Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 361) (1890 12 10)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
bh eee = Copyrighted, 1890, by BrapLe anp A 2 No 261 $2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, Vi cum J " a Year. No. 98 WILLIAN St., New York. Five Cents,
Page 2
Oregon Phil, the Sport. Oregon Phil, the Sport; 2 The Marshal of Two Bits. BY PHILIP S. WARNE, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ COLORADO STEVE’S DASH,” “ DA- KOTA DAN IN CANYON CITY,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I, A WARNING. “Two Brrs? Waal, I shouid smile!” And Con Barry, the driver of the * bang-up- est hearse that straddles the back-bone of the American continent, sir!” flicked a fly off the ear of the nigh leader, rolled his “t cud” into his off cheek, “‘so’s not to carry his load too much on the outside goin’ round this hyar bend,” and took a squint out of his ‘ weather eye ” at the man who sat beside bim, wrapped to the chin ia a heavy cloak. ‘A high-toned Greaser!” had been his mental comment; and ha had disliked his passenger with the universal prejudice of the West against any one of Mexican gblood, until the latter had won him over in spite of himself by the irresist- ible charm of polite manners. «he place has an exceptional record for even this wild country, I have heard,” observed | Senor Fabriano quietly, with the purpose of | leading bim on. “You'd make up yer mind to) that jest to look at it, The one street it’s built on was laid out, they do say, by a cock-eyed surveyor when he was half shot; an’ he made large allowances fur sicb times as he should be clean flummuxed, It makes a sober man dizzy to walk the length of it; but wien ye’re blind—when ye’re par- alyzed—when yer foot is on yer native heath, an’ yer name is O’Tool!—then, sir, ye kin tack about in that thar street, an’ jest be surprised to see how every kink an’ corner kas been cal- culated, so’s't yer natural swing will dove-tail ‘* And the people are as remarkable as their town.” “They ain’t noways slow, stranger! Yo hyear me?” ‘The marshal seems to be the right man in the right place.” ‘* Waal, now, ain’t he?” ‘It is he, am told, who, ia the speech with which he accepte 1 his election, declared that as long as he held the office be was determined to have a quiet camp or a quiet graveyard.” ‘* That’s Jake, every time!” “But is he not in constant danger of being assassinated by the men he wars against?” “ Ee they are smarter than he is] When he’s awake, he calculates to keep his eye skinned; an’ he sleeps in a reg’lar fort.” ‘* A fort?” So oe, built o’ planks too thick to be bored by a pistol-ball. Whar’d he be ef they could plug him jest when they wanted to?” ** He must be a man of nerve.” “Nervy? Jake? Waal, he’s about as tough as they make ’em! The boys don’t stand off none, you bet!” = 4 The Spaniard made no direct reply to this and the stage-driver went on: “ He’s workin’ up a case jest now that hast stumped all his predecessors in office,” : “¢ Some mysterious murder?” ‘*Ob, no! Nobody never troubles themselves about notbin’ o’ that kind.” ** What then is of sufficient interest to engage the special attention of your marshal?” “Thar’s a fly gent in these hyar parts that goes by the nameo’ Don Carlos, He levies toll on coaches, an’ paints a camp-fire red once ina while, when he wants a leetle fun an’ amuse- ment. The boys don’t mind a reasonable amount o’ this sort o’ thing. It takes the place o’ passin’ ‘round the sasser at meetin’. But when he comes to stealin’ hosses an’ knockin’ humans in the head, why, you’ve got to draw the line somewhars,” “T should think that about time!” smiled the Spaniard. ‘Waal, he jest laughed at the small-pertuters o’ marshals that has tried to buck ag’in’ him so fur; so it’s a matter o’ pride with Jake to make him come down.” “T should be glad to bave you put me in the way of seeing this marshal as soon as we reach the camp.” Con turned bis head sharply. ‘* Got somethin’ in his line?” ‘* A little private business,” * Ob! Exactly! It’s none o’ my business, to he sure, Vil—” “‘T did not mean that you should take my words in that offensive way.” ‘Oh, ivs all right, boss, I ain’t inquisitive. Iv'll do me proud to pnt you on to Probst.” ‘““T am obliged to you.” Don’t mention it, ef you please!” Butat this moment came an unexpected inter- ruption, A borseman appeared in the road on ahead, drawn to the side so as to leave the way unob- structed yet holding something up in bis hand, “What is that?’ asked the Spaniard. “You git me,” answered Con. ‘“* He seems to wish the coach to stop.” “That thar ain’t an uncommon. wish in this hyar section.” “You don’t mean to say—” ‘*T do mean to say that it may be a new dodge, jest as like as not. They’re always up to somethin’.” te They Yd “The gents o’ the road.” “ But this man seems to be holding out some- thing to give you: and there is no display of arms,” ‘¢ All the same, he may expect to git a thup- derin’ sight more than he gives.” “Shall we stop, and see what be wants?” “ Waal, that’s jest as yousay. I allow thar won't be nothin’ Jost by pullin’ up. Ye see, ef be wants us he'll find a way to fetch us to his way 0’ thinkin’, anyhow,” “Then I vote that we stop.” “ You'll obsarve one thing,” ‘* What's that?”
Page 3
Oregon Phil, the Sport. That he has a right smart chance o’ hair on ‘Yis mug.” “ There's nothing strange in that.” ' Waal, no; but it makes a mighty clever disguise, ef a mau bas a notion that way.” “ Nevertheless, Jet us see what ke wants,” a ‘*Aallo, pardner!—what’s the row?’ asked ‘on. The stranger made no reply in words; but as the stage drew up he held out what in the gathering gloom appeared to be a piece of white papers on took it from his hand; and before any me could interpose furtber, his Lorse leaped orward as if be had feit tue spur. Headed in the direction from which the coach had come, he was rapidly disappearing, when the Spaniard cried: “Halt! We want to know something more of you!” The man looked over his shoulder, but did not draw rein, “Halt!” cried the Spaniard again, leveling a revolver menacingly at him, The man bent forward until he rested on his hurse’s neck, and plied the spur vigorously. ‘“‘His behavior is certainly strange,” said Senor Fabriano, refraining from firing, and re- turning his weapon to its place of concealment, “ Let us see what is in his missive; for it seems to be # communication of some sort.” “ You’re welcome to what you kin make of it,”:aid Con, whose curiosity was modified by the consciousness that the ‘* gents of the road ” show stage-drivers every consideration, “T¢ don’t stan’’em in band to kill the goose that lays the golden egg!”—i, e., to frighten off tue men who fetch them their booty. Senor Fabriano took the scrap of paper, and held it before the coach lamp. On it was traced in scraggly characters: “Took out for Don Carlos. He’s layin’ fur you in the last holier after you make the grade. ** A Frrenp In Nreep.”* “Well? asked the Spaniard, when he had read this aloud. Con laughed, “You can’t make nothin’ cut’ them chaps,” he declared. “Jest as like as not, he’s on the fu’st raise this side o’ the grade.” “Shall you go on?” “You bet J’m goin’ on! This hyar stage runs on time, ur bu’sts her swingletrees!” ce But the inside passengers ought to be warn- ed.” ‘ “You kin do that ef you’re a mind to,” “Tr you please!” The Spaniard leaned over to rap on the coach door; but at this moment a head was thrust out, and a voice asked: ‘What's all this hyar funny business? Who was that thar galoot, an’ what did he want?” Senor Fabriano handed down this missive. “ Here is a warning that be was kind enough toleave us. What is to be done about it?” The note was perused, calling forth various comments, ‘ A woman’s voice expressed her terror, and ed that the coach be at once turned about. man—the one who had thrust forth his head—swore roundly that all the road-agents in Oregon couldn’t make him ‘“‘ turn tail.” One tremulously asked for infcrmation re- specting the famous outlaw, Another exprissed the opinion that the evil —_ the result of cowardice on the part of trav- elers, ** How can one or two men demoralize a u hole coachful, when they are as well armed as their assailants?” he asked, ‘*A little manly resist- ance would put this thing down. I move that we go on, and try to give as good as we get.” ‘*But it is to be remembered that this fellow has half a dczn at his back.” “ And that there are a balf-dozen of us.” The matter being put to a vote, the timid ones were shamed into silence, and the coach went on. Altbough they held their weapons in readi- ness for a surprise, nothing happened until they came to the bollow where they had been warn- ed to expect the road-ageut. There they beard the well-known challenge: “Halt! Throw up your hands?” CHAPTER II. PLOTTING IN THE DARK. “Bist! Well bespotted!” “Tn this devil’s-delight of a night? You must think that these Americanos have eyes like cats, to see in the dark.” * But your eternal chin-music can be beard as far in the dark as—” “Tf you yourself were nct so fond of your own elcquence, my Rubio, you would hear that some one is coming.” Silence fell between the speakers, and a man could be beard plodding with an unsteady step through the darkness, As he passed, the man whose voice had be- trayed bis Spanish extraction thrust out his foot. The pedestrian stumbled over it, very nearly falling to the ground, He growled out a wratbful oatb, and reeled on, uususpicious that the object bad been put in his path by design. “ That stoughtonbc tile can.e near falling over you, didn’t he?’ asked the man who bad been addressed as Rubio, ‘‘T tripped him purposely,” was the cool re- y. “The deuce you did! What was that for?” ‘*T wanted to hear his voice.” ; “You have a queer taste, if you take such risks to hear such music.” “Tsuppcse if you had wanted to know who he war, you would bave hailed him, and de- manded his name and lineage!” “Aim! Wasl, that’s one way of gittin’ at it. I suppose you found out?” “JT learned that he. wasn’t the man ¥.e are after, That isall I wanted to know,” Rube Martin saw the point, and did not think it profitable to follow the discussion any fur- ther, “They’re cuttin’ up high Dutch in that ranch,” he observed, after they bad listened for & moment to the sounds of revelry proceeding from a neighboring dance-house, ‘I reckon your young light-heels will furgit that we're
Page 4
Oregon Phil, the Sport. waitin’ out hyar in the mud. Suppose we sneak up a leetle nigher, an’ see ef we can’t get the wink on him,” “Be wary! It may put the dogs on the scent if Tam seen about here.” They crept cautiously forward, vigilant of eye and ear, until they could peer into a window of the dance-house. The reflected light faintly illuminated their countenances, and discovered as_ sinister a pair of physiognomies as one need wish to run across on a dark night. One was the swarthy face, delicate in feature, of aSpanish-Mexican. It bespoke for its owner unmitigated selfishness and cruelty, Its ex- pression was a ferocious eagerness which sug- gested the idea of a human beast of prey. ™he other was a low-grade face of indeter- minate nationality, such as appears in this country of mixed peoples. “Thar he is!” cried through the window. ‘© Where?—where?” asked Senor Valanquez, eagerly following the direction of his com- panion’s finger. : “In the very middle of the room, cuttin’ a igeon’s-wing with the gal herself, My eye! utshe’sa hummer! Jest look at that, if you please!” : The Spaniard saw a couple of dancers who had attracted to themselves the admiration of the whole room, They were both dressed in Mexican costume, the lady’s short skirts and tight bodice showing off her slight, yet exquis- itely rounded figure to charming advantage. Although her complexion was olive, the rich blood mantling through it gave her a flower- like beauty. There was nota trace of tropical languor about her, She was the embodiment sof vivacity. Her eyes sparkled, her teeth gleamed, her whole face seemed to speak the enjoyment of the moment. When discovered, she was pirouetting with an airy grace, trailing a gay scarf through the air, so that it formed a spiral about her rapidly- whirling body. Her partner was one of her own nationality, his close-fitting dress displaying a finely-de- veloped physique, But there was that in his face which made tho beholler hope that the girl stood in no intimate relation to him. “* Andres?—yes,” muttered Senor Valanquez. * But where is Rafaelle?” “ Over yonder in the corner, playin’ into our hands as nicely as if he was standin’ in with vs! Ha, hat he looks like a bear suckin’ a sore maw.” ““ Ho'd better make the most of his opportuni- ty. {vs the last time bell have a chauce to show his jealousy of the little coquette!” eerie Senor Valanquez, with a wolfish curl of . his lip. The man referred t> was heavier in build than Andres, with a sullen, hing-dog counte- nance that ought to have made hin repulsive to any woman, : He was watching the dancers with a glare of dull ferocity in hiseyes. Soundisgnised was his jealousy that it had made him the butt of sev- eral wits in the company, to the merriment of others who were afraid to chaff him themselves. its owner, pointing ““T tell you, my dear,” said one of th “harm will coma to Andres’s rec : Rafaelle Milado is not the sort of a man thatit — is safe to trifle with.” ‘‘ Did you ever see such av outrageous flirt?” was tae reply. ‘ Will it not be Lola’s fault if they come to blood over her? I believe that she wishes to gratify her vanity with the sensa- tion of a murder on ber account.” ‘* How charitable you are, little oue!” cried a gallant who had overheard the last words. “But then Senorita Lola is so charming that she must expect no mercy from any of her own sex, who hold beauty—rival beauty—the un- pardonable sin!” And tapping the lady on tbe shoulder with the fringe of his scarf, he ran off, laughing at her flush of anger. All this was preparing the way for events that followed, The dance ended. Andres suddenly bethought him that he was awaited without, and took his leave with a hurried word to his partner, who smiled upon him sweetly. She was joined by the black-browed Milado, who said: ‘Come, sweetheart! it is high time that 1 had some little of your attention.” “You might bave more of it if you were more agreeable!” was the spirited retort, “T am tired of dancing attendance on your whims,” retorted the fellow. ‘“‘ Besides, I can gain my end without playing the fool at your capricious apron-string.” ‘Your end?’ returned the girl, scornfully. “You can gain no end with me by playing either the fool or the brute, which is more in keeping with your nature!” : ‘“Wel!, the time is at hand when you shall know that I have not brought you up for the amusement of every spindleshanks that chances this way!” “And for what have you brought me up, pray?” “ for myself, my dear!” The girl uttered a fierce ejaculation of scorn. “* Rafaelle Milado, I may as well tell you, once for all, that I have taken from yon the last abuse { intend to! From childhood up I have always disliked you as much as I feared you. Now I still dislike you, without any longer fearing you. If you do not wish me to hate you, and shake off the yoke of your tyranny, I advise you to drop the tone you have assumed toward me of late, Iam no longer a child, as you have said; but it does not follow that I must look upon you as my future master, A fine honor it would be to enll you husband!” And she langhed scornfully. In her anger she had raised her voice until all those in her vicinity heard her rejection of the man who had been to ber thus far a sort of guardian, until her budding womanh him to aspire to the rights of a husband. 7 Milado turned 2 dull purple, at bis share of the — public scorn, ey “Hark you! he muttered in Lola’s ear, “if I see aby more of your coquetry, I will teach you * who is masrer bere!” a3 “Look out that you don’t get the worst of the
Page 5
Oregon Phil, the Sport. al ~ bargain ! sent back the girl, with a fine flash in ber eyes. Tbey were words that would be remembered against her presently by her enemies—envious women, Meanwhile Andres bad gone out and joined his patron, Senor Valanquez. ‘* Well, you seem to be enjoying yourself!” said that worthy gentleman, sulkily. “ Por Dios!” laughed the giddy Spaniard, * would Heaven hava voucbsafed women and music 1f we were not to be merry? True, the whisky with which these Americanos replace wine is vile stuff; but it puts life into the heels for all that. And the breath of the divine Lola would take from the palate a far worse taste than it leaves\” “ When you’re ready fur business,” interposed Rube Martin,in the cold tone with which a man ‘‘ sits down” on another, “ we'll talk busi- ness,” “¢ What would you?” asked the Spaniard, with a sbrug. “Ts everything in readiness?” asked Senor Valanquez. “ At the first signal, those who are tv attend to the lights—what you call, Senor Rubia?— douse the glim?—they will get into position, At the second signal—hey, presto! we have a fine uproar, Then comes the cry:—-' The lights! the lights!—and we are in darkness, ow arises a cry— But, senors, it would be un- gracious to anticipate the drama.” “Then everything is arranged to insure a apa ae success? We must have no bung- ing.’ Senor Valanquez, we lack but ose thing.” “ And what is that?” ‘The universal lubricator!” And showing his teeth in a radiant smile, Senor Andres Ystavian rubbed his hands signi- ficantly. Senor Valanquez silently drew a plethoric purse from some receptacle in his clothes, and tendered it to Andres, The latter threw up his hands, with a little ery of uffected dismay ‘T!” he exclaimed, “ Would I hang such a millstone about my neck? It goes to Carlos, as arranged, When he gives us the signal that all is concluded between you, the drama will begin. But there isno barm in balancing it in cne’s palm, My faith! it hath a goodly bulk! And gold—all gold, my excellent cousin?” “ Wnough to keep the lot of you in aguardient for a six-month!” assured Martin, a little con- temptuously. -“ Where is Carlos?” asked Valanquez. ‘“*Here, there, everywhere! Who can tell?’ cried Andres, airily. ‘* When you least expect him, he wil! appear at your elbow, But you need not trouble yourself to look him, He has a most extraordinary scent for gold But there is the divine redowa! Lola has promised me a few more moments iv heaven! I would not lose-a measure for all your dross! Hasta!” And be was away with a gay troll. : Rube Martin muttered an oath, “The Grreaser dog! He goes to sell out that girl that loves him, an’ that he’s half in love with himself, as chipper as if—” ‘‘ Don’t waste your indignation,” interrupted Senor Valanquez, who overheard the latter part of bis words, “She isnot in love with bim, nor he with her, It is only your cold-blooded north- ern indifference that makes the least sentiment seem to you a grand passion, Ei! Car- anmba!” He started violently, as some one appeared at his elbow, ‘*T did not know that Senor Valanquez was so profound a moralizer!” said a deep voice out of the darkness. ** Carlos!” exclaimed the startled Spaniard, “« At your service, senor!” And the speaker stood, hat in hand, bowing low in mock deference, , “ T suppose there is nob much more to be said?” observed Valanquez, ‘* Your servant prefers action,” was the signi- ficant rejoinder. “ How is this to your taste?” And he passed over the purse he had before tendered Andres. ‘Senor, it is the silent eloquence to which there is no reply!” **-You are at liberty to count it, if you are not satisfied with the weight.” ‘Tt shall be counted to-morrow.” After your work is done? -I thought that Don Carlos was more cautious than that.” ‘¢Don Carlos bas a way of settling fraudulent accounts that leaves few willing to become his debtors by indirection,” * An oily devil!” muttered Rube, an ugly bint!” Senor Valanquez made no reply. There was room for none; for as silently as he had made his appearance; Don Carlos vanished, asif into thin air, Neither of his interlocutors had seen his face, He had come like a shadow, and gone like a shadow. The dimly eee outlines of a cloak and a slouch hat had effectually concealed his figure, But Rube Martin had received a strange im- pression. ’ “ Blow me if I don’t believe that Don Carlos and Senor Andres are so closely related that one takes off bis boots when the other goes to bed! His voice was certainly disguised, But he’s a lightning-cbhange artist if it is him.” } While this was passing in his thoughts his companion caught bim by the arm. Now for your part! Sbe will believe you, being an American.” “That is very well.said, my friend! Bein’ an American! Well, bein’ an American, it strikes me that thar’s a lot of us, all pitcbin’ on to one little girl, an’ a beauty at that!” “Hal you do not repent? You will not be- tray us?” “ The Spaniard was in a fever of excitement in the instant. “What do youtake me fur?” demanded Mar- tin, witb a fine air. ‘*Pardon!” exclaimed the other, secing his mistake, ‘‘ It was but the anxiety of the great stake.” ‘Waal, take my advice, an’ keep cool in the future.” | ‘Hark! It is precipitated!” “That was
Page 6
6 Oregon Phil, the Sport. . an And from the dance-bouse proceeded cries of excitement. A moment later the lights went out, and then all was the wildest confusion, CHAPTAR TIL DON CARLOS, In the middle of the road appeared a man on horseback, with a leveled revolver, “Keep on! whispered the Spaniard in the ear of the driver, ‘“And git bored?” objected Con, ‘ Excuse me, ef you, please. Do you observe, my Caris- tian friend, toat that thar vieenUe is pinted at me, individually and collectively?” And he drew up bis horses as commanded, “This byar ain’é nove o’ my funeral, ye on- derstand,” be pursuai. ‘‘ You fizhts it out amongst yerselves, Tm pxid fur drivin’, I am!” “Very well, then!” returned Sanor Fabriano; “ here is the opening shot!” And quickly drawing his revolver, he fired at the road-agent, The latter fired a return shot just as his horse reared in the air, “ Air ye hit?’ asked Con of the man at his side, The Spaniard did not reply, but catching the whip out of the driver’s hand, lashed his horses into a run, Heads were thrust out of the coach on either side, and an indiscriminate warfare ensued, the outlaws appearing from the undergrowth flank- ing the road, Oiths and yells blended with the reports of firearms; and the tramping of the horses mingled with the rumble of the coach, In that ruuning fight the actors could not be very clearly distinguished; but those within the coach considered all without it their enemies, But a strauge thing was observed. The road- agents seemed to get into a fight among them- selves, They soon outstripped the coach, and went on down the road at a furious pace, yelling and firing at each other as they went, : “flow do you account for that?’ asked the Spaniard. “T ain’t accountin’ fur_notbin’!” responded Con, alittle sulkily, “‘Ef you want to git drivers that’s accountin’ fur every queer thing that happens on the road, you'll have to guaran- tee em a dog gone sight more’n we git out o’ the transportation company!” “ft may be that they have had a falling-out among themselves, That would be a reason why one party should warn us against the rest.” ‘Have it your own way,” assented Con, “ Ee that suits you, I’m sure it suits me,” “ There was one thing that I noticed,” con- tinued the Spaniard, ‘ The leader of the ruffians was a very young man—a mere lad, I should say. ** T don’t see how you come at that,” observed one of the inside passengers. ‘‘ He wore a mask, I made it out clearly by the flash of his revolver.” “True,” admitted the Spaniard; ‘‘ but my guide was his voice, I think I shall recognize it fs i x Seas if I hear it again, At first he disguised his voice as well as his face; but in the heat of ac- tion, he allowed himself to be thrown off his guard, It was then that his true tones came out,” ‘*Do you mean the young fellow with his hat cocked up in front?’ asked one of the passen- ers. “ Certainly. Tue person who challenged us,” “Au? afierward was nearly knocked off his spits by that strappin’ feller with the Injun ell? “Exactly.” : aE My by, Pve clapped my peepers on him be- ore. ‘“ Indeed! Who is he?” ‘* He swings the handle of Oregon Phil, the Sport!” ‘The stage kept on without any further inter- ruption until it reached Two Bits, t was received with eager curiosity. “Have you been called by the agents?’ was the demand, ‘You bet!” responded Con Barry. ** An’ got cleaned out ag’in?” ** Not.much!” “What prevented?” “Sand!” “Not your sand, Pll go bail!” “‘Jobnny, wait until you’ve got sand enough to drive a coach at all, before you do any amount o’ shoutin’!” $ ‘Then you really stood them off among you?” “T allow that this hyar gent did the most toward it, An’ what’s more, he spotted their leader.” All looked at the Spaniard with interest modi- fied by prejudice. Could a ‘ Greaser” be ‘‘ any good?” The Spaniard turned away, asif annoyed at being thus brought to noticein the role of a ero, ‘*Their leader?” repeated a curious one, ** An’ who do you think it was?” “Give us an easy one!” “You'd. never git it through your thick top- ae so lil give ye the cue. It was Oregon il. “Go way!” ‘‘ It was, ur you may shoot me!” “That boy!” ‘‘He’s man enough fur you! I'll put my money on that!” “Why, hyar he is now.” All turned, to see a youth mounted on a pow- erfull horse dash up with as much confidence as if he had nothing to apprehend, * He’s got the cheek of the old ’un!” muttered one of the bystanders, ‘‘ef you’re sure it?s him,” ** Waal, it ain’t nobody else!” ‘Hallow, youngster!” cried one of the men. ‘* We've been gettin’ a bad account of you.” **Ts that so?” asked the youth, with a laugh, as he drew up in their midst. “They tell us that you are the leader of the road-agent;.” “Don Carlos? Ha! ha! didn’t say that I was the agents? I don’t know as that,” Are you sure the ollower of the road- could very well deny.
Page 7
See ra in 0 Oregon Phil, the Sport. * Leader or follower, you'll find that it ain’t such a good joke as you seem to take it.” ‘What do you mean?” cried Phil, seeing that the man spoke in earnest, ““T mean that you stand about as good a chance o’ dancin’ on nothin’ as ary galoot I ever see in this byar camp; I’ve been at the pedals of every one that basa high lot up the slope, Pou are crazy! What are you trying to get through you?” ‘What do you say, gents! You're the ones that spotted him.” And the speaker turned to the occupants of the coach. “There can be no mistake,” answered the Spaniard, ‘He is the person that challenged the coach, and led th» road-agents throughout.” Others corroborated tuis statement unbesi- tingly. ~ The boy stared in open-mouthed astonish- ment, He saw the men approaching to take him in custody, with the wrathful frowns of judges who had already condemned. “* Hold on, gentlemen!” he cried, ‘This is a conspiracy! See! my accuser isa Grecser! He himself may be Don Carlos, It would be a clever trick to throw Marshal Probst off the scent by putting me up as a scapegoat.” “*You shall have a fair trial, an’ a chance to show all that, if you kin make any one believe it. But meanwhile tie senor don’t happen to be the only one that seen you at your tricks.” And the men began to close in about their in- tended captive. He knew the value of ‘‘a fair trial” in that country. If, after he was hanged, the boys discovered that they had made a mistake, they woald declare that it was ‘‘ a dog-gone shame,” and that would be the end of the matter. The next suspected man would be strung up out of hand the same way. Knowing this, he bad no disposition t» submit himself to the arbitrament of an impartial jury of his fellow-country men, “Stand back!” he cried, whipping out bis re- volver, “Take him, boys! He’s a slippery one!” was the cry. ‘ And on all sides they sprung to seize his bridle-rein or his person, As he gave bis horse the spur, he reversed bis weapon and knocked on the head a man who had seized his bridle-rein, With a tremendous bound the horse clave his way through the crowd;. then away on the wings of the wind went Oregon Phil, “Shoot him! Kill the villain!” went up the shout, But amid a rattle of firearms the bold youth escaped. _ Then the cry was: “Probst! Whar’s the marshal?” CHAPTER IV. THE MARSHAL OF TWO BITS, AT one end of Two Bits, far enough awa from the other houses to leave an open space all about it of a hundred yards or so, stood Mar- shal Probst’s ‘ fort,” As Con Barry had described it, it was built of planks too thick to be penetrated by a pistol- ball, That there might be no break in any of its four walls, it was without windows, the light being admitted through a skylight in the roof, Its one door was a solid oaken barrier, which would bid defiance to any ordinary assault. Two Bits was noted for its utter lawlessness. Thus far its marshals bad all ‘ died with their boots on.” They were “planted” in a row on the hillside, with bead-boards which bore the date of their election to cffice, and their “ pass- ing out.” nee dates were in no case twelve months apart, It was therefore with a fuli knowledge of the dangers be braved that Jake Probst had con- sented to assume the fatal honor. He had begun by declaring that he would have a quiet camp or a quiet graveyard; and to make the execution of bis threat the more im- pressive, he bad started a private graveyard, where he ‘‘ planted” the breakers of the peace who came to tacir death by bis means, When a new man came into the camp, he was duly escorted to this spot, and the row of mounds were a silent setting-forth of the majes- ty of the law to which words could ad@d noth- ing. te bis ‘‘ fort” sat the marshal who for six months bad held his own against all comers. He was full six feet in stature, with broad shoulders and deep chest, and stern-s+t features, which gave him a formidable appearance. With his feet on the table, be sat in a home- made chair constructed of bickory saplings, He was smoking a stumpy clay pipe, and frowning meditatively. ‘*Moight I be so bowld,” ventured an Irish- man at bis eloow—one Micky McClosky, who always thought of himself as ‘‘ the mairshal’s depity,” though the boys were so irreverent as to call him ‘‘ Probst’s coyote.” * Waal, spit ’er out,” said the marshal, with- out looking round. *“Whin will we be afther tacklin* that divil, Dan Cairlos, I dunno? ““That’s none of your infernal business,” re- plied the marshal, in a tone which was entirely free from annoyance, ** No offince, yer Honor!” Probst stretched bimself and yawned, Raddenly his manner underwent a complete change. He turned his eyes toward the door, and so sat on the alert. : “‘ Somebody is coming this way,” he said. ‘¢- Yer Honor bas shairp ears,” said Micky, not however going to the length of admitting that he had heard nothing as yet. But a moment later approaching footsteps became apparent to even him. “Tt’s a thafe o’ the world!” he whispered, ob- serving that they were stealthy. “Dry up!—will you?” was the marshal’s terse command, The steps ceased at the door. Then, after a silence in which the breathing of some one was faint’y audible to the acute hearing of the mar- shal, three measured knocks were told off on the door as if with a pistol-butt.
Page 8
This bold summors was so out of keeping with what had gone before that the Irishman started with alarm, and drew his revolver, muttering: “* Howly Mither!” ‘Who's byar?” demanded Probst, without changing his position. There was no verbal reply; but a scraping sound drew his eye to the crevice beneatk the door. There he saw a scrap of coarse brown paper making its way into the room. Jake Probst was not a man who liked mys- teries. He saw that the applicant without did not mean to show his face, and that of itself was enough to make him resolve that he would see it at all hazards. With a whiff be blew out the candle, sprung to the door, swung up-the bar which secured it, and leaped out into the night. He knew that he must first depend upon his ears; so the moment he was clear of the door- way, so that an enemy could not use that asa guide to pick him off, he crouched down, and remained perfectly still, peering about him on all sides, But he was disappointed. He heard no re- treating footsteps; he saw no flitting shadow. From the camp came the noise of its nightly carousal, but immediatly about him all was as still as if wrapped in death. Micky McClosky had remained in his place. He was too well trained to hazard the balking e his master’s efforts by moving without or- ers. It seemed to him an age before he heard a voice in the darkness, which he recognized as that of the marshal, saying guardedly: “Light the candle, and look for that bit of paper.” hen all was profoundly still again. The voice had been at the door, but its owner moved away again so noiselessly that Micky could not hear him as he went, Trembling with excitement, if not fear, he proceeded to carry out his master’s orders, not assured indeed that his search would not be cut short by an unseen bullet, But nothing followed upon his striking the light. Unmolested he looked within the house near the door, and then passed to the outside, and shading the flame with his hand, moved about until he found what he sought where the light wind bad blown it, He then re-entered the house, and blew out the candle, and thereafter waited in darkness, A prolonged, death-like silence followed, Then the breathless Irishman heard the door ret) and the welcome voice of his superior said: "Come! Let?’s have a light!” “God be praised!” muttered the Irishman, whose relief was not marred by the touch of impatience in the marsbal’s tones. t was evident that Probst was chagrined by his failure to discover anything where his mys- terious visitant bad had so slight a start of im. The candle being relighted, he took the paper from the table where Micky bad laid it. _. ‘t What the deuce is this?” he muttered, as he Oregon Phil, the Sport, knit his brows over the deciphering of the char- : acters traced on the paper, They read: “Don Carlos has an appointment at the double- sbuffle to-night. If you have the nerve and the savvy to take him, now is your chance, ‘A RRIEND OF LAW AND ORDER.” Tbe marshal crumbled the missive in his strong grip, and stood with his eyes fixed on vacancy, weighing the probabilities of a snare. He had not openly declared war against Don Carlos, though his friends had swaggered about and offered extravagrant bets that he was ‘‘lay- in’? fur him,” and would “fetch him to book it!” . Was the outlaw taking the initiative, and daring him to a trial of wit? ** Phwat is it?’ asked Micky McClosky. His chief made no reply. The Irist man scratched his head, and tried to take matters philosophically. Then came another interruption—this time, the bold, decided steps of honest men. ‘We've found him in his roost,” said a voice. “You kin see the light under the door.” “ There are no windows, apparently,” observed another, Then came a decided knock and the sound of shuffling feet. ‘“Who’s hyar?” asked the marshal, as before. “Con Barry, and a gent to see the Marshal 0’ Two Bits,” was the sonorous reply. With a stride the marshal reached the door, and swung it wide. He knew that Con would not bea party to any treachery. *C me in,” he invited, “his hyar gent kin introduce himself, and tell his own business,” said Con. ‘‘I don’t pre- tend to know one or the other.” ‘The marshal looked inquiringly at the stran- ger. ‘“What kin I do for you, sir?” he asked; and went on, without break: ‘1 shall have to ask you to come to the point at once, as I have pressing busiuess to attend to,” : “Tam sorry to find you preoccupied,” said Senor Fabriano, as he paused on the threshold. He thought his rezeption an ungracious one, and that the marshal’s ‘ business” was only a pretext. At first he was inclined to resent this brusk reception; but then came the consideration of bow much he had at stake, and how this man might, if he would, aid him in the accomplish- ment of b?3 mission. , He ‘therefore tried to re- press the flush of indignation that mantled his swarthy cheek, and went on: **T have come many miles to frustrate a great wrong. But to do so it will be necessary to meet and overcome men as bold as they are un- scrupulous. What you have accomplished am)ng the lawless characters of this section bas led me to believe that you are the man_best able to help me to cope with this villainy. There is money to be—” ‘Excuse me,” interrupted the mar see that your business will require tin 4 see you later. Just now I have ‘J good-evening!” ‘
Page 9
_—-—<,“ » He turned to McClosky and said: * Put out the light, and follow me.” ” He then advanced to the door and stood hold- ae opeu. nor Fabriano and Con Barry passed bim, the former with a deep flush on his cheek, the latter evincing a strong disposition to whistle sarcastically. Micky McClosky put out the light as he was bid, and followed bis chief, without a word. Together they walked rapidly past their visi- tors toward the center of the camp. Waal,” drawled Con, ‘did they put us out along with the candle?” Senor Fabriano made no reply, but strode silently along, no doubt reflecting on the hea- thenish manners of the Americanos, As Jake Probst approached the Double-sbuf- . fle, he was accosted by an excited man who cried: “ Jake, you’re jest the man we're after!” “T have ao time to attend to you now,” said the marshal, impatiently. “The deuce you hain’t!” cried the other, not at all abashed. ‘t Waal, maybe you've got time to attend to Don Carlos!” That at once arrested the marshal’s attention, Don Carlos? What of him?” ‘** Ah! that means business, does it?’ laughed the other. ‘I thought it would fetch you. But if you've got somethin’ else on hand—” ‘Don’t play the fool, Abe !” growled the mar- shal, who seldom relished a joke at his expense. “What have you got to say about Don Carlos ?” “ We've dropped onto him !” “Very likely!” “Oh, wa bave! the slip ag?in.” ‘Of course!” “But not before we got his ear-marks,” The marshal pulled out his watch, after the manner of aman who means to intimate that he is bored. Abe Markoff, who was a good-natured fellow, laughed. ‘Pll be hanged if you ain’t the sassiest galoot in this hyar section o’ country,” he said, “‘T’d see you to Kingdom Come before I'd give you the cue, ef you couldn’t git it from the next man you met, without my help. But you might as weil know that Don Carlos is the hop- o’-my-thumb that they call Oregon Phil!” “How do you know?” asked the marshal, quietly. In his varied experience he had learned that, as “ there is nothing so uncertain as a dead-sure thing,” so there is nothing so probable as that which on the face of it appears the most impro- bable. Therefore he was too shrewd to express the incredulity he felt where he might meet in- controvertible proof. Markoff related what had occurred on the ar- rival of the coach. “ And where is this warning?” asked Probst, remembering the intelligence of a similar nature that he bod received. = on Con Barry’s got it,” At on ry!” | d from the 8 4 spice of annoyance in the mar- about it + But unluckily he’s give us SAS eg AO “ ®regon Phil, the Sport. pe) “ Hyar he comes to speak fur himself,” said Markoff. “Who's this byar takin’ my name in vain?” asked Con, as he came up. “* What is it about a warning that you are said to have?” asked the marshal, ‘* Why, yes,” said Con, fumbling in his pocket, ee ate you'd like to see it.” “Why didn’t you show it tome when I first saw you?” ** Waal, you see, you was so busy—” ‘Hand it over!” growled tte marshal. ‘Jest remember that that thar is my whip hand, an’ ef it’s all the same to you, don’t pull <= !” said Con, as Probst took the paper from im, ‘Thar’s some folks in this hyar camp that’s gittin’ too all-fired smart!” growled the mar- shal, ‘I shouldn’t wonder ef one o’ these days, after a new shuffle, we'd find some o’ the jacks missin’ !” This figure of speech called for no interpreter. A dead silence ensued, while Probst walked off to compare the “ warning” with what he had so mysteriously received. The writing corresponded, It was apparent Lie there was a traitor in the camp of the out- ws, It was also evident that he feared to let his identity be known, doubtless well aware that bis life would not be worth the price of a giass of whisky if he was once ‘‘ spotted.” “ Thar’s something in this,” said the marshal to himself. ‘‘ But the trick is to know my man when 1 see him, Confound the coward! Why didn’t he at least give me some clew? I wonder whether it can be the boy, after all.” He sought the men who had been in the coach and put them througi a rigid cross-examination —all but the Spaniard, After his brusk treat- ment of him it was not an easy thing to go to him for a favor. In the midst of this the camp was thrown into sudden excitement by the sound of strife com- ing from the Double-shuffle Saloon. “ Murder! Murder!” rung out the startling cry. ‘Who's down?” “Milado, the Greaser! cut out of him at last.” “‘Tt’s a wonder that it wasn’t done long ago.” “Who downed him?” “His leetle woman! 1 always knowed that she had the devil in her.” “He worreted her into it—you may depend on that, Sarved him right. Flesh an’ blood can’t stan’ everything.” With these and a hundred other cries in his ears, Jake Probst ran to the Double-shuffle, where the wildest confusion prevailed, shrouded by the darkness, “A light!—a light!” he commanded, And a light was struck, revealing a bloody corpse stretched on the floor. ae what had become of Lola? Nobody could He’s had the heart CHAPTER V. LOLA. As an offset to its many abominations, Two Bits had one thing of beauty and purity,
Page 10
The women knew that Lola Milado was not one of them, though she did not excite them to anger by refusing to mingle with them when oc- casion required, é The men, admiring her broadly, “* kept their distance,” Not to mention black-browed Rafaelle, who was a dangerous man, the little Mexican beauty was known to carry a stiletto in her garter, after the fashion of her countrywomen, and was believed to have the spirit and skill to use it. The gossips had it that the ill-assorted pair were cousins—that Rafaelle was madly in love with the child-woman to whom he held the posi- tion of guardian, but that she was restive under his jealous tyranpy; and they openly predicted thatsome day he would goad her to an act of desperation, The community was therefore prepared to ac- cept that interpretation of a tragedy in which Rafaelle should be the victim. As to all of ber race, the dance was to Lola an infatuation. She regarded a gracefully execut- ed pirouette as a work of art; and anything ap- prouching awkwardness: filled ber with keen ain. : Now it happened that Rafaelle was heavy on his feet, which would forever prevent her from admiring him, On the other hand, Andres was as gracefulin his way as sbe; and without car- ing for him as a man, she thought him a ravish- ing partner in the dance, y Out of this preference grew up a fierce jeal- ousy, which boded bloodsted. But as Rafaelle glared and frowned and gnawed his mustache with deadly hatreil, Andres held bim in check with that smile of taunting nonchalance which daunts the boldest because it is unfathom- able. It will beremembered that Andres had parted with Senor Valanquez, after the arrangement of their plot, to rejoin Lola in a redowa. Rafaelle was furious, The working of his features and his fierce mutterings attracted the attention of many who enjoyed his chagrin. The dance wasat its bight. Lola had for- gotten everything save the ravishing cadences of the music to which her nimble feet kept per- fect time, The changes of thedance brought her into the vicinity of Rafaelle, when Andres cast a signifi- cant glance toward a group at the other side of the room. Instantly an uproar arose. Then came a ery:— “The lights! the lights! Pat out the lights!” And so promptly that there could be no doubt that the movement had been pre-arranged, the room was in total darkness. “It is aconspiracy!” shouted someone. ‘“‘ Don Carlos is at the bottom of it!” At that, cries of alarm arose in all parts of the room. The frightened crowd rushed in every direc- tion, falling over each other in their efforts to get out of the room. : Tn the midst of this dire confusion a woman’s shrill voice rose from the spot where Lola Milado had heen last seen, crying: ** Ah! monster, how dare you?” Oregon Phil, the Sport. A savageoath in Rafaelle’s harsh tones fol- ™ lowed, ‘*Fiends! you have given me my death!” said sh voice which all who heard it recognized as is, Then in the suppressed tones of terror came the words: ‘* Mother of God! I have done it!” And something fell to the floor, Those who heard it shuddered, It was such a sound as would be caused by the fall of a dagger. Close upon it followed a groan, and the wonky body of aman went to the floor witha crash, There was a general rush away from the spot where all believed a ghastly corpse lay on its back in the darkness, When the lights went out Lola, who was pirouetting at the moment, essayed to seize her escort, that clinging to him she might receive the protection of his greater strenzth from the rush of the crowd. Moreover she had just then caught sight of Rafaelle’s writhing features, and was seiZed with a sudden apprehension that he might take that opportunity to do her a mis- chief, as he had often threatened. What was her surprise and dismay to feel her stiletto snatched from her garter! Her in- stant fear was that it would be plunged into her breast. Then she unconsciously played into the hands of the plotters by crying: * Ah, monster, how dare you?” It saved Andres the necessity of exercising his ventriloquial powers. He had snatched the stiletto, His hand plunged it into Rafaelle’s side, Then the luckless Milado did his part to fur- ther the’schemes of the conspirators, “ Fiends, you have given me my death!” he cried, and reeled backward, ; But now, while Lola stood in amazement, she heard a voice which sounded exactly like her own, or so nearly that even she recognized the design, crying: ‘* Mother of God! I have done it!” She heard her stiletto arse, en the floor. Sho heard the groan and fall of her guardian. In a flash she realized the plot'- by which she had been insnared, and the impossibility of proving her innocence before such a jury as would try her under the direction of the ruthless marshal, ‘ The infamy of death at the hands of a mob flashed across her mind. She saw the dangling rope and the madmen hooting with derision, in wild panic she thought only of escape. At that instant she was. seized by the wrist, and a voice whieh she recognized as Andres’s whispered in her ear: “Unhappy girl! bow could you do so rash a deed? But follow me. It will not do to let them hang you. Come! you may be able to escape.” “Ob, Andres!” she sobbed hysterically, ‘I am innocent!—indeed I am innocent!”. ‘Will you waste time in idle words?” he an- swered, dragging her aloug. “Of course you were justified, No one could endure such bru- tality, But these Americanos, and more espe- ; t |
Page 11
ae hs VC Cera Oe restless Oregon Phil, the Sport. ii cially this heretic of a marshal, know no dif- ference between a beautiful woman and the most hideous vagabond among them.” With her head in a whirl she was dragged through the crowd into the open air, She heard the cry of murder and the accusa- tion brought against her as the murderess, Then came the demand for the marshal, and a moment later the sound of bis voice, . “T am lost!—oh, I am lost!” she cried to ber quailing heart. But at that moment a gruff voice growled: “To thunder with yer marshal! e don’t put his dirty bands on that piece o’ caliker, ye on- derstand !” The speaker brushed against ber. It was Rube Martin. He was come to play bis part. Even as he spoke he seemed to notice and re- cognize her. He caught her by the arm opposite to Andres, “Hallo byar!” he muttered, with an oath, “Is this you, you leetle Tartar?- But don’t be afeard o’ me. I’m yer solid friend, I am! Who's this byar? Yer lovyer, eh? Waal, I’m a-standin’ in with bim; an’ between us we'll run you out o’ danger, ur plant ther dog-gone marshal,” ‘Who are you?’ asked Andres, peering across Lola to distinguish their new friend in the darkness, ** Never you mind who I am,” said Rube, bluffly, ‘ We'll have more time to talk that over some other dey, But (ve got a hoss that kin jest knock the socks off’n ary thing that stands on four feet in this hyar section 0’ coun- try. Ef you want to run this leetle gai out o’ harm’s way, jest come along with me.” . Before she had time to think of remonstrance or opposition of avy kind, Lola found herself whisked out of the crowd and lifted to the back of a horse that stood ready saddjed and bridled. The animal was then set in motion, at first slowly, but soon more rapidly. She knew that they were leaving the camp, but in what direction she could not have told. She presently became aware that Andres was no longer with her; but when or why he had gone she knew not. However, the stranger seemed kindly dis- posed, and with a woman’s subtle instinct she detected something in his voice that led her to trust him, He held the bridle-reia and ran beside her horse. “Look byar, leetle ove,” he said. ‘I’ve pulled you out of a mighty dirty hole.” “But [ have done nothing! Believe me, I did not slay Rafaelle!” she protested, — ‘The trick is to prove it,” he said. thing is ag’in’ you, you'll allow.” “Yes! yes!” she admitted, hopelessly. ‘ Yet T am innocent!” A ‘“Waal, my dear, without debatin’ that, I’ve taken a notion to ye, I have; ar’ I propose to stick to ve through thick an’ thin, marsbal or no marshal! Now you jest trust to me, an’ Til pull ye through, ur lose a leg!” ‘“‘T will trust 40 you,” she answered him, “TI know by. your voice that you are a good man.” “Don’t you take too much stock in that!” he objected, “Tallow to have done some as low- ‘“Every- down jobs as most men. Butin this business I’m yer solid friend ye onderstand. You kin tie to Rube Martin fur all you’re worth.” Suddenly he stopped and listened. “They’re after you, leetle one!” he said. “This kind o’ time ain’t goin’ todo. That thar marsha] is the devil when he gits his dander up. Look a-byar! You've got a straight road be- fore ye. Ye can’t miss it, It leads to the Idaho border, Jest you manage to cross the Snake River, an’ you’re out o’ bis jurisdiction. Ef he puts a hand on ye when you’re on Idaho soil, you'll have friends that’ll stam’ by ye. Never mind tbe hoss flesh. Git!” And striking the animal a stinging blow, he let go the bridle-rein, The terrified girl found herself plunging through the darkness alone, Sbe knew enough not to try to direct the animal’s steps, but only to urge him to his ut- most speed, She was mounted astride a man’s saddle; but being a Mexican woman, she was used to this method, and experienced no particular incon- venience, However, she iv time became aware that her saddle was slipping, and threatened to turn and throw her, This must be remedied at all hazards; so she drew her horse to the side of the road, aud stop- ping him, dismounted, It chanced that this occurred near a cross- road; and while she was buckling the surcivgle tighter some horsemen wheeled into the road. t was tco late to mount and escape them, Sbe must trust to the darkness, while she prayed that the horses might not neigh. She caught her own borse’s muzzle in her hands, and waited breathlessly. The riders passed her in conversation, What was her surprise and relief to recognize Andres’s voice, She was on the point of betraying her pres- ence to him, when she beard him savy: ‘**T turned her over to the gentle Rubio, as per contract. That is all I have todo with the mat- ter. It is his business to see that she falls duly into the bands of bis murderous countryman, the marshal. Do you take me for a murdercr of women—that is to say, directly, with my own band?” : “The spirit, if not the letter of your contract, is that you were to assist in putting ber out of the way,” was the reply. ‘‘I do not trust these dogs cf Americanos. You should have seen that the marshal was apprised of her flight and the direction she had taken.” The horsemen passed on; but their secret was out, Andres, then, was a party to the plot against her! He had imitated her voice, put- ting those fatal words seemingly into her mouth, Now she recalled that he bad once amused her by an exhibition of his ventriloquial powers. And the stranger—she remembered that he had called himself Rube Martin, and Andres had said Rubio—he too was against ber, ery? One thing was certain. follow the route Rube bad given her. set the marshal on her trail, She must no longer He would How could she escape from this web of treach- AS:
Page 12
eet nth + Ci ioee Te Oe mee Fi ne : z Thrown upon her own resources, she returned to the cross-road out of which Andres and his companion had come; but since they had come from the camp she rode in thy opposite direc- tion. For hours she hurried on, until the sun rose, Then, so weak and faint that iv seemed if she did not rest for a time she would fall out of ber saddle, she dismounted, and lay down on the ground, while her horse nibbled the grass, Before she was aware of the danger, she fell into a doze, from which she was roused she knew not how long after by the tramping of horses’ feet. To spring to her fest, to mount, to dash away, was the work of a moment. But she was too late. She had been discovered, and looking back, she saw the ruthless marshal pressing hard in pursuit. ‘Now, Holy Mother—you whose ever-blessed Son I have adored--succor me!” she cried aloud. CHAPTER VI. THE FAIR FUGITIVE. Goop Heavens! * A runaway!” “And a woman at that! The beast will drown her, if he don’t break her neck when he strikes the Lank.” “Something must be done to save her.” “With the Snake between us and the Big Jump not a hundred rods below! Are you anx- ious to go over the falls?” “ But we can’t stand ani see her die before our eyes.” “T don’t see what's to hender.” “Gents, that ain’t no runaway.” “The deuce it ain’t! Dd like to know what you call it, then,” “Don’t you see that she’s a-whippin’ of him on? ‘Blowed ef that thar ain’t so!” * An’ see!—sho’s lookin’ back.” “ Tnjuns!” “Ur white men, sonny.” “ Yere right, Ole’49. Soe yonder! Thar they come round the bend.” “Waal, ef we can’t cross the Snake, we kin keep them devils off! I'll give ’em warnin’ the fu’st shot; but after that the man that comes within range will git somethin’ worse’n a cod- fish-ball through hin!” And the speaker uoslung his Winchester rifle and threw it forward, while his eyes flashed with indignant determination. ** My fresh young friend,” interposed the man who had been addressed as Old 749, ‘‘have you any notion who it is that you’re proposin’ to plug?” “No; and I don’t care! What difference does it make who it is that is runnin’a woman into the river?” “ Waal, accordin’ to my calealation, it makes a heap o’ difference.” The young man started at the older, * Who is it?” he asked, **The Marshal o’ Two Bits.” ** And do you mean to say—” Look yonder!” Oregon Phil, the Sport. — “That it don’t make no difference to him ef ‘his man’ happens to be a woman once in a while, He’s goin’ in fur law an’ order, he is,” ‘* But a woman—” ‘‘Kin put in a center shot as well as the best o’ men, ef she only knows how.” ** And do you think that this woman—” “| don’t think nothin’ about it. Jake Probst ain’t after her fur nothin’, You kin bet yer bottom dollar on that thar proposition.” George Cameron held his rifle in suspense, while he gazed with a frown of irresolution at the rapidly approaching chase. Though her features could not be distinguished very clearly at that distance, he fancied that the woman must be young and beautiful, for an abundance of chestnut-brown hair streamed out bebind her, while it could be seen that her dress was of gay colors. Not far behind her rode two men, the fore- most of whom was of gigantic stature. It was by his unusual size that Old 49 had recognized bim, and guessed all the rest by his knowledge of the wild life of that section of country, where an act of violence was almost as likely to have been done by a jealous woman as by an infuriated man, The woman and her pursuers were on the Oregon, the men whose conversation we have recorded on the Idaho side of Snake River. Between them rolled the rapid tide to its leap over a jutting precipice, the roar of its tumbling waters sounding to their ears like a sullen warn- ing to any rider who had the temerity to at- tempt to stem its flood. While the little knot of prospectors stand wait- ing to see whether the woman would run her horse into the water rather than yield to cap- ture, their attention was diverted to the rear by the clatter of hoofs and a ringing, youthful voice crying: “What, men! will you stand quietly by and see a woman chased into the river? Itis certain death! She will badrowned! Rescue! rescue!” And like a meteor a youth who was scarcely more than a boy shot by them on a fine roan gelding. “Oregon Phil!” ejaculated one of the pros- pectors at sigbt of bim. The others, too, followed the lad with admir- ing glances, ‘* Marshal ur no marshal,” said one, “‘ he’s got the devil ag’in’’um now!” ‘‘Confound the boy! he’s fool enough fur anything!” growled Old 49, But in spite of his pretended disapproval he looked affectionate indulgence after the youth, as he cried: j “ Hold on hyar, you young rattle-head! Drat the boy! the lot of em lose their heads over a petticoat!” Meanwhile Phil, while he sped on toward the higher bank of the river at breackneck speed, waved the fugitive back with both hands, erying: * Back! back! you cannot cross! death!” Now the girl was near enough so that he could Si a the agony of fear in her bloodless ace, : She cried back something that he could not It is certain
Page 13
hae) A ee pe make out, and the significance of which he could | « Save me!—oh, save me! Iam innocent only infer from her appealing gaze. Instead ot heeding his wearing, she urged her horse the harder, looking back as if to see whether she could keep the lead of her pursuers until she reached the river-bank where the fatal plunge awaited her. The lMarshal of Two Bits stuck to his pur- pose with bull-dog pertinacity. Drawing his revolver, he opened fire on the horse of the fugitive. Crack! erack! crack! A spasmodic leap showed that the animal had been hit. “That must be stopped!” shouted George Cameron, with an enraged oath, ‘Come on, men!” And throwing his rifle forward with the pur- pose of shooting at the marshal’s horse, and so paying him in his own coin, be dashed after Oregon Phil, followed by the whole party. But the fugitive bad reached the river-bank; and without stop or stay ber horse leaped from the brink into the rushing flood, A groan went up from her new-found friends, “ Tt’s all-day with her /” Even the marshal, seeing that he had probably goaded her to her death, drew rein. “Hang the little fool!” he growled, * Tt’s dhrown she will instead o’ hangin’, I’m thinkin’,” said bis companion, coming up. ‘‘She’ll be the first one that bas slipped through my fingers, if she does,” replied: the marshal, * Whaur’s the odds, av she pays the forfeit av her loife? Milado will rest in his grave as aisy, whether she dhrown or hang.” “But I was elected to hang; an’ bang I will every mother’s son—or daughter, fur that mat- ter—that breaks the law!” “Ve'll not be afther following her into the water, I dunno?” ‘Do you take me for a fool?” But the marshal ended with an oath of aston- ishment, while Micky McClosky eried: “ Just look at that now, will yez! The young divil!” The subject of this comment was Oregon Phil, As cent lassly as the fugitive, he had leaped his horse into the river. A splash which threw the water high into the air, and he disappeared from sight, to reappear dripping. : “Dang my skin ef he haiu’t done it!” cried Old 49. ‘‘Hyar, boys! Out with yer lariats! Thar’s only one way to save that addlepate!” Oregon Phil paid no heed to his own safety. His eyes were fixed on the girl, Her horse swam low and evidently with pain- ful effort, thrusting bis head out of the water as if be were exhausted, The Sport’s animal breasted the tide with sinewy thrusts; but his friends groaned again with dismay as they saw how rapidly he was borne down the stream, “Throw yourself off and cling to his mane!” cried Phil. But the terrified girl, who now seemed to realize for the first time her new peril, did not heed, if she heard, him, She only extended her arms toward him, crying: ; Oregon Phil, the Sport. i3 1” Her voice was husky and shaken with hyster- ical sobs, “She is nearly ready to swoon with fright and exhaustion!” thought Phil. He saw her sway in the saddle. She clutched at the horse’s mane, The animal uttered a whinny of terrcr, pawing the water in a desper- ate effort to keep its head from submersion. At that critical moment an eddy caught it. The horse rose with a lunge into the air, and then went down out of sight. With a despairing cry the girl lost her seat, and she too went under, ber band, stretched out to the Oregon Sport for help, disappearing last. Phil was close at hend; but by a fatality the horse that the girl had ridden now rcse between her and her rescuer. He saw herrise to the surface, her long bair sweeping over her face. She struggled feebly, and then went down again. * Go!” cried the boy, giving his horse the spur. The animal responded witn a snort, his eyes flashing fire, He rose in the water, pawing high. His hoofs struck the back of the other horse, bearing him down, once more out of sight. A lureb, and he bad swum over him. Then Phil reached over, and caught a mass of floatiug bair. A cheer rose from his friends as they saw him draw her up into his arms, *¢ He’s got ber, boys!” cried one, * But we bain’t got him!” interposed Old 749. George Cameron felt his heart thriil with relief at the same time that a pang of envy knit his brows. The girl was yet dimly unconscious, She clutched Oregon Phil spasmodically, After a moment she began to gasp and strangle, He was carried away vith delight. Never before had he seen anything so beautiful as what he now held in bis arms, In her extreme pallor she looked sallow; but he knew that when those smootbly-rounded cheeks were flushed with the glow of health and happiness she must be even more lovely than her fairer sisters, Then the dark Spanish eyes opened; and with a murmur of gratitude she clasped her arms about his neck, pressing ber face against his breast, But now came the task of getting back to shore. They were very nearly mid-stream, sweeping down toward the fatal cascade with terrible rapidity. Phil looked round and saw his danger. “ At any rate, I shall die with ber in my arms!” he cried to his heart, clasping her pas- sionately to bim. But he was far from being one of the dying kind, He had no notion of giving up the strug- gle yet. Turning his horse, he started back toward his friends, But now the tide was irresistible. The set of the water from the banks toward the center was toostrong for unassisted equine muscles, es ee
Page 14
Oregon Phil, the Sport. “ Throw me a lasso!” he cried, holding up bis | Out in the stream the boy who might be rid- hand, The attempt was made; but the noose fell short, And now he was in the rapids! “Ohl we are lost!” cried the girl, gazing about in terror, at the wildly eddying water. * And I—IJ have drawn you to your death. Ob! I can never forgive myself!’ ae have drawn me to happiness!” said hil. But though he commanded his words, be could not command his feelings. The awe of Be preneting death was upon him. He gazed about with a half-dazed wonder. “And this is deatn?’ he said to himself, ** Five minutes from now I sball know nothing or > geal everything.” is heart swelled with the thought. The ter- ror of giving up this life was swallowed up in the feelings that swept through him at the thought of the awaking in the next, Then he saw one more chance for life, or at least a reprieve from instant death. CHAPTER VII. COURTSHIP UNDER DIFFICULTIES. ALumMosT on the brink of the precipice rose a rock, dividing the waters, to be reunited before the final plunge. Turning his horse down-stream, he swam him so that he might approach the upper point of this rock in adirect line with thecurrent. If he missed it by a yard on either side, he must inevitably be swept on down over that fatal leap into eternity! If he struck it exactly, he might hope to retain a footing there at least as long as his horse’s strength held out, is friends saw bis aim, and sent him shouts of encouragement for even so slight an advan- tage. g Ef he makes it, boys,” cried Old °49, whose distress was plainly visible in his weather- beaten face, ‘* we’ve got to git him off!” “You jest bet we will!” was the hearty re- sponse of the others. George Cameron was revolving a new thought in bis mind, ‘The man who brings ber ashore saves her!” he said to himself. ‘* What would be the use of his getting hold of her, if only to be swept with her over the falls!” He had his hand on a long, slender Mexican lariat of braided borse-hair, which was coiled about his waist, hidden from view under a crim- son silk sash, ‘ The other members of the party were cowboys who, organized under Old °49, had gone on a prospecting trip for the novelty of the thing and because a recent discovery of gold had turned the tide of excitement toward the section in which they happened to find themselves ‘‘ out of a job.” They were all provided with lariats; butnone of them knew that Cameron was similarly armed Indeed they knew nothing about bim, except that he wasa likely enough fellow who had proposed to join them. And now bis heart swelled with exultation as he thought of his skill with the whirling noose, ing to life or death had braced his nerves, His eye was fixed on the rock*with the piercing glance of an eagle. ‘Hold firmly to me, but do not move or even speak,” he said, in a low tone to his companion, She obeyed him to the letter. As his eyes were fixed upon the rock, so were hers fixed upon his. She did not speak audibly; but she was pray- ing for bis preservation with her whole heart and soul, * Such nobility!” she said to herself, ‘‘ Sure- ly the good God cannot let it perish from the earth in an act of mercy! Holy Mother inter- cede for him! But if it must be, receive us to- gether into thy bosom!” She felt the shock as the horse’s hoofs struck the rock, Not knowing its significance, she closed her eyes with a shudder, bracing herself for the final agony, yet not forgetful that the arms of the brave youth were about her. She should cross the dark river in his company. Surely it would not seem so terrible. “Saved!” cried Oregon Phil, exhilarated by the success of his endeavor, ‘Saved? she repeated, opening her eyes, He felt her arms press him closer. It was the expression of ber gratitude. But the girl opened her eyes on a scone that was enough to try the stoutest heart. Their downward course was arrested, it was true. The horse stood firm. But all about them was a wilderness of rushing waters. Just below them she saw a thin line, the dis- tance of which she felt that she could not esti- mate with any certainty, for beyond it objects were very much further off, It was the line which marked the dropping of the waters out of sight! She could bear their tumultuous roar. At one point she could see the spray rising from the be She below, he shuddered with horror at the thought that death lay hidden there! ‘* We have one more hope,” said Phil. ‘If I could get free from the horse’s back to the rock, I think I could almost promise you safety. But I will not attempt it while be stands firm, It will be a risky business, if it comes to that. They will try to get their lassoes to us, Keep up your courage, little one!” ‘With you, my undaunted hero!” cried the girl, with the impulsiveness ol her race. Phil flushed scarlet with embarrassed plea- sure. Meantime Marshal Probst stood on-one bank watching events with a disappointed frown, quite helpless to interfere one be or the other, while the party of Oregon Phil’s friends were making nervous preparations to attempt his rescue, Under Old °49’s direction they reached the nearest point, and from there began to throw their lassoes, Again and again they tried, but the distance, the rushing water, and the wind which followed it, sucked over the near vortex, made their aim uncertain, and one and ull failed. ‘* It’s no use, Cap!” groaned Lariat Luke. “I allow to noose anythin’ from 9 catamount toa 35%
Page 15
Tee ee, A a eee -ing. Orégon Phil, the Sport. -_ AS pends but it ain’t fur man to fetch that thar Oss. “But we must fetch it!” cried Old ’49, with the insistence of distress, “Tt’s all right, boys!” cried Phil, waving his hand to them, ‘‘The jig’s up. It is to be; so there’s no help for it. If you ever have a notion to tell how I passed in my checks, say that I didn’t squeal at the grand round-up. I’m sorry, though, that this little thing has got to go with me,” He turned to the girl and asked her: “Have you any word you want to send to your friends?” *Friends!” she repeated. no friends, ou.” “Well, you kin tie to me for eternity!” cried Oregon Bill. “Is it a go? You may bet that I'll never desert you, nor, for that matter, let you out of my sight for a minute!” He looked into her eyes with a tender smile, She gazed back at him breathlessly. “Oh! but you don’t know!” she cried, pant- “They are after me for—for—murder!” ell, they haven’t got you yet, have “Ob, no; I have Every one has deserted me but “ they?’ ‘But you would not wish—” “To believe any such nonsense? Of course not!” ** You do not think that I did it?” “YT don't think anything about it. Iv’s too preposterous for any one but Jake Probst to bother about for a minute.” ‘* And yet you see me flying from him like a guilty creature.” “ Like a fawn from a cougar, if you please.” “You believe that I am innocent without hearing a word—” ** Pro or con, A child like you? Whet—” “But I am not a_child!” cried the girl, with sudden passion, ‘He had no right to treat me as he did! Idid not kill him, but I would have done so rather than that he should have touched me! I am not sorry that one so wicked has gone where he can do no more cruelty!” ‘*No more am I!” cried Phil, ready tocham- pion her cause without knowing anything about it, ‘‘So you see that we are agreed. Now about your friends. You must have somebody, you know,” ‘No, I have not,” “No father nor mother?” : ‘Nobody in all the world!” cried the girl, desolately. Then, closing her arms about him more close- ly, she added: “Nobody but you! You alone have been good to me in all my life!” “Well,” cried Phil, crimsoning with indigna- tion, ‘I'd like to have traveled the same trail with you! There would have been some head- puncbing, you bet!” ‘ The girl whispered in bis ear: “We are going the death-trail together!” He was so thrilled by what her voice added to her words, that he did not answer. She looked up quickly, and asked: ** Are you sorry?” : s “Not [!” he said, pressing her close to his arms, — Exactly! — “ Then,” she said, ‘‘ l am not afraid!” ‘Of the water?” heasked, “Of anything,” she replied. ‘ Only,” she added, ‘‘let us keep alive as long as we can,” “Why?” he asked, wondering what was pass- ing through her mind, : * Because,” she replied, “‘T want to thank you for your goodnesstome. Anybody else might have doubted — ever so little, maybe; but you—’ She broke off her words, and let her actions finish for her. Oregon Phil felt her cold lips pressed to the side of his neck, It was a kiss of childish gratitude infused with a woman’s love, A tremulous hush fell upon the lad, It dawned upon him that here was a woman of childlike innocence and simplicity—a creature of impulse, that had suddenly been thrown into his arms by fate, to love and protect, if only he could escape from the death that threatened them. 4 What is your name?” he asked. “Lola,” sheanswered, “And yours? I want to put it into one last prayer to the Holy Mother!” “Tn what connection?” he asked. ‘‘ What do you want to say to her about me?” “‘T want to beg her not to separate us!” she answered him, in a tender whisper, Then with a sudden convulsive pressure of her clasping arms: “Oh! if I thought that I had found you only to lose you again—” “But you hayen’t! You may depend upon that!” he cried, with a bound of the heart. “Your name?’ she whispered; ber breath fluttering as his lips pressed hers. f ‘' Boy I he answered. “That means king—doesn’t it? You are my king! Let me be with him always.” ‘*Tn life!” cried Phil. ‘*Tn life, or in death!” she responded. **Tn life!” repeated Phil. There was an exulting ring in his voice, He threw up his hand, The girl glanced up and saw that he was not looking at her, but over her head, Then she beard a whirring sound, followed by a shock as if they were about to be plucked from the saddle. ‘It is the last dreadful moment! The poor beast has lost his footing!” she cried to her heart, : She uttered a screarn, clung to her lover with a convulsive bug, und then beld her breath, She heard him cry once more: “ Tn life! “In life! Thank God, in life!” Then, dizzy with the reaciion from her de- spair, she opened her eyes again and tried to re- alize what had happened, Whatever it was, it was not death, The horse stood as firm as the rock on which his feet were planted: ‘© Tn life?” she asked, in a dazed murmur, ‘In life!” he assured her. ‘‘My darling! my darling!” And bis lips closed down upon hers, bringing . He had said it, and she eetod faith and peace, W that it was so!
Page 16
CHAPTER VIIL A MURDERER AT HEART, ‘* GENTLEMEN, if you’re all done, suppose you give me a try.” : : E The men turned in surprise upon the quiet speaker. George Cameron’s face was as calm as his yoice. ‘What's that?” asked Old °49. ““T say, suppose you let me see what I can n 0. ‘$1 didn’t know that you could do anything with a lasso,” Cameron smiled quietly. ; * Tt don’t do to judge a man by his looks alto- gether,” he said. f : As coolly he began to unwind the riata from his waist. ‘« What! you have a lasso?” cried Old "49. ** Which I sometimes amuse myself with.” “Then why have you stood back?” The brows of the old pioneer contracted. _ **T was afraid that you professionals might think it cheeky for an amateur to interfere in your own line.” ‘“‘ When life is at stake, if don’t matter who saves it!” said Old ’49, severely. George Cameron made no reply, but set to coiling the lariat over his hand. “Tt ain’t the fu’st time he’s slung that busi- ness!” muttered one of the men, * He’s one o’ yer highfalutin’ chaps as thinks more o’ his style than o’ the life o’ them as he don’t jest happen to gee with!” answered an- other. It was evident that the men thought that Cameron had been “ playing” them. They watched him with jealous eyes, Quite indifferent to the ill-feeling he bad roused, Cameron took his position, measured the distance with his eye, whirled the noose round and round his head, and launched it forth into the air. It shot out like a long, slender serpent, de- scribing a long are through the air, and falling over Oregon Phil’s extended hand, so as also to inclose his body. ** Made it the first clatter!” cried one of the men, carried away with the beauty of the cast. Something between a cheer and a yell of de- light went up from Old 749, The next instant he had the successful lassoer by the hand, his ill-feeling of a moment before forgotten. Tl never furgit ye!” hecried. ‘* Ef ever you want a solid friend, call on Ole ’49! But this hyar ain’t no time fur chin-music, Ef only the drag on the line don’t loosen their foot- hold!” Then he cried to Oregon Phil: ‘* How are ye out thar? Kin ye stand the draught?” “You bet!” replied Phil. ‘‘ Throw us another one, Cameron! [ll make a sling, and we'll snake this littio beauty over in a jiffy!” He busied himself getting the noose over his head, and when this was accomplished secured it to his saddle-bow, , It was a ticklish operation; for the lariat Oregon Phil, the Sport. sagging in the rapid current threatened to drag it out of bis hands. ‘ George Cameron made a second cast, as suc- cessful as the first. Phil caught it, made a loop to run on the bi other as on a stay-line, and then secured it } about Lola’s body,” “Tt will half-drown you,” he explained to her; “for you will be under the water almost from the time you leave my bands till they pull you out at the other end, to all right.” * But we are not to be separated? You are not going to remain behind?” ‘* Two of us would be sure to pull Meteor off his feet,” he replied, ‘‘ When you are safe, I mean to switn him out, witb their help.” ‘*Oh1 I cannot leave you bere!” she protested, clinging to him, ‘‘TI feel that if I once let go of you, I shall never clasp you again.” ‘That is only your woman’s fears, Come! every minute lost is a strain on this noble fel- low’s endurance,” ‘*Kiss me once again!” she whispered; and thrilled with a strange delight that be should be so dear to her, he complied. After that she submitted herself implicitly to his will. ** Hold your hands out so,” he directed, show- ing her the position which would be most likely to keep her afloat. Then he let her down into the water. ‘Oh! I shall die!” she cried, making a con- vulsive clutch at him. ‘* No, you will not,” he assured her. ‘ Now, steady |” j Then raising his voice, he shouted to the men ashore: ‘* Walk away there lively!” Three of the men had taken the other end of the sliding lariat over their shoulders, and they now started at a quick walk up the bank, There wasa terrible strain ou the carrying hawse. It seemed as if the horse must be dragged from his footing. The moment he had let go the precious bur- den of his love, Oregon Phil had drawn his bowie-knife, With all his soul centered in watching, he held it in readiness to sever the hawse the in- stant the stay beneath him gave way. If he and his noble beast must go over the falls, she at least should not be dragged over with them, But the horse stood firm! As he had foreseen, the girl was drawn under the water. He witnessed ber vain struggles while she was going once more through the agonizing sensations of drowning, He knew that she would be drawn out unconscious; but that was the best that could be done in the cir- cumstances, If she came off with life, that was all he could ask of Providence. ‘Look alive there!” cried Old °49, ‘* Double- quick! The hawse will stand it. It won’t do to keep the leetle gal under water any longer than is necessary.” f The men steadily quickened their pace. : As she neared the bank on their side the girl was once more drawn to the surface, But she had ceased struggling, She was unconscious, — fe But they’ll fetch you |
Page 17
Oregon Phil, the Sport. 1%. | “Two to one ef we fetch her out!’ growled Old 49, ‘‘One sich duckin’ ought to be enough in one day. Ding that thar bloodhound of a marsbal! Eh! what’s become of him?” _ He looked across the river, to discover Jake Probst urging bis way up the stream. As soon as he saw that there was a likelihood of Lola’s being got to the shore alive, the mar- shal had cried to his subordinate: “They’re goin’ to fish her out fur us, When she lands, we want to be on hand, Come! pull foot hyar lively! Blow me ef it would sound well to have it said that the fu’st to slip through my fingers was a woman!” **The bull-dog!” growled Old °49, ‘ He ain’t give it up yit! Ill hang ef he ain't proposin’ to chip in hyar an’ take her off our hands!” “Well! he’ll have his hands full if he does it!” cried George Cameron. ‘He'll find that we're not playin’ cat’s-paw to his monkey.” ** You bet!” cried the man next him. ‘I’ve got twelve shots that says he don’t git her this time!” And the others added their indorsement in characteristic phrase, “Now then, steady!” shouted Old 49, “Steady! steady! So!” He was cn his knees on the verge of the river- bank, by which the water ran with dizzy veloc- ity. He wasabout to bend far over, and lift the limpand dripping body from the flood, when George Cameron interposed: “Hold on, old man! That’s my part, if you please!” Old 49 turned his head and glared into the cool eyes of the young man whoshowed no dis- concertion, ‘Your part?” be repeated. ‘She’s Oregon Phil’s quarry; an’ I allow to stan’ fur him—” “ His reach wasn’t long enough to save her, It was my cast that brought her to land. But there is uo time tor words.” And as the body touched the bank he threw himself flat on the ground and reached for it. Old °49 yielded with a troubled look. “Thar ain’ no lie in what you say,” he said, Phil bad held Lola so that their heads were in a line witb the vision of their friends ashore, and the tender passages between them had gone un- discovered, . “The boy will have to fight it out on his own hook,” muttered the old ranger, as he saw bis rival lift the unconscious girl out of the water, ‘*Reckon, though, he can hold his own with the most on ’em!” Then he shouted: ** Raise her, boys! raise her!” And such a cheer of rejoicing rose from the little band as was good to hear. Over the water from Phil came a response. His heart was dancing to quick music. The boys cheered bim in return, “Now for my turn, Cameron!” he cried, cheerily, ‘‘Throw us another one of them greased garter-snakes of yours!” ‘* All right!” responded Cameron. But it seemed to Old '49—perhaps because of his solicitude for the boy who was still in immi- nent peril, and would be so until he wasactually on the shore beside them—it seemed to Old ’49 that his voice lacked the hearty ring it ought to have had, And his half suspicion was quickened when he saw Cameron kneel beside Lola and begin the manipulations proper for her resuscitation, ‘Hold on,” be interposed, ‘ tell you git the lariat to Little Oh-my.” ** But the girl must be revived,” said Cameron, with a touch of impatience. ‘It won’t hurt him to wait a minute.” * Anybody kin fetch the girl to,” said Old 749, ** Hyar’s Ony Losy, that’s followed the sea long enough to know more about it than you or me.” ‘An’ it’s roight ye air, Musther Mon!” cried Ony, speaking promptly for himself, ‘Faith, it’s mony’s the time l’ve pumped the in’ards—” ** An’,” continued Old ’49, unceremoniously cutting short the Irishman’s loquacity, ‘‘ef he should happen to go over the falls through neglect of yours—” e did not finish the sentence, His eyes were on those of bis interlocutor with an intensity of gaze that would arrest the attention of any man. George Cameron flushed purple. He would not have liked to have the meaning of that gaze interpreted into words even for his own ears! He rose, and avoiding the eyes of the men who stood in silence, picked up the nearest lariat. “Don’t you lose no time starin’,” said Old ’49 to the salt, turned landsman, *'Tnat I won’t, yer bouor,” replied Losy, touching his hat, Old 49's peremptory tone bringing this habit ‘‘ to the fore.” He set to work forthwith with a readiness which bespoke his skill, while Old 49 watched George Cameron, That chagrined gentleman coiled his lariat with what seemed to the watching men less care than before. However, since so much depended upon him, n9 one ventured to run the risk of an- gering him by expostulation. But Old °49 swore within himself: “Ef the boy goes over through his willful carelessness, hang me higher’n ole Shasta ef I don’t send a bullet through his murderer’s top- knot!” And the old man was likely to keep bis word! Cameron made his cast; but the lariat tan- gled, and fell short, “Cuss him! he’s up to it!” growled the old man, s However, he said nothing audibly, Cameron uttered an oath, as if chagrined by his failure, F “ This kind of thing will do pretty well fora washerwoman to dry her clothes on,” he said, scornfully; ‘‘ but I don’t see how you can make anything of it as a lariat.” He proceeded to draw it in hand over hand; but Old ’49 interposed. “Don’t waste time that way! Hygr’s more. We may be able to find somethin’ that’s to your mind. Ef you want to save him, thar ain’t no time to lose,” ; He coiled a lariat himself, and then handed it to Cameron, His work was done skillfully. He knew how to do it, and his boy's life hung upon it, tered: Cameron balanced it in his hand, and mut- _—_—|
Page 18
eddie LSE - Don’t do that! 18 Oregon Phil, the Sport. se H’m y” It was a grunt which said: “Tf you're satisfied, I suppose { shall have to be; but don’t blame me if the thing disappoints your expectations.” He made another cast, The lariat shot through the air, and came so near Phil that he reached out and tried to catch it over his arm. i ‘Took out!” shouted Old ’49, in a voice that showed the wild fear that shot to his heart. Thank God!” His last ejaculation was caused by seeing the lariat drop into the watar, out of Phil's reach. _ Why he was thankful for this failure his next words showed. “Boy! boy! be careful! Don’t you know that ef that thar had nipped your arm, the pluck would have jerked you out of your seat? Let it pass an’ try ag’in, rather than overreach yourself.” To himself he muttered: “That devil was up to that trick! He'll drown the boy ef he kin! Ef he does, his turn’ come quicker’n he thinks fur!” “Tf you will let me coil my own lariat,” said Cameron, with the deliberation of a man who repudiated the blame of his failure and depre- cated interference, ‘we will seo if a line can’t be got there,” “Take it coolly, old fellow!” cried Phil, “ Jest think that 1 can stay out hyar all sum- mer, if necessary, an’ it will steady your nerves.” ““He never smells the rottenest mouse that was ever held under a man’s nose!” groaned Old 49, ‘IT wonder ef the other boys drop to it. George Cameron coiled his lasso slowly, as if determined to have it right this time. Then he made a succsssful cast, The noose settled over Oregon Phil’s body as neatly as before. “Stove it off xs long as he dast to!” growled Old 49, “It’s lucky fur him that be made up his mind to do the square thing!” Oregon Phil cut off an end of the lasso for a purpose which he had in view, and then secured the new end about his body under the arms. The bit which he bad cut off he fastened to his horse’s girth, brought it up between his fore legs, and tied it to the lariat which was fastened to his saddle-bow, If the beast were now drawn through a cur- rent against which it would be impossible for him to make head unaided, there would be no tendency to pull him off his balance, ** Now, old fellow,” cried the Sport, patting the animal’s neck fondly, ‘* we’re going to take our chance together,” Meteor whinnied, understanding the affection, if uot the exact words, ‘*Ts your end secure?” asked the lad of those ashore, » *“As solid as the rock that this byar pine grows out of!” was Old ’49’s assurance. ‘“‘I tied that hyar knot myself, an’ you’d better believe I knowed what I was about when I done it.” “Then look out! We're coming!” Oregon Phil had measured the distance to the bank, and also the distance to the brink of the precipice over which the waters poured, ‘*As we swing down the stream, we won’t re have two rods to spare. But that’s enough, if the lassoes hold all round.” He drew in his breath, slipped from the saddle, pd his borse, said; Gol For an instant the animal trembled, as if he, too, understood the danger. Then drawing in his breath, as bis master had done, he lunged out into the current, CHAPTER IX, ‘STANDING OFF” THE MARSHAL, His eyes ablaze, his nostrils wide, Meteor Sea the waves, parting the foam on either side, Still so rapid was the flood that the lariat grew as tense us a towline, snapping the drops of water from it where it cut the surface, There was no attempt made to draw the horse against the current, but he was allowed to swing down-stream, As Oregon Phil had calculated, he was within arod or twoof the precipice when he reached the bank. is master made this trip with him, sustaining himself with one hand on the saddle-bow. Phil was drawn out of the water first, but without waiting to exchange greetings he turned to the assistance of his noble horse. The beast scrambled up the bank, shook his hide with less than his usual vigor, and then stood with his head lowered, receiving the atten- tions of the men. The moment his horse was safe, the Sport turned to look after Lola, but the men appeared to have gone wild over the horse. Kvery one hada hand in rubbing him down, eyen using their jerkins for that purpose. Oregon Phil found George Cameron kneeling beside the girl, who, under Ony Losy’s ministra- tions, was just beginning toshow signs of return- ing consciousness, “ Wo owe everything to you!” cried our hero, grasping Cameron’s hand gratefully. In the exhilaration of the happy issue from their awful peril, heslapped his unsuspected rival on the back, continuing without break: ‘“You shall be master of ceremonies at our wedding!” Cameron turned his head with a cold stare of displeasure. “This is no time for joking,” hesaid. ‘If you have nv anxiety for the recovery of this lady, I shall have to ask you not to interfere with me while I am endeavoring to restore her.” ‘No anxiety?” repeated Phil, staring in won- derment, ‘ Why, my dear sir, you are off your base!” / ‘We will discuss that later, if you please!” “Tf you please!” returned Phil, with a show of quiet spirit that delighted Old °49, “The young ’un’ll take bim down!” chuckled the old map. ‘ Now fur it!” “Meanwhile,” pursued Phil, I will thank you for your care of the lady, and relieve you for the present.” ‘ Bxcuse me!” retorted Cameron. ‘‘ Having brought the lady to shore, I shall continue at side until she is in condition to care for her- sell, ——— Theret
Page 19
Thereupon the whole situation flashed upon Oregon Phil, He hada rival! This fellow!— this fellow! Oregon Phil flushed, and then turned pale, “You are evidently laboring under a misap- prehension,” he said, putting a restraint upon tbe quick passion that surged up into bis heart. “The lady bas already expressed a preference for your humble servant—for life !” The significant emphasis brought Cameron’s eyes to the face of the speaker with a flash of sur- prise and incredulity. ** Why, she is a stranger to you!” he cried, in- dignantly. “Until thirty minutes ago,” corrected Phil, with a smile, “Fim!” sneered Cameron; “ your acquaint- ance would have progressed rapidly, if what you seem to intimate were true.” ** You may depend upon it that it is true,” said the Sport, recovering his good-nature as be re- flected at what a disadvantage be had his rival— “for which the peculiar circumstances of our introduction be thanked!” His cool confidence and the happiness which glowed in his face went far in support of bis words; and though it seemed incredible that a tender understanding should have sprung up be- tween these two under his very nose, and he not discover it in progress, a chill foreboding of dis- comfiture shot to George Cameron’s heart, It angered him and awoke bis obstinacy. “Excuse me if I wait for the corroboration of the lady herself!” he said sarcastically. ‘* This is a practical age, remember.” ‘Come! come!” said Oregon Phil, “TI am too much in good-luck to want to quarrel with anybody. Besides, I owe you too much. I don’t forget that without your help I should still be out yonder—and, more than that, that she would be with me! Now, although I would- n’t give up the place at her side to any other man, nor to you under any other circumstances, I propose to divide the situation with you. Stay where you are, and I will take the other side, I have no doubt that she will give you ee and gratitude while she gives me love. He went to the other side and, kneeling down, took her other hand, Ony Losy bad made a very liberal use of neat whisky in his course of treatment. He had poured a considerable quantity of it down Lola’s throat just before Oregon Phil came up. Dur- . ring the discussion between him and Cameron, she had shown signs of returning animation, and as he knelt at her side she opeped her eyes, His love taught bim what to do. He gave her hand a quick pressure, and bending over her, cried: Lola, my darling!” She opened her eyes full upon bis face, and with a murmur of glad recognition tried to lift Oregon Phil, the Sport. ep ne herself up to his breast, releasing her hand from > George Cameron’s clasp. 3 ; The disappointed lover let her go with a sup- pressed oath, and bad the further chagrin of seeing her nestle in his more fortunate rival’s 19 Old °49 was so delighted with the turn mat- ters had taken, that he proceeded to dance a jig on tne spot, : But in the midst of bis happiness Oregon Phil was recalled to a disagreeable reality by hearing the sound of horses’ hoofs, “Look hyere, gents,” he said, hurriedly. ‘ That iron-headed Probst is bound to carry his point. I depend upon you to stand him off while I take this innocent child to a place of security.” The men winked at each other. They had no sentimental reason for believing in Lola’s inno- cence. At the same time, she being Oregon Phil’s “ girl,” they had no thought of “ goin’ back on him.” He caught ber up in his arms, and whistling to his horse, ran away with her. Jake Probst rode up only to find his bird flown. He knew by the sullen defiance on the faces of some of the men, contrasted with the serene smile of welcome on Old °49’s, just what he would bave to encounter. ‘“Waal, pardner,” cried Old 749, as if this were a casual meeting, “‘ what luck# Out pros- pectin’?” “No,” replied Probst. ‘I’m out huntin’ so to speak.” ‘““Ah!” responded Old '49, ‘ Mighty poor huntin’ at this hyar season o’ the year, [reckon,” “Waal, that depends,” answered Probst. ee You seem to have had considerable luck, fish- in’. ‘Now ye’re jokin’!” said Old °49, laughing as if he considered it a very good joke indeed. “Ef you'll band the girl over, we'll callita - joke all round,” said Probst, meaningly. All understood that under bis words lay a covert threat that they might find it no joke to resist the law, even in that lawless country, when it was represented by Jake Probst. “The girl? What girl?’ asked Old °49, inno- cently. ‘‘Come! come!” said Probst. ‘‘ Thatthar will do fur boys; but men at your time o’ life an’ mine know that business is business!” “Ye're right,” assented Old 49, ‘ An’T al- low you'll find ue a business crowd.” Probst saw the old man’s thinly-masked meaning, lt roused bis dogged determination, Turning to bis subordinate, he said: ‘Follow me!” And without more ado, he reined bis horse in ae only direction that Oregon Phil could have aken, But Old *49 interposed. **T wouldn’t go that way,” he said, “ Why not?’ demanded Probst. “Oh, because! That’s the way we air goin’, an’ thar ain’t room fur more’n our crowd, ye onderstand.” “Waal, then, I will go first, and you kin fol- ler at yer leisure.” “Excuse me, if you please And the old man reined his horse across the ” way. At that the Marshal of Two Bits flared up. “Do you know who you're stoppin’? he asked, with the ominous calm of a dangerous ~ arms as he clasped her rapturously to his ; man breast, | an, “The Marshal o’ Two Bits—the fire-eatin’
Page 20
Som re eS ASSESS aa precast ae oy, * SS caps papecreterss Papert ee = E ‘aa G fe et Ree te er: i S 20 Oregon Phil, the Sport. oe Marshal o’ Two Bits!” said Old ’49, looking him steadily in the eye. Then in the same tone he asked: “ Do you know who’s a-stoppin’ of ye?” “No!” thundered the marshal; ‘‘ an’ what’s more, I don’t care a—” “ Barrin’ an’ savin’ yer prisence!” interrupted his assistant. ‘Sure, it’s haird words that air more handy than fair ones, but it’s them you go furthest fur that’s the ch’apest in the end. Wid all respict to yer Honor, Musther Probst, w’u’d- dent it be well to teil the gintlemen phwat it is the colleen has been doin’?” The Marshal of Two Bits condescended to say: ** When you onderstand that the girl 1 am after has stabbed a man to death in a dance- house last night, maybe you’ll stand out of my “oe gal not interfere with the execution of the aw, “ That may all be so,” said Old 49. ‘* As fur as we air concerned, it ain’t neither byar nor thar. The question is, who’s goin’ down that thar trail. ‘ou’ve been so rambunctious about it that we propose to fight it out on this line.” “Then you air goin’ to stop me?” “Our crowd is goin’ down that thar trail fu’st, ur know the reason why! But we pro- pose to have supper before we start. Then ef you want to foller, o’ course the way is open to you the same-as to any other man. Thai’s all Pve got to say.” Jake Probst looked about on the men. There was a general loosening of weapons. He understood, without verbal explanation, what was meant. “ Allright!” he said. ‘‘Maybe Ill be even with ye yit! It'll be a cold day ef I don’s!” ** Whenever you feel lika comin’ on, en mass or in sections, you'll find me at home,” replied Old °49, coolly. The marshal wheeled his horse and rode aur: ithout stopping for their supper, our hero’s friends followed after him, There was one in the party who rode with his eyes on the ground in moody silence, It is perhaps needless to say that it was George Cameron. ‘¢ He’s hatchin’ mischief!” said Old 49 to him- self, ‘‘ I’ll have to keep an eyeon him!” CHAPTER X. ANEW ASPECT, THE gossip over the tragedy reached Senor Fabriano as he sat in the bar of his hotel, gloomily brooding over his unpromising inter- view with the marshal, At first he did not heed it, until something in the description of the stiletto with which the deed bad been done caught his ear. Then suddenly starting up, he advanced to the speakers, addressing them in agitated tones: ‘*Gentlemen, I beg your pardon!” The men turned and stared at him, with the quick-coming frown which bespoke their dislike, one of their number vouchsafing surlily: ~ “Waal, what’s wantin’?” . “Did you say, sir, a dagger with a wav _ blade?—in short, an Indian creese?” “Whi Tee : .\ Je, wh ‘TInjun nothin’,” growled the man. ‘“Injun\ « J¢ 1 don’t use them kind ©’ things.” his 6 ‘“‘T should have said Hast Indian, or more So the properly Malay.” _ * Wk “Waal, you’ve got me, I’m free to own.,, Ex don’t know nothin’ about nope +. yelj, it faced kind, J don’t! Malays’ ‘+ Whoteot | 47 reckon they’re a bad lot all round, But, for which one, J don’t see what it is to you, anyhow!” ‘ne wh The tone more than the words spoken, con- | « Ja veyed an insult, Load With difficulty the’ Mexican controlled the swelling in bis throat. oA ** Thank you!” he said, and turned away. ey, As he hurried from the room, the men follow- \take ed him with sullen frowns, - “What does the dog-gone Greaser mean by [right comin’ sneakin’ around hyar, anyway?” mutter- os ed vie man who had repaid his courtesy with eer insult, Forgetful of the churls he left behind, the Mexican hurried to the scene of murderous | kin. violence, ed w Here men involuntarily made way before bis } yib- impetuous advance. His face told them that his was not the idle | bra curiosity thaf moved them, tra ‘* Where is the murdered man?” he asked, thr “This hyar way, pardner,” readily answered the man addressed, And half-escorted, half-followed by the curi- ous crowd, he was borne to the side of the corpse. “Whoishe? Whatis he wantin’ with Milado?” was the eager inquiry. With knit brows and closely-compressed lips he gazed at the repulsive body. “Will some ove: kindly get me some water?” he asked, ‘‘ I cannot make out the features for the blood.” ‘Hallo, thar! this way!” % Everybody was eager to hasten its produc- ion. Then all hung upon the result. Senor Fabriano knelt down and dipping his handkerchief into the basin, washed away the blood and brushed back the matted hair from the forehead of the dead. He rose with a sigh asif his expectations had been disappointed. “Who bas the dagger with which this man was slain?” he asked, ** What do you make of him, boss?” interrupt- ed one who was more curious than sympathetic, ‘© Some o’ your folks, I reckon?” ventured an- other. “They don’t look much alike,” dissented a third, ‘* Dry up, an’ let the gent speak for himself!” cried one, who saw that nothing was likely to be derived from the speculations of the crowd, . =} “Gentlemen, this man is nothing to me, as | vou seem to expect,” said the Mexican, seeing ‘ that be would have to satisfy their curiosity I before he could hope to get anything in the way of information out of them. ; “Why in thunder didn’t you say so in the first : place?’ demanded one, who thereupon turned Some water! fetch some water fr -So a Yr KT 1 away in disgust, 2
Page 21
Oregon Phil, the Sport. 21 “What did you want with him, then?’ asked ie, who saw another field of inquiry, “Te may be,” said the Mexican, sadly, ‘‘ that y his death this man has but made more hope- ess the wrong which he did me in life,” -“ What has he done to you?’ Exense me. gentlemen! Iam not yet sure “hetecis . “7 connection between him and 3, Y %e/5 speakivg of the weapon with Which the catal blow was struck, Can you tell ‘me where I can see it?” * Jake Probst has got it.” *€ The marshal?” d the\ « Pxactly.” “ And where is he to be found?” “You'll have to pull foot purty lively to over- ake him, stranger. He’s goin’ fur the leetle no ba spitfire that laid Milado out—an’ sarved him jest DY fright, say I!” ‘ Injur r more |, COn- llow- Tita “He isin pursuit of the misguided girl?” “ Hold on, stranger! Don’t you go fur to the jcallin’ no hard names! She give this ugly cuss his dose; an’ I reckon Probst ll swing her if he kin. But the man as said that she was misguid- ed will have to swallow two shoctin’-irons an’ a rid-tickler, the which these hyar is samples!” And most ferociously did Lola’s champion brandish his weapons, confronting the supposed traducer of the favorite as if about to carry bis threat into instant execution, ‘““You misunderstand me, friend,” said the Mexican, mildly. ‘‘I meant but to say that it was unfortunate that the child should be led to take blood upon her hands. It may be that I, of all men, have most reason to thank you for your generous defense of her.” “Why? What is she to you?” “Tt is possible that she is my daughter.” The crowd stood open-mouthed. “ Run away with Milado, I reckon?’ ventured rous » his idle red Iri- she 9 one. “Abducted in her childhood,” explained Senor Fabriano. ‘Sho’, now! You don’t say!” Tn those simple words were expressed as gen- uine sympathy as ever warmed in a human heart, In the wronged and suffering father the “*Greaser” was lost sight of. In a breath four- fifths of the crowd went over to the side of the man whom a moment before most of them had despised, now ready to go through fire and water to help him to right his wrong. ““Look a-byar, boys!” cried one. ‘Jake Probst don’t touch a hair o’ that there gal’s head, ye onderstand?” ag much he don’t!” was the hearty as- sent, ‘* Boss, we’re with ye! You jest clap onto yer own when the marshal fetches her into camp, an’ you'll have the backin’ o’ the last man in the place,” “Thank you, my friends!—thank you!” said the Mexican, with deep emotion, grasping the hands that were warmly extended to him on all sides, “Boys, we don’t waut that bloody marshal to » (scare the life out of her, as he will do ef he once claps his hands onto her. Suppose we make after him in a body?” ; 4 This proposition was received with hearty ap- proyal, Horses were saddled in hot haste, and soon, with Senor Fabriano at their head, the better part of Two Bits were following the road pre- viously traversed by pursued and pursuer. They met the marshal returning, chagrined at his defeat. Tt is needless to say that he was far from being in the best of humors, ‘« Whar is yer prisoner?” asked onefof the men, “Tf I had a prisoner, she would be hyar, wouldn’t she?” asked the marshal, gruffly. ‘¢Thar’s no liein that, be the powers!” laughed an Irishman. ‘Come, Micky!” cried another, ‘‘ We'll git nothin’ out o’ Jake, What luck?” : The ‘‘ mairshal’s depity ” cast a look at his su- perior. . 2 There was no probibition there; so taking his consent for granted, he answered: “ Well, b’ys, it’s haird luck, au’ that’s a fact! We came upon her, so we did; an’ would yez b’- lave me?—fast aslape!” Me ; “Oh, go long! hat’re ye givin’ of us?” ‘* Be me sow], it’s but the Lord’s blessed truth! Ax tbe mairshal else.” % ““What’s Paddy tryin’ to git through him, Jake?’ asked the skeptic, ‘¢ You'll have to fight it out between ye,” said Probst. ; Thereupon Micky was cross-examined until the whole story was drawn from him, ‘*Oregon Phil!” cried one, “Don Carles!” echoed another. “‘Look a-hyar, boys! Thar’s somethin’ snide hyar. Ill bet ye that gal never touched Milado., It was a plot to steal ber. It’s Don Carlos as done it. Of course he wouldn't have no use fur Milado after he had run off with his gal. So it would stand bim in hand to rub him out, Then, as you'll all allow, if he cou!d make it appear that the gal had doused Milado’s glim, an’ was givin’ the marshal the slip, he’d stand ten chances to one of gittin’ away with her over what he would have if it looked as if she was bein’ run off.” “ Johnny, you’ve got a head on your shoulders, you have!” And the whole crowd accepted this explana- tion at a jump. The marshal alone frowned. He had the in- stinct of a hangman, Having once marked Lola as his victim, he clung with the pertinacity of a bulldog to bis hatred of her. “T beg that you will allow me to see the weapon with which the deed was done,” said Senor Fabriano, politely. _And he entered once more upon the explana- tion of his interest in Lola. 5 Probst grudgingly yielded it up for inspec- ion. At sight of it the father uttered a cry, He caught it from the hand of the marshal, and bent over it, overcome with emotion. “Gentlemen,” he said, finally lifting his head, and disclosing eyes whose infinite sadness, inter- shot with rays of tenderness and joy, was blinded with tears, ‘‘it is indeed a wespon which disappeared with my child, It was her mother’s. I pray the merciful Father that I may find that her use of it was justifiable, and in self-defense!”
Page 22
Oregon Phil, the Sport. “You bet yer lifo it was! That dog of a Greaser would drive an angel to put a knife into him!” cried one whose sympathy outran his reverence, ‘But, friends,” said Senor Fabriano, ‘‘ may I count upon your assistance to rescue my child from this outlaw?” ‘* Now ye’re sboutin’!” ‘WE thar ain’t men” enough in Two Bits, Pll guarantee to have a grand round-up of the whole country!” With like expressions the better part of the company expressed their hearty co-operation, Jake Probst was long-sighted enough to see the trend of public sentiment which would leave him entirely out of consideration, if he persisted in his opposition; so he made haste to say: “YT was on my way back to camp to muster enough men to go after the outlaw himself, Seeing that we are together, we might as well zo for him now as ever.” ‘Lead the way!” was the general demand, And the party, formally under the lead of the marshal, but really in support of the wronged father, forthwith set out in pursuit of the sup- posed outlaw and his victim, CHAPTER XI. TREACHERY. “ FWattol I didn’t look for you so soon!” eried Oregon Phil the Sport, when he was overtaken by his friends. “Then you see us sooner than you expected,” laughed Old ‘49, ‘Perhaps sooner than you wanted!” be added, with a sly glance at Lola, whom Phil held in his arms, as they rode double, She damed scarlet; but her lover laughed good-naturedly, ‘None o’ that, you old dog-in the-manger!” he cried, And then to spare Lola the rough, though friendly banter of the men, he changed the sub- ject. gs So you managed to stand off the marshal?” * You bet we did!” “tr reckoa be don’t take kindly to humble ie, “Not he! An’ he’s one o’ the kind as it don’t set well on their stomach. He'll come fur ye ag’in; you kin count on that!” * Thar’s no doubt of that; and he won’t come alone next time.” * Right you are, boy.” “Daddy, Pve made up my mind that this ain't a healthy country, I’m goin’ to git out of “You could do a dog-goned sight foolisher thing than that thar!” ‘You understand I wouldn’t run away if I was alone.” “ Waal, I reckon!” ‘But a tender little thing like this can’t stand much fightin’ over.” ‘if your head was as old as mine, you could- n’t talk better hoss sense than that.” “‘T don’t like to lose you, daddy—you know ; that!” “T don’t know nothin’ else!” cried the old man, not a little affected by this mark of his fayorite’s affection for him, ae ‘““What’s the use?” cried Oregon Phil, with sudden impulsiveness, ‘t You havn't got any- thing to tie you up in this God-forsaken coun- try! ‘*Nomore I have, boy,” admitted Old ’49. “Then why can’t you come along with me? ‘* An’ the gal!” added Old ’49 with one of his sly winks. ‘““My wife!” declared Oregon Phil, boldly. “The first thing ’m goin’ for 1s a parson, Then, ho for Texas! It will be better for my wife to return to the climate that she was born to, even if these ugly hounds weren’t after her.” “You should stop and vindicate her from the charge that has been brought against her,” sug- gested George Cameron. ‘‘Hang their charge!” cried Phil passionate- ly. ‘* What are they or their charge to me, so long as I know that she is all rigbt?” ‘“Hyar! hyar!” eried Old 749, ‘‘ And look hyar, boys,” pursued Oregon Phil, -“What have you made since you shook bull- whackin’ an’ took to prospectin’?” “Not a dog-goned red!” assented one, with energy. ‘* What do you say to goin’ back in a body?” ** Pm with ye!” ‘Of course we are—all of us!” cried Old 49, delightedly. ‘‘ Boys, we'll scoop in our pa when we git back to camp; an’ then the old fel- ler himself can’t keep us in this hyar blasted country !” It was so arranged, George Cameron being by this move made an outsider. He alone was not of the party that had come up from the broad grazing-lands of sunny Texas. He saw in this move the defeat of all bis hopes, and his clouded faze showed his discon- tent. ‘Tt euchers you, don’t it?” chuckled Old °49 to himself. . ; ‘*Hfe shall never take her cut of this country, if I have to drop him with my own hands!” was the murderous resolve that was seething in Cameron’s hot brain, ‘Tt won’t do to leave too broad a trail,” said Oregon Phil. ‘Besides, the news may have spread so rapidly as to get the start of us. I propose to keep Lola out of sight unti] we are well cn our way.” “ An’ very sensible too,” approved Old °49, ‘ The easiest way is the best way.” ‘“*You know the lean-to we struck up in what ‘T called Sinbad’s guleb?” “ Yes. ” ‘‘Waal, I'll take her there. You're to fetch me the first parson you can lay your hands on; and we'll do the job up in short order.” ‘We kin git a parson at Fort Monico—the chaplain.” “ Thats the man we want! And, boys, there’s another reason why I should make myself scarce —the funniest you ever heard!” “ What's that?” “They’ve done me the honcr to take me for Don Carlos! Ha! ha! ha!” ‘The deuce you say!” “T's a fact, They came within an ace of
Page 23
Oregon Phil, the Sport. stringing me up last pight. The whole crowd swore that I challenged the coach and led the road-egents throughout. I suggested that I followed the roaa-agents; but they wouldn’t have it so, Ha! ha! ha!” And once more Oregon Phil laughed light- heartedly. ‘Waal, I sw’ar!” cried Old °49, turning red with indignation, ‘‘Itll be a burnin’ shame ef we don’t walk into that camp an’ swab it out before we leave these parts!” “Oh, no!—that’s of no consequence,” said Oregon Phil. He dismissed the subject from his mind thus lightly. Would he have done so if he could have known the quick plot that sprung up in George Cameron’s mind? * Suspected of being Don Carlos!” he cried to himself. ‘‘Tbhe passengers testified to his identity with the robber! Aha! [ll make a note of that!” Oregon Phil soon separated from his friends, making bis way alone to the mountaia retreat which he had designated. They went on to Fort Monico, _ We'll wind up our business hyar to-day, an’ take the parson back with us to-morrow,” said Old *49, who was anxious to ‘git shut o’ the blasted place,” now that it was decided to 0, J . “Then you have fully made up your minds to abandon this enterprise?’ asked George Cameron. “That thar’s jest what we’ve done, young man!” was Oid ’49’s assurance, “‘Tt leaves me all afloat,” said Cameron, wist- fully. ““Why don’t you strike hands with us, an’ make a change of base?” asked one of the boys, who liked Cameron. “Well, I hadn’t thought of that,” he replied. *‘ But perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad scheme after all,” “ Of course it wouldn’t, You could strike a worse crowd than ours, now mind I tell you; an’ I know what I’m talkin’ about, fur I’ve been thar!” Several others joined heartily in this invita- tion. They did not notice that Old ’49 received the proposition in cold silence. “Well, boys,” said Cameron, “I don’t mind saying that I am taken with your style, what I have seen of youso far; and I don’t care if I do put in a little of a different life from what I’ve been used to, Butif there is only twenty- four hours to pull up stakes in, I shall have to make a bee-line for Sioux Pass, and straighten up some little matters of my own. Where shall we rendezvous?” 4 “ At the hut where Oregon Pbil is bousin’ his heifer. We'll start from thar—won’t we Old 749?” *T reckon we will,” said the old man, with no cordiality. ; He was racking bis brain for some way to leave Cameron behind without coming out against him directly. “ He'll try to make trouble between Oregon Phil an’ his wife. That’s his leetle game,” mut- tered the old fellow to himself, ‘* He’s sot fur 238 her; an’ he’s one o’ the kind that don’t let up sy. “ At what hour?’ asked George, ignoring the old man’s crustiness, ‘We won't start before noon, will we?” asked one of the younger men, seeing that Old 49 acted as if he did not think that the question was directed to him. ‘7 reckon not,” was the reply. ‘¢ Well, then, I’ll leave you at the next cut-off,” said Cameron, He rode along, chatting with those aLout him so pleasantly that they began to feel that they had not done him justice, They all admired his skill with the riata, and had none of Old °49’s suspicions of the times that he had failed. * Hasta manana!” he cried jauntily, as he reined his horse into a bridle-path leacing off from the way they were following; and putting spurs to his horse, disappeared, When he was gone a vague feeling of disquiet took possession of Old °49, ‘Tt can't be that he has enough o’ cussedness in him go fur to waylay Oregon Phil?” he re- flected. The more he thought of it, the more uneasy he pot. “Pil git back there before sundown—that’s what I'll do!” ho finally concluded. ‘‘ Money ur no money, he ain’t goin’ to gita crack at the boy in the dark, ye onderstand!” Thereupon he hurried the advance of his par- ty_ without assigning any reason, Into Fort Monico they rode st a spanking Ro and Old 49 made straight for the chap- ain. ‘* Boys,” he said, ‘‘ I'll leave you to straighten ? up, while I take the parson to Oregon Phil,” “What's the hurry?’ was the surprised de- and, is “Waal, I reckon it'll be a satisfaction to the boy to have his contract signed an’ sealed an’ over with, ef he’s goin’ in fur the thing at all. lLallow committin’ mattermoney is a good deal like murder. Ye don’t want the thing too long on yer mind.” he boy laughed at the old fellow’s theory of the marriage relation. “Was you ever married yerself, Old 49?” asked one, ‘*M-m, waal,” was the hesitating reply, “I. was a squaw-mau onc’t, fur a leetle while, when I wes a good deal younger than I be now, But them was heathen ways of doin’ things; an’ so, 0’ course, they don’t count much.” He laid the urgency of the case before the chaplin with such elcquence, that he induced that gentleman to forego the society of the captain’s sister and several other charming ladies of the post, for a very uncomfortable night-ride in the robber-infested mountains. The sun had dropped down behind the peaks when they reached the hut where Oregon Phil was to await his friends, What they found there wasa pool of blood before the empty hut! ‘* My God!” cried Old ’49, in tones that quiv- ered with anguish, ‘* he’s done it!” “What is it?’ asked the chaplain, apprehen-- sively. . 3 That devil has murdered the boy, an’ made
Page 24
it j y off with his gal—that’s what it is! May my curse foller him until | git my hands on his throat!—that’s all I ask.” But at this moment something caught his rang- ing eye, ani with an ejaculation of horror he broke through the undergrowth so as to disap- pear from the clergyman’s sight, A momentof deathlike silence followed. What terribie spectacle bad chained his tongue? But before the startled divine could make a move to relieve his suspense, there came from beyond the foliage a burst of laughter so wild in its abandonment that there could be no ques- tion that it was one in which happiness formed no element. It ended in a yell of savage exultation; and then came Old °49’s voice: ‘ Brizzle my bide, ef that thar ain’t the pur- tiest sight I everdidsee! Wakesnakes an’ howl; fur the devil has got his own!” CHAPTER XII. AN INVADED EDEN, GrorGE CAMERON’S proposal to go to Sioux Pass and straizhten up his affairs wasa ‘ blind,” as indeed was the whole scheme of going to Tex- as with the party of cowboys, ~He had no such purpose. The moment he was free from observation, he cried to himself: ‘Now for some quick work! That old duffer suspects me—as well he may!—and if I don’t cut in ahead of him, he will block my game Taking the direction of Two Bits, he spurred at bis best pace. Thus be rode headlong into the party who were going to the rescue of Lola and the cap- ture of Oregon Phil, supposed to be Don Car- los, ‘Hallo! what’s yer burry?” cried Jake Probst, suspiciously, as George reined his horse up ou his haunches. “You're just the man I want to sce!” cried George, breathlessly. “ E?m! that’s curi’s, bein’s as you’re jest the man IJ want to see, I allow to have seen you before.” “You have,” “Tn deuced bad company!” **T don’t deny that.” i? Waal, sir, what have you got tosay for your- self?’ : ‘Nothing, except that 1 bave met you on my way to put myself at your service in Two Bits.” “We have your word fur that,” said the marshal, with an air which intimated that it would need corroboration. “You will have more tangible proof be- fore sunset, if you don’t waste too much time a eavertaws Let us be moving while we “That depends on whar we're to be movin’? ” “ T take it for granted that you gentlemen are in quest of Don Carlos.” a ie That's the man we're after. You kin bet on ? ce Well, I propose to put you onto him, so that you can take him without any trouble ex- cept what he can give you by himself,” Oregon Phil, the Sport. “Young man, you talk well.” ‘*-You will soon be satisfied that I act as I talk.” “Ef you don’t, look out fur yerself! I'ma man as don’t stand no snide games, ye onder- stand?” ‘* Sir,” here interposed Senor Fabriano, ‘‘ can you assure me of the safety of a lady whom this outlaw holds as a prisoner?” Cameron turned to the speaker quickly. What was his interest in Lola? He noted that he was a Spanish-Mexican. : While resting under his suspicioue scrutiny, Senor Fabriano hastened to explain. ‘It is possible, nay, probable, that I have a father’s interest in her welfare,” Cameron was far from being pleased with this announcement; but in a flash he saw that he would have to accept the situation, and turn it to account as best he could. His role was chosen instantly. Extending his hand with a cordial smile, he cried: ““My dear sir, it will double the pleasure of what I am about to do, to know that I shall re- store.a deluded girl to the loving protection of ber father, But, sir, you must be prepared for a painful revelation.” ““[T bave had a long schooling in pain!” said the father, bowing his head as if to receive an- other blow. 2d “ Believe me, I would spare you this if T could,” said Cameron, with affected feeling. ** But there is this consolation—that it is not be- yond repair.” “* Speak, sir!” “T said that your daughter was deluded. Her romantic fancy has been caught by the part played by Don Carlos in her rescue from the Snake River. I do not wish to drag into prominence my own efforts; but the marshal here is witness that but for me they would have perished together.” ‘“‘ Tm beholden to ye fur not letting them slip through my fingers!” said Probst, grimly. “Tt is but a passing fancy,” pursued Cameron, ‘*T should not have felt justified in interfering, had I not known that Don Carlos already has a wife in Arizona, and anotherin Texas, When the poor child comes to know the wrong he meditates against her, it will dispel her mo- mentary prepossession.” ‘*Sir, from the bottom of my soul I thank you!” cried the Mexican, with deep feeling, as he again pressed the hand of the hypocrite. ‘From the amicable relations that appear to exist between you and the marshal, I assume that no charge rests against the lady. I was about to make one condition on which I would give Don Carlos into his hands—that a full and free pardon be extended to the girl, whatever she may have done.” ** Knowing her history, I have no fear that the men of Two Bits will hold her to too severe a reckoning, whatever may be proved against her.” ; ‘Right you are, boss!” cried one of the men. “Thar don’t no investigatin’ committee set on her—eh, boys!” ‘*Nary commit!” ““She goes scot free, ef I haye to fight fur her single-handed |”
Page 25
ie Oregon Phil, the Sport. “Vou won't be alone, pardner—no fear o’ that!” ““You bet yer boots!” ‘Count me in, ef you please!” And with looks, if not with words, the whole party showed their sympathy with the girl who was felt to have been more sinned against than sinning. i ‘‘Well, gentlemen,” said Cameron, “let us make all dispatch. Don Carlos is alone, his ~ men having gone to get their traps together, preparatory toa remove. Heis a villain with refinement enougb to prefer that his nefarious jife should not be known to the woman who fancies that she is bis wife; so he proposes to go through forms of a marriage before the chap- lain of Fort Monico, and then go to a part of the country where he can live with her in re- tirement, and pursue his crimes without the danger of being brought up by a Marshal Probst.” Jake Probst frowned and grunted at this com- pliment. He did not: cotton to Cameron, ‘There is but one further stipulation,” pur- sued the traitor, turning to him, “ An’ what's that?” he asked, brusquely. “That my reason for temporarily joining the outlaws shall not be inquired into,” replied Cameron, boldly. He was playing a desperate game desperately, or he would not bave avowed himseJf a road- agent when such was not the fact, ‘“‘T will make this agreement,” said Probst— “ef we git Don Carlos, you go free; only ef I ever ketch you ag’in, look out! Ef we don’t git Don Carlos, we'll hang you bigher’n Haman!’ “That is satisfactory,” said Cameron, who, whatever bis faults, was no coward, So they rode rapidly forward, every moment bringing them nearer Oregon Phil, The hut where he had appointed his rendez- yous was a mere lean-to, built as a temporary shelter by some prospectors. Abandoning themselves to childlike glee, Lola and he were making their short residence there a picnic, They gathered fresh mountain moss and strewed it under the lean-to, covering it with the blanket carried under Meteor’s saddle, zo as to form a comfortable couch for the bride of the morrow, her groom having to content himself for the nonce with the bare ground outside, Prudence cautioned them not to build a fire, which might lead their enemies to their cozy nook; so they gathered berries and some succu- Jent plants of which Oregon Phil knew. ‘*Couldn’t you find some bird’s eggs, or get a little goat’s milk?” asked Lola, glancing up at her lover shyly. It was the first thing she had asked of bim— not an easy task, under the circumstances. “Well, [can makea big try for it!” he said, his heart swelling so that he felt almost equal to the seven labors of Hercules, Oregon Phil left her, puzzled hy something in her manner which eluded him when he tried to define it. It wasa glance in her eye and the _ flitting color in her cheeks, It kept his thoughts busy with an itching curiosity, and he longed to get back to her. = “ Turtles’ eggs will do duty for one,” he said; —. “but milk! oat!” And he laughed at the suggestion. In the sunny shallows of a stream which ran by the lean-to he found the soft-shelled eggs in abundance, Then fortune favored him, and he suddenly found himself at the mouth of the pocket in the hills, in the center of which, in an attitude of alarm, stood a doe with a suckling fawn. There was no escape save to pass him; and the opening was so narrow that he could almost have caught her with his bare hands, Trembling with delight, and praying that she might not staré to make the dash before he could unwind the lariat from his waist, he stood perfectly still while he loosened it, yet in such a way that it would not impede his movements if he had to try to seize the fawn in passing as a last resort, It proved that the chances were soslim that fae doe hesitated to take them until it was too ate. He unwound his Jasso and coiled it over his hand while she stood deliberating. Then he began to advance upon her. She became restless, and ran from side toside, followed by her bleating fawn, Nearer and nearer he drew, until she was forced to make the attempt to break past bim, Then, while she was in full career, ne whirled the viata round and round his head, It shot forth like a long, pliant serpent with the fatal noose at its head, which fell over her neck. Then runving so thata tree intervened he- tween them, Oregon Phil snubbed her up with a twang that threw her ina heap. In a moment he was upon her; and with his knee on her neck so that she could not rise, be threw bightsof the lasso about ber flying feet until she was helpless in its trammels. “Gently! gently, my girl!” he cried. ‘I am so grateful to you for enabling me to gratify the first wish of my little donna, that I wouldn’t harm you, beyond the fright and the loss of your milk, for the world!” He shook his canteen. By the swash of the li- quor within, he judge! that it must be half full. ‘Ts would break Old ’49’s heart to see somuch precious corn-juice go to waste!” ke laughed; but corn-juice stands no show against milk just now,” and deliberately he drew the stopper, and poured the contents on the ground. Then, while the fawn he was robbing ran about bleating pitifully, he milked his flask full. “Td like to have Lola see the fawn,” he said, “She would be delighted with it. But then the sigbt of the dam’s distress might take away her appetite for the milk, It’s curious how tender. hearted these little dears are!” and with this re- flection he released the terrified animal. It is needless to say thatshe whisked out of sight without stopping to ask why she was spared, TOnedal Phil was in ecstasy. His allotted hour was not half gone, and he had succeeded in both his quests. Cautiously he stole back, wishing to give his sweethenait a surprise, and wondering what he would find her doing, He got just where he could see her head and shoulders, when the snap- I can’t very well lasso a mountain
Page 26
Oregon Phil, the Sport. ping of a twig under his incautious tread be- trayed him; she whisked about with a startled look, screamed, and dropped out of sight. Somewhat startled himself at her strange behavior, he leaped over the intervening bush, to discover her sitting on the ground and industriously spreading ber short skirts over ber feet, “Oh! go away! go away!” she cried, in pretty dismay. 3 4 A pair of sorry-looking slippers st nding on a stone, flanked by an exquis toly clocked stock- ing, the mate to which the embarrassed little damsel held in ner hand, explained the situation to Oregon Phil. It will be imagined that she was sadly drag- gled by being pulled up the clayey bank after her ducking in the Snake River; and it now ap- peared that she had got id of ber lover on the pretext of sending him for eggs and milk, so that she might wash the soil from her gar- ments, thouzh there was no possibility of dry- ing them. Oregon Pail was delighted at this sign of personal pride of the right sort. “Tf you bad only stayed ten minutes longer!” she :ried, ruefully. ‘Tf you don’t make it the shortest ten min- utes of your life, [ll smother you when I get holi of you!” he cried, as he complied witt her wish, leaving her once more, He went to look after Meteor; but his thoughts were going out into the future, pictur- ing scones of happiness that made his heart feap until it seemed as if it would suffocate him, The great waves of delight thit swept through him must find relief in action, ani he leapad upon the borse and coursed dowa tie gulch, What was his dismay to rush headlong upon a party of horsemen coming into the pass! e saw the Marshal of T vo Ditsin advance, with George Cameron on one sid of him and a man whose aristocratic features and noble bearing proclaimed him a Spanish gentleman on the otoer, As sight of him a look of demoniac triumph leaped into Cameron’s fuce. ‘There he is!” he cried, pointing toward Ore- gon Phil, who had drawn his horse on his unches, “ Betrayed!” cried our hero, grasping the sit- uation at a glance And wheeling his horse short round, he fled, thouzh there seemed Jit‘le chance of escapu. “After him! after him!” s>onte1 Probst, dig- ging his spurs into his horse's flanks with no thought of mercy, “Take him dead or alive!” cried Cameron, knowing the value of a suggestion of that kind in the desperate struggle that was about to ensue, Lola! Lola!” cried our hero, as he fied to- ward her. But one thought was shooting its fiery darts through bis brain, “Tf I can but get her up before me! If she will only have the presence of mind to simply stand still and let me catch her, I can swing he up as if she were a feather!” His great love, his mighty despair, made him fee] that he could perform any feat that would place her safely in his arms, But his foes—their foes!—pressed close at. his - heels. A moment lost could never be regained. The wild rout of that life and death chase swept up the guleh before them, startling the timid girl into breathless alarm, She sprung to ber feet and stood with head up and eyes gleaming, her hands pressed upon her flattering bosom. **Lola! Lola!” his voice rung out. * Roy! oh, Royt” she responded, and sprung in the direction whence his agonized voice came, He came crashing through the foliage, his wild eyes seeking her. She'saw him and threw out her arms toward him with a ery in which heart spoke to heart. e ‘*¢ Stand still and let me lift you!” cried Oregon bil. She divined his purpose, and assisted him with quick wit, by leaping upon a rock where she awaited him with extended aris. ‘* Take me!” she cried, And in those tones her heart’s love called to him. “Thank Gsd!” he aspirated, as he bent to clasp ber. ‘‘ My darling! my darling!” At that moment a sbot rumg out sharp and clear. She saw Oregon Phil start with a quick gasp, and knew that he was bit. “ Madre Maria !” she marmured, and leaping forward, threw oer arms about his neck. He received her, clasping her close; but with the effort consciousness faded out, bis muscles + relaxed, and by the imnetus of her body he was swept from the saddle, they falling together on a other side, while Meteor sped on without them. A moment later they were surrounded by their enemies, But neither knew it. The fall had stunned Lola. She too was at peace. CHAPTER XIII. CAUGHT IN HIS OWN TRAP. THE cruel shot had been sped by George Cam- eroy’s hand, The abandon of love with which Lola gave herself to her lover’s arms had fanned his jealousy into a flame that left him reckless of consequences, “Curse him!’ he had almost shrieked, “ he shall never clasp her in his arms again!” Then he had fired, and greeted the fall of his rival with a wild lauzh of fiendish exultation. He was the first to throw himself from his horse and kneel beside the hapless lovers, to tear the faithful Lola from the breast which was her chosen refuge. But before his hands tonched her, the Marshal of Two Bits alighted beside him, and clutching him by the throat, hurled him back. . “*Curse you!” he shouted, springing unon him, and planting his foot with no centle weight on his breast, a3 he lay supine, ‘if you have cut in ahead of me, you shall swing in his place, so b2lp me Gol!” ‘Half-stunned and altogether breathless, George Cameron made no verbal reply; but the dull
Page 27
Oregon Phil, the Sport. glare in his eyes showed the murderous hatred aa which he resented the indignity put upou im, Leaving them to settle their dispute as pleased them best, Senor Fabriano bent and lifted the girl who might prove to be the daughter be had mourned for years, to find her at Jast alive, but under the shadow of a capital crime, What pen can describe the emotions with which be turned her face toward his eager gaze? One glauce into those white, immobile fea- tures; a masterful struggle against the vertigo that threatened to deprive him of consciousness; and clasping ber with an energy that seemed as if it would press her into bis swelling heart, he towed his face upon hers, suffusing it with tears and kisses, “ Ab! most merciful Virgin!” he murmured, “itis her heart-broken mother restored to my arms!” Holding her in his arms as if. she wera a baby, he rocked back and forth, not sceking to restore her to consciousness, but calling her by every term of endearment his father’s tongue could fashion. The Marshal of Two Bits was far more inter- ested in the fate of the youth whom he supposed to he the famous road,agent leader. Tt was enough to be robbed of one victim. He was resolved to string up the other if he could get the spe round his neck before the last breath had left bis body. But it would take the edge cff his malignity if the victim were not conscious of his fate. Therefore, his first efforts were devoted to his restoration. While he was thus employed, Lola’s young nature triumphed over the shock of her fall, and she came to of her own accord. In the first bewildered moments of returning consciousness her purent’s tender appeals were lost on ber, fler roving eye teok in the circle of excited and curious faces that bent over her, and her ear, regaining its sensitiveness, carried to her intelligence the harsh voice of the marshal cry- ing angrily: “Stand back! Do you want the boy to die en our hands? You can’t smother him an’ have the pleasure of stranglin’ him too, 1 want ye to know!” * As the men scattered, driven back by the vi- cious sweep of the marshal’s arm, the girl saw the body of her lover stretched limp and sense- less on the ground at her side, With a cry of despair and savage resent- ment, she tore herself from her father’s detain- ing arms, and cast herself upon the bedy. 3 “ Away. you flend-!” s'e shricked, bysteri- eally. “Do not dare to lay your vile bands unon him! You have killed him! Oh, Roy! Rov! Heaven and all the angels bave forgot- ten us! Let me not stay behind you? Sneak? You— Oh, you cannot be deaf to me, too!” And like a broken lily, she howed her face on his unresponsive one, drenching it with heart- hrolen tears, Even the icy hearted marshal was swed hy her desnair, He turned pale and shrunk back, not daring to touch her? Tbe men turned away. None of them had { ever witnessed grief like this before. The coarse-grained woman whom they had seen in distress were as unlike Lola as cabbages are un- like roses, Her father bowed his facein his hahds. He, who had known so well the mother of whom she was a ccunterpart, realized the blow tbat bad fallen upon ber, She came of a race who Joved but once, and then to the death! Nothing that could be prov- ed against ber lover would turn her from him, She would follow bim to the scaffold, and when his lifeless body was cut down, would take it in her arms end weep ber life out with ber lips to the bloodless ones thet would never egain couple her pame with words of endearment. “My child!’ pleaded the wretched: father, taking her hand, end trying to draw her atten- tion to himself. ‘‘My child! Look at me! It is vour mother that calls to you!” Her mother! That taliswanie word caught her ear when no other word would, ‘“My mother!” she repeated, lifting her head, and brushing her hand across ker forehead, as if to sweep away bewildering fancies. ‘‘ My mother!” Her hearse whisper thrilled the men with superstitious fears, “Your mother through me, to whom she gave you asa pledge of our mutual love. Iam your father, my child, who have mourned you as dead for fifteen weary years!” She turned her head to look at the speaker, not however moving her band from the body of her lover. She saw a grief-stricken old man, one gray before his time—silvered with grief, Never had she seen such tender benignity, as with clasped hands and streaming eyes he ap- pealed to ber, It was impossible to doubt his words, She accepted his claim as implicitly as if it bad ae from the lips of the image of the Blessed Virgin, ‘* Father!” she cried, extending one hand to- ward him, while the other still clung to the senseless form of her lover, ‘‘ Save him!” The father put bis arms about her, **Do you love me, my child? Do you trust me?” he asked, “* Ob, yes!” shereplied, ‘I know that you are my dear papa, See! TI have known you all these years of waiting, for you to come some time and claim me,” And with trembling fingers she drew a locket from her bosom, and displayed two miniatures, one of which bore so striking a resemblance to herself as to at once suggest that it was the likeness of her mother. The other was a pre- sentment of Senor Fabriano as he might have apneared when twenty years younger. “ Rafaelle did not Kaow that I possessed this,” she said, ‘It was given to me by Bettina just before she died. She told me to keep it secret, and that some day it might give me back se dear mamma! That was all she dared to tell me, She was bound by a most terrible oath never to divulgsa the secret that weighed upon her soul in her last moments. ‘But let us not think of the past. Seel see!” |
Page 28
Oregon Phil, the Sport. And choking for further words, she turned again to Oregon Phil. ““ My darting,” murmured her father, ‘‘letme take you away from this terrible scene. You ean do nothing for him now. I know how your heart bleeds; but we must all bow beneath the chastening band of One who knows what is best for us.” * But it is not so!” she cried with intense «passion. ‘ Nothing has been done for him yet! ‘ow do you know that he is indeed dead? He is not dead! Ob, God cannot be so cruel as this! I have had him not the circling of one sun yet!” “ Others will look to him,” pleaded her father, gently. ** Let me see them begin.” * Bf you'll let me git to him, I reckon I am as anxious to fetch him round as you kin be,” said the marshal, with a grim consciousness of the double meaning of his words. is The marshal!” she gasped, shrinking from im, **- Yoa needn't be skeered,” was his assurance, *T ain’t after rou.” Her father still draw her away. “Come, my darling! You are safe,” he said, soothingly. She felt vaguely that the false appearances had somehow been cleared up, and the assurance seemed to include her lover. She therefore al- lowed herself to be drawn from bis body. As his canteen was drawn from under him, the stopper was pulled out, and tae milk flowed forth, The eggs too, crushed in his pocket, manifested their presence. These tokens of his last acts of care for her were the occasion of tears. After a brief examination of the body, the marshal rose with an oath. “He's as dead as a smeit!”’ he declared, “Dead!” repeated Lola, ~ And escaping from her father’s arms, she again knelt beside her lover, lifted his limp hand, and let it fal] again, Then a gasping sigh escaped her, and swaying, she swooned in her father’s arms. He lifted her, and bore her away sadly. At that instant there was a sharp cry: ** Drop it!” Then rung forth the spiteful crack of a revol- ver. The next instant there ensued a terrific strug- gle. All were taken so, by surprise that they stood in dumb bewilderment, gazing at the contest- ants, until the Marshal of Two Bits rose and planted his foot on the throat of fallen George Cameron, ‘** Boys, is the rope ready?” he asked, ‘ He’s one of ’em by bis own confession; so I reckon we :lon’é want no palaverin’ over him, at any rate.” “ An’an inferral traitor!” cried one of the men. ‘He's so much the worse than the rest.” ** An’ a coward to boot!” added another. ‘‘ Ef he was at the outs with his captain—an’ only a kid, at that!—wby didn’t he meet him like a man?’ _“He never meant to leave him fur us to string up, an’ that’s enough fur me!” said the marshal, grimly. With this unanimity of sentiment the mer bestirred themselves getting the rope in readi- ness. Wiile a noose was being tied in one end, the other was th‘own over a convenient limb, George Cameron saw that be was caught in his own trap. Nothing that hé could say would better his caseany. Even if he could prove that he was not a road-agent, they would hang him as a murderer, He therefore observed grim silence, meeting bis fate with that stoical courage in which men used to the wild life of the border pride themselves. When it was known that Oregon Phil was not Don Carlos, and the game Cameron hagi played, which would have brought him to an ignomini- ous death but for his reckless act of blind jeal- ousy was thus revealed, it would make sucha story as would be repeated about camp-fires and in bar-rooms. Then the narrators would say of the plotter: ** He died witb his boots on!” For such evil fame as this, men have died with a fortitude that would become heroes, ‘*Gentlemen,” he said, when the brutal mar- shal had taken bis foot from his throat, so as not to suffocate him, ‘‘ you needn’t treat me likea dog. Let me up and we can proceed with this thing decently.” ‘By thunder! that ain’t much,” declared one of the men, who knew pluck when he saw it. “ Let bim up.” He was lifted to his feet and stood quietly, The noose was then adjusted: to bis neck, and the marshal then asked: ‘Have you anything to say before we swing you off? Ef so, spit her out, nn’ lively!” “Only this,” said Cameron, coolly; “may you escape the bullets that are hunting you, and Jive to taste the rope that you are so fond of giving to other men!” “Thank you!” said the marshal, as coolly. ‘* Bf I jive until the man is born that is to hang me, you'll never see me whar you're goin’! “ Walk away, boys!” They ‘*‘ walked away,” and the body they left dangling was what called forth the exclamation of satisfaction from Old 49, when an bour later be came upon the scene with the chaplain of Fort Monico. CHAPTER XIV. THE REWARD OF VILLAINY, Senor FAsriAno had borne away his daugh- ter in bis arms. Caught in his own trap, George Cameron was dangling between heaven and earth. Having satisfied himself that his last victim was indeed dead, the Marshal of Two Bits turn- ei to where the boys were making preparations to bury the inanimate body of Oregon Phil, “ Gents,” he said, “what air ye up to?” “Were proposin’ to plant him in Christian style,” answered one of the men, “How would it do to wait until he’s dead?” asked the marshal, coolly. ‘“F allow he won’t be no deader than he is now.” : “ That’s all you happen to know about it,” “What do you mean?” 3
Page 29
ai _o “That he’s playin’ possum.” The men looked in astonishment from the * marshal to the motionless body. Jake Probst bent over Oregon Phil, loosened bis shirt at the throat, and put his own canteen to his lips, “You can’t expect much of a man that car- ries milk in bis canteen,” he said, with a coarse laugh. ‘‘He’s the very detce of a road-agent, heis! Heougbt to hang fur bringin’ disgrace on the fraternity !” Oregon Phil drew in a deep inhalation, ex- baled it with a painful sigh, and then writhed feebly. * You see,” said the marshal, “ta man will al- most always come back to earth for his nips. I reckon they see a prospect o’ gittin’ dry over on wether side. In a minute he'll be in shape so’s’t we kin finish him off in fine style witha taste o’ hemp. Ye see, boys, I knowed he wan't a goner the minute I put my hands on him,” ‘‘Then what did you say so fur?” ‘ Waal, yesee, I wanted an excuse fur swing- in’? yon galoot. He thought he’d tied our bands with a pretty kink. But he didn’t know Jake Probst! In the States they let all the sneaks go, by turnin’ State’s evidence; but at Two Bits they could l'arn a trick worth two o’ that, All’s grist that comes to my mill, I want ye to _ onderstand !” _. * Waal, you'll slip up on this hyar sack, ur I lose my guess!” And the speaker drew his revolver with a look of determination that showed that he was not a man to be easily backed dowp. “What do you mean?’ asked the marshal, when he so far recovered from bis astonish- mentasto fetch breath, “IT mean that you ain’t a-goin’ to break that | thar leetle gal’s heait, Don Carlos ur no Don Carlos. As long as the boy kin kick she’s goin’ to have what’s left of kim, ye onderstand !” The idea caught the ¢hivalric spirit of the boys; and, swayed by a common sentiment, they burst into a yell of approval, Juke Probst stood up and looked them over. Every man of them was against him except Micky McClosky, Even he stood with a pite- ous look of appeal on his freckled mug. ‘¢ Ay yez could let up an um the Vaste taste in the worruld, mairshal!” he said. Without a word the enraged guardian of the law strode to his horse, mounted, and rode away. ‘It’s easier breathing byar, now boys,” said the man who had so ably champioued the cause of Oregon Phil in his extremity, The others showed signs of relief, though they did not express it in words, Perhaps tbe time would come when Two Bits would throw off the yoke of its tyranvical marshal, A jitter was made of a blanket fastened be- tween two saplings, the whole being slung be- tween two horses place! tandem. - In it Oregon Phil Was borne slowly toward Two Bits. When Lola recovered consciousness, she in- sisted on being taken back to ber lover. Returning, they passed the sullen marshal, who fayored them with only a scowl of relent- Oregon Phil, the Sport. less inalignity, and so made their way back to the litter, By this time Oregon Phil was fully conscious, and the meeting between him and bis taitbful sweetheart was the theme of many an enthu- siastic delineation thereafter. It only needed that they should be overtaken by Old °49, to make their joy complete; and he, having leit the chaplain to find bis way back to Fort Monico as best he might, had pressed hot- ly on the trail over which he supposed they were bearing bis boy to an ignominious death, When he came up with them, the old fellow eould find no words to express bis satisfaction with the turn matters had taken; for a brief ex- amination revealed that his favorite had re- ceived what he called only a scratch, though, pica to say, it was a bullet lodged in the shoul- er. “Why,” cried Old 49, boisterously, ‘ he fainted with the pain o’ ketchin’ his gal! I wouldn’t ’a’ b’lieved he was that kind, though!” he added, with a sly wink. Son to Two Bits, where a tragic scene await- ed them. They found the place in such wild excitement as bad never prevailed there before, During the absence of the denizens of the place, the male portion of whom, it will be re- membered, had almost to a man gone out with Senor Fabriano to the rescue of his daughter, the camp had been invaded by a party of mounted men, who had proceeded to ‘ paint it fire-red,” the few men who were left ‘ bunting their holes ” with as little noise as possible, while the terrified women ran screaming into the woods, ' Before the Double-sbuffle Saloon stood a large red cedar, the limbs of which were now adorned with two dangling bodies, To the bole of the tree was nailed a placard, which read: “Compliments ef Don Carlos to the Marshal of Two Bits! Itake pleasure in satisfying your curi- osity as to the traitors who so mystesiously placed in your bauds warning of my presence in your camp. Af:er employing me to get the girl, Lola Milado, and her companion Rafaclle out of the way in asranner that wouls bear the inspection of the law, it seems 1o have been their purpose to cover up their tracks by putting my neck into a halter. Be- lieving that one good turn deserves anotier, | leave them here as proof that I always pay my debts, whether to friends cr fces!” j The hodies were those of Rube Martin and Senor Valanquez. “ The fact was that Rube, withcut knowing who Don Carlos was, but, through his assccia- tion with his Mexican employer, apprised of his intended visit to Two Bits on that particular night, had sought to betray bim into the hands of the enterprising marshal, in return for hav- ing once been robbed by him, Detecting bis treachery, Don Carlos bad put on it an inter- pretation which involved Senor Valunquez; and without being guilty in this particular case, that villain had reaped the reward for his plots against the life of our heroine. : ; In him Sesor Fabriano recognized a half- brother who, to gain possession of the estate left by their father, bad robbed him of home and
Page 30
Oregon Phil, the Sport. = family, sending him a fifteen years’ exile ina Spapvish prison, where unsuccessful revolution- ists rotted in dungeons whvuse reeking walls the glad sunlight never fell upon. His wife had died of a broken heart. His child had been given over to wretches who had engaged to put her out of the way of ever knowing anything of her despoiled rights, = But Rafsello Milado, then a youth in his teens, had conceived the brilliant plot of steal- ing the child, raising her to womanhood, marry- ing ber, ani then coming forward with his claims as her husband. After fifteen years the villainous uncle had discovered the danger that threatened his peace- ful possession of the ill-gotten estate, and had resolved to complete his title, this time assuring bimseif by being ov the spot where he could see with his own eyes that the counter claimant was silenced forever, In official reports his brother had been among those who were shot one morning. But a slip of the pen may make all the difference between a dead man and a living; so one day a counter revolution turned out upon the world a man whose very vame was unknown to his jailers of fifteen years; and Senor Fabriano returned to big cisatlantic home, to leara that the traitor who hail betrayed him to the Spanish authori- ties had completed his infamy by despoiling the home he bad s» Jong despaired of ever seeing more, Bet all was now ended in a happiness that would go far toward compensating bis long years of solitary despair. He had his child, even more beautiful than his lost wife, to drop with him tears of tender memory on the grave which coverei the wreck of her happiness. And in Oregon Phil he gained a noble son, bbe manly promise be could watch with pride, In sunny Mexico our hero anid his child-wife set up what Old °49 called a baby play-house. Tu dna time it was gladdened and brightened with the advent of black-eyed little Americ - Moexicavs; and it goes without telling that Old 49 never tired of trotting them on his foot until they had grown large enough to be amused by his graphic stare oe their parents’ courtship, Whether the Marshal of Two Bits ever caught Don Carlos 13 nowhere as yet recorded in his- tory. THE END. BEADLE AND ADAMS’ Dime Hand-Books. Hand-Books of Games. ° Handbook ef Summer Sports, Book of Croquet. | Yachting and Rowing. Chess Instructor, Riding and Driving. Cricket and Football. Book of Pedestrianism, Guide to Swimming, q Handbook of Winter Sports—Skating, ete, 2 The above books are sold by newsdealers everywhere, or will be sent, post-paid, to any ad- dress, on receipt of price, ten cents each, Exkapie aND Apams, Publishers, 98 William st., N. Y. BEADLE AND ADAMS’ — STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS ~ Speakers. The Dime Speakers embrace twenty-five volumes, . Komikal Speaker. é Youth’s Speaker, eee peaker, . Hail Columbia Speak- er. , Serio-Comic Speaker, . Select Speaker. . Funny Speaker, 22, Jolly Speaker. Dialect Speaker, 24, Recitations and Read ings. Burlesque Speaker. . American Speaker, National Speaker, 3, Patriotic Speaker. 4, Comic Speaker. . Klocutionist. 5, Humorous Speaker. . Standard Speaker, 2 . Stump Speaker. . Juvenile Speaker, . Spread-Hagle Speaker . Dime Debater. Exhibition Speaker. 3, School Speaker, Tudicrous Speaker. These books are :eplete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, ete. 75 to 100 Declamations and Recitations in each book. 25. Dialogues. The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em- brace thirty-seven books, viz.: Dialogues No. One. Dialogues No. Nineteen. Dialogues No, Two. \Dialogues No. Twenty, Dialogues No, Three. |Dialogues No, Twenty-one. Dislognes No, Dialogues No. Twenty-two. Dialogues No. Dialogues No, Twenty-three, Dialogues No, Dialogues No, Twenty-four. Dialogues No. Dialogues No Twenty-five, Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Twenty-six. Dialogues No, \Dialogues No, Twenty-seven, Dialogues No, ‘Dialogues No. Twenty-eight, Dialogues No. Wleven. Dialogues No. Twenty-nine, Dialogues No. Twelve. Dialogues No. Thirty. Dialogues No. Thirteen, Dialogues No. Thirty-one. Dialogues No. Fourteen, Dialogues No. Thirty-two, Dialogues No, Fifteen. Dialogues No. Thirty-three, Dialogues No, Sixteen. Dialozues No. Thirty-four Dialogues No.Seventeen Dialogues No, Thirty-five, Dialogues No, Wighteen. Dialogues No. Thirty-six. Dialogues No. Thirty-seven. our, Five. Strx. Seven. Wight. Nine. Ten. 15 to 25 Dialogues and Dramas in each book. Each volume contains 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collee- tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Recitations. : Dramas and Readings. 164 12m Pages. 20 Cents. For Schools, Parlors, Entertainments and the Am ateur Stage, comprising Original Minor Dramas, Comedy, Farce, Dress Pieces, Humorous Dialogue and Burlesque, by voted writers; and Recitations and Readings, new and standard, of the greatest celebrity and intere:t. Edited by Prof. A. M. Russe), ' Yor sale by all newsdeaters, or sent, post-paid, om ' receipt of price—ten cents. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PvsrisuErs, 98 William Street, New York,
Page 31
BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. eon | 224 Frisky Fe gus, the New York Boy. By G.L. ; en. 225 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent. By Udward L. Wheeler. 226 Dakota Dick in Chicago; or, Jack, the Old Tar. By Charles Morris, 22% Merle, the Boy Cruiser; or, Brandt, the Buc- eaneer.. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 228 The Preacher Det ve; cr, The Boy Ventrilo- uist. By Oll Coomes. 229 Old Hickory’s Grit. By John J. Marshall. 230 The Three Boy Sports; or, The Sword Hunters. By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 281 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Edward L, Wheeler. 232 Merle Monte’s Treasure; or, Buccaneer Brandt’s Threat. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 238 Rocky Rover Kit; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D, Warren. 234 Baldy, the Miner Chief. By Capt, J. F. C. Adams. ‘he Montpelier’s Muti- 236 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female De- tectives. By E!. L. Wh eler, 287 N wsboy Ned, Dctecti Gamns, By Char! t 238 Merle Monte’s Sea-Scraper; or, Little Belt’s Droll Disguise. By Co!. Prentiss Ingraham, 229 Ben's Big Boom; or, The Boss Miner’s League, By Capt. Mark Wilten. 240 Sharp Shot Mile, or, Columbia Jim onthe War- Path, By Oll Coome #41 Sierra Sam's Sentence or. Little Luck at Rough Ranch. By Edward L. Wheeler. 242 The Denver Detective; or, Dainty Dot at Gold Guich. By T. C. Harbaugh. 243 Dutch San’s Dilemma; or, The Mysterious Mountain Monster. By Maj. L. W. Carson. 244 Merle Monte’s Disguise; or. The Capture of Brandt, the Buccaneer. Ey Col P. Ingraham. 245 B ldy’s Boy _Partrier: or, Youug Brainer .’s Steam Man. By Edward 8. Ebis. 246 Detective Keen’s Apprentico: or, James Jumper the New York Gamin, By Charles Morris. 247 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise. By Edward L. Wheeler. 248 Giant George’s Pard; or, Arizona Jack, the Tenderfoot. By Bueksikin Sam, 249 Ranch Rob's Wild Ride; or, Old Winch The Rifle King. By T. C. Herbaugh. 250 Merle Monte’s Pardon; or, The Pirate Chief's Doom, by Col. Prentis- Ingraham, 251 The Deaf Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. By Edward Willett. 252 Denver Doll’s Device: or, The Detective Queen. Re Edward L. Wheeler. 253 ‘The Boy Tenderfoot; or, Roaring Ben Bundy of Colorado. By Capt. Mark Wii oa, 254 Black Hills Ben; or, Duteh Jan on the War- Path. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson. 255 Jolly Jim. Detective; or, The Yung Protege’s Victory. By Charles Morris, 256 Merle Monte’s st Crnise; or, The Sea Robber at Bay. By Col. Pren iss Ingraham, 237 The Boy Chief of Rocky Pass; or, The Young California Pards By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain, 258 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. lu. Whe ler 259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By Ol] Coomes, 260 Skit, the Cabin Boy. By Edward Willett. 261 Blade, the Sport or, the Giant of Clear Grit Camp. By T. C. Harbaugh. 262 Billy, the oy Rover. By Col. P. Ingraham. 263 Buster Bob’s Bnoy; or, Lige, the Light-House Keeper. By Capt. J. F. C, Adams. 264 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin tbe Sport, By E. L. Wheeler. 265 Billy, the Baggave Boy; or, The Young Railroad Detective. By Charles ‘Morris. 266 Guy’s Boy Chum; or, The Forest Waif's Mask. _ By Capt. Comstock, r or, Two Philadelphia | 267 Giant George’s Revenge; or, The Boys of “ Slip- up Mine.” By Buckskin Sam, 268 The Dead Shot Dandy; or, The Rio Grande Marauders. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 269 The Quartzville Boss; or, Daring David Darke, By Edward Willett. 270 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss, By E, L. Wheeler. 271 Ebony Jim’s Terror; or, Ranger Rainbolt’s Ruse, By Oll Coomes, 272 Kit, the Girl Detective. By,T. C. Harbaugh. 273 Te Girl Rider; or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, ' 274 Dead Shot Dandy’s Deuble; or, Benito, the Boy Pard. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 275 Fred, the Ocean Waif; or, The Old Sailor's Protege. By Charles Morris 276 Deadwood Dick Trapped; or, Roxey Ralph's Ruse. By Edward L. Wheeler. 277 The Idiot Boy Avenger; or, Captain Wild-Cat's Big Game, By Albert W. A ken, Arizona Alf, the Miner; or, Little Snap Shot s Luer, By T. C. Harbaugh. Color.do Jack, the Tiger; or,.The Ghost of the Trailer. By Frederick Dewey. Dead Shot Dandy’s Last Deal; or, Keno Kit's New Role. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Ned, the Boy Piot; or, The Pirate Lieutenant's Doom, By Jack Farragut. Buek Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's Fortune. By Edward LL. Wheeler. 4 Roving Sport Kit; or, The Ghost of Chuckaluck Camp. By Edward Willett. The Showman’s Best Card; or, The Mad Animal Tamer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. Old Rocky's Pard; or, Little Ben's Chase, Buckskin Sam. Dick, the Dakota Sport By Charles Morris. Ned, the Boy Skipper; or, The Sea Sorceress’ Cruise. By Jack Farragut. Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport. By Edward L. Wheelcr. Colorado Nick, the Lassoist; or, Old Si’s Protege. By Major H B. Stoddard, Rabe, the Tenderfoot; or, The Boy’s of Torpedo Gulch. By Mejor BE. L. St. Vrain. 291 Peacock P-te, the Leadville Svort; or, Hawk, the . Bess Miner. By Albert W. Aiken. 2 Joe Morey, the Night-Hawk; or, The Black Rider. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. Dwarf Jake, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Man Hunt. By Edward Wille't Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Wiiza Jane, the Goll Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler, White Wing, the Ferret Wiyer, By Chas. Morris. Govinda, the Tiger-Tamer; or, The American Horsemaa Abroad. By Captain F. Whittaker. Arizona Giant George; or, The Boyees of Sardine- Box City. By Bue tskin’ Sam. é Daisy Poli’s Dash; or, The Ten Colorado Pards. By T. C. Herbaugh. The Balloon Detectives; Young Pard. Deadwood Dick’s Mission. By KE. L. Wheeler. Dandy Duke, the Cowboy. By Major FE, L. St. rain. J Bg Benson’s Bet. By T. C. Harbaugh. The Hotel Boy Detective; or, The Grand Central Robbery. By Charles Morris. 3 304 Bald Head’s Pard; or, Creeping Cat’s Cunning. By Buckskin Sam. 4 805 Dusky Dick’s Duel; or, The Demon’s Trail. By Harry Hazard. 806 Sp tter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective's Decoy, By E. L. Wheeler. 807 Nick, the Boy Sport; or, Three Plucky Pards. By Maj. EB, L, St. Vrain. 808 Double-Fisted Mat; or, The Mystic California Giant, By Jos. E, Badger, Jr. 809 Old Graybeard’s Boy; or, The Girl's Ruse, By C, Dunning Clark. By or, Jack Slasher's By Harry Enton.
Page 32
BEADLE'S POCKET LIBRARY. a _ 310 Kit, the Girl Captain; or, The Mad Sailor’s Legacy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 811 Frio Fred in Texas, By Buckskin Sam. 812 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassafras City. By Edward L. Wheeler. $13 Honest Jack’s Protege; or, The Dwarf's Scheme, By Philip 5. Warne. 814 Clip, the Boy ot or,.The Two Crooks of Montana, By Edward Willett. 815 Tom, the Arizona Sport; or, Howling Hank from Hard Luck. By Major B. L. St. Vrain. 816 The Street-Arab Detective; or, Dick Dorgan’s Do ible Dealing. By Charles Morris. 817 Buckskin Ben of Texas; or, Single-Eye’s Plucky Pards. By Buckskin Sam, 318 Colorado Charlie's Detective Dash; Cattle Kings. By Edward L. Wheeler. 819 Frisky Frank in Idaho; or, Old Skinflint the Shadower. By Roger Starbuck. 820 Cool Sam's Girl Pard; or, Captain Dick and His Texans, By'l. C, Harbaugh. 821 Billy, the Kid from Frisco; or, Silver Mask’s Clew. By J. C. Cowdrick. 822 Fred Flyer, Detective; or, Abe Blizzard on Deck. By Charles Morris. 823 Dead Shot Ike in Montana; or, Hez Helper, the Yankee Pard. By Roger Starbuck. 824 Kit, the Denver Sport; or, The Bonanza Miner King. By Edward L. Wheeler, 825 Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective; or, The Dandy’s Daring Dash, By Hdwin Emerson. 826 Roy, the Boy Cruiser; or, The Water Wolf Wreckers. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 827 Ned, the Roving Miner: or, Arkansaw Jack's Mateh. By Harry Hazard. 828 Rocky Ben’s Band; or, Big Pete's Big Haul. W. J. Hamilton. 829 Dave, the Colorado Wrestier. By Maj. i. L, St. Vrain. or, The By 880 The Denver Sport’s Racket; or, Kit’s Big Boom. By Edward L. Wheeler. 831 The Coast Detective; or, The Smuggler Shadow- er. By Roger Starbuck. 832 Dakota Dan in Canyon City; or, Colorado Kate's Oheck. By Philip 5. Warne. 833 Bootblack Ben, the Detective; or, Pooler Jim and His Pard. By Anthony P. Morris 834 Frisco Tom on Deck; or, The Golden Gate Smug- glers, By George Henry Morse. 835 Ben Bandy, the Bo-s Pard; or, The Parson. Bs J. Stantey Hei.derson. 336 Fred, the Sport, in Brimstone Bar Camp; or, The Boston Wrestler’s Confederate. By Ed, Li Wheeler. 337 Daisy Dave. the Colorado Galoot; or, The Boss of Dead Line City. By T. C. Harbaugh. 838 The Gold Bar Detective; or, Iron Ike, the Solid ‘ Man. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. 839 Rardo. the Boy Gypsy; or, Reckless Rolf’s Re- volt. By Wm. G. Patten. 840 Billy Bubble’s Big Score; or, Tim, the Tramp. By Charles Morris, $41 Colorado Steve's Dash; or, Old Buncomb's Sure Shot. By Philip S. Warne, lucky * 842 Snap-Shot Sam; or, Ned Norris’s Nettle. Buckskin Sam, 2 343 Mike, the Bowery Detective; or, Peleg Prancer of Vermont, By Edward L. Wheeler, é 844 The Drummer Sport; or, Captain Dasher’s Droll Dilemma, By Edward Willett. 845 Jaques, the Hardpan Detective; or, Captain Frisco, the Road-Agent. By J. C. Cowdrick. 346 Joe, the Chicago Arab; or, A Boy of the Times. 3y Charles Morris. 347 Middy Herbert’s Prize; or, The Girl Captain’s Revenge. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, $48 Sharp-Shooter Frank; or, The Young Texan Pards. By Buckskin Sam, 349 Buck, the Miner; or, Alf, the Colorado Guide, By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. i 350 Ned, the Slab City Sport; or, The Detective’s Big Sccop. By EH. L. Wheeler. 351 Rccky Mountain Joe; or, Deacon Simplicity on the War Path. By Col. T. H, Monstery. 352 New York Tim; or, The Boss of the Boulevard. By Charles Morris. 253 The Girl Pilot; or, Ben, the Reef-Runner, Roger Starbuek. 354 Joe, the Boy Stage-Driver; or, Nick Hicken’s Cusning. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 355 Texas Frank's Crony; or, The Girl Mustang Rider, By Buckskin Sam, , 356 Idaho Ned, Detective; or, The Miners of Tarpot City. By Edward L, Wheeler. 357 Guy, the Boy Miner; or. Rocky Mountain Bill. By Cotonel Prentiss Ingraham. 358 Jersey Joe, the Old Tar; or, The Wrecker’s Protege. By Mrs. Orin James. 859 Dandy Dick's Dash; or, The Boy Cattle-King. By Of] Comes. 260 Jim’s Big Bonanza; or, Jake Dodd and His Gang. By W. J. Hamilton. ; 261 Orezon Phil, the Spor’; or, The Marshal of Two Bits. By Puilip 8. Warne. 362 Kit. the Bootblack fetective; or. From Philadelphia to the Rockivs. by Edward L, - Wheeler, ' 268 The Ocean Racer; cr, Trusty Tom, the Tar. By t. G. Harbaugh. 864 Fritz’s Old Score; or, Sib Cone’s Right Bower. By Ned Buntline. 365 Orack Shot Harry; or, The Masked Rider. By. Col. Prentiss Ingrakam. : 366 Gold Dust Rock, the Whirlwind of the Mines, By G, Waldo Browne. Ready January 14. 967 Fred’s Boll Game; or, The Cave Treasure. By Paul Bibbs. Ready January 21. A New Issue Eocry Wednesday. By Brapie's Pocker Lisrary is for sale by all News- : dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on re- ceipt of six cents each. 4 BrapLe AND ADAMs, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,