Deadwood Dick Library (v. 1) (1899 03 22)

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Bopyright 1877-L884, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N , as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899, M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, N WD, Tssued Weekly. iden Sma pau pare 3 Price 5 Cents. i] | | . iene ; James Sullivan, Proprietor,) oie sna Gis 0. March 22, 1899, 379 Pearl Street, New York. $2.50 a Year. ' BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. DEADWOOD DICE.

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EDWARD L. WHEELER'S DEADWOOD DICK, JR. NOVELS IN THE HALF-DIME- LIBRARY. Price 5 Cents per Copy. 443 Deadwood Dick, Crescent Sign. Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, Racket at Claim 10. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral. 3 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. > Deadwood.Jick, Jr.’s, Inheritance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance. 5 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protege. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Danger Ducks. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocq. Deadwood Dick, Jr , on His Mettle. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. 5 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. 2 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr:’s, Chase Across the Continent. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smug- lers, 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durango. 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery. 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. 00 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco. Jr.; or, The Crimson For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c. per copy, by the pw plish 716 Deadwood Dick, 722 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 58 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 797 Deadwood Dick, 802 Deadwood Dick, 807 Deadwood Dick, 812 Deadwood Dick, 816 Deadwood Dick, 822 Deadwood Dick, 828 Deadwood Dick, 834 Deadwood Dick, 840 Deadwood Dick, 845 Deadwood Dick, 852 Deadwood Dick, 858 Deadwood Dick, 863 Deadwood Dick, 870 Deadwood Dick, . 876 Deadwood Dick, 882 Deadwood Dick, 891 Deadwood Dick, 898 Deadwood Dick, 904 Deadwood Dick, 910 Deadwood Dick, 916 Deadwood Dick, 928 Deadwood Dick, 934 Deadwood Dick, 940 Deadwood Dick, 946 Deadwood Dick, 951 Deadwood Dick, 957 Deadwood Dick, 965 Deadwood Dick, 71 Deadwood Dick, 977 Deadwood Dick, 980 Deadwood Dick, 992 Deadwood Dick, 998 Deadwood Dick, 1005 Deadwood Dick, 1011 Deadwood Dick, 1018 Deadwood Dick, _ers, M. J. IVERS & CO., 379 Peart Street, New York Crry. Jr.’s, Still Hunt. Jr.’s, Dominoes. Jr.'s, Disguise. Jr.’s, Double Deal. Jr.’s, Death- Watch. Jr.’s, Doublet. Jr.’s, Death-Blow. ie Jr.'s, Desperate Strait. — Jr.’s, Lone Hand, Jr.’s, Defeat. Jr.'s, Resurrection. Jr.’s, Dark Days. Jr., Defied. Jr.’s, Double Device. Jr.’s, Desperate Vent Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. — Jr.’s, Royal Flush, Jr.’s, Head-Off. Jr.’s, Rival. Jr.’s, Boom. Jr.’s, Scoop. Jr.'s, Proxy. Jr.’s, Clutch. Jr,’s, High Horse. Jr., at Devil's Guleh. Jr.’s, Death-Hole Hus Jr.’s, Bombshell. ¥ Jr., in Mexico, Jr.’s, Decoy Duck. Jr., in Siiver Pocket. Jr.'s, Dead-Sure Game Jr.’s, Double Drive. | Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. Jr., at Tip-Top. k Jr.’s, Double-Decker. — Jr., at Dollarville. y Jr., at Flush Flats. 4 Jr.’s, Shake-Up. RY Jr.’s, Double Drop. Jr.’s, Right Bower. Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. Jr.’s, Gold Dust. Jr.'s, Oath. Jr.’s, Death-Doom. Jr.’s, Best Card. Jr., at Gold Dust. Jr.'s, Big Play, 3 Jr., Branded. 7 Jr.’s, Dutch Pard.. “3 Jr.'s, Big Four. “t ca a

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sac Rye ~~ Se REE jopyright 1877-1884, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899, ————« M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers 5 No iy) Issued Weekly. (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) ; Price b Cents. Vol | { s&s March 22, 1899, 379 Pearl Street, New York. ~ $2.50 a Year. sole THE NNIRIE NACRERG: OF DEADWoop Dicr’s | THE DOUBLE DAGGERS; °° eo errance, BY EDWARD L, WHEELER, I) as | i Ht Hi} f iil) WY

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aS % The Double Daggers. Su nme A Tale of the Regulators and Road-=| when the door was unceremoniously opened and a person entered the room, | Aten looked up with Agents of the Black Hills. a patronizing nod, and beheld a broad-shouldered, bewhiskered miner standing before him—an exceed- ingly rough-looking customer he was, attired in Th D bl Da ers « | dirty, mud-splashed corduroy, with a small arsenal © ou e s g 9 | of sixes belted about his waist. Little of the face OR, was visible through a thick bush of red beard, but the gleam from the small black eyes was dangerous, D d d Di k’ D fiance ies Howdy do?” saluted Et si a Legion bas ike manner, giving an extra flourishing stroke o! haar shasionad ® his pen, and eed ene: his attention to the visitor. “Tn what way might I be able to serve you, sir?” BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, * Humph!’ a nr Bare a piped ee Q@UTHOR OF ‘DEADWOOD NICK, NoveLs,” ‘RosEBUD | grunt as he glanced about the olice, ckon thiy jn ee ‘LS,”? 1.» BIC. ar’ the shebang whar they print the ‘Pi’neer,;’ hey? BOB, NOVELS,” “ SINERA: SAM NOVRES, ENC.) BRO. | Chophie ts the editorial xoom Of that publication, CHAPTER I. ‘ yes,” replied Auguscus, loftily. i Tho’t so. *Spect the boss be about, not?” Eee See aan “7 am sorry Pto say Mr. Wilbur isn’t fn, sis “Sommraine Asour Duapwoop Dick.—Mr, Edward | Important business called him away to Elizabeth Warris, or, as he is better known, ‘“‘ Deadwood Dick,” | City over an hour ago. He, however, placed me in has literally more lives than a cat. For some time | power, to transact all business, and consequently I past we have heard little about him, but now his | make no hesitation in placing my services at your name is whispered in connection with the last stage- | disposal.” coach robbery, near Cheyenne, On Tuesday a| ‘Waal, Lopine et doan’tmake much difference, watchful band of Deadwood Regulators, led by Dash- | atwixt you’n me. Reckon .youw’ll de jes’s well as ing Davé, pounced down upon him and a portion of | Mister Wilbur: leastwise V'll make you. I’ve got an his band in Big Lode Canyon, and a terrible struggle | egg to break wi’ somebody, an’ jes’s lief it’d.be with ensued. All of the road-agents were slaughterel | you as anybody else.” B without sere at except Deadwood Dick. He, Here the miner errno’ and fumbled in his pock on his big black stallion, was seen to ride straight up | ev industriously, at last bringing forth a late the mountain side, where none could follow. Nor | copy of the Pioneer, This he spread carefully upon did bullets seem to check his progress. So much, | the desk in front of our Augustus, and with one again, for the notorious youth, who is making for | white, slender finger, so greatly at contrast with his himsejf a name, as a daring road-rider, second to_| general appearance, he pointed to the large-type none in the world.”—Deadwood Pione, July 1th, heading of a column: ‘Something about Deadwood The above paragraph, created quite a furore of | Dick,” as per paragraph. excitement in the Deadwood circles. For perhaps a “bye see thal?” he demanded, in a voice that month past the sensational news of the Black Hills | made Augustus sat eee see them ’ar lines?" had been rather stagnant. The absence of Indians “Hixactly—as plainly, perhaps, asIsee you. It is from the vicinity had lessened the number of re- | a paragraph concerning Deadwood Dick, the nots ports of murderous attacks, and a quietude among | rious young outlaw.” t e much-dreaded “gents of the road,” had been “Yas, that is w’at it ar’, an’ no mistake. Now, the means of lulling Deadwood and her sister towns | one o’ my errants here, ar’ to see the individual who into a drowse of peaceful content and serenity, writ them truthful lines uv prosaic.” A glance at Deadwood from a good point of obser ‘Tam proud to say I penned that sensational par- vation, reveals no startling changes, Tho Magic | agraph,” announced Augustus, drawing himself up City is nestling down among the tree-fringed hills, as | to his fullest hight, ‘‘and if you have come to re- of yore. The imposing mountains appear jush as | munerate me for my interest in Mr. Dick, [shall be src as then; the mountain streams pour wildly | most happy, and grateful to accept a V, promising t down through their rocky channals the same; no | devotion to the cause in the future.” ~ change is noticeable unless it ba in the size of the The customer in corduroy stared, ; eae metropolis, and the number of people who * So you writ it, did yer?” he asked. / ong its streets. * Assuredly I did!” 1 - the offlee Bauer ° People of almost every nationality may be seen “Waal, mind that you don’t write another like et, here; mon, women and children, vending their | if you doan’t want ter git knocked inter the middle wares; eager, expectant miners comingin.to seek | of day before yisterday. Deadwood Dick do not their forttnes: grim, despondent miners going out | keer to be made quite so free wi’ about these times. ‘‘dead-broke;” speculators, sharpers, curious tour- | Now, about my other errant. I want ye to put a ists, with now and then an artist or author mixed in; | ’vertisoment in your Pi’neer, w’at’ll cover a hull gamblers, bummers, army officers, trappers and | page, an’ I wantit in big type, too, so every vody can Seouts—all ara hore in the make-up of a monster | read it right plain.” realistic drama, such ag no pen or brush can fitly “Pxactly. [understand what you wish—a display portray. advertisement, such as will attract universal atten- Journalism in Deadwood has not reached that | tion. Yes, yes; Isee, Isee. Such a one wih cost aome of perfection attained in our eastern cities; still, | you only a tritie, and undoubtedly prove advan- some enterprising individual, with the aid of pen, | tageous to the ioe degree. Two hundred dol- scissors and paste, and a dilapitated hand-press, has | lars will settle the bill.’’ . . succeeded in bringing to light a very creditable “Dog cheap, ain’t you?” sneered the miner, “It’s ~ sheet, considering everything, whose heading is 7he | a/ wonder you can make a living, you’re so cheap. Proneer, it boing devoted to the mining interest, etc. | Now, I'll tell ye what I'll do, You go ahead and ‘set The office of the worthy ks as wasupon the | up’ the advertisement I’m goin’ to give you, an’ second floor of a building directly across from the | charge it to Deadwood Dick. If it comes out in the “ Metropolitan” saloon, and was very scantily fur- | next issue of ther Pi’neer, you'll get your pay, right nished, and attended by a very wise-looking young | off; likewise, ef it don’t, you'll get a bullet through gentleman from the Mast, who was a reporter, anda your skull the fust time you show your pate outside combination of the city dandy and crushed actor. his hencoop, you bet!’” ° This individual was perched ona high stool behind “Ught you surely don’t mean it!’” sl = ne bright morning a few days sub- “Reckon I do. My word ain’t to belarfed at, 1 fos jesne of the paper containing the | want you tounderstand, Will ye do it?” eta ve paragraph, engaged in writing an editorial, “¥ gould ad possibly,” protested Augustus, “9 v- rs Oe - -

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The Double Daggers. &ave no right to insert a gratuitous advertisement, you see, because this is not my paper.” ““We'll see about that, my young rooster—we'll see, Now, jist listen to w’at’s on this bit o’ docky- ment, so you'llremember it till ye put it inter type.” So saying the rough visitor brought forth another iece of paper from his pocket, andafter studying it ‘or a few moments, he read, aloud: “Deadwood Dick, the Road-Agent, desires to say, through these columns, that he defies Deadwood it- self and all its inhabitants; that he is even now with- in the confines of the Magic City, and willsoon show the so-called Deadwood Regulators that for every Road-Agent killed in Big Lode Canyon, the other day, he will guarantee the demise of a Regulator. Let Dashing Dave beware! let all Deadwood beware! for the Prince of the Road is on his muscle! ‘“The Public’s dutiful servant, ** (Signed,) Deapwoop Dick.’? “Thar! that’s bizness clean to the spinal men- rains 1 Meitegiy cere declared the miner. “That'll show folks that Dickey and his b'yees hain’t afeard; no more they ain’t. Now, you Pi’neer cuss, reckillect ef that doan’t cum out in glarin’ style in the next issue, your grave’s dug. D’ye hear?” “Yes, yes!” nodded Augustus, more alarmed than he cared to have the miner know he was. “I'll get your ‘ad’ in somehow, only don’t trouble us again.” “Waal, that depends. Maybe I will an’ maybe I ‘won't. Now, ood-day, an’ remember w’at ye'll git if that ar’ ’vertis’ment doan’t come out!” ‘Augustus bowed, stiffly, and the uncouth visitor took his departure, The next issue of the Pioneer contained the bold warning of Deadwood Dick. To say it caused a sen- sation would be putting it mild. There was an un- precedented excitement in mining-circles; the article ‘was the theme of discussion for a hundred tongues ormore: capitalists frowned and hugged closer to their gold; miners kept their weapons handy; Dash- ing Dave’s Regulators kept shady; inside of ten hou after the-appearance of the notice in the Pioveer, th “solid” men of the Magie City had made up a purse, and a thousand dollars was the price set for the cap- tare of the notorious Deadwood Dick. The so-styled Regulators were under the Rey of the influential men of Deadwood—a sort of finance body-guard, waging war against road-agents and parte generally, and striking blows in the defense of justice, ‘ ashing Dave was a tall, brawny, handsome bor- derman of three and twenty years, who had won a great name as an Indian-fighter during the troubles receding the fatal Custer engagement, and was eared by a large class of the desperate characters who infested the Black Hills. He had lost his fami —a wife and a month-old babe—by the border ruffi- ans, since coming into the Hills, and this had im- bittered his whole nature against mankind in the guise of an outlaw, He struck blindly, without a care or thought of the life he was taking; it was for vengeance and the interests of an all-powerful peo- ’ le, io He, with a half-dozen of his comrades were gath- ered in the Metropolitan"saloon, on the evening after the ae issue of the Pioneer, disctssing matters in general. “There seems no doubt left but that Deadwood Dick is really down among us again,” said one of the ty, Big-eared John by name, and as hardy a order veteran as ever pulled trigger. ‘‘He grows Bueer every full moon, darn my old pelt if he on’t. “Tf I mistake not, his raceis nearly run,”’ replied Dashing Dave, his eyes constantly roving around as though in search of some one, ‘He has carried a _ high hand around these parts, too long, already, and ; 4 a mark m: word he’ll soon come to grief. Ifonce ood et a | ead on him, it will be good-by Dead- wor rae Y : | of tremendous m “Reckon Justin McKenzie’s wife would take it i logh hard if Dick wer’ to git put under the sod. He's her brother, you know, and she thinks the world of him.” “Tt don’t care. Dutyis. duty, and no females shall stand in the way, Have you pw a watch on McKenzie’s shaaty, as I ordered?” “Yes, but you'll never Sap. four ame in that di- rection, Mr. ad-Agent Dick is shyer ’an a fox, and twice as pery as ary eel ye ever see’d, an when ye ketch him napping, jes’ consider the millen- nium clos't to hand.” “Well, wait and see. Keep your eyes and ears about you, and maybe you'll scare up something when you least expect if,” So saying Dashing Dave sauntered off through the densely thronged Spertnsiiy followed by many. ad- miring glances. He was really a dashing-looking fellow, when you came to view him closely, with his commanding form, and genial, sun-burnt face, He was a man of great muscular development; was an unerring rifle and pistol shot. His eyes were brown and his hair of a like color, while his tee and mustache were jetty black. The yore on of his countenance was frank, yet stern; pleasant, yet possessed of the eae to be very grave. Let us follow him. The “Metropolitan” has been enlarged since we were here with the reader in ‘Deadwood Dick.” All, now, is under one vast roof and in one apart- ment; still the place is crowded night and day. Dashing Dave sauntered through the immense room, casting careless,.yet sharp glances on either side as he moved on; nodding occasionally at some acquaintance, or, mayhap, scowling at an enemy; for he had many—possibly more enemies than friends among the eee class who po to make up the population of the Black Hills metropolis. He presently chanced upon a vacant ‘seat at an empty table, and was not long in making himself the possessor of it, for a chair in a Deadwood’ saloon after sunset is a scarce piece of furniture. Not long had he been seated, however, when he was tapped gently upon the shoulder, and turning he beheld a young man standing just behind him. He was superbly built, and attired in tanned buck- skin, but little or nothing of his face could be seen on account of an immense slouch hat that was drawn down over his eyes. ‘“ Well?” demanded Daye, interrogatively, “* what will you have?” “This chair, if you please!” was the decisive re- sponse, “I sat here before you did, and you usurped my place while I was away for a cigar.’ “Can't help it, my friend. I found this seat va- eant, ahd I reckon find ’em’s keep ’em, ‘round this — ranch; so go along and find the mate!” advised the : lator. ‘* Which I decline to do,” replied the stranger, as coolly as if he were an iceberg. ‘‘That chair be- zo to me, and here’s what says so!” e beid a cocked revolver in his right hand, which was as white asa woman’s.. The glitter of the wea- pon and the tone of his voice bespoke business | CHAPTER II. THE TWO FUGITIVES, x *Sr! don't make a noise, If their attention is a> ; tracted we are lost!” ae So spoke a young girl, over whose head had paswe@ barely seventeen summers. The scene was at the bottom of a deep, dark can- yon, walled in by the mighty tree-clad mountains, The girl and a male companion stood secreted ina clump of undergrowth at a point where one :maller gulch or canyon on either side, branched off from the main one, making it a sort of natural turnpike, The branches were much narrower and deeper than — nae other, and in them the night’s gloom was more. ntense. The girl and her companion, a smail, stout negro uscular power, were entirciy

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pretty 4 The Double Daggers. screened from view among the underbrush, while all the time they were enabled to command a straight outlook down the main and transverse. canyon, into which the new moon slanted a few yellow rays. Up the main canyon, coming directly toward the split” or “‘divide,”” was a company of horsemen, erhaps a dozen in all, advancing ataslow trot; an t was to these that the youn: girl had alluded, “Yas, I’m mum as a baked clam,” replied the ne- gro. “If dem debbils cum w’ere I can git just one good kick at ‘em, I'll sp’ile ’em fur all time.’ “Shut up your gabble!’”? commanded the girl, au- thoritatively. ‘I do believe you would like to have them discover us.” * No sech a thing, Miss Leone; what d’ye s’pose I want dem ornery skunks to git at us, fur? hio’d get & wuss cracked skullnor ole Ben Johnson, I won- er’ *: fhat’s so, Ben!’ with a low laugh. ‘ You’d be apé to get your share of the punishment, But taky paneer. my good oldtrusty friend, They may pass by without nosing us out, and if they do we are all hunki-dori, for in the vast confines of this mountain- ous region we of an can find a place of safety.” ‘* An’ ef dey don’t, Miss Leone?” - “If they don’t—well, we must fight until we fall, for I will die by my own hand, rather than fall again into the power of Jasper Leslie.” “Dem’s my sentimen’s, perzac’ly ma’am, an’ here’s w’at'll fight his toe-nails off, clean to der roots, fer yer sweet sake. Yere comes the ornery coons, now, peekin’ about, a-tryin’ to spy us out,” The horsemen had been drawing nearer during their conversation, and had now halted at the civide, but a few paces distant from where the fugitives were crouching, There were twelve of them, all rough, bearded bor- derers, save two, whose appearance was a, trifle less uncouth and grisly. The one was a portly man of perhaps forty years, with a full, florid face, orna- mented with ‘Burnside’ whiskers, which were slightly streaked with gray; black eyes, and shaggy eyebrows to match; an aquiline nose, and a coni- P lexion of a swarthy brown. His dress was scrupu- ously neat, and the diamond pin upon his immacu- late shirt front was of the first water. The other man was older by pone s ten years;— ‘was poor in flesh, shriveled and wrinkled, . His face was a mirror of his black, evil nature; his eyes con= stantly emitted gleams of a baleful light; dissipation and debauchery had wrecked his life; avarice and greed for gain mainly kept him alive; he was a re- Poe object to gaze upon, with his furrowed, sal- low face; his sinister eyes; his huge, wolfish mouth; and the pip a Pa ae! og ivories, and all relieved by a matted shock of hair, and a perfect ly white beard. His attire, however, was even superior to that of his companion, Ler ee in the latest style and of more costly material.— Diamonds glittered upon his tie, upon his shirt front, and upon his fingers. * Aha!’ muttered the girl, Leone, as her eyer rest- ed anon him; “if ever I was tempted to commit murder itis now. Jasper Leslie, I could kill you, base, designing wretcb that you are, without a bit of compassion,” “‘Dem’s my sentimen’s eggsactly !” declared John- son, emphatically, his eyes rolling back comically. Just here let us pause and describe the woman and her sable companion. . - Leone was of medium hight, and possessed of a plump, symmetrical form, which, in its delicately rounded outlines, was little less than perfection. small, arching neck, on which was saucily perched a round little head, surmounted with an indiscrimi- nate confusion of curls of brick-red color; a fair, creamy complexion, here and there tinted with blushing roses of health and youth; soft, expressive name eyes, and a mouth of sweetest expression, _ Her dress was of coarse, serviceable woolen stuff, _ ». dbably purchased peagy made agit i of ankles osed a ve at were tes view, and feet t . + } esca — cased in richly ornamented moecasins. A round far turban sat upon her brick-celored curls, and this constituted her outfit, unless we include a hai me Sharpe sporting-rifle, and a pair of pistols, Johnson was literally blacker than the “‘ace of spades,” short and very powerful of build. His fav, sable face, and ludicrous rolling eyes were expres- sive of a jovial nature, and told a true story, for old Ben was one of the best-hearted souls imaginable. But when his ire was provoked, he was a very pet to fight; hence, Leone was glad to have him on her side against her enemies. He was attired in a semi- civilized fashion, and armed with rifle, knife and pistols—the common equipment in the Black Hills aera where very few go about unarmed. As the horsemen came to a halt, the repulsive individual, whom Leone had called Jasper Caelie, gave vent to a horrible curse. “ Here’s a pretty go! Where has our game gone, I should like to know?” “Yes, you ey well ask that, Jasper Leslie,” sneered He with the “Burnsides.”’ “If you have let the girl escape, you know the consequences, Off comes your head, in less than no time,’ “Tl find the girl if £ have to raise hell on earth!” declared the old man, with an oath. ‘She cannot me, try though she may.” . “You must find her soon, then, you old curmud: geon, for I shall not long keep these men under my pay, to assist you. It’s too expensive.” “Let ’em go, then! They don’t do any purticklet good, asIsee. I can find the gal jest as well wi’out em, Cuss that nigger! If I ever get hold of him, ru we his carcass open in short meter!” “Will you, dough?” grinned Johnson, from hia concealment. ‘’Spec’s it’s dis chunk o’ coal-black ‘he has referwunce to, ain’t it, Miss Leone?” “Yos, he means you. But, hush! we must not let them know we are here.” “Yes,” accorded he of the Burnsides; ‘if the ni; gen hadn’t been with her, she wouldn’t have got this ar ‘“Dat’s a comblymen’ fur Johnsing,”’ chuckled the sable gentleman, in the bushes. : “‘Tt’s true,’ whispered Leone, gratefully. “Buf Ea you, Ben, I never should have eluded them thin long.” “Dem’s my sentimen’s, eggsactly.”” “T see no prospect of overtaking them, to-night,* growled one of the men. “Here we ar’, nigh miles from Deadwood, an’ hain’t see’d hide nor ha’? on’em. I propose we camp down yere, an’ wait few daylight.” * “Not much!” retorted Leslie, savagely. ‘Gues# they’ve got fur enuff start now, wi’out givin’ eny any more. We'll all take a stiff drink of ‘mountain dew,’ to brace up our nerves, and then go on.” A large bottle was accordingly produced from on¢ of the saddle-bags, and passed around, each mast helping himself to a liberal allowance. “*Now, which canyon shall we take?” asked Brier ly, who had prapores to halt-on the spot for the night. ‘‘ We don’t dare to split up, fer fear of ro; agents; an’ here's three routes the gal may hev ook, . * We'll take the main course,” decided Leslie. “The fools would ha’ been more likely to ’a’ took this, knowin’ it was more traveled, an’ there wera. not so much danger o’ gettin’ lost. Bh! Sydnor?” | “T do not know anything about it. All I want ig the girl, and you must get her for me, or you shalh . never leave the Hills alive. Doyou hear?” “T ain’t at all deaf, I reckon,” retorted the other, bid Come! come! this won’t do; fall into file and off we go!’ - g According to the order, the whole cavalcade put spurs to their steeds, and dashed away be the wrin canyon, noisily through the night’s dim light. ** Thank Heaven they are gone!” muttered when they were out of sight beyond a curve in th course, “It was a very narrow escape.”’ “Dem's my sentimen’s egesactly,” responded ji a a ME detaches ice a a | a

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The Double Duysers, Johnson, drawing a long sigh of relief. “I’m werry lad dey didn’t poke dere noses in yeré; not beca’se ’se ‘fraid 0? enny hurt they would do to us, but I should orfully ’a’ hated to squashed dem noses!”* “You have a very tender heart, Ben,” said Leone. laughing, ‘*You’d never make a general, for all your worth. But, now that our enemies have ske- daddled, what are we going to do?” ‘Jes’ wat I was cogitatin’ on, Miss Leone, S’pos- in’ we huff it back to Deadwood.” ‘ No! that would be next to following up our ene- mies and Sa ae ourselves. Without doubt, Curtis Sydnor and my father have posted spies there, who would nab us as soon as we showed our faces.’ Jobnson. did not reply immediately, but stepped out into the gulch a few paces, to where a bar. of light from the moon slanted down over the moun- tain-top and kissed the earth. All was now quiet. The hoof-strokes of the horses had become inaudi- ble; the wind fanned alow, sweet Symphony through the dark cloaked pines; music sweeter than all ema- nated from a clear little stream that babbled adown through the left gulch. F ‘*T s’pec’s it’s our duty to do sumfin’ for Dianer,” commented Johuson, gazing around him with a rather grum expression of countenanee, ‘but bress de Lor’ if dis gen’man o’ color knows w’at. Miss Leone, ye'r’ de bossess; w’at shall we do to break de fronolony ob our sithation?” “Only one thing remains,” replied the maiden, ei from her concealment, ‘‘We must take one of these transverse canyons, and follow it until we can find a secure eget esti The left one has a stream of water—let us take that.” : “Berry well. I’se no ‘jections, providin’ it are fur de best. Til go ahead, an’ you can brung up de rear.’ So saying the negro threw his rifle into the hollow of his arm, and led the way into the left canyon, Leone following close at. his heels. “There is one thing in our favor, Ben,” she said, as they hurried along. ‘There are none among the band that can read a trail, and whatever signs we leave behind in passing over this hard rocky bottom, would be 1mperceptible to an experienced trailer.” “Dem’'s my sentimen’s eggsactly, miss. De coon as can nose us out is berry smart.” On they went, their footsteps awaking only slight echoes up the mountain-side, The canyon grew gradually narrower and deeper, the walls on either side rising to a oped hight. Far up overhead was the dimly starlit sky; the moon had hid its head behind a peak, leaving the canyon in darkness. Yet it was light enough for Johnson to see the route ahead of him,and lead the way carefully, 4 oe the rougher paths that Leone might haye easier. And thus the twain wandered on. Johnson had spent the latter years of his life upon the frontier, and was a thoroughly good trailer, his familiarity with mountain and prairie rendering him invaluable as a guide. His one failing was a liking toserve under somebody—to have some one take the responsibility of an undertaking; then he was all right and ready to perform his duties. He was very keen of hearing and ovbserving, but to-night he was less guarded than usual, and as are- sult, ere he was ey oon of the fact, inround- ing an abrupt curve in thecanyon, he came face to face with a horseman, who had halted, evident] Domine their approach by the echo of their foot- steps. Leone uttered a startled scream as her eyes rested |’ upon the unexpected rider. and stepped closer to her sable companion as if feeling reassurance, that he was with her. Jobnson stopped stock-still and would-have raised his repeater, had he not perceived a gleaming pistol in each hand of the stran- ger covering him. The horseman was a brawny, powerfully built man and fully armed. His face was covered from aose to shirt-collar with thick black beard, vhe mus- : can’t be that ye’re ong in these parts, well enough that but one man in all the Black His — Lope, WRENS Bem aI tache of which reached across each cheek, the ends hanging down perene his ears. His eyes were dark and sinister, and brows shaggy, but what. was most remarkable of all, was his forehead, which was low and retreating, and jetty black in color / seeming] burnt, the flesh being hard—and crnellinge--eeee as by flames. »A. slouch hac “*namented a shock of black hairw on his bead, ana a tanned, embroidered suit of buck- skin fitted his powerful figure, ending with beaded moccasins affd leggins. The grim rider was the first one to speak, and in a growling. deep voice, asked: “Well? who be yean’ where ye goin’?” “That depen’s all on sarcumstances,” lied Johnson. ‘“ name is Johnsing—Benjamin rew- ster Johnsing. Whode debbil d rf s*pec’ you are?" The horseman uttered a loud, hoarse latgh. ‘It or ye'd know carries sich a frontispiece as 1 do—an indelible scar stamped there by_the lightning hand of God. Once seen, I always make it a poiut never to be forgotten. My, name is Black Harperde _ ‘Phew! you don’t tellus dat you is dat debbil's imp, hisself, do you? I heerd of Black Harper ta Deadwood, and dey said he was a cuss!”’ j “Haw! haw! haw! laughed the horseman, his deep voice becoming boisterous; ‘‘sed I was a cuss, did they? Haw! haw! haw! Yes, nigger, that’s about my caliber. I’m a cuss clean from my s to the top o’ my attic, you bet, and if Aik don’t fin me so, why chalk it down that J'm a liar!” “1 don’t doubt your word the least bit, Mr. Black Harper, so jest be obligin’ enuff to lower de aim ob your rewolvers, Seein’s we’ve met, Is’pec’ you in- ten’ to do sumt’inks, eh? Speak up.” “Waal, I shouldn’t wonder. I reckon ye don’t go up this canyon no furder, not if dis horse knows hi self. Hello! what d’ye call that ar’ behind you? A female—a real live kickin’ critter of the Eve persua- sion, Itis, or I am aliar, an’ no one ever calls Black Harper a liar but once. I say, you brick-top critter, step out hyer so I can git a fair squint at ye.” “Hide behind me,” cautioned Johnson. show yer face for yer life, honey !’’ “Dye hear?’ commanded the outlaw, riding closer. ‘‘Come out, I say.” “Don’t ; : But Leone refused, for she knew it boded her na “ good to let the ruffian feast his oe upon her, **You get back, old coon!’’ ordered eyes rolling threateningly. “I jes’ advise you to ga ong an’ mind your business, or dar’ll be a cerpuss around here fur some one to bury. You hear me!” But Black Harper uttered an oath of contempt, a leveling a revolver at the negro, pulled the : ger : CHAPTER TIL A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S HANGING, “On! you can't scare me worth a ext,” said the ator, calmly, as he gazed down the throat of the other’s weapon. “I wasn’t brougbt up in the woods to be scared out by an owl, much less an -ornery looking pill like you. “You were evidently brought up where good breeding was a dead letter!” was Lhe sarcastic re- sponse. ‘Come, are you going to vacate? I do not z Ben, bia white wish to hurt you, but if you don’: get out of there — before I have time to count thirty, there will be a first-class job for an undertaker, hereabouts.” Dashing Dave stared at the cool stranger in aston- ishment, He flattered himself that he knew pretty. nearly every person in Deadwood, but could not re+ | eall the face and figure of this fellow, whoever he ~ : might be. Certain it was that he was one of those cool, reckless characters so often met within the western wonderland,who was wont to falter at noth- ing that would further his own ends, ‘Who are you?” demanded the pene fusing to move; trying to divert the other’s attent: still re

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The Doable Daggers. aot while his hand stole toward his belt. But the watch- ful eyes of ‘the stranger caught the move; and the hammer of his revolver came back to full cock, with an ominous click, “No matter who I am,’’ was the stern reply! ‘‘I have countod twenty. ‘Ten more, and off goes the summit of your skull, if you don’t puckachee!” Dashing Dave reflected a moment, and then rose from the chair. He had no doubt but the fellow would ‘‘salt”? him, as he said; so he concluded it best to yield, for the present. “There, curse flercely. ‘‘ But, mind you, I will have my revenge for mi I don’t chaw insults without retrieve- ment!” ““You seem to take ’em in, kind of natural,.like!” laughed the victor, taking possession of the chair. “Hunt up another perch, pardner, or sit down on your thumb, an’ let’s take a beer. That will wash down the burning sensation of your defeat!” “No! nothing but your blood will wash it down!” hoarsely growied the chief, as he strode away, leaving the strauger launching ouietly to himself. Later in the evening the same individual was still seated at the table, puffing slowly at » cig” He Beemed wrapt in deep thought, yet it was noticeabi. that his black eyes were ever roving over the motley assembly, asif in search for some one. Unobserved Dashing Dave had worked his way around to a positiondirectly in the rear of his enemy. and in a moment when the. stranger least expected it, his hat was suatched from his head, revealing his face to the gaze of all the nearest bystanders, under tho full glare of the gaslight. A cry of astonishment came then, Dashing Dave reeled back, aghast, a terrible oath pealing from his lips: * Deid vood Dick!” he cried. “Deadwood Dick, the road-agent!’? seconded the crowd, gathering around breathlessly, knives and pistols drawn in an instant. i The face so suddenly uncovered was pose a handsome, and any one who had ever once seen Ned ‘Harris the road-prince, could not doubt that this was indeed the’ man. It was the same peculiarly fearless expression of countenance; the same stern yet pleasant mouth; the same prominent nose, and the same piercing eyes and long waving hair of jetty, blackness. To be sure there were absent some of the personal characteristics of Deadwood Dick—the black buckskin suit, the black gloves and the ac- ecompanying black horse. But, there was not a per- son in the room who was not convinced that this was the lawless Prince of the Road. 7 And there he sat quietly, a sarcastic smile break- ing out about bis lips. 4 : “Gentlemen!” he said, biting off the end of afresh cigar, ‘you all seem to see something uncommonly - attractive about me. Do you fora moment imagine ‘that I am the notorious road-agent of the Black Hills, whom you call Deadwood Dick?” “We don’t imagine nothing of the kind, my gay ounz Claude Duval of modern times!’ declared ashing Dave, tap ers “You're Deadwood Diek, and everybody knows it by one glance at your face. The features of Ned Harris are too prominent and bold in expression to easily be forgotten.” : . “Nevertheless,” replied the young man, coldly, _ “you've: got hold of the wrong chap this time. I’m _ hot Deadwood Dick, neither do [claim any relation- _ ship to that illustrious gentleman. My handle is - Hawk—Gerald Hawk, at your service, and I hail from Austin, Texas.” f “Haw! hay! haw!” <A great shout of derision - went up fré6m the crowd. Convinced as they were - of this man’s identity, they regarded his denial as a clever falsehood, originated witha design to hood- ink them. But the plan failed to work, whether tended so or otherwise. “That'll do to tell marines!’ sneered the Reguia- ‘for, with a wink at the crowd, ‘ Here’s an eye you can't shut up, however, I know you're Deadwood ‘ou, take the’ chair!’ he said,” Dick, and you’re bound to swing, now that we’vé fairly got you. What say you, my boys?” “Ay! ay! ay! ay!” assented a chorus of voices, “String bim up! Hang him for his crimes!” “Correct! Let his one get a rope!” = A dozen willing hands grasped the cool road-agent, if road-agent he was, and held him imprisoned in a firm grip, while his were bound bebind him. He made no resistance, rary, because he real- ized that it would be useless. He saw that all be- lieyed him to be the famous young road-agent; he knew that nobody would interfere in behalf of one whose numerous acts of outlawry and crime gained him almost a world-wide notoriety “You have made a serious mistake, gentlemen!” he ppistege as a rope was noosed about his neck. “Tf you suspend me, thinking you are ridding the world of Deadwood Dick, you are committing one of the gravest errors of your lives, for L am not the man—I swear it!” ““You can swear as much as you Ba my fine fellow!’ taunted Dashing Dave, orde ing the ar- rangement of the noose. ‘*I don’t care if youtell a hull bushel of lies, it won’t help your case one iota, You's bound to have a swing, Deadwood Dick orno Deadwon. “rt so dry up an’ say your prayers. There, boys, that'll do; now, come along, one and all, for there’s music in the air!” , the Captain of the R: tors led the way out of the thronged saloon, followed by an escort of a score of his own men with the prisoner; and behindthem surged the noisy crowd, eager to witness the execution, Out into the busy main street of the Hiawe City Ahey marched, making a weird procession under the light of the midsummer night’s moon, the yells and shouts growing louder and more boisterous each moment. The nearest tree suitable was several hundred yards down the gulch, in front of a neat little cot- tage, and toward this the would-be executioners hurried their victim. At the tree was reached, and a Eee el was formed around if by the uncouth and grisly au- dience. Inside this ring the prisoner was conducted, and positioned beneath the tree’s outspreading branches, the free end of his halter being tossed ae over a stout limb, and dropping on the other si was seized by half a score o Regulators, Paes Thus in an instant all was ready for the execu- tion. “Fellers!” cried Dashing Dare soening to “we have here, ripe for Tn the t nd so sayi vast multitude assembled, suspension, one of the worst desperadoes whole Black Hills country, namely—Deadwood Dick, For nearly two years he has held a reign of terror in these regions, and his daring crimes are without equal, All of you know that more than a dozen men — in Deadwood have fallen by his hand. Does it then Port eg reason that we should give him a formal ia ‘ “No! no!” shouted a hundred voices. ‘String him up without no trial. Yank him up an’ let’s see what kind of stuff he’s made of, one, two, three, now, and give him a boost!” “Hold! what's the meaning of this?” cried a new- comet, elbowing bis way through the crowd and confronting Dashing Dave. “What would you do?” “None of your business, Justin MeKenzie,” re- torted the Regulator chief, insolently. ‘‘Reckon ye. can see, without bein’ so inquisitive, We've got™ your estimable brother-in-law, Deadwood Dick, and we're a-goin to string him up. D’ye understand!” McKenzie turned with a start and at the prisoner, whom before he had only given a casual glance. : ae = “Great Heaven, Harris, is this you?” he cried, stepping closer, his fe: working with emotion, on oped never to see you in such a fix as God grant that Anita may never hear of it!” so" i es)! death be a lesson to all who choose the life of a road-agent, Seize him,andsome _ t Hurrat! .

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ee “ Anita?’ echoed the a@ puzzled expression, ou?” “What! don’t you know me, Harris? Is it poss!- ble that in the féw short months since we separated you have forego me, Justin McKenzie? Don’t you remember?—I married your sister, Anita?” ' The prisoner shook his head, a smile wreathing his ips. “No. JT am positive I never saw you.” Then a new light seemed to dawn upon him, ‘“ Ah! I saa he added; ‘‘you take me for Deadwood Dick, eh?” “Certainly. Youare he—or, in reality, Ned Har- ris,”’ replied McKenzie. “No,Llam not. My name is Gerald-Hawk, andI am from Austin, Texas. These fools have mistaken me for some desperado of your accursed Black Hills country, and it looks probable that Kam elected to swing ror this other fellow’s crimes.”” 4 McKenzie looked grave. “T am afraid that won't work, Harris,” he said, pityingly. ‘‘ You are too well known around these parts to attempt deception. - Would to God If had it in my power to help you, but I fear Thaye not.” “T don’t crave help!’ replied the prisoner, half- angrily. “‘Thave heard it said that Deadwood Dick is brave, and.ifIam to die in his name, it will be bravely. Ihave never done anything bad that Il am afraid to face my God, so these gentlemen can po ahead with their murder as soon as it suits them,’ Inwardly McKenzie groaned, and he turned to Dashing Dave to plead the case. ‘You see how it is,” he said, earnestly; “the poor fellow is notin hisright mind, Surely, gentlemen, you will not hang a man in his condition.” “We just will, though!” growled the Regulator, rimly. . ‘*Reckon I’m a cool thousand richer when at devil’s feet ar’ off ’m terra firma. Crazz or D9 crazy, he’s got toswing, Get ready, boys!” McKenzie sprung to the prisoner’s side and finy this arms about his neck. ‘“‘Good-by, Harris, old fellow,” he said, huskily, tears raining from his eyes. “I must leave you. now, for I cannot stop these men, and would not witness your death-struggles. THave you any word to send to Anita, Ned?” i “ None!” replied the prisoner, briefly. McKenzie then gave him one last brotherly em- brace, and turning, staggered blindly away, the erowd parting to let him pass. Then, just as the moon seemed the most ghostly bright, and a puff of wind sighed a mournful dirge through the branches of the gallows-tree, Dashing Dave waved his hand to the men at the rope, there was a universal cry of “‘ Heave oh!” and the doomed prisoner was pulled up into mid-air. His struggles were fortunately of short duration, After a slight writhing: and twisting of the limbs, the body straightened downward, and life was pro- nounced extinct, z “ You need not let him down,” ordered Dashing Dave, ‘but fasten the rope, and let him hang there till sunrise. I tell you there's nothing like making sure of a thing. Deadwood Dick was such a scaly customer that I would not be much surprised to see him resurrected after rok feed there a whole week,” sigpnndicte the crowd dispersed and the ghastly ebject was left hanging a fearful example of what justice is in the wild Far West. The crowd dispersed to the various saloons, to tall over the events of the evenit death of the road-agent prince, who had spread such # reign of terror wherever he had gone. Now that he was dead, did it not promise to put an end to some of the bold robberies and depredations? At least so thought the over-confident population ‘of Deadwood. me while believing this, another cloud arose upon their horizon. 3 Would not the followers of the lynched road-rider seek terrible yvengeance—a bloody, reckless revenge for their esteemed leader's death? The Double Daggers. . said paper was hopeful that the deceased wo iz, and drink over the’ ce tree, During the darkness just preceding day-dawn, some one had come and cut down the lifeless corpse and removed it forever from the gaze of Deadwood’s buses tag pepulation. Whither, no one knew—no one cared. There seemed to be a universal satisfaction in believing that the notorious Black Rider was dead, A few days later the Black Hills Pioneer appeared with a big-lined ediforial, commemorative of the death of Deadwood Dick, describing his ca; eand death, and ending with the announcement that the not forget to send down the amount of that little bill Le owed them for advertising. And on rolled the wild, bustling tenor of life in Deadwood’s Magic City, as if not had oceurred to mar its peace of mind. CHAPTER -IV. z \ ZADWOOD DICK’S VOW OF VENGEANCE. Dasnuva Dave, the Chief of the Regulators, was man who might be admired at a distance, but come — to make his personal acquaintance and study his character, and ‘you found him far from tation. He was, to all outward appearances : thoroughly upricht gentleman, yet he was as bad ai heart as many of his fellow-men who bore a far worse reputation. " One day as he was Jounaine. in front of the notori- ous Metropolitan, engage ber tee passers-by, a woman, trim of figure and a trifle haughty of carriage, came down the street from the direction of a row of new cottages that had recently been erected and tenanted, She was clad in deep mourning, and so closely vailed that nothing of her face was visible. Dashing Dave watched her narrowly from the time he first caught sight of her, until she had hur- //paly passed, aud vanished down the street. * wonder who that trim craft is?’ he muttered puffing away at his pipe recollect of ever seeing her before. onder if she holds out in one of them shanties? Confound it, if she comes back this way, 1’m hanged if I don’t make a dive for her acquaintance.” ‘True to his word he continued to lounge about the street, watching narrowly for the ap earance of the vailed woman who had so excited Several hours passed, and he was growing impatient at the delay, when once more he caught a glimpse of the trim figure coming from the direction in- in Inspecting the constant’ meditatively. ‘I don’ risoner, his face assuming It was highly probable that they would. ; ‘Who is Anita? Who are On the following morning, the lynched outiaw’s body was not hanging beneath the fatal gallows- , our expec-— Ss curiosity, which she had previously gone. But unfortunately. — for his designs, she was accompanied by a young — , man, well-dressed and ordinarily good-looking, whom he perceived ata slange to be Justin McKenzie, the brother-in-law of the dead road-agent. “Ha! then, perhaps that is his wife?’ the Regula- tor mused, allowing them to pass without interry tion. “She must be in mourning for 1 Dick, Lreckon. But I wonder where they live? In that new row of shanties, eh?” : ; MeKenzie had changed his place of residence since the death of Deadwood Dick, and it was h probable that he had taken one of the referred 1 cottages, for he was extentively engaged in minin, and reaping so rich a harvest that he could aitord something a little above the avera ¢ e. Uneonsciously the Regulator fellowed on behind — them, at_ a safe distance, until he saw them disa pear within one of the rude structures; then turned back toward the Metropolitan, an evil gleam z in his sinister eye, “Thate that McKenzie!” he agely at his nails by way of relieving his feelings, * He is too stuck up with his ideas, entirely, Ddlike— to give him a dig, and I believe I have found just how to fouch him ina tender spot. “'l zetup a flirtation h Ey Deadwood growled, biting say-

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A at-ease when he was not meddling with the business -@ourse there came no ahswer; loomed the tree, an i , ‘ 8 a te ee with his wife, and that will be genuine torment to him, for he is very jealous.” As Dashing Dave rarely broke a promise or his word, it was evident he would work mischief in the home of the McKenzies. He had no respect for per- sons; he was naturally evil at heart, and always ill- of other people. That evening he procured a handsome bouquet of ehoice flowers, and sent it to the cottage by a young Indian lad, whom he had faken into his employ. O indeed, the evil schemer expected none—not yet He argued that it takes time to work miracles; and if he wished to have success he must not hurry mat ters. He was aware that Anita knew nothing of the sender; therefore how was she to reciprocate? On the following morning and evening two moro choice floral offerings found their way to the McKen- zie cottage, and the latter one contained a delicately perfumed note, couched in the following manner: “ Dear Mrs. McKenzie:—Charmed not only with your beauty of face and form, but with your purity. ‘oodness, and grace, and well-knowing the shameful falsity of your husband, I take this mode of formin, qeoe valuable acquaintance, trusting you will no eem me bold, ; . “Tf you will grant me a single interview, it will af- ford me the greatest pleasure, and I shall be enabled to prove to you, that in clinging to Justin McKenzie for a husband, you are fostering, a base ungrateful wretch, Respectfully yours, “ Dasnine Dav.” The chief of the Regulators had scarcely expected a reply, yet he was highly elated at his success when his Indian messenger brought him back the follow- ing, written in a neat feminine hand: “«Mo-night, beneath the tree where my brother was hung, at eight. Anita.” “Ha! this certainly savors of victory,” ejaculated the schemer, triumphantly. “ My dart has entered her heart, and now we will see where the fun‘comes fn. Under the tree where her brother was hung. Ugh! what if Deadwood Dick should protrude his haunting visage from one of the branches?, Bah! I am getting cowardly. I'll take down a few horns of mountain dew, and hie myself to the trysting-place that I may be in time.” He accordingly entered the Metropolitan, and dranie several glasses of liquor at the bar, after which helit a cigar, looked to his weapons, and quit- ted the saloon en route for the appointed meeting be- neath the gallows-tree. The night was intensely dark, the face of the heavens being overeast with selirry ing black clouds, through which the moon peeped at long in- tervals only to disappear again and leave a deeper gom A strong current of wind swept fiercely own through Deadwood gulch, making weird music around the eaves and chimneys of the scattered buildings. Not ey so many people were out, to- night, as commonly thronged the busy streets, and Dashing Dave found the neighborhood of the gal- lows-tree quite deserted. It was rather a lonel lace, especially upon a dark stormy night as this reatened to be, for already a few drops of rain had falien, The nearest habitation was # hundred rods distant, oped ‘gi the cottage before which that was untenanted. “ Danged if I admire the location,” growled the Regulator, glancing about him uneasily. “TI cannot see what made her appoint this place. Four men swung under this tree, and their combined spirits ‘ht to be sufficient to haunt it, Hello!” , : latter exclamation emanated from a discovery’ made, as he passed close to the trunk of the tree. It, was a white 2 eel wrapped around the tree, evi- Aently intended t * What else could it be for? . ? _ “Balhat\” chuckled the Regulator, growing bolW- o frighten passers-by. The Doubie Daggers. er where at first he had been considerably frighten- ed, ‘Rather a thin ghost, that. I wonder who put up this job to scare folks?” Just then a there was a step close at hand, and turning quickly Dashing Dave saw a dark figure com- ing up through the gloom, It stopped when within about twenty yards and remained motionless, and he perceived that it was 2 man mounted upon a powerful black horse. Instantly a feeling of terror attacked the Regula- tor, and he trembled in his moccasins. What did it mean?’’ Was this— Deadwood Dick? : It was a thought truly horrifying to the former executioner of the road-agent. He was loth to be lieve in payne that tended toward superstition; et what was this weird, motionless thing that made im so quake with an uncontrollable fear? The wind howled mournfully; the aire ae clouds rted now and then to let a short bolt of moonlight escend and dwell with startling distinctness upon the two motionless figures—the speechless, terrified Regulator, and that thing upon horseback that was the cause of his affright. “Tis his ghost!” he muttered, whitening the long er he gazed at the strange apparition. “It has seen me and is watching me, Curses! why did Lever come here alone? What, in God's name, shall I do?” His questions were not answered. But, hark! there are footsteps approaching—foot. steps soft and stealthy, it seems; then gradually a circle of dark shadowy forms are outlined, through the gloom—draw closer and closer, until the Regu- lator is in the immediate presence of a score of masked men. They are zeal men, too, for he feels their iron elutch upon his shoulder; he is thrown to the ground and bound hand and foot. Then comes forward that man on the back of the powerful black steed. It is Deadwood Dick—or, is it his spirit? Which- ever, ‘tis the same erect fron frame, clad in jet+ colored buck-skin, with black Fide upon the hand: and black trappings for the fiery steed. A chiil o! horror attacks the Regulator, and he glares help- lessly at the phantom leader, for, despite his better reason, he'is convinced that he is in the presence of the ase spirit of Deadwood Dick, Indeed, how can it be otherwise? He was bound and gagged securely; he was power- less to do or say aught in defense of himself. The road-agents are grouped around, looking dark and grim, but they speak not. Neither does the ob- dl on horseback. All is quiet for along perioi: hen a blood-curdling burst of laughter from the hantom rings out, and his men start, ready to obey jis commands. He raises one black gauntleted hand and points to the Regulator, then lets it fall again to side. One of the road- Fi nts now produces a small cov- ered iron pail, which, when opened, proves to hold # bed of glowing coals. i By the aid of a pair of tongs, there is taken from the fire a red-hot piece of iron, shaped like a double dagger, and pressed heavily upon the forehead of Dashing Dave. i There is a hissing, sputtering sound, a sickening stench of burning flesh; a writhing of the prisoner, accompanied by piteous groans, that only excessive pain could cause; then the burni and the man who applied it, speaks: _ ‘Thus be it that the first brand toward vengeance is burnt. David Gorgon, you_are now in the pres- ence of the living followers of Deadwood Dick, whom you executed upon this spot. Upon yonder horse is what is left us of our gallant leader, and his death we owe to you. As he swung, so shall you swing, with our curses upon you.” As he finished speaking a rope yas produced, and — out the” Regulator’s neck. The other end was then tossed up over an overhang- ing limb, and a dozen pairs of hands pulled the doomed Regulator upintotheair . one end of it noosed brand is removed: 1

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~ road-agen The Double Daggers, to shut out the sight. And when it was all over, and the body hung limp and lifeless, a sheet of paper covered with writing was pinned to the clothing of the suspended corpse, after which horses were led forward for the road-agents to mount, and in a wild, weird cavalcade they tore madly cown through Leadwood’s magic city, their score of voices blend- ing together in a jolly mountain song, that aroused tie slumbering penulation to gaze in wonder and eonsternation at the startling spectacle, And high above the chorus of song would occa- sionally ring out an awful, wild, blood-curdling peal of laughter, from a black figure on horseback, lead- ing a few yards in advance of the main band, and poate at it the astonished lookers-on could utter ut the one opinion: ; “Tis Deadwood Dich, and his jolly dogs !’° The body of Dashing Dave was found swinging beneath the fatal gallows-tree, on the following morning, and pinned to his clothing was a paper eontaining the following words: “ NOTICE:—Though life may become extinct from the body, the spirit never dies, and know ye, one and all that this world has not seen the last of the man who swung beneath this tree, a few nights ago. The following is DEADWOOD DICK’S VOW OF VENGEANCE! “As sure as there is a God in Heaven to witness this oath, will Deadwood Dick cause the death of the fen men who laid hold of the rope that jerked him into eternity. Also, will he end the career of Dashin, Dave, and of as many more as shall hereafter see! to BpRose the Phantom Avenger and his ‘faithful band, Lvok out for the sign of the double daggers! Bashing Dave heads the list, and there are ten more to follow him. By request of *“Deapwoop Drier,” That was all, but it was sufficient to set Deadwood wild with excitement. Very few were there, super- stitious or otherwise, who did not believe the oath ef vengeance was meant to be executed, and by this weird erin that claimed to be the spirit of the lead CHAPTER V, A FRIEND LOST—A FRIEND GAINED. Unper the deadly fire of Black Harper's revolver, poor Johnson grouped to the ground without a yell or a groan, for the bullet had penetrated the brain and killed him almost instantly. As she saw her ~ brave protector fall, Leone uttered a ery of pain and indignation; her hand flew to her girdle, and the next moment she had covered the outlaw with her own merece weapon, But he did notseem to think shat there was danger in the action, for he laughed, mockingly. “Blaze away, my_pretty!’’ he taunted, lowering ais own Weapon, and ee the fired cartridge svith “a loaded one. “I'll bet that you can’t hit me; oesides, I’m said to be literally bullet-proof. Go ahead a cool hundred if you imagine them little vills in your pop-gun will do me any pertickler harm.” Leone, however, did notfire. Sbewas dumfound- ed at the man’s reckless coolness; there was a lack of power in her forefinger to pull the trigger. She a trembled for her safety, for how could she ever ope to contend with a man of nearly twice her size and strength? “Hal ha!” he laughed, riding a little nearer, a devilish jubilance in his tone, “So the little bird hesitates, eh? She sees ‘taint no use o? gettin’ an- gry at nothin’, I guess. That’s the way todo. The tender sex should allus acquiesce to ther infinitely superior judgment of the sterner creation, an’ then all will go slick an’ clean. Thunder! I b’lieve ye’re the purtiest piece of Kve’s Rib that ’twar ever my We will not dwell upon the scene. Suffice if to say | fortune to behold, and if you don’t become Mrs, shat the death-struggles were terrible to witness, | Black Harper afore another sunset, you can eall m@ and some of the avengers turned aside their heads. - Soon | protection, that made her fear. a lar, an’ thar’s no one’s kin do that and live,” “No! Till never become your wife. you basé wretch !"’ cried Leone, indignantly, her eyes flashi fire. “I would rather die a thousand deaths!”? “Can’t help what you’d rather do; my deary. You hain’t #ot no choice in this matter. dust open your ears an’ I'll give ye an ijee o’ how things stand am the Honorable Black Harper, and, as that nig er remarked, a bit ago, one o’ the wust o’ cu this side o’ Tophet. I command a gang of as jol chaps as can be found in the Hills, whose only care is to plunder, rob, slit weazands and digest liquid speerits, and am a gentleman noted for uaequal cruelty and meanness, A meaner man than lL you have hard work to find in all the States.” **T believe you, there,” retorted Leone. “Thank ye. I consider yer belief a complime’ my blooming bricktop, Now, then, what I want, a lovely foe to adorn my ranch, and I reckon there hain’t a likelier one than you in the hull Black Hills country. So it are naturally devolvent upon ye to £1 the desired ale 2 heone shuddered, What should she do? If she - turned to flee he would certainly pursue and over- take her. If she would attempt to shoot him, would it have any effect? He had said he was bullet-proof, Was any man bullet-proof? * Alas! with her limited knowledge of men of tly. wild West, Leone could not tell, But a sudden thought struck her, She could shoe down his horse, and risk a foot-race with him. It would be a brutal act to thus kill a, helpless — — beast, but it meant liberty—everything to er. ‘ Leone was an unerring shot, and a swift runner. and, determined to make the attempt. “Tam waiting for you to go!” she said, speaking with as much coolness as was possible under the cir- cumstances, her revolver coming to a level with her gaze, “I shail not wait more than about two seconds for you to puckachee!’—using a common - border expression. But the outlaw only laughed. He seemed to take delight in keeping her ijn suspense—in watehing her | as the hawk watches its Brey f . ** Blaze away, my sweetest ducky!’ he chuckled, triumphantly. “I’m willing to risk the conse- quences ;”” and while pee 2 he Gropped a thick hide visor over his face. “Now, there’s o: one place ye can reach, an’ that’s through the éye-holes, an’ I'll bet my pile ye can’t touch me!”’ Leone pulled the bammer of her revolver back to full-cock, decisively. + “One!’’ she counted, her tone full of assurance that she meant business “Twol” after a slight pause. ‘ Come! if you wish to save yourself, this is the last chance!” . But Black Harper made no motion to move, gazed at the young girl in cool indifference, “Taree |” , There was a sharp report, a bright flash in the black night,, a shrill scream of pain; then Leone turned and sped down the gloomy canyon with the swiftness of an arrow, With a dying groan the powerful steed of the out-- law pitched forward, head-foremost, hurling - ub suspecting rider heavily against a bowlder, and ren: np shee 3 him momentarily insensible, But not long e was upon his feet, with the blood foe from a gash in his swarthy cheek, and meted. Y dt ing the situation ae a glance, he uttered a frightful oath, and bounded. away in hot pursuit. Down the canyon several hundred rods in advan spe Leone, exerting all her power to keep ahead oj jack Harper, who now came leaping fiercely after — er. . His oaths did not intimidate her, for she had often’ heard such language before; it was only the fact that she was alone and had no friends to appeal to for He

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210 The Double Daggers. if SEZ AE TAI ORE SE SERENE Bless FETE NE ag Sy OLE a ee On—on~on; the moon now came to her aid, and “The deuce you say!” Calamity Jane thrust her lighted the path for her through the rough canyon; the tall half-naked pines on either side upon the lights looked lke grim ghostly specters as reflected in the white moonlight. Save the occasional bark of a mountain wolf, nothing was heard but the loud- ly. arg | footsteps of the pursuer and pursued, Black Harper, wnhorsed, was a man of great bulk, with ponderous limbs, and giant muscles, and in a foot-race was decidely not in his element. He was a daring, reckless rider, but entirely too bulky to de- pend upon his legs far locomotion, Therefore, in- stead of gaining upon Leone, she gained upon him, almost every step taking her further out of his reach, which only added to his chagrin and terrible rage. “Hold up, cuss you!” he yelled, panting and puff- ing like a steam-engine, “hold up, I say, or I'll put a dozen bullets into ye.” Leone glanced back over her shoulder, and meas- ured the intervening distance with her eagle eye, ‘Then she sent back a shrill laugh of defiance, for she saw that no bullet couldever reach her until she was nearer to the outlaw and that would probably never be, for he was rapidly losing ground. n—on; just ahead was the gap where the trans- verse canyons were crossed by the larger main one; up this her enemies had gone scarcely an hour be- fore, in search of her and Johnson, She could not goin that direction; wither she must follow up the Other smaller canyon, or the other part of the main one, which would take her back to Deadwood, over the route she and Johnson had come. Of the two she concluded to take the smaller, pre- ferring not to show herself in Deadwood, until she was forced to gothere in quest of food. She darted out of the month of the one can: across the main gulch, and into the other, w ‘was much narrower, deeper and darker. She did not pause, but sped swiftly on, her breath coming and going in quick gasps, showing that she was nearly exhausted. Suddenly and without the least warning a figure stepped from behind a tree, a few yards ahead of her, and blocked her path, not only in a commanding form, but also with a pair of Colt’s navy sixes, that gleamed in the moonlight like polished silver, Leone uttered a ery of consternation and stopped stock-still. “Who are you?’ she demanded, trembling, with fear.and apprehension, “ Just the question I was about to ask; who are you? replied a pleasant voice, which sounded some- what feminine, for all the speaker was clad in male attire—a neatly-fitting suit of tanned buckskin, fringed and ornamented with Indian beadwork; leg- giys and moccasins likewise, and a hat of the jockey order perched upon the head. Thé form was plump and graceful; the face not really handsome; yet a rough and dissipated career had not altogether “Swept away the lines where beauty lingers,” A great cloud of raven hairswept to a waist of fine d ae ich “proportions; the eyes were black as midnight; the mouth stern and decisive, Leone’s fears subsided somewhat when she glanced over her new foe, and listened to the words tttered. “T asked first; you should answer first!” she re- ' plied, stepping a little nearer that she might view the even now, searching for me. ' stranger. ss fight you are, Tam a woman, like yourself, penne lady, though my dress would argue different. am called throughout the Black Fills, Calamity Jane, and have very few friends—for the simple rea- soni don’t want many. But, how is it that you, a gn ubused to roughing it, are wandering about, ere, alone by yours: If?” “That is a secret of my own,” replied Leone, not ‘earing to be too trusting with an utter stranger. “Bnough is it for youto know that I hayecome here to esoape enemies who have been pursuing me—are, ~ ee revolvers in her belt and came nearer. ‘ Then you’ve come to precisely the right gal for protection, my dear. Here’s what's always on hand to protect the weal and oppressed. From now on you can count Calamity Jane as your right bower in everything " “Thank you,” and Leone gratefully seized the hand of her new-made friend, which was as soft and white as her own. ‘1 will gladly accept of ) our friendship, for I am all alone, my last friend, except God, having been killed but a few moments ago.” “Yes; I heard a couple of pistol-shots up the branch gulch,” assented Calamity, “‘and slid over in the direction to see what was the rumpus. But I heard you comin’, so I played hide-an’-coop abind a tree, till you showed your hand. Reckon I might ’a’ socked if to ye, dolorous, if IThadn’t spied out that you were a female, like myself.” * You mean you would have shot me?” ** Yes—that’s about the size of it.” * And why, pray?” * Because no one goes.zup this back again, except me andmy pardner—that’s why!” Leone failed to Sen the explanation, but she did not say so. Her thoughts reverted to her enemy, Black Harper, and she cast a startled glance behind her. Calamity Jane also glanced keenly down the canyon. “Was any one following you when I stopped your flight?’ she demanded, her coal-black eyes growing sharper—more penetrating. “Yes,” acknowledged Leone, fearful lest the con- fession should anger the eccentric girl. “I was chased by a ruffian, whom I encountered in trying to elude my other enemies. He shot down my com- Ich and comes panion, a colored man, and we tried a foot-race, As ~ you see, T came out ahead.” Calamity’s eyes sparkled, ‘ . “ You're a brick!” she vowed, for MAE rags on the declaration by giving the narrator a slap upon the shoulder. “I can make a man of youif you give me time. Doubtless your vanquished enemy is even now at the forks of the gulch, pondering over which course to take. Did you get his handle—that is, I mean his name?” : : 3 “Oh! ves. He called himself Black Harper.” Calamity Jane leaped back, her teeth hard set, “The devil!”’ she ejaculated; “you don’t mean it!” “Mean what?” . ; “That yon saw Black Harper?” “1 saw the man who called himself that,” replied Leone, wondering why the name so aroused her ec eentrie friend. “Do you know him?” “ Do 1i@well, T reckon!” with a wild, strange laugh, unpleasant to hear. , y * Black Harper has got a name pretty nigh as no- torious as Deadwood Dick had. Poor Dick! he had to soar aloft just when he was in the acme of his success. They say his spirit is abroad, though; but I don’t believe it. Poor fellow! Yes, 1 know this Black Harper; guess so, That hain’t his only ‘cog,’ not by a.IGne pil 7 Chet Diantond, the card king. Can hide three tricks in his sleeve, and not.half try. See that black mark what covers his forehead? Well, he got that last fourth of July night, when he was a-cussin’ his God and Maker enough to make your hair raise, up at Elizabeth City. *Twar'n’t a stormy night, either, for the stars were out, an’ the moon shone; but all of a sudden there was a roar of thunder, a fearful glare of lightning, and Diamond went down, head over heels, When they picked him up that black fore+ head was first seen, and they consideredit a hard slap from God's indelible hand. ed “Up in Yankton, Dakota,.the sheriff wants Har- er under the name of Bloody Ben for hoss-stealin’! n Guster, he’s Jim Murdock, an’ at Cheyenne sever- al of the law-slingers would like to renew his ac- quaintance as the Bullet-Chawer. Yes, Ifknow him ~—he’s the fellow who—who—but never mind that; you'll hear about it some other time. Come, let'® strike forcamp]” . | Re TS ; Down in Deadwood they call him |

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+ -- gardner in the Golcen Bar mines,” 7 marr CHAPTER YI. ‘ GOLDEN BAR. So saying, Calamity Jane led the way rapidly up the son the grade ascending for about a mile, then descending almost precipitately, when they found themselves in what was more like a deep, nar- row trough in the mountain, half a foot of water averywhere covering the bottom, , “ We'll have to wade here,” Calamity explained, én answer {to Leone’s blank look of astonishment. “Don’t be afraid. A little water won't hurt you; Ae scan dry your feet when you get to the Golden ar. “Where's that?” “On ahead, about three miles. It’s my camp, and unknown to any one elsé save myself and pardner. You will be the third one initiated into the secret. Can you work?” “Yes, at some things.” “Correct, I guess I can make you do. If you ~ wash sand, there’s a snug little fortune await- ng you, f ut how about Black Harper? Are. you not afraid that he will follow us?” “No! He'd ’a’ been along while we were a-stand- in’ back yonder, if he’d ’a’ took this gulch,” They waded through the “trough,” for the dis- tance of perhaps a quarter of a mile; then the can- yon ascended a trifie, turned its course abruptly, and suddenly ended in the face of a giant mountain of gray rock. . A round, black hole was the only mode disclosed of furthering progress, it opening into what appeared to be an inter-mountain cavern. . “This is the entrance to Golden Bar,” announced Calamity, stepping into the forbidding entrance, and motioning her companion to follow, ‘ Don’t be afraid, for there’s nothing here to hurt you, while I’m around,” “Js it a cave?” questioned Leone, doubtful about pete led unwittingly into the bowels of the moun- ns. ‘* Yes—oy, rather, an immense subterranean vault of which only one person, aside from you and I an my parner, has the least knowledge. Its floors are rich with gold-bearing sands, a bar of which we have worked for the last month with big success. Plenty of water runs through the cavern, by which we wash out our wealth, Come, let’s enter,” They weart in Shrapeh the black hole and found themselves in Stygian darkness. Not long, however. Calamity gave four shrill, distinct whistles; then seized Leone by the arm and hurried on, their feet sinking an inch deep into a fine sandy bottom, Pres- ently their hearing was greeted with the savage erowsne. of sever: remble in alarm. ‘ “They won't hurt you,” Calamity observed, reas- suringly. ‘* They are chained.” At this instant a flood of dazzling light was poured upon them from a bull’s-eye lantern, held in the band of a man standing several yards away, his other band clutching a cocked revolver. ‘ _ “It's only me, Don,” the young woman cried; hen down went the weapon and the man advanced. “You, Jennie,” he said, gladness in his tone. *Welcome! Hello! who’s this you have with you?” “A waif I Fiore up, back yonder near the Works. isn’t she pre ty though?” : * Guess so!” echded the partner, turning the light of the bull’s-eye full upon Leone, and glancing her over, admiringly. ‘Pretty as a picture, by Jove. What’s her name, and where did she come from?” “My name is Leone,” replied she, flushing a trifle under the man’s persistent gaze. “I have come all the way from Texas, chased by enemies, That is all I care to tell at present” “That is enough,” said Calamity, decisively. ‘So long’s you're a good square pard, that’s all we care. Allow me to introduce to you Mr. Donald Yates, my The Double Daggers. ‘knife and cartridge-belt, hung upon the wall, dogs, which caused Leone to | for, certainly it cannot be aught else, as Deadwood 13 _ Leone acknowledged the introduction with a plain — little courtesy. : ‘ Mr. Donald Yates was a young se in years, his age probably not exceeding one-and-twenty. In form he was. rather above the average hight, yeb muscularly developed and well-proportioned, In ~ face he was at once tel aie handsome, the fea- tures being perfect and genial, the mouth expressive; the eyes, sharp, of a light-brown color; the straigh¢ Indian hair and imperial, of the same hue. Ws ~ His dress consisted of tanned deerskin trowsers, —— thrust at the knees into the 168 of a pain of high -~ leather boofS; a loose velvet blouse and a Spanish sombrero, looped up to one,side with a gold arroww- pin. He also wore what is'in the Black Hills ve rarely encountered—a “‘ boiled” white shirt, in the ~~ bosom of which gleamed a diamond-pin! A single ~~ pistol was in his belt, but this was a seven-shot, and © __ of elegant finish. Altogether Mr. Yates was a man 4 of prepossessing personal appearance, and one with | whom aperson would not care to trifle. > ; ‘The introduction made, Calamity said: “Thave taken in this young lady, pardner, agone of us. She can wash sand as good as youorl,and ~ what she makes let her keep. Do you say so?’ Fy “Of course. There is plenty of gold here forall ~~ of us—more than we shall ever live to pan out, I fear. Come! let’s get into camp, for I left some —— fresh yenison roasting, and if it should burn we ~ _ would be defrauded of our supper.” Mes “Yes,” assented Leone, laughing merrily, for she now felt somewhat at home. ‘If there is any pros- -~ pect for & square meal, let’s go on, for I haven’t had + a morsel since yesterday morning.” Accordingly Young Yates led the way, and they ~ tramped on oyer the level sand-bar that constitnted _ the floor of the mammoth cayern. It-wasawon- ~~ derful place to Leone, with its great width and length and aerial ceilings, from which hung stalac- tites of every imaginable size and form, ‘ Presently they rounded a’ projection in the rocky wall, and found themselves before a bright fireof — cones, over which was roasting a savory piece of — venison. A pot of fragrant coffee was steeping on a bed of coals; near the fire was a rude table set _— with dishes, and looking quite inviting—especially to one, A few stools, a collection of mining implements, and an array of weapons from the rifle down to the “Phere! this is the city of Golden Bar,” langhed Calamity Jane, as she gave the fire a nudge with her foot--a very dainty foot, by the way—an init ed Leone to a chair, or stook “Off yonder in the darkness, where you hear the dash of water, is our present place of labor,” , 3 Donald finished the roasting of the meat, then with a familiar hand arranged the supper. : It consisted of the venison, done to a nicety; eof: fee, and hardtack biscuits, and some fresh crackers that had been purchased in Deadwood. Not avery dainty meal to be sure; yet it was substantial, and that tiled what “the appetites of the trio most - craved, ‘ é “Were you in Deadwood to-day, Jennie?” Yates — asked, after having finished a huge slice of meat. ~ “T réckon!” was the laconie reply, ar “Thought so. Any news?” _ j aS ‘None scarcely worth mentioning. Oh! yes, there ~~ is, too. Deadwood Dick's fellers. has strung up- Dashing Dave!” CHO “The deuce, you say!” : Ale ZT “Yes—the Regulators found their blowin’ chief swingin’ beneath the same tree they stretched. Dick from, this mornin’. An’ last night the gang made a spurt up through town, an’ there at their head, Main’ for kill and yellin’ like a loony, was Deadwood. Dick himself—black hoss, black rider and all|”? i Yates laughed, sarcastically, 3 “What nonsense!” he said, quietly. “Are they” trying to make out. that it’s the spook, or what?—~ a

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: Yates, i2 Dick was hung till there wasn’t a breath of life in him. Tl youch for that.” k i “‘Reckon it’s his speerit, then,” replied Calamity, the firelight playing over her features and revealing hn en Elkay upon them. ‘ Dick was a cuss, & an’ no mis ake, an’ “twere a pity he got suspended; - but the Lord forbid I should ever meet his spook.” “Would it scare you?” with a laugh, *“T reckon. I’m not partial to anything of the Spiritual order.” : ; The fire burned low as the trio sat before it; the surrounding shadows seemed to form into grotesque - figures; a hushed silence followed in the wake of the ended conversation. x , Donald Yates sat staring steadfastly into the flames, his elbows resting upon his knees, and hands supporting his chin. eseems to be tuinking very intently upon some subject, evidently a pleasant one, for his eyes occa- sionally light up with warmth and animation. Leone is reviewing her past career up to present date, as she watches the queer formations in the glowing coals. & Calamity Jane is watching her two companions, and studying them with a careful observance that is characteristic of her. In Leone she sees a pure, true, confiding maiden, little versed in the wicked- ness of the world. i In Yates, a man of the world beyond his years; a brave, cool, reckless, determined fellow, rarely to be caught napping; ney fi pleasant to friends, and cold toward enemies, Of all men, the eccentric girl thought she would choose him}; but bah! that old rankling recollection comes back, and makes her almost despise and curses the race of men. “How much did you pan to-day, Don?” sheasked, oreaking the silence, in order\to dispel her bitter thoughts. * Yesterday, I panned about five ounces; it is now another day, you will remember!” he replied, glanc- ing at the face of an elegant watch. ‘‘If we intend to get any sleep, it’s about time we turned in,” To which a general assent was given. The young man rolled himself ae a large Mext- ean blanket and lay down near the fire, while Ca- lamity led the way off into the darkness where more blankets were piled upon a bed of leaves and sand, Here she and Leone sought slumber, of which the latter was very much in need, , < Humble though the couch, the young wanderer found it a relief to lie down and rest, and ere long she was ina sleep, sweet, dreamless and invigorating. Hours later,wa shout from Donald awoke them, and they found breakfast—though it was in reality noon —already awaiting them. To Leone’s surprise she found the cavern now flooded with daylight instead of firelight, alarge opening at the northern end of the mammoth apartment furnishing it. At the fur- ther side of the cavern a foaming torrent of water gushed down from a erevice in the rocky ceiling, rushed by through a weli-worn channel, and disap- oa through the before-mentioned opening, fall- ng ina silvery sheet into a contituation of the can- we below, which the mountain had choked up and divided from the part out of which Leone had come afew hours ‘ipa The light thus entering from the opening was suf- Acient to make objects distinct to the furthest end ef the wonderful inter-mountain apartment. The grade of the stream flowing through the floor " was down-hill considerably, and in its channel were dextrously arranged a series of sluice-boxes for wasbing out gold, which was abundant in the sands shat formed the bottom of the Golden. Bar—one of the richest discoveries, by the way, anywhere in the vicinity of Deadjvood. “Come! come! Your dreams must have been leasant to have kept you sleeping so long,” said paeine the breakfast upon the table. not dream at all,” replied Leone, combing “Tdi “T was tired ! her profusion of brick-red curls, “enough to sleep all day.” The Double Daggers. “T don’t often sleep so long,” remarked Calam- ity. ‘Did you see tomy horse, and the dogs, Don?" “Yes, long ago. Why? are you off again to-day? You won’t get much gold mined at this rate.” ‘* Bother the gold. I have got ten times as much laid by, as I shall ever use, Besides, what am. I working for?—who am I hoarding up geld for?” ¥ ee no one to leave it to when I go up the winding sbairs. “You have relatives in Nevada,” “Curse them! they'll never get any 0’ my tin—bet your pile on ‘tat. When they kicked me out of doors, it was forever.” They sat down and partook of the repast in si- lence, the wronged woman looking grim and stern, Donald Yates also looked grave, He was perhaps more familiar with her history than any one else in all the Black Hills. ; She had confidentially told him the whole bitter, terrible story of her life, when one day she met him in the mountains; he had pitied her, and as a result she had initiated him into the secret of the Golden Bar, and made him her partner. After the meal’ was dispatched, the strange wo- man took down her rifle and prepared to quit the - cavern. A whistle from her lips brought, to her side froma further part of the cavern, a large, iron- framed, savage-eyed horse of the Mexican breed, ac- companied by a brace of ferocious-looking dogs, “Vou will not be afraid to remain here with Don, will you?” sho asked of Leone, as she saddled the . horse, ‘T_T guess nob,” faltered her guest, hardly know- ing if she was speaking the truth or not, ‘ Howlong will you be gone?” “Only a few hours, probably. You can amuse yourself at washing sand. All you get is yours.” Then she mounted and galloped away through the eavern, followed by the Lp shas dogs, and disappear- ing through the black hole by which Leone had first come into the cavern. After watching her vanish. Leone turned toward where Donald had been standing. But, strangely, he was not there. 4 He too had disappeared! F CHAPTER VII, THE “SLOP-BUCKET ’—DOUBLE DAGGERS! AGAIN we return to Deadwood, the enief center of immigration to the Black Hills placers. ; Tis an hour bordering nigh upon midnight. The streets are thronged with people—an intermingling of miners, who have either come in after supplies, or to have a big drunk—of “‘ citizens,” as rcugh an uncouth-looking as the miners themselves—of “ ten- derfoots,” or new arrivals of swearing ruffians and desperadoes—of a great, indiscriminate mass, com- prising people no doubt honest and upright, and again criminals of the worst class to be found wes$ of the “ Reape Nor are all out in the streets. There are saloons, dance-houses and gaming-hells in great number and these are crowded tooverflowing, and from thera emanate hoarse shouts, vile curses, and occa. sionally yells of pain as some fellow, perhaps, gets & ae on ‘the shell 0° phrenology.’”* ; Wors house, and dance-house all in one, was a rough, un- inviting shanty of huge dimensions, doing a thriving business despite its name— * “THe Stop-BucKker, As we enter its grimy portals all is activity and ex- citement. 4 Tt is the same old story, only conducted in arough- — er manner—daneing here. drinking there; gambling in this place, fighting in that; singing, swearing an blaspheming roost revolting and horrible to bear. A tumbledown stage in one eorner, before which an orchestra of a banjo and fiddle makes shocking attempts to produce music, contains the attraction \ * among its bad class, combining saloon, card- + aie sfehs

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The Double Daggers. oe posters on ever nounce, in ve person of “Silver Sal;”’ ** wer to side an- e Bossest attemp*. Let us simply call her a fat, coarse young wom dissipated and ribald, and let the matter dro: er vicious songs are greeted with wildest enthusiasm by the brutal audience, and no sooner do aye cease than a dozen as of beer are pane ed to the stage over the footlights, out of which the songstress selects one to drink, and kicks the others far out among the crowd, an act, by the way, that is received with loud shouts of approbation. Seated at a table in one of the quietest corners of the saloon, and watching the scene with‘an expres- sion of disgust depicted upon his handsome features, was a young man of about twenty years, who seemed out of Vena among this audience. He sat alone by his table, pas Boe own business; yet this did not prevent him becoming the center of many curious glances, and some bi hints ques- tioning his right there, were thrown out, loud enough to reach his ei But this did not seem to dis- concert him in the least. He was quite cool and re- ardless of danger, if danger was to be inferred m the glances leveled at him, and did not give the ore rude remarks the slightest attention, appar- ently. In many respects he was a remarkable young man, Remarkably handsome in face and feature was he; his hair was of. a chestnut hue, and worn long down over his shoulders; his eyes were brown, yet with power to gleam dangerously at times; his mouth stern and overshadowed by a youthful mus- tache. In form, he was straight and well-cast. his limbs like bars of iron in their hardness; his shoul- ders broad and powerful; his bearing upright, and a trifle haughty, ~ Most singular of all, however, was his costume, which would have attracted special notice in any crowd. The breeches were of buffalo-skin, with the fur left outward; the moccasins small and neatly embroidered in fantastic shapes; a velvet vest, and a buffalo-skin coat, like the breeches, completed the outfit, unless it be the beaver cap upon his head. Around the ‘vaist was belted a horn-handled knife —an eighteen ‘incher,” by the way—and a pair of gold-mounted revolvers, which looked as if they had seen a good deal of service, though they were as yet nearly,as good asnew. <A lasso slung to the back, and ar Evans repeating rifle leaning against. the ta- ble, bespoke.the fact that the young stranger was no miner, but fresh from the hunting-grounds of the far North-west. “That’s Buffalo Ben-heerd of him, ’ain’t ye?” one of the crowd, a burly Montanian, asked, scowl- ing at the object of his remark. ‘‘ He’s some on the ghoct, they say, an’ ar’ dorra from nigh t’ the British ne.” “ “What the devil do he want hyar?” responded the individual addressed. ‘We dou't: want no British- ers in this consarn, not if ole Minnesota Mike ar’ dreamin’ correct. 7 say, young feller, w’at d’ye gai ae ye're doin’ ‘ound hyar, anyhow?” “It appears to me that I’m mindin’ my own busi- ness,” uae Buffalo Ben, quietly, “ and it would te advisable for you and your crowd to follow suit. I don’t wish to ck a quarrel with you, but you've got to mind your own business—that’s all!’ And the ne of the young man was decidedly positive. “Ts that all?” sneered the Minnesotian, mocking- ly, as he strode nearer. ‘‘ Young feller, do you know whatIcan do? Why, I can just chaw yer ear off in one secont by the watch, roast me if Ican’t.’”. “T haven't the least doubt aboutit,” retorted Ben, _oolly, eying his giant insulter, indifferently. “I've met wild beasts in my time that could chaw down a man without winking. It must be that you belong to that ferocious order!” ; The rough uttered a carse, and # snarl hike an, en- taged bull, Poe And a general laugh went up from the nearest by standers who had overheard the conversation. ; “You had better move on,” added Buffalo mood to-night; but if you'll come around some othy er time, we'll converse. If there is need for any furs ther words, on my part, this evening, Pl Ted this speak for me!” and he indicated what he meant by a nod at the grim six-shooter. The Minnesotian glared at his cool adve in rage and astonishment. He had little expecten to see such an exhibition of ‘‘nerve,” from’ one who e was one of the Deadwo ators, as was his companion. e Montanian, and had been a demineering, bullying fellow from boyhood up. But ver had he encountered any one who dared to brave him as the young frontiersman had done. “You'd better leave him be, Mike!” ed the Montanian, endeavo to pull the offended giant ana: «Come! let’s go an’ imbibe!” nt,” accepted the Minnesotian, with alac. rity. “I never refuse p‘izen, Deer-Foot; butarter’dy won't I Jay out that Founs, ee d ie And he shook his fist at Buffalo Ben, threatening. ly, as he walked toward the bar. ; *‘Now’s your chance to peel out, younker,” advised one of the crowd earnestly, “ afore Minne- sota Mike gets back, for he’s the quintessence 9’ lightning, when he gits eight fingers o’ corn-jui down him.” i at so?” coolly asked the borderer, twisting up a cigarette, and ting it with the utmost non- chalance. “I'don't care if reckon I’m too tired to run for such a looking brute as he, if Iknow m; a? “Waal, just wait till Mike gits at ye, an’ I opine ye'll sing a different tune,” was the unheeded warn- ing. Minnesota Mike did not come back very soon. He evidently found tooymuch attraction around the bar, where the proprietor of the “ Slop-Bucket ” dealt out ero the worst decoctions to be found within the its of the Magic City. - Buffalo Ben;sat quietly at ais bia bib: Fae that was going on about him is eyes linger upon the repulsive songstress, Silver Sal, and a frown stole over his features while his teeth aoe etd together, ase peach ee gare at her, rst she was on the stage, sin, her songs} then she was mingling with the Fuffian edie and ditinkin Several times she passed near to where Buffalo Ben sat, and the young mau half rose to his eer his lips parted, as if about to speak; but she push on without noticing him,and he resumed seat, his face growing dark with a mete. “The ill-fates take her!’ he muttered, fle) 5 “Will I never get an abet t to speak to the wretch? My God! it makes my blood run cold when I see what a low, shameless thing she is, and realiz that Belle is in her power! Curse her! Iff ever get a chance, I'll make life seem dear to her.” But if Silver Sal knew of -his audience she fought shy of him, for her attention was mostly given to another part of the crowd, After waiting and watchi hour longer, Buffalo Ben left his seat, and his rifle on his. back, sauntered toward the door, in- tending to seek the street for a little fresh air, the atmosphere in the ‘‘Slop-Bucket”’ ven heavy with tobacco-smoke, the odor o whisky, and the vitiated breath of that bad crowd, But bis action was immediately noticed by Minne- sota Mike, who was approaching at this juncture, and he instantly blockaded the way with his burly form—Deer-Foot, his pard, close behind. Both were in liquor, the Montanian, especially, being in more of u fighting mood than he had previous mn. “See hyar, young fellow!” began the Minnesotian, a greenish glare coming inte his eyes, “‘ we've gota he is, or what. he is. I with whoever offered to stand treat, © presence among the — for upward of an = and very bad

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14 email ham-bone ter pick wi’ you afore you git ont 0” here. Awhile ace you called me a_dirty, knock- kneed, cross-eyed son-of-a-gun—now, didn’t ye?—an’ my pard, hyar, a wammel-chopped, lantern-jawed hoss-thief, idn't ye?” na “Not that I remember of,” ae Ben, allowing his hand to rest upon the butt of a pistol in his belt. *T rarely call a person undeserved names.” "Ye don’t, hey? Ye didn’t call us hoss-thieves now, did ye, you contemptible little cuss?” **T called you nothing of the kind, so get out of my path or I'll do something worse than call names!” was the stern answer; for the young man’s blood was rising, and when an, hé_brooked no trifling. “Cone! move aside, or I'll make two corpses here within the next two minutes.” ‘* Wilt ye, though?” roared the giant, and the next instant he and the Montanian sprung forward, each clutching a long gleaming knife in hand. But before they could strike a blow, or even be- fore Buffalo Ben could draw his weapon, there were two sharp reports, and just as a half-score of masked men sprung in through the open casements, the two rufflans tumbled to the floor without a groan. 4 Then high above. the din and confusion, rung thé ery: NGtean out the den! Double-daggers and vengeance for Deadwood Dick!” Yells of horror, rage and consternation arose from the lips of the Ee lac audience; curses mingled with be A a the clashing and ringing of steel; -and dying groans, were the ruling sounds of that awful moment. Bang! bang! bang! went the death-speaking re- volvers of the avenging road-agents; each report followed by a vivid flash of flame and a yell of pain. Bang! bang! spoke the weapons of the ruf- flans in return; and on waged the deadly conflict un- ; ena f But it soon appeared that the attacked party tvere getting the worst of it. Already a score of thei men were stretched out, while every road-agent st retained his feet, though some were hard hif. “Douse the glim! out with the light,” yelled the alarmed proprietor of the “Slop-Bucket.”” And in a twinkling, the whole establishment was in ink darkness, Of course firing now ceased, for friends could not be told from enemies, Blindly the crowd mingled: together, every person on the alert; all espeers be the recipient of a blow which would-renew the battle. After some de- Ta: killed and -wounded were dragged to one side soas not to be trampled on; then, some one more daring than the rest ventured to light a lamp. In an instant each man scanned his neighbor, ex- pecting to find himself contiguous to an enemy. But lo! and behold, the road-agents had taken ad- vantage of the darkness to make their escape. It was no use to follow them, _ Once more the ‘‘Slop-Bucket’’ puts forth her lights, and then all rush forward to count the vic- tims of the affray. ' f pegs ha! what is this they see staring them in the ace There are a score of dead and dying, and upon the forehead of each, slashed deep, with a keen knife, is that terrible emblem of Deadwood Dick’s avowed vengeauce—a bloody double dagger ! CHAPTER VIIL A WOLF IN THE FOLD. Leone was i eatlaat alarmed, when she found that Yates was not in sight. _ Where had he gone? What was his motive? Had she, after all, been entrapped into this place for 59n9 foul purpose? ' 3h? grew, pale and trembling as she asked herself these questions; then, nerved herself and began a hasty search. . f§uddenly, behind a large bowlder that had some ” Gap become cislodged from the ceiling and now lay The Double jaggers. . eee? pon the sandy floor, she came upon the young niner, crouching out of her sight, and langhing juietly to himself, “This is not kind of you!” she cried, a trifle indignant, “getting me alarmed _and excited, be- ee thought I was left alone. Why did you hide away?” “Just tosee what you would say or do,” he replied, laughing heartily at her sulks, as he left his retreat. “Don’t get mad, now; ‘twas only in fun.” “Well, don’t do it again, will you?” “No; romise you. Now, come and I'll initiate ‘ou into the nysteries of gold-mining, so that you'll r) ee to earn your three dollars a day, and not ry. And v6 was as goodas his word. He taught her how to separate the fine golden particles from the coarser sands by the aid of the sluice-boxes, oe And ere long she was able to do as good execution in her work as he. The sand was not hard to get, being loosely packed over the bottom, and it took only a few pode to prove that it abounded richly: with gold of a superior quality. Leone took to mining with a zeal and earnestness that showed she was not afraid to work; and Donald i observed her, with admiration beaming from jis eyes. ? “* Just a beauty, is shel’? he mused, leaning on his spade, oceasionally, to gaz on the handsome faces and, form, busily engaged at the ‘‘cradle.” “I'd. give the world to possess such a prize to keep me company through life. But I doubtif she could be won by sucha chap asI. She has a pretty exalted opinion of herself, and mayhap, another lover.” There was where the miner made a mistake. There was nothing proud or vain“about Leone; she was quiet, unobtrusive and sociable, She considered every respectable person as good as herself, and en- vied nobody their good-looks or worldly riches, She rather admired Yates; she thought she sawin aman who would make a kind, loving husband: be true and kind, and a faithful partner through life, But, then, she had never seriously given marriage the least consideration, Hitherto, her time had most- ly been devoted to her stndies, until cireumstances caused her flight from the Jand of her childhood: - “Where did you come from, before you came to ole Hills?” she asked, working away industri ously, “From Cheyenne, direct to Deadwood, Iwasborn in the Eust, but since I was fourteen years of age, have been roughing it in the West.” “* Were you ever in Texas?—dear old Tex; the land T love above all others?” \ “No. I never got quite so far South. hunted in the wilds of Montana, and even into Wash- ington Territory,where the foot of white man sel- dom treads; played cards by the season in Salt Lake ee with Mormon sharps; and billiardsand roulette — in San Francisco; have killed Indians here in Dako- ta, and trapped beaver and otter about the head-wa- ters of the Yellowstoné.” “Tndeed! Yours seems to-have been an eventful experience. Were you ever captured by Indians?” “Yes, on several occasions. But the Fates always willed it that I should escape trom their clutches.’ Thus they worked and conversed, and ere long light ceased to come in through the natural window, and the miner announced that it was night. “We'll eat aoe now,”’ he said, “and then count up our pile. Yesterday I realized more pure gold than ever before, but shall fall short, to-day, be» cause T spent too much time in watching you.” os ich was your own fault, I did not tell you to stare at me all the time,” flashed back Leone, “Tknow, my dear lady, but I couldn’t help it, You are so charming and beautiful—” “Ugh! don’t!” The girl shrugsed her shoulders, and made a wry face. ‘I do not like to be flattered, And don’t call me your dear lady, again, if you please, because I’m nothing of the kind.” “Ain't you? Well, you must excuse my familk es I have —

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arity,” and the miner turned abruptly and stalked away toward the camp-fire, which he had kindled some time before, Leone ran after him, and caught him by thearm, , “You will not be angry with me?” she questioned. * Certainly not,” he replied, looking down at her, pelt eoere ly; “but you wouldn’t give me a chance rae “To be familiar on short acquaintance—is that it?’ she demanded, roguishly. a ii a Page| perhaps that’s it,’ he confessed, hesitating! ‘a “Oh, well, we'll come to be very good friends, in time, I daresay; only don’t presume to call me your dear,”’ she rejoined with evident earnestness; then she added: ‘“wait and see what happens. Maybe some one else will come along whom you will like better ei lea Don’t you think that a wise sus ion : : “No. Iam positive in oe to my present pre- dilections, Red-headed girls of_your style don’t grow on every bush in the Black Hills.” “ Don’t they? Well—you needn't be poking fun at my hair, I’m sure. If you keep far encugh oon from it, it won’t burn you. Come! enough of this nonsense. Let us have some supper and then, as you said, count our gold—the fruits of half a day’s jabor. 1s’pose I’ve made my fortune already.” “No doubt of it,” replied Yates, dryly, stirred up the fire. He was notin the best humor, on account of this evident repulse by his fair com- yee. He had searcely anticipated such a rebuff; ut it learned him a lesson to be less presuming in the future. The ae was soon prepared, out of venison, coffee and crackers, and dispatched in silence. Yates was not in a talkative mood, and Leone did not urge him into conversation. en they were through eating and the table was cleared away, Donald pro- duced a pair of tiny scales, and poured his dainty pile of shining dust into the pan to be weighed. “Only three ounces!"’ he announced, after adjust- ing the weights; “but it is finer gold than usual.” fe next brought forth from a niche in the wall a large Jeathern pouch, half-filled with something that Leone at once concluded was gold. Into this he yeas the gold he had just weighed; then held it all as he riumphantly aloft. “Tt’s all gold!” he cried, with enthusiasm—“ pure and marketable. At the San Francisco mint it would fetch five thousand dollars in greenbacks, minute—but I'd rather have the gold, the pure 8 ng stuff that gleams so richly when you look at it.. Give me your pile and I'll weigh it.” _ eee bese ah Leone’s gold was poured into the pan, in a little yellow heap, and the weights adjusted. “ive ounces, by hokey!” cried Donald, in sur- prise, “and that in half a day, too! Why, that is extraordinary, and if you continue in that vein all the while, you’ll soon have your fortune made.” “Five ounces; isn’t that grand?” cried Leone, in delight. ‘*I had no idea there was half an ounce of the stuff. What shall I do with it?” “T have another pouch here that is empty; and see! here’s Calamity’s. It don’t weigh as much as mine by several ounces, She don’t stick close enough to mining to make it profitable. She is rich, rt ne “Rich?—who, Calamity Jane?” “Yes, She's got a good bit of money invested in fanded Hie otk in Deadwood, and owns three silver jocates up in the Bear fg mountain region. Be- aides all this, she has ten thousand dollars’ worth o' greenbacks on her person, all the time, and I heard when I was in Deadwood, last, that she had bought out the Metropolitan saloon, root and branch.” Aman, who, unbeknown to either of, our friends, was lurking among the black shadows of the cavern, just within hearing, pricked aos his ears at the gra- ‘itous information so unwittingly given. “The devil!” he ejaculated, under his breath, “So hts Calamity Jane carries her tin about her herness, The Double Daggers. 15 eb? Curse the luck; I wish I'd ‘a’ known it, this af- ternoon, for I'd bin apt to ’a’ stopped her, when. [ see’d her pass on her horse. Never mind, though. Pll remember w’at I’ve heard, an’ keep an eye out for her in the future. resent business is in this place, an’ wi’ these secret miners. Hang me, if it ain’t as apie ret IT see’d. Til get the gal, put the ¢' out 0’ the way, an’ when Calamity comes back, V’ll Jatch onto her.”’ This man, with his black forehead and wonderful Jong, piratical mustache, was none other than Black r rper, He had seen Leone and Calamity Jane in the trans- verse ren and secretly followed them until they entered the remarkable mountain cavity; then ke had secreted himself in the neighborhood to watch, Patience was one of his personal characteristics, and as a result, he waited till he saw Calamity come forth on her horse, and ride away. : He then stealthily entered the cave, expecting, of course, that Leone had been left alone. But he was astonished to find her under charge of an able protector, and that the cave was in Bere a rich ae seeteih Nilo the most valuable in all the Black - lls country. Of course he could have dropped fous Yates at a shot, and taken Leone captive; but ike a cunning savage he preferred to wait until they slept; then to surprise them, and make matters “That's hard telling,”’ replied Donald, as he threw himself upon a blanket in front of the fire, and light ed his pipe. ‘She may, and she may not. If she gets very much interested in cards and has any luck, you may not see her in a -week.”’ “Then I don’t want to stay here!” “Why not, pray? No one will harm yon pi “Tm not sosure about ‘hat. How do I know but you are one of the worst villains in mee; and she may be a confederate. You will remember I am a stranger in the Black Hills, and know nothing of you or your antecedents,” True; butyou need not fear. When you find Donald Yates less than a gentleman you be- lieve yourself in danger. Until then please have faith in me, and ise ability to protect you.” The ruddy firelight playing over his feattived: madc him look handsomer than ever, stretched as he was at fulllength, thereby displaying his manly figure to full peer “You might let me love and cherish you,” he re sumed, after a short silence, his tone coaxing—per- suasive, ‘‘As man and wife, we could buy off Ca- lamity’s claim, and- here at Golden Bar we could spend the rest of our days in security and happiness. is cavern could be fitted into an Aladdin’s palac: and we would be separated from the world—content and blessed in each other's love.” “Tf you were anartist, Mr. Yates, and could trans- fer that verbal picture to canvas, you would no doubt acquire an enviable gee and might make your fortune,” said ne, laughing. ‘There! don’t get mad, now, Iwas only joking. But did you realy mean what you said?” “Of course I did. mean,” he replied, again half-savage because he was fool enough to let her trifle with his feelings, : “Then, don’t say what eh mean on that subject ain, pray. I have told you, as I thought, very a eet eae ya RR to Bet in cet 3 wy oa oe er do I wan ‘all in love with you; but Is) if you don’t hush; so keep still about it.” “That is just what I want—to have you learn to love me,” he cried, raising himself to a sitting pos- ture, and endeavoring to take her hand. But she quickly rese and got out of his reach. “Do go away, Mr. Yates, and let me alone, or* shall scream for help!” she cried, ae '“That-would make no difference, were I ungentl» manly enough to persist, as there is no one withig, say anything I don’t

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16 miles of the cavern in all probability,’ he said, sada himself upon the blanket once more. “Be seated; I willnot be so audacious again.”. And he kept his word. Nothing more was said on the subject—in fact, little or nothing was said dur- ing the remainder of the evening. / Vhen ten o’clock came, and Calamity Jane had not returned, he said: “You can retire now if you wish, as Calamity will probaby not be in to-night. I will smoke another nipe, take a turn about the premises, and then take ) a nap myself.” ‘ Leone accordingly sought the couch on which 3he had lain the prowune night, and soon she was fast asleep, the labor of mining having fatigued her. It must have been long past midnight, when she was startled from her slumber by an intuition of danger, or something, she knew not what, until she gave atorrified glance, and then uttered one piercing shriek of horror as she beheld a human face—the face of a man, with black, scarred forehead, gleam- ing oe and a long grizzly mustache, reaching be- hind his huge ears—bending close to hers. She recognized the face in a single instant as that of the outlaw and ruffian, Black Harper! OHAPTER IX. DEADWOOD DIOK AGAIN—PLAYING FOR STAKES, Barwsan midnight and morning of that same night of the road-agent’s raid upon the ‘* Slop-Buecket,” in Deadwood, the whole band made a grand dash up the matn street and disappeared in the darkness, leaving behind them their echoing shouts of laugh- ter. nd boldly in the lead, grim and terrible, rode that thing people said was the ghost of Deadwood Dick, occasionally sending up one of those unearth- y shrieks of laughter that had been characteristic of the Prince of the Road. Early in the following morning, the news of what had happened at the ‘* Slop-Bucket” was spread broadeast through the Magic City, and inall the dig- gings in the immediate surroundings, Greap was the excitement that prevailed, and during the day, the notorious den was thronged with crowds who came to view the dead, and the terrible death-mark of Deadwood Dick, It was a gloomy day in the annals of Deadwood’s history—dark in the aspect of the lowering, leaden ore and in the hearts of an alarmed populace. otices offering a large reward for the capture of the outlaw gang, dead or aljve, were posted up in * conspicuous places all over the town; and the Regu- lator band whose number had been diminished by the loss of a leader and ten men, was reorganized and enlarged to a well armed company ot fifty. For a commander was chosen a big brawny Mis- sourian, with indomitable courage and immense rauscle, His name was Uriah Denby, and he had fought Indians and outlaws since he was a boy without a serious wound. Now he was forty-five. By his direction ten of the band were sent into the surrounding mountains and gorges, well-armed and rovisionéd, and ordered to keepa sharp lookout or the road-agents, - And when evening once more settled over the me- tropolis, the people thereof felt a better sense of se- curity than they had, earlier in the day. But this feeling was dissipated, when the Cheyenne stage arrived and a dozen badly scared passengers - told their story. ; The stage had been stopped not ten miles below Deadwood, ina pe er by the so-called Phan tom Road-Agent and full band, numbering in all about thirty masked men,-and the passengers had been robbed of their watches, money, jewelry and cities be ating in worth about a thousand aclars. es, Bond & Moxey, tho Deadwood brok- evs, had five thousand dollars in paper money locked ee the treasure-box, and this was burst pel by » Be da gang, and the money appropriated. t si er it was the mos eri robbery on he for months. By the stage-d ver the P’ * | are a5 wD The Doubie Daggerz. ‘ tha ~ tom Road-Agent had sent aletter directe 1 to Uriah Denby, chief of the Regulators. Great mosity was aroused when this was delivered to the Lew captain, who sat smoking in the Metropolitan bar. His men and a crowd of citizens crowded around, eager ta learn what the Prince of the Road had to say. * Come! what’s it say?’ demanded the anxious throng. ‘‘ Read out loud.” “Humph!"’ said Denby, looking a trifle grim, “this is what it says: “Mr, Urtan DENBY, ae unanimous vote, you have been chosen leader of the so-styled Dead. wood lators. You may bean honest man anda ao good fellow, but you_have, in_your old mistaken your vocation. I do not wish to strike you, nor fhose under you. Deadwood Dick’s vow of vengeance has been fulfilled, in the death of the ten Regulators at the ‘ Slop-Bucket.’ But, if you move against my men, it extends to you, Therefore, I warn you in time. Myself you cannot harm. My spirit has a long lease of liberty. It is with you every day, and knows all your intentions. Again I advise you to remain passive, and not turn my avengers ago you. Adieu. These lines traced hand of by the spiri *Drapwoop Dick.” “Well, by thunder!” was the general comment, when, after a long silence, the assemblege foun their tongues. ‘That's the essence of cheekiness, if ever thar was any. What d'ye think, Denby?’ “Y don’t know what to think, boys!’ replied the new chief, candidly. “But you have your opinion. D'ye think there's any spirit about this business?” “Yes, I should say there was considerable spir't manifested in this ‘Slop-Bucket’ affair, As to the immortality of this accursed bem tr Tam unable to render any decision. I never believed in a ghost before; but you all affirm that this same Deadwood Diek was not long ago hung, till he was dead.” “Ay, ay! till he war deader’n a dried herring!” declared a dozen. “hen, either this is his ghost, or some of his men rigged up in his toggery to personate him. It’s one or the other, mark my word.” ‘But, that’s Dick’s writin’, plain enough!’’ de- clared one of the miners, who had oft-times seen the - young road-agent’s gre ‘Can’ ef some ons war playin’ off on us, they couldn't write like that, I'll bet @ coonskin.”” “Not unless they imitated from copy,” replied Denby, thoughtfully. ‘‘I see no other way at pres- ent, than to accept of it as Deadwood Dick’s ghost.” And thus it was settled in the minds of the people of Deadwood city. A few. strong-minded ones “ Bah-ed!” and poked fun at the lg ecg idea, as they termed it; but most of the citizens and * floaters” were nervous and alarmed at such a state of affairs. “Will you move against the agents?” asked the senior partner of the Ida Gray mine. * “ Certainly!’ decided Denby, without a moment's consideration. “I am not scared bad at this so- called warning, and shall go on just the same as) though I had not received it. By the way, you y sengers who were robbed, how did this Phantom Rider vulgare when you saw him?” “Silent and grim as a balky near-wheeler!’’ volun. teered Jehu, coming up at this juncture. ‘He just sot onter his hoss as if glued thar, an’ never spoke a. word. When he’d any d’rections to give, he just waved'this paw, and the men they got /—bet your pile on that, . ‘“*An wen they’d got thr'u, he heaved that letter ter one of the gang, who fetched it to me, an’ told me ter d’liver et to Uriaher Denby, w’ich I did.”’. “Tseeno way to move just yet,’ said the new Regulator chief, in answer to a question of a promi- nent speculator. ‘*The way the matter stands, I don't know the place to strike at, The pene, are here one minute, and there the next:—in fact they certain as a swarm of livehy fleas."

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The Double Daggers. ' 80 matters rested, and the crowd dispersed, all conversing on the all-absorbin Pact of the day—the deeds and doings of Deadw Dick. i The “ Metropolitan” gaming rlor, though with- out separation from the and dancing parts of the big apartment, was yet distinct from them, only a class seeking gaming amusement being ‘allowed be- yond the boundary. The rougher set generally hov- ered near the bar and dancers, so that the assem- oiage a the gaming-tables was less savage and lesperate. A Women as well as men played for stakes in Dead- wood. One woman to be found here, night and day, and @ very paying card to the management, was the “Vailed Queen,” as everybody called her, from the fact that her face was ever vailed. She played a good square game, and was regarded as the riehest card-player in Deadwood. 7 The receiving clerk of Wells, Fargo & Co., declared that within the six months of her stay in the Black Hitls, they had transmitted for her to different banks throughout the West, moneys to the amount of nearly a million; besides, Bond & Moxey held a Jaxge sum in keeping for her. Her name, people said, was Ida Burton, but she was more generally known as the “ Vailed Queen.” Jn form she was remarkably neat and trim, and her dress was always of the richest material, she rarely ever appearing in the same suit more than twice or three times. Jewels of wonderful magnitudo and value, were worn yey her gloved hands, her face was always hidden behind that thick green vail; her hair was great in profusion, reaching far below the waist in a shimmering cloud. On this evening of which we have been writing, the Vailed Queen sat at her table, which was not surrounded as usual with a throng of lookers-on. Only one man was playing with her, Nevertheless the game was an exciting one, for the hitherto »successful queen was losing heavily. Almost every known game of cards had been played; still the man ve on winning, as coolly as if he was not playing to win, He was a little bewhiskered gamester from the silver mines of Idaho, named Lotus, and was reputed in that section never to have lost a game. “The bank’s broke!” said the queen, at last, throwing down the cards. “I'll not play another ame with you, for you've won five thousand collars, already, and that’s quite ey ae Without a word the gambler raked in his stakes, and ‘pulled out,” leaving the card queen to herself, for the gaming part of the building was nearly deserted, owing to the recent arrival of the stage with its crowd of robbed Lgececs bet As she sat there her gaze wandered carelessly over the crowd; then suddenly she started Metin rf and uttered an inaudible exclamation, as she beheld two men approaching her. ae were the two men whom we first saw in pur- suit of Leone—Jasper Leslie and Curtis Sydnor. They had come into Deadwood but an hour since, from an unsuccessful hunt in the mountains, and were not in the best of humor, as may be surmised, “Jt's devilish queer what has become of the cursed girl!” Leslie growled, looking horribly h and genes from his long jaunt. “ll break every bone her body, if 1 once get her again.’’ “Phat will not help the matter at all!” replied Sydnor, sneeringly. ‘* You promised me the girl for my wife within three months if I would not fore- close the mortgage on that ranch of yours, and the time’s been up for two months. To-morrow I shall take the first stage for Cheyenne, on oy Sh back to Texas. If you ever show your face in or about Austia in the future, I will have you arrested and lynched as a wife-murderer !" “Bah! Ido not believe Celeste is dead. I have always had an idea that she swam to shore that ter- rible night on, the Missouri, Anyhow, you could prove nothing. : 1% “Couldn't I? I could swear I saw you pitch overboard from the upper deck of the steamboat; IT can also testify that you abused her two childr until you forced them to flee; that you mortgaetd their pew to me, and even tried to assasi: nate the boy. All these circumstances, mentioned het in a Texas court of justice, could not fail to in- . sure you a hajter and a grave—three feet under the feed How do you like the picture, Jasper e “Ttisn’t an attractive one,” wled the elder; **still, I am not afraid of you. Hello! here is the Vailed Queen we heard about. Ill tell you what T'll do, Shari Tll play youa game of cards for ~ the ranch at Austin. you win, it is yours; if I win J Sg acty balcden tnt not. e pro! iy on, me it fully, now, baa I'd be a fol: to parableit pitch will, however, try this sh ra hand for a hundred hot just to pass away time. Will you play, ma- am?” “With pleasure, sirs,” replied the queen, bringing out a fresh pack of cards from a drawer under the table. ‘“ What shall.it be?” \ “Old sledge,” replied Leslie. “I'm better on that than on other games.” “Very well;—sledge itisthen. Plank ’em!’ and the mysterious woman laid a crisp hundred dollar bill down for them to cover. Both Syduor and Leslie followed suit, and then the game began. Asit p d Leslie kept hig eyes riveted upon the face of the [Veiled Gamester, as if he was half-suspicious of her. Put why? P The game was played through and resulted in het ‘favor. “ Curse you!” cried Sydnor, losiny his temper at well as his money, “your Inck cannot be lasting, I'll stake a thousand against you.” “And I, too!” growled miserly Leslie, hoping to retrieve himself. : “Very well. The more the merrier!” replied the gambler with astrange laugh. “‘I can accommodate you with ten thousand if you wish.” ever, make it five thousand if you say so.’ “ Ali right; ’'m suited.” » Acco) ngly Cfteen thousand dollars—ten of it in checks —was planked, andthe cards dealt. Sydnor considered himsel; an adept.at gaming, but it proved that, neither he nor Leslie was a match for the Vailed Queen. Down went the last pasteboard, and the game was hers. : “Woman, I believe you are in league with the devil!” hissed Sydnor, rising. “I’ve got enough gaming for to-night, bué remember, I’m bound to get back what ¥’ve )st sometime.” “Very well, sir. I shall always be happy to ac commodate you,” lied the woman, rane in her winnings, as the defeated men sauntered away. she turned and shook her clinched righ them, her teeth grating together fiercel; “Oh! I know you, Jasper Leslie!” under her breath—“ know you, and loathe and hate you. And now that Fate has cast you across my path, I shall not let you escape unt Ihave made you teal the full measure of my power—of my ven- geance!’ CHAPTER X. OUNTAINS—THE ROAD-AGENTS. hed Black Harper, triumphantly, IN THE Mi “Ha! hal” la e alm bending his repulsive face still closer, and his oane li : ne’s cheek. “Ha! hink I was. my trap, di pretty an’ sweet eno’ And the ruffian heli going to let such a pigeon as you esca| you? Chaw off my ear, but you to eat!” e+ her head between his Boost horror and di: She But after they were nearly lost among the crowd, ~ che muttered : pee, dear; a I've found you at last, eh? Didn't ce > hands and forcibly kissed her upon the lips, to her struggled desperately to get free, but was mg **No; I do not care to risk so much. I will, how- — re ies

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is mer use. He had bound her, hand and foo, while she slept, and she was helpless. But he had neglected to gag her, and she uttered shriek after shriek for assistance. “Donald—Mr. Yates! she screamed, shrilly— “help! help! help!” “Oh! you needn’t screech for help, ’cause no one “il hear you, unless et ar’ that cuss over thar by the camp-five, an’ he’s bound and gagged. So shut up if you don’t want me to crack you beside 0’ the head. I ain’t ina mooa for none o’ yer yowlin’. Bit ie ete, like that, an’ Pll kerry ye to the Aight.” a was so terrified that she could no longer - ‘cream; therefore she suffered herself to be dragged oward the fire without offering vocal resistance. Here the outlaw seated her upon one of the camp- stools, young Yates occepy ihe a similar position, with a wooden gag fastened in his mouth. “There! now you're both as cosey as a bug in a rug, ain’t you?” and the ruffian gave vent to a ma- lignant chuckle. “ I’m sure ye can't complain, when you don’t git no worse usage than this. I had a mind to knife you both, at first, but then I conclu- ded I could make good use 0’ oth o? you—the gal for my wife, and thé feller for a sort o’ servant. Wait till J import my jolly bucks ter-this place, an’ ye’ll see lively times, bet yer gaiters! I intend to make a monstrous fortune out o’ this claim. Just hold on till git hold o? Calamity Jane; then nota livin’ mortal will squeal o’ this place.” - “You are a disgusting braggart!”’ said Leone, con- eer ee “and a coward, too, or you wouldn’t - bind a helpless girl. You have taken my weapons; what harm could [do if you were tolet me have the use of my limbs?” “Thar’s no tellin’ what ye’d do. I hain’t a-goin’ fc run norisks. It’s a cussedsight easier fer me to watch ye, tied up nor it would be to have you free.” Atthis juncture there was a faint ery audible to- the hearing of all, seeming to come from the direc- Sion of the canyon entrance to the cavern. “What the deuce was that?” growled Black Har- t, laying hold of a revolver butt, and peering off to thé gloom, “Better go and see, you coward!” taunted Leone, sneeringly. ‘You are ‘fraid of the squeal of a rat, I do believe.” “Not much, I ain't; but that warn’t no rat music, IT know well enough. Listen to that, will you?” Just then there was a sound of hale Soper laughter from off in the darkness; then the indis- tinet murmur of voices. exclaimed Leone. ‘Have courage, Mr. Yates; help is coming!” “No, I’m cursed if it is!” roared Black Harper, drawing and cocking his revolyers, with a string o _ horrible oaths. “ Vll make sai e-meat out of ’em, see *f I don’t now,” and he lea off into the gloom, _ in search of the intruders. é “Now is our time, Mr. Yates!” exclaimed Leone, in a shrill whisper. ‘ We must contrive to get free, eae is absent. Canyou get your hands or feet loose Ponald shook his head in the negative. The Double Daggers. “Some one is coming to our resene, thank God ae “No! Nobody made them, except myself, ¥ am a ventriloquist, and sent that rufiian off on a fool's errand, in order to give us @ chance to make our es+ cape. God grant that he may not return before we get our hands and feet free!’ “ To which I say amen,” replied Yates, fervently, “ Oonfound the rope; it’s drawn tighter thana 1 and I don’t believe I can loosen it. Hark!” Footsteps heavy and noisy were approaching, rape idly. a ity Heaven! ‘tis Black Harper returning!”’ ex- claimed Leone, and she spoke truly, forin the next moment the outlaw Be in upon the scene, utter ing a, volley of terrible blasphemy. S *No ye don’t, my conspiring ducklings—my be- loved schemers!” he cried, lifting Leone bodily in his arms, and a her to another seat, then re- turning to Donald and administering him several sounds slaps in the face. “Thort you war goin’ to escape just as easy ’s ye please, didn’t ye? Haw! haw! haw!” ‘““We will outwit you, yet,” said Leone, nearly ready to cry over her deteat. “Tdon’t think so, my beautiful bricktop. When it comes daylight, Is take you to my ranch in the depths of the mountains, and there I an’ you will live in peace an’ plenty till we ascend the golden stairs. This feller, here, I shall leave a temporary inmate 0’ the Golden Bar, until I can bring back my band o’ fellers an’ set °em to work.” So saying the ruffian threw himself down in front of the fire. ; The trio satin silence until nearly midnight, then they fell pace 7 Once more the light of day penetrated the mam. moth cavern. The outlaw arose and proceeded to cook breakfast out of what comprised the Golden Bar stock of provender, and soon had a palatable meal set out. He offered Leone a portion of the food, and she accepted and ateit, her quick wit and judgment tell- ing her that she had best not lose any strength if she ever hoped to-eseape, when she would need it all. But poor Yates was left out in the cold, Black Harpér obstinately beers let him eat, despite all our heroine’s entreaties in his behalf. “You are a hog, that's what you are!’ Leone cried, indignantly. ‘‘ Any one but a heartless brute would not wish to starve a person, whether he be a prisoner or not.” ‘ 4 “Oh! I guess he'll ect along; besides I’ve no more grub ‘n I want myself,” replied the ruffian. “ Well—here’s more food than I want; let him share it with me then!” “No, Lwon’t, Let him go without—and shet yer infernal clack.” So Donald was doomed to go without his break- fast. But then he was not very hungry, and did not me it dee by, Black Hi sleeping: b: al y passed by, Blac! arper sleeping’ by cee in frit of the camp-fire, but never so lost in slumber as to not know what was going on about . him, He was wonderfully keen of hearing, and any attempt on the part of Leone and Donald to move nearer to each other was sure to arouse him, and their plans were frustrated. When night once more slanted her grim, gloomy shadows into the cavern, he rose and ) Bp enbas an- other meal, this time feeding Donald and Leone, each in turn; then he permitted them to lie down on separ rate blankets, while he took up his vigil, with only the crackling of the glowing fire for. com ye Thus three days more were passed at Golden Bar; and on the morning of the fourth the outlaw said: “T have bin waitin’ heer/in ho. ° oe Calamity Jane, an’ gittin’ the ten 1) ousand T heard she kerried a But it ‘pears she ain’t comin’; so I reckon we'll quit this place, fer present, an’ go to my den in the ills a i Arrangements were accord and Yates were bound together, that they could in no way loose:

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The Double Daggers. — \— Their feet were then cut free, and they were pre- CHAPTER XI. : pared for a long tramp. TO THE STRONGHOLD. At Black Harpir’s direction they quitted Golden Tue road-agents did not speak for several mo- po eaton ee Bar, and emerged into the canyon beyond, he ite & ing up the\rear with a revolver ready for use should they make an attempt to run. After a long, tiresome tramp they reached the forks where the main canyon crossed the transverse | one, No hait was made, but the journey continued steadily up the other gulch, the ruffian captor allow- ing his prisoners no time to rest. The place was where Johnson, the colored man, was shot own, but nothing of his remains was to be seen, Hither some one removed him, or the wolves feasted upon his corse. : The dead horse still lay where it had fallen; but this was all. _ ; 5 On tramped the two prisoners and their captor through the lonely gorge. It was mid-afternoon ere the outlaw permitted his prisoners to halt and rest, by a fresh, clear spring of water that bubbled from a rocky crevice. Leone was nearly exhausted, and her companion was also somewhat fatigued, although he was better able to stand the journey than she. : “for God’s sake, where are you taking us?” he demanded, speaking for the first time in several hours. “How long are we to keep up this tramp through desolate canyons?” “Till I git ready to let ye stop,” replied Harper, grimly. ‘“‘Reckon ef we keep on steddy, we'll get to my ranch about midnight.” rs How far are we from Deadwood?” asked one. ; “We are about five mile, as the crow flies.” “What? You cannot mean it. We were eight miles distant when at the canyon forks, and we’ve ou ,hearer ten than nine. miles since leaving there. “ Waal, mebbe we have; but ye see this gulch ar’ powerful deceivin’, It winds, curves an’ crooks about like a garter snake, an’ finally comes to an end in the face of a rocky peak, the t’other side o’ which is Deadwood City. D’ye see?” Only about ten minutes was allowed for rest; then the march was again resumed. “T cannot hold out more than till dark, I believe,” Leone murmured, as they were urged on by the merciless ruffian in the rear, ‘Iam already nearly wer Goa ken h thy, dear,” nows you have my sympathy, dear,” re- plied Donald, feelingly. “ When you feel too tired to go further we will—” He did not finish the sentence, for just then a band of horsemen suddenly galloped around a curve in the canyon at full tilt, making rather an imposing spectacle. Allsave one were mounted upon snow- white horses, and they were alike with one excep- Hon, all clad in thé picturesque garb of the moun- neer. The one exception was in the advance of all the rest mounted upon a flery black steed. He was clad from top to toe in black habiliments; the saddle and accompanying trappings were black, as also were the gloves upon his s apely;hands and the half-masi _ upon his face. The others were masked, too, and all were armed with polished rifles, revolvers and knives, and as looked upon by a casual observer, might have been pronounced a dangerous gang of men. The moment Black Harper saw them he uttered a savage oath, and turning quickly, he sped back down + tbe canyon as fast as he could run, leaving his cap- tives at the spring. Some of the horsemen gave in- stant chase, but the main portion came to a halt in front of Donald and Leone, the Black Rider at their ead, “Don’t be afraid, Miss Leone,” Yates whispered, reassuringly. ‘ Wecan consider these fellows our friends, I a e, for itis Deadwood Dick, the phan: fom, and his folly road-agentg!”, { was Deadwood Dick, and.so they strung him up; apd. 16 ments, but finally one who appeared to be a sort of a lieutenant, broke the silence: * Well, strangers, what does this look like? Rath- er yupeertive that you've been took in, ain’t it?’ - “Yes, Ishould say so. We have been ae captives of the wretch who just dug out, fer nigh on four days. Your coming has at least relieved the mo- notony, for all we may be changing from bad hands into worse.” “You need not fear us. Do you know who and what we are?” “You are Deadwood Dick's band of road-agents, are you not?” “Hxactly—the same as this gentleman, orspirit, upon the black horse is the ntom Chief of our band, Though he may appear mortal to you, that does not make him so. He was hung in Deadwood, not long ago, but his spirit came back to us, after we had buried his body in six feet of ground.” Donald smiled. He was not so blind, he told him- self, as to believe that that figure on the black charger was other than flesh and.blood. The lower part of the face was natural, and this alone con- vinced him that the “ spirit” of Deadwood Dick was contained-in flesh, instead of being disembodied, as the lieutenant would have him believe. “Of course it’s none of my business,” he said, gt ‘but Iam not so much of a blockhead as to swallow such trash, Whether the black horeeman is Deadwood Dick or no, I will not ; but I'll bet, if you will kindly lend mea revolver, 1can drop him out of the caddie in short order.” The lieutenant dismounted and cut the prisoner’s bonds, a low laugh breaking from. his lips. i _. Can’t fool you, can I? Well, all the difference is, if you had balieved what others believe, you would have been set free and given an escort nearly back to Deadwood, Asit is, we shall take you along to our’ retreat, where you will have a chance to join our band and swear the oath of allegiance, or re main in durance until we see fit to set you at liberty. You see this ghost business is serving us admirably, and we dare not let you go lest you should release our valuable cat from its bag of confinement,” & “ Then yon man is the original Prince of the Road?” asked Donald. : “Tam the same!” replied Deadwood Dick, riding closer, and raising his mask, and disclosing the ever- handsome face of Edward Harris. “Gerald! Gerald! my dear brother!’? she ex- pre her face pale and shining, “Is it pos- le ** Your brother, miss?’ echoed the Prince of the Road, incredulously. ‘J’ not your brother. 1 am Deadwood Dick.” ‘No! no! you are my brother Gerald, whom I have not seen in three years, Doyou think you can deceive me?” “Tam not trying to deceive PAK. My dear young lady. You are the one that is ecelve , if you have taken me for your brother. Ihave but one sister— Anita, who lives in Deadwood, Do TI resemble the brother.to whom you refer?” ~ “Oh! yes!” cried Leone, excitedly, ‘and I still be lieye you are he. You have his face, his eyes, his hair, and his form. Oh! sir, do not deceive me: 1 have come all the way from Texas to find him.” “ Ah!’) said Deadwood Dick, thoughtfully, ‘I see, orIthink Ido, My dear girl, 1 am not your brother, ar but I can tell you of him. Be calm, now, for I am _ going to tell you that he is dead. Some time since a young man was arrested and hung in Deadwood, by the Regulators, for me, he being the exact. counter- part of myself. He told the lynchers that his name was Gerald Hawk; but they were positive that he

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26 The Double Daggers. : 1 3 ” the world still believes they hung me, till I was lead, “T heard of the fate of the unfortunate young man, and with my men, went and cut down the vody, brought itinto the mountains, and gave it a decent burial. Since then yes have declared me a ghost, and I have helped to keep up the decep- tion. Over the grave of your brother I swore a vow of vengeance—not so much on_the account of his untimely end, but because it wa’ a good excuse to further my aims in avenging other atrocities—and I have kept it to the letter.” _ Leone received the news without any violent out- freak of emotion. She seemed partially stunned by the shock; her heart es bitterly even while her eyes were tearless. And thus she remained for some time, the others refusing to break the silence that was sacred to her. At last, however, she spoke: r “1 must not forget your kindness,” she said, gratefully, “‘and I thank you for it. Could you show me to my brother’s grave?” ; “Yes. Come with ms to my stronghold, and on the morrow I will do as you wish,” replied Dead- wood Dick, ‘Do not be afraid tocome with me and my men. Road-agents though we are, we all have big hearts and due -vespect for ladies, In the wife of my lieutenant, here, you will find an amiable companion during your stay, and I assure youevery attention shall be yours, while I am around.” At this quostare the road-agents who had been in ee S Black Harper galloped back, and rejoined e band, ‘ ~ “ Well? How about the ruffian?”’ asked Deadwood Dick, seeing that they brought back no prisoner. “He's stretched out, down in the canyon, yon- der,” replied one of the men, ‘‘ He war runnin’ at the top 0’ his speed, when all of a sudden he stubbed his toe, an’ down he went, like a thousan’ 0’ brick. When we got to him, we found that he had broke his neck, short off.”” : “A good riddance,” said the Prince, quietly. “He's got a gang of cut-throats here in the hills, somewhere, that we shall take the pleasure of clean- ing out, some.cf these days; but not now. Tho Deadwoodites are too wide awake, and might take a ly aed into partnership, in order to circum- vent us.’ eit you are of a gold-loving turn of mind,” said Donald, resolving to make the best of an undesira- ble situation, ‘‘ you might as well return to the poor euss, and remove from his person several thousand dollars worth of gold, which belongs to me and Miss Leone, here. I eapesde you will appropriate it, but you mizht as well have it as any one else.” “Tieutenant Audley, you may take part of the men and go ror the gold,” directed Deadwood Dick, after a moment’s thought. ‘“ With the rest I willre- turn to the stronghold, whither you can follow. Miss Hawk—for I am led to suppose that is your name—you and your companion will accompany us. Gaspard, you and Le Greuf can dismount and walk, while these footsore twain take your placesin the saddle.” Accordingly arrangements were made as the young ehief directed. Lieutenant Audley with a dozen men set off down the canyon, while two saddles were emptied for the occupancy of Donald and Leone; then, after Deadwood Dick had replaced his mask, the remainder of the band took an opposite course up the canyon. They galloped on for perhaps a mile; then struck . “to a narrow path, ‘single file, that led up a nearly endicular and densely wooded mountain-side. ascent was extremely arduous and difficult for the horses, and the riders were frequently required to bend on a level with the saddle to keep from be- ing swept out of their seats. It this is the way to your stronghold, why don’t id, address- in advance. to ascend here, in the face of the contending obsta- cles, with an idea of finding me and my band. To an inexperienced eye, this path would be deemed too rough and obstructed for a horse’s ascent.” * Your retreat is on the mountain-top, then?” ““Yes—and here we are,” was the reply, as they rode abruptly up out of the thicket onto a large, level plateau, On all the surrounding edges rose tall thickets of beach and young lindens, which com: pietel hid the view of the neighboring country— enced in the plateau, and made it a secret to the outside world. There was about half an acre of the top, and it was as if the mountain been sawn off, leaving a smooth floorof solid rock. Upon it were built two cabins, composed of rocks, clay antl logs, and joining each other; also a row of thatched sheds, for the horses. “ By George! this is a capital stronghold!” cried . Yates, his sharp glance taking in the scene im- mediately. ‘Here, a few men, well-armed, could nel an army at bay, as easily as chawing b’ar- meat. “txactly,” assented Deadwood Dick. ‘Tt is an admirable nest, and that’s the reasonI chose it. A little unhandy to the stage to be sure; but our spies keep us constantly informed of the ‘fat lays,’ in time for us to be in waiting. How about it; Ba you think you would like to become one of us rry road-rider?” _ “No, indeed!” replied Donald, flushing. “I would rather be excused.’ ! “Very well; just as ie like; only you will have to remain in confinement,”’ - * Better that than to lower my good name, of which Iam right proud, What do you think of the place, Leone?” : “T like it,” replied the girl, allowing the youn) ‘chief to help her dismount; and had she added: nt like Deadwood Dick also,” she would have only told the plain, unvarnished truth; for immediately upon their meeting she had conceived a sudden liking for the hindsome young road-agent for which she could not account. He seemed so grand and noble above other men she had met; there was an inexplicable fascination about Kim that with her untutored heart she could not resist. Donald saw this, and it sent a jealous pang through his heart. He had, even in captivity, been building air-castles of what enjoyment he was to haye when he got Leone for his bride—for the poor fellow had no doubt that he and the beautiful girl would sooner or later be man and wife. Therefore it caused him much jealous indignation to see her smile upon the outlawed Prince of the Road. The remainder of Dick’s party had by this time reached the pees and after all had ounted, the chief led the way toward the smaller of the two cabins, Leone and Donald bringing up the rear. “*You’d better look out how you become too fa- miliar with him, miss,” the young miner cautioned, inalow tone. ‘He is the worst desperado in the Black Hills, and cannot be trusted under any cir- cumstances.” Leone flashed upon him a curious look. “You are jealous; that’s what's the matter with you!” she retorted, mischievously. ‘' Don't get jeal- “ous, I pray, Mr. Yates, for I don’t believe [care for this elegant road-agent, and I’m positive I don’t for you. There, now!’and she tossed her confusion of bricky curls saucily. 3 Yates flushed to the temples, and hot words rose upon his lips: but he swallowed them back by @ strong effort. “You are candid!” was his substitute "for them; and the sarcasm in his tone was keen. “Tam always candid!’ she replied, feeling sorry for what she said, yet too proud to acknowledge it. ‘Come, here is our future prison.” ‘No!’ corrected Deadwood Dick, turning, after ace, Miss Hawk, Come in and see how you like clear away the néhes?” said Donal unleckingand opening the door. ‘This is ae ‘ Tog Destro Dict, who wi “3 pad Vite tee é . the simple reason ae few would attempt | home of a merry road-agent.”

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They all entered and gazed about them. The cabin was divided into two apartments, the larger one, in which they stood, being carpeted with wolf- skin robes, with the furry side up. The walls were also hung in the same style, and the effect was, with a ruddy fire blazing on a hearth in a distant corner, truly cheering, Several sumptuous couches of soft furs were madé up in different places, and halt » dozen camp-stools distributed about. This comprised the interior adornment, but it all looked ao comfortable and snug that Leone uttered a ery of ecstas, “i y erfectly splendid. But where is the lieuten- aat’; wife you spoke of ?” * Ger epartment is in the other building. Beseat- ed, and make yourself at home, and I will call her. In tha adjoining room yonder, you will find conven- yenc 28 for making your toilet, if you wish.” And bowing t’xe Prince of the Road retired through a side door into the other cabin, which was given over to Lieutenant Audley, his wife, and the band. A moment later a man entered with a couple cf jorches which he thrust into crevices in the wall and then retired. It was already dark on the tiountaln:top. and the sky was overcast with gray, Jeaden clouds, threatening a heavy blow of win and rain. Leone on entering the adjoining room found a rough table, a wash-basin, comb, brush, towel and mirror; and with the use of these she was able to ut herself in a more presentable condition. She ound Donald Iounging on the skins before the blazing fire, when she returned, ensaged with his pipe, of which Black Harper had not robbed him. “You can goin and wash and fix yourself up if ou wish,” said Leono, seating herself upon one of he camp-stools, ‘‘ Perhaps you can eradicate that grum look from your face.” “T don’t think so,” was the cold reply. ‘ At least ‘shall not try very hard.” * As you like. It is not for me.to urge you.” Then there was a long silence, which was finally broken by the entrance of a young woman, bearin, a cae of fragrant, steaming coffee and roas' venison. It was the lieutenant’s wife. She was of medium stature and rather stoutly built, yet she was evidently not out of her teens. In face she was pretty, her features being regular and -full, her complexion fair, and her hair and eyes of a soft, lovely brown, She sat down the tray and advanced toward Leone with extended hands, a smile of welcome upon her lips, an expression of admiration in her eye. “So you are the new arrival Captain Dick is so rapturous over, eh?’ she spoke, with a pleasant little laugh. ‘Well, well, 'm sure I admire his taste, You are just a little beauty, dear; and lam sure we shall be famous friends. Ah! you have a friend, eh?” “Yes, this is Mr, Yates,” replied Leone, “Youl Suppose are Mrs, Audley.” ‘Tam, My husband ’’—and just then it appeared there was a tinge of bitterness in her tone— “‘is a lieutenant in Captain Dick’s band. Perhaps you saw him.” “Sol did, but he was masked, and I could not see much of his face. Ithink your chief is very hand- some,”’ : “*Se@ he is, and as noble as he is handsome, I’ve often wished it had fallen to my lot to have won him instead of Fred Audley.” Deadwood Dick sauntered in later in the beat and the trio conversed together merrily—Donald Yates, however, refusing to jon in. He had the *sulks,” the provoking Leone laughingly remarked, ~ which aceounted for his silence, All were thus ene, when one of the men stuck his head in at the door, and announced that a man wished to see the chief. - “Show him in!" ordered the Prince, and then en- tered one whom none had expected to see, in the person of the girl dare-devil—Calamity Jane\ The Double Daggers. 2r CHAPTER XI. WHO IS THE TRAITOR? ‘ Ir was indeed Calamity, and all recognized her in a moment. “How in the name of all that is wonderful did on find your way here?” exclaimed Dick springing his feet and extending his black-gloved hand. * would have sooner expected old Satan, than you." The young woman laughed in her quiet fashion, as she shook handsall around, “Tam *bout as much surprised as the rest 0’ ye, I reckon,” was her reply. ‘I shouldn’t ‘a’ cum, niy I didn’t find no one at my caboose; so T set out on the trail, and run across some o’ your gang, and on bein’ assured that you weren't no spirit, I made up my mind to come up an’ pay you a visit. And whe should I see here but my old pard,Don, and my: new pard, Leone.” z : q “Yes. Tand my boys met them down the canyon a piece, in company with Black Harper; but. the tough turned tail and dug out when he saw us, and . left his B Peete in our charge. So you come up with Audley and the boys, did you?” ; “With the boys, bub not with Audley. He has gone on to Deadwood.” “To Deadwood?” echoed the young chief, “Yes, It was my information, though, that sent him there. Dick, there is among the members of your band no less a viper than a fyaifor /” “What? <A traitor among my men? Impossible!” “Nay! not impossible. ere is some one of your band in communication with the Deadwood la- tors; of this I am_positive, for not ten hours ago I heard old ‘Uriah Denby give his men a perfect de- scription of this place, in the Metropolitan. More’n that, they’re piannin together how to come an’ take you. Itseems that they have been advised of your strong defense, and don’t know just how togo to work. Itold Audley about it, and so he went on to Deadwood to learn what he could,” _“That was right. Audley isa good trustworthy lieutenant, and is sound in his judgment, every time.” said Deadwood Dick, reflectively. ‘* But I cannot believe that there is one among my band who you turn traitor. Every man is bound by a fear- ful oath to respect the laws of our brotherhogd, and death is the result of deserting.” ; “Well, that may be,” replied Calamity, seating herself and lighting a cigarette, “‘ but when you con- sider the inducements offered, you can’t much won- der if men do Play the traitor. Since Uriah Denby’s bin put in Dashing Dave’s shoes, the price on your head, Dick, has been swelled to the enormous figure of five thousand dollars. Posters announcin’ this fact stare youin the face all the way from Dead- wood up to the canyon forks.” “Yes, no doubt. But the man that earns that reward, let me tell you, will wade through blood|” said the road prince quietly, though his eyes glit- tered dangerously. “I hope Audley will return with advice soon, for in the morning I wish to give the men an overhauling. If there is a traitor among them, leave it to me to find him out.” : Then the conversation turned onto other topics, and Calamity said: ~ ‘And what is it about this ghost business, Dick? All Deadwood believes that you were ae 3 Dash- ing Dave and his gang, and I was of that et, wn- til Audley told me different.” ) “Tt wasn’t me, or else I shouldn't be here,” laugh- ed the chief, ga: ly ;—this time, for a wonder, it war not that horrible laugh, so peculiar to him. “The fellow whom they lynched was, as he asserted with his dying breath, Gerald Hawk, of Austin, Texas. This young lady, Miss Leone, claims to be his sister. A short time ago she was positive I was her brother, so great was the resemblance between the unfortu- nate young man and myself.” s ‘* You said the name was Hawk,” said the Dare devil, thoughtfully, Then she relapsed into silence, studying the glowing coals on the hearth and the face of Leone, alternately. : Kare) ;

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But. she failed to say whether or not the name was familiar to her, or what recollections -it brought back to her, The morning dawned before any one was aware of it, so engrossed were they in conversation. Leone found Bessie, the lieutenant’s wife, an excellent companion, and they became firm friends from the first, Bessie was intelligent and affable, butit was apparent that in marrying Lieutenant Audley she had made a sad mistake, for she did not love him. As soon as they were aware that day had dawned, Deadwood Dick rose ‘and replaced his mask, which he had removed while in the presence of Leone. ‘Will you remain with us long, Calamity?” the shief asked, as he was about to quit the cabin. ‘Til to-night, I reckon,” replied the Dare-devil, “for I don’t want to expose you, by slidin’ off in daylight.. Who knows but Denby may have spies in the Canyon, who'd string me up at sight for bein’ among you?” “You are right. Make yourself at home as long as you choose to stay, for you are welcome.” He then quitted the cabin. Bessie followed, and Leone, Calamity and Donald were left alone, ‘*Well, Don, how do you like it?” quizzed Calam- ity, staring hard at the young miner, who lay upon the furs before the hearth, and smoked incessantly at his pipe, as grim and sullen-looking as a cross- bear. ‘What's crossed your nervous system?” “Nothing particular. I’d much rather be back at Golden Bar than here, though. Can’t you prevail on your Sg geen es friend to let me off?” “No, I reckon not.» Very few have any influence onter Dick. He calculates he’s the boss of his own bizness, and won’t take any advice from no one,” Bessie soon came in with a tempting breakfast of stewed rabbit and coffee, and was accompanied by Dick, who helped the trio do justice to the meal. “‘T think I’ve got my eye on the traitor, if there is one,” he said, leaning back, after having satisfied his appetite. *‘‘ There is a young Spanish-American in my band, Carlos Cambre by name, who has on several occasions manifested a disposition to disobe’ my commands, Of all the thirty men in my band, he is the only one I could even suspect.” “Yet he may be the truest to your cause of all,” said Leone.“ Trifles should not prejudice you.” “T know they shouldn’t, but I would not know who élse to mistrust. Alj have served me faithfully, and I should feel ashamed to doubt any of them, How- ever, duty is duty, and I shall inspect them all.” Deadwood Dick’s men were well disciplined, and when they were drawn up in line before him an hour later, they looked every inch the bold, fearless Men they were. All were unmasked now, and a strange variety of faces was presented to view. All were young men, so far as years went, none bite over thirty; but the faces of many might have tol a different story to a stranger. Calamity Jane aud Donald were present, having left Leone, with Bessie, at the cabin. The a Bay all seemed to be much surprised to be ealled thus to order, under the’ piercing, stern gaze of their young leader, and were perhaps more astonished when he addressed them. “Fellows!” he said, in the cool, measured tones that ofttimes rather repelled than attracted, after he had run his keen, observing eye over the band, “ we The Double Daggers. Certainly! of course!” were the cries givem in hearty unison. Deadwood Dick’s face flushed with pride, He loved his men with his whole heart, and it pleased him to see them so eager to punish treachery. ‘Good; well said, my hearties. And now whom shall I suspect? Of you all, only one man would Ieare to dishonor by suspicion, and even he may be innocent—God knows Ll hope heis. That man is—”' “Carlos Cambre!” spoke Calamity Jane; for she saw that Dick hated to make the accusation. In an instant, all eyes were turned upon the young Spaniard, for if he was the traitor they wished to see the effect of the accusation. But only astonishment and indignation were de- ore upon the clear face of the suspected man at he charge. He was a fine-looking fellow of about five and twenty, and there was mr py his facato excite doubt as to his loyalty and honesty. Yet upon him had rested the chief’s suspicion. R “You wrong me captain,” Cambre said, huskily, when he had recovered from the first shock. *‘Have I not served you as faithfully as the rest? To ba sure, I have only been a brother two months, but as God is my judge, I have never been guilty of treachery.” “You haye several times appeared loth to obey my commands, sir.” * ‘Probably; but that was owing to my wild, ungov- ernable spirit, which at times struggles hard for the - mastery.” 7. “Pxactly; and that same spirit has made you 4 traitor to our.causel”” “No, captain; by High Heaven, I swear that ¥ ant not the guilty one!’” “I would like to believe you innocent, Carlos,” and Deadwood Dick's stern glance softened a trifle; “but the laws of our order demand that I should find this traitor, even though I have to kill you all to accom plish the work. Therefore, believing in God that [ am just, I denounce you as a traitor! Fellow rvad- agents, what is the penalty?” ‘There was a short silence, during which many kindly and Lpitying glances were turned upon Carlos Cambre. en, in one voice came the answer, grim and terrible in its full realization: : “Deata!” As the knell of his doom fell upon his hearing, the young Spaniard bowed his head upon his breast, and ars trickled down over his cheeks. Hardly a road- agent was there but was deeply der of their chief aroused them: “* Death! that is the measure usually meted out to traitors!” he said, glancing down the line. “ Carlos Cambre, you are then sentenced to death Boys, bind him to the sapling on yonder edge of the plateau; bring me five loaded and five unloaded rifles, and we will have the terrible work over!” __ Reluctantly the road-agents seized their brother outlaw, but he begged for one moment’s respite. The poor fellow, when released, walked over te where Deadwood Dick stood, and threw his arms _ about the young chief's neck and embraced him. moved; but the or “Good-by, captain,” he said, huskily, “good-by\ — Tam content to die for you, whom I have loved ax 4 brother. You are judging me wrongly, for you kod no truer man aaere our band, Good-by, and may your Christian God bless you,” Then he conquered his agitation, went back and have a. little matter befora us that needs considera- |-surrendered himself into the hands of his brother - Leet optic that involves the peace and security of us all. “Among you there is u fitor to our cause—a faithless wretch, who, for afew dollars of offered re- ward, has betrayed us to our onemies.” A murmur of surprise ran from one end of the line to the other. Deadwood Dick continued: “Thate to suspect any of you, my boys, for you have all sworn by me and served my interest faith- fully, But I ask you, is it not right that we should ' investivate the case, and discover, if possible, the sraitor, that we may punish him?” outlaws. “Is it possible your heart is of stone?’’ said a low, sweet voice, and turning about, Deadwood Dick found Leone, accompained by Bessie, the lieuten- — 3 ant’s wife, standing a few steps away. He ras greatly affected by Cambre’s exhibition of affection, and the words of the Texan girl was the“ ‘awthat broke the camel's back.” : ; rags “No!” he_ cried, bis voice ringimy: out clearly’ “* Deadwood Dick still has a heart, for oil it, Has been repeatedly trampled upon. Men, Cevios Cambro is ne traitor, and command you to-relvase tym,”

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The Double Daggers. Oe A great shout of rejoicing then went up, for none was there among the assembled band who could force themselves to believe in the guilt of the ac- cused. i = chief went straight to Cambre and grasped his ands, “Forgive me, mate!’ he said, huskily, “for my unjust suspicion. I apologize, and will try to do more for you, in time, for I am satisfied you are ave I your forgivenness, old boy?” worthy. ? ‘2 o Gertainly,” replied the true-hearted Spaniard, ‘should have forgiven you even had I been shot | oy your orders.” \ men were then dismissed, and Leone and Bes- sie 2 ccompanied hy. Dick, Doi Jano, «djourned to the cabin. : “T4,as durned sure that cuss weren't the traitor,” Galemity said, i acer a cigarette and throwing ‘aerself in_a care’! be ees attitude upon the fur- sad rth floor, “‘ fer t: ain’t no snake in his eye, an’ I know't.’ F ‘No; Lam now satisfied he is not ity,” ED age the Prince of the Road, staring thoughtfully at Leone. “But I do not know of any one else to suspect. It is strange that Audley don’t return.” “He'll come, afore long. And now, do you know what I think you'd better do?” **No, What?” “Waal, you'd better take Miss Hawk, here, an’ nest lieutenant’s wife to McKenzie’s, in Deadwood. our sister can take good care of them, and they will be out of danger, which they wen’t be here.” “Perhaps you areright,” assented Dick, musingly. ‘ Anita thinks I’m dead, but I'll soon set her mind at vest. on that score. Will you stay here, in charge, 4il IL return, Jane?” “Yes, if you like. You'd better take my i Yates, along. He will protect your sister and the girls for you know McKenzie’s up in Bozeman this week, oer - “Ah! yes; so he is; I had neari, forgotten.” Ac- cordingly arrangements were made. An,hour later, four persons, well mounted, were riding down the canyon toward Deadwood. ‘Three were acquaintances of ours—Donald Yates, Leone. and Bessie; the fourth was a Sign reps old fellow, with shaggy hair and rd, d in dirty mining-garb; and not one out of a hundred would have even suspected that under this disguise was the terror of the gold country—Deadwood Dick. The quartette rode into the Magic City about noon, and pushed rapidly up the crowded main street toward the cottage of McKenzie. Leone was shielded as much as possible among the others, lest some of her enemies, on the watch, should discover er, But, despite their precaution, a woman looking out of aniupper window of the Metropolitan saloon, saw and recognized her! It was the mysterious vailed Card Queen. And as they passed the saloon, Deadwood Dick also made a sagt 28 Standing on the front steps, in earnest conyersa- tion. with Uriah Denby, the Regulator chief, was Liet.wnant Audley! At .Jmost the same instant, the lieutenant discov- ered and pointed out Dick’s party to Denby; then the two exchanged a few hurried words, and whirl- ing abruptly, entered the saloon. at did it mean? Was —ieutenant Audley the traitor ? CHAPTER XUr. DICK on HIS MUSCLE—CALLERS. “Come! let’s hurry up!” said the Road Prince, aneasily, as he spurred his horse into a gallop, “for I'm sure there’s fun ahead.” “What do you mean?” asked Bessie, who had also ~gaen her husband in.company with the chief Regu- lator.‘ What did you see to alarm know it’s unhealthy in his our? but enough to make me immediate vicinity for a * Nothing to alarm me; mald and Calamity 23 certain chap who sails undex the title of Deadwood Dick, Did you see Fred Audley back there?”’ “ Yes, D saw sr Do you recognized in your di: “Certainly. That was Uriah Denby, the new tor leader, with him; and Audley pointed me out and told whol was. He is the traitor!” Hard ae came into view about Bessie’s mouth, but she did not seem shocked. ; “Twas fearful that such was the case,” she said, oe and mortification yep d any tender feel- she may have bad forthe man. ‘* But J had no evidence him. He would have killed: you you lo et het i that th ng ago, e felt sure the men would acce) him as a chief.” si Deadwood Dick frowned, but said no more until they had halted in front of oneof a row of recent! finished shanties or “‘ cottages,” as they were called, though sad-looking cottages were they. : Here he dismounted, and ra) upon a door, at od i time bidding the others dismount, which ey did, : Presently the door @pened, and a young, pretty- faced woman stood upon the threshold. lan and we recognize her by her features as the sister ok young Harris, or wood Dick. “Good-morning!" said the disguised road-agent, bowing low. ‘DoT behold Anita, the sister of our ief, Deadwood Dick?” “Yes, 1 am his sister. Why do you ask?’’ ques- poems Anita, regarding the whole party wondering’ ly. ‘Because I have been commissioned to bring here for you to care for and protect, these two young women and this gentleman. Your brother feels sure you will not refuse to take them in.” “But, sir, my brother is—” “Alive and well, dear lady, though all Deadwood believes him dead. It was not he who was lynched: by Dashing Dave, but another, Gerald Hawk, by name, who was a brother to this youn ee Miss Leone. May I leaye my party in your i Bs ten cag apd God be praised that Dick still lives!’ cried Anita, crying for joy. “There is a sta- ble in the rear for your horses; leave them here and I will send a boy to care for them, Come right into the house, ladies and gentlemen, and make your- selves at home.” “T must return to the mountains,” said Dick, “Miss Hawk, may I speak with you one moment?” Bessie and Donald accompanied Anita into the cot- tage; Leone lingered a moment behind, during which time the young chief of the road-agents made bold to take her hand, while he gazed at her lovingly. : “Teone—Miss Hawk,” he said, earnestly, “duty calls me back to my men, and I leave you here, be- cause I think it safest. Ere long there is destined to be spilt in thesé Black Hills, blood—blood. of the in- nocent as well as the criminal. I have warned peo- ple to let me alone; if they do not heed my oe their deaths be on their own heads. In the confli I may fall, for my lease of life is not forever, L sup* ~ pose; but if t do, I want you to know of my one ate love for you. You must have been aware of it from the first, for you are not one of the blind. You 1 know nothing of your past —only that I love you more than any other woman. Therefore, I ask you, if Lcome to you after I have a Recipes ‘with otis Regulators, will you make me a happy man?” - “Wait till vor come back,” she replied, evading a direct-answer. “I will tell you then.” _ ‘ “Thanks, dear young lady; I will consider that as good as a promise, and seal our betrothal thus.” $ And before she could Leer him, he had slip a magnificent cluster jamond ring of ex ig value upon the forefinger of her left hand, caugh: her to his breast and imprinted a kiss upon her rosy lips, and then vaulted into the saddle o his waiting horse. Ina moment more he was off. ‘Leone watched him, with a half sor~ot tnt, halr pleased look in her dreamy eyes, antl waa bide LR) know just what Tam; ' {5 $5 a

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den from view; then, with her heart pulsating al-j most wildly in the joy of a new-born love, she turned and entered the cottage, where the others had pre- ceded her a few minutes before. Z Straight up through the homely main street of the homelier spel 9 cantered Deadwood Dick, until he came to the Metropolitan saloon, when he guided his horse in to the side of the street, leaped out of the saddle, and ascended the steps that led into the saloon. As he was about to enter, Lieutenant Aud- ley and Uriah Denby, the Regulator, came out. -“ Hello!” exclaimed Audley, with an oath, his flushed face showing that he had been drinking rather freely, ‘ here’s the very cuss we want now! “Waal, ef.I’m ther indywidual ye refer ter,” ' drawled the disguised road-agent, resting his hands pee his hips, his arms akimbo, and his yi squint- ed in a laughable mannner—‘‘ef I’m the roarin’ rinosserhoss ye indycate, w’at might be your busi- ness?” - “We'll ht soon show you!” avowed Audley. “You can’t shut my eye up wi’ your blarney. You’re dur game, and you're Deadwood Dick |” “Wuat!l” Apparently the rough-looking customer was astonished. ‘* What ’d ye say, boyee? Me Dead- o wood Dick! -Methe grate road-feller, who has got more brass’n a hull uri brass band? Whoop-ee / Sally K. Slukens an’ all ther old maid mothers frum hayr ter Omaha! Durn my old eyes ef it ain't the worst I’ve heerd since Jonah swallered a whale, bone and all!” “See here!’ said Denby, authoritatively, “you may as well surrender, Harris. We've got you this time, without any mistake; so the quicker you give yourself up peaceably, the better it will—” he Regulator never finished the sentence, for like asledge-hammer Deadwood Dick’s fist hit him be- tween the eyes, and he went hind-foremost down the steps into the street, where he lay like a log, helpless and insensible. A tremendous kick from the road-agent’s boot, in the stomach, stretched Audley out, quietly; then. when a hundred pair of eyes were on him, Deadwoo Dick dashed down the steps, and with his gleaming knife deliberately slashed upon the Regulator’s fore- head the terrible sign of doutle-daggers / An instant more, and he was on the back of his horse, and up the street at breakneck speed flew the horse and rider, that wild laugh echoing back upon the hearing of an excited and astonished bl heed As soon as was possible, forty br saaaaa were off in hot pursuit. Bat with what result? About dark they came straggling back into Dead- wood, gaunt and jaded, having, for their ns, @ story to tell of how the daring Road Knizht had, after picking off three of their number, eluded them among the intricacies of the mountains, and made his escape. Uriah Denby, the Regulator, was not killed. e terrible blow only stunned him fora time; the gaSh- ed forehead was the only important injury. Th » wound was skillfully dressed by a surgeon, but it would leave a scar of double-daggers never to be ob- literated from the living flesh:—the chief was a marked, man for life. ¢ _ The Pioneer issued an extra next yee giv- ing a detailed account of the whole affair. It gave its opinion of Deadwood Dick in terms more forcible than polite, and hoped no éfforts would be spared to capture this most notorious criminal of nine- teenth century. . In Mrs. Anita McKenzje Leone and Bessie found one of the sweetest little women they had ever en- countered, Her life thus far with Justin McKenzie had been one of perpetual happiness and marital bliss, and not a cloud had come across the horizon of their ex- istence until the hanging of the supposed Prince of the Road a short time bef: “And * she said,“ that in- ore. it seems so strange, vg eh The Double Daggers, Ci Ko ts . ee ee pz, stead of my brother, it should be yours, Leone. It is the change of sadness to your heart and fos ta mine, for 1 cannot help but rejoice that dear Ned iy safe and alive.” And Leone secretly rejoiced in the same knowl. edge, for her heart now beat faster when she thought of the dashing road-agent, or glanced at his — costly token upon her engagement finger. an wonder when he will come to see me?” Anita went on. him. He was always a good brother, though once a little harsh toward’ me. But, that was all owing to a misunderstanding.” You saw him and talked with him but a short time since,” put in Bessie. ‘That was Captain Dick who brought us.” “What? That my darling brother? Impossible!” “On the contrary, it is quite possible. disguised, ButI fear for his safety, for he was re- cognized and pointed out to the Regulator chief, as wecamein!” ! “ Oh!:heaven; then he isin peril. _ I will call Swift Fox, my Indian boy, and dispatch him to learn if he made his escal oor Ned--always hunted.” Swift Fox was sent on his errand. and our friends anxiously awaited his return with the news. “T think it looks very much as if there was a pros- ect of your having a sister-in-law soon, Mrs. Me- Kenee 1? observed Donald,who had noticed the dia- mond ring immediately, directing Anita’s attention to the gleaming token. “Indeed! Is that so, my dear?” and the little woman weemed delighted. “Well, I shall be just happy if you get Ned. Your influence ought to re- form him.” “Tt certainly ought to,” agreed Donald, a tinge of sarcasm in his tone, . “Of course it ought,” assented Leone, not in the least abashed; ‘ but I notice that there’s a shoe that nee some one’s foot, and not far away, either, Donald flushed to the temple at the cut, and might have sworn, just a little, had there been no ladies present. Thus they all conversed and passed aiway the time very pleasantly. After about an hour’s absence, Swift Fox returned and reported the daring deed of Deadwood Dick, and his attempted escape; but, as yet, nothing was known whether he had eluded the etree! Regula- tors or not; therefore Anita sent him back to wait till he could find out more. **] think the day is at hand,” said Donald, * when it will become necessary for your brother to seek another field of action, if he calculates to escape death at the hands of his enemies. Already he has a name and fame extendnig from the Atlantic to the Pacific slope, and soon, if if cannot be accomplished by other means, the government will send ona force of military to rout him out.” “T fear Ned will never desert the Black Hills, while there is life and excitement here!” said Anita. ‘Here, he is in his element; elsewhere, he would be lost—literally out of place.” ‘Well, they'll certainly make it warm for him, after this Denby recovers. He is reputed to be am old customer at fighting, and I reckon he won’t fool long around such a fellow as Deadwood Dick.” “Neither he will. The next time, he'll stop a bul He was. let instead of a knife. The mark of Deadwood Dick is ont and his days on earth are numbered.” ur door, and Anita, accompanied by Donald, went to answer the summons, crouching out of sight behind a great cupboard. On opening the door, two men were found to be standing on the steps outside. There were none others than Leone’s step-father, — Jasper Leslie, and her persecuting lover, Curtis Syd- nor doffed their hats, ‘‘ We called to see = young | one and Bessie Audley *T should so like to see and falk with | dark there was a loud, rude knock at the G) - E E * Good-evenin’,” saluted Leslie, while both men —

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The Double Daggers. whom you have in your charge, Miss Leone Hawk, by name, We presume she is at liberty.” “Nol” said Dorald, coolly, “she is not. I do not believe she cares oO see you.” “No, probably not,” sneered eye sarcastical- . “ut that makes no dfference to us, We have a ‘attle importwnt business to transact with her, and must and shall see her!” “But you won't, though!”’ declared Donald. “You will have to wait till you see her outside this door, 1m thinking.” R “Bunz I say we shall do nothing of the kind, you in- sole" gupr’’!’ roared Leslie, fiying into a passion. “be agouti alf cut of the road, and let us pass!” «"- snc’ retorted the cool miner, perfectly calm. “% (sa vou enter here you'll be apt to stop several 4nliews Andin his hand, as if to back his asser- tioa, he aeld a small gold-mounted revolver. Sydnor swore and so did Leslie. “J would aavise you to make ‘yourself scarce,” continued Yates, pulling back’ the hammer. * M; argument of a case is always sharp and decisive, and composed of round, leaden pellets. Come! will you move uway, or shall I ventilate you?” “You have the advantage now, curse you!’ growled Sydnor, retreating down the steps, his face nearly purple with rage, “but your triumph will be short-lived, Illhave that girl if I have to murder every cursed dog in Deadwood. Do you hear, you young wretch?” “Ay! ay!” responded Yates, “‘Iam not deaf. If you propose paying us another visit, we will be pre- pared for you.” P Then he closed and locked the door, and the dis- comfited villains turned their steps back toward the Metropolitan. Leone had been considerably alarmed, when she heard the voices of her ‘enemies, but she became pate more her lively self when she found that they ad gone, “ ‘They mean mischief,’ said Anita, dubiously, “They will perhaps enlist a gang of toughs in their service, and give us trouble,” : *In that case, I had better take Miss Hawk and cape into the Hills,” said Donald. “Oh! no! no! Idid not speak because I fear for my safety. No; poneanee stay right here, and we will defend ourselves to the best of our ability.” “Yes, that we will!” cried Bessie, emphatically “Tam armed, and am a good shot; so you can count me in for at least a dozen.” A few moments later there were two ei upon the door, and by peering through a crack in the window- shutters, Anita was able to distinguish two persons standing on the steps. Donald went to the door. One of the twain was Lieutenant Audley—the other was Ida Burton, the Vailed Queen. “Well?” demanded the miner; “ what’s wanted?”’ “T want my wife!” cried Audley, with a frightful oath; ‘‘so bounce her out here!” “And I,” said the Vailed Queen, bowing, ‘‘have come for my daughter, Leone! Tell her her mother is here!” A CHAPTER XIV. THE NEW-FOUND MOTHER—CARRIED OFF, _ Donaup closed the door, and reported to the parties soncerned, who were anxiously waiting. “My moher /”” cried Leone, in great astonishment when she learned what was the vailed woman’s mission. ‘* What can it mean? My mother was ac- cidentally drowned in the Missouri river, years ago. é eon you supe? There may have been some mis- ake.” “Ah! would ‘to God it could be so, My step- father was m: pene onthe matter.” “Then, doubtless he lied to you; for if that was him at the door, awhile ago, he is not too mean for anything. Shall I admit, the woman?” i ; "Yes, Tcan at least see her.” et iN 23 Do “Ty 1 t your husband, Mrs. Audley. you wish tose@ him?” . “Nol” the young woma™ replied, scornfully. ise him!’ ii “Then, I shall not bri. “| m in?” “No. Send him away .f you ean.” The miner went back and opened the door, a coeked revolver in his hand. 4 “You niay enter, madam,” he said, addressin the Card Queen, ‘‘ amd you, sir,” to the halt-intoxi- cated lieutenant, ‘can get out of the reach of my revolver in ten seconds, or take the consequences. Come! get a-goin’. One! two—” With a curse the baffled renegade retreated dowe the steps, and thence down the street. ; “Yowware a capital hand to rid yourself of nuisan« ces!” laughed the Vailed Queen, merrily, as she fol. lowed, the miner inside, ‘I saw you drive awa; ae Leslie and his companion a short time ago.” They entered the little front parlor, where Leone, Bessie and Anita were waiting. ‘““My child—my own darling child!” eried the vailed woman, uncovering her face and advancing with outstretched arms. Leone gave her one quick, searching splauae, and then sprung into her embrace with a glad, joyous cry. It needed but one look at the faces of the two to be assured that they were mother and daughter; for, except that her hair was dark and her general appearance older, the Card Queen was a very counterpart of Leone. “My mother! my mother!” cried the girl, joy- fully; ‘‘I believe you are she.” : “Then you believe truly, my child, for I am your mother, whom you have not seen for years, At last, after many trials and much terrible suffering, I rejoice, for [have found one of my own blood to love and cherish.” And the two wept tears of grateful joy upon each other’s shoulders. _After the first fond greeting was over, conversa: tion took a turn upon another subject. Leone spoke of Jasper Leslie and Sydnor’s threat to possess her, at no matter what cost. “The villains shall never lay a hand upon you, dear!’ the Card Queen said, reassuringly. ‘‘I have the power to arrest them both, and once they know who I am, they will not offer to molest you further.” It was now quite dark outside, and a ‘heavy rain ~ was falling. But few pedestrians were abroad, and it looked probable that there was nothing to be feared from Leslie and his companion in crime wn- til another day. But this was a mistake. After supper bad been hn ee of and all were seated comfortably in the ittle front parlor, loud shouts were heard from out in the wild wet night, and peering out of the window Donald beheld a score of rough-looking fellows com- a up the street, ; ‘hey were headed by the two villains, Sydnor and rans and many were armed with long poles and rehes, “They’re coming!” exclaimed the miner, setting his teeth together with an ominous click, “We must repulse them or surrender—which?” “We'll fight, of course!” cried Leone’s new-founc mother, fiercely. ‘I have two perforating instru ments here,’—and she displayed a couple of hand some revolvers—‘‘ with which Ican do good service. lenis eee Leslie, I say, and then the same ta is tools : eet eatiindl * And how about, y th Deadwood Ditk found no difficulty in eluding his Regulator pursuers, and in two hours he was at hig mountain stronghold: Here he found Calamity Jane and his band as he had left them, enjoying 4 good rest preparatory to the great siege that they expect: ed was soon to come. “Tam glad you have got back,” Calamity said; “for that takes a burden from my shoulders, 1 like well enough to boss my own ranch, but when it comes to bossing somebody else’s, I ain't nowhar, How did you make ont?”

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“T made out of Deadwood in telegraph time!” laughed the Prince of the Road, grimly. “I got chased by a swarm of vengeful hornets, but I soon eaves ‘em wi'out being stung.” “Regulators, were they?” “Reckon they were. I tumbled over old Uriah Denby, and marked him so I'd know him the next time we met; kicked Fred Audley out of tune, and then came away in double-quick time.” “ What did you kick Fred Audley for?” questioned @ pumber of the band, who had gathered about. “T judge he needs something worse than kicking, the accursed traitor!” and the young chief’s brow grew as black as a thunder-cloud, “To him you owe your betrayal: for Ae is the traitor. Carlos Cambre, you are henceforth to fill his position as lieutenant!” “Hurrah!” yelled the road-agents in unison. “Three cheers for our new lieutenant. Long life to Carlos Cambre, and death to Audley the traitor!” “Ay! ay! my lads; that’s the ticket to vote!” cried Deadwood Dick, pleased to see Cambre so heartily accepted. “ Audley is the last oneT should have suspected out of your band,’ said Calamity, after she and the young chief had been left standing alone, the road- ents having retired to their cabin. ‘ Do you think his wife is implicated?” - “Nary! Bessie is a true little woman. No; Aud- ley is the nigger in the bush; and he may as well speak for his coffin, for his days are numbered!” Just then a pigeon, circling around in the air over- head, attract eadwood Dick’s attention, ‘Look! it’s a messenger from my reporter at She rare a What news can it bring, I won- er?” He was soon answered, After eae many eateb curves and circles, the beautiful bird slowly lescended and alighted upon the chief’s shoulder. It was of snowy white color, and under its left wing was tied a small piece of folded white paper. - Detaching this, Deadwood Dick glanced over it. “Phew!” he muttered, setting his teeth together firmly. Then he handed the message to Calamity, while he strode rapidly off toward the larger cabin. There were but few words of it: F * Come; you're needed. Gang o’ toughs goin’ to rack MeKenzie’s; Denby also started after you with fifty men. Look out, Pers.” In a very few moments Deadwoot Dick aud -his men had left their mountain retreat, and were dash. ing through the intricacies of the mountain on their way to Deadwood. of men toward the cottage. their hoarse yells and shouts of laughter ealeulated to inspire the hearer with dread and terror. They were mainly composed of the class of buzamers and bruisers that hover about all mining towns, and pick up a living by the strength of their muscle, or light- ness of their fingers. “I don’t like the looks of them!” said Anita, dubi- ously. “They are of the worst class of men in Deadwood, and have no respect for life or person.” “T think we have nothing to fear!’ replied Don- ald, calmly. “A few telling shots will send them off a-kitin’, bet your pie on that.” “It's easy to tell that you have a brave heart!” awa the Queen. ‘* You are not afraid to fight, and hat justsuits me toaT. Now, let me tell you, the _ best way to drive off this Fang is to drop the two vil- lains in the lead. You cover Curtis Sydnor, the port- ly scoundrel, and [ll do for that old white-haired wretch whom a cruel father once forced me to murry.’” “What! You surely will not murder your own husband?” exclaimed Anita, in horror, ‘“Yes—were he a thousand times my husband,” was the woman’s fierce rejoinder. “He is an ac- cursed viper on the face of the earth, and surely God On came the gai ; will not hold:me to answer for ridding the world of such @ wretch as he, Ha!” This latter exclamation was caused by the sudden aisenecarmice of both Leslie and Sydnor. Whither they had gone so suddenly was hard to tell; but certain it was that they were no longer in sighi, Their gang of raffians, however, came howling on. and at last halted in front of the cottage. “ What has become of them?” asked Leone, refer- ing to the two missing men—her-hated enemies. “They've probably hidden themselves, somewhere out of bullet-range, where they can watch their tools take us," said Donald, grimly. “Hark! let’s hear what that big tough has to say.” ° One of the grisly crowd, a very giant in size, by the way, was yelling and gesticulating, evidently trying to attract the attention of those inside: ‘Hello! what do you want?” cried Donald, through an open slat in the shutter. “Cum out hayer, durn yer old socks—cum out an* see,” replied the giant. ‘‘Yer a drat-hanged cows. yard, ye be, or ye wouldn’t be afeared tew show up. Ar’ ye cummin’ out, or shall we cum in?” “Maybe ye'd better come in!’ was the decision of the miner, “that is, if you’ve any desire to stop a small cannonade of round lead. If you haven't, you'd better get back to your respective ranches, take my word for it.” ‘Haw! haw! d’ye heer thet, my pigeons? Tho ilgrim actually hes got the cheek to advise us w’at erdo. Isay, you cuss in thar?” : “ Well—” “You can’t know who I ar, I reckon, or ye wouldnt be quite so fresh, Lam a double-distilled torpeder 0” ae, ED an’ when ye touch me off sumthin’s got to bu’st. My Seogrenntell title ar’ Jeremiah MacGinness, tho’ I ain’t no Irisher!” “Jeremiah McGinness! Lordy, what a handle,” laughed Donald, turning to the ladies. Then, aloud, to the giant outside: © Well, Mr. Jeremiah MeGin‘ ness, what will you have?” “Great cats 0’ Barbary! I reckon you ought to know, We war hired to cum hyar and git a gal as ou’'ve got caged up in thar, ae her'we will, ow, pilgrim, bizness is bizness with us, an’ we'll give ye percisely five wiggles of anelefant’sSaratogy trunk ter perdooce that galin. At the terminus uv that peeryod ef the critter hain’t hove in sight, we'll deliberately apse make patent-baled kindling — wood out 0” thet shanty!” “Correct!” retorted Donald; ‘‘and now, in turn, YP give you and your crowd four minutes by the watch to get out of pistol-range. All that are wise will not neglect to skin out.” “Nary a budge will we!” shouted back McGinness. Then for a moment silence ensued, ; E “Shall we fire upon them?” asked Bessie, peering out of a knot-hole. ‘I could just salt that big chap nicely from here.” “No. We will not open on them till they make some show of violence, then blaze away, and make bullet count.” ; “Tisten!” cried Anita, in alarm, “Some one is pounding at the back door.” “You keep watch in front, and 2" go see who it is,” replied Donald, and off he went, vevolver in hand. The back doér opened info an entty or back poreh, and the person knocking was evidently in this. 4“ “Hello!” said the miner, sternly. ‘Who's ont there, and what do you want?” . “ Hist!” came back the aly in a shrill whisper, through the keyhole. * Don’t attract attention here, but Jet me in.” we ‘The deuce I will. What’llI do thatfor? Who's _ out there, and what do you want?” : “Sh! you'll have them toughs around here if you — don’t shut up. Let mein, I come from Deadwood — Dick to help you. He and more of the boys will be ~ along soon. Come! let mein. if you’re goin’ to.” a s had a ¢ool head on him and never did things: s

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s % bang! \, —~ he Double Daggers, rae ie ‘Ceaen Ba ors ‘Hurrah! three cheers for Deadwood Dick! Ven geance and doub ers!” z The battle between the ruffians and road-agents is of but short duration, and soon Deadwood Dick and his men dash up to the cottage, to Jearn the dam: done there. But only the young chief dismouni and is admitted; the rest sweep on and off into the dense shadows. Deadwood Dick was admitted inte the cottage without delay. “You are welcome!” cried Donald, grasping the Prince’s hand. “You come, however, just when we were successful in driving off the enemy.” “Yes, so I perceived. But I could not got here any_sooner.” : “You were soon enough to finish what we left, f imagine, by the sounds of conflict. Your man, Graves, said ne, were coming. By the way, Bessie, where is the ‘ellow?”” 4 “tT don’t know. I’ve been pa; ing, more attention to my ne pokees eine anything else,” “Tt’s deuced dark, seems tome. Get a light, Mrs, McKenzie. Maybe the man’s been shot down and we knew nothing about it.” j Anita, who had been clinging to Deadwood Dick, nearly in raptures to once more see him alive and well, groped around, and soon produced a lamp, which she succeeded in lighting. ‘What did you say about my man Graves?”’ de- manded Dick. “Ive no one in my crowd of that name,’ “What! You must be mistaken. Aman, masked like your men, came and clamored for admit: ance just before the fight began, saying he came from you, and that you.and your fellows would be aiong, nee We let in, and he fought against the roughs, “Tl wager a thousand the chap was an impostor, / and you have been fooled!” cried Dick, his tone bes ae phe “ Where is Leone? Quick, Anita— e ligh “Leone! Leone!” cried the Card Queen. The lamp was seized, and its rays flashed around the room, “Yes, by Heaven! she is gone!” Dick exclaimed. “You're alla pack of idiots! You've Jet her ene- mies snatch her right from under bea noses]”” A cry of horror went up from all. “And that pretended road-agent is the abductor !” eried Mrs. Hawk, or, as we have “No doubt the man had none,” said Donald. “The shears would rid him of his beard,” Dick it. * And we must find her!” decided Donald, grimly. “We must begin the search now, and not give it over until we have her again in our possession.” ‘Which is easier said than done!” replied the Prince of the Road. ‘The gal’s in the power of her enemies, and they’re going to freeze to her like a crab to a bather’s toe, Only cunning matched against cunning is going to have any go result.” “Her captors will not be apt to remain long in Dead:vood with her,” said Mrs. Hawk, thoughtfully, _ take the morning stage for “They will most: lik Cheyenne, e” route for Texas.” “Tn that case, I think I can safely promise you the I hg of pA on ew oat Diek, re assuringly. ‘ out-stage w: a large con~ cirament of gold, and by stopping it Pera doubtless hit two birds with one stone. So I will now bid you opie You probably will have no more trouble, as @ youn: Without doubt, your plan, madam, is the one Leone’s enemies will addpt; so 1 will see to it that, the are is stopped, and if we find your daughter she sh safely returned to you. Good-evening!”’ : ae t 8 ‘lady was the cause of what_we have had, — Soe

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© ‘pe 28 Ned’ Ned!” Anita cried, “you are not going away to stay so long again? You will come back to visit me, won't you?” “ Yes, little sister:’* and the young chief kissed her affectionately. ‘‘I shall drop in to see you occasion- ally, unless the Regs. get my scalp, I have not d +e to ask you how you enjoy married life,’ but I’in certain that you cannot be otherwise than happy with such a man as Justin McKenzie for a husband. He is a noble fellow. But I must not tarry! Good-by!” And the next moment the door had closed behind Deadwood Dick. Outside, in the wild, pouring night, he mounted his olack charger, who was iA owing impatient at the delay, and down through the gulch dashed the rider at breakneck speed, and no one was abroad to check his course. ys After his departure, those at the McKenzie cot- tage talked over the events of the evening, when it was bs roe that Donald should pay a visit to the Metropolitan and other saloons, and learn, if he could, something about the whereabouts of Sydnor and Leslie. This he agreed todo, and wrapping himself ina huge coat—the propery of MeKenzie— ped ariaing himself thoroughly he set out on his er- rand. The first saloon he entered was the Metropolitan. The rainy night had drawn ina large crowd; but, under the stern eyé of the manager, an old California veteran, everything was passing off mildly, Donald wandered about in the great saloon for an hour or more, but saw no oneanswering to the de- seription of either Sydnor or Leslie. And where were they? ‘ This question Donald was unable to answer. That uhey were not in the Metropolitan he was quite posi- /dve. He had narrowly scanned the faces of every han present, but none were of that type peculiar Jo the two villains he sought. “T judge there's little. use looking further!” he muttered, going out once more into the storm, ** but I suppose 1 may as well drop into one or two of the other dens, to pass away time.” He accordingly did so, but without any satisfac- tory result. c About midnight he went back to the cottage. Anita and Bessie were still up and waiting, but ji Hawk, they said, had gone out, half an hour before, and had not yet returned. ““T reckon we needn’t worry about her,” Donald said, taking off his rain-soaked cloak, “She has roughed it enough to know how to take care of her- self. Shouldn’t wonder if she’s thought of some place where she might find Leone's captors.” “She’ll give them trouble if she should find them!” ‘ see peas Bessie, decidedly. ‘She has got plenty of grit.” i In the mean time where was Leone? ' The Metropolitan wasa hotel, in addition to its saloon and dance-house, and in an upper room two men sat at a common deal table, upon which a lamp was burning. The room was bare and cheerless, its only furniture being the fable and two chairs occu- ied by the two men, and a low, uninyiting bed in a urther corner, upon which lay a young woman, ap- parently in deep epee The men in question were Curtis Sydnor and Leone’s step-father, Jasper Leslie. Sydnor wasstill . attired in the disguise in which he had visited the McKenzie cottage, all except the mask, which lay before him on the table. He had sheared off his beard and looked rough and gristly. The plan worked Sag he was saying, bring- ing his hand down on the table heavily. “1 never did.a better piece of acting in my life. Noone sus- ted my identity, and that bullet that grazed my ‘orehead must have been sent me by the devil, as an aid in perfecting my arrangements.” “And you’d never thought of such a thing ef I The Double Daggers. 8. hadn't told ye!” growled Leslie, running hie skeleton fingers through his long white hair. ‘The gal’d bin in the cottage yit, of et hadn’t bin for me,” “*Bah! you needn’t brag, you old bone-yard, I’ve got the gal, and that’s allt care. You can go to thunder, now if you like.” Not till you give me over the mortgage,” replied Leslie, firm. i “ Will you Wait fill you um on the bed, ‘ou were carrying me away from my friends, I worked my hand into the inside pocket of your hunting-shirt, and abstracted a packet.of papers—”’ “By heaven, girl, the mortgage was among the papers. “so I thought at the time, and, unbeknown to ‘ou, I tore the whole lot all into little bits, and sent hem off on the wind. Ha! ha! ha!” Fora moment the baffled schemer looked like an infuriated wild beast, in his rage. “You wretch. You cursed little imp of the devil!” he roared, drawing a knife from his belt. ‘ I’ve half a notion to cut your throat from ear to ear.” “Go ahead and cut, if you want to!” retorted Leone, coin “But it won’t help matters a bit. The mortgage is gone, and you cannot get the Hawk roperty; it is mine, and no earthly power can take tf away from me, for my mother is alive, and will help me to fight you.” “Bah! your mother made food for fishes in the ‘bottom of the Missouri, years ago!” sneered Sydnor, “After you marry me the property is mine, no matter if you have a dozen mothers living.”’ “ Bub I won't marry you, you insolent vagabond,” retorted the girl, firmly, “True, you have succeeded in getting me into your possession, but there is no law in the land that will compel me to wed such a brute as you.” ; ““Oh! never mind, my daisy. I'll see to it that all comes as I desire. Ill take you down into Texas and there you will be only too willing to marry me," “I fear not your villainous threats, Curtis Sydnor, Ihave a mother and friends here in Deadwood, and you know the old-time saying, about the skp *twixt the cup and the lip. If you get me away without any trouble, it will be a great wonder to me.’’. “Don’t fear. I'll manage that all right. When your friends come to search for you, they'll find you missing!” There was little sleep at the McKenzie cottage that night. All felt anxious about Leone, and discussed, the probabilities of her whereabouts, at length. Anita had great faith that her brother would be successful in recovering her, for he seldom failed in any undertaking which he set about to accomplish, “Did you see anything of my husband, when you were out?” Bessie asked. _“No—not that I remember of. Perhaps he has hidden out of the way, fearing the vengeance of the road-agents?” f “Tt will avail him little to hide. Sooner or later his death will be the result of his treachery.” “You will) be a widow, then?” The miner had taken quite an interest in pretty Bessie, since finding that there was no hope left. fer his winning Leone. j ae “Yes, I suppose so, but better so than to be tied to aman like Fred Audley. I believed him to be aman bls I married him, but found out that he was a rute.’”? Toward daylight, Donald started out again into the rainy morning, and made his way. to the stage-stand, to see if peor whether or not the captors of Leone went off inthe Cheyenne coach. But he found that the stage had departed over two hours before; ang

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‘ : The Doubie Daggers. inquiry gained him no news, for noone knew any- thing about the passengers, or their number. Swiftly down through the black mountain canyons tore the noisy Cheyenne stage, with its plunging, snorting horses, six in number, and the abrir Jehu, who managed the lines with one hand, an the incessantly cracking whip with the other, It is an hour before day-dawn, and in the black, wooded mountains is the very darkest of night. The Jehu is a veteran on the Deadwood trail, and ho other than Bill McGucken, who probably has hauled more humans into the Black Hills metropolis than any other “‘ howler,’ on the road. And Bill knows his business, too, as has formerly been evidenced, On—on tears the jolting, overloaded coach; on— on plunge the fierce, spirited horses; then, in a darkest part of a dark, deep gulch, MeGucken reins in his “ prancers,”’ and yells down into the stage: “All you’t’s got any tin may’s well be gittin’ it out.fer we’ve arriv’ at Deadwood Dick’s toll-gate. Yander’s his gang now, comin’ through the -pass!” True enough, Deadwood Dick and his men came ridivg leisurely into view, revolvers drawn in hand. ucken had been long enough “stagin’ it” to know whet their coming meant. CHAPTER XVI, CONCLUSION. ” STRAIGHT on came the road-agents, fearlessly and boldly, until they had surrounded the stage. McGucken was down upon his knees on fhis box, his hands clas) in mute supplication, for the poor fool really believed he was in the presence of the spirit of Deadwood Dick. The passengers in the coach did not offer to fire upon the enemy, for the: well knew that such a proceeding would insure their own death, “Get up, you crazy loon!” cried Deadwood Dick, riding to the front of the coachand giving MeGucken a crack alongside the ear with the butt of the stage hi .. ** What in the Old Nick is the matter with you?’ William arose, forthwith, fully satisfied that there ‘was more that was earthly than spiritual of the one who *:ad given him the blow. “Yes, yer honor,” he said, trembling, as he be- held the stern gaze of the young chief centered upon him. “I heer ye say et.” ‘*Correct. You're ey, apretty fair sort 0’ pilgrim, Billiam, and I can’t afford to be hard on ye. How much ¢in have you got on board?” ‘Nary, capten, unless et be in the treasure-box, an’ I couldn’t say the amount ye’ll find there.” ‘*Well, we'll proceed ‘to investigate. Boys, blow open the shell, half a dozen of you, while I attend to taking up a co.lection for the foreign missions!” Then the ce rode back to the coach door and opened it. “Gentlemen,” he said, politely, “T would request that you step outside of the stage. Upon the im- pulse of the moment, I have decided not to relieve you of your valuables, I will guarantee that none of your effects will suffer.” . ® At this unusual proposal there was a general scramble to get out, and as one by one the passen- ers emerged through the low doorway, Deadwood ick scanned them narrowly, by aid of a lighted |, torehb held in the hand of Lieutenant Cambre. At last they were evidently all out, a dozen of them all told, for the most part miners who were bidding adieu to the Magic City.: ** Are all outside, gentlemen?” ‘No! thar’s a young gal in thar’s bin drunk ever since we started!’ vouchsafed one old fellow. “and those here pilgrims, sur,” pointing to two of the passengers, who were attired in citizen’s dress, * ar’ the ones as fetched her inter ther stage.” they ave our game, Seize em, mates!” cried Dick, covering the twoewrstches with his re- volvers. “A couple of you bring the young tae ove of the coach. She ishot drunk, but has been drugged by_these two scheming demons.” Sydnor and Leslie, for it was the two enemies of Leone, were seized and securely bound; then Leon; was brought from the inside of the coach and lair on the grass, beside the stage-track. She was in a deathly stupor, that might easily have been mis: taken for an intoxicated cet Deadwood dismounted and knelt by her side. He saw that she would soon wear off the effects of ‘the chee if leftin the open air. It was still rainin; briskly, sohe covered her body with his blanket, an let the rain fall upon her upturned face. “While he was thus engaged, there were three pistol-shots in rapid succession, and the audible sourd of as many bodies erie Pa ein the ground. : ‘Springing feet, he perceived at a glance that the villains Sydnorand Leslie had been shot; alse, one of the passengers lay outstretched upon the greensward, with blood oozing from the left temple and a smoking revolver clutched in the stiffening cerca show the origin of the bloody tragedy. © Furthermore, he recognized in that passenger no less a person than our heroine’s mother, the Vailed Queen, whom he had seen at the cottage, and also many previous times at the ‘* Met.” “Great heaven! this is a horrible thing. gentle- men. Have any of you Sei any knowledge of this trio?’ asked Dick, bending over the dead woman—for she was dead, the last bullet from ber revolver having crashed through her brain. The false whiskers she wore had partly fallen off, and her pote Eat was disarranged. “Reckon not!” replied the miner, who had spoken before. “‘ They all got inter the stage at Deadwood, and that’s all we know.” ; . “Well, so be it. All three are dead, and thank God Thave not their blood Ma ee my hands. I shat bury them, here, and that is all I can’ do. Mates, have you done with the treasure-hox?” oats ay! We've cleaned it out.” “Very good. You passengers may now enter and the stage can proceed. But, mind you, Bill Me- Gucken, not a word of this to the Cheyenne or Dead- wood authorities!” ; A general scramble was fmade for the coach, by the overjoyed passengers, and in ‘a moment it was rolling noisily away through the eee When it was out of sight and hearing, Deadwood Dick turned to his men. “Mates,” he said, ‘it is our duty to bury these dead ones, ere we depart. Dig two graves yonder, and [ will search this woman, for she may possess pao that will prove valuable to this young lady, ere, who is her daughter.” The road-agents made haste to obey, while their outhful leader rifled the pockets of the dead Card een. He found some valuable rings, a couple of bank books, and a small roll of manuscript, that was evidently freshly written, That wasall. The graves were soon finished, and after the bodies were wrapped in blankets, they were lowered into their coffinless tomb; then they were covered up forever, from the sight of man. By this time, day was breaking in the east, and the rain had 7 to fall, with all promises for ¢ clear, warm day. “We must se moving,” said the Prince, glancing at Leone who had not yet returned to consciousness, “Day is almost upon us, and it is not desirable to be visible too much, being asthe Regulators are abroad.” “Then shall we return to the stronghold?” asked Lieutenant Cambre. 4 “No, Denby and his men are likely up in that the devil's Kingdom, Where, then, sha ¥ pa and Tdon‘t wish to meet them, ifif can be avoided. = ‘Well said, captain, for surely enough blood nes oe been spilt by us. to insure us a warm Cae a” ‘aoe EO

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30 i “To the place Calamity Jane calls Golden Bar. She directed me so I can easily find it, and there we can lie low for a time.” Accordingly the road-agents all mounted_ and Leone _was handed tenderly into the arms of Dead- oed Dick, after which the cavalcade rode awa rom, the fatal epi Under the young chief's lea: they threaded the intricate mountain gorges, and hours later, when the warm sunlight was floodin the earth with a beautiful radiance they reache ‘the novel entrance to Golden Bar, and rode, single file, into the cavern, Calamity was there, evidently awaiting their com- ing. and bade all make themselves at home and guests of her hospitality. “T was afraid you’d got into difficulty,” she said, arranging a pile of blankets whereon to lay the senseless maiden. ‘ Old Denby and his crowd went up toward your stronghold, last night, after dark and I didn’t know but you might have encounter them. “Oh! no, Ifought shy of them. I did not want to raise any disturbance, for Deadwood's whole pop- wation might turn out after me.” “Ha! ha! but they’d never find you, here. Gold- en Bar is a secure retreat from all the world. How is it that you have Leone with you? I thought she was in Deadwood, at*your sister's.” = Richard explained in a very few words, and then Leone was laid upon the couch of blankets, while Calamity set about applying restoratives. But her efforts were unavailing. The maiden lay as one in a deep, deathly slumber, breathing easily, hes appearing to arouse but a little, An ei mie ts) aceful rest was upon her fea- tures, bespeaking the fact that she felt no pain. Calamity had some litile knowledge of medicines; and as she sat and watched the beautiful sleeper, a dark look passed from her eyes—a shadow fi ed over her features, of doubt and anxiety. “ What is it?’ asked Deadwood Dick, who had been watching, narrowly. : ronal shook her head. “It’s m ghty strange,” she said, grimly, her eyes staring. ‘I never saw chloroform or ether hang on like this. Iam afraid that—” She paused, in evident hesitation. ‘What!—afraid of what?” cried the road-agent, in alarm. * Afraid that the wretches, finding that there was no hopes 0’ carryin’ her off, have poisoned her.” “Great Heaven! girl, you cannot be in earnest. She poisoned!” Richard knelt down beside the sense- Jess idol of his heart, pale and wild-eyed. She pois- onel; doomed to die when he had just learned to - worship the very ground she trod on? No! it was * not—must not be sol She would return to life, to smile onee more upon him, road-agent, criminal, and outcast though he was. “Tt may not be so,’ replied Calamity, “but it’s more’n likely. The cusses war bound to have the gal for some purpose or other; I reckon it was on account o’ property. They were not too good to do any thing. Maybe she’ll rouse up, but I wouldn’t swear toit. At any rate, an hour will tell, for if it’s poison, she'll die inside 0’ that!” Tears fell thick and fast frcm the eyes of Dead- wood Dick. Had it been his-own sister lying there before him, and she dying as Leone was, he could not have felt worse. He had become a hater of wo- men, from the time Alice Terry had refused him, until he had met this fair. girl, when his reckless heart had again felt the thrill of love, this time ten- _ fold stronger than ever before. _. The road-agents gathered around, in fespect for their sorrowing leader, for beg loved him even bet- ter than themselves. He had won a firm their he ate courage, daring, and fitness to command, and his sorrow was theirs. ~T think you have little need to wee , Captain - Dick,” said bre, the lieutenant, kneeling on the ' epposite side of the sleeping beauty, ‘‘If itis only BY ppt et ae lace in |. The Double D: -gers. On a eer oe effects = Soles ea or ether, it will Ne Sse edly wear_o: ‘or it rarely kills a person of robust build and health. y ae “Tam well satisfied et’s p'izen,” said Calamity, eae “Well, in that case, I believe I can fetch her around. Wait till I return,” replied Cambre, and turning, he hurried from the cavern. In ten mige utes he came back, with a handful of reddish weeds, wits ae ,Sioux Indians call cavrai—meaning * the replant. : ; Procuring a kettle from Calamity, he proceeded te steep the herbs into a strong, ee liquor, a glassful of which was forced down the maiden’s throat. In ten minutes more she had vom- ited up the emetic, and with it came a é soe: that was in the first stages of fermenta on. “She was 2 Be true Soong ” the lieutenant said, ‘ but she will now recover, au guarantee.” “And I owe you another debt of gratitude!” cried Deadwood Dick, grasping his hand warmly, ‘‘May God reward you in a way I eannot.” Leone now rapidly showed signs of returning con- sciousness, and inside of an hour she was sitting BP, xe fully aroused, with a clear comprehension of whai was gob on about her. , At her lover's request she related what had trans- ech from the time she was stolen from the cot: yy Sydnor, until they had forcibly drugged her in the room at the Metropolitan saloon, preparatory to taking her aboard the singe, Dick then explained to her all about how he had rescued her from the stage; how her mother, dis: sed as a passenger, killed Sydnor and Lesli and then herself; and how they were given a decen' burial on the spot whereon they died. Leone cried bitterly at first, over the loss of her new-found mother; Ree net naturally, was of short duration for one she so briefly known. “This rollof manuscript I found in the pocket ot the Card Queen’s dress, and thinking it might relate to you, 1 brought it along,” said Deadwood Dick, giv es? it and the jewelry to her. s soon as ‘she could control her emotions, she send ne papers, but said nothing concerning their contents. The day passed very quickly away, and before any one was scarcely aware of the fact, the shades of mie came creeping into the cavern, “ hile Calamity Jane was roasting a huge piece of venison for the evening meal, and the Toad agente were in another portion of the Golden Bar, caring for the horses, Deadwood Dick called Leone one side. He was not wearing his mask aid looked really handsome, despite the somberness of his at __ tire. \ ““Leone—Miss Hawk,” he said, taking her hand in this, ‘Iam ready now to receive your answer. I see ou still wear my ring on the finger where I placod t, and this makes me hope that you have conctuded to become my bride.” The young woman was silent for a moment, appar ently considering. At last she looked up, her eyes meeting his searchingly. : . shy *“Dieck—for I want to call you that—I do not know what answer to make. The death of my mother hag left me without a relative that * know of—alone in 4 the world. I will be frank with you, and say that 1@ love you, but when it comes to m is the question: Shall I or shall I not?” 5, “Tf you love me, darling—and I surely do love you—why let any question of the kind arise? We you, there can be supremely APPy, together, and is that not- enough? I ownagold claim at Crook City which this year will me ten thousand dollars. This is my own,” ; ; : Py would not care for poverty so Jong: a Red you,” she replied, nestling in the clasp o! ron arms, and allowing his ie to meet hers in a rasaione 3 ate, loving kiss. ‘ But, you are an o} forever doomed to be hunted from place *> plac> by

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: The Double Daggers, 4 33 ST re: éae minions of justice. We should never know a “Then you’re the old hoss I’m wanting. D'ya \noment’s peace together.” know my caliber?” “Pshaw! you take a wrong-sided view of the mat- ‘* How, my son?”’ f tor,” said the young Prince, kissing her again. **Do you know my name, I say?” “Have no fear but what we shall be happy and ‘Nay, my son. have not the honor of your ac. live in comfort and luxury, I shall not always cling xo the road; already the day is dawning when the Black Hills gold excitement shall sink into that semi- gblivion that you. will find in the mining districts of Wolorado and California. Then shall the world know Deadwood Dick no more, and Edward Harris will quit the West for his old ‘astern home where to has yet a fair record and can start in life anew.” Ke ree not till then?” ‘* Not till then, dearest.’ “Then I would rather not marry you.” ** You don’t love me!” "Oh! yes, Ido: but—” * But rather than marry a road-agent you would sacrifice your love?” “No, Dick; I will Risiey On, no matter how much ¥ may be in the wrong. I hope we shall neither of us ever regret it.” = g “Tam sure we will not, darling. This very night I will go to Deadwood for a preacher, to join us in the bonds of wedlock. I shall also bring along my sister and Audiey’s wife to be with you. Is thisagreeable, sweetest?’ “It is, Dick, and Iam so happy,” murmured the blushing girl. ‘‘It seems that there is no other pow- er so divinely exquisite as love.” After lingering a while longer, and exchanging vows of eternal love and constancy, the happy pair returned to where Calamity already had the roast supper in waiting. It was a temptiug, juicy haunch of deer, rare-done, and the way -the hungry road- agents let into it was a caution to animals of the cernus species to ee shy of Golden Bar. After the meal, Deadwood Dick ordered his horse, and prepared to depart. : “Where now?” asked Calamity, rolling up a cigar- ette. ‘It’s dangerous bein’ abroad these times, you recollect.”” : : “Yes, Iknow; but never fear for me. It is yet to be truthfully said that Deadwood Dick was ever tdaght napping. As to where I'm going, it’s to » Deadwood, I shall return with a gospel-slinger, if one can be found, and Miss Hawk, here, will then be- come your Princess, as I am your Prince!” A thundering cheer went up from the highwaymen, for Leone was generally admired by them. So saying, Deadwood Dick quitted the cavern and rode away into the starlit night. Perry Pennypacker was about the only ordained minister of the Gospel in the delectable Magic City. He had come from the Granite State of Maine, with a view to establishing a church and Christian- izing Deadwood sinners; but on his arrival and re- view of the lambs of which he had calculated to be the guarding shepherd, he changed his mind, and went to panning out gold, a mile above Deadwood, at a dollar and a half a day. - To-night he was wending his way oases. the gulch at alate hour, on the way to his boarding-place— late, in consequence of his paying a friendly visit at too many of the saloons that are pitched down all the way to Elizabeth. And being a tolerable singer, Mr. scr Mote was warbling forth on the still night air snatches from good old gospel hymns. : Suddenly his path. was blockaded by a man on a black horse, and holding a pair of cocked sixes in his grasp, The man Deadwood Dick. “Waal?” demanded the man from Maine, staring pen “what might you be wanting with me, my son ; ‘* Are you Perry Pennypacker?” “Tam, indeed, my son.’”” » “And do you sling gospel for odd jobs?” “ Yea, my son; I oecasionally serve the I.ord inthe gunner you aliude to, * -chief, “‘ ‘quaintance. I suppose, however, you are one ofjthe lambs of the Lord’s flock, are younot?” _ “Ohl yes; without doubt,” laughed the young y handle is Deadwood Dick.” “The devil!’”’ gasped the minister, “No; only a representative of that distinguished gentleman,” asaured Richard. “But the long and short of it is. you old bummer, T want to get legally married; so I'll give you fifty dollars to come up and do the job. Eh?” Pennypacker considered. Ata dollar and a half r diem, it would take him over a month to make ty. : “Done! I’m your pickle!’’ he decided, heavin; away his tools: “ Lead on.” - Deadwood Dick first bound and bliadfolded the fellow, and then helped him onto a horse that he had waiting close at hand, Then the strangely assorted pair rode away. « ; Early on the following morning Deadwood Dick, accompanied by Donald, Anita and Bessie, and the minister, arrived at the Golden Bar. They were received with shouts of welcome by the road-agents. First, in order, came a splendid game. breakfast; then the wedding een, of Richard and Leone, in which the Reverend Mr. Pennypacker acquitted himself very creditably. And thus were the hero of the road and the heroine of the Hills made man and wife, and it was the congratulatory — iss bd all present, that they might ever live happily ogether. Etter the ceremony, Leone gave some explanations concerning herself and family history. er mother had, while young, married a wealthy planter named Garry Hawk. When he had become the father of two children (Gerald and Leone) he was killed by an unknown assassin, leaving all his property to his children, Later, Mrs. Hawk had been prevailed up- on by a tyrant father to wed Jasper Leslie, who treated her brutally, and finally attempted to drown herin the Missouri; but she escaped death there. Jasper Leslie’s persecutions extended to the chil- dren, and, only # year before our story, Leone's, brother, Geral had run away. = Her flight followed, to avoid the persecution of both her step-father and his villainous-asseciate. Curtis Sydnor. Why Mrs. Hawk did not return to her children, after escaping drowning, Leone wasun able to tell. m =, And it was destined never to be known, Thus we come tothe end of our story—a romance illustrating the remarkable career of Deadwood Dick, the most notorious road-agent of the nine: teenth century. « t ae feeds roa He is. still in the Hills, alternating his visits be tween his band and his beauteous bride, who resic: s~ in a fous. little home—a toll gate—on the. Bozenian trail, Audley, the traitor, is still alive, at last accounts, — but his death by the vengeful hand of his betrayed brethren is only a matter of time. And when he “passes in his checks,” Bessie will undoubtedly wed Donald Yates, to whom she is fondly attaehed. Calamity Jane I don’t think will ever marry; her life will continue that of a dare-devil and reckless adventurer that she is, until the end. The recent sale of Golden Bar netted her and Don. ald a princely sum. The reader has noticed the casual introduction of Buffalo Ben, He is a living character, whose full history will forma subject for another romance, in which will reappear, in new guise, the Prince of the Road, DeEapwoop DIcE. d THE BND,

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EDWARD L. WHEELER’ _ PJpADWoOD Dick NOVEL In The Half-Dime Library. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada, 6380, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man's Land 636 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. 648 a eee Dick, Jr.’3, Chase Across the %. nent. G54 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglt 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case, 4 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. #0 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Dag: gers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffalo Ben. 85 Deadwood Dick in His Castle. Ree od Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom ner, 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha OllL, 67 Deadwood Dick's Eagles. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mints, 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane. | @8 Deadwood Dick, Jr:, in Durango. 47 Deadwood Dick’s Last Act; or, Corduroy | 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery. Charlie. 684 Deadwpod Dick, Jr.'s, Dazzle, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars. 404 Deadwood Dicl’s Device. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, at Danger Divide 3109 Deadwood Dick as Detective, 706 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. ‘ 429 Deadwood Dick’s Double. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. x "85 Deadwood Dick's Home Base, vr, Blonde | 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco, Bill, a, 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. 4492 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game | 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes. of Gola. = 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise, a Qeadwood Dick of Deadwood. 24 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal, 295 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of | 74€ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch. the Road. 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. ‘201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s | 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow._ Jezebel. 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait.} 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s ie Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand. Adventure. Deadwood Diek, Jr.’s, Defeat. $17 Deadwood Dick’s Dead Deal. 7i6 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection. #21 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant, 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. 32 Deadwood Dick at Pistolville, 787 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Defied. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide. 792 Deadwood Dick, ~Jr.’s, Double Device. 268 Deadwood’ Dick’s Death Trail- 79T Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Desperate Veati 299 Deadwood Dick’s Deal, P \ 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice., > 4 ei Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Royal Flush, ‘ 1 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Compact. y 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Dollarville. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, , 934 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Flush Flats, eadwood Dick, J Diggings. | 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Shake-up. + $08 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deliverance, 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drop. * 51H Deadwoo' Dick, Jr.’s, Protege. ~51 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Right Bower, Deadwood Pick, Jr.'s, Three. ’ 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Ten-Strike, ~ 528 Deadwood Dick, . , Danger Ducks, 965 Deacdwoed Dick, Jr.’s Gold-Dust. 534 Deadvood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. 971 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Oath. 439 Deadw.od Diek, Jr., in Texas. : 977 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Death-Doom » 4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoeq- 986 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Best Card. _<19 Deadwoe’ Dick, Jr., on His Mettle. 992 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Gold Dust. "a4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham 998 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’s, Big Play. ~ #1 Deadwood Dick, Jr.,; in Boston. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Branded. 67 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. 1011. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dutch Pard. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. "15 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Four. 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr, Afloat. eadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. | The above Half-Dime Libraries are For Sake by ALL NEWSDEALERS, five cents pe. copy, 1 sant by m2"! no vecaimt of mrise. 390 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. 5 BPeadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Beal, * Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Tsland, _ Deadwood Dick. Jv.’s, Leadville Lav et #2 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In*Detrojt. | $ i® Deadwoor Dick, Jr. in Clacinns ~ - : ~S - ee

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Smart TOASTS FOR THE SMART SBT, Vest Pocket Size. 64 Pages. Sewed Book. Up-to-Date. By Mail, Postpaid, I2c. per Copy. BEST LINE OF HAND BOOKS. PUBLISHED. “YIDDISH” YARNS,—A Collection of Hebrew Jokes, Stories, etc. GENTS’ LETTER WRITER.—A Perfect Guide to all kinds of Correspondence. FAMILY PHYSICIAN.—Family Diseases and Their ‘Treatment; Rules of Health, ete. BOOK OF DREAMS.—Their Romance and Mystery, with a Complete Interpretation Dictionary. HOUSEWIFE’S MANUAL.—How to Keep House; How to Dye, Cleanse, ete. VAUDEVILLE JOKER.—Best Jokes by Eminent Vau- deville Artists. BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—Society, Visits, Introduc- tions, Dress, Balls, etc, FORTUNE TELLER.—Fortune Telling byzCards, Tea or Coffee Grounds, Eggs; Palmistry, ete. BOOK OF 100 GAMES.—One Hundred Games for Social Parties and Home Amusements. COOK BOOK.—Economical, Practical, Excellent. LADIES’ LETTER WRITER.—How to Write; ,When to Write; What to Write. RECIPE BOOK.—For the Parlor, Nursery, Sick-room, Toi-et, Kitchen, Larder, ete BOOK OF BEAUTY.—Beauty of Form, Color, Head, Hair, Complexion, Skin, ete., with chapters on Perfumes, Cosmetics, etc, BOOK OF VERSES.—Comprising Rhymes, Lines, and Mottoes for Lovers and Friends. THE LOVERS’ CASKET.—A Treatise on and Guide to Iriendship, Love, Courtship, and Marriage. “GERMAN” JOKER.—* Dutch” Jokes and “Gags” by best ‘‘ Duteh” ‘eams on the Stage. “ HAYSEED” JOKER.—The Doings of ‘Our Country Cousins” in a Humorous Way. “TRAMP” JOKER.—Good “Handouts” in this Book for Professional and Amateur Entertainers. “COON” YARNS.—Best Jokes Relating to Our “ Dark- er-Skinned Brothers.”* “TRISH” Joker No. 1.—The Wittiness and Whimsicali- y ties of “ Pat’ at His Best. “VARIETY ? JOKER.—Good Things from all the Na- tionalities:; ‘* Pat,’ Alphonse,” ‘* Hans,” “* Jona- than,” ‘*‘ Moses,” and ** Ebenezer.” The above books are bound in haxcsomely illustrated lithographed covers. Price by mail, postpaid, 12 cents per copy. M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, 379 Pearl Street, New York City. 14 The T BEADLE’S BOYS’ PRICE 5 1 Dandy Bill's Doom. By Oll Coomes. 83 Kit Carson. 4 lillie, the Reckless Rider. 5 Old Grizzly in the Rockies. 6 Deadwood Dick as a Boy. % Wild Bill. By Ingraham. 8 The Prairie Ranch. ly J. E. Badger. 9 Roving Joe. By A. H. Post, 10 ‘l'exas Jack. By Ingraham. 11 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By H. B. Stoddard. 12 Brimstone Bill’s Booty. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 13 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall, fhicet-of-Leavers Trick. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 15 Wide-Awake George. By E. Willett. 16 Wide-Awake Ned. By B. Ringgold. By Noah Nuff. By A. W. Aiken. By Stoddard. By Ingraham. By E. L. Wheeler. 19 Joe, the Rover Sport. F 20 Giant Pete and his Pards. By Harbaugh. 21 Yellow Hair. By Ingraham, 22 The Snow-Trail. By Harbaugh. 23 Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr. Powell, 24, Woods and Waters. By Whittaker. 25 A Rolling Stone. By W.R. Eyster. 26 Red River Rovers. By C. D. Clark. 27 Buckskin Sam's Wild Ride. By Ingraham. 28 The Sword Prince. By F. Whittaker, 25 Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. 30 Pavl De Lacy. By ©. D. Clark. 31 Round the Camp-Fire. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 32 Fancy Frank's Drop. By Ingraham, 33 The Boy Crusader. By Capt. F. Whittaker. ’ 47 The Colorado Boys. LIBRARY. CENTS PER COPY. . 84 The.Chase of the Great White Stag. By C. D. Clerk, 35 Old Tar Knuckle. By Rover Starbuck. 36 The Dashing Dragoon, By F, Whittaker. 87 Night-Hawk George. By Ingraham, 88 The Boy Exiles of Siberia. By I’. C. Harbaugh. 39 The Young Bear Hunters{ By Morris Redwing. 40 New York Bill, the Dodger. By Edward Willett. 41 The Settler’s Son, By Edward 8. Ellis. 42 Walt Ferguson's Cruise. By C. D, Clark, 48 Rifle and Revolver. By F. Whittaker. 44 The Lost Boy Whalers. By ‘I. C. Harbaugt:. 45 Bronco Billy. By Ingraham. 46 Dick, the Stowaway. By Charles Morris. By J. E. Badger, Jr, 48 The Pampas Hunters, By T. C, Harbaugh, 49 Nebraska Charlie. By Ingraham. 50 Jack, Harry, and Tom. By F. Whittaker, 51 ‘'om Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C. D. Clark, 52 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Harbaugh. 58 Harry, the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles Morris. 54 California Joe. By Ingraham, 55 Tip Tressel, the Flatboat Boy. By Edward Willett. 56 The Snow Hunters. By Harry De Forrest. 57 Harry Somers. the Magician. Hy 8. W. Pearce. 58 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost. By Ingraham. 59 Tim, the Mule Bov of the Mines. By Charles Morris, 60 The Young Trail Hunters. By 'T. C. Harbaugh. 61 The Tigér Hunters. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 62 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. By Ingraham. 63 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker. By Roger Starbuek. 64 Young Dick Talbot. By A. W, Aiken.

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Deadwood Dick @ Library e LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS. 32 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest @xtracts from the New York Evening Sun. TWO REMARKABLE HEROES. in only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a aovel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera- jure has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps more than one reader will have to think a moment over this remark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit strikes home, But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement shat will be news to many when it is added that litera- ture, if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam was a mere child down to the present day, would show fut few heroes that in the eyes of boyhood would be even judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest heroes known to American literature, or, to promptly re- yeal them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr, * * * The modern heroes of fiction for young America, who are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and of whom the Deadwood Dicks are much the most important * * * it is but natural that their * * * should bear away the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left tar “ehind in the race. -¢ can be easily believed, therefore, that the two Dicks 6 80 firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature boys and young men, that their position is assured * * and that they stand to-day head and shoulders above all rivals in the eyes of the public for which they have lived, and for which one of them has died. American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor im the land, now knowg Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good beal bet- ter than it knows its catechism, and millions of young minds absorb the thrilling incidents of his career in his everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending solving of impenetrable mysteries. Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when the victims are thoroughly undone, the millions wait hungrily for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appears with the certainty of the Wednesday Itself, and a mew set or ean thrills go thrilling away from Maine to Call- ornia, There are the volumes each so crowded with thrills and heart-tugs that it were madness to hope to do justice te them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be tween them, To abandon the {dea of giving a few extracts causes in finite pain, but {f once a start were made in that direc- tion, it would be cruel to The Evening Sun’s readers to stop, and it is therefore better not to relate one single adventure. Suffice it to say that the stories are clean and well written. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 6 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 8 Death-Face, the Detective ? The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 8 Oid Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand D Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian }0 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger 11 — BID aaCe, Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to eat 2 Desnnocd Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood ar 48 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 17 en. Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the @ Gule 18 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil: or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 390 Watch-Eye, the Shadow Et ig cae Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double ross ® Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief % Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty ® Deadwood Dick as Detective % Gilt-ldge Dick 96 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve 97 Chip, the Girl Sport % Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune % Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks @ Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch #1 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base ® Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 38 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 48 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues 4 be ae | Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's ame 45 ‘The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam’s Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect ives 51 Sa Pg Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anc 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 58 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 86 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy 63 pe epi Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sasga- ras Cit; 64 Oe ae Charlie's Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings M. J. IVERS & €O., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 879 Pearl Street, NEW YORK.

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Pik eke deca. | | Electro Pete, . * |i The Man of Fire. The Best on the Market: Beas VERS? PRICE 25 FIVE sone bound in unique illuminated covers. DETECTIVE SEs “CENTS PER COPY. COPIES FOR §1.00. zt 4 vers’ Detective Series contains a selection of thrilling de tective stories by authors of special ability in this field of literature, and embraces wonderful tales of fact and fiction. These books are printed on good paper, in large type, an Fare 1 Joe Phenix, the Police Spy.... ....... BS ARC By, Albert W. Aiken. 3 2 File No. 113.......: waa etwas va oolpreeeamne cevessseess Smile Gaboriau, he 3 Mark Magic, the Detective... 0... cc eee cs cones -. Anthony P. Morris, = 4 The Pinkerton Ferret...............00000 Dia Gel as lies? Charles Morris, - am, § The Parisian Detective: 2.0.0.0... .. ce ese ct eoees ree F. Du Boisgobey, a 7. 6 Sarah Brown, Detective.............04 PO EST eer Kece eS ee xa ee 7 ‘Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective.......... einto'sp¥iavainnse Edward L. Wheeler. es 8 The Widow Lerouge............c..c00c eee ianyehs e wa Emile Gaboriau, e wee 9 The Nine of Hearts. ............--.5. paeatane AS eee . B.L.Farjeon, ire a 10 The Nameless Man...... 1.06.00. ee cees stesseresesse Bs Dut Boisgobey. ie 11 Cop Colt, the Quaker City Detective............ ..a.) Charles Morris, 4 12. The Clique of Gold ................ patie tan MeO e Emile Gaboriau, ‘*® 18 Joe Phenix, Private Detective, ........cccacescecscce Albert W. Aiken. poe 14 The Felon’s Request.\...... ebb oi). Bixee F. Du Boisgobey, .» 15 Fritz to the Front.. Edward L. Wheelers. ee 16 The Wolves of New York Albert W. Aiken, © . == U7 The American Thug... ..... “Old Sleuth,” | ap 18 Electro Pete, the Mon of Fire. . Anthony P, Morris. My aa 19 Fighting for a Fortune.... ............ ‘¢ Old Sleuth,” q Bi Be) 20 Chin,Chin, the Chinese Detective........ Dated Sate pis Albert W. Aiken, ee. 21 The New York Detective........ abd eee aaiawete us “Old Sleuth. Peon 22 The Cipher Detective......... brea tata nare rete iiceeeseaes Autthony P. Morris, ~~ ig 23 Clew by Clew.... .... Weiedeceele seislejee endo neielepee ete “Cid Sleuth, s - 24 the Héad-Hunter.. eveerevesedcersceses | Allthony P, Mortis, = i. 25 The King of the Detectives......... sesdvcccsiaceecsoe’ S6Old Sleuth?» i ee. 26 A Disputed Inheritance: . 21... . 6.0 cdeccesy ves crssas races) sie 0 Boisgobey. 27 Old Sleuth, the Detective . 1... -.gsecesereneeeenss “Old Sleuth.” 28 The Man-Hunter ....... ae Migadumaauexecwegie Dick Donovan. "29 The Shadow Detective.... 2 .....esencc-ecescsseee Old Sleuth?” 30 The American Detective in Russia... AIR oar ron *¢ Old Sleuth.” 31 The Irish Detective..............006. Bia a's Salata ermal’ *¢ Old Sleuth.” — .32 A Daring Conspiracy........... pate bu uur peneaie “ Old Sleuth.” eea ik he Man: Outstde:s) ciacuae. soi tasieees By Clarerice M. Boutelle. mi _ 34 ‘The Never-Fail Detective. ............; peeps Howard Holmes. ' 35 The Heart of Oak Detective............ ‘B.A. St. Mox (Edward S. Ellis), 36 Jack Simons, Detective .4........ Anthony P. Morris. pease te 37 The Mystery of a Hansom Cab Fergus W. Hume. 38 A Tale of the Town...... 20... George Hastings. 39 The Mystery of St. James’ Park. . J. B. Burton. <input 40 The Abbey Miaindet Sha on PR eek Joseph Hettonn 9 Gh ot PRICE 25 CENTS. M. J, IVERS & 00, PUBLISHERS, na eee

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Vest Pocket Size. 64 Pages. BEST LINE OF HAND “YIDDISH”? YARNS.—A Collgetion of Hebrew Jokes, Stories, ete. GENTS’ LETTER WRITER.—A Perfect Guide to all kinds of Correspondence. FAMILY PHYSICIAN.—Family Diseases and Their ‘Treatment; Rules of Health, ete. BOOK OF DREAMS.—Their Romance and Mystery, , with a Complete Interpretation Dictionary. HOUSEWIFE'’S MANUAL.—How to Keep House; How to Dye, Cleanse, etc. VAUDEVILLE JOKER.—Best Jokes by Eminent Vau- ns deéville Artists. 3 BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—Society, Visits, Introduc- tions, Dress, Balls, ete. FORTUNE TELLER.—Fortune Telling byZCards, Tea or Coffee Grounds, Eggs; Palmistry, ete. ee BOOK OF 100 GAMES.—One Hundred Games for i Social Parties and Home Amusements. COOK BOOK.—Economical, Practical, Excellent. - LADIES’ LETTER WRITER.—How to Write; {When to Write; What to Write. : ; Price by mail, postpaid, 12 cents per copy. PRICE 5 1 Dandy Bill's Doom. By Oll Coomes. 8 Kit Carson. By A. W. Aiken, 4 Uuillie, the Reckless Rider. By Stoddard. 5 Old Grizzly in the Rockies. By Ingraham, 6 Deadwood Dick asa Boy. By KE. L. Wheeler, % Wild Bill, By Ingraham. — _ § The Prairie Ranch. ly J. E. Badger. a ee oa sh ~ Hee ‘Texas Jack. By Ingraham. 11 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By H. B. Stoddard. 12 Brimstone Bill's Booty. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 13 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 14 The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 15 Wide-Awake George. By E. Willett. 16 Wide-Awake Ned. By B. Ringgold. 17 Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn. By Noah Nuff. 18 Adrift-on the Prairie. By Oll Coomes, 19 Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post. 20 Giant Pete and his Pards. By Harbaugh. 21 Yellow Hair. By Ingraham. 22 The Snow-Trail. By Harbaugh. 23 Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr. Powell. _ 24 Woods and Waters. By Whittaker. 5 A Rolling Stone. By W. R, Eyster. 26 Red River Rovers. By OC. D. Clark. 27 Buckskin Sam's Wild Ride. By Ingraham. The Sword Prince. By F. Whittaker. ; 28 Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. -, 80 Paul De Lacy. By ©. D. Clark. 81 Round the Camp-Fire. By J. B. Badger, Jr. 32 Fancy Frank's Drop. By Ingraham. = The Boy Crusader. By Capt. F. Whittaker. ‘ _ 63 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker. SwART TOASTS FOR THE SMART -OBT. Sewed Book. Up-to-Date. By Mail, Postpaid, Il2c. per Copy. BOOKS PUBLISHED. RECIPE BOOK.—For the Parlor, Nursery, Sick-room, Toiet, Kitchen, Larder, ete BOOK OF BEAUTY.—Beauty of Form, Color, Head, Hair, Complexion, Skin, ete., with chapters on Perfumes, Cosmetics, ete. BOOK OF VERSES.—Comprising Rhymes, Lines, and Mottoes for Lovers and Friends. ‘ THE LOVERS’ CASKET.—A Treatise on and Guide to Friendship, Love, Courtship, and Marriage. “GERMAN” JOKER.—* Dutch” Jokes and “Gags” by best “* Detch ” Teams on the Stage. “HAYSEED”™ JOKER.—The Doings of ‘Our Country Cousins’ in a Humorous Way. “TRAMP” JOKER.—Good “ Handouts” in this Book for Professional and Amateur Wntertainers. “COON” YARNS.—Best Jokes Relating to Our ‘t Dark- er-Skinned Brothers.” “TRISH” Joker No. 1,—The Wittiness and Whimsicali- ties of “‘ Pat’ at His Best. “VARIETY ”* JOKER.—Good Things from all the Na- tionalities: *t Pat,’ *‘Alphonse,” “*‘ Hans,” “ Jona- than,” ‘* Moses,” and ‘* Ebenezer.”’ The above books are bound in haxcsomely illustrated lithographed covers. M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, 379 Pearl Street, New York City. BEADLE’S BOYS’ LIBRARY. — CENTS PER COPY. 34 The Chase of the Great White Stag. By C. D. Clerk, 85 Old Tar Knuckle. By Rover Starbuck. 86 The Dashing Dragoon. By F. Whittaker, 87 Night-Hawk George. By Ingraham. 88 The Boy Exiles of Siberia. By ‘I’. C. Harbaugh. 39 The Young Bear Hunters. By Morris Redwing. 40 New York Bill, the Dodger. By Edward Willett, 41 The Settler’s Son. By Edward §. Ellis. 42 Walt Ferguson's Cruise. By C. D, Clark, 43 Rifle and Revolver. By F. Whittaker. 44 The Lost Boy Whalers. By T. C. Harbaug®.. 45 Bronco Billy. By Ingraham. : 46 Dick, the Stowaway. By Charles Morris. “ 47 The Colorado Boys. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 48 The Pampas Hunters. By T. C. Harbaugh, 49 Nebraska Charlie. By Ingraham. 50 Jack, Harry, ana Tom. By F. Whittaker, 51 ‘om Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C. D. Clark. 52 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Harbaugh. 53 gg 2A the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles orris. : 54 California Joe. By Ingraham, es E 55 Tip Tressel, the Flatboat Boy. By Edward Willett. 56 The Snow Hunters. By Harry De Forrest. 57% Harry Somers, the Magician. By 8. W. Pearce. 58 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost. By Ingraham, 59 Tim, the Mule Bov of the Mines, By Charles Morris. 60 The Young Trail Hunters. By 'T. C. Harbaugh. 61 The Tiger Hunters. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 62 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. By Ingraham. y Roger Starbnek. «" 64 Young Dick Talbot. By A. W. Aiken. BS

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Deadwood Dick e Library e “= LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-GOLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest @xtracts from the New York Evening Sun. TWO REMARKABLE HEROES. in only one sense of the word can it be regarded asa aovel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera- ture has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps more than one reader will have to think a moment over this remark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit strikes home, But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement shat will be news to many when it is added that litera- Sure, if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam was a mere child down to the present day, would show ut few heroes that in the eyes of boyhood would be even judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest i Beroes known to American literature, or, to promptly re- | / veal them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr. * * * The modern heroes of fiction for young America, who are no: countless as the sands of the sea, and of whom the Deadwood Dicks are much the most important * * * it is but natural that their * * * should bear away the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left tar "ehind in the race. «6 @an be easily believed, therefore, that the two Dicks 8o firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature boys and young men, that their position is assured * * and that they stand to-day head and shoulders above all rivals in the eyes of the public for which they have lived, and for which one of them has died. American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor im the land, now knowe Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good beal bet ter than it knows its catechism, and millions of young minds absorb the thrilling incidents of his career in his everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending solving of impenetrable mysteries. Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when the victims are thoroughly undone, the millions wait hungrily for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appears with the certainty of the Wednesday itself, and a new seb me ceneeecal thrills go thrilling away from Maine to Calf- ‘ornia, There are the volumes each so crowded with thrills and heart-tugs that it were madness to hope to do justice te them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be tween them, : To abandon the {dea of giving a few extracts causes in finite pain, but {f once a start were made in that direc tion, if would be cruel to The Hvening Sun's readers to stop, and it is therefore better not to relate one single adventure. Suffice it to say that the stories are clean and weil written. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. } Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflanee 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 6 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 6 Death-Face, the Detective ? The Phantom Miner; ‘or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza § O.i Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand ) Bob Woolf, the Border Rufflan 3@ Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger {1 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through: to Death % ‘2 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Fiood ar 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team {4 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo {7 ene Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the uich 18 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand {9 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 20 Watch-Eye, the Shadow cy eet ooe Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double ross @ Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief _%8 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 84 Deadwood Dick as Detective 4 2% Gilt-Wdge Dick %6 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve 97 Chip, the Girl Sport 98 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune % Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks #0 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch 61 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base ® Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret: or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 26 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 387 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure <<] 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 48 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues Ad Detectyy Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's ‘ ame }\4 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam's Scheme ‘46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect ‘ves 51 S:erra Sam’s Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough Ranch 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe's Disguise 58 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy'’a Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 ences Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy 63 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- fras City 64 is re Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattte ings M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 879 Pearl Street, NEW YORK. eae %

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Copyr ght 1879-1535, by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Otfice, New York. N. ¥.,as second class matter. Mar, 15, 1898 THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK co. No. 2 Cleveland, Ohio Vol. I BY EDWARD UL. WHEELER. ADR DMEAYNWOOD DICT

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—————_—_—— BEADLE’S FRONTIER SERIES 15c. Per Copy. 1. The Shawnee’s Foe. ~ 60. Harry Hardskull. 2. The Young Mountaineer. 51. Madman of the Oconto. , 3. Wild Jim. < 62. Slim Jim. : 4, Hawk-Eye, the Hunter. % 53. Tiger-Eye. { "5, The Boy Guide, 4. 54, The Red Star of the | 6. War Tiger of the Modocas ¥.. Seminoles, / 7. The Red Modoecs. Trapper Joe. * 3. Iron Hand. Be The Indian Queen’s« " 9. Shadow Bill, the Scout. / Revenge. 10. Wapawkaneta, or the 57, Eagle-Eyed Zeke. Rangers of the Oneida. 58. Sear-Cheek, the Wild ‘11. Davy Crockett’s Boy Half-Breed. Hunter. 59. Red Men of the Woods. 12. The Forest Avenger. ‘ . 60. Tusenloosa Sam. 18. Old Jack’s Frontier ! 61. The Bully of the Woods. Cabin. | 62. The Trapper’s Bride. ‘14, On the Deep. |, 63. Red Rattlesnake, The 15. Sharp Snout. t Pawnee. 16, The Mountain Demon. 64. The Scout of Tippecance 17. Wild Tom of Wyoming. 65. Old Ixit, The Scout, 18. The Brave Boy Hunters 66. The Boy Scouts. of Kentucky. 67. Hiding Tom. 19, The Fearless Ranger. 68. 20. The Haunted Trapper. 69. 21, Madman of the Colorado, 70. 22. The Panther Demon. 71. 23. Slashaway, the Fearless. 72: 24. Pine Tree Jack, 73. 25. Indian Jim. 74, 26, Navajo Nick. 2 27. The Tuscarora’s Vow. 77. 28. Deadwood Dick, Jr. 78, 29. A New York Boy Among 4 the Indians. 80 (30. Deadwood Dick’s Big 81. Deal. 32. 31. Hank, the Guide. $3 32. Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. 94 33. Squatty Dick. 85, 34, The Hunter’s Seeret. 86 35. The Woman Trapper. $7 36. The Chief of the Miami. 3° 37. Gunpowder Jim. 89 38. Mad Anthony’s Captain. 90 39. The Ranger Boy’s Career. 91 40. Old Nick of the Swamp. 992 41. The Shadow Scout. 93 42. Lantern-Jawed Bob. 94 43. The Masked Hunter. 95 \ 44. Brimstone Jake. 96 45. The Irish Hunter. 97. 46. Dave Bunker. cet 47. The Shawnee Witch. 48. Big Brave. 49. Spider-Legs. BEADLE’'S FRONTIER SERIES are sale by all Newsdealers; or will be sent postpaid to any address: Single copies, |5c. ARTHUR WESTBROOK GO. . Roving Dick, Hunter. . Big-Hearted Joe. . The Scout of Long Island, 79. The Indian Spirit. . Grim Diek. . The Wooden-Legged Spy. . The Silent Trapper. { . Ugly Ike. . Fire aie . Hank Jaspe . Black Samson. . Billy Bowlegs. - . The Bloody Footprint. . Marksman the Hunter. . The Demon Cruiser. . Hunters and Redskins. . Panther Jack. . Old Zeke. . The Panther Paleface. 400. Long Bob of Kentucky. *) Hickory Jack, Mad Mike. Snake-Eye. The Blazing Arrow. The Hunter Scouts, Turkey-Foot. The Death Rangers. Bullet Head. The Twin Trappers. Lightfoot the Scout. The Reout of the Sciota. The Scout of hd St. chs Bloody Brook. are always in print and for CLEVELAND, OHIO

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LATEST AND BEST.- HANDSOME TRI-GOLORED GOV es 82 Pages. Deadwood Dick e Library e Bay One and You Will Buy the Rest! — For Sample Cover See Other Bide, DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road 83 'Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job ® The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflance 84 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 35 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party — _ 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective : 5 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sier: 6 Death- -Face, the Detective 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo % The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Li ast ‘8/Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Adventure ; “Edna, the Girl Brigand | 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The tain 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian | 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black 10 Omaha oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick | 42 The Arab Detective; or, *Snoozer,. the B in Danger 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Rom 11 Jim itidagey Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to | 4 bipa Josh Grim; or, The Yo! Death Gam 12 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood | 45 The rovtler Detective; or, Sierra Sa * r 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jac« in Colorad 13 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam’s Claim 14 Gold Rifle, the | Bharpenooter 48 Dick Drew, the Miner's Son; or, Apollo Bill, 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane Road- -Agent 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective I 17 dant ed Rob; or,, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the | 50 gies Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect ule 48 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 51 Renee Sam’s Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough 149 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance Ranch | - 20 Watch-Hye, the Shadow 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 21 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Sign of the Double | 53 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen Cross 54 Denver Doll as Detective ; 22 ore Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; Big Buckskin the Sport 28 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A ee Stroke | 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, tle Bill’s ‘Big Loss for Liberty 57 Deadwood Dick Trappe: # sei ae Dick _ Detective 58 Ee a Detective; or, The Messenger Boy 1G. e t 26 Govan aL Bill, the Man-Tracker ; or, The Secret Twelve 59 Herne Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the | ‘Sport. 27 Chip, the Girl Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner ~ : 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 29 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco |!) Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s | 63 The ba Ug Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- 82 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent Gulch fras 81 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 64 Colorado oS narlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle . ings ‘