Deadwood Dick Library (v. 1) (1899 04 05)

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ey ES CSR #opyright 1878-1884. by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899 M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, Issued Weekly. (James Sullivan, Propri Price 5 Cents. at ie OT James § an, prietor,) u a ii 5 e No. 4, April 5, 1899. 379 Pearl Street, New York. $2.50 a Year. Vol | ——————————— —= — ————====_ —— ——— | BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “! DEADWOOD DICK,”’ ** THE DOUBLE DAGGERS,” ETC, ETO ‘is “ No Man has BUFFALO BEN.

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3 Deadwood Dick, 5 Deadwood Dick, EDWARD L. 3 Deadwood Dick, Jr.; or, The Crimson Crescent Sign. Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. 9 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round. Up. ® Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. Deadwood Dick, Jr.°s, Compact. Jr.’s, Inheritance. Jr.’s, Diggings. Jr.’s, Deliverance. Jr.’s, Protege. Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 600 606 612 618 624 680 636 642 648 ~ 65: 660 666 672 678 684. 690 695 700 104 710 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. Deattwood 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. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent. ; Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smug- glers. Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Jr Deadwood Dick, Jr Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dazzle. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Drop. Deadwood Dick, Jr,, at Jack-Pot. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco. Jr.’s, Insurance Case, ., Back in the Mines, ., in Durango, For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c. per copy, by the p 1 ~ers, M. J. EVERS & CO., 379 Pearn Street, New York Crry, ; : WHEELER'S DEADWOOD DICK, JR. NOVEL IN THE HALF-DIME LIBRARY. Price 5 Cents per Copy.. _ 980 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise. 734 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Watch. 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Blow. % 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait 764. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand. — 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. fig! 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Resurrection. — 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. %87 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Defied. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device. 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Desperate Ventt 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Royal Flus 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Head-Off, - 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. ok 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Scoop. 834 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Clutch, f 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, High Horse. 852 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Devil’s Gu 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Hole. 863 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Bombshell,” 870 Deadwood Dick, : 876 Deadwood Dick, 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr 891 Deadwood Dick, 898 Deadwood Dick, 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double-Deck 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Dollarville 934 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Flush Flats 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, Shake-Up 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Droy 951 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Right Bower. 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. — 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Gold Dust. 971 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Oath. 977 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, J Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Gold Dust Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Play. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Branded. 1011 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dutch Pard 1018 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Four. 2 ¢ 992 , Best Card. 998

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Copyright 1878-1884, by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1899, oo - . a M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers. a3 No 4 Issued Wy eekly. (James Sullivan, Proprietor) ; sone 5 oe Vol. 1s eet April 5, 1899 379 Pear! Street, New York. MAID sae eae — - en ne een = ee nn = | BUFF ALO BEN, te Prince of the Pistol; Sy erase Or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise, A SEQUEL TO “THE DOURLE DAGGERS.” BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR oF “ DEADWOOD DICK,” “THE DOUBLE DAGGERS,” ETC,, ETC, 2 we Lily AS

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Year. and tan my peltries ef | ever seo’d a cotder, civilization. She was light in complexion, with fair r Buffalo Ben, thé Prince of the Pistol.) one a we Buffalo Ben, THE PRINCE OF THE PISTOL; oR, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. A SEQUEL TO “ THE DOUBLE-DAGGHRS.” BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, acTHor or “praApWwoop Dick,’ ‘“‘ DOUBLE DAGGERS,” “BUFFALO DEMON,’’ ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. THE TRAGEDY OF THE LONE OABIN. PircHED down in the heart of a bleak Montana wilderness, under the shadow of towering, pine-clad mountains, and facing a majestic, rolling prairie; here in this land of the lurking savage and fierce wild beasts, stood a solitary cabin, alone in its desola- tion, It was strongly built, probably with a view to de- fense, and overgrown with wild vines, now deadened to russet brown by the wintry blasts that swept across the dun prairie. One door was the only yisi- ble mode of entrance: a narrow window up in under the eaves admitted light to the interior, One wild, windy January day, years ago two persons sat before a roaring fire inside this isolated cabin, conversing. One was a man of about sixty years, for his hair was snowy-white, and his face seamed with many furrows, put there by the hand of time. But despite his years he evidently was inured to constant activity and hardship. He was attired in the garb of a Nor’-western hunter; §n truth, that was his calling, as was evidenced by the indiscriminate collection of paraphernalia strewn about the cabin—guns, pistols, traps, skins, and the many articles required by the hunter of the mountain and prairie. The man’s companion was a young woman of sone threes-and-twenty years. She was very pretty of face and form, and in her whole appeacance bespoke education, modesty and refinement, which is but in- frequently met with thus far beyond the bounds of auburn hair, light brown eyes, and a mouth of tempt- ing sweetness; and, too, her dress was unusually ele- gant and “ail considering her rough Sree while diamonds and pearls graced her fair patrician noeete her throat, and were tastefully arranged in er hair, The interior of the cabin did not speak of a woman’s hand in its arrangement, for things were strewn about in a chaos of disorder and neglect, The furniture comprised a few rudely manufactur- ed camp-stools, a table, and several piles of soft furs. And upon one of these piles the gaze of the young woman rested lovingly, while she conversed with the old hunter. Over the huge open fire-place, in which burned brightly a pile of seasoned hickory logs, were hung the hunter’s limited supply of cooking utensils; in one end of the cabin, which was large and roomy, were innumerable fire-logs, showing that no neglect ne hunter had left him unprepared for the cold winter. “Phew!” the old man "nuttered, as he Istened to the shrieking of the witid without, and the dismal sound of the biustering snow as it whirled in inces- sant eddies against the stanch cabin walle --‘‘ phew! this ar’ a peaks, bad ed fer Janerwary. I’ve #ooped down in this ’ere lattytude for nigh onter six 4 4 i story, marm? You needu’t be afeared ter confidy a — 3 , NX ‘5 ( more disagreeable snap. *Tain’t at likely yer? frien’s ‘ILcum down across Te hae Stretch in sich weather like this, marm.” * Ah! sir, you do not know them, Neither fire nor storm will stop them, once they strike my trail,” re« plied the young woman, shivering and glancing a, prehensively around. ‘‘ Friends, indeed! No bit» terer foes could a mortal have than they have been. With devilish perseverance they have followed me like a pack of bloodhounds; from place to place 1 have flown,endeavoring with a larling babes to escape deat }, but it seems as if the hand of God, as well as man. is turned against me!”’ F And tho fair speaker burst into a fit of weeping, which lasted for several moments, during which the old hunter gazed grimly into the roaring fire. “Ye mus’n’t guv up the ghost like that, my gal,” he said, at last, his tone betraying the sympathy he felt for her. ‘'Hayr’s one horny old paw that ain’t turned ag’in’ you, balance yer scales on that. Sum- how Old Zeke Ransom has been s’picious an’ dis+ trustful o’ the weemen sex, since when, a young beaver, he got his heart, smashed up in a love affair. But_ye’re an excepshun, my pretty—a downright dead-in-earnest excepshun, if ever thar was one. “When I met ye down to Yocum, yesterday, wi' them two babies in yer arrums, an’ ve *peeled tex me fer purtection, saysI to myself: ‘ Zeke Ransom, ef ye don’ take in thet purty fawn, ye’re jest the orneriest, ugliest old sallymander thet evyer chawed leaden pills, Ther poor thing ar’ needin’ friends, an’ w’at’s ter hinder oe takin’ her up ter Ransom Castle?’ So I fetched ye, an’ hayr ye be, snu cozy, an’ still worritin’ about a passel o’ cussed black legs as ar’ chasin’ ye, and givin’ ye trouble. @reat ran’mothers! I do wish my boy Luke were hayr. e’s only a small, leetle cuss ie. fteen, is my Luke, buta yee peart sensible lad, fer all that, an’ he®hag a smashin’ way 0’ gittin’ inter the graces o’ the female line. He’s a rattler,an’ no mistake. But Luke’s rarely ever at hum, 0’ late year. Off up nor’ wi’ a party o’ fur-traders, last I heerd 0’ him. May be back sumtime atwixt this an’ spring—may not; can’t tell. But Luke’s an honest one, ef I do say et, an’ takes after hisdad fer that. I’d never steal a pin bt I ked get my paws on a goodrifle, ora cache 0’ “Tam very thankful for your kindness to me, sir,” replied the young woman, drying her tears. ‘You are the only one who has shown me the least friendli- ness since I was turned from home and hunted down y my persecutors. But I fear you have made a rievous error in bringing me here, My enemies will be sure to find me, and they will sho you no merey, old Ai you are, because you sheltered me under your roof,”’ * Don’t ye worr't about Old Zeke Ransom, my girly. He’s better’n six dead men, yit, ef he is past the sixty-third mile-post o” his life, an’ can score a dozen. funerals enny day, when Injun are plentiful. I opine his old eyes ain’t too blind to crawi along a rifle-bar’] an’ ef yer enimies ‘ll only stan’ off at a respectful distance, hayr’s w’at kin angelize ’em at the rate o’ five a minute.” And the old hunter chuckled aloud, in anticipation i of a good square scrimmage. ‘““No doubt your prowessis great, sir, but you Ift-~ tle guess the odds against which you would have to cope. There were fifteen desperate men on my trail when I left Helena, headed by a bad, fearless man, whose whole life has been devoted to crime. These human bloodhounds will let nothing stop them—nothing/ My death and the death of my | children, yonder, is of vital importance to a certain erson, and there isa matter of a million of dollars e ending on my decease.” ‘he old hunter gave vent to a prolonged whistle while he poked away at the roaring, crackling fire. “A milyun? Phew! that’s a heap of sponds, m al. Reckon et ’d take a fellar an eternity ter cote! eaver enuff ter amount to a milyun. hat is yer ie e eaistare g Re:

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Buffaio Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. Old Zeke Ransom, ’ca’se he’ll never go back on yer seekerts.”” “T might tell you,” said the woman, musingly— “ perhaps I will, presently; but, first, I must write— write that which will explain all, should my life be taken, and I feel that it will be, and that. soon. Have youink and paper?” . ‘Ink an’ paper? Phew! I guess not, my lady. Them’s luxuries we old Nor’-western cusses don’t boast of, I calkylate. I’ve gota chunk of plumbago, hayr, though, an’ yander in the chimbley jamb av’ sum white wrappin’ paper w’at cum around sum tobaccy I got at Gocum, Reckon that’s about my stock o’ stashunary.” 5 “Very well.- I will try and make those articles answer my requirements.” Ransom procured the paper and lead, and then for more than an hour his oe guest busied her- self in writing upon the coarse sheet. _ Finally she concluded, and tied the result of her Jabor up into a little roll. “This is my full history,,so far as concerns any living person,” she said, staring thoughtfully into the fire. ‘I have written it, that in the event of your death and mine, the world may know at whose door tolay our murder, Now, where can I put it, so that if we die, sir, some one else will find it?” Old Zeke took the confession, and weighed it in his horny palm—then scratched his white old head, studiously. “Reckon thar ain't much danger o’ our turnin’ up cur toes, marm; but, still, ef you say so, I'll go an’ put it inter my boy Luke’s cache o’ pelts, back in the wood, by the mountain. Most likely he'll be ’round to look after ’em toward spring, an‘ll find yer dockyment.” “Good. That will be just the plan. Go, sir, at nce, for something seems to tell me that my ene- mies are drawing near, and their coming means death to us, I feel assured!" In compliance with her wish Old Zeke seized a shovel, and thrusting the paper into his pocket, left the cabin, going out into the wild, wintry day. There was not sufficient snow upon the earth to cover the prairie, but enough to fill the stinging air with frosty particles, e clouds that skurried across the heavens were dark and grim; the sun had not shown its face for nearly a week, during which time the disagreeable weather had prevailed. ie an hour’s absence old Zeke returned to the cabin, He found his strange guest sitting before the fire, her twin babies now clasped to her breast. Dainty little bits of humanity they were, yet stout and healthy, and the very image of their mother. “Twins?” queried Old Zeke, seating himself near to the fire, and rubbing his horny palms briskly, to restore circulation. “Yes—a boy and a girl,’ replied the young wo- man, kissing them fondly. “ How old ar’ they ?—sixteen months?” “Highteen, yesterday. Poor little darlings! Cast upon the world so early in life, and homeless and nearly friendless! Would to God they had died when first, born! it would have been a mercy to them—to me, “Reckon you hain’t got no husband, marm?” per- sisted the hunter, as he filled and lit his pipe. * Husband ? Ah, God help me, I have—no! not a husband, but a human brute—a demon in the guise of a man, who married me to attain his own devilish aims; then, when tired of me, cast me out upon the world, and set his associate fiends after me, to ac- “a ish the death of me and my poor, innocent abes ! “‘ Husband! no! God spare the mark! He is all that is infernal—devilish! He is a rich man; a mil- lion dollars would not cover the value of his posses- sions. And his family name ranks among the high- est in his State. He married me secretly, promisi te make me the mistress of his house; but he proved — to be false, fickle, and brutal. He cursed me; he swore that these children—his children and mine— should never inherit a cent of his estates, which rightfully belong to them; he tried to murder me and them, but failed, after which he set his blood- hounds upon my track. ““My family were poor, common farmer-peoplr, but between them and the family of my husban has always existed a deadly feud that only death can extirpate; and no sooner did my father learn of my marriage into the house of his most bitter ene- my, than he drove me from under. the roof of my birth—bade me go forever out of his sight, and his curse go. with me! Thus it was that I was cast out upon the world by those that were once dear to Old Zeke gave vent to a grunt, expressive of sym- pathy for the young mother and anger toward her persecutors, “So you sot sail on your own hook, eh?” “Yes. I had some money and many valuable gifts he had given me; and sol was able to flee from my enemies, But this did not satisfy my husband; he wished me dead, and my children dead, so that he would again be free to marry; and therefore he set his assassins after me. God only knows how I have tried and struggled to elude them, but all to no pur- pose—all to no purpose. ee are still in hot pur- suit, and something tells me that they are near, oh! so near. _ But I reckon they ain’t, though, or else my eye- sight ar’ deceivin’ me,” said the old man, shuffling to the door, and gazing sharply over the dun, wins try plain. ‘ Leastwise, thar ain’t nothin’ in sizght— od is, by all the hides an’ ha’rs on a mule’s ack |”? ‘“What!’’ exclaimed the woman leaping to her feetin alarm. “Is it they—my enemies, already?" “No, marm; et be only a drove o’ deer, what my optics ar’ restin’ on.” “Thank heaven! Iwas sure you had espied my enemies.” “Noymarm. Idon’t calkylate you'll see +m to- day. Very few'd like to cross Twenty-Mile Stretch wi’ the wind blowin’ like forty bufflers, an’ sich a stingin’ temper’ture, too, But I must hey one o' them deer, fer sart’in, fer my larder ar’ gittin’ ray- ther low, an’ deer ain't so plentiful this winter as they might be. Jes’ ye stay hayr an’ mind the - cabin, while I take my Punch~em-Judy an’ lay fer ~ them ar’ venisons.” The game in question, a drove of deer some eight or ten in number, were coming in toward the moun- - tain, in a course that would take them north of the eabin. But, their gait was lagging, and as they — were still some distance out, Old Zeke reasoned that he could waylay them in time to get a shot. Therefore he took down a favorite rifle from the cabin-wall, tightened his belt, and opening the door stepped out into the chill, blustering day. Alas! it was a fatal step; he had not gone ten aces from the door when a score of horsemen rode hastily out from behind the cabin, where they had been concealed. j Some were half-breed Indians, but the larger share were rough, sinister-looking fellows, well mounted and armed. The leader was a large, powerfully- built man of border type, perfect in muscular and phere development, and evil of countenance, with urning, blood-shot eyes, low, retreating: forehead and sensual mouth, while his straggling hair an beard were wildly tangled and disheveled. He, too, was well mounted, clad in buckskin, and load down with a sma 1 arsenal of weapons. So swiftly and silently did the cavalcade eme $ Old Zeke from their temporary hiding-place, that was in entire ignorance of his danger, until a terri« fied shriek from his strange *Back—back! oh! God, too late ! : Wildly, on the breath of the cutting wind these — words came to his meri pg He wheeled about te learn their meaning; then crack of balf a dozeg protegee apprised him. a!

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X £ : pi coc illustrate the old 4 Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. rifles rung out, and, pierced with as many bullets, the brave old hunter dropped in his tracks, his life- blood crimsoning the snow. At the same instant a revolver-shot from the ter- rible leader laid the doomed mother a life(ess corpse in the doorway of that lone wilderness cabin, CHAPTER II. THE CONTEST, Sunpay in Deadwood—the great gala and business- day of the magic city. he main street running through the gulch bot- tom, stretched out a mile and a half in length before you, closely lined on each:side with shanties, some of them two-story frames, and respectably finished; while the hillsides above are covered with tents and cabins, promiscuously mixed. Not less than five thousand men are concentrated in that long main street, and if in this great surging mass of humanity there is a white shirt or paper collar, it is not visible; if there is a pair of polished boots or shoes they are not to be seen; everything is rough, roaring and ready. eos Tt is a successful first-class mining town at its “boiling point.” _We will force our way up through the surging crowd, ‘‘ Sear notes” as we proceed. Here is a man mounted upon an inverted dry- gaods box, holding a densely-packed crowd of a undred or more about him, while he rattles off in a dashing, easy style, innumerable songs and witty parodies to the accompaniment of an old ioe ile an assistant drives a flourishing trade with the audience, his stock being ‘‘ beetle p’izen,” and, as these pestiferous insects are very troublesome in the ills, taking the place of the tuneful mosquito, the article finds ready sale. é Further on an auctioneer is brytog in vain to talk into some valuation a worn-out and superannuated pony. little further, and we hear the strains of a concert of fiddles issuing from a large, barn-like edifice, the whole front of which is open to the street. A glance within shows a bar thirty feet jong, from behind which all kinds of liquid decoc- tious are dispensed at fifty cents a drink, the drink- ers tendering in payment tickets eng og pur- chased, each of which entitles the holder to “ one ‘dance. with the gals,” a bevy of whom are present. The fiddlers are mounted upon a rostrum at the .ear end, while a space twenty feet square immedi- ately in front of them is reserved for dancing pur- «poses; und in this reserved spot dainty slippers and stoga boots unite in giving variations to everything attempted in the Terpsichorean line by the ‘‘orches- tra.” Some of the “gals,” to secure freedom of mo- tion, doubtless, are blooming either in tights or bloomers, with shorter skirts than even Amelia Bloomer, herself, would have approved of. ‘The next general rendezvous is the aban So —a liquor-bar on one side, and all the rest of the space taken up by faro-banks, monte-tables, and other schemes on the part of those who do not work ‘to plunder those who do. Such dens are ever crowd- ed. A constant stream of ae is flowing in at the weigher’s stand, at the end of the bar; while the stack of ‘‘chips” which are being handled, and the lo of buckskin purses on deposit at the card- able—immediately around which the intensely in- terested votaries are as closely packed as if welded saying, that e fool and his money are soon parted.” ~The Sabbath-day in Deadwood is the golden har- vest of the week for everybody who has anything to ell. The street outside is jammed with humanity, and the groceries, clothing-stores, and all other busi- ‘ess houses are crowded with customers, The miners have “ come in to lay in snpoliee . To a structure on the mainstreet of this wild cit; u Poe Eald. we would conduct the reader who is to fol- low this strange, j guidance of our pén through + Sere se ‘by one and eventful drama in real life. The “Tabernacle” is’ the name of the place, as is announced by a huge banner-sign hung out over the sidewalk, and as we approach, we ean readily guess its vocation, from the shouts of laughter and clinking of glasses. It = a saloon; reported to be the finest in Dead- wood, Tnside, all is indeed luxurious, com; d with the other dens. The floor is carpeted with matting, the chairs are cushioned richly, and the tables elegant: ly carved and furnished, The walls are literally a orama of costly mirrors; cluster chandeliers han, rom the elaborately frescoed ceiling; the half-bree: waiters are in uniform and numbered; the bar has a choice stock of liquors, if a choice stock were a pos- sible thing in Deadwood. Old Jack Fergueson, from V: ia City, kept the lace, and a place controlled by this veteran of “the ar,”” was as orderly as it was possible to keep a “ranch” ina mining-town, The hatitves of the Tabernacle were, for the most part, men who minded their own ‘business; bce occasionally, there was a spree, and no help for it, Extra attractions were not infrequently offered be: ‘es inducemens for pilgrims to visit this “hows On the Sunday of which we write, the place was crowded, to witness a wrestling match between @ young Denver athlete, named Drayton, and‘a “ppo fessional,’ named St. Elmo, St. Elmo was a §) , but iron-framed fellow of four-and-twenty, with tremendous muscular pow- ers, and apparent fierce temper. His adversary, Walt Drayton, or Wrestling Walt, as he was call all, was barely twenty, if, indeed, he h attained that age, and possessed of a finely-molded form, muscular and symmetrical in limb and body, Practice and exercise, in addition to a careful atten- tion to food and sleep, had put the young athlete in to a physical condition which any man in Deadwood might justly have envied. His face was smooth, frank and pleasant—in a.word, handsome, His eyes were brown, like his hair, which was clipped close eae min ttired in tights, and ming th men were atti in tights, an ingled free ly with the vast audience, for the contest was not ta begin for an hour, and an hour is an. interminable space of time to a thirsty, anxious assemblage. Various were the comments passed upon the wrestlers, as they sauntered separately hiouts by the rude, uncouth miners, and the men-about-town, One old fellow in particular his opinion rather ey upon the merits of the twain, and as no one disputed his declaration he was king cock of the walk. In stature he was about of medium hight, as _ - Straight as an arrow, and the very embodiment of iron solidity and muscle. , He was clad from his stoga boots to the very chin in buckskin, old and greasy, probably seen years of service, and in the belt about his w: was a small arsenal of revolvers and knives. Little of his face, except the straight nose and the black, magnetic eyes, could be seen on account of his tremendous beard and the shock of tangle matted hair that w down low onto his forehe As if toadd to his already comical appearance, a battered, mud-splashed “ plug” hat surmounted his head, or rather was tipped to the very furthest limits, onan this ind dual paraded h . ny is indivi ed himself promiscuous- ly about, without care for whom he jostled or whose corns he encroached upon. i “Ker-whoop!” he yelled, stopping in the center of a little crowd near the wrestlers’ platform; ‘‘hayr 1 am! Right hayr’s the snortin’, Patil, trottin’, sSquawkin’ stallion o’ Pertater Guich. Zcum frum fetes Gulch, pilgrims, 7 do, bet yer dirty shirt on het! I’m a rattler, I am—a inners rattler an? thet’s why they call me Old Rattlesnake. Now, fur instance, I'll illustrate,’ He STS ie mtd And the eccentric miner gave a strange, peculiar

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2 _ see what's ther size.o’ his calibe Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. laugh, while at the same time he emitted from down in his throat a horrible rattling noise, not unlike the death-rattle of a dying person and the dread warn- ape ct the most poisonous of reptiles, the rattle- suake, “Thar, now, ain’t thet snakyfied,my pilgrim bruth- ern? I allurs rattle when I feel inclined ter chaw off sumbody’s ear, or take a hand atdentistry. Whoop ‘em up, Eliza Jane! Hayr’sther hoss thet can show his pedigree, an’ trot a mile in less time ’n it takes fer old Jack Fergueson to pour out a glass o’ tarant’- ler juice. Walk up, now, any o’ ye frisky colts thet wants ter pace a mile wi’ me, in three-quarters 0’ a secont!”” “Perhaps ye’d better take a leetle exercise wi’ one o’ them ’@7, old man!” remarked a bystander, indi- cating Drayton and St. Elmo “ ’Spect you orter be able ter chaw an ear off’m them, eh?” “Whoa! Eliza Jane. What d’ye say, pilgrim? kin _Ttrot wi’ them geldings? Kin IT equalize my paces wi’ them—me, ther ees frisky stallion frum Per- tater Gulch? “Waal, I opine. Uster c’u’d ‘rastle wi’ enny 0’ ther boys; but these old j’ints ain’t as young as they uster be; still hayr’s w’at kin trot a mile in two hours and forty minutes, an’ w’en ye cum ter rattlin’—oh! whoop ’em up, liza Jane; I’m. thar. Ruttle? Guess Ican. I gota-rattlin’, down in Per- tater Gulch so hard once, thet ther folks got skeert: thort an orful bail-starm war upon ’em. Ag’in, once, over at Bozeman, I drew a great crowd around ther shanty whar I was stoppin’; they jest cum an’ -forked over their two bi 4 as natteral as life, fer they thort’twar a minstrel show, an’ thet I war layin’ on the bones. That’s onl an eppysode, owsumever. Once, up at Spea: Idid sumthin’ that beats clockwork inter infinity. “But I ain't a-goin’ ter tell ye about thet, now. I'm jest goin’ ter ax thet young feller wi’ the piraty mustash ef he wants ter chaw off my ear?”’ And true to his word the old fellow waltzed across the floor to where St. Elmo was leaning idly against a card-table, toying with a massive gold ring upon his fore-finger. Up close to the wrestler went the miner, then he paused, and, in a half squatting posi- tion, peered up into the other's dark, Spanish face —a face, once seen, rarely to be forgotten. “Whoop ’em up, Eliza Jane!” roared the Rattler, iving his pectliar warning, and flapping his grea’ Fuctskin-pleved hands up and down; “hayr Iam, sar, ther great stallion wi’ a pedigree—the great Thomas K. Cat frum Pertater Gulch, an’ ef ye don’t b’lieve it, jest bite a hunk outen my ear; poke yer finger at me, an’ see me hump up my back; step on my toe an’ heer me me-e-e-ow! Fer ther Lord’s sake, do somethin’ ter releeve me 0’ my agony!” St. Elmo gazed at his confronter in contempt, not deigning so much as a word, or a smile, at the amus- ing antics of the old fellow. ‘ ‘Cum! cum!” snorted he, prancing about, and giving ereditable imitations of a horse’s whinny, » “ain't ye goin’ ter tread on my toe, or knock off m hat, or bite my ear, or tickle me in the ribs, or spit in my face, or—or—” “Get out!” said the wrestler, angrily. ‘*What do you come here with your nonsense, for? What do you want with me?’ : “What do I.want, pilgrim? What wanteth this meé-e-e-owing Thomas K. Cat frum the sacred pre- cincts 0’ Pertater Gulch? Why, sar, I want ter ’ras- tle wi’? ye—I want’er throw your beels over yer head _ so quick ye won't have time to wink. That’s Old Rattlesnake’s wants, bet yer pile.” * And what you will be likely to want, for all me!” said the wrestler, turning away, as if disgusted with the proposition. ‘‘I did not come here to wrestle with all Deadwood.” : “Oh! didn’t ye?” exclaimed the man from Potato Gulch, squinting one eye, and ejecting a stream of tobaceo-juice after the athlete. ‘Oh! Eliza Jane, whar ar’ ye? Hello! ha: "s my goose, so watch an’ se ie see me "s the uther pilgrim. I'll. + be rer stakes. cook *im.’” i At this iat Wrestling Walt; sauntered along, and straight up to him pranced the “‘ Rattler-frum- Potato-Gulch,” and slapped him on the shoulder. a ete pilgrim, I’m ther greatest Thomas K. Cat in all Deadwood!” was the initiatory declaration that greeted the wrestler—“ ther very greatest am J —a, reg’lar half-an’-half ‘tween Maltese an’ Cochin Chiny; an’ ef ye doubt my word, just step on my toe and hear me me-e-e-ow!” “Well, old man, who said you wasn’t?’ demanded Drayton, laughing, good-humoredly, at the laugh- able appearance of the other. ‘Iam sure no one disputes your word.’’ “Wal, no; but ye parseeve I want it distinctly un- derstood wholam. NowI want to ’rastle, side-holt, ‘pack-holt, frunt-holt, or enny other holt—that’s me ees ain’t no objections, I'd select you as my goslin’!’ i ’ ““Pshaw, old man, you'd only get hurt; besides T never wrestle, ‘less under wager that pays, and I don’t judge by your hat that you’re overly well- — stocked with money.” JH “Ye don’t? Ye don’t think by ther old Rattle: snake’s hat that he’s full 0’ chips? Whoop ‘em, Eliza Jane! Thar’s whar ye make a mistake uvther — caliber o’ yer feller-man. I can fight; 1 kin trot an. hour in. two _ miles ’n’ forty minutes; I kin rattle, —— squeal, bite, kick, run, swear, chaw terbacker, drink tarant‘ler-ju’ce, an’ me-e-e-ow-ow-ow-w! an’ I kin — show ther biggest nugget in this ere ranch!” andto back his assertion, the eccentrie individual from Potato Gulch held up to the gaze of alla oe lg of pure, shining gold about the size of a man’s fist. it was a wonderful sight, and with cries of aston- ishment, a crowd instantly collected around him. : “That ’ar!’? cried the miner, triumphantly, “ar? only a specimen, pilgrims. Thet hain’t a sareum stance ter what's left whar this cum from, Oh! Eliza; wilt thou say I ain*t got enny chips, now? gentlemen, an’ ef ye don’t b'l’eve et, why just step on this Maltese spot by the surprised cries of the others. “What's thet ter you?” demanded Old Rattle- snake, eae ae ae se et eae aes you could go an’ pick up a few jus ec oop em up, ‘Liza! “Tain’t every fool’s ’s born fer luck, I say, you wrestlin’ cuss, d’ye wanter scratch my back, neow ?” “Yes; Pll agree to break yer neck, if you’ cs : up that nugget for stakes,” replied Wrestling Walt, — with a laugh. f “Done. Ef you win, ther hunk is yours. Bf I win, I’m goin’ ter bite off yer nose, an’ then hey ther ~ privelege 0’ me-e-e-owin’ like a kitten. Ar’ thet squar’y”” ; is “Perfectly! Cum along onto the stage,” replied the young wrestler, leading the way, a confident ex- pression upon his genial face. He aie cee an easy victory over this eccentric individual from Po- 0 Gulch. . And the crowd cheered ee as the two took their places upon fhe stand, ready for the contest. pice: Old Rattlesnake had laid aside bis belt and wea» — Pouss but still wore his greasy buckskin suit, while restling Walt was attired in his tights, makingthe contrast somewhat startling. Babee eet - “Tl bet the old pilgrim will get his neck broke!’ cried the military chap once before referred to, as he took out a roll of bills from the pocket of his vel vet vest. ee “i'm agreeable!” deena a voice in his rear, ‘ and a youth—for he was little else—stepped forward, ready cover the officer’s wager. “What ‘Il you to be taken up at his offer. “Who “Hello!” the major stared. He had not expected you, young mani” : R

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- ne: “That does not matter. Who or what T am does not matter to you. If you wish to bet that the old galoot will get his neck broke, I'm your huckleberry to any tune in long meter.” “Well! well!” drawled the officer, surveying his accoster sharply. ‘ You’ve no lack of cheek, that’s positive! So_you want to bet, do you? Well, plank our chips. Here, give ’em to this other wrestler to old—a hundred dollars, if you please.” ** Git out!” cried the young man, Hagley Loud “T wouldn’t trust my ducats in that galoot’s paws. ‘Sides, [ wouldn't bet short ov a thousand.” “ Phew!’ The major was truly amazed. ‘You haven't got a thousand cents, I’ll wager!’’ Out came the youth’s right hand from the pocket of his buffato-skin trowsers, and in it he clutched a roll of greenbacks, even larger than the officer’s. “There’s my ducats, pilgrim; so if you’ve a notion 0’ riskin’ a thousand, just lay it into the hands of old Jack Fergueson, here,’ and he nodded to the grim, rough proprietor of the “Tabernacle,” who stood har by, and had heard the proposal. ._ Accordingly the required sum was deposited with the veteran, and then a signal was given for the a tae to begin, for Wrestling Walt had been waiting for the consummation of the bet. The youth who had thus put up his money against the major’s was in many respects remarkable, even among the more remarkable tide of civilization in this outlandish Black Hills metropolis. And this was largely owing to his attire, which would have attracted attention anywhere. The coat and breeches, met at the knees by fringed leggings, were made of buffalo-skin, with the furry side out; the vest was of red velvet; the moccasins upon his feet were skillfully wrought in fantastic de- signs with Indian bead-work; the broad-brim slouch hat upon his head was stuck full of scarlet feathers. In fact, this youth was really handsome, the fea- tures being bold and regular. the eyes black and piercing, the mouth expressively pleasant, yet withal rm and resolute set, and the hair golden, and hang- ing in long curls over his shoulders. He was not generally known in Deadwood; yet a few inquiring ones had ferreted out the fact that he was a wonderful pistol-shot, Cotte ges ea up in the far Northwest, somewhere near the British lines, and that his name was Buffalo Ben. The wrestling now bezan, The contestants clinched, side-hold, with arms about each other’s waist, and then came the ex- iibition of skill in the art of wrestling, if such pany sports can justly be classified among the arts. Back and forward weaved the two wrestlers, each using all the feints and attempts to trip, within their ) f ;s Vy power. And speedily it dawned upon the minds of the spectators, that Old Rattlesnake was no easy man to handle, for, though Wrestling Walt put forth his aeeutor efforts, he could not get his adversary off his eet. ‘* Whoop ’em up, ’Liza Jane!” the eccentric genius from Potato Qulch would roar between breaths. ‘*Hyar’s the old Thomas K. Cat, yit, an’ ye ken't throw him—” Alas! the words were hardly spoken, when the young wrestler discovered an unguarded point, and quickly seizing the opportunity; he raised the miner bodily in his muscular arms, and pitched him head- Jong from the stage, out among the audience. He went down with a thud, and lay fora moment like one dead; but the next instant he regained his feet, and shook himself like some great mastiff. “Tm satisfied!” he grunted, casting a gri around him; ‘I ain’t no hog that don’t he’s got enough—no sir-ce!’ OHAPTER IL. OLD ENEMIES FACE TO Ben, trl to Pergueso ee Sr lee stees a2 glance ow when Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. ig major. “I bet that the old galoot would not gtt his neck broke, and neither he did, so the chips are mine.” “The devil they are!’’ cried the major, endeavor- ing to elbow his adversary to one side, ‘Il won fairly; the cuss got floored, and that right handsomely, too, and the stakes are mine.” “‘T reckon they ain’t!” retorted the young man, grimly, apparently not in the least awed by the other’s important bluster. ‘‘I won ’em, an’ win an keep ’em, ’round this ranch, ef I know my- self.” “ Curse you, will you contradict me?” roared the ma; pr Bienes with rage. “Get out of my path, or V—T—” “Now, what will you do?” coolly asked Buffalo Ben, folding bis arms, and gazing at his towering gonfronter in expressed contempt. ‘* What will you “Bravo! hurra for the boyee!’’ roared Old Rattle- snake, admiring the youth’s pose. ‘* What’ll ye do. pcan 8 off his ear, or step on his tail, and ear him me-e-eow?” - “This is what ll do!” cried the angered officer, aiming a heavy blow at the youth’s breast. “Take that, you contemptible cur, and let it teach you @ lesson not to interfere in others’ business.”’ But the clinched fist only cut the air, for Buffalo Ben leaped I'ghtly to one side, ind then, with the . quickness of a cat, he administered a slap across the major’s mouth with the flat of his land, that re- sounded loudly throughout the room, “ Hurra! me-e-eow!”’ shouted the man from Potato Gulch, prancing about in wildest delight. ‘ Ohj Eliza, etre another, pilgrim—jest one more, fer yer uncle.’ “T think that will answer all purposes,”’ replied Buffalo Ben, sfill on his guar: And his words seemed true. A moment the major stood glaring malignantly at the young scout, then he walked away, muttering inaudible threats. ‘““Whoop-la! whoop ’em up. Liza Jane!” sung the man from Potato Guich. “One game rooster licked, by thunder! Cock-a-doodle-doo-0-0-0-0!” Hayr’s a case 0’ non-compismentus for ye. Me-e- eow. One brave sojer persuaded to abandon pugil- ism—one brass-buttoned guvynormé@htalist etarnal- ly glorified.” “You alenped the wrong man across the speakin’ trumpet, then, me lad!” said Old Jack Fergueson, as he placed the stakes in the youth’s hands. ‘He may seem vanquished, now, but he’ll give you a dig in the ribs yit mark my word.” “So? We F Ishall be on my guard,’’ was the care- less reply. ‘* Who zs the swell, anyhow?” “That man is Major Fawdon. He stands high in favor in the army, and has influence that ain’t to be sneezed at.” “Waal, that don’t scare this fellow, not one whit. *Long’s he keeps on his side o’ the trail, all right; when he gits onter my side, I'll h’ist him off, bet yer chips! I ain’t no rag fer army officers ter wipe their ‘feet on.” “Bully for you, boyee!” and admiration and en-. thusiastic joy beamed from the veteran’s eyes. “Bully for you. I glory in your spunk, I do; but, don’t go *bout wi’ yer optics slosed, now, mind, or you'll come up missing!’ and then ne wheeled and ambled back to his bar, to dispense decoctions to the thirsty throng, neta Buffalo Ben standing staring thoughtfully at the floor. The wrestling match between Drayton and St. Elmo was now on the tapis, and the space in front "| of the platform was crowded full of excited humaai- ty. who were eager to witness the sport. The two men, standing together, were wonderfully developed in muscular and physical strength, and their forms were set off to advantage in the flesh- tights, exhibiting in prominence the masterly curv. contours.

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‘Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. — a’riferous stuff, that the feller w’at cafluxminxed me won't win the race? Oh! Eliza Jane, whar are the dirty son-of-a-gun that wants ter bet? Twenty milyun ag’in’ a nugeit 0’ gold! Whar’s the indervi- dual what wants to bet?’’ howled the man from . Potato Gulch, dancing around promiscuously, and gece endeavoring to make himself a source of annoyance to everybody. “‘ Hayr I am, ther great Thomas K. Cat o’ ther Angel-Saxon breed—ther “ibe roarin’, snortin’ stallion wi’ a pedigree. And want to bet some ornery galoot jest one twenty- ounce gold nuggit ag’in’ twenty milyun dollars, thet Wrastler Walt’s goin’ ter oe thet pe tached skunk like Lavy errupts Vessuvyus. Ob! the ongainly, ornery buzzard! He war afeard ter tackle a hog o his own caliber, war he? Hope ter thunder he'll git his ijees jounced ’way inter the middle 0’ next year, like I did! Oh! bruthern, 1 know—I’ve bin thar, bet yer false teeth; I’ve seen ther starry firmament—saw et but a few minutes ago, an’—” “See here, are you going to shut up, and make less noise?’ demanded old Jack Fergueson, coming from behind the bar with a loaded horse-pistol in each hand. ‘I don’t want ter make an obituary in ther columns 0’ ther Pioneer, but shall have to ef ye don’t put a stopper inter thet bread-trap 0’ ours.” ze “Oh! Eliza!” groaned he from Potato Gulch, in an agony of spirit, as he squirted a stream of tobaeco- juice reflectively at a fly which had alighted upon a neighboring card-table, “‘hes et come ter this, thet @ poor cuss ar’ forbidden freedom 0” his speaking facilities?” _ * Ye can talk ter a certain extent,’ retorted Fer- gueson, “but we positively do refuse to have too much gab.” “Amem!” said the Rattlesnake, solemnly, and he turned his attention to the wrestlers, apparently re- signed to his lot. And the contest now began. It was to be for the tee of the Black Hills, the stakes pei a hundred a side, and a herdgome belt, gold-mounted and its clasp adorned wits two diamond stars. It was a magnificent affair, and well worth a struggle to obtain. The start was side-hold, St. Elmo having the pre- ference of the right side. Back and forward they stepped in their tremendous hug, feinting, tripping, partying. but neither gaining a point. Once Wrest- ng Walt came near going upon his knees, but he AELY, saved himself, and received a storm of ap- lause from the intensely interested assemblage. t was doubtful how the tide was going. to turn. St. Elmo was not nearly so cool as his adversary. He was more fierce of temper and had less patience. It fretted him not to gain; it enraged him to lose. Then, too, his eyes were sometimes riveted upon - the spectators, as if to learn whom their sympathy was with, for he was jealous lest it should be center- _ ed upon his contestant. ¢ In vain did each of the wrestlers practice upon the other all the tricks known to them; *twas no use, however, for at the end of an hour both were stand- ing as when they commenced. ; ‘Come! come!” roared the man from Potato Gulch, at last, unable longer to stand the pressure, ‘“‘why don’t ye adjourn ter business? Git yer back up an’ me-e-ow like a Thomas-cat; get mad, an’ pull each other's ha'r!” . “Shall we throw up the sponge?’ demanded vet~ eran Jack ifergueson, from behind the bar. “ Thar’s no use 0’ yer ’ras'lin’ forever.” ; “No sponge for me!” cried Wrestling Walt, his eyes sparkling with excitement, ‘‘One of us has got to lay down here, afore the show is over, ‘less e Saint, here, wants to cave.” “Have I caved yet?’ was the other wrestler’s an- swer, in a fierce tone. ‘‘ Go ahead |” And the struggle recommenced. Backward, forward and sidewise they went, watch- ing each other's feet as narrowly as the cat watches aie Dee the mouse; bracing, pai and tripping; St, pais inwardly sete SL a fa Bovine baie and studious. But it could not last forever. Suddenly Wrestling Walt caught his man at a disadvautage, and in a sec- ond he bore him heavily to the floor, ‘mid thundering shouts of elect “Hurra! hurra!’’ shrieked the eccentric individual from Potato Gulch, capering about and acting more like a lunaticethan anything else, ‘‘cock-a-doodle- doo-0-0-00! me-e-eow! Whoop ’em ya ‘Liza Jane, Warn’t thet done purty? Warn’t that the essence 6’ all ’t’s beautiful? Oh! Eliza, my blushing primrose, w’ar art thou, now?” Wrestling Walt allowed his adversary to rise; then he extended his hand. “Shake, pardner; you needn't git mad, for you had the same chance asI!” ’ “TY care not for your friendship,” replied the van- quished athlete, bitterly, as he pulled on his velvet coat Ds pat es to leaving. ‘‘ You won, and may- be it’s all right, and, again, maybe it ain’t; keep your hand; I don’t want it.” “ All correct, sir; you needn't take it, I bear you no ill-will, and hope it is the same with you. When- ever you want another friendly tussle, hunt me up.” St. Elmo nodded his head, and wended his way out of the “Tabernacle.” "Long tunes in short-meter!’’ exclaimed Old Rat- tlesnake, following him with his ee gaze. “That galoot’s got a thistle in his crop, bet yer boots. Reckon I know him, or else I’m mistaken.” The crowd now xgpily rd torban after paying their respects at the bar, for if there was any excite- ment elsewhere they meant to find it. Among them went the gentleman from Potato Gulch, his tongue ever movitg faster than his stoga-booted feet. That Uvening the young scout, Buffalo Ben, while sitting in the Tabernacle, and idly watching the comers and goers, received a start, upon the en- trance of & man into the saloon. Not that there was anything remarkable in the appearance of the indi- vidual, but because he evidently recognized him. A short, heavy-set person, dressed in ¢itizen’s cloth- ing, was all; yet the youth’s eyes lit up with fire as he beheld him. The face, though coarse and bloated, was decided- ly womanish, and the hair flowing down upon the shoulders was almost too fine and abundant to adorn one of the male sex. Yet as such was the person dressed, and not one out of ten would have suspect- ed the gender in this new-comer that walked up\to the bar and called for drink. Ha!’ was Buffalo Ben’s involuntary exclama- tion, as bis hand sought his belt. “So this is my game in a new harness. Iwonder if any one recognizes Silver Sal, of ‘Siop-Bucket” notoriety in that disguise! Few, it’s likely} but I am not so easily fooled. Now is my chance, and she shall not elude me!” After pouring down a glass of the stuff they call brandy, in Deadwood, the stranger gave a careless glance about the saloon; then turned and left as quickly as he had come. ‘But not unwatched. Like a sleuth-hound Buffalo Ben glided after hi and the two stepped ixto the black, moonless nigh —moonless, because the sky was overcast with omi- nous clouds that had collected during the after- noon. Instead of keeping ue through the main street, Silver Sal made a cut direct for the steep piwah where myriads of twinkling stars through the night’s somber vail located many a miner’s tent or — : shanty. Like a shadow did Buffalo Ben keepin pursuit, his steps inaudible to his hurrying enemy. sw'ftly, until at Jast he was able to lay upon the other's shoulder. ‘Halt! move at your ‘ aignificant click! click! of a revolver, { ary F e canes his left hand a Til!” was followed by tha —

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"upon my ear. _~ Buffalo Ben, thé PHince of the Pistol, The disguised songstress wheeled about with a curse. Her forehead came in contact with the re- volver’s muzzle as she did so, _ : “Steady, now!’ warned the youth’s voice, the ring in it betraying sternness and resolve. ‘* You've gone far enough at present, Silver Sal; the Bossest. of Boss Gals makes a presentable imen o’ man- ~ hood, but ain’t supposed to be able to cope with men, for all. Do you know me, woman?” : “Pm no woman!” was the angry retort, in a hoarse, growling voice, meant as an imitation of a man’s. wt reckon you're barking up the wrong tree, sir. * Oh, no!” Buffalo Ben’s voice was full of confi- dence. ‘I’ve been on the trail of my game too long for that. You’re what they call Silver Sal, here in Deadwood. Up in Idaho you were dubbed Fatty Greene; over in the British Possessions you were happy, in the name of Mrs. Sally Falkland!” nother curse; then a motion as if to break away an id run, - “Oh, nol” said the youth, again pressing harder with the revolver, ‘ don’t try to run or I'll salt. you, sure’s I’m Ben Jerome. You know I’m no slouch with a pistol. Now, then, that after the lapse of over a year we have met, you must tell me where to find my sister Belle!” “In the grave, curse her!” was the sullen reply, “Would to God you were there, too.” ‘*No doubt you would like to see me there, but T ain’t on the death list, at present. You’ve got to tell me where she is, so you may as well do it first as last, for I’m going to hold you till you do.” **She’s dead, I tell you! How many times must I repeat it? ‘You need not repeat it at all, for I know it is a black lie. You know me, Silver Sal; they say I’m a pretty hard customer when I’m riled. So you Hever unburden yourself right off, before I Bet I wouldn't much hesitate to blow the roof off your head, you’ve given me so much tro K *T'll unburden myself of nothing. I’m welf aware T kidnap, the ads I don’t deny it. I thought I could make her dance and kick money into my pock- et, but I mistook her, She didn’t have any gumption about her, and when I’d mauled her about a week or so, she took sick and died, an’ you can bet I was lad i it, She hadn’t no talent fer theatricals an’ ie stage.” iy Now probably not, of the kind you bring inter use,” jwas the sarcastic reply. ‘‘ But I still disbelieve you have her concealed somewhere. Come! - parley is By useless. Where is she?” i “a Lyin; 8 e graveyard at. Cheyenne.” ‘ou lie “No; as God is my judge, I am telling the truth!” declared the woman. Apparently she was in deep earnestness. “ Again [swear you lie!” cried Buffalo Ben fiercely, his eyes blazing like lurid coals of fire. “I know you “Well, what if Io lie? What if Belle Jerome is alive?” demanded the woman, a sneer percepti- ble in her speech. “ What are you going to do att rel to maki tell o m gol make you or—' “Or wh att” 3 * Kill you, and cut your heart out.” ** Bah! J don’t fear ye. Killef you choose; one may as well die at one time as another.” “Very well. By killing you, if Belle is alive I shall rid her of her greatest enemy. I shall count three; if you don’t speak, three means death. One!” A brief pause, then the cool tones of the youth _ spoke the ominous— > os Two wy He would have counted three, but pi Nee! ated seized from behin ground. ; With a cry of affright Silver Sal bounded away, ‘gnd disappeared in the : at this juncture This, and thrown to black gloom. of the night! CHAPTER‘IV. MASKED MAUDE—DEADWOOD DICK. Smarcaine among the heterogeneous pore of the Black Hills mining-towus, you are liable to find almost every known phase of character; you need not marvel at any personal or characteristio phenomenon, that suddenly presents itself, In thes country of gold you can find any one you want, from a desperado to a saint; from a beggar to a millionaire; from an orgé n-grinder to a fortune-tel- ler—and it is of one of this latter class that we are about to write. ‘*Masked Mande” they called her, because her face was ever hidden behind a black mask; and what any one knew of her was of little consequenee. She had come to Deadwood, one morning, on the stage, and launched out into business instanter, hav- ing bought and paid for a peri eet eeic shanty, almost under the shadow of the Metropolitan, an stuck out her shingle— “ MaupE Van Buskirk, \ “ Fortune-Teller, etc.” What the “etc.” was calculated to imply, is hard to state; but it was there, to be read and re-read by Deadwood’s wondering inhabitants. : Further information was gratuitously added, that, “Madam Van Buskirk would only receive visitors at certain times of the day and week, Tuesdays and Fridays being the periods for ‘ reception.’ Ad : On the Friday previous to the Sunday of which we have just been writing, the madam had a customer, He came down the guich from one of the hotels, and paused in front of the door of the fortune-teller’s Shanty. Glan (rd the ungainly sign, a sarcas- tic smile wreath: lips. : He was a large, heayy-set man of perhaps forty- five, or uate more, with a full rong ol beard. silvered with many a gray thread; an ntellectual forebead, and eyes piercing black in their intensity, He was dressed in citizen’s clothing, of elegant fit and texture; his whole personal appearance spoke of wealth and high standing in the world. He walked with a cane, but evidently not because — it was a necessity. “So! this must be the place that I seek,” he ob- served, glancing a second time at the sign. “I won- der if her lady: is in, and ready for business?” He gave a heavy rap on the door, and then waited, — At first there was no sound of stir inside; but, pres- ently, some one a beceches the door, undid the {peente a, and Masked “Maude stood upon the ee » & small revolver in her shapely white ~ an ‘ She was so masked that no of her face could be seen; her hair long and of auburn hue fell over her shoulders in great profusion. In stature she was a trifle above the medium of women, but in her es Faen costume of purple silk, she looked roy- ally grand. : he stranger raised his hat politely, as he beheld the woman; bowed, and then said: b “Ahem! do I see the woman they call Masked Maude—the fortune-teller?” “You do,” was the reply, in asweetly pleasant — voice; ‘will you come in “Well, yes”—with a little laugh. “I have a trifling amount of business to transact with you, and I prefer it should be done within your shanty, than — : out.” “Certainly; walk in,” and the graceful fortune- teller Jed the way into the shanty, which served her both as office and dwelling. Ifwas but a single room, and furnished with the rude simplicity of a miner’s taste—a table, a few chairs. a cot-bed in one corner, a second-hand ‘ a stock of rifles and other weapons hung againstthe — wah. ‘ ? = ah Be seated, please,” said Masked Mande, motion- ing lier visitor vo" ‘chai “and state your erraud

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Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistel, . epentes for time is worth gold to me. Your name | should you succeed in getting that door o TH 6? - And taking up pen and ink, she waited to enter it in a large book that lay upon the table. “What difference does it make what my name is?” demanded the man uneasily, while he stroked his beard with anervous hand. ‘That need not be mentioned in our business transaction.” ‘However that may be, I must have your name,” was the firmreply. ‘‘Ideal with no one whose name Ido not know. Not for particular use, you know, \ but as a guarantee of good faith.” * Well then, itis Aaron Wadsworth,” * Aaron Wadsworth,” A er the fortune-teller, writing in her great book. ‘Aaron Wadsworth. Where from?” “The East.’® “Of course; any one might know that. Now, what would youwith me? Want your fortune told, IT suppose.” ; “On the contrary, I donot. I do not believe in any such fol-de-rol. iy. I came here, I ean easily explain, Up at the hotel Iwas told that Bee were literally a world’s directory; that it required only 4 the asking, and you could tell_a person the where- abouts of any other person. It is beeause of this that I havecome to you. I want you to tell me the present whereabouts of Deadwood Dick.” The woman started, “Why do you wish to know?” she asked, eying her visitor keenly through the holes of her mask. Evidently she was trying to evade a direct answer to the question, “Because Ido. You cantell me where I can go to find him.” “Oh, nol’? with a ——— laugh. “If I knew where Deadwood Dick is, Tcould earn a thousand dollars reward, or more, You're on the wrong tack, pilgrim.” Bah! you are fooling me!” ‘In your imagination, yes. Deadwood Dick is a person whose market value increases with age— whose habitual watchfulness and caution grow stronger each day. that passes. If you would find , you will have to explore the countless fast- nesses of the Black Hills.” “Ts that so?’ The stranger seemed surprised. ra ee no idea Dut what you could put me on his trail.” He arose and donned his hat. “Ts that all—the extent of your business with me?” Maude queried, rising also. “If you have a mes- sage, I might by some lucky chance see the Prince “ theRoad, or some of his band, even before you 0.” Wadsworth reflected a moment. “Yes,” he said, finally; “if you see this young robber, tell him he will find it to his advantage to call upon J. Aaron Wadsworth, Room 4, Centennial Hotel, Iwill be there for one week.” “All right,’? Masked Maude jotted down the ad- dress in her book. ‘TI will endeavor to get him the word, for which, including present consultation fee, {shall charge you fifty dollars.” “ What!” Aaron Wadsworth was amazed. “ Fifty eet ma’am? Why, that is extravagant—enor- mous “It is my price, all the same,” was the matter-of- fact rejoinder, “You can pay it, and then take your i departure. “But I won’t!” the gentleman from the East de- eee stoutly. “Tam not to be humbugged by one e you. out.’ Wadsworth walked defiantly to the door, and turned the knob. The door was locked, — “Oh! you needn’t think to escape,” observed the masked woman, Pe Fe the table with the jeweled fingers of her left: phe clutched re revolver d, while in her right already cocked, * Biven | 2 en, salivate you with this,”’—indicating the resnivar, hie Sa you wouldn’t murder me?” gasped Wads- ——~ worth. . ““Wouldn’t I? Well, I ain’t so sure about that. T reckon you will have to shell out the required fifty, or shed cold lead.” : The strangey uttered a curse, and taking a roll of bills from his vest pocket, he counted out five tens. “Th . the fortune-teller said, coolly, raking in the stamps, with a chuckle. “I judged by your- looks that you could stand a large fee.’ “Humph!” Wadsworth swelled up with import- ance. ere your charges a half-million instead of fifty dollars, I could stand them and not wince, Now, release me.” ‘ * * All you have to do is turn the knob and walk: out,” assured Maude, pointing to the door. ‘*Go!” “But it is locked.” “Try it and see.” Which he did, and found that it opened without resistance. Stepping outside he closed the door be- hind him, and made his way back toward his hotel. When Buffalo Ben came to realize that he was a prisoner, he uttered something suspiciously like a curse. To be balked in plans that it had taken months to mature, was vexatious in the greatest de- gree. His captors were masked, and twelve or fifteen in number, and he rightly came to the conclusion that. they were road-agents, What was their ures in taking bim a ieee he could not imagine. Surely, it could not be for plun- der, as he had not exhibited much money while in _ Deadwood, except when he had bet with the major, “What does this;mean?” he demanded, addressing : one who appeared to be in command: ‘Why have you taken me captive; and who are you?” 5 " “We're Deadwood Dick’s Night-Hawks,” replied — ~ Lieutenant Cambre, “and we snatched you just for ; a little fun while we’re waitin’ for the captain.” “Indeed? Well Baypoee you let me go in pursuit of that female friend,” suggested Ben, “‘ that is, if” ; you've had enough fun.” : “Not. yet—not till the captain comes. He may ant to see you, ‘Why should he? He does not know me.” ‘ “Dont he? There is where you mistake. I’ve Na him speak of Buffalo Ben—and I reckon you are he. “I am. But what did your captain say concern- ing met” te 4 “He always spoke of youasafearless sortof a cuss. Said there ain’t only one as can equal you witb the revolver.” ‘ ** And who is that?” 1 “Himself. Reckon the captain can sock lead about as true as the next one.” “So Lheard.” Ben never boasted of hisown suc- — cessful exploits, though he has won many a wager witha revolver. ‘ Whereis your captain now?” o ‘Over to the ‘ Met,’ reckon, or some’eresin that direction, tryin’to scare up danger. Thatchap can’t live without he’s all the time gettin’ into Hea cie “Tt would seem so if you believe what the eer at) Miner say. He’s married, eh? Got a pretty wife? “You're just talkin’, be hes—purty as ary rose- ¢ bud that ever blossomed. She lives in the sixthtoll- gate twixt here an’ Bozeman, Dick don’t go there — much; she mostly comes to see him.” é . At this juncture footsteps were heard rapidly ap- proaching, and in a moment more the young road-_ agent chief came oumeing ay camp. : It was Deadwood Dick, the same as we have seen him in days gone by—Dick in his weird suit of black, — with his black mask, gloves and hat;—the dashing, handsome, youthful prince of the road, His eagle eyes pierced the gloom and took in Ww scene at a glance,

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10 “Whom have you here, lieutenant?” he asked, quickly, nodding toward the captive scout. “ Hal yes, I see—it’s alo Ben,eh? How came you to detain him, Cambre?” *‘ Just for to pass away time, captain, Shall we release him now?”’ “No; we have no time to spare, for Old Roxly and his Regulators are after me, Fetch along your pris- =. and let us scoot lively, for the devils are out strong. So saying, Deadwood Dick sprung on ahead into the darkness, The bonds around Ben’s feet were cut, and then he was forced to accompany the road- agents, as they followed their leader, : All did not goin a body. They divided into twos and threes, and poo off in various directions, all meeting half an hour later in a lonely spot on White- wood creek, a mile above town. It was where the golden stream debouched from a black, narrow ravine, into which a man could barely force a pas , between the jagged rocks. Above towered iv ts vy. tree-fringed mountain crags; below the stream boiled and gurgled like the waters of a witch’s caldron. One by one the mast eerie assembled at. this point, oe panting and breathless from a long, roundabou' jaunt. Deadwood Dick was the last one to arrive, and a murmur of relief ran through the crowd when he came among them. J “T was fearful that ill had befallen you!” said Car- los Cambre. “Ha! what is the matter? Are you wounded?” “Only a serateh—the loss of blood made me a@ trifle dizzy!’ replied the chief, reeling even as he spoke. But he threw off the faintness with a master effort. ‘ We're in fora scrimmage, boys. Old Alex Roxly and his Regulators are coming down on us, hot and heavy.” ‘Which way?” “From all directions. They’re scattered all through the town. A dozen or more of ’em dogged me till a few moments ago, when I threw them from the trail. But they’ll soon nose us out.” “ God forbid, in such a place as this, Here we are ey, cornered.” F y! r se Phe are—and there come the devils now!” repli eadwood Dick, as there was a glare of light from off in the darkness, and a storm of bul- lets rattled harmlessly over their heads, CHAPTER V. MAJOR FAWDON’S CLAIMANT. Inan oe parlor of the Centennial Hotel,J. Aaron Wadsworth was taking his ease, ensconced in a large cushioned rocker, his slippered feet elevated to a dangerous angle on a neighboring bookcase. His apartment was furnished in elaborate style for Deadwood, everything being of new and recent manufacture. Upon a stand at his elbow were wine and cigars; the light was turned low, for it was evening, and a little fire burned in the grate. This man, whose money he counted by tens of thousands, was not in a very good humor, for his _ brows were knitted in a scowl, his hands were ¢eiinched and his eyes were gleaming. Nor did bis scowl vanish at the entrance of a brawny man, of brutal aspect—-a gray-haired, griz- zled-looking wretch, with tremendous beard and deeply-scarred face—one who looked capable of any d crime. His dress was buckskin, throughout, and he was armed to the teeth. % . ; _ Wadsworth motioned him to a seat, without ris- himself. ; a So you have come, have you?” he growled, pee = harder at his cigar. ‘1 think it’s time; I’ve n in Deadwood ten days waitihe for you. You must t forever.” ience will rites much about et,” replied the giant, eps yey a man’s ; Hain’t tho’t Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. 1 seating himself on the opposite side of the little ta- ble and et The peng to wine and ci without invitation. “Got here as soon as I could after get-_ tin’ yer letter sayim’ as you’s comin’ West. Didn’t hu much, neither.” “T should say not!” with an increased scowl. Li “You're matters altogether too easy.” * And why shouldn’t I? Hain’t bound terrun an’ a obey every wiggle of your thumb. I used ter be your nigger, but times hev changed since sixteen years ago.” a eacowore chewed the end of his cigar reflec ively. = Ww Paid play it rather shabby on you, that’s a fact,” he said, watching the wreaths of smoke curl up- ward. “ But, then, five thousand dollars was & good bit to pay out, and you wouldn’t take less.” “No; nary a durned_cent less. You ’greed ter pay me the amount -ef I’d do the job fer you, an’ I went ter the ’spense on my own hook, ter git my men, an’ hunt the trail. An’ after I salted away the biggest share o’ the game you backed out, an’ re- : fused to stick ter your bargain.” ca. Wadsworth took the cigar from between his lips, * and stared hard at the giant, a startled expression upon his features. ‘ “T must misunderstand your meaning, Burk,”’ he said; ‘‘you say, ‘after I salted away the biggest share o’ the game.’ What did you mean by that?” Bill Burk laughed, in a hoarse, mocking fashion. “Reckon I meant what I sed,” was the Tonys bs warn’t sure any o’ the time but what you'd play t shenannigan on me; 40 1 killed the mother an’ resere- ed the squallin’ brats fir future use.” The man of money leaped to his feet, a horrible oath escaping his lips. “You tell me this, you accursed devil?” he cried, his face all aflame with rage. ‘‘ You tell me that you did not destroy her babes, as you promised— ~ wisely pe bap a itively that!” ded ly! precisely! positively * respon Burk, with a eae 4 Wadsworth made no hostile demonstration as he received the, to him, startling intelligence. He drop- ed back in his chair and sat as motionless as an mage, his fo7e riveted accusingly upon the giant, hard, stern lines contracting his forehead. “T believe you lie!" he said, at last, his tone cold and angry. ‘Had you this hold upon me, you would have been pretty apt to have made yourself mani- fest long ago. ; “Oh, no!” the rufflan laughed, confidently. bat | took my time as I always do, Nothin’ ever hurries me. HadI wanted to, werry bad, I could ‘a’ made you humped, ‘thout usin’ the brats. Biackmail ’d — ‘a’ been my weepin in that case; but then I warn’t o* a werry revengeful dis; ition, so I waived an’ bided my time, well knowin’ yer conshence ’d bring you out here, afore you died. Ye couldn’t rest ten — ‘ear more wi’out knowin’ fer sure w’a! war my feel- in‘s toward you, now could ye?” “It was not so much that that brougbt_me west- ward,” replied Wadsworth. ‘I wanted change, ex- citement; sol came here. I remembered your ad- dress to be Helena, at your last writing to me; 1 sent for you to meet me here, but didnotdream _ that you would bring me such news.” re “Oh, I Peowie not,” Bill Burk replied, witha yawn. ‘You s’pesed you hed no heirs ter that million 0’ yourn—tho’t you'd played a trump keerd an’ won: but you got tuk back a peg in thet calky- lation, Thar’ll be heirs enough in the market.” 4 here!’ Ls a Pon ace ng bs his ero ; eyes gleaming, redly. ‘Ou ou me ote and at the same time could I trast you!” re “Waal, boss, that depends. S’posin’ ye > ima o } ra We elie, 5 ti.) its ~ ‘ a Es neath ae i aad aces Sah ie z vea . % feller a geograffical ideer of what ye’re drivin’ at, an shen. Tl put yer question ter probate, as the ‘txactly. ‘ Let us understand orth. ‘‘In case I

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PT ae a first, an’ ther de- ye feed a hoss the ‘Waal, I’d hev ter see the chi vide, afterwards, The more oai livelier he ar’!” “That is as much as to say, that as long as I buy you with gold, you are mine.” ““Thet’s about ther size of et.’” “Tl buy you to a certain extent, but no further,” he said, decidedly, as he took a small valise from beneath the table and unlocked it Inside were, sev- eral rolls of otter well ali ar in silk oil-cloth, one of which he extracted and undid. Once the outside covering was removed, a roll of greenbacks was revealed, most tempting to the eyesight. Bill Burk gave vent to a surprised nt, as his vision was greeted with this unexpect display. “You're full o’ chips, ain’t ye?’ he observed, lighting a second cigar. ‘‘Reckon some bank’s bin robbed, hey ?”’ “Not that I know of; why?” “Because you're so flush o’ stamps.” No reply was made to this, but. the man, counted out a number of bills from the package, and shoved them toward the giant. : There are five thousand dollars,” he said, gruffiy. “‘Now, can I rely on you to finish the job you com- menced sixteen years ago—the job which must be finished at all hazards?” “*Reckon et would be well fer Sm to put another thousand along with this ter make all sure,’’ grinned Burk, triumphantly. 7 Another thousand was accordingly counted out, and shoved across the table. “There, does that appease your appetite?’ de- manded Wadsworth. “To a T!” announced the other, rising. “Tl hunt up the game, by-an’-by. As fer ther pre- sent, ’m goin’ ter git onter a glorious drunk, over my pace fortune. Good-day ter ye, Mr. Wads- worth!” And in another moment the giant had quit the room, leaving the scheming man of money to his re- flections. After Bill Burk’s departure, Wadsworth sat for a long time with his,face buried in his hands, nor did he arouse until he felt the presence of some living thing near him. He then looked up to find a man standing be- fore lan with folded arms—one whom he did not remember ever having seen—clad in a hunter’s costume, and armed with rifle and belt weapons. A brawny, handsome fellow he was, of three-and- roa Spare” the very picture of health and strength. of o are you?” demanded Wadsworth, scowling as only he could scowl “ What brings you here, where you are not wanted?” “T don’t know that it makes any difference to you particularly,” responded the hunter, in a slow, drawling tone. ‘‘I reckon this are a free country, an’ a feller can go whar he pleases, providin’ he’s got enuff elbow-grease to back him, eee you’d like ter have me trot out o’ here, but I'll tarry a few seconds, while I tell you somethin’, Ef you listen wi’ous interruption, Pll be done sooner. So heer “Once upon a time, which time war sum sixteen yoars a:7o, a brutal massacre war committed up in northern Montana, The victims war an old man an’ @ young woman, whose name war Wadsworth— Elvira Wadsworth, the legally wedded wife of J. Aaron Wadsworth of Pennsylvania. The survivors of the massacre, two infant children, were sold to a band of roving Indians, and carried North to the British lines. where they were reared to early man and womanhood, under the cave of an old fur trader and his wife. Now, what I’m drivin’ at, is, do you know where them heirs to the property of J. A. ‘Wadsworth ave?” . “No! exclaimed the man of millions, eagerly, . “but T would give a deal of money did iknow. But a few short hours ago I supposed that they were dead, until T was told better by a faithless wretch whom I once had in my employ. What do you know of them?’ “As much asI hev told you—no_more,” replied thehunter. ‘“ Butif I find them, as I hope to, I shall warn ’em to fight shy of their fiend-father, for you ar’ a fiend, ef thar be such things on earth, Aaron Wadsworth. Look out fer me. I’m huntin’ an’ searchin’, night an’ day, fer them children o’ Elvira Wadsworth, an’ when T find *em, they’re bound ter hev a chunkeout.o’ your property, bet yer boots.” Whereupon the brawny son of the Northwest turned to depart. “Hold!” said Wadsworth. ‘‘ What is your name, eee that I may know whom I have for an oppo- nen “My name is Luke Ransom, sir—Lightning Luke ~ they call me up Montana, Anything else you would like to know?’ “Nothing; you may go,” wasthereply. After th hunter’s departure, Wadsworth sat studying the intricate threading of the carpet for neatly: an our. “ How is this thing going to end?” he asked him- self over and over, his eyes emitting sparks of slum- bering fire. , “ After all my years of planning and plotting, am I at last to be ed in my designs? No! I swore her children should not have a cent of my wealt! x and even though I sacrifice it to the four winds 9: the earth, they shall not. They must perish, and if , Bill Burk cannot do the job, J can and will |” —~ Anaratey, the unnatural father was terribly in earnest. The next day on his return to his hotel from a leng tramp among the mines, he found two visitors aw: ing him in the parlor suit that had been assigned © m™. The most noticeable of the twain was an army — officer, in the uniform of a major, with luxuriant Burnsides and an impudent familiarity confined to a — class of Uncle Sam’s promoted boys in blue. The major’s companion was a young lady, deeply — vailed—or, a girl, in other words, if her oe figure was indication of her age. She was attired ina neat gray costume, and a diamond ring graced her - forefinger. ‘ The major rose as Wadsworth entered. ° i “Honorable J. Aaron Wadsworth, I presume!” he — saluted, with a servile bow. ‘‘ Allow me to intro- duce to you in this ee lady, Miss Stella Wads- worth, my protegee. 1am Major Fawdon, honorably retired from service.” % “Ahem! yes, I see,” said Wadsworth, consider- ably surprised, and at loss to fully comprehend, a “How am I indebted to you for this interview?” ~~ “T called on business,” replied the major. “Six. teen years ago, Mr. Wadsworth, your wife was kill- | ed, by your order, and your babes, unknown to you, __ sold to a band of roving Indians. You have always supposed them dead, along with your wife, and you have lived as sinners are permitted fo live, in the et ea that your estates would have no heirs. In this you were mistaken. “One of your wife’s children grew up to maiden-— hood, and was placed under my care by an old north- ern fur-trader, and I now take be peste in present- ing her for your inspection. Stella, my dear, raise — your vail!” “a The young woman cbeyed, and the rich man’s in- — credulous gaze fell upon a fair face, perfect in out- linc and sweet in expression—a face that an art- - might worship, or that might become a poet’ e Ol, Tay The hair was golden in hue, and fell over the pret- ty shoulders in pretee on the girl, as a whole, was _ Pater recy Se ty—for she was yet but a girl not out of her teens by three years. : is “There!” the major exclaimed, enthusiastically, his eyes gleaming with exultance; ‘“ how like you the picture, Mr. Wadsworth? Do you not see before you tue very image of the wife whose death y« caused, years ago? Stella, dear, this is the father

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12 of him? on “As yet I haven’t formed an opinion,” replied the ‘girl, eying the man distrustfully. * And you, Aaron Wadsworth—what do you think of my claimant?” “T recognize her,” was the reply, without hesita- tion, ‘‘as Elvira’s child and my heiress!” : But there was a tone of menace underlying his @peech, —— CHAPTER VI, EVENTS OF A WILD, STORMY NIGF ft, “HA! hal” laughed Deadwood Dick .efiantly, as he perceived that none of his comrades had been in- lured by the volley of bullets. * Mates," he said, voice betra; eee “we're in a tight fix, an’ no mistake. © ought tc have come mounted, and then we could have shown these dogs our heels, But we didn’t, and here we are, neatly cornered, and with only one way open to us for escape—namely, up this ravine, which, after a mile of tortuous winding, ends in the face of a big, craggy barricade. There is no use, then, for us to try to escape in this direction. All we can do is fight, and let every shot ee a tale to these Regulators that will never be for- gotten!” “Bravo, captain!” said Lieutenant Cambre, ear- ) “nestly. Let this teach em a lesson tong to be borne in mind—-that we're life even to the death.” And the road-agents took up the ery: “We're life even to the death!’ The gloom in this place was perfectly dense, and no idea could be formed of the exact locality of the enemy. “T will try and reconnoiter a little,’ said Dick, ' after consultation with the lieutenant. ‘‘ The devils may be waitin’ fer it to lightning,” with an appre- hensive glance skyward, “‘ and then they can pelt it - tous handsome.” *“ Hold on,” ventured Buffalo Ben, eagerly; “let me do the scoutin’’’ captain. Don’t be afraid to trust me, fer [ ain’t a-goin’ to try to run off till you Say so. © Good !” Deadwood Dick exclaimed, cutting the young man’s bonds. ‘“*I reckon you’re to be trust- d, and I’ve heard that your skill as a scout is won- derful; 80 go ahead, and bring us back all the news ou can. cae tightened his belt, and after looking to the ~ condition of his revolvers, which the road-agents had : ie Alpe him to retain, he stepped cautiously away A ito the impenetrable gloom. “We orter hev thet feller among us,” declared one "Syor + oe aha admiringly, after the scout had disap- eared, of “*T would not put his neck in the qudees noose by -.. influencing him to join us,” replied Dick, “True! agreed Cambre. ‘‘The brand of a road- agent should never rest upon his shoulders, as it does upon ours. What kicked up the row to-night, captain, and stirred up the Regulator hornets’ nest?’ _ "He who has once before caused me trouble—the deserter and traitor, Fred Audley,” replied Dick, “I was passing through the street with my mask off, _ anda beard upon my face in place of it, when he ‘recognized me, and pointed me out to Old Roxly the Regulator. F __ “Before I could draw a revolver and fire upon him - he had peepee in the crowd. I saw there was an un healthy outlook for a feller of my description about then, so I lit out.” : alg - “You met the cusses again after we divided and started for here?” asked Cambre, or rather, ran through ’em, and got several ead pills into my carcass," with a low laugh. “ But ‘don’t mind ’em much, though they weakened on me at first.” — In the mean time Buffalo Ben was creeping out of ‘ Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. whom Ihave told you. What do you think of | companions were waiting, into the wider and mere in: sae mouth of the dark, narrow ravine, where his | Then, wi — 4 invitin g gulch, wherein nestled Deadwood’s magic city, andfrom whence had come the discharge of fire-arms, The darkness seemed to be increasing—at least the sky was growing momentarily blacker, and threat- ened a fierce storm, ere long. Already faint blushes = lightning were beginning to play across the CAVeNS, “Let her pour as much as she pleases, but dis- pense with the fireworks,” muttered the young pi crawling along, inch by inch, with utmost caution. “Somehow, I wouldn’t like to see Deadwood Dick and his fellers git laid out, though they ain't much to me, to be sure; still, the Prince as they call him, appears to be a pretty fair sort 0’ chap.” ‘ m he wriggled, making less noise than a mouse; never off of his guard, his eyes serntinizing each sus- picious object until he was satisfied as to its nature. A half—yes, three-quarters of an hour passed, and Deadwood Dick and his men waited anxiously for the return of the scout. What could be the cause of his delay? “To me it seems about time the chap were piving an account of himself,” said Cambre, impatiently, “I could have scouted half around Deadwood in this time.” “You express my thoughts, too,” replied Dick, pects. back and forward, “He ought to be back by is time.” “And is hack!’? exclaimed a voice, and a dark figure loomed into view through the gloom. ‘But ther ain't time fer pal srat, if you want to escape; so come alone a on’t make no more noise’n cat! And without ing for guide only the sound of his footsteps. But. this clew was sufficient for Deadwoood Dick to follow and he and his companions crept away through the darkness, laboring under the delusion they. were following the lead of Buffalo Ben. But, they were soon to be apprised of their mist ke. ; ‘ Just as they debouched from the ravine into the gulch, there was a terrible jarring roar of heaven’s artillery followed by three successive flashes of light- ning, t illuminated the black night with vivid are. & Then came the deadly ring of a score of ritles~- wild shouts of victory from aswarm of men whe poured out from cover of the seatteréd pines—dying groans from dying road-agents:—it was a terrible moment, and one in which life was expiring with every weapon’s ring—for a few of the Night-Hawks, with Deadwood Dick at their head, had stood the fice, and their flashing revolvers were sy death to the enemy, each and every moment. 2 But their number was on Pe counted full three-score; they made a triumphant rush, and swallowed up the little band—captured them, and bound them hand and foot. Then throughout Deadwood spread like wildfire the news of the capture of the dare-devil road- agents, and even though the storm poured down its deluge of water, and the thunder boomed along the heavens and the lightning’s glare was constant, the streets were thronged with an excited Populate, eager to learn tke truth of the matter, and get a glimpse of the prisoners. and a dull roar of thunder became audible. — rther explanation he was gone, leay- - five and the Regulators > re But in this they were doomed to. cerponnene ; ; re: for Deadwood Dick and his pals had been hurri away to confinement in a strong cabin on the south- ern outskirts of the town. . Here the crowd assembled, and standing in the drenching rain outside the re structure, inside of which the road-agents ha: cussed the startling events. f Old Roxly, who haa succeeded Denby as chief of the Regulators, had stationed a guard every yard around the cabin, and warned them that if the pris” oners were not there at sunrise their own necks man’s noose. : ‘rn must satisfy the ha eae the resi of his posse, he had | 2 ‘S: ae Se: been locked, they dis- —

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_ them a freedom of speech back to the Metropolitan, which was their head- - quarters, and full a gallon of “ tarant’ler-juice ” was ' used to wash down the thirst occasioned by their | great victory. Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. 13 ry. _ In the mean time let us visit Deadwood Dick in his strange prison. The interior of the cabin was all in one apartment, and unfurnished. It had been one of the first struc- tures erected in the gulch, but for some strange rea- son, which we shall not 2 to explain, it had never been tenanted. Therefore Old Roxly had fitted it up as a cage for his captured birds, and the Prince of the Road and the remnant of his band were the first to occupy it. They were thrust rudely inside, bound hand and foot, after which the Re; tors departed, locking the door after them, and leaving the little band to their meditations. Fortunately they were not gagged, and this left they hastened to im- pr ‘ove. * Well,” Deadwood Dick said, after the Regulators had gone, “I reckon we few that’s left may con- sider ourselves lucky. I expected we'd git our necks stretched, sure pop, when I found that the cusses were too many for us. How many is there left of us, mates; for I have not taken time to count up?” “There's six of us,” replied Cambre, who had been among those to stand up under the terrible fire. ‘Jean Douglass, Rock Luger, Dan Forbray, Kit Custer, and you and me,” “And there were a dozen of us before!” the oung chief muttered, bitterly. ‘But, thank the Tord our band ain’ all gone yet. There’s cnough left at the stronghold to thrash the life out of these Regulator dogs—and they'll avenge us, too, bet your pile on that.” “May my curses rest upon that Buffalo Ben!” cried Cambre, fiercely. ‘‘It is.to him that we owe this summary defeat, for had we remained in the ravine—’ an They could have picked us off, one by one, with the lightning’s aid, and made a more complete vic- tory than they have now!” finished Dick, decisively. “Traitor though this Buffalo Ben is, he couldn’t have worked it any better for us; for while, if we had remained in the ravine we should have all been shot down in coming out, six of us are alive, and stand a show of escape.” “ A devilish poor show!” growled Kit Custer. ‘I opine we’ll be called upon to try on Lynch’s brand o’ halter-collars afore another sunset, and that *Il be the eend of our career.” “Never give up the ship while there’s any hope which there always is as Jong as there is life,” said Dick, cheerfully. ‘‘I would not take an offer of a thousand dollars for my carcass, now, for all death is grinnin’ at us, and apparently comin’ nearer ’n’ nearer. My motto is your motto, mates—* we’re life even to the death.’ Is it not so?’ “ Ay! ay!” assented the other five. ‘* We're life ‘0 the death.” ‘even ss ich, allow me to remark, very appropriately ' expresses my sentiments!” exclaimed a voice, com- _ hayr, did ye, judgin’ from your conversation.” “placed, would spell Buffalo fot as ing from a rear end of the cabin. } “Hello!” Deadwood Dick cried, startled beyond eerreeeon “who are you, away back there in the dark?’ “T reckon the letters of my cognomen, properly Benjamin?” ane the cool response, as a dark object came rolling across the rough, dusty floor. “Guess you didn’t speculate that ye’d find me in “Well, no!” the young chief admitted. ‘I sup- posed you were feasting with the Regulators, over your success in betraying us to our enemies.” ‘Hold on, thar, pard!” the scout ened, rather - sharply; ‘I ain't no traitor, and I don’t want to be called one. Ef the durned galoots hadn't captured Tm elected to swing dlong wi? I should have come back to you with my report. is, Pm the resto” | di you, all because they think I’m a road-agent, which ain’t, nor don’t care to be.” “Ha! then you say you did not come and lead us down into the very face of the Regulators’ fire?” “T swear it, if gin By feelin’ 0° uni- form, you'll see it’s buckskin, instead of my buffler garb. The galoots give my suit to one o’ their crowd, an’ as aconsequence he eum and fetched you right down into the limericks!”” 5 Deadwood Dick saw, with his keen power of SF fash ab ce! fess the fearless young scout was telling e truth, ; “T must beg you to forgive my unjust cions of you!” he aad earnestly. pele 52 utside the storm roared and tore with unusual fierceness; the rain poured down in a deluge, and made a rushing river down through Deadwood, put ting to rout all pedestrians that were abroad; tear- ing out dams and sluice-boxes, and even carrying away tents and now and then a shanty that stood in the way of the furious torrent. The thunder boomed and crashed as it had seldom been heard to do be- fore, and the terrible vivid glares of lightning came and went, incessantly. , Only the guards paced their beats, and faced the weird music of the warring elements, Silence prevailed in the cabin prison. No one seemed in a talkative mood; and, too, the roar of the storm nearly drowned the sound of their voices, The confined road-agents dropped off, one by Mie, into a sound sleep. Buffalo Ben was not long behin them, though he tried to keep awake. It was approaching day-dawn when they awoke— awoke to make a startling Rota While wrapt in repose somebody or something had severed their bonds, and they were free, to use their limbs. ; But their astonishment was further increased when, on “counting noses,”’—to use a Western ex- pression—they mane the discovery that, by some strange and unaccountable means, one of tnebr num ber had effected his escape ! And that one was-Dendeod Dick! CHAPTER VII. OUT OF BONDAGE—MUZZLE TO MUZZLE. Yrs, gone was Deadwood Dick, and no mistake, _ for he was not in the cabin, and a shout of joy es- pared the road-agents as they became assured of the ‘act. “Thank God our captain has escaped, even shoset we are still in durance!” said Cambre, earnestly; “he will now strike a blow for our liberty, and we shall again be free!” “Hurrah!’’ cried the others, in unison—*‘ Dead- wood Dick, forever!” “I'm puzzled to know how he escaped,” observed Buffalo Ben, examining the walls of the cabin, ‘*Hyer’s only one window, an’ that’s guarded with bars of iron. The door is locked from the outside, an’ that leaves no other avenue of escape, as I can see,” “Unless it is up through there,” pointing to the fire-place and its ic ge oe et chimney. ‘ He~ could get up through there if he bad outside help, which he probably did.” “Right. That explains his escape.” ‘3 “Couldn’t we make a break in that direction?” asked one of the men. ‘“ Durned ef I ain’t gittin’ tired 0’ stayin” penned up in hayr.”’ a “Tt is too near daylight tc try to escape, Ireckon,” replied young Jerome, “I’ve got a better plan,” said Lieutenant Camb ; thoughtfully. ‘* Doubtless we shall soon have a visit from the Regulators. We must be on the watch, an’ ~ when they open the door to come in we must rush ont, and trust to our feet to take us out 0° eee “You can doitir you like—not I!” Ben deciare@ eaidedly. “Perhaps it may be your bes = Z at 4

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Nek but as for me, I am not a road-agent, and if I re- main it will be that much proof in ay ‘avor. See?” “Tm afeared Old Roxly won’t look at it in that rd. He’sastubborn old jack-mule, an’ don’t reason worth a cent. He'll calculate ye'’re one of us who hadun’t pluck enough to attempt to es- cape, and consequently Judge Lynch will officiate at your funeral ’twixt now and sunset,” ‘Well, mebbe so, an’ mebbe not,”’ Ben answered, carelessly, ‘ Reckon I'll stand my chances, anyhow. A feller can’t demise only onec’t; J hain’t very pur- tickler as ter ther time.” The storm slacked up as day began to dawn; a breeze laden with the perfume of mountain flowers weed in through the barred aperture called a win- ow. Nothing could be heard of the sentinels outside. Probably they were either asleep or had deserted their post during the night’s wild tempest. The lat- ~ ter was the most probable theory, considering the escape of Deadwood Dick. “We'll soon haye company,” remarked Buffalo Ben, pacing to and fro—‘ all Deadwood will be down #o pay us a morning visit. There! listen—some one #8 approaching now.” Footsteps were indeed heard drawing near, and it was evident that quite a multitude was coming. As they came closer to the cabin there was considerable commotion—an angry hum of voices—shouts and oaths; then the key was heard to turn quickly in the lock and the door swung open. But, no sooner was an opening made, than the road-agents, with Cambre at their head, made a pre- cipitate rush out of doors, knocking down the Regu- lators and springing nimbly over them. Then away they dashed up the guich and into the dense forest that flanked the mountain side, followed a harmless volley of bullets from the weapons of those of the Regulators who had not been prostrated. Instant pursuit was given, every man joining in, thus leaving the cabin unguarded, for it was sup- posed that all the prisoners had effected their es- cape. ut there was one who had not joined in the stampede, and that one was Buffalo Ben. He came to the door after the Regulators were some distance _ off, and chuckled to himself as he stepped forth into ~ the air of freedom, and sauntered leisurely toward the busy town. “Bout as lucky an escape asa fellercould ask for,”’ was his comment, as he walked along. ‘* Don’t reckon I'll be troubled on this score again, unless I , War recognized last night. Hore them cusses es- con for they seemed right jolly sort 0” dogs.”’ he entered the town Ben stopped at @ sluice where a couple of miners were washing sand indus- triously—early birds they were, who came to the hills to make money. *?Mornin’, pardner,”’ saluted one, lookin, up : pis pen: ‘“herrible storm we hed. ‘Lookin ‘ob? * Oh, no,” Ben shook his head with a grimace, “No diggin’ ferme. D’ye make it pay?” “* Purty fair—yes. Starm tuck away a gude bit 0” Pepin top layer; sum left still, tho’.’’ _ At this juncture two persons, evidently out for morning exercise, galloped along on a couple of handsome bays—a man with Burnsides, and attired im army uniform, and a young maiden in elegant _riding-habit, very pretty of face and form. '* Evidently Ben recognized them both, for he raised his cap to the maiden; the man he scarcely deigned -agiance. Perhaps the sight was conducive to anger in officer, for he wheeled his horse down toward the sluice, and jerked him back upon his haunches. “You young jackanapes!” he cried, furiously, rais- ing his riding-whip as though to strike, “bow dare . hf have the impudence to insult. this young lady _ inmy company by saluting her? Ill learn you be from fer a ter manners!’ 5 And the whip came down with a vicious swish across the scout’s shoulders. Of course it was but | Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. a mere toy, and the blow was scarcely felt; yet it Bi caused a flame of anger to go riot: over Buffalo Ben’s face. He stepped back a pace, his eyes gleam- ing peumoronty, *You cowardly dog!” he cried, “you shall pay for this, mark my word. Iam slightly acquainted with Miss Stella, your companion, and I deem it no dis- honor to her if I bow as she passes. “You, sir, have insulted me by striking me, and you are a coward.” At this the two miners, who had stopped their work, laughed loudly, and the officer, who was no other than Major Fawdon, grew red in the face. “Tm a coward, eh?” he cried, hotly; “ you cursed imp, I'll show you how much of acowardI am. Be- fore these men, I challenge you to fight. if you dare, — and give me a chance to obtain satisfaction and wipe out my grudge against you.”’ “ Which I agree to wi’ the hugest kind of delight!” Ben replied, coolly. “ Meet me here an hour hence, if you please, e weapons will be revolvers—my choice.’ ; Just then the major saw that he had lost by bang too fast. He should have given the scout enou provocation to insure a challenge from him; he, major, would then have had the choice of weapons, which would have been the sword, with which he could have hacked his enemy into bits. But with the revolver he was nowhere. The die was cast, however; to retreat was ignominy, disgrace; to go ahead was death, without doubt, for young Jerome had a notoriety second to none as a revolver shot. “Very well!” he was forced to say, though he could not feel that it was to end very well for him, ‘**T will be on hand,” Then he wheeled and rode away to join the young woman, who was waiting, some distance off. “Do you know that insolent puppy ” he demand- ed, with a frown, as they galloped a’ ong together. “T do,” the girl replied, apparently not in the least Wena aca a his passion—“‘have known him a week, “Then I want you to cease knowing him, and that at, coe He is no one for you to notice or associate with.” [ “Indeed! but I am the best judge of that. He is at Rast a gentleman.” “God pity the rest of us, if he is a specimen of what you call a gentleman. Come, let’s return to the hotel; I have some business to attend to.” ““What business?’ she asked, watching him. ** Some business, I said!’ he retorted sharply. “That is sufficient.” 4 “No, itis not. You are going to fight,” “What of iu?” “You will get killed, or he will. Don’t, George,” clutching his arm, as they rode side by side. “Bah!” shaking off her hand, “youneed have no fear. Ican easily wing him.” * But that would be terrible, all the same. Please don’t fight, George!” “ButI must, sis—Stella, I mean. They'd call me a flunky, if I were to back out, and I the chal- ~ lenger. No, I must fight; but don't fear; ll come out all right.” They reached the hoteland dismounted. The ma- jor a up to his room, Stella remained on the ve- randa. '“They will fight and one or the other ‘will get killed,” she murmured, thoughtfully. “‘I hope i Ray be Mr. Jerome—or George, either for that matter.” A. little later she saw Buffalo Ben come up the street and enter an ammuaition store across the way. Hehad gone to purchase weapons, the Regu- lators having taken his at the time of his capture. eee he came out, she ran over and waylaid m. F *Oh! Mr. Jerome, you ar'n’t going to fight?” she said, pleadingly. ‘* Don’t for my sake.” “Tes pas hard ter tackle a fellow in fet way, Miss Stella. There’s few things I wouldn’ pace do for

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Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. outhennametaienmael ad sweet sake, but _I can’t give in this time, It’s ve or die, for me or Fawdon—die for him, I reckon, for he is no pistol-shot. ; e “Then you won't do me this favor?” the girl said, ace a a “No; Dll have to refuse you this time Stella, He géruck me, and I called him a coward, and he cha!- \enged me. So were bound to fight.” “Why did you call him that?’ “Hard to tell, dear. When a feller gets r’iled he et ay most always the master o’ his tongue—at least ain't.’ > “Well, if you must fight you must, I suppose. But why need youkill him?—just wound him for in- stance.” “Might do that, it’s true. But, mebbe he might blunder and plug it to me;—I wouldn’t want to go down without salivatin’ him!” “Oh! he'll not hit you, never fear. He fired six times at a buzzard, once, and then missed it, You won’t kill him, then?” “No, not if you don’t wish me to.” AN right; see that you keep your word. Now, ood-by,”’ and away she flitted back to the hotel, followed by Ben’s iring gaze. “That gal’s a trump!’’ he muttered, as he strolled on. “Pretty, intelligent, refined and good-hearted; not much like her rascally brother, durn him!’’ Major Fawdon came out of the hotel, just as Stella ran up the steps, her cheeks aglow and eyes spark- ne. “You've been out in the street talking with that young nee, and publicly disgracing me!” he cried, savagely. “He’s no more of a ruffian than you are, sir!” flashed Stella, with spirit. “You might be glad if you were one tithe as good as he, even!” “ Humph!” the major’s sneer expressed his opin- ion of the scout, better than words. “ He’s a young ruffian, and a blackleg. I’ve warn- ed youto keep away from him; you” after, or I'll lock you in yourroom, Where did you meet him, girl?” “ None of your business, sir. If you came here to scold, you may talk to some one else than to me!” And with the imperious aaa of a queen the girl moved into the hotel, leaving the major to himself. With a muttered oath, he sauntered down to the ola where he had given Buffalo Ben the chal- enge. Quite a crowd had collected here, for the news of the coming duel had spread rapidly. Some were discussing this, and others the escape of Deadwood Dick and his men. It seems that when Old Roxly and his men had come down to the old cabin, they had found the guards lying upon the ground, bound and gagged, Surmises were made that some of Deadwood Dick’s uncaptured band had done this work, and then had been frightened off before they could effect the escape of those inside. Prominent among those gathered at the duel- ‘ound, was that uncouth and eccentric individual j aan Potato Gulch, who called himself Old Rattle- snake. z In his element was he, now, and he capered about like a frisky dog, overjoyed at the return of its mas- ter. “ Hayr cums the red-nosed galoot what says he can lick Buffalo Ben-jam-in!’ the miner cried, direct- ing general attention to the major, as he approach- ed. “Oh! Eliza, my blushing primrose, whar art thou, now? Luck at thet ossifer, will ye, pilerinss obsarve what a dangerous-lookin’ galoot he be! Luck at thet ar’ pistle—oh! *Lizy! fain’t thet a pomp- ous pistle, now? An’ he’s ther coon w’at they say seh elle my boyee—my bashful cherub, Ben-jam- in «Tg Buffalo Ben in be the mhader demanded, sweeping the grou) is piere' AZe. ~ ‘ ( Nix-cum-acrous!™ volunteered the Rattler, with a srimaces “ther boyee hain’t hayr, pilgrim, but he'll be hayr in time ter make mince-pies out 0’ sech mind, here-" 18 an ornery-lookin’ specimen 0’ a bull- as be you—bet yer four-buttoned kids on that.” ; The crowd laughed heey at the miner's speech, and ag distinguishable from their voices came another laugh—a wild, blood-curdling shriek of papa that made the surrounding rocks echo and re-echo, ‘By Heavens!” cried Old Roxly, the Regulator, who chanced f6 be present, ‘thet was Deadwi Dick’s laugh, boys, sure’s I’m a livin’ man!” : “Hang me ter a mulberry-tree ef it wasn’t!” as- sented another; and it was generally agreed that the laugh came from the lips of wood Dick, But no one had taken any notice from whence if came. Buffalo Ben was now seen Sppececting. and a cheer went up, for on short acquaintance he had al- Lie te aprime favorite among the who had seen him around Deadwood. He came up in a swinging, ares gait, and ran his eyes over the crowd until he sing ied out the major. “Well!” was his salutation, ‘‘ you’re on hand, 1 see! Hour’s up, ain’t it?” “Yes,” Fawdon replied, glancing at his gold watch. ‘Are you ready?” Pees reckon Lam, all except choosing a sec: ond.”’ “ Hyer’s yer Thomas K. Cat!” declared the man from Potato Gulch—‘I’m yer man, pilgrim, durn my old sow’s last litter of pigs, ef I ain't!” ‘You'll do as well as any, perhaps,” Ben agreed, “all you've to do is ter see fi aes done.” The major chose a gambler by the name of Reese; then the ground was paced off—twenty yards being the measure. Then the two took their places, facing each other; the seconds, and a counter, who was no less a per sonage than old Jack Fergueson, formed in line to one side, with drawn weapons. The crowd also as- sumed side positions, and most of them had drawn their weapons to enforce fair play. At the word: i7 18) ne 1% The weapons of the duelists were cocked and lev- eled, Both were handsome revolvers, ‘““Twol” cried Fergueson grimly. : “Oh! Eliza, my primrose!”’ whispered the Rattler shrilly—“ now’s yer time!’’ And then there was a breathless silenee, awaiting the fatal Three! CHAPTER VII. TORTURING A GIRL, “On! mercy, don’t, please don’t! Oh! help! help) for the love of God!” of f In a wild, piercing scream of despair rung out these words, emanating from one of a hun cabins that dotted the steep hillside above Dead wood. Then came a sound of a descending lash, and more piteons screams followed, in a purely fem: inine voice. A young man climbing up the hillside, without any apparent object, except to get a view of the sur- rounding country, heard the screams, and stopped. “A woman in difficulty!” he muttered, scanning the different abodes above and around him. “ Hang me if I know whether I'd better interfere, or not. Don’t like to hear a feller-mortal screech fer help, without givin’ ’em a lift; but who knows but what I — Se might git my fingers burnt fer my pains?” e listened again and heard the sound of heavy blows, and repetition of the pitiful sereams—screams of some woman in most excruciating ‘Ys > “Durned ef I can stand any more of thet music,” the listener said, moving rapidly toward a eabin from which he was positive came the sounds. make it hot work for somebody, or my name ain® area carbo aitnen Daeg at Ct _ up e door | n went, and gave @ imeck that made it tremble. és) “Sy s as

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16 No screams now came from the inside, but he could hear low, moaning groans, which he knew came from the victim of the punishment. There were, however, sounds of voices in stealthy conver- sation; then the demand was given in a coarse, gruff tone, yet undeniably a woman’s voice: “Who's thar?” . “You just hurry up and open the door, an’ you'll find out,” returned the wrestler, authorita- rey “Don’t be a month o’ Sundays about it, nei- ther. “Who be ye, an’ what d’ye want?” was again ! asked, after more inaudible conversation on the in- . _ get to give me a lift, Ha! side, ** You'll see when you open up.” To his surprise, the bars were shot back, and a moment later, Silver Sal stood upon the thresh- old. She uttered an oath as she saw the wrestler; she had seen him once before, by chance, at the Metro- politan. She would have retreated only Drayton’s revolver covered her heart. ‘Hold easy, ma’am!’’ the wrestler said, coolly. “T’ve got a little business ter transact wi’ you, so don’t be ina hurry. Who were you pounding, you bloated she-wretch?” Silver Sal gave vent to a forced laugh. “Oh! I see!” she said, Seors ae AtEe ys “vou have made a mistake. Them screeches- come SS ge door, whar old Yansley’s bin lickin’ his e. Just then groans were heard inside the room. “There! what d’ye say to that?” the wrestler de- manded, triumphantly, ‘Tell me that cum from Yansley’s, will ye?” “No, I won’t lie!” the woman answered, devoutly. *T despise a liar above all else. Mr. St. Elmo, will you come here, a minnit?”’ In answer, the wortby in question made his ap- Beecanke atthe door, beside the coarse figure of the ‘oss Gal. He would doubtless have drawn a pistol, only that Wrestling Walt warned him to desist, with a shake of his head. “Tet your shootin’-iron alone, Saint!’ he said. coolly, “or I'll ventilate you in the latest approve style. Don't imagine I can’t do it, fer my revolver is gazin’ at both of youl” 3 ‘**@urse you!”’ St. Elmo hissed, biting at his black toustache fiercely, F * Curse me as much as you please,” Walt rented, with a grin of delight; ‘‘fer thet’s all ye're able ter do at present. I know that you and this greasy wretch ar’ inter sum kind o’ villainy, an’ I’m goin’ ter know what. Ef you’ve been lickin’ sum poor girl thet’s in yer power, I’m a duck ef I don’t hev you strung up ter ther nearest tree.” *T don’t see what you’re goin’ to do!” St. Elmo retorted, sneeringly. “It will require your steady attention to watch us.” Oh! never you fear but what I'll make both ends meet,” Walt replied, perching himself upon a stump close at hand, without wavering his aim, ‘I most generally go through with what L undertake, * Some one ’ll come gions resently whom I can idn’t I tell you? Here comes a fellow now.” 4, man clad in full hunter’s costume was descend- ing trom toward the top of the mountain, and at a i Tig from Wrestling Walt he approached. t was the same iron-framed borderer who had ealled upon J. Aaron Wadsworth, and given his - name as Luke Ransom—or Lightning Luke. * Well, well hand!’’ he ex proached. “Think so! well, now, I don’t count two tricks a very full hand. Couldn't hold enny more at present, very conveniently, a ke ae shed say not. *at’s the row?” 2 t inside ‘that me feller, you seem ter hold a full imed, with a broad grin, as he ap- hese worthies have been floggin’ somebody ¢ ‘em out, an’ convinced ’em mv I there. I called it was best. for ’em to stand here pom i t Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. CURT ANE till sum one come along to investi gate.” WON petit ao yas “7 see about it,” Ransom said, striding toward the cabin. ‘Hold on!” Walt ordered, authoritatively; ‘not so fast, thar, if you please!” “How?” the borderer asked, looking back, “Don’t be so much in a hurry,” Drayton adyised “ Just bind these two wolves in men and wimmenS garb, an’ then we'll both take a look.” j Accordingly Lightning Luke produced some stout cord from his game-b: and securely bound the wrists of St. Elmo and Silver Sal together, } “Thar, now,” he said, with a laugh, “ye can tske a i Ries. down ter ther gulch ef yer like, an’ ax- hi 45 yerselves a vie Sed yp a, a “Sure enough; a-goin ee alt, an with the toe of his boot te ave St Elmo a startoff, and away went the strangely-assorted pair, howling back their threats. Sal was for staying near'to the cabin, and eens, a watch over it, but her un- amiable companion pulled her slong: down the hill, bent on finding some one kind enough to release him from his bonds. Wrestling Walt and Ransom now turned their at- tention to the cabin, after watching the prisoners go down the hill. On entering, they beheld a sight that caused them to involuntarily ery out in horror—to hide their eyes to keep out the terrible sight. Lying upon the floor, weltering in little pools of blood—blood that had gushed from cruel wounds upon her body, was a young girl, of seventeen, or thereabouts, in a state nearly akin to nudeness, for her dress was torn down to her waist. On her back were bloody welts and gashes that had been made by an ugly rawhide whip, which lay upon the floor blood was smeared upon a face that was very pretty in feature; the hair was long and golden, and very heavy. She was lying in a state of semi-insensibility; she did not seem to know of the presence of the two men, yet she groaned in a low, pitiful manner. “This is awful!” exclaimed Wrestling Walt, shud - Goring: “Tt’s ly for the poor thing’s persecutors that knew nothing of the enormity of their a for ’d have shot them down without hesita- ion.” “And served ’em right,” a, Ransom, ‘ But come; let’s gt the gal ont of this difficulty; ugh! 1 hate to tech her, fer fear it will hurt her.” “What shall we do wi’ her?” the wrestler asked, perplexedly. *‘Hanged if I’m much of a nurse fer wimmen kind.” “Leave me ter *tend ter that part,” responded Ransom. ‘I’m sum’at of'a nurse meself, We'll just kerry the gal up ter a cave about a mile anes here; that’s whar I hold out, and she'll be safe. “Very well,” assented Walt. He was glad enough to have the borderman take the responsibility from his shoulders. ‘Let’s get to work before that old she-cat and St. Elmo come baek upon us.” They tenderly raised the maiden from the floor, and while Drayton held her up in an be y= posi- tion, Luke Ransom washed and dressed her wounds with care and skill. Her torn dress was then re- adjusted, and she was made more comfortable. ‘etween them the two men carried her out of the cabin, and up the mountain-side, far above where civilization encroached with its canvas and wooden abodes. Here was a large fissure or open- ing in the crags, which led into a cave of moderate — dimensions. A fire was burning, which gave the surroundings something of a cheerful appearance. A few blan- kets, a rude bench or table, and a couple of camp- — stools comprised the furniture. “There!” exclaimed Ransom, as the girl was. laid what there is about this matter, rin’t right perty, now, fer one o’ her size,’ t upon the blankets. ‘Now, we’ll fetch her to, an see ef she

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} Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. 19 “Tt agree with you,” the wrestler Teplied, admir- ingly. ‘‘Somewhere I've seen a face that reminds 4 of this, and hair, too, alike, but I cannot now tell where.” The blood was washed from the face, thereby en- hancing its rare beauty, and the hair combed out; then Ransom poured a smali Pherae f of liquor i the pale lips from a k that he car- ried. The effect was satisfactory, for ina few moments the poor thing gavea ‘gasp, and opened her eyes, staring about her in evident affright. ‘Don’t be skeered, miss’’ Luke said, gently. “Ye're in safe hands now, an’ ye needn ’t be afeard o’ our w'ippin’ you; eh, is “No; we’re your friends!” replied Walt, earnest- “How do you feel?” “Sore, oh, so very lame and sore,’’ moaned the girl, *‘ My back seems perfectly raw, and my head aches terribly.” ““No wonder; them brutes nigh *bout killed you, cae hia ef they didn’t. War the woman yer mo- er?’ i “Ugh! no; [haveno mother nor father—only a brother, of my same age, and God only knows where he is now. 1 have not seen him for a year. The wo- man stole me from him and the fur-trader’s home where we lived, and brought me to this place. She tried to make me dance in a whisky-hell, but I wouldn't, and she beat me without mercy; but, thank God, I was strong enough to hold my own, until to-day, when ane eee a bad man to hold me, while she flogged me with a cruel whip!” A ery of horror esca; honest e Ransom, nee alt Drayton uttered an oath under his reath, aed had never deemed St, Elmo such a base villain as this. Together they had visited various towns through the West, and wrestled” before large audiences; never on very intimate or friendly terms, yet Dray- ton had not cared so much about it, for he perceived » that St. Elmo was of a grim, taciturn nature. But he had never counted him so great a villain. “Tl tend to this matter, lady,” he said. ‘If the woman an’ her companion don't suffer twice what you have suffered, why, I’m out of my mind.” “Thank you, sir; both of you are very kind, and T shall always feel eaitul toward you, Heaven alone knows what had been my fate had not you come and pounded at the door, for I was fast yield- ing to the torture.” * And do you feel any better now?” * Yes, my back does not pain me so much, though x ET ih apot be well, if k ti,” said will soon be well, if you keep et,” sai “Here you are safe, and Be ee) noth- ing. But you have not told us your name?” . “Thad forgotten, sir, it is Belle Jerome.” “Jerome? I’ve heard such a name, somewhere, What was your brother’s haridle?” “Ben, sir—Buffalo Ben, he was more generally called, because he wore a buffalo-skin suit.” “Buffalo Ben? Is it possible? Why, there is a fellow here in Deadwood who answers to that name and suit; and, come ;to think, he has golden hair like yours!” “Oh! that is my dear brother!” cried the girl, peiztiponing up wonderfully. ‘Are you sure he is ere?” “ Positive, for I saw him, not two hours ago, come out of a powder store, down in the gulch.” “Then, please go and find him, at once, and bring him here, will you?’ “Prudence would advise that I wait ’til night be- fore venturing out, for fear your enemies might be watching, and bring ee numbers to re- capture you. Then, you shall see him.” they waited for darkness; but before it came. there came something else that effectually prevented. the wrestler from eens tte little cabin on his mis- sion—something frigh' unexpected, f * CHAPTER IX. THE DUEL—IN PERIL, tien chere nace two chee, siete cana en there were two ing re} and a jet of flame lea; from each revolver mmaniostve sing of two leaden death-messengers was distinctly heard by the spectators, “My gold nuggit ag’in’ seventy million dollars, thet ther boyee ain’t hurt!” roared the man from Potato Guich,, ‘‘ Whoop ’em, Eliza Jane! who wants : ter bet—seventy million reds: nugeit?”’ ea All were electrified at the tofthe duel Buf. a Ben stood with folded arms, uninjured, un- unted, Major Fawdon's left wrist was shattered, and ones freely; and the i was uae loudly. ip my hand” he cried fiercely ; “I’m going to kill that young thief, next time!” **Oh! Eliza Jane!” howled Rattlesnake; ‘ will ye stand that, Buffler Ee a ware allow thet red-nosed Govynerment galoot ter yea clepto- mannyack? Oh! boyee! boyee! ye’ll never rise to ther idental cheer, ef ye allow a feller ter sling ~* ‘thief’ in yer face at this early stage. Don’t hurt so much arfter ye’re once elected ther fayther 0’ yer country; but, now, oh! Eliza, my purple-tinted prim- ; rose, I blush fer thee, I do, frum the very sole o’ my stogy boots!” i “Bind up my hand, I say, somebody!” againecried the major, inarage. ‘The next time Pl—” “Git salted worse ’n what you did this time!” fin- ished Ben, coolly; ‘so I should advise you to stop before you go too far.” : **Oh! you can crow as much as you please, curse you!” Fawdon returned, savagely. “It’s your life or mine, now!’ “Allright; I’m satisfied if you are. I judge Tecan fix you out in fine style, with one more shot.” ‘“Hurra! three cheers fer ther Star-jangled Span- ner!’ roared he from Potato Gulch, executing a creditable highland fling, in the middle of the space allotted to the duelists. ‘‘ My gold nuggit ag’in’ sev- enty trillion, thet Buffler Ben wins the race wi'out __ reakin’. He's a thorough-bred stallion, ar’ Ben, craw! away frum yonder — from you, or you'll be sorry. aston: me down, pave long: mule— er—” the ground. ; “Whoop ’em up! Eliza Jane!’ sung the min victoriously. ‘* Thet’s ther kind uy a Thomas K. Cat Iam. Did ye hear me me-e-eow?” ae The major was assisted to his feet by a couplewho sympathized with him in his troubles. His clothes were dirtied, one foot was wet, pes projected in to the sluice, and his left eye was swollen shut. —__ A ripple of laughter ran through the crowd, as they looked at him. One would have said thathe was badly whipped, at a first glance; but such was — not the case. : “Where is Buffalo Ben?” he demanded, gazing around with his one useful eye. “Oh! Eliza!” murmured Rattlesnake, with a grim- ace—‘* I thort he war about ter ask fer me.” ; “ Buffalo Ben is here!” the youth replied, from — precisely the same spot where he had stood when he wounded his antagonist. ‘‘If you ain’t satisfied yit, why, come ter time at_onc’t, and I'll feed ye.” tet _ “Yes,” said old Jack Fergueson, impatiently; “ef ye want any more, major, come ter bizness; time’? money, aowadays, you know.” ys

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ee you have been hurt.” | 18 “Sech bein’ ther case, hyer’s a me-e-owin’ Thom- as K. Cat as would like to swop off a few hours o’ time each day, fer a big allowance of filky lucre!” the man from Potato Gulch announced gravely. . 3 The major got one of the crowd to bind up his wrist. It was excessively painful, but his honor was at stake, and he was determined to wreak vengeance on the cool youth, who stood smilingly looking on— the golden-haired paure seout, who was hourly win- ning eclagn opinions from the rude, honest mining element. The wrist bandaged, the major toed the mark, arevolver cocked in his right hand, which trembled perceptibly as it came to bear, | “ Now, gentlemen, do fer Heaving’s sake make yer pellets count, this time; no more o’ yer tender-heart- edness, or I’ll throw up the sponge!” Fergueson cried, peremptorily. “I'll say one, two, three an’ away she goes, an’I want ye to sock et ter each other fer kill, D’ye hear?’ “We do!” replied Ben, slipping a loaded cartridge in the place of ths exploded one. ‘‘ We’re ready, now, so go ahead wi’ yer Centenyal clam-bake.” “Ar ye ready, major?” “ Perfectly,” was the mechanical response, Ar’ ye ready, Ben-jam-in?” queried the man from Potato Gulch, anxiously. : “Perfectly,” assured Ben with a grin. “Very well; we'll pice ter business,”’ Fergueson announced. “* One/” Up came the revolvers to a dead level, Ben was cool, self-possessed, fearless. Major Fawdon was pale and nervous; his hand trembled so much that it was with difficulty he could keep anything of an atm upon his adversary’s heart, “ WO add “Thyeef and away she goes!” cried Fergueson, rapidly. Pwo flames leaped from the steel tubes, and then the major uttered a yell of pain. This time a bul- jet had shattered his right hand, tearing one finger out of joint. Truly this was wonderful marksman- ship; and applause was given without limit. Ben stooped and picked up a long lock of golden- hair that Fawdon’s bullet had clip of his head, without drawing bloo: “Pretty close shave!” he remarked, with a grim smile; ‘‘they say a miss ar’ good’s a mile, however, What ails the major? Got a stomachful, eh?” “ Have he?” roared the Potato-gulchian. ‘ Reckon so. Whoop ’em nip. Eliza, blushin’ primrose; thel’s ther kind ov shoo! in’ I luv ter see. Plug; ed et ter him jes’s hansum as ary mortil man ked do, an not half try!” on The major swore roundly, and shook his injured right fist at Buffalo Ben btm s you!” he cried, his face livid with hate. “Tl be even with you, yet, or my name ain’t George Fawdon. Even though you have disabled me, there ar’ men in Deadwood who'll work for money, and whom you won’t trifle with. Remem- bhi ed from one side ‘And then the vanquished duelist turned, and left the spot, followed by a taunting laugh from young Jerome, and also, another laugh from some un- known source—the terrible, chilling laugh of Dead- wood Dick—wild, mocking, awful! 5 But no one knew whither it came; yet a suspicion was naturally aroused, that, in deep disguise, the dare-devil road-agent chief was in their midst! Among a hundred men how could one man be singled out as the distinguished Richard? or Fawdon returned to his hotel, and as he ran up the steps Stella came out to meet him. “Oh! George!” she exclaimed, her eyes dilating, “Ruined for life!’ he swore, holding Ce in e for wagely. “Ourse that boy; ’ have ie aa you you'd get the worst of it!” was her 1 h 4 . ~ At mountaing Buffalo Bon, the Prince of the Pistol. offered consolation. “If I had not exacted a prom ise from him, he would have killed you.” After the duel, Buffalo Ben sauntered off toward the heart of the town, while the crowd dispersed in several directions. Every where were little knots of miners and citi- zens, excitedly discussing the news that had spread like wildfire through the place, concerning the es- oe of Deadwood Dick and his men, s he proceeded the young scout saw a Regulator approaching, w his suit of buffalo-skin, in which he had always taken so much pride. But he said nothing, for he did not care to have the Regula- tors remember that it was he whom they had cap. tured as a road-agent Spy. In passing the hotel where Fawdon stop Stella motioning to him from’ an upper waited till she joined him on the ste, “ You nearly killed George,” was salutation, “Oh! no; a dozen such wounds would not kill him,” Ben assured, witha smile. ‘ fe mad, isn't he?” ‘Mad? that’s no name for it. You have crippled him, and he'll spend every cent he is worth but what he'll see you put under the turf. Beware of assas: sins hereafter.” “Yes, Tl keep an eye open in the back of my head. Reckon they'll hev to git up in the mornin’ to circumvent me, tho’!’” “You ars too confident. Some time you will get struck, when off your guard.” *“ Which I never am,” was the reply. -* Here—do you want this?” He held up the long golden curl which Fawdon’s | bullet had clipped from his head—a soft silken ring- ng ng any man might be proud to wear, and sorry 0 lose. Stella seized it with a delighted little cry, and kiss- ed it fondly—then blushed in confusion at her bold ness. ‘“Where did you—how—when—” she began. “Tt was shot from the side of my head,” he said, smiling. rh your amiable brother.” Gi My brother!” she exclaimed, evidently astonish ed. ‘What do you mean?” “Tmean that your brother, Major Fawdon, shot the lock away during our duel.” ‘*Ha! ha! a good joke. aa Fawdon my brother? I smupeoned you knew better than that, Mr. Jerome.” ‘Then you deny that he is your brother?” “Certainly, He is my guardian.” “* And your name is—” é “Stella Wadsworth!” * Wadsworth /” Buffalo Ben stared at her curious ly. “Humph! Pll bet a coon-skin roe tryin" ter shet my eye up. Hither you ain’t Wadsworth, or else the major ain’t Fawdon; fer it’s plain enough that you two are brother and sister.” “Some persons always make mistakes!” the gir retorted, with a toss of “her head. Just then the report of a pistol-shot rung out, and a bullet whizzed by, unpleasantly near to Jerome’s head. Involuniarily he raised his eyes toward the upper windows of the hotel, and beheld the sullen face of Major Fawdon withdraw from view. “Who fired that shot?” Stella demanded, grincing about in alarm. “Major Fawdon was amusing himself ata little target practice,” Ben coolly replied, nodding up- ward. “Judge I’d best get out of range before he sepa in hitting me. See you again, sometime. c) , he saw ndow, and Ter reproachful “Yes, of course. I will keep this lock of next to my heart,” with an earnest look. day.” *Good-day;” and then Ben went on up the street Toward night he came upon the shanty of ‘“‘ Mask. Maude,” the fortune-teller. The door was open, and the mysterious proprie tress was standing upon the threshold breathing the perfume-laden breeze that swept down from the your hair * Good-

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Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. i¢ She started as she saw the young revolver-shot, then came forward and extended one faultless white hand, saying in a voice of peculiar sweetness, which Ben‘thought he had heard somewhere once before: **Good-evening, sir. Nice outside.” “Yes, delightful,’ Ben replied, wondering what ‘was:to come next, “Been into the Metropolitan?” “No; what’s going on there?” *Couldn’t say. Do you play cards?” “Sometimes, for amusement.” * And money, too, I dare a “Rarely. Never had much luck.” “Come inside, and have a game.” “No, [thank you. Don’t hev no appetite fer cards just at present.’ “Bah!” with a merry laugh; *‘ you’re suspicious— afraid of me, a woman!” “That’s a lie!” Ben areas bluntly. “Hi me if I ever saw that female I war ‘fraid of yet. Don’t care for cards, though.” ; “Well, let them go, then; but come in and have a social chat.” * Ain’t in no mood fer social chats!’ was the re- joinder. Ben didn’t half-like this fortune-teller’s soft, persuasive tones. “Can’t help it; you must come in!” was what came next. “Must I? Like ter see the critter that can make me do it,” and out came a revolver, full cocking with an ominous click, “‘ Now go in, lemons.” Masked Maude uttered a low laugh and retreated into the shanty, closing the door after her. Then Buffalo Ben went on up the gulch, wondering more than ever over the mysteries of Deadwood. As the shadows of night fell over the golden me- tropolis, the crowds in the streets became denser, pes consequently, business livelier. Work was over for the day, and play had gust begun. Grim, dirty miners came trudging in from the claims; pick- pockets and dark-browed desperadoes stood on the watch for victims to insnare. ’ Inside the Metropolitan Saloon was the usual crowd of adventurers and ge ih sera of Dead- wood’s population—a mass of humanity, the faces of which would have been a study for Nast or any other facial artist. Among the audience was Buffalo Ben, sauntering _ idly around, endeavoring to pass away an evening by, watching the sports of others. And soon he was destined a take a hand himself. One of the crowd, and no less a man than ex- - Lieutenant Fred Audley, of Deadwood Dick’s band, walked pixpight ae to the young scout, and slapped him on the shoulder. ‘‘Here, Roxly!” he eried to the Regulator chief, who stood a few yards off, ‘ this Rene galoot can tell ye where Deadwood Dick is. Nab him, and make him tell what he knows.” “Leave go your hold,” said Ben coolly. ‘‘I reckon you don’t mear me, stranger; I know nuthin’ o’ Deadwood Dick!” : “Ho! ho!’ the traitor road-agent laughed mock- ingly; “ye can’t lie to me, my boy. saw you ta in Ww > the prince up in ther gulch this after- noon. “In that case I shall hold ye!” said the captain of ' Regulators, age “Hallo!” cried the Regulator who had taken pos- session of Ben’s buffalo-costume; “‘ thet’s the spy we caught who got off wi’ the road-agents. See! he’s goon my togs, and I’m one buffler-skin suit better oO “Right!” Roxly assented. ‘We've caught our bird, this time. Give up your weapons, young fel- ‘Jn this fashion!” Ben cried, drawing and cocking a revolver in each hand. ‘Now, come along, you _ galoots as want ter take me!’ | And as if in answer to his cuales, a pistol report im, Ba tae h the room, and Fred Audley dropped in his tr: df \ \ CHAPTER X. DEFENSE ONE OF NATURE’S OWN LAWS. isi DEapwoop ied ee Fata the crowd ve on volun , and then they glared around, as if — of Behold a : in fear of beholding his dread re standing before them. But if Ri was in the room, he was so cleverly disguised as to defy recognition, Buffalo Ben had been almost in the act of laying for the ex-lieutenant, but this friendly bullet had epee tie work; he therefore turned to Roxly, who with his Regulators was standing near, dum- founded, for the time Ses “Thar, pilgrims!” said Ben, coolly, “ye see what that feller got fer his supper. He war a traitor to Deadwood Dick’s gang, and got well paid for his treachery.” “T b’lieve my soul you shot him yerself; an’? ‘shouldn’t much ones ef you be of Deadwood Dick’s gang!” Roxly cried. “Get out!” Ben laughed heartily at the idea. Petes no road-agent cuss; you can bet yer ducats on “Tsay you are, an' I’m goin’ ter arrest an’ lynch you wi'out delay. Boys, seize the little cuss!” “Hold!” alo Ben cried, his voice ringing out clearly through the room—‘thold! you das tard hounds, and hear me out. I am not a road-agent; swear it. Last night I was captured by Deadwood Dick’s men, just before you gave them chase, I was forced to accompany them into the ravine; I volun- teered to reconnoiter, and you captured me. When the road-agent made a rush from the cabin, I did not go with them.” * An’ we're going {phang you higher than Haman!" eried Old Roxly. ‘ -agent or no rosea ye war workin’ fer the interests 0’ Deadwood Dick, 80 ye’re bound to wear a hemp collar. Boys—” “Hold!” Buffalo Ben again cried, his eyes gleam: ing. “I have explained ali. Keep off, if you valuc life, for rather than submit to Judge Lynch, I'll wade through blood so sure as my name is Ben Jerome, Now, then, gentlemen, do as you think best!"’” There was a momentary pause; an intense silence bia the great crowd that swarmed arcund steod on their guard waiting the issue. : “Seize him!” cried Roxly; then in a body a dozen of his Regulaten rushed upon the young scout. © Crack! bang! went his revolvers, the ning of one shot being succeeded by another—the bullets reach- ing their mark with deadly accuracy. Down vent one after another of the Regulators, and still the young Prince of the Pistol stood his ground, his lips set firm, his eyes flashing. But this could not lant, tad pl Bc Pte the Spe atone ii e an a rom ly, they swarmed aroun e ho! ant took him a prisoner. He was bound hand and foot and ged. Then they bore him back to that lonely old cabin-prison, where he had once before spent the night. : Into this cabin he was rudely tumbled, an& the key turned as him, while Old Roxly and sereral of his men kept watch on the outs’ de, bousd to — avert an escape this time, Let us return to the cave, where we left Wn stling Yel and his companions, Lightning Luke an¢ Belie¢ erome, The shadows of eve were just beginning t& grow thick down in the gulch, when an explosion og arreé — —a terrible shock that made the very moupteix tremble. It was all over in a momenf, and then our friendy beheld, to their horror, what damage had been done Huge rocks choked up the entrance to the cavern, shuiting out light, and shutting in the three. “By heaven!” Wrestling Walt cried, as he gaze@ at bis two companions—“ we’re done for ow, sure. — What! do you think—” te “Thet it war the work o’ them’ as _ we tuk the gab from. They war pee mad, when we jovr'w ‘em off down the an’ swore bloody VP BetICe, $o1 giv’ ’em the credit 0’ this fob. And I'm afeard, a

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» ( "was not 7 against it, - to budge ’em an inch.” “men proceeded to work, resolved to effect an escape -home with a will, for, should this fail, Walt knew ‘ a a a burning brand from the fire, and lit the “upon Deadwood soi} and enforced certain laws, dn fly- “ Here comes cpa pe that’s a blessed thing,” - Bung out a Regulator, “* vers. 20 Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. he added, “we can never remove these rocks, in ther Lord’s world, except by powder, and thet ’d hardly fetch ’em—at least, thar ain’t enough in our crowd an cloak stepped in among the road-agent hum Ts. ‘Hello! a gal, by thunder!” the chief ejaculated in apparent astonishment. ‘‘ Whatever fetehed ye *way out here all alone by yerself, sweety?” “None of tes insolence, sir,”’ the girl replied, drawing herself up, sag ete “Use no endearin; epithets tome. Iam Major Fawdon’s ward, sir, an I come to beg of you to release Buffalo Ben, who of **T don’t know about that. I’ve got a hundred and fifty cartridges, or over; and besides, here’s half a pound of giant powder 1 found on the street. to-day, Al ether, we might squeeze out a pound 0’ the “Well, we can try; but thar’s no use o’ bein’ in a hurry. No doubt our enemies ‘ll keep an eye hyer- bouts, fer a day or so; an’ ef our plan should suc- via they’d stand ready to salivate us when we cum out, agents. “So. ‘ miss, but we can’t obleege ye—orful pity, too, fer I’m a widower, myself, an’ nary purtier gal did ever I see in thes ‘ere country.” “There you are again!” Stella cried, angrily, “Please answer my questions, and avoid your ex- ressions of admiration, Why won’t you release uffalo Ben?” “Rasy enuff ans’ered, ma’am. He’s a cuss as war caught in aidin’ Deadwood Dick, an’ thet made him A couple of torches were ignited and thrust into piches in the wall, and their blaze lighted the cavern In every part. e fire, too, was replenished, and preparations made for a long sojourn in the rocky mountain prison. Luckily, Ransom had just that morning killed a ea which promised to furnish food for some days come. After a venison supper, all felt in more cheerful spirits, Belle, especially, brightening up wonderful- ly. She was vacious, intelligent, good-hearted, and fairly educated, and made a very pleasant com- panion. After awhile all dropped asleep, and so remained until day-dawn, the aia 4 light finding its way in through the few cracks in the entrance. hat day passed slowly enough, and when night once again settled down over the mountain, the two biggest preacher in the world. So we're goin’ ter ee up terdry inthe mornin’.” | “Oh! no! no! you must not!” cried the young wo- man, beginning to cry. ‘* You must not!” “But we shall!” Roxly declared, grimly, ‘an’ alt the snivelin’ an’ cat-waulin’ ye can crowd inter twenty-four hours o’ time won't change our mind on’t. Why, gal, he salivated half o’ my crew up ter the Metropolitan, right straight along, an’ Jaid some on ’em out fer a jerny along Salt river.” “Yes, I heard so,” was the faint reply, ‘‘and aoe the pity he didn’t finish you at the same ime!’ ) This with intense bitterness of tone. Then she turned back toward Deadwood, and the Regulators were left to themselves. “Twas thinkin’!”’ observed the chief, after they were once more alone— why not take the young cuss out an’ hev ther satisfaction o’ swingin’ him to ourselves? After he’s dead no one ’ll trouble us about how he went off.” “*Good!” chimed in all of the men, eagerly, “ Let’s string him up, now.” It was evident they were anxious to have the job done with. ‘Well, so be it, then,” assented Roxly, a murder- ous light in his eyes. ‘Get a rope some 0’ you. Hyer’s a tree right handy. Fetch out the rascal.” he cabin door was burst open, and Buffalo Ben was iy a out into the night, ‘In under the tree that was be his gallows, he was made to stand erect while the noose was adjusted about his neek. from their drear prison, at all hazards. h carried a revolver. These were fully loaded, then the remainder of their cartridges were opened —two bundred, in all—and their contents mixed with the half a pound of giant powder that Walt had found, thereby making quite a eb A hole in the main rock that blocked the passage afforded a place for the charge, and it was rammed that they were doomed. A fuse connected with heh (tht and after all was in readiness, and Belle had been stationed at the ;rear of the cavern out of reach of harm, Ransom 6! A few seconds would tell whether they were to be yo) - forever, until death came, live in this prison rocks, \ No doubt Buffalo Ben would have been lynched immediately, had the matter been left to the Regu- Jators, for he had slain or wounded several of them in that fight in the bar-room. . But the Government had lately planted a firm foot CHAPTER XI, A COMPACT—-BETRAYED—PERIL, making it neeessary for even the Regulators to give a prisoner a hearing before the summary justice of hanging to the nearest tree. Toward midnight the vicinity of the prison was de- ‘serted, and, despite their bravest efforts, a feeling of apprehension attacked the guards; even Old Roxly tle for name or high position; he never participated or took interest in politics, and had few friends and little influence among his fellow-men, except what he chose to purchase with his wealth. Not a relative had he in the wide world, near enough of kin to fall heir to his possessions, should he succeed in effectually removing these children of the woman whose very memory he hated. “And I will remove them,”’ this human fiend re- solved, ‘‘ and also this girl whom Fawdon is t iz ** What the de’il is ther matter wi’ me?” he growl- ed ffly. ‘*Sumhow I feel as skeery as an old colt fiy-t time.” fa mule even ’d cum ‘long, then hunt up the others. Bill Burk is the man to do the job, and I think I can now trust the fellow.” And the millionaire left the hotel in search of Burk —Lucifer in search of Satan esters, wale. ware heard hing swiftl ‘ootsteps, truly, were heard approac’ s oes ri the Banka of the. Srieheai alanipes could be obtained of the comer. It was evidently a ; be hod the steps were light, quick, elastic. He first visited the Tabernacle, and scanned the _ The Regulators of one accord cocked their revol- | sea of faces here, but the giant ruffian was not there, The “ Metropolitan’’ was next entered with like result. _ "Who comes thar?” hailed Roxly, graffly. “‘ Who es csi“ lw Valine tins Mua a an’ what d’ye want?” _ ; “T’m a woman, so fear not!’’ replied a clear, Sweet voice, and then a slight figure, enveloped in & man’s we ter suit his tastes. Hello! here’s: . + Spey SL uke all men is innocent of association with the road- — a road-agent in our eyes, no matter ef he be ther . : Unurxn most men, J. Aaron Wadsworth cared lit ; to Palin off on tome. Ill have her put aside, first, an Bill,” he muttered. “Something of a stil lower or: der would bet his the

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Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. ‘Slop Bucket.’ That savors more of finding him,” and into this, the vilest den in Deadwood went the searcher, ee Sure enough he found Burk, sitting at a beer- table in a drunken sleep and looking as if he had been through any amount of bar-room trouble. No doubt he had been making free use of the money he had lately received for his murderous job six- teen years ago. 5 “Hey! wake up!” Wadsworth exclaimed, shaking him by the shoulder, roughly, ‘ What are you do- ing here?” g What’s the matter wi’ you?” growled the ruffian, laring about savagely, his bloodshot eyes half swol- yon shut, and his face flushed and bloated. “What dye want?” ‘How much money have you left?’ demanded Wadsworth, feeling bis way carefully. “‘Nary a copper!” Burk grunted, rather sorrow- fully. ‘‘Reckon I bought tarant'ler fer the most part_o’ et.” : “Do you want more?” “On courseI do! Goin’ ter fork over a couple of thousan’?” and ‘out reached the ruffian’s hands, ea- ger to clutch the aed “No you don’t,”’ Wadsworth said, with provoking coolness. ‘If you want mvure money you've got to work for it; do you hear? Not another farthing will Lever give you till you do a certain job for me, and do it thoroughly, too,”’ x Burk stared in a drunken way; shut up one eye so that he would not bebold two J. Aaron Wadsworths standing before him, instead of one. “Some more dirty work ye want ter git onter my hands, eh?” he questioned, sleepily. + ‘More bloody work!” the millionaire corrected, with a heartless laugh. Then he ordered a bottle of brandy, and a couple of glasses. aE “Help yourself, William, while we talk busi- ness,” he said, seating himself opposite the ruffian. iv ' Nothing like a little dampness added to a transac- on,” And Bill Burk was not slow to help himself, pour- ing out a brimming glass of the raw poison, and Re ping it down in a draught. Then he stared at adsworth, waiting for him to proceed. The millionaire was drumming on the table ina ‘thoughtful manner, his brows knitted together in a dark scowl. “Tt’s another woman I want put out of the way,” he said at last, addressing his blear-eyed auditor, *an’ TI want you to do the job.” “ Waal, I’m agreeable, pervidin’ thar’s any money ; > in it.” 1 “Of course, Pll pay you, but you must first get rid of the girl. .1’ll'give you a thousand dollars fo put her six feet under ground. Fair, ain’t it?” “Git out! Two thousan’ ‘d hardly be a decent offer,” the ruffian growled. ‘‘'Sides, ye’ll hev to cum down wi’ yer rhino afore I'll lift a finger!” * hen I'll give the job to some other tough,” Wadsworth declared, decidedly, while he made a feint to rise. ‘‘There’s plenty of desperate cusses who will jump atthe chance.” _ “ Just hold yer horses!” Burk said, eagerly, “I'll take the job at a thousan’, an’ ye can pay me arter a gal’s acorpuss. Whar’vel got tersteer ter find er? “Not out of Deadwood, She is here, ecu at the same hote] I do. Her name is Stella, You see, Major Fawdon has set her up as one of my wife’s ehildren—an heir to my estates; so I want to remove er.’ “ Major Fawdon?” : * Yes: do you know anything of the fellow?” and the inquirer grew execited. | : ~“Not much, Met him up in Helena four years ~ ago, when his company war stationed there. Used ter take a smile wi’ him him occasionally; that’s ” ig. ices “And enough, too. It accounts for his know sight an’ hearin’, an’ am a-goin ter blow yer 21 ledge of this heirship business; he then laid his “The gal is—”? ‘*His sister, no doubt. But I = her decently buried, however. After you one with the job, call on me for your pay. nd, though, lam in lee & to be mentioned in connection with the 4 ‘ “©? course aot, Mister Wadsworth. Sail ahead, an’ be a-countin’ out yer rhino, fer Ishall be along soon. Then the monster took his de congratulat ing himself on his success thus oo ig . t fo NRE 1 . That night, while Stella was returning from her midnight visit to the cabin prison of Buffalo Ben, she suddenly found herself confronted by the be form of a man in a gloomy portion of the gule road. She could see nothing of his face for the intense darkness, but in stature he was avery giant. ** Slow up ma’am!” was the rough salutation, and Stella trembled with fearand apprehension. ‘ Bein’t hs eae Fawdon, eh? w’at Bufiler Ben, be shinin’ up se y do you ask, sir? What right have you to stop a woman in this manner? Let me pass.” “Oh! no, ye don’t do noffin’ 0’ the kind! I axed yea fair pean ty didn’t I? an’ now ye ve got ter give me a fair ans’er—durn my head, ef ye hain’t!” “Yes, Tam Stella; so let me go—I’m in a hurry.” * Ye aire, aire-ye? Waal, now, I ain’t; so just be aisy ef ye can. I ain’t goin’ ter hurt a ha’r 0° yer fs pate; but after ye‘ans’er me a few questions, *m goin’ ter take ye straight to Buffler Ben, who wants to see ye." ; ‘* What! do you come from him?” aS. aon I don’t come frum no one else, ef I know myself.’ * But Ben is im risoned ina cabin, back here, and “He war, you mean to say. But he ain’t now, : Regulators don’t know nothin’ about ercise individual as “ An’ did yer see ther Regulators?” “ Yes. ” “ Purty gallus set 0’ coons, hey? Burn ‘em, they nigh about puta punctuation p’int inter me, w’en Ihelped Ben out o’ ther ¢himbley, Want ter go an’ see the boyee, ma’am?”’ : “Yes, if you will take me to him,” Stella replied eagerly, and without a shadow of suspicion. ** Wheres e is “Not fur, miss; you just foller me, an’ we'll soon come ter whar he’s hidin’.” “Then he is a fugitive?” “Reckon so; “ll hev ter fight mighty shy, after salivatin’ them Regs.” So saying, the giant led the way into a dark, deep ravine that branched off from the main gulch. The path was rough and tortuous, and it was with some —_ misgiving that the girl followed. Fully two miles were traveled in silence—itseemed ten instead of two to Stella—when the guide paused and faced abruptly about, a cocked revolver in his and. 2 ee “Thar, miss!" he said, with a brutal laugh, ““we’ve gone furenough, Buffalo Ben ain’t here—probably never was.” ee * What!” Stella gasped in horror. ““You—” _ “ Hev fooled you nicely!’ finished Bill Burk, with a hoarse laugh, ‘‘T fetehed you out hyer out o”

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Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. out, an’ put ye six feet under groun’, How do that fit yer ijees, my pretty?” There were a few seconds of breathless suspense to those in the little mountain cave, as the fuse slow- ly burned nearer and nearer to the powder; then came a blinding flash, a tremendous report and shock, and out of the mouth of the passage shot the great bowlder, and down the declivitous mountain- side. All ran to the entrance through the pace dark- ness and watched the great mass of stone in its mad flight. Down! down! down it bounded in plant vaya pausing at nothing, but crushing all in 3 path, “Blehe below, in its course, stood a miner’s frame shanty. Os By Heaven! it’s good-by to that caboose!’’ Walt cried, and in the next breath the stone monster struck the obstacle with irresistible fury, literally overwhelming it. Fortunately, the miner was ab- sent. The cave was a prison no longer, and the three ar- ranged at once to leave the place for one of ter safety, but first resolved to hunt up Buffalo Ben, in deference to the girl’s eager wishes, So Luke pee arepast in short order out of the juicy flesh of the deer. Then Drayton made ready to descend the mountain into Deadwood, whose twinkling lights were visible far below. ‘Keep shady, and let no one in here, “less they give my signal, which shall be’’—and here the wrestler lowered his voice —‘‘ two hoots of an owl.” “All right,” replied Ransom, “go ‘long wi’ yer mele cates an’ come back as soon as you can.”’ rayton then took his departure, and Luke and Belle were left alone in the cave. After a little while Luke proposed that Belle should lie down for the night, while he remained awake, for it was not policy to leave the cave un- ed. She did so, and, after covering up the re, Luke took a seat near it, and relapsed intoa deep reverie, : But he was soon aroused by the sharp report of a pistol, and a bullet whizzed unpleasantly near to his xead, Enemies were upon them! CHAPTER XIl. ROAD-AGENTS TO THE RESCUE. “ Youxe feller, hev yer sed yer prayers?” Old Roxly asked. as he adjusted the noose about the neck of Buffalo Ben, “fer ef you hain’t I’ advise you to be sayin’ ’em, instanter, fer we’re a-goin’ ter trot ye before yer Master, at er rattlin’ Ye hev five minnits, yit; improve ‘em best ye kin.” Jerome had never been brought up religiously ; _ from early childhood his lot had been cast among a rough, unbelieving set, who paid but little heed to either the laws of God or man. Still, he had picked up some e@ucation—learn that there was an All-wise Ruler, to whom the sinful and wicked must at last look for salvation; he had, from his sister Belle, learned a simple liftle prayer, and this he now silently offered to heaven—not for the power to es- cape, but that God might have mercy on his erring, sinful soul. Then he looked up, a fearless expression upon his ‘ace. He could nof speak for we Be that was fastened in his mouth, but the of his eyes spoke his defiance. “Waal, aire ye ready?” demanded the chief, ea- ger to proceed with the execution. “Git reddy, b’yees!” the Regulator cried, and the éther end of the rope was swung over a limb, and seized by a dozeDxhands Jt drew tight about Ben's, neck, and he rea “ed that be was about to be sent - into eternity. “All right. Go ahead—one! two! three! heave O01” cried Roxly; then there was a corresponding ery from the Regulators, and the young scout was the next instant dangling in mid-air. But, it was reat on etal ight air the sha: f ut upon the still night air rung the sharp ping o a@ number of rifles; the rope was severed aed Ben dropped to the earth again; while at the same time be of the would-be executioners fell dead in their racks. Then came wild shouts as ascore of horsemen, headed by the terrible Black Rider, whose very name was a terror in the town of Deadwood, came dashing up with drawn revolvers, Crack! crack! went these deadliest of small wea- Pons, Hie firing coming from both road-agents and wlators. “At them, Night-Hawks!” rung out the order of Deadwood Dick, as he fired right and left-—‘ at them, and don’t let a mother’s son escape. Treach: ery merits death, an’ we'll give it to em!” And fiercely. wae the battle; but, ones the a posing party fought like devils, they rapidly weak- ened, and at last Old Roxly gave the order to scat. ter. 7 And scatter they did, and took back into Dead: wood a tale of horror—a shock that aroused the populace toa pitch of frenzy, nearly bordering on madness. Buffalo Ben, upon falling to the ground, found that the thongs about his ankles had broken, and his lower extremities were free. For a moment he did not know how to act, but when the road-agents dashed up he leaped away into the darkness, and struck out blindly. Ben had no idea where to strike for in the dense blackness of the night. He well knew it would be unsafe to show himself in Deadwood right away, after shooting the Regula- tors, as well as having the brand of a road-agent upon his head, No, he must hide somewhere in the surrounding hills, and allow the matter to blow over. With this determination he started off, cautiously, now and then pausing to listen to the sounds of the battle of the road-agents and the Regulators, “Humph! Deadwood Dick don’t bear them fel- lows no love!” he muttered. “He’s got a grudge against ’em, an’ he’s bound to wipe it all out, sooner or later.” ss Ben worked his way carefully along through the ich, going from instead of toward Deadwood. He ept on the alert, and yet despite this caution he ran plump up x Peres a horse, which was standing like an immovable statuein his path—a large, power- fu) gray animal, upon whose back was mounted a Ee young and beautiful, as was evident at a. glance. It was also apparent the strange rider had halted in this lonely spot to listen to the firing that came from the neighborhood of the old cabin. Ben leaped back with a grunt, inaudible on account of the gag still in his mouth. The young horsewoman held a gleaming revolver “ bee right hand, and its muzzle pointed toward his eart, ““Who are you?” she demanded, suspiciously. Of course ‘he could not reply. All he could do was step closer, in hopes that his interlocuter would discover his predicament. “Come!” she said, sternly, “ain't you going te answer me?”’ Then, as she leaned forward, she saw that he was gagged, and his hands bound securely behind his ack, “Hal you can’t speak, eh?” she exclaimed. “I thought you were trying me,” She drew a long, glittering knife from the siiken sash that encircled her waist, and applied. its keen edge to the gag-string. \ ; Tt fell to the ground, and Ben was free #9 -peak once more, “Thank you!” he said, gratefully. also free my arms, if you please.” Je “But I don’t please, just yet,” was the cool reply, _ “sou may

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* Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. “Your tongue cannot do me any personal injury— with you feee it might be different.” seas 6 you need not fear. Iam not a bloodthirst; gavage!” and Ben laughed. ‘“I’d be a miserable cuss, indeed, to attack a friend, and that frienda roman, s *MaybelI ain’t your friend, now, so don’t eount your chickens before they’re hatched!” was the calm advice. ‘‘ What is your handle, stranger?” “Buffalo Benjamin Jerome!” the scout replied, dry . _‘* And yours—”? AS Leone Harris. I am the wife of Deadwood ick!” “Phew!” This’ was astonishing news for Ben. “‘ Deadwood Dick's wife, eh?” 4 he ayes sir, 4am Jed to understand that you know m? _ “Ob! yes, #lightly,” Ben couldn’t hao if he was proud of the acquaintance, or not. “He has done me several 00d turns.” “Sof ITheard him mention your name. Is he in that fight, Jown there, now?” ‘He was, when I sloped; for, you see, the Regula- tors were going to string me up, when he and his fellers came along. I was unarmed,so I concluded it was best to make myself seldom around there, But, I want you to tellme one thing: how did Dick escape /rom the cabin, last night?” “Tholped him, With part of the band I captured the Regulators, and bound them. One of the men went down the chimney, into the cabin, then, and eut your bonds. Dick and he came out, then; Dick said Jet the rest of you remain in there, for he hada plan Tor your rescue. But as it happened, you all escaped ere he could put his plan into execution!” The firing had now ceased; it was at this period that the Regulators had made a rush and rte we * PIL cué your arms free,” said Leone, “and then He does not know that I oin my husband. him.” ‘o and ‘ollowe: » She suited action to the word, and then Ben was once more entirely free. “T ain't got et in my power ter thank you, enough!” he said, humbly. “No thanks are required, sir,” the young wife of Deadwood Dick replied. “To a friend it is always friendship, with us; to an enemy, always hatred!’ ““T believe ye. Love and hate ar’ two passions fase rule strongest among the population of the Black s. Leone bowed, and was about to guide her horse on down the gulch, when she seemed to recollect something. “ Will you see my husband?” she asked. “Dunno; mebbe, an’ mebbe not,” Ben replied, re- res. that he should have to keep shady. * Because your act at the Metropolitan has made ou an outlaw. You will not dare to show yourself. ould you not like to become a road-agent?” “No, siree!” was the emphatic answer. “That ain’t my cast o’ jib, at all,ma’am. Ef I’m an out- ) law, it’s on my own hook, an’ I'll look out fer num- ber_one, “Very well, ll not urge you, though I think you would be benefited. If, however, you should want _to see Deadwood Dick, at any time, or need any as- sistance, apply to the party whose directions you will find on this.” She handed him a card; then ene spurs to her norse and dashed down the gulch toward the old cabin, Buffalo Ben following her with his eyes until she was lost in the dense gloom of the night, “A strange couple—this Deadwood Dick and his wife,” he snigieres “What pleasure there can be in this hunted life, is beyond my comprehension,” He glanced at the card, but it was too dark for him to decipher what was written thereon. So he thrust it into an inside pocket of his hunting-shirt ‘and continued on his course down the gulch. He met seyeral miners coming in from some neighbor- ing claim, but took care not to let them see him; for eS | in the Black Hills after nightfall each man mispects the other of being a cnbthrost He had not gone far before he became aware that poopie were in the gulch ahead of him, He could ear their footsteps, Two at least, he decided, as he was able to distinguish the footfalls. “‘T wonder who can be out here so late? *Pears to me it don’t lopk just square. Hallo! hr SO) turned off into this ravine. Durned spookerish sort 0’ a place, an’ thet’s what’s queer about et. S’posen I war ter foller—what then? *Twouldn’t be ther furst time Ben Jerome’s trod a trail.” He quickened his footsteps so that he might get nearer to the mi ht pedestrians, but he at the same time doubled his caution, As the horror of her situation fully dawned upom the mind of Stella Wadsworth, she gave vent to a piercing shriek, that startled the mountain echoes, and then she turned to flee. But in an instant che was in the iron grasp of her merciless betrayer. “No ye don’t, my pretty bird!’ he chuckled, hold- ing. her as easily as he would have held a child, “Ye ain’t a-goin’ ter escape, nor nothin’ like et.” “Let me go, you horrible man!” Stella cried, trem- bling with affright. ‘Let me return to Deadwood,” and she burst into tears and sobs. “Oh! what haveI ever done to youthat you should want to injure me?’’ she moaned. “Only let me 0.” “Ye never did ennything ter me, any aw fl the (00) ruffian said, “never even so much as eyed at me. Ter thet I'll make affydavit.” “Then why do you threaten me? Why cross- did you bring me here?’ Bill Burk leaned against a tree and reflected a moment. Why could he not keep this peerless girl for himself, and tell Aaron Wadsworth that she was dead? He would never know. “Tl tell ye,” he said, glancing sharply around him. “I’'vemadeup my mind not to murder you, as I war hired ter do, but, instead, keep you fer myself. Vl take back hyer in the Hills, an’ ye shall become Mrs. Burk, jes’ ’es soon as I can run down a gospel-slifig- er. What say you?” Ed ut up her hands in horror. “Oh! force me to submit to such a fate!’ ee gal; don’t go fer ter rile me, fer I’m a double-j'inted cuss when I’m riled. I ain’t a-goin’ ter kill ye, nor nothin’ of ther sort, I’m jest in need o’ a purty wife, and you'll fit like a charm, cum ‘long wi’ ye, afore I hurt ye.” And, seizing her roughly by the wrist, the ruffian A continued on up the ravine, dragging her after him. But not a great way did he go ere he was compelled — to halt, for, seream after scream from the terrified girl’s ae awoke the mountain echoes, and he was alarmed lest they might attract attention, - ‘‘Curses on ye!’ he hissed, ina rage. “I'll st thet yowlin’;” and his knotted hand struck her a ¥ olent blow upon the forehead. As he had intended, it produced insensinility; then catching her up in his arms he hastened on up the gulch, his fears now ail aroused, Miners were everywhere in the hills, and — already more than one might be on his trail But Buffalo Ben was the only pursuer. He had heard the screams and rightly judging that there was foul play, he rushed on to_investigate, not even using | ‘ precaution to silence. He saw the giants ing on 7 en strides, and yet held him persistent: view. Ya Hola up, thar, you devil!” cried the ruffian, at last coming to a halt on the very brink of a yawni abyss—“ hold up! or by the Lord Harry, [ll make wolf-food outen ye!” And a revolver’s click! click! sounded plainly, showing that Bill Burk was gota to: die game. Of course Buffalo Ben halted; he was weapo and what could he do against an armed ‘‘ tough?” “4 i wih tagd Weal ie e ter an old hut I know on, ~ 1 me, then, a thousand times, rather than ing :

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= 24 Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. . -- a CHAPTER XII. CALAMITY JANE—DEFENSE. “Now, hold yer hosses steddy!’’ cried the ruffian, as he became aware that Ben had stopped. “Ef 72 eum a step closer, ’ll throw this gal over into the abyss in front o’ me; for as | fetched her out hyer ter murder her, this ar’ the boss place!” Ben groaned in an agony of spirit, powerless to rescue the captive woman; he must turn back and leave her to the ruffian’s mercy. But, hark!—a pistol-shot rung out on the air. There was a yell of mortal agony, fierce and terrible; then the great ruffian went down to the ground, an ugly bullet-hole in his temple. He carried poor, in- sensible Stella with him, but she received no injury aside from a slight shock, of which she was uncon- scious. Ben rushed forward to the spot. The ruffian lay where death had reached for him. A moment he zed at the lifeless corse; then he gathered a few ry twigs and ignited them into a blaze, that he might better view his surroundings. ‘ On either side the rugged walls rose to a stu- pendous hight, their summits crowned with spectral ines; ahead yawned a dark, awful abyss, whose ottom was hundreds of feet below; behind ran the gulch-ravine, in a serpentine course, the route over which Ben hadcome, The night’s darkness was, it seemed, doubly intense here in this isolated spot, and the scout shuddered as he gave a glance down into the fathomless depths of the ct ae on whose very brink Bill Burk had fallen in death. ‘*Ugh! that is a horrible place!” he muttered; and, drawing back, he turned his attention to the ruffian and his captive. A cry of astonishment and horror escaped his lips as he beheld the girl. “ By heaven! it is Stellal’’and the next instant the - golden-haired scout was kneeling beside her, an ex- ‘Deadwood, now. I met : she cut my bonds and ression of alarm upon his face. ‘*Oh! can it be nat she is dead? No! thank God, her heart still beats, and she lives! A blow here upon her fore- head has rendered her senseless,” Close at hand water dripped from a crevice in the ledge of rocks. Filling his hat Ben dashed it liber- ally into the girl’s face, then he bathed her forehead, and wet her lips with liquor from the ile-flask of vhe dead ruffian. The effect was gradual, yet cer- tain, and in a few moments Stella gave a convulsive shiver, and opened her eyes. For a moment she seemed dazed and bewildered; then she rose to her feet, and Ben supported her in his strong, young arms. -“*Thank heaven, I have escaped!” Stella mur- mured, with a terrified glance at the prostrate ruf- o killed him at—you here, Mr, Jer- ‘Who killed himy What— Mr, J out into the hills to escape Dead- “T was comin en Ll overheard your screams, and wood justice, w fave chase,” explained Ben. ‘‘ As to who killed that ugh, Iam in entire ignorance. The shot, however, eum along just in time, for I believe the cuss intend- ed to throw ye over into that hole.” “But, how came you here? I thought you were Imprisoned in the old cabin. I was there, and tried - to coax Roxly to release you, but it was no use.” “Deadwood Dick tiberated me. The Regulators took me out, and were going to hang me, after you left, when along came Dick, with his road-agents, an’ shop me down, an’ then bounced the Re; tors. Of course I sloped, for I ain’t safe to be seen in Dick’s wife on ther way, an’ gag. How did youcome to be in this touigh’s power? _ He stopped me when I was returning from the - eabin-prison!” exclaimed Stella, shuddering as she gazed at the stiffening corpse. ‘He told me you bad - sent him for me—that you were free, and he would eonduct meto you. Of course I came, under the cir- _ cumstances. Back yonder, when I first screamed, he ‘told me be had brought me out here to murder me!” i Ben stared at the ground thoughtfully for a few oments, eS 1 tn: ee “There is some underhand game hyer!” he said, his brows knitting perplexedly. ‘Who could have such a apie against you as to seek your life?”’ “ Ah! I cannot tell. I know of not an enemy on earth,’ was the reply. “Come, let us return to Deadwood.” “No!”’ Ben shook his head quickly. ‘“* Iam brand- ed as an outlaw, andit means death to go back now. I shall have to wait a few weeks, till things cool off.” “No need of that!” Stella declared, confidently, and she drew from the pocket of her dress a package done up in brown paper. “Here I have a disguise that I procured for you, which will pete hide Buffalo Ben from the world.” And undoing it, she held up to view a mus e, beard and wig, all of a dark-brown color, 2 “Just the thing!” was Ben’s appreciative com- ment, and he proceeded to don them, HORE: thoroughly disguising himself. ‘ Now, I reckon, ain't al feard ter go back ter Deadwood an’ face ther music. But after a short consultation it was decided sh Ben that they should remain where they were the following afternoon. This would give a chance for the excitement to partially blow over, and there would be less danger of detection. Accordingly preparations were made for the short sojourn. ‘Atter securing the arms of the lifeless Bill Burk, Ben pitched the body over into the abyss, and it went down! down! down! forever out of the sight of man; then he went to work and built a rousing fire, that lit 44 the camp with a cheery glow, and a genial warmth soon pervaded the chill air, “Td ruther camp out, any time, when thar’s lots of wood, water, deer-meat, and hostile Ingens on the tow,”’ observed Ben, seating himself near the blaze, ‘A hunk o’ deer’s hind leg wouldn’t come amiss just about now, considerin’ as I hain’t partook o’ any stummick nourishment lately.” ** Well. pilgrim, supposin’ we sharpen our teeth on a little, then!”’ proposed a cheery voice, and looking around, our friends beheld, to their astonishment, a oung individual standing close by, he evidently ving descended a rope which ran up the face of the ravine wall to a ledge above, and was there fast- ened to a rocky spur. A dashing-looking person, with smooth face, black, flashing eyes, and lo: hair, and attired in a faultless suit of buckskin, with dainty moccasins, and a slouch sombrero cocked upon one side of the head, ** Hello!” exclaimed Buffalo Ben, and also ejacu- lated Stella, for both had seen and heard of the per- sonage who had so unceremoniously descended Into their little camp. “ Calamity Jane, as I live!” “Reckon ‘tis, pilgrim!” and this wonderful girl in man’s garb came forward, extending.a to each of the two campers. ‘ Didn’t ‘spect to see me, did you?” and she gave vent to a strange laugh, really enlivening to hear. ' ‘“‘ Waal, no. Last I heerd o’ you, they had you at Shian fer pickin’ pockets!” was Ben’s matter-of-fact response. j “That report was a big lie!” Jane asserted. “I hevn’t bin outside the hills, ’cept over ter Bozeman, in a year. "Twas another cuss o' a gal that the Cheyenne constables nabbed."’ **Did you shoot the man who was carrying me off a while ago?” Stella asked. “Yes; ruther jedge I knocked sev’ral years out 0” his callendar,” replied the girl, nodding. ‘ War u above, an’ see’d as he meant ter annihilate ye; so put a fly in his ear.” ‘And done me a service,” said Ben, ‘I was un- armed, and like’s not the devil would ’a’ slung her over, but for your timely bullet.” After an hour more of desultory conversation, — Jane produced a piece of uncooked venison from an oil-cloth blanket, which was slung to ber back, and it_ was broiled over the glowing coals, furnishing, when done, a palatable repast, to which the trio did full justice. Se . tte stand guard while ‘Then Calamity volunteered to é

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owe Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. ~ Ben aud Stedla sought slumber and rest, which ar- rangement being perfected, the two lay down on separate couches of leaves, and dropped off into Sweet repose. ; Ben relieved Calamity a short time before day- break, but she was not sleepy, she said, so did not tie down. They remained in camp through the eh and started, about sunset, for Deadwood, at which place they arrived soon after dusk, tella was left at her hotel; then Ben and Calamity sauntered around to the ‘Tabernacle,’ and then to the ‘' Met,” to see what was going on. But all was quiet, save such little oecurrences as fights or quarrels, the larger class of which rarely attract attention among the crowd. Calamity sat down at one of the tables, but Ben continued to saunter around. A commotion at one end of the saloon attracted him, and going thither, he beheld a crowd of roughs gathered threateningly around a single man, Tt took but a glance to resognize that eccentric individual from Potato Gulch—‘‘the me-e-owing Thomas K. Cat”—the tonguey and ludicrously- homely Rattlesnake. But, for a wonder, the old fellow was not so tonguey now. Hestood with his back against the table; his face was an enigma to study, with its bushy red beard and variety of expression; its firm- ly set lips and flashing black orbs; then, too, the gleaming cocked revolver in either hand, ready for instant use, showed that he was at bay—a danger- ous man to deal with. The roushs around him also held weapons drawn; their faces, mirrors of their evil hearts, were stern and determined in expression. Plain it was that there was business ahead; yet, neither the roughs nor the miner moved to do bat- tle—it was a war of eyes. Ben glanced over his shoulder, anc saw that Ca- lJamity Jane had followed close behind him. Then Ben pushed ahead, his own—or rather Bill Burk’s—rey vivers out and cocked, ready for use. Soe through the crowd he elbowed, Calamity faithfully at his side, and put his back to the table, alongside the besieged miner. Things didn’t look quite so bad for Old Rattle- snake, just then. The uninvited bullet. that buzzed so close to the shagey head of Lightning Luke, announced that a crisis was at band. “Thunder!” mildly ejaculated the hunter; as he kicked aside the expiring fire, and seized Belle, who had been aroused to a sitting posture. He at once dragged her unceremoniously to the rear of the cave, and placed her behind a bowlder. The hunter also crouched low behind its shelter, and both he and his fair charge listenes. No sound came from the front; “way out through the entrance was visible a countless number of twinkling lights, which,came from the hill on the op- posite side of Deadwood gulch. “Do you think it was Silver Sal or St. Elmo, who fired the shot?” Belle asked, concernedly. “O’ course *twar one o’ their salutes!” Luke re- plied, his revolver conveniently leveled over the top of the protecting bowlder. % “O’ course et war! Durn their ornery pictures, they cum nigh a-sendin’ in my statistics, they did! Lucky I warn’t asleep, or they'd ’a’ lambasted me, re.) “The bullet nearly hit you, then?” E “Cum wi'in ther width uv an old maid’s lip o’ it, _dlarsted ef et didn’t! *Sh—!” Bang! went the bunter’s revolver, and so sudden was the report that Belle jumped in alarm. “What is the matter? hy did you fire?” “ Because I see’d suthin’ ter aim at, Harkee! dy’e hear thet?” _Aseries of groans emanated from near the mouth _ ef the cavern, — : hey _ ® You have killed some one !"* t ra | least bit o° good, Ih ther ni “Not much;—wouldn’t hear that much eakin, ef ther animile’s dead.” weceg ats The groans finally ceased; either the victim was — dead or insensible, or had so far recovered as to crawl away. “Do you see Sueiiey Belle asked, growing nervous and fidgety, at the hnnter’s deep silence. “Ah! what was that?” A noise it was, coming from within the cavern near the entrance—a noise as if some one had dis- turbed a loosened stone with their foot, “Some one’s got inside, arfter all,” said Luke, ranging. bis gaze around through thegloom. “ More’s likely it’s a dozen ’stead 0’ one—” Bang! bang! went his revolver at this finstant,: for his keen eye had caught a glimpse of a’moving sha: dow, and sight was to fire, with him. There was a sharp, piercing feminine shriek; then all was still, CHAPTER XIV, _ THE CONFLICT, . No, it did not look quite so bad for Old Rattle- snake, when two such wild, venturesome Shire as Buffalo Ben and Calamity Jane sided in with him; and it looked still more as if the roughs might have their hands full, when still another figure pushed ones the crowd, and ranged his six-shooter on the defensive—the handsome, stalwart wrestler. Walt, wth er coming into the saloon, an taking in the situation at a glance, had Mipwn vol- unteered his services. It was only after he was among the defenders, that the miner gave vent Io his views of the affair in words, where hitherto he had remained silent. ‘ . **Whoop ’em up, Eliza Jane!" was his initiatory ejaculation, while a grin of admiration for his points of defense, distorted his red-bewhiskered features, “ Blushin’est 0’ primroses, w’ar art thou, now? Oh! cum erlong ye ornery galoots, ef thar’s any fun in ye; prance rite up hyer, an’ stomp on the east eend 0’ our durned tails, will ye, and see’f we won’t me-e+ ow wuss nor any ‘Thomas K. Cats ye ever did see! Oh! cavortin’ lambs an’ bellerin’ buffleroes! wh, don’t ye pitch inter us ef yer want musick, an’ lic! a hull consterlashun o’ stars out 0’? us? We're ther kind 0’ meat ye’re s’archin’ fer, so ie sail in’ ther downright han’sumest ye ‘now how!” “Yes—cum along ef ye’re in a hurry ter explore ~ the mysteries o’ purgatory!” cried Calamity Jone, fearlessly, while the looks of Buffalo Ben and Wrest- ling Walt were as good as a guarantee that they were prepared, if not eager to take a hand in the im- — pending affray. But for some cause the roughs held aloof, Hither 2 they were waiting for Rattlesnake to strike first, or were fearful of the conseque:ces resulting from an open attack, Certain it was that the Cppcaiy party were a fairs ten quartette in themselves, a fact which did not escape the eyes of the fone In the interval Ben took opportunity the cause of the trouble. “What is the jig, anyhow?” he asked, watch: ing narrowly the sea of scowling faces, just Oppo: 8. ascertain — site. : “Matter?” grunted the miner, with a tremendous — yawn—" why, nuggit, an’ these durned galoots affirm it’s my duty ter tell’em whar I got it, which I don’t allow ar’ reason’ble; wharfore, I purpose ter say sha’n’t tell ’em, an’ they agree ter make a fust-class funeral out” o’ me ef I don’t unload, w’ich | won't, ef I get knock- ed inter ther middle o’ day behind ter-morrer Be , lantern-jawed, knock-need sons 0’ pot-ras’> ers! : One of the ‘‘ toughs ” now spoke: “It's no use 0’ you're givin’ us ¢ yer cs : way slang, old hoss, fer "taint goin’ ter do ye ther ame 0’ ther law an’ civi} arte ye see, I've got a sart’in twenty-ounce — That’s my caliber; so cum right elong, ye durned’ a us enny o’ yer castar—

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tights o’ ther constytoochin, we demand ter know Ww eye got thet big nugget frum?” s in ther name o’ Angel Gabriel, trumpet an’ all, Isw’ar I'll chaw my old dirty shirt fer terbacker afore I'll tell ye!” was the startling announcement of the miner. “Hurra!” applauded Calamity Jane, and the shout was taken up by a dozen or more sympathizing miners who instantly pushed through to our friend’s rescue, The toughs could no longer repress their desire for combat; besides, they saw that reinforcements were being constantly added to the enemy’s line. Hank Hurley, the ruffian leader, saw this, and a fierce oath ase oe his lips. “Aire ye goin’ to squeal out w’at we want ter know?” he demanded, hoarsely. “NO!” yelled the miner with emphasis, ‘‘ never! Ye kin baptize me in Salt River; ye kin scorch off ther soles o’ my feet; ye kin call me a squallin’ Thomas K. Cat, an’ even stomp on ny tail, an’ heer me me-e-ow; ye kin do all this—an’ more—but may I be eat up by Canadabulls, ef I tell whar frum com- eth this nugget o’ a’riferous!” “Then you’rea dead man!’’ was the reply, and quickly the outlaw ‘raised his revolver, and fired straight at the miner’s breast. But, not yet on the death-roll was he from the sa- cred precincts of Potato Gulch, Stagger he could not help, for the ball tore through a fleshy part of his side, making a painful wound; but what cared he for such atrifling scratch? In his years of life 4e had received many a tough encounter with leaden death; still he lived; and now he leaped for- eet toward his enemies, calling his backers after im. “Cum erlong, daisies, an’ we’ll make these barkin’ coyotes hunt their howtel in less time ’n it takes May ter chase December round ther North pole. Hurra! cock-a-doodle-doo-o-o! Sweep ther varmin from ther face o’ Terence Firma! Banish ’em as St. Patrick O’Hoolahan banished ther toadstools frum Connettyeut! Oh! Eliza Jane, show us yer caliber, now, ef ever ye did!” And “ Eliza’s caliber’ appeared to be somewhat immense, for right and left swung the miner’s her- culean arms, and his revolvers flashed incessantly, never a bullet missing its mark; while down went the ruffiaus thick and fast under the destructive fire of those few brave and dauntiless spirits who had volunteered their aid. Yet the ruffians fought like devils, bound to win the victory, and there is no telling but what they might have succeeded had not, when the tide was ust about on the turning point, a wild, blood-curd- ing yell of eldritch laughter rung loudly and echoed and re-echoed through the great saloon—a yell that was known to nearly every ear—the terrible token of the presence of Deadw Dick! No one knew whence came the laugh of the young road-agent; there was no time for conjecture, in the din of the raging conflict; yet, certain it was that in dee ieee Deadwood Dick stood within the walls of the Metropolitan, and this very thought added strength and vigor to our little band, and inch by inch they drove back the roughs, continuing the deadly fire, until but half a dozen of the original erowd was left; and with howls of rage, they turned and fied, leaving Old Rattlesnake and the others vic- tors of the bloody ground. Four of the volunteers had been killed, and all more or less wounded. Buffalo Ben was severely wounded in the legs, which rendered him unfit to walk, He had fallen among the dead and dying, ate as the defeated toughs beat an ignominious re- treat. During the conflict he had been lucky enough to _ keep on his false wig and beard. And that prevented his aus recognized by the miners, who crowded around. Calamity Jane, however, was in the secret of his restler. disguise, and she knew with a woman’s instinct that | _ “ Pard!” he said, huskily, “you have done me the Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. ‘ oor he must be removed, before discovery of his identi. ty was made. “Do you know Buffalo Ben?” she said, addr: the Potato-gulchian, in an undertone, careful not to let a words reach other ears. ‘*Do you know im?” * Do 1?” quoth the original ‘*‘ Thomas K. Cat,” with astare. ‘ Reckonso! Gay boyee is thet same Ben- jam-in, Oh! primroses, guess I know him; socked eternity inter a el o’ Reg’ laters, as han’sum as ever I see’d t’other evenin’.”’ “For which same job he is required ter amble about in disguise,’? announced Calamity. ‘“’Sh! don’t make a noise. See! thar helays, now, plugged full o’ metal pills—him as wears the beard and mou-etach. Come! we must git him out o’ here. Where shall we take him?” ““Next door but one!’ decided the miner, quickly, and Calamity noticed that a strange change came over his manner of speech. ‘‘ Here! you wrestler, help me a hand!” ‘ And poor Ben was raised between the two, and carried from the saloon, Jane close behind, support~ ing his head in her hands. earn ee to the shanty of Masked Maude, the for- tune-teller, the wounded youth was carried, and intn the front room, the Potato-gulchian seeming perfeci- ly familiar with the surroundings. The proprietress herself was absent, so Rattlesnake ae free to use whatever might add to the comfort of Ben. He was laid upon the cot bed, and the red-whis- kered miner made an inspection ot his body in search of wounds. Several were found upon his lower limbs, near the knee, none of which were of any ac- count except for inconvenience. One in the breast, near the region of the heart, however, was more dangerous. With a skillful hand Rattlesnake dressed the wounds; then leaving Wrestling Walt and Calamity es he went forth in search of the fortune: er. ‘ “Who is the chap, pard?” Drayton ventured to ask of Calamity, whom he mistook for one of his Own sex, on account of her garb. He had not yet learned that the wounded youth was other than one of the rough, grizzled miners, who had so generous- ly volunteered in the conflict. Calamity was about to reply, when Ben raised himself upon his elbow. “Take off this false-hair, will you, some one?” he asked, his voice trembling. He was hs weak rio a great loss of blood, and his head ached ter- Calamity quickly relieved him of the wig, beard and mustache, and the handsome, golden-haired scout looked like himself once more, except that his | face was very white. “By Jove! you are Buffalo Ben!” Drayton cried, in astonishment, coming forward to the bedside. Yes, lam Buffalo Ben. Why? you do not know me—or, I don’t you, ’cept as a wrestler!” Your name is not so obscure here in Deadwood,” replied Walt, with a smile. ‘‘ Yes, I know you, by” sight. In fact,I was just hunting for you, when » the saloon jamboree attracted my attention.” a Hunting for me?” Ben livened upa little at this, How 8 that? why were you hunting for me?” a You have a sister, have you not?” A sister!” The young prince of the pistol sat straight upright in bed, unmindful that his wounds ee afresh at each move. “‘ What do you know of ,. very: little, pard, except that 1 had the pleasure © rescuin’ her from a female wretch they call Silver Sal. With the aid of a miner, I carried her up to a cave on the mountain, and hereIlam in search of you, by her orders.’’ en gave a whoop of joy that took away all Ne a of his suffering, and put his hand in that of the w:

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Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. 27 reatest favor man could do me—have dene what I 1ave been endeavoring to do for the last year, name- ly, rescue my sister from a terrible captivity. lshall never know how to be grateful enougk—” Here the youth ceased speaking; his head swam. a strange fog came before his eyes, and he fell back senseless upon the couch. . He had overdone, and it was full an hour before he regained his senses. Then there was a strange look about his eyes and lips, that one does not like to behold on a sick person. Calamity observed it first, and called Drayton’s attention to it. “Tt don’t look right,” she said, with a compression of the lips. “I don’t like it.” “Do you think—” began the wrestler, but she mo- tioned for him to be silent. The young scout lay in a sort of trance; his lips moved, and the two words he uttered were scarce audible: ; ef Alice! Bél’e!” “Tis sister and sweetheart!” said Calamity, com- prehending. ‘They had best be fetched, fer—” “Kor what?” “Yor Buffalo Ben is sinking fast toward the grave!” was the reply. “Do you know where his sweetheart is, and who she is?’ “Yes; her name is Stella. We left her not two HOU ago, at the Centennial Hotel, where she stops.” “Then I will go for her, and then for Miss Jer- ome,” decided Walt. ‘As you say, it looks asif the boy’s.a-goin’ fast.” e borrowed a few cartridges and loaded his re- volver; then went out into the night. But a few wore had he gone, when he met a woman, hurrying swiftly along as though in haste. “Yon are Masked Maude!” Wult said, positively, stopping her. He saw that her face was masked, indeed, and that her attire was very rich. ‘* Well!” she cried, sharply, “ what of it?” “A good deal. Did a red-whiskered miner, Old Rattlesnake by name, send you?” ““Yes—why?” “Go on, then! Buffalo Ben is dying;” and the wrestler hurried on, leaving the fortune-teller star- ing after him. On the steps of the Centennial Hotel, Drayton came in contact with J. Aaron Wadsworth. “Hello!” he ejaculated, stepping back; ‘excuse me; but is there a young lady stopping here by the name of Stella?— Stella something-or-other; hanged if I know what!” with a laugh. ° The man of millions stared. “No, [think not!” he said. ‘‘She went anae last evening; Major Fawdon says he has seen nothing of ber sinc>.”” Major Fawdon came out as the millionaire was speaking. “Ah! here is Fawdon, now. Hey! major, sup- ose you've: heard nothing of Stella? A young man s here inquiring after her.” _*#h?” The major sauntered up, his eyes blood- shot, and breath smelling very strongly of whisky. His hands were also done up in slings, crippled and not for use, ‘Yes the girl came back, short time ago. Said a rough carried her off, and tried to murder her, but he got shot, and so she got free. What the deuce do you want, young fellow?” this to the wrestler, in a gruff, surly tone. “T have a message to deliver to the young lady they call Miss Stella!’ replied Walt, not at all admir- ing the major. oe then hand it over to me, and I'll see she gets it.” But Walt shook his head. It occurred to him that It might not be advisable to betray the whereabouts of Buffalo Ben. if then I must see the young lady in person,” was ereply. |. jj : = ak “3 . - “Hey? what?” The officer didn’t appear to quite Pa ae A ye CP ie Pe — a credit his hearing. with mey”? “No; I must give it to the one it’s intended for.” “Then, along with you; you can’t see her, D'ye hear?” rayton was about to turn away, when a slight, ae figure flitted out from the hall, and was at is side. “What is it? Why do you seek me?’ she de- manded, breathlessly. Walt glanced around. The major was striding savagely close; only time was given him to whisper: 6 1 ly tii him to whi “Buffalo Ben is dying. Masked Maude’s shanty, beyond Metropolitan Saloon.’’ Then he hurried ot toward the hillside, bound toward the cave. Stella turned and flew into the hotel, with a very” deathly-white face. Searcely two minutes elapsed ere she came forth, and s down the street, wearing a hat and water- proof. “Tl follow her!”’ said the major, with an oath, “and learn what’s the rumpus!” “You won't trust the message CHAPTER XV. BRINGING MATTERS TO A CLOSE, Wrestiing Watr strode swiftly through the town, and ascended the steep eastern hillside, which would have been envelo} in Stygian gloom, but for the lights gleaming brightly from many a miner's tent or shanty, The ascent of the hill was no easy matter. It was soneh and rocky, and in places covered with patches of briers. But Drayton kept on determinedly, and his efforts were at last rewarded by reaching the en- trance of the cavern, All was dark and silent within. In the passageway was a dead body. Drayton started violently as he stumbled over it. “ By Heaven! what has Sanpens ?” he ejaculated, striking a match, and holding it to the prostrate « man’s fa . “As I'ma live sucker, it’s St. Bimo!? It was indeed the professional wrestler, lying just where a bullet from the revolver of Lightning Luke had reached him, He was quite dead, and growing stiff as he lay there. yi “By thunder!” Drayton muttered. “this smells suspiciously that there’s been trouble here.” ‘ e stood for a moment, undecided whether to enter the black cavern or not. Might not Luke and Belle have been overpowered, and might not the enemy be lying in wait for him, ready to salivate him? These were the thoughts that flashed across the babes! eae but pe ee ores and a mo- ment later he advanced into the cavern. “Hello! Luke, are you there?” he called; then he listened for a zeply. tae There was a glad ery from the darkness, and nex’ came the voice of the big-hea: hunter: | i “Hello yerself! “Be that you, Wrestler? “Reckon’s me,” replied Walt. |“ Come out; what ye doin’ back there in the gloom, like a pair of fright- ened shesp?”” a “Bin hevin’ a funeral round these diggin’s,” re-- lied the hunte1, coming forward, Belle accompany- ng him, ‘Salivated two prowlers a bit ago; hed a notion to plug you, out yonder, when you lit the match, but thought I’d best wait an’ see. x ‘Thoughtful of you,” replied Walt, sarcastically, “T see PA LSS act light of Gerney through St. Elmo, out yonder, in approved style. A OSE, Einio? War et the. feller we hitched ter the fat gal, w’at I keeled over?” ; by The same. He’s deader’an a door nail.” “Score one p’int fer Ransom, then,” chuckled the _ hunter; ‘also anotler in ther bargain, fer I Spine ea fe a yell find another lifeless corpuss some’eres in ther dark hyer.” pe pe ei

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28 “Let's have a light and investigate, then. Who kicked the fire out—you?”’ “Shouldn't wonder. Too much glim war thare, so I doused it, tharby preventin’ ther enemy from shov- in’ their pepper too free.” = By groping around Wait found and succeeded in lighting a resinous pine knot, the flame of which dis- ae. lit up the cavern from one end to the other. A little way off from where the trio were standing lay the form of a woman, outstretched upon the ‘oor. It took but a glance to recognize the former cap- tress of Belle, the ugly and repulsive Silver Sal. She had run her race, and now lay silent in death. “Tis Silver Sal!” exclaimed Belle shuddering, as her mind reverted to the many beatings she had re- ceived at the bad creature’s hands. ‘‘ She is dead, and though she was cruel and merciless to me, I God to have mercy on her'soul.”’ Then she turned to Drayton, “*My brother, did you find him?” was the ques- tion, pagerly put, and her fair hand clasped his arm, hopeful ys “Yes, miss, I found Buffalo Ben,” was the wres- ‘tler’s hesitating reply, “ but it was in battle, in which I volunteered to take a part. He fell just when we had scattered the enemy. and is now lying very low tthe cabin of Maskéd Maude, the fortune-teller, a ‘ew doors from the Metropolitan saloon. I have come to take you to him. Belle grew ver irls would have fainted, but the lovely sister of Buffalo Ben con- trolled her emotion; and then followed Drayton and oe pe Luke from the cave. hey descended the hillside, to the shanty for- merly occupied by Silver Sal; here some wraps ae hastily secured for Belle, and then they hur- ied on. Walt had communicated his fears to Ransom; con- zeantly, both men were eager to reach the death- of the scout, where their services might be need- ed any moment. And ere long they were knocking at the door of the fortune teller’s abode; and werejquietly admitted by Masked Maude, in person. Belle ran quickly to the bedside of the dying scout, and. kneeling by his side, burst into a passionate fit of weeping. Just Paueatee her was Stella, stroking back the eee air, and sobbing ag if her heart would real At the foot of the bed stood a grave, clerical-look- ing gentleman, the army surgeon of the command then stationed in Deadwood. Oalamity occupied a position at the head of the _, bed, and was silent. “What change has there been? How is he, poor fellow?” asked Drayton, in a whisper, tears coming into his eyes, as he glanced at the pale, pained face on toe pillows, wreathed in its semi-framework of soft golden hair, --** You can see for yourself,” replied“the masked . fortune-teller, in a low tone. “He has lain as he now lies ever since I came. Surely there is every iniication that he is dying. Calamity summoned _ the surgeon; he says the case is bad, but does not pronounce it hopeless.” Both Walt and Ransom went and knelt by the bed- side.* The wrestler topk the youth’s hand in his and pressed it gently. F “Who do you want to see, Ben?” he asked, tender- ly, ‘Is there any one you want to come?” “Only twol” replied erome, in a scarcely audible _ tone—‘ only two.” “And they are—” - “Belle and Stella!” 4 _. “Then take comfort, for both are here. Rise, la- dies, that he may see you.” _ Both the girls rose to their feet, and bent over th loved the best. a th, for an expression + = > =f pale. Many one whom of all others the: seemed to recognize them Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. oe Suaeres Bes of radiant joy lighted up his pale face, and he with an effort held out a hand to each. : “T am so glad!" he gasped; then came a great volume of clotted blood from between tis lips, and he sunk back-in exhaustion. As he did so one of the sleeves of his hunting-shirt was pushed above to the shoulder, and on the arma name was indelibly tattooed. Luke Ransom was the only one to see this name, but it was a startling discovery to him. The name was Benjamin Wadsworth! Here. then, was one of the children of the murdered Elvira Wadsworth— one of the rightful heirs to the immense property of Aaron Wadsworth, the flend-father! His first action was to call the surgeon to one side, and hold a short consultation. “Ts thar enny hopes, doctor?” ‘Hardly, I think!” was the grave reply. “He is sinking very fast.”’ : Yas, that’s plain; but, doctor, you must raise him—you must, I tell ye. What amount 0’ spondu- lies ei cause you to put yer best fut for’ard in this case?”* The surgeon started, then smiled. “Well,” he said, reflectively, “‘now that you’ve asked me a fair question, lll give you a fair answer. One thousand dollars*worth of properly adminis: tered remedies would place the op in Tis saddle within a week.” Luke would have knocked the man down at an- _ other time; but now he felt that Buffalo Ben must recover at all hazards, no matter the cost. ; : “Go ahead, then,” he said simply. ‘As soon as ba is ready for the saddle, your fee shall be ready ‘or you. The surgeon pocentes with alacrity. A thousand dollars was not to be made every forty-eight hours. and he was positive he could raise this case, . He ordered all away from the bedside; then mixed medicines every few moments, and poured er between Ben’s lips, watching their effect nar- rowly. In the mean time Luke and Drayton kept watch ~ of the exterior surroundings of the cabin, for they were fearful that Major Fawdon would lead a osse of the Regulators down in search of Buffalo en. elk But morning dawned, and its rosy sunlight bathed the mountain tops in crimson and gold; yet no ene- mies had shown themselves. a Leaving Walt and the others at the shanty, Light- ning Luke set off uv the gulch for a stroll. He fad: ; an object in view, however, and it became manifest —_ ja he ran accidentally across J, Aaron Wads- worth, ‘ “Hello!” the scheming millionaire exclaimed, at once recognizing the hunter. *‘ You in Deadwood yet? T was in hopes I had seen the last of you.” * “Ye don’t say so!” Ransom re lied, evidently amazed. ‘‘ Waal, ye hain’t seen ther last 0’ me, that’s darned certain. i war jest lookin’ ye up. I want ye ter cum along wi’ me,” “* Where to?” ; “‘No matter whar; jest foller me, that’s all. I’ve got somethin’ ter show ye.” : Wadsworth hesitated. He was suspicious of this. Northwesterner; he did not kaow what trap might have been laid for him. Be “TI won't go!’ he declared. ‘You wish to waylay — and murder me!’ neds “Oh, no! I don’t wish ter do anything o’ the kind, I have found the children of Elvira Wadsworth, oe me your weapons, if you have any, and come long. i ree “T have none, I am unarmed.” AE ie “You lie! You have a revolver there in your hip pocket. Give et ter me Oe ce : ew The millionaire handed it over, with a dark scowl. Somehow he felt himself completely in this nunter’s. — ower. And, too, he eould not afford to be Snes learn if really these so-call rth were chil

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Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. There was a way to prove their identity that he knew of, that he supposed Ransom to be ignorant of. ‘Lead on,” he said, ‘‘I’m all impatience to see these progeny of mine,” with a sarcastic laugh. “7 suppose thay look like their villainous father, eh?” 0; like their murdered mother, I should say— light of complexion and hair.” ‘Yes, that corresponds somewhat with their mother’s description, Butjgo ahead, and give usa Wook at them!” Ransom led the way back toward the shanty of Masked Maude. There was a steely glitter in his eyes, which, if it had been observed by J. Aaron Wads- worth, might have caused that gentleman a feeling of uneasiness. ‘The shanty gained, Luke opened the door and en- tered, Wadsworth close at his heels. Inside, the hunter turned upon him. “Yon will permit me to bind your hands,”’ he said; nd he did the neatly, before the millionaire was scarce aware of it. : Buffalo Ben was sitting bolstered up on the bed, with more color in his cheeks, and a | mag © portion of life than he had ssed when Luke had gone forth. Belle sat by his side, with his hands in hers, and as they were thus near to each other, you saw the great resemblance between them. “There, Aaron Wadsworth!” Ransom said, point- ing to the twain, “are your children, whom you hired Bill Burk to murder, sixteen years ago, along with their mother—your lawfully wedded wife. Ha! Isee you recognize "em; ye see in them a great re- eele ayant to her whom you hounded down to Pat, The man of millions said nothing; only stood and stared with dilated eyes at the youth and maiden, who, knowing nothing of the matter, were at a loss vo comprehend the situation. His face was deathly white, and his form trembled like a shaken ¥ “Hal ha!’ the hunter continued, ‘‘see the fiend tremble. He knows an’ fears w’at’s a-comin’. My friends, et ar’ may purpose ter tell ye a short story, an’ ter you two, Miss Belle an’ Buffaler Ben, et ar of special interest. “Sixteen years ago, last winter, my old dad, Zeke Ransom, was over at Yocum, in Montana Territory, when he met a female wi’ two little babes in her arms, who appealed ter him fer protection, sayin’ as she war pursued by enemies an’ knew not w’ich way to turn. So, what should Ole Zeke do but tote them along home wi’ him, ’way out in the wilderness, beyond T'wenty-Mile Stretch. “ While the woman was there, a day or so, as nigh as I kin judge, she writ this ‘ere document,” and here the hunter pore the paper on which Elvira Wadsworth had left her confession—‘‘an’ my ole dad buried it in a cacheo’ peltries I had nigh the cabin, “Tn the followin’ spring I returned from a trap- in’ expedition, an’ found my dad’s body layin’ a ‘ew rodsonly from the cabin, whar he had been shot down, an’ in the open doorway o’ the same isolate home 0’? my boyhood, I also found the corpse 0’ a woman. ** Side by side I buried ’em, and when goin’ ter get my pelts out o’ ther cache I found this dockyment, whic war explanation, in a measure!” Here he sapped and all eyes involuntarily turned upon Aaron Wadsworth, for ev person present felt that he was connected with the crime, though none knew how closely. After a little pause, Ransom continued, his eyes fixed alternately upon the millionaire and Buffalo Nn. “t took the paper, and after long and hard study managed to decipher ets contents, fer et ar’, as ye see, written on terbaccy paper, wi’ a piece o’ plum- bago, What I read there, my friends, fired me with a determination to hunt down the man whose hand war at the bottom o’ this foul assassination, an bey. tho’ I wus, I set out on the trail, to avenge the deat: o’ my only living parent. hade abe ee 5 “Since then I have roamed about the world, and met with many adventures but feclin’ all the time I should some day meet the real murderer of my fa-~ ther—the human devil whose hands were dyed deep in the blood of his own wife. “‘And so it has turned out. I have encountered 6, at last, and vengeance shall be mine, “But first, let me read ter you the dockyment I found in my peltry cache—thet will explain things vethen, aoe a his. throat, Ligh Lu en, r cleanin; is at, ‘tni uke read from the contbusten: oe a3 m CHAPTER XVI. THE TELL-TALE DOCUMENT— CONCLUSION, | © To whom it may concern:— “This is the life history of Elvira Leamington Wadsworth. To begin with, over two years ago, T in secret wedded Aaron Wadsworth, a young mil- lionaire, whose vast estates joined those of my fa- ther’s. He ‘professed to love me, and I imagined I loved him,in return. ButI see now thatit was a mad delusion. ‘We were secretly married at his proposal, he not rae to make our pe public, for a year, dur- ing which time he said he hoped to effect a reconcil- iation of a i ae te that existed between my family and_his. tt for nine months we were se- cretly together, much of the time; he made me cost- ly presents, and we were ha; py-—at least, I was. “But, when my twin bal were born it, all changed, He seldom came to me, after my father drove me from my home, and I took refuge in a neighboring village, and when he did come, it was only to curse me, and abuse me and my darlings. At last his conduct became so brutal that I Srey desperate, and told him that if he did not publicly acknowledge me as his wife, and make me the mis- tress of his home, I would take the law into my own hands. Then he became worse than ever, and tried to kill me and my babes. “He hated me, he said, and swore that neither I nor my children should ever inherit or enjoy a farthing of his millions; he became so violent that I was afraid of him. -I dared hardly stir out of the doors for fear he would murder me. “T at last made up my mind to take my children and fly—I knew not, cared not, where, only 10 escape from his devilish persecutions. But he heard of my resolve, and forbade me to go, threatening to send agents after me, who would murder me and my babes, too. “This frightened me more than ever, and one night I took them, and fled forever from the home of my youth. I would have gone to my father, but he had forbidden my ever showing my face at his door, after the birth of my children an ery that I was the wife of his bitterest eis Thus it was that I was cast adrift upon t pitiless world. “T had money—money which I had saved out of enemy. ie cruel, what he had first recklessly squandered upon me, — and with this I paid my passage to New York, where ITendeavored to hide myself in_the great city. But not a week had before I became aware that I was being hunted down. ¢ ‘“My cruel husband had set upon my track one of the most notorious ruffians of the county we lived in—a desperate, cunning villain, who stopped at nothing to achieve his own ends, “This man, Bill Burk by name, had rallied around him a gang of kindred spirits, and they were on my _ trail, nosing me out, with murderous intent; learns ing which, left New York for Chicago. 3 ‘But, like the bloodhounds they were, they fol- lowed me thither, and again meceamty compelled me to flee before them, to escape death at their hands. I went to St. Louis, to Denver, to Salt ke City, and to many small towns in the West, but all to ne his discov.

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30 Prienoss, Like sleuth demons they followed. in my wake, “ &t last Iam here, in the home of an old hunter named Ransom, far in an isolated wilderness, but they will surely come. I feelitin my heart. And I ean gono further, My funds are nearly exhausted; besides, I have despaired of ever escaping them. Lam writing this and shall leave it where it will be found after I am dead. My babes—oh! God, I can- hot bear to think of them, My only hope is that they may escape, and inherit the fortune which is rightfully theirs, and which their fiend father would defraud them of. : “T leave this, in hopes that they may escape, and that the finder of this will hunt them up, and avenge my death, which I feel will be but a matter of a few hours. My children are named Benjamin and Mabel Wadsworth. On their arms above the elbow you —— will find their names indelibly tattooed. Ihadit done | in Aaron’s presence, the second week after my dar- lings’ birth. 1lalso leave rolled up with this docu- ment a certificate of my marriage, and also one of my babes’ birth, which will be all thatis required, to establish their rights as heirs of J. Aaron Wads- worth, their fiendish father, “Should this fall into the hands of Luke Ransom, whose father is now sheltering me beneath his hospitable roof, I pray and beg that said Luke will earnestly endeavor to discover whether or not my babes are dead; and if so, that he will go Hast and give this matter into the hands of the Jaw: if not, that he will find my children, and see them reared to a proper age, at which time they can push their law- 4ul claims of inheritance. “And may not only 1ay heirs, but may. Almighty God reward him for his services in their behalf, “And now I feel that my mission is as nearly com- plete as I can make it, “ Signed, Sileace reigned throughout the apartment, as Lightning Luke concluded reading; all eyes were eee upon the guilty man of millions, accus- ‘ngly. iy this is Aaron Wadsworth, the man whose fands are stained with the life-blood of our mother!” cried Buffalo Ben, his voice rising clear and stern, despite his deathly weakness—‘‘the inhuman hus- band and father, of whom we have just heard?” “The same,” declared Ransom. “Yerfather, my boyee an’ girl, who would even now murder you, were it in his pet w'ich et ain’t. By his agency died my old father—one 0’ the best trappers on the frontier; and by his son’s hand shall die Zeke Ransom’s murderer—for this is the man who is the real murderer. “ But [ hev a leetl2 more to add. Ifound thet aire » docyment, an’ learnt w’at I’ve told ye. Nowhere could I find a de’d babby}; so I concluded they war alive. I traced ’em inter an Injun camp, an’ seen *em sold ter an old fur-tvader, named Jesse Jerome, I knew him well, an’ knew they’d hev a good hum, So I went off, satisfied on thet subject. A short time after, I tried ter find where Jerome lived, but he had vamoosed his ranch, an’ pen*trated further inter the wilderness; tharfore | war discomflummixed! “T searched for him, off ’n’ on, fer all time sence, an’ less’u a year ago found him up nigh ther British line. But ter my bitter disappointment, I learned thet the gal hed turned up missin’, sev’ral months aes) an’ thet ther boyee hed gone in search 0’ er. “*T hev been looking for them ever since. For ten gears back I’ve hed a watch put on this Aaron Wads- worth, in his home at the East, an’ w’en I found he was comin’ ter Deadwood. I came also. AndT found him; and in Buffalo Ben and his sister I have found the children of the murdered Elvira, which nearly ends my mission, ‘Here, Bon, are the certificates and testimony; they insure you a fortune, and, I hope, a pleasan’ fature life. For my services in your behalf I crave Susy Oue favor,” : : iy Etyvrra L. Wapsworrs,” Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. ‘ * And what is that, Luke?” f “That you turn over ter me this base villain—your father!" “Hal” this was something unexpected. “I am surprised. What d’ye want o’ him?” ‘“*T want to use him,” was the hunter’s grim reply, “Ts he mine?” ‘Yes; take him forever from my sight, lest I kil? him myself, and thus avenge my mother’s death. Begone now, but come back presently, fer I would see you again|’’ cried Buffalo Ben. ‘htning Luke bowed, and then turned to Aarcn We worth, who, white as a sheet, stood trembling- ly by. ss ome I he said, sternly, “you’re mine now. Your life depends on yer obedience,” Then he left the shanty, the millionaire following him like a whipped cur. The young scout’s strength now returned so ra ce that when the following noon came he was able to leave his couch, supported on the arm of Wrest- ling Walt, who was as devoted as a brother, Stella and Belle were fast friends, but, even in their joy, all felt an uneasiness; even Masked Maude was not without apprehension, for they momentarily expected an attack from the Regulators, nd sure enough, about sunset a band of thirty or more, headed by Old Roxly, were seen approaches ing from up the gulch. were armed with re- peating rifles and pistols. From holes in the shanty wall the inmates watch ed the approach, “Tm atraid thar ‘Il hev ter be more blood spilt than ever!” said Drayton, ‘Major Fawdonhassent — ‘em hyer fer Buffalo Ben, but they sha’n't take him while I can pull a trigger.” “Brayo!"’ cried Masked Maude, with enthusiasm. “But, your attention a moment, my friends, while I make a disclosure that will doubtless astonish you, Feople call me Masked Maude, the fortune-teller. It is because they know menot, I assumed this (is. guise, and also, at different times, that of Ol Raltle- snake—the “ me-e-owin’ Thomas Cat,” to enable me te be in Deadwood without being recognized; but now, to you few assembled here, [ unmask, and you behold me as I am—Deadwood Dick, the road-agent.” And. tearing off the mask, and touching a spring in the back of the dress, the Prince of the Road stood disrobed of his feminine art but still in his suit of jetty black—handsome, fearless, dare-devil Dead: wood Dick, indeed. A general cry of astonishment peeled this revela, tion of the young outlaw, and his quiet laugh re assured them, iy “This is a surprise, eh? But we have no time to talk it over, now. Business is at hand, and business always comes before pieasure, with me. We must meet these Regulator dogs as they deserve; and punish ’em, too!’ Quickly he ran to the center of the floor, and pull ed up a trap-door thaé opened into a cellar, below then up into the room, to the further amazement o; all, poured two score of masked men, all of them road-agents, without doubt. “Every man to his loop-hole!” rung out the young chief’s order, and as many rifles as there were men, — were leveled at the approaching Regulators. Then Deadwood Dick flung open the door, and ts upon the threshold, fearless of danger or eath, “Regulators of Deadwood!” he cried, and his tones were stern and cold, ‘‘ you have at last made a blunder that places you in my power. In this shanty my whole force of road-agents are concen: trated—forty in all, and by ranging your eyes along the walls, you will perceive that as many rifles ars bearing upon you, with deadly aim. One word from me, and you are, for a most part, dead men. Bow. wishing no further warfare, I as ut and allow me and mine to quietly ae oT eRe st =o ‘Ou, ‘ou re 7 take our ae

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Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol. ‘com from Deadwood, or will you come on, and ‘orcs 29 to fight our way out?” “We will come on, and we'll take ye, or die in the attempt!” yelled Roxly, springing forward, and fir- ing at the breast of the young road-agent. ut % was his last shot. Loudly rung the rifle-reports of the road-agents, and down went two-thirds of the Regulators, either dead or dying. The rest turned and fled back to the Metropolitan, pl toy ae a body of several hundred Deadwoodites sallied forth to attack the shanty. But to their astonishment they saw the Prince of the Road and his band dashing away up the gulch, mounted upon their swift steeds, that had been con- ence in a shed .at the back of Masked Maude’s shanty. It was no use to follow in pursuit. Experience had gone to show that on horseback the daring knights of the road could not be taken. So they were allowed to go, and Deadwood’s or bee at breathed easier, when they had vanished from view. With them went Buffalo Ben, Wrestling Walt, Belle, Stella—who was resolved to link her fortunes with Ben—and Calamity Jane. Nothing was séen of Lightning Luke; so he was left behind, On the trail was encountered Leone, Deadwood Dick’s beauteous wife, and this made the little hand complete. To the outlaw stronghold on the mountain-top, in 0 depth of the Hills, they went, and there weleave em. After leaving the fortune-teller’s shanty, Sy eee, 3 Luke went with Wadsworth directly to the latter’s arlor in the Centennial Hotel, the door of whicn he took ag to lock, while the key he slipped into hig ocket. ; pe There!’ he said, an ominous glitter in his eyes, “we're now free from interruption!” “Yes,” the millionaire replied hoarsely, “we are alone. And what do you propose to do?’ “Twill show you,” the hunter said; then he left the room, locking the door after him. He, however, soon ‘haem bringing with him a pair of dueling- tols. 3 irst, he cut loose the millionaire’s bonds, and then handed him a pistol. “ Aaron Wadsworth,” he spoke, his tones cold and stern, ‘we'll now come ter a settlement. You are responsible fer the death of my father, an’ I want er life. If youcan take mine, however, all right. Reel ther clock on yonder mantle is about to strike. At the first stroke, we will fire!” Then up came the an and the two men waited. “One!” chimed the clock, and the flash of two pistols followed. Without a groan, Aaron Wads- worth fell to the floor—dead! Then Lightning Luke turned away. His mission was fulfill What shall we say in conclusion? After a week's rest at the stronghold of Deadwood Dick, during which time Ben fully recovered, he and Stella and Wrestling Walt and Belle, set out for Bozeman, which Sel they reached in safety, and there bade adieu to the Prince of the Road and his followers. At Bozeman there occurred two marriages, and the reader need not take long to guess who were the happy brides and bridegrooms. m Bozeman the newly-wedded quartet’ came East, and now our Buffalo Ben is engaged li prose- cuting his own and Mabel’s claims for inherrance; which, when they are duly recognized, will make vhem among the wealthiest of their State. ey they ever live happy and énjoy that which an @ek fa ther tried to cheat them out of! THS END. . é. : \ : rene" ‘ The Best Weekly of Popular, Entertaine ing and Useful Literature Pub- lished in America! Its Unrivaled €orps of Contributors, almost all of whom write ewclusinely for its publishers—embraces the following authors of world wide repnte— Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, Albert W. Aiken, Capt. Fred. Whittaker, rapt. Mark Wilton, Joseph E. ger, Jr., Edward L. Wheeler, Charles Morris, Oll Coomes, C, Dunning Clark, Buffalo Bill, White Beaver, Buckskin Sam, Major Dangerfield -Surr, T..C. ogg Philip S. Warne, Willian R. Eyster, orris, Launce Poyntz. Anthony P. Each and all of whom give to Brapir’s WrEkry their very best productions in all the varied flelds of Border and Wild West Romance— _ Adventure Exploration and Sport— City Life Character, Courts and Weys- Detective and ‘Shadow’ Revelations— Stories of the Great Deep, etc., ete o that each and every number is overflowin with reading of the most interesting and exciting nature; while in its Misr Departments, covering all the needs, and adding to the general interest and usefulness of the nae: journal, Beapie’s WEEELY is the paper of others fcr your weekly reading and entertainment, Beadle’s Weekly is Published at the Following Rates: For Four Months. . Singie Supplied by all Newsdealers. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PustisHenrs, 98 William street, New Yoriz, THE Sunnyside Library 1 Latta Rooxn. By Thomas Moore.....s.cess0. lie 2 Don Juan. By Lord Byron............. soscese DE 3 Parapise Lost, By John Milton. ....... ... 10¢e 4 Tap Lavy or THE Lake. By Sir Walter Scott.. 10c 5 Lucme. By Owen Meredith..................- 10¢ 6 Unping; or, THE WatTer-Sprrrr. From the German of Friederich De La Motte Fouque.. 19¢ ‘ For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postage paid on receipt of twelve ceuts for single numbers, double numbers twenty four cents. ADAMS, VICTOR #34? OO., 98 William street, New York. : ? oe RAL — se oe eA Baile’ Weekly je mere om bh

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Wo. 12. BEST AUTHORS. A CHOICE COLLECTION OF Beautiful Compositions | Carefully Compiled for SCHOOL, LYCEUM, PARLOR, AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENTS, =_——— BY FRANCES P. SULLIVAN, _ dssued Quarterly, June, 1886. Subscription, 50 Cents per Year. M. J. IVERS & CO.,, PUBLISHERS, Entered at the Post Office, Y. N., as second cliss matter. Ny Se feo See ee ca OM Ree aa Da AR ch IS TL 4 TEE

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Deadwood Dick e Library e Extracts from the New York Evening Sun. LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-GOLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest: TWO REMARKABLE HEROES. In only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a aovei statement when the faes is here recorded that litera- ture has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps move than one reader will bave to think a moment over this vemark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit strikes home, But it is mest essentally a half dime novel statement that 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 but 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- veal 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 AON ee * * * {it is but natural that their * * * should bear away the palm of popularity, andsuchas * * * be left far behind In the race, It can be easily believed, therefore, that the two Dicks are so firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature for 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 In the land, now knows 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 bmpenetrable mysteries. Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when th~ 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 set oe cevenscal thrills go thrilling away from Maine to Call ‘ornia, i There are the volumes each so crowded with thrills ang heart-tugs that it were madness to hope te do justice to them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be- tween them, To abandon the idea of giving a few extracts causes lm finite pain, but if once a start were made in that di tion, it would be cruel to The Mvening Sun's readers stop, and it is therefore better not to relate one single adventure. Suffice it to say that the stories are clean an@ wel written. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dic, the Prince of the Road 3 Tue Louble Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance 3 Th. Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol §% Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 8 Death-Face, the Detective 7 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 10 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger 1 Jim EN Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to Deat 42 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar 48 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter #8 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo iv rte Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Guleh 18 Idy], the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 90 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 81 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross ® Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief % Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty ™M Deadwood Dick as Detective % Gilt-Wdge Dick §% Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve W Chip, the Girl Sport 3% Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune ® Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 9 apcsiae Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s ule’ M Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base ® Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent ) 3% Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Beb’s Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 36 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 387 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of tre Sierrag 38 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 39 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Las Adventure 40 Deadwood Diek’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 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues 44 eee 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 eos. Sam’s Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anch 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 53 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, Deteetive; or, The Messenger Boy} Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dieck’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz: or, The Store-Detective’s Deco 63 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa fras Cit 64 Colorado Sharlie's Detective Dash; or, The Cat Kings ) M. J. [VERS & CO., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 379 Pearl Street. NEW YORK.

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NeW do GDF 3 #opyright 1878-1854, by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar, 15, 1808 THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. Cleveland, Ohio V ol. NF U 4 i thy BUFFALO BEN. ,

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wor . ae Deadwood, or will you come on, « 175 to fic ht our way_out?” et _* We will come on, and we'll take ye, or die in the attempt!” yelled Roxly, springing forward, and fir- at the breast of the young road-agent. - But ib was his last shot. Loudiy rung the rifle-reports of the road-agents, and down went two-thirds of the Regulators, either dead or dying. ; The rest turned and fled back to the Metropolitan, whereupon a body of several hundred Deadwoodites sallied forth to atteck the shanty, But to their astonishment they saw the Prince of the Road and his band dashing away up the gulch, mounted upon their swift steeds, that had been con- aled in a shed at the back of Masked Maude’s shanty. ~ It was no use to follow in pursuit. Experience had gone to show that on horseback the daring knights of the road could not be taken, So they - were allowed.to go, and Deadwood’s population breathed easier, when they had vanished from view. - With them went Buffalo Ben, Wrestling Walt, Belle; Stelia—who was resolved to link her fortunes with Ben—and Calamity Jane. Nothing was seen of Lightning Luke; so he was - feft behind. On the trail was encountered Leone, Deadwood Dick’s beauteous wife, and this made the tittle band complete. To the outlaw stronghold on the mountain-top, in =f depth of the Hills, they went, and there weleave them, ~ 4 _ After feaving the fortune-teller’s shanty, ighining - tuke went with Wadsworth directly to the latter’s arlor in the Centennial Hotel, the door of whicn he Fook ore to lock, while the key he slipped into hig ocket, “There!” he said, an ominous glitter in his eyes, we're now free from interruption!” Yes,” the millionaire replied hoarsely, “we are me, And what do you propose to do?’ Iwill show you,” the hunter said; then he left room, locking the door after him. He, however, peeuronty bringing with him a pair of dueling- tols, : ered he cut loose the millionaire’s bonds, and n handed him a pistol. .aron Wadsworth,” he spoke, his tones cold and stern, “ we'll now come ter a settlement, You are responsible fer the death of my father, an’ I want yer life. If youcan take mine, however, all right, ‘Bee! ther clock on yonder mantle is about to strike, Atthe first stroke, we will fire!” Then up came the es and the two men waited. One!” chimed the clock, and the flash of two tols followed. Without a groan, Aaron Wads- orth fell to the floor—dead! hen Lightning Luke turned away, His mission was fulfilled, ; . 7 ; ee What shall we say in conclusion? : = erat aweek’s oh at the stronghold of Deadwood Dicic, during which time Ben fully recovered, he and tella and Wrestling Walt and Belle, set out for man, which post they reached in_ safety, and re bade adieu to the Prince of the Road and his. wers, At Bozeman there oceurred two marriages, and reader need not take long to guess who were the live hay to cheat t em 0} ‘The Best Weekly of Popular, Entertzine ing and Useful Literature Pubs lished in America! Its Unrivaled Corps of Contributors, almost all of whom write erclusinety for its publishers—embraces the following authors of world wide repute— Colonel Frentiss Ingraham, Albert W. Aiken, Capt, Fred. Whittaker, Capt. Mark Wilton, Joseph E. Badger, Jr.. Edward L. Wheejer, Charles Morris, Ol Coomes, C. Dunning Clark, Buffalo ‘Bill, White. Beaver, Buckskin Sam, Major Dangerfield Burr, T, C. Harbaugh, Philip 8. Warne, Willian R. Byster, ~ Anthony P. Morris, Launce Poyntz, ; Each and all cf whom give to Buaptn’s Wenxty * their very best productions in all the varied fi ao Border and Wiid West Romance— Adventure Exploration and Sport— City Life Character, Courts and Waya~ , Detective and ‘Shadow’ Reveiations— 2S Stories of the Great Deep, ets., ete fo that each and every number is everfiowing with reading of the most interesting and exciting nature; while in its Special Departments, covering — all the needs, and adding to the general interest’ and usefulness of the popular journal, Beapin’s WErEELY is tne paper of all others for your weekly reading and entertainment, Beadle’s Weekly is Published at_ the Following Ratess For Four Months. For One “ear, Two Copies for One Year. ..... Singie: Coples ows. nase cos Supplied by all Newsdealers., BEADLE AND. ADAMS, PusiisgzRs, ; $8 William street, New York, — iS etmenbienatiettionaad! nee een eee ee THE Sunnyside Library | 1 Lanta Rooms, By Thomas Moore,....e-+:++ 100 2 Dox Juan. By Lord Byron 8 Parapise Lost, By John Milton. .. 4 Tae Lapy or rar Lake, By Sir Walter Scott.. 8 Luc. By Owen Meredith ; 6 Uxorse; ee, THE Warer-Semiz, From the German of Friederich De La Motte Fouque.. 19¢_ For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postage paid on recetpt of twelve ceuts for single numbers, doubk

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os . At < Sopyright 1878-1884, by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., 48 second class matter. Mar. 15, 189%, Se eeeeeeeeSeeeeeSeeSeeeSeeeSeFeFeFSeSFSeSeSeFeeSeSeSeFeeeeeeeeee ne Cleveland, Ohio BUFFALO BEN ee een i ig No. 4 THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. Vol. T rt eres A SEQUEL TO “THE DPULELE DAGGERS.” ' BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR oF ‘‘ DEADWOOD Dicx,”’ “TH DOUBLE DAGGERS,” ETC., ETC,

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THE Deadwood Dick e Library e DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. l Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road & The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 5 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 6 Death-Face, the Detective 7 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick's Bonanza _ 6 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 10 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick 5 in Danger it Jim Largs Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to i eat i 12 pradwood Dick's Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood ar _ 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the SF had Samet 16 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo _ 17 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the ® Guile - 18 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand _ 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob's Reappearance 20 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 21 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 28 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Edged Dick _ 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve - 27 Chip, the Girl Sport _ 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune _ 29 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks et) aa Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s ule 81 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base _ @ Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-GCLORED GOVER 82 Pages. : Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest! For Sample Cover See Other Side. 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob's Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strix 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Pa 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective ‘ 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Si 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo $ 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure : 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jeze 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance eee 44 at Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator’ ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Schem 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorad 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Cla‘ 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female De! ives : 61 ei Sam’s Sentence; or, Little Luck at ] anch 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise ; 58 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen _ 54 Denver Doll as Detective 65 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Spor 66. Denver Doll's Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 5? Deadwood Dick Trapped ; 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger } Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, t 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy 63 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners o} fras Cit: 4 f 64 Colorado Charlie's Detective Dash; or, The Ca Kings gi ad