Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 484) (1893 04 19)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
( Sy 4 _loledet Lt 4 a 5 is! a a oe main Hop i ! cat it Un Un ff Copyrighted, 1893, by Brapuz ann Anama. Zutered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office, ; Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams No, 484, = a*¥car. Se Ng WEkiLe SE REA Vek. =. ive enti -t Sa HIS HOLD AND FELJ, TO THE FLOOR SENSELESS, ,
Page 2
Silver City Tom; BLUE BELT’S BARTER. BY JAMES L. BOWEN, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ THE VILLAGE SPORT,” ‘‘ THE BOY BRAVE,’ ETC., ETO. CHAPTER I. THE RED COMPACT. SOMEWHERE away in the West, a narrow road wound around between hills and over them, up and down, with a dreary prospect on every hand, with no enchanting views to greet and de- light the weary traveler. The most monotonous forests in the world were those through which it passed, and the muddiest, most commonplace streams were those which it crossed. Sloughs and mud-holes alternated with rocks and other obstructions to vex and delay the traveler, Yet along this weary route a few human habi- tations were scattered, here and there one, and some distance ahead you would come upona settlement which bore the euphonious name of Silver City. Why it should have been called SILVER City, or city of any kind, is one of those problems which only the genus American can solve, Certainly no silver had been there with- in ‘the memory of man, save such meager sup- plies as the settlers carried in their pockets. So far as “‘ city ” was concerned, the claim was sup- ported by seven buildings, three of which were barns, one a saw-mill, one a blacksmith shop, one a log-cabin inhabited by two families, and the last, scarcely larger, bore upon a rough board over the door a scrawled inscription in ae chalk, which a deal of study might decipher thus: “TAVHURN.” A little lower down, ona smaller board, was inscribed: “GROSRE.” These two signs gaye the traveler to under- stand that here might be found questionable ac- commodations for the night, and as many burn- ing draughts of raw whisky as he chose to pay or. Having thus observed the place outside, let us step within, It is nearly dusk, and the season is early sum- mer., The bar-room is »ot very large in size, and not particularly clean in appearance. Still, inside we find six men. One sits belind the rude bar, and by his important air proclaims himself mas- ter in that place; two bend over a dirty checker- board, making desperate ‘* moves” for the mas- tery; as many more sit lazily smoking, while one, a young man, from his entirely different appearance, seems to be a stranger in the place. is appearance is better than that of the others, for he is better dressed, his general man- ner is different, and more like one who has mingled with the world; he neither smokes nor chews, but sits carving with his knife a small stick, and apparently wrapt in thoughts of far away. As we shall have much to do with him, a little more extended description may not be amiss. In age he might have seen twenty-five years, but not above that number. Taller than most men, standing fully six feet, well and firmly built, with features which, if not handsome, were more than passable, with black hair, flash- ing dark eyes of wondrous expression, and a calm, yet decided bearing, he was just the one to capture the heart of a romantic girl, and become a Jeader among his fellow-men. But there seem- ed no romantic maidens here, and he was not a leader, but a stranger, among the men who now surrounded him—an object of suspicion and dis- trust, as we shall presently see. Just as the successful player had secured his first ‘‘ king,” the door was darkened by an en- tering figure, and an Indian strode into the room, taking his position near the young man, of whom we have made especial mention. Sharp glances were bent upon the new-comer, but he spoke nota word, only standing there like a statue for a few moments, and then, with an almost imperceptible glance’ toward the young man, glided out again through the door. The young stranger rose from his seat, a mo- ment later, and followed the (ndian, utterly re- gardless of the sharp scrutiny which every man in the room bent upon him. The landlord bowed both elbows upon the bar; the smokers withdrew their pipes an inch or two; the cbecker-players turned so suddenly as to displace their remaining men; and all gazed, wich visages full of curiosity, until the retreat- ing forms were beyond the furthest sight. ‘Phen followed a few moments of profoundest silence, during which the five gazed at each other as though spell-bound. ** See here, gentlemen,” said one of the smok- ers, rising and bending in the direction of the door, while he spoke, very slowly—‘ see here, gentlemen, can any of you tell me the meaning of that ’ere?” “You can ask me anything else,” said tho landjord, with a shake of his head, ‘‘ but thar you’ve got me.” “Cause if anybedy kin tell me,” the first speaker pursued, “I’d be glad to know more about it. Don’t seem to me this is a time when strangers and Injins orter be puttin’ their heads together, and nobody know what they’re about.” “No, that’s what it ain't,” broke from all present. The first speaker, who was almost a “giant in stature, drew himself up to his full hight, and continued: “This chap has been hangin’ around here about a week, and nobody knows what he’s arter. He may be all right: but if he is, why don’t he come out and let honest men know what he’s here for? We all know Blue Belt; he’s not an Injin that we could trust any time, say nothin’ of now, when the reds are all off the hooks, and likely to come down on us fora regular fight within a month. It ain’t a time when we orter be careless, boys. And if ye want my opinion as to what ye’d orter dev7, I kin give it mighty easy.” “ Let's have it,” suggested one. - —
Page 3
‘* Wal, it’s jest this—nothin’ more. Send the red-skin a-flyin’, and make this chap come to time. He kin tell us bis business, and then we kin make up our minds about him.” A momentary silence ensued, and then the landlord spoke, but his voice was low, and a trifle unsteady. ‘Fur as the young fellow goes, he pays well for board, and if be—if he’s aj] right, I should want to—should like to hev him stay as long as he takesa notion to, But, see here, Tom, you’ve done some big scoutin’ in your day—ain’t you smart enough to find out what all this means?” The big man stood staring at those about him for a minute and then returned: “Tf 1 can’t (i@me needn’t any of you try it. Glad you put the idgg in my head. Til go for him jest about now. He moved to the door, glanced out, and then looked carefully around, as though to satisfy himself that those he sought were not in the im- mediate vicinity. Then, like a monstrous beast of prey, he crept away, gliding from one covert to another. The evening shades had not yet declined into dusk, although the full light of day was neutral- ized by the gloom of approaching night. Tom Taylor passed quickly around the build- ing from which he bad emerged, and finding nothing of the twain he sought proceeded to the barn. Here bis search was just as unsuccessful, and an exclamation of disappointment fell ffom his lips. “Confound it, they’ve gone to the woods,” he muttered, ‘* Never mind; if they’re any better acquainted there than I am, all right.” In two minutes he was in the shade of the forest, and notwithstanding his immense figure, so stealthy had been bis movements that no one would have observed them, unless watching for that purpose. He was just beginning to feel that he was mis- taken, when he heard voices close at hand, and instinctively threw himself prone on the ground. Listening a moment, however, be was convinced that the voices were those of the men he sought, and then he carefully drew nearer. Peering around a ‘ree, he saw them both standing not more than twenty feet away, and earnestly en- gaged in conversation. The young man had his left arm bared almost to the shoulder, and held, rather irresolutely, a small, sharp-pointed knife. “TI will seal the compact in this way, if you insist,” he said. “But it seems to me that we eould be brothers, and work together without,” Blood makes brothers,” the Indian answered slowly. ‘No blood, no brother.” “Your Indian customs are different from mine,” the young man pursued, still rather re- luctant in tone and manner. “I have but one reason for wishing not to do this. A crowd of lazy loafers frequent the tavern where I stay, and they already regard me with a great deal of jealousy. Should they by any possibility dis- cover anything of this, we should be greatly im- alge and possibly all our plans would fail. ut if you insist upon it, let us be sure no one is near, and then be done with if as quick as possi- ble, You know, Blue Belt, how important it is that I succeed.” Silver City Tom. The Indian grunted an affirmative, and then both’east quick glances through the darkening forest. They did not observe the spy who stood within a half-dozen yards of them. Thrusting the sharp point of the knife into his arm, Charles Marline handed the weapon to the Indian, who followed suit. Then fllacing and pressing the two tiny wounds together, they forced the few drops of blood which flowed to mingle. Then each bastily wiped his wounded arm, and grasped the other’s hand, repeating the single word: ‘* Brother!” The Indian. and bis confederate then moved slowly away from the spot, and Tom Taylor knowing the danger of attempting to follow them, bastened hack to the tavern, He at once took Bawny Corrol, the host, aside, and it was fully half an hour before they re- turned to the bar-room. When they did return, and take a drink over the dirty bar, botb their faces wore a singularly satisfied expression. CHAPTER II. DRUGGED. Ir was almost dark when Charles Marline re- turned to the tavern, and he came alone. Evi- dently those present wondered what had become of the Indian, but they did not manifest their curiosity by words, ** Come, boys,” said the landlord, soon after the young man_ returned, ‘‘supper is a-waitin’. Take a drink all round at my expense, end then we'll go in!” t There was a general rush for the bar, and in’a moment more the glasses were clinking mausi- cally, though sad, sad to the true heart is such music, But the young man, instead of joining the crowd at the bar, remained seated, quite regard- less of the social knot, already casting back in- quiring glances at him. “Come up, youngster,” said Tom Taylor, turning back with his glass half-raised. ‘It’s Bawny’s treat.” “No matter about that,” was the composed answer; “I could treat myself if I wished. But T do not care to drink.” io ‘Oh, yes, take hold!” said the smiling host. ©17) warrant I’ve got as geod as ye kin find in these parts. You've scarcely taken one drink since you came here.” ““No doubt your liquor is geod. enough; as good asany. ButI find that the man who takes a glass now and then is very apt to lose his senses. So when I’m on business I never use any.” Bawny and Tom exchanged quick, sharp glances, and the latter turned, as though to make a fiery rejoinder, But the host grasped his arm, gave him a wink, accompanied by a shake of the bead, and left the bar. ‘¢T like, when I treat a crowd, to have ’em all take hold,” hesaid. ‘* But if a man don’t believe in it, that is his affair, and not mine. Come out, gentlemen; supper is all ready.” The party repaired to the supper-room, where they did ample justice to the fare which awaited them. Cups of very agreeable coffee steamed
Page 4
4 Silver City Tom. ee beside the plates, of which Charles drank freely, thouch he ate but little. When the meal was coneluded, he withdrew to his own room, closed the door, and seated him- self near the window, < The apartment was not an inviting one, though the best the young man had been able to obtain. It was low, had only the roof above it, andthe single small window looked out upon the forest. The partition which divided it from the remainder of the building was of boards— double, be sure—so that it was secure from ob- servation from without, but finishet no further. The door was guiltless of any fastening, not ha ing even a latch to keep it closed. But Charles had occupied the room a week already, and was accustomed to its deficiencies. On closing the door, he thrust his pocket-knife into the casing in such a manner as to supply the place of alatch, and then seated himself as’be- fore stated. ‘¢ How strange my head feels,” he repeated to himself, after sitting thus for a few mini:es. “(Jan ib be that [have been poisoned? Sure, I am not dying!” His thouzhts became wild and confused. He attempted to reason, but the words be uttered expressed no thoughts, and finally he sunk over against the window, breathing with little or no consciousness of what was transpiring about him, He did not hear a gentle rap or whispered words at the door of his apartment; was not aware some one sought entraace. He wasaware, however, when thacontinued pressure forced the knifs from its place, and caused it to fall to the floor. He heard the sound and comprehended its caus?, bub when he endeavored to raise hita- self sufficiently to give some attention to the alarm, ho found himself quite unable to do as he wished. Even while he made the effort, he-for- got the cause of it, and sunk back, utterly help- less. The door was already ajar. Then it swung further open, and some one peeped timidly in. It was a cirl’s face which was thrust in thus, and on seeing the condition of the inmate, she hastily entered the room, aud crossed to’ his side. “What is the matter!” she asked, in an agi- tated tone. The young man seemed aware of her presence, and attempted to make an answer to the ques- tion, but his tongue refused to move audibly, and he sunk back again. The girl manifested much alarm, which was not lessene1 when a storm burst upon the build- ing in all its force, Tho wind was quite strong, anid the rain fell almost in. torrents. The ill- fated window seemed scarcely to present an ob- stacle, so that the wind and rain dashed in upon the sens2less man, The maiden drew bazk from the exposed spt, and then paused, as she noticed the manifest ef- fect the cool rain had upon the guest. “Oh, sir, wake up! rouse! you are in great danger here!” sho exclaimed, shaking him by the arm. But all her efforts were vain, and he only manifested at best a half-lingeringe con- sciousness, which refused to be aroused to asense of his condition, Finding that her efforts in this direction were in vain, the girl set herself to work to loosen the window. This she soon did, and her exertions, coupled with the force of the wind, which beat full upon it, soon removed the narrow sash. This she placed carefully upon the floor, anc then, by slightly changing the young man’s po sition, placed his head in the opening, exposec to the full fury of the blast, with the face par. tially turned upward. This done, she Jooked upon her work for a m¢ ment with an airof satisfaction, and then glideg hastily from the room, A fiercer dash of rain into his exposed fa awoke a fuller degree of consciousness, and wit much effort he aroused himself, and took noti¢ of his position, He was lying as the gis® had placed him, h head in the window, and his clothing pretty thoroaghly drenched by the rain which had beaten upon him. But the cold water had over- come the effects of the narcotic he had taken, and with a shudder he sprung bolt upright. ‘*T must have some friend here,” he remarked, glancing at the windew. ‘‘ Yes, the door is open --some one has been here.” He hastily satisfied himself that he had not been robbed, and then began repiacing thé win- dow. He still felt strangely, but every moment he was mastering the sensations, and his brain was working clearer, So busied was he with the work of replacing the window, that he did not observe when the door was again pushed open, and the same girl glided once more into the room, ‘Ah! you have recovered again,” she said, gladly. “I am much rejoiced that you are awake once more,” The young man turned at the sound of the voice. Through the darkness he could just dis- tinguish sufficiently to recognize her. ‘“Ts it you, Lena?” he asked. : “Yes, itis 1; but how do you feel now? You! were sick but a few minutes ago,” * Lena,” he said, ‘you know about this— wasn’t I drugged?” ‘Sh! It’s enough for you to know that if you were drugged, I bave waked you again. But you must be very careful; there is danger in this house to-night!” “But how? What is it?” “T cannot tell you now. An Indian came here this afternoon=one that is hated and feared. He was followed. They learned some- thing—so that you must not sleep to-night !” “You mean that some one intends to murder me?”? “*T know not what they might do if you were senseless, and in tifeir hands; but they will not openly attack you. So if you keep awake, and have a light burning, they will not molest you.” The girl would have turned away, but he called her back, “Stay, Lena. IJtis of no use for me to stay here longer; I can find nothing that 1 sought, and I may as well leave this house to-night as at any time. Then I shall be rid of all this dan- ger.” w “ No, you will be but just enteringit. Should you leave the house it would be noticed—there are others here much better acquainted with
Page 5
Stiver Gity ‘Tom. his region than you can be, and you would not lasily avoid them.” ‘7 am armed.” ‘Then you are perfectly safe here. I will xing you some pieces of candle, which will give | hua light. Keep it shaded from the door, and will see you again, after you have had other lsitors !” She stole from the room, but returned ina iv minutes with some candles, which she “eed upon the table beside him, and hurried 51m the apartment, Sharles gazed and listened till she was gone, f] then hung a garment before the window; ea which he lighted one of the pieces of can- Shading its light from the door, as she had ggested, he examined his revolver, satisfied imself that it was‘in order for use if desired, _.nd then waited as calmly as possible for the visitation which he had been warned to expect. CHAPTER IIf. RECEIVING COMPANY, Ir was natural to suppose that Charles Mar- line did not feel very comfortable there alone in the attic, with the storm howling outside, and | some impending fate brooding over him from within. He roused himself, end walked back and forth some time, pausing occasionally to listen at the door, But he could hear uothing, for the storm howled and raged outside, and the old tavern rattled and whistled and creaked so that an army might have stolen upon him unheard. So he replaced the knife as carefully as possi- ble, and seated himself again to await the issue, In half an hour the storm had nearly passed over; the thunder and lightning had entirely ceased, and the wind scarcely blew at all, so it the young man could now listen with some probability of hearing any one who should ap- proach his door, Presently he detected what he imagined to be a movement, and in a few moments was satisfied “nat parties were ascending the stairs He : elded the rays of his candle carefully, so that y should not betray the state of affairs to the yroaching party, took his revolver in hand, 1 fixed his eyes upon the door, Tery soon there was a shuffling of feet in the passage, which stopped in front of his chamber, and then a moderate pressure seemed to be applied to the door of his apartment, Of rse the small pocket-knife made but little stance, and as the force was carefully ap- dlied, soon fell to the floor within, as it had once before fallen The intruders hesitated for some moments, not having looked for an alarm like that, and then, finding that the obstruction was all gone, threw the door wide, and appeared on the threshold. As they did so, Marline dropped the shade from his light. and the two parties remained for a moment gazing at each other, In the door stood Bawny Corrol, holding a flaming candie, and just behind him loomed up the great figure of Tom Taylor. The intruders were evidently taken all aback by the sight _ which met their gaze, and if any plan had been wee ad formed, it was manifestly dashed to the earth at a blow. Charles Marline waited a full minute for the intruders to make known their errand, and as they did not speak, he demanded: “Well, gentlemen, what is wanted?’ “Didn't you call?” asked the host, advancing a pace into the room. “Wo, sir, I did not call,” was the rather sharp ¥ejoinder. ‘* And what is more, I do not like the idea of having men running into my room at all hours of the night, without so much as ask- ing my consent, If I want anything, I shall be very certain to let you know, so that there will be no mistake,” “How the rain has beat in at this window!” Tom exclaimed, stepping towarttis, ‘ No won- der you did not go to bed,” A few more sentences were exchanged, when the visitors, finding all hopes of accomplishing their purpose gone, took themselves away. Charles listened” to their movements for some time, and when all was again quiet he barred he door by dragging up against it some of the furniture in the room, and then seated himself to think over the events of the night and the prospects which surrounded him. Some time had passed, and he was fast getting unconscious of all about him, when a low, half- timid knock sounded upon the door. Taking a step or two in that direction, bo asked: “Who's there?” ae 2 Pk He was almost sure that the voice belonged to the girl who had visited him a short time previous, but he feared deception, and asked again: ‘Who is $1?” “Lena!” came through an aperture, in a whisper which could not be mistaken,. “ Can you come out? All is still below, and I’ve some- thing to tell you,” Searcely reflecting what he did, the young man extinguished the light, removed the old chest from the door, and stepped out, Lena was waiting for him, and Jed the way carefully, whispering as she did so: “T think they are all asleep down-stairs, But if we steal out to the grain-érib, we can talk all we wish, with no danger.of being overheard. Shall we go?” Charles was going to say that he would follow to the ends of the earth if she led the way; but reflecting that it was not a time for extrava- gances, he checked himself, and replied with a simple affirmative. There was but one stairway in the building, down which they passed cautiously, and_out through the rear entrance, gaining presently a small building used for storing grain. It was empty now. The door was open, and Lena entered first, closing the door when Charles was inside. CHAPTER IV. A SURPRISE. “Now,” said the girl, Lena, when the youn; man was seated upon a block, and she dropped upon the floor near kim, “you must
Page 6
Silver City Tom. EE Be toll me all that happened—who came to your rvom, and what was said.” The young man complied, and when he had related the few events, continued by asking her a question. “Can you not tell me why they came there? If they had any very evil purpose I wonder that they desisted so easily.” “Their purpose was to search your person, supposing you to be under the influence of the drug you drank in your coffee, and their future | course would have depended upon what they then discovered.” The maiden wri for a moment, and find- ing she was not disposed to continue without being quastioned, Charles asked: ‘© Why should they search me?” Lena placed ber band lightly upon his arm, He shrunk trom the touch, for it rested upon the wound which had been made to seal the compact with his Indian friend. “Those men knew of this!” she said, signifi- cantly. Charles started, but quickly regained his self- possession.” “ How do they know anything of that?” “You were followed and watched, because you were an object of suspicion. Tom saw your compact with the indian, and they—” “Well, what? I made no criminal agreement with that Indian. He came to their house, and 1 went with him because I had that to say which concerned none else.” ‘¢ None ?” “None here. But why do you question me so closely? Are you seeking to betray me?” “Tf I wished you ill, why did I not leave you helpless in their hands? Then you would not hive needed to be betrayed!” ““xcuse me; there is something about all this I cannot understand.” “Very likely. But I think I understand it all, pretty nearly. I know not who you are, but I know why you are here!” “You know why I am here? Pray tell me, then.” : “That is scarcely necessary. But to convince you, I will tell. You came to search for some- thing—a paper—a map—a chart—an old yellow bit of paper, with some faintly-drawn marks upon it in lead-pencily Am [ not right?” Tt is tame to say that Marline was astonished by the girl’s words. He was actually con- founded, and struck dumb! Here was a secret which he had been guarding as his life—which he had not even dare whisper to himself, lest some on® should steal it from him, and she pos- sessed it fully. What did it mean? Had shea strange power for reading hidden things, that sae had thus obtained his inmost secret? Hoe sat there in the darkness, in a maze of wonder, while the fleeting minutes rolled away. * How is that?” Lena asked. ‘‘ Didn’t [ guess pretty well?” “Perhaps. But since you claim to know what I am seoking, it may be you can tell me where it is to be found?” ‘Tt is not to be found. It is not hidden under the roof, but some one has itin their possession.” “Who? Before responding to this question, the girl a eeEEnsnnnnamienenmnt! changed position, and when she spoke again, it was in a chanzed and much more serious tone. ‘““Young man,” she said, ‘‘ you are on @ very dangerous mission, be it what it may. If my suspicions are correct, that paper will lead you to a buried treasure, or something of the kind.” The young man started again. “ Others do not know of this paper. But they suspect you of something, and you will be closely watched. If you do not lose your life in this rash undertaking, you will do well. Itis an exciting time here now. An Indian shows his head at great peril, and a war may break upon us at any time, You are thought to be in league with the savages. J think you came to find this paper. If that 7s it, and the paper is yours, you can have it. “Tena, I will tell you what has brought me to this place, and if you _will assist me, you shall be well rewarded. Thdt paper is of no value to you, or any one else, save myself. If you place it in my hands, it will make us both comfortable for life.” ‘Comfortable for life!’ What do you mean by that?” she asked, almost dreamily. Such a thought as had never entered the young man’s mind came there now; but with- out making any direct answer, he said: “ Listen, and you will understand. Six years ago my father went to California, with many other gold-seekers. He was successful—not, t imagine, in digging the gold himself; but, in some manner, he accumulated a large sum, and fwo years later started upon his return, over- land, with six others, having in charge a larg amount of gold and paper. I say paper, be- cause at San Francisco they had exchanged much of their metal for something representing the value, but not so bulky and difficult of trans- portation. * These seven traveled with a large party till they reached a point some two hundred miles west of this, when some difficulty occurred, and they separated—my father’s party thinking it- self strong enough to go on alone. I will cut the story as short as I can, that you may un- derstand what followed. “The very first night one of the party was killed. How or by whom they could only sur- mise, though it was suspected that some stealthy savage did the deed. The next night they posted three sentinels, but one of them was found dead on his post, his head crushed by a fearful blow from a billet of wood. You may well suppose that they began to be frightened at this, but there was no help for it, “They moved on, after burying their fallen companion and continued their march through the greater portion of the night. But, while forming their_bivouae, another of the number was killed, Thistime, one of their own party was strongly involved by circumstances, and he was charged with the crime. “He did not deny it, but, on the contrary, avowed his guilt, and announced his determina- tion to kill the whole party! He at once drew his pistols, and commenced firing upon them, wounding the three who still survived. He was himself shot through the body, and had an arm broken. Thus disabled, he fled from the spot, vowing vengeance,
Page 7
Silver City Tom. | i “Of the two wounded men left behind him, one died before daylight, and the other evident- ly could not long survive. My father, too, was quite seriously wounded, so that it was decided to bury the treasure, which was accordingly done. “Ina few hours the other man died, and my father was left alone, weak from loss of blood, and fearful lest the desperado should return and utterly murder him, “He carefully covered the cache, that no in- truder might dig up the fatal treasure, and then left the spot. He walked but‘a little way be- fore he fell in a fainting-fit, induced by the loss of blood, and lay there, half dead, for some hours. But, as good luck would have it, a friendly Indian chanced to find him, and took care of him till he was better, and then conduct- ed him to this place! He was surprised to find the wounded murderer already here, but could not leave atonce, owing to his low condi- tion. “ He was taken to the room that I now occupy, and all possible care was apparently bestowed upon him. But within a few minutes after eating, he felt a strange sensation, and knew that he had been drugged. ‘Upon a piece of paper he had made a rude chart of the spot where he had buried the money; & fearing lest there was some design to rob him of that, he put it away in some crevice about the room—it seemed to him under the roof. But, owing to his weak and bewilder- ed condition, he could not state positively in regard to the place, “Fe lost all consciousness—as I came near doing just now—and, when he recovered, found himself cast out, he knew not where, and left to die from exposure. But he did not die, and eventually reached home, though he has never recovered from the injuries he then sustained, “Probably you can now imagine that [ am here hoping to find that chart, and recover this treasure. I have already secured the services of Blue Belt, and if I had this paper, which is probably in your possession, I should take myself away from this dangerous piaco for- ever.” “ And if I give you that paper—what then?” “f ean accomplish my undertaking, and ren- der my invalid father comfortable for the rest of his life.” The girl seemed to hesitate for a few moments, and then, bending nearer to Charles, and speak- ing in a whisper she said: “Take me away from this place!” “Why, my girl, I supposed you kind of life.” “T usedto, but—but I don’t any more.” *‘ When shall I take you?” “fT want to go now—I don’t want to stay here any longer,”*she said. “But, you must see that you can not go away into the .wilderness and stay there without shelter or food while we search for a buried treasure, It may take many days to find it.” “Yes.” the girl said, despondingly, ‘'I will wait, will take your promise, and if you for- get it. and leave me here in this wicked place, you will do only what I expect.” There was something in the girl’s tone which liked this touched the young man deeply, and he answered quickly, taking her hand in his own: “You need not fear that, Lena. As I live, I will not forget you, nor leave you here. I owe you too much to disregard my promise in that way. Can not you trust my word?” “Yes, I must trust you--I do,” and she arose slowly to her feet, ‘* ut come, it is dangerous for us to stay here, Let us goin. Here is the a We She thrust a crumpled parcel into his hand, and then they left the spot, moving stealthily to- ward the house from which they had emerged, Lena had almost placed her hand upon the latch wheu the door was quickly thrown open, and the form of Bawny Corrol appeared. His gaze first rested upon the girl, whom he grasped. by one arm, at the same time exclaiming, in loud tones: “So, you jade, here you are, eh? What are you doing at this time of night? Who's this with you? Oh, it’s that baby-face! Confound him—l'll soon settle up his business for him!” Charles felt an impression that the enraged host was brandishing some kind of a weapon, and instinctively stepped behind an empty whisky-barrel which stood there, while he pro- duced his own revolver, ‘Go, Charles, quick!” exclaimed Lena. ‘Go, don’t stop a moment!” Before he could have fled, had he wished to do so, a pistol-shot rung out upon the night, and the bullet took refuge in the empty cask. The young man hesitated a moment. He could baye shot the treacherous host from where he stood, but his better nature revolted. ‘““What’s the row?’ demanded Tom Taylor, gaining the side of the landlord. “Took and see if you can find anything of that baby-face out there,” was the brutal an- swer. ‘I’ve learnt him a lesson, I think.” A search was made, but no ‘‘ baby-face” was found, and while Tom and his chums were in- stituting a more thorough exploration, Bawny Corrol, still maintaining bis grasp upon the arm of Lena, dragged her into the house, CHAPTER V. LENA CORROL. DRAGGING ber into a small room where a candle was still burning, Bawny threw the maiden upon a chair, and turned the key in the door. Then, placing himeelf near her, while the fiendishness of a demon seemed depicted upon his features, he hissed forth: ‘“« Now, let’s know what all this means!” As revealed by the pale glare of the candle, Lena was majestic at that moment, humble as was her position. In form she was rather small, being below the medium hight of women, with a well-built and symmetrical frame. Notwith- standing her very plain dress, she appeared de- cidedly pretty, and her pale face showed signs of energy and determination, which the brutal landlord could by no means overcome, She gazed calmly into bis face as the savage demand was made, and then answered in a low but un- wavering voice: “What do you wish to know about?” “About what you’ve been doing to-night! *
Page 8
g Silver City Tomi. Where you’ve been with that young man, and all about it.” The words came forth with a jerk, and it was plainly to be seen that the speaker did not mean to let the matter drop till he had frightened the whole truth from the girl. A moment he watched, and as she did not reply, he burst forth again with renewed fury: *“*Why don’t you answer? You know very well that this chap took enough medicine to do the job for him! You know, too, why it did not work, Now speak out,” *E do not think your ‘medicine’ is sure to work during a thunderstorm,” she replied, with- out once removing her eyes from the man. The landlord appeared agitated in a moment, and once or twice bis passion seemed prompting him to seize the poor, girl, and choke her to death. But he refrainéd, and after struggling with his passion for some time, burst forth again. “You minx—you impertinent hussy—I’ve a good mind to shake you to pieces! You have got to meddling too much with my business. I sha’n’t stand it any longer. If ever you cross me again you'll repent it—let me tell ye that, so there’ll be no mistake about it. You’ve shown your ugly disposition to me several times, of late, and it never will go down. [’m your— your—” “You are my—what?” It was a strange sight tio sce, this girl so calm and defiant before the brutal man whose hands were no strangers to human blood. He stopped for a moment, and then broke out, still more brutally: “Well, you know. Your father died here, and left you for me to take care of. His last words were for me to raise you as my own child. And I’ve tried to; but it’s very little en- couragement I have to doanything for you. ’ve good reason to think this feller’s in league with the Injins; but when I try to find ont, you jine right with him, and help him away. If we’re all murdered by ’em, some night, it will be your fault.” He paused for a moment, and then added: “Tf Tom Taylor don’t find this chap and peer back yowll be the one to answer for it io you understand that?” “T hear what you say.” * Well, yowre not a fool, so I guess you can understand it. Now go to bed, and in the morn- ing you will hear further from me.” Pine girl arose, without a word, and retired to the little apartment in which her few sleeping hours were passecl. When she had gone, Bawny Corrol clinched his hard fists, and smote them together savage- y: “If I was only SURE!” he hissed, between his set teeth. ‘‘ But, no matter—I'll try the thing on, and no one will be the wiser for it, if every thing does not work as we anticipate.” Lena entered her little room, and dropped wearily upon the very plain couch which stood at one side, She gave way to a flood of tears, tears of joy and sorrow combined, and then weary nature overcame her, and she fell asleep. Early the next morning Lena was up, and busy with her duties, which were neither few nor light, A group of sour and ugly visages gathered at the breakfast table. Tom Taylor had found no traces of Charles Marline, but he had pondered the matter in his mind until he had reached some very decided conclusions, and when breakfast was over be sought an inter- view with the landlord, where none could over- hear. The result was that Tom made some hasty preparations, and with two comrades, willing tools for any purpose which he might plan, left the place for an absence of some days, When he had gone, Bawny left the bar in charge of a trusty idler, and called Lena from the kitchen, where she was at work, to a more retired room, “Now, my girl,” he said, when they were seated, ‘‘T want to talk over matters with you so that we both shall understand them as Jong as we live. NowI want to know what you have meant by acting as you have done in times past. Come, speak out—let me know!” The poor girl looked at the floor a moment, as though to gather strength for the ordeal, and then, looking up calmly into Corrol’s face, said: “You know, Bawny Corrol, that I have always been faithful here, working all my strength would bear, and often more, for the home I have’ had here with you. If 1 have pre- vented you from doing a crime, it wagggot from any ill-will to you—it was to save you"rom the guilt,” ~ © Oh-ho! So you’ve turned preacher, have you? Well, no matter about that, D’ve got some old books of sermons, and I can read one, when I feel like takin’ that kind of a dose. You needn’t let your feelings trouble you any more that way» I’ve come to tell you some news,” “Some news—what is that?” “Oh, nothing of consequence, are going to be married!” ** MARRIED!” “Well, I don’t know that there’s any thing so very strange in that. You are old enough, and I want you married, so that your husband can take care of you. To tell the truth, I think you wouldn’t be so troublesome if you had a husband.” He paused with a triumphant leer. Lena sat pale and trembling, unable to speak. Ordinari- ly sho had little fear of the cruel man, even when he went so far as to beat her, but this was something utterly new, and in its nature so ap- palling, that she knew not what to say or bink, ‘* Well, you don’t say anything, so I think you must be pleased with the plan, continued Bawny, after a considerable silence. “You do not tell me who I am to marry?” Lena found strength to say. ‘“You will marry Tom Taylor,” was the re- ply, in slow, fearful tones. 3 An instant change came over the late quailing girl, She sprung to her feet, and while the fire of invincible determination flashed from her eyes, she exclaimed: “No, I never will marry him! Only that you You cannot force me to such an act, Sooner than live the wife of a degraded ruffian like him I would kill myself. Weak girl though I am, I fear death | Jess than life with such a monster!”
Page 9
| | | It was the landlord’s turn to be abashed now, and for some moments he did not say a word. He waited till the impulse which had nerved Leva had reacted somewhat, leaving her weak and trembling, and then he said, very plausibly, aud with no appearance of unkindness: “Don’t be Mae, my gal. I thought you'd like the chance of marrying Tom. He isn't the poor fellow we have supposed him to be. He has a large treasure buried, somewhere not far from here, and he has gone for it new. When he comes back he will be richer than all the other men within many miles of this place, and you can live like a fine lady. But you needn't marry him unless you wish to, You can take your choice between him and another, I al- ways wanted to please you, though you never seemed to care for my gratification very much.” * Another—who is that?” “Myself, Lena. Would you rather be my wife than Tom’s?” The look of scorn and disgust which passed over the maiden’s face would have been answer enough for any man, and Bawny Corrol under- stood it Pe, well, He turned upon his heel, clinching his hands, quite livid with rage, and when he had composed himself sufficiently to put his thoughts into words, he hissed: “T sha’n’t talk to ye any more about it. Ye can take yer choice, When Tom comes back ye'll be his wife or mine, and if ye take me there won’t need be any ceremony. Now ye understand it all, and Imean jest what I say !” Shaking his fist in the girl’s face, and giving emphasis to his words by a stamp or two, the brute turned from the room, crying, as he went: “ Now go back to yer work.” The girl remained alone in the apartment for a few minutes, and then she returned to her work, as though nothing had happened, There might have been a shade of anxiety upon her face, and at times her movements betrayed ab- sentness which might haye been noticed. But all through the long day she drudged on, just as she had done for several years before. In the evening preparations for the early breakfast were made, and then, weary and sad, she sought her little room, It was rather late next morning when Bawny Corrol awoke, and he bounded out of bed with a curse, “It’s sunrise, and that girl isn’t up yet!” he growled. ‘I'll learn her to lie abed that way!” He was right. There were no signs of Lena, and he was presently thundering upon her door, But the room was quite unoccupied, as he found upon entering. The bed had not been in use during the night, An alarm was given, search made, and pres- ently some of her clothing was found upon the banks of the stream. But a close inspection er Corrol that she bad not drowned her- self, “T was a fool that I didn’t shut her up,” he growled, ‘But no great matter. Thar’s only 1 one way she could go, and we'll easy enoug bring her back.” A trusty man was sent off on horseback to scour the country, and bring her home when found; till which time Bawny sat down to wait Silver City Tom. 2 the moment when he should again have his hands upon the frail girl who had dared to re- volt from his authority. But late at night the man came back, terribly weary and disappointed, cursing the luck which had attended him. No signs or traces of the missing girl could be found, and it was certain she had not passed out toward the settlements, And Bawny Corrol, pondering the words she had spoken, was finally compelled to think that she must have destroyed her life. CHAPTER VI. ' IN THE WILDS. “Tm blamed if I know just whar the spot is I want to find, It is here somewhar about, but for the life of moe I can’t tell. No idee things had changed so, I thought I could hey come here the darkest night ever was, and put my right foot on the spot, but here I’ve been lookin’ tew hours, and no nearer it than I was before.” It was Tom Taylor, standing upon an eleya- tion far out in the unexplored wie west of Sil- ver City, who thus spoke, or rather mused aloud, for no one was at hand, though one of his companions was not far away, engaged in dress- ing a rabbit which he had shot. Tom was look- ing around with earnest, searching glances. scratching his burly head and cursing himself in vexation at his inability to solve the problem which perplexed his meager mind. “Truth is I didn’t pay any great attention to the Jay of the land at that time, and didn’t have any particular fancy for the place, since it war gittin’ hot; but I don’t see how I could forget so much of everything about it. That's what setsme. But it was in this vicinity, and they hain’t been here—so much is certain.” He walked away toward the spot where his companion, having prepared the game, was now building a fire, “Careful about your smoke, Rob,” he said. “Don’t want to make any more than necessary. I ’most wish we’d looked around for some place pot quite so open as this.” “Hope yer ain’t afeard of the reds,” growled the one called ‘‘Rob,” evidently not relishing any interference in his matters. ‘No; reds and I have a very good understand- in’,” replied Tom. « “‘ But we’re huntin’ somethin’ else, and by way of caution Pll jest say that, if we don’t play our keerds keerful, and git it, somebody else will take it right out from under our noses.” “But what does it all mean?” asked the other, now fully alive to the interest of the occasion. ‘‘} never heard anything of that kind before. Tell us all about it, will you?” ‘*¢ Can’t do-it now, Rob. But you shall know all about it in good time. “Where is Eben?” ‘“Hasn’t come back yet. Maybe he has struck a trail, or somethin’, There, he is comin’ now.” “So he is, and somethin’ is wrong. See, his head is all blood!” ‘So it is. Wonder what he run afoul of.” * “Can't tell. Signal him this way, and then git out of sight. No knowin’ what that may mean, and we must take care of ourselves.” The man did as directed, and when he had attracted the attention of Eben Shay, the twain
Page 10
10 Silver City Tom. moved behind an elevation of land, where they would be secure from the observation of any one who might come in. pursuit of their com- panion. To give our own version of Shay’s disaster, it * will be necessary that we again change the scene. : Perhaps a mile and a half from the location of the last incident, stood a very humble cabin. It was, in fact, of the poorest description, though much care seemed to have been bestowed in making it habitable and comfortable. A little chimney had been built at one side of the cabin, and bending over the fireplace was the only inmate of the dwelling—a small, white- haired old man. He was clothed in rude gar- ments, evidently made by his own hands from the skins of such animals as he had been able to trap, while all around were indications of feeble- ness and failing power, both in body and mind. With a few sticks and dry twigs from the forest around, the old man was making efforts to re- vive the little fire still smoldering upon the ashes. His attempts were successful at length, and with a great sigh of relief he rose from his stooping position, and turned toward the open door of the cabin, He was surprised to find that he was not alene. A young man, a very boy in appearance, had crossed the dividing line, which could not be called a threshold, and stood regarding the old man with surprise. The new-comer was below the medium stature, not particularly robust in build, beardless, and with a delicacy of feature which, but for the keen fire of the sharp gray eye, might have been considered almost feminine. He carried a rifle, and other weapons peeped forth from beneath his coarse gray hunting-frock, The old man seemed #lmost alarmed at first, but presently recovered his possession of mind, and advanced toward the intruder. The latter uttered a kindly greeting, and extended his hand, which the old man grasped with a little hesitation. “TY don’t know who ye are, for ye seema stranger in these parts,” he said, ‘* but I reckin ye must be a friend.” , \ “T am a friend,” the young man replied. “*Set your mind at rest gn that score. I am a stranger here, and am looking for parties that I suppose to be somewhere in this vicinity. Have you seen any such?” : **T don’t know who ye mean in particular,” was tho reply, accompanied by a shake of the head. ‘* But I hain’t seen any man till you for many a day, ‘less it be now and then an Injin.” ‘*Then you hayen’t seen Tom Taylor—do you know Tom?” *t No, don’t know any anybody else calls ’em.’ ; “Tom is a large, coarse-looking man, very ybody ; not by the names strong and reckless in his manner.” ; C) hasn’t been here, youngster.” : ‘‘ Has Blue Belt been here, or have you see nine : @s; six or seven days ago, “ No t since?” y' 74 47 SNQe “Nor you haven't seen any young man in this part since yesterday morning?” a5 ‘Not a one, I tell ye. But what in nater’ is the matter that ye’r’ so anxious abont them? Have ye got lost? 1 wouldn’t wonder if yer had, ’cause ye look purty young to be out here in these regions—more ’specially alone.” “No, sir, [ am not lost, These men came on here ahead of me, and I am looking for them. Here, what is this you are telling me? There comes one of the men I am looking for at this © very moment.” : Some seventy yards away, just where the clearing about the hut ended, a man had emerged from the forest, and was cautiously ap- proaching the cabin. He came slowly, and seemed anxious to obtain a glance at the in- mates before coming too near, When the old man’s eyes rested upon him, he turned to his visitor, saying: “T never have seen that man before, young- ster.” There was such anair of sincerity in the words that the listener was by no means disposed to doubt their honesty, x “T don’t want that man to see me,” the youngster said, “‘ and it is too late now to leave the cabin. Where can I hide?” There was but one spot within those four walls where a man could for a moment have remained out of sight, and to this retreat the old man pointed. It was beneath the sleeping-berth, which had been arranged upon a frame of poles at one side of the cabin. It was elevated some two feet from the ground, and under it the young man found no difficulty in stowing him- self away. Scarcely had he disappeared from sight when the intruder, none other than Eben Shay, step- ped upon the scene. Seeing only a defenseless old man in the cabin, he entered boldly. “ Hello, old man!” he sung out. “TI want to know if you’ve seen a yous man and an Injin around here within the last few days™ ‘*No, sir; I bave seen no Injin since Blue Belt went from here, three or four days ago.” ‘*Nor ye haven’t seen a young man?” “What kind of a young man do ye mean, friend?” ‘ ** A chap somewhat taller nor me—about the same—quite stocky, and sort of cityfied.” ‘No, sir; no such man has been here,” ‘Nor ye hain’t seen any such?” “ No.” There was a momentary silence, and then the hunter continued: “Never mind. If either the Injin or this fel- ler come here, don’t say J have been around. Do you understand?” “T hear what you have to say.” = “All right. Now let’s hev suthin’ to eat, for I'm gettin’ darned sick of this woods feed.” __ “Pve nothing better than woods feed, my- self,” returned the old man. ‘“ But the land is full of game. If you'll shoot somethin’, I have a fire here, and will be glad to help you — cook it.” A prolonged whistle greeted the remark. . “Not if I know myself. See here, old stingy: you’ve got plenty already cooked, and I want aee, -@ shake in, Besides, I’ve got a couple of hungry ~ .
Page 11
fellers not fur from here, and I want something to carry them. Come, set down, or I shall help myself.” ‘he ruffian at once set about rummaging the cabin, throwing the various articles which came in his way hither and thither, until at last the old man ventured a word of remon- strance, The brute Jeft his work to grasp the occupant by the throat, throwing him upon the floor, and choking bim till it seemed be would destroy the little remnant of the old man’s life, But in the very midst of his brutality, the assailant received a furious blow upon the head, and before he could recover from the sho. k, another followed, knocking him to the earth, thorougbly stunned and bleeding. The stranger youth, from his concealment, had witnessed the base attack upon his friend, and creeping out as quickly as possible, he ap- lied the stock of a pistol so vigorously that the Pale relaxed his hold, while the blood began to flow freely from two considerable wounds upon his head. The old man was so much injured and fright- ened that he could not speak, or even regain his feet, until assisted by the young man, When his faculties were snfficiently restored, ; however, he bestowed a little kick upon the prostrate form, saying: ‘ Blame the confounded critter! I never was so used afore by any person. He’s worse than the Injins they tell so much about, for I’ve lived in peace with them these many years and never took any abuse from ’em. But you’ve done me a right good turn, and one I'll be slow to forget.” The young man did not speaks He was con- siderably excited by the scene. though his move- ments were self-possessed. Taking the pros- trate man’s weapons, he knocked the priming from his rifle and pistols, wetting the charges so that there was no danger of immediate barm from his firearms, Then grasping the still sense- less form, he dragged it to the door and tumbled it outside. ‘So much for him,” he said, speaking for the first time. ‘‘ Now, do you sit down here and rest, while I watch the scoundrel and give him some good advice.” In a short time the ruffian began to show ages of returning volition. He rose upon one elbow, at length, and glared upon the man who had checked his evil purposes. “Come, take yourself away from here,” the latter said, displaying his pistol, by way of emphasis. ‘‘I should have shot you, instead of what I did; but go, and your worthless life will be saved.” “Talk of shootin’ do ye?’ exclaimed the wretch, springing up with a cocked pistol in his hand. ‘“* Perhaps that is a game two can play He leveled his weapon deliberately at the breast of the young man, and pulled the trigger. There was a snap, but no report. “ Now go!” the youth exclaimed, in stern accents, presenting his own weapon. The villain uttered a curse, thrust the worth- Jess weapon into his helt, and slowly made his Way from the cabin, — . { Silver City Tom. a ————— eee il But at a few yards distance he paused, and shouted: “T know you! You will hear from me again!” CHAPTER VII. THE OLD MAN’S VOW. ‘““Wuat did he mean by that?” demanded the old man, leaving his seat, and moving toward the youth. ‘““Who is the critter? Who are you?” ‘* My name is George Gregory.” “ George Grig’ry! Do ye live anywhar about here?” “J have no home, at present.” “No home! Why, land sakes! dewin’ away out here, then?” “T came here to look for this man—this one and some others, That is all I can tell you now.” ‘Well, that orter be enuff, though I’d like to know more, there ain’t any denyin'. But ye’r’a friend—I know that.” “Certainly, though I know no more of you than you just now knew of me.” “Well, well, I had not told ye whol be. My name is Jeddy Stark. I’ve studied the use of roots and airbs a goed dea], and understand purky well what’s good for the human system. always hed a great notion for life all by myself in the wocds; and some years agc—a good many, now—I hed some little difficulty in the settiements, and came off here. Ive lived bere ever since. As I was saying, the Injins found out I knowed more than they did about roots and barks and airbs, and they come to me every little while for some kind of medicine. Vve allus lived in peace with ’em, and sometimes they dew me a real good service. J can’t see now as I used to’ to bunt and keer for myself, so they take a deal of care of me, though I suppose they must live much as fifty miles away, or more.” “That is very kind of the Indians, most cer- tainly,” returned George, breaking in upon a seemed to give promise of being an bour’s alk, ‘But there are some nearer neighbors now, it seems, who are not so friendly. Eben Shay will most likely he back here soon, with two other men, end they will neither care for yoar skill in roots nor your gray hairs. What will you do with them?” ““T leave it all to you, my young friend,” was the immediate answer. ‘You know the men— do what you tbink best.” What afte ye When Shay reached his comrades he related the cause of his bloody appearance, stating the fact of having discovered the old man’s but, and making application there for food, The re- mainder of the narration he varied to suit him- self, averring that while peacefully making his wishes known he was attacked from behind, knocked down and maltreated. Of course threats of verigeance were sworn at once. Eben was washed, the wound upon bis head dressed somewhat, and then the party de- cided to go up at once and avenge he insult. Various were the plans laid down, and all ar-
Page 12
12 rangements were made for a bloody satisfac- tion, But when they reached the spot, and crept up very carefully to the lone hut, just as the san was sinking behind the distant mountains, they were surprised to find no traces of any person who inha ited it. There were a few articles of furniture, very many bundles of berbs and plants, quantities of bark and roots, but no living dwellers. “Yer see,’ exclaimed Shay, with a voice of triumph, ‘they didn’t dare to stay here after what they’d done to me.” **T see,” pursued Miffins, ‘But as they’ve gone and left this, why not make it, our head- quarters while we stay hereabout?” Both the others dissented from this proposi- tion, Tom Taylor exclaiming, decidedly: * All the use we can make of the hut is to barn it up. Won’t that ease your headache, Eben?” “That’s what it will.” Ten minutes later the three men were moving toward their former position, and just er they left the cabin a strong cloud of smoke poured forth, followed quickly by a jet of flame, ; or a little time the forest. glowed with the red firelight, then it faded é and the bumble home, which had cost the weak old man sommauy hours of toil, was a pile of smoking embers, With the gathering of the night-shades, the oll man returned, and gazed mournfully upon the ruins. He was alone. His step was weak and slow, but there wasasingular determina- tion in his eyes, and a spirit of vengeance in his words, “JT saw him—I know him!” he repeated, huskily, ‘“ /é ts him! But for this inhuman act I should never have thought of vengeance again. Tam old, 1 a few days or weeks more will make little difference to me. If I die for it at once, [ will finish that monster, now!” Then, as though the very threat of vengeance had wearied him, be sat down near the ashes, still hot and smoking, and buried his face in his hands, CHAPTER VIII. THE CACHE, Wuen Charles Marline left tho vicinity of Bawny Corrol’s tavern, on the night of wish we have spoken, he had no decided plan in mind, save to leave the dangerous place. But when this had been accomplished, and he began to feel safe personally, the question naturally rose, what further course should he pursue? He had now the coveted chart, for which he had searched many hours in the attic room of the old tavern, and nothing prevented his going on to make the search which he hoped would speedily bring him the valuable treasure. _So he gained a safe distance that night, and finding at length a dry nook, he laid him down and slept for an hour or two, at the end of which time it was daybreak. Only a few min- utes after resuming his way, he was startled at beholding an Indian quite near, but his momen- tary alarm subsided into satisfaction when he Silver City Tom. found the red-man to be none other than his new-made brother, Blue Belt. All that day and a pars of the next they marched on through the wilds, the Indian giving his friend many valuable lessons in woodcraft, which the latter very quickly comprehended. On the afternoon of the second day they paused, and Blue Belt, pointing to the ground at his feet, remarked: ‘“* Here!” Charles understood that single word as fully as though a volume had been rehearsed. This was the spot where his father had fainted from loss of blood and exhaustion, but how far, or in which direction, he had walked from the cache, not even that person himself had any dis- tinct idea. There was only the rough chart to guide him, and indicate the spot where it should be found, Acting upon the Indian’s advice, it was de- cided to devote the remainder of the afternoon to killing and cooking meat, take a good night’s sleep, and then set out upon a systematic hunt for the cache, The Indian had a gun, knife and hatchet, like most of his people, while Marline had only a pair of revolvers, and a heavy sheath-knife. But it was no great task to shoot any quantity of small game, and a fire, built in a cleft rock, served to prepare it. For two days Charles searched constantly, assisted by his Indian ally, but found nothing answering to the chart. The third night passed somewhat gloomily, and the following morning he rose, wishing that he was safely at home with the treasure which he saw no prospect of finding, Their provisions were now quite exhausted, and while Biue Belt went to look for more, Charles, never losing sight of his principal ob- ject, strolled along, looking eagerly for an signs of the cache. He had no great hopes now of finding it, e with the help of the coveted chart. But so ac- customed had he become to searching for the spot, that he continued to stroll along glancing around in every direction, lest some unnoticed combination should answer the ideal his brain had gathered from the crumpled paper. Suddenly his foot struck something hard, and a white, spherical object was revealed. He partially turned it over, and saw a ghastly skull! For a moment only was he disconcerted, and then he proceeded to investigate. Right before him, half-hidden by a growth of low bushes, lay an entire human skeleton! Portions of the cloth- ing still remained, so that he had no difficulty in identifying the remains as those of a white man. Surely such a discovery would have seemed no causo for rejoicing, but the young man’s manner did change in a moment. He looked around with quick and earnest purpose, for he had no doubt that this was one of the men who had been killed atthe burying of the treas- ure. If this were the case, the cache could not be far distant. Out came the chart once more, and the out- lines were again perused, though every line there had been long since burned into his brain, never to be forgotten. = Yes, there was a rock, though of a very differ-
Page 13
Silver City Tom. £ is ent appearance from the one he expected to find, and some of the other features seemel to he there, too. He moved around, taking the posi- tion which seemed laid down in the chart, and theré it was, before him at last, though years had changed very materially the appearance which his invalid father had so often described. What a thrill of emotion had passed over his frame-as he moved toward the gray stone! Was he on the verge of success, or did only another disappointment stare him in the face? Yes, there was the smaller bowlder. which covered the treasure, and even now it was appar- ent that the earth beneath it had been disturbed. Charles dropped upon his knees, for he seemed deficient in standing-strength, and rolled away the small stone. Then he coramenced an imme- diate attack upon the earth beneath. He had only a miniature wooden spade, which he had formed with his kmife in anticipation of this moment, but this was sufficient to throw aside the disintegrated earth. Heedless of every thing surrounding him, the young man devoted himself to the task, scraping out the loose dirt, and gaining fresh assurances, each moment, that he was exploring the cache he had come to seek. He was well at the work, and had just begun to expect that he might at any moment come to some more substantial proofs, when a movement sounded close beside him, and Blue Belt ap- peared, He had no game, but the young man thought not now of that. “T have found it, Blue Belt,” he exclaimed, joyously. ‘“Oh, yes. Too bad. Me sorry!” “Sorry; what in the—” A signal of caution recalled the wild youth to “ss senses, frou no talk so loud—we are watched,” re- turned the Indian. ‘‘ Watched!” gasped the youth, ‘‘can it be? Where?” By a careless motion the Indian pointed al- most directly in advance. Charles glanced in that direction, and saw a sight which naturally | enough filled him with alarm, Rising from behind a thicket not more than fifty yards away, he beheld Tom Taylor, Eben Shay and Rob Miffins, all with rifles ready for service, and looks of infernal delight upon their features, “Ha, ha!” laughed Tom. ye right in the act?” ““Ha, ha, ha!” chorused the two satellites, mockingly. Blue Belt had shrunk away, being fully pre- pared for the move, but Marline stood like one rooted to the spot, completely nonplused at the position in which he found himself. “Yer don’t git away this time,” the big villain continued, making preparations to fire. ‘‘ If “So, I’ve caught ye’ve got any prayin’ to do, be quick about | it.” Resting his face against the breech of his gun, Taylor paused a moment to take deliberate aim. But he did not fire. From the forest upon the left a single rifle- shot rung out, and then the desperado dropped his gun, with a bullet-hole through the breech. It was discharged by the fall, but the ball went wide, and hastily snatching up the damaged weapon, Tom sought the same safety for which his companions were already seeking. In less than a minute the last of the trio had disappeared, gliding from tree to tree, and from one cover to another, On looking around for his companion, Charles realized for the first time that be was alone. Blue Belt was standing behind a tree at some distance, with his gun in hand, and keeping a sharp lookout in every direction. The young man bastened to his side, ‘What was the meaning of that?” he asked. The Indian shook his head. “Can’t say,” he replied. ‘* Me not well under- stand.” ‘“The person who fired that shot must be our friend,” persisted Marline, Still Blue Belt shook his head. ‘*May be not so,” he returned, “What shall we do?’,Charles asked. —- “Come with me,” and Blue Belt led the way toward a small ravine, not very far distant. ‘* But what will become of my treasure?” the young man exclaimed, in an agony of conflict- ing emotions. ‘‘ Let: me go back and get that— it would be only a few minutes’ work.” “Get it—lose it,” returned the Indian. * Must watch it ncw—take it out some time.” The savage then added some arguments of his own, to show the young man the danger of at- tempting any such feat as he contemplated—tbe bearing away in open daylight, and in the face of watchful enemies, a treasure of more value than many hor It seemed very vexatious to Charles, when the prize had seemed almost in his grasp, to be thus tantalized; but he could do no less than submit, consoling himself that in all probability none of the other parties, even if they knew his errand, would attempt to secure the treasure during daylight. Crouching under the bank of the ravine, he thought all these matters over, and saw that his red friend was right. His safest course, most certainly, would be to seize the prize under cover of darkness, and make his way from that vicinity as rapidly as possible. But, meantime, where was the friend that had fire the mysterious shot? If a friend indeed, why did he not appear, and satisfy the growing uncertainty ? “Do you stay here and watch the spot,” he finally said to Blue Belt. “1 am going on a scout,” He worked up along the ravine, crept out of it, and around behind a small hill, whence he could survey the forest for some distance each way, but he saw no person. The stillness of death seemed to reign on all sides, and be listen- ed and looked in vain for any explanation of the mystery. “J declare, I don’t comprehend this,” be mut- tered, still keeping wp tie sweeping search of his.eyes. Somebody is lurking around here for a purpose, though whether it be good or bad, Pve no particular idea.” Satisfied that himself and the Indian were now alone in that part of the country, which- >
Page 14
Silver City Tom. ever way the others might have gone, Charles hastened back to compare notes with Blue Belt, After a little discussion, it was decided that Marline should remain in the vicinity during the forenoon, while the other went out to look for food, and also strove to make any discover- ies which he might by care or accident, When he had gone, Charles sought out a spot where it seemed no one could discover him with- out first exposing themseives, and where he could command a good view of all the region about. There he set himself down to watch and wait. One long hour after another rolled by, each freighted with weariness, and it seemed to the young man that his Indian friend would never come, By his pocket-compass he could see that it was now past noon, but no signs yet of any breakfast, or any friend. Tom Taylor and his gang seemed to have left for good, and save the occasional movement of a wild animal, the place seemed a fitting abode for the skeleton which the young man had dis- turbed, ; Finally, as the afternoon wore away, still bringing no Blue Belt, hunger began to call in earnest tones, and Charles decided to go out in- to the forest, at some distance from his present position, and attempt to shoot somathing with his revolvers. Bat the purpose was not easily carried out. There was a scarcity of game in the immediate vicinity, and that which was to be seen seemed unusually wild. The young man wandered about for hours, quite unable to get within pistol-shot of any thing worth shooting. Just as he was about giving up the search, and had begun to make his way back toward the spot where he left the prized cache, he was surprised at beholding evidences of former life in the vicinity, and very soon thereafter came out upon the ruins of Jeddy Stark’s former hut. “So-ho,” he remarked. ‘‘Somebody has been living here. Perhaps that explains the mystery of the morning.” While gazing at the remains, he had not noticed the epproad of Stark in person, and it was not till the feeble old man was almost with- in speaking distance that he was observed, The old man was the first to speak. “‘T don’t think ye belong vo his gang,” he said; “ef I hed, I should hey shot ye where ye stood!” And the old man extended a rifle, the moder- ate weight of which seemed almost too much for his enfeebled frame. CHAPTER IX, THE SCENES CHANGED. *“f pon’r know whose gang you may mean,” the young man returned, very composedly, “but I can assere youl belong to nobody but myself,” “*T know ye don’t belong to them,” Stark con- tinued, “for I marked every one of them by the light of my poor home, and some day 1 shall meet the whole gang, and clear up all these old scores. I owe him more than I can tell, but it will be all right, by and by.” & “Tsit Tom Taylor’s gang you are speaking | oir Charles demanded, a light coming over nim, “ Yo're right, my man, parfictly right.” He was silent a moment, and then abruptly demanded: ‘What shall I call your name, young man?” “‘Tamno friend of Taylor's,” was the hesitat- ing reply. “Then I think your name must be Charles Marline!) Am I right?” . The young man evinced considerable surprise. He felt even more. “You are right,” he said, frankly. ‘‘ That is my name; and now pray tell me how you knew or guessed it.” “Oh, [knew nothing—I only knew a young man of that name was in these parts, so I sup- } posed you must be the one.” “This was your home? asked the young man, “Tt was, sir.” “And Tom Taylor burnt it?” “He did.” The poor old man related the scenes which had transpired at the visit of Shay, and subse- quently adding, very energetically: “ But that is not the first wrong this man has done me. Years ago a crime was laid to me that I never was guilty of, and I only saved my neck by coming away bere, many miles beyond where white men had ever trod, I should have been killed by the savages, but my knowledge of roots and airbs made me a kind of medicine- man for them, and so [ lived in peace with ’em. But Pm going to hunt up this man, and pay him for all his villainy, if it costs my life, Life is worth very little, young man, when you get to my age.” As the old man ceased speaking a sound came to the ears of Charles Marline which caused him to start and leave the old man’s side abruptly. It was the sound of voices, and their tone seemed that of imprecation. More than this, he seemed to recognize the tones as those of Tom Taylor. The forest was full of deep shadows, and any person might have ghded through it without danger of attracting pare cals attention. Charles did so, though why, he could scarcely have told. From time to time he could still hear the voices, so that he did not require a guide, and presently stood where he beheld the whole scene. : And if was a strange sight which broke upon his vision, Tom Taylor and his two yillain companions had a fourth man in their power, and were evi- dently intent upon his death, <A rope had been placed about his neck, and thrown over the limb of a tree, the end of which Tom held, and even at the moment when Charles first caught sight of the scene, he was lowering the doomed man to the ground, after having drawn him up to a considerable distance. “Now will ye tell out the whole story?” de- manded the great ruffian, 3 But his victim either could not or would not speak, and after a moment’s waiting, the giant exclaimed again: — “Tf ye ain’t goin’ to speak, why, up ye go and ye won’t come down ag'in this time, min that! Are ye goin’ to tel? . :
Page 15
There seemed to be no answer, for up went ‘the pendent form again, this time with a venge- ful eviergy which seemed to speak of a deadly purpose, = Charles, quite unobserved by the trio, who were too intent upon their bloody work to no- tice very closely what might be transpiring about them, had stolen up, until two vigorous springs put him within striking distance of the active murderer. With a clubbed pistol, impelled by all the vigor of his arm, he struck the self-appointed executioner, the blow felling him as though he had been but a mass of clay, The victim dropped to the earth, and Charles turned to the other two men, presenting the cold muzzle of a revolver to each. So quickly had the whole transaction taken place, that they had scarcely realized his pres- ence in their midst, before they found them- selves confronted. Even the rifles upon which they were leaning had not been presented. ‘Not a move, gentlemen, till this thing is ex- plained,” he said, in tones not to be mistaken. ** Tf you do, you are dead men!” For one moment they gazed ati the cold iron tubes and the muscular young man who held them; then both turned and dashed-away into the forest. Charles allowed them to depart, for he had no wish to shed blood if it could be a*vided, and he well knew Taylor to be the principal im the deed. It was not probable that the condition of his head would allow him to join in other plans for villainy that night. While he was busy releasing the young man . from his unpleasant position, Charles was some- what surprised to see his aged acquaintance, Jeddy Stark, making his way to the spot. The old man apparently took in the situation at a glance, for he said, pointing his finger to Taylor: “Take a piece of that rope, and tie this man well. Then leave bim tome. I want to take eare of him.” Having released George Gregory, for he was the victim, as the reader has rightly supposed, and finding that he was not injured beyond a most uncomfortable choking, Charles turned his attention to ‘l'’om, who still lay quite devoid of motion, A portion of the rope, skillfully applied, left him powerless to inflict any further injury, even if in possession of his full powers of body, which being done, be was placed beside a tree and left to himself. Young Gregory was suffering considerably, und some water was needed, that the cruel rope- ‘eut about his neck might be bathed. Charles looked about in perplexity. “Tf we cond have some water,” be said, in- quiringly. “That you can,” returned Stark. ‘“ Go right up to where my cabin stood, and to the east, not ten rods, youll find a. running stream. Take my cap and get it.” Charles grasped something which promised to answer the purpose, and hastened away. It was not very far to the spot, and he readily found the stream. But, upon filling the cap he had taken, he found it quite useless, and that he might as well have taken a sieve for that Siiver City Tom. is Here was a quaiidary. His own was no bet- ter, nor had he anything about him which would answer. But even then he recollected having seen a small-sized iron vessel in the pile of ruins were Jeddy’s but had stood, and to obtain this was his first purpose. He found it quite readily, though the gloom was now gathering, and found that it answered all requirements. One hasty swallow of the priceless beverage, and he sped back upon his missson of mercy, But on reaching the spot, he found himself anticipated. The entire party had Gieeppesred! It was not a mistake on his part, for there could be none. Here’ was the identical tree against which he had placed Tom Taylor, but the giant was no longer there. There was the spot where George Gregory had been carefully seated, but no young man was to be seen. Even the old avenger had disappeared altogether. Charles Marline placed his vessel of water upon the ground, and gave the earth a close scrutiny. No marks of blood, or traces of con- flict were to be seen, except where the attempt at execution had taken place, nor could he dis- cover any decided trail leaving the spot. On the whole bis astonishment and perplexity were unbounded. What was he to do? Should he attempt to follow and ascertain the fate of the old man and boy? Then his treasure. It was already getting dusk and if he delayed lon- ger it might be impossible to find the cache. The last thought decided him. He would has- ten to the cache, secure his treasure, and eitber conceal it elsewhere and seek for further light ‘regarding this mysterious affair, or hasten back toward civilization, stopping for Lena Corrol as he went. Shaping his course according to the best of his judgment, he hurried away through the forest as rapidly as consistent with reasonable pre- caution, Night fell fast in the forest depths, so that be- fore the goay man had reached _ the place be sought it was difficult to distinguish anything, save where the wood was quite open. But at length he did find the locality of the cache, and when assured that he was right, hastened up to the side of the rock. Just at that moment his heart gave a painfu? thump. Some one had been there before him! The dirt had been excavated to a considerable extent, and without any question, the treasure had been taken! In an instant his suspicion ran to Blue Belt. He believed that person alone knew of the buried treasure, and why bad he not returned, as by agreement he should have done, if he had not been waiting for some such opportunity? If Tom Taylor, or the young stranger, George Gregory, knew of the cache, as Taylor of course did know, they were at such a distance that any probability of their having been engaged in the theft seemed extremely remote, But the treasure, if any bad been there, was gone; and whoever had taken it, there seemed little use for the young man to ever again ex- ect to obtain any clew to its whereabouts. Why then should he longer remain whi danger and lawlessness so generally abou
Page 16
ié6 * Silver City Tom. He felt a great inclination to set forth at once, travel as far as-he could during the night, and push on the following day, that he might lose no time in getting out of the wilderness, This dis- position had half taken a form of determination when something like a step sounded behind him. Turning quickly, he found himself face to face with the very person he never again expected to encounter—Blue Belt. And close behind that personage came half a- dozen Indian hunters, CHAPTER X. ON THE TRAIL. For a moment Charles stood with revolvers ready fora desperate strife, aiticipating some hostile demonstration from the red-men. But as none was made, he began to think better of it, and asked of Blue Belt: ‘‘ Where have you been?” The Indian then proceeded in his own way to tell his story. On going out in the morning he had searched some time for game. But nothing of any size presenting itself, he went on, till some miles from the cache. Here he struck the trail of a hunting-party of his people. Not till near noon did he overtake them, in- ducing them to undertake the errand he wished. Tn this he was fenally successful, and now he had arrived with half a dozen trusty Indians, pleuty of food, and guns enough for a fight, if need be, All this would have interested Charles very much had there been any occasion for their ser- vicés—had the treasure been in his possession. As it was, he could only feel impatient that they had not come sooner, and so exclaimed, half petulantly: “THs too late! everything is lost!” “How you mean lost?” asked the Indian. Charles explained that, urged by hunger, he had left his post for a time, and, on returning to unearth the treasure, was horrified to find it gone, The savage received the announcement very calmly. * Braves follow trail very fast!” he said, and pointed to the warlike array standing in grim silence behind them, A new hope took possession of the young man’s mind; If Tom Taylor, or any of those concerned with him in the scene of violence which Charles had interrupted, bad taken the treasure, it might still be possible to follow them up and ob- tain it. Ho related the occurrence to Blue Belt. That worthy signified a wish to be led to the spot, and away the party went through the forest, gliding like so many shadows, The place was found without difficulty, and was precisely as the young man had left it, even the little iron kefitle of water remaining where he had placed it on finding those gore for whose use it was intended, A few words passed between the Indians, and then they set out in different directions, moving through the forest as silently as so many ghosts. Blue Belt was the last to leave, but he went, re- questing Charles to wait a short time. None of the Indians were long absent. With- in twenty minutes all had returned and gathered _ina circle upon the ground, Their delibera- tions, interspersed with generous smoking, were long and tedious, so that Charles, who was all anxiety and impatience, began to think they would never end, But finally the council broke up; the savages began to unpack their food, and ‘Blue Belt in- formed the young man that the warriors pro- posed to rest through the night, take the trail with the coming of morning light, and pursue it till the party of white men was found. Before morning light the Indians were astir, and had prepared their breakfast, such as it was. Scouts were sent out to take observations, and preparations made for pushing the pursuit most vigorously. No sooner was it possible to follow the trail than the red-men set off, Charles falling in the rear, and watching carefully all the methods by which they detected the passage of those they sought. It was one of his first practical lessons in trail-hunting, and there was no knowing how soon he might require to be proficient. The trail led in difficult ways, up sharp as- cents and through tangled wilds, which it re- quired much caution and skill to penetrate. The ground was constantly growing more broken; huge rocks were scattered on all sides, and many fallen trees, torn down by the fre- quent storms, At length all further progress seemed ef- fectually cut off. A rugged, frowning cliff rose directly in front of them, and toward it the trail led. The Indians pursued it cautiously, Charles and Blue Belt being in advance. Suddenly, from a dark cleft, high up in the face of the ledge, came two bright flashes, two sharp reports, and one of the Indians dropped to the ground, shot through the body. Beyond doubt this missile had been intended for Charles, since it passed so close as to graze his cheek, inflicting a painful, though not other- wise serious, scratch, Blue Belt, too, had been an especial target for the unseen marksmen, as a bullet-wound in his arm attested. Almost before the reports had died away, every Indian that could do so had taken cover, and Charles was left standing alone be- side the dying savage. The young man did not wish to seek cover. Unprovoked and cowardly as had been the at- tack, he was anxious to know more before put- ting himself in deadly hostility to those men, And more than that, he wished them to under- stand that he was not alarmed at the sound or smell of powder. Taking from his pocket a handkerchief, he held it aloft, saying as he did so: “Come out, traitors, and let us know who you are, and why you fire thus upon unoffend- ing men?” There was a short silence, and then a voice from the rock replied: ‘*-Your Injins will shoot, if we give them a chance.” ‘“No wonder your conscience troubles you, Eben Shay,” the young man returned. ‘ But ‘ou need not feel so alarmed. I will be surety hat the Indians will not molest you now unless you further provoke them,”
Page 17
Silver City Tom. 49 5 a ee aN a a ee ee er ed Sn eee ENE e n “T don't believe it,” growled the voice. “‘ You know who we are; what more do you want?” “T know your voice,” replied Charles. ‘‘ But who is with you, and why are you there?” “No matter who is with us. Weare here to cure Tom’s head that you broke last night.” “Why did you attempt to shoot me when at the cache; yesterday morning?” “We did not care to shoot you—only wanted you to go out of the way, and let us have the treasure. “Did you get it?” ‘* Yes; don’t you wish you had it, yourself?” ‘*T¢ is false, they haven’t got it!” exclaimed a voice from within. ; That this was the voice of one of the prisoners, there could be no doubt. And most surely it was not theold man. Consequently it must be the boy. The supposition was hightened by what seem- ed the sound of blows and tumult from within. Presuming upon what he supposed, as well as some things which he knew, Charles continued: ‘Why do you keep that boy with you?) What has he done?” ‘ 1t was some moments before any response was made, and then Eben Shay and Rob Miflins ap- peared upon the cliff, the former holding George Gregory before him as a shield, the latter cover- ing himself in like manner with Jeddy Stark. Both fhose last-named had their hands bound, and bore marks of rough usage, Eben Shay, as hitherto, continued to do the speaking, ‘Now ye see us,” he said, ‘‘all of us, and know who's here. I ain’t goif’ to stand here and gab any longer. We're whar ye can’t git tew us, and your best way is to go along and at- tend to yer own concerns.” % ‘*} am attending to my own concerns,” Charles responded. “I had a quantity of treasure cached not far from here. I have been robbed of it, and you confess to the robbery. Unless it be forthcoming you need never expect that I shall leave you. It is my property, and I have a right to its recovery. “That's true,” returned the other. ‘ But we don’t happen to have it. This ’ere youngster has got the gold, and he won’t tell what he’s done with it. That’s what we were stringin’ him fer last night. We wanted to make him tell what he’d done with it, so we could bring it to you.” ‘OT is false,” exclaimed Gregory. ‘‘ They came here to rob you—I came to prevent them!” ‘Who are you?” Charles asked. The youth seemed to shrink somewhat from Marline’s steady gaze, and cast down his eyes in confusion, But presently he said: ‘My name is Gregory, and I am your friend. It was for that they tried to kill me!” “You lie!” screamed Shay, grasping him by the throat, and shaking him violently. Could Charles have fired at the brutal Shay without violation of his honor, he would most assuredly have done so, since, whether the boy spoke the truth or uot, the action of his persecu- tor was so utterly defiant of all principles of humanity that Charles experienced a strong de- sire to send a bullet in his direction. , This feeling seemed to be more than sus- picion by the desperadoes, for Rob Miffins de- manded, impatiently: “Come, what are you waiting for now? If you've stood there with that white rag in your hand long enough, it is time you took yourself off among the Injins. Maybe you think ita funny idee to j'ine yourself with red-skins, and make war on white men; but you won’t find if so, if youlive to get back among the settle- ments. But don’t you lay awake o’ nights, for I don’t think there is muck danger of your get- tin’ back!” A brutal laugh accompanied this sally of wit, and under its cover the party withdrew once more to their rocky fastness, Seeing plainly enough that nothing could be accomplished, by way of treaty or reason, Charles restored his handkerchief to its former receptacle, and turned away. Scarcely had he done so when a pistol was dis- charged from the cliff, the bullet passing clese to his shoulder and striking a rock directly in front of him. This cowardly shot was answered by a general volley from the Indians, who had taken positions among the rocks and bushes, af- ter the manner of their people; and, in fact, the manner of white men differed very little. Blue Belt had retired some little distance to the rear, and with another brave was dressing his damaged arm as carefully as circumstances would allow. Charles took a seat beside bim, and they dis- cussed the course to be taken in prosecuting the work they had in hand. CHAPTER XI. BEHIND THE SCENES. Ir now becomes necessary to return to George Gregory and his companions, at the time Charles left them in pursuit of water, as related ina previous chapter. Shay and Miffins did nos run far when they Jeft the scene of the attempted execution. No sooner were they safely out of sight of the young man, than a halt was called by mutual consent, and they began to deliberate in regard to their further movements, Of course they had no intention of leaving Tom Taylor in other hands than their own, so long as there was any danger of his meeting jde- served treatment, their only anxiety being not to meet the muzzles of those uncompromising re- volvers. Accordingly they began creeping back toward the place, intending to spring upon Marline with a coup de grace, after which they could dispose of the others~at leisure. Fate seemed to help them, for, as they came near, the young man left the place, and from his parting words they gathered his purpose. : Jeddy Stark was bending over the unconscious Tom, full of joyful anticipations of coming gratification, when he felt himself grasped from behind and disarmed, while a hoarse voice ex- claimed in his ear: “Don’t ye say aloud word! head comes off!” | A long knife was flashed before his eyes, and the same savage speaker continued: “Take hold of Tom’s legs and help carry, or Pll cut yer wizen!” If ye do, yer
Page 18
Silver City Tom. His death would have availed nothing, and staggering toand fro under the weight, which was almost greater than he could support, the poor old man carried Tom’s feet as best he could, while Miffins tugged along bearing his monstrous body. Moan Shay threw the lighter form of George Gregory over his shoulder, and in this manuer the place was vacated, almost before Marline’s footsteps had died away in the distance. Before they had gone far, the old man’s strength gave way entirely, and he fell to the earth, rising to his feet again with some difficul- ty. But George was somewhat recovered now, and could walk,so Shay and Miffins took up their damaged leader, and compelled the boy and old man to walk between them, one upon each side of the insensible form, Stopping frequently to rest, they kept on in this way until darkness began to shut in the forest. Then the prisoners were tied to each other and the burden, so that they could by no means escape, and on they still went through the dark- ness. Jeddy knew of the existence of a cavern in the hills, as he confessed, and was obliged, under threats of death, t>» guide them toward it. He did so, and finally, when the party was ut- terly exhausted, it was reached. The prisoners were then tied separately, so that they could not assist each other to freedom, and aftera momentary rest, the two men de- voted all their energies to bringing Tom back to a conscious condition, This was not easily done, His senses returned slowly, and when the night was waning toward morning, he found sufficient strength to groan and curse, as well as t» make some faint inquiries in regard to their sifuation and prospects. He was overjoyed to find that George and the old man were safe in their hands, and gave tho most decided orders concerning their future keeping. ““Don’t ye dare to let ’em git away,” he said, speaking afew words atatime. ‘If ye blun- der on keepin’ ’em now, VIl shoot the man that doas it with my own hand! [ want the satisfae- tion of ’tendin’ to’em myself. Mind that now. Don’t pay too much attention to ma—I shall ‘come out all right presently; but keep séch a wateh of them, that there can’t be any fail.” Having impressed the substances of this advice ‘in several different forms, and with more of profane adjectives than we care to transcribe, Tom seamed to lose all interest in ontside mat- ters, and relapsed into a semi-stupid state, from whicl: he did not awake till morning light again beamed over the earth, With mingled sleeping, swearing, and wateh- ing their prisonery, Shay and Miffins passed through the night, giving evidences of ferocious satisfaction when the return of day rendered their task comparatively much lighter. An examination of the cavern showed that it ‘was not only extensive, but complicated and peculiar in structure. Following a spiral path- way around the rock, an extensive chamber was reached directly over the entrance, havinz acleftin the face of the rock, and a sort of natural balcony protruding from the front. me Back into the depths of the rocky hill there noe ra = were other dark and not particularly inviting recesses, which the party did not explore, The chamber seemed to answer their purposes ad- EADY and thither the party at once remoy- ed. A few handfuls of boughs, scattered on one of the smoothest rocks, formed a sort of couch for Tom, on which, with many profane groans, he was laid. The captives were assigned a place, their bonds examined anew, and while Shay remained to watch, Miffins went out for food. His absence was brief, When he returned, it was with the tidings that seyen Indians were close at band, following their trail up with avidity, and that Charles Marline was directing their movements. The scepe which ensued has already been pre- sented to the reader, During the long hours of watching which sue- ceeded, George and the old man found oppor- _ tunity, being near together, to unknot the cords which held them, and arrange some portions of a plan of escape. But the firsé condition neces- sary to a successful attempt in this direction wis an opportunity, and that did not seem readily to present, The afternoon had well advanced. Hunger and sleepiness had long been struggling for pos- session of the party up in the midst of the rocks, Morpheus seemed .at length to obtain the mas- tery. Nothing had been heard for some time of the Indians outside, only now and then a scalp- knot appeared for a moment, to indicate that they had not given over the siege, ‘tom Taylor was asleep, snoving heavily. Shay was in the same condition, though not so noisy, and Jeddy Stark had been unconscious of all akon him for sometime. Miffins was lazily watching the out- side danger, and for a long time had not turned his eyes toward the prisoners. Now or never, it seemed to the young man, was the time to make their escape, and a gentle touch of his foot awakened the sleeping captive. A look and a nod was all they needed for con- certed action. Very carefully, slowly, they crept back toward a projecting corner of rock, and not until they were in a position to step at once behind it did either rise to his feet. Once, while the movement was going on, Rob Miffins looked around. But his head turned slowly, and he saw only four supposed sleeping forms, With a yawn and muttered curse, he turned again to his observation, and ina few moments more George Gregory and his aged companion were upon their feet behind the rocky spur. But they did not panse here. Stark grasped the young man’s hand, aud led him along a rough, winding passage, which, after they had proceeded a few feet, becatne en- veloped in a more than Hgyptian darkness. However, the old man seemed quite familiar, with the place, and moved on altogether faster than Gregory could pick his way. Climbing a rock here, only to keep under one just beyond, they scrambled along until the old guide paused; and as George came up beside him, the first whisper of the journey sounded on the trembling ” air. ‘* Here’s a kind of hole,” he said. ‘Tain’ more than six foot deep, Put yer hands right pg Gulp fuel Mt oe ante tT).
Page 19
na = "oO a i= on the edge of the rock, and swing off. Strike on yer toes as much as ye kin.” He expected to land upon a firm, level surface, ond only discovered his mistake after rolling about for some moments upou the rough rocks, and receiving numerous severe contusions, He was not seriously injured, and very soon regained his feet, but only to meet his compan- icon, who descended in a manner similar to his own, pitchihg headlong against George, and both coming to the bottom in a complicated pile. ‘* Here we're safe for the present,” the old man said, ‘‘T should think they might hunt a while and not find us.” “Yes, and a long while. I know every part of this place. If they’d nothin’ else to busy ’em, ond they have, it would take hours for them to find this spot. They might come across the place whar we got down, but that only looks like a hole; we are entirely away from that, out under the solid rock, If they held a torch down that place, they wouldn’t see any signs of us. But they won’t hold any lights anywhere till the outsiders are disposed of, you can be sure, and by that time we shall be somewhere else.” “But can’t we get out some other way, and make our escape known to the men outside?” ‘Not till dark, There is only one entrance, that by which we came in, There’s a dozen hiding-places around here inside, but only one way to get at them all. After dark we may ship out, if nothin’ turns up; but we had better ecomiit suicide than try it now.” ‘*Then I suppose we must wait,” and, with a sigh, the young man leaned heavily back against the rock, Despite all his efforts at wakefulness, Rob’s eyes began to close. He winked, very long and slow, then very fast, but all did not remove the gummy, heavy feeling of the lids. Then he began to try the experiment of watch- ing the enemy with closed eyes, but found that he forgot the Indians, and awoke with a sudden start and nod, which threatened to dislocate his neck, The momentary start seemed to awaken him, and with eyes set resolutely to the front, he looked out through orifices which momen- tarily grew narrower, until the Indians were again forgotten. Another desperate nod of the head brought him back again to consciousness, and fearful lest some one had noticed his dere- liction of duty, he looked quickly around, as though to testify to his wakeful condition. {t was all right so far as his confederates were concerned, Both men were sleeping soundly. How was it with the captives? He looked for them, but only blank walls of rock met his gaze. Strangely enough, he did not rub his eyes again (as characters in fiction invariably do), but sprung to hisfeet and hurried back toward the rear of the cavern. A very brief search convinced him that they had gone ae his reach, and another project flashed into his mind. -Hastening back to where Eben Shay was sleeping, he gave that worthy a not over-gentle kick with his foot, saying, as he bounded up: “Come, Ebe, the reds are gettin’ in sbape for some kind of work, soon as it’s dark. You watch ’em now, and let me rest a few minutes. re oe Silver City Tom. 19 You’ve been havin’ a jolly good sleep all to © yourself.” Eben made no immediate reply, but rose to his feet, and looked calmly around, a proceed- ing which caused his companion to feel any- bei es easy. . ‘* Where's the prisoners?” he asked, very dis- tinctly. ‘*They must have slipped out while I was watching the red-skins,” Miffins replied, very frankly. ‘‘ But they are somewhere inside here. They couldn’t hev got out without my seein’ em, for the reds war movin’ all the while, and I was so busy with them that I didn’t look around for some time. But if they’d gone out I should have seen ’em,” A smile of incredulity rested upon Shay’s fea~ tures, but he only said: ‘‘Then we'd best look for them, seems to me.” And he nodded toward Taylor. “ Just what you say.” “‘And look here!” broke from the supposed sleeping giant; ‘‘if you’ve let ’em off in this kind of way, both of ye know what I told ye this mornin’. Now go and bring ’em back, ef ye kin, and mind they don’t eg for another sec- ond—not a single second! If ye’ve let ’em git away for good, ye know what to expect. Ial- ways mean what I say!” brace of pistols, which he produced and brandished feebly, expressed the purport of his threat, even if the words had not at that mo- moment rung with fearful distinctness in the ears of his confederates, ‘* Shay got asleep and let ’em off,” said Miffins. ‘*T was watchin’ the reds all the while. First I knew, the boy and the old codger had gone.” ‘*That’s all a lie!” broke in Eben, accompany- ing the declaration with a string of oaths, “You agreed to- watch while I rested, and plaguey poor watchin’ it must be if you couldn’t eep track of two men right under yer nose. That was yer own free. offer!” “No more of that!” howled the prostrate giant. ‘‘Goand look up them two prisoners, or I'll ’arn ye a lesson before ye start.” Thus invited, the two men gava a glance out- side, to make sure the savages were not stealing upon them, and then hastened away to make a more thorough search for the escaped, “Tf we had something to make a light of,” re- marked Shay, ‘“‘we might find ’em. But we never can without,” ‘Light, you fool!” roared Miffins, ‘‘ Do you want to hold up a candle for some of them red- ~ skins outside to fire at? You can have the privilege, if you do, for I am free to confess I don’t want any sich honorable distinction,” The observation ended in an oath, for while moving along carelessly the speaker had step- ped off the rock on which he was standing, and slid to the one below, a distance of two or three feat, sustaining some scratches and trifling bruises. A light laugh from Shay greeted this nee ‘Look a-here, you can laugh!” growled Rob. “T don’t really relish this kind of thing, and I’m free to say I’ve Y acl enough of it. If you want to poke around here any longer you can, but eget my eyes out with a shall o it, er-horn if
Page 20
20 Silver City Tox. Thus speaking, he climbed up beside his more fortunate companion, and moved away toward ne spot where the wounded giant had been eft. “But see here, Rob,” pursued the other, “ whatll ye do with Tom? What’ll ye tell him?” “ell him? Why, tell him we can’t find ’em, to be sure! What would you tell him?” “You know what he said.” ‘* Well, nonsense, what of that? If he shows any signs of wantin’ to fire, we must prevail on him not to do any such rash thing.” * Prevail on him—how?” Rob did not at once reply. His companion continued: “I don’t know how you mean, Rob, but this Ican say: any little job of that kind, you can undertake. J don’t want any hand in it. Yon must know Tom Taylor well enough to know that he’s a mighty bad customer when he takes an affront at anybody. Don’t you know that?” “Should think 1 ought to. There’s others know it, too. Some on the other side of the question.” ‘* Well, no matter about them, now. But this Tcan tell you, I ain’t goin’ back to Tom till we find those men or do some good job on his side.” Well?” "Are you afeard to mix in with a red-skin when the marked cards are all in yer own hands?” ‘Don’t know whether I am or not, till ye tell what’s in yer mind. Ye kin allus count me in if yer plan hes any sense init. But I can’t say that’s often the case.” ‘Ye cari’t, eh? Well, now look a-here. If we could induce these red-skins to git out of the way, we could light a torch, and s’arch out these runaways, makin’ a good smooth job all round. Don’t ye see?” “TY geo it, all but the Sif!” ** Wal, now see that.” Tho plan he had in view was here narrated at some length, and seemed to meet the approba- tion of the listener from the fact that he almost held his breath, and listened without offering a word. When the scheme had been fully ex- pounded, he drew a long breath, and, after a moment of reflection, remarked: “You're a regular brick, Eben, This time your plan is pretty fairly sensible. Only you'll Stand a right good chance of gittin’ a hole through the linin’ of your coat. Bout, then, that’s nothin’, Yes, you can count me in on that.” There was a brief survey of weapons, and then the twain moved down to the entrance. CHAPTER XITI. THE WHITE FLAG, Tut day had passed on leaden wings to Charles Marline. Dangerous as the undertakin would have been he would gladly have apitapest to storm the rocky recess, and bring forth the prisoners; but that was not an Indian method of warfare, and he could not induce the red-men to accompany him, They preferred] to lie in wait for darkness, and then use all the ingenuity of their minds to devise some trap for the white men, Charles was lying upon the ground, his mind | wandering uneasily from the scene before him to the robbed cache, and then to Lena Corrol, in her unenviable home, when Blue Belt came up, and touched his arm, ‘* Something come,” he said, The young man sprung up and glanced toward the opening of the cavern, Sure enough something was coming, and that something was no more or less than Eben Shay and Rob Miffins, who had emerged to the open air, floating a very dirty piece of white rag be- fore them, A word to the Indians sufficed to put evety ove upon the alert, and then Charles, who had taken the fallen red-man’s gun, stepped forward with the stern order: “ Halt!” The request was obeyed, and then the young man continued: ‘* What is the meaning of that rag, and what do you want?” ‘*We’ve bad an outbreak in here,” pursued Shay, ‘‘Tom is dead, and the boy is dyin’. We want you tocome in and look arter ’em. As for us, we’ve had enough of it, and want to go home.” “Tf you want to talk with us, lay down your guns, and your weapons,” said Charles, seeing that both held their rifles in readiness for immediate use. ‘We don’t care anything about talking,” pursued Shay. ‘‘ All we want is to have you bury Tom in a decent shape, and the young man, too. If yowll do that, and see him quick, for he’s got somethin’ he wants to tell ye mortally, we'll go home, and see that the square thing’s done you there.” ‘““No ye won't, ye cowardly sneaks; I ain’t dead yet!” roared a voice from the cleft rocks above and behind them. ‘‘Come back here, you miserable runygades, and stand to yer biz- ness, or Pll be the death of ye now!” Of course such a speech, and the appearance of Tom’s bandaged head at the aperture, di- verted attention for a moment from the truce- bearers. That moment they improved, Drop- ping the emblem of peace, and taking a hasty aim, both fired their guns, and_then, with wea- pons clubbed, rushed upon the Indians. So short was the distance between the two parties that the smoke from both guns floated directly over upon Charles, not only obscuring him from the view of the excited villains who sought his life, but preventing him from obtain- ing a view of them until they had passed him, and were engaged in a hand-to-hand struggle with the Indians. Charles sprung to the scene of conflict, just in time to join in the final discomfiture of the trai- tors. A brawny Indian sprung upon Shay,wrenched away the clubbed gun with which he was strik- ing right and left, and ended that individual’s career by plunging his broad hunting-knife through and through his breast, Marline had drawn a pistol, cae finding he could not safely use it in the melee, thrust it again into his belt, and had recourse to his clubbed gun. He aimed a furious blow at Rob, but even as he did so, the desperado sunk to the ground,
Page 21
A whoop of delight burst from the red-men, and a rush was made for the prostrate form. Glancing at the spot where Shay had fallen, Charles saw that the horrible process of scalp- ing had already taken place,and that the bloody, ghastly trophy was dangling from the belt of the victor, who was dancing and howling in mad delight, at the distinction which had fallen to him, Comprehending the purpose to perform a simi- lar act on the body of Miffins, Charles at once interposed. The rite was, in bis estimation, the most brutal and uncalled for, and his whole tee revolted from such an indignity to the ead. “No, no; back, back!” he exclaimed, standing oyer the fallen man and conveying his meaning as much by gestures as by words. ‘* You must not mutilate the dead body even of your enemy. T shall not allow it—it is brutal and unworthy of brave men, as you have shown yourselves,” The Indians paused, and while they did not express their feelings in words, it was plain to be seen that they were far from pleased at the position taken by the young man, “'Come, now to the rocks!” shouted Charles, With a whoop and a dash, for the Indian blood was up now, and no longer capable of control, the party sped across the narrow space which separated them from the entrance. A single shot was fired from the upper open- ing as they went forward, but none of the party of five were wounded. Blue Belt, notwithstand- ing his wounded arm, found his fighting blood up once more, and had joined the party, knife in hand, Charles was in advance, and just as he reached the entrance, chancing to glance over his shoul- der, he saw Rob Miffins, the man whom he had supposed dead, rise to his feet, look about for a single instant, and then dart away at the top of his speed! But there was no time to give that movement further attention. The mysteries of the cavern, which he had all day been so anxious to pene- trate, lay before the young man, and not to solve them now would be a cruel disappointment indeed, The way was somewhat dark, bt be saw readily in what manner the upper sedge had been reached, and with the Indians following gingerly in his footsteps, the young man pressed on. All around lay bowlders and projecting spurs from which an enemy might fire; but Charles had no longer any thought of danger—he only looked for discoveries. But just as he reached the last steep ascent, a sharp flash and loud report. startled the party. The young man’s cap flew from his head, and with a hollow groan he fell back on his followers, and down the rocky ascent, Tn a moment all courage on the part of the Indians seemed to fade away. They mustered barely enough to drag the young man down to the entrance, and having glanced at the horrible wound in his head, just above the temple, dis- posed the inanimate body, as carefully as Indians could be expected to do under such circum- stances, and then hastened outside to find places of greater safety, : Silver City Tom. 2k Only Blue Belt remained for a moment to note more carefully the nature of the wound and sat- isfy himself whether the young man was really dead, and then he followed his people. Tom Taylor had won a victory. Deserted by his colleagues in sin, he had still, while unable to move without the most intense pain in his injured head, used his pistols with such effect as to drive back the victorious Indians, and secure him another period of immunity from attack; though how soon the attempt upon his stronghold might be renewed he had no means of knowing, To guard against it, he set to work reloading his weapons. But what of our escaped captives, all this time? One of them, at least, was not idle, When Rob Miffins slipped from the rock, and thereby strengthened his determination not to continue the hopeless search longer, he was so near the hiding-place of the men he sought that they not only heard the movement but a portion of the conversation which ensued. In a moment the old man seemed to regain all the energy of former years. He clambered up the sides of his hiding-place, listened to the scrambling footsteps till they had passed down to the entrance, and then he returned to Gregory. “Dm goin’? up a minute,” be said, in eager tones. ‘Do you wait bere for me. I don’t think I shall be gone long, but if I do, ye needn’t be afraid. Pve got suthin’ in my mind, but it ain’t anything you can help me about. Oh, no! You wait here. I understand the lay of these rocks, and youdon’t. If I ain’t back within an hour at the very most, you'll find me somewhere outside. I can’t tell ye jest whar, but maybe somewhere near Tom Taylor.” “Tt seems you are going upon some kind of a desperate mission,” replied the young man. “Tet me, at least, go along with you. Ican hardly be an impediment, and it does seem as though I might be of service to you,” “Yer a good boy, George,” was the earnest response, ‘“‘and generally ye understand things well for one of yer years; but in this ye’r’ alto- gether mistaken. Ye couldn’t render me any possible sarvice, and ye might sp’ile my plan in goin’ out. Jest wait for me—I’ll be back in a very few moments—I mean I shall be back purty soon, if I come at all.” George tried to urge the case further, but Jeddy would not listen, and at his request the young man assisted him up from the cavity, The old man crept down near to the entrance, and was just in time to hear the conversation between the bearers of the flag and Charles Marline, in which Tom Taylor had also a voice. The fight which ensued was quite unexpected to Stark, but he watched it with the utmost inter- est, retreating back among the rocks at its con- clusion, and waiting with the greatest_anxiety for the events which were to follow. He could almost have touched the file of Indians which passed him ascending toward the spot_where Taylor lay, like a wounded lion at bay. He did utter a low exclamation of borror when Marline fell back down the acclivity, but in the general confusion if was not obseryed, -
Page 22
Silver City Tom. Remaining very quiet until the last Indian had left the place, the old man hastened down and bent over the lifeless form. Poor fellow!” he said, while a tear bedewed his aged eyes; “‘it’s too bad that such as him gits killed in this outlandish kind of way. 1 - cant think he’s dead now. Maybe if I only had a good airb pees sech as I put on Chief Big Beads, [I could bring him out all right. But my airbs are all gone, and maybe Lam. gone myself, The next few minutes will show.’ j e os carefully drew a revolver from Marline’s elt, “This is what I want,” he said, after ex- amining it. ‘I don’t like to take it without leave; but I don’t think the young man’ll need -it any more, and I must have something of this kind todo my work, It is high time it was done.” Having satisfied himself that the weapon was roperly loaded and ready for immediate use, a crept up toward the chamber of rocks where Tom Taylor was holding solitary watch. That individual, having seen his Indian foes depart from the rock, was watching in the direction they had taken, so that he was wholly unaware of the approach of Jeddy Stark, till that individual stood almost over him, and in a voice quite unsteady from emo- tion, remarked: “ Well, Tom Taylor, wo meet once more!” The person addressed moved his head quickly, but caught the muzzle of a pistol looking coldly down upon him, and cowered at the moment, He would have brought one of his own weapons to bear, but before he could doso the movement was detected, and Stark exclaimed: “Don’t try to use your pistols unless you are ready to take the contents of this, I want to talk with you a few minutes.” “Talk then,” growled Tom, “but turn aside that old pepper-box—it makes me nervous!” “No wonder, Tom Taylor, no wonder. But if Lturn it aside now, it will not be for a long time. J have come here to use it! Now, i you've any preparation to make, be prompt in making it; for your time bas come!” “Not as ye knows of!” the prostrate man hissed forth. He had manipulated a pistol beneath his body, and now, throwing his arm quickly upward, be fired it fullat the breast of Jeddy Stark. The old man saw but could not avert the movement. He, too, fired, and the two reports, with their fierce echoes and sulphurous smoke, were almost mingled into one, en the vapor lifted somewhat, it discovered two men lying upon the rocky floor, gasping, dying. The old man spoke first, and his voico was very faint. 5 “Tom, are you hurt much?” he asked. ‘Hurt! “You know Iam killed,” was the al- most savage reply. “So am I,” the old man rejoined, in a strange tone. ‘Weare both dyiag. Both going up to the great Judge of all together—how do you like that, Tom Taylor?” A groan, but no ete ‘You have made the world believe me a mur- derer and villain these many years, when the | crimes were your own. But now we shall an- | swer each for hisown deeds, You drove me away from all my friends, from home—from the world. Even then, when my feeble old hands had built a shelter from the storms, you came and burned it—” ‘1 know I’ve been a great sinner,” said Tom, feebly; ‘t but I can’t ondo any of 1t now; I only ask to be forgiven.” ** Yes, Tom, Pll forgive ye, for I hain’t been blameless myself; but there's another One!” “ Whot” “ce God y ‘‘ Jeddy, will He be less merciful than you?” There was a fearful eagerness in the tones, while the rattling, shortened breath showed how soon the sin-laden soul must go forth to that un- seen Judge, “T don’t know, Tom; I hope not,” Again Tom tried to speak, but there was only a great gasp, one mighty convulsion of the frame, and then all was over, ; The old man turned his eyes, but they rested ° only upon the form of death. Was that a foot- step he heard? It sounded like one. “George!” he tried to gasp, and a strange | whisper ran along the rocky galleries, “Here I am,” answered the -youth, who, alarmed at the pistol-shots, had hastened out of his hiding-place, He moved up to the spot, but the breath which had whispered his name was the last the old man ever drew. Side by side those two life- less forms were lying, each grasping in his right hand the weapon which had slain the other, A moment the youth gazed upon the spectacle; | then, with a shudder and a tear, he turned | away. ! At the foot of the rocky ascent he saw the body of Charles Marine. j For a moment he leaned against the rock, pale and almost faint, but presently recovered his— composure, and moved forward. ' ‘“ He is not dead!” the youth exclaimed, as he parted the matted hair away from the bloody wound. ‘‘ The bullet did not penetrate the skull. f ie will live—he must not, oh, MUST NOT } ie 1” CHAPTER XIII. MEONA, CHARLES MARLINE did not die, } His wound had the appearance of re) dan- gerous, but Blue Belt felt bound to eare for his “white brother,” and after disposing of the other matters, it was decided by the Indians to take him, along with their own braves, one of whom was severely wounded, back to their camping-ground. ; Two Indians had been killed, and this fact was sufficient to engender a deal of bitter feel- | ing toward the race in which their murderers claimed nationality; but, at the urgent request of Blue Belt, it was considerably smothered, and the departed braves quietly buried. The three dead whites were left in a pile inside _ the cavern, Tom Taylor being scalped by one of the ambitious savages, though the silver locks of — Jeddy Stark were not disturbed. George Gregory accompanied and assisted the es © eh BH Sol eee oo ee ee ee ee en le ee ed Pay) ek pees > Pt tek bese bees ‘od a. fe Boland thee’ a oe
Page 23
“~~ rRPay sore tice "SPV e Rs Silver City Tom. 23 three braves in bearing their wounded charges to their encampment, and then he disappeared. When Charles Marline came to realize his con- dition, he found that he inside a neat lodge made of fresh boughs, very tastefully woven, and with a couch of the same, which was quite His head was very sore i} 1d take in the avd painful still, but he co scenes which were passing any particular ¢ t able to him under the circumst: Blue Belt came into the lodg an old medicine-woman visited the patient oc- easionally, but there was one who came much oftener, and in whom Charles was much more interested. This was an Indian girl, with plain costume, and very regular, almost handsome features, There seemed to Charles something strangely familiar in these features. ‘It seemed he must have known them for years. But then he reasoned that in all probability he had seen them before he became fully conscious, and that thus | they had become fastened and imprinted upon his brain. This girl seemed to be his nurse, his compan- ion, his guardian. At times, when she supposed him to be sleeping, the young man saw her watching his features most intently, with an in- terest in his welfare so deeply apparent that he felt strangely drawn toward her. Once or twice he ventured to address her, but she pointed to the wound upon his head, and shook her own so emphatically, that he soon gave up the attempt to draw her into conversa- tion, the more especially as, after each stich at- tempt, she retired from the lodge, and was ab- sent a longer time than usual. It was just after dinner. From the hands of his unknown nurse he had been enjoying some most delicious morsels of food, which seemed to fill his frame with new vigor, looking up once in a while into those large, earnest eyes, which were always gazing down upon him with such fervent, soulful expression. But, just then, Blue Belt came in, and as soon as possible thereafter, the Indian maiden with- drew. The young man was fast gaining strength now, and, turning toward the new-comer, he said, almost abruptly: “Blue Belt, who is that girl?” **Meona.” “ Meona! Who is she?” a Indian girl— Dacotah.” , : Dacotah! What is she doing with your people?” ‘Only stay here,” And he indicated the confines of the lodge within which he was standing. “ How long since she came here?” ‘Mhree or four days,” “ How long have I been here?” The Indian counted out the five digits of one hand. : “Why does she stay here, and take care of me in this way?” “Don’t know. squaw—eh?” _ Qharles did not reply. Maybe want to be a pale-face But he did indicate | agreeable, even though he had fain upon it for | | long and weary days. his impatience by a motion, and Blue Belt, not anxious, evidently, to be further eatechised, soon left the lodge. During the remainder of the day he only saw the old medicine-woman, who was about as repulsive in appearance as could easily be imagined, Charles was weak. What he had»learned from Blae Belt was too much for him. He tried to ponder it over, and the very attempt made his head swim and grow confused, till finally he forgot all in sleep. When he awoke it was nearly dark, and the old medicine-woman was standing beside him with a gourd of villainous-tasting gruel—at least it tasted villainous from her hands. But_really he was more engaged in wondering why Meona had not come with it. Had she left the spot, so that he could see her no more? He could gain no information of the present attendant, for she knew no English, and he did not understand a guttural of the torrents sbe sometimes poured out. His only alternative was to sleep through the long night, and see what another day would bring forth—which he did. Next morning he awoke stronger in body, and with a decidedly clearer head. It was very early, as he could see by glancing forth, so he tried to sleep longer, but the attempt was quite vain, His mind was full of his strange Indian attendant. Should he see her when his morn- ing meal was brought? Or would the old hag, whose whole appearance was very like that of a bundle of dried herbs, supply him? Blue Belt came first, but the young man re- pressed the query he longed to utter, and waited until be should have ocular answer. He did not have long to wait. Presently a band was fumbling at the open- ing, the curtain of skins was.drawn aside, and Charles looked up, hoping, yet trembling. But this time his hopes were realized. It was Meona entered, A glad smile ran over her features as she no- ticed the improved condition of her patient, and then her eyes were quickly cast down. With an air such asshe had never assumed before, she stood near the couch, and then very quietly and quickly withdrew. Charles raised his head, purposing to call after her, but, upon second thought, refrained. During the day Charles improved very rap- idly, sitting up without any decided effort, and even walking into the open air without any bad effects, so that his movements were.very steady. Day by day he continued to get better, grow- ing stronger, while the wound upon his head healed as rapidly as could have been asked for, But just in proportion as he regained the exer- cise of his natural powers did he lose sight of Meona. They no longer met save at rare inter- vals and stiil more rarely did he catch her eye. That Indian girl was a mystery, a perpetual source of wonder. And not the most pleasant feature of her mystery was the fact that he, knew not how to make it less so. He began to think now of making an effort to return home, since he could hope for no good results from a longer stay: But it would be very unkind to go without speaking any word of t ankfulness to her, after all the tender care received at her
Page 24
24 : Silver City Tom. hands. He would not do so ungrateful an act. But how should he make proper acknowledg- ments to the timid Indian beauty? Had the debt been due to one of his own race he would not long have hesitated. But to this wild, un- tamed Dacotah, the case was very different, One day he had wandered further even than his increasing strength allowed. He became very tired, and sharp pains dartad through his head, Winding a convenient mossy bank, be- neath some spreading evergreens, he threw him- self upon it for a rest, and perhaps a snatch of sleep, before starting upon his return. Whether he purposed to sleep or not, he was soon in the land of dreams, and his sleeping visions were of Meona. side him, a mere child, but very beautiful, in all save complexion. He prayed earnestly that she might become white, and at once his petition was granted. She grew to womanhood while he gazed, and as he was about to clasp her in his arms, a monstrous serpent arose from the earth, and threw its folds about her, Her shriek awoke him. But the cry did not cease with the awakening. A voice of expostulation and entreaty—a wo- man’s voice, came to his ears still, and he bur- riedly pulled apart the evergreens to gaze through, What a thrill of horror went over him at the sight! Scarcely more than two rods away was Meona, the very subject of his dreams, strug- gling in the grasp of a monstrous Indian. He had secured both her hands in one of bis, and clutching her throat with the other was in the act of throwing her to the earth at the moment Charles caught sight of the scene. He did not hesitate a second, but springing to his feet, and grasping the stout stick he used in walking, rushed forth, and succeeded in showering a half- dozen crushing blows upon the back and shoul- ders of the unguarded savage before he could re- cover an upright position, and produce a hatchet, But Charles was prepared for even such a de- monstration. One hand traveled quickly to his belt, and when it was withdrawn presented a pistol full at the abashed aborgine. As the lat- ter drew back a pace the white man advanced correspondingly. “Go home with you,” he exclaimed, “ for if you make another motion toward me or this Boor girl, Pll blow your brains out on the spot! 0! Whether or not the Indian understood the rapidly-uttered words of English, may be ques- tioned. Rut beyond a doubt he understood the meaning of that frowning pistol, and slunk away until the forest trees hid him. The look of gratitude and thankfulness which beamed from the Indian girl’s eyes, as she re- gained her feet and stood before her deliverer, went directly to the young man’s heart. “You are not hurt?’ he asked, placing one hand tenderly upon her shoulder. “Oh, no, no,” she replied, very quickly and earnestly, looking up with an expression which thrilled the young man, Then, as though frightened at her own bold- ness, she dropped her eyes, stepped back a pace, It seemed she was be-- and giving one hurried glance at Charles an around, fled from the spot. Marline stood astounded. He was now mord than ever mystified. Why should she re fr him at such a moment, when, beyond all ques tion, her heart was overflowing with gratitude for the signal favor he had just rendered her? His first impulse was to call upon her, an this was acted upon. ‘*Meona?” he shouted. She stopped at the call, and remained facing him. ““ Meona, come back here,” he said, seeing that she did not intend to do so. : ““ Why come back?’ she asked, taking a step or two toward him, ** Because I want to talk with you—want to know who and what you are!” he replied, im- pulsively, She hesitated a moment, and then shook her head slowly. ‘“No, not now,” she said, and continued her retreat, Charles might have followed, and attempted to urge the explanation he desired, but a mo ment’s reflection showed him how impossible, any attempt of the kind would ba, and ve reluctantly he turned his steps back toward the camp of his Indian friends. CHAPTER XIV. A NEW DANGER. Wuewn Charles reached the Indian village he saw at once that some matter had considera- bly excited the savages there, and, from the manner in which he was regarded, had no diffi- culty in locating the cause. Stormgoer, the brave who had been chastised, came back to camp very indignant, and dis- played the sorry ridges across his back, with many vows of vengeance. Being one of the most popular warriors of the gang, very skillful as a hunter, and very dangerous when he had any of the pale-face’s fire-water aboard, many ( of the people joined with him in expressions of indignation, only restraining him when he de- clared a purpose of rushing upon Charles, and obtaining satisfaction, in the form of the young man’s scalp, Marline knew enough of the Indian character to know that it was anything but safe for him there, Any sudden outbreak would endanger him to such an extent that even his brotherhood with Blue Belt would be of no account. It was now late in the afternoon, He therefore re- solved tosleep and rest within his own lodge until the dawn of next day, and then set forth for home, He should leave behind Stormgoer, Meona, the cache, and all his other sources of annoyance, And in this plan Blue Belt con- curred, offering to accompany him as far as it would be possible to apprehend any danger from the Indians. But how much may occur between two days to change human purposes and destinies. The medicine-womaun brought his supper, of which the young man partook very sparingly. Once he had been drugged, and it was not im- possible that these Indians, who were plainly displeased with him, might attempt something of a similer nature, But feeling no eyil effects ai ed Seeded De OFO YVerawmmn ee eer
Page 25
¢ {tera considerable time, he finally ate quite leartily, and then gave himself up to sleep. He was awakened by a strange noise. Sleep- ng or waking, he knew not which, it came to aim, undefinable and startling. Springing up in his berth, he saw, or fancied 18 saw, a form moving through the opening of 1is lodge, “Who's there?” he demanded, in loud tones. There was no answer, and after waiting a mo- nent, he sprung from the couch, with a pistol n hand. Great heavens! what was this? A great Indian form was lying veside the ‘rame-work which supported his humble resting- lace, and a quick examination showed it to be 1one other than Stormgoer, stabbed through the aeart, and covered with blood! The savage’s right hand still held a hatchet, ind a knife had evidently fallen from the left. Tt was easy to see that he had come to the spot intending to murder the young man while | he slept; but had met a deserved fate instead. It was not as easy to see how the opportune de- liverer had done the work so promptly, so silent- ly and so well, _ He bent lower. The Indian was yet breath- ing, very slowly and heavily—evidently fast dy- ing. A thought flashed across the young man’s mind. He would call up all the Indians, and bring them to witness what had taken place. He turned toward the lodge entrance with ‘hat purpose, only to find himself confronted by pay of the very persons he was going in search of. Naturally surprised, he stammered forth something, and moved aside that they might view the bloody work. He was still further surprised when some of those present grasped him, secured his hands, took away his weapons, and placed him outside under guard. The Indians were rapidly aroused by the tumult—men, women, and children hastening to the spot. A general wailing was set up over the fate of Stormgoer, and loud were the threats of vengeance on his murderer, as they supposed, Charles Marline, Suddenly there was a general rush. The guard, who made but.a trifling resistance, was hurried away, and then a mad crowd seized the unfortunate young man, and dragged him into the forest. Beyond all doubt, they intended to make a speedy sacrifice of him, but the mode did not seem so well agreed upon: No sooner were they well out of the encampment limits than some of the younger males began to braadish weapons, and the squaws to flourish\clubs, struggling te get at him and effectually blocking up the way against further progress, At once a deadly quarrel became imminent. But, fortunately, one of the gang, more re- spected than the others, calléd out, and finally induced the wild rabble to listen to his words. By his direction, a circle was formed, the peace and a guard inside, and then he stepped orward and spoke earnestly for a few mo- ments. The substance of his|remarks may be translated into English. ‘The prisoner is a white doz, He has killed ’ Silver City Tom, | | 25 our brave Stormgoer, and our hearts are sad. We will punish him, but we will not give him the death of a dog, as he deserves. The white people call us cruel, because we do not kill as they kill, We will lil! in their way. We will hang.this man. ‘Then our white brothers may'be satisfied, and our dead brave shall be avenged.” A general assent was given to this proposi- tion, and the rope, or cord of raw-hide, which answered instead of the hempen standard, was thrown over the limb of a tree near at hand, It certainly began to look bad for Charles Marline. A shout was given—a savage, Indian shout— and the young man was led toward the pendent noose, But, ere they quite reached the spot, an- other shout was heard, which caused them to pause very quickly on hearing it, and turn back. It was a single voice which shouted, but it be- longed to one whom they feared and obeyed, their chief. He was hastening toward the spot, accompanied by Blue Belt. The latter, seeing the condition of affairs, as the party dragged Charles from the eamp, knew the fate he would be sure to meet without prompt interference. He at once hastened to the chief, who was very jealous of bis authority, and assured him that a movement was on foot to rob him of his supremacy over the people, By direction of the chief, Charles was again conducted to the scene of the murder, where the body of Stormgoer was laid in state, and a council was ordered to sit early in the morning for a legal trial of the accused, Three guards were then placed over the prisoner, with most decided orders touching bis safety, and the other Indians retired to their lodges, to wish away the time between that and morning. Charles slept no more that night. To be sure, he had obtained a few hours’ respite of life, but of promise for the future—none. Evidently, the Indians did not seem to ques- tion the matter of his guilt or innocence. He bad been seen alone with the dying red-skin, and that seemed to them proof enough. But what would his friends ever know of his fate? His infirm father, in whose behalf, prin- cipally, the journey had been undertaken—how would be wait, and hope, and grow weary for the boy that never came back to him? If he could write a few lines, just to inform his father, no doubt Blue Belt would forward it in some manner so that it would reach its des- tination. But, then, he had no materials for writing, and, of course, none could be obtained among the savages; so that thought was re- luctantly given up. Then, too, Lena would be looking for him, and think him faithless and untrue, as years rolled by and he did not come. Then he wondered still more in regard to Meona, the great enigma of his life. What would her sensations be when she learned that, after all her efforts in his behalf, he had finally died at the hands of the red-men, and as an in- direct: consequence of his interference in her be- half? The night wore away at length, and the day began to dawn—the day of his destiny! From the number of Indians astir early as the first
Page 26
26 Silver City Tom. Sen toner! rays of light, it was evident that their watch had been as sleepiess as his, The sun was not very high when the council wascalled. This time it was only braves who had a seat or voice, and their session was quite short. In fact, there seemed to be scarcely a difference of opinion. The chief quite agreed with his men that the murderer deserved death; and now, that his authority was properly regarded, he cared not how speedily it was inflicted. fhe same method and the same place were decided upon, and then a rush of the squaws and children to the spot communicated the news to Charles, A signal was given to his guards, and the young man was led off toward the place of exe- cution, The result was no more than he had been led to expect, but the haste atvending it was some- what extra. Even Blue Belt seemed to have de- serted him now. Reaching the expectant, hissing, and howling crowd about the place of execution, he managed to attract the attention of the chief and de- manded: * How is this, chief of the red-men? Do you condemn a man without a word from him? We do not so treat a dog.” “You can talk something,” he said, ‘ but good many Injun no understan’ much.” Having even this ungracious consent, the young man tried to address the disgusting audi- euce about him. But they had come tio witness his death-struggles, and uothing sbort of that would claim much attention from them, It was in vain he assured tuem that he was inno- cent; that Stormgoer came to his lodge in the darkness of night, like a coward as he was, to murder a white man who had whipped him for committing a great wrong. Equally in vain that be warned them of the vengeance which the white man’s Government would mete out to them. Belabored with sticks and clubs in the hands of the squaws, he finally ceased, and the few remaining preparations were rapidly made. The noose was placed over his neck and drawn taut, the other end of the cord placed in the hands of as many savages as could grasp it, and all was ready for the closing scene, A hand-wave from the plume-deeked chief, and the victim was drawn from the earth, aud suspended in mid-air! CHAPTER XV. THE MYSTERY, AT the very moment when Rolling Wind, the chief, gave his signal for the strangulation of Charles Marline, there was a. quiet commotion in the outer ranks of the circle, and George Gregory calmly but firmly pushed his way througb the crowding natives. One after another gave way to bis advances, scarcely conscious whom they were admitting to the scene. In fact, all eyes were so intently fixed upon the form from which they purposed to choke the life, that none seemed really aware of the presence of another white man until George bounded into the little open space be- neath the victim. Then, indeed, a murmur of surprise ran alon the dusky line, “You do wrong!” he shouted. ‘“‘ Let him! down! Let him down!” But the savages did not obey. George had a power of bis own, Whipping an unseen knife from its sheath, he quickly severed the thong, and Charles fell to the ground. A murmur of rage ran along the witnesses of the bold act, and a few weapons were brandished; but the youth—a mere boy he seemed as he stood there in the midst of tho scowling red-skins—dropped his knife to the earta, and put up his hand in a manner to ar- rest the attention of even the bloodthirsty men who surrounded him. ‘“You must not harm that man,” George said; ‘“‘he is not guilty. J am the one who killed Stormgoer!” There was another display of weapons, this time more extensive, but the fearless youth con- tinued: “Stay, you musé hear me! See—here is my rifls and pistol, there is my knife; everything laid aside. Iam your prisoner, but hear me. ‘“*T saw this brave whom I killed steal in upon n the + man that I loved asa brother. He had a knife and hatchet in his hand, and’ went to kill the white man, What could Ido? I did what every brave here would have done—I killed him to save my friend. Will you slay me for that?” There was a silence that boded well for the daring youth; but at the same time dark glances were thrust from beneath many @ compressed brow, showing plainly that all present were not friends of the man who had slain one of their best braves and hunters. But no hands were placed upon him, and tak- ing the opportunity, he slipped over and whis- pered a few words in the ears of Rolling Wind and Blue Belt, What those words might bave been no other persons knew, but they seemed to produce.a powerful effect. Blue Belt, with two other war- riors, at once took George away from the spot, and conducted him to a lodge which chanced te be unoccupied. Rolling Wind, with other as- sistance, took Charles Marline, who had been rendered insensible, to the lodge he before oc- eupied, where he soon regained consciousness, and was made as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. “Tt really seems I’m not born to be drugged, shot, assassinated or bung!” he mused. ‘‘ Won- der what in the way of adventure will come next?” Even while the thonght took form, Blue Belt entered, and advancing to his side, asked: “You walk little ways now? Young man here killed Stormgoer. He want to see you.” “Young man killed Stormgoer!” mused Charles, ‘That upsets all my calculations. Young Indian. no doubt, though I don’t sup- pose— Well, ['ll go and see.” He followed the silent lead of Blue Belt, and when they reachedthe outer air, found that his step was almost asfirm as before his ordeal of hanging. Entering the little lodge, which was very jeal- ously guarded by Indiau braves and surrounded \ } 1} y
Page 27
: he all the idle of the camp—which, in an Indian i + H ae | ‘wn, means the whole population—he saw in- jxde two red-skinned guards, and George Gre- hory. ay pale and anxious the latter looked now, and his nerves did not seem entirely calm as he rose to meet the new-comers. But his were vastly calmer than those of Charles Marline. As George came toward him he stopped, and as he peered closely into the pallid features, de- manded: ‘Who are you, in Heaven’s name?” “Don’t you know me?” “T do, or Ido not: Icannot tell. It must be Iam delirious. You are not Meona ?” “ All we say "—and George glanced around— ‘¢must be said before these Indians, I am sorry. Iam Meona.” “Yes, [see it now. But that is not all. I want to know more. That does not explain all. You are more than Meona and yourself—who else are you?” “How do you know that I am more? No one can have told you my secret, for no one knows it.” “ “No one has told me. But there is a secret, as I know, and I can alniost solve it. But Iam wild; I must be going crazy. Come, tell me who you are, and then tell me all.” “Then youdo not remember me—do not know that you have seen me before?” How familiar that voice sounded, and yet how vain his attempt to locate it! He turned away, and tried to grasp the clew, but in vain. : “T ought to know,” he said, ‘* but Iam obliged to confess it—I do not.” A look of deep sadness stole over the face of Gregory. He turned away for a moment, and it might be he brushed a tear, “Let it be enough,” he said, “that I am Meona and myself, You will be as well satisfied not to know the other. I had hoped that your eyes would penetrate the disguise when the proper time came. But it may be I was wrong in my conclusions.” : Charles grasped the arm next to him, anda great light seemed to dawn upon him, Bending close to the other, in a voice which trembled from the intensity of his feelings, he asked: “ Are you—it cannot be that you are—Lena Corrol 2” ** What if lam, and what if I am not?” “Tf you are, and I think I am right when I say you are, then I tell you, and 1 will yet tell everybody, that you are the bravest and truest girlin the world! Tell me—tell me quick, for I cannot stand this suspense, are you or are you not, Lena?” ‘“‘ Mr. Marline, if I have done wrong it is my own fault. I am Lena !” : 2 ‘Great Heaven! Shut up apd guarded in this manner by these Indians! It must not be. They must release you instantly!” “Stay, Mr. Marline; you forget that Tama prisoner by my own free will—” “Put; your own neck in the noose to save mine!” broke in Charles. “And you are very little better. We must work cautiously, or we never shall leave here, Blue Belt here isa friend of mine, and the chief knows my father. Besides,” and she Silver City Tom. = bent her lips close to his ear, ‘‘ I have a revolver which they have not yet discovered, and which nay serve in a desperate chance!” “Lena, what a girl you are!” ‘*I think so myself sometimes. But i am ready now, if you want to hear my story, and how I came to bear so many different char- acters.” ‘* By all means, if it will be safe to take the time now.” ‘As well now asever. Our friend Blue Belt is going now to have a talk with the chief, Roll- ing Wind, and while he is away, perhaps we can talk of nothing better than of what has pene since we parted so abruptly that night at awny Corrol’s.” Seeing that his presence would be no longer required there, Blue Belt departed upon a mis- sion which seemed to have been arranged before- hand between himself and Lena—tor by this name will we now call her. When he had gone, the maiden related what had occurred from the time of Charles’s sudden departure up to the hour when she resolved to este the place which she had called home so ong. ‘My first thought,” she continued, ‘‘ was for my own safety, and I purposed going toward some of the uearest settlements; then, even that seemed a very severe task, But I remembered that Tom Taylor had followed you, and I knew how great“your danger would be, when he bad the double incentive of money and passion to urge him on, If I could only warn you of your peril! But I thought for a long time, and could reach no conclusions how this could be done. I did not know where you were, or whether I could find you if I made the attempt. But at last a thought came tomy aid. A young man who claimeé to be a very strong friend of mine, and was about my own age and size, had often expressed himself ready to do me any favor im the world, as a proof of his friendship. I went to his house, found him, and told him my needs, He was very glad to help me, even to furnish me with acomplete suit of his own clothing, which I knew must be no small sacrifice on bis part, and trimming up my hair until Ipassed for quite a boy, inaly he gave mea knife which had long done duty in his own pocket, and procured a rifle and revolver for my use. My own clothing I put upon the river-bank, and left the place to find and warn you, or incur every danger in the attempt. “Tt was a weary, weary walk. It seemed at times that I must give up, and could go no fur- ther, But then I thought of your danger, and my own, and followed on. Finding some camp- ing-ground, which I concluded must be that of Taylor and his gang, encouraged me, and so I kept on until I came to Jeddy Stark’s ‘eabin, Here I found one of his men, and knew that I was near the spot. tn could not find you or Blue Belt, but I watched Tom and his fellows, and when he would have shot you I tried to kill him, It was an awful thing for me to do, but I did not stop to think about it. “You know the result. I did not kill him, or even wound him, but I did frighten him away from the spot, and then I followed a ways, to
Page 28
———— 28 Silver City Torii. eee weer seo that they did not intend to come around some other way.” “Y tried to find you then,” said Charles, “Ves, I know you did, but when I came to think what I was doing, and that you would probably penetrate my disguise, I lost courage, and kept away. I thought you had found the treasure, and would take it from the cache, and hurry back. I would have come toyouand told you all, then, but could only do it by making myself known, and you do not know how I shrunk from the very idea, “inally you went away, and when you were gone 1 hurried to the cache and dug up the treasure,” “You dug it up—dug up the treasure?” Charles demanded, very much excited. ‘t Ves, I dug up the treasure, intending to keep it from Tom Taylor and his fellows till I could put it into your hands.” “ But what became of it?” “Twas going to tell you. I was not quite soon enough, for even when I got my hand upon the parcel, I saw those men gliding through the woods. Not far away was a skeleton, and part- ly over the skeleton grew a thick cluster of bushes. J rose up and ran, and when I passed those bushes, thinking the guilty spirits of those men would not let them look there, I dropped the treasure close to the feet of the skeleton.” Ts it there still?” Charles broke in. “Tdo not know. Iran as far and fast as pos- sible, hoping to meet you and Blue Belt, or get to some spot where I could hide away from them, for i dared not fight the threes But my speed was slow compared to those in pursnit, and I was soon overhauled by Taylor. His rage on finding that I bad not the treasure was very great, and he at once determined to force a con- fession from me. I tried to cry out, and finally broke away, and ran some distance toward where Jeddy’s cabin stood. It was very fortunate that I did so. You know what fol- lowed.” Here the speaker paused a little for rest, and then related what bad occurred up to the mo- ment of her finding Charles, wounded and given up for dead, as it seemed at the entrance of the cave. “T had seen Blue Belt often at the tavern,” she continued, ‘‘and knew him to be a true- hearted Indian if whisky was not putin his way, I could do nothing else, so I told him my story, and asked him to help me save your life. He romised, and we perfected a plan. I came on here with you, and presently George Gregory disappeared, and Meona came. I think some of these Indians more than half-knew that I was not a Dacotah. But I kept away from them as much as possible, till the Stormgoer began to follow me wherever I went. You know how that ended. “T did not dare confess my deed as Meona, for I thought T should be at once killed. But I washed off my stain, restimed my boy’s garb, and was just in time to save your life.” “And risked your own in the attempt,” said Charles. ‘“Not for the first time,” was the ready re- sponse. ‘No, indeed; you have been a heroine all your life, Lena. But there is one thing I don’t understand, after all.” “ What is that, pray?” “Who are you? You are not Bawny Corrol’s daughter—” “No, indeed! I never will call him father again, though I did it for so many years, But TI will tell you all I can ever know, and part of this I learned from Jeddy Stark.” “ How from Jeddy?” “Because he was my grandfather. But that is anticipating the story. Shall I tell it now?” Charles moved toward the single opening of the lodge which might be designated ‘‘ door,” and at the same time filled the place of a win- dow. He wished to note the state of affairs out- side, but was met at the second step by an In- dian’s leveled musket, and heeded the guttural advice to “Go back!” It brought a momentarily unpleasant sensa- tion, to realize, in so decided a manner, that he was still no bet/er than a prisoner—was one, in fact; but as he cculd not help bimself, the next best thing was to make his captivity as endur- able as possible. So he turned again to Lena. ‘*- You see we are in the hands of the red-men yet,” she remarked, with a painful smile. “You area little heroine, I see,” the young man remarked; ‘but pray tell me about your father and grandfather.” All was quiet outside, and seated near each other, Lena related her life-story, while Charles listened Tt was brief. CHAPTER XVI. CONCLUSION, “ ApouT twelve years ago,” began Lena, ‘ my father came with Bawny Corrol and founded Silver City. A little while after that my grand- father came with my mother and myself, About the same time came Tom Taylor, then a young man, and some others. Tom was a drinking, quarrelsome fellow, and so notorions that no- body came to Silver City. My father brought this fact to the notice of Bawny, who was-his partner, and demanded that he be got rid of for the benefit of the settlement, But Corrol took sides against my father, and Tom swore all manner of vengeance, ; : ae, long afterward my mother fell sick and died, “One night, a fearful stormy night, my father was murdered. I cannot tell you all about how it happened, but it wasa deed of Tom Taylor, who so managed it that circumstances impli- cated my grandfather—weak, old man though he was. As a result, Jeddy Stark, frigntened almost into insanity, fled froin the settlement, came away into the wilderness, and has lived there till a few days ago, There Tom Taylor found him, burned the miserable shelter his weak hand had reared, and aroused the poor old man at last to a vow of vengeance. That vow he fulfilled atthe cost of his life, and now their dead bodies lie side by side in the cavern. ““T was taken in charge by Bawny Corrol, who taught me to speak and think of him as my father. I did so to a great extent, for I was alone, all alone in the world, and had no friends ao
Page 29
to whom I could fly or appeal. Oh, the dread- ful deeds of that place! But I need not speak of them. I was there when your father came, and was there when you came,” Ves, fortunately indeed for me,” But I shall never go there again.” ** Where will you go?” The maiden raised her eyes to his for a mo- ment, and then dropped them sadly to the ground, *% Anywhere,” said she, ‘‘so that I can work and earn a crust to eat and a. place to lay my head. With these and a clear conscience I shall be content—satisfied !” “ena, you will do nothing of the kind. My home is to be yours, and the life you have saved so often shall all be devoted to making you for- get, in a happy future, the unbappy days of the past. You must be my wife, Lena, for you surely would not bring me back to life so many times, and now make it all dark by refusing that which alone will give me an opportunity to repay the past, and be happy in the future.” “But Iam not fitted to be the wife of any- body; Iam a wild, untutored girl, whose whole life has beem passed in tie wilderness.” “But you are a true woman, Lena, and a heroine of perfect fame, If you are not fully posted in all the foilies of fashionable life, it is a thousand times better to be wanting in them than in qualities of the heart which too often imitate.” Lena looked up with a smile, for she knew the young man did not speak flattery. But she only said: ‘We need not talk of that now,” Lena said, “* for it is very possible that we shall find a per- manent home here in this forest. We are not yet: tree.” “Not yet, I know; but I feel that we shall soon be on our way toward the home I have eta eds Some one is coming—it must be Blue elt. Tt was Blue Belt, but he came not alone. Rolling Wind accompanied him, and he wished to consult with the prisoners, While his manner was not really unkind, there seemed about it an avaricious, grasping air, which the young man did not wholly relish. However, all his questions. were properly an- swered, and then he went forth, as he averred, to hold a council with his people. It was an hour or more before the council end- ed, if, indeed, it had any existence, and then the chief returned to say that his people did not wish to hold the wounded man a prisoner, but they could not release the squaw-man, The squaw-man had killed one of their braves, and must remain, that the Jodges of his people be- come not empty! od A smile passed over the face of Lena at the words, though very different was the aspect of Charles. *¢ Good!” the former said, in a low voice which none heard but the one she addressed. _‘* You ran go; remember the foot of the skeleton, and hasten on to your anxious father.” ‘« And leave you here among the savages?” the young man demanded, almost fiercely. ‘* Not if chere is any honor in my manhood!” “ Yes, go, if they insist upon it,” she persisted. | Silver City Tom. 29 en ** T shall not stay here long. and then—then—” She stopped, and some emotion was manifested. They had no time for consultation, however, as the chief was in no mood to wait. ‘“Sbe must go,” said Charles, pointing toward Lena. ‘“ No, she not go,” was the reply, ina careless tone, ““T tell you she must go!” pursued the young man, ‘' She is mine, and I cannot go without her. You have Indian women to fill your wig- wams and lodges; let that suffice. The white man does not take your women from their own people. This woman is not a squaw; she came with me, she must go with me.” Again the chief shook his head, “People not let her go,” he pursued;¢“ feel very poor—very weak. Few lodges, few war- riors, Pale-face come here, and hunter-braves go fight for him, Killtwo braves—squaw-man kill another. Three braves gone. No game kill- ed—no skias for cold winter.” **T know that, Rolling Wind,” said Charles, changing his tactics somewhat. ‘‘ Your people fought for me like brave men, asthey are. Tam very thankful, They conquered their foes, and brought home their scalps. That was glory to them. The great chief of the pale-faces at Washington will remember very kindly this bravery of his red children, He will send them blankets, and guns, and powder, and lead, that they may be warm, and kill an abundance of game. Blue Belt shall go with me, and I willsend back to his people many nice goods, But this girl of the white race can do no good tothe Indians, She does not know their life—she cannot learn it. Indian squaws will not teach her, The great father of the white men at Washington will be very angry, and send his soldiers to fight the red- men. That is not well. My brother is a wise man, and does not ueed to make himself a fool.” The chief was visibly affected. He consulted for a moment with Blue Belt, and then stood ir- resolute. A conflict seemed to be going on be tween his sensual passions and his cupidity, Pleading, at length, that he must go and con- sult his people, he left the lodge, followed by Blue Belt, Charles would have given much could he have exchanged a word with that per- sonage, unobserved; but, on reaching the door, he turned and gave asigu to the white, which the young man had no difficulty in construing favorably. He merely touched the spot upon bis arm, where the sealing of brotherhood had tak- en place, and then was gone. It was not very long until Rolling Wind re- turned,.and he was now more disposed than be- fore to yield. It was a large ransom he requi- ed; bnt with his vision of the treasure af th- foot of. the skeleton, Marline’ was not dispose’ to heed trifles, It was afternoon before the bargain was con- cluded. But it was satisfactory at length, Blue Belt was to accompany the twain to the outpost, where Charles could obtain the necessary supplies. Three horses were furnished the brave two of which the whites could ride to this point, and upon which the stores could be brought back, All the arms which belonged tu Charles and I shall escape soon,
Page 30
30 Lena, Blue Belt was to retain till the post should be reached, except ip case of danger, and the weapons of the other white men were to be re- tained by the Indians. When all these details had been agreed upon, Lena’s arms were unbound, and the lovers in- dalged in one hearty embrace. It, no doubt, appeared astonishing to the Indians, but proved nighly satisfactory to the parties most inter- ested. Cnharles would listen to no delay, and when Blie Belt had set before them a quantity of dried meat and placed more upon bis saddle, they mounted and rode away. First, naturally enough, Blue Belt was direct- ed to take the most undeviating line toward the cache, As his eyes were anxious to behold the piles of new goods he was to bear home to his people, he heeded any suggestions of his com- panions, so that the place was reached in some- thing like two hours’ ride, How wildly Charles rode to the spot where the skeleton still lay, and bent over, peering into the bushes before he dismounted! And Lena was bub little less excited, and rode close to his side, ‘* Yes, there it is!” be shouted, and with the words he sprung from his horse and grasped the bundle, while every nerve trembled with excite- ment as the realization of his hopes, or his utter disappointment, turned upou the revelations of a single moment! It must be the treasure, he thought. for it was very heavy, as he supposed the bundle;must be. But the outer wrapper was removed, aud noth- ing disclosed. Another moment, and with a Joud shout he sprung upon his horse, while he repeated, wildly: * Allright, boys; all right, Blue Belt! You shall go home and make your people glad for once!” He had secured the treasure at last, There were a few great dull lumps of gold, of no particular beauty, but heavy and valuable, while the bulk of the fortune was inclosed in a waterproof belt, and composed of negotiable paper. This he carefully secured about his body, and disposed in the best possible manner of the yel- low lumps, after which they rode toward the cavern in the cliff. Toward the close of the next day a trading- post was reached, and here, with some difficulty, Charles succeeded in bartering one of his ‘‘ lumps” for the supplies promised Rolling Wind. The addition of a nice new blanket and a gun for Blue Belt did not projuce any dissatisfaction in the mind of that worthy individual, and then the ‘‘ brothers” parted; Blue Belt to return to his people, while Charles journeyed on toward the rising sun and his (prospective) happy home, which he finally reached without further mis- hap, and the broken-down father was delighted beyond measure to grasp his gold and paper again. But he was. surprised to see that a neatly-dressed young lady accompanied his son. And when the whole story had been told, be simply jgined their hands, meron Chi dren, you have my full blessing; my t think you need,” advice I don’ Silver City Tom. Sacinineasoe ami At her own request, Lena devoted a year ta stucy, after which she became Charles Marline’s wife, and in meeting the ordinary trials of life sbe has proved quite as much a heroine asin those days whose history we have recorded. THE END. BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS Speakers. Each volume contains 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collec- tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Recitations. The Dime Speakers embrace twenty-five volumes viz.: . American Speaker. 15. Komikal Speaker, 2. National Speaker. 16. Youth’s Speaker. 3. Patriotic Speaker. 17. Eloquent Speaker. 4, Comic Speaker. 18. Hail Columbia Speak- 5. Elocutionist, er, 6. Humorous Speaker. 19. Serio-Comic Speaker. as Standard Speaker. | 20. Select Speaker. 9, Dt . Stump Speaker. 21, Funny Speaker. . Juvenile Speaker. 22, Jolly Speaker. 10. Spread-Eagle Speaker | 23. Dialect Speaker. 11. Dime Debater. 24, Recitations and Read- 12. Exhibition Speaker. ings. 13. School Speaker. Burlesque Speaker 14. Ludicrous Speaker. These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, ete. 75 to 100 Declamations and Recitations in each book. , 25. Dialogues. The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em brace thirty-five books, viz.: Dialogues No, Dialogues No. ighteen. Dialogues No. Dialogues No, Nineteen, Dialogues No, Dialogues No. Twenty. Dialogues No, Dialogues No, Twenty-one. Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Twenty-two, Diatognes No. Dialogues No. Twenty-three, Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Twenty-four, Dialogues No, E Dialogues No. Twenty-five. Dialogues No. Ni Dialogues No. Twenty-six. Dialogues No, Ten. DialoguesNo, Twenty-seven, Dialogues No. Wleven. | Dialogues No. Twenty-eight, Dialogues No. Twelve. |Dialogues No, Twenty-nine, Dialogues No. Thirteen. |Dialogues No. Thirty. Dialogues No, Fourteen.| Dialogues No. Thirty-one, Dialogues No. Fifteen, |Dialozgues No. Thirty-two, Dialogues No, Sixteen. |Dialogucs No. Thirty-three, Dialogues No.Seventeen | Dialogues No. Thirty-four, Dialogues No, Thirty-five, 15 to 2% Dialogues and Dramas in each book, Dramas and Readings. 164 12mo Pages. 20 Cents. For Schools, Parlors, Entertainments and the Am= ateur Stage, comprising Original Minor Dramas, Comedy, Farce, Dvess Pieces, Humorous Dialogue and Burlesque, by noted writers: and Recitations and Readings, new nd standard, of the greatest c@ebrity and interest. Edited by Prof. A. M. Russel The above publications are for sale by all newsr- dealers or will be sent, Ba aid, on receipt cf rice, ten cents each, by ADLE AND ADAMS, WILLIAM STREET, N, Y.
Page 31
. 1 ~ 252 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen, By Edward L. Wheeler. 258 The Boy Tenderfoot. By Capt, Mark Wilton, 254 Black Hills Ben; or, Dutch Jan on the War- Path. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson. 255 Jolly Jim, Detective. By Charles Morris, 256 Merle Monte’s Last Cruise; or, The Sea Robber at Bay. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 57 The Boy Chief of Rocky Pass; or, The Young California Pards. By Maj. E. L, St. Vrain. 258 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L, Wheeler. 259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. By Oll Coomes. 260 Skit, the Cabin Boy. Ry Edward Willett. 261 Blade, the Sport; or, the Giant of Clear Grit Camp. By T. C. Harbaugh. : 262 Billy, the Boy Rover. - By Col, P. Ingraham. 263 Buster Bob’s Buoy; or, Lige, the Light-House Keeper. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 264 Denver Doll’s Parner, ‘By Edward lL, Wheeler. 265 Billy, the Baggage Boy: or, The Young Railroad Detective. by Charles Morris. A 266 Guy’s Boy Chum; or, The Forest Waif’s Mask. By Capt. Comstock. : ~ 267 Giant George’s Revenge. By Buckskin Sam. 268 The Deadshot Dandy. By Col. P. Ingraham. 269 The Quartzville Boss; or, Daring David Darke. By Edware Willett. 270 Denver Doll’s Mine. By Edward L. Wheeler. 271 Ebony Jim’s Terror; or, Ranger Rainbolt’s Ruse, By Oll Coomes. 272 Kit, the Girl Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. 273 The Girl Rider; or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise. By Jos. EB. Badger, Jr. 4 274 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Benito, the Boy Pard. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 275 Fred, the Ocean Waif; or, The Old Sailor’s Protege. By Charles Morris. 276 Deadwood Dick Trapped. By Wd L. Wheeler. 277 The Iiiot Boy Avenger; or, Captain Wild-Cat’s Big Game. By Albert W. Aiken. 278 Arizona Alf, the Miner; or, Little Snap Shot's Luck. By T. C. Harbaugh. 279 Colorado Jack, the Tiger. By Fred. Dewey. 280 Dead Shot Dandy’s Last Deal, or, Keno Kit’s New Role. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 281 Ned, the Boy Pilot. By Jack Farragut, 282 Buck Hawk. Detective; or. the Messenger Boy’s Fortune. By Edward L. Wheeler. 283 Roving Sport Kir. By Edward Willett. 284 The Showman’s Best Card; or, The Mad Animal Tamer. By Capt. Fred, Whittaker, 285 Old Rocky’s Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 286 Dick, the Dakota Sport. By Charles Morris. 287 Ned, the Boy Skipper. By Jack Varragut. 288 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise, By ©. L. Wheeler, 289 Colorado Nick, the Lassoist; or, Old Si’s Protege. '_ By Major H. B. Stoddard. 290 Rube, the Tenderfcot: or, the Boys of Torpedo Guich. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. 291 Peacock Pete, the Leadville Sport; or, Hawk, the Boss Miner. By Albert W. Aiken. 292 Joe Moray, the Night-Hawk; or, the Black Rider, By Jos. BE. Badger, Jr. ; 298 Dwarf Jake, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Man-Hunt, By Edward Willett. 254 Dumb Dick’s Pard. By Edward L. Wheeler. 295 White Wing, the Ferret Flyer. By Chas. Morris. 296 Govinda, the Tiger-Tamer; or, The American Horseman Abroad. By Captain F, Whittaker. 297 Arizona Giant George; or, The Boyees of Sardine- Box City. By Buckskin Sam. 298 Daisy Doll's Dash. By T. CeHarbdaugh. 299 The Balloon Detectives. By Harry Enton. 800. Deadwood Dick's Mission. By E. L. Wheeler. 301 Dandy Duke, the Cowboy. By Major E. L. St. : Vrain. Z 802 Big Benson’s Bet. By T. C. Harbaugh, 303 The Hotel Boy De‘ective. By Charles Morris, 804 Bald Head’s Pard, By Buckskin Sam, 805 Dusky Dick’s Duel. By Harry Hazard, m= 306 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy, ¥ By E. L, Wheeler. BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. 807 Nick, the Boy Sport. By Major EB. L. St. Vrain. 308 Double-Fisted Mat; or, The Mystic California, Giant. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 309 Oid Graybeard’s Boy; or, The Girl’s Ruse. By C, Dunning Clark, 810 Kit, the Girl Captain. By Col. P. Ingraham. 311 Frio Fred in Texas. By Buckskin Sam, 812 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassafras City. By Edward L. Wheeler. 813 Honest Jack’s Protege. By Philip S. Warne. 814 Clip, the Boy Sheriff. By Edward Willett 315 Tom, the Arizona Sport. By Maj. E. L, St. Vrain. 316 The Strees Arab Detective. By Charles Morris. 317 Buekskin Ben of Texas. By Buckskin Sam, 318 Colorado Char ie’s Detective Dasn; or, The Cattle Kings. By Kdward Ll. Wheeler, 319 Frisey Fran's in Idaho. By Roger Starbuck. 320 Cool Sam’s Girl Pard. By T. C. Harbaugh. 821 Billy, the Kid from Frisco, By J. C. Cowdrick. 322 Fred Flyer, Detective. By Charles Morris, 323 Dead Shot Ike in Montana, By R. Starbuck, 324 Kit, the Denver Sport. By Edward L, Wheeler, 325 Dusky Darrell the Camp Detective; or, The Dandy’s Daring Dash, By Edwin Emerson, 326 Roy, the Boy Cruiser. By Colonel P, Ingraham. 827 Ned, the Roving Miner. By Harry Hazard. 828 Rocky Ben's Band; or, Big Pete’s Big Haul. By W.J. Hamilton. 829 ae the Colorado Wrestler. By Maj. E. L. St. rain, 830 The Denver Sport’s Racket; or, Kit’s Big Boom, By Edward L. Wheeler. 531 The Coast Detective. By Roger Starbuck. 832 Dakota Dan in Canyon City. By Philip 8. Warne, 838 Bootblack Ben, the Detective; or, Pooler Jim and His Pard. By Anthony P. Morris. 334 I'risco Tomon Deck. By George Henry Morse. 335 Ben Bandy, the Boss Pard; of, The Plucky Parson. By J. Stanley Henderson. 336 Fred, the Sport, in Brimstone Bar Camp. By Edward L. Wheeler. 337 Daisy Dave the Colorado Galoot; or, The Boss of Dead Line City, By T. C. Harbaugh. 888 The Gold Bar Detective. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain 839 Rardo, the Boy Gypsy. By Wm. G. Patten. 340 Billy Bubble’s Big Score. By Charles Morris, 841 Colorado Steve’s Dash. By Philip S. Warne. 842 Snap-Shot Sam. By Bucksin Sam, : 313 Mike, the Bowery Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 344 The Drummer Sport. By Edward Willett. 545 Jaques, the Hardpan Detective; or, Captain Frisco the Road-Agent. By J. C. Cowdrick. 346 Joe, the Chicago Arab, By Charles Morris. 347 Middy Herbert’s Prize. By Col. P. Ingraham. 318 Sharp-Shooter Frank. By Buckskin Sam. 349 Buck, the Miner. By Maj. BE. L. St. Vrain. 859 Ned, the Slab City Sport. By Kd. L. Wheeler. 351 Rocky Mountain Joe. By Col. T, H. Monstery. 352 New York Tim. By Charles Morris. 853 The Girl Pilot. “By Roger Starbuck, 354 Joe, the Boy Stage-Driver. By Maj. St. Vrain. 355 Texas Frank's Crony. By Bucks*in Sam. : 356 Idaho Ned, Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 857 Guy, the Boy Miner. By Col. P. Ingraham, 358 Jersey Joe, the Old Tar, By Mrs. Orin James, 859 Dandy Dick’s Dash. By Oll Coomes. 460 Jim’s Big Bonanza. ty W. J. Hamilton 361 Ovegou Phil, the Sport By Philip 8, Warne. 362 Kit. the Bootblack Detective. By E. L, Wheeler, 843 The Ocean Racer, By T. C. Harbaugh. 364 Fritz’s Old Scare. By Ned Buniline. 365 Crack Shot Harry. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 366 Gold Dust Rock. By G. Waldo Browne. 867 Fred’s Bold Game. By Paul Bibbs. 368 Jim, the Sport in juices By Ed. L. Wheeler, 869 Captain Blake’s Jonah. By Roger Starbuck. 870 Denver Kit’s Donble. By Major H. B. Stoddard. 871 Blne Blazes Dick. By T. 0. Harbaugh. 872 The Sea Cat’s Prize. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 873 Larry O’Lynn’s Dash. By Joseph F. Henderson. $74 Jim, the Sport’s Big Boom; or, The Bonanza. wes King’s Rival. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Page 32
\ BHADIE'S POCKET Detective Stories. By Harry Hazard, 470 The Ranger Detective. ry. By Mrs. Orin James, 454 The Darky Detective. 437 Detective Jake’s Clew. By H. B. Stoddard. 356 Detective Paul's Right Bower. By C. D. Clark, 387 The Boy Detectiv By a C. Harbaugh. 875 Bowery Bob, Detective. By Jo Pierce. 862 Kit, the Bootblack Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 356 Idaho Ned, Detective. 345 Jaques, the Hardpan Detective; or, Cz Frisco the Road Azent. By J. C. Cowdri 343 Mike, the Bowery Detective. By E. L. Wheeler, 338 The Gold Bar Detective; or, Iron Ike, the Solid Man. By Major E, L. St. Vrain. 333 Bootblack Ben, the Detec or, Pooler Jim and His Pard. By Anthony P. Morris. The Coast Detective; or, The Smuggler Shad- ower. By Roger Starbuck. Dusky Darrell, the Camp Detective; or, The Dandy’s Daring Dash. By Edwin Emerson. 2 Fred Flyer, Detective; or, Abe Blizzard on Deck. By Charles Mortis. 9 Frisky Frans in Idaho; or, Old Skinflint the Shadower. By Roger Starbuck. # Colorado Charlie’s Detective Dash; The Cattle Kings. By Edward L. Wheeler. 3 Tbe Street Arab Detective; or, Dick Dorgan’s Double Dealing. By Charles Morris. 2 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassafras City. By Edward L. Wheeler. Spotter Fritz; or, Store-Detective’s Decoy. By E. L. Wheeler. 3 The Hotel Boy Defec Robbery. é The Balloon De ives; or, Jack Slasher’s Young Pard. By Harry Enton. 5 White Wing, the Ferret Flyer. By Chas. Morris, Dwarf Jake, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Man-Hunt. By Edward ee ae Buck Hawk, Detective; . the Messenger Boy’s Fortune. By Edward L ow heeler. st the Girl Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. Billy, the Baggage Boy Detective: By Charles Morris. Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. Jolly Jim, Detective. By Charles Morris. 2 Denver Doll's Device; sy the Detective Queen. By Edward L. Wheeler. The Deaf Detective: or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. By Edward Willett. Detective Keen’s Apprentice; or. James}Jumper, the New York Gamin. By Charles Morris, The Denver Detective; or, Dainty Dot at Gold Gulch. By T, C. Harbaugh. Newsboy Ned. Detective; or, Two Philadelphia Gamins. By Charles Morris. Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The 'Three Female De- tectives. By E. L w heeler, The | Pre acher Detective. By Oll Coomes. 9 Buck, the Detective. By Albert W. Ai 5 The Denver Detective. 3y Ol Coomes. The Messeoger Boy Detective. By. C. Morris. 5 The Frontacr Dete By_E. L. Wheeler. 9 Dictionary Nat, Detective. By. T.C. Harbaugh, The Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris. 193 Detective Josh Grim. By E. L. Wheeler, 188 The Ventriloquist peeve: By E. L. Wheeler. 183 Jabez Dart, Detective. By Oll Coomes. 175 The Arab Detective By EL. Wheeler. 127 Tony Fox, the Detective. By BE. L. Wheeler, 105 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective. Charles Morris. 69 Detective Dick. By Charles Morris. 62 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. By C. Morris. 18 Death-Face, the Detective, By E, L, Wheeler, ptain or, ive; or, The Grand Central ris. By By Edward L. Wheeler. | | 465 The-Texan Sport; or, The Mustang Hunter, | 261 | 485 Ole Nancy’s Ward. | 486 The Dwarf Decoy. | LIBRARY. Wild West Sports. By Frederick hittaker. 3 442 Dirk, the Sea Sport. By Roger Starbuck. 435 An Irish Sport Abroad; or, Pat Malloney’s Ad- ventures. By C. L. es Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post. Charley Skylark, the sit By Major Henry B. Stoddard. Dick Talbot, the Sport. By Albert W. Aiken. The Deadwood Sports; or, Diamond Dick’s De- liverance, By Lieut. 8. G. Lansing. 874 Short Jim’s Big Boom; or, The Bonanza King’s Rival. By Edward L. W heeler, Short Jim in Make-Up; or, Foghorn Fan to the Front. By Edward L. Wheeler. Oregon Phil, the Sport; or, The Marshal of Two Bits. By Philip §. Warne. Ned, the Slab City Sport; or, The Detective’s Big Scoop. By E. L. Theeler. ” 4 The Drummer Sport; or, Dasher Dick’s Dilemma. By Edward Willett. 836 Fred, the Sport; or, In Brimstone Bar Camp, By BR, L, Wheeler. 330 a Denver Sport’s Racket; or, Kit’s Big Boom. By Edward L. Wheeler. By E. L, Wheeler. Kit, the Denver Sport. Tom, the ‘Arizona Sport. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. Nick, the Boy Sport; or, Three Plucky Pards. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. Peacock Pete, the Leadville Sport. By Albert By Edward L. Wheeler. W. Aiken. Wild Walt, the Sport. Dick, the Dakota Sport. By Charles Morris. Roving Sport Kit. By Edward Willett, Blade, the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh. 247 ‘The Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 230 Three Sports. By Capt. Frederick W hittaker. 218 The Miner Sport. By E. L. Wheeler, 212 The Jimtown Sport By Edward L. Wheeler. 197 The T-xan Sport Unmasked. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 130 Goid Trigger, the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh, 103 Chip, the Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 524 B15 307 291 288 286 283 ——s LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 4 Gypsy Mag, the Mountain Witch. By C.D. Clark. + The Mad Skipper. By Roger Sta:buck. 5 Sandy Bill of Texas. By Edward Wivett. Squire Boker’s Ranch. By Mrs. H. J, Thomas, 8 The Yankees Peddler. By C. D, Clark. Nick, the Detective, BY, Edwin Emerson. The Village Sport. By James L. Bowen. 481 Mustang Rider Roy. By Albert W. Aik n. 482 New York Ned in Galifonnia. By W, J. Hamilton. The Wild Huntréss. By Capt. *‘ Bruin’’ Adams. 484 Silver City Tom. By James L. Bowen. By Lieut Col. Ha-eltine. By Maro O. Rolfe, 473 Left-Handed Pete, the Double-knife. ReadyMay 3d. A New Issue Hvery Wednesday. BraDLe’s Pocker 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 ApAMs, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,