Deadwood Dick Library (London, England) (no. 5) (1928)

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NEWNES’ NEW REDSKIN LIBRARY Each number in this Series contains many exciting episodes in the life of Colonel Cody (better known as Buffalo Bill) among the Indian tribes of the Rio Grande. The famous scout, together with his partners, Pawnee Bill and Nick Wharton, engage in adventure after adventure among the redskins they know so well. Some Recént. Titles tactonedteeemes . Buffalo Bill and the Death Machine. . Buffalo Bill and Happy Hank. . Buffalo Bill and the Corsairs of the Prairies. . Buffalo Bill and the Lost Canoe. 50. Buffalo Bill and the Three Finger Mine. 9. Buffalo Bill and Old Wanderoo. . Buffalo Bill and the Talking Idol. . Buffalo Bill and the Kidnapped Girl. . Buffalo Bill and the Deserters. . Buffalo Bill Shoots the Chute. . Buffalo Bill in the Nick of Time. . Buffalo Bill on the Death Trail. . Buffalo Bill’s Wild Ride. . Buffalo Bill’s Arrow Warning. . Buffalo Bill and Red Butterfly. . Buffalo Bill and the Saddle Knight. . Buffalo Bill and the Canon Centaur. . Buffalo Bill’s New Chum. . Buffalo Bill and the Fire Fighters. 5. Buffalo Bill and the Indian Dwaris. . Buffalo Bill’s Smuggler Hunt. . Buffalo Bill and the Phantom. :: 3d. each :: Two New Titles Every Month On sale everywhere, or Wh: meat Ad. each from the Publishers, GEORGE NEWNES, LTD.. 8-11, SouTHAMPTON STREET, STRAND, Lonpon, W.C. 2.

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THE END OF WILD IVAN CHAPTER I THE BOY ROAD-AGENT Over the Black Hills country, rough, rugged and mountainous, and over the adjacent grazing savannas to the north and nor’west, swept with merciless fury a wild autumnal storm. Not such a storm as we experience frequently out East, but a genuine Western “hurricane,” to be found in no other portion of the American continent. It was a wild, terrible night, and one whose inky blackness lent additional horror _ to the crashing hour. Ip a narrow defile between towering, craggy mountains, sheltered from the _ deluge of rain, a score of men were crouching _ about a sputtering, sickly camp-fire, that had evidently been kindled out of rain- _ soaked fuel—a score of men so rough, silent, - and grim as to seem carved from the dull, - dripping rocks around them. They were clad in the mountaineer’s picturesque costume, and were well sup- _ plied with belt weapons, while rifles of the jatest and most improved pattern stood . stacked under a sheltering ledge close by. Not a man was there but looked a for- _ midable foe to attack ; not a man was there _ who would hesitate at bloodshed to further his own particular aims. They were a band of desperate, reckless ruffians, the enormity of whose crimes had exiled them from the settlements and mining towns of the far Western border, clubbed and sworn together as brothers, with aims to destroy, Ob lunder and devastate—a veritable, terrible, and sworn Brotherhood of Death. passage was blocked by a considerable waterfall that leaped down from the crags — above. ts It was toward the rushing stream that the outlaws occasionally directed anxious glances, -for as the rain continued to fall, the waters rose rapidly and soon the banks were full to overflowing. One of the Brothers uttered a curse of vexation as the moments wore by and the storm raged on. “* Why don’t the colonel come ?” was his growling interrogatory, addressed to no one in particular. “‘ Ther stream’s full now, — an’ ef he ain’t past ther rapids, et’s gude-by, __ Bill Blood !”’ “ hots “Yas, et’s time he war here, Wagner,” assented a second. ‘‘Cuss the storm; s’pose et couldn’t ’a’ waited till we got. through with this business.” i “Don’t be growlin’ afore et’s time!” retorted Wagner, savagely. ** An’ ef Bill Blood don’t cum——? ” “We won't feel like pay our debts to Red Kit an’ his band. I hope no harm has befell the colonel.” ‘ “S’posin’ thar had? who’d be captain?” demanded a low-browed ruffian, whose name ~ ware his evil associates was Blue Bob. t “Who'd be capt’in ? ” repeated Wagner, grimly. ‘‘ Waal, ter all events, I’d probably be capt’in, seein’s I’m lieutenant now.” > Down in ceaseless torrents poured the chill autumnal rain; hoarsely roared and crashed the shuddering ‘peals of thunder, — and vividly flared and flashed the vivid _ lightning. 5 ala “Tm afraid et’s all up wi’ ther colonel, boys!” grunted Wagner, rising from the fire. ‘‘ Ther stream’s altergether ter much ter stem, now, and like ’nuff our capt’in’ bin washed away.” “Don’t b’lieve he’d attempt ter cum thru, wi’ sich a storm ter face,” replied Blue Bob. ““Ther cunnel’s nobody’s fool, an’ knows _ x what’s what. Bet he’s safe in Bear Trail, — 3 this blessed minnit.” ray % + geal

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2 THE END OF WILD IVAN which the fierce roaring of the elements nearly drowned out—the cries of a human being, who in this furious night was stemming the stream, rushing and bank-full as it was. “It’s ther colonel, by thunder!” ejacu- lated Wagner, and a dozen or more seized brands from the fire, and, fanning them into a blaze, rushed down the bank to its narrowest limits, where knee-deep in the water they awaited their master’s coming. And soon within the glare reflected by their torches’ blaze, appeared upon the seething surface of the stream, first the head of a horse, with steaming nostrils and distorted eyeballs—then the head and shoulders of a haggard, wild-eyed man, who held a bundle of something across one shoulder with his right hand, while his left clung to the mane of his steed beneath the muddy water. A wild cheer of welcome rang out from the brazen lungs of the Brothers, and three of the boldest sprang into the flood, swam out and pulled the exhausted horse and ‘its double burden ashore. Once out of water and under shelter of the ledges the horse and rider were seen to better advantage. The former was a powerful Mexican beast ; the latter was a man well in com- parison with the horse—a large, powerfully built individual, with strong limbs, great breadth of chest, and swelling muscles. His face was effectually disguised, the lower part being covered with a bushy beard— the upper part with a black mask. The eyes were black and piercing, the lips imly set and resolute, the hair and beard row and of extreme length. In his arms he carried a heavy bundle, well wrapped in blankets, and this he gave over into the hands of Wagner and Blue Bob, while he threw himself out of the saddle. “Ugh !’ this is a cursed fine deluge !”” he growled, shaking himself like a great mastiff, and drawing near the sputtering fire. “Come! stir up this blaze, and fetch me some whisky !”’ “Hain’t hed enough wet, yet, eh?” grinned Sandusky, as he piled on fresh fuel, and dispatched one of the Brothers into a cavern in the rocks for the desired beverage. “ow in all nations did ye stem the rapids?” “The devil only knows,” was the gruff response. ‘‘ But for the horse I should be in purgatory ere now, I suppose!” thru, on account o’ the storm. ‘“Neither I should, only there’s work ahead, day after ter-morrow, which needs our whole attention.” SRS “Bet ye would. /Didn’t judge you'd cum Miss La Rue!” he sneered, his white teeth at smile. “I have got you in m ““So? What’s ther shape of it ? ” “It’s an overland wagon train coming into the hills. There are five families, and all are well fixed in the world’s goods. Three families are Jews, and have upwards of five thousan’s worth of treasure. e must intercept them at the ford of Bell creek, thirty miles this side of the Belle Fourche.” ““ And you’ve got Red Kit’s gurl ? ”” “JT have. She’s thar in yonder bundle. We shall now have the secret of Red Kit’s treasure—or her life!” One of the Brothers now came from the cave with a flask of liquor, and tipping it up to his lips, the polone® gilewedh a goodly portion of the contents to run down his throat. ‘ The stimulant seemed to affect him instantly, for he straightened up, and glanced over the assembled crowd with an unwavering eye. “ Are all of Division First present ?”’ he questioned. “ All,” replied Sandusky. “Then we will proceed to business. Wagner—Blue Bob!” “Yes, colonel.” “* Bring the girl here, into the light.” The two ruffians obeyed, dragging the bundle close to the crackling fire. “Cut away the blankets!” ordered Blood, and his command was quickly ex- ecuted, and then was revealed to the eager, cruel gaze of the Brotherhood a pretty, girlish form and a fair, sweet face, such as had never been their lot to behold, A maiden of not over seventeen years, lay before them, bound hand and foot, her clear blue eyes staring, at them reproachfully, her — sweet face shadowed with an expression of pain—her fair-complexioned face, with its " crowning wealth of soft, golden hair, and — those lustrous eyes as blue as a smiling summer’s sky. ; “Aha! my pretty chit!” cried the — colonel, his eyes gleaming brightly; “so the waters of the Little Madrass didn’t drown you, neither, eh? Didn’t know. but the condemned torrent would wash us away, at one time; but old Buckskin is picky, sure of foot, no matter where you put im.’ : The girl did not reply, except by a look of scorn which flashed from her eyes—eyes that one wonld not think capable of ex- pressing anger. Blood saw her compress her cherry lips, and that she was determined to be courageous to the last. { % “Oh! you needn’t put on any airs, owe in a disagreeable attemp

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THE END OF WILD IVAN 3 and your life depends on how you conduct yourself.” - “Now, Miss La Rue,” continued the colonel, ‘‘it is my unpleasant duty to ask you to make known to us the hiding-place of the treasure that Red Kit, your father, stole from our stronghold near Silver Lode. You know that it is rightfully ours—you furthermore know just where it is, and must tell us!” “But I won’t !”’ replied Alice, decidedly. “You made my father a prisoner in your den, and when he got a chance to escape, he captured some of your ill-gotten treasure and brought it with him. You killed my poor sister Eloise because she refused to tell the secret “And Pll murder you by inches !”’ hissed the colonel savagely, bending over the helpless girl, and glaring at her with the ferocity of an enraged beast. “Tl have you cut to pieces and strung on a rope for public exhibition, before you shall cheat me out of that treasure!” “You may do all of that and more!” replied Red Kit’s girl, firmly, “‘ but I shall never—never-—never tell you, where to find the treasure !” “ We'll see !”’ said Blood, grimly, straight- ening up—‘‘ we'll see. Blue Bob, you generally are a pretty fair carver, and carry sharp tools. ut off the litile finger of that girl's left hand 1” As this order came from the chief’s lips, all eyes were centred upon Blue Bob. But the old man hesitated, and his hand sought his belt, slowly and reluctantly. “Go on, you old devil!” yelled Colonel ‘Bill, grasping a revolver from Sandusky’s belt, and cocking it—“ go on, or I’ll bore a hole through your thick skull, and throw you into yonder stream!” fed ey. frightened at his superior’s hars: language, Blue Bob crawled forward and dropped upon his knees by the side of the fair prisoner. He bent forward, and then there was a - piercing shriek of pain, a grating, crunching ‘see about that. sound, after which the old ruffian leaped to his feet holding aloft a severed finger from Alice La Rue’s hand. ‘ “Good! Now, will you tell us the hiding- place of the treasure ?”’ demanded Colonel Bill. “No! yo!” almost screamed the girl, her blue eyes flashing, darkly. ‘“ You can cut off every finger I have, and then my head, but I’ll not tell!” “© We'll see, you young she-cat—we’ll I’ve handled worse cases than that. You Blue Bob, cut off her foot at the ankle—the left foot !” A murmur of horror escaped the out- laws’ lips. This was even beyond their limit of cruelty. Blue Bob had knelt again, knife in hand, and was preparing for the terrible deed, when suddenly the whole heavens were illuminated with a blaze of heaven’s fire, there was a frightful clap of thunder, and a fresh deluge of rain. Involuntarily the ruffians started forward with a cry of alarm, for they saw Colonel Blood totter away and fall in a heap upon the bank of the stream, blood streaming from a hole in his forehead. Andere they could reach him the flood with resistless fury had swept his corpse away. “God's Hand!” a wild voice cried, and turning, the startled ruffians beheld a youthful figure standing in the light of their camp-fire. ‘‘Such is the vengeance he hath meted out to your captain, with his fiery hand!” ¢ A boy in years was the speaker, judging from the sound of his voice and the develop- ment of his form, and yet the ruffians almost — feared to approach him, despite their numbers. He was clad in a hunter’s costume, which had evidently seen considerable service, and was armed with a repeating rifle and belt weapons, all of handsome pattern and finish. A slouch sombrero was set upon the back part of his head, while his face was covered to the chin with a mask. © “Devils an’ demons!” cried Wagner, the lieutenant. “Who are you, an’ what do ye want here?” A wild laugh came from the youth. ““T am an outcast, murderer, swindler, ~ thief, rogue and blackleg, just whichever Suits you best. I have all the peculiarities of a fiend—as the Boy Fiend I am widely known in some parts of the West. I heard of this Brotherhood of Death, and came to join it; but seeing as Death has been too much for the chief of your Brotherhood, I wouldn’t mind filling the position just vacated by Colonel Bill Blood!” The ruffians held a short consultation together. After several moments’ rapid conversa- tion among themselves, Wagner turned to the Boy Fiend, and said : ‘ ““By swearin’ an oath o’ allegiance, an’ quaffin’ a cup o’ human blood, you can become our captain. The chance is open ter ye. Blue Bob, bring the drink.” The Boy Fiend came willingly forward, while Blue Bob went on his errand. He soon returned with a silver cupful of something whose odour proclaimed it to be indeed blood. This he handed to the mysterious youth, who took it without a tremor, oats ify Pt

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5 “Then in concert eih. Toby Wagner he ‘tepeated the oath of initiation. CHAPTER II OLD AVALANCHE ON THE RAMPAGE Sourn of the shimmering waters of the Belle Fourche, or North Fork of the Big ‘Cheyenne river trailing along across a vast savanna or level plain, through the mellow sunlight of a beautiful Indian summer afternoon, was an emigrant train, composed of six wagons, drawn by stout and ugly- looking mules, and driven by big, raw- boned bordermen, with three exceptions, these being a trio of Germans, fresh from the Faderland, who were in the employ of the Jew families, three in number, who _ comprised half of the train. Of the Americans there were two families ' by the name of Stone and Resville, the third wagon being occupied by one Thomas jefferson. Jaggers, a very strange and mysterious person, who had _ obtained permission to accompany the train. Rare indeed was it when he was seen outside _ of his “‘schooner.’’ Seclusion and _ strict “reserve seemed to be a part of his existence. Of the Stone family there were three— old Grafton Stone, his wife Betsy, and their pretty daughter, Edith, a young lady of about eighteen. Of the Resvilles there were four—father and mother and two stalwart sons by the name of Hal and Lew. Of the Jews there were ten in number, but as our story has comparatively little to do with them, we will not tarry for a description. The whole caravan was in the charge of that veteran guide and Indian-hater of the Northwest, Alva Lanch Hogg, or as he -. i§ more popularly known, Old Avalanche ; and a better man could not have been hy chosen, for Avalanche was familiar with ai every foot of the ground over which the _ route lays In company with Colonel Stone, he was train, as we look down upon them. an eccentric appearing individual was this “same. Avalanche. He was of medium ‘stature, with well developed form and clean, wiry, muscular limbs, and looked to be a person of uncommon strength. Though well along in years, he was still s apple and active as a man of two-score and five ; his skin was tanned to a dusky brown bse ong | er eee to the sun ‘and wind, an al ral he THE END OF ‘wip IVAN of many a conflict ; his raven hair reach to his belt-encircled waist; ‘his Pierciny black eyes still retained the brilliancy youth. His ears were gone, however, which made a defect that would cause him to be recognizable in any crowd no matter under what circumstances. His dress was buckskin throughout, and he was armed” with a handsomely-mounted Evans rifle, and belt weapons of superior pattern. His horse, which he had named Prude ep. Cordelia, was a scrawny, grey animal of, uncertain age. Colonel Stone was a man of Ave amie forty years, with handsome fotm and kindly face; but about his eyes he ever wore a stealthy expression, which could be best defined in the single Fie "2 4 His horse was a handsome theron animal, and the colonel’s ease and’ in the saddle proclaimed him a fini: shed equestrian. “Yas, I’ve been over this hayr lattytud afore!” Old Avalanche was saying, as — they, jogged along side by side. “One day I an’ my jint war sot onter in ther riddle uv a big perarie by fifteen milyun ted- skins, all armed wi’ clubs and spears, an’ sir, fer a solid, actooal fact, wi’out stretchin’ ~ matters ther billionth part oy an inch, we aR just cleaned out them ar’ heethyan in rie five minnits, by ther watch—we Jest. de scended onter ’em like a rip-roarin’ simoon 0’ demolition, an’ extarminated — beautchiful—fact ! An’ et tuck me yeers ter bury ’em ; buried ’em ter keep ther _ wolves from chawin’ ’em up inter Sasa DROS fodder.” 4 ““Wonderful!” remarked the colone dryly. “There won’t be many reds left after a while, in the event of such slaught rs i But whom do you mean by your T ‘ine = a pardner, I suppose ? ”’ Bes Yas—Florence Night-in-a- gale ; 3 n see’d her, did ye? Florence ar’ a sp’risin smart anamile for a goat. Hain’t ali her fer an age, tho’. Guv her a fer knockin’ ther false teeth out o° ma’den in Lar’mie the Sie baie : seen pe since.” sik "No; since old Sittin’ Bull vamo act >: thar’s no reds as dare go on ther war-path. _ Mought git a dig frum, Beas ho’. Plenty o’ ’em in the Hills.” c:

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fn AR - ie toe es y Ue se | THE END OF WILD IVAN fur a mule kin reach wi’ a hind fut, till ye - let her try!” was the grim reply. “ Nuther kin ye most allus tell when ye’re goin’ ter ' stick yer fut in a hornets’ caboose. Mought git a serenade from the Brotherhood 0’ Death most any minnit, now.” “The Brotherhood of Death?” “Yas; never heered o’ et, did ye? ” *“ No—never, to my recollection!” Wal, they’re jest about ther wust gang 0’ cusses this side 0’ purgatory, fer a fight, an’ they never take no prisoners. They jest annihilate *em ter oncet, an’ hev it dun with. S’pect Colonel Bill Blood ar’ ther \ eruelest demon o’ humanity in these hyar boreal longytoads an’ lattytudes.” » * Bill Blood 1” The colonel started strangely as this name fell upon his ear. “D’ye know him?” queried Old Avalanche, eyeing the colonel sharply. “Have heard the name, somewhere !”’ - was the brief reply. : “Heerd o’ Deadwood Dick, no doubt,too?” * Yes—heard and read about him. A most remarkable youth, I should say, for his age.” _ On aeross the plain toiled the caravan. _ As far as eye could reach in any direction, stretched the boundless prairies, meeting with the blue sky afar off on the smoky horizon. A fresh flower-scented breeze - fanned gently up from the south, and as it - greeted the nostrils of Old Avalanche he gave a delighted sniff, and said : “Thet breeze cums frum the hills, I'll _ bet a skulp. D’ye smell them flowers ? _ Them say Black Hills, sart’in sure. I _ shouldn’t be surprised ef we sighted ’em afore sundown. Bell creek ford ken’t be fur off, nuther.”’ ' “We will camp there, then, eh?” queried Colonel Grafton Stone. _ “ Not ef this limb o’ boreal extarmination knows hisself!”’ replied the Annihilator, decidedly. ‘‘ Bt ar’ a purty ole place fer a _ Surprise by outlaws, so we won't stop thar.” “See here!” The colonel grew in- _ stantly excited. ‘‘ You are keeping some- _ thing from me, guide. You fear an attack from this Brotherhood of Death ? ” Wal, yas,” replied the veteran, after 1 moment’s cool deliberation; ‘* 1 shedn’t wonder ef we encountered a small breeze 0° difficulty *twixt hayr an’ the Hills, tho’ et ar’ mighty unsart’in whar. ’Twon’t be a bad ijee ter be preparéd fer a little _ skewrup, anyhow.” eting upon this rather meagre advice, the colonel rode back and issued orders to > he teamsters and those within the ity of at mos hayr! Be ‘made, for inside of five minutes the enemy — Ne OERes ager WY Ronde on Na Mt Oe WP a The afternoon wore rapidly away; the sun began to sink close to the smoky -horizon ; far ahead was a dark line, which — “was suggestive of timber when viewed by the naked eye. “How mooch far vas ve pe vrom der blace vere we sdop?” bawled one of the German teamsters, growing impatient. ‘Shust apoud dree miles unt a half!’ returned Avalanche, in‘excellent imitation. “Then yonder dark line is Bell creek ° ford, eh?” asked Lew Resville, a hand- some young fellow of twenty, as he came trotting alongside of Prudence Cordelia. “Yas, that’s the place,” the guide replied, his brows knitting slightly. “I’d-give a — skulp ef we war ten miles beyant thare, tho’. Great Zebulom Zackariaher! Bulls. in ther Moserushes ! look! look! may I be teetotally atomized inter insect fodder, ef — thar don’t come Florence Night-in-a-gale- —my j’int—a part o’ ther great destruc- tive Avalanche o’ annihilation. Whoop! ~~ hurrah! stop the train! ther’s hay- ai my o’ danger ahead, thar!” : The train was instantly brought to a standstill; intense excitement prevailed; every man seized his weapons, and th women screamed in terror. 4 -And all because of the guide’s cries, and. the appearance of an ugly-looking animal of the goat species, who was swiftly ap- proaching from the direction of the river, its. unmerciful bleats becoming more audible each moment. 4 “Thar! thar!’ yelled Old Avalanche, as a band of perhaps fifty,horsemen dashed: out from the dark line of timber, “didn’t — I tell ye Florence knows w’at’s she’s about, — every time? Yonder cums either Dead- wood Dick and his band, or else the Brother- hood of Death, w’ich aire wuss. Order lively; swing ther waggins inter a circle; look ter yer pop-guns; gi reddy, fer ther’s goin’ ter be a thunder- starm o’ demolition, now. Every man woman an’ brat ter ther frunt !” f Brief and quickly given were these orders, and as quickly were they executed, for now life depended upon speedy action. — And none too soon were arrangement had arrived near enough to pour in a deadly - volley upon the few defenders who had thrown themselves, in readiness to meet the attack, behind the wagons ! Ray? : CHAPTER II DEATH AND RESURRECTION

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oo THE END OF WILD IVAN Prudence Cordelia’s back, and was petting his remarkable goat, fondly; ‘“‘sock et to °em, my cherubs—put in yer work, now, ef ever!” The volley from the outlaws had been without effect, as none of the emigrants were wounded. But there were full fifty of the terrible Brotherhood—a mixture of whites, half-breeds and full-blooded Indians —and all were armed to the teeth. Fearlessly, in front of the grim savage band, rode a youth clad in buckskin, and masked, but of him the veteran guide knew nothing—only that he was evidently the. leader of the Brotherhood in this particular raid. But there was one pair of eyes that, when they fell upon the boy leader, in a sharp, scrutinizing glance, lit up with a sudden fire of recognition, and the owner of those eyes, Colonel Grafton Stone, could barely repress an exclamation. “He here!” was the muttered ejacula- tion—“ he here! and I thought and hoped that he was dead!” After the first volley the outlaws reined in their horses to a walk, as if waiting for the emigrants to fire. But a word from Avalanche prevented this action; his keen observation had apprised him that the outlaws were all armed with long-range pea-rifles, and that they were yet safe ke being harmed by the emigrants’ re. - But those within the corral stood in readiness for instant action; all hands, young and old, stood with grasped weapons, determined to resist to the very last. “Well, guide, what’s to pay ? ” demanded Giles Resville, who Biot nearest to Old Avalanche, his rifle levelled across a wagon- wheel. “ Aire we goin’ to git out o’ this scrape or ain’t we?” “You've struck me ‘now, Giles—ye’ ve encountered the great thunderstarm 0’ demolition in ‘er deefikilty, this time. Luke! thar cums ther dratted galoots, now! Yo arms! _ feller- ~cityzens 5 3°. ever’ one weil et yer pardner, an’ when ye hear me say ‘ go,’ let em scoot!” True enough, the approaching outlaws had again struck their animals into a gallop, but an instant after the emigrants divined their intention. They were surrounding the corral. Having circled completely around the train, at a given signal the enemy now dashed forward, their yells of triumph calculated to inspire the little band within the corral with terror, and to intimidate them for action. _ But bravely they stood their ground, and out of the volley of their fifteen rifles they emptied ten saddles, and severely wounded two others of the Brotherhood. But, although these had gone down, and more were falling, the ruffians pressed on. Soon they closed fiercely in upon the little corral, and with their revolvers mowed down the emigrants one by one. Old Avalanche was the last to fall, and as he went down beneath the fire of the Boy Fiend, a howl of pain escaped his lips. When he fell, the terrible battle of death was over. Around within the little circle, between. the corraled wagons were stretched the lifeless forms of the emigrants—the Jew families and the teamsters; the © Resvilles and the Stones—with the excep- tion of Edith, who was yet crouching inside ~ her father’s wagon ; and Old Avalanche and Tom Jaggers, who had fallen side by side. Poor Edith! a bound and _ helpless prisoner within the colonel’s wagon, she had, perforce, witnessed the ruthless slaughter, and her pure young heart bled for the defenders, even though she could not raise a hand to defend them or herself. ““They’re all done for!’ cried the Boy Fiend, looking over into the corral, ‘so get to work and drag these wagons apart, and secure the plunder !”’ And sliding from his saddle, he approached ~ and peered between the curtains of the wagon within which Edith Stone was crouching. “Hello! here’s a girl, as I live! This way, Wagner; here’s a prize worth more than all the rest.” The lieutenant quickly came in answer to the young chief's call, and gazed in upon — the terrified maiden. “‘ A gal, true enough!’ he exclaimed, his — eyes lighting up with admiration. ““She’s bound and helpless,’ said the Boy Fiend, springing into the wagon. “Some of these emigrants have held her prisoner. What’s your name, girl?” Edith did not reply ; she could not, for sie horror of her situation held her speech- © ess. “Come ! growled Wild, Ivan—for this was the name Le soe ruffian had given to the Brother- | tS Per out and tell me your name, oe Il be the worse for you!” “Let her alone, chief” cried Wagner | from the outside. ‘‘ Don’t ye see she’s too skeered to speak ? She'll cum to her oats.) an’ by.” : “Yl bet she will, when I get her to the camp!” replied the youth, a grim smile wreathing lips. ‘‘ Fetch my horse lieutenant, and I'll be off with her. You can finish the job and Teturn t¢ he: quarters at one, leisure. come! none of your sulks!” —

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THE END OF WILD IVAN 7 The lieutenant brought the horse close to the wagon, and seizing Edith in his strong young arms, Wild Ivan vaulted lightly into the saddle. “Fetch everything of value, including the animals, Wagner!” were his orders ; then he plunged the spurs into his animal’s flanks, and dashed away. ~ After he had gone the Brothers turned to their work of pillage. Each wagon was ransacked and plundered in turn, and drawn aside, and then the bodies of the butchered emigrants were robbed of weapons and - ammunition, and such articles as were con- sidered of value. The mules and horses were lined together, and then the torch was applied to the ‘wagons. Having with this latter act completed their work, the outlaws secured their booty to the backs of the captured mules, and mounting their own animals, set out toward their stronghold. It must have been full two hours after the outlaws had quitted the spot, that a figure might have been seen to slowly rise to a sitting posture among the dead, and gaze around through the thickening gloom. “Wal, by ther great whale thet engulfed Joner, ef this ain’t wuss nor ary graveyard at midnight,” drawled forth a cracked, wheezy voice. “May I be _ teetotally annihilated ef I ain’t ther only ressereckted human in ther crowd. Hello! what ther dickens aire them?” The wagons had burned down to the ground, and the few blazing timbers re- maining sent a faint glow around into the _ darkness, and partly visible within this light were two moving objects. “Great Zebulom Zackariaher!’’ burst forth from among the dead, “ef they ain’t my Prudence Cordeliar an’ Flor’nce Night- in-a-gale!. Here, ye dasted brutes—this Way, ye ornery j’ints o’ ther Annihilation. Yer pard ar’ better ’n six dead men yit. Walk up an’ shake.” And Old Avalanche leaped lightly to his feet, while his pets trotted joyfully forward, manifesting their pleasure by loud bleats _ and whinnies. ‘Cum, Prudence, gal, let’s be off,’ he said. “‘Can’t stop fer burial now; sum day mebbe we'll cum back an’ creamate _w’at bones the wolves leave” ; and while _ thus speaking the old man mounted the _sorry-looking horse, and followed by his eccentric companion, the goat, rode rapidly away toward the Black Hills, that lay miles _ away to the south. _ Not ten minutes after the guide’s de- ‘parture there was another stir among the dead. bodies that dotted the prairie, and iy Base cits rf-3, E 4 See bounded away among the cottonwoods. again a figure rose to a sitting posture and azed around. This time it was Colonel rafton Stone, who had risen as it were from the dead. During the battle a bullet had ploughed a furrow across his. temple and stunned him, but he had recovered con- sciousness about the same time Old Avalanche had arisen to greet his animal companions. For reasons of his own the colonel had chosen to be counted among the dead, until after the old veteran’s departure. “Ivan has captured the girl,” he said, gazing into the gloom in the direction which Old Avalanche had gone, “ and that accursed guide has gone in quest of her! Furies take the old wretch! I believe he has suspected more than he let on, all along.” The colonel rose to his feet, and gazed at the dimly discernible bodies lying around him, stark and stiff. Then he turned away and strode off through the gloom. Hardly had his footsteps died out, when for a third time that night there was a commotion among the dead, and the mysterious Tom Jaggers sprang to his feet, - and skulked away, evidently in pursuit of the colonel. In the meantime, where were the young outlaw, Wild Ivan, and his fair captive ? After leaving the Brothers to their work of plunder, the youth dashed swiftly away over the plain, urging his steed to the top:of his speed. He ro without using the rein, for his arms were clasped closely about poor Edith, who was half-dead with terror, for she realized that she was being borne away into captivity. “On, Target!” the Boy Fiend cried, applying the spurs. ‘“‘ We must get into the Hills before dark.” The flying outlaw now left the prairie, and dashed into the timber that fringed Bell’s creek, and in a short time his horse was swimming the deep but narrow stream. _ It was when in the middle of it that he heard a shout, and looked back to behold another horseman, masked like himself, riding swiftly down the bank in pursuit. . ‘Furies! that man is Deadwood Dick ! What can bring him so far up north? And what does he want of me—the girl?” “Hello! halt there, pilgrim!’ came a shout over the water, in the unmistakable voice of the road-agent of the Black Hills— the dauntless, daring Deadwood Dick. — “Slow up, if ye don’t want me to salivate you!” ‘ Gero But Wild Ivan sent back a yell of ene ae, defiance, as with a mighty leap his steed cleared the opposite bank of the stream, and

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iS i “Oh! so that’s your game, is it?” ~ muttered Deadwood Dick, with a low laugh. “Well, all right. If you think you can; show me your heels, so be it. Reckon that gal will be my property before I am many ours older,” and urging his own thorough- bred upon the bank, the young Prince of the Road gave him free rein, and away darted the animal, treading the forest aisles with the ease of an old experienced trailer. CHAPTER IV ‘THE ROAD-AGENT GALLANT ' On—on over the prairie sped Wild Ivan, with his beautiful prize clasped close to his breast, his steed urged down to a dead run under the cruel torture of the Mexican spurs. _ And swiftly in pursuit came the young knight of the road, Deadwood Dick, his own spirited black urged to his utmost speed. Wild Ivan, as he glanced back, now and then, perceived that the road-agent was gaining, perceptibly, though yet he was over a gunshot behind. ~ “Curses on the fellow!” the youth , “muttered, using the spurs more savagely ; ; _ “he seems bound to overtake me.’ On flew the pursued, and on came the urtsuer, now gaining rapidly, for when the horse. of Wild Ivan had exhausted its endurance and was momentarily losing, lash, the black charger of Deadwood Dick, “was apparently as fresh as at the beginning of the chase. And it was not the intention 9§ the road-agent to spend the entire i) strength of his animal. Across the pommel "of his saddle lay a handsome Evans rifle Et _in the grasp of his gauntleted hands, and re than once during the race had its muzzle covered the flying outlaw, but each time it had been lowered, while an ex- pt ession of vexation would come into the re picacing black orbs of the pursuer. Try as _ he might he could not obtain a sight without tisking the life of Wild Ivan’s captive. “7 am going to venture one shot, anyhow, if it kills or no!” muttered Deadwood Dick, last. . The next instant there was a flash d a report which aroused the prairie oes, and the bullet sped on its vengeful struck the arm of the flying outlaw i the elbow, shattering the bone and throwing it out of joint ; and so sudden was he shock that with a howl of pain Wild Ivan released his hold upon Edith, and she’ went ; foremost off on to the gro “5 THE END OF * WILD IVAN _ close upon him to risk aimammea _ by my men, I was unable to re retake the girl; therefore, with his rr hand useless, nothing remained but flig! “ud cursing furiously the youth—a human tend, indeed—drove the spurs deeper into his animal’s bleeding flanks, and shot away into the thickening gloom. 5 Deadwood Dick did not follow furt than to the spot where Edith had taken’ unceremonious tumble. Here he reined i Flash, and dismounting, found Edith sitti upon ‘the grass, rubbing her head with h hands, which she had managed to extricate from their bonds. sar “Ha! did you get hurt by the fall?” asked Dick, anxiously bounding forward. “No, thanks to you—only m received a slight bruise,” replied Edi faintly. Then, for the first, she perc the mask upon her rescuer’s face, and ge guage of surprise and alarm escape her lips. “What! can it be possible | you are an outlaw, too?’ “Well, yes, miss—a sort of one, as look at it. My warfare, however, is again men, instead of women!” was ck pleasant reply. “I am _ the notorious road-agent Prince of the Hills—Deadwood Dick, at your servi “ Then you will let me go free, wish ?” “ Assuredly, and it will afford me “gre pleasure to conduct you to whatever po you may name, from which you can find transportation to your home, wherever that may be.” “Oh! sir, I thank you!” cried Edi gratefully. ‘‘ But I know not where I have no home that I know o several years I have been a prisoner | power of a cruel uncle and aunt, who s my home and brought me away whil father was absent on a tour through Eur. “Indeed!” Dick gave vent to longed whistle. “‘So there has been afoot against you, eh? Who was young cuss who was carrying you off ? ’ Edith hesitated. It might not be we her to make this road-robber her co’ She was wholly ignorant of the - man he was. He might be worse thz Wild Ivan for all she knew. “That was the chief of the outla attacked our train, and massacre emigrants,” she replied, evasively. “I was a witness of the mass Dick, “ but being alone and ‘fovrender Mi padarcer’ tothe train, for it

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de | SAP EG oe - and it was to visit destruction upon it that we came so far north. I generally hold - forth around Deadwood.” “Yes, I have read of your exploits in that neighbourhood,” Edith replied. ‘* You have a very charming wife, I understand ?” “Yes, miss;’’ and Deadwood Dick’s dark eyes lit up handsomely—‘ one of the dearest little women that ever set foot in this wilderness, is my Leone. If I could prevail upon you to go to our ‘ Castle,’ as ‘we call it, nothing could afford me greater _ pleasure than to present you to her. I am positive you would love my darling when once you knew her. But come!, night is | falling around us, and we must necessarily be moving. You say you have no home. Let me then offer you the hospitality of my home, until you can determine upon your future movements.” “You are very kind, sir,” she replied, looking thoughtfully at the ground—‘“‘ so kind that I fear I shall never be able to _ tepay you. Of course had I another place to go, it would be preferable to me, rather _ than to go into an outlaw’s stronghold. But alas! I see no other way than to accept _ your kind invitation. In the course of a few days I may come to a decision what is best for me to do.” . - “Very well, Miss——~ -“ My name is Stone, sir—Edith Stone.” “Very well, Miss Stone; any time you _ may choose to leave us, I will furnish you aes escort either to Deadwood or Bozeman, from whence you will find trains departing \ almost every day. Now, then, I guess we had better set out for the Castle. These - plains are not safe, once night sets in.” “Tam ready, sir, as soon as you cut these bonds that bind my feet.” Ahi. why didn’t I think of them efore?”’ and with a sweep of his knife leadwood Dick severed the cords, and then issisted Edith to her feet. ‘‘ Now, miss, f you will occupy my saddle, I will walk ahead, and we shail reach the Castle before daylight.” For several hours Deadwood Dick led on _ without pausing, over broken prairie that - finally ended among the mountain foothills, where low, scraggy patches of timber predominated. : Here he halted, and waited for Edith to come up. She saw that the steady march iad fatigued him, by the heaving of his chest and the shortness of his breath. - “You should have ridden in my place ; the horse could have carried us both, and y saved you so much labour,” she 4) ead a THE END OF WILDIVAN + og _ above the plains, i and dry. Come this i Y, ji i Io double duty, I would undertake the burden myself 1” was the reply. : After a short rest he led the way into a deep and narrow canyon, whose rock-sides rose perpendicularly to a great height. The — bottom was covered with heavy timber, — through which Flash picked his way easily, seeming to take pains not to go under limbs low enough to harm his beautiful charge. . When hours had passed, as Edith sup- posed, Deadwood Dick stopped beside a — ledge of rocks that towered heavenward, and seizing a rope that dangled down from far above, he gave it a violent jerk, then turned to Edith. : “You will dismount here,’’ he said, assisting her to alight. ‘‘ Rub Flash down well, Ceripo”’—to a dark, dwarfish fellow, who had suddenly emerged from the gloom, “‘ and see that he has proper care.” ee The man nodded, and led the horse up the ~ pass. ’ As he disappeared, Edith was greatly surprised to see a large open tub or car ~ descend at her feet, into which Deadwood Dick handed her to a seat. ; WM “This is my chariot!” he laughed, seeing her amazement. “It is a car. lowered by means of a huge crane, from the plateau, two hundred feet above. This is some of Cambre’s ingenuity, Cambre’s my lieutenant.” tg The car now began to rise slowly, and continued to ascent for several moments, finally stopping in mid-air. Overhead a huge arm reached gut, and to this the car was suspended. The arm now, however, began to swing around, the bucket descended and was safely set down in the centre of a large level plateau, on which a reflector from a lamp set in a niche in the mountain. side threw a flood of light. cy “Here we are!” c~ , : Deadwood Dick ex claimed, pleasantly, as he helped her from the car, “‘ at Castle , four hundred feet — way, Miss Stone; I see Leone, now, com: ing to meet me!” And Edith followed, little dreaming tha: her advent was to be the cause of much bitterness—of sorrow, jealousy, and pain, J CHAPTER V THE CHEROKEE GIRL AVENGEE “Jim Crow shot a man, An’ shot him all ter pieces, of all ibis i ne o him ar a cupple little greasers. So hop along, skip along, lad just so——” a i 1e | Do i ie, Saas kas iD tera, th

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10 THE END OF WILD IVAN peered around him, as if expecting the approach of an enemy. But he evidently found the surroundings to his satisfaction, for he resumed his occupation, whistling merrily. It was rather an odd scene to which we introduce the reader. Through the heart of a tree-environed dell at the bottom of a deep mountain gorge, noisily rushed an infant stream of water on its way to the great prairies to the north. A man sat upon the bank gazing idly into ue waters, a quizzical expression upon his ‘ace. He was a lank, long individual, well along in lite—undeniably a mixture of Yankee and native Missourian, and about as comical- looking a genius as one will often meet. Sallow and angular in feature, with hair, eyes and beard all of a decided blonde cast 5 legs and arms long and unwieldy; and attired in a dress of homespun, fancifully relieved by gay ribbons; such was a pen picture taken at a glance. He was well armed with revolvers, knife and rifle. His only occupation, as he sat perched there upon the bank, appeared to be watch- ing the water, which rushed swiftly down the gorge over its rough rocky bed, creating weird music that echoed and re-echoed up the dull grey walls that towered on either hand. 3, Yas, Chris Columbus diskivered America!” muttered the uncouth indi- yidual, reflectively, ‘‘ an’ got put inter ther jeeographies fer doin’ it. ’Twar a great lift fer Kit, an’ he wore his laurels like an ugly mule wears a sour expression onter his countenance. An’ now thet I, Josiah W. Hogg, excluded member frum Legislature, poet o’ Powder River Range, an’ own cousin ter Wawkeen Miller an’ sech_ shinin’ flickerin’ lights o’ ther poetical profession as Moar, Shakespear an’ Oakey Hall, hev diskivered an infantile streamlet, I ken’t see but w’at I shed enjoy ekal honor wi’ ole Kit Columbus an’ his crew. *“ As Moar sez : ““©Yer fame shall rise ter mount’ins hi’, Whar buzzeth the. bee, an’ flyeth the fly.’ ‘*A great feller was thet Moar—— Hello!” Josiah suddenly ceased his poetical ee as the sound of footsteps greeted im. Glancing quickly behind him he saw a female figure glide from the undergrowth and approach him. But what was most alarming, he perceived that she carried a cocked revolver in her hand, ready for instant use. “ Holey Jerusalem !” burst from, “the poet’s lips; “who in thunderation ar’ this petticoater? An Injun gal, true’s Mary heda little lamb, whose fleece war white as snow, an’ everywhere. Fearlessly the girl came forward, and paused by the poet’s side, her fierce black eyes glaring down at him in evident anger. She was not a full-blooded Indian girl, but a half-breed, as was apparent from her features and complexion, which was light and clear. She was clad in the costume of an Indian princess, and wore jewels upon her fingers that must have cost large sums. To Josiah she appeared rather a savage- looking queen, however. ““Ugh!” she articulated, in better English than is generally encountered among the half-breeds, and she scowled darkly upon the hunter. “Yes, ma’am ; rising and doffing his hat. your ughship have ? ”’ A startling burst of laughter pealed from the girl’s lips. “What d’ye larf at ?’’ demanded Josiah indignantly. “What d’ye cum here for— what d’ye want—who on ’arth be you?” ““T am Sue!” was the reply. “Sue, eh? What ar’ yer business with me? My name ar’ Josiah William Hogg, at yer od cepemta | a cases being spelt wi’ two or more ti “Ugh! Sue is a Cnaiokies girl. Her ficken’ was a white trader—her mother a Cherokee queen. Sue comes hither on the trail of an enemy—one who has ruined her life and then fled, leaving her with a father- less babe. Sue drowned the puny brat because it was his. Then she fled from the reservation, to visit vengeance on the head of her pale-face betrayer. You, white hunter, must tell me where he is!” “ “Oh! Lordy gracious!” gasped Josiah, in genuine amazement. ‘I don’t know, gal—don’t know no more about yer spouse nor did the boy ’t stood on ther burnin’ deck !” “Wagh! the white hunter lies! He is trying to fool Sue, because she is a Cherokee. But he shall tell, or she will shoot him, and take his scalp !’ ; And up came her revolver on a level with the poet’s head, much to Josiah’s con- sternation. ; “Now, lookee heer, gal, thar’s no use 0” yer gittin’ up on yer eare, fer I swow ter gracious I don’t know nothin’ about yer feller. Tell me his name, an’ I'll think ef — I ever stumbled across him; that’s fair, now, ain’t it?” “Ves, fair,” replied the girl, slowl: “You are a man with a long ‘tongue, yi Sue will trust you. yan Stone is his ni ugh!” replied Josiah, “What will

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THE END OF WILD IVAN “Tvan Stone, hey ? heerd o’ sech a feller ; gospel.” + “Wark!” suddenly whispered Sue, clutching the poet by the shoulder ; “‘ listen ! some one is coming up the gorge. Quick, come into the bushes !”” Then they crouched silently in their Wal, gal, I never that’s true as the covert, and waited, the eyes of Cherokee © Sue gleaming savagely. . The echo of a horse’s feet rang through the gorge, growing plainer each moment, and soon a horseman came into view, riding at a swift gallop. He was none other than the young chief of the Brotherhood of Death, the Boy Fiend, Wild Ivan ! A startling hiss escaped the half-breed girl’s lips, as her piercing gaze fell upon him, and she trembled, violently. "Tis he !”’ she whispered, savagely, “‘ he, the young devil who wrecked my life!” “Thunderation! is that the weasel ? Hold on—just let me put an electric liver- pill inter his constitution——” “No! no!” Sue checked the impetuous poet’s movement. “The time has not come, let him go. We will follow, we will track the wolf to his lair, and there corner him. Then, you shall see the Cherokee girl’s vengeance.” Wild Ivan galloped swiftly up the gorge unaware that one of his bitterest foes was crouching so close upon his trail. He had not returned to his stronghold after losing Edith Stone upon the prairie, but had _ camped in among the foothills until day once more dawned, choosing to thread the mountains by daylight rather than by darkness. And too, he half feared to return and announce to the Brotherhood the loss of his captive. Without interruption he was allowed to ‘pursue his way, and when he had vanished from view around a bend in the gorge, Sue turned to Josiah quietly. “‘Come!”’ she said, her eyes shining in a peculiar way, “it is time for us to go. Will you follow where the Cherokee girl leads ? ”” “Ter ther death, gal.” “TI will go ahead,” Cherokee Sue said ; “* you follow at my heels, without a word.” The half-breed girl stole from the under- _ brush, and stealthily made her way up the gorge, her soft footsteps arousing no echo— her movements like those of a cat. _ Thus the two followed swiftly but silently up thergorge through which Wild Ivan had, ridden on his way to the stronghold. ‘They soon came to the place where it was tomary for the outlaws to take to the Nee and the half-breed girl led the way abound with roving bands of red-skin: ‘the water without hesitation, Josiah Tks finally following suit with many ejaculations and poetical. quotations. The water was only about knee-deep, but very swift and muddy, so that it was with considerable difficulty that a footing was maintained. Several times Josiah went down, sousing himself all over, but Sue kept up boldly. But the farther they went the swifter and deeper grew the stream, the roaring ‘water now reaching to their waists. Finally the girl stopped, her attitude one of listening—her eyes wild and gleaming. “ What’s up ? ” demanded Josiah, shiver- ing in his cold bath. ‘“‘ Lookin’ ter see ’f ye can’t find deeper water ? ”’ “Ugh! no! we must turn back,” was the low, cautious response. “There are horsemen coming down the stream 1” : CHAPTER VI THE ROAD-AGENT HUNTERS Out upon the boundless prairie, not many miles from where had occurred the massacre of the train, in a little grove of cottonwoods that hid the course of a deep, yawning chasm from view, was a camp-fire burning brightly, around which were grouped two- score of men, attired in the picturesque costume of the frontiersman, and armed with repeating-rifles and handsomely- mounted belt-weapons. He in’command was a tall, handsome fellow, with fair complexion, hair and moustache, steel-grey eyes and well-cut features, while his form was strikingly developed in muscle and sinew. Captain Norris Setan had been educated by an officer of the regular army, and was a perfect scout and ranger, often venturing into danger where older heads would have hesitated to go, but ever coming out crowned with success. It was his quiet boast never — to have lost a battle, and he had participated in many. In Captain Setan’s command he counted two of the first scouts on the border—Jolly Jack and Scott Sherwood, both of whom were yet in the thirties, and thoroughly experienced trailers, who had won their name in the Lava Beds war. Captain Norris had just come in from the depths of the timber, and stood leaning against a tree, close to the fire. bi f 6 2 Seas, “It wouldn’t be a bad idea to stationa guard, boys,” he was saying, in his pleasant, — cheery way. ‘‘ To my notion, these prairies b skins, even. though Sitting Bull has gonenorth.” “That mought be, capt’in,” coinci

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12, Jolly Jack, with a nod of approval. “I saw “plenty of Injun signs along the route to-day, though I said nothing erbout it.” _ “ And I saw the same,” added Sherwood, ; geely, “Tl vouch that there’s plenty 0’ ioux-in this vicinity.” “Then we must have sentinels posted!” cried Setan, quickly. “‘ We surely wish to lose no men by the savages, when we shall need them all to compete with Sir Deadwood. Dick. Kellogg, you may choose three men - besides yourself, and guard the camp. I will see that you are relieved at midnight.” _ Accordingly, four of the band were stationed off in the forest, where the light ’ of the camp-fire could not reach them. ‘ Captain Norris paced to and fro in front of the fire, nervously impatient at some- thing, though he spoke not for a long time. Finally, the veteran Mountain Mike, broke the silence : “’Bout time we heered from Rivers, ain’t it, captain ? Yes, past time. We should have heard from him two hours ago. It isn’t six hours’ tide to the hills, and he has been gone two ' days. I cannot, account for his delay.” “ Mebbe he got nabbed on the trail!” “Bosh! Lem Rivers is too smart to be caught snoozing. He will probably turn up before another day. At this juncture ee was the tramp of a iy horse’s feet, and to the astonishment of the _ upon a scrawny grey mare, and followed by * a vicious-looking billy goat, rode leisurely : into their midst, using as little ceremony as though he belonged to the party. “Hello! who in blazes are you, plete and how do you comevhere ?” cried par > Setan, an expression of merriment in his “Where d’ye cum from, old chap Rat “**Whoa-a-a! Prudence gal; jes’ stop, wull ye!” shouted the odd rider, pulling back on the reins with all his apparent ‘strength. “Good-mornin’, gentlemen— tho’ et do appear kinder duskish. Seen ” anything *round these parts uy a_ young, ornery specimen o’ Eve’s rib, who war n’ off a gal, as war purty as a sun- flower in December ? “No! nothing of that sort has passed this way during the last two days,” assured Captain Norris. *Hain’t, eh? Wal, thet’s too bad. Ye ee they hed a massyker down hayr, a few thes | arternoon, an’ me an’ the eal lighted—thet is, warn’t killed. ay aerchee carried off ther gal, an ther back pager aT 2 So I’m huntin’ for, the “THE END OF 1} WILD IVAN. camp, an old grizzled individual, mounted. - into the gloom.” “Indeed! this is all news to me. Sd are you, old man?’ “Me! ! What! sweeps like ttenrtinie thru these boreal latitudes an’ longitoads—ther giant snow- slide o Norweegy—ther great cantankerous, roarin’ hurricane 0 extermination ? Didn’t ye nevyr heer tell 0’ this great acheevement ? Wal, sir, I hev ther honer ter be thet same Avalanche.” ‘ ““Old Avalanche, eh? It seems to me I’ve heerd of you before, pilgrim,” replied Setan; “but I cannot say just where. Who and what is this Brotherhood ‘of Death, of which you speak ? ” “ Great Zebulom Zackariaher ! ye heerd about them, nuther? Must : bas ye’ re strangers in this lattytude.” “So we are, comparatively. we have camped, here, ends our Lionas € of this northern country. We come from Deadwood City.” “Phew! ye don’t say so? Wal ; be figgered ! What on ’arth fetched ye up hayr?” ““We are road-agent hunters, old in search of one notorious raseal and out 4 who calls himself Deadwood Dick. We've chased him up here, and are now waiting for one of our spies to report his whe: abouts.” < “Moses in the bullrushes ! An’ y got an ijee ye’re gain: ter CapORS Y ha CHESS Dick, hev ‘ae - t this juncture the sharp repo. rifle and a savage yell came echoing tte the forest aisles. Heaven! the red-skins attacked the guards !”’ cried Setan. “Great ham-bone that dislocated the j of old Venus!” cried Avalanche, sim taneously, and the next moment he allop i into the timber in one direction, while-¢ eccentric goat shot off in another. ‘ Jack Skeered out, by Christmas!” dec ac “Far from it,” grimly replied S erw. “You might be proud if you stood in old target’s shoes. He’s a ‘ hailstarm, he says!” Ear: “To arms! boys, to arm: Captain Norris, and his order obeyed. ‘Kick out the ‘fire, and | No sooner said than done i it h ited, br

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THE END OF WILD IVAN firing off his gun at some suspicious object,” suggested Norris, growing uneasy. “Mebbe not!” was Scott Sherwood’s grim response. ‘Hold steady, and you'll soonysee plenty of Injuns!” And it proved that his words were prophetic, for a few moments later a flash and a report came from his rifle, and a shrill screech of pain resounded on the still night. “That tells the tale!’’ the scout said, quietly, and so it did, for by the blaze that issued from the rifle barrel, more than one of the rangers beheld a tufted head and savage face, in the gloom among the trees. The truth was quite evident—the savages were creeping stealthily upon them! “Keep your eyes peeled, and use your revolvers at short range, boys!” ordered Sherwood, quietly ; for Captain Setan was suddenly missing from their midst. ‘‘ Have you seen the captain?” “Here I am,’? Setan replied, from the ground where he lay. “Go on, Scott; I leave you in command.” ‘*In God’s name, what is the matter, -captain?”’ the grim scout demanded, springing to Norris’s side. _ But there came back no answer. The barbed shaft of an arrow protruded from the young commander’s breast, and— he was dead! : eo Sherwood saw this at a glance, and a groan escaped his lips. , . “The poor boy is dead!” he said to Jolly Jack, as he arose with tears trickling down his cheeks. “ Pass the word to the rest, and tell them to hold firm for his ~ sake. Our lives depend upon vigilance ! ” Jolly Jack obeyed. Every ranger stood ready for instant - ey action : Sherwood stood by the side of his - fallen captain, like an avenging shadow. : * Great ham-bone that dislocated Venus’s “He is dead,” replied Sherwood, hoarsely —‘‘ killed by an arrow!” Zebulom Zackariaher ! is that so? Lucky! thar’s about twenty million o’ Pur; le Eye’s red niggurs layin’ around loose 1 hese yere woods. I killed six by way o’ amoosement back hayr.” : a material we’re made of?” queried Why don’t they pitch in an’ find what — -*Pears ter me they’re waitin’ 5 Lae ae eet -comin’.”” 4 na 13 “Yas. I shedn’t wonder ef I devastated” the sun of a gun as war ter give the signal, an’ they’re waitin’ fer him ter be resser- eckted.” “ Are we surrounded, then?” ‘“‘Bullrushes in Moses, yes—on every side.” 4 ““Where’s your horse and goat?” ““S’pect they’re outside on ther perarie, waitin’ fer ther music ter begin, when you'll see ’em cum dancin’ in like hot peas on a cold griddle.” as A rifle cracked at this instant, and was followed by the startling death-yell of an Indian. And then there arose upon the air of the still autumnal night a chorus of fiendish yells and exultant war-whoops, and a cloud of arrows and volley of bullets came in upon the besieged whites, while from all sides poured a dense swarm of the ene red-skins, their howls making a perfect Pandemonium. } ‘Stand firm, boys!’ rang out the clear voice of Scott Sherwood; “make every — bullet count—then club your rifles and use your knives. Courage! courage! and — we'll sweep the cussed imps from the face o’ the earth!” eee a” hoe CHAPTER VIL JEALOUSY VERSUS LOVE “My beauty!” he exclaimed, “I am — glad to get back.” ; “And I am glad to have you back, Eddie ; but what female have you brough here?” and the young wife shot an inquir ing glance toward Edith, who stood by, curious spectator. : “ This is Miss Stone, a young lady whom I rescued from a young cuss who calls him- self Wild Ivan—the new chief of the Brother hood of Death, of whom I told you last night. Miss Stone, this is my dar little wife—my Leone!” 0 And as he spoke, Harris gazed at h loved so well, with proud admiration. Me Bae to meet you, Miss ancing ENTS

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‘ that impressed Edith unfavourably. 14 “y trust we shall be friends, for I have none of my sex for companionship—but, then, whom could I ask for more than my Road- Agent Richard, here ? ” “None other, I should say,” returned ‘Edith, candidly. ‘‘ You seem to think a great deal of each other.” “Which we do,” assented Dick. ‘‘ Leone and I could not get along without each other. But, come—let us go to the Castle, where no doubt we will find food awaiting us, for I am as hungry as a starved wolf.” And offering an arm to each of the girls, the Prince of the Road escorted them through the cavernous entrance into an immense grotto that pierced the mountain with great chambers and cells like a veritable honeycomb. The floor and walls were smooth and level, and the ceilings, far above, were densely hung with grotesque stalactitic figures and pendent vines, whose flowers exhaled a faint, delicious perfume. In the first chamber a long row of rudely- manufactured tables were stretched across the floor, from which two negro waiters be clearing the remnants of the evening meal. “This is the general dining-room for the boys,” Dick explained, as they went along. After passing through several airy chambers, whi were unoccupied, they struck into a narrow passage, turning off of which they entered Deadwood Dick's -own suite—four rooms in all and connected by natural archways. The first room was made to answer the purpose of dining- room and parlour, and was _ tastefully arranged with neat furniture and carpet, while a bright fire burned to one side, the smoke escaping through a hole overhead. While Leone was in the adjoining apart- ment preparing the evening repast, Dead- wood Dick seated himself and chatted pieposntly with Edith. He explained to er the interesting points of their wild aerial retreat ; also that it could be reached only by two routes—one by coming up in the car, and the other by a_ precipitous rugged mountain-path that led ten miles before debouching among the lower gorges. Edith in turn narrated a few events of her westward journey; and the longer she conversed with the gentlemanly young road-agent, the more favourably she was impressed with his appearance. eir téte-d-téte was at length interrupted ' by one of the coloured waiters announcing _ Edith to the white-spread table, taking a _ seat directly opposite. - ¢ that supper was ready. Graciously Deadwood Dick conducted THE END OF WILD IVAN ““Where is Leone, Sam?” asked Dick, quickly noticing the absence of his wife. “Dunno, Mars’r Dick,” replied the negro with a grin, ‘‘s’pec’ she’s done gone off to her room a-cryin’, sar!” e “Crying!” Deadwood Dick was out of his chair in a twinkling. ‘“‘ What in the deuce was she crying about ? ” “Couldn’t say, mars’r,” was the reply, but the man gave a glance toward Edith that our hero comprehended instantly. “Oh!” he said, ‘I guess I know. You will please excuse me, Miss Stone, while I go and fetch back the truant.” “‘ Certainly,” replied Edith, and then he hurried away. , Edith saw with her keen perception how matters lay. Leone was jealous of the attention her husband had_ innocently paid to her, a stranger, as a due courtesy toa guest. Of this there could be no doubt. And yet Edith could not see what cause her hostess had to be jealous. : Deadwood Dick hastened toward Leone’s room, a pained and yet amused expression about his mouth. “The little jealous chit,” he muttered ; ‘if this is the way matters are going I shall be sorry——” He pushed into Leone’s chamber, which was tastily furnished and hung. A bed stood in one corner, but Leone was not upon it, as he had expected. Neither was she in the room. “This is strange,” Dick muttered, quit- ting the place, and running along a passage that led to the general rendezvous-chamber of the road-agents. ‘‘ I don’t see where she can have gone.” In the main room a number of the band were gathered about the tables, engaged — at a game of cards. “Has my wife passed this way toward the plateau, Cambre?” was the question Dick put to the lieutenant, in some alarm. “No, captain. Has not been in this direction since you went in with her and rad other gal,” replied Cambre, respect- ully. : The young chief turned back, a frown _ visible upon his brow, for he had removed his mask on reaching the plateau. need “‘T’ve half a notion to let her get over her sulks, and return when she pleases, dashed if I ain’t !” he muttered; but then tender remembrances flashed across his min and with a pain of anxiety tugging at | heart he kept on. f One after another of the grotto hone: combs he explored, by the aid of a blazing torch, and at last, in the remotest one oe whole lot, he found the object of his se —Leone} © P Jyh! ENS

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THE END OF WILD IVAN rapes bs: She was lying prostrate upon the cold, damp, rocky floor, enveloped in a cloak of furs, and sobbing bitterly, her little figure violently agitated with her emotion. Harris knelt by her side and placed his hand gently upon the throbbing head— the little head with its wealth of brick-hued hair he loved so well. ““Leone!’’ he said, tenderly, ‘what is the matter? Why. have you come here in this damp, lonesome place, crying ? Come! let me help you up, and then you must tell me the cause of your grief.” There was no answer—only the prostrate girl sobbed the harder. ““Come, darling,” he continued, raising her head and’shoulders into his arms, and’ kissing away the tears that trickled down the whitened cheeks, ‘“‘ look up, won’t you ? Don’t cry so. What have I done? Are you jealous because I chatted with that stranger? Oh! Leone! you _ shouldn’t be, for you know that I love you better than my life—that I worship the very ground you ” “Stop!” she cried, so suddenly that he was startled. She had struggled from his arms to her feet, now; her tears had ceased to fall. ‘Stop, Edward Harris!”’ she re- peated, sternly; “let this matter drop here. You return to your supper.” Then she turned and swept away. Dick did not attempt to follow her this time, but took another route back to the chamber where he had left Edith. Edith was waiting, having eaten nothing while he was absent; so they ate in com- pany. Very little was said, however. Edith was somewhat constrained in her speech, remembering what had occurred. After Dick had partaken of the repast, he left Edith and went off into the men’s quarters. At least, Leone should not have cause to say again that he lingered at the side of their fair guest. Edith amused herself for a while in looking over some books, of which Dead- wood Dick had quite a collection. Leone came in presently, and helped Sam to remove the tea service. Her face was _very pale, and her eyes red and swollen. Edith saw it in a moment, and gliding quietly to Leone’s side she threw her arms ‘ impetuously around her neck. “You are angry—jealous of me, aren’t you, dear Leone?” she said, kissing the white lips of the young wife.. “ Jealous, and without cause, too. Oh! don’t be, please. You have nothing to fear rom me, and I am sure your husband loves you dearly.” Leone put her off almost fiercely. “Don’t!” she said, deprecatingly, and there was a menace in her tone. “I want ~ nothing to do with you. Leave me—go!” And she stamped her foot imperiously. Frightened at the deadly tea in her eye, Edith turned away and began looking over the books again. A fear now assailed her that the jealous wife in her frenzy might do her harm—might murder her while she slept. And the more she thought upon the subject the stronger grew her fears, until she was all trembling and agitation. What eb she do? And but one plan offered itself. She would go to Deadwood Dick and make known her fears, and he would pro- tect her. With this view in keeping, she left the chamber in which they had dined, and sped through the dark passages and apartments of the grotto. But not taking the main route, it was nearly an hour ere she saw a. light to one side, and found herself in the rendezvous chamber, where the whole of the band, unless it be with exception of outposted guards, were gathered. Edith stopped in the centre of the room, terrified at the many masked faces turned toward her. But Carlos Cambre, Deadwood Dick’s gentlemanly lieutenant, came quickly for- ward to her relief. j *“ Excuse me, miss; but you are looking for some one, eh? ”” “Yes, sir. I was looking for Mr. * Harris—Deadwood Dick ? ” “Yes, sir. Where can I find him? 1 thought he was here.” “He went out, just a moment ago. Pass through that opening yonder, and you will find him on the plateau.” “Thank you!’ and Edith hurried away, glad to escape the gaze of so many curious eyes that gleamed through the masks. She soon emerged on to the wide level plateau. To her great surprise, she per- ceived that day had already dawned, and co the morning sun was lazily rising out of © the hazy prairie horizon, far to the east. Deadwood Dick stood at the edge of the — plateau, gazing moodily down into the canyon below, and did not hear Edith’s approach until she laid her little white hand upon his arm. “Mr. Deadwood Dick ! * He started at sound of her voice, and gazed down at her, almost angrily. “What! you here, sleep.” “I was afraid to go to bed, sir, your wife repulsed me so rudely. She hates me, and I fear will do me injury.” z i @ Va Miss Stone? f£ thought you were enjoying a comfortable

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“Pooh! Leone would not harm a mouse. _. She's a little jealous, that’s all. It is the first I-had Jearned that she was of a jealous + nature. Have no fear that Leone will trouble yous for she will soon get over ae ei ” spunk.” : But these words did not agree with the Prince’s real opinion. Something told him that Leone had taken matters more _ deeply to heart than he had calculated— that she was not so easily conquered of her ; dealousy. \ CHAPTER VIII FIGHTING LIKE DEVILS _, Yrs, some one was coming down the stream, as the two trailers could plainly hear the splash of horses’ feet in the water, and, too, but a short distance off. “We must turn back !”’ repeated Chero- kee Sue, grimly, and throwing herself at full length, she allowed the rapid stream to bear her away. Having no other mode of escape at hand, Josiah followed her example, although he “was loth to get more drenched than he was. And they were not a moment too soon, for ‘Wagner and twelve of the Brotherhood _ appeared in sight. ; I’m mighty sure I heard voices!” the lieutenant was saying, while he peered around, inquiringly. Presently the Brothers left the stream, -and galloped swiftly away down its banks, through the morning sunlight. _ As soon as they were at a safe distance, two dripping figures also crawled ashore, ron proceeded to wring the muddy water sn their garments. 4 ‘say, you Cherry Key, w’at’s yer Baetreat views onter ther matter ?”’ asked Josiah. ss Ugh! !” replied Sue, grimly—‘ water nothin’ —do ranger good. Drove back once. | per’ again :—mebbe succeed this me. oe What ! ye ain’t goin’ ter stem thet -¢reek erein, aire ye ?”’ “Ugh! yes. Sue will go alone, if white unter am afraid. Who sed I was afraid ?” come si keep on tryin’ till ! ” de carefully up-the swift course of the ttle Madrass, Josiah dogging close at her , as if his life siepenanc on keeping THE END OF WILD ryan. hayr cum ther yelpin’ red ee Tye yelled Old Avalanche, as the red-skins Powys in swarms from out the black night. “ Lay fer "em, boyees !” But the little band. of road-agent hunters _ needed no urging. They fought like very devils. Foremost in the fight were Old Avalanches Scott Sherwoed, Jolly Jack and Mountain Mike, a their blows were dealt with bag: Nor were the red-skins the only sufferers. One by one the rangers went down, their — life-blood dyeing the woodland leaves, their groans inaudible in the pandenes of horrible screeches. Still the mad fight waged on. : Suddenly there was the crack of severa rifles from beyond the red-skins’ ranks, and part of them were obliged to turn and defend themselves from an attack in the rear. This gave the desperate road-agent hunters an advantage, and they followed it w fiercely. “Courage! boys; help is at. hand!” rang out words of cheer in the clear, ster voice of Scott Sherwood ; * strike, true an fast, and victory is soon. to be ours.” The firing continued on ‘the other side; which gave our friends renewed hope, while it also tended to alarm the savages. | Soon the red-skins began to find quar: unpleasantly close, and just as the victorious. rangers were contemplating a final stroke, there was a yell from a score of savage — throats, and a general scatter. Victory was awarded the little band but at what cost ! pie “We've won, mates !” he said, eee perspiration and powder- from | face. ‘Only a few are left, however, ai we had best bury our dead, and then ski There’ll be more of the red d down on us before another night !’” “You're just talkin’, stranger!” claimed a hearty voice, and turning, rangers beheld four figures comin Up. a “Red Kit La Rue, b de

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“THE END. OF WILD IVAN a t in the name o’ John Rogers, ever were engaged sorting out those of the yaad wha ught you up here, Sherwood ? ” little band who had fallen in the battle, e came with Captain Norris, Kit, in from pia the dead savages. A huge — a way of Deadwood Dick.” grave was hollowed out, and therein the % “You did? Wal, may lever be mother- poor fellows were laid, handsome Captain _ in-lawed. That’s the identical object that Norris being the last to be consigned to the a _ fetched me up hayr— this road-agent cuss.’ humble tomb. #2 a7 after the reward, then? ”’ Sherwood then turned to those gathered “ You're fishin 4 “Nary. I’m fishin’ after my gal, Alice. around him. : _ When Deadwood Dick vamoosed, my gal “* Mates!” he said, hoarsely, “we have ~ - also disappeared. So, natterally, I con- done our last work for our loved friends. - cluded thet ther dasted galoot kidnapped her, There is no more we could do if we were to” an’ ef I find thet he did, gol darn his picter, stay. Therefore, I propose that we get Ti manufacture him inter coyote food.” out of this.” _ “Who have you got with ye, thar?” “And whither will ye go? ” asked Red Kit. “Well, they’re ruther a split-up lot. "Into the Hills. Our work lies there. One’s a fellow called Tornado Tom ; anuther We should have been there this morning,» is a gentleman called Darrel, an’ t’other’s a only that we were awaiting the return of «queer sorter chap who calls hisself Tom Rivers, our spy.’ iy efferson. Jaggers; dunno what his pro- “Well, where you go, goes Red Kit,” ssion is. Picked him up back here replied the giant, “for ef Mr. Deadwood ways—got the other two at Bear Trail.” Dick’s got my gal, he’s the very nabobIam ~ sreat ham-bone that floored Jonah!’’ purtickler anxious to see.’ ¥ tied Avalanche, springing forward. “So be it, then. All who intend going “Reckon aforesed Jaggers aire one o’ my into the Hills, be kind enough to say so. _ party, as got massykerd. Give us yer paw. Jolly Jack, you go. and see if the horses Bow dye git ressereckted ? ? War deader’n have been disturbed. . a door-sill, last I see’d 0’ ye.” Jack hastened to obey. Jaggers laughed quietly. Soon he came running back, somewhat “a rts pele seems you and I both played dead, excitedly. isa old man,” he replied. “ Also another of the “They're gone—every durned beast!” Jot—Colonel Grafton Stone.” he cried, with an oath. Here an exclamation of surprise escaped * Bout as I expected,” said Sherwood. the gentleman Red Kit had called Darrel, ‘‘ We shall have to walk to the Hills.” ut whose real name he afterward affirmed There was no help for it, and ‘withon to be Stone. delay, the whole party set forth. But a: For travelling use he assumed the name of | soon as they were well out of the grove, it | rel as a disgi uise. was discovered that the Annihilator has ei Stone—Colonel Grafton Stone, did you deviated, from the main course, and wa ” he repeated, excitedly. speeding away to the southwest, on th A that is what I said,” repeated Jaggers. back of his war-horse, Prudence. ; -“ And was this Stone accompanied by his Strange to say. Florence Night-in-the- -gal i aS end one whom he calls his daughter, the goat had still remained with the com in? mand, which was sufficient argument to ‘He was. His wife was killed, and the convince one and all that they had not | ng lady carried off by a young robber| seen the last of the eccentric old fellow. Bs I overheard his companions After a day’s steady tramp. the little f i band reached the lower foot-slopes of the _ The man Darrel started violently. Black Hills range, where Tom Jefferson Tuan, you say---Wild Ivan?” i Jaggers took leave of them, followed: pe Yes, sir.” Mr. Darrel and Tornado Tom. oe Heaven, this makes two valuable In a gorge, where loneliness and- al iscoveries, Elkton,” Darrel said, turning were noticeable chatacteristics, Sherwo the: young frontiersman, whom Red Kit ordered camp to be pitched, and it parted as Tornado Tom. “Weare while the men were busy with preparati ssession of important clues, at least, that something occurred of a startling have ‘ound to work on—more than;we nature. i CHAPTER IX The difficult part pay dissolving, — to

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18. across the plateau, a dark frown upon his brow, a nervousness in his tread that bespoke great mental agitation. “Curse the hour that. ever induced me to bring the girl here!” he muttered, a trifle fiercely. ‘It looks like the total wrecking of my happiness. I cannot have her here, where she will constantly be a thorn in Leone’s path. What am I to do, then?” For fully an hour Dick patrolled the plateau, then he returned to the grotto, grim and moody. He met Leone in one of the passages, talking with Carlos Cambre, but passed on without deigning to notice her. She was looking pale and haggard. In his own luxuriously-furnished chamber he was undisturbed ; yet several times, while in a drowsy state, he was conscious of some one bending over him—conscious that a pair of warm lips were pressed to his in a passion- ate caress; but when a few minutes later he would rouse up and look around, the owner of those lips would be gone. But it gave him unbounded satisfaction that she still loved—his red-haired, heroic little Leone—that she had not allowed her mad jealousy to uproot the love in her heart ; and when he finally left his couch, ‘it was with a strong hope that the barrier between them had been broken—that the cloud of doubt no longer obscured the horizon of their life. ' Three days passed, and it was the morning of Edith’s fourth at the Castle. In the last two days she had only caught an occasional glimpse of Deadwood Dick as he flitted in and out of the grotto. Leone came at meal-time and ordered the atrangement of the repast, and then de- parted, scarcely deigning her fair guest a glance. But on this fourth morning she came in, a set look in her eyes; her lips expressed a firm resolve. “Your name is Edith Stone, is it not?” “Yes, ma’am,” Edith replied, wondering what was to come next. “Well, then, Edith Stone, know that your coming here has been ‘the means of forever parting me from my husband. He isa base deceiver, and you are the one who has won him away; so for your reward take this !”’ And springing fiercely upon poor Edith, the infuriated wife drove a glittering knife at the unsuspecting girl’s bosom. But before it touched the flesh, a hand wrenched it.to one side—and turning, Leone beheld a tall, lank stranger by her side—a man in whose grey eyes gleamed a light that: made _ her’ tremble. "7-1 SN | OR i ae Ae aed aa THE END OF WILD IVAN And that man we have met before, in the name of Thomas Jefferson Jaggers ! At this same moment, while Deadwood Dick was pacing the plateau outside the grotto, he beheld Cambre, his lieutenant, i oe stg with a dozen of the band at his eels. Surprised, as he had issued no orders for their departure from the grotto, the young chief stopped in the centre of the plateau, and waited for them to come up. “* How is this, lieutenant ; where bound?” he demanded, seeing that the outlaws were armed. ‘‘ Who gave you orders to leave the Castle?” “No one, captain,’ replied Cambre, flushing uneasily beneath the stern gaze of the Prince of the Road. “It is not our intention to leave the stronghold, but it becomes our painful duty to put you under arrest !” Deadwood Dick leaped back with an oath. “What! put me under arrest ? Are you crazy, man?” “No, captain. I never was more sane than now. It is by Madam Leone’s orders, and they are imperative.” V “Who commands here, I’d like to know— Leone or Deadwood Dick ? ” ‘a “Leone, at present, captain. You are our prisoner, and I hope you will not put us to unnecessary trouble. Probably a few days will fix things.” “No! It will never fix things!’’ Dead- wood Dick cried, his eyes blazing. ‘‘I am commander here, yet, I’ll have you know. Back to your places, every mother’s son of you! The first one that moves to lay a hand on me is a dead man!” ; And out came the young chief’s revolvers, in a twinkling, and to a level, at full cock. “Go!” he commanded, sternly, his voice — hoarse with passion. Beh “No, captain, we will never go!” replied Cambre, ‘‘until you go with us. At him, — boys! take him alive!” +s The road-agents sprang determinedly forward, and threw themselves upon their chief—he fired three shots, each of which — meant a death; then they overpowered him, by force of numbers, and bore him to the rocky floor, where he was securely — bound, hand and foot. Then he was lifted — and borne into the grotto. 4 Presently a cell was reached, which man’ ingenuity and workmanship had converted — into a dungeon. (3 Sra Inside this rock and iron-bound prison the young chief was carried, and laid up _a buntlle of furs, after which he was dis- armed, and his bonds removed, a collar

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THE END OF WILD IVAN which was linked a stout chain that com- municated with a ring in the wall, being _ placed about his left ankle, as a substitute. ' Then the road-agents, along with Cambre, ag from the cell, jocking the door after them. It was indeed the ferret-eyed Thomas * Jefferson Jaggers who had saved Edith’s | life by warding off the descending blow of Leone, as in her jealous fury she would have committed a murder. She started back with a cry of alarm as she perceived that it was a stranger who had interfered. ““Who are vou?” she gasped. ‘*‘ What do you want?” is “T want a good deal, young woman!” Jaggers replied coolly. ‘‘ As to who I am, I’m .called Thomas Jefferson Jaggers, the Sleuth-hound of Cincinnati!” ““You are a detective, then? ’’ Leone almost screamed. “Exactly, ma’am; but you needn’t yell loud enough to inform them road- "agents out on the plateau. I am an officer » of the U.S. Secret Service, if you wish to know so bad, sent here to obtain a reward offered for the capture of Deadwood Dick.” _ A smile passed over Leone’s features, for _ she doubted not that even then the prince of the road was incarcerated in his lonely cell. -. ‘*¥Vou are bold to come here,” she said, trying to escape the grasp which he had placed upon her arm. ‘ Release me, sir, or I will scream for assistance !”’ “Not yet, my dear; and if you scream it will be your last vocal demonstration. Remember! for I mean all I say. Why ' were you attempting to knife this young lady just now?” “ Because I hate her!” replied Leone, in a ' fierce tone. ‘‘She is an adventuress, who has come here and—and stole away the Jove of my husband. I'll kill her!” __ **Not just at present. The girl is under my charge, and so are you. Now I want - you to inform me where I can lay my hands on this gay and festive road-agent husband ' of yours—Mr. Deadwood Dick ¢ ” “711 do nothing of the kind! Find him if you can; I’ll not tell you.” “Perhaps vou can, miss,” Jaggers said, _ turning to Edith. “T don’t know,” replied she, falteringly. Had she known of Dick’s immediate where- - abouts, she would have hesitated at giving _ the information. : “Queer that neither of you have any lea what has become of the rascal,” Jaggers owled with a sneer. “‘ But I’ll trap him, ver fear. And once I have safely bagged im, I'll call upon Scott Sherwood and 19 his band to help me take the remainder of the gang. Until then you are both my prisoners.” ““Oh, no!” Leone replied mockingly. “Your fine game won’t work, for you can’t get us away without going out on to the plateau.” “Hang the plateau. Maybe you have not explored the grotto sufficiently well to know that there is another mode of egress. Come along, now, and if you give even one squeak, it will be your death-warrant. Young lady, you are the Edith Stone whom Wild Ivan attempted to cary off from the massacred train, are you not ?” ‘*Oh, yes, sir. And I am so have come,” replied Edith. “‘ take me back to Cleveland, sir ? ” “Still better, Miss Stone, I will take you to your father, who with a scout named Tom Elkton, or Tornado Tom, is in thesé mountains, somewhere, in search of you. But, come, let’s get out of this before these road-agent devils discover us. Come, young woman.” And still retaining a grasp upon Leone’s arm, the secret service man pushed along out of the room into a dark passage which Edith, who followed close behind, had never penetrated before. Jaggers led on through a series of tortuous, narrow passages, high of ceiling, but exceed- ing rough under foot. Finally he stopped before,a niche in the wall; pushed Edith in first, and then followed with his prisoner. After several hundred yards winding travel, they suddenly emerged on to the wooded moun- tain-side, down which led a path, evidently worn by bears in their descent for water. Down this the detective hurried his prizes, as if anxious to quit the neighbourhood in a hurry. After he had disappeared, a man rolled out of a clump of bushes close to the grotto- entrance, and stood gazing around him. And that man was none other than the redoubtable Old Avalanche ! lad you ill you CHAPTER X AVALANCHE EXPLORES WE will return to that date when we saw — Wild Ivan passing up the water-course of the Little Madrass, on his way to the strong- hold of the Brotherhood, and will follow him thither. After plunging his horse into the rapid — stream at the junction where the shores were formed of mountain walls, he stemmed the waters for perhaps a mile, along a f ots

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see lonely gorge, the stream gradually growing deeper and swifter, until a rapids was reached in a part where the channel was wide, steep, and filled with huge rocks, against which the mad waves made a din ‘of weird music, and dashed themselves into foaming caps. The rapids were about a half-mile in length, and after passing safely through ' . them, the young outlaw soon arrived upon the shore on which was situated the camp _ of the Brotherhood. -. Several of the band were lounging around a camp-fire as Wild Ivan rode up, while a dozen or more were in the saddle, ready for departure. “Where away, lieutenant?” the Boy Fiend asked, as he perceived that Wagner and Blue Bob were among the rest. “* What's afoot, now ?” '“A band o’ road-agent hunters ar’ reported among ther foothills, captain, an’ I thought it best to look after them,” replied Wagner. ‘But where’s ther gal ye took from the train ?” ‘Wild Ivan flushed angrily at being thus questioned, but told his story in a light at created belief in the minds of his listeners. Without any comment, Wagner set out from the camp on his mission, followed by his chosen Brothers. _ Later, they forced Josiah Hogg and Chero- kee Sue from the channel, as we have previously shown. - Wild Ivan dismounted from his horse as soon as they had gone, and entered a “eave among the crags, where some half a dozen of the band were playing cards, - while others, still, were stretched upon the _ floor on their blankets, fast asleep. “Hey, Bostwick, where are you?” he cried, authoritatively; and in answer to his call, a man with long grey beard, and sharp, piercing eyes, appeared. you old rascal, redress this wound upon my right elbow, for it has been cared for only ‘once since yester eve. Be careful. and - cause me no pain, or I’ll break your thick skull.” ; “Yes, chief,” the man replied, with ap- _ parent humbleness, and cutting away a mn Ped of the young outlaw’s sleeve, he ressed the shattered arm, with a skill few could equal. ; Once the troublesome limb was bandaged and supported in a sling, the Boy Fiend was himself again, and rising, he glared around him, observing each man sharply. “And, now, let me take a look at this eadwood—Red Kit’s girl, they cal here is she, Bostwick—the gir % ar, captain,” the sur; ¢ ll her. Z fs THE END OF WILD IVAN “ Here, , girl whom Bill Blood brought here from pointing to an inner cave that opened of from the first one. ¥ Without waiting for ceremony, the out-— jawed youth strode into the chamber, and — glanced around him. Upon a couch of skins m one corner Alice La Rue was half-reclining, but she sprang to her feet the moment she beheld — her enemy, for she knew that Wild Ivan was her enemy’ éven when he had been — initiated to chieftaincy the night of Bill — Blood’s death. end “Ha! is this the fair creature who holds the secret of Red Kit’s treasure?” said Wild Ivan, mockingly, as he advanced. “By my soul, you are pretty!” 4 i ““And you are ugly and repulsive!” — flushed Alice, scornfully. ‘Why do you ~ come here to torture me, you young villain ? a You are a demon, I believe!” ito “Yes—a fiend, they call me,” was the _ laughing response. ‘‘Maybe I deserve the title of the Boy Fiend, for ve been — steeped in opine since I ran away from the © Cadet school. That was before I came to | the Black Hills, and met and fell hopelessly in love with you.’’ Pars “Ugh! the thoughts of being loved by such as you are disgusting !’’ cried Alice. © “Yes, perhaps. But I love thee sti my lily of the forest, and now that th oppor. id Pal het He did not finish the sentence, but stepp forward a pace, his evil eyes glea triumphantly. f ** Back ! w ” “Keep off, or it will be t worse for you.” : oy “Oh! you cannot frighten me by pr tence of drawing a pistol, my heroic maid ! sneered Wild Ivan, sarcastically. “S$ ruses won’t work.” - And the next instant he had leaped qui forward and caught her around the w with his uninjured left arm, while with his _ whole force he endeavoured to bear her — back against the couch of furs. Rite rake gave chase, ,yellin; t “She : reached i quickly around

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Four or five fellows, who had been lounging around the camp-fire, saw her, and leaping ‘to their feet, were hurriedly approaching. Every avenue of escape seemed cut off, except one. The Little Madrass, with its rushing waters, lay at her feet, and upon the shore was beached a canoe. With a cry of defiance the heroic girl bounded forward, pushing the boat out into the stream and springing in, taking care to throw herself on her face in the bottom. The strong current caught the frail bark as in a mighty grasp and bore it away with alarming velocity. A swarm of ruffians, howling like demons _ imearnate, poured out on to the banks, the Boy Fiend among the foremost, for he had only been momentarily stunned by a bullet-wound, close upon his temple. - “Catch her! stop the boat!” he yelled. But all in vain. Very naturally, the water moved faster than was within the power of the horses, and @ canoe kept pace with the water, so that pursuit was utterly useless, seeing which, the - ruffians returned to camp. Wild Ivan was in a terrible passion, and ted like amadman. Finally, he mounted own beast and turning into the stream, set off down the gorge. In the meantime, where was Alice ? s soon as she could no longer hear mds of pursuit she sat up in the canoe, and seizing a paddle, managed to keep it ar the centre of the turbulent stream, hich bore it on with great difficulty. On—on the bark sped, with its fair ) then, on rounding a bend, she ad not thought of them before, but he peril of her situation dawned upon er in an instant. Alice was no coward, d with a firm hand on the paddle, and standing erect in the little craft, she steered her way with the skill of an experienced ‘sman. he was midway in the roaring rapids, id peering ahead for rocks, when she suddenly discovered ‘wo human heads and faces. he aid the uneven surface of the water— om which the eyes were protruding angely. fags shudder of terror’ crept over her en she perceived that they were coming li aed ie ised THE END OF WILD IVAN _ in the rocks, by a door of stout iron bars. ; li ed ahead. All was dark and silent within as the grave. i ““Quare kind of a place. Lucks as ef thar might speerits abide in thar—-speerits clothed in flesh. At tennyrate, long- legged Jaggers cum out o’ thar, an’ that looks as if he war reskyin’ them gals. Old Avalanche, ye devastatin’ old disease o ther peraries—ye destructive Injun eppydemick, shall ye run yer $mellin’ horn inter thet crypt?” Evidently such was his final conclusion, ~~ for he plone stealthily forward into the | dense gloom that filled the narrow passage- way. For some time he worked his way along, cautiously, but at last he came to a stand- * still. Footsteps were approaching, from — within the mountain, and coming nearer each moment. The passage was very narrow at this point—two persons could not pass without — touching each other. * The Annihilator perceived this, and with ~~ a grim chuckle drew diis knife, and awaited the enemy’s coming. ie One or the other must die. 3 Nearer came the man; he was growling F some unintelligible words to himself, ‘of whose import Avalanche was ignorant. At last they were but a pace apart; then — the, veteran guide leaped forward and bore the astonished road-agent to the ground. There was a short struggle, then a hollow groan, and springing nimbly to his feet the Annihilator continued his journey. He, now, however, exercised more caution, and his footfalls were soft and stealthy as a cat’s. Suddenly he made a discovery as he entered a narrow corridor. Far ahead — shone like a star a jet of light. It was. the end of the passage evidently, and re- doubling his stealth, the old man hurried on until at last he was within a few rod : of it. Then he was able to determine whence it came. a like passage; and CHAPTER XI best OUT OF BONDAGE “Great ham-bone thet wrecked ther constitution ov old Joner!” came in- voluntarily from the Annihilator’s lips. Just in front of him was a natural dungeo whose entrance was grate emanated from a torch. with : ch, thrust into < estibed tight Ue Ae fix mt,

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none other than the imprisoned Prince of the Road—Deadwood Dick. And Old Avalanche recognized him at once, though several months had elapsed since he had last seen him, while making a descent upon a Deadwood saloon. It was several moments before he could decide whether it was best to apprise the young chief of his presence or not. The old guide thought over matters in his grim, quiet fashion; then stepping forward, he paused before the iron grate, taking care to let his hands rest near his pistol belt. “Hello! young chap. Great -ham-bone that clogged. up old Joner’s windpipe! what aire ye doin’ in thar? One’d a’most think ye was a prisoner!” Deadwood Dick leaped quickly to his feet, arousing from a drowse, into which he had fallen. ““Who are you?” he demanded, coming to the limits of his chain. ‘How did you come here? What do you want?” “One questyun at er time, Mr. Dickey 0’ Deadwood, an’ ye shall be ans’ered. In ther fust place, Iam the general masheenry o’ that great acheevement notable as Old Avalanche, ther Great Injun Annihilator. “Secondly, I kim inter this consarned cattycomb thru a dasted nasty hoel in ther rocks, thet Tommis Jeff Jaggers went out o’. Thirdly, am in heer on a devastatin’ experdishun, wi’ a v’ew ter extarminating whatsumever I lay claws on—most uv all, s’archin’ fer a gal named Alice La Rue, an’ anuther ’n’ named Edith Stone!” ““Are you indeed Old Avalanche, the great scout?” cried Deadwood Dick, in surprise. ‘‘I have often heard of you.” “Ye have, eh? Wal, I presume so, and y’u’re reputation hain’t slouchy, my - gay young cockolorum. But, what aire _ ye doin’ thar—rustycakin’ for yer health, or studyin’ astronomy ?”’ “I am a prisoner, old man—in my own stronghold. The men jwhom I deemed true as steel have turned against me, and you see me locked up here like a common thief!” replied Dick, bitterly, his hand- some face darkening. ¢ “Phew!” Old Avalanche whistled, in _ surprise. ‘‘ A prisoner, hey ? S’pose likely you’d not be averse to leavin’ thet cell, eh? ’Pears ter me ye’d sagaciate better out inter open air, whar a boreal breeze c’y’d git at ye an’ purify yer gizzard.” “It would be agreeable, it’s a fact,” replied Dick, brightening a little. “ But it is useless to think of getting out, when there are two locks between me and Ne , _ Old Avalanche did not reply. He was 22 THE END OF WILD IVAN busily engaged in scrutinizing the padlock, — which, with a stout-linked chain, fastened — the gate. After a momentary survey, he — produced a piece of wire from a bucksies pouch at his back, and bent it in the shape _ of a key of the skeleton pattern. It failed to work on the first trial, and he was rebend- — ing it, when the sounds of footsteps came echoing through the cavern. , “Quick! get out of sight!” whispered Dick shrilly, and obeying the injunction ~ Avalanche glided back into the blackness — of the corridor through which he had come. And not a bit too soon, for in another — moment Carlos Cambre appeared, bearing a steaming repast of roast buffalo-hump upon a server, and a bowl of fragrant coffee. Unlocking the door, the lieutenant entered the cell and deposited the tray upon the table, and then turned to Deadwood Dick, who had resumed his reclining position upon the couch. : “There, captain, is your meal. We do not mean to starve you, even though — we hold you in durance,” Cambre said pleasantly. Then he would have locked the door, had not he received a stunning whack beside the left ear that stretched him prostrate and — insensible upon the hard, rocky floor. i “Moses thet got bull-dozed!’’ exclaimed ~ Avalanche, rubbing his first dolefully. — “Thet feller’s head war harder ’n any niggero’s c’u’d ever be, by gracious! Nigh erbout dislocated a knuckle fer me; fact! — An’ now, Dicky. boy, ef ye wanter escape an’ ackumpny ther great extarmination breeze, why this aire yer chance.” . “Yes. Cambre has the key to my — manacles in his hand there, with a dozen — others. Give it to me and I will free my- self,” replied Deadwood Dick, now once more ~ himself that liberty was at hand. ,“° Then — we will quit this accursed place for ever.’ “Ye won’t rejoin yer band, then?’ queried Avalanche, as he took possession of the keys and freed Dick's limb of the chain and band. é “No! Nevermore shall these men call — me Deadwood Dick, their chief. Once, old — man, 1 had a band of as daring, faithful — spirits as ever rode a horse, but they were gradually killed off until the last one was gone. I added to my force, at each loss, such men as I thought would serve me true; but it’s an old Western saying, credited to Jack Barronnett, ‘that there’s no,settin’ — behind us—one who claims my protec on.” “ Yer red-headed wife, hey ?” “No! she has a claim upon m ee . i 4 roe t

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Avalanche. It was by her orders that I was _ imprisoned in this dungeon, and it was the last act of her love for me. Hereafter our lives must be changed—our paths must diverge. In going with you from this grotto, I leave all behind for her use. Come! we will go for Miss Stone, and then leave __ the cavern by the way you came.” “Great ham-bone that corrupted Joner ! Ther gal ain't hayr, boy, ef et’s her ye mean”; and then, in as few words as possible, the Annihilator related what is already known to the reader—how he had seen Jaggers, with Edith and ,another female, with red hair, descend the mountain- side. It was startling intelligence for the road- agent chief, for, although he had firmly resolved to for ever separate himself from Leone, he did not wish any harm to befall her. After a little more conversation, Dead- wood Dick decided to go in search of a rifle, only lacking this, by having appropriated Cambre’s belt weapons. He was not gone long, soon returning with his own complete outfit, which he had __ fortunately discovered in his own chamber. z Then, with Old Avalanche, he set out on __ his departure from the grotto. Re Finally, they emerged from the grotto on to the mountain-side, mesh to Dead- . wood Dick’s surprise, for he had never _ known of the existence of such an outlet. _ After a short consultation, in, which it ' was decided to hunt up Jaggers and his two companions, Old Avalanche struck into the bear-path trail, that ran obliquely down the mountain-side, and trotted briskly along, Deadwood Dick following at a safe distance behind, for he did not wish to encounter Leone. = Jt was a discovery of a startling nature that Alice La Rue made, and for the moment She could not credit the perfectness of her Vision; but it did not take her long to assure herself that they were really human heads and faces, there upon the misty sur- 1 ce of the rapids, and live heads and faces, 00, For as her canoe glided closer, a voice— unmistakably that of a man—sang out, lustily # _ “Hello! whar ye goin’, gal?” _ Alice screamed, and endeavoured to guide her canoe to one side. ““Ye needen’t be erfraid,” said Josiah, blowing and spluttering like a porpoise, while Sue’s eyes gleamed like coals of fire. “We ain’t no elerfants, nor merm’ids, nor thin’ o’ ther kind. We're jest two ary mortals, as ar’ tryin’ ter penetrate d Ivan's camp.” ; ; , THE END OF WILD IVAN And the hunter gave a huge laugh, in which Sue joined, much to Alice’s horror, for they appeared so strange and grotesque that she could not well believe them human. “Keep off! keep off!’’ she screamed, and paising her paddle she swung it aloft, and brought it down fiercely upon the four hands that would have grasped hold the edge of the canoe. There was a howl of pain, and the next moment she was safely out of reach of the two water-figures, and speeding swiftly along through the misty, spraying rapids. The rocks now became fewer, and the water less swift, and finally the canoe - glided along so serenely that she took her seat, and managed its course at ease. Presently the gorge began to grow a trifle wider, and in a few moments more her boat glided along between two level tree-fringed shores, upon one of which she was horrified to discover several figures, which were dusky and undistingyishable on account of the falling night, flitting about and arranging camp, while others were building a rousing fire. And one man was at the water’s edge, making his ablutions. She could not hope to pass without discovery. CHAPTER XII IN THE GLADE Oxrp Avalanche and Deadwood Dick descended the mountain-side rapidly. The old scout found that Jaggers had not kept to the old bear-path, but had diverged and — gone more directly down the declivitous hill, leaving a trail, however, that was easily followed. Dick followed at a short distance in the rear, as much on the alert, perhaps, as the Annihilator himself. ‘““Thet Jaggers is a cuss!” Avalanche re- marked, as they went along. “He ar’ a pestiferous beast, noted fer as many ecooliarities as a frolicsome goat —like my lorence Night-in-a-gale, fer illustration ; thet is, ef he’s a detective, an’ sumhow et strikes me he is.” “What grounds have you for such sus- picion ?” asked Dick, thoughtfully. 23° ‘7 “ Ken’t eggsactly explain, boyee, only I’ve got a consarned ijee thet he belongs ter thet set o’ durned scullions as make er livin’ by pryin’ inter other ponins bizness. But, droppin’ thet subject, hayr we be at a lattytude an’ longytoad constigeous ter our beasts an’ birds 0’ prey. They’re ahead, cooped down inter this thicket, ef ther old hoss_ kicks geograffically, an’ I ruther think she do.” Lu noe | ae

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“Why do you think they’ re in this thicket ? ’’ demanded Dick. “Why do 1? Waal, as ther hen sed o’ ‘ther skunk, I smell ’em. Come along,” and -the next moment the Annihilator had . plunged into the thicket. Deadwood Dick followed with some reluctance. He dreaded to meet Leone, for fear he should be harsh and cruel, where heretofore he had been kind and loving—for her one ‘act had embittered his heart toward her, and he no longer looked upon her as a true, faithful and loving little wife. Avalanche pushed ahead through the brush and thicket of saplings with grim determination, and at last came into a very small opening in which, as he had prophesied, Jaggers and the girls were seated—the detective puffing away reflectively at his pipe, while Edith and Leone were occupying positions in front of him. But he sprang to his feet with a curse as the veteran Annihilator and Dick made their debut, and there also came a cry of astonishment from Edith and Deadwood Dick’s wife—the first a cry of surprise and joy—the other a cry of surprise, wonder and indignation. “Hello! halt, commanded _ Jaggers, drawing and cocking a pair of _. formidable-looking revolvers. ‘‘ What do } you want? Ha! by my soul! it is Old Avalanche, the guide!” “Yes, Thomas Jeffersonian, same old contagious eppydemic.” _ And the old man stalked fearléssly forward, followed by young Harris, despite the fact that the muzzles of the two grim there!” et’s thet six-shooters were levelled upon them threateningly. “Well, what brings you here?” again demanded Jaggers, his. tone not the most pleasant imaginable. “And who is that young fellow with you? ” __“Y can best answer that last question, Pilgrim !”’ replied Dick, fearlessly exposing himself. “I am that notorious: young _ reprobate people call Deadwood Dick, the _ Prince of the Road, at your service.’ Had a bomb exploded at his feet just then, or an angel descended from cloudland, - the detective could not have been more astonished. “You Deadwood Dick?” he gasped, turning white and red by turas. “Y ‘happen to ,tepresent that amiable yo g gentleman,” was the laughing reply, . something of Dick’s old reckless self return- ing at the moment. “Apparently, the lligence affects you disagreeably !” ; on the ‘contrary, x “THE END OF WILD IVAN “you are Deadwood Dick, than I, as a tective of the U.S. Secret Service, fe by that power vested in me, do arrest you for highway robbery and high-handed rine, ee Saying which, the Secret Service man — advanced a pace, then paused—hesitated, — as he caught a glimpse of the strange fire — that burned in the eye of Deadwood Dick: a fire that seemed poisonous. Dick stood facing Jaggers with tha rovoking dauntlessness characteristic — im, one hand laid upon a revolver butt, the other hanging by his side. He wi calm-and cool, even when facing death. Jaggers stood undecided—Edith and Leone had sprung to their feet, the former © pale and anxious, the latter watching even “ as the eagle watches its prey before making + a downward swoop. Avalanche occupied a — side position in the scene, and his hand also gripped a revolver, for he was resolved that no harm should come to young Harris, to whom he had taken a sudden liking. “Well, what are you going to do about — it?” demanded Dick, after a full minu - silence. “You are my prisoner. Five iboats dollars is the price set upon your head, I have been sent out here to arrest you for your various crimes!” replied Jagge' impressively. “You will find it to yor advantage | to yield without attemp resistance.” ‘ “ Yes, marm!” was the laconic reph “ Wouldn’t you like me to bind and myself, and go and deliver myself to t Deadwood authorities, stating that yi were entitled to the reward. Wouldw't that now?” And Deadwood Di wild laugh literally made the welkin ring. “I ask nothing of the kind. Al I rant gentleman, you will grant my request. “When the crows come home, yes! a responded Dick, with a chuckle. ‘ see here, detective, this case is quit You, as a representative of justice, desirous of adding my name to eae of conquests, and I, as a free and easy-goi road-agent—though, henceforth I lay x claim to that profession—am oe desirous that you shall not; which lea only one way to settle the case.” “Exactly. And that way is: “Death! It must be either 3 y If the lot fall to me, I’m pass in my checks. / Life no lon any fascination for me, since the and baseness of yonder woman. lf you are elected to death, you n her down like a uae

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cards. Avalanche will shuffle them; then we will draw each until one of us gets the ace of spades. The other man must then place a revolver muzzle in his mouth, where- upon the lucky winner will pull the trigger.” - Jaggers bowed. He was desperate— ‘something seemed to tell him he was going to win ; it was life or death, anyhow. Old Avalanche shuffled the cards, and placed them upon an old stump. _ “Thar ye aire, gentlemen. Pullaway, an’ er Lord go with ther unlucky one as don’t git ther spades.” _ Jaggers reached forth and took the top _ card, with a laugh. It was the Queen of _ Diamonds. - Deadwood Dick took the next, and thus he drawing continued. The pack began to diminish in size very rapidly ; still that fatal ace of spades remained undrawn. At last only three cards were left, and it was Dick’s draw. Coolly, self-possessed, fearlessly he picked up one. It was the three-spot clubs. Jaggers drew the next, and there was a devilish jubilance in his face as he held up— the ace of spades | All saw it; Deadwood Dick bowed his acknowledgment of defeat, not changing a particle in colour; Avalanche groaned; Edith and Leone both screamed, the latter ursting into violent sobs. ““You have won!” Deadwood Dick said, Imly,’ drawing and cocking one of his volvers, “and my life shall pay 'the “forfeit. Leone, my wife, may you lead a happier life with some one else, and find a r nd mate. Miss Stone—Avalanche, fare ee well, and remember the poor fool thed in the guise of Deadwood Dick!” Then, there, when the setting sun was shooting its last lingering rays of light into the thicket glade, the young Prince of the oad thrust the revolver muzzle into his Mouth, and motioned for Jaggers of the _U,S. Secret Service to pull the fatal trigger ! CHAPTER XIII ‘FATHER AND SON ents last described, Wild Ivan, the iend, was galloping through the level f country at the base of the mountain thills, mounted upon his thoroughbred is dusky face dark and grim, his lips n firm compression, his eyes gleaming ‘THE END OF WILD IVAN drew a revolver, but it was knocked from — A bright fire burned in the centre of the camp, which was surrounded by some six or eight skin lodges, and gathered around the ~~ fire were at least a hundred savages, among whom two appeared to exert the power of chieftaincy. The two chiefs seemed to recognize Wild Ivan, and one, who spoke wonderful English for a red-skin, welcomed the Boy Fiend | heartily. ““ Panther berry glad to see you,” he said, making room upon a log by the fire. “Yes, I expected to find you here,” replied the young outlaw, running his eye over the assembled braves. “And I have come to talk with ye about the road-agent hunters. We must clear them out!” “Ugh! Boy chief speak trufe berry much. White dogs kill many ob Panther’s bravces He take um scalps. He roast © em! vs “Good for you, Panther!” the young Fiend replied, enthusiastically, “‘ and I have still another plan. You are of course aware of the existen®e of the so-called Brotherhood of Death ? ” “Yes. Panther heard much about de pale-face devils.” ne “Well, I have been elected chief of said Brotherhood, in the place of Bill Blood, deceased. But I don’t like their style, and as they have an immense treasure some- where, I propose to lay them all out, and — then hunt the treasure. Listen!” ‘And then, in a low tone, the Boy Fiend- unfolded his plot to the chief, who listened, eagerly, occasionally giving vent to his approval by a grunt or a nod. _ Half an hour later, Ivan mounted his horse and rode back over the route he had’ come, _In passing through a sparse patch of ~ timber, his horse was suddenly seized by the reins, and jerked back upon its haunches, ~ nearly unseating the rider. Quickly he his hand an instant later, while a man stood by his side, one of the same deadly instru- ments in his hand, levelled, and at full cock. “Hold on, young man!” cried the stranger, resolve expressed in his tone, The Boy Fiend started violently at sours of the man’s voice, and bent forward, en- deavouring to peer into the face which the igre Sey hid from view. ;

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26 helped, you know !” was the young wretch’s indifferent observation. ‘“‘The Brother- hood of Death never do things by halves. Pity they hadn’t wiped you out at the same time, you old villain !” “You are kind in your wishes,” sneered the elder Stone. ‘They would have un- doubtedly killed me, had I not played *possum as Avalanche did. But, boy, have you seen the girl?” “The girl? ” ““Yes—ha! I remember, now; you took her from the train, before I fainted. What became of her ? ” “Oh! oT refer to my amiable cousin, eh? Well, I know nothing of her. I got chased, and had to drop her. A youn devil named Deadwood Dick appropriate her, I expect!” “The devil! I would not have lost her for a fortune. Indeed, a. fortune is de- pendent upon her ee gt ar How d’ye mean ? fail to compre- hend,” the young outlaw said, eagerly. ** Listen, then, and I will tell you. When my brother went to Europe, he was only well-to-do in the world, and left behind him his daughter, at the time placed in a private boarding-school, where she was receiving the finishing touches of her education. In Europe Milt was most fortunate in specula- tion, and in two years had secured a fortune of a million dollars. “Then I became envious, and laid a plan to rob him of a part of his wealth. Of our ” . family there were three brothers, Milt, William and myself, and Milt proved to be: the least scoundrel of the three. Bill came West years ago, and as Bill Blood, a ruffian, achieved a reputation second to none. ** Milt had left me in charge of his estates, on his departure for Europe, and by forging his name I converted them all into cash, stole his daughter, and brought her to our home in Cincinnati, and thence to Cleve- Jand where you first met her. Milt re- turned and got wind of my villainy, and set officers on my track; so I had to clear out and come West. You remember the young scout, Tornado Tom, who met the girl in Cincinnati and fell in love with her? He ’ said Ivan. “Well, never rat my son. With your co-operation, we can yet get the girl, and “Ty bleed the purse of Milton Stone to its utmost limit, while you can take sweet reverige upon "her for jilting you.’ “Good! old man; it shall be as you say. But oon must first accompany me to my. eases old, where I have other work ‘ eanik some Setar conversation, the vile THE END OF WILD IVAN father was mounted upon the back of the horse behind his viler son, and the twain rode away toward the mountain stronghold of the Brotherhood of Death. We left Alice La Rue “drifting down the Little Madrass, in sight of the camp upon the shore, and in a state of alarm at her situation. Her recent oor from peril. had left her quite unmanned, and now she was again thrown into a state of excitement. Were those upon the shore enemies ? ort This was a question of great moment to her. For a moment she checked the pore of her canoe with the paddle, at loss how to act. At last, in desperation, she drove the frail craft forward over the waters with a strong estroke, resolved to make the venture of passing. But the man at the water’s edge saw her, and gave a shout that brought his com- — panions to his side. “Hello, thar!’’ shouted a man’s voice ; ‘slow up, gal. Whar ye goin’ ?’ On over the water the canoe shot, na gracefully to the fair rower’s strokes. “* By Jerusalem!” cried Jolly Jack, who | ; with Syecroud, Red Kit and the other road-agent hunters, stood upon the bank and ~ gazed in wonder at the flying oarswoman. “Et’s a durned likely-lookin’ white gal, sart’in sure. doin’ up in this outlandish region ? ” No one answered. But suddenly, as Alice half-turned her white, scared/ face — toward them, Red Kit gave vent to a yell that made the mountains ring. é Re What on ’arth kin she be — “It’s Alice!” he cried, dancing around i excitedly—‘‘it’s my gal—Alice, surer ’n preachin’. Stop her, some one!” And the next instant the hunter leaped : out into the stream, and swam desperately — in pursuit of the canoe. : Rapidly he swam on, and soon he was near enough to grasp a hold of the shell. The next moment he gazed over into it vine an expectant grin. But a yell of astonishment pealed from his lips, as he made the startling discovery — that the canoe was empty and—A lice was” gone ! And where was she gone ? This question none of the ran, r solve, because none of them had seen her _ leap swiftly from the boat into the stream, — over which the shroud of night had fallen none saw her, and consequently “ Ww enabled to reach the shore, which at th point she found accessible. : Once upon terra firma she breathed and pausing she prs. the water Jo’ ers oon iy

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THE END OF WILD IVAN The darkness was intense, and it was only by a sense of feeling that she could drag herself along, but she kept on, resolutely, resolved to move until her strength gave out. And it was not long until this climax was reached; and, utterly fatigued and ex- hausted, she was forced to pause and rest. Dropping upon the leaves at the foot of a great cottonwood, she soon felt the drowsi- ness of coming slumber stealing over her, and unable to shake off the spell, it was not many moments ere she was sound asleep. How, long she had slept she knew not, but she awakened with a start, to find herself in strange’ surroundings, She had been reclining upon a bundle of blankets, near a ' ruddy fire, that sent out great warmth, and - over the fire a haunch of savoury venison was roasting, emitting a peculiar flavour that greeted her sensitive nostrils most agreeably. _ * The cooking process was under the charge of a sturdy, bewhiskered man, seeing which she glanced around to discover a group of a dozen others, in another portion of the ‘camp engaged in earnest conversation. One of these men came hastily forward when it was seen that she had aroused from her slumber, and she had the satisfaction = seeing that they were none of the Brother- > And the nearer the man came the more familiar grew his looks, until at last she Sprang to her feet with a glad, joyous cry. “ Father! father!” i “Guess so, gal!” and Red Kit clasped __ the fair girl in a loving embrace. __ “ Didn’t never expect ter see ye ag’in, my _ fosebud.” “But, how came I here?” Alice de- -Mmanded, in wonderment. “The last ,I _ remember was of dropping down upon a pile _ of leaves under a great tree, where I must have fallen asleep.’ “So you did, gal, an’ I snook up an’ _ fetched ye inter camp,’’ replied Red Kit. - Then followed explanations in general between parent and child, both of whom Were overjoyed at their reunion. CHAPTER XIV t THE PARTING “‘Houp on, for the love of God-do not kill “my husband, sir!” cried Leone Harris, as om Jaggers cle forward to perform his part e the death duel. ‘‘ Have mercy— ‘e him for my sake !”” : ‘No, madam!” replied the detective, a smile of triumph overspreading his é Se features, “I cannot desist, even for your sake. There is a reward of four thousand dollars offered for the head of Deadwood Dick, and who has a better right to earn it than 1?” He sprang forward, and.made a pass at the pistol, the muzzle of which was within the teeth of the young road-agent, but simultaneously there was the sharp report of a pistol, and the Secret Service man went to the ground in a heap. He gave only one gasp—then his features grew set in expression, his eyes glassy, and limbs rigid, and he was dead. But who was the assassin ? This question was evidently answered as Old Avalanche restored a still smoking revolver to his belt. “You /”’ cried Harris, grimly. “Great ham-bone thet Joner chawed ther meat from, yes!”’ replied the Anni- hilator, screwing his visage into a comical grin. ‘“ Et went ag’in my natur’ ter see ye drapped out o’ time, so I jest conkluded ter electrify thet detective cuss. No offence, I hope.” } “Certainly none on my account. But it was hardly fair play, takin’ the feller off in that style.” ““Ken’t see it so, boyee. ‘All fair in love or war,’ they say.”” “Ts he really dead ? ”’ asked Edith, coming timidly forward, and gazing sorrowfully at the stiffening form of the Secret Service man. ““Yes, Miss Eda—de’der’n a baked clam aire thet representative o’ ther U.S.S.S. I put a punctuation p’int right in over his left temple, an’ he flopped his trump keerd immegetly. Sorry ter displace ther regyla- tions o’ Tommis’s callender, but I hed ter give Dicky hayr a life iasurance policy, ye parseeve. An’ ef them pretty eyes 0’ yourn don’t lie, I speculate you ain’t at all sorry ther boyee’s still among ther saints on earth. Hay, little gal ?—an’ ther same ter you, Mrs. Deadwood Dick.” Edith blushed, and her heart beat faster, for she was conscious that the eyes of the young Prince of the Road were upon her. Ay, she blushed at the words of the old scout, but it was the blush of love—and her eyes lit up wondrously, as she replied : es “Tam very glad, indeed, that he has _ escaped so terrible a fate, even at the cost _ 5 of another life!” “TI am thankful to escape death, my | friends,” he said candidly. “I would not be human, if otherwise. It seems that my life of late has been.one continuous series of escapes, and surely I ought to be thankful. Henceforth may no spot be put upon the name of Edward Harris, for from this day ~ i cere

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4) 98 he is no longer a road-agent—no longer an outlaw, if his fellow-men will let him ‘alone. he _ Avalanche, please bear me witness to this declaration. ah “Tf they will let me alone, I pledge my '_word—and God knows I neyer yet willingly broke it—that I will leave them alone— them, the people. But if they strike me on account of the past, I will strike them back— to the death!” “ Bully Ike fer you, boyee ! bone thet demoralized Joner ! bear ye witness.” Deadwood Dick bowed, and restored his revolver to its holster, while he drew a keen knife in place. Stepping forward, he quickly cut Leone’s bonds, and assisted her to rise. “Thank you,” she said, simply. Some- thing warned her to make no display of ? emotion. ‘‘ You are very kind.” ae ‘Then, when tears were swelling into her ' eyes, and she would have turned away, - Deadwood Dick spoke to her—in the cold, -—- measured tones she had feared—-expected, yet hoped would not come—from him whom she now realized she loved—worshipped. a Leone,” he said, detaining her by that one word, “I would speak to you before you go. Right here our paths in life must _ diverge; you to go one way, and I an- other. You need not ask me why, Leone, for you. know full well. Your jealousy _ led you into the commission of an act that no true, loving wife would have done. I ‘did not mind the imprisonment—it was only the sting occasioned by the thought that you had put me there. Had it been for your good, I would , Willingly have re- mained there a lifetime.” _ Here the voice grew hoarse, and a mois- ture gathered in his eyes, while Leone burst ~_ into tears: - “Oh! Ned, I am_ sorry—so- sorry. Forgive me and take me back—oh! for the love of God, do not desert me!” “In our separation I am_not deserting you, Leone!’ Deadwood Dick went on _ calmly, though it was perceptible how much _ he was agitated. “‘ It was you who deserted me. I, too, am sorry, for my own sake and for yours. We were very happy st ees until—until—until——”’ his girl came and stole your love away from me!” burst forth Leone, pes “Oh! that the thing was dead!” It was Edith’s turn now to cry, for she well knew that she was the cause of this t nhappiness. Miss Stone did not steal _m love away, e,” Dick went on. “That woman Great ham- course I'll THE’ END OF WILD IVAN” y jealous, bia owe this parting to votive sia will shoulder part of the blame, and so” ‘let us part. At the grotto you can find a — home, and you know where my gold is concealed. Take it and my blessing, ~ it is all I have to give you.’ 3 Then, after imprinting a kiss upon the ; forehead of the weeping girl wife, he turned _ to Avalanche : “Old man, I am grateful to you, sae would like to continue our acquaintance. But as it is your duty to see to the safety of Miss Stone, I will leave you till you on pose of her.’’ “ Karect, Dicky, but I want ter see" ye. agin, in a few days, fer I’ve a speculation I want ye ter jine me in, whar thar’s ioe o fun an’ money. Meet me ten days frum now at Bell Creek ford, at sunset. ‘Then we'll cuss and discuss matters at len “Well then, so be it. Now, goo -bye Saying which the young man gave © hand to the Annihilator, who wrung heartily, and then to Edith, who was weep- ing softly to herself. ** Good-bye, _ ” Dick said, Miss Stone, has resulted so edetber noe and Be e } that you will soon forget these pain al matters.” Edith did not reply. She was too full aa utterance, and as Dick passed on to Leone, — her sobs broke out afresh, and she Be as though her heart would break. Dick took Leone’s hand in his, and again kissed her upon the forehead tenderly. J “Do not cry, little woman,” he sa a, even though there were tears in his own voice. ‘‘ Bear up, and God will bless yo as I always shall.” Then he was gone. el It was some moments after Dick’s de- parture, that Avalanche broke the spell his rude, uncouth way “Come! come! Bales Great ham-bon: thet bull-dozed old “Foner ! thar’s no a-bellerin’ over one gone ’coon.” Neither Edith nor Leone made answer. The sobs of the agonized women so pitiful, that Old Avalanche was_ * to turn away, a moisture in the eyes th: it perhaps had not been dimmed wit th ars. before in many a long year. “Don’t cry, little woman,” he sai proaching and laying one great, palm upon Leone’s head—* don’t it so much ter heart. you, I’m dasted ‘'s no more eryin’, g: back ter yer grotto. _a good spankin’ an’ seni t th by

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quitted the thicket glade and hurried on down the mountain-side, leaving Leone to her own grief, alone, alone ! - Without a word, for his mind was too busily occupied for speech, the Annihilator - Jed on through the blackness of the night— on until the ragged, rocky foothills were reached, when they paused for rest. As they did so, the old scout listened intently, and a grim change came over his face, while he sprang to his feet. _ “What is it?” asked Edith. “Dunno, gal. Keep still—here!” was the reply, and the next instant he had glided _ away into the wilderness of bushes, like a - dark shadow. In a few moments he came back, grim d mysterious, his tread as soft as a cat’s. “What is it?” Edith repeated. “* Injuns |”? was the startling announce- ent. Injuns all around us!” ee CHAPTER XV THE BROTHERHOOD NO MORE Witp Ivan and his father rode rapidly away toward the stronghold of the Brother- ites L After a long ride through the gorge, and then through the rapids, the camp of the tlaws was reached. _ The Brothers outside the cave greeted the turn of their chief with a scowling nod, t those gathered around the tables, inside, scarcely noticed him, so apparently engaged were they in their games. Old Blue Bob, however, saluted with a grim le. / Wild Ivan led the way into the inner ern, and here he and the colonel were ied with food, after which the young hief left his parent to the enjoyment of his pipe, while ie rejoined the Brothers at the card-tables in the outer cave. ell, mates, what’s the word?” he ked pleasantly, accepting a hand which Wagner had dealt him, with a bow.“ How has things went, and what is the prospects ?” “‘Durned poor, captain,” the lieutenant tied half-savagely. ‘We never hed dull times when Bill Blood war boss.” Nell, you mustn’t get discouraged, old I know things lie rather stagnant w, but I have laid a trail for you to and there’s heaps of money at the ” i= 2 Say you so?” and the outlaw’s . i “Out “But, before 1 tell you the good news, summon the rest of the boys, as what Ihave to say concerns them also.”’ Pes Blue Bob was dispatched after the re- maining outlaws, and soon they were in the — cave and given seats at the table. Bic “Now, then, capt’in, give us yer in- } fermation,”” reminded Wagner, : “Exactly,” replied the Boy Fiend: “but hold! we cannot go thirsty over such luck. Blue Bob, in the chest in yonder cave you will find three quart-bottles of old — Bourbon whisky, which I dare say be- longed to your former chief. Haul them / out here, along with glasses for the crowd, — and we will wet our whistles.” " Accordingly Blue Bob brought forth the liquor, and the glasses were filled all around, ~ with the exception of Wild Ivan’s. rise “A little pure cold water for me, Bob.” he said, pushing the bottle aside. “My brain gets confused when I swallow that © liquid poison.” Pi -F His glass was acCordingly filled with water. ‘ “Now, boys,” he said, “Ill out with what I have to say, in a few words. As you all know, the two girl captives we should have had, haye escaped, but one of these—she whom we got from the train— _ we may have hopes of retaking. You have — all heard of Deadwood Dick, have you not?” _ A’ general murmur of assent came in answer to the question. i “Well, the girl is in the power Of this same Deadwood Dick, who, with his band of road-agents, are hiding in this same mountain range. And, mates, it must be our object to capture and put to death these road-agents, with the exception “ Deadwood Dick, whom I can deliver up to justice, and receive a large reward for.’ “ How large, captain? ” : “The whole amount of rewards offered for him by the government and private citizens figure up to the tune of ten thousand dollars!” A yell of astonishment came from assembled ruffians. is on “ This is not all we shall gain, my boys!” — the young villain went on. : eeu “They have in their possession money ; the amount of over a million dollars, results ~ of their general outlawry and mini which shall be ours, and go into our treasury!” f ="

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“Then that is the treasury, eh, lieu- ‘tenant ?” “You b-bet!” was the thick reply, for the man was rapidly succumbing to the influence of the aged whisky, ‘an’ yere’s wat k-kerries the key; but, it’s a-all right, ye kno’, ’c-’case the b’hoys ain’t *feared ter trust me.” “ Of course,” assented the young villain, condescendingly ; ‘‘ you’re honest as the day is long. But, come! fill up again; only one bottle is empty.” And then, while the outlaws were freely guzzling down the strong liquor, Wild Ivan struck off into a wild, rollicking song of the mountaineer. But little the Brothers of Death heard of his melody. One by one they dropped off into what appeared to be a drunken sleep, until, with Wagner’s tumble from his seat, the last had yielded to the resistless power of the liquor. Then the Boy Fiend broke out into a wild fit of laughter. “What! you have not murdered them ? ” cried Colonel Stone, advancing from the inner cavern. ‘‘ They are not dead?” “No, not quite, old man, but they don’t lack much of it. Ill guarantee they'll mever see sunrise. But, come! let’s - secure this treasure, and then depart, for ,?? this atmosphere is poisonous Feeling in a pocket of the senseless Wagner’s garments, the young Fiend pro- duced a key, which fitted the great iron- bound chest, and in a moment he had the hasp off, and the lid raised, so that he could gaze in. But a howl of rage escaped him when he discovered that the box was empty. Had he been cleverly duped ? With curses on his lips he at length prepared to leave the place. * We will get out of this,”’ he said, “ and leave everything, Just as it is—dead fools and all. Come! He led the way out into the open air, and selected two superb animals out of a dozen that were grazing along the shore. These were duly mounted, and father and son set out down the stream, prairie-ward. “Injuns! all around tae !” repeated Old Avalanche, in his grim wa “Oh! what shall we do? ?” cried Edith, greatly alarmed. “Do? Moses in the bullrushes ! Why, we "ll jest git onter our muscle, an’ go fer ’em like a great devastatin’ eppydemic rom cholericmorbus. We'll annihilate an’ ex- terminate “em like all creation. Ef I put a couple o’ my electric whispers in their — THE END OF WILD IVAN | cranium, theyll imagine | a paca *arthquake hay struck ’em.’ At this juncture the loquacious old veteran suddenly stopped and peered pone him, at the same time dragine his | ni Edith trembled in fear, for she felt that the moment was at hand for a deadly con- flict. But what was her surprise, the next — instant, to see the Annihilator suddenly ~ bound high into the air, and turning a complete back-somerset, land direct down! in a mass of bushes, which grew a few paces _ in front of her. w What did this eccentric move mean? She could not solve the problem, except that the scout had seen an Indian concealed there, and had taken this method to sur- prise him. A violent struggle was going on, and the © hard breathing of the contestants was sufficient evidence that they were closely matched in strength. But at length there was a deep groan, and the Annihilator emerged from the bushes, a grotesque grin elongating his comical face. *“Great ham-bone that kerflummixed old Joner!”’ he gasped, swinging a reeking — scalp in the air. : “Oh! mercy! what is that?” de: manded Edith, as her eyes fell upon the bloody trophy of the battle. Fi tS Thet’s a red-skin’s skulp, gal—a kinds wig wi’ which natur’ adorned him. ventured ter lift it. But see here, gal, — we must be gittin’ out o’ this. Can bas shute a pistle ? : “T can try, sir. Oh! let’s hurry!” “Don’t git in a perspiration,’ warned Avalanche, a merry twinkle in his eye, — ‘or et might result disastrously. Hayr's a pistle; take it, an’ w’enever ye see red hellion, let him haver right thru ao Abecedarian, kerslap.”’ He handed Edith a cocked revolver, and then led the way on through the wilder- ness of bushes—on through the blackness of the night that had wrapped the eal in a dense shroud. Suddenly Edith’s revolver cracked, and — with a wild death-yell a painted savage fell at her feet, his life-blood spreading over — the leaves. “Bully fer ye, gal! Disembodied his speerit fust pop! Sorry he squawked, o’, fer it'll fetch swathers o’ t Cbs Babylonians down on True enough, the red-s! was answered by yells fro throats, ea the sounds of ur

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THE END OF WILD IVAN 31 tu. Edith’s side and forcibly slinging her behind his back. ‘“‘ Thar now, slap yer embracers around my gullet, an’ freeze ter me like forty hornets after a Georg’y nigger. I’m goin’ ter break out o’ this deeficulty, an’ bu’st thar harness, now, you bet!” And the next moment, with a revolver in each hand, and Edith on his back, he was bounding swiftly down the mountain- side! 7 CHAPTER XVI THE END On leaped the veteran scout, grim and resolute, bound to go through if it lay _ within his power—on with mighty springs -and leaps ; and right and left the revolvers cracked with deadly effect. Suddenly the flying Annihilator burst into a little glade where two men were cooking their evening meal over a bright camp-fire, apparently unaware of the close proximity of the red-skins. “Hello! Great ham-bone that de- bilitated Joner!” cried Avalanche, astonished at the unexpected spectacle— “white folks by the skylark o’ St. Peter. ““Sayee! ye durned ejotts, settl’n’ thar ike a hatchin’ hen, git up an’ dust, ef ye vally yere golden tresses. Thar’s a hull - squirt uv Injuns behind, comin’ on like a Streak o’ greased electricity erlong ther _ back o’ a sheared mule.” “Father! father!’ suddenly screamed Edith, catching a glimpse of the two men _ by the camp-fire. | “My child—Edith!” came back in i joyful tones of recognition. ‘‘ Come, Elkton ; Heaven be praised; the old scout has rescued my child!” j q And the two men grasped their weapons and came swiftly in pursuit while, close in their rear, swarmed a horde of yelling Indians, thirsty for the blood of vengeance. __ Fortunately the darkness was too intense for the enemy to gain anything like an accurate aim, and their bullets rattled harmlessly over the fugitives’ heads. “Great ham-bone that floored old Joner !”? gasped the Annihilator, as Elkton and Milton Stone came alongside, ‘‘ things begin ter look ripe fer dissection, don’t they? Thank heaven, thar’s the Little Madrass, anyhow.’ ““Then we can hope for aid!” cried Elkton, “for the road-agent hunters are encamped on the other side. See! yonder is their camp-fire !”” and he pointed to the opposite side of the creek on whose banks had suddenly emerged. . ae oe’ te Net a moment the three men paused, but plunging into the stream, they struck out for the other shore, which they reached in safety, just as the savages burst into view on the bank they had left. Sherwood, Jolly Jack and his followers had heard the Annihilator’s shouts, and came forward to meet the fugitives and conduct them to camp, where, while hurried explanations were being given, and _pre- parations made for defence, Milton Stone took time to embrace his long-lost child, who had passed through so much trouble since last he had seen her. Guards were, by Sherwood’s order, posted all around the camp, and the fire was put out. The yelling of the red-skins had ceased, and a strange silence hung over the night, suggestive of death. “The cusses are creepin’ up on us,” said Old Avalanche, impressively. “Stand ready, boys !”’ spoke Sherwood, grimly. ‘‘ Strike true‘and hard when the time comes. Another victory like that of the other night, and the hounds will not be so fast to fight!” And soon the moment arrived ! With yells that were deafening, the attack began from the land side, and a fierce battle raged, in which the road-agent hunters fought like demons possessed. 3 But they had fearful odds to fight against. The savages numbered full three-score or more, and were constantly urged on by the shouts of three men in their midst— white men, too, judging from their voices, and Old Avalanche made it his business to single them out, as he fought on. : “At ’em, boys!’ yelled Sherwood, striking death at every blow. “ Capture those two white men and the disguised chief (Panther) by their side. Aha! Tom Rivers, I recognize you, you traitor !” But the battle raged on fiercely, and when death had met the last savage, but one captive had been taken alive. And he was the Boy Fiend—Wild Ivan! He was securely bound to a tree in the centre of the camp, and then the victorious rangers rebuilt their camp-fire, and set to work at clearing away the dead. While engaged at the work, Milton Stone suddenly uttered a cry of pain, and knelt by the side of Colonel Grafton Stone, who had fallen in the battle. He was not quite dead, and he appeared to recognize the brother he had so deeply wronged. ‘“‘ Forgive me, Milt,” he gasped, faintly, “and pray for me and my boy, yonder,” with a motion toward Wild Ivan. ‘‘ We have both sinned—and——” The death-rattle in his throat checked

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further utterance, and in a moment he was dead. Milton Stone uttered a silent prayer over his body, then turned away, weeping. The dead were all cleared away, and decently buried, for Sherwood was not the man to leave even a dog without a grave. And, then, our little band gathered about the camp-fire, and “‘ counted noses.’ Only one of the rangers had been killed and four wounded, which, altogether, was a ‘lucky termination of a pattle against such odds. Edith and Alice were safe, and the whole party soon were in excellent spirits. But, unexpectedly, something occurred, which caused another commotion. There was a wild yell, a rush of feet, and two figures came flying into the camp— aman and an Indian girl. “Too! roo!” shrieked the Cherokee girl, and in an instant she was at Wild Ivan’s side, a gleaming knife in her hand, _ a wild fire burning in her terrible eyes. side ; The young Fiend recognized her, and a groan escaped his lips, but it was his last, for the next moment the knife descended, and Sue swung his reeking scalp on high, uttering a triumphant -war-cry. “Great ham-bone thet foundered old Joner!” cried Avalanche, springing for- ward. “Josiah Hoge; my brother, true’s hens lay hen fruit'!’ “ Eggs-actly, old hoss,” returned the poet, with a grim smile. ‘‘ But you’re ther last coon I expected ter stumble onter. See hayr,” and he pointed to Florence Night- in- as gale, who stood meekly at his ‘dye own this tarnal critter? I found ’im ack heer a ways, an’ he seemed ter recognize me.’ Explanations were now demanded of Sue’s strange conduct, and in his droll way Josiah gave them. The body of Wild Ivan was removed, and Josiah and Cherokee Sue were invited to the ospitalities of the camp. After it was found that there were no further signs of attack, a sentinel was stationed, and the rest turned in for sleep. The next day Josiah and his dusky companion set out for the North, “THE END or WILD IVAN — A week was spent very Giovetie in tit 2 camp of the road-agent hunters, who had: ey not yet given te: their vain hope of capturi Deadwood Di but, then, came’a terrible blow which none had capectad Wile B caused a feeling of grief i in the camp. _ On awakening one morning it was- dis- Nie covered that Edith was not in the oe i where she and Alice usually slept, and Tom Elkton caused a*search to be made. And Old Avalanche was the first to discover a clue. Upon the bank of the rushing, foaring Little Madrass, he found a ribbon Edith had worn upon her hair, and also a handkerchie! inside of which was a bit of paper. In haste the old scout hurried back to the agonized father, and the paper was rea aloud to ‘the anxious friends clustere around. “Do not look for me, for the water wail +2 not give up its dead. You willisay I am — foolish, but I could not give him up, I Joved him so. I would rather die, for I could not live without him, and be happy. Avalanche knows—it’s about Deadwood Dick. May God forgive me, as I know you will. Poor papa. Epitn.” This was all, but it was enough to send a ‘a shock of sadness throu a the camp. One day later, a sad and sorrowin; Milton Stone started for Deadwood, ward bound, while poor Tom kien, ad whose heart had found firm root a pur i devotion for Edith, plunged deeper into the wilderness, seeking for fresh adveniang : to drown out his sorrow. hy Old Avalanche and his goat also took their departure, amid the good wishes of all eis v rangers, who had learned to regard him | aR a sterling friend. And about a week after the camp bro e up, and the unsuccessful road-agent hunt rs set out for Deadwood. fin Shortly after their arrival, Sherwood married Red Kit’s daughter, Alice. Their love-making was rather short, but both found a choice in each other, and it is for us to hope that they may ever b supremely REPPY- e

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