found a strange de- sertion, only afew of the habitues being present, and these were strolling id'y about. No playing was going on, and the place had a deserted and uninvit- ing appearance. 'o avoid suspicion, the young Regulator sauntered through the great apartment; and finally he invited the gamekeeper to start up the keno game, which was done with alacrity, for business had never been more slack, Accordingly, several bouts were played, Omaha, with his habitual luck, winning every time. Then, when tired of the sport, he arose and sauntered out = the building, a perplexed expression upon his ‘ace. “Tam puzzled,” he muttered, when he was alone, “The Palace 1s strangely deserted, and I can put no other construction on the fact than that these absent gamblers are laying for the approaching miners’ train, Confound it, I wish I knew what to do.” Springing into the saddle, he galloped to the west- ern side of the town, looking off toward the caravan. It was now out of sight, probably hidden in the depth of a prairie wave, “T see no other way than to let them come up. Better to fight it out here in town than to take the chances of an open prairie attack, Rt tae dark- ness;” for the sky was now overcast with somber clouds, and the nigh promised tob one of intense blackness. “I wish I had the counsel of Old Ava- lanche, just about now. His old head had an over- stock of ingenuity in it, and I think he could see the way through,” . “Great ham-bone thet exorcised ther hog-gobblin’ uv old Joner! Moses who became famuss fer his bull-rushin’ proclivities!"’ exclaimed a familiar voice, close at hand; “ef all ye want aire Avalanche—ther great devastatin’ disease o’ ther peraries—why heer is thet awesum ruffle uv a hurricane, an’ j’int, and all.” ; And from the bushes, close at hand, emerged the veteran Annihilator, sure enough! followed by his eccentric companion, the goat. Omaha Oll started, vioiently, and his face assumed an incredulous ex- pression as he beheld the old scout. — “4 sige * You! Avalanche!’ he exclaimed—“you, alive? I thought you dead.” aes “Yas, Tealkylate so; but all ther same—ther old
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a, — 27 Omaha OU, the Masked Terror. “ -ious eppydemic ain’t gone over the dam, yet. fam bone thet sanctified Joner, no!” =r But how, in the name of all that is wonderful, does it come that you ave alive?” Omaha demanded, with increasing amazement. ‘‘ When I left you, to go in search of tools with which to dig your grave, I believed you gone—quite dead. When I returned, some one or somet hing had removed your body and that of my child.” ¢ “Yas; et war the Perarer Patrol, or whatever-ye- eall-her. “She tuk us ter ther ruined haciender’ in ther Black Woods, an’ berry’d ther babe, wile she nursed me back ter life. Dunno why; she never even spoke ter me, ter ’splain which ner t’other. Arter I war well enuif ter shift fer myself, she show’d me the door, and sed ‘git;’ an’ I got, in ginnywine style, bet yer good life on that.” “Then my child was really dead, too, eb?” “Oh! yes; poor lettle cherubim got salivated wi’ Vict as bullet thet kerried off Mrs, Leone, Poor souls!’ Omaha Oll made no reply. His eyes were riveted upon the ground; a dark, revengeful light shone from theny, and flickeringly illuminated his dusky countenance, Yor several moments he remained in silence; then he related his experience since the night of the mas- saere, including his Jate defense of the miners’ car- avyan, against the attack of the ruffian herders, and his present mission to Del Norte. ¢ “Yas, Largue ye'll hev troubulous times ter git thet kerry van thru, ef they’ve got much gold aboard, Ham-bone thet petrified old Joner! Why these fel- lers 'd run sixteen miles er minnit, now, ter git a smell o’ ther ginny wine ariferous,”” “Well, if there is to be more battle, here’s what is going to take a hand in it!” Omaha said, grimly. we mood is all right for battle, and so I shall go n.’ “ An’ thes great destructive comet o’ contagion, too, Moses o’ bull-rush notoriety! Wait till ther great Annihilation gits ter runnin’, nicely, an’ ye’ll see fun—haydoodles uy et, I tell ye. Thar’s old Prudence absent. ter be sure, but wi’ two sich con- .Solidated Graveemics as Wiorence Night-in-a-gale an’ myself. Pl be durned ef things ain’t a-goin’ ter smoke!” “Can I depend upon you to assist me in getting this train safely through beyond Del Norte? After that they will not need our protection.” “Yas, Dickey, my posey, ye can, ter ther end, as ther musketeer sed ter ther new hotel boarder—as old Florence Night-in-a-galesed tera Yankton judge, when she give him a whack wi’ her he’d-gear,”” “Very well. You remain here, and keep a watch upon the town, while I ride back to the train and report, Look out for us toward midnight, and let us know if there are any hostile demonstrations.” Saying which Omaha canoes back to the train, abiae by Aap time had gained a couple of miles in their slow travel, rendered doubly slow by the dark- ness, and by caution necessary. | “Well, what are the prospects?” demanded Breck, as the Regulator rode up, after a swift ride from the valley town. i Doubtful!” Omaha replied, briefly. “Be pre- re the outlaws still og- pared 4 to fight, anyhow. n Yes, They are not far, behind; only the dark- ness hides them from view. “Well, then, we may expect more unpleasant work, before the night is through!” was the reply as the young Regulator rode on to join his men at rear Of the train. r ar caravan toiled on, until Del Norte lay just in front—gloomy and silent. CHAPTER XV. SA THE GAMBLER’S TRAIL OF BLOOD, 4 m this Same hour of the carayan’s approach to pal Norte, something was occurring at the home- stead of the Harringtons, worthy of mention, and though the characters are merely incidental to the story, whose basis is the strange life-history of Dead- wood Dick, we will here narrate them. In the grand old Spanish parlor of the hacienda, three persons were gathered. Two were men; the third pretty Ella Harrington. She was neatly attir- ed, and clutched in one hand a Spanish guitar, on which she had evidently just been playing. All three were in a standing attitude; the two, El Gamin and Ella, had evidently just arisen upon the entrance of the third party, who was no other than the ex-Government Spy, Cunning Cass Cameron, who stood with haf in hand, near the door, There was an eyil i rae upon the Spy’s face as he stood and gazed at the two lovers—for such the two were—and a glitter in his bold, black eyes which meant a ménace, El Gamin flushed a trifle and the lady of his choice trembled violently. “Well!” Cameron said at last, dwelling slightly belt, aah upon the opening word, ‘‘this looks mutually interesting, doesn’t it? How long had your billing and cooing been going on? Pray, Miss Har- rington, be seated, and do not let me interrupt your singing.” _And laying his hat upon a. stand, Cameron betook himself to a seal, upon an ottoman, Ella sunk back upon a sofa; El Gamin still remained standing, his gaze turned fiercely upon the Government S y “Sit down; do not tire yourself, in addition to making yourself ridiculous!’ Cameron said, with a mocking smile. ‘You remind me of Booth’s Ham- let, where he beholds the ghost.” 1 Gamin took a step nearer. “Leave the room!” he commanded, hoarsely, point- ing toward the door. ‘‘Leave! Go!” “Oh! no, not yet, my beloved friend. I have not interviewed my sweet lady friend, here, yet. If your presence? is obnoxious you may step out!” “Curse you!”’ Hl Gamin eried; ““ why do you come here? Go,I say! Yon lady is my betrothed wife. You have no claim upon her. Go, or I will ewt your black heart out, and give it to the dogs!” ~ *Oh! is that so? You are getting bellizerent, eh? Don’t sling my poor heart at the dogs, for 1 want the cats to have iv.” Evidently the Spy was using his best efforts to madden the Prince of Gambters. FE] Gamin did not reply. but drew from his belt a pair of pistols, one or which he handed to Cameron, “Oh! don't fight! don’t fight! you will be killed!"’ agreanyen Ella, rushing in between them, franti- eally. “Get out of the way!” El Gamin cried, fiercely. ‘We'll settle this affair in blood.” “Fold! give the girl a chance to say which she ioe best! * cried Cameron. ‘The other will with- raw,’ Involuntarily the eyes of the two men turned upon Ella Harrington. . **Choose!"' El Gamin said, hoarsely. “1 choose Mr. Redwood!" was the girl’s reply, as she advanced toward the Spy. “1 thought I cared for you, but I like him better!” * “But you shall not have him, you d ceitful cat?’ the Spaniard hissed, his face flaming redly. ‘ You have trifled with my affection; ee might better have played witha tiger! Stand ready, Sir Rival. ie for only have the senora if you win her by my eath! Cameron saw that the Gambler Prince was deeply in earnest; and a maddened Spaniard is perhaps the fiercest of furious men, 3 So the Spy nodded, and examined his revolver. He found it all right, and then faced the gambler, “One! two! three!” El Gamin counted, and then fired, as did Cameron, instantly. Both bullets pierced fleshy parts of the contestants’ bodies, causing pain- ful but not dangerous wounds, Again the pistols came to a level, and a flash and sharp double report echoed through theroom. This time Cameron dropped upon one knee, but did not
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Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror, give utterance to a sound, as for the third time the pistols came to bear. Bang! again the weapons of death rung out their spiteful warning, and while the infuriated gambler darted back at the sting of an unerring bullet, poor Cameron sunk back upon the floor, lifeless, A shriek of terror burst from the lips of Ela Har- rington, as she saw the Spy fall, and saw El Gamin turn upon her, with a glare of demoniac joy in his eyes. if Keep back, monster!” she gasped, retreating to- ward the door. “Ha! ha! I have you now, and you shall be mine, willingly or unwillingly, you carese.* What! do you mean to battle for your rights?” for Ella Har- rington had seized two rapiers from a rack, and flinging one to the gambler, stood with the other in her grasp, her face white but resolute, and her bear- ing admirable. ‘Yes, if you are not a.coward you will give mea chance for my liberty, you ruffian!’ she cried, sternly. El Gamin seized the blade with a vile curse. “Tl cut your head from your body !” he growled, savagely. “‘Instead of a fawn, you seem to be a young tigress!’’ He made a linge’and a thrust, which were dex- trously parried; then the young woman gave him a terrible rap on the side of the head, which caused him to reel back dizzily. But he recovered his equi- librium in an instant, and again rushed forward. This time his thrust was not rightly parried, and as a consequence Ella received a cut in the left thigh which laid open the flesh an inch deep. With a cry she retreated a few steps, but the Spaniard followed her, perseveringly, a wild, terrible light in his eyes. “You ruffian!” she gas ed. ‘You she wretch!” he taunted. Then he made another deadly thrust, which with the skill of an experienced swordsman she parried, and laid his left arm bare to the bone. With a howl of mingled pain and rage, he came on once more, like an infuriated bull of the arena leaps at the tormenting matadore. He made a thrust, and she attempted to parry, but he caught her blade at a fault with his own, and hurled it from her grasp. The next instant his own blade was buried to the hilt through her heart, and she fell back to the floor, dead! Withdrawing his sword, the wretch staggered back aghast at his sickening crime; but with aniron will he the next: moment mastered himself, and a low chuckling laugh escaped him. “She thought to take me at a disadvantage with this blade, and kill me to avenge yon Government Spy!” he muttered, wiping away the perspiration from his brow; ‘‘ but I was toomuch for her, though | it is ten years since last I fought with a sword. Then my father- was at the end of my blade, and fell, Ha! el diablo!” - wart and athletic, leape poor Ella’s Sraap Tt was Philip Harrington. brothers, who had witnessed sister's relief, only to arrive too late. ‘Villain! hell-hound!” he eried, rushing at the blood-blinded gambler, and making a fierce thrust, But, hot-headed, and unmindful, he reckoned with- He raped back in surprise, as a young man, stal- into the room, and snatch- ed up the blade that the El Gamin had hurled froin the younger of the two the Jast of the conflict, through an open casement, and had hastened to his and consequently, it was bat natural that the con- test should be an equal one, But, it could not last forever. Both men fought, imbued with potent fury. Steel clashed against steel, and the breath of the two combatants came in gasps. “Quarter!” at last articulated ree 2 reeling back against the wall, and bl half a dozen wounds—“ enough!”’ “Oh! no; you need a little more!” the victori- ous gambler cried, rushing on. ‘Only your lire | will pay the forfeit for the good blood I have lost.” He made a thrust, flercely, when Harrington was too weak to parry it, and ran the young farmer straight through the heart. Then the Prince of Del Norte’s gamblers turned and fled from the hacienda, out upon the prairie. He cared not to participate in another contest right’ away, until he had time to collect strength, for he had not escaped without severe wounds, froni which he had lost enough blood to weaken him. “Curses!” he muttered as he moved along to- | ward Del Norte, over the intensely dark prairie— “Tama murderer, now, and yet I could not help it. I could not have let that Spy live to possess the senora; she and her brother placed their lives at my disposal. Ugh! bad work, but there is yet some satisfaction, for now lam heart free again — all are enemies; I have not a friend on earth, that I know of.” These were the mutterings of the criminal, as h> | sped along, as fast as his weakened limbs would earry him, Del Norte lay only a short distance away; here he had found a retreat wherein he could hide, and re- pe Ugg But he was destined not to escape sv easily. Upon the prairie the darkness was tense—in such a degree that the line-pole lights off on the herding plains were ivyisible, and those Eee Del Norte were faintly perceptible, but not plain. A horseman was riding over the prairie, singing in a Trude, boisterous voice, a rollicking mountaineer’s song. As he came closely after the gambler, El - Gamin muttered a: curse,and dropped flat in the | grass. The horseman drew rein, and the gambler heard him dismount. < ““Whoa-r-r, Judith, ye onmannerly beast, till I in- vestigate thet noise T heerd. Durn my old sow’'s last litter o” pigs, but I’m _sureT see sumthin’ move, just ahead, An’ who sez ther great notorious Tooth- pick ain’t a-goin’ ter look ter these night-prowlers, w’at endanger ther safety ov _a man’s constytuchin, w’en he’s trav’lin’? Hello, thar! whar aire ye, ye ornery cuss? Better scratch up outen the grass, I'm tellin’ ye, feref ther great original Jem Murray, | from Arkansas, should put one o” his number twenty- seven hoofs onter ye, ye’d think an elephant trod on’ Harrington, eeding from ipais ‘ectly in- Then the eccentric and mysterious long-geared in- dividual from Arkansas began thrashing about tune, “Yes, ye'd better roll out, ye sneak!” he contin- ued, after a few moments of diligent search, “ or Tl set ther prorery afire, and thet’ll raise ye, onless ye kin erawl inter a ground-mice’s hole. Lord, U'lllam- baste ye, if ever I git my carniverous talons on ye. Know ye’re in the grass, thar, sum’ars, an’ by ther great jumpin’ John Rodgers, I'll find ye if et takes out his host, for El Gamin threw himself instantly | til’ ther bu’st 0’ doom, Kenf foolish wi’ a smail- n guard. upo Hinen began a hot, furious contest, of thrusting, it. took but.a moment parrying, and feinting. sized volcaner, like me, I tell ye.” Nearer and nearer came the Toothpick to where El Gamin was standing; the gambler had risen to” his feet with drawn revolver. . Gamin was an expert, and to prove that Philip Harrington had had thorough education in sword exercise. Both men were of prodigious muscular strength, * Devil. __ “Halt!” he eried. at last. when the Arkansas man was only a few feet away, which fact, he guessed by , | the sounds of his footsteps, for as yet the gloom further, or I'll blow the top of your head off.” in the grass, while he whistled a lively border-Jance ~ was too deep for penetration. ‘Don’t come a step spegielben reiee nee es an \ i="
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> “Omilin @lizaie = “Oh! ye will, will ye?” came back the answer. and eeidenthy octipick had come to a halt. ** Ye'll blow ther ‘hole top o’ my head off, will ye? I wish I ked eum an’ hug ye oncet fer ter show my appre- shiation uv yer philanthropic offer, ye black plum. If ye want ter kiss ther paw uv an Amerykan Vessu- vious, just cum up an’ let me gaze onter ye. rm Jem Murray, ther great Toothpick o’ Arkansas—an absolute terror ter ther hoss-thieves an’ moonshiners uv thet gelorious State. Shute, ye Babalonian! shute!”” And the next moment a great bulky body came shooting meteor-like through the air, and Bl Gamin could not leap aside guick enough to avoid being struck, and knocked to the ground. The next mo- ment the two men had clinched in a desperate bat- tle-hug, for the Toothpick had now recognized his bitterest foe in the gambler,and he bent all his ener- gies in the attempt to crush the life out of his adver- ry. : i ‘ But it was a vain attempt. [El Gamin seemed lite- rally boneless—he squirmed about: over and over rolled the two men, without a word, but their gleam- ing eyes expressing the rancor in their bosoms, to- ward each other. Bl Gamin was nearly equal in strength to the Toothpick, despite the latter's giant proportions,and he worked like a beaver for the victory. Over and over, strain, twist, jerk they went, and at last the mbler broke loose. Then with the quickness of a fichtatog-fash—with that swift dexterity peculiar to a Spaniard, the villain whipped a knife from his belt, and plunged it once! twice! thrice into the giant’s breast. Murray sunk back, without a groan, and the twice-double murderer sprung to his feet with a | wild ery, ‘Victory again! Furies, I believe I am growing mad for blood!’ and he laughed demoniacally, O 1 toward Del Norte he sped, his hat off, his long hair waving in the breeze, hisappearance truly more that of a madman than a sane person. On—on he rushed, straight into the town, yelling and brandish- ing his gleaming knife. fie wanted a victim. : And that victim was lacking. CHAPTER XVI. SOMETHING NOT EXPECTED—CONCLUSION. A DEATHLIKE stillness reigned over the town, as the caravan entered the prairie main street, on which Were the few saloons and stores. Not a soul was ween abruad in the streets, and all was dark and ap- Parently lifeless. ‘ “Look sharp! watch on every side, for you are Perhaps between two fires of death!” Omaha Oll Cried along the line. ‘*Guns ready! hearts brave! not until you are fired upon!” - _ “Listen! By Heaven! we are lost!” cried Boss Breck, excitedly. ‘See! militia! They arein front, the rear, and all around us!” zi by Ib was even so! A company of soldiery, with rat- Hing bayonets, were charging down the. street. to- ward them; a company of mounted cavalry was ging up the rear; while out of houses along the Teet igsued more armed blue-coats, with triumph- ant cries, . . The train came to a halt, at Omaha Oll’s peremp- tory order, and both miners and Regulators grasped their guns; but this was useless, of course, for the Militia, outnumbered them three or four to one. be “Tn God’s name, what does this mean?’’ demand- ' €d Breck, in great, excitement. “ Why are we thus atenped by the soldiers, and in this place? ii __‘* We have yet that to learn!” Omaha Oll replied. - “Thera isa screw loose, somewhere, and if we re- ~ Main silent, I have no doubt we shall soon learn the reason,” » Silence was accordingly enjoined throughout the —all, as it were, were Sore to hear their sen- tence ronounced. : e-soldiers all came toa standstill, with “order- Seas arms,” at a stern ringing command, while the Masked Terror. 2u cavalry also drew rein. Then the same commanc- ing voice was heard, again: ‘Hello! there; train ahoy!”’ “Well, what’s wanted?” demanded Breck, from his position on one of the wagons. ‘* Why in thunder do you thus stop an honest miners’ caravan?” “ By that gate vested in us by the Government to apprehend and arrest all those engaged in the production and transportation of iilicit whisky!” was the ringing response. ‘ You have forty barrels of untaxed whisky in your so-called ‘honest miners’ train,’ and we command you to surrender, or take the consequences of a charge. Also, we want the young desperado you are harboring with the de!u- sion that he is a Regulator, he haying allied himself with a band of roughsof that order. His name is Omaha OU, «lias Deaduood Dick!” As may well be imagined, these words caused a sensation among those in the train. An exclamation of hearty indignation escaped the miners, at the sus- picion of their being suaelers of illicif whisky. And the Regulators uttered a growl, as the words against their leader issued from the officer’s lips, “Your charge is insultin’, you durned blue-coated loafer!’ shouted Breck, from the wagon-top, ‘‘ and if I had you here, I'd durned soon break your head. Thar’s not half the whisky in this train thar is in yer big gullet, ah’ V’ll give a thousan’ in pure dust if you'll find a nels 0’ juice about our traps.” “What? Is it possible that you deny having il- licit liquors in your wagons, sir?”’ shouted the officer. “Can we have made so great a mistake?” ‘*Reckon yer hey, fer sure,” returned Breck. “ Leastwise, ye won't find no j_ice in this kerryvan. We're goin’ ter camp fer a couple o’ days, hyar_in town, an’ ef ye'll wait till daylight, ye can examine our wagons.” “From where do you hail, Sir Miner?” “From Danbury §r lit, in ther Rockies, ef it's any 0’ your bizness. B’en thar now nigh six year.” . “Well, there is something strange here indeed!" said the officer, leaving his command, and riding close to the train. ‘‘My name is Fullerton, and it is my business to look to this whisky business. I received warning to meet asmugglivg train here, to-night, and thus, if we have made a mistake, you see how it is. But we know that Deadwood Dick is with you, and we demand his surrender. His Regu- lators we do not, want.. They have, in reality, done the San Luis valley a service by warring against the Prairie League, and also praise is due to Deadwood Dick for his evident reformation. But his work up at Deadwood was too criminal to allow of his going about a free man, and it is our duty as soldiers to arrest him, according to law!” “T’ve nothin’ ter say about that!’ Boss Breck re- plied, “only that he saved our lives an’ money, an’ ef he wants muscle an’ backbone ter defend hisself with, we'd be brutes not ter stick by him. Ye'd bet- ter cl’ar out an’ let ther young feller alone. ossifer, fer he'll make ye trubble afore you git him!” “Nol he'll make no trouble!” was Omaha Oll’s response, in a clear, ringing voice. “I'll not imperil the rest of you. by resistance, but will surzender ! Come forward, Sir Officer, if you want me!” “Don’t surrender! We'll stand by you with our lives!’ cried both miners and Regulators, in a voice. “You'll only be strung up if you surrender!” “Let ‘em string!’ was the reckless reply. ‘I’ve nothing to live for. My wife and child have both been innocently murdered, and there is nothing to make life desirable. If [ regret anything, it is that I shall be unable to assist in the extermination of the ruffians of the Prairie League!’ Colonel Fullerton now rode up, accompanied by half a dozen dismounted. privates, and, true to his promise, Omaha delivered himself, and was hand- cuffed, Then, after bidding adieu to the Regulators and miners, he was marched away to the camp of the military, which was pitched on the prairie, south of the town. The soldiers followed, and so did the caravan, the miners going into camp not far from
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30 Omaha Ol, the Masked Terror. that of the military, for not one was there among the miners or Regulators who was less than inter- ested in the welfare of Deadwood Dick. To them he had endeared himself by his gentle- manly bearing, courage and skill; that he must die scemed a shame—an outrage. And they meant to be with him at the last. Omaha was thrown into a tent by himself, and left alone; but a cordon of guards were set around his prison, without, for Colonel Fullerton was bound that the daré-devil of the Black Hills sho-ld not es- cape him, as he had many times escaped his captors in the past. Dick was not down-hearted, but took things coolly, He sat in his prison, now, whistling a song that had been a favorite with Leone, and reflecting upon what was to come. In the morning, he calculated, a court-martial trial would be given him, and he would be convicted, and shot. He thought of Avalanche, and wondered where the old scout was keeping himself. Surely if he were in Del Norte, he must have been attracted by the confusion, and learned of his capture. For a couple of hours Dick lay thus, his mind busied with the past and present; then he dropped off into a sound sleep, for he was.much fatigued, When he awoke it was with a start. A cold hand had touched his face,and aroused him. Who could it be? Wi hin the tent all was Stygian darkness. Outside was heard the monotonous tramp of the sentinels, “91! cautioned a voice, in a shrill whisp2r; ‘*make no noise. Lama friend come to save you. Iam Fl Gamin.” : ‘““Why have you come here?” Dick demanded, raising himself toa sitting posture. ‘I do not want to escape. Your effort is useless!” “What! do you mean to say you do not care for life and liberty? that you will refuse to escape from certain death when I have periled my life in your behalf?” the Spaniard demanded, in astonish- ment. “ Ay, [mean just that!” was the firm reply of the risoner. “I want to die. I am weary of this runted life. For the last two years I have been an cutcast upon the face of the earth. [have no home now, nor friends here upon earth, and I do not care to stay. Up in the keeping of God I have a darling wife and child, and I hope for a place with them, if TI can die now!’ Fl Gamin was strangely affected.. He sat beside the prisoner, buried in deep thought. “T wish that [ mizht hope for a place ne there with you,” he replied, “but I am too irretrievably bad. “Then you won’t accept of liberty?” “No, thanking you all the same.” “Well, then, good-by. Tadmired you and that is why I ventured here, If die you will, be brave, and remember that, base wretch and murderer though he is, you have a friend in F1 Gamin.” Then the gambler glided away, and that was the last Deadwood Dick ever saw of him. : Without difficulty El Gamin managed to escape from the prison-tent, and wended his way along over the prairie. His head was bowed, aud he was re- flecting upon the odd determination of Deadwood Diek. It certainly was a.most eccen'ric freak. For half an hour he wandered along; then sud- denly, ere he had any warning of danger, he was fiercaly attacked by a half-dozen burly herders, whose only weapons were knives. The first faint tinges of dawn streaking the east, gave the gambler an idea who they were, fora short distance away Prairie Patrol sat upon her white horse, urging on her “tools.” Leaping back with the agility of a yarns El Gamin drew his revolvers, and fired. Down went tivo of his assailants at first fire. Again he fired; one fell; the other unerring bullet sped alone and rierced the breast of the mysterious Prairie Patrol. With a dying scream she sunk from the saddle to the ground, and becoming frightened, her horse dashed wildly away over the prairie. Two more foes had the Son a pressing him so hard that he could not use his revolver. Becoming desperate, as he saw that certain death was inevit- able unless he could make a break, he clubbed the revolver, and hurled it fiercely at the head of one of the herders, while at the same instant he took a backward step and leaped upon the other. The flying missile felled the one ruffian like a log to the ground. : Tearing the knife from the hand of the other, with strength prodigious, the gambler buried it into the outlaw’s heart, and thus ended the unequal ¢on- test. An hour later, just when the cold December sun arose gloriously from out its eastern bed, El Gamin approached a Solitary cottonwood which stood miles inland from the Rio Grande, and whose wide-spread- ing branches looked cheerful. Under the shelter of these he sat himself upon the grass, and busied himself in cleaning his weapons, which of late had done him such dreadful service. Haggard and desperate the gambler was lookinz, from his wild, bloody night’s work; blood was smeared upon his face and upon his garments, and he was suffering from many wounds and from fatigue. “God forgive me!” he murmured, staring thought- fully heavenward. ‘I wish I might hope for a placo up there, where Deadwood Dick is so confident cf going, on his execution. But it is not for such as me.” From among the branches of the tree, overhead, there descended a noosed rope and fell about the neck of the doomed gambler. He started violently. and attempted to throw off the thing, but it shirred quickly tighter, a choking sensation attacked him, and he was drawn bodily up into mid-air. As he went up the man at the other end of the rope, which was over a stout limb, came gradually downward, until he touched the ground. Above him dangled the body of the gambler, with life by this time nearly choked out of him, Nor did the strange hangman relent. He wound the slack rope about the foot of the cottonwood, and then, after giving a contemptuous glance at the unfortunate victim of lynch-law he turned his foot- steps in the direction of Del Norte. And this individual who had suspended the Gam- bler Prince six feet above terra firma, with a rope about his neck, was no less a personage than the ec- centric Arkansas Toothpick. : In the early morning following El Gamin’s visit, Deadwood Dick was led forth from his tent, by a guard of soldiers, to the villaze plaz>, whieh was in the center of the town.. Here the military and townspeople were all assembled, to witness the merely formal trial of the daring ex-outlaw. Curious eyes were bent upon the young man, for some signs of agitation were apprehended, but in this all were disappointed. Not a tremor passed over Harris’s face, as he was placed upon the wif- ness stand, confronted by the multitude; but he smiled and put out one released hand, as there was a parting in the crowd, and Old Avalanche came up, followed by his goat. ; “Great ham-bone thet Joner gnawed on!” was the old scout’s greatly surprised exclamation. “Old Moses who at ther rushes and bulls did sw’ar. How? which—how did ye git inter this tarnal predicka- ment, boyee?” Deadwood Dick laughed one of his peculiar ex- pressive little laughs, _“ Well. I got caught by these law-abiding emissa- ries of Uncle Sam, Alva, and they made_bold to as- sert that they wanted me, which assertion I could not gainsay: so, accordingly, I gave up, and let ’em - take me into custody!” ‘ se “*Which showed what a durn blasted fule ye aire, Great Jerusalumm! I wouldn't ’a’ thort it uv you /”
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$ Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror. 31 “But, you know, old friend, that I have nothing to live for. The faster pass the days, the more I want to be with Leone and my boy.” ‘Oh! ye'll git thar, no doubt!’’ Avalanche replied y grimly, “ef ye Jet these durned scullions hev their + way erbout it. Let: me jest put a lively flea inter yer organs 0’ hearing.”’ é z aying which, the Annihilator whispered a few words in the prisoner’s ear, that caused him to start violently and grow white. ‘Not dead—Leone not dead, you say?” he gasped, a wild, joyful, hopeful light shining from his eyes. “Tsed et, 1 reckon!"’ the veteran scout replied; ‘“leastwise, thes ‘ere paper luks ruther suspiciously like it. Read,” and he held a small strip of paper up 80 that Dick could see. These were the words inseribed: “Am a prisoner—for God’s sake, rescue me from ahorrible captivity. My captor’s name is Hawk Harrington. Search for me in the Black Hills, whither he is taking me, Lronr Harris.” “Oh! Heaven, I am to die, leaving her a prisoner!” Deadwood Dick groaned. “Don’t be ter sure o’ thet, Dickey, boy. Thar's tage he slip ‘twixt the tarantler juice an’ ther lip uv £n absorber 0? moisture, as hes often been proven, an’ ’tain't sworn to thet ye’re bound ter swing, yet. An’ ef ye do, I'll find yer wife, an’ take gude keer o’ her, Great ham-bone, yes. But good-by, now, fer them soldiers aire lukin’ at me as ef I war a hoss- hief, instead uv a devastatin’ eppydemic o’ ther Peraries. Good-by, an’ keep yer cves open.” And giving Dick a warm ‘hand-shake, the scout turned away and vanished in the crowd. ~The trial was as quick as it was decisive. The Prairie court found Omaha Oll to be Deadwood Dick, and as Deadwood Dick had richly merited death a hundred times, he was now summarily order d to be shot. The sentence, as pronounced by Fullerton was: “Tsentence you to death one hour hence. You shall be shot by six long-range rifles, in the hands of ny sharp-shooters, at a distance of two hundred yards. With these words the trial was ended, and the crowd gradually dispersed, evidently greatly pleased ce idea of this long-range practice on a human We eee was taken back to his prison-tent, and left There chanced to be an ex-chaplain with the com- mand, and he visited the pone and offered conso- Jation, which _Dick gratefully accepted. It seemed Strange to him to be preparing for eternity. An hour ago he had rejoiced at the prospect of meeting Leone; now that she was living, he yearned to live, i but it was too late. His sentence. had been passed, and he would have no chance to es-ape. Death stared him in the face,and he could but meet it. : - | - _ But, naturally, he wondered where Old Avalanche was all this time. What mischief was tho old King of Rangers planning? ; That he was staying in the background without Some purpose Dick was unwilling to think, and a {trong hope arose in his breast that perhaps the old Scout was planning for his escape. 5 _ But this hope was dissipated, when the soldiers came to lead him out to his execution. Nothing, now, thought he, could save him from death. He was led through camp, and two hundred yards out nes. the keen wintry prairie, where a stake had been riven, upon the edge of a rushing little tribu- i tary creek, which Baadie below flowed into the Rio Grande del Norte. ; cake this stake he was firmly Iashed with strong “oT Tam Sorry for you, young man!" Colonel Ful- Jerton said, Etavely.. “Tt is a pity to see a young one you shot when life is so precious.”’ ne ae you needn't be, I don’t hanker after your RE sorrow, hor your words of condolence!” Dick re- plied coolly. “‘ Probably, if I were to come to life after roe end my days, I should be just mean enough to drop you off of the list of the living.”’ ““T guess yon won't do any one any harm in the future!’ was the grim attempt at satire of the col- onel, ‘* Will you have youreyes blindfolded?” “No. I want to see the machine work !** Accordingly Dick was left alone, tied to the stake, while the soldiers and the colonel retired to the shooting-line, full two hundred yards away. While they Were striding thither, a dripping hu- man form crawled from the stream at Dick's back, and a familiar voice exclaimed: “Courage, Dickey, boyee! I'll hev ye out 0’ this, d’rectly.”” Creeping into the tall grass at the back of the prisoner. the old Annihilator gave the cord a slash or two, and Dick was free! Sinking to the ground he rolled into the stream, Avalanche in the Jead, and an instant later they crept into the bushes on the opposite side of the stream and almost the first warning the soldiers had was, when on looking around at a shrill yell of defi- ance, they saw two horsemen spurring away, mad- ly, over the prairie. Soon they passed wholly from view. Omaha Oll, and the ex-road-agent, Deadwood Dick, and the Annihilator, Old Avalanche, disap- peared, and nevermore were they seen in the coun- try of the Rio Grande del Norte, THE END. Beatles Weekly The Best Weekly of Popular, Entertain- ing and Usetul Literature Pub- lished in America! Its Unrivaled Corps of Contributors, almost all of whom write ewclusinety for its publishers—-embraces the following authors of world wide repute— Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, Albert W. Aiken, Capt. Fred. Whittaker, Capt Mark. Wilton, Joseph KE. Badger, Jr... Edward L. Wheejer, Charles Morris, Oll Coomes, C. Dunning Clark, Buffalo Bill, White Beaver, Buckskin Sam, Major Dangerfield Burr, T. C. Harbaugh, Philip 8. Warne, Williain R, Eyster, Anthony P. Morris, Launce Poyntz, Each and all of whom give to Beapiz’s Wrexty their very best productions in all the varied fields of Border and Wild West Romance— Adventure Exploration and Sport— City Life Character, Courts and Ways— Detective and ‘Shadow’ Revelations— Stories of the Great Deep, etc., etc. So that each and every number is overflowing with reading of the most interesting and excitmg nature; while in its Special Departments, covering alk the needs, and adding to the general interest and usefulness of the dott journal, BEADLE’s i Werkty is the paper of all others for your weekly reading and entertainment. Beadle’s Weekly is Published at the Following Rates: For Four Months... 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21 BEA DLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. PRADA AAA AAA AA Ar et tat 32 OCTAVO PAGES: PRICE FIVE CENTS, +e ISSUED HVERY WHDNELSDALY., te 1 Deadwood Dick Road. By Edward l.. Wheeler. 2. Kansas King} or, The Hand.. By Buffaio Bill. 3 Outeast.. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 4 The Double Daggers. L. Wheeler. The Two W. Aiken. Whe Prairie Pilot; Spy. By Buffalo Bil Whe Buffalo Demon; or, The Bor- der Vultures... By. Edward L. Wheeler. 8 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Ol Coomes. Ned Wylde,the Boy Scout. By “Texas Jack” (J. B. *Omohundro), Buffalo Ben, the Prince ofthe Pistol. By Edward L. * Wheeler, : Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer. Col. Prentiss tngraham. Nick o? the Night; or, The Boy Spy of "76. By. T..C. “Harbaugh. Vellowatone Jack. Badger, Jr. Wild fyvan, the Boy Claude Duval. By Edward. Wheeler. 5 Diamond Dirk; or. The Mystery of the Yellowstone. . By Col. Ingraham. 3} Keen-K nlite, Prince of the Prairits. By Oll Coomes. Oregon Sel; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy... By Capt. J. F.C, Adams, Death-Face, the Detective. ward L, Wheeler. Detectives, By Albert H or, The Phantom By Ea- Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes. Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Reekless Ranger. By Marry St. Goofs e. Whe Boy Clow; or. The Queen of | the Arena. By Frank S. Finn, , the Prince of flie | 4 |’ Red Right | The Flying Vankee; or, The Ocean By Edward | By - By Joseph BE. * 5 The 3 The White Buffalo, 37 38 39 10 11 42 43 44 i The Phantom Miner. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Sea Gat; or, The Witch of Da- rien. By Capt, Fred. Whittaker. The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes. Rattling Rube; or, The Night Hawks of Kentucky. By Harry St. George. Old Avalanche the Great Annihila- tor. By Edward L. Wheeler, Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. Whe Boy Captain 3 or, The Pirate's Daughter. By Roger Starbuck. Dick Darling, the Pony Rider. By Capt. I’, Whittaker. Bob Woolf, the Border: Rufflan, Edward L. Wheeler, Migtieiagile Nats or, The Forest Captains. By T. ©. ‘Harbaugh. By. ’ Black John, the Road Agent. By Express By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, ¢ Omaha Ol, the Masked ‘Terror. Edward L. Wheeler. Burt Bunker, the Trapper. George E. Lasalle. « Rifles. By Boy , By. Archie .C. Trons. By Geo. H. Lasalle. Jim Bludaoc, JF r. By Palypard Ly Wheeler.> Ned Hazel, the Boy T rapper. By Capt. J. F, C. Adams. Deadly Kye, the U known Scout, By Buffalo Bill. Nick Whifiles’s Pet. *C, Adams, es Deadwood Dick's Eagles. Fdward LL Wheeler. The Border King. By Oll Coomes. Old Hickory. By Harry St. George. The White Indian. By Capt, J ¥, C, Adams, ‘ “By Capt, J. By. Beadle’s Pocket Library is for sale by all Newsdealeray five cents per copy, or sent sid mail On*receipt of six cents each, | BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, No. 98 Water, Pires. New York.