Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 78) (1885 07 08)
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Copyrighted, 1885, by Beane anp Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mail Matter. J 82.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, No 78 ‘ ' a Year, No. 98 WILLIAM Sr., : Five Centa, “STOP!” SHE SAID, AUTHORITATIVELY.
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2 Deadwood Dick’s Device. Deadwood Dick’s Device ; R, The Sign of the Double Cross. A WILD, STRANGE TALE OF THE LEADVILLE MINES—OF MEN OF STEEL—OF TOUGHS AND TIGERS—OF ROAD-AGENTS, REGULATORS, AV- ENGERS, ADVENTURERS—AND OF THE THRILL- ING LIVE IN THE NEW ELDORADO, BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS; “‘ ROSE- BUD ROB ” NOVELS, ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. DAVID HOWELL’S WILL, A STORM was upon Leadville. Such a storm as is not usual in that high latitude—a regular tornado of wind, together with a copious shower of rain, and the play of lightning combined with the roll of thunder. From noon of a warm spring day it had been gathering in the heavens, in renting puffs of black and gray, with the purple tinge to the horizon suggestive of a concealed riot. Then had the heavens grown darker and dark- er, as well as the day. At the first rumble of the heavy thunder men came from the mines, and shook their heads doubtfully. They had about as well run the risk of their life below ground as face the elements above. Business was suspended in the town until Jamps could be lighted; indeed, few could do anything but stand and watch the strange shapes and colors of the clouds that every instant threat- ened to spill their contents over the mountain metropolis. . A man was riding toward the town from in the direction of the mountains, at a rapid gallop —a man enveloped in a heavy cloak, with a slouch hat so drawn down over his face as to hide his identity, which evidently was his pur- pose. As he rode he glanced skyward occasionally, as if anxious that the storm should hold off until he reached the town, yet distant a couple of mites. The narrow road or trail over which he gal- loped, was lined with stunted pines, and an un- dergrowth of young chaparral, which gave it a gloomy appearance, even in daytime, to say nothing of its night somberness. There was an occasional cabin scattered along the trail, but they were generally vacant, hav- ing been built and deserted by stampeders—a class of miners who invade every strike, but ‘* pull out” at the first warning for better pas- tures, The horse upon which the rider was mounted, was a large thoroughbred bay, with an abund- ance of life and spirit, and it needed but a word from its master to quicken its pace. “On! Spot! on, old fellow, or we'll surely get a ducking!” the rider said, studying the angry - one heavens a do ae care ag offer- ng m as a target for a hurricane. is go- ing to be a hard pull for the town, down there on the plateau, and the morning’s paper of to- morrow will have a whole column of obituary news about broken window-panes and disman- tled roofs, if I mistake not. ello!” He involuntarily drew rein as a woman glid- ed from the chaparral, in front of his horse, and waved her hand for him tostop. He had not the slightest idea as to what she wanted, but courtesy combined with curiosity, caused him to give her audience. “Stop!” she said, authoritatively; and the horseman saw her pull the vail down closer over her face. ‘Stop a bit, sir! You are wanted at the Dead Pine Tract.” ‘*T, madam?” the stranger echoed, in evident surprise. ‘‘ Pray explain—” ‘“‘There is nothing to explain, more than I have told you. You are wanted at the cabin of Dave Howell, on the Dead Pine Tract, and if you're at all anxious to strike a fat pan, you'll git along.” And turning, the woman glided back into the chaparral, as mysteriously as she had come. Well, Til be jiggered!” the horseman mut- tered, watching her retreat until she had disap- peared. ‘If I was inclined to believe in mani- Sestations, I should say I had received a call. The woman was too cleverly disguised for one to recognize her, nor do I think I have ever heard her voice.” A few drops of rain upon the leaves above him, and a glance at the whitish gray and pur- ple sky, seemed to decide the rider as to his course.” ‘*T will go to Dead Pine Tract,” he declared. “ {tis a good way of avoiding the storm, and if it is a trap for me, as I more than half suspect, l’vea pair of tools in my belt that have never gone back on me, to my recollection.” And with a low Jang, the incognito gave rein to his horse, and gallo away in a course opposite to that which he had been pursuing. he wind increased to a very gale, carrying with it dust, leaves, sticks and rain, and the thunder boomed a deep angry solo to the light- ning’s flash. Still the lone horseman spurred on, bravely fighting his way through the now fierce tornado, which howled around him like so many infuriated demons. At last, however, he struck into a section of timbered country. almost within sight of Lead- ville, which bore the name of Dead Pine Tract, from the fact that every pine tree in the piece of timber was dead—a tall gaunt trunk only standing with seamed sides to tell where tho fatal lightning had left its mark during some former storm. Here the wind did not strike so heavily, for the tract was protected on the east by an abrupt line of hills that checked the force of the low- flying winds of the howling land hurricane. Threading the forest of dead pines by way of a well-beaten trail, the horseman soon emerged into a glade comprising some fifteen acres which had been but rudely cleared of logs and debris, and containing two buildings—a cabin, and a large slab shed over the mouth of a shaft, *“This must be the place where I am wanted,” the rider muttered, guiding his horse up to the door, and drawing rein. ‘This must be the fa- mous Howell mine, of which the Leadville pa-
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. pers have been incessantly blowing, A rich strike, too, they say—equal to the Little Pitts- burg on Freyer Hill.” There seemed to be no life about the prem- ises, judging from external appearances; so, dis- mounting and lation | his horse, the stranger rapped smartly on the door, After a few moments footsteps were audible crossing the floor, and the door was opened by a Chinaman—a cunning, mischigvous-looking, al- mond-eyed son of Confucius he was, too, clad in the style customary with his class. ‘““Whatee "Melican man wantee?” he demand- ed, looking so serious as to appear most comical. ‘IT wish to know what I'm wanted for, as much as anything,” the stranger replied, ban- teringly. ‘‘I was sent here by a vailed wo- man, who remarked that my presence was de- sirable in this cabin. Show me in, you pig- tailed rascal!” The Celestial obeyed, and the stranger found himself in a large rudely furnished room, con- taining such traps and trimmings as you will find in any miner’s hut—i, e. cooking ‘utensils, while a table and bed cccupied a largo portion of the space. Aman lay ae the bed, evidently suffering great pain, for his face was contorted, and his eyes bulged wildly from their sockets. He was very thin and bony, and his haggard appear- ance was increased by the ragged condition of his garments, Aman sat upon a stool by the stove, frying some meat—a rough, common-looking person- age, who did not look as if he was gifted with more than an ordinary stock of brains. The person upon the bed looked up eagerly, as he heard footsteps crossing the floor, and saw the stranger standing above him. His eyes seemed to grow less wild in their glare, and the expression upon his features less rigid, ‘Who are you?” he demanded, in a hoarse, gasping tone; ‘‘ who sent you?” “My name is Harris; Edward Harris, at your service,” the stranger replied, turning down his collar and raising his hat, thereby revealing a handsome, manly face. “T came ‘hither at the instigation of a vailed woman, who intercepted me back here in the forest.” “Tt is well. She kept her word tome. Your name is Edward Harris, eh?” “At your seryice—at least, such is the name I choose to sail under.” “Harris! Harris!” the old man muttered, thoughtfully, as if trying to recall some past and gone memory. ‘ Hdward Harris! It seems to me that that name has reached my hearing before—ah! yes! I knew I was not wrong;— Edward Harris—Deadwood Dick!” “The same, originally!” the stranger by the bedside replied, ‘Have you a grudge against Deadwood Dick?” “None!” the oldman answered, witha chuckle. “Deadwood Dick never did me any harm, and is not likely to, since he was lynched, but a few days ago, in Leadville. As to the similarity in your names, it is not singular, for Harris is not an uncommon name.” “Perhaps not,” the stranger replied, with a smile. ‘If there is anyt hing I can do for you, be pleased to state what.’ “Yes! yes! I had almost forgotten that time is flying, and ushering me into eternity. For, as you may have observed, I am dying, young Peeper | and suffering the most acute pain. Life won’t hang to me much longer, and I may as well sum up my business, at once. married, Edward Harris?” ‘*T am a widower,” Deadwood Dick replied, a cloud coming over his face. “Tt is well. I know you would be a kind husband ; ew very presence seems to tell me so. Now listen, and I shall tell you my plans. IT am known as a miser, in this section of the country, because I chose to remain a recluse, and refused to share my gains with the world— with the world, understand you, which grasps everything in its way with a merciless gripe. Never did a hungry hash leave my cabin, or a distressed one—yet they call me a miser, because I would not share with the rich—he- cause I couldn’t find it convenient to let a pack of greedy relatives step into my shoes. ““Thave a brother and his family, who are anxious to have me die, so that Hee can step into my shoes. They have even set spies to watch me, and see that I leave my property to no one else but them. But those spies have relinquished the job, and I have yet life enough to cutwit my eager relatives. Ay! Pll cutthem cff without a penny, for I hate them, even as they hate me.” He paused for a moment as if racked by pain or passion. “Until a few days ago, I had a child to watch over me, but they came and took her away, supposing that my will would place her in oot session of my property, and as her guardian they could have the handling of it, and ulti- mately swindle her out of it. But, we shall see them balked in their designs. Be seated, young man, and you, Cherub, bring the table nearer, with ink, pen, and paper—also the little tin safe I keep in the red chest.” While Edward Harris became seated, the Chinaman hastened to obey the old man’s orders, and the table with the requisite articles was foon drawn up close to the bedside, David Howell was then bolstered up with pil- lows to a sitting position, so that he could write, with the table as a desk. Before beginning operations, he drank deeply from a bottle he had in the bed; then he seized the pen in a hand that trembled like an aspen. Write he did, however, upon the paper, although it was after a scrawling fashion. Steadily, although death seemed to cast its hovering shadow over him; nor did he speak un- til he had finished; his whole soul seemed to con- centrate with the words that formed at the point of his pen upon the paper. When he had made the last stroke, he laid e pen aside, and handed the paper to Ned arris. ‘Read it aloud! I can better tell, then, if it is as I desire,” he said, sinking back exhausted, upon the pillow. Deadwood Dick did as directed, although he grew greatly surprised, as he read. The document read as follows, having append- ed thereunto the date, and place: Are you
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“Being in sound and sane state of mind, and knowing trat my death is but a matter of a few hours, I, David Howell, miner, of the town of Lead- ville, State of Colorado, do make my last will and testament, and append my signature in the presence of witnesses, and in the presence of my God. “To Edward Harris, more widely known under the nick-name or nom de plume of Deadwood Dick, I do bequeath the whole of my real estate and personal property as itstan ‘s, unincumbered by debt or mort- fase. said real estate being tract of land known as © Dead Pine Tract, containing fifteen acres, and the Howell carbonate mine, together with one cabin and one shed, and personal pro! ay, embracing the con- tents of said mine, shed and cabin, such as tools, fix- tures, furniture, etc. “To said Deadwood Dick, I do bequeath the guard- ianship of my daughter, Stella Howell, who, at the time of this writing, is in the custody of her uncle, Major M rton Howell, of Leadville, Col.; said Dead- wood Dick to assume her protection and support un- til sie is of legal age, when, if there be a mutual agreement between them, they shall marry, and keep the bequest among them and their posterity. Tn case of no marriage, the first clause of my will to hold good, making Edward Harris, alias Deadwood Dick, my sole heir. “To my relatives at large, Ileave one penny apiece, which my heir will hand to them, when he reads to them this will, and also my dying blessing, which I have no doubt they will appreciate. “Signed upon my death-bed. “Davin R. Howe... Epwarp Harris, 7 Witnessed by | Mose Mosray.” Ned Harris and the miner at the stove append- ed their signatures, and the last will and testa- ment of the owner of Dead Pine Tract was le, “Tt’s as it should be,” the dying man said, when the last stroke of the pen had been made, ‘Tt places the property forever out of the reach of my designing brother, who has been figuring for it the best he knew how.” ‘ie True!” Deadwood cs ‘err oe you — cing your property and the life of your chilc i the hands of en ike, you know little about, just to spite your own kindred. Is this not very eccentric?” “Perhaps so, young man, but it is my will. If you are the original Deadwood Dick I have no fears for my Star, or for my wealth, for often have [ heard of Deadwood Dick as a man, who, though a road-agent, was a man of honor and intégrity. Besides, you are the one man to hold your own, here on Dead Pine Tract, for blood will be spilled ere the dispute for the ownership will end. Mark you, you will have to play a Maca. hand or they will oust you. They will fight like devils for the mine, and if you would keep it, the name of Deadwood Dick must again ring abroad, a synonym of terror.” A quiet smile stole around the lips of the great ex-road-agent. “Let them come!” he said, coolly. ‘‘ You have made me legally your heir, and I shall hold the mine as you have directed. Your daughter shall be treated with marked care and respect, and you need have no fear that she will come to want, while in my care. Is that all you have to say?” % Nearly, The tin safe the recontains the Re- corder’s deed of the claim, which you may need to fight with! Beware that they do not steal 4 Deadwood Dick’s Device. them from you, for then they would have you in their power, completely.” ‘* Never fear,” Deadwood Dick replied, with a cool laugh. ‘‘Ican fight them to the death, for having died once and returned, Phenix- like, to life, I don’t calculate that death ought to have so many terrorsto me, as it once did.” “How did you escape?” “That is a little secret I don’t care to reveal. I was brought back to life by my dear friend, the Girl Sport, otherwise known as Calamity Jane. She did a good job, and shall yet bo re- warded. Now, about this mine—have you any hands at work in it?” “None. I discharged them all this morning, when I felt death coming overme. The China- man, here, I give to you, with the assurance that you can place implicit trustin him. Mose Mobray, yonder, has been merely a worker for me, to cook my mess, since my Stella was ab- ducted.” ‘* They shall remain upon the Tract, if I find them faithful,” Deadwood Dick assured, The storm now burst forth with redoubled fury, and the new heir to the Howell mine sent Cherub to take his horse in under the shelter of the shed by the shaft-mouth. As the storm waged wild, the dying miner seemed to grow proportionately wild and rest- less, groaning aloud, and sometimes shrieking in agony, either caused by pain or a tortured conscience, : The man Mobray administered such medicines as were at hand, but they seemed to have little or no effect. To Deadwood Dick this was a new epoch in his strangely eventful life, and he could but wonder how the venture or adventure was go- ing to end. is mind reverted to the strange vailed wo- man who had summoned him to this dying man’s side, and he wondered how she was con- nected with the future, for he felt that she was destined to appear again, either as friend or oe. The tornado finally spent its force, and the wind went down, while the sun burst forth over a scene.of havoc and desolation, caused by the storm—trees torn down or uprooted, buildings unroofed, and paneless, and a profusion of debris hurled everywhere. The sun also shone in the window of the cabin on Dead Pine Tract, and lighted the path of David Howell from one world to another, for, as the storm abated, he sunk rapidly, and breathed his last in a few minutes after the sun- light came to beckon him. CHAPTER II. DEADWOOD DICK STANDS HIS GROUND. AFTER arranging with the miner, Mose Mo- bray, to see that the dead man was decently interred, Deadwood Dick mounted his horse and rode away toward Leadville. His first motive was to ride to the house of Major Howell, and acquaint him with the state of affairs. Donning - a heavy false mustache and goatee before enter- ing the town, he rode in by the main street fear- _ lessly.. Handsome, dashing, dauntless he looked as he sat his saddle with the best of grace and *
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. 6 ease—a thoroughbred knight of the road, such as he had been in the past. But Deadwood Dick had been lynched, and the throbbing, surging mass of humanity he encountered merely gazed upon him as an or- dinary “ pilgrim,” not dreaming that he had passed through the jaws of death and was back among them a free man. For no. one now could dispute that he had paid the full penalty of the law. The Howells were a leading family, both financially and socially — for Vanayils mind you, has its social world as well as its Eastern sister cities, formed out of that class whom fortune has smiled upon. And surrounded by a great superfluity of style, pomp and _ splendor, they set themselves up as the ‘superior class,” ye gods! It_was among these aristocratic circles that the Howell family moved, and being possessed of considerable style, power, influence and cash, they were looked up to as one of the ‘‘ first families” in Leadville, and held themselves austerely aloof from the commoner citizens and their families; to such an extent, it may be said, that they had but few friends and many foes, who made fun of them from the. street corners as af ssed by. Upon one of the most aristocratic streets the lived in a modern mansion, newly completed, and furnished throughout with the greatest taste and elegance. Deadwood Dick found the place by a little in- guiry, and dismounting, he teatatiedl Spot, and ascending the polished steps, rung the bell. An ebony son of Africa soon appeared. “ Here is my card,” Deudwood Dick said, ten- dering acard. ‘Please hand it to your master, sir. The negroskurried hastily away, leaving Dick standing upon the steps. He soon returned however, his face nearly disjointed by a huge grin. “De massa says as how I’so to tell you he’s not at home!” the fellow stammered. ‘Then you go tell him he’s a liar!” Deadwood Dick ordered, ‘‘and that I’ve important busi- ness. If he don’t grant me an interview, Dll waltz in there and tumble him out of doors head-foremost.” The darky disappeared again, but when he returned he istered Deadwood Dick into a long elaborately-frescoed hall, and up a staircase which was carpeted with velvet. Upon the first floor front, in an apartment fit for a prince, was the reception parlor and office combined, of the speculator. Into this Ned Har- ris was ushered, and likewise into the presence of Major Howell. e wasa portly individual, with a florid coun- tenance, steel-gray eyes and flaxen hair, and mustache—a man who looked as if fast living and dissipation had been his worst enemies. He was clad in a suit of blue broadcloth, and wore a liberal display of jewelry. He arose from his easy-chair with a cold bow, as ssnteis entered, and motioned him toward a seat. “ Be seated, sir, if you have business with me,” he said, crustily, ‘‘and be so kind as to state the nature of your errand, at once.” “Yours truly!” Deadwood Dick replied, care- lessly, as he accepted the seat, and took out a cigar-case, ‘‘ Smoke?” ‘*No, thank you; I do not use tobacco.” “Don’t smoke? Well, you're just like me—I do. Sometimes I enjoy a good cigar, but tastes dif- fer, I_ notice. ou are the Honorable Major Howell, I presume?” we elie so, sir.” ‘Then you are the man I want to see. Icame to bring you sad news—news which, if you are pears of a sensitive nature, must wring your eart with grief.” “You probably intend to herald the death of aby brother?’ Major Howell interrogated, eagerly. ‘Ido. He expired not an hour since.” “Then,I am much obliged to you for your interest in informing. me. Having known for several days past that he must die, I am not shocked.” “*T observe not,” Deadwood Dick replied, con- temptuously. ‘You will sesh be more shocked, however, when you hear the contents of David Howell's will.” t ‘* What! what is this you say? He did leave a will behind?” the speculator gasped, with a start. ‘*He did, most assuredly. I was summoned to Dead Pine Tract, and saw him draw, sign and witness the document.” The major sprung to his feet, excitedly, and paced to and fro across the soft carpeti. 5 “To whom did he leave the mine?’ he finally demanded, pausing in front of Deadwood Dick, with frowning mien. ‘‘ Tell me—did he leave it to his daughter Stella?” “Be seated, and you shall hear,” Harris said, taking the document from his pocket and un- folding it. ‘‘ Here is a correct copy of the. will.” And then in a clear, distinct tone, he read the testament of the miner, word for word, until he had arrived at the end. Then he looked up, to behold Major Howell upon his feet, livid with passion, and his hands opening and shutting like the claws of some in- furiated beast. ** You—you the heir of David Howell’s pro- erty?’ he said,in a hissing tone; you? Tis fale curse you—'tis false! That will is a for- gery—a damnable plot of yours to cheat me out of the mine!” eee pardon, all the same, you are mistaken,” Deadwood Dick said, coolly. ‘t The property was legally and lawfully willed to me, and I am bound to keepit. Also, the girl Stella.” “You shall not have her. She is in my po session, and hang me if I don’t keep her. ile as to you and the mine, I’llsoon fire you out and the mine will be mine. That I swear to by all I hold sacred!” ‘‘T’m afraid we shall have to argue that case. and if so, it will be at the point of knife an pistol!” Deadwood Dick said, significantly. “You probably have heard of Deadwood Dick, and when I tel do yourself the justice to remem bad man to fool around.” ; “Youlie! you are not Deadwood Dick, He ou that I am he, you will please ber that Iam a
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was lynched, in town, here, but a short time y think the matter over, and conclude that it is best not to arouse my enmity toward you!” ‘Bah! a fig for you or your enmity, Sir Road- agent. I have the power to have you taken and strung up at any minute, and you'll find it out atc € too. As to my niece, I shall appoint myself her guardian until she is of age, or marries. Now, sir, leave my house, or by the Great Eternal, I'll have you forcibly ejected, in a manner none too gentle.” Then Pll save you that trouble,” Dick said rising with a cool laugh. ‘I have no desire of remaining where my presence is so undesirable. Look out for me, however. If you intend to fight with me for the Dead Pine Tract, you will have not only me to fight but a host of men as firm and true as steel. Adieu, Sir Major!” And turning on his heel with a haughty bow, the ex-road-agent quitted the room. Major Howell followed him until he saw him leave the house; then he returned to his room, cursing furiously. “Ten thousand furies seize that fellow! He is my enemy, henceforth, and one I need have cause to fear, for he never leaves a wrong un- avenged, nor a fancied insult unpunished. Curse im! curse the brother of mine, who made that will! But 1t must not be so—it shall not be so; the Howell mine shall belong to me, and that -before many days. I will wait until Alfred comes, and he may have some plan to offer. The mineis one of the richest in all Leadville, and there is room enough to put down several more shafts on the same property. For that reason, the bequest of David Howell is miae and clearly mad was he, in willing the tract away from his own relatives to a total stranger, and that man the notorious Deadwood Dick.” The following morning the Leadville News contained an article something as follows, which of course threw the town into a commotion of surprise and profound wonderment. This is what it said: “DEADWOOD DICK AGAIN. “Those who witnessed the execution of this not- able criminal, will no doubt be astonished to learn that he is still alive, and was in town last evening, a Sree man, for, having been hanged by the neck once, until pronounced dead, there is no law that can touch him for past offenses. How he ever came to life is a areery, nobody can solve, unless he was resuscitated by the notorious female, known as Calamity Jane. Ournew sheriff Lieutenant France, has been meditating upon a plan of arresting Sir Dick, but has not arrived at a definite conclusion. It is to be hoped, however, that the peonle will take the law into their own hands, and give the notorious Richard another boost!” The result of this piece of information was to set the town literally on ‘‘edge,” and every man Deadwood Dick’s Device. and his neighbor kept an eye out for the ex- road-agent, while hands were ready to give him the second ‘‘h’ist” suggested by Leadville’s flourishing representative newspaper, the News, The sentiments of public and paper seemed identical. That evening saw a large crowd assembled at the Coliseum, which is, or was then, the prin- cipal theater of the town, and the only one giv- ing a decent variety performance. Business for several weeks previous had been falling off, but the new announcements for the week, such as the Fontainbleau Children, Miss Coral De Vere, Fanny Farron, and a few others, served to pack the rude little theater, The crowd was largely composed of men, although a few miners had brought their fam- ilies along, to witness the sport, seeing no harm in it—there being none in reality, except for the fact that the Phe were generally a rough, lawless set, and that liquor was served among the audience, The performance was made up of several 5 tae farces, the Fontainbleaus in pantomimes and dances, Coral De Vere in athletic feats, and Miss Fanny Farron, the star of the evening, in fancy pistol-practice, and later, in serio- comic songs, after which the stock company ap- peared a blood-curdling drama, the hero of which was billed as Wildcat Jack. To Fanny Farron, however, was bestowed the lion’s share of the Spplanwe oy the rough audi- ence, for being an adept in the art of pistol- ow a she easily won her way into their rude ut strangely enthusiastic admiration. She was in one sense a beautiful woman. But nineteen or twenty years had passed over her head; she was spirited and rosy; her form was an admirable embodiment of elegant woman- hood and perfect grace of movement, while her face was of nature’s happiest mold, the features all pleasing and gifted with sweetness of expres- sion, that in turn shone from her dusky blue eyes. Her complexion was light, and a wealth of hair of corresponding color fell in a flossy wave over her plump shoulders, Taken at a glance she was a charming and beautiful creature—at least, she so appeared, as viewed from the auditorium of the theater. During her pistol-practice the man, Wildcat Jack, who was to act in drama, served her in the capacity of assistant, and he seemed to mark the triumphs with an envious eye, He was a dark, swarthy-looking fellow, with a brigandish mustache, and the general air of a lawless character, which he was to impersonate in the drama. But he was after the type of his audience, and was of course admired by them. Back of the pit, in the auditorium, was an ele- vated platform, on a level with the stage, or higher, where a bar was kept, and where late comers who could not find seats, were permitted to stand, To-night it was occupied by several loungers, prominent among whom were several who are to play parts in this romance of the King City of the Colorado. Calamity Jane stood leaning against a pillar that supported the gallery, watching the per- formance with indifferent interest. Old Avalanche stood near by, and another ¥
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. ” ee, who was none other than Deadwood ick, was seated near the edge of the platform, smoking a cigar. The stormy applause which had followed the ’ conclusion of Fanny Farron’s pistol-practice had not yet died out when a pistol-shot rung through the theater, and the bullet cut away the feather plume that ornamented the ex-road- agent’s hat. At the same time a half-dozen men sprung from their seats in the auditorium, and made a rush toward the spot where Deadwood Dick had pom pelt his feet, a cocked revolver in either and. ‘Hurrah! fifty dollars to the man who cap- tures the outlaw, Deadwood Dick! Yonder he stands, my hearties. Take him!” cried a voice, and the new sheriff, Lieutenant France, leaped to the front. “ Halt! stand back there! If you come a step further, Pll fill you so fuil of cold lead that you won’t be able to swim for a month. Stand back, you cowardly dogs, if you don’t want to bite the dust!” It was Calamity Jane who gave the last com- mand, in a ringing voice, and a leap brought her beside Ned Harris, who coolly stood his ground. The tools of the sheriff hesitated. Enough of the prowess of the Girl Sport had they seen, since her coming to Leadville, to be- lieve that she would shoot, did they ews and then, Deadwood Dick stood ready for the battle, with Old Avalanche on his left, thus forming a fanaerons trio. The whole audience had arisen to their feet, and knives and revolvers were promiscuously displayed, while a silence, almost painfully in- tense, seemed for a moment to reign. ‘* Surrender!” Sheriff France said, sternly. “Tis no use for you to resist, Sir Outlaw!” “*T will not surrender!” Deadwood Dick re- lied, coolly. ‘‘ Neither am I an outlaw. By nging, I expiated my crimes, and having been brought ck to life, I am lawfully a free man! and the men obeyed his command. ‘“ If you come a step further, you come at your peril. Asa free man, I have a right to protect myself. If you make a move to lay a hand on me, your life shall pay the forfeit, and the crime will rest upon your own heads. Three we are, to be sure, but you will learn that self-defenders can shoot as straight and true as the pangs of death.” “Bet yer boots on that!” Calamity added, a sparkle of enthusiam in her eyes. ‘‘Thar’ll many a pilgrim kiss terra jirma, before Dead- wood Dick again stretches hemp!” “Great ham-bone, yes. Kerwhoop! Comoe on, ye infernal galoots, ef ye want to snag yer- selves ag’in’ a consarned cyclone—a ragin’ bull- storm o’ boreal annihilation, imported right down from the northern lattytudes and longy- toads! Come on, I tell ye, ef ye want ter find ther straight and undeviatin’ trail ter Brimstun Lake! We're ther b’yes an’ gal as kin steer yer cumpuss, ballasted wi’ lead purgatory pellets!” But the gang hesitated; certain death stared him in the face who made the initiatory step; consequently none there were eager to court the grim King of Terrors. Thus the situation was, when the curtain sud- denly rung up, and Fanny Farron stepped for- ward to the footlights, clad in a dashing cos- tume, the skirt being short, and the arms bare, but richly bejeweled. The orchestra struck up and played the ac- companiments to a popular song; then the voice of a star burst forth in a fascinating song, the words and the music being singularly sweet and entrancing. One by one the crowd turned and resumed their seats, until but a half a dozen composed the tableau upon the auditorum. By the magic influence of her voice and her wondrous = ence, the songstress had wen over the crowd! Only the few remained, and seeing that they took no notice of her, the young woman made a motion to the orchestra and they struck up a piece of jig music. Then, seizing a rope that was tossed to her, she began the skipping-rope dance, her small feet playing in perfect time with the music. This was the act that moved the rough audi- ence to a wild tumult of clamorous applause, which continued so long as the little foot-like fairy continued to dance. Even Sheriff France and his men were forced to turn and admire and applaud! And ates | this juncture Calamity Jane touched Deadwoo Dick upon the arm. ‘“‘Now’s yer time!” she whispered. ‘‘ There’s a door behind you; beck out!” “Never!” Dick replied. ‘This thing may as well be settled here as anywhere else, and I’m going to see it out if it costs my life.” CHAPTER III. THE BATTLE—DEADWOOD DICK’S WARNING. “THEN I’m with you to the death!” Calamit said, sternly. ‘But don’t put too much confi- dence in that woman, yonder. She is a viper— a she-devil, gifted with a pleasant face and at- tractive form. Look out for her!” “What do you know about her?’ Deadwood Dick demanded, in a low, surprised tone. ‘* When did you ever know her?” “Never at all, but Iam nota student of hnu- man nature for nothing. Mark my words, she is a fraud.” The fairy of the footlights now ceased her dancing amid a tremendous tumult of applause, ed instead of retiring, she advanced to the foot- lights. ‘*My audience!” she said, in a clear, ringing voice, that had in it a subtle power of attraction, “T thank you kindly for your appreciation, an I feel that I havea y warmed your ah ig? rude natures toward me, This is just what I want. I want you all to be my friends, and to all come here and hear me sing. But, there is one thing I must ask of you—that you will lay no hand of harm upon Deadwood Dick. If you do, Ihave sung for you the last time.” Then she turned and tripped behind the scenes,
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. while the crowds in the auditorium hooted and applauded until grown hoarse. Death to Deadwood Dick!” shouted Sheriff France at the top of his voice. ‘‘ A hundred dollars to the man that captures the road-agent, dead or alive.” This offer pea a new aspect on affairs. A score of men sprung toward the platform, with drawn revolvers. “Surrender!” ordered France. to resist!” ‘No, ’tis not useless!” Deadwood Dick cried. “Tf you take meat all, it shall be dead—never alive!” And raising a cocked revolver in either hand, he shot down two of the foremost men quicker than a flash. Then, in concert with Calamity Jane and Old Avalanche, he poet in a deadly fire, every bullet counting a death-yell. The theater was a pandemonium of wild, strange sounds; on every hand rung the deadly report of revolvers, while a panic-stricken crowd rete gled frantically to find egress from the uilding, Bullets flew like scattered hail; wild yells and screams of victory or agony played a weird ac- companiment to the revolver’s crack. One by one the pe were fanned out by the flying bullets, until darkness reigned complete within the theater, But upon the platform Deadwood Dick still stood his ground, while Calamity Jane and Old Avalanche were at his side, fighting determined- Wy, knowing that life and death depended upon the issue. “Tis useless ® Below the platform the howling mob still surged, firing constantly, but not often coming within a foot of either of the defending trio. Yet so | Manet were their numbers that they were inevitably bound to wipe out the brave defend- ers, unless help reached them. Deadwood Dick realized this, but he was bound not to surrender alive. “Back! back, io dogs, or every galoot’s life shall answer for this fight!” he cried, in a ring- sin. bs t this juncture Fanny Farron and a half- dozen men reached the platform, by way of a side hallway from the stage, and joined their forces with Deadwood Dick and his crowd, their weapons but adding to the horrible din. The effect of the reinforcement was visibl felt by the attacking mob, for they flinched, and finally broke in wild confusion, each man struggling to force his way out of the theater. The result was that the whole audience were soon lie eared themselves. “Come!” Deadwood Dick now said, when he saw this, touching Calamity on the shoulder. “Fetch Avalanche and let’s hunt a way out of here. We've given ’em enough taste for one night, what with the scrimmage they’re now en- gaged in.” “Here! you must come with me!” Fann . Farron said, touching him upon the arm. “ will show you to a place of safety, until you can escape from the town!” 2s And seizing him by the coat-sleeve, she led the way back eS the side hall to the stage, behind the curtain, Calamity and Old Avalanche bringing up the rear, Behind the curtain the lamps were still lit, and they were enabled to see each other. Fanny Farron was still clad in her stage- dress, with a heavy waterproof thrown about her shoulders, and a closer examination reveal- ed that she was even as handsome as she had appeared upon the stage. Her skin was fair and pure, her teeth even and white, and her mouth sweetly fascinating in its expression. Deadwood Dick gazed at her, admiringly, for a few moments; then turned to Calamity and Avalanche. ‘* Are either of you hurt?” “Tam not!” the Girl Sport replied, coolly. ‘*Old Avalanche must answer for himself.” ‘Great ham-bone that shivered the timbers of old Joner, no, I ain’t harmed,” the Annihila- tor replied, with a chuckle of triumph. ‘ Didn’t git stung oncet, though the bullets hummed ther oxology around my years like fun!” “Then I guess it is a lucky termination of the battle, for us,” Dick said. ‘‘ Lady, if you will show us the way to the open air I shall be much obliged to you.” Fanny Farron bowed, and led the way through a wing entrance out into a back yard in the rear of the theater. An alley led from this to an adjoining street, which they soon gained. “You had better all come to my hotel, until the storm blows over,” the actress said, address- ing Deadwood Dick. ‘ You are at liberty to re- main there until it is safe to leave the town.” “Thanks, lady, but I must decline your invi- tation,” Dick answered, a spice of bitterness in his tone. “It is as safe now as it will ever be. To-night I have been forced again into crime, and am an outlaw, by the decree of the people. Let them look out, for I will not stop now, but they shall learn to fear my name as an omen of death. I thank you, lady, for theintervention in my behalf, to-night, and will repay you if ever the chance occurs. For the present I will say adieu!” And turning, he strode away in a northerly direction, followed by Calamity and Old Ava- lanche. Fanny Farron watched them a few moments, and then turned away with a low laugh in which was triumph. “At last I have met the man after my own heart—wild and free,” she muttered, a flush burning upon her cheeks, and a strange gleam in her dusky blue eyes. “He is the man whom T could marry and love, unselfishly—and he is the man who shall yield to my fascination. The first seed planted to-night, the germ will quickly form, from which will grow the sprout of admiration, and then the stalk of love. Ha! ha! my Deadwood Dick, you little know that you are idolatrously loved one woman, and that woman, pretty Fanny Farron. On the steps before the Clarendon, where she boarded, the actress came face to face with the actor, Wildcat Jack. “Hal” he exclaimed, springing forward, at sight of her, and raising her hand to his lips— “alive and safe, ma.belle Fanny; and I am so glad!” “Tt is not your fault that I am alive!” the actress replied, jerking away her hand, ‘ You
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. 9 are a coward, Jacques Frouch—a coward, and I | for upon every approach to the town a notice despise you. Why did you leave when I wanted you to take part in the fight?” The man shrugged his shoulders, significantly, and forced a sinister smile, “Tt is my policy, ma’m’selle, to let every man fight his own battles. I find it ze best, all around,” “Bah! If I had your cowardly nature, wo- man though I am, I’d poison myself!” Miss Far- si ree contemptuously, as she entered the otel, Frouch followed her up to the parlors. “‘T hope ze ma’am’selle will forgive me!” he said, apologetically. ‘‘I didn’t like to fight ze road-agent, for he looked like a bad man.” “Pshaw! lay aside your mongrel French! You know I despise it,” the actress said, impa- tiently. ‘“‘ Why did bp come here to torment me, Jacques Frouch? You know I dislike to be an- noyed by your presence, You had much better be study ing over and perfecting your dizzy drama.’ “ Hang the drama!” the actor growled, chang- ing from his French accent to the pure Ameri- can tongue. ‘It pleases the ruffianly element we cater to, and that is sufficient. Icome again to wait upon you for an answer—” “Stop!” Fanny Farron cried, suddenly stamp- ing her foot, her eyes blazing. ‘‘I will hear no more of your proposals of marriage. I have al- ready refused you a score of times, and let this be for the last time.” “No, not for the last time. You will yet change your opinion, and render a decision in my favor!” the Frenchman said, coolly. ‘‘ You love me now, if you would only own the truth!” ‘*T do not love you,” the actress cried, vehe- mently. “1 shall hate you if you continue bees annoying Sa ae oree At every stand you ave dogged my footsteps for the last year. What satisfaction can you derive out of constant refusal?” “The satisfaction of knowing that I will eventually win,” Frouch replied. “Then let me tell be that disappointment will be the crowning o Paes hopes. Were I ten times to marry, it would not be you.” “Perhaps you would choose that gay road- agent devil, to whom you did the whole of your acting this evening?” “You couldn’t have guessed closer!” was the cool answer. ‘Ho is the very manI am going to marry, if I have to spend a whole season in Leadville in order todo it, He is a man—tho one man in a hundred whose glance has the pow to stir my heart or set my pulses bounding. 'o him I have already given my heart, and he shall not long be ignorant of the fact.” ‘* We shall see him marry you—in your mind!” the Frenchman muttered, with a villainous chuckle, as he turned and left the room, 11 On the following morning the news of the fight in the variety theater was fully ventilated by the Leadville News, which was the principal organ against Deadwood Dick, A column of description of the affray wound up with an offer of two hundred dollars reward for the arrest or capture of the famous Prince of the Road. ut this time there were two sides to the case, was posted as follows; “FAIR WARNING, “ Whereas; Having recently expiated my crimes by being duly hanged, in Leadville, and having been restored tolife after having been pronounced dead, and thereby rendered a free man by the law or laws of the United States of America; and— “ Whervas; Asa free and lawful and law-abiding citizen, I was set Upon and attacked by the people, in the Coliseum Theater, on the evening of the 6th inst., for the pugpose of again being hung, contrary to the law and its mandates: “ Rsolvead: That Lissue a proclamation, Slaiaing for myself entire innocence in causing the aforesai eet and charging the loss of life upon the people, and— ‘Resolved; That, as the people refuse to receive me back as a citizen among them, retetae toraise their hand in war agaiust me unto the death— “Fcsolved; Finally, that I shall meet them as they Lave met me—that it shall ke a bitter, bloody war tothe knife, until they shall cry ‘enough’ or the name of Deadwood Dick shall haye become a thing of the past—a memento of a reign of terror that a vengeful populace brought upon their own heads. Every man, woman or child who shal] raise, or shall have raised a hand of hostility against me, shall die, and ye ail shall know how and why, by the sign of the Double Cross, which shall mark their odies, “ Beware! for such is the vernlug I give to all. Let me alone, and l'll let you alone. Tickle me, and I'll tickle you! “Degapwoop Dick!” Major Howell read this notice, as he was rid- ing out of town upon his horse, toward the Dead Pine Tract. “Curse the luck! I dare not venture there alone, now, lest the young ruffian attack me. He is to be feared, evidently, if that row at the Coliseum is any illustration. Instead of going to the Tract, I will hunt up Alf, and we will see what we can do.” Riding back into town, he hitched his horse to a post on Chestnut street, and proceeded to make atour of the saloons and gaming dens, for it was in one of these that he expected to find his son. And in passing along the street, he caught a glimpse of Fanny Farron, standing in the door of a dry-goods store, With a start of surprise the speculator half- stopped, to gaze at her a moment, his face flush- oe strangely. ut, as she paid no attention to him, he finally continued his walk, his face still wearing a puz- zled expression. ‘*T could have sworn that it was she, at the first glance!” he muttered, hoarsely, ‘‘ but I am probably mistaken. Her face is the same, nearly—curse me! why should I not know, for certain?” But know he evidently did not, for a frown rested upon his face as he hurried on, from sa- oon to saloon. Mr. Alfred Howell was not to be found, so easily, it seemed. . He was a scapegoat of a fellow, with little or no honor, or pride, and an inordinate passion for gambling and strong drink. A bitter disap- pointment was he to his mother and siste while the major got along the best with him o} any of the family. In the Casino, he was at last found, engaged
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10 Deadwood Dick’s Device. at a gameof poker with a Chinaman; but he paid the wager, and threw up the game at a beckon from the major, and the two retired to a private stall, where they could talk unobserved and un- hea An odd-looking individual this son of the spec- ulator was—so odd asto attract notice, in any crowd. He was short and fat, with stumpy legs that had a tendency to bow; a capaciousstomach, and a face that was so fat and swarthy as to be repulsive. Black eyes, hair, and mustache gave him the additional appearance of a first-class desperado, to say nothing of a greasy buckskin costume, and extraordinary road-brimmed Fa and an infant ‘‘ battery ” of weapons in his t. He was the superintendent of several of the Freyer Hill mines, over which the major exer- cised control, and was generally known and fear- ed as a lawless character. When seated, Major Howell rapped for the drinks, by way of getting on the right side of his dutiful son, by his first wife. ‘You've heard about the fight at the variety theater?” he interrogated. “The devil! yes. I was in that row, and near- ly got my brains blowed out!” * How did Deadwood Dick escape?” “You can’t prove it byme. Reckon he hed help frum ther stage.” “T would give a thousand dollars if some oue had killed him. Asit stands he has possession of the Dead Pine Tract, and we cannot easily dislodge him, short of an army!” : “ce No ?” ““Of course not. Have you not seen the post- ers he has a on the outskirts of town?” “Yes, hat of them?” ‘* Well, do not they go to show that he means business?” “Probably. But he shall not possess Dead Pine Tract, long. I’ve seen Beautiful Bill, and sever- al other toughs, and I allow we can soon get enough together to take the Tract!” “‘ Have you sent a spy to keep watch of mat- ters about the mine?” “Yes. Isent Yuba Sam. He will report as soon as anything of importance occurs!” ‘*One thing more I wanted to ask you about. Haye you seen a female in town who resem- bles—?” and here the major lowered his tone to a whisper, and uttered a name. Alf Howell ss Fe ““Why, yes. That's the singer at the Coliseum —Fanny Farron, she calls herself.” “What do you think about her? Do you not believe she might be the party I mentioned?” ‘*Pshaw! no. She’s gone to the dogs, long ago. This girl is not the same.” “T wish Phad proof of it.” “Pshaw! Take my word for it, she’s a thou- sand leagues from here,” the son persisted. “Has Deadwood Dick yet communicated with Stella?” : “Not to my knowledge. I have directed Mrs. Howell to keep her indoors until we can dispose of this soar eeel - “That's right. If she but gets a glimpse of Deadwood Dick’s face, my goose is cooked for getting her for myself.” ; “Perhaps you won’t care about marrying her if she does not get her claim on the Dead Pine Tract, eh?” Peer: not!” the “agetees a villain- ously, y game’s to where I win the most. Hello! what’s that?” a Two men had entered the Casino, bearing be- tween them the body of a third individual, who was evidently dead. “By Heaven!” Alf Howell cried, springing to his feet; ‘‘ it’s Yuba Sam, whom I sent to Dead Pine Tract!” “Yes, and he’s got the sign o’ the Double Cross plum upon his forehead!” added one of the bearers. ‘‘ We found him a-lyin’ on the trail, back heer a piece, wi’ a bullet-hole thr’w’ his buzzom.” It was even so. Yuba Sam had died of a bullet-wound through - n his forehead the region of his heart, and u ife two bloody was slashed with a keen-bladed crosses. Deadwood Dick had opened his campaign of terror! CHAPTER IV. DONE IN DARKNESS—THE SPORT VS. BEAUTIFUL BILL. Nicut’s grim shadows again settled down over Leadville, The heavens were overcast with skurrying clouds, and darkness reigned supreme, in the absence of the moon, ‘ew people were to be seen abroad, except in the heart of the town, for, terrified at the threat of Deadwood Dick, they preferred re- maining indoors, rather than running the risk of the deadly vengeance of the famous Prince of the Road. That Deadwood Dick was abroad at night none could doubt, for the night was known to be the time of his numerous depredations—a time best suited to his wild, dark nature. And he was abroad, too. Down from the North he galloped at the fore of a motley gang of masked men,,who were thoroughly equipped as to weapons and horses, and were finished equestrians. Down to the edge of the town they rode, and then drew rein at the wave of the hand of the young chief. ‘Remain here,” he said, dismounting, ‘‘ and keep my horse. will go on foot. If you hear three pistol-shots in succession, let loose my horse and follow him. He will bring you to ” “All right, chief. It shall be at your wish!” responded one who was evidently a lieutenant of Deadwood Dick’s newly organized band. “Tn case we are attacked, shall we stand our ground and fight, chief?” ‘Ay! fight as you never fought before—fight to the bitter death!” Deadwood Dick replied, fiercely, and then he turned and strode away toward the town. Entering through a sparsely settled street, he hurried along, a heavy cloak thrown aroun his shoulders, and the mask removed tempo- rarily from his face so as not to attract suspi- cion, should he encounter any one abroad. ing along, he soon entered another street, which was the one on which stood the Howell mansion, Se al
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. And this evidently was his destination, for he paused before it, and looked up and down the street. No one was insight upon the highway, and the lights were all out in the dwellings in the imme- diate vicinity. The Howell mansion looked as somber as though death instead of nocturnal repose reigned inside. ‘“‘This is the place, and the business lies before me, although it is a ticklish piece to handle!” Deadwood Dick muttered. ‘‘ The first impor- tant step is to gain access to the house, and the second is to find my new ward, without raising a racket.” Evidently resolved upon making the attempt, he ascended the steps and gently tried the door, but found it locked. This was no surprise, for the far Western people are in favor of locked doors, which is the safest pat to adopt. Selecting from among a bunch of keys, several, he tried them, one after the other, and the last one was the one to turn the lock. “So far so good!” he muttered, with a satis- fied expression. ‘‘I should feel like a thief of the night to enter any man’s house, thus, but I am now only in quest of that which was intrust- ed to my care and protection.” Removing his boots, he took them in his hand, and opening the door, he softly entered, and closed it behind him, All was dark as Stygia, but remembering from his previous visit, the location of the stairs, he soon found them, and paused upon the steps to make his arrangements. fore him he had a rather delicate job— that of finding Stella without alarming her, and getting her away from the mansion. It re- quired all the stealth and caution of his nature to perform the act, without arousing the house, 'ying the boots to his back, he drew from beneath his cloak a dark-lantern and a revolver. With these in hand, ready for use, he stole softly up the stairs, finally arriving upon the landing without having created so much noise as a cat. Here there was a diversion of hallways, in several directions, and he knew not which to bee bring him to the sleeping apartment of After some deliberation he finally concluded to pay each room a visit, and chloroform the inmates if necessary, for he had fetched along plenty of the liquid drug for that purpose. Stealing along, he soon came to the door of a room which he rightly conjectured was the bed- chamber of the major and his wife, for loud snores came from the interior. Gently trying the door, he found that it was unlocked. He glided into the room, and to the bedside. A sponge saturated with chloroform, and held over the noses of the sleepers, had the effect to put them into a state of quietude from which there could be no immediate wakening. “They're disposed of, and now I wonder if I hadn’t better leave them a visiting card, so that they may know I’ve been here!” Drawing from an inside pocket a silver hand- stamp he pressed it against their foreheads, and as a result came to relief the sign of the double cross in letters of crimson, 11 “Ha! ha! It will be many a day ere they can wash that stain from their skin, Pl wager!” the Prince of the Road muttered, as he turned from the room. The next room he visited proved to be occu- pied by the speculator’s son, and the next by a servant. Still not despairing, Deadwood Dick kept on, leaving his strange device upon the forehead of each chloroformed sleeper. At last he came toa room that was locked and on listening he found that it contained sleepers. To unlock the door was but a short job, and with the stealth of a cat he crept into the apart- ment, A aun was burning upon a dressing bureau, and its light was sufficient for him to see by, without the use of his lantern. The room was large, and gen furnished, and contained two beds, each of which was oc- gupled one by two young ladies, and the other vy one. The former Deadwood Dick concluded were the daughters of Major Howell, while the latter was the daughter of the dead miner of Dead Pine Tract. Gliding to the bedside of the two sleepers, the ex-Prince of the Road applied the chloroformed sponge, but not the stamp containing his strange device. When they were properly drugged, he turned toward the lone sleeper, but gave a start of sur- prise. She had partly risen in bed, upon her elbow, and was gazing straight at him with her bi blue accusing eyes. At first Deadwood Dic was confused, but he quickly regained his self- possession. “Fear not, my lady!” he said, respectfully, but inalow tone. “It is not my intention to harm you, but rather, to rescue you from your imprisonment here!” “Who are you, sir?’ the maiden demanded, sternly. ‘‘ Why do you come here like a thief in the night, and to my bedchamber?” ‘* My name is Ned Harris, lady, and I come at the instigation of your father!” ‘““Ah! my father! they told me he was dead— dead! Oh! God help me.” And tears sprung to the eyes of the maiden, and drop: upon her cheeks, ‘* Be calm, lady. Your father is indeed dead, but he appointed me your protector until you can choose one that suits you better. Here is his will, which you may read. I will nowretire to the hall, while you dress yourself for your de- parture.” “Must I go with you, then?” “Tt is necessary that you should, lady, for your life even is not safe here. Have you any objections to accompanying me?” ‘No! oh, no! I am so glad ee away from here. Please retire, and I will soon be ready.” Deadwood Dick accordingly left the room and closed the door behind him. In the hall he waited until the door opened, and Stella glided out to him. ‘“T am ready, now, sir. I read the will, and am willing to go with you!” * Very well, my lady, You shall not mis,
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19) => Deadwood Dick’s Device. lace whatever confidence you may put in me!” eadwood Dick replied. They softly descended to the street, and hur- ried away through the night, which was dark and forsy. Nor did they pause until they camo to where a line of grim, masked horsemen were waiting. Then it was that Stella Howell gave a start of alarm. “Be not afraid, lady,” Deadwood Dick said, to nee her apprehensions. ‘‘ These are my men, and they will offer you no harm.” “Your men, sir? I do not understand, quite,” Stella replied. “T will explain more as soon as we reach camp. Please mount my horse behind me. Fal- coner, will you be kind enough to assist her?” The lieutenant bowed, and tendered the re- quisite assistance, after which the cavalcade galloped away. Away to the Dead Pine Tract, and to the cabin which once was that of David Howell, LT as belonged to the outlawed Deadwood ick. A t change had already been made upon the Tract since the reign of its new owner. The cabin had been enlarged to a building of several rooms, thereby supplying quarters for the band, and several cabins were going up near by. An engine house was being constructed near the mouth of the mine to furnish shelter for new machinery that was to take the place of the horse-power for hoisting, which had previ- ously been employed. To the cabin the cavalcade rode, and then dismounted, Deadwood Dick conducting Stella to a suit of rooms which he had had furnished especially for her accommodation. Here hoe left her, with a few instructions, and then de- scending to the ground he gave some additional instructions to his men, after which he mounted his thoroughbred steed again, and dashed away into the black starless night, as wild and weird as the night itself in those lonely mountain regions, “ A bald-headed spider, G op gon’ a el x *wine ter get a-home, bymeby; Old Kniser’s bull purp, He war Dutch, . G’wine ter get a-home, bymeby. A three-legged 'possum, Settin’ on a bench, G'win ter get a-home, bymeby. He fell in lub Wid a nigger wench, G’wine te: get a-home, bymeby. “ An’ it’s g’wine ter get a-homa, G’wine ter get a-home— "’Whoopy! Kerwhoop! three cheers fer Royal American Star Jangled Svanner! Three howls fer ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail— ther man thet never told a lic! Beautiful Bill forever.” And straight down through Chestnut street ranced the famous Leadville giant, Beautiful illon a tear, such as he seldom ever had ex- perienced before. . . Full up to the neck was the giant, with bad whisky, whose assimilation within his capacious stomach was beginning to tell on him, in more than one way. His eyes were bloodshot, and his face was red and of the most brutal expression, while his oe were La more unsteady each moment. n either hand he grasped a cocked navy re- volver, which he flourished around in a manner that was unpleasant to behold. And there was co uently a general dodging among the crowd that swarmed in the streets, for none were there who cared to become a target for the ruffian’s bullets, half-crazed with drink though he was. Still, they followed and watched him with a sort of curiosity, for well they knew that the giant was searching game, and that a row anda fight would be the result. And perhaps no town of its size in the whole West can ‘‘ pan out” so big a crowd on so short a notice to witness a street brawl as the famed city of Leadville. ‘“Wahoo! wahoo!” the giant bellowed, cut- ting a pigeon-wing, and then turning a clumsy hand-spring in the middle of the street. ‘ Hayr Iam, ye durned galoots, ther Original Pet Ble. era right fresh frum ther flock—ther hatiless, »0otless Apoller uv ther Colorados! Here I am, ther great model o’ beauty—a conqueror—a king among fools. Hist!” and the ruffian crouched low and peered around him—‘ hist! I say. Wharfrom came thet zephyr that sed sum ongainly galoot was spilin’ fer a fight—war ac- tooly dyin’ because he couldn’t get a feller uv my social status ter measure muscle wi’ him? Fur luv or money! thet’s fair, now. Sum pil- grim who wants ter fight me fer luv or money, jest step forth—waltz right out heer, and try ter flumigate ther great Apollo o’ ther Colorados —ther Pet Elephantum o’ ther Leadville trail. Beautiful Bill am I—a solid man, whose bank account ar’ good fer half a millyun, any day. A king o’ this benighted region, am I, and yet despite my gold, my honors an’ my gray hairs, T can’t ge a decent respectable dog-fight wi? nopilgrim. It’sa shame—a cavortin’ outrageous shame. Fer Lord’s sake, sum 0’ you chicken- livered honey-combs cum out heer an’ gouge one o’ my eyes out—ram yer fist down my throat— spit terbaccy-juice in my off ear, or do sumthin’ ter relieve ther monotony o’ ther situation, or T shall spile fer want o’ amusement or exercise, Bet five—ten—fifty—a hundred thousand dol- lars I can polish ther proboscis uv ary galoot like a meersham, in two wiggles uv a mule’s tai] in fly time!” Strong was the temptive argument offered by the bullwhacker, but none were there among the crowd to bite at his bait. A terror was he to the town, this ruffianly character, and all were afraid of him, for he was a reckless cut- throat of the most brutal species, and had been known to kill half a dozen men in a single brawl, and come out unhurt. Poor encouragement was this for an ordinary mortal to battle with him. And the giant knew that he was universally feared, which made him doubly ugly and bother- some. In the middle of the street he now stood, his hat gone and his feet bare, while his cotton shirt was torn into shreds—there in the street he stood, glaring around, in search of some victim
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. 413 upon whom to vent his desire for a fight, for ““sp'ilin’” for a fight he truly seemed to be, juddenly his eye gleamed with savage exul- tance, as he saw the little actress, Fanny Far- ron, quit a store on the right-hand side of the street and hurry along in the direction of the theater where she was to play. ‘‘Kerwhoop! lookee thar, will ye, pilgrims aw’ feast yer optics on thet purty little piece 0 caliker, a-goin’ up ther street! Hain’t she scrumptious, though, an’ as port as ary year- ling pack-mule on ther trail? Make way thar, while I chase ther gaudy butterfly, an’ sip ther hunny frum her lips. A kiss Ill have, by all ther thunderin’ catamounts, an’ thar’s nary a galoot cept ther Pet Elephant as can have a bite out o’ my cake nuther. Kerwhoop! hayr goes fera genmyoeine feast frum thet leetle beehive!” And away pranced the ruffian in pursuit of the actress, at the top of his speed, staggering from side to side like a rickety wagon, and all the while bellowing at the top of his voice. Pretty Fanny Farron saw in one terrified lance that she was pursued, and turned to flee ut a hand touched her on the arm, and a coo voice said: “Don’t run, Miss Farron, but stand your ‘ound, and I will teach this fellow the lesson e deserves,” Accordingly the actress did not run, but look- ed up to find a stranger standing near—a hand- somely-dressed fellow, with the characteristic coolness in his carriage and face, of a thorough- bred sport, Stalwart was he, and handsomely Prpernioned with a blonde head of hair, a londe mustache, and luxuriant side-whiskers of a corresponding hue, while the color of his eyes was somewhat hidden behind a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, A jaunty Derby hat was perched upon his head; his coat, pants and vest were of spotless duck, the bottoms of his pants being carelessly thrust in the legs of a pair of spurred cavalry boots, A massive gold chain ornamented his vest front, and in one white jeweled hand he nee a serviceable riding-whip of braided buck+ skin, Up came the bullwhacker, his eyes agleam with triumph, and his thick lips smacking with an appreciative gusto for the feast heanticipated. ‘‘Ho! ho! thet’s right, my daisy!” he roared, seizing Fanny by the arm; “‘thet’s her ex- chequer, my daisy! One sweet smack frum them lips—” He did not finish the sentence, for the Sport seized him by the throat, and with strength he did not appear to possess, hurled him back to the ground. With a grunt Beautiful Bill came down heay- ily and the revolvers he held in his hand went flying far over the heads of the crowd. A moment the giant lay quivering upon the earth—then he scrambled to his feet with a fero- cious growl, as if intent upon the instant anni- hilation of his assailant. But, no sooner did he regain his feet than the dandy sport proceeded to lay the whip over his head, shoulders and back, rapidly, every stroke of the little instrument drawing blood to the surface of the giant’s swarthy skin. In vain did he lunge forward to get a hold upon the Sport, but blow after blow beat him back, while terrible howls of pain escaped his lips. And the crowd cheered wildly! CHAPTER V. A DUEL IN THE STREET—DEADWOOD DICK AGAIN, : Wits a strong arm did the Sport ply the whip, and in a manner that every blow counted by raising a bloody streak where the last struck. And in vain did Beautiful Bill seek to escape the little instrument of torture, and to get a hold upon his assailant. But it was one of the efforts impossible. “Curse ye! quit! quit!” he roared, in pain, as bleeding in fifty places or more, he dropped on his knee, unable longer to stand. ‘““When you apologize to that lady, I will let you off!” the Sport said, coolly, as he continued © deliver his unmerciful blows with mechanical regularity. “Yes! yes! I apologize! I apologize, fer insult- in’ ther leddy!” the giant bellowed, in actual agony. ‘ Quit! quit, or ye’ll kill me!” ‘*T should be doing the country a great service if I were to end your miserable career!” the Sport said. ‘Get up now and see if you can be- have yourself.” And ceasing his castigation, the blonde stran- ger stood with whip in hand, gazing coolly at the man he had so thoroughly cowed. Beautiful Bill rose slowly to a standing position, and glared at the Sport in a savage manner. ““Cuss ye!” he growled, his repulsive features working with rage and wearing an bk omens of undying hatred—‘‘ cuss ye, I say. You got the best o’ me in thet tussle, but I’m bound ter have satisfaction, an’ don’ ye fergit it, Beauti- ful Bill am I—ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Lead- ville trail—ther handsum Apollo o’ ther Colo- rados, an’ thar’s nary a galoot a-goin’ ter climb me an’ say he war my conqueror. No, sir-ee, nary a time, and Pe et yer leetle ducats on’t, D’ye heer, ye bandbox son of a swill-tub—d’ye heer, Isay? Ye’ve got ter fight me—me, ther great, roarin’, three-horned Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail!” “Fight?” the Sport said, smiling. ‘‘ Why, cer- tainly. I shall be only too happy to accommodate you. Please to name your weapons and I am ready.” And the crowd cheered! Here was a man just to their liking. Here was a man who was not afraid of the ‘Pet Elephant ” of the Leadville trail. The giant was taken aback at the prompt acceptance of his challenge, for he bad confi- dently expected that the cool stranger would back out. ‘« What's yer name?” he demanded. “TI gin- erally know who I fight with,” ; “Oh! as to that, you may call me Pacific Pratt, for short,” the Sport ype coolly, “Come, if you want to constitute the active part of a first-class funeral, just name your tools and — square yourself in shape. Tveno time to spend in bandying words with a man of your beastly character,”
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i ae i4 Deadwood Dick's Device. “Then ye shall get yer stummick full jest as soon as ye want it!” the giant growled. ‘‘ Fer we ain’t a-goin’ ter settle thes yere little debate wi’ no revolvers, ner wi’ no toothpicks, but ar’ a-goin’ ter wage fist ag’iri’ smeller, an’ smeller ag’in’ fist, until one or t’other ar’ satisfied!” ‘* Which suits me to a dot!” Pacific Pratt an- swered, as coolly asever. ‘‘ Couldn’t have met my desires better if you’d ’a’ tried. Get ready, sir, and you shall have the pleasure of testing the friendship of my knuckles in short order!” “Kerwhoop! better git ready, yerself!” the giant roared, beginning to strip to the waist. ‘ Better write up yer obituary ef ye ain’t pre- i it already, fer cert’in it is thet ye’re goin’ r git beauchifully salivated by me, ther great roarin’ Pet Elefant o’ ther Leadville trail—ther A 9 °’ — Seeder on es as ot a reply deigned the Sport; he simply dis- carded his duck jacket, and rolled up the sleeves of his boiled shirt, which displayed as handsome- ly developed a pair of arms, as one could ask to see. Then he s' coolly awaiting the motions of the giant bullwhacker who was stripping him- self of his shirt. Soon he was ready, and turned to face his op- foe with the glare of a wild beast in his loodshoot eyes. A man of powerful frame was the giant, his bony, knotted breast and ponderous arms quite a curiosity, in their way. Few were there who would have dared to engage with this terror- producing bullwhacker as the Sport was, about todo. Surely, said the crowd, Beautiful Bill would win, and the dainty Sport would go to the ground, a crushed and pummeled mass of hu- manity. How could it be otherwise, when the giant was twice as muscular as the Sport, to all appearances, and superior in weight by a full hundred pounds! Forward the crowd to form a ring around the twain, but Pacific Pratt waved them back, authoritatively. “ Back! back!” he cried, sternly. ‘‘ Leave the street open, and keep at a distance. You can seo just as well, and will greatly accommodate me This was enough. Willing were the crowd to oblige this sportive individual who had come down among them with “cheek” enough to tackle the Leadville giant, Beautiful Bill. Among the crowd were several lookers-on, who watched with more than ordinary interest, it seemed. They were Calamity Jane, Old Ava- lanche, and the variety actress, Fanny Farron, who stood near the Girl Sport, with an eager, excited look upon her face. “ Jest look at the Sport!” Calamity said, ad- dressing the Annihilator; “ain't he scrump- shus—ain’t he a regular daisy? An’ ten to one he'll wax wigwams right out o’ thet big blun- derbus uv a giant.” “Great ham-bone, yes. He’s a fine lukin’ bird berks but then ye know fine feathers make fine birds, all except buzzards.” “Do you not know who that Sport is?” Fanny Farron asked, Hinges tony M4 address Calamity. “T heerd him give his pronoun as Pacific Pratt!” the Girl Sport replied, coolly, for she cared not to make friends with this actress, whose voice was as musical as the trill of a bird, and whose face and form were attractive to the eye. To Calamity, her presence suggested a thought of sntikes ! Fanny Farron, if aware of Calamity’s aversion of tone, did not choose to notice it, for she chat- tered on glibly: “ Pacific Pratt, eh? Ha! ha! I think I know better than that. I knew the fellow the mo- ment he offered to encounter the giant for me.” “You did?” Calamity said, indifferently. “T did!” Miss Farron assured. ‘‘I wonder that you have not already recognized him!” “1? How?’ and the Girl Sport gazed more keenly at the actress, and then at Pacific Pratt. ““What do you mean?” “T cannot explain. If you were sharp at guessing, you needn’t ask?’ was the reply, and en the little queen of the variety stage, turn- ed to watch the combat, No disgrace was there in this, apparently, for other women had paused in sing along—and some of them were Lead- ville’s aristocrats—to watch the contest of skill and strength. Of course there was betting on every hand and among the supporters of Beautiful Bill, Alf Howell, the gambler, was prominent and con- spicuous. ‘* A thousand dollars, here, to bet that Beauti- ful Bill punches the bandbox galoot clean out of time, and sweeps the street with him!” roared the ugly son of the speculator, as he elbowed his way about through the crowd. ‘A hull 'thou- san’ ter bet thet ther bullwhacker is ther winner. Who takes it?” “T reckon I'll take you!” Calamity Jane said Ne af producing a wallet that was well lled. ‘I’m the very customer to grapple such bets as that.” “You?” Alf Howell ejaculated in amazement. ‘Why, as I live, it’s a girl in breeches. Say, leotile one, hedn’t you better run home to your ma? “T think not. I’d rather bet with you, and win. Come! put up orshut up. Avalanche here will hold the stakes for us, I reckon!” ‘* And I'll see fair play!” Fanny Farron said, drawing and cocking a revolver, and stepping nearer. ‘‘ Avalanche must give the stakes to whichever wins.” ‘“*Who told you tomix your lipin this con- clave?” Alf Howell demanded, savagely. ‘‘ You orn mind your business, or I’ll be the death of “T ain’t afraid of it. You goon and plank your cash, or ['ll put a pain through you so quick, you'll believe you ar’ electrotized.” Howell deposited, with a savage growl. Hoe had a notion to back out of the bet, but this unexpected movement on the part of the actress had made it necessary for him to proceed as he me Sear wash - amity also deposited her wager, in the hands of Old Avalanche, and then turned to note the result of the fight, which had now begun. Yes, the Sport and the giant had confronted each other, with bared arms and clinched fists, and were sparring—the Sport scientifically while the giant succeeded only clumsily. Too ponderous was he to be spry, and the Sport warded off his wild lunges, with the greatest of
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Deadwood Dick's Device. 15 ease, while he occasionally put ina ‘‘ tester ” up- on the giant’s face, with staggering effect, elicit- ing a cheer from the crowd. © novice was this Pacific Pratt, evidently, if he was a sport. His every movement was graceful and quick, his blows were surel planted, and he was never for an instant off his guard, while his eye coolly met that of the giant, without flinching, behind the gold-rim glasses, Tn vain did the Pet Elephant of the Leadville trail endeavor to grapple with his opponent, in order to crush him ina bear-like hug, but each lunge was coolly met, and the giant driven back, beneath the shower of blows precisely directed. It soon became evident to the crowd that Pacific Pratt was a pugilist extraordinary, and that he was merely playing with the giant, and worrying him to a greater rage, for the Sport did not appear to use much exertion to eid him off, and a smile constantly lingered beneat! his blonde mustache. Whatever was his intention, he was each mo- ment succeeding in arousing Beautiful Bill to a greater pitch of fury, the culminating point of which did not seem to be reached—not until’ the ruffian was stretched out insensible upon the ground. Boiling with terrible rage did he seem to be. ‘*Great ham-bone thet hed ther pugilistic en- counter with old Joner!” roared the familiar voice of the Annihilator, ‘‘ jest luk at thet Sport pean off ther proboscis uv thet bullwhacker. rdy! I wouldn’t be in Beauchiful Bill’s place fer a mint o’ money. Oh! magoozzlem Marier! Old Mose w’at cavorted thr’w’ ther scriptural bullrushes. See ther Pacific cuss punch et to him! Hooray! bet my old head ag?in’ a drink o’ tar- antler thet William goes ter grass, less’n a thou- san’ wiggles o’ a lamb’s tail. Thet ar’ beauchi- ful fisticular demonstration o’ ther Sport yander, but et don’t hold a sarcumstance tee wat I’ve seen. Fer instance thar war my Old Billy goat, Florence Night-in-a-gale—a famuss anamile war thet same Florence you bet. She’d jest poise her head, wiggle her stub, and pitch inter a bat- tle hot an’ heavy, would she. Hev actooly known her ter lay out her level score o’ Injuns in a day, an’ then gambol away ter court w ther Widder Briggses pet cat—an’ et warn’t much o’a day fer Injuns, nuther. Then thar war my old mare, Prudence Cordeliar w’at I spect is now ornamented wi’ wings, an’ be a- sailin’ around among the saintly cherubims up in hoss heaven. She war a great mare, war Prudence—know’d more’n one minute than an ordinary hoss knows all his life. Fact, by gra- cious! Hevactooally known thet hoss ter stretch out her hind huff so quick thet a shoe’d glide off an’ skip around ag’in’ ther skull o’ ther ’tarnal red heathen, until et salivated an’ give ther death grip ter more ner a dozen. An’ yes thet ain’t a sarcumstance dun up in a brown rag, ter what ther Annihilation used ter do when all ter- gether, an’ I tell ye w’at ther men ain’t so brave as they used ter be, tho’ thet Pacific Pratt ar’ an exception ter ther rule.” “ Ha! just look at that!” Calamity said, ex- citedly. “If that wasn’t a beauty I don’t want a cent.” _ For the Sport had dealt the giant a tremen- dous ‘‘ stem-winder” upon the nose, which seem- ed to completely flatten that member to the ruffian’s face. Nor, now that he had seemingly got his hand in, did the Sport stop: for one blow after another did he deposit on the same spot in rapid succession, in the mean time coolly ward- ing off the giant’s lunges. Spat! i ee spat, and the nose of Beautiful Bill grew flatter than ever, while bellows of pain escaped his lips, and his face was bathed in oozing blood. At last came the climax. The ee dealt the giant a terrible blow upon the forehead—a left-handed one at that. Down went the Bullwhacker upon the ground, insensible and quivering; while, seizing his hat, coat and whip, Pacific Pratt hurriedly strode away. The crowd stared and wondered. ‘What was the cause of this strange action on the part of the Sport? Was he afraid to wait until Beautiful Bill should have returned to con- sciousness? This would not seem possible, and he such a master of arms. Yet, go he did, and soon disappeared among the crowd,far down thestreet. Then it was that ell eyes were considerately turned upon Beautiful Bill, who was leisurely measuring his length in the dusty street, uncon- scious that his valor as the boss of Leadville’s electric city was a thing of the past. And when all eyes rested upon him there came a unanimous ejaculation of surprise, resultin upon a discovery, and that discovery was tha’ upon the forehead of the giant were strange, iced gashes of crimson, formed in the shape of a double cross ! This much was seen, then the words: _ “Deadwood Dick's device !” passed from lip to ip. All eyes turned intuitively in the direction Pacific Pratt had gone, but he was ncwhere in sight. His haste to depart was now explained, Cleverly disguised as the Sport, Deadwood Dick had been among them, an had gone again, leaving behind him his terrible device. Excitement for a while raged intense but subdued when it was ascertained that the Road Prince had made good his escape from the town. ‘The money is mine!” Calamity Jane said with a chuckle, ‘“‘and you, Mr. Alf Howell, wi. learn to bet next time on the winning card.” The gambler uttered an oath of rage. ‘‘The money was not fairly won!” he growled, allowing his hand to drop below his belt, ‘‘ an’ Tl be cussed ef ye shall have it!” “Took out! Don’t draw weapons around here!” Fanny Farron cried, sharply, ‘‘ or I'll let you have the contents of this, unreservedly!” And she held her pistol on a level with his heart. “Get out, now, beforeI accidentally pull the trigger!” With a frightful malediction, the speculator’s son obeyed, and the actress followed him. until she came to a cross-street, when she set out for her hotel. Calamity Jane then received the result of her. bet from the Annihilator, and they separated, , each taking a different course, the Girl Sport going to her boarding-place. After leaving the scene of the fight, the Sport,
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ié6 Deadwood Dick’s Device. Pacific Pratt, hurried north through Chestnut street and out of the town. Soon he came toa es gh or thicket of ever; m oaks, from which he led a handsome coal-black horse, and mounted. He then rode rapidly away, and in due time entered the Dead Pine Tract. Riding to the door of the large cabin, he dis- mounted, and giving the horse into charge of the Chinaman, he entered, and ascended the stairs to the second floor. In passing the door of Stella Howard’s room he glanced into the room, to find her engaged at a book, several choice volumes having by his forethought been prepared for her entertain- ment, “SoI find you pleasantly occupied, eh?” he said, smiling. ‘‘I am glad that you find some- thing to kill time.” “TY am not hard to please,” Stella replied, glancing up, a pleased look in her eyes. ‘‘I gen- ene a d some mode of killing time.” cf ich is fortunate. I often wish that I had not been born of a restless and rovin pia des penned you might find it dull and lonely ere. ‘Oh! no, indeed! Dead Pine Tract has been my home so long that I like it here. Only it seems lonely without papa.” And tears rose in the eyes of the beautiful maiden, for beautiful she was—petite but well- rounded of form, with a fair, prettily chiseled face, a sweet mouth, and expressive blue eyes, that had the power of being pparkitng in mirth, and handsome in sorrow; while soft luxuriant masses of chestnut hair fell over her pretty shoulders. No ravishing beauty was this ward of Deadwood Dick’s, but a simply quiet and ap beauty, whom it was easy for one to admire and love, “True, you must miss your parent, my dear lady, but I shall try to make my espionage of yourself saree and render you cheerfully content,” Dick said, respectfully. ‘* And when you are in need of anything, or some one to converse with, you have to send to me to insure instant attention.” “Thank you,” Stella answered. ‘‘As my peal I shall of course consider you my riend, and shall, as such, not be backward in making known my needs.” Then Deadwood Dick went on to his own rooms, where he threw himself down upon the parlor sofa to rest. But, ere he was permitted to + Morpheus, one of the men entered, an i handed him a card, Upon this, neatly engraven, was the name; = “Miss Fanny Faron.” CHAPTER VI. THE ACTRESS PROPOSES—BEAUTIFUL BILL’S CHANGE, ‘Miss Fanny Farron,” Dick echoed in amazement, as he saw the inscription on the ecard. ‘‘ What in the world can bring her here? How did she get past the pickets, Cotrelly?” “T know not, your honor. I met her wan- dering about, near the stronghold, and she re- quested me to fetch this card,” the road-agent replied. aS ary well, Since she has taken the pains to come here, show her in, and I will see what she wants. Give the lieutenant my orders that he allow no person to hereafter hop the lines eo giving the countersign, This isimpera- jive. The aid bowed, and departed, to show in the little actress from the Leadville Coliseum, Ere she came, Deadwood Dick hurriedly removed the blonde hair and beard that had given him character as the Sport, and stored them in his closet, while, smooth-faced and as handsome as ever, he awaited the coming of Miss Farron, She was shown in directly, and advanced to- ward him with outstretched hand, her face we Fp, Male of the archly-bewitching smiles she had been taught to master, asa part of the secret of her stage success, ; ‘Oh! Mr, Harris, lam so glad I have found you at last!” she gasped, as if out of breath, ‘ Having heard that this was your home, I ven- tured to come right on, as soon as your duel was over with the bullwhacker, to thank you for protecting me from public insult.” “T ask no thanks, lady,” Deadwood Dick re- plied, a trifle severe; ‘‘in fact, I ask no odds of anybody. It was a pleasure to assist a lady in distress, but that was all, and you need feel under no obligations to me,” ‘““Yet I do,” the actress replied, warmly, crossing suddenly over and dropping upon her knees in front of him—‘‘I do owe you a deeper debt of gratitude, than I can ever repay you, unless you will accept the boundless wealth of affection I offer you, and make me your wife. Do not start, or be surprised, Mr, Harris, for this is no spontaneous outburst from an impul- sive imagination, but a strong, faithful love on my part for you, which sprung to life when I first met you. I know it is not the customary thing for us women to do the wooing, but I am a strange girl, they say, in more than one way, and one of my peculiarities is, that I do not be- lieve in ceremony. Free thoughts, and laws of i pte to suit myself, are the golden rules I shall continue to abide by!” “But, my dear Miss Farron, ae do wrong in loving such a man as I, if you do, as you say!” Deadwood Dick replied, in t rise, ‘T certainly have no affection for you of the kind yo mention—indeed, as a total stranger, almost, have never given you the second thought.” “That don’t make any difference. Let me stay here at the stronghold a week, and if you do not love me enough to marry me, I’ll go away ain,” ‘‘Tmpossible, Miss Farron. I am not desirous of trying any love experiments, just now. Did Icare to marry, I should prefer to select m wife, and todo the courting. One faithless wite has not left behind her in my heart a desire to risk another.” ‘Then you refuse to listen to me—refuse even to let me remain here until I can win youraffec- tion?” the beautiful actress cried, rising to her feet, her face red with anger and mortification at her defeat. ‘* Yes, Miss Farron; I must, for my own sake and for your sake. It would not be the proper thing for you to remain here, even were I in- clined to listen to your plea, which I cannot, I am sorry for your sake to say.”
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. i? ‘Bah! ‘You dare to keep another girl here and see no impropriety in that?” ‘* Miss Howell is my ward, lady, or she would not be here. She was left in my charge by the will of her father, and I am responsible as her guardian,” Miss Fanny Farron bit her lip in vexation. Such a crushing defeat to her matured plans she had not dreamed of, and consequently she keenly felt the cut of the refusal. ‘Very well. If you will not let me remain here I will go back to Leadville, Mr, Ned Harris, but I go not as I came, your warm friend. A broken heart I shall carry with me—a heart that is rankling with hatred toward you. Look out for mo, for I shall stab you unawares, even though it may not be soon. I shall watch until I see an opportunity to torture you, then I shall apply myself to the task.” “But why this anger, Miss Farron?’ Dead- wood Dick asked, earnestly. ‘I see no need for it. If you love me, your love cannot be a true one, to canker so soon with enmity.” ‘You shall see!’ the actress replied, almost savagely. ‘‘Iam alone in the world Limow, but not entirely friendless.” Then she turned abruptly and quitted the room, After she was gone Deadwood Dick sat mus- ing upon’ the strange occurrence, his brows knotted perplexedly. : “Calamity Jane was right,” he muttered, ‘when she said that the actress was a devil, or words to that effect. I would not believe then that a creature so fair of face and artless of manner could be the possessor of such a fierce temper. But, such is life. I wonder if my ward will turn out the same? No! I will not believe that, even should Calamity tell me so— Calamity whose perception is as keen as the edge of a-razor. A few years ago, when in Deadwood, I asked her to become my wife and —she refused. I wonder if she would do it now? She seems to hover around wherever I go, a sort of guardian angel—though some would laugh were they to hear me call her an angel. A wild, strange character she is—virtuous, and true as steel, beyond peradventure, yet so wild and strange as to seem a part of the wilderness through which she roams. Has she a heart? If so, it is buried deep under a cloud of past ob- security. And Stella Howell—I almost fancy that I care for her, as a husband should care for his bride.” The day after the street fight between Beauti- ful Bill and the Sport, Pacific Pratt, Major Howell left his mansion and rode out of town, down into the classic shades of timbered Stray Horse Gulch. He was not dressed with his cus- tomary neatness, and a handkerchief tied across his forehead gave him the appearance of opens been on a drunk, and he h daged his hea to kcep off the headache. But such was not the case. The speculator wore the cloth to hide the terrible sign of the double cross, which Deadwood Dick had stamp- ed on his forehead, In vain had he attempted to wash and scrub off the stain, but it proved in- delibly planted in the very flesh, and the more he washed it the more distinct became the marks, So, rather than to appear a marked man, he had done the next best thing—covered the strange device from sight. In no pleasant mood was the major, evidently, this morning, for there was a savage expression about his mouth, and a gleam in hia eye that boded evil for some one, Who that one was, we shall soon Icarn. Guiding his horse through the wild canyon- trail, at a rapid pace, he at last came to a glade or opening among the pines, In this stood a sort of a tumble-down hut, con- structed of logs and stones, and having but one door and no windows. It wasa desolate-look- ing place, at the best, with rank weeds and briers growing up around it, which showed that the tenant was in no way inclined to agricultur- al pursuits, or husbandry. Over the door upon a planed board, was the rather startling if not unique inscription, ‘“ BEAUTIFUL BILL, “ PROFESSIONAL CUT-THROAT.” “This must be the place!” the major mutter- ed, reading the sign, with a grim smile. ‘The fellow is no sneak of a rascal, anyhow, for he boldly advertises his business. I wonder if he is at home?” Dismounting before the rough door, he knock- ed upon it, sharply, and then istened. Several minutes elapsed; then there were steps, the door opened, and Beautiful Bill stood upon the threshold. No longer could he justly be classed among men of beauty, however, for his appearance was quite the reverse. His forehead bore the sign of: the double cross, and his nose was all smashed out of shape, the wreck being ornamented by a huge plaster. These features, in addition to his naturally ugly physique, gave him an appearance at cnce frightful and disgusting. ‘owl escaped his still swollen lips as he saw the major. Evident it was that the Pet Elephant was in no mood to receive visitors. “Waal, what d’ye want?’ he grunted, sus- piciously. ‘‘T want to see you on business,” the wajor said. ‘‘Let me come in, and we'll have a glass of Kentucky from my private bottle, and I will explain the nature of my errand.” ‘Waal, I s’pose ye can come,” the giant growled, opening the door, ‘tho’ this ain’t my day for receivin’ visitors. Got my nose smash- ed last night, ye see, an’ am sorter in mournin’.” “Yes, I know. I witnessed your fight with Deadwood Dick, I marvel you did not do for him.” Beautiful Bill chuckled, audibly. : “T was a fool—that’s how I got salivated!” he said, feeling dolefully of the plaster on his nose. “I might ’a’ knowed I’d get blistered. Deadwood Dick never met ther galoot thet ked lick him, nohow ye ken fix it.” “What! do you, with all your brag, acknow- ledge that the ro: — ean lick you?” ‘*T do—I acknowledged the corn, long ere this. Didn’t he cook my goose—didn’t he lam- Daste me for all I was worth, now? You'd be willin’ ter sw’ar thet ye see’d him do it, and so
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is Deadwood Dick’s Device. would the crowd, while as fer me, ther great Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail, I acknow- ledge ther corn. I ain’t no Christyun, by a long shot, nur no leetle George Washingtun wi’ a hatchet, but I do reckon et’s my privelege ter tell when I got fairly licked!” “ Well—well, admitting that through some weakness and indisposition on your part, the Sport did whip you—he couldn’t do it again, in a opamp perhaps—” ‘““Whoa up thar! I jest don’t keer fer him ter try. Iain’t no hog, and know when I’ve got enough, Jest luk at this nose, will ye? Et luks as ef it hed been thru a base-ball season in Chi- cago; then cast yer optics at my pretty fore- head, and note what a beautiful motto is en- aved thar. Fight ag’in wi’ Deadwood Dick? 0, sir-ee, bob-tail hoss! You don’t ketch ther Pet Elephant gittin’ used up ag’in, like he war yesterday. Thet Deadw Dick’s a leetle vol- caner, pilgrim, an’ ef ye ain’t purtic’lar about attendin’ yer own funeral, ye’d better steer shy o’ his nibses, an’ don’t ye fergit it!” “He served you rough, Bill,” the major said, consolingly, ‘‘and I don’t blame you for not wanting to tackle him alone. Here, take a suck from my bottle; and it will stiffen up your spirits. Now, Hoe of course meditate revenge on this devilish road-agent, Bill?” * Revenge?” the Pet Elephant said, seizing the major’s half-pint flask, and eying it grim) after which he raised it to his lips and drained it in a couple of long, strong pulls. ‘‘ Revenge, did yesay? Waal, I opine no, pilgrim. A wonder- ful change hes come over me, since thet galoot smashed my nose beyond all its resemblance ter Appoller—a wonderful change. I tell ye he jest knocked ther fight all cl’ar outen me, an’ I’ve re- solved ter haul in my sign out thar, an’ shut up shop. When sech fellars as Deadwood Dick ar’ about, I opine Pet Elephants don’t quite saga- ciate in this climate, ‘© -Ye see thet book, yander? Waal, thet’s a Bible, w’at I brought fer three set~em-ups, up in town, an’ I’m goin’ ter study thet till I can preech a fair shake o’ a sermon, an’ b’ild me a church, hyar in Leadville, whar I can convert sech sin- ners as I have been. Oh! you bet yer boots Ill make religyun hum !” “Then etl lark refuse to revenge your- self upon Deadwood Dick, for the ill he has done ‘ou?’ the major demanded, rising with regret in is tone—for he had made calculation upon en- listing Beautiful Bill in his service. or positivel refuse!” Beautiful Bill return- ed. ‘*When I have a desire to ram myself ag’in’ an ’arthquake, next time, I'll s’arch fer one 0’ different register, an’ don’ ye ferget et. As fer thet Deadwood Dick, admire him, I do, from ther soles o’ my stogy boots. Any leetile cuss like him who can stand up an’ lick ther great Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail, fu’st wi’ a gad an’ then wi’ knuckles, deserves a seat in ther presydental cheer. Why, he did lam- baste me beautiful, an’ did a fu’st-class job, or I shed never hev fergiv’ him. Thar’s stripes on my back like on a hyena or a zebra, and, = me fer a watermelon, ef I ain’t proud uv em “You are a consummate ass!” the major growled. ‘‘Any man but an idiot would seek revenge. See! I too have the sign of the double cross stamped upon my forehead, but Deadwood Dick shall pay dearly for his cursed work, mark my word for that. have a hundred men who will follow me to his retreat, and help to kill him and his gang!” ‘Planets of Venus and Jupiter! Ef ye don’t git ther wu’st licked you ever war, I’m a sucker, that’s all!” the giant replied, as the major took his departure. ‘‘When ye git ther beauty o’ yer proboscis altered inter a pig’s-fut jelly, jest cum erround, an’ I’ll shake hands wi’ ye.” The major rode away with a curse upon his lips, while Beautiful Bill re-entered his hut, thoughtfully, and donned his belt of weapons. There was a peculiar twinkle in his bloodshot eye, not often there, and an expression about his mouth that was inexpressibly ludicrous, “Tl bet ther major gits lambasted like thun- der—that is, if Beautiful Bill knows his P’s and Q’s,” he mused. Arming himself to his satisfaction, he sat down to a table, and wrote with pen and ink the following message, in a clear, legible, and stylish hand, which bespoke that some time in the past he had been the recipient of education in penmanship, at least, which was more than could be said of half the ruffians of his ilk who infested the mines. “ LEADVILLE, May—, 187—. “Mr, Deapwoop Dick:— “I allow ye’ll be sum’at surprised when ye git this, but re can bet yer boots it’s all on ther squar’. Since ye licked me, I don’t cherish fer ye no enmity, nary a time, an’ ef ye run fer presydent alongside o’ Grant or any other galoot, hayr’s w’at'll vote fer ye, an’ don’tye fergit it. But this ain’t w’at I write this Be a fer ter remark, This morning ther pilgrim, ‘ajor Howell, cum ter me, an’ wanted ter draft me inter a campaign ag’in’ ye, but I wouldn’t go. He sed as how he war a-goin’ ter lay fer ye, wi’ a hun- dred men, an’ lick out yer hull crew. I allowed ter him thet he couldn't tech one side 0’ you, an’ I'll al- low I orter know. Sol tho’t Ud write an’ warn ye ter luk out fer ther major. Ef ye want any help, don’t be afeard to call on yours truly. Ye did a fair job by me, an’I luv ye fer it, an’ tharfore, wi’a smashed nose, an’across marked forehead, I remain - Luvingl yours, “ BEAUTIFUL BIL, “P.S. TIcave. You're entitled ter boss ther town an’ I'll take er back seat. I ain't no swine, an’ know when I've got enough. B. B.” With this document safely stored in his pock- et, the giant then left the hut and trudged to- ward Leadville. The very first man he met in front of the Ton- tine restaurant was the famous Annihilator, Old Avalanche, and up to him the Pet Elephant pranced forthwith. ‘* Lookee hyar,” he said, in a tragic whisper. “be Pa a friend ter thet daisy, Deadw Dick?” “Great ham-bone! yes,” Avalanche replied, ‘but what of et?” ‘“ Waal, just lend me yer ear. I’m a friend 0’ the leetle cuss, too, since he lambasted medown hyar in ther street, an’ I want him ter get this yere docyment.” Avalanche received the message from the giant, and read it, a puzzled expression coming upon his grizzled features. ‘Great aristocratic ham-bone! Did ye write | | | | | =
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Deadwood Dick’s Device: this, William?’ he demanded, suspiciously eying the giant. “T did, an’ don’t ye fee it,” the Pet Ele- phant replied, proudly, ‘‘I am achanged man, now, pilgrim, an’ ef ye don’t find et out, I’m a jack-mule. A Chirtseet am I, Beautiful Bill, clean from the soles of my stogy boots, ter my sky parlor!” CHAPTER VII. A RETURNED MOTHER—AT DEAD PINE TRACT. Tue first person Fanny Farron met after her return to Leadville, from Deadwood Dick’s vil- lage, was Jacques Frouch, the actor at the Col- iseum. He was saa Sd upon the grass at the edge of the town—had evidently been watching for sid coming—and rose to his feet as she came ong. The expression upon her face told very well of the defeat of her plans, and a gleam of satis- faction was in his eyes as he saw it. “ Ze ma belle Fanny did not meet with ze suc- cess she expected?” be said, with his sarcastic broken French, which he knew annoyed her. “She did not find ze road-agent of ze same opin- ion of herself, eh?” ‘No, curse him!” the actress hissed, between her white teeth, her eyes flashing venomously, ‘the refused me, and now he shall feel my ven- geance. I'll fight him and kill that girl he has taken to protect, before I leave Leadville.” . Frouch smiled serenely. ‘Your spirit is admirable, my lady,” he said, with a sort of triumphant chuckle. *‘ Your act- ing comes to you natural. But, I fear you will have a serious task, combating against a man so powerful and shrewd as the notorious road- agent, Deadwood Dick. He is bad medicine.” “T do not intend to work alone,” was the re- ply. ‘* You must help me, Jack—you who have the will and the ingenuity of a devil in your heart. y any counter drug. Now, this is the very article 1 want administered to that doll-faced ward of Deadwood Dick’s, and you must do the job!” Jacques Frouch shuddered a little, the cynical smile on his face dying out. “T am surprised at you,” he said, after a mo- ment’s survey of her. ‘‘ That is a terrible way of getting rid of an enemy.” ‘A sure way, however,” the actress replied, coolly. ‘* You must do the job.” “Not by a big sight!” the Frenchman said. ‘*T ain’t in that business.” “Then, if gen refuse, your hopes of ever win- ning me are blasted.” o ! have they not always been blasted? Have you not always refused me?” “Yes, but if you will serve me in this way, Tl reward you, and promise to become yours.’ Jacques Frouch’s eyes sparkled greedily. i9 “ Are you lying to me?” he demanded, suspi- ciously. ‘*No, upon my honor, If you will bring me proof of the death of Deadwood Dick’s ward, you can send for a minister as soon as you choose thereafter.” “Very well. You can depend upon me, and if you back out, you shall die by the same agency as your victim!” he said, significantly. ‘‘ But, this is not what brought me here. I was sent for you.” “Sent for me? Whom by, pray?” ‘‘That I am unable to tell more than that the party was a woman, and deeply vailed, at that. She came to me, and desired that I should fetch you.” “Strange; I know of no woman here, who could possibly be interested in me.” “She is, all the same, judging by what she said tome, Will you come?” “Of course. I’m curious to see a vailed wo- man.” Together they hurried down Harrison avenue to the Clarendon Hotel, which they enter ria ascended to the general parlor on the second oor. , A woman clad ina dark robe, and with her face deeply vailed, arose as they entered, and advanced a step—then paused, half-hesitatingly in the middle of the floor. ‘Are you Miss Farron, the songstress?” she demanded, something of eagerness in her tone. “T am the same,” the actress replied. ‘‘ Why do you ask?” “Because I have an interest in you!” the wo- man said, sinking into a chair. ‘Be seated, pray, and we will talk. In the first place, what are the first recollections in your oa life— that is, how far back can you remember?” **Not very far,” was the reply, and the ac- tress exchanged glances with Jacques Frouch, who had seated himself near the door, ‘tM first recollections are of the stage, on which sung when I was but ten years old.” “Were a alone—do you remember the party who had you in charge?” ‘‘T remember her very indistinctly: a woman who drank poor kre to excess, and who beat me around unmercifully.” ““ What became of this guardian of peta “T don’t know. She called herself my mo- ther, but then, I never counted on that, and was glad when she skipped out. They told me she'd slid for stealing some money from one of the actors.” ee What became of you after this woman left you? ‘‘ Well, I shook for myself, and took care of myself, an’ here you see me.” ‘Yes, and glad I am, too, forI believe you are not that scrupulous that you would refuse to earn a pile of money in an easy way.” “As to that, you may have read me pet correct!” Miss Farron replied with a laugh, ‘ certainly should not hesitate to pick up money and examine it, if I saw it lying in my path.” The vailed woman laughed, too, in a peculiar, rasping way. 'videntit was that she had secretly studied the actress and laid her plans accordingly, pre- vious to the visit.
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26 “Tt is as I thought then. For money you are willing to work. Allright. Do youknow what your real name is—your real name?” “No, unless it is Farron.” “Then let me tell you. Yourname is Howell. You're the first and only legitimate daughter of Major Howell, the speculator of this place!” “T Major Howell’s daughter?’ the actress cried, in amazement, ‘ And you—whoare you, woman?” “Tam your mother !” “This is incredible, madam. Are you the same woman that was my guardian in the past?” “The same. I would bare my face to you, but for reasons all-suflicient to myself. 1 left you, years 860, in order to hunt up this villain who married and deserted me, and now I have found him, married again, with a family grown up arouud him, and well to do.” “Well, what do you propose to do?” the act- ress demanded, in a business-like manner, “If you’ve any plan to make some money for me, speak out; if not, git!” “T have a plan,” the vailed woman replied, without appearing to notice the coarse sugges- tion of the other, “‘ and you being my child shall share equally with me, if you lend me such aid as I desire. Major Howell will pay high to have us lay back and not expose him as a bigamist.” “True. You have got him where the hair is long, sure enough. ell, count me in, and let’s oto work. I want money. I spent all of my ast month’s salary at the Coliseum, and am dead broke. Haven't even got a copper.” “ Be not in a hurry, or you will spoil all,” the vailed woman replied. ‘I will prepare the way first, and then wait on you again.” Then, after a few other words, she took her departure. The sign of the double cross! During the succeeding week this was the sub- ject uppermost in the minds of the people—the topic of general conversation, in Leadville and its tributary mining cities. For, every day was Deadwood Dick’s airenee device being found, either upon the living or the dead, through the mountain gulches and in the mining villages adjacent to the carbonate re- gion, in and around Leadville. “The Double Cross” was upon every lip, and the mention of it was a synonym of terror, for it meant the vengeance of the Prince of the Road—the notorious Deadwood Dick, who had hanged once to secure his freedom, and having failed to get it at the hands of the people, was ane ag of terror and death that had never before mn ie ae In justice to him- self, said some, was this daring outlaw fighting. but the masses failed to view the matter in tha light. raroagit the shadows of early evening, two men left the town of Leadville on foot, and made their way toward the north, Upon the outskirts they were joined by a band of four- score or more of mounted, armed men, who also held two empty saddle-horses in waiting. These were soon filled, however, by the two parties first mentioned, and then the whole cay- alcade galloped toward the north, Deadwood Dick’s Device, For some time they traveled on; then, as the moon hove in sight from below the horizon they drew rein, at a wave of the leader’s hand, ho being no other person than Alf Howell, the speculator’s son, and the man beside him was the major in person. What was the meaning of this midnight ex- peaeey Why all these armed men on horse- ack, venturing into the wilderness—men whose rough, slouchy dresses, and still rougher phy- siques, prcscsness them to be of the most ruf- fianly classes? There could be but one supposition—that they were going to a conflict. As they came to a halt, Alf Howell said: “Order, now! Are all the boys here?” ‘* All here,” replied one of the men. “Tiehty-four, in all?” “Ay! Eighty-four, in all.” “Good. Is every man properly armed, and ammunitioned?” “ Ay! I've seen to that.” “Good, again. All dismount, now, and secure your horses, hereabouts. Before us lies the Dead Pine Tract, which is our desti- nation.” The order was rapidly obeyed, with as little noise as possible, hen every man had tether- ed his horse, and assembled in the little glade where they had halted, Alf Howell, or Dandy Alf as he was more familiarly known, said: ‘“*Tf you are all ready now, we will divide into four companies of twenty-one men apiece, and separate. McNulty, you can take charge of one brigade and station yourself at the northern edge of the Tract, throwing out sen- tinels every little ways to prevent any one from escaping from the Tract. Shoot any one at- tempting such a thing. Deems, you may do the same on the eastern side with the second divis- ion, and Brocton can take the west end, ditto. I will remain with my division here on the southern side. Let no man pass you or goin or out of the Tract, unless he gives you the pass- word.” ‘ What is the password?” asked McNulty, “I have forgotten, if you told me.” “Tt is Sdeath !” the gambler replied, grimly. “Now divide up, and get off to your posts, where you will remain until you hear the blast of a horn. Then make for the big cabing in the lade. If you are attacked before, however, low your trumpets, and hold strong until we arrive. I haven’t made all my plans yet, and can’t give you further directions. Score off, now, and get to your posts!” This order was speedily obeyed. The three officers, McNulty, Deems and Broc- ton selected their twenty-one each and departed into the depths of the forest. Dandy Alf then strung part of his men along the southern side of the Tract, wherein was lo- cated the new village of the daring outlaw, Deadwood Dick, placing them at regular inter- vals, and reserving the other portion in case of emergency. When this was arranged to his satisfaction, he turned to the major, who was disguised and masked, ‘Now, the next move is to get into the out- law’s camp, and procure the girl,” he said, say-
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. 21 agely. ‘‘Shois likely to give us more trouble than the whole gang of road-agents.” “Notif you manage it right. Gag her when you catch her, and you can easily bring her away. But, how am I to get to the stronghold when they have doubtless got pickets outposted, to in- tercept new-comers? “That is a question we must devise a plan to answer. By our united brains we ought surely to overpower an obstacle of that nature, without much trouble. Thought isa great invention, you know!” Then the father and son engaged in a whisper- ed conversation, which was not audible to a lis- tener. For there was sucha listener, as was ob- servable had human eyes penetrated a rae of undergrowth not far from where the two How- ells stood. A bulky mass of individuality was curled up in these bushes, and had been, ever since the ar- rival of the band. It now began to cautiously uncoil, however, and finally disclosed the pon- derous Leadville giant, Beautiful Bill. The Pet Elephant it was, sure enough, and, having heard all that he was able to hear for the time being, he began to cast about him for escape. Noclumsy hulk was the giant, evidently, when he chose to exercise caution, for he wormed his way out of his place of concealment and into the glade right past the sentinels, without being dis- covered, a quiet grin the while upon his battered features. Straight toward the cabin rendezvous of Dead- wood Dick he made his way, often having to lie ' flat upon his stomach, to avoid exposing his per- son to the bullets of any pickets who might be gazing toward him. In this way he finally gained the cover of the great cabin; then in its entrance he came face to face with—Deadwood Dick. “Shoo! don’t make a noise!” the giant cau- tioned, as Dick stepped back in surprise, and laid his right hand upon a pistol butt. ‘‘T ain’t no spook, ner no soopernatural visitation, you bet, but Beautiful iliam, ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail.” “The deuce! How did you come here?” Dick demanded, sternly. “Waal, part o’ the ways on my feet, an’ ther other two-thirds on my hands an’ knees an’ stum- mick!” the giant replied, with a grin. “Then, you are my prisoner. If you were not content with the thrashing I gave you, a limb of a tree will perhaps do you,” Deadwood Dick said. “Hold on! I ain’t a-goin’ ter hang yet. Ef I ain’t an angel, I am a-goin’ ter try ter be one. Didn’t ye git ther warnin’ I sent to you, wi’ Old Avalanche?” ‘Yes, and threw it in the fire. You are not ye to fool me with chaff yet, my pil- r “Thar warn’t no chaff about it, Dick m daisy, jest as sure’s my frontispiece is Beauti- ful Bill. Thet war a fair chakeI give ye, ter luk out fer ther major, an’ ef ye didn’t mind it, most likely yer fire is all dough.” ‘What do you mean?” ‘Oh! ye'll see, d’rectly, suwre’s I’m one o’ ther detached planets from Jupiter, Old Howell an’ a gang o’ eighty galoots hey surrounded ye, an ef they don’t make it hot fer ye, T’ll lose my sur- mise. “By Heaven! I don’t credit this, We've seen nothing of them,” ““Mebbe not; but it’s a fact, just so sure as ye gamboled my proboscis out o’ kilter, Jest feast yer eyes on this nose, Dicky—ther ’reck o’ for- mer prominence. Don’t et make ye feel bad ter think thet ye war ther means o’ sp*ilin’ a fellar human’s beauty, fer nothin’? But I fergive ye, my honeysuckle—I do, from ther soles 0’ a stogy boots, because ye did a fu’st-class job, CQ) licked me, and licked me ‘til it did me proud, an’ heer’s my fist in eternal friendship.” And the giant thrust out his brawny hand. Deadwood Dick hesitated but a moment, then grasped it and shook it, “Pl trust you,” he said, ‘‘until I find you treacherous—then, I'll put a revolver-bullet through your thick skull. Excuse me if Iam more emphatic than polite, but Iam obliged to consider every man a treacherous rascal, in order to make my general estimation of the world correct. I consider erety man my enemy, until he proves, beyond a doubt, that he is my friend,” “Don’t blame ye a bit, an’ ef ye ever ketch ther Pet Elephant off his nut, jest salivate him, kerslap.” “‘Consider it settled. Though the belief is with me that your motives in this action are honest, I shall have you watched, lest the devil in you, and which infests every man’s nature, may accidentally leak out, when I am not on my guard. Now, give me your advice as to this gang of cut-throats under Major Howell.” Beautiful Bill did so, giving an accurate ac- count of what he had heard and seen while play- 5 spy. fter he had finished, Deadwood Dick accom- panied him to the mess-room of the band, and ordered the cook to give him some supper. In the mean time, he gave orders to have more pickets posted, for he was ill at ease— more so than he had ever been before at the prospect of a battle. His uneasiness was ina measure caused by the fact that a part of his men under an aide-lieutenant, named Farwell, were out on the road, and might return unsus- ectingly to the glade and be surprised and cut ‘o pieces by the ruffians under the command of the Howells. As for himself and those within the rendez- vous, he had no fears, CHAPTER VIII. WATCHING AND WAITING. Danpy ALF HoweE.u concluded not to make the attempt to reach Deadwood Dick's cabin, inasmuch as such an undertaking would incur a great deal of risk of life, for he doubted not that the new heir of Dead Pine Tract had taken the precaution to post guards on the watch for enemies. ; ; At the cabin Deadwood Dick was making ready for the battle which he was sure would come, and he meant not to be disappointed or surprised. 5 Seyeral small howitzers he had had brought
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22. Deadwood Dick's’ Device. to the Tract, and these he ordered now into the second story of the cabin, with their noses pointed out of convenient windows, one in the east, west, north and south respectively. They were mounted upon small trucks, and being loaded heavily, were the very thing for mowing down a crowd. While Dick wassuperintending these arrange- ments, Stella Howell was by his side, watching without a remark the preparations for battle, ‘““Why are you making all these preparations, Mr. Harris?” she asked, at last, impelled no doubt by curiosity. ‘‘ Are we going to have war here, on Dead Pine Tract?” “Tt would seem so, when we are surrounded by nearly a hundred armed ruffians, under your uncle and cousin!” Dick replied. ‘They have come, no doubt, to take possession of the Tract!” * And you will give it up to them?” “No, lady—not while I have powder and lead to drive them back. Is it your wish that they should have the mine, here, and all that was your father’s?” “Oh! no, indeed. I want you to have it; I want every clause in poor papa’s will obeyed the maiden cried, enthusiastically. ‘‘If you have a place for me, give me a gun, and I will fight as long as I have strength.” “*No need for that, Miss Stella! What you could do in the way of fighting I will take off your hands and do myself, with pleasure,” Dick gest ange “You may rest assured that if the invaders attempt to reach my claim, they will do so at the peril of their lives, for I shall fight to the bitter end, and render the name of Deadwood Dick a greater terror than it is.” “You are a brave man,” Stella said, warm- ly, ‘‘although if all the stories about you are true, you are to some extent a wicked ono, in T am loth to believe, you are so bold and and— “No flattery, lady!” enjoined Deadwood Dick, as she paused in confusion. ‘‘I know what you would say, but I deny the accusation. Good looks I never laid claim to, the Lord only knows, and as for boldness, my life has made me too bold, I fear.” ‘A man cannot be too bold, in some ways— in others he can be so without trying very hard,” Stella replied, as she turned away. After arranging everything to his satisfaction above-stairs, Deadwood Dick descended to thé first floor, to find Old Avalanche in the mess- ‘oom, “Hello! you, Alva—how came you here?” ‘Great ham-bone, Dickey, my jewel—how did I get hayr? How did ther old cavortin’ cy- clone o’ ther North-west get hayr? Moses thet perigrinated off on ther earuva bullrush! I jest wafted down hayr on ther palatial car uv old Aurora Bory Alice—a ginnywine thunderbolt o’ extinction—a storm-cloud o’ etarnal annihilation an’ extirpation, fac’ by cious! Jest gaze at me, Dickey, ye thoroughbred daisy—jest accel- erate ther speed o’ yer glance onter my royal nibs, and remark ef ye don’t obsarve a teetotal change in ther old ragin’ eppydemic o’ ther per- rarers!” “You do look somewhat enlivened, that is true,” Dick replied, smiling at the old man’s earnestness. ‘‘ Youreyesseem tohavea brighter luster, your mouth has resumed specie payment and you seem all cured of your lameness, al- though I can’t see that your ears have grown much lately.” ‘“No, Dickey, old Perriwinkle! Them ears won’t nevyer adorn my venerable sku 1, I reck- on,” the veteran muttered, rubbing his horny palms over the spots where those useful organs d once upon a time grown. ‘But thet ain’t no sarcumstance—great nrchieiagole ical ham- bone, no! Jest luk at me, I’m as fresh as a spring lamb—as frisky as ther little sheep Mary had, w’at ye read about in the Catechisms. No longer is ther Great Annihilation a thing o’ ther past, but ther livin’ reality in boomin’ condishun —me, ther great devastatin’ eppydemic o’ these boreal lattitudes an’ lon , an’ my mare, Prudence Cordeliar, an’ my goat, orence Night-in-a-gale. Yes sir-ee, bobtail hoss! ther great cavortin’ cyclone o’ ther West ar’ ag’in in workin’ order, an’ hayr’s w’at hes grown six yeers younger, inside o’ five hours—fac’, by gracious.” ; ‘Do I understand you, then, that you have recovered your goat and horse, old man?” “Great International ham-bone, yes—recov- ered ’em, yes, on course I hev, Dickey, my trans- rent emblem o’ vartue—ye Goddess of Liberty! n course I recovered ’em, an’ this is how I did it. War settin’ on ther steps down at ther Ton- tine, when a galoot he came waltzin’ up on ther be 0’ a hoss, an’ behind him dogged as sneakish a lukin’ billy-goat as ever chawed cast-iron, an’ don’ ye set et, my posey. Great discomfited ham-bone thet discombobberated ther terrestyal gravytation uv old Joner! I know’d thet ana- mile ther minit I spied her, an’ et popped inter my head ter hev sum fun. SoI jest hopped ter my fut, an’ I sed, sez I, ‘ Qui vas seniolas monto du diablo, wich war hoss-latin fer Prudence Cordeliar, ye consarned old son of a sea-cook, ye old devil!” Waal, sir, thet sagacious anamile luked up an’ glued her eyes onter me; then she began ter whinny an’ elevatin’ her backsliding propensities, she sent that galoot w’at rid her, a-playin’ leap-frog t’other side o’ ther street, after which she walked serenely up ter me an’ shuk hands, an’ larfed as only a hoss can laff, till she nigh cried. An’ Florence she snickered too, an’ thar on ther steps o’ ther Tontine, we three component parts o’ ther great devastatin’ Anni- hilation ag’in leagued ourselves together fer ther purpose o’ cavortin’ about on another toor uv extirpation, in these yere pestiferous longytoads an’ la’ des.” ‘Well, I’ve business for you, right here, if you are spiling for a fight,” Deadwood Dick said, smiling. ‘“Great ham-bone, yes; I know all about it, my daisy; an’ ye kin reckon on ther Annihila- tion fer a part o’ ther conflict. But, Dickey, thar's one thing I want ameliorated—thet is say, changed. Ther g’ard at ther door, he ac- tooally refused ter admit my Florence an’—” “Tl settle that,” Dick said, with a laugh. “Come along, and the worthy j’int of the anni- hilation shall have the best the establishment affords.” . And, true to his word, Deadwood Dick had the yenerable goat admitted to the mess-room, and vee = oe ererecnennc sean sl,’ MME SANT RS ae na at
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. 23 furnished with a repast sumptuous enough for | his confidingly, while she looked into his face any goat to eat. lorence evidently had a retentive memory, for she appeared to recognize the Prince of the Road, and rubbed about him, rd 15 She had grown more venerable lopking of late, if not uglier, but had lost none of her love for a scrim- mage, apparently, for she eyed Beautiful Bill with a twinkle in her eye, which would seem to express the sentiment that she hankered after giving his giantship an interview with her head- gear—that knot sledge-hammer-like batter- ing-ram she knew so well how to manage. The night wore on. > Those within the Rendezvous watched and waited, expecting momentarily to hear the first signal of the attack; but still it did not come. Vhat was the meaning of the delay? Were the wolves of the Howells intending to starve out the little garrison? Or were they creeping up, previous to a big rush at the cabin? These were the questions not easy to answer, for there were no answers to them at present evidently. The moon had gone under a cloud, and outside was impenetrable darkness, Not a foot before his face could a man see now; then the boom of thunder along the hea- vens predicted a storm, y trusting his men, Deadwood Dick did not venture out into the night, but remained within doors directing those of his followers who were inside, Avalanche, with many of the principles of the true soldier, suggested several little additional improvements in regard to the defense, which Dick accepted with hearty thanks. At home was the Annihilator, with his many odd, extraordinary stories and uncouth expres- sions, now that he had Florence to gambol and frisk at his side. “Great ham-bone! why don’t ther galoots git up and tend to their knittin’, ef they want ter fight?” he ted, as he approached Dick, who stood in the doorway of the Rendezvous and gazed out into the black night. ‘If Iwarthem Siar I'd go bathe myself in the Sloughs of espond, or sum other sucha place, and then dig me a hole in the ground, and crawl into it and pull it in after me.” “Yow ll see ’em soon enough,” the Prince re- plied. ‘‘ We shall have a ayo soon, and then can look out for ’em. here’s Calamity, Alva?” “Ther Lord knows, Dickey, my peony. I ken’t no more keep track wi’ that gal than I kin 0’ a bat. She’s heer, thar, and all overs, jest whar her inclination leads her, an’ I reckon ye hh be surprised ter see her heer to- night. ouder and heavier boomed the thunder along the heavens, until it seemed to jar the very are while the lightning diffused itself in vivid glares. On ascending the stairs Dick found Stella Howell crouching in one corner of her room, trembling violently. “Oh! Dick—Mr, Harris, I mean, I am so glad you have come! I was so afraid of the thunder.” _ And she glided forward and put her hands in for assurance. “* Afraid, were you?” the Prince asked, smil- oe into her dilated eyes, admiringly. “Why, a storm like the one that threatens us is in perfect keeping with my nature, my little ward. Itisgrand. The crash of the thunder, the vivid hiss of the zigzag lightning, and the weird sound of the falling rain, are the sounds that thrill me with renewed life—fill my soul with a yearning to go forth and ride madly through the warring elements!” “Oh! how can you? Iam always timid in a storm like this. tt must be nice to be so brave and courageous.” 29 ‘“There is no bravery in not fearing the storms of this life, Miss Stella. A man who trembles not at the sound of his Maker’s voice is not natural, or else he is a devout and sincere servant of the Lord; one or the other. But as unnatural and wild as they may be, I believe there is no man or beast not in a measure sus- ceptible to God’s influence, during a storm.” “T agree with you, indeed,” Stella said, en- thusiastically. ‘You area philosopher in your way, Mr. Harris.” ‘Perhaps I ought to be. But don’t call me Mr. Harris any more. It is a name that don’t belong to me—Dick is what they call me—Dead- wood Dick, and the name will cling to me as long as I live.” 2 It is just as well, so long as you are proud of “‘Tam not proud of it—or anything. I de- spise a man who is proud of himself, his name, or any worldly possession. He is as much to be despised as the buzzard who gluts himself on carrion, and then is in misery the remainder of the day. No! I am not proud of the name of Deadwood Dick—I should be a contemptible sinner were I. It isnot a name to be proud of, for there are many stains upon it, never to be washed out; yet, outlaw, road-agent, dare-devil though I have been, and am now, I have been driven on, step by step, by a people who have no mercy—who refuse to let me alone, after I had hanged and thus paid the penalty of crime. So that, though my future prospects may not be pleasant to reflect upon, I have the consola- tion of knowing that no man has ever paid nature’s debt by my agency, who was not at heart a ruffian and a villain, and whose death was not a relief to the community, and a favor to every honest man,” : Re And must you always live this wild, strange ife? ‘* Always!” Deadwood Dick replied, fiercely. “T am an outcast, and as such I have only to i Society or the public at large refuse to receive me. They are everlasting enemies. Go where I will, they hunt me and turn meabroad, because once I was a road-agent. They curse me, and drive me about, and I have no choice except between this life and death.” ““T, at least, pity you, and trust you,” Stella said, potting. her hands into his, warmly. ‘I don’t believe you are bad at heart.” “Thank you, little lady, I hope I am not. But I came here to speak of another thing—of your father’s will, You have read it all through?”
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. “T have—and know of what you would speak; concerning my marriage. y answer is yes! It was evidently my father’s wish, and did I loathe and —— you, which I do not, I should respect his wishes.’ “T thank you, my little one,” Dick said) bend- ing and kissing her upon the forehead. ‘‘ Your trust shall not be at fault. I shall send fora minister at once, having one who has been regu- larly ordained, in my band. He will marry us, and at some other time, we will be wedded again to make allsure. This ceremony will make you re oe my wife, and should I perish, the ruler of my band, who will stand by you through thick and through thin.” After a few more words, the young chief took his departure, just as the sound of a rifle-shot rolled along out of the forest. “They've begun operations,” he muttered, darkly, as he hastened down the stairs. He found Old Avalanche and Beautiful Bill in the mess-room, while the rest of the men were epeeotg at loop-holes in different portions of he cabin. The storm had burst forth in all its fury, the rain pouring down in torrents, and the thunder rumbling heavily an accompaniment to the lightning’s vivid flashes. ‘Great ham-bone! did ye heer thet ar’ shot?” the Annihilator demanded. ‘Yes, I heard it,” Dick replied. ‘‘ Where did it come from?” * Ken’t say, tho’ ’ll allow they’re gittin’ red- dy fer a scrimmage.” “Let them come. If they don’t git the worst of it, ’'m mistaken.” A reconnoissance failed to see anything unusu- al out of doors, for it was inky black. Leaving the cabin Deadwood Dick visited each of the out-posted sentinels, but they had no infor- mation. They had heard the report, but had seen no flash, nor any effects of the shot. Returning to the cabin, he found that Ava- lanche had made a capture in the shape of a ragged, haggard-looking individual, who look- ed as if he had been in a hot conflict, but re- cently. He was a tall, brawny fellow, with iron-gray hair and ragged uneven beard to match; eyes black and complexion swarthy. His face was severely scratched and bled profusely, and one arm was worn in a sling. His clothing and hat were of the most tattered description, and were soaking wet and covered with mire, as if the owner of them had been roll- ing in the mud. ‘* Great ham-bone thet bucked ag’in’ ther lar- nyx of old Joner!” the Annihilator ejaculated, pointing, as the chief entered, to the waif of the storm who lay half-reclining upon the floor. ‘*Old Moses who war born in ther bullrushes! Lookee hayr, Dickey, my jewel. Hayr’s a pil- grim who : ter kum in an’ I let him, a recky he’s about canceled his yearthly ‘“ Who is he?” ‘* Great_ham-bone! he sez as how his name is Mons’er Muckaloo, or sum sich like, an’ thet he war travelin’ toward Leadville, an’ then cum in collision wi’ ther gang out yonder, an’ only es- caped wi’ his life,” Deadwood Dick turned and eyed the stran suspiciously. He was so rough and illy-clad that a suspicion dawned upon his mind that he might not be all he claimed. “What is your name?” he asked. “M, Mulchfree,” the man replied, with a slight accent of French. ““ What is your business?” “Tam prviegeicnally a Parisian chemist, but of late Ihave been prospecting in the neighbor- ing mountains for gold.” ‘You met with r success, I should say, judging by your clothes?” “Yes. Icame near starving, and was makin my way toward Leadville, when I encounter: several ruffians in the woods back here, and in a battle with them got a sprained arm, a bullet- hole through my side, and my face scratched up considerable.” “This probably accounts for the rifle report we heard then, Alva, you may dress the fel- low’s wounds, and give him some fodder.” Avalanche obeyed, and the Frenchman re- ceived the attentions gratefully. On raged the storm without, the thunder rumbling and jarring and the lightning hissing spitefully into every crack and crevice, During one of these awful glares, the door ouepee and Calamity Jano stepped into the cabin. CHAPTER IX. A WOLF, DISGUISED. Yes, it was Calamity Jane, sure enough, who entered the rendezvous from out the terrible storm. She had, in a measure, protected her- self, however, from its fury, by wearing a long oilcloth coat, which reached nearly to her feet. She threw this aside, now, and shook the rain from her slouch hat. - ‘Phew! how it comes down,” she said, with a uiet grix. ‘‘ You ought to go out and wash the stains out of your character, as I’ve been doing, Dick.” “Thank you. I just came in,” Dick replied. ‘The rain, I am afraid, would have little effect on the stains of my character.” ‘““P’r’aps not. t are ye goin’ to do?” “Tn regard to a fight?” “a Yes. ” “T scarcely know. Don’t even know how matters stand in the camp of the enemy.” “You'll fight, of course?” “Very likely. I never laid down my arms but once, and submitted myself to be hanged, and I shall not again, very soon.” “My words have come true. You remember I told you you'd be an outlaw, soon again, at the head of a band of men. Here you are, in the very position I predicted, with the people warring against you.” “Yes, you came pretty near the target, in that shot,” the young chief replied, a dark scowl coming upon his brow. “I might have been a free man, to-day, had the people been at all merciful. Instead, I am an outcast and an out- law, and the people are pushing me on as fast and far as they dare,” And always will be. And the quicker you
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_ Deadwood Dick's Device, 25 can clear out of the country to some foreign clime, the sooner you will be rid of the curse that now clings to you.” “No! I will never run for them!” Deadwood Dick replied, sternly, ‘I will never run for them, a million to’ one though they may be. They shall keep me here in America as long as T have life, and shall feel the blighting influence of my hand, because of their treachery.” “Hurra! thet’s ther way ter tork it!” the Annihilator burst forth in enthusiasm, while his eccentric goat gave an encouraging ‘ ba-a-a!” ‘Great chicken-livered ham-bone thet war ther last ailment uv old Joner! Dicky’s squar’ on ther track, thar, an’ I'll bet my old socks on’t. He’s bin treated like as'ef he war sum dishonor- able coyote, an’ ef he ain’t got cause fer revenge, I don’t know myself. Eh? C’lamity, what d’ye say?” uy aaree with you, of course, You and I never disagree on any thing, you know,” the dare-devil replied, with a smile, as she went up and shook hands with the veteran scout. “No, C’lamity, gal, we never differed in our opines, ‘cept on one matter—ther breed o’ my orence Night-in-a-gale, you claimin’ thet ther anamile war a ‘sooner,’ while I claim he ar’ a ‘ setter ’ ! ‘‘ Well, we sha’n’t even quarrel about that, Alva. Florence is a sagacious animal, and ten to one, there’s nary another to match him. Hello! what have we here? Do my eyes deceive me, or is it an apparition I see?’ for the dare- devil had suddenly caught sight of the formid- able proportions of Beautiful Bill standing near at hand. “No, you behold the Pet Elephant in the presence of his tamer,” Deadwood Dick answer- ed, laughingly. “With his spirit subdued, he makes a good pack-horse, on account of his size.” Later Calamity drew the chief to one side, and nodded toward the giant. “Keep a lookout for that big brute, for, clev- er actor though he may be, you’ll find to your cost that you are being deceived in him, and he will attempt to strike you a death-blow!” “Then you don’t believe in his sincerity, eh?” “Not by a long shot! I’ve seen too many toughs of his caliber to believe them thorough- bred white-winged flutterers, you bet! It’s easy enough for the galoot ter pretend friendliness ter you, but I tell you thar’s nary a galoot as will stand up an’ take a bastin’ like he got, an’ then turn around and luv ye fer playin’ the gad.” ““Well, maybe you're pretty near right; still I am loth to believe that the giant has any evil intentions toward me.” “Well, maybe he hasn’t, but time will prove. There is another thing that I have to speak about, and it is concerning the actress at the Coliseum.” “Miss Fanny Farron?” “Yes. She has some devilment on foot, and ou wantto look out for her, She is asrevenge- ul as a tigress, and is plotting to murder the have u irs,’ ‘“‘By Heaven! no! She shall never touch a hair of Stella’s head.” “T hope for your sake that she won't; but you must look out for her, or some one who comesin her place, Has any suspicious char- acter been seen around here, to-night, in dis- “No. You, Alva, and the French chemist, have been the only new arrivals.” “The French chemist?” A : “Yes—a poor wretch, who, after prospecting in the mountains with no success, was pullin, for Leadville, when he had an encounter wi the enemy out here, and got considerably bruis- ed Me “You are a fool!” Calamity said, half-con- bg ac oa a consummate fool!” ‘Why so? What do you mean?” “Why, that pilgrim is a clean, out-and out fraud, and is no doubt a tool of Fanny Farron, sent here to do you gg I now believe it to be the same galoot [ was watching mutilate himself, back here in the woods. He scratched his face until it bled, whacked his arm with a club, and puta bullet through his side with a istol. Ireckoned another war was afoot, and © was preparing to escape the draft.” “Tt is no doubt the same fellow,” Deadwood Dick replied. ‘* Alva, where did he go?” “Great ham-bone! last I see’d o’ ther pilgrim, he had hobbled off to the pantry to get a drink,’ the Annihilator replied. ‘‘He asked me whar it was, an’ I told him.” A hasty search was instituted for the disguis- ed villain, and he was at last found in one of the adjoining rooms, apparently sound asleep upon a pile of blankets. He sprung tee to his feet, however, as Deadwood Dick, accompanied by Calamity and Avalanche, approached. “Halt! don’t move a muscle under pain of instant death!” the chief cried, sternly, leveling a revolver at the Frenchman’s heart, ‘I have just learned a few things concerning you, and you may as well surrender, for your game is blocked.” “What do you mean?” the man growled, his eyes glittering. ‘‘T mean to say, that if you don’t drop the false hair you sport, instanter, and let vs havea square look at you, Ill salivate you in less time than it takes to say Jack Robinson, twice!” Dick replied. ‘ ot you assist him to remove the superfluous hair, and if he resists, Tl plug him.” The dare-devil stepped forward to obey, but the Frenchman waved her hack, while he tore off a false beard and wig, and cast them on the floor, with a curse. : h And there stood the actor, Wildeat Jack, alias Jacques Frouch. “There! didn’t I tell you!” Calamity ejaculat- ed, triumphantly. ‘He’s the chap what we see’d on the stage at the Coliseum, a few nights ago, and his name is Jacques Frouch,” ‘ Tang “Cuss ye!” the man said, an evil glare in his eyes. ‘* What do you mean?” : “T mean to hang Phe up to the limb of the nearest tree, if I find that you have done any mischief,” Deadwood Dick replied, sternly, Tell me what brought you here, you rascal.’ “T shall tell you nothing,” Frouch answered, sullenly, ‘‘You can go ahead and do as you choose, but you'll not get a peep out of me.” “Pll know about t directly, Alva, you
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26 Deadwood Dick’s Device may bind the villain, and station a guard over him, I want to learn if he has done any harm, before I hang him.” Accordingly the tool of Fanny Farron was bound hand and foot, and dragged into a strong room, where he was left. Shortly after Deadwood Dick, accompanied by Calamity, Avalanche, and one John Rivers, a member of Dick’s band, ascended to the rooms of Stella Howell, and a marriage ceremony was solemnized—the man Rivers officiating in the capacity of minister, ho having been a minister of the ppoepel until a foul suspicion of murder was laid upon his shoulders, and he was forced to flee, and forsake his calling. The marriage rites performed, there was a eneral handshaking, and when Deadwood Dick escended to the moess-room, he was vociferous- ly cheered and congratulated by those of the band within doors, Calamity remained with the young bride for awhile, and spoke in such glowing terms of Deadwood Dick that Stella in no way regretted the step she had taken. Morning dawned, a wet and drizzling, dis- agreeable morning, with a cold, grayish pallor seeming to cling to everything, and a monoto- nous drip! drip! of falling rain that rendered the day lonely. ith the dawn of day observations were made that the enemy were still at their posts in the edge of the dead pines, although they were careful not to expose their persons as a target for the rifles of those within the Rendez- vous. Some of the men were in favor of opening the fight, but a word from Deadwood Dick caused them to desist. Not first would the Prince or his men be to fire a hostile shot; if the people began the battle; they must abide the results thereof. About noon Calamity came into the mess- room, her face deathly pale. “Quick!” she gasped; ‘‘come up-stairs—your wife is dying.” . Let us look in upon the camp of the Howells, grant this time, and note the situation of af- airs. The Regulators, as they styled themselves were still divided upon the east, west, north and south sides of Dead Pine Tract, Alf Howell and the major commanding the southern division. The men posted on picket duty were relieved by their comrades every hour, and thus were kept fresh in case of emergency. Toward morning, when the storm was at its fury, a messenger arrived in camp bearing a note to the major, which read as follows: “Come immediately. There is trouble here, and you are wanted!” As the note was signed by Mrs. Howell, the major had hastened at once toward Leadville, leaving Alf in command. Upon arriving at his mansion he admitted himself with a latch-key, and hastened to the library, which he had noticed from without was brilliantly lighted. Entering without ceremony, he found himself in the presence of his wife and two daughters—also two other females one of whom was vailed, while the other he re- cognized as the variety theater singer, Fanny Farron. “Well?” he said, interrogatively, as he stared around. ‘I am here!” _ “Yes, you are here,” Mrs. Howell replied, icily, “‘and now that you are here, perhaps you can explain yourself, This woman claims to be a former wife of yours, and proposes to put for- ward her claim upon you.” ‘ “My wife!” the speculator gasped, wheeling and facing the vailed woman. ‘‘By Heaven! what infamous plot is this against me? My first wife isin her grave, seventeen long years — ago.” “No, youare mistaken,” the vailel woman said, calmly uncovering her face, ‘‘ Your first wifs, and only lawful wife is still alive, and stands before you!” It wasa calm well-preserved face, that of the strange claimant, with traces still plain where beauty had once lingered. The eyes were dark and fierce, and the hair threaded with gray. Major Howell staggered back, as he saw the face, a strange, ghastly pallor sweeping over his own countenance, “ Aha! I see you recognize me!” the first wife exclaimed, triumphantly. “I thought you would.” “ Curse you!” the speculator gasped, his fingers opening and shutting convulsively. “I thought I was rid of you, you she-devil.” “Took out, my dear major! Don’t call me ee names, or I will fly at you and tear every air out of your head. Old she-devil, am I? Who made me so, pray? Who deserted me, and ran off with my hard earnings? Who but you, you scoundrel?” ‘“*T didn’t—it’s a lie!” the major blustered, edg- ing off,asthe returned Mrs. Howell advanced. ‘“‘T never stole your money—never even married you, you old vixen!” “Bah! you lie! you miserable thief!” No. 1 shrieked, growing momentarily more and more excited. ‘Ihave a marriage certificate that proves our union. Ha! ha! I shall have sweet revenge upon you, now, when I find you so rich and prosperous, and so willing to give up your all to me, and start anew in life with your family. I should be heartless, indeed, to trouble you, after you have given me all your present wealth. Ha! ha!” “Puries seize you, you accursed virago, You shall not havea cent of my money, nor shall you disturb the peace of my household, I will murder you!” And suddenly drawing a knife from a sheath upon his hip, the enraged speculator leaped toward his first wife, with a frightful oath. But, the cold, deadly muzzle of a revolver peering suddenly into his face caused him to stop. The weapon was held in the hands of Fanny Farron, and so firmly and steadily that the banker dare not advance. “Halt!” she cried, cocking the weapon, coolly. <if zou offer to do my mother harm, I will shoot ou! “Your mother! your mother! What do you mean?” ;
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“Just what you might infer from the words Ispoke. I will put a bullet-hole through you if you offer to make us trouble.” ‘*Who are you, then, girl?’ “Your only legitima’ oe: sir, Like- wise a halver in the division of the spoils,” the actress replied, coolly. ‘“‘Oh! you'll find us business, every time. You may as well tell the other females here, to pack up their ‘Saratogas’ and scoot, for we sha’n’t have ’em around, you can bet!” “ Curse yon! Leave the house or I will have you forcibly ejected!” the speculator cried, trembling with furious emotion. ‘‘Do you think I shall tolerate such a scene as this in my own mansion? Go! I say; and there can be a settlement hereafter.” “Not much there won’t be! We've took the fort, and now we're going to hold it. So the sooner you clear out your second brood the bet- ter it will be for you, mark my word!” Mrs. Howell No. 1 said. “ He will not have to clear us out!” Mrs. How- cll No. 2 answered, haughtily. ‘‘We will go of our own accord.” And motioning to her daughters, she left the room, followed by them, and they were shortly after heard leaving the house. “Now, Major Howell, we are alone—yow are alone with the wife and daughter whom you deserted years ago. How do you like the situa- tion of affairs? How do you fancy the change made in the internal arrangement of your house- hold?” “Furies seize you!” the speculator raved chafing under the gaze of the, silver-mounted weapon in Fanny farron’s hand. ‘What do you intend to do?” . “Well, since you have asked a sensible ques- tion, I will give you a sensible reply!” the first wife said, with a grin, her eyes flashing tri- umphantly. ‘“‘I am a thoroughgoing business woman—my whole life since you deserted me has been devoted to business, as I have had to depend on my wits for a livelihood. Now, we can amicably settle this thing, if I mistake not, or you can amicably shuffle off this mortal coil, and I will lay siege to your possessions when your bones are deposited in a box six feet beneath the ground.” “You would not murder me, woman, would you” ‘‘Yes, without the least compassion, if you refuse to d> as I direct. Yonder table contains writing materials. Go and sit down, and you make me out a deed of all your real estate and personal property, and write me out a check for every are: you have in banks or trust companies. Do this and you are free to go. Refuse, and you will never see the day dawn again!” : “Curse you! you dare not kill me!” ‘Don’t you believe that! We mean business, and shall not hesitate to take advantage of the present situation. The hour is Pa geal and we could easily put you out of the way, and assume jon here. Come! go ahead! I shall not give you more than half an hour to write out the document.” With a growl that might have come from the throat of a lion, so savage it was, Major Howell Deadwood Dick’s Device. 87 went to the table, and sitting down, wrote ra- pidly, Mrs. Howell, the first, standing over him, and giving such directions as she saw fit. When he had finished, she took the document and a check which he had drawn up, and scannec them critically. “That will do,” she said, a moment later. “You may go now, as I have done with you! Fanny, here, will witness the deed, which will make it good in law.” CHAPTER X. A TERRIBLE DEED ‘‘Your wife is dying!’ Deadwood Dick and Avalanche SPU, away vp the stairs, in pursuit of the dare-devil, who orly g2used to give vent to the exclamation, when she hurried back up the stairs, Straight to the room of Stella Harris, the new wife of Deadwood Dick, went the trio Poor Stella lay upon the bed, writhing and twist- ing in fearful agony. her screams most terrible to hear, indeed. Her face and form were contorted into unnatural shapes and expressions, resultin from the excruciating pain she was suffering, and she rolled and tossed from one side of the bcd to another, “In the name of Heaven! what is the matter with hery” Deadwood Dick gasped, shudcering as her frightful screams rent the air. ‘ Tell me, Ca- lamity—what is the matter with her?” “God knows— don’t; unless itis from the panrs of hydrophobia cr poison, She is dying, Dick!” the girl replied, tears standing in her ey:s. ‘* There, do not touch her; it will do no geod, and you might get hurt. LItried to quiet her before I called you, but found it no use. She is in terrible pain, and will have to wear it off.”” “Death will only wear it off. and put her outen her misery, ef she’s bin p’izened!” Alva said; ‘tan’ I reckon et be p’izen, fcr she cavorts around fer all ther world like old P. ter Mas'ers, who swallered a dorg button jest because Marier Potiphar wouldn't jine harness wi’ him.” ** Poison |”? Deadwood Dick gasped. oghast. * Poi- son! Who could be co infernally devilish as to com- mit this crime? Not you, girl?” and sternly the Prince of the Roed turned his terrible gaze upon Calamity Jane—*' not 20u ?”” Sir!’ she replied, stepping back a pace, her face whitening, and eyes dilating. ‘“‘Me—I kill her? God forbid!” “Now, lookee hayr; don’t go fer ter ask ary mors sech questions, Dicky,” the Annihilator said, sol- emnly. ** Ye know C’lamity wouldn t do sechathing, or at least ye orter, after you've bins rter pards so long. Vd wager my last cud o’ terbaccy ag’in’ a belt on t! er smeller thet C’lamity never dreamed of such a thing ” “Pull well I know it, too,” Deadwood Dick re- sponded, as he reached forth his hand, ** You should have shot me, girl, for the foulsuspicion, which came not from my heart. Shake, and forgive me, God knows I am not responsible for what I say or Co, now, in this awful hour. Quick! somebody go for a doctor. There's a fellow below who is an expi rt physician—fetch him!” Without a word, Calamity sped back, down the stairs, but soon returned, accompanied by that mem- ber of Dick’s band, who had studied and practiced in the medical profession, before circumstances—» wrecked home and a faithless wife—drove him out upon the trail. Z sae shook his head as he saw the horrible agony of the girl, “Can't do much for her, I’m afraid,” ke announe- ed. ‘‘Has anything been given her that might Lave contained poison?” Deadwood Dick turned to Calamity for the an- swer,
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28 “Nothing,” she replied, “since I’ve been here, ex- cept a cup of cold tea I brought her this morning. She even refused her breakfast, saying she was not ee ** Where did you find this tea?” “In the pantry, below. It was standing cold in an earthen tea pot, and I supposed it was allright. “The tea was undoubtedly poisoned,” the physi- cian said, “ and the symptomsjof the erro rm my first conclusion. But_a drug has been used that is rare in this country. Among all the common mineral poisons, you will find none that will puta rson in such horrible torture. The drug which I elieve has been used in this case, is a preparation known only to the most expert French doctors, al- though its use is large in Paris.” “Ts there no antidote?’ Deadwood Dick demand- oa his voice choked with emotion, and tears filling is eyes, “None! The poor/lady’s suffering will not cease until de~th claims her, which, God granting, may be s00n!”’ the physician said, reverently. With a loud wail of anguish Deadwood Dick drop- ped upon his knees by the bedside, and sobbed aloud. Calamity, Avalanche and the physician also wept. Horrible it was to see the poor victim in her agony, such as mortal seldom knows here on earth, as she tossed to and fro upon the bed—insensible to the grief of those true friends gathered around her—unable to speak except in a scream of agony—sensible only to the awful torture that she experienced. Her hitherto fair pretty face was con- torted terribly, the eyes and lips being tightly closed except when she screamed and features were drawn out of shape. “Be calm, chief,” the physician said at last; ‘‘ her pain is virtually over; sheis dying. Scout, will you call Rivers?” Avalanche hastened to obey, and the minister s00n made his appearance by the bedside of the dying bride, With tears in his eyes he offered up an eloquent and touching prayer—prayed long and earnestly to God to stop the terrible torture and ease the spirit of the dying girl in her last moments. One by one, asthey heard the news, the road- agents filed into the room and stood watching with tearful eyes, for what was sorrow to them was double sorrow to their chief in this hour of death. John Rivers’s prayer was seemingly answered, for at last poor Stella appeared to grow easier of her pain, and dropped off into a state resembling slumber, but which was in reality death, all the contraction of her features having disappeared, and a smile of peaceful rest frozen upon her colorless lips. Thus died Deadwood Dick's bride, within the very day of their marriage. “Weep no more, my friends,” Rivers said, solemn- ly. “She has passed away to that bourne of ever- lasting peace, where there is no pain, no dying, no marriage or giving in marriage, but where all is Jifa and eternal joy in the sunlight reflecting from God’s beaming face.” Then, convulsed with emotion, he left the room— left the'mourners by the bedside of the lost bride. Long they remained there in silent prayer; then, when they arose as if by intuitive consent, it was found that Deadwood Dick had fainted. Stro Soou st he was, and generally a master over his emotions, he had at last succumbed to this unex- pected and terrible blow. “ Gentlemen, if you will carry him to his room,” Calamity said. addressing those of the band who stood around, “I will care for him.” Eager were they to obey, and the chief soon lay upon the bed in his own room, and Calamity and Avalanche were left to bring him back to conscious- ness, It was not a hard job, and they soon had him sit- ting upright upon the bed, fully restored, Deadwood Dick’s Device. “You fainted,” Calamity said, quietly, in answer to his inquiring look around. ‘You had better lie still, for awhile, until you regain your strength.” “Bah! I shall never be stronger than now, to strike the murderer of my wife. It was the ac- eursed Frenchman's hellish work, and he shall pay the penalty of his crime Come, Avalanche, I would have you with me. Calamity, canI look to you to care for her?’ And the chief's voice grew hoarse with emotion. “T will do all I can,” Calamity replied, tears springing to her eyes. ‘‘ You knowI would not re- et you, even though you—you suspected me, ick.” “Tut, tut, Jennie, my dear girl! Banish the re- membrance of that wrong from your mind. I was mad to think of such a thing. I now know that you would sooner kill yourself than her.” And pressing her hand in his, he turned and ac- companied Avalanche. Down the stairs they went, and to the mess-room. The band were all assembled in the mess-room, the pickets having been called in. Each man sat with bowed head; a few were huddled together, talking in low tones. They all looked up, however, when Deadwood Dick entered—Deadwood Dick, looking so pale and calm, that they felt something was about to tran- spire. Nor were they wrong. He paused in the center of the floor and gazed around—saw sympathy plainly written in each face —knew that each and every man there was ready to strike for him. “Comrades,” he said, after a moment, “ you have doubtless heard of the hellish crime that has been committed, by which my bride has been stricken suddenly down. You all know the measure gen- erally meted out to a murderer, and it shall apply to this case as well as to others. Bring out the French- man who is imprisoned in the strong room. A couple of stout fellows sprung forward to dothe chief’s bidding. The door was flung open; then they stepped back as if in surprise. * He is not here, chief!’ they exclaimed. “Not there!’ Deadwood Dick criec, leaping for- ward, ‘“‘ By Heaven! thereis treachery here. What has become of the man?” ‘*Yas! w'at hes becum o’ ther galoot?” grunted Beautiful Bill, striding up. ‘Show me ther cuss ef he’s a candidate fer Judge Lynch’s noose; let ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail adjust his neck- tie ter fit like a hoop on a pork barrel!”’ “What have you against the villain?” Deadwood Dick demanded, sharply, turning so suddenly upon the giant as to cause him to start in his tracks. “Kerwhoop! plants o’ Jupiter and Satan! W'at hev [ ag’in’ ther cuss—I, Beautiful Bill, ther Pet Elephant o’ ther Leadville trail? Waal, now, ef I hain’t hed my fill 0’ thet galoot, I'll sell out cheap, you bet! Skinned me eleven straight games o poker, he did, at two dollars a whack, an’ don’t ye fergit it.” “Man, IT am tempted to believe that you set the French devil at liberty!’ the Prince of the Road cried. ‘‘Can you look me straight in the eyes and say that you didn’t?” “Can I? Great luminary planets o’ Jupiter an’ catapultian Satan, yes! Eye fer eye, I do declare thet I didn’t hev anything ter do wi’ lettin’ out ther cuss, and didn’t know nary athing aboutit. Pilea stack o’ Bibles and Webster’s Dicksyonarys on ther ground as high as whois doves Peak, an’ up’em T’ll g0, aS Spry as a spring kitten, an’ standin’ on ther e’ena’most top, I'll wave my banner an’ yell, ‘TI didn’t hev nothin’ ter do wi’ et!’ Jab yer bowie in- ter my pulsometer; agitate my spine wi’ a bucket o’ water drawn frum Greenland’s icy river—ay, squirt a stream o’ aged cng i leo yc in my eye, an’ still wi’ martyr-like fortytude, I'll send forth the ery, ‘I didn’t take no hand in thet ar’ deal!’”” the giant cried, tragically,
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’ Deadwood Dick’s Device. Deadwood Dick turned grimly to his comrades, his face darkening. “Search the cabin and the immediate neighbor- hood, and you may yet recover the prisoner,” he commanded, ‘Take him deadora!'ive. A hundred dollars to the man who returns either him or his carcass here!”’ “Thet’s business!’’ Beautiful Bill cried, enthusias- tically pounding his breast; ‘‘you hit me right thar ter a capital dot, my beloved chief. A hundred gold shiners more willl add ter ther pile fer the capture o’ ther French son o’ a horse-eater, an’ fer ther privilege 0’ placin’ ther necklace o’ justice about his neck!” “*You keep still! You may get it about yer own windpipe!"’ Avalanche cautioned. “Keerect, my scrimped-up, leetle old sucker—kee- rect. When his londatin, ther noble Dick Dead- wood shall ordain thet ther proper moment has ar- riv fer me, Beautiful Bill. Pet Elephant o’ ther Lead- ville trail, ter shuffle off his mortail stage-road o’ life, I shall be ready ter peregrinate—ter transport myself with ther utmost fortitude ter ther realms 0’ Jupiter an’ Satan.” hurried but careful search of the rendezvous was made, but nothing of the Frenchman could be found ; neither did out-of-door search discover him. Somehow he had escaped, but how? He could not have got out of the strong room with- out hands and help from the outside, and such help he had surely had. But, who was the guilty man, then? Was it the giant, despite all his protestations of in- nocence, or was it some other member of the band? This was the momentous question which puzzled Deadwood Dick, even as the escape of Jacques Frouch angered him, apparent there was no wa; of throwing light upon either of the subjects, which made it the more exasperating, Calamity. came down, after awhile, and the Prince of the Road made known to her what had transpired. ‘Beautiful Bill’s your huckleberry, word,” she said, when he had done, “I calculated he'd hit you a stab and he’s doneit. He'll doit again if you don’t lynch him on the spot.” “*T don’t like to believe that he’d lie so to me.” “ Pshaw! he can lie as easy as he can drink whisky, which ain’t no trouble at all, you bet.” Deadwood Dick was not cer satisfied, He hud placed confidence in the giant, since his ‘ coming over,” such as he seldom placed in mankind, and he could not well believe that he was mistaken in the honesty of the chap. A keen seuse of percep- tion generally served him in lieu of a detective’s judgment. The day passed slowly away. Sharp watch was keptfrom the Rendezvous for the self-styled Regulators who infested the woods around the Tract, but nothing could be seen of them, Thoroughly hidden among the dead pines did they keep, if indeed they were still there. By Deadwood Dick's direction, some of the mem- bers of the band set to werk and manufactured a coffin-shaped box, out of such material, and with such tools as were on hand. This was then filled with dry leaves covered over with a white blanket, and the body of poor Stella was laid upon them—her last resting-place here be- low. A beautiful corpse she made. for Calamity's deft hands had been at workin arranging her body for the grave. Just as dusk threw its mantle over the earth, a deep grave was dug beneath the floor of the cabin, the flooring having been torn up for this purpose, When. completed the coffin was lowered into the grave, and John Rivers read a short but touching burial service, after which the remains were covered up, in the presence of many a tearful eye, and the floor replaced. mark my Deadwood Dick was seen no more for a couple of hours, but when he again appeared, he was attired in full riding costume, and was armed to the teeth. ‘*Now where?” Calamity asked, in surprise. “To Leadville,” be replied. ‘You need scarcely ask what for; I am going to hunt down the murderer of my bride.” “But you are not going to attempt to go through the Regulators?” Calamity asked, <a “Bah! yes. I fear them not, though they may number anarmy. Iam a free man, and they have no right to stop me. If they do I shall kill every man that raises a hand against me.” ‘* How about matters here?’ “Itisoft that I would speak. I leave everything in your hands—in your command. In case of an attack before I return, do the best you can—tbat is allI could do. Don’t touch the giant, unless you have positive proof of the guilt in which you may believe him concerned.” ‘Very well. 1 will take charge, and do as I be- lieve you would do— fight in self-defense, if it should come tothat, In case we have to light out, ll fire the cabin, Should you not find us here on your re- turn, look in the Leadville post-office for a letter for Elijah Goff.” “Allright. I willtrust all to your management. It is sufficiently dark now, and I am off.” Shaking hands with Calamity and Avalanche, and addressing a few words to the band, Deadwood Dick then left the cabin, and mounting his horse which was held in waiting for him, he galloped away toward Leadvilles electric city through the gloom of the night. A few hours before Jacques Frouch had entered the town, covered with dirt, as though he had been crawling through the mud. Escaped had he from the rendezvous, in a way unsuspected by those with- in the cabin, He had found a board in the floor loose, and, care- fully raising it, he bad slipped beneath the floor and allowed the board to spring back into its place. To craw] from in under the cabin was but a trifling task, and in the course of an hour he kad stealthily made his way out of the Tract and into the forest, without being once halted, for he passed the Regu- lators unnoticed. Grimly triumphant over his success, he hastened toward the town, * Now for /a@ l«lle Fanny !"" he muttered, “‘ and the glorious prospect of coming in for the larger share of the harvest from her rich progenitor, Major Howell, Ha! ha!I'll then be independent of the stage and its mockeries—I shall be virtually made.” us musing, he made his way to his stopping- place, where he repaired to some extent his personal appearance, after which he dropped into a saloon and imbibed a stiff drink of whis y. Then, in high spirits, he made his way to the Howell mansion, and mounting the steps, rung the bell. CHAPTER XI. THE PND OF A ROPE AND A YARN, Nor long had the Frenchman to wait, for the door was soon opened by a servant, Pushing him rudely aside, Frouch entered the hall, and listened, Voices were audible coming from an upper parlor, and mcconan gly Frouch ascended with as muc! sah as though he were in hisown man- sion, leaving the gaping servant to stare aiter him, in bewilderment too great for expression, To the parlor the villainous Frenchman wended his way, and entered without.the usual formality of knocking. Indeed he already considered himself joint lord and master of the situation with Mr, Howell. The mother and daughter were seated near a mar- ble center-table as he entered, engaged over a late | luncheon and a bottle of wine—some of the rare old . vintage the major had imported from the east for , his own express use, A strong lip for spiritual con-
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30 solation had these new heirs, and they meant to im- prove the time ere their sway of the scepter should cexse, They sprung to their feet, however, when they be- held Jacques Frouch smiling at them, from near the doorway. ** You here?” the actress cried, coldly. ‘I thought and hoped you were dead.” “And consequently you were badly deceived,” Frouch replied. *‘* Mistakes will happen, you know. And now that I am returned, no doubt you are,over- joyel to see me?” “T must confess that I am not. to me!” “Curse you!’ the Frenchman gasped, his swart face growing blacker; ‘*is ¢/i-s the game you are try- ing to play with me? If so, you'll find it won’t work worth a con'inental cent. You promised to marry me if I would poison Deadwood Dick’s ward, and now you must keep your promise. You can’t play none of your games on me.” “But, vou have yet to kee tract” Miss Fanny said, crafti ““No! by Heaven the girl is.dead—was dying in horrible agony, when I left the Rendezvous,” “Good! ITamthen rid of one obstacle standing between me and Deadwood Dick, and now I shall rid myself of another!” And as she spoke the actress You are nothing teed part of the con- iv. drew a cocked revolver from her bosom, and quickly - leveled it at the heart of Wild Jack. ‘' Now you git, or V'll make a sieve out of you in quicker time than youe n wink.” * Blast you! what do you mean, girl?” “T mean, that if you bother me any more, I'll make a candidate for a coffin, just as you did Dead- wood Dick’s ward. Go! clear out! I want no more todo with you. If you ever come here again, I'll shoot you on the spot!’’ “ You will never live to do that, my beautiful liar, Zo devil will take your soul and burn it in ze sulphur pit, and zat will b> ample revenge for zo wrong you fave done me, I go now—not because I fear you, but to lay a trap for you that will never fail in its bite. Ha!hal” And turning, the Frenchman laughing demoniac- ally, left the roum, and, as the women supposed, the house, as they presen'ly heard the door slam. But not yet did the villain quit the house. Skulk- ing along through the rear hallway, he at last gain- ed that region of domestic bliss known as the kitchen. It was unoccupied, and he had things all to him- self. Entering the pantry, he took from his pocket a small bottle, and poured a few drops of it over bread, meat, and such other provisions as were standing around upon the shelves. “The same that is good for the victim is rood for the plotter,’ he said, with a devilish chuckle. “Tf they appease their appetites, you, Jacques Frouch, will have ze revenge you thirst for, Now for to get pate ze town, before ze authorities want me, Ha! al” Hurrying stealthily from the house, he sought a livery and sale stables in State street, and there pur- chased cheap for ready cash a fine saddle-horse, It was da k when he left Leadville’s twinkling ligbts behind, but striking in'o the well-beaten trail leading to Fiirplay. he gvloped off at a leisurely gait, Not afrail was he of the darkness, for it cor- ee. eed with the hus of his nature, and then, he had once belongd to an outlaw gang, whose depre- dations: were chiefly committed under cover of darkness, Fairplay was but a few miles from the carbon city of Leadville, and was peopled by even a rougher eclasi of p2ople, among whom the Frenchman be- eg he might find protection should he be pur- sued, The road to the obj-ctive mining-camp was part of the way along raged bluffs, and then azain it emerged into deep, silent bodies of pins timber, where pature’s sounds were seldom disturbed. ’ Deadwood Dick’s Device- The timber was so black and grim in appearance that Jacques Frouch looked around him sharply as he rode into it, the thought of road-robbers coming into his head. Tt was just such a lo-ation as they might choose, and he quickened the gait of his horse nervously. Not really frightened did he grow, until he heard hoof-strokes ringing bebind him, and before him, and it dawned upon his mind that he was being hedged in. Whether by road-agents or by servants of the law he was unable to conclude, but he saw the advisability of reining in bis horse and dismount- ing, under the pretense of examining a shoe upon his horse’s foot. This he did in hopes that he would escape particular notice. But, he was destined to disappointment, for, up from the east galloped a single horseman, clad in black, masked, and, armed to the yey s from the west came a dozen men to match, and all halted but 2 few feet from Frouch, who wasin secret trembling with terror from top to toe. With the single nocturnal rider the band seemed to exchange signals; then the single horseman rode closer to Jacques Frouch, a cocked revolver in his right hand. “Jacques Frouch!” a stern, cold voice said, ‘you are a doomed man. I have trailed you down to the spot whereon you die. If you would make peace with your God and Maker. I give you five minutes to do so in. Then, you shall be lynched—the fate of nearly every murderer in this wild region. Death will be too rood for you, hellish monster that you are, and death you shall suffer as you have caused others to suffer!” The French assassin dropped upon his knees, and began to beg piteously. He recognized the voice of the speaker as that of Deadwood Dick, and knew that he stood a slim chance of living, when oncs trailed down by the noted Prince of the Road—a man who returned blow for each blow struck him hy his foes, “Who are you?—for God’s sake spare me,” Frouch cried, in a supplicating tone. **No, I'll not spare you, for Dead wood Dick never spares a man who wrongs him as you have, You on die, and you have four minutes left to pray pn!’ : “Spare me! I beg! I beg! I'll not do anything of the kind again!” the craven cried, in a snivelin:; tone. ‘*No, ['ll warrant you won't!’ Deadwood Dick re- plied. ‘Ha! who’d think you were the brave hero of drama at the Coliseum, to see you here upon your knees? Come, boys, get the rope ready!” The road-agents—who were a body of Dick’s main band who had been absent from the Rendezvous for several days—obeyed with alacrity, and a noose was soon dangling over a limb, with the pulling end of the rope in the hands of a half dozen strong knights. Seeing that there was not the shadow of a hope for him, Jacques Frouch began to cry piteously, then curse, between breaths. Nor did he stop until he was lifted bodily from the groun’, his head inserted through the noose, and he ws swung off into eternity. The sign of the Double Cross was then stamped upon bis forehea, after which there was a consul- tation between Deadwood Dick and his men, and they mounted and rode off in different directions. Straight toward Leadville the chief went, an ugly expression about his mouth, and a deadly glitter in his eves. Before entering the town he dismounted, and Jeft his horse in a thicket of maples, while he also assumed a disguise, consisting of a change of cloting, and a wiz and false heard, When he had complete’ his disguise, he left the thicket, and boldly entered the town. Everywhere was excitement. News had got abroad of the murd*r, by poisoning, of two females, in the mansion of Major Howell— also it was reported that te major was missing, together with his wife and two daughters.
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Deadwood Dick’s Device. 31 bt buape was there everywhere. But, when, with the crowd, Deadwood Dick en- tered the mansion to view the dead, he saw two bloated. distorted corpses, and one of them be- longed to the variety actress, Fanny Farron. Fate had overtaken her in the end. At the camp, shortly after Deadwood Dick’s de- parture, hostile preparations were observed by Avalanche among the Regulators on the edge of the Tract tor a battle. Bonfires were built in four places —east. west, north and south from the Rendezvous— and men could be seen flitting around them. “Great domesticated ham-bone thet war a war- hoss ter old J.ner!” the Great Annihilator ex- claimed, calling the attention of Calamity Jane to the fact. “ Lookee thar, will ye! Old Moses uv ther buil- rushes, don’t thet luk as ef we war goin’ ter hev sum fun? Kerwhoop! s€und ther dinner-gong —peel forth yer hoss-anners, for we’re goin’ ter hev er scrimmage—a genywine rantankerous old scrim- mage—a cavortin’ old battle arfter ther anshent style.” “Royal planets uv Jupiter an’ Satan! whar's ther fight? Show unter me thersmell o’ fight. an’ let me inhale ther delicious o6or—me ther Pet Elephant o’ ther L adville trail—ther Apollo o’ the Coloradoes, Beautiful William!” roared the giant prancing up. “Ready ar’ I fer sanguinary strife, frum head ter heels, frum tooth ter toe-nails—an’ thar’s nary a mortal man ’cept one as durst breath ther word ‘fight,’ when my noble. presence looms nobly on hand, an’ thet galootorious Us at he be Deadwood Dick. Yes, sar, Deadwood Dick—jest jot thet cog- nomen in yer bank-b ok. Deadwood Dick et war who licked me, my pilgrims—licked me as I never war licked since my old mammy used ter whale me over ther pate wi’ ther parental bootjack. Licked me slick an’ clean did Deadwood Dick, ontil I warn’t wu'th a stale cud o’terbaccy, An’I ain’t afeard ter own ther corn, but I do say thar’s nary another pil- grim as kin do ther same leetle job.” “Don’t believe thar is,” Avalanche replied, ‘* but, my dear sweet William, ef ye war avoirdupoised several hundred pounds less, an’ I war as young in yeers as ye be, I opine, right hayr, thet I ked slap ye onter yer back so quick as ary skipper sunk one 0’ his fangs inter fresh cheese.” “Here! no quarreling, now. Get your weapons, and prepare for a fight!’ Calamity commanded. “Tere come the hellions, now!” It was even so. From out the dead pines the Regulators swarmed, and rushed toward the Ren- dezvous. Volley after volley the road-agents pour- ed into them; then Calamiry led them boldly out in- to the night, for their only salvation seemed in cut: ting their wey through to liberty. Foe met foe in a wild bloody affray of death, and then— Deadwood Dick received a letter through the Leadville post-office the next Cay, and it proved to be from Calamity Jane, written in a neat feminine hand. It ran as follows: “The battle is over and as you probably know, we had to puckachee because of overpowering numbers of the enemy. We fit our way out, without losing a man, and foremost in the battle were the Annihila- tor and Beautiful Bill, They were the heroes of the fight. together with Prudence Cor‘elia and Florence the goat. Major Howell and his son, Alf, fell in the first charge, and 1 think were killed. We are in the mountains. at your old stronghold, where you may easily find us. Truly yours, * Canamity Janz.” Right here it is proper to end this romance, and therefore we write Hoeunt Omnes. Half-Dime Singer’s Library 1 Wnoa, Ex! and 59 other Songs, 2 Caprain Curr and 57 other Songs, 8 Tue Garnssoro’ Har and 62 other Songs. 4 Jounny Moraan and 60 other Songs. 5 Pun Srrme You WirH A FraTHer and 62 others, 6 GeorGe THE CHARMER and 56 other Songs. 7 Tae Bette or Rockaway and 52 other Songs. 8 Youna Feiuan, You're Too Fresa and 60 others 9 Say Youne Grew and 65 other Songs. 10 I’a THE GoveRNoR’s ONLY Son and 58 other Songs 11 My Fan and 65 other Songs. 12 Comm’ THRO’ tur Rye and 55 other Songs. 13 Tue Roiiickine Inisuman and 59 other Songs. 14 Otp Doa Tray and 62 other Songs. 15 Waoa, Cari and 59 other Songs, 16 In Tm1s Wueat By anv By and 62 otner Songs. 17 Nancy Lege and 58 other Songs. 18 I’w THe Boy THar’s Bound To Buaze and 57 others, 19 Tae Two OrpHans and 59 other Songs. 20 WHat are THE Witp Waves Sayine, Sister? and 59 other Songs. 21 Inpiananr Potty Woe and 59 other Songs. 22 THe Otp Arm-CHarir and 58 other Songs. 23 On Coney Istanp Bracn and 58 other Songs. 24 O_p Simon, THe Hor-Corn Man and 60 others, 25 I’ in Love and 56 other Songs. 26 PARADE oF THE GuarDs and 56 other Songs. 27 Yo, Heaven, Ho! and 60 other Songs, 83 "T'witt Never po To Gis rt up So and 60 others. 29 Biur Bonners Over tur Rorper and 54 others, 80 ‘Tur Merry Lavauine MAN and 56 other Songs, $1 Swerr lorart-mu-Nor and 55 other Songs. 82 Leerte Bapy Mine and 53 other Songs. 83 Du Banso Am DE INSTRUMENT ror Mx and 53 others, | 34 Tarry and 50 other Songs. 85 Just ro PLEASE THE Boys and 52 other Songs. 86 SkaTING oN ONE IN THE GuTTER and 52 others. 87 Kovorep Kranks and 59 other Songs. 38 Nit DesprxaNpum and 53 other Songs. 89 Tne Grau I Lerr Beninp Mr and 50 other Songs 40 °Tis sur A Lirrix Fapep Ftowsr and 50 others 41 Prerry Wuriuriutwa and 60 other Songs. 42 DANCING IN THE BARN and 63 other Songs. 43 H. 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82 OCTAVO PAGES. : = Ne PRICE, FIVE CENTS, ~ POCKET LIBRARY. | SOSSSSSSOOSSCSOSSOSOOOOOOOOO Se ISSUED EVERY Ba POSSOSSOOSSSOSOOOSOSSOOCOS WEDNESDAY. yes 1 Deadwood Di k, the Prince of the Riad. By Ed- ward L. Wheeler, 2 Kans « King; or, The Red Right Hand. By Buf- fu o Bill, 8 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 4 The Double Daggers. By Edward L. Wheeler, & The Two Detectives, By Albert W. Aiken, 6 The Prairie P lot, By Buffalo Bill. ? The Buffalo Demon; er, The Border Vultures. By Edward L. Wheeler. 8 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Oll Coomes. Y Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By “Texas Jack” GQ. B. Omobundro). 10. uffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. L. Wheeler. 11 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer. By C 1, Ingraham. 12 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of 76. By T. +, Harbangh. 18 Yellowstone Jack. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 14 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. By Edward L. Wheeler. 15 Diamond Dirk. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 16 Keen-Knife, Prince of the Prairies, By Ol] Coomes. 17 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. By Capt. J.F.C Adams 18 Death-Face, the Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 19 Lasso Jack. | By O!l Coomes. 20 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Reckless Ranger. By Ilarry St. George 21 The Boy Clown. By Frank S. Finn. 22 The Phantom Miner. By Edward L. Wheeler. 28 The Sen-Cat,. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 24 The Dumb Spy. By O!! Commes. 25 Rattling Rube. By Hurry St. George, 26 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator. L. Wheeler. 27 Gla «-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. F.C. Adams. 28 The Boy Captain. By Roger Starbuck. 29 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. rrederick Whittaker. 80 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian, By EB. L. Wheeler. 1 Nightingale Nat. By T. C. Harbaugh 82 Black John, the Road Agent. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 88 Omaha Ol, the Mask d Terror, By E.L. Wheeler. 84 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. By George E. Lasalle. 85° The Boy Rifles, By A. C. Irons. 86 The White B ffalo. 87 Jim Bludsoe, Jr. By Edward L. Wheeler, 88 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 89 Deadly Eye, the Unknown Scont. By Buffalo Bill, 40 Nick Whiffles’s Pet. By Capt. J. F.C. Adama, Al Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. By E. L. Wheeler, 42 The Border King. By Ol! Coomes. 48 Old Hickory. By Harry St. George. 44 The White Indian, By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 45 Buckhorn Bill, By Edward L. Wheeler. 46 The Shadow Ship. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, By Edward By Edward By Capt. J. By Capt. By George E. Lasalle. By | The Red Brotherhood. By W. J. Hamilton. Dandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. Murricane Bill. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Single Hand. By W. J. Hamilton. Patent-leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. The Border Robin Hood. By Buffulo Bill, Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. By Edward L, Wheeler, Old Zip’s Cabin, By Capt. J. F.C. Adama. Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. By Ol! Coomes. Mad Tom Western. By W. J. Hamilton, Deadwood Dick on Deck. By E. L. Wheeler. Hawkeye Harry. By Ol! Coomes. The Boy Duelist. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Abe Colt, the Crow-K ller. By Albert W, Aiken. Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo, By Edward L. Wheeler. WIII Somers, the Boy Detective. By Chas. Morris. Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapver. By A. W. Aiken. Rosebud Rob. By Edward L. Wheeler. Tightaing Joe, the Terror of the Prairie. J. F.C. Ad a By Capt. Kit Harefoot, the Wood-Hawk, bangh. Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Ol] Coomes, Idyl, the Girl Miner. By Edward L. Wheeler. Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. By Charles lor By T. C. Har- Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. By O11 Coomes. Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friend ess Boy. By J. Alexander Patten, The Lion of the Sea, By Albert W. Aiken. Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth. By Edward L. Wheeler, Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. By Charles Morr s, Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. By Brace- bridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway). Wateh-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L. Wheeler, Dick Dead Eye, the Boy Smuggler. By Col. P. In- graham. 78 Deadwood Bick’s Device. 79 The Black Mustanger. Reid and Frederick Whittaker. 80 Old Frosty, the Guide. By T. C. Harbaugh, 81 The Sen Viper; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. By Col. P. Ingrahum, Ready July 29th. 82 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. Edward §S, Ellis, Ready August 5th, 88 Canada Chet, the Counterleiter Chief. L. Wheeler. Ready August 12th. 84 The Dumb Page} or, The Doge’s Dauvhter. Captain Frederick Whittuker, By Ed. L. Wheeler. By Captain Mayne By By Edward By Ready Angusi 19th. Beadle’s Pocket Library is for sale by all News- dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. Laaa ccc e ee ern EEE IENnEnEnEEnSnRSEEEERSE EERE