Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 370) (1891 02 11)
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zx. piss RANG nm a peed Le ES TX aii —— ae) AR Saat a0 a ee Pal Lt ‘na ‘nt [ht i Un a Copyrighted, 1891, by Brapuz amp Apama. Entorod at the Post Office st New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mail Matter. Feb. 11, 1891, No 8370 #2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, Vol XIX a Year. No. 98 WiLLtaM St. New York. Five Ocnta. Ma d ‘* BETTER PONY UP, AN’ SAVE THEM NICE CLOTHES YE’R’ A-WEARIN’!” THE SIX- FOOTER REMARKED AS HE LAID HIS BRAWNY PAW ON KIT’S KNEE,
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= The Giant Miner of the Gulch, BY MAJ. H. B, STODDARD, Ex-Scovur. CHAPTER I. ’ BY THIS RED STAIN I SWEAR!” “WELL, who's there?” “Oh, open up! D’ye want ter keep us out here all night in the rain?’ “Not even a dog, much less a human being, should be refused shelter on such a night as this —come in,” Tbe rude door of the ruder hut was flung wide open, the wind catching it as it swung ajar, and clanging it with a tremendous bang against the log wall, when, as if in echo to the erash, a pistol-shot rung out on the howling -gale of the night, and the occupant of the cabin staggering back with a tremendous cry of pain, fell to the floor and lay motiouless, Hes had been shot fuir between the eyes, and was dead before he struck the planks that cov- ered the ground inside the hut, Stepping inside,and becoming in an instant plainly visible by the light of the smoking kero- sene lamp that stool on a shelf opposite the door, the man who had fired the fatal shot stroce across the room to a door that opened through a partition into an adj ining apart- ment, tried the latch and with an oath that made the rafters ring, turped to his three com- panions who had enterad after him, and growl- ed: “The girl’s in there, boys, butt has fastened the door. Hercules, bu’st it open!” The man who was thus addressed, and who owed bis cognomen to bis immen:e stature and tremendous strength, placed the rifle he carried in one corner, and, stalking acro:s: the narrow room, placed his brawny shoulder against the clusely-ceiled planks, threw his weight against them, and the door splintered into a thousand fragments, “ Hercules,” the giant miner of the gulch, deserves more than a passing notice, as he is to figure somewhat extensively in this drama of the mountains, and a pen portrait of him will not be out of place, Standing six feet two in his bare feet—for he disdained socks—he was broad in proportion, Denver Kit’s Double. and possessed a magnificent physical develop- ment, His strength was such that to fell a bullock ata blow was but child’s play for him, and in all the length and breadth of the Rockies there could not be found a miner who dared cross him when angered or thwart him when in liquor, is coarse and unkempé hair and beard added to the savagoness of his appearance, while the blank hollow where his left eye should have been hightened the fierceness of his decidedly forbid- ding countenance, _ As the door crashed in, the leader, who had in the mean time taken the lamp from the shelf ) ‘ # yude gras atch about 2 o.3 | A on which it stood, dashed into the room ti enver it S ou Pa 9 rudely carried by assault and glanced hast& ; about him. -@ 10 OR, A dainty chamber it was, and seemed decidords Wet? ild shri Aw r fee an Jy out of place among these rude surroundin and presented a strong con rast to the rougg to he uncouth trio that clustered about the door ast blaze, vented their disappointment in growls and mmt. tered expletives; for the room was untenant For 4 mon and the snowy couch, that stood in one cornag the cr}™ bore no impress that would bear witness tend dilatiny late occupant, the eried ot ‘* 4 thousand curses on the Juck!” hurtled tier. leader, as he scanned and scrutinized ever But 0D crack and crevice of the room, even to thoyhrough th that could scarce shelter a mouse, “the girl shooting not here, and our expedition is partially ueaught ° successful, went to ea ‘Baffled by ber absence our task is but ha) As com) completed; for while she lives we are in corof the Y° stant danger.” [with an | “But, Cap,” interposed Hercules, ‘* she mugalmost fe come back scon—s’posin’ I wait hyar an’ catel hand, OD her when she comes.” | was split “Hercules, it isn’t often you talk, but whe», the blow. you do speak your words are diamonds. “ Anot “You wait here for Miss Dainty and we'll go you sh" on about our work, way to} ‘* You know where to find us.” | And, “Sarttin, Cap, She can’t belong a-comin’ fur tossed it I reckin’ she’s only gone down to ther gulch ter ‘The | git some med’cine fur the ole man. » the enc ‘* Small need of a doctor he has now!’ | the dee And at the brutal jest the others laughed doorwé loudly as they returned to the other room, more ' on ‘ than one of them spurning with his foot the! moans dead body lying there so still and quiet, ; But A noble form it was that was tus stretched’ stung out in death, damp dews shining on the fore-., rooms head, while white bair clustered titickly about | son, $1 the massive brow, a snowy beard sweeping the ; stain broad chest. ' eried The man whom the others addressed as cap- | ay: tain, and two of his followers, left the cabin,with | fat a parting word to Hercu'es, and mounting their | gT@V horses that were fastened to a rack tn front of Ww the door, galloped off into.the darkness, the | erep hoofs of their mustangs splashing through the mud and sending it flying in every direction, 4 Hereules, thus left to himself, began his pre- parations in anticipation of the arrival of the: girl who seemed destined to become the second prey of the night to this ravening baud of as- 7 sassins. : t, “Ly ete Closing the outer door, and fastening it, he tr turned the light low, and throwing himself upon % sif the fur couch in the corner, waited. rz, ly The minutes sped on and he had just begun to n nod into a slight doze when the clatter of a horse’s hoofs outside roused bim in an instant, k and in a second’s time he was standing by the — k door and on the alert. f A moment more and there came a gentle ' ‘ fap on the door, and a fresh young voice called out: \ “Open, father, it is I, Dainty.” { And stepping forward, Hercules drew the bolt i and gave admission to the applicant. fs A slight, girlish figure emerged from the outer gloom, stepped into the room and’eried: Ae ‘Why, father, all in thedark! why don’t—” 2
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a a a Toom tf S’anced hast rude grasp on the delicate throat, a fierce _ atch about the slender neck, and the succeeding de surr, idords were lost in a gasp, St to the wdin A wild shriek sprung from her lips, and leap- out th 1 rougg to her feet, she turned the Jamp to its full- “16 door ast blaze, and turning, confronted her assail- d seemeg dee ee And mint, s io in Rphe a For a moment they stood thus, her eye catch- i g 0. ri 3 i i 3] > - wv witne rnag the crimson pool in the middle of the floor SS tond dilating with horror, when suddenly, as ee hurtled ee cried out again, the giant sprung toward Syonce €ve: But on the instant, a lithe body flashed e, “ thas thothrough the open door and a small gloved hand parti: ioe shooting out on the instant, a stunning blow aNY uvaught Hercules behind the left ear, and he sk is but went to earth as if shot, ; Sars ut ha) As composedly as if in a ball-room the savior 1 Corof the young girl walked to the light, and with an expression of decided disgust on his Musalmost feminine features, examined his right Catelhand, on which the lavender glove he wore k, but was split from wrist to fingers with the force of nds Whex the blow. ind wel “‘ Avotber pair of gloves ruined. Kit, my boy, ell go you should remove your kids before you give way to your impetuosity !” And tearing the glove from his hand he tossed it from bim. The girl, who had stood a silent witness of the encounter, now turned and caught sight of apse she ar an’ “COMmin’ fy T gulch ter ry z laugh, the dead body of her father through the open om 6 ed. doorway, avd rushing to it, threw herself prone toe ee on the corpse, with a thousand inarticulate , the) moans and kisses, stret h But suddenly she started to her feet as if the f. ed stung by an electric shock, re-entered the main Ore-. room, and, falling on her knees by the crim- ly about ping the | s0n spot, picked up the glove that lay therein, stained and red, and lifting it high in the air cried: fe Be “By this red stain I swear to avenge my Jy With father’s death and track his murderers to their if their graves!” ples While the young rescuer, lifting his hat rev- rh the erently from his head, added a solemn: on, Amen! IS pre. ‘ oe thes CHAPTER II. °cond A CHALLENGE, at ae REVERENTLY with bared head, the young man it, h stood thus for a moment, and then, as the pros- ee trate giant in the corner began to give some Pon signs of life, he walked over to where he was nto lying, and, stooping, removed the pistol and Df murderous-looking knife from Hercules’s belt, said Returning to the girl, who yet remained the kneeling where she had thrown herself, he took e her by the hand and gently lifted her to her tle feet and spoke a few words of kindness and led comfort, And the girl, turning her lovely blue eyes full upon him, seemed for the first time to fully ‘It, realize how near she had been to death; and placing her hand on her throat, which was scratched and scored and torn by the cruel = elutch of her would-be assassin, opened her lips as if to speak, but before she could utter a word, burst out in a wild torrent of tears and cried like a child, Denver Kit’s Double. 3 It was a blessed relief, and her companion realized that it was better that nature should take her course, so did not endeavor to quiet her but stood silently awaiting the lulling of the storm. And the very violence of the fit of weeping soon brought quiet, and gradually the sobs that shook the slender frame ceased, and the fair girl became quiet by degrees, and was able to turn to and thank her rescuer. And a lovely picture they presented as they stood there together—she with her masses of golden hair, loosened in the struggle and stream- ing far below her waist, ber delicate complex- ion, her clear-cut features, and ber magnificent blue eyes; he, the living embodiment of his companion, So much alike were they in feature, hair and eyes, so Startling was the resemblance, that an observer would bave taken oath that they were not only brother and sister, but twins, “Dress them both in like costumes,” would have said the on-looker, ‘‘and if would be im- possible to distinguish them apart.” But now they were dressed anything but alike, She wore a close-fitting habit of dark-green cloth, which showed her slender form to the best advantage, while a broad-brimmed bat, in which drooped a magnificent white ostrich feather, was planted firmly on the back of her shapely bead. Small boots incased her shapely feet, to the heels of which were attached silver spurs with tiny jingling bells, which tinkled musically as she walked, and snugly-fitting gauntlet gloves covered ber hands, The young feilow who had so opportunely ar- rived in her dire distress, was, as he stood there, a picture for a Rembrandt, Twenty-two years bad with them brought no sign of beard, and his complexion was as smooth and fair as a woman’s, His bair, virgin to the scissors’ touch, hung far below his shoulders, and was of tbe hue of burnished gold, with streaks of light sparkling in it here and there, as the rays of the lamp glinted among the flowing strands. It was identical in color and shade with that of the girl, while his eyes were as like hers as one pea to another. But with, his face and head the resemblance ceased, for he was clad in a costume which was so striking that it would have attracted atten- tion anywhere, His coat—a loose-fitting sack, with silver but- tons as large as trade dollars—was made of the finest Lyons velvet, of a deep claret color, the vest, which was cut low, being of the same material, Tightly-fitting trowsers, also of velvet but Prussian blue in color, clothed bis lower limbs, and boots of the shiniest of patent leather, but now flecked here and there with patches of mud, eame to his knees, while gold spurs, small and neat, with balls attached, ornamented bis heels. His nat was broad, and black as night, the materiai being also velvet, it being encircled with a gold band an inch and a half in breadth, fastened on the left side with an enormous gold-
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4 Denver Kit’s Double. en backle, in which sparkled a diamond of un- usual size and purity. A crimson scarf, knotted negligently, hung from beneath his turn-down collar, and in the bosom of his shirt shone a stud that capped the diamond in bis hat, His left hand was gloved with a kid covering of the most delicate lavender hue, he having split the glove on his right hand when he struck the bully, who yet lay half-unconscious in the corner, A small case of Russian leather hung at his left side, being suspended from his right shoul- der by a massive gold chain, while about his waist was buckled a broad belt that carried arms, He was slight, although tall, not weighing more than a hundred and thirty-five pounds, yet beneath the velvety covering of his coat and skin lurked muscles and sinews of steel, while the lightning’s flash is not quicker than were his motions when in action. But while these two stood thus, Hercules had almost fully recovered his senses, and softly stealing one hand along the floor he grasped a small billet of wood, and unperceived, drawing back his arm, he flung it at the lamp on the shelf, striking it fair, overturning it, and leay- ing the room in total darkness. At the crash the youth sprung to the door, to bar the exit. For an instant all was was still, each one of the actors in the drama holding their breath and waiting. Then the voice of the stranger broke the silence, “Young lady, if you will strike a match, I will attend to our friend, “To not fear to move boldly, “Should he move, I will shoot him as I would a mad cur.” Clear and firm came the answering voice: ** There is not a match in the house, “One of my errands to the gulch was to pro- cure some, but [ must have droped them on the road,” “Then come this way and stand near me; when there are wolves about we must have a care lest we get bitten.” And as the girl stole to his side and nestled her hand confidingly in his, the gruff voice of the bully broke out on the stillness of the room, for the storm had subsided and no sound broke the stillness of te night from outside: “ Ye'r’ a brave youngster, you be. “Yelve taken away my weopins, an’ now ye think ye’ve got me, “Give me balf a show an’—” * Shut up and listen: “*T now unloose my belt and fling it to the floor.” And suiting the action to the word, he un- clasped the belt and allowed it to fall to his feet, ‘“ Now, we are equal, and we'll see if you will win.” “Oh! pray be careful!” pleaded the voice of the young girl, as she clung to the young man’s hand, “You do not know this man, “You do not know the reputation he bears ip the neighborhood, “Ho will surely kill you if he once gets you in his grasp. ‘s Let us fly; the door isopen, and in the dark- ness we can escape,” ‘My dear child,” mildly, but firmly, inter- posed the young fellow, ‘‘do not worry, lam well able to take care of myself and of you. ‘*] will teach this gentleman something that I believe will be of service to him, ‘* Stand to one side, and fear nothing. “Now, sir, lam ready to argue this question with you.” “All right, my young sprig, P’ll take your measure for a coffin!” CHAPTER IIf, AN ESCAPE AND A CAPTURE, TuxsE words were sufficient for the delicate- looking young fellow, who, thus guided by the voice, leaped lightly forward, straightening his left arm as he did so, bis small clinched, gloved fist coming in crasbing contact with the lips of the giant, and driving him back, with crushing force, the back of his head striking the log wall of the room and causing a thousand stars to dance before his eyes. For an instant he stood, leaning against the wall in a semi-dazed condition, and then, with a roar like a wounded lion, he rushed blindly for- ward, with outstretched arms, and encountering his adversary, clasped him as in a vise, and fairly crushed the breath out of his lungs as he squeezed the slim young fellow against his brawny chest. For a few moments his position was a desper- ate one, and it seemed as if he were doomea to die, particularly as the giant began to rain blows on bis head, with his free hand, until the lad’s brain was one whirl of dazed confusion, 3ut he was quick as a flash, supple as a snake aud slippery as an eel, and suddenly crooking his leg behind Hercules’s knee, he glided from his grasp and, with an unexpected strength gave bim such a push that he was tripped up an fell with a tremendous thud to the floor, And then there was a sudden crackling, a fizz, and a sputter, in the corner of the room, where the young girl had found a match and lighted it, and before the bully regained his feet the lamp was burning clear and bright, and the two combatants were plainly visible to each other. Springing hastily to bis feet, Hercules, who presented a terrible appearance, shook himself and again rushed on his young adversary, his sledge-hammer fist raised high in the air to eruch the life out of the youth with one blow, Céol and calm and smiling the other awaited him, and as the giant swung his fist in a swing- inz, round-arm blow, he dodged’ down almost to the floor, the stroke passing harmlessly over “his head, and then, rising, planted that dainty little fist jast under the giant’s jaw, with such force an} precision that Herenles was lifted clear off lis fect, and he fell all ina beap, howling with piin and rage. Paying not the shghtest attention to him, the young fellow walked over to where the girl was standing with clasped hands, tremblin with fear, courteously doffed his hat and addressed her. f a
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: i Denver Kit’s Double. 5 **Tt is not fitting that you should be the wit- ness of such scenes, “The rain has ceased, the skies are clear and it would be better if you sought shelter with friends; for such you surely have in the neigh- borhood?” At the interrogation the girl sighed sadly, while a mournful smile stole about the corners of her mouth, ‘“You are evidently a stranger here,” she said,.‘‘and not familiar with the dwellers in this vicinity. “There is no one to whom I could apply for shelter within miles and miles, for none but miners occupy the cabins hereabouts.” ** But you can not remain bere.” “Here I remain until the last sad rites are performed and my father”—here her voice fal- tered for a moment, Lut was instantly steadied— **and my father is laid to rest. **Can I count on you to aid me in performing this office?” “You can rely upon me to undertake what- ever you may ask.” With a graceful bend of her proud head in acknowledgment, the girl left him and walked into tbe other room, where she stood by the body of her dead father, looking down into the cold still face, but uttering never a word—shed- ding never a tear, Her friend and ally followed her, and, re- moving his bat, stood silently awaiting what- ever she might wish to suggest. And so they remained until the pent-up emotions of the girl again broke forth in a storm of sobs, and he, respecting her sorrow, quietly retired, going into the other room, and mechanically glancing at the spot where Hercu- Jes had fallen, But the room was vacant—Hercules had dis- appeared, Evidently having profited by their abstraction the giant had crawled to the door unperceived and escaped into the outer darkness. As the young fellow sprung to the open door- way, & clatter and splashing of hoofs sounded outside, and under the dim light of the stars a horseman was indistinctly visible, dashing down the road at a break-neck pace, Without hesitating an instant the youth leaped outside, uttered a shrill whistle, and as his horse came cantering up, neighing with delight at the sight of his master, he bounded into the saddle and calling out: “Wait until I return!” dashed off in pursuit of the fleeing Hercules, who already had a con- siderable start. Down the rocky road he sped, touching his horse gently with his spur and encouraging him to his greatest efforts with hand and voice, while the noble brute, as if realizing how im- portant the errand was, spurned the road be- * neath his hoofs, and devoured the miles as if by magic. But Hercules was also well mounted, and al- though he did not gain an inch, neither did his pursuer, the latter being guided in his chase cg by the sound made by the foremost horse, as he galloped wildly on, for the intricate turns and twists of the mountain road hid him always from sight. At one moment the pursuer caught a — glimpse of the fleeing borseman, and bis han sought his belt to draw revolver and halt the fugitive, but with a sudden shock he realized that his weapons were lying on the floor of the cabin, where he had cast them prior to his late encounter, For a second he hesitated and almost drew rein; but the innate recklessness and courage of the man prevailed, and loosening his grasp he again urged hia steed forward. And so he galloped madly on for a quarter of an hour more, listening all the time intently to the sound of the flying horse’s feet in front of him; but as the ride began to grow wearisome in its monotony, he allowed his thoughts to stray back to the fair girl whom he had so lately left. Lost in a bright reverie he galloped mechani- cally op when suddenly he aroused himself fas he realized that the hoof-beats he had been fol- lowing vo longer sounded on the rocky road in front of him, He drew rein quickly, but too late, for the forelegs of his horse encountered a lariat tigbt- ly drawn across the road and stretched at a dis- tance of a foot or soabove the ground, the steed stumbled and fell on his knees, and flung his rider far into the air, whence be fell with an awful thud on his right shoulder and lay in the middle of the rvad, insensible. At the same moment three brawny forms leaped from the shadow of the rock at the road- side, and six muscular hands seized and bound him fast, as Hercules, standing by, surveyed ie ee with a grin of maliguant de- ight, CHAPTER IV. A SECOND VICTIM, Lert alone in the cabin with’ the body of her beloved father, the hours rolled on unheeded by Dainty, who was lost in an agony of grief and despair, The sudden and brutal murder of her father, now that the excitement of the past hour or so had subsided, overwhelmed her and rendered her oblivious to all surroundings, Buried as she was in her sorrowful thoughts, she was unaware of the escape of Hercules, of the departure of his adversary, and had scarce- ly heard the words shouted back by the latter as he galloped away, But finally the earliest streaks of dawn glim- mered through the open door, and rovsed ber from her thoughts, and rising, she walked into the other room, the perfect ghost of the bloom- ing, cheery girl who had ridden up to the door the evening previous. Expecting to find the room tenanted, she glanced around, and could at first scarcely com- prehend that she was alone, and then, thinking that the stranger might have stepped outside, she went to the door and looked about. All was deserted and silent, no living thing being in sight but her horse, which still stood fastened to the rack where she had left him the night before. She soon had him stabled and fed and. then,
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3d Bi é a returning to the house, for the first time fully | realized that she was alone, The belt, with pistols ond knife, lying on the floor where it had been flung, recalled vividly the encounters of a few hours before, and like the memory of a dream came to her the recol- lection of the clatter of hoofs sbe had heard as pursued and pursuer dashed away, and the memory of the words, called out in that clear young voice: ‘“Wait until I return!” - And then she comprehended that Hercules must have escaped and that her young champion had started off in pursuit of bim. So returning t@ the side of her father, whose head she had tenderly raised and placed on a folded blanket, she recommenced her lonely vigil, and sat there quietly, until exhausted nature asserting herself, she gradually drooped, until finally she fell into a deep slumber and became ob'ivious to all surroundings. The day grew clearer and brighter, the sun rising high in the heavens shone through the open doorway,.and still she slept on, until finally a stealthy footstep approached the open sid and a dark shadow fell across the thresh- old, A head was thrust into the room followed by a body, when the intruder might have been recognized as the leader of the band which had attacked the cabin the night before, Quietly and cautiously entering, he stole across the room to where a small cupboard was built into the corner, and finding the key in the lock, he quietly opened the door, took a small, oblong tin box from one of the shelves, and thrusting it in the bosom of his shirt, turned his attention to the adjoining room. With a smile of fiendish delight he realized how completely the girl was at his mercy, and tip-toeing to the door seized her before she was aware of his vicinity. She was powerless in his grasp, and seemed instantly to realize that to cry for help would be useless, so submitted silently while he fasten- ed her arms behind her with the raw-hide lariat he carried, and only fixed her eyes steadily upon him, as if to burn the photograph of his features into her memory. Oblivious or careless of the fact that the leathern cord was cutting deeply into her deli- cate flesh, the bandit drew the bonds tight about her slender wrists and fastened them se- curely. : Then attaching the end of the lasso to a hook driven firmly into the wall, he disappeared in the direction of the stable, soon returning with her horse, completely saddled and bridled. Returning to where she still sat, pale but un- daunted, he addressed her: ‘Your dandy, kid-gloved friend is in my ower, more completely than even you are, joes not this information make your heart leap with very joy?” To his taunts he received uo answer, “You doubtless think him a royal champion, but in my band he is as a wheat-straw—to be broken whenever I will it.” And still no answer came from those delicate lips, white through physical and mental suf- fering. Denver Kit’s Double. ‘* A pleasing pair you will make as you swing together from the branch of some convenient tree; for you both die to-day.” The girl’s patrician face blanched a trifle, yet she looked calmly and scornfully at her tor- mentor, and answered never a word, ‘Curses on you!” fairly hissed the’ mocking demon, who scowled fiercely on ber from under his bent brows; **T'll rouse you yet.” And casting bis glances moodily about, bis eye caught the belt and pistols forgotten by her champion in his hurried exit in pursuit of Hercules, “Ha!” he cried, ‘this accounts for the young dandy’s being unarmed. ‘“Does it strike you, Miss Dainty Danford, that it is to you he will owe bis death? “That it was in your behalf that he rode away after my friend Hercules? “That, as he gasps and strangles and strug- gles at the end of the tightening cord, his last thought will be that you are his murderess?” “For God’s sake!” sobbed the girl, ‘‘ torture my body as you will, but spare me this mental agony! “‘Murderer of my father as I now know youto - be, Craig Colton, murderer to be of that brave youth and myself, I defy you, and believe that God’s justice will not long allow you to continue in your career of blood and crime, “ Again [ say—I defy you!” And magnificent in her disdain the young girl arose and drew her slight form, quivering with passion, to its full height. He had roused her, at last, but the storm of her indignation was such that he cowered be- neath it like a whipped coward, and without a word in reply, unfastened the rope and drag- ging, rather thap leading ber outside, lifted her and fastened her securely in her saddle, Then, going to the door, he removed the key from the inside, closed the door and locked it, throwing the key into a clump of bushes by the roadside, and then mounting, and lending ber Some by the bridle, he rode off slowly down the road, Ho anticipated meeting no one, for it was a wild and desolate country, and but few miners inhabited the neighborhood, they being at this hour all engaged with their labors, besides which fact, the road they were following was an old, abandoned one, lately supplanted by the new stage-route some miles distant. After riding} for some time along the road over which the followed and the follower had galloped so impetuously the night before, they * came in sight of a little group that was igh awaiting their arrival and expecting them, The young fellow who’ bad proven himself such a hero In the girl’s defense was fastened b a rope tied about bis ankles, to a tree, his aides being unbound, while he looked as jaunty and unconcerned as if in a drawing-room. Hercules, with bis head bound up in a cotton handkerchief, and his two companions, lolled about in listless attitudes, keeping, however, a sharp watch on their prisoner, w they evidently feared. As the captor and the girl rode up, the men = % 1 >. _ ose prowess 4 fr | be
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Denver Kit’s Double. came forward, one of them lifting her to the ground, she shuddering at bis touch, and releas- ing herself as quickly as possible from his grasp, burried to the young fellow who stood there so quietly, and with hands still bound behind her, cried; “And it is I who have brought yqu to this! Can you ever forgive me?” “ Anything done in your service, even to the seine of death, would be to me a willing sacri- ice! : And stretching out his arms es she wavered, he caught her as she fell, fainting, and laid her gently on the turf. CHAPTER V. THE RIDE TO DEATH, THE wretches who stood about only looked on and Jaughed, while the prisoner, walking as far as the rope would permit, scooped up some water in the hollow of bis hand, and allowed a few drops to trickle therefrom on the forehead of the insensible girl. “Gently chafing her hands, she was soon re- stored to consciousness, and, sitting up, gazed -about her in amazemert, but soon came to a realization of ber situation, and with a deep sigh turned her eyes on the map to whom she owed so much, with a pleading look for forgive- ness in her magnificent blue eyes. : An answering look of devotion gave her cour- age, while he, bending forward to raise her, whispered, unheard by the outlaws, who were attending to their horses: “Do not despair; while there is life there is always bope!” “T cannot despair,” she whisperel, while a -deep blush mantled her cheek, ‘*so long as you are near me!” What he might have answered remained un- spoken, for at that moment they were inter- rupted by the leader of the gang, who came toward them and roughiy ordered them to mount and follow, stooping as he spoke, and il forming a noose he fastened it about his neck, Then all having mounted, they rode on down the road for some distance, finally reaching a narrow path which branched off to the left, and up which, owing to the narrowness of the route, vhey were coinpelled to proceed in double ie, The man whom Dainty had addressed as Crai Colton and Hercuier took the lead, the ess prisoners coming next, they being followed in turn by the other two members of the band, _ “What is to be our fate?” whispered the girl to her companion, as they rode slowly along. ‘Hanging, I imagine, from what I gathered from their conversation. At least that is to | be my fate, and—forgive me for the apparent | selfishness of the remark—I hope it will be yours,” _ “ What can you mean?” -_ “T mean that it is better you should die than become the wife of that hound.” _. Aud the young fellow nodded toward the leader who preceded them, : housand times better,” answered the untying the repe from his prisoner’s ankies, girl, almost speakirg aloud in her righteous in- dignation. “* Does he imagine for an instant that 1 would place my hand in one stained with my father’s blood? “Tam sure he killed: him, or if he did. not, one of his satellites did, and he was a party to the crime.” ‘*Well, you are to have your choice, and if you are the brave girl I take you for, he will never call you his wife, even if the grave con- fronts you as the only alternative.” ‘* And your faith in me shall be justified’ by my acts,” ‘Here! this confab has lasted long enough be- tween you two, “Young fellow, you fall back and ride with my partner; I'll keep the young lady com- p’py. And with an-evil leer one of the men who had been riding bebind pushed forward and inter- rupted the conversation. In the mean time Colton and Hercules, who had ridden some distance ahead of the rest of the party, were also talking regarding the fate of the prisoners. ‘¢ He shall hang, of course,” answered Colton, in response to some query of his companion, “An Vll yank ther rope,” chuckled the other, every feature of his forbidding counte- nance distorted into an expression of exultant joy. “‘ And you can pull the rope if you wish,” as- sented his leader. ** Aw’ ther gal?” “The girl promises and swears to marry me, or she dangles from the same tree.” ** Better string °em both up to oncet, Cap; vil save a heap o’ trubble. “* An’ then ther mine—” “*Shut up, you fool,” interrupted Colton, sav- agely, as he gazed fearfully around. ““Do you want to give the whole snap away?” “Beg pardon, Cap; I clean forgot ther other two blokes didn’t stand in.” “Well, try and remember something more then ten minutes at 9. time hereafter. “It would make things safer if she should be- come my wife; there’s no telling in. these mat- ters what may turn up.” ‘*'You’ve got all ther papers?” * Safe and sound.” “Wal, what's ter be feared?” ‘ Everything.” ge Everything? “Yes,” **T don’t tumble.” ‘You wouldn’t tumble if Pike’s Peak were to fall on you.” “Now sea hyar, Cap, hain’t you a-ridin’ a leetle rusty?” ‘Not half as rusty as you deserve. “But enough of this; we’ve got to hurry up if we want to escape a ducking.” For the sky was now as black as midnight, andas Colton spoke, the low growl of di-tant and muttering thunder betokened a coming storm, while a vivid flash of forked lighting split the somber vail from top to bottom, Turning in bis saddle, he called to the others in ths rear to basten, as the storm would soon
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break, and in obedience to the order the eaval- cade broke into a quick trot, one of the men leaning forward, and severing the bonds which still chafed the wrists of the girl, that she might be able to sit in the saddle without diffi- culty. And soon they came to a level stretch of ground, in the center of which stood a huge tree, under the spreading branches of which was a stone hut, of a single story. This was the home of the outlaws, CHAPTER VI. A MIRACLE, Tr was a wild and desolate place, this plateau into which they rode, and the gloom of the sur- roundings was hightened by the weird, yellow light that the storm-cloud shed down on all the landscape. Towering cliffs of rugged rock sprung abrupt- ly from the valley on all sides, their beetling fronts so abrupt and precipitous as to be entire- ly unscalable, while high up on the face of the loftiest of them was perched an eagle’s eyrie, about which the birds were circling and screaming, as if affrighted by the approaching tempest. The entire party were soon dismounted, and the horses being led away, were quickly stabled in a small building near the main edifice, The young man was again bound, while the girl was allowed to seat herself on a small rock underneath the tree. Then Hercules went into the house, and pres- ently returned bearing a long and stout rope, both ends of which he quickly and skillfully knotted into running-nooses that would have excited the envy of a professional hangman, This rope he coiled and then, standing under the tree, selected his branch. Not more than a dozen feet from the ground a huge limb sprung from the main trunk, which, acouple of yards from its junction with the tree, split into two branches, forming a horizon- tal Y, and over these two branches he flung his rope, so that the two nooses dangled close to the ground, and a half a dozen feet apart. He held the middle of the cord in his hand, so that by pulling on either the right or left side he could raise or lower either of the nooses at will and his preparations being completed, seate himself on the ground and waited. ‘Miss Dainty,” began Craig Colton, court- eously, “‘ you hold two livesin your hand, <Ac- cede to my wishes, and your friend goes free and your life is safe. Refuse, and—” “*T say, Cap,” growled Hercules, wroth at the prospect of being cheated of the revenge for which he so ardently longed; ‘‘ yer ain’t a-goin’ ter let tner young snip off, be yer?” ** Silence!” shouted Colton, livid with rage and fury at this insubordination. ‘ Open those swollen lips of yours again before I give you permission, and I’ll blow you to the lower regions tosinge “ernally!” he latter, kn. wing with whom he had to deni, immediately subsided, and contented him- self with incoherent growlings and mutterings. Again the thunder crashed in near proximity Denver Kit’s Double. to the spot, following close upon a vivid flash of * yellow lightning. ‘‘'Your answer must be given in fifteen min- utes from the time of asking the question, “That you may not think me harsh and cruel "—laughing sardonically— we will retire and afford you opportunity to consult with this young tleman, “Put this only on the condition that you promise. me not to endeavor to free him or to escape yourself, although the latter would bea vain effort. ** Do you promise this?” ‘*T promise,” ‘* You will not endeavor to untie those cords | or to escape?” **T will not.” ** Well and good. ‘**T know J can depend on your word, for your truthfulness is but one of your many virtues, ** Now, as to my question, ‘*Will you, within twenty-four hours, lay your hand in mine and marry me? “Stop!” lifting his hand as the girl was about | to speak. ‘Take your time and consider well before you answer, ‘* And remember, besides, that your reply does not affect you alone; this young fellow is equally interested by it with you. | ‘*Tf your answer is ‘ Yes,’ he shall be released, | and no harm sball ever come to him from any of us. ceo sae FO reo ‘*Should your answer be ‘No,’ then he dan- | gles from one of yonder nocses, you from the | other. ** Save his life or murder him! ** Choose!” And rising, and followed by Hercules, who secured his rope by placing a stone on it, and by the other two members of the gang, he walked to the house, wherein they all disappeared, Scarce had the door closed behind them than the girl, with streaming eyes and clasped hands, turned to the young fellow who stood there, with a look of intense disdain playing over his handsome features, and, sobbing, cried: “*Oh! counsel, advise me! ‘* Was ever weak womanhood put to such a test as this: in one balance of these terrible scales hangs your life; in the other a lifetime of self-loathing and misery for me, “But what is my despair compared to your life? My mind is madeup; I choose marriage, and your safety; death can always relieve my sufferings!” Ana turning, she walked proudly toward the house. And as she arrested her firm step, he con- tinued: ‘*My life is not for sale on the terms pro- posed. * As Heaven is my judge, if I am set free, the first shot of any weapon that I can peecus will be for that cur, the second for myself. “Tf life is to end, as you 9 yours will { et in the event of your marriage, us die to- gether, and dying, thwart this villain who would make whatever cf life that was left to you a torture!” n =. ae = co) = Ze s
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| l- nae me For ty iG | | } | “My brother—for more you can never be— you are even now more noble than I thought, although I knew what your answer would be, * And now, good-by!” And bending over him she kissed him solemnly on the forehead, just as Colton came from the house. ‘Your answer, Miss Dainty?” “Death, rather than life with you!” “Then, so be it!” he shrieked. “Hercules, do your work!” A minute sufficed to place ¢the nooses about the necks of these twain, doomed to die so young. A spike, to which to fasten the rope being driven iuto the tree-trunk. Hercules and two of the others caught the rope, the girl’s hands were fastened behind her, and at a signal from Colton they pulled, and Dainty and the braye young fellow who died for her, swung in the air, But at that moment the black pall overhead was rent asunder as by magic, a deafening clap of thunder split the air, while a vivid flash of lightning descending straight down from the cloud overhead, struck the tree, shivering it to atoms, and wrenching the limb, on which hung the two victims, from the trunk, and dashing them to the ground, The bandits, standing about the tree, were hurled in every direction, while at the same instant the rain descended in torrents, CHAPTER VIL. A CLOSE CALL, For a short time it seemed as if the bolt from Heaven had descended with equal fatality on executioners and victims, for not one of them stirred, and they were, to appearance, dead. But in a short time the cooling rain and the brisk breeze that swept over the valley, re- vivified the daring young fellow who had but a moment before been choking to deatb, and the fall having loosened the noose, he ‘was able to breathe without difficulty. So, sitting up, he Icoked about bim, and in an instant realized that he had been saved by a miracle, but as his eye caught the prostrate form of the young girl, lying there so still and white, his heart gave a mighty bound, and stag- gering to his feet, he tugged and pulled at the cords which encircled his wrists. To his great joy he found that they were so soaked with the rain that they stretched considerably and were easily slipped over his hands, when he hurried to Dainty’s side and, loosening the cruel rope, used all of his efforts to resuscitate her. His efforts were soon rewarded, for she heaved a deep sigh, opened her eyes, and in a few minutes was able to sit up, weak from the shock, but thoroughly conscious of ber surround- ings. Colton and his three comrades still lay mo- tionless, and, standing as they had been, close to the trunk of the tree, bad evidently been in- stantly killed by the thunderbolt. In fact, one of them, who lay nearer to the youth and panty cla — Rn bore on bis mple a small, black spot, showing where the flash had struck him, Denver Kit’s Double. seg The storm-cloud passed as quickly as it had come up, and in a few moments the girl was able to mount the horse which her companion had procured and saddled for her, and ride off with him from this terrible scene of desolation and death. Before leaving the fatal spot, however, the youth had secured his belt, which lay on the ground near where Colton had fallen, and, buckling it about his waist, felt able to cope with scores of enemies in defense of the fair girl to whom fate had so closely linked him. After they had left the valley and a bend in the path hid it from their gaze as they turned and looked, they gradually fell into conversa- tion, Dainty being somewhat embarrassed at the recollection of the caress she had bestowed on her companion,;when she thought that they were about to die together. But this feeling soon wore off and the recol- lection of her father’s awful fate came surging back to her memory with renewed force. ‘‘ Now that we are once more free, I want to ask you a question which I should have put to you before, if it bad not been for this succession of stirring incidents that drove everything from my mind.” ‘“ Ask anything, and if I can answer it, be as- sured that I will, Miss Dainty.” “You know my name?” with open-eyed sur- prise. “You see that Ido.” ** And how did you learn it, pray?” ** Did not the man who lies dead back yonder, speak to you by name just before our—our—ac- cident?” “Trne, [had forgotten it.” * But now that you know mf not think it only fair that yours?” ‘* Most assuredly.” “Then—pray tell it.” “T can only give you the name by which I am known out here; I am called DENVER Kyrr.” * But your last name?” ‘‘ Tt is the saddest thing I can say to you, but —I do not know it.” ** Do not know your own name?” “Y do not know my own name!” * But—” “ Pardon me, Miss Dainty, but it is a very, very sad story, and too long to tell you now, ‘At some future time, perhaps—” “Oh! pray forgive me! I hope I have not hurt you by my persistence; that I have not wounded your feelings.” “Not the least in- the world,” returned Kit, cheerily ‘* please call me just ‘Kit’ in the fu- ture, and if I have no name now, I will try and make one for myself before I die!” * On one condition I will call you ‘ Kit.’” “ And that condition is?” ‘- é “That hereafter you will drop the ‘miss,’ and call me by my first name—‘ Dainty1’” “ Agreed!” ; ‘¢ Then there is my hand on it,” , ** And there is mine.” 39° %, : And the two hands met iy,a ‘lingering clasp from which they seemed-lotz to withdraw. p “And now one thing» more—Dainty,” bis name, do you should learn
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We OE RE tongue hesitating an iustant over the unaccus- tomed syllables, ‘* Yes?” she replied, encouragingly and blush- ing delightfully. * We are no longer ‘ brother and sister?” “Oh, yes we are,” gayly, and then solemnly: ** For tee must remember my father yet lies unburied, and my first duty is to him. ‘‘But my hat! In the hurry of departure from that awful spot I left it lying on the ground, “We must return for it.” “Spare yourself that visit; let me go alone. I will gallop there and return and you can await me here. “ Are you familiar with fire-arms?” ‘ Perfectly.” “Then take this revolver, use it if necessary, but trust rather to your horse’s speed should any one approach you. “Should you not be here I will join you at your cabin, ‘¢ Farewell, and good luck!” ‘‘ Hurry back,” she cried, as he galloped off at full speed, kissing her hand to bim as he reached a bend in the road. Lifting his bat in acknowledgment of the salutation, he spurred up the path, swept around the bend and disappeared. Riding on rapidly be soon came to the valley, and rode up to the tree, from the spike in which yet dangled the fatal rope, saw the hat lying there, leaped from his borse and picked it up and then glancing about, saw that not one of the stricken men was in sight! At the same momenta shot rung from the stone house, and a bullet, whizzing by his ear, scored his cheek and brought blood. CHAPTER VIII. A BLAZING HOME. Kir had too much common horse-sense to at- tack a concealed enemy, barricaded behind the stone-walls of a house, so, leaping into his sad- dle, he bent low, stuck his spurs deep into his horse’s flanks, and scampered down the valley as fast as his thoroughbred could carry him, One or two more bullets sped after him, but witbout inflicting any injury, for either the marksmanship was very poor, or the nerves of the shooter were unstrung by the late shock from the lightning. Thanks to the fleetness of his steed, he was soon out of all danger, and, turning the bend in the path, drew rein, not wishing fo run the risk of injuring his horse by galloping him down the rock-strewn steepness of the road. Proceeding leisurely alae carefully holding the ostrich-feather decked hat, he soon drew near the spot where he had left Dainty, and quickening his horse’s pace somewhat, be bur- ried on at a quick trot, rapidly nearing the bend in the path, which, once turned, would bring him in sight of the fair girl. But at that moment a pistol-shot ang out on the still air, and with a snort of pain his horse bounded forward, as the needle-like, golden rowels were sunk deep in his sides, And as he swerved around the corner of the bluff, a riderless horse, with the empty stirrups of his empty saddle battering his sides and Denver Kit’s Double. frightening him to still greater speed, cam dashing up the path, and barely avoided collifanded | ing with him, acing And as he came in view of Dainty, he that young girl bending over a buman boa which lay stretched on the ground, using béing; W handkerchief to stanch the blood which flowenen des freely from a wound in the shoulder of tl “The: prostrate man. re the Riding hastily up he drew his horse on to Dkvitness haunches with a vigorous pull on the bit, “Wh with a voice trembling with emotion, cried: The ** What does this mean?” we wer “Only another of Colman’s band, who triéspot on to abduct me,” replied Dainty, more coolly thaved, alt would bave been expected. ‘‘ But thanks finto th your revolver, I was able to defend myself.” | And ‘© And he offered you injury?” alley The tones of his voice fairly bubbled witlposed, wrath, as he asked the question. Sat ‘‘T will tell you,” answered Dainty, as, havileft n ing finished her surgical labors, she turned tthe th Kit: ‘ derers “Just before you returned this man cami by m riding up the path, evidently on the way to til grave house we saw up under the tree in the valley, I beg and which is the rendezvous for all of Craig ‘4 Colton’s band. \ Dain! ‘© When he saw me he approached, and very lieve politely asked me if I had seen a party of four oy horsemen riding up the path. I replied in the Ar negative when he approached still closer, and in th before I could realize what he intended, he had read grasped me by the arm, exclaiming: to cc “Te I mistake not, you are Miss Dainty Dan- Bi ford, and a young lady whom Mr. Craig Colton| and will be very glad to see at his home; so come, mat alongs witl “My right band, which held your pistol, was} wat concealed in the folds of my skirt, and before’ he could defend himself, I bad aimed and fired, the ball passing through his shoulder and the ickS, “ But shock throwing him from his horse, T “T do not think he is as much burt as he ap-) gir pears, but for fear of serious results, I bound she up his wounds, first estas the precaution to\ be remove his weapons,” and she pointed to a belt) chi lying near, in which were two magnificerit, 0 ivory-bandled revolvers, Jumping down beside the wounded man, Kit | he examined him carefully, and then, with a de-/] W' cided sneer on his handsome face, excluimed, with a kick: cy “Here, quit your shamming, and scatter for) 4 home. I'll give you just three minutes to get| out of sight,” and he emphasized his remark with a click of bis revolver. v The prostrate man did not wait for a second) 1 bidding, but sprung to his feet, and with an f agility which proved how slight his wound was, started off up the hill, being halted, however, before he had gone many steps, by Kit, who called out to bim: ‘‘Take that handkerchief from your shoulder and hand it to me. No man of acne stripe can wear Miss Danford’s property off in that man- ner and boast of the trophy afterward,” Sullenly the man obeyed, and then in obedi- | ence to Kit’s repeated order, he hurried off and was soon lost to view, “Oh, thank you!” cried Miss Danford, as Kit |
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Denver Kit’s Double. il —————$ peed, cane ided colliianded her hat to her, she quickly and deftly jlacing it on and fastening it to her sunny ity, he saocks, iman bod ‘ But thosemen who were killed by the light- using bing; who will give them the burial that every ich flowénan deserves?” ler of th ‘They are not quite ready for burial yet and are the liveliest corpses I ever encountered, as 00 to Liitness this scratch on my cheek.” 18 bit, all “ Why, what do you mean” cried: “That they were only stunned by the flash, as _ wewere, One of them, the man who bad the who tri@spot on his temple, was probably instantly kill- lly thaled, although they had probably carried his body hanks tinto the bouse.” self.” And Kit related t> her his adventures in the _, valley, and his surprise at finding that the sup- led witlposed corpses had disappeared, “Then,” said the girl, solemnly, ‘* Heaven has as, havleft my vengeance to myself, I thought that urned tthe thunderbolt had destroyed my father’s mur- derers, but my vow must be fulfilled, I swore in cami by my father’s blood to track them to their 'y to ti graves, and as soon as my father is in his grave ® valley, I begin my work of vengeance!” ff Craig, ‘* Aud whatever Ican do that will aid you, | Dainty, will be only too willingly done; you be- id very lieve me, do you not?” ef four! ‘ As I believe in Heaven!” lin the And again the hands met and their eyes dwelt er, and in the liquid depths of each other, until Dainty @ had read something in Kit’s eyes which caused her to color and turn her bead, j But as they at length cantered along the road, and came in sight of the house where the dead man lay, they saw that it was in flames, and with a cry of horror they dashed wildly for- iy Dan- Col ton| D9 come ol, Was: ward, before | fired, | CHAPTER IX, ud the} * IN THE JAWS OF DEATH. | THE horror-stricken expression of the young he ap-| girl was enough for Denver Kit, for he saw that bound) she was thinking tbat in those flames her father’s ion to, body was being consumed, and that only a few u belt ) ,) charred bones, if anything, would be left to icerit, '/ bury. So, dashing up to the front of the blazing ] 1, Kit | house and leaping from his horse, he sprung to- a de-/ ward the door and endeavored to open it. imed, But Colton had locked it, and as the door cpened outward he was unable to break it r for| down, so looked about for otker means of en- > got trance, nark But the windows were all closed with heavy _ wooden shutters, which were also firmly bolted cond inside, and be saw no way by which be could h an force bis way in, was, The flames were now leaping high above the ver’, roof, which threatened at avy moment to fall who in, and Dainty, seeing that if he did succeed in entering, it would be at the imminent peril of Ider his life, called out to him, and begged him to can give up the attempt and not risk the danger. lan- But Kit, when he had once undertaken any- : thing, almost invariably carried it through, so, edi- running around to the back of the house, he dis- and covered that by climbing up on the lean-to . { Which constituted the po ie could gain the Kit )) roof of the cabin and then probably drop down the chimney, which was huge and wide, Quickly scrambling up, before the girl could fully comprehend his intention, he climbed to the edge of the chimney, lowered himself into it by bis hands and dropped out of sight. Minutes that seemed Lours passed by, and Dainty sat there, waiting and watching, until finally one of the closed shutters was flung vio- lently open and at the window Kit appeared. He was bearing something which made him stagger beneath its weight, and which, on being lifted up, proved to be a buffalo-rebe, in which something was carefully wrapped, and it was not difficult for Dainty to divine what that ** something ” was, She could but admire the consideration of the young man who, to spare her feelings as much as possible, had taken time in the midst of this whirlwind of smoke and flame to carefully en- fold her father’s body in the buffalo-robe which had been his bed duriug his life. Tenderly raising his burden and lifting it out- side the window, he gently lowered it and de- posited it on the ground where no sparks could fall on the robe, for the wind was blowing from the front and swept the smoke and flame and burning particles of wood, that rose in the air, toward the back of the house, Having thus cared for his burden, Kit turned to cast a last look around to see if there were anything im sight worth saving, when, without a momept’s warning the roof fell in, while a cloud of smoke and flame and sparks shot high in the air. The piercing scream uttered by the girl, and which echoed far away among the hills, was al- most instantly drowned by the crash of the fall- ing timbers, and then all was still. Choked for an instant by the falling mass the fire smoldered for a moment, and then the flames burst out with renewed fury, and the heat became so intense that the buffalo-robe, in which the corpse was wrapped, began to scorch and burn, Regardless of the heat and smoke, Dainty. who had dismounted some time before, rusbed up to the burning building, seized the robe, and exerting all of her frail strength, succeeded in dragging it some distance from the spot and beyond all danger of burning. And then her next thought was for Kit, Looking at the roof, she saw that the fire was still confined to the end of the house opposite to that on which stood the chimney, and knowing that the flue was built of rough stones and plas- tered mud, realized that she could easily climb down and up again without any danger. For vo smoke came from the chimney, and she was convinced that the draught was in the other direction. Hesitating not an instant, and praying that she might be able to render some assistance to Kit, she ran around the house, and with scme little difficulty clambered upon the lean-to and thence to the rcof, where sbe stopped a moment to rest, so wildly did her heart beat. But as she stood there a pistol shot rung out from the room below, so startling ber that she nearly lost her balance and came within an inch of falling to the ground below. Was it a signal, or had the fire reacted Kit’s body, and did thereport mean that the flameg
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Leen EEEEEEEEnET had so heated the pistol as to cause its dis- charge? With hand pressed hard on her throbbing breast, and every sense on the alert, she waited, listening for a second report, Tf it came instantly, then indeed must it be the result of a heated cylinder; but if it was de- layed a few moments—no matter how fow— then she would know that Kit still lived and was signaling to her. Imperative as it was that she should hasten, she could no more have moved than with a tear she could have extinguished those roaring flames, every muscle seeming paralyzed as she listened, After what seemed an age a second shot was fired, and as if it had been a signal to free her from the chains which held her, her muscles re- gained their strength, her brain its clearness, her heart resumed its quiet beatings, as with firm step she walked over the roof to the chim- ney. a her, strong and active as she was, the de- scending of the flue was a simplo matter,'so tying her riding-skirt tightly about her with the cord she wore for that purpose for conve- nience in walking, she stopped on the chimpey- ledge, and with all the grace and caso of a skilled athlete, lowered herself into the grimy, sooty flue, o In a moment she reached the bottom, and tho sight that met her eyes was one well calculated to unnerve a stronger person than she. The end of the room opposite to where she stood was one seething mass of glowing embers and leaping flames, the fiery tongues springing high in the air through the opening above where the roof had fallen in. This was her salvation, for owing to the fire being at the outer end and the heat pouring out through the roof, the draft was down the chim- ney, in the fireplace of which she stood, and she found no difficulty in breathing. The heat was, however, intense, and already her dress began to smoke and scorch, while the ostrich feather in ber hat was instantly shriv- eled into nothingness. And just in front of her, faco downward on the floor, and pinned there by huge beams that had fallen across his back, lay Kit, unable to move, while the flames were slowly creeping nearer and nearer. And with a murmured prayer, Dainty sunk to the floor and crawled toward him, CHAPTER X. RESCUED, CrovucHING low to the floor, to avoid as much as possible the heat and smoke, Dainty crept on until at length she reached the spot where Kit was lying helpless, just as he fired another shot, for he had succeeded in worming bis hand down to his belt, drawing one of his pistols and firing it as a signal. He bad begun to despair, for what could a frail girl do with this mighty weight that crushed him to the floor and rendered him help- less, even if sho should hear his signal above the cracking and roaring of the flames? So he had about given up all hopes, and was _ nerving himself to undergo the fearful torture Denver Kit’s Double. : ~~ cruelly bruised by the weight across bis loins, an instant’s reliof, nor could she raise the beam gs he t in the slightest degree. 4 follow So it seemed asif Kit were doomed to die@ Muc terrible and a lingering death, and calling t0,) sed her as loudly as he could, bis voice caught het jength ear, and she bent to listen to what he had tO) nitely witho say: ¢ “Tp is useless; you had best sbhve yourse At before you are injured by the heat and smoke.” judgii ‘“‘ What care I for pain, so long as there is the, jo, slightest chance of saving you?” ) it, we ; “But, Dainty, I am doomed. fhe a “Your frail strength can never move tbis\ the d weight that crushes ne, and renders me power} jt, less to aid you in your efforts to release me, No “@o and live long and happily, and think of} by [ me sometimes.” : the s “J will always think of you, Kit, as the) some truest, noblest friend I ever had, and—” girl’ “Do not® talk that way, Dainty! You onl thro make death harder to bear. A “Qh!” be cried, bitterly. ‘It is hard thus to) sup; die, caught likea wolf in a trap!” him: At the word a wild shriek burst from the} the parted lips of the girl, as she cried: squi “ Saved, saved! You are saved!” H And hysterically laughing and crying, she | the again sunk to the floor, crawled a little nearer | plai the flame, and forcing her band under the beam, | anc which lay across Kit’s body, drew a bolt, after | per some little difficulty, and the floor giving way, } Kit, with a loud cry of startled surprise, fell } as headlong through the opening, striking on the | ab! ground below with a tremendous thud, but be- the ing uninjured. th nan instant Dainty was beside him, having loc descended by means of the steps which led into in the cellar, she having opened the trap door |. which gave access to it, and on which, most ne providentially, Kit happened to be lying. y ws Dainty had Closed the door, and they found | ax themselves in utter darkness, and in a close and stifling atmosphere, but which was still an im- fc provement on the furnace above. _ s¢ “his is but a temporary respite, after all,” t] said Kit, ‘and you, foolish child that you are, instead of escaping, have sought your tomb e with me, t “The fire will soon eat through the floor and t we will be roasted in here like a fox in his bur- j row, . 7 “Dainty, Dainty, why did you make mere- — ; sponsible for your death!” ie “TJ am not dead yet, nor are you.” “Do you feel able to walk?” = Fe “A little sore across tho back, but able to {| — walk for miles, etre cae ets
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——$—— Denver Kit’s Double. i3 i Ice eee ee 8 Dainty « But why do you ask? Wecan not enjoy a ” she cram you would now be in a sad plight, mass 0 with alltioned the wor. ‘trap,’ when it flashed upon a pigmy, 10 thou- ve, * ® would vho was, is loins, 10 beam 0 die & ling to, rht her had tol ourself moke,” is the @ this, LOWer- %. } ink of j Ss the! only” | us to n the Very extensive promenade in this cellar!” “ Don't laugh at my cellar. If it were not for “Thad forgotten all abcut it until you men- me all at once that you were lying just over the door. “ But give me your hand, and follow. “Tt is getting warm here and hotter every minute, ‘* A breath of air will be very acceptable.” ““Tonly hope you may find it!” muttered Kit as he took the small hand extended to him and followed willingly. Much to his surprise the cellar, which he sup- pre would at least be no longer than the ength of the bouse, seemed to extend indefi- nitely and they walked .on for some minutes without stopping. _ At length they apparently arrived ata door, judging from the sound of a key grating in a Jock, and he having followed Dainty through it, was warned to look out for the steps, which he ascended to the number of a dozen or so, the door clanging to behind him ashe released it. Not stopping as suddenly as he was told to do by Dainty, alongside of whom he had ascended the steps, his head came in sharp contact with some solid substance above, and which on the girl’s opening it, proved to be a second trap-door throngs which they passed into daylight. And as he gazed about him, Kit could not Suppress a cry of astonishment, for he found himself inside the hollow trunk of a huge tree, the place in which he stood being some six feet square, High up in the side was a hole through which the light poured, rendering all about him as plainly visible as if outside under the clear sky, and by it he could examine the surroundings perfectly, But short time was given him for reflection, as Dainty turning to bim, asked him if he felt able to climb up to the hole above and see if there were any one in sight, and be replying in the affirmative, rapidly clambered up to the lookout-place by means of slats nailed to the interior of the trunk, At first he looked out cautiously, but seeing ho one about—for that portion of the country was generally deserted, be projected his head and looked about bim, He euld scarce suppress a word of wonder, for the tree grew just on the edge of a precipice some six hundred feet high, and it was into these depths he was gazing. Dainty bad instructed him to push a small case, be would find inside, out of the hole and to remove the cover, doing which be found that the box contained a mirror, and that by mov- ing it about in various directions on its hinged iron rods, the whole extent of country on the giber side of the tree was plainly visible to im. _He could see in all directions without any risk of being seen. He was admiring the ingenuity of the device, and was carefully examining the country, when he was recalled to a sense of bis surroundings by the reproachful tones of the young girl who seemed to think that she was entirely for- ywotten. ” So folding back the case inside the tree, he rapidly descended and joined Dainty below, CHAPTER XI. AN EVENING BURIAL, ‘*PaRDON my remaining so long away,” he explained, ‘‘ but being entirely unfamiliar with the workings of that ingenious arrangement up there, I could not, at first, adjust it exactly.” “T thought that you had entirely forgotten that I was here,” “*Not ‘at all, nor have I forgotten that you have a duty to perform, in which J must aid you, “Your father must be buried to-day, and already the sun is sinking low in the west,” ‘* Then come,” cried the girl, and going to the side of the tree that overhung the precipice, she unloosed a catch, and a door, skillfully cut through the bark, swung easily outward. ‘Take care!” she warned him, ‘The ledge is very parrow, and you will fall if you are not extremely careful.” ** And You?” ‘Oh! I am accustomed to it, “Swing tbe door after you are outside and it will catch with the spring lock.” * And can it be opened from the outside?” * By any one who has the secret, yes,” As she spoke she swung herself around the massive trunk with the quickness of a squirrel, while Kit, following mere deliberately and supporting himself be the tough vine which covered the tree, swung the door to. lt closed with a snap, and be saw that owing to the thickly-matted vine, the closest scrutiny would fail to reveal any artificial opening in the trunk. Joining Dainty, he walked rapidly away, but turning to look, he found that he could not dis- tinguish the hollow tree from a dozen or twenty others which, like monarchs of the forest in size, grew along the edge of the precipice, It was some distance to the burning house, and they walked along in silence, for Kit re- spected the sorrow of the young girl, which grew more and more profound as the hour ap- proached when she must bid a final farewell to her father. Arrived at the house, which was yet burning fiercely, Kit, without a word, left Dainty, and going to an out-house near by, took from there a pick and shovel, and plunging into the wood, selected a grassy plot, shaded by a gigantic pine tree, and here be began to dig a grave, first eutting the turf carefully away. Owing to the nature of the soil, which was rocky and difficu!t to dig, the task occupied him some time, and it was not until the sun bad set that the receptacle was ready for the body. Returning to Dainty whom he found watch- ing by her father’s body, which was still envel- oped in the buffalo-robe, slthough she had thrown the edge of it back that she might look for the last time on the Leloved features, he removed his hat and stood patiently by. The girl, who had washed away the gory stains from the wound, and brushed the long,
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i4 Denver Kit’s Double. white locks over the bullet-hole, for a time seemed unconscious of his presence, but at length roused herself and cast a look of inquiry upon him, He bent his head silently in response, and she, rising with a deep sigh, walked in the direction whence he had come, Denver Kit, who, though so slight, was pos- sessed of immense strength, lifted the dead man from the ground and followed her, walking slowly until they had arrived at the grave, when he laid the body gently on the turf. He realized that words of condolence would be a hollow mockery at such a time and under such circumstances, but he deemed it impera- tive that Dainty should secure whatever papers or letters or valuables the pockets of her mur- dered father might contain, and so suggested to er. ‘\ Please look, then, if you think it best; any memento of my father would be of the highest value to me,” And obeying her request he reverently began his search, finding nothing, however, but a small locket, suspended about the dead man’s neck by a an leathermcord. Yhis, without a word, he handed to Dainty. Mechanically she took it, mechanically sho opened it, when a small piece of folded paper fell to the ground which Kit picked up and re- turned to her, Unfolding it she glanced at the few written words it contained, and then handed it to Kit, who read as follows: “Should anythin ected ened to me, Dainty, you will find my will and a schedule of my property in the tin box in the corner cupboard,” This was all. “The message from the dead comes too late to the'living,” she murmured, ‘The box and papers are long since destroyed by the fire which has destroyed my home! “Tt is a doubly unfortunate accident at this time.” “Tt wag no accident, I’ll dare swear,” broke in Kit. ‘All the circumstances point to incendia- rism. ‘There was no fire in the house, and I noticed that the lamp, which was doubtless lighted when you were dragged away, stood on the floor beside your father’s body, where you had placed it, empty, having burned itself out, “The house was set on fire, after having been robbed, for there were footprints in the ashes of the fire-place when I dropped down into them, which I plainly saw. “No doubt the man you shot, and who be- lougs to Colton’s band, was acting under orders from his leader, stole the box and then fired the house to hide his crime, ‘Fool that I was to let him go!” “We must talk of that later; my father de- mands our attention now.” And carrying out her wishes, Kit laid the body quietly in the grave, the fur robe its coffin and its winding-sheet, its requiem the sobs of the girl, who cried as if her heart would une: break, And then, the graye being filled and the turf ee carefully spread over it, Dainty became suddet pat her ly quiet, and kneeling beside the grave, toG\ays b' from her bosom the kid glove which Kit ha, jy thei torn from his hand after striking Herculeame in raised it high toward Heaven and cried: ved “Again, my father, who art watching ovéy, was me to-night, I swear to avenge your death an\y the r to follow your murderers tu their graves!” s And rising, she uttered the single word ‘*Come!” and led the way to where their hors%, were grazing. } Mounting, in a few moments they hat treo, } reached the mysterious tree, when the horsety oy et were unsaddled and unbridled and turned 100804 unaic and, still following the girl, Kit swung aroundy oy th and entered the tree, when Dainty disappeared; ng hac down the steps, and almost immediately re-,). gig turned witha goodly supply of cold meat ands nis ti bread, and some cold coffee, of which Kit par}. they took ravenously. ing ou Then again descending, «But ‘*T have a room below,” is chai shot the bolt in the lower side of the trap.iched and sought her couch, while Kit, too tired to} 4 pot; think, threw himself on a pile of skins at one + nt side of the hollow trank and ina moment was if ¢), fast usleep. she, saying: CHAPTER XII, A STARTLING PROPOSITION, ran near by, he felt like a new man, eanc The two horses he found grazing quietly near, ; cory and after a short walk along the edge of the pre- ) 1) cipice, which overhung an inaccessible canyon, 4js g1 into which the stream plunged with a magnifi- }, e cent leap, he returned to the tree, where he bve found Dainty awaiting him. {3he looked charming, her beauty hightened by a look of sadness which had settled over her fea- \yyijl tures, But there was an expression of stern resolve about her chin and clear-cut mouth, that denoted that she had stepped from girlhood to woman- hood ina short thirty-six hours, and that her — « one aim and object in life was vengeance on her - father’s assassins. Iw Requesting Kit to follow her, she descended i the steps which led into the undergound pas- sage, and after going a short distance, turned to the os go and opened a door which led into a ~ oe lateral passage, at the end of which was a small ‘ room, cut out of the solid earth and fitted up as a a kitchen, me An oil stove occupied one corner anda table yy; and three or four chairs completed the furniture | of the apartment, in Light was obtained from a small hole cut wy through the bank and overlooking the canyon before mentioned. Here Dainty had prepared an appetizing break- fast, to which Kit did full justice, while the girl forced herself to eat, doubtless realizing that it was of the utmost importance that she should preserve her strength’ F During the meal she explained to her compan- 2 e™ ‘
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Denver Kit’s Double. ne Kit hate?’ by declining to associate with them or Hercul ing ov. eath an ”n lo was much more refined and intelligent 8 | n the rest of the dwellers in the region, and a § dubbed ‘* Aristocrat” on account of his gen- ir horsaf, birth, “fearing that he might have trouble with them ey hac®DY time, he had constructed this passage to » horses tree, having discovered by accident that the se/t8r was hollow, and dug out the rooms alone around unaided, Now that the house was destroyed and the ely relDs had fallen into the cellar, no one would er discover that end of the passage, while janks to the ingenious arrangement of the mir- pr, they could always scan the country before ping out, and thus avoid detection, |“ But now,” continued Dainty, as Kit pushed » traps chair slightly away from the table, havin red towshed his breakfast, ‘‘ advise me what plan at one*@ better pursue; for you know I will never it wag St_until I have avenged my father.” “T thought about that, this morning, while I ‘as walking around. “But first of all you must understand one hing, positively ; “Tn all your actionsI am with you, heart, te and strength.” “Thank you, my friend, I know that.” “Now would it not be better for you to re- ain quiet either here or at any other place you nay choose, even to go to Denver, and let me emain here and be the instrument to your ven- seance?” Kit, and, ykout is in orses ‘hich rl ] 2 To that I never will consent! yon. Ms l have sworn over my father’s blood, over nifi. ais grave, to wreak my vengeance myself, and ine ulfilling this oath, I henceforth devote my Ey ve “ce by | fea energy, ny every momert.” hen so be it; now listen to my plan.” And he drew his chair up to the table again, while the girl listened intently. lve |. A8 WellasI can judge,” continued the young ve “ soe = man, “we are each the living image of the other, a fact that is more remarkable as it is certain that we are in no manner related. . “Cut your hair a little shorter, so that it will 'he the same length as mine, clothe us alike and ed yi would defy any one, even a person intimately acquainted with us both to tell us apart.” ri slight suspicion of what Kit intended to a convey caused a faint blush to mantle Dainty’s iH cheek, but she nodded to him to continue. a A woman,” pursued the lad, ‘is invariably hampered by her sex, when she undertakes a ie man 8 work, so my advice to you is to become a ‘man, in appearance, if not in reality. s ‘Dressed alike as we would be, each the liv- _ 10g counterpart of the other, and your enemies, i ‘who are vow mine, would be continually non- | plused and baffled, and with you here, me there, they would not be able to comprehend the sud- den abe and disappearance of the per- son whom they would think miles and miles away. ‘Superstitious as all criminals are, they would be brought to the belief that there was ‘ something supernatural about me, for they 16 would never suspect that you were disguised to resemble Denver Kit, and would believe that you had left this section of the country. “Your vengeance must be something terrible, unheard of, besides which you owe it to your dead father to regain possession of the property that he guarded for you, and for which he un- doubtedly lost his life. ‘Separated as we will be very often, it will be necessary for you to have some means of communicating with me if you are in danger or trouble, “You can always purchase a messenger, and if you desire my presence, send me the glove that you have which | threw away, write your mes- sage inside, and I will come as fast as horse-flesh can bring me,” ** But there is one obstacle to your plan, feasi- ble as it otherwise seems to me, **Tt is humiliating to confess it, maybe, but— I have no money.” “Do not let that worry you, I have an ample supply; if you object to taking it, consider it a loan; you can repay me when we obtain your father’s papers; for I am certain that he would not have preserved that scrap of paper so care- fully had there not been something of value con- nected with it.” And slinging the Russian leather bag he car- ried on the table, he unlocked it with asmall key he carried fastened about his neck by a gold chain, and placed the contents on the cloth in front of him. A small package, wrapped ia tissue paper, he tossed carelessly aside, and then, picking up a roll of bank-notes, he opened it and counted the bills one by one, “‘Ten thousand and a few hundred dollars,” he said as he finished. “That is our fortune; let us begin to-day, and pons if Jit will not be sufficient to accomplish our ends! CHAPTER XIII, A BAD CROWD. Drvip1nG the sum he possessed into two equal portions, he banded one of them to Dainty, who hesitated a moment, and then, extendin her hand, took it, smiling on him divinely, an saying: **T accept this as a loan, in the same spirit in which it is offered. ** But how can I ever thank you?” “T may tell you at some future time, not now, “But I must be off to my den, and procure you clothing suitable to your new role, as Den- ver Kit’s Double. “You will remain here until I return!” ‘* Most certainly. “Ts your—‘den,’ as you call it, far from here?” ‘Ten miles as the crow flies, nearer fifteen by the road. ‘<T heve there a suit identically similar to this one,” designating his own attire, ‘‘ which has never been worn. “1 think it will fit you to a T.” “You are kindness itself, and overwhelm me with favors.” “It is not worth mentioning, € pease AAP POE 2
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je GE EERE DA a SEES Ae EE 16 Denver Kit’s Double. ee | “ But before I go, try on a pair of these.” And Kit untied the tissue-paper parcel he had drawn from the leather bag, took from it a dozen pair of exquisitely tinted lavender kid gloves, one pair of which he handed to Dainty. “Tf you waut to be my double,” he laughed, “you must never appear in public without wearing a pair of these, 4 “* Denver Kit’ would soon lose his identity if you neglected this precaution.” Dainty took the gloves and slippec them on her slim fingers, where they fitted as if made for her, so small and delicate was Kit’s hand, “ Bxcellent!” he cried, ‘the only problem that worried me is solved; for if my gloves did not fit you, I should be at a loss where to pro- cure any in this region, “TI have plenty more stored away, so do 1ot hesitate to abuse them. ‘“Would you mind letting me have one of your shoes for a moment?” Dainty without hesitation handed him a high- laced gaiter from a number in an adjoinin closet, and he, removing his boot, easily slipp it on his slim foot over his silk sock, where it fitted like wax. “Nothing could be better; pair of boots that I have, and from sole to-crown. “In about two hours expect me. “‘-You can reach the observatory?” ‘‘T have climbed up there a hundred times, when I was looking for fatber.” “Then you can see me coming and open the door for me, “ For a short time, farewell!” = Good-by, and take good care of yourself, it. It was the first time she had called him by his name, and he thought that the monosyllable had never sounded musical before, and would have had her repeat it, but rousing himself with an effort, he put on his boot, stuffed his gloves and money into the bag he carried, and without another word, left the room. That the girl’s thoughts were pleasant ones, was evinced by the quiet smile that played about her lips, as she sat there for some time after Kit had left the room. But finally, heaving a deep sigh as she rose, she murmured: ** How generous, how noble, how brave he is!” And then, as if awakening from a pleasant reverie, she. again sighed and then began to busy herself deftly with her household duties, moving lightly and quickly about the room, un- til everything was in perfect order. Kit, meanwhile, had saddled and bridled his horse, and mounting, bad ridden rapidly away, having first assured himself that there was no one in sight. Striking the main road, he galloped along it for a distance of five miles or so, in the direc- tion opposite to that which Dainty had followed the day before, when the prisoner of Colton, until he came to a small mining village known as The Gulch, and which consisted of a long, straggling street of twenty or thirty houses, every other one of which was a gambling and a drinking saloon combined. UW was the dull hour of the day, for the miners ou can wear a can fit you out were all at work, and it was only in the evening that these resorts did any business, so that in the majority of cases the proprietors or bar- keepers of the gin-mills were sunning themselves at the front doors of their saloons. As Kit came galJloping up the street, his long hair streaming behind him, while his exquis- itely gloved hand held the reins carelessly, he having put on a new pair of kids before start- ing on his ride—many rude and sarcastic 1e- marks were shouted after him from the occu- pants of the doorways. * Get onter his nibs, Billie,” said one. ‘* Won- der when ther circus is a-comin’ ter town.” ‘Taint no ‘him,’” shouted another, from across the street; ‘‘it’sa gurldressed up fer a maskerade.” “Stace bis kids; ain’t them purty dukes fer a prize-fight?” “He's a pony-express rider,” chimed in an- other. ‘‘ Don’t yer see his mail-bag slung ter his bloomin’ side?” ‘“‘7W’s a Queen’s messenger, ’e is,” cried a brawny Cockney, ‘‘a-carryin’ news hof the war in Hegypt to the Guy’ner.” ‘“‘Hyar, my young bantam, git down off’n that horse, and come inan’ setem up fer ther boys; their throats is dead dry from conversin’ wid you.” And a six-foot barkeeper, whose face was scarred with the wounds from a hundred rough- and-tumble fights, grasped his horse by the nostrils, and brought him to a dead stop. Kit smiled sarcastically, although a nervous twitching of his nostrils and a deep-red spot that suddenly glowed on each cheek would have warned any one familiar with him to look out for trouble, : But dropping the reins on his horse’s neck, he began quietly to draw off his left glove, while he replied: *¢ And suppose 1 decline?” “Then we'll make yer!” growled the bar- keeper—‘t won’t we, boys?” And he turned to the crowd of roughs that had by this time gathered about them, while he still restrained the horse, having shifted his grasp to the bit. *-You bet!” *¢ We don’t want no frills—pony up!” ‘Git down and walk up to the bar like a man and set ’em up!” “% Cockey there'll give you some goat’s milk, ef lemon-an’-sugar’s too strong for yer.” This sally produced a laugh, and when it had subsided, Kit answered: *Tlsee the whole b’ilin’ of you to the North Pole and back, before I’ll spend a nickel on such a gang of cut-throats as you!” ‘A yell of rage arose at these words, and the crowd was about to rush on and pull him from his horse, when the powerful voice of the bar- keeper was heard, high above the tumult: “Teave him to me, boys. I'll fix him!” And sliding his hand along the rein, he walked back toward Kit, who sat coolly awaiting what- ever was to follow. CHAPTER XIV. KIT's “ee DEN.” QuierLx turning in the saddle so as to face
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Denver Kit’s Double. Pama i9 the ruffian, as he came up to his left side, Den- ver Kit threw himself back the slightest possible distance, and, looking straight down’ into the other’s shifty eyes, accosted him: * Now, look here, I’m uot seeking any trouble, ond if any follows, it will be of your own mak- ing.” “All right, my chicken, we'll risk ther conse- quences, But now ther question is, will yer treat, or must we make yer?” ‘*T won't treat, and you won’t make me!” “See hyar, youngster ye’r a-bitin’ off a heap more nor yer can chew. Better pony up, an’ save them nice clothes ye’r’ a-wearin’!’ And the six-footer laid his brawny, grimy paw on Kit’s knee, Kit extended his hand and brushed the huge fist away as if it had been a fly, and then in the most insulting manner in the world, coolly dusted his trowsers with the glove he held in his right hand, as if the touch had contaminated him, The gesture and the act added immediate fuel to the already aroused anger of the rumseller, so, releasing the bridle, he stepped forward, with both hands extended, to seize Kit, and drag him from his horse. But as he came within reaching distance, Kit’s small clinched left hand shot straight from his shoulder with the rapidity of an electric flash, and as if came in contact with the right eye of the bully, the blood spattered in a red rain, right and left, and ‘‘ Cockey,” falling straight back, Jay like a dead man on the ground, At the instant the blow was delivered, Kit ealled to his horse, and the intelligent brute sprung forward, knocking the crowd in front in every direction, while Kit, twisting around in his seat with all the skill of a professional horse- man, faced the mob behind him, a cocked re- volver in each hand, and cried: “The first man who puts hand to belt, dies!” ‘And, the gang of cut-throats being complete- ly overawed, he galloped off down the street, gaa and goon left the town far behind im. Relaxing his pace as he reached the open country and resuming his normal position in the saddle, Kit replaced his revolvers in the belt, again put on his glove, and, as his horse walked along, thus soliloquized: “Fifteen minutes, at least, lost in that little squabble, and Dainty waiting. ‘*No more of that, my boy, at least for the present, “But, as if was not my fault, and I could not avoid it, I suppose there is no use worrying about the matter. “Come, Dick, we must make up for lost time!” And lifting bis horse into a canter, he galloped rapidly along until he arrived at a point where the road ran between two high banks, beth of which were abrupt as the sides of a house, But, scanning the faceof one of the banks, and evidently washed out by’ the spring’s floods when the snows above melted, was a gully, in which grew a luxuriant mass of bushes, seem- ingly impenetrable, 0 one, it would seem, would care to endeavor | to climb up this ravine, as there was apparently nothing to be gained by so doing, but Kit evi- dently was not of that opinion, Dismounting and removing saddle and bridle, he gave the horse a gentle slap on the flank, and with a farewell whinny, the bay trotted up the road, evidently seeking a pasture with which he was familiar. Casting a hasty glance up and down the road, so as to be suré he was unobserved, Kit then plunged into the undergrowth, carrying his bridle and saddle with him, and scrambled up the decidedly steep incline of the gully. Some rods up he came to a place where lay the trunks of two trees, side by side, they hav- ing evidently been washed down from the sum- mit of the bluff by some unusually powerful freshet, Masses of tangled brush were piled and heap- ed on them, and the ends of the logs were com- pletely hidden by the heapsof dead branches that lay scattered about, and there was no trac® of human being visible any where, But Kit, depositing bis burden on the ground, caught bold of a huge branch that projected from the pile, pushed it to one side, and the en- tire heap of brush moved away, disclosing the ends of the logs, Between them was a space of three or four feet, and hiding his horse’s trappingsin‘a thicket near by, Kit, lying down, wormed his way feet foremost, into the opening, pulled the stick which acted as a lever, and the pile of brush, moving back into place, resumed its normal con- dition, Moving carefully backward, and lying on his back, Kit continued his progress until be en- countered a smooth surface, which seemed to be made of planks, when, feeling on the right, he grasped a rope that bung taut, and, holding it firmly, immediately sat upright. He was in total darkness, but was evidently thoroughly familiar with his surroundings, for, allowing the rope to slip slowly through his hands, he descended to the distance of a hun- dred feet, when the trap on which he was seated stopped and he stepped off, eeling about for a moment, his hand: en- countered a shelf, from which he took a box of matches, and quickly struck one, then lighted alantern which swung from the ceiling a foot or two above his head, Then, having ‘seen that the catch which held the trap was secure, he walked along the corri- dor for a short distance until he came to a large, vaulted-room, which, when a second lamp was lighted, was dazzling in its beauty. The room was some twenty feet square, and the same number of feet in hight, the sides and top glowing with a dull yellow, which betokened the presence of immense quantities of gold- bearing quartz, rich beyond the wildest dreams of the most avaricious miner, The chamber was perfectly dry and the air perfectly pure, the room doubtless being venti- lated by some unseen air-shaft; while the floor was six inches deep in fine sand, in which spar- kled thousands of golden nuggets, ranging in size from a pin-head to a pea, some of them be- ing even larger than that, In one corner stood a huge chest, evidently
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“ constructed in the room, for it would have been impossible to bring it there by means of the shaft down which Kit had descended from the outer world. Such was Kit’s ‘‘ den.” CHAPTER XV. “ AN UNEXPECTED ALLY, Tats “den” was a veritable store-house of wealth, and it could easily be seen how Denver Kit could afford to dress in the expensive garb he always wore, and manage tocarry ten thousand dollars about with him so carelessly. Kit hastened to the chest, opened it, lifted out the tray, and placed it on the floor. In the bottom of the chest were at least twen- ty suits of clothes such as Kit always wore, while at one side were packed a dozen belts, identical with the one worn by Kit. Each of the belts also contained arms and a store of cartridges, and was ready for instant wear, Taking out two complete suits, with two hats anda couple of pairs of boots, Kit replaced tke tray and closed the lid of the chest with a ang, 7g Ue of saddle-bags hung on one of a num- ber of wooden pegs driven into the wall at one side of the vaulted room, and in these Kit care- fully packed the articles he had selected, and then, extinguishing the lamp, left the cavern by the same corridor through which he had en- tered it, . Aguin seating himself on the trap and placing his saddle-bags beside him, he caught the rope, and pulling on it steadily, hand over hand, he hoisted himself to the top, his labor being less- ened by a weight attached to the other end of the cord which pulled him up. Fastening the platform in place, he crawled out of the space between the two logs, carrying his parcel with him, moved the pee brush, stepped out into the open air, and looked about. 0 one was ir sight, and collecting together his traps, he climbed down the gully, drew his right-hand revolver and fired a shot in the air, the report echoing #far. Scareely had the reverberations died away, when in answer to the signal, for such it was, his horse came galloping down the road, stop- ping alongside Kit, and rubbing his nose affec- tionately against his shoulder. Dick was soon saddled and bridled and Kit flinging the saddle-bags on the horse’s back and securing them to the cantle, mounted and rode back toward ‘he Gulch, He had not been more than an hour away, and he could see that little groups of men .were gathered in front of the “Gold Dust” saloon, oe the destinies of which ‘‘ Cockey” pre- sided. They were evidently discussing the late oc- currences, and as it was necessary that Kit shonld pass down that street, he anticipated, and nerved himself for trouble, The men were gesticulating and evidently talking loudly, apparently being much excited, and as there were a couple of dozen of them standing about, Kit realized that he had con- siderable of an undertaking before him. ! Denver Kit’s Double. But he cantered on, until sujdenly it became evident that he had been seen, judging from the general movement and pointing that followed it. . Loosening his revolvers, he was about to spur up and dash as rapidly as he could through the threatening crowd, when he saw a man, whom be recognized as a gambler, known as “ Faro Frank,” leave the group in front of the “ Gold Dust” and walk rapidly toward him, Frank was faultlessly attired in the finest broadcloth, and wore a shiny silk hat, his ap- pearance betokening financial ease and perfect content with himself and a)] mankind. He belonged in Denver, where Kit had seen bim before coming to The Guleh, for the lad had only been in the country forty-eight hours, and had never before that day seen the town, or rather village, by daylight. As soon as the gambler arrived within hailing distance he stopped, and called out to Kit, hold- ing, meantime, his switch cane across his shoul- ders to show that hé carried no weapon in his hands. 2 “Put up your guns, young fellow ”—for Kit had drawn and cocked his revolvers. ** You won’t need them here to-day.” Kit, seeing that but one man. confronted him, slid his pistols back into their resting-places and quietly awaited what the other had to say. “Tho boys just told me about your knocking Cockey cold,” continued Faro Frank, ‘and I swear it’s the pluckiest thing Iever heard of io my wild and varied career. ““The idea of a slender young fellow like you possessing such strength; they say that when you struck out the blow sounded like the kick of a mule, “I’m with you, and no harm ccmes to you this day, Dll see to that. ‘*Come and have a drink,” ** Much obliged,” returned Kit, laconically, ‘*I never drink.” “A cigar then.” ** Never smoke,” “Well, hang it, take a lemonade.” “Since you insist, I will. “T feel a little thirsty and a sour lemonade ~ won’t go bad. ; “This isn’t a steer your giving me?” ‘On the word of Frank Francis, ’m giving it to you dead straight.” “ All right then, Pll join you.” And Kit knew that he was perfectly safe in so doing, for although Faro Frank was a con- firmed gambler and the hero of a score of des- perate knife and pistol fights, he had never gone back on bis word, In Denver, his honesty when he had pledged himself, was proverbial, and so well-known that every one relied on it. So Kit rode quietly along, the gambler, who was a magnificently built man, eying thi young fellow quizzically, and shaking his hea and muttering to himself asif he found it im- possible to comprehend how such a slight figure could posses such tremendous strength, As they drew .near the saloon, the crowd about the porch scowled and glared at Kit, and several of them, evidently wishing to toady to Cockey, made threating remarks,
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a at tho behind But Frank ste ‘oe quickly forward and ad- dressing them said: “Look here, you fellows, this young gentle- man isa friend of mine, and any one who in- - sult bim, insults me!” “So just keep civil tongues in your heads, or by the great horn spoon you'll regret it. “You know me!” “And I’m with you, Frank,” remarked a quiet, determined-looking fellow, Frank’s part- ner, as he stepped out from the saloon. “You see, you are all right, so come on.” And Denver Kit dismounting, entered the saloon, while the crowd about them slunk away from the angry glances Frank and his partner _ flung right and left. CHAPTER XVI. KIT’S NEW FRIENDS. THERE were many persons jn the saloon, and most of those who were standing outside, fol- lowed the trio through the swing doors, so that once all were inside, so great was the crowd that it was almost impossible to move, Elbowing his way up to the counter, Frank shoved every one in his way right and left, being closely followed by Diamond Dan, his partner, and Kit, As the latter leaned on the bar, Cockey, who was engaged at the other end, spied him and came rapidly toward where he was standing. Cockey was a total wreck, and looked as though he had been interviewed by a pile- driver. His eye was beginning to color, and ‘promised in a short time to become a magnificent blend- ing, of blue, yellow, black and brown. efore he could address a word to Kit, Frank, who cared for and feared no one on earth, called out to him: ‘‘ What's the matter with the eye, Cockey? Looks like a rainbow in a fog.” An inarticulate growl was the only answer to this sarcastic speech, and Cockey, bringing down his massive fist with a tremendous thud on the counter, cried: ‘oF you've come in hyar ter look fer a row, ene feller, you'll get it sooner nor yer hink, “Git out o’ my saloon!” “Gently, Cockey, gently!” interposed Faro Frank, while acid Dan drew a little closer, and turning, faced the crowd behind his friend. “This young gentleman is a friend of mine, 80 you just shut up and hustle ’round.” “Now, look hyar, Frank Francis, you've been a-runnin’ this yer’ town long enough, an’ I’m hanged 'f I’m a-goin’ ter stan’ it any longer. ‘An’ as fur this yar young snip, ’f he don’t vamose pretty considerable quick, Pll fling him through ther dvor, an’ you, too!” And as he spoke he drew from beneath the coun- ter a huge revolver, already cocked, which he thrust squarely into Faro Frank's face, the muz- zle touching his forehead. But with a movement like the spring of a nther, Kit caught the brawny wrist of the Buny, and gave it a quick twist upward, while 6 instant Francis dropped to the flour the shelter of the counter, Denver Kit’s Double. a a The pistol was discharged, the bullet burying itself harmiessly in the ceiling overhead, and fell to the coanter, and thence to the floor, while the barkeeper, seizing his right hand, fairly danced and howled with mingled pain and rage. His wrist was dislocated But at the same time Cockey’s partner, who was standing just bebind Kit, and who was even stouter and taller and more powerful than Cockey, rushed on our hero with hand uplifted to administer a crushing downward blow. Spat! And as Diamond Dan’s right arm shot out, Blinkey, as be was affectionately termed, staggered back and would have inevitably fallen, had he not been caught by some of his friends, Frank had risen and turned to face the crowd, drawing a pair of wicked-looking der- ringers from his coat Oe as he did so, and cocking them, while Kit kept bis attention di- rected toward Cockey, not knowing what might be the next move of that worthy. But Cockey was just at that moment interest- ed in netbing so much as his wrist, and was standing by the faucet, allowing the cold water to run over the injured member, which he bad pulled back into place, At sight of the wicked-looking weapons which Faro Frank beld, the crowd, which a moment before had seemed inclined to side with the bar- keepers, fell back as far as it could while some of the men began to sneak out of thedoor and hunt their homes, Imitating Faro Frank’s movement, Kit and Dan drew their weapons, and the trio, realizing that it would be foolish to remain any longer where they were, backed out of the saloon, con- fronting the crowd, and retreated to the street, Frank hurling back this parting threst: “Remember! If any barm ever comes to my friend here, through you, Dan and I will see that heis terriby avenged!” When they were once more in the street, Faro Frank turned to Kit, and slipping his derringers back into his pocket, extended his hand to Kit, and said: “Well, you are a daisy. ““Cockey had me dead, and, as there i; no love lost between us, would probably have ale out old scores with a bullet through my ead, : “You saved my life, undoubtedly, and we are stanch pards for life, ‘* Put her there!” And grasping Kiv’s hand he shook it warmly, in which action he was seconded ty Dan, ‘“ Now I must leave you,” remarked Kit, when they were through congratulating him, “T am not at liberty to say what calls me away, but Iam sure that when I tel] you that it is most important that I should go, you will excuse me,” ; “Sure, pard, sure. If ee have anything of importance to attend to, skip out. ‘But, remember, should you ever need a friend, call on me, and if I’m not to be found, Dan here will see you through,” ‘You can plank down your chips on that, ee boy, every time,” assented Dan, while 7 thanked them warmly, ;
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“But before you go, tell us what we shall call you,” added Frank. “My friends know me as Denver Kit, but simple Kit will do.” “* Well, good-by, Kit, and good luck!” **Good-by !” And swinging himself into the saddle Kit eantered off down the street, while the two gamblers walked away to their rooms, where they soon Spe the last occurrence in the ex- i citement of a little game, It did not take long for Kit to reach the burned house, when, branching off to the north, he galloped over the plain toward the hollow tree, fastening his horse in a thicket near by, and then returning and entering the hollow trunk. Stooping, he rapped at regular intervals, twice, three times, and then twice again, and in a minute or two the bolt was shot below, and, lifting the trap, the fair face of Dainty appeared at the foot of the steps, “ You have been away much longer than you said,” she called out, pouting prettily. ‘And have had numerous adventures, which, when you have heard them, you will acknowl- edge excuse my protracted stay.” * Possibly,” still pouting. ** But come down here and tell me about it.” And Kit, descending, closed the trap and fol- lowed her. CHAPTER XVII. A WESTERN FARO-BANK, Datnty listened with glowing cheeks and sparkling eyes to Ki%s narration, and when he had finished, extended her hand to him, and said: “Forgive me, my friend, for my childish pet- tishaess of a while ago. “T should bave known that something unu- sual had detained you, but with nothing but my ey thoughts for company, the day bas been very long.’ “And it is now too late to leave here, and it is best that you should have another good night’s rest before we start out on the trail against Col- ton and his band, “T have a plan which I think may prove a successful one, and to prepare it thoroughly I must return to The Gulch to-night, “ Your horse seemed a little lame yesterday.” “Yes, poor fellow; he stepped on a loose stone, night before last, as I was hurrying home, and evidently sprained his shoulder,” “Well, I will see that you have. better one to-morrow, “In there,” designating the saddle-bags, “ you will find a complete outfit, and by the time I re- turn in the morning 1 hope to find you all ready and prepared for an early start. “Tt is a pity, and almost seems a sacrilege, but you must sacrifice some of your beautiful hair, so that it will be the same length as mine,” **Then you must act as barber,” “Very unwillingly, but it is absolutely neces- sary, and I will console myself with the thought that it will soon grow again.” A pair of shears was soon found, and Dainty having carefully measured the length of his Denver Kit’s Double. hair, Kit gave a few scientific snips, and the masses of gulden tresses were shortened by near- ly a yard, Carefully collecting the glittering strands, Kit wrapped them up and placed them in his leather sachel that hung by his side, remarking; “These leave me only with my life!” And then telling her that he had forgotten one or two necessary adjuncts to her costume, he advised her not to dress before he returned. And then, after a hasty lunch, Kit rose, and telling Dainty not to worry jf he were detained, but to wait patiently until he returned, was about to leave the room, when she called him back, “You are going to ventura into that awful place again?” “Tt is absolutely necessary.” ‘Then pray—pray be very careful! “What wou.d I do, should anything happen to you that would end seriously?” “Do not fear. Life has become too precious to me within the past day or two for me to risk it foolishly. “*Good-by.” And Kit left the room, while Dainty, burying her face in her hands, whispered to herself: ‘What could he have meant by that last re- mark he made?” But her wildly beating heart answered her quickly, and her face settled into a tender smile, which yet played about her mouth when she slept. For her dreams were of Kit! The long street of The Gulch was one blaze of light as Kit rode into the village, kerosene torches flaring in front of the saloons from posts set at the edge of the road, while from the in- terior of the shanties came sounds of laughter, loud voices, the click of ivory checks and the rattle of the ivory ball spinning around the re- volving roulette- wheel, Riding up to » building which was somewhat more pretentious than its fellows, and which was ornamented with asign bearing the inscrip- tion; “THE GuLGH Hore,” Kit dismounted and gave his horse in charge of one of the stablemen, who was lounging near by, and requested him to take care of him for a time, emphasizing his directions by slip- ping a five-dollar note into the fellow’s ready band. ‘* He'll be looked after as if he was a babby, sir,” replied the bostler, doffing his hat and looking admiringly at Kit’s magnificent mount, ‘* A fine horse that, sir, ard well suited to carry a fine gentleman Jike you,” And, as he led the horse off in the direction of the stables, Kit turned and walked up the street in search of Frank’s place. He opened the swing-doors of half a dozen resorts, but was disappointed, until at length he came to a low, single-story framé building that stood a little back from the street. It was constructed of rough, unplaned boards, and did not boast of the slightest sign of paint; but on opening the door and stepping inside, he saw Frank seated back of a faro-table, about which was grouped a crowd of men three deep, ) |
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Denver Kit’s Double. each one intent on the bets that lay scattered about in every direction. ; Tn the ‘ lookout ” chair was Diamond Dan, carefully watching that no mistakes were made in the bets, Raising his eyes mechanically Frank recog- ~ nized Kit, and instantly called out: ‘Pete, a chair for Mr. Christopher. Here, some of you sitters, move outand let this gen- tleman have a place!” : And, as Kit walked forward, the negro atten- dant brought a chair, the crowd about the table who were -seated squeezed together a little closer, Kit took a place directly opposite the dealer, and, diving into bis pocket, produced a roll of bills, “Give me a thousand dollars’ worth, please,” he said quietly, as he counted the money out on the table, 2 * Certainly; what price?” “Oh, five hundred a stack,” “Ther kid’s a-goiu’ ter play twenty-five dol- lar checks, by gum!” muttered a grizzled old miner who sat near ‘‘ keeping cases,” and who had evidently found luck against him, as he did not bave a single check in front of him. Réceiving his two stacks, Kit, as it was near a end of the deal, waited and looked about im. Judging from the exterior, the interior was a complete surprise, for it was fitted up with an elegance that would have been no discredit to a Broadway bar-room, The place was crowded, and the air heavy with tobacco smoke, while nearly every one in the room was intent on one object—gain. CHAPTER XVIII. BUTTED OUT OF TIME, As Denver Kit finished his observations, the gruff voice of the case-keeper growled out: **One turn and a call!” And hostilities were suspended for a few mo- ments to enable the players to make their final bets on the deal before the last cards were drawn from the box, And then, as they were slipped out, various ejaculations arose from the crowd of bettors, as they had won or lost. “Called her that time?” ‘Struck the turn at last!” sas Hang the deuce, she lost four times,” “Pay this bet, Mr. Dealer.” Give me five hundred,” “Tl take another stack o’ blues.” And the bets being collected and paid, the _ cards shuffled and again placed in the box, Kit turned his attention to the game, and scattered _ his checks about with a reckless profusion that caused even the usually imperturbable Frank to Yaise bis eyebrows in slight amazement. For two hours Kit sat there, playing with varying fortune, seeming entirely indifferent as to whether he won or lost, At one time he had won forty-two thousand en : dollars, but not long afterward his ivory capital was reduced to the hundreds; but at the end of the time mentioned, at the close of an unusually _ successful deal, on counting up bis checks he found that he was exactly even, not haying won lost a dollar, Being somewhat fatigued from sitting so long in the same poslans hs eeobe: his chair being instantly appropriated by one of the players who was standing behind him, and, slipping his checks in bis pocket, walked away, calling back to the dealer: “See you later, Frank.” He strolled about the room from group to group, remarking as he did so, that there was not one of the men in the room that he had seen during his adventures at the Gold Dust, that crowd having been made up of bar and saloon- keepers, who were now evidently busy with their duties, Again approaching the faro-table, he stood there a moment, when he was accosted by a tall, fair-haired young fellow of his own age, who was looking on, but who was not doing any betting. ** As we are not playing, suppose you join me in a drink.” Kit was about to decline, courteously, when he caught Frank’s eye, and the latter nodded, almost imperceptibly, evidently having over- heard the remark. Kit instantly took the cue, and replied, pleas- antly: “Certainly, if you'll excuse my not taking anything stronger than a lemonade.” “Anything you wish,” replied the other, courteously. “That's exactly what I’m going to take,” And laying his hand on Kit’s shoulder in a friendly way, they threaded their way throug the crowd to the counter, While the barkeeper was engaged in mixing the two lemonades, Kit’s new acquaintance turned to him, and said: “That you may understand how it happened that I invited you to drink, I must introduce myself, ‘fam Frank’s brother. *T only reached here this evening, and while at supper he told me of what you had done this morning, and so described your appearance to me that I recognized you the moment you en- tered, “Tet me thank you, on my own behalf, for what you did for him.” “Your gratitude is grateful to me, but both you and he are making a mountain out of a very small mole-bill.” “That may be your view of it, but I assure you we look at it in a very different light. ‘“ Well, here’s to our life-long friendship,” he added as the barkeeper placed their glasses be- fore them. z r The two young men, finishing their lemon- ades, walked into a back room and bezan to talk about a dozen different things, CHAPTER XIX. A METAMORPHOSIS, Tuey had not sat long thus, when they were interrupted by a knock on the door, and in re- sponse to the answer, the black and smiling face of Pete, the negro attendant, was thrust in- side, He was grinning from ear to ear, and his white teeth shone like iyory behind bis scarlet- red lips,
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22) “1Scuse me, gen’l’men ‘scuse me, Massy Charley, but Massa Frank, he wan’ ter know ef you'll be good enuff ter spell him a bit.” “ All right, Pete; but here!” as the negro was about to withdraw. “Take this,” And pulling a bundle of bills from his pocket, he drew from it a bhundred-dollar note, and handed it to the delighted darky, ‘* And this, Pete, added Kit, capping the gift with a bill of like denomination, ‘*Maybe you can do the same for me at some future time,” “Tank you gen’I’men; t’ank you bof, ‘“*T always tries ter act with judicion, when any of the gen’I’men gits inter trouble.” nd he smiled so vigorously that it really seemed to Kit as if the back of his head must in- evitably fall off. Excusing himself, Frank’s brother left the room bidding Kit remain where he was as it was more than likely that Frank wanted to see and talk to him. And in a moment greeted Kit warmly, * Delighted to see you, my boy, delighted. ** What’s the best word?” “There’s nothing new; but I want you to do me a favor,” ** Anything in the world, Kit. “Tf you want any money, you can have every cent there is in the house. ‘*T€ you are in any other sort of trouble, we'll pe the shebang and go with you wherever you wish. “ Thanks, old man, but it is nothing of that sort at all, “When I saw you in Denver, you were rid- ing a magnificent horse; have you him here?” ‘Stabled and stalled not a hundred yards away from where we are sitting.” “ He is fast?” “Tl give fifty yards start in a quarter of a mile to any borse in Colorado, and bet a thou- sand to a hundred I'll beat him home,” “*T thought as much when I saw him. “T particularly need a speedy animal, and want to borrow bim for a short time, say a week or two,” “Since I have owned Dandy, no leg but mine has ever been thrown across his back. “T have never loaned him toa _ soul on earth and have vowed that I never will.” It was curious to see the look of disappoint- ment that stole over Kit’s face at this announce- ment, and he evidently could not comprehend how Frank could return such an answer after all his protestations, But he was not allowed to remain long in sus- Sea for Frank, leaning back in his chair, roke out laughing and cried: There, there, Kit, don’t look so glum. ** All the vows I have ever made about not loaning Dandy, do not prevent my giving him away. ‘He's yours, my boy, todo what you please with, but you must accept him as a gift, “By the way, if I’m not mistaken, he is an exact match for your horse.” “So nearly alike that one not thoroughly familiar with them could not tell them apart, the other came in and Denver Kit’s Double. ‘Tt is for this reason that Iam so anxious to borrow bim for a time—why, lam notat liberty to tell you. “* But Pll never accept him as a gift!” “Oh, yes, you will! “Take himas freely as he‘is offered, and if I had a hundred horses you should have them all, willingly. “As for your reasons for wanting him, keep them to yourself,” ** At least let me buy him from you.” Never!” ‘Well, then, if you insist, I'll accept him, and I cannot tell you how grateful I am to you for the gift.” ‘Bosh! What's a transaction of that sort be- tween friends, ‘“ When do you want him?” **Tn an hour or two, when I return,” “All right; Pll tell Pete to saddle him, now,” ‘‘Never mind, I'll bring a saddle and bridle with me when I come back.” “Jast as you wish. “Off already. Well, drop in when you get back and say good-night to a fellow.” And shaking hands heartily the two friends separated, Nrank returning to the faro table and Kit going to the hotel, procuring his horse and riding away toward his ** den,” It was nearly eleven o’clock, the next morn- ing, and the sun was shining high from the clear, blue vault above, when two young fellows rode side by side along the road, which led toward the path which led to Coltou’s home, Dressed exactly alike, their horses resembling each other perfectly, with twin saddles ant bridles, the hair, eyes, features of the two riders perfect images, one of the other, any one meet- ing them would have removed his hat, scratched his head, and been puzzled to know how their mothers could tell them apart. They were chatting quietly, and one of them was saying: “Upon my word, Dainty, if I thought that I was half as good looking a fellow as you make, I'd be the vainest man in the mountains!” ** ‘You know we look exactly like each other, ** When we looked in the glass, this morning, you remarked how startling the likeness was.” “That is true, but whenever I look at you, the more I am convinced that my double is the - better looking. “* But now to business. “When they see you, gallop straight down the hill—that horse is as sure-footed asa goat— ride straight to Faro Frank’s, the place is called ‘The Broadway,’ and stable your Lorse. ‘Go inside and tell anybody you see that you want to go into the private room and lie down on the lounge, being tired. “ Wait for me there.” “Pil do exactly as you say; but bere is my path, bide yourself carefully !” **T will; good luck and good-by.” And Kit rode off into a thicket where be could not be seen from the road, and dismounting, seated himself on the grass to wait as patiently as_he could. z Dainty rode rapidly up the path yntil she £ =
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Denver Kit’s Double. came near the end of her journey, when she roceeded slowly, until she could peer around Ge bank at the side and Jook ahead. Seated under the tree which had so nearly been her gallows, she saw three men, eating their dinner, while their horses stood near, and riding out boldly, she showed herself openly. She was instantly perceived, and supposed to be Kit, so with a shout, the men sprung to their horses, mounted and galloped toward her, while she coolly waited. CHAPTER XX. FACE TO FACE. Ir wasevident that Colton and his men were completely deceived, and that they thought it was Kit who thus defied them, as they galloped down the valley toward Dainty, It was doubtless the case, also, that they wished to capture her alive, ‘As they began to draw uncomfortably near, Dainty turned Dandy’s head, for she was mounted on Faro Frank’s gift to Kit, and be- gan to canter slowly down the path, increasing the speed of her horee as her pursuers drew nearer and nearer. Kit had told ber of Dandy’s wonderful speed and endurance and she felt no anxiety about being able to ride away as she wished, when- ever she desired, but as the men who were fol- lowing her possessed good horses, she was by degrees compelled to quicken her pace, until finally, her horse fairly flew down the steep and rocky path, never stumbling once, and, picking his way over the loose stones that lay scattered about, never checked his speed a par- ticle. He proved magnificently what Kit had said of him: “He is as sure-footed as a goat,” while the light burden he carried seemed but a feather’s weight on his broad back, Reaching the road Dane swept off to the right at full speed, again allowed the howling trio behind ber to gain a few rods until a mile away from the path, and then, gently touching Dandy with her golden spur, she dashed off ata pace that defied pursuit. Still Colton did not abandon the chase, but pressed on until he arrived at a spot where the road forked, one branch leading to the main stage-road, the other passing through Tbe Gulch, and as the fleeing rider he was in pursuit of, was by this time out of sight, he drew rein and ordered his companions to stop. He was completely nonplused, and knew not which direction to take, ‘Curses on the young whelp!” he growled. “Tnsulting us by riding nearly to our camp and then escaping in this manner! “The next time he comes within range, boys, I give you permission to shoot him down as you would a dog. “Tet’s go back; I don’t feo) quite right yet; and suppose you are not entirely recovered from |- the shock.” And, in truth, such had been the effect of the lightning-stroke, that had killed one of their number and stunned the rest, that this was the first day since the event, that they had yen- tured outside of the house, “We'll take a good rest to-night, and will be all right in tite morning, “ There’s no need of our keeping watch, no one will harm us, and that young cub will not dare venture near us, thinking as be doubtless does, that we are on the alert.” And so, turning their horses, they rode slowly back toward their camp, as they called it, mean- ing the stone house in which they lived, osten- sibly carrying on the work of honest miners in the vicinity. As they had swept by Kit’s hiding-place, he looked with admiration upon the magnificent horsemanship displayed by Dainty, and the wonderful, easy, stretching stride of the animal she rode. And as they yet gomabrs in the distance, he mounted and galloped up the path they bad just descended, and reaching the valley rode straight up to the bouse, Having seen that there were three men in the party which pursued the girl, he was convinced that there was no one in the vicinity, believing, as he did, that one of their number bad been killed by the lightning. Tbe black mark that had shown so plainly on his temple was almost proof sufficient of this, but had Kit needed any confirmation, he would have found it in a green mound that rose above ae turf, under the branches of the spreading ree, Fresh earth scattered? about showed that a grave had recently been dug there, and in it doubtless lay the body of the poor wretch who had been so suddenly stricken, Leaving his horse standing there, Kit opened the door, which was unfastened, and entered the single room that composed the interior of the dwelling. He had no specific purpose in coming there, but hoped that he might come across some clew that would lead to an explanationof the murder of Dainty’s father, so he began rummaging around in every direction. But look as he would, being burried in his search by the thought that the bandits might re- turn at any moment, he could find nothing, and was about to abandon the search, when he stumbled over a pair of high boots that stood in one corner, This would not have attracted his attention had it not been for the fact that one of them gave out a metallic sound, which he at first thought proceeded from a spur; but to satisf himself, he kicked it again, when the clin sounded louder than ever, His curiosity thoroughly aroused, he picked up the boot, turned it upside down, when there fell to the floor with a clang, an oblong tin box, at the sight of which he started, and then eager- ly picked it up. The box was japanned, and on the top was written, Scidently with some sharp-pointed in- str»ment, the name of Drake Danford. “Now here’s luck!” solilequized Kit. ‘Tf I’m not entirely mistaken, this is the iden- tical box that Dainty’s father mentioned in his writing in the locket, “T only hope the papers aro still inside and have not yet been disturbed.” And he exumined the box, which to his great
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eatiheetR 24 joy he found bound about with a piece of tape, which was sealed with wax, the sealbearing the stamp of a signet ring be had noticed on the dead man’s finger. The box could not have been opened without either cutting the tape or breaking the seal, so that Kit felt convinced that the contents had not been tampered with, Hastily placing it in a capacious inner pocket of his coat, he left the house and again tovk his seat in the saddle, hoping that he might be able to regain his hiding-place by the road before Colton returned. He felt convinced that they would abandon the chase when they reached the forks in the road, for he had impressed on Dainty the neces- sity of being so far ahead, when she arrived there, as to be out of sight, and thus b ffle her pursuers. Hurrying down the valley, he began the de- scent of the path, and was just congratulating himself upon being in time, when, as he rode out from bebind the bill, he found himself al- most face to face with Colton and his two com- panions, CHAPTER XXI, PERIL OF KIT'S DOUBLE. Dainty galloped swiftly along, nerving her- self for the first experience that she was to have in her role as Denver Kit’s Double, when brought face to face with those who know Kit personally, and were familiar with his appearance, Her voice was somewhat low-toned for a woman, though sweet and well-modulated, while Kit’s voice was rather high-pitched, so that should they converse in the hearing of a third party who could not see them, it would haye beer difficult for the listener to decide which one was speaking, With his usual foresight Kit had given her the chips he had purchased the evening before at The Broadway, and which he had neglected to “cash in,” thinking that some inquiry might be made for them, He had related to her, even to the minutes$ pes everything that had happened to im during his absence, so that she felt perfectly able ty hold her own, should any reference be made to past events. So she rode bravely up to the saloon after reaching the town, and was about to lead Dandy to the stable, having dismounted, when Pete, the woolly-headed, came bursting out of the door, removing his cap as he did so, ‘“Mawnin’, Massa Kit; you’se back early. “Didn’t’spect you so soon, I'll take your horse, sah,” and consigning Dandy to the ne- gro’s care, Dainty strode into the saloon, much relieved that the first ordeal was safely passed, But would she be as successful with sharp, shrewd Faro Frank, with keen-eyed Diamond Dan, with shrewd Charley? That remained to be seen, and consoling her- self with the thought that she was among Kit’s friend’s, in any event, she walked straight u to the faro-table where Frank was busy with his checks, seeming much perplexed about something, J 4 Denver Kit’s Double. “ Hello! Kit, my boy,” cried Frank, extending — bis hand and grasping Dainty’s delicate lavender glove. “* You’re just the person I want to see, ‘Did you carry off any of my chips last night when you left? “If you didn’t, ’m hanged if I know where they have gone.” “Tve got a few in my pocket,” replied the girl, ber voice trembling somewhat, despite her efforts to steady it. “Pm awful sorry, Frank, but I clean forgot all about them.” ‘Well, I did, too, so we're even. It don’t make a particle of difference, only I do like to keep track of them, ** How many have you got?” * AllI bought when I started in—five hun- dred or a thousand, I forget which.” Frank looked at Dainty a moment, as if he could not comprehend bow a young fellow could forget a matter of five hundred dollars in a dozen hours, but said nothing, taking ‘the checks that the girl threw on the table, and stacking them up in regular piles. ‘A thousand, even, Wait till I open the safe and Pll hand you the ducats.” **Oh, no hurry; keep’em until some other time. > “ But say, Frank, I’m dead tired; any objec- tion to my going in yonder and taking a nap on the lounge?” “SOF course not; sleep there all day if you like, and if anybody comes in here making a noise, Pll fire °em into the street. ‘*Pll go in with you and see that everything is all right,” Everything seemed in good order, so Faro Frank,‘telling the supposed Kit to lock the door if he wished, withdrew, while Dainty, trembling like a leaf, shot tbe bolt, and threw herself on the lounge, erying bitterly, ‘Oh, my father,” she sobbed in a whisper, “T fear that oy woman’s strength will not be equal to the work I have vowed to perform, ‘“Would you, I wonder, be very angry if I broke that vow?” But she soon became calmer, and, overcome by nervous exhaustion, was soon in a deep sleep, which promised to do her more good than all the — drugs physician ever prescribed. She slept on for some time, unconscious of her surroundings, when she was suddenly awakened by high words in the saloon, for the partitions were none of the thickest, and only a thin plank wall separated the room in which she was from the bar-room, Wide awake on the instant, and with every sense alert, she sat up anc listened intently. “Mr, Francis gave strict orders when he went out that no one was to be allowed to gointo that room,” said a voice which Dainty supposed to be that of the barkeeper, who was alone in the saloon, Faro Frank having gone to his lodgings, +and taken Pete with him. The rest of the barkeepers had not yet put in an appearance, as very little business was done at The Broadway, or indeed at any of the saloons, before the lamps were lighted. ‘“*T don’t give a_cent w’ot Faro Frank er enny_ other bloke says, I’m a-goin’ inter that room an? — ee ” 5
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Denver Kit’s Double. 25 find thet young snip w’ot broke my wrist and lick the stuffin’ outen him.” ** Yes, you bet, an’ I’m a-goin’ too!” growled a second voice, Dainty immediately realized that these could be ncne others than Cockey and Blinkey, who had evidently beard or her being there and sup- that it was Kit. These two worthies evidently were familiar with The Broadway, and knew that as Kit was not visible in the main room he must be con- cealed in the small room, which was reserved for private poker-parties, when the different gamblers of The Gulch got to bucking against each other, The two men evidently began to walk toward the room where Dainty sat, and she, drawing a revolver, was about to prepare herself to resist to the last extremity, when the voice of the bar- keeper was again heard: **T tell you, once forall, you can’t go in there; and if you persist—” There was a sickening thud, and something came crashing against the partition and then fell to the floor, ‘Well struck, Blinkey,” remarked the cruel voice of Cockey. “Thet fool’ll not bother us any more; now, let’s go an’ skin the youngster.” Ina moment there came a thundering rap on the door, and in response Dainty called out Lee & ‘“ What do you want?” “ Open this door or we'll bu’st her down!” Trembling with fear Dainty turned to the open window, and was about to climb out when it was darkened, and an agile form sprung into the room. “Here I am, Dainty,” he whispered, “safe and— But what is that?” he asked, as the door cracked and creaked, ‘* Cockey and Blinkey are trying to get in to kill me, thinking it is you.” ‘*Oh-ho! Is that the way the land lies? Stand to one side, out of harm’s way, and see what we do with murderers where | come from!” _ The door crashed down as Kit drew his revol- vers, while as Blinkey and Cockey came stum- bling in, two pistols spoke as one, and the men who were ravening for his blood fell to the floor without a groanoracry. , Each had been shot through the heart! CHAPTER XXII. AT THE NICK OF TIME. We must now go back in our story to the mo- ment when Kit encountered Colton, Hercules and Big Jim, as the third of this delectable trio was called. It is almost needless to say that Kit was much yexed at this unfortunate meeting, for he knew that Dainty would be nervous under the ordeal through which she was about to pass: and now that his ruse had been successful, and he had obtained more than he had hoped for or ex- pected at the stone house, he wished to consult with her regarding their future movements. But there he was, face to face with the gang, and putting on the best face he could, he saluted them blandly; ‘** Good-morning, Mr, Colton; good-morning, % cea: ff, Mr. Hercules; good morning, Mr. What’s-your- name, I never have had the pleasure of an in- troduction, so cannot address you as I would wish,” The trio gazed at Kit as if they thought him some supernatural visitor, not being able to conceive how he came to be there when they were certain that they had lately pursued him for a distance of miles, and being positive that there was no other means of reaching the point where they had encountered him save the road by which they had returned. Hercules was by far the most troubled of the three, and trembled visibly, whispering to Col- ton: ‘Where in thunder could he hey sprung from? “*Tain’t nateral, an’ I swear 1 believe he’s a ghost! “* He couldn’t a’ got back hyar onless his crit- ter kin fly, an’ I don’t see no wings.” “We'll soon see whether his be mortal or im- mortal!” cried Colton, and leveling his revolver he fired straight at Kit, who sat quietly smiling at him, Either his aim was exceptionally bad or his nerves were decidedly unstrung, for the bullet whizzed harmlessly by Kit’s head and he Jaugh- ed sardonically, adding to the terror of the giant and Big Jim. Hercules did not remain any longer to see what would be the result of a second shot, but put spurs to his horse, and with a yell of fear started off up the road on a dead run, being fol- lowed by Colton, whose horse becoming unman- ageable, followed the flying hoofs of his stable mate. Recovering somewhat from his fright and be- ing really a brave man, although a natural bully and thief, Big Jim drew one of his re- A ae and was about to cock and fire it at t. But he never finished the movement. More rapid than thought was Kit’s motion, and as bis pistol was raised to a level with his eye, he fired apparently without taking aim. And true to its mark the leaden messenger sped, and eutering Big Jim’s forehead, passed through his brain and sent him with a crash to the ground, Kit had well preserved his reputation for being the “‘ quickest man on the trigger in the State of Colorado!” jf And then he cantered on, realizing that two of the band upon which rested the suspicion of Dainty’s father’s death, had been wiped out of existence, One had fallen by the hand of Providence, the second by his own hand. But the two most desperate of the quartette yet remained alive, one of whom had possibl fired the fatal shot which killed Mr, Danford, and made Dainty an orphan, Reaching the forks of the road, Kit saw by the hoof-prints in the mud, that the two horse- men bad taken the left-hand road, or the one which led to the stage route, so riding on a little further, he fastened his horse, and, retracing his steps, hid himself and waited at the point where the road branched,
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He sat for some time, waiting until at length be heard the sound of voices, and soon perceived Colton and Hercules riding slowly back, the lat- ter casting fearful glances ahead and seeming to need considerable urging to persuade him to con- tinve the ronte, Colton was arguing with him and urging the necessity of returning to their home to secure sundry documents, which were there, and which would be of immense value to them, At which remark Kit chuckled quietly and tapped the tin box in his pocket gently. As the two men disappeared down the road, Kit, having located them, which was all he cared to de for the present, returned to where his horse was standing, mounted and rode away to The Gulch, As we have seen he arrived just in time, and had he been delayed a minute longer, would have been too late. Cockey and Blinkey having been so summa- riky disposed of, Kit turned bis attention to Dainty, whom he found quivering Jike an aspen leaf, but be soon soothed and quieted her, after which he, in as few words as possible, related his adventures, telling her also of his success in finding the tin box, « And now,” said he, ‘' slip out of the window and return home and wait for me, ‘7 must seo Frank and tell him what happen- ed while he was absent. “Do not take the main street, but ride out back of town, so as to escape observation, if it is possible!” “Ob, Kit!” sobbed the frail young girl, “do not remain long away from me, “Tam not so strong as [ thought and a few more days of this will kill me.” ‘*T will be there almost as soon as youare, my child, and whether near or far, will always watch over you.” With along hand-clasp they separated, Dainty stepping out of the window and Kit going into the bar-room, There he found the barkeeper, lying on the floor, stone dead, his skull having been crushed like an egg-shell by a tremendous blow from the butt of a pistol. The sight was a sickening one, and Kit gladly turned away from it and walked to the door, where he encountered Frank, who entered at that moment. Ina few words Francis was placed in full possession of the facts, and thanked Kit for so quickly avenging the death of his assistant, to whose side he walked and looked down at him sadly. cS Pace Jack,” he said, ‘t wasa nice fellow and as honest as he was clever. ‘‘ But as he is gone, we will sce that he hasa funeral that will do bim justice,” And Kit, promising to see him soon, went to the stable and rode off toward Dainty’s under- ‘ound home, as fast as his horse would carry im, CHAPTER XXITI. A FEARFUL DEATH, As Kit rode past the still smoking and smol- dering ruins cf Dainty’s former residence, which yet burned slightly at the bottom of the Denver Kit’s Double. = ———————————n— —O—o—a—cycyqyyy—eeEeEeE————— mass of timber which had fallen into the cellar, he became aware of the fact that he was fol- lowed by some one, as he could hear hoof-beats sounding on the road behind him. Anxious as he was to once more rejoin Dain- ty, who might, he feared, be still suffering from the Jate shock to her nerves, he hurried on, turned to the left, and after a short gallop, ar- rived at the hollow tree, and sending his horse trotting off up the bank, he swung around by the vine, and rapped on the trunk. The door was fastened on the inside, and he was compelled to rap louder and louder, finally hammering with the butt of his revolver, before he heard the sliding of the bolt, and the door pelos opened, he saw Dainty standing before im, “Fixcuse my keeping you waiting, but I had gone down the underground passage for a mo- ment, to see if there wasany danger of any one entering through the cellar, But the passage is full of smoke, and the other end is choked up with rubbish from the fire, so that it is impos- sible that any one should notice the opening.” Kit stepped in and closed the door after him, when, drawing the tin box from his pocket, he handed it to Dainty, saying: “No hands but yours shall break this seal or until tris knot.” ‘¢Then come below,” she'answered, ‘fund to- gether we will examine its contents.” Seated in the dining-room, Dainty struggled with the ‘intricately twisted tape for a few mo- ments, and then seizing a knife, quickly solve the problem by cutting the knot, placed the box on the table and opened it. Lying one on top of the other were two sheets of folded foolseap, which she unfolded and read, afterward handing them to Kit. The first, evidently written some years be fore, as was proven by the faded color of tit ink and the yellowness of the paper, bore dato 1866, and was thus worded: “T give and bequeath everything I now possess or may hereafter come in possession of, to my beloved daughter Dainty. * (Signed) “Witness, JAMES HARTWELL. “New York, December 11, 1866.” Henry DAnrorp; The other was dated 1884, and was in the form of a letter to Dainty, anda, condensed, in- formed her that by great good fortune, he was able to leave to her property which would make her an immensely rich woman. He had discovered a mine, which, properly worked, would prove of inestimable value, if being situated in a canyon which was supposed to be inaccessible, and which— Here the letter terminated abruptly with tho words: ‘7 am interrupted, buf: will finish this later.” The data of the month at the top was that on which Mr. Danford had been murdered. He had evidently been writing when inter- rupted by the assassins’ knock, and never had been able to finish it. “Had your father never spoken to you of this matter?” asked Kit. “Never. He was a peculiar man, and always
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| ER oe Te Denver Kit’s Double. But; on paper any matter of interest he wished 0 convey to a person, ; “He often told me that, if he should sudden- wy ly die, I must search the house for bis will, but never referred in any manner to any of his pro- rty or wealth, “Tn fact I always thought we were very poor, for our Jarder was empty half‘ the time.” ‘But how did Colton become familiar with the existence of these papers?” *T can not imagine.” ‘¢ Well, we must endeavor to solve the mys- tery, and I will devote myself to that end. ‘But I must go out and see if those who were following me are in the neighborhood.” And leaving the room, Kit returned to the hollow tree and climbed up the ladder to the lookout hole, With a rashness that was unpardonable, he immediately stuck his head out, and looked around, when suddenly a shout echoed from be- low, so startling him that he nearly lost bis bal- ance and came within an ace of falling from his lofty perch to the ground below, Just below, one on the right, the other on the left of the tree, stood looking up at him, Colton and Hercules, and as he jerked his head insite, a bullet whizzed past the hole, clipping the leaves of the vine which clambered round it, and burying itself in the tree-trunk, ‘ We've treed him, Cap!’ eried Hercules, ex- ultingly, ‘an’ now we'll purceed ter smoke him ont in the most scientific manner.” ‘What are you going to do, you fool?” re- turned Colton, as he began to move about, col- Jecting dead branches and twigs, and piling them about the trunk of the tree. * Goin’ ter light a bonfire fer his benefit.” ‘‘ And you expect to smoke him out in that manner?” “ce Sure,” “Why, you double-dyed idiot, can’t you see that the whole tree is so wrapped about with that green vine that it would never take fire!” “ Right you are, Cap, “Thet sarcumstance didn’t strike me afore,” Andscratching his bushy bead he continued: “But what'll we do about it? “Camp here and starve him ont, standing watch and watch. +‘ Hell have to come out at last, and as there is evidently no way of getting out of the tree except by that hole, which only looks small on account of its immense distance from the ground, he will have to climb down the vine to reach the earth. “That is evidently the way Ite got in the tree and that is the wey he'll have to get out. “When he climbs down we can easily cap- ture him, for he will be able to offer no resist- ance, And Hereules grinned in high glee as he gloat- ed over the anticipated death of the young fel- low, Colton had succeeded in talking him out of his superstitious fear, inventing some plausible ex- cuse to account for Kit’s mysterious di appear- ance. It had been by accident that they had seen Kit and tracked bim to his hiding-place, believ- ing it to be only a temporary resort, and not 3 dreaming of ‘the perfect living arrangements that existed ip the ground below their feet, or of the lower entrance to the hollow tree. The day passed, and the night, and the two men watched by turns, having luncheon with them and procuring water from the stream near by; aud still Kit gave no sign of life, and when the third day had passed Hercwes grew impatient, “im a-goin’-ter climb up ther tree by ther vine, an’ take a squint inside, Cap,” he said, to- ward evening, “Go ahead.” And Hercules grasped the stout vine, which twisted and turned in every direvtion, and easily climbed to the hole, into which he thrust his head, But just then something terrible happened, for the vine, growing weaker as it grew higber from the ground, was here not strong enough to bear his immense weight, and first broke away under his feet, leaving him hanging by the hands. Finally, the rotten wood of the trunk splinter- ed and gave way, and his huge body went turn- ing and tumbling and twisting through the void, until it crashed on the cruel, pointed rocks be- low, where the giant miner of the gulch was crushed out of all semblance of humanity. Colton, cove ing his eyes with his hands to shut out the awful sight, uttered a fearful yell, and fled wildly. CHAPTER XXIV. CONCLUSION, Kir, who was standing at the bottom of the tree-trunk, when Hercules had looked in, al- though invisible from above on account of the darkness, bad been a partial witness of Hercu- les’s struggles, and immediately realized what had happened when he heard Colton’s ery. So climbing up the ladder, he looked cau- tionsly down, and saw, lying far below him, all that remained of Hercules, and then placing the mirror in position, surveyed the plain behind him. Almost immediately his eye caught the re- flection of a human figure lying motionless, a short distance away, which, from its general appearance, he instantly recognized as that of Colton, Hurrying down the ladder, he opened the door and soon reached Colton, who was groveling on the ground in an agony of fear and remorse, and immediately secured bim, tying his hands and feet firmly, and then searching him in hopes of finding some further clew to the lost mine, There was nothing in his pockets but a half- finished letter, which Kit, having called Dainty, read to the girl: “ My pear Curt,” it began. “‘T got your letter all O. K., and through it learned of Danford’s communication to you, in which he tells you of the mine he has discovered. Thinking that your proposition that we should obtain posses- sion of it was a good cne, I watched his house, and Med his every movement, night after night, through a convenient crevice, until finally my pa- tience was rewarded, one evening, Le seeing him come from an inner rodm, where he doubtless had some secret hiding-place, carrying a tin box, “He began to write a letter, buc I, believing that
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Denver Kit’s Double. . the box held the memoranda we wanted, and fear- ing the return of the girl—Dainty, you know— knocked, and asked for admission. “Tt was raining like thunder, and the old man, hastily putting the letter into the box, where there was, | saw, another document, tie] the receptable with a tape and, haying sealed it, put it in a small caproer te and then, after a few words opened the oor. “ And then I shot him and secured the box— what do you think of your humble servant, Craig Colton, anyway? “Tam afraid the girl may give us t ouble, par- ticularly as a young champion has lately espoused her cause, coming from nobody knows where, and I shall remain until I have settled them both. ““Thave bad no time yet to examine the papers, but will do so soon, when I will finish this,” Here the letter, containing full proof of Col- ton’s guilt, ended, and Kit, turning to Dainty, said sternly: “There lies your father’s murderer, whom you have vowed to track to his grave. ‘What shall be his fate?” Stern as destiny itself, Dainty, with not the slightest tremor in her voice, answered: * Death!” ** And by what means?” ** Send him to join his comrade!” And with a gesture like a queen, Dainty pointed toward the canyon. Kit, going to his and Coltou’s horses, took from their heads the rawhide ropes with which they were fastened, and then, saddling Colton’s horse, he returned to the spot where the ex- captain lay. Untyiog his feet, and lifting him into the saddle, he fastened him firmly in the seat, tying him to the horn with one lariat and to the rings in the cantle with the other. Then, taking a large silk handkerchief from his pocket, he blindfolded the horse so carefully that not a ray of ligbt could enter his eyes, the poor brute quivering all over, as if he anticipat- ed his terrible end, Then, leading the horse by the bridle, he walked close to the edge of the precipice, stopped, and turning, with whip in hand, he waited until Dainty should give the signal to him to lash the horse on the flanks and cause him to bound inadly forward over into the fear- ful gulf below, But the girl was standing, with closed eyes and clasped hands, her face turned toward heaven, praying, and was unaware of what Kit had been doing, But a moment later she looked toward him and realizing what an awful fate he bad in store for Colton, she leaped forward with all the des- erate energy of her nature, seized the horse by he bridle and dragged him away from the brink, crying: “Oh, Kit! I cannot, cannot do it! See! I break my vow and let this man go free, my father’s murderer though he is,” And tearing the bandage from the horse’s head, she cut the ropes that bound Colton and with a sweep of her hand pointed to the east. And without a word he turned, without a word rode away and, without looking back, dis- appeared in the distance, ‘Thank you, Dainty; .it is only what I ex- pected from you,” said Kit, ‘*And now your task is done, your fath, murder avenged, for the pardon you extended him is more bitter than death, “ But now, before-we separate, leb me ask y a question, ms “Short as our acquaintance has been, it has been so fraught with danger as to bind us more closely than years of friendship, “ Can you reciprocate the love I have borne for you since the instant I saw you? “Can you, honestly and with no thought of gratitude paying a supposed debt, lay your band in mine aud say: ‘Kit, I love you, and will be your wife?” ° : ; “7 can and do, Kit, for, as this is no time for false pretenses, I can say to you, frankly, that no man but you could ever be my husband.” Two weeks after that day Denver Kit and Dainty were marred in Denver, and that even- ing Faro Frank, Diamond Dan and Charley Francis, Frank’s brother, kept open house, and champagne flowed like water. THE END, BEADLE AND ADAMS’ Dime Hand-Books. Brapie’s Dims Hanp-Booxs ror Youna PEOPLE cover a wide range of subiects, and are especially adapted to their end Young People’s Series. Book of Games. Fortune-Teller, Lovers’ Casket. Ball-room Companion, Book of Beauty. Ladies’ Letter-Writer. Gents’ Letter-Writer Book of Etiquette. Book of Verses. Book of Dreams. Hand-Books of Games. Handbook of Summer Sports, Book of Croquet. Yachting and Rowing. Chess Instructor. Riding and Driving. Cricket and Football. Book of Pedestrianism, Guide to Swimming, : Handbook of Winter Sports—Skating, ete, Manuals for Housewives. 4, Family Physician, 5. Dressmaking and linery, 1. Cook Book. 2. Recipe Book, A 3. Housekeeper’s Guide. Joke Books. Pocket Joke Book, Jim Crow Joke Book, Paddy Whack Joke Book, Song Books. Bsapir’s Dime Sona Boors, Nos. 1 to 34, contain — the only popular collection of copyright songs. (e 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, BEADLE ) any Avams, Publishers, 98 William st., Ney,
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. By Edward L, Wheeler. me) Detective Dick; or, The Heroin Rags. Morris. 70 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. Coomes, 71 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 42 The Lion of the Sea; or, The Vailed Lady of San Tropez. By Albert W. Aiken, 73 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappear- ance. By Edward L. Wheeler, 4 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detec- tive. By Charles Morris. 75 Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. Bracebridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway). 76 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By E. L. Wheeler. 77 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggler. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.1 %8 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross. By E. L. Wheeler. 79 The Black Mustanger: or. The Wild Horse Hun- ters. By Captain Mayne Reid. 80 Old Frosty, the Guide. By T. C. Harbaugh. 81 The Sea Viper; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 82 Seth Jones: or, The Captives of the Frontier. By E. 8. Ellis. 83 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. Wheeler. 84 The Dumb Page: or, The Doge’s Daughter. By Captaid Frederick Whittaker. 85 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. Edward S. Ellis. 86 Jack Harkaway in New York. Hemyng. 87 The Hussar Captain; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 88 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty. By Edward L, Wheeler. 89 Bill Biddon, Trapper, or, Life in the Northwest. By Edward §. Ellis. 90 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George Gleason. 91 Mustang Sam, the King of the Plains. BE. Badger, Jr. 92 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, the Red Pirates of the Caribbees. By Samuel W. Pearce. 93 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy; or, The Mystery of the Stronghold, By Charles Morris. 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 95 Buck Buckram; or, Bess the Female Trapper. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 96° Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 97 The Black Steed of the Prairies. By James L. Bowen. 98 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan Lewis. 99 Bonanza Bill. the Man Tracker; or, the Secret Twelve. By E. L. Wheeler. 100 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. By E. S. Ellis. 101 Daring Davy, the Young Bear Killer; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf. By Harry St. George. 102 The Yellow Chief; or, The Half-Blood’s Ven- geance, By Capt, Mayne Reid. 103 Chip, the Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 104 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. By Roger Starbuck, By Chas. By Oll By By E.L. By By Bracebridge By Jos. 105 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective. Charles Morris. 106 Night-Hawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 107 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune, By Edward L. Wheeler. 108 Rocky Mountain Kit, the White Mustanger. T. C. Harbaugh. 109 The Branded Hand; or, The Man of Mystery. By Frank Dumont. 110 The Dread Rider; or, George W. Browne. 111 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks, L. Wheeler. 112 The Helpless Hand. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 113 Sear-Faced Saul, the Silent Hunter. By Coomes. 3 114 Piney Paul, the Mountain Boy. baugh. 115 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gor- gon’sGuleb. By Edward L. Whceler. 116 Jabez Coffin, Skipper; or, Lost in the Polar Regions. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 117 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trappers Trust. By ‘‘ Buffalo Bill.” 118 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred; or, The Win- ning Hand. By Chas. Morris. 119 Blonds Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper, baugh. 121 Harry Armstrong, the Captain of the Club. Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Harkaway). 122 The Huuted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman of the Prairie. By Edward §, Ellis. 123 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Edward L. Wheeler. 124 Judge Lynch, Jr.; or, The Boy Vigilante, C. Harbaugh. 125 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s Island. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 126 Blue Blazes; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Recky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 127 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job, By Edward L. Wheeler. Will Wildfire’s Racer; or, Winning Against Odcs. By Charles Morris. Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. Gold Trigger, the Sport; By T. C. Harbaugh. A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler. 32 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. Badger, Jr. 33 Wild-fire, the Boss of the Road. mont. Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. Morris. Deadwood Dick of Deadwood, or, The Picked P.rty. By Edward L. Wheeler. Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton Holmes. Dandy Rock, the Man Waldo Browne. Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas. Morris. The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, By Jos, EF. Badger, Jr. 140 Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road-Agents. By Philip 8. Warne. By By The Texan Duelist. By By Edward Ol By T. C. Har- By T. OC. Har- By By T. By Oll Coomes. or, The Girl Avengers, By Joseph F. By Frank Du- By Chas. 137 from Texas. By G. 138 139
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. 141 Ne York Nell, the Boy-Girl E."L. Wheeler. 142 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. Coomes. 143 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. By Jos. i. Badger, Jr. 144 Little Grit, fhe Wild Rider. graham. 145 The Tiger of Taos; or, Wild Kate, Dandy Rock’s Angel. By Geo, Waldo Browne. 146 The Cattle King; or, Cortina’s Right Bower. By Frank Dumont. 147 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, the Scamps of the Sierras. By Edward L. Wheeler. 148 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the Wolf-Herder of the Rockies. By Harry St. George. 149 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. By Charles Morris. 150 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. G. Waldo Browne. 151 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By W. H. Eyster. 158 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By E. L. Wheeler. 154 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War- Path. ‘By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 155 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit. Ingraham. 156 157 158 Detective. By By Oll By Col. Prentiss In- By By Col. Prentiss By. C. Morris. By T. C. Har- Will Wildfire in the Woods. Ned Temple, the Border Boy. baugh. Last Adventure. By E. L. Wheeler. Patent-Leather Joé’s Defeat; or, The Road-Agent. By Philip S. Warne. Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed Thirteen. By Col. P. Ingraham, Bob Rockett, the Cracksman, By C. Morris, Little Hucticane, the boy Captain. By Oll Coomes. Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, the Rivals of the Road. By E. L. Wheeler. Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack from Red Core. By T. C. Harbaugh. Buffalo Bi'l’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. Col. P. Ingraham. Will Wildfire Wins and Loses; or, Card.”” By Charles Morris. 167 Dandy Rock’s Piedge; or, Hunted to Death. , By George W. Browne. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 169 The Boy Champion. By Edward Willett. 170 Bob Rockett’s Fight for Lif +; or, Shadowed in New York By Charles Morris. 171 Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. By Oll Coome3. 172 The Yankee Ranger; or, Dusky Darrell. By 1 oe Emerson. 73 Dick Dingle. Scout; or, The Frontie: fea , sy ard S. Bs. ealire eke 4 Dandy Roec’s Scheme; or, The Golde = By GoW, Browne. 1¢ Golden Hand. 7 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, ‘ 76 Will Wildfire’s Pluck; 3 Charles Morris. a ae ee ee 177 The Boy Commander; or, The Maid of Perth By Col. Prentiss Ineraham. : 173 T he Maniac Hunter; or, The Mysteries of Night 2 ae nae Se Burton Saxe. ‘ ainty Lance; or, The i i a i badges, Je ne Mystic Marksman. By 180 The Boy Gold Hunter; or, N ick’s Se By T. C. Harbaugh, Seopa Mites 181 The Seapegrace Son. By Charles Morris. 182 The Dark-Sikinned Seovt; or. The Freeboote . . . C ~ DB rs of the Mississippi. By Lieut, Col. Hazeltine. 159 Lady 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 “A Trump Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s | By | { % Jabez Dart, Detective; or, The Hermit Trappethy ; By Oil Coomes. lod Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Edward Wii + lett. Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. s Ingraham. : Lance and His Pard. By Col. Pren-¥¢ By Joseph KE. Badger, Jr. 7'Th Trapped Tiger King; or, Dark Paul’s Plot. By Charles Morris. The Ventriloquist Detective, A Romance of Rogues. By Edward L. Wheeler. Old Rocky’s Boys; or, Bonito, the Young Mus- tang-Breaker. By Maj. Sam. 8. Hall. Sim Simpkins, Scout; or, The Faithful Mountain Mastiff. By James L, Bowen. Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The Mysterious Wolf Rider. By Geo. Waldo Browne. Hickory Harry; or, Roa ing Ralph, the Ventrilo- quist. By Harry St. Geor-e, Detectiv: Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's Game. By Elwe L. Wheeler. Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By Oll Coomes. The Tenderfoot Trailer; or, Plucky Phil, of the Mountain. By T. C. Harbaugh. The Dandy Detective; or, The Abducted Boy Mystery. _By Charles Morris. 2oy, the Y ung Cattle King; or, The Texan Sport Unmasked. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Eb my Dan's Mask; or, The Rival Leagues of the Mines. By Frank Dument. Dictionary Nat, Detecti or, Bill Bravo, the Bear Tamer. By T. C. Harbaugh The Twin Horsemen: or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, Dandy Darke’s Pards; or, Tue Hawks of High », By Wm. R. Eyster. Tom. the Texan Tiger; or, Old Luke’s Luck. By Oll Coomes. Sam, tae Office Boy; or, The Tables Turned. By Charles Morris. The Young Cowboy; or, The Girl Trailer’s Tri- umph. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme, By E. L, Whecler. White Lightning; cr, the Boy Ally. By T. C, Harbaugh. Kentuck Talbot’s Band; or, The Red Lasso, By Captain Mark Wilton. Trapper Tom’s Castle Mystery; or, Dashing Dick’s Disguise. By Oll Coomes, The Messenger-Boy Detective; or, The Tables Turned, By Charles Morris. The Hunchback of the Mines: or, Reckless R:inh, the Road-Agent. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Little Giant and His Band; or Despard, the Duelist. By P.S. Warne. The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado, By EL. Wheeler. The Pirate’s Prize; or, The Mysterious Yankee Schooner. By C. Dunning Clark. Dandy Dave, of Shasta; or, The Prisco Flash 0’ Lightning. By T.C. Harbaugh. Paring Dan. the Ranger; or, The Denver Detec- tive. By O!]1 Coomes, The Cowboy Captain; By Colonel Prent’ graham. 7 Reld Head of the Rockies: or, The Ang’l of the Range. By Major Sam §. Hall. The Miner Snort; or, Sugar-Coated Sam’s Claim. By Edward L. Wheeler. Buck, the Detective; or, Paul, the Boy Pard. By Albort W. Aiken. Crae'-Shot Frank; or, Bill Bounce, the Moun- tain Bravo. By Charles Morris Merle the Middy: or, A Waif of the Waves. By Colonel Prentiss Incraham. Rosebud Ben’s Boys; or, The Young Prairie Rangers, By Ol! Coomes, 223 Gold Conrad’s Watch-Dogs; or, The Two Pards of Vulture Bar. By T, C. Harbeugh. or, Ranger Ralph’s Ruin. ™
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226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. Frisky Fe gus, the New York Boy. By G, L. Aiken. Dick Drew, the Miner's Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Koad-Agent. By Edward L. Wheeler. Dakota Dick in Chicago; or, Jack, the Old Tar. By Charles Morris. Merle, the Boy Cruiser; or, Brandt, the Bue- caneer. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. The Preacher Detective; cr, The Boy Ventrilo- quist. By Oll Coomes. Old Hickory’s Grit. By John J. Marshall. The Three Boy Sports; or, The Sword Hunters. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 3y Edward L. Sterra’ Sam, the Detective. Wheeler. Merle Monte’s Treasure; or, Buécaneer Brandt’s Threat. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Rocky Rover Kit; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail, we Ensign C. D, Warren. Baldy, the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, Jack Stump’s Cruise; or, The Montpelier’s Muti- neers. By Roger Starbuck. 3 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female De- tectives. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Newsboy Ned, Detective; or, Two Philadelphia Gamins. By Charles Morris. Merle Monte’s Sea-Scraper; or, Little Belt’s Droll Disguise. By Co!. Prentiss Ingraham, 29 Ben’s Big Boom; or, The Boss Miner’s League, 2 The Denver 4 Merle Monte’s Di 246 247 218 249 250 251 252 583 254 255 256 207 250 261 262 263 264 26s 266 By Capt. Mark Wilton. Sharp Shot Mike; or, Columbia Jim on the War- Path. By Oll Coomes. = Sierra Sam’s Sentence or, Little Luck at Rough Ranch, By Edward L. Wheeler. Detecti or, Dainty Dot at Gold Gulch. By T. C. Harbaugh. Dutch San’s Dilemma; or, The Mysterious Mountain Monster. By Maj. L. W. Carson, sguise; or, The Capture of Brandt, the Buccaneer. By Col P. Ingraham. Bildy’s Boy Partner: or, Young Brainer.’s Steam Man. By Edward S. Elis. Detective Keen’s Apprentice: or, James Jumper the New York Gamin, By Charles Morris. The Gir] Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise. By Edward L. Wheeler. Giant George’s Pard; or, Arizona Jack, the Tenderfoot. By Buekskin Sam. Ranch Rob’s Wild Ride; or, Old Winch The Rifle King. By T. CG. Warbaugh. Merle Monte’s Pardon; or, The Pirate Chief’s Doom. Ky Col, Prentiss Ingrabam. The Deaf Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. By Edward Willett. Denver Doll’s Device: or, The Detective Queen. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Boy Tenderfoot; or, Roaring Colorado. By Capt. Mark Wil on. Black Hills Ben; or. Dutch Jan on the War- Path. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson. Jolly Jim, Detective; or, The Young Protege’s Victory. By Charles Morris. Merle Monte’s L°st Cruise; or, The Sea Robber at Bay. By Col. Pren'iss Ingraham. The Boy Chief of Rocky Pass; or,.The Young California Pards By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain, Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Whe ler. Little foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By Oll Coomes. Skit, the Cabin Boy. By Edward Willett. Blade, the Sport. or, the Giant of Clear Grit Camp. By T. C. Harbaugh. Billy, the Boy Rover, By Col. P. Ingraham. Buster Bob’s Buoy; or, Lige, the Light-House Keeper. By Capt. J. F. C, Adams. Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport, By E. L. Wheeler. Billy, the Buggare Boy; or, The Young Railroad Detective. By Charles Morris. Guy’s Boy Chum; or, The Forest Waif’s Mask. By Capt. Comstock, 3en Bundy of 2 Kit, the Girl Detective. 3 Tue Girl Rider; or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise. By ~ Pard. 6 Dick, the Dakota Sport. 9 The es 267 Giant George’s Revenge; or, The Boys of “ Slip- up Mine.” By Buckskin Sam. 8 The Dead Shot Dandy; or, The Rio Grande Marauders. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 269 The Quevrtzville Boss; or, Daring David Darke, By Edward Willett. Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bills Big Loss. By E. L. Wheeler. Ebony Jim’s Terror; or, Ranger Rainbolt’s Ruse, By Oll Coomes. By T. C. Harbaugh. Jos. E. Badger, Jr, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Benito, the Boy By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Fred, the Ocean Waif; or, The Old Sailor’s Protege. By Charles Morris. Deadwood Dick Trapped; or, Roxey Ralph's Ruse. By Edward L. Wheeler. 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 Lueck. By T. C. Harbaugh. Colorado 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 Piiot; or, The Pirate Lieutenant’s Doom. By Jack Farragut. Buek Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy’s Fortune. By Edward L. Wheeler. 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. By Buckskin Sam. 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, Wheeler. 289 Colorado Nick, the Lassoist; or, Old Si’s Protege. By Major H B, Stoddard, Rube, the Tenderfoot; or, The Boy’s of Torpedo Gulch. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. 291 Peacock Pete, the Leadville Sport; or, Hawk, the Bess Miner. By Albert W. Aiken. 2 Joe Morey, the Night-Hawk; or, The Black Rider. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 38 Dwarf Jake, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Man Hunt. By Edward Willett. Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler. White Wing, the Ferret Viyer. .By Chas. Morris. } Govinda, the Tiger-Tamer; or, The American Horseman Abroad. By Captain F, Whittaker. Arizona Giant George; or, The Boyees of Sardine- Box City. By Buckskin’ Sam, De sy Doll’s Dash; or, The Ten Colorado Pards. By T. C. Harbaigh. Balloon Detectives; or, Jack Slasher’s Young Pard. By Harry Enton. Deadwood Dick’s Mission. By HE. L. Wheeler. Dandy Duke, the Cowboy. By Major EH. L, St. Vrain. Bg Benson’s Bet. By T. C. Harbaugh. 3 The Hotel Boy Detective; or, The Grand Central Robbery. By Charles Morris. Bald Head’s Pard; or, Creeping Cat’s Cunning. By Buckskin Sam. Dusky Dick’s Duel; or, The Demon’s Trail. By Harry Hazard. Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy. By E. L, Wheeler. Nick, the Boy Sport; or, Three Plucky Pards. By Maj. E, L. St. Vrain. 308 Double-Wisted Mat: or, The Mystie California Giant. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 309 Old Graybeard’s Boy; or, The Girl's Ruse, By C,. Dunning Clark,
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. 810 Kit, the Girl. Captain; or, The Mad Sailor's Legacy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. $11 Frio Fred in Texas. By Bue .skin Sam. 312 The Detective Road-Agen’; or, The Miners of Sassafras City. By Edward L, Wheeler. 3 Honest Jack’s Protege; or, The Dwarf’s <cheme, By Philip 5. Warne. Clip, the Boy Sheriff; or, The Two Crooks of Montana, By Edward Willett, 5 Tom, the Arizona Sport; or, Howling Hank from Hard Luck. By Major EB. L. St. Vrain. The Street-Arab Detective; or, Dick Dorgan’s Do able Dealing. By Charles Morri ’ Buckskin Ben of Texas; or, Single-Eye’s Plucky Pards. By Buckskin Sam. Colorado Chartie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle Kings. By Edward L. Wheeler. Frisky Frank in Idaho; or, Old Skinflint the Shadower. By Roger Starbuck, Cool Sam’s Girl Pard; or, Captain Dick and His Texans, By T. C. Harbaugh. 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. Dead Shot Ike in Montana; or, Hez He!per, the Yankee Pard. By Roger Starbuck. Kit, the Denver Sport; or, The Bonanza Miner King. By Edward L. Wheeler. Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective; or, The Dandy’s Daring Dash. By Edwin Emerson. Roy, the Boy Cruiser; or, The Water Wolf Wreckers. By Cclonel Prentiss Ingraham. Ned, the Roving Miner: or, Arkansaw Jack’s Mateh. By Harry Hazard. Rocky Ben’s Band; or, Big Pcte'’s Big Haul. By W. J. Hamilton. ': Dave, fhe Colorado Wrestler. By Maj. KE. L. St. Vrain. The Denver Sport’s Racket; or, Kit’s Big Boom, By Edward L. Wheeler. The Coast Detective; or, The Smuggler Shadow- er. By Roger Starbuck, 2 Dakota Dan in Canyon City; or, Colorado Kate’s Check. By Philip 5. Warne. 833 Bootblack Ben, the Detective; or, Pooler Jim and His Pard. By Anthony P. Morris 334 Frisco Tom on Deck; or, The Golden Gate Smug- glers. By George Henry Morse. 835 Ben Bandy, the Boss Pard; or, The Plucky Parson. By J. Stanley He:derson. 336 Fred, the Sport, in Brimstone Bar Camp; or, The Boston Wrestler’s Confederate. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 837 Daisy Dave. the Colorado Galoot; or, The Boss of Dead Line City. By T. C. Harbaugh. 833 The Goll Bar Detective; or, Tron Ike, the Solid Man. By Major KE. 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. 841 Co'orado Steve’s Dash; or, Old Buncomb’s Sure Shot. By Philip S. Warne. 842 Snap-Shot Sam; or, Ned Norris’s Nettle. By Buekskin Sam, 343 Mike, the Bowery Detective; or, Peleg Prancer of Vermont. By Edward L. Wheeler. 844 The Drummer Sport; or, Captain Dasher’s Droll Dilemma, By Edward Willett, 345 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, By Charles Morris. 347 Middy Herbert’s Prize; or, The Girl Captain’s Revenge. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 348 Sharp-Shooter Frank; or, The Young Texan ards. By Buckskin Sam. 349 Buck, the Miner; or, Alf, the Colorado Guide, By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 350 Ned, the Slab City Sport; or, The Detective’s Big Sccop. By E. L. Wheeler. 351 R-cky Mountain_Joe; or, Deacon Simplicity on the War Path. By Col. T. H. Monstery. 852 New York Tim; or, The Boss of the Boulevard, By Charles Morris, 353 The Girl Pilot; or, Ben, the Reef-Runner, By Roger Starbuck. 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, 857 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 Oll Comes. 360 Jim’s Big Bonanza; or, Jake Dodd and His Gang. By W. J. Hamilton. 361 Orezon Phil, the Spor‘; or, The Marshal of Two Bits. By Puilip 8. Warne. 362 Kit. the Bootblack_ Detective; or. From Phil-delphia to the Rockies. By Edward L, Wheeler, 363 The Ocean Racer; cr, Trusty Tom, the Tar, By T. C. Harbaugh. 364 Fritz’s Old Score; or, Sib Cone’s Right Bower. By Ned Buntline. 365 Crack Shot Harry; or, The Masked Rider. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 866 Gold Dust Rock, the Whirlwind of the Mines, By G. Waldo Browne, 367 Fred’s Bold Game; or, The Cave Treasure. By Paul Bibbs. 368 Jim, the Sport in Wake-up; or, Foghorn Fan to the Front. By Edward L. Wheeler. 269 Captain Blake’s Jonah; or, Harry, the Cabin Buy. By Roger Starbuck. 870 Denver Kit's Double; or, The Giant Miner of the Guich, By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, Ready February 11. 871 Blue Blazes Dick; or, Danger Doll of Dynamite, By T. C. Harbaugh. Ready February 18. 372 Seawaif’s Gulf Prize; or, The Cruise of the Sea- Cat. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Ready February 25. A New Issue Every Wednesday. BeADiLE’s Pocket Liprary is for sale by all News- dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on re- ceipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Puulishers, 98 William Street, New York, wee so fhabrags