Deadwood Dick Library (v. 1) (1899 04 12)

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Gopyright 1878-1884, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. i, 1989 > a ir a > ~— Er asenteekt. M. J. IVERS & C 0., I u blishers, BriveBiGanth: 0 3) 46) i (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) x hs Vol | ‘ ' Avril 12, 1899. 379 Pearl Street, New York. $2.50 a Year. ' ' | = a ae ne = =; _pyaward L. Wh, BY AUTHOR OF cp ** DEADWUOD DICK,” » RTC. WILD_ IVAN.

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443 448 453 459 465 ATL 476 481 A491 496 500 508 515 Onw EDWARD L. WHEELER'S DEADWOOD DICK, JR, NOVELS IN THE HALF-DIME ips abe Deadwood Dick, Jr.; Jr's, Crescent Sign. Deadwood Dick, Price 5 Cents per Copy. or, The Crimson Defiance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ 8, Full Hand. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-U p. Déadwood Dick, Jx.55) Racket at Claim 10. Deadwood Dick, i's, Corral. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick? in Deadwood. Jr.’s, Compact. Deadwood Jick, Jv.’s, Inheritance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protege. 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 529 58¢ 539 544 549 554 561 567 572 578 584 590 595 600, 606 612 618 624 630. 636 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Danger Ducks. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr, Deadwood Dick, Jr, Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr. “5 in Texas. the Wild West Vidocq. on His Mettle. in Gotham. in Boston. in Philadelphia. in Chicago. A float. in Denver. Jr.'s, Decree. in Beelzebub’s Basin. at Coney Island. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., , in Detroit. in Cincinnati. in Nevada. in No Man’s Land. After the Queer. in Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Acyoss. the 654 660 666 672 678 684 690 695 700 704 710 ers, Continent. Deadwood Dick, glers, Jr., Among the Smug- Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick Deadwood Dick, Back in the Mines. in Durango, Jr.’s, Discovery. Jr.’s, Dazzle. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, bee Jt.; For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c. per copy, by the pub is M, J. IVERS .& CO., i at Danger Divide. Jr.’s, Drop. at Jack-Pot. at San Francisco. 379 Praru STREET, nN 716 Deadwood Dick, 722 Deadwood Dick, 728 Deadwood Dick, 734. Deadwood Dick, 740 Deadwood Dick, 747 Deadwood Dick, 752 Deadwood Dick, 758 Deadwood Dick, 764. Deadwood Dick, 770 Deadwood Dick, 776 Deadwood Dick, 782 Deadwood Dick, 787 Deadwood Dick, 792 Deadwood Dick, 797 Deadwood Dick, 802 Deadwood Dick, 807 Deadwood Dick, 812 Deadwood Dick, 816 Deadwood Dick, 822 Deadwood Dick, 828 Deadwood Dick, 834 Deadwood Dick, $40 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 2 Deadwood Dick, + Dendwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 876 Deadwood Dick, 882 Deadwood Dick, 891 Deadwood Dick, 898 Deadwood Dick, 904 Deadwood Dick, 910 Deadwood Dick, 916 Deadwood Dick, 928 Deadwood Dick, 934 Deadwood Dick, 940 Deadwood Dick, 946 Deadwood Dick, 951 Deadwood Dick, 957 Deadwood Dick, 965 Deadwood Dick, 971 Deadwood Dick, 977 Deadwood Dick, 980 Deadwood Dick, 992 Deadwood Dick, 003 Deadwood Dick, 1005 Deadwood Dick, 1011 Deadwood Dick, 1018 Deadwood Dick, New York Crry, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. Jr.’s, Dominoes. Jr.’s, Disguise. Jr.’s, Double Deal. Jr.’s, Death- Watch. Jr.’s, Doublet. Jr.’s, Death-Blow. ‘i Jr.’s, Desperate Strait. Jr.’s, Lone Hand. Jr.’s, Defeat. Jr.'s, Resurrection. Jr.’s, Dark Days. Jr., Defied. Jr.’s, Double Device. Jr.’s, Desperate Ventur Jr.’ 8, Diamond Dice. _ Jr.’s, Royal Flush. Jr.’s, Head-Off oa Jr.’s, Rival. ad Jr’s, Boom. Jr.’s, Scoop. Jr.’s, Proxy. Jr.’s, Clutch. g Jr,’s, High Horse. ¢ IX, ab Devil’s Gulch. — Jr.’s, Death-Hole Hustle Jr.’s, Bombshell. Jr., in Mexico. Jr.’s, Decoy Duck. Jt.; , in Siiver Pocket. Jr s, Double Driv Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. Jr. -, ut Tip-Top. Jr.'s, Double- Deck Jr., at Dollarville.. Jr., at Flush Flats. Jr.’s, Shake-Up. Jr.’s, Double Drop. — Jr.’s, Right Bower. — JY.’s, Ten- Strike. Jr.’s, Gold Dust. Jr.’s, Oath, R Jr.’s, Death-Doom., Jr.’s, Best Card. Jr., at Gold Dust. Jr.’s, Big Play. Jr. , Branded. a” Jr.’s, Dutch Pard, Jr.’s, Big Four. a

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ROE A Or LF RIE Ob 2. " ~~ Fe Eo La SSIS TS Copyright 1873-1884, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter, Mar. 15, 1599. M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers ; No. D5 there Weekly. (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) s Brice 5 ee Vol. I, April 12, 1899. 379 Pearl Street, New York. $2.50 a Year. 4 =a ~— po _paward L. wy 6e)7 3 AUTHOR OF ep ‘© pEADWOOD DICK,” ’ ETC, C aitiabaleaieeaiiionell rs BMP iH Hh iy \ Ney

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& J Wild Ivan, THE BOY CLAUDE DUVAL. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AGTHOR oF “DEADWOOD DICK,” “DOUBLE DAGGERS,” “BUFFALO BEN,’’ ETC., ETC, CHAPTER I. Gop's HAND—THE BOY RCAD-AGENT. Over the Black Hills country, rough, tugged and mountainous, and over the adjacent grazing savan- nas to the north and nor’west, swept with merciless fury a wild autumnal storm, Not such a storm as we experience frequently out Hast, but a genuine Western “hurricane,” to be found in no other por- tion of the American continent, A storm of fierce,shricking,resistless wind and pour- ing, beating rain; a storm of flying sticks and stones; thunder roaring and pounding frightfully within the gates of heaven, and jarring mother earth with the Shocks not unlike those of an infant earthquake; and most of all those fearful glares and hissing flash- es of lightning, so peculiar to the Black Hills country. It was a wild, terrible night, and one whose inky blackness lent additionat horror to the crashing hour, In a narrow defile between towering, craggy moun- tains, sheltered from the deluge of rain, a score of men were crouching about a sputtering, sickly es 9 fire, that had evidently been kindled out of rain-soak- _ ed fuel—a score of men so rou, h, silent and grim as ; seem carved from the dull, dripping rocks around em. They were clad in the mountaineer’s picturesque costume, and were well supplied with belt weapcns, whiie rifles of the latest and most improved pattern gtood stacked under a sheltering ledge close Y Tn face this odd collection of humans were hairy, _ grizzled and repulsive—-in form they were brawny and muscular. Not a man was there but Iooked_a formidable foo to attack; not a man was there who would hesitate at bloodshed to further his own particular aims, They were a band of desperate, reckless rufflans, » the enormity of whose crimes had exiled them from the settlements and mining towns of the far West- ern border, clubbed and sworn together as brothers, with aims to destroy. rob, plunder and devastate—a veritable, terrible, and sworn Brotherhood of Death. Around the camp-fire were gathered these Broth- ers, silent and grim, drawing closer to the struggling blaze, as a gust of wind sent its spray of rain in under the overhanging ledges—a strange group set in extraordinary surroundings, | Through the gorge at their feet dashed a noisy mountain stream, swelling and increasing in size the longer the deluge of rain continued. alfa mile down the lonely defile, had darkness not obscured the vision, if might have been observed that the walls of the gorge narrowed still more, un- til they formed the banks of the rushing torrent. It was by wading up this stream, then, that access was obtained to the camp of the Brothers—for at the opposite end of the gorge the passage was blocked by a considerable waterfall, that leaped down from the crags above, It was toward the rushing stream that the outlaws occasionally directed anxious glances, for _as the rain continued to fail, the waters rose rapidly and goon the banks were full to overflowing. One of the Brothers uttered a curse of vexation Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval, es “Don’t be growlin’ afore et’s time!” roterted Wag: . ner, rasa Fer ‘*Mebbe the game ‘Il slip thru our fingers yit; so thar’s no use o’ squealin’)’ An" ef Bill Blood don’t cuni—?”" “ We won’t feel like payin’ our debts to Red Kit an’ his band. I hope no harm has befell the colonel.” “Sposin’ thar had? who'd be captain?’ demand- ed a low-browed ruffian, whose name among his evil associates was Blue Bob—and one of the Broth- erhood’s most cruel an‘ heartless tools, a man upon whose head the hand of time had left the silvered hairs of SM et! winters. ‘“Who'd be capt’in?” repeated Wagner, grimly. ‘Waal, ter all events, /’d probably be capt‘in, seein's I'm lieutenant now.’ 1 Down in ceaseless torrents poured the chill autum- nal rain; hoarsely roared and crashed the shucder- ing peals of thunder, and vividly flared and flashed the vivid lightning; while the roar of the furious torrent through Death’s Defile only added to ‘the confusion and terror of the wild night. “Tm afraid et’s all up wi’ ther colonel, boys?” runted Wagner, rising from the fire and, stepping rom under the ledge that he might gaze ue at the black, pouring sky, across the face of which zigzag chains of lightning incessantly played, But a furl plied betas of rain drove him quickly back under shelter “Ther stream's altergether ter much ter stem, now, and like ‘nuff our capt’in’s bin washed away.” s Don't b'lieve he’d attempt ter cum thru, wi’ sich a storm ter face,” epee Blue Bob, lighting a fresh pipe. “Ther cunnel’s nobody’s fool, an’ knows what’s what. Bet he’ssafein Rear Trail, this blessed minnit.” “T'll bet he ain’t!” yelled Sandusky, leaping to his feet, excitedly. ‘‘ Listen! d’ye hear them ?” They did hear them—two faint yells from far down the channel of the Little Madrass, which the fierce roaring of of the elements nearly drowned out—the cries of a human being, who in this furious night was stemming the stream, rushing and bank-full a4 it was. “Tt’s ther colonel, by thunder!” ¢jaculated Wag- ner, and a dozen or more seized bran: 's from the fire, sae them into a blaze, rushed down the bank to its narrowest limits, where knee-deep inthe water they awaited their master’s coming—for a fierce and disciplined master was this Colonel Bill Blood over the wild, lawless spirits who compiised | the Brotherhood of Death. Eagerly waited the outlaws, their eyes peering fur: ward into the gloom, their hands ready to help the flood-rider ashore. And soon within the glare reflected by their torches’ blaze, appeared upon the seething surface of the stream, first the head of a horse, with steam- ing nostrils and distorted eyeballs—then the head and shoulders of a haggard, wild eyed man, who held a bundle of something across one shoulder with his right hand, while his left clung to the mane of his steed beneath the mud<y water. A wild cheer of welcome rung out from the brazen lungs of the Brothers. and three of the boldest sprung into the flood, swam out and pulled the ex- hausted horse and its double burden ashore. Once out of water and under shelter of the ledgea, the horse and rider were seen to better ad- vantage. The former was a powerful Mexican beast, with iron-cast limbs and rugged constitution, together with a certain amount of indomitable courage, a point so essential in a thoroughly good hors. The latter was a man well in comparison with the horse—a large, powerfully built individual, with strong linabs, ‘great breadt mauscles—a main who under most efreumstances would prove a tough customer to handle, His face was effectually disguised, the lower part being cov: — ered with a bushy d—the upper part of chest, and swelling _ vi

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seen ‘The eyos were black and piercing, the lips grimly ret. and resolute, the hair and beard brown and of extreme length, As such was Colonel Bill Blood beheld. His dress was ordinary buckskin, with leggings and moccasins, and a broad-brim slouch Hat that nearly hid the gleam of his evil eyes from view, In his arms he carried a heavy bundle, well wvap- ped in blankets, and this he gave overinto the hands of Wagner and Blue Bob, while he threw himself out of the saddle. “Ugh! this is a cursed fine deluge!” he growled, shaking himself like a great mastiff, and drawing near the sputtering fire. ‘‘Come! stir-up this blaze, and fetch me some whisky!” “Hain’t hed enough et, yet, eh?’ grinned San- dusky, as he piled on fresh fuel, and dispatched one - of the Brothers into a cavern in the rocks for the de- sired beverage. the rapids?” “The devil only knows,” was the gruff response. \"Rut_for the horse I should be in purgatory ere ~ow, I suppose!” “Bet ye would. Didn’t judge you’d cum thru, on account 0’ the storm.” ‘Neither I should, only there’s work ahead, day efter ter-morrow, which needs our whole attention.” “So? What's ther shape of it?” * It’s an overland wagon train coming into the hius. There are five families, and all are well fixed in t]e world’s goods. Three families are Jews, and h we upwards of five thousan’s worth of treasure. ‘ fe must intercept them at the ford of Bell creek, / virty miles this side of the Belle Fourche.” + ha you’ve got Red Kit’s gurl?” “Vhave. She’s thar in yonder bundle. We shall ow have the seeret of Red Kit’s -treasure—or hey ife! One of the Brothers now came from the cave with s flask of liquor, and tipping it up to his lips, the ‘olonel allowed a goodly portion of the contents to un down his throat, after’ which he’ carelessly bssed the bottle into the seething, boiling stream, wnd it was borne away. The stimulant seemed to affect him instantly, for he straightened up, and glanced over the assembled crowd with an unwavering eye. ? ‘“* Are all of Division Virst present?” he questioned. “All,” replied Sandusky. “Then we will proceed to business. Wagner— “How in all nations did ye stem * Blue Bob!” “Yes, colonel.” “Bring the girl here, into the light.” The two ruffians obeyed, dragging the bundle close to the crackling fire. “Cnt away the blankets!” ordered Blood, and his command was quickly executed, and then was re- vealed to the eager, cruel gaze of the Brotherhood a pretty, girlish form and a fair, sweet face, such as had never been their lot to behold. A maiden of not over seventeen years, lay before them, bound hand and foot, her clear blue eyes staring at them re- proachfuliy, her sweet face shadowed with an ex- ression of pain—her ‘fair-complexioned face, with ts crowning wealth of soft, golden hair, and those Justrous eyes as blue as a smiling summer’s sky. The impression made upon the ruffian crowd of . spectators at this unexpected picture of loveliness, could not be less than favorable; but they were bound together by a terrible oath as Brothers of. Death—no leniency or pity found root in their hearts for the weuk and innocent. And this fair, innocent girl was a prisoner in their power, and they were here, her oath-bound enemies, aven though no offense of hers had made them so. * Aha! my pretty chit!” cried the colonel, his eyes Peeing brightly; ‘‘so the waters of the Little adrass didn’t drown you, neither, eh? Didn’t know |. but the condemned torrent would wash us away, at one time; but old Bucfskin is pretty sure of foot, no matter where you put him,” The girl did not reply, except by a look of Bee Noe ieenoee Sti ¥ y x Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. ‘ation, “are a banded a: which flashed from her eyes—eyes that one would not think able of expressing anger. Blood saw her compress her cherry lips, and that she was determined to be courageous to the last. — “Oh! you needn’t put on any airs, Miss La Rue!” he sneered, his white teeth showing in a disagreeabla attempt ata smile. ‘I have got you in my power, and your life depends on how you conduct yourself. Look around you, and you will behold the terrible Brotherhood af Death, who have held a reign of ter- ror in this country for the last six months. These’ — resent constitute the First Division. Four other ivisions are scattered about this nor’-western coun- try—two of them within the limits of the Black Hilts —and all are under my immediate control and pay.*’ — Alice La Rue shuddered, but remained silent, “These men,’ continued Blood, with cool deliber- of brothers, who are bound by an oath of blood to obey me. They will eagerly do my slightest bidding, because they well know that my labor is alone for the interests of the Brotherhood. Is this not so, boys?” . “Ay! ay.? assented the crowd, in one great shout, that awoke no echoes, but was nearly wned by the ropring of the elements. “You see!” the colonel went on, triumphantly. “They all love me as a brother, Now, Miss La Rue, it is eS, unpleasant duty to ask youto make known — to us the hiding-place of the treasure that Red Kit, your father, stole from our stronghold near Silver ode. You know that it is peney ours—you fur- thermore know just where it is, and must tellus! “But I won't!” replied Alice, decidedly. “You made my father a prisoner in your den, and when he got a chance to escape, he captured some of your ill- gotten treasure and brought it with him. You killed my poor sister Eloise because she refused to tell the secret—” : j “And PU murder you by inches!” hissed the colo- nel Spek bending over the helpless girl, and glaring at her with the ferovity of an enraged beast. “TH have ee cut to pieces and strung on a rope for public exhibition, before you shall cheat me out of that treasure!” : “You may do allof that and more!” replied Red — Kit’s girl, firmly, “but I shall never—never—never tell you, where to find the treasure!” s ‘* We'll see!” said Blood, grimly, straightening up —‘‘ welll see. Blue Bob, you zenerally are a prety fair carver, and carry sharp tools, Cuz off the Singer of that virls left hand 1? this g@rder came from the chief's lips, ali eyes were centered upon Blue Bob. He was known to be a cruel, heartless instrument of torture in the hands of the Brotherhood, and was never known to shirk - a duty. But the old man hesitated now, and his hand sought his belt, slowly and reluctantly. * Go on, you old devil!” yelled Colonel Bill, grasp- ing a revolver from Sandusky’s belt, and iron | it—“‘go on, or I'll bore a hole through your thi skull, and throw you into yonder stream!” Apparently frightened at his superior’s harsh lan- posse, Blue Bill crawled forward and dropped upon is knees by the side of the fair prisoner. vee “Off with the little finger of her left hand!” re. eated the colonel, ere ne “No flinching, you old = uzzard, but off with it, 1 say!” Blue Bob bent forward, and then there was a — piercing shriek of pain, a grati ag re oe after which the old ruffian leaped to his feet holding aloft a severed finger from Alice La Rue’s hand, “Good! Now, will you tell us the ee of:-s the treasure?’ demanded Colonel Bill, witha grinof exultance. \ oe ‘No! no!’ almost screamed the girl, her blue eyes flashing, darkly. “‘ You can cut, off every finger bo have, and then my kead, but "ll not ell!’ “We'll see, you young she-cat—we’ll see about that. I’ve handled worse cases than that, You Blue — Bob, cut off her foot at the ankle—the left foot!” : A murmur of horrar escaped the outlaws’ lips. Thig was even beyond their limit of cruelty, yor Oe

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2 — But the bloody work was not done! ; Blue Bob had knelt again, knife in hand, and was preparing for the terrible deed, when suddenly the whole heavens were illuminated with a blaze of hea- -yen’s fire, there was a frightful clap of thunder, and a fresh deluge of rain. Tnvoluntar! y the ruffians started forward with a ery of alarm, for they saw Colonel Blood totter away and fallin aheap upon the bank of the stream, blood streaming from a hole in his forehead. And ere they could reach him the flood with re- sistless fury had swept his corpse away. God's Hani!’ a wild voice cried, and turning, the startled ruffians beheld a youthful figure standing in the light of their camp-fire. ‘Such is the vengeance te pare meted out to your captain, with his flery and! ‘A boy in years was the speaker, judging from the sound of his voice and the development of his form, and yet the ruffians almost fea: to approach him, despite their numbers. ‘9 was clad in a hunter's costume, which had eyi- _ dently seen considerable service, and was armed with a repeating rifle and belt weapons, all of hand- some pattern and finish. A slouch sombrero was get upon the back part of his head, while his faco was covered to the chin with a mask. ~_ * Davils an’ demons!” cried Wagner, the lieuten- ant. |“ Who are you, an’ what do ye want here?” 7 A wild laugh came from the youth. , ef “Tam ai outcast, murderer, swindler, thief, rogue and blackleg, just whichever suits you best. [have all the peculiarities of a fiend—as the Boy Fiend [ am widely knowninsom>parts of the West. I heard ‘of this Brotherhood of Death, and came to join it; but seeing as Death has been too much for the chie! * of your Brotherhood, I wouldn't mind filling the posi- tion just vacated by Colonel Bill Blood!” ¢ The ruffians held ashort consultation together. A captain they must have, but since Colonel Bill’s tragic death, none were so eager for the osition. » _ After several momefts’ rapid conversation among themselves, Wagner turned to the Boy Fiend,and said: “ By swearin® an oath o’ allegiance, an’ quaffin’? a —*s eupo’ human blood, you can bacome ‘our captain. A sta ee chance is open ter ye. Blue Bob, bring the drink, The Boy Fiend came willingly forward, while Blue Bob went on his errand.” F . _He soon returned witha silver cupful of something ~ whose odor proclaimed it to be indeed blood.’ This he “handed to the mysterious youth, who took it with- out a tremor. ‘Then in concert with Toby Wagner he repeated |) the oath of initiation. We will not give if here; it - was buta mockery and blasphemous insult to the name of God. After finishing the oath, and while standing there in the awful roar and din of that pouring night, the Boy Fiend—for fiend he must be to go unwavering through this ordeal—raised the cup of blood to his lips, and drained it at a single draught. ; T ve was the Brotherhood in possession of a new - ebief —_—— CHAPTER II. OLD) AVALANCHE ON THE RAMPAGE. - Sour of the shimmering waters of the Belle Fourche, or North Fork of the Big Sag sts river trailing along across a vast savanna or level lain, through the mellow sunlight of a beautiful ndian summer afternoon, was an emigrant train, composed of six wagous, drawn by stout and ugly-looking tmules, and driven by big, raw-boned bordermen, with.three excentions, these being’ trio of Germans, fresh from the Faderland, who were in the employ of the Jew families, three in number, who comprised half of the train. ‘Of the Americans there were two families by the or Ee land of. scone and Beers ie hird WaROD <2 ing yy one Thomas Je! mn. ; odes yus person, who ha subtained % € Wild Ivan, ths Boy*Claude Duvax : permission to accompany the train, Rare indeed was it when he was seen outside of his ‘“‘schooner.” Seclusion and strict reserve seemed to be a of his existence. Of the Stone family there were three—old Grafton Stoneghis wife Betsy, and their pretty daughter, Edith, a young lady of about eighteen. 4 Of the Resvilles there were four—father and mother and two stalwart sons by the name of fal and Lew. Of the Jews there were ten in number, buf as our story has comparatively little to do with them, we will not tarry for a description. The whole caravan was in the charge of that vete- ran guide and Indian-hater of the Northwest, Alva = Lanch Hogg, or as he is more popularly known, Cld Avalanche: and a better man could not have been chosen for Avalanche was familiar with every foot of the ground over which the route lay. In company with Colonel Stone, he was riding a little way in advance of the toiling train, as we look down upon them. And an eccentric appearing in- dividual was this same Avalanche. He was of me- dium stature, with well developed form and clean. wiry, muscular limbs, and looked to be a person of uncommon strength. Though well along in years, he wis still supple and active as a man of two-score and five; his skin was tannedto a dusky brown from long exposure to the sun and wind, and in face and. — general appearance he was as grizzly as_ grizzly j could be. His countenance, cleanly shaven, bore the (=, | livid sears of many a conflict; his raven hair reached | to his belt-encireled waist; his piercing black eyes — still retained the brilliancy of youth. ears were gone, however, which made a defect that would ¢a ‘se him to be recognizable in any crowd no matter under what circumstances. His dress was buck- skin throughout, and he was armed with a hand- somely-mounted Fvans rifle, and belt weapons of superior Re His horse, though a scrawny, gray animal of uncertain age, still bore evidences of pos- sessing immense bottom, are Colonel Stone was a man of fiye-and-forty years, with handsome form and kindly face; but about his eyes he ever wore a stealthy expression, which could be best defined in the single word, “hunted.” His horse was a handsome Lg at Stee animal, and the colonel’s ease and grace in the saddle pro claimed him a finished equestrian. “Yas, I’ve been over this hayr lattytude, afore!’ Old Avalanche was saying, as they jogged along side by side. “Bulls in ther Mosesrushes, yas. Slid down hayr on top o’ a hailstarm of thunder’n’ light nin’, oncet, in pursuit.o’ a pesky band o’ Sook: urn their ornery pelts! War tryin’ ter entwine my fine gers inter ther skulp of Old Crazy Hoss, but he ic ; usin’ tew much lard ile, an’ ne spe away. : now ther old sardine hes waded ther everlastin’ rive yer, an’ I’m cheated out o’ my vengeance. a . “Been to Deadwood, I dare say?” said the colonel, earelessly. ree “Yas; reck’ I hev. Didn't stay long, though. Hed immeget bizness in ernuther part uv the equa. — tor, so I climb onter ther fust breeze that waafted = along, an’ flew away. Annihilated twenty hundred Tnjuns that same day, too.” ea Spear | Avalanche, that’s purty steep, ain’t it, now? . j “Zackarier Zebulom, no! Why, thet ain’t a sar cumstance—hain’t more’n a flea bite on ther rump uy an ellefanty. Why, sir, one day w’en I an’ my jint war up in Montany, we war sot onter in ther middle uy a big perarie by fifteen saphkcr red-skins, all armed wi’ clubs and spears, an’ sir, fer a solid, — actooal fact, wi’out stretchin’ matters ther billionth — part o’ an inch, we just cleaned out them ar’ heeth- yan in five minnits, by ther watch—we jest descend- vip ed onter ‘em like a@ rip-roarin’ simoon 0’ demolition, an’ Cas toners tee ee tuck me six yeers ter ‘em; buried ’em ter ther wolvesdroir chawin’ “em up inter sassinger fodder.” Wonderful!” remarked the colonel, dryly ‘ ees a: 4.4

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ay ie Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. Co ae “There won’t be many reds left after a while, in the event of such slaughters. But whom do you mean by your j’in/—a pardner, I suppose?” ““Yas—Florence Night-in-a-gale; never see’d her, did = Florence ar’ a sp’risin’ smart anamile for a goat. Hain’t see’d her fer an age, tho’. Guv her a whalin’ fer knockin’ ther false teeth out o’ an old ma'den in Lar’mie the uther day; hain’t seen her since.” se there is no danger from the Indians between here and Deadwood, is there?” mf “No; since old Sittin’ Bull vamoosed, thar’s no reds as dare go on ther war-path. Mought git a dig frum outlaws, tho’, Plenty o’ ’em in the Hills.”’« “fal is thatso? I had not thought of them. Do you apprehend any danger?” and the colonel glanc- ed uneasily back at the first “schooner,” in which were his wife and daughter. : **Ken’t most allus sumtimes tell how fur a mule kin reach wi’ a hind fut, till ye let her try!’’ was the grim reply. ‘‘Nuther kin ye most ailus tell when. ye’re goin’ ter stick yer fut in a hornets’ ca- boos. it ee git a serenade from the Brother- hood 0’ Death most any minnit, now.” “The Brotherhood.of Death?’ ‘Yas; never heered o’ et, did ye?” “ No—never, to my recollection!” “Wal, they’re jest about ther wust gung 0’ cusses this side o’ purgatory, fer a fight, an’ they never take no prisoners. ‘They jest annihilate ‘em ter oncet, an’ hey it dun with. S’pect Colonel Bill Blood ar’ ther cruelest demon o’ humanity in these hyar boreal longytoads an’ lattytudes.” ** Bill Blood!”” The colonel started atom Pa as this name fell up- on hisear; but he controlled instantly whatever emo- tion it might have caused within his breast. “D'ye know him?” queried Old Avalanche, eying the colonel sharply. y‘‘Have heard the name, somewhere!” was the brief reply. : ** Heerd o’ Deadwood Dick, no doubt, too?”’ ‘“Yes—heard and read abouthim. A most remark- able youth, I should say, for this age.”” ** Yas, Dick’s a cuss, bet on that. Now ef I warter add ter ther great firm o’ Old Avalanche & Co., Great Iniun Annihilaters, wi’ a view ter increesin’ our de- structive an’ extirpatin’ propensities, | shed scoop in Deadwood Dick. Why, sir, I heern tell as he could scrape ther complexion off 'm a niggero wi’ a rifle ball at a distance 0’ twelve rods. But thet hain’t no more’n a drop o’ benzeen in er pot 0’ porridge, ter sum 0’ ther shutin’ ther Annihilation hes done,” “Probably not. For instance, where you slaugh- tered those fifteen million of Indians, you must have done some extraordinary shooting!” “‘ Purty fair, yor pary, fair!” ‘ On across the plain toiled the caravan lazily, through the joysome sunlight, the she? tramp 0 the mules, the shouts and chatter of the rivers, and the rumble of the heavy wheels, all charmingly add- ing: to the strange, happy spell of nature. s far as eye could reach in any direction, stretch- ..ed the boundless prairies, meeting with the blue sky afar off on the smoky horizon. fresh flower- scented breeze fanned gently up from the south, and as it greeted the nostrils of Old Avalanche he gave a delighted sniff, and said: -**Thet breeze cums frum the hills, Pll bet a skulp. D’ye smell them flowers? 7h. m say Black Hills sart’insure. I shouldn’t be surprised ef we sighte ‘em afore sundown. Bell creek ford ken’t be fur off, nuther.” “We will camp there, then, eh? queried Colonel Grafton Stone. “Not ef this limb 0’ boreal extarmination knows hisself!” replied the Annihilator, decidedly. ‘Et ar’ a purty ole place fer a surprise by outlaws, so we won't stop thar." “*See here!” - - You are keeping something from me, ‘ear an attack from this Bro The colonel grew instantly excited. ide. You erhood of Death?” -onel rode “Who in thunder sed so?’ demanded the old — man, in evident surprise; ‘“‘not this chip o’ extar- te ne li sw’ar. G’lang, Prudence, ye durned rutel’ And the application of the Annihilator’s spurs caused the scrawny, feeble-appearing animal to very suddenly rear up behind, in a manner that caused a yell of laughter to emanate from the drivers, : H “Whoa! Prudence, whoa! Condemn the ornery — old ‘oss! But a fine anamile ar’ this self e Pru- dence, in battle, colonel—as Fas, a behaved, critter as evyer chawed grass. Jest yell Injun in Ber ear, w’en any 0’ the heethyan abound in her vicinity, an’ ye’ll see music—you bet! Why, sir, thar was thetime ~— w’en we ago surprised by Sooks over on Sweetwater plain. e see’d ther skunks a comin’ afore they see’d us goin’, an’ thar war a race, bet he? bussum- studs on that. But one o’ ther p’izen imps tuk an notion inter his skull ter send an arrer arfter us, an et struck fa’r an’ squar’ in Prudence Cordeliar’s tail. Then, oh! Moses in the Bullrushes, ye jest orter seen her, cunnel—ye jest orter seen that horse! Great ham-bone! She give er screech wuss nor ary full-blooded Comanche red-skin, an’ stretch this off hind fut o’ hers out right suddint-like:—an’, cunnel, et’s an actooal sworn-to fact, sir—thet kick tore loose a shoe an’ sent et like a streak 0’ lightnin’ a-whizzin’ back* thru the air, an’ it struck thet Injun an’ bu’sted his skull, an’ then bounded off an’ basted anuther, an'as I'm a live thunder- pod os demolition, et kept on till et floored thirteen ns ‘olonel Stone could not do better than laugh at the eccentric guide’s broad yarn and the grim way in — which it was given. ‘ “But laying aside joking, Avalanche, do you ap- prebend any trouble?” ‘Wal, yas,” replied the veteran, after a moment's — cool deliberation; “I shedn’t wonder ef we encoun- tered a small breeze 0’ diffleulty *twixt hi an’ the Hills, tho’ et ar’ mighty uneart’in whar. "Twon’t be g hed see. ter be prepared fer a little skewrup, | anyhow.”’ cting upon this rather meager advice, the col- back and issued orders to all the teamsters and those within the wagons to be ready for instant emergency, as there was a liability of attack from the mountain outlaws at almost any moment. As the colonel was busied thus, the eyes of Old Avalanche were never off from him, and the expres- sion of his lips was certainly rather grim. ““Yes! yes!” he muttered to himself, as he saw the colonel turn his horse over to one of the te rs while he ag Sowa within the sheltered wagon— “thar’s sum devilment afoot. or this ’ere leg 0’ ex- termination ar’ out 0’ calkyletion. Thar’s a purty gal as ever breathed air in thet waggin, an’ they’re- darned keerful not ter let her git a word wi' any one, Ef thet ain't s’picious, 'm no jedge o’ puddin'!” And the old man turned his attention to things in frontofhim. = The train moved alo: the breeze; the prairie became gradually more Gy and broken, . “Thar’s anuther dubious leg o’ mutton—thet Tom Jaggers!” soliloquized the Annihilator, as if a mental inventory of those behind him. Ther 4 appears kinder friendly toward me, an’ yet I ken’ : anylize him. He’s more uv a puzzle than an Injine — squaw hitch ter a white man, wich ar’ barder ter — beat than Goldsmith’s old Maid!’ : The afternoon wore rapidly away; the sun began — to sink close to the smoky horizon; far ahead wasa dark line, which was suggestive of timber when viewed by the naked eye. ‘*How mooch far vas ve pe vrom der blace vere — we sdop?” bawled one of the German teamsters, - growing impatient. e. “ Shust apeud dree miles unt a half!” returned Avalanche, in excellent imitation. , nae “Then yonder dark line is Bell creek ford, ht ; fresherandstrongergrew

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8 : Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. a asked Lew Resville. a handsome young fellow of twenty, as he came trotting alongside of Prudence Cordelia. . “Yas, that’s the place,” the guide replied, his brows knitting slightly. “I'd give a ae ef we war ten miles beyant thare, tho’. Great Zebulom Zackariaher! Bulls in ther Moserushes! look! look! may Lbe teetotally atomized inter insect fodder, ef thar don't come Florence Night-in-a-gale—my j’int— a part 0’ ther great destractive Avalanche 0’ annihi- lation. Whoop! hurrah! stop the,train! ther’s hay- doogins o’ danger ahead, thar!” The train was instantly brought toa standstill;, in-. tense excitement prevailed; every man seized his weapons, and the women screamed in terror, And all because of the guide’s cries, and the ap- pearance of an ugly-looking animal of the goat species, who was swiftly sperescre from the di- rection of the river, its unmerciful bleats becoming more audible each moment. “Thar! thar!” yelled Old Avalanche, as a band of rhaps fifty horsemen dashed out from the dark ine of timber, “didn’t I tell ye Florence knows w'at’s she’s about, every time? Yonder cumseither Deadwood Dick and his band, or else the Brother- hood of Death, wich aire wuss. Order, hayr! Be lively; swing ther waggins inter a circle; look ter yer pop-guns; git reddy, fer ther’s goin’ ter be a thunderstarm o* demolition, now. Every man, wo- man an’ brat ter ther frunt!’’ Brief and quickly given were these orders, and as quickly were they executed, for now life depended upon speedy action. And none too soon were arrangements made, for inside of five minutes the enemy had arrived near enough to pour in a deadly volley upon the few de- fenders who had thrown themselves, in readiness to meet the attack, behind the wagons! CHAPTER III. DEATH AND RESURRECTION, *“Hurra! hooray!’ shouted Old Avalanche, who had dismonnted from Prudence Cordelia’s back, and was petting his remarkable goat, fondly; ‘sock et to’em, my cherubs—put in yer work, now, ef ever!’’ The volley from theoutlaws had been without ef- fect, as none of the emigrants were wounded. But there were full fifty of the terrible Brotherhood—a mixture of whites, half-breeds and full-bloode1 In- dians—and all were armed to the teeth. Avalanche W this at a glance, and how utterly useless if would for them to resist; yet they could not submit and _ be murdered in cold blood; they must fight to the last, and make every bullet a death-warrant. Fearlessly, in front of the grim savage band, rode a youth clad in buckskin, and masked, but of him the veteran guide knew nothing—only that he was evidently the leader of the Brotherhood in this par- ticular raid. But there was one pair of eyes that, when they fell m the boy leader, in a sharp, scrutinizing glance, lit up with a sudden fire of recognition, and the owner of those eyes, Colonel Grafton Stone, could barely repress an exclamation. “He here!” was the muttered ejaculation—“ he here! and I thought and hoped that he was dead!” After the first volley the outlaws reined in their horses toa walk, as if waiting for the emigrants to fire, But a word from Avalanche prevented this ac- tion; his keen observation had peprives him that the outlaws were all armed with long-range pea- rifles, and that they were yet safe from being harm- ed by the emigrants’ fire. But those within the corral stood in readiness for instant action; every man and woman was aware of the peril which threatened them—all hands, young and old, stood with grasped weapons, determined to _ resist to the very last, ~_ * Well, galde, what’s to ey demanded Giles Resville, who stood nearest to Old Avalanche, his rifle __ leveled acrossa wagon-wheel, ‘‘ Aire we goin’ to git out o’ this serape orain’t we?” Sb “You've struck me now, Giles—ye’ve encountered the great thunderstarm o' demolition in ’er deeft- kilty, this time, Zebulom Zackariaher! et Jooks ag ef thar might be swadso’ fun prisently. Luke! thar cums ther dratted galoots, now! To arms! fel- ler-cityzens; ever’ one select yer pardner, an’ when ye hear me say ‘ for. let ’em scoot !” True enough, the approaching outlaws had again struck their animals into a gallop, but an instant af- ter the emigrants divined their intention. They were surrounding the corral, “Great whales that swallered Jonah!” cried Ava- lanche, as he perceived the move; * it’s all up wi’ us flow, sure’s thar’s sport in ther toothache, Say yer prayers, fur— Here they cum!” Having circled completely around the train, at a given signal the enemy now dashed forward, their yells of triumph calculated to inspire the little band ‘within the corral with terror, and to intimidate them for action. But bravely they stood their ground, and ont of the volley of their fifteen rifles they emptied ten saddles, and severely wounded two others of the Brotherhood. ““Good! good! Thet’s ther talk thet decides clec- tion! Them’s ther kind 0’ argymert as ¢akv, 7 tell you. . Poke et to ’em, b’yees! Jet ’em scoot!” yelled the irrepressible Avalanche, and as loudly as he yelled there rose a fierce animal scream from old Prudence Cordelia, who was rearing and plunging in the excitement of the moment, and searching for some place where she could escape from tho corral, “Steddy! steddy! old mare! Behave yerself, ye durned brute; none o’ yer funny-business ’round here!” shouted the guide, as he fired a telling shot into the ranks of the outlaws. ; But, although full a score of them had gone down, and more were falling, the ruffians pressed on. Soon they closed fiercely in upon the little corral, and with their revolvers mowed down the emiggants — one by one. Old Avalanche was the last to fall, and as he went down beneath the fire of the Bo: Fiend, a howl of pain escaped his lips—a bleat and a sors rowful whining came from tho two faithful, loving animals he had left behind. ; : When fe fell, the terrible battle of death was uver. Around within the little circle, between the corraled wagons were stretched the lifeless forms of the emi- pane one Jew families and the teamsters; the esvilles and the Stones—with the exception of . Edith, who was yet crouching inside her father’s wagon; and Old Avalanche and Tom Jaggers, who had fallen side by side. Poor Edith! a bound and helpless prisoner within the colonel’s wagon, she had, perforce, witnessed the ruthless slaughter, and her pure young heart bled for the defenders, even though she could not raise a hand to defend them or herself. “Theyre all done for!” cried the Boy Fiend, look- ing over into the corral, ‘so get to work an these wagons apart, and secure the plunder!” And sliding from his saddle, he approached and’ peered between the curtains of the wagon within which Edith Stone was crouching. “Hello! here’s a girl, as Llive! This way, Wagner here’s a prize worth more than all the rest.” The lieutenant quickly came in answer to the young chief's call, and gazed in upon the terrified maiden, “A gal, true enough!” he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with admiration. ‘ Cum out here, miss, an’ let’s get a fair squint at you. By all that’s holy, you're pretty “She's bound and helpless,” said the Boy Fiend, springing into the wagon. “Some of these emi: grants have held her prisoner. What’s yourname, __ Edith did not replys she could not, for the horror — of her situation held her thless. Her brain was swimming; she was conscious of all going on about her, but she could not move her tongue to speak, “Oome! come! none of your sulks!”’ growled te. ' ty

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rere —— be ee = ae ee 7 —— Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. é ? eee Wild Ivan—for this was the name the young ruffian had given to the Brotherhood. ‘‘ Speak out and tell me your name, or it’ll be the worse for you!” “Let her alone, chief! cried Wagner from the outside. ‘Don’t ye see she’s too skeered to speak? She’ll cum to her oats, by an’ by.” “Tl bet she will, when I get her to the camp!” re- plied the youth, a grim smile wreathing his lips. ‘Fetch my horse, lieutenant, and I'll be off with her. You can finish the job and return to head-quarters at your leisure. The girl won’t keep long in this atmosphere.”’ “You'd better not go alone, chief!” bs Bah! what havel to fear? Bring me my horse, gay. Tho lieutenant replied by bringing the horse close to the wagon, and seizing Edith in his strong young arms, Wild Ivan vaulted lightly into the saddle. “ ¥oteh everything of value, including the animals, Wagner!” were his orders; then he plunged the spurs into his animal’s flanks, and dashed away. A wild and reckless rider was this strange youth, who had voluntgrily placed himself at the head of the Brothcrhood of Death, and the outlaws paused at their worl: of plunder, to watch him speed away over the prairie. But thoy had not long to watch, for soon he had vanished from view within the dark line of timber that markod the location of Bell creek ford, just as the setting sun throw her last lingering rays athwart the level landscape, Then tho Brothcrs turned to their work of pillage. Each wagon was ransacked and plundered in turn, and drawn asido, and then the jes of th. butcher- ed emigrants were robbed of weapons anc ammuri- tion, and such articles as were considered of valuc. ; The mules and horses were lined together, and then the torch was applied to the wagons. Having with this latter act completed their work, the outlaws secured thoir booty to the backs of the captured mules, and mounting their own animals, set out toward their stronghold. : Behind them they left death and devastation; only two live objects appeared around the ill-fated spot after the outlaws’ departure, and these were the old companions of Avalanche in many a stirring battle —the scrawny horse and the ugly goat. Even they did not approach beyond a certain limit. Death seemed to nave terror for even them, for they kept at asafe distance from the outstretched stiffening bodies, the mournful bleats of the goat and whinnies of the horso sounding weird and Jonely on the prairi>, over which the night was rapidly falling, still and black. And it must have been full two hours after the outlaws had quitted the spot, that a figure might have been seen to slowly rise to_a sitting pos- ture among the dead, and gaze around through the thickening gloom. ** Wal, by ther great whale thet engulfed Joner, ef this ain’t wuss nor ary graveyard at midnight,” drawled forth a cracked, wheezy voice. ‘May I be teetotaliy arm niates ef Lain’t ther only ressereckted human in ther crowd. Hello! what ther dickens _. aire them?” The wagons had burned down to the ground, and ’ the few blazing timbers remaining sent a faint glow around into the darkness, and partly visible within this light were two moving objects. “Great Zebulom Zackariaher!” burst forth from among the dead, “ef they ain’t my Prudence Cor- deliar an’ Flor’nce Night-in-a-gale! Here, ye dasted brutes—this way, 7 ouiery Jints o’ ther Annihila- tion. Yer pard ar’ better ’n six dead men yit. Walk up an’ shake,” a And Old Avalanche leaped lightly to his feet, while his pets trotted joyfully forward, manifesting; their pleasure by loud bleats and whinnies. “No! ther thunderstorm 0’ demolition ain’t trans- red inter angelicky yit!” gravely announced the old man, as he patted first one and then theother of his companions, “ tho’ thar’s enuff layin’ around 4" aa + ji isese, hayr, as hes gone ter say ther cattychasms, | dark, S'pose I mought hev-bin an ordained white-winged flutterer afore this, on!y I tuk er notion ter drar just a minute afore thet young Brotherhood ter plug et ter me. Ah! hum; et ar’ orful ter see w’at damage a hail-starm o’ destruction kin do, Every consarned one gone to meet Gabbriel, cept, ther gal, an’ thet young ruffian has got her.” Selecting a burning brand from the fire, the old man went carefully around among the dead, a grim expression distorting his wrinkled features, when he had reached the last body, he turned tothe, goat who had followed close at his heels: “It's no use, Florence, my deer; they’re all} ae along ther river-road tew Jordan, an’ we can’t} 0 ’em no good, not ef we war ter shed a bushel 07: briney tears over ‘em. Asides, thar’s the gal, an’ ef + thax’s vartue in patience an’ porkypines, ther Anni- hilation firm uv Oid Avalanche an’ Co. ar’ goin’ ter resky her, or turn up et’s varysome toes in ther at- _ tempt. Cum, Prudence, gal, let’s be off. Can’t stop fer burial now; sum day mebbe we'll eum back an’ creamate w’at bones the wolves leave; and while thus speaking the old man mounted the sorry-look- ing horse, and followed by his eccentric companion, the goat, rode rapidly away toward the Black Hills, that lay miles away to the south. We will not accompany him, but will return to the camp of Death which he has just quitted. : Not ten minutes after the guide’s departure there was another stir among the dead bodies that dotted the prairie, and again a figure rose to a sitt pos- ture and gazed around, This time it was Colonel Grafton Stone, who bad risen as it were from the dead. During the battlo a bullet had plowed a fur- row across his temple and stunned him, but he had recovered consciousness about the same time Old Avalanche bad arisen to greet his animal compan- ions.- For reasons of his own the colonel had chosen tobe ccunted among the dead, until after the old veteran’s departure, *Tvan has captured the girl,” he peel into the gloom in the direction which Old Avalanche had gone, “and that accursed pulde has gone in quest, of her! Furies take the old wretch! I believe he has suspected more than he let on, all along. IfT can only get a word with Ivan, all will be well. I wonder how the boy got at the head of that gang of cut-throats? Can't be that Bill Blood is dead?” The colonel rose to his feet, and gazed at the Ty discernible bodies lying around him, stark and stiff. ; * Betsy has gone under!” he muttered, gazing at his murdered wife, a few feet away. “* Petsy was a pretty good pardner, and helped me take care of the girl; but, then, T i she might as well die one time as’ another, can’t coe to mourn over her. anyhow; I must be off and hunt up Ivan and the girl.” : And ae es action to the word, he turned away, and strode off through the gloom. Hardly had his footsteps died out, when for a third time that night there was a commotion among the dead, and the mysterious Tom Jaggers enrae to his feet, and skulked away, evidently in pursuit of the colonel." After that the scene of the massacre was destined to remain undisturbed, until those sneaking vultures of the prairie—buzzards—and the inevitable snarl- — ing wolf, gathered around, preparatory for a grand feast on the lifeless flesh. ae In the mean time where were the young outlaw, Wild Ivan, and his fair captive. After leaving the Brothers to their work of plun- der, the youth dashed swiftly away over the plain, urging his steed to the top of his speed. He rode without using the rein, for his arms were clasped closely about poor Edith, who was half-dead with terror, for she realized that she was being borne — away into captivity. “Oh, Target!” the Boy Fiend cried, applying nee “We must get into the -Hills betorg rie >

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8 Wild Ivan, the boy Claude Duval, Then, into the whitened face of the helpless maiden te darted a glance of eit rs triumph. “Ah! my beauty, little [ expected to take so rich @ prize when I attacked that train, to-day. I sup- posed you in another part of this hemisphere. Ah! ge 3 you do not ize me, it seems! But know you—oh! yes; Inever forget a face that I have cause to remember like I have yours!”’ “Can it be you—Ivan?” gasped the pallid girl, her eyes dilating with horror. “Oh! yes, it is Ivan, my bird, and you tremble at ‘finding yourself in my power. You well know what mercy you may expect!” ‘No ee did Edith make—it was not.in her power e. t n, The flying outlaw now left the prairie, and dashed into the timber that fringed Bell’s creek, and in a short time his horse was swimming the deep but narrow stream. Tt was when in the middle of it that he heard a shout, and looked back to behold another horseman, masked like himself, riding swiftly down the bank in pursuit “ Furies! that man is Deadwood Dick! What can bring him so far up north? And what does he want of me—the girl? No, by the heavens, he shall not have her!” the young ruffian muttered. s “* Hallo! halt there, pilgrim!’ came a shout over tke water, in the unmistakable voice of the road- meant of the Black Hills—the dauntless, daring Dick, ‘‘Slow up, if ye don’t want me to salivate as But Wild Ivan sent back a yell of mocking de- flance, as with a mighty leap his steed clea the opposite bank of the stream, and bounded away among the cottonwoods. “Oh! so that’s your game, is it?” muttered Dead- wood Dick, with a lowlaugh. ‘Well, all right. If u think you can show me your heels, so be it. kon that gal will be my property before I am many hours older,”’ and his own thorough- bred upon the bank, the young Prince of the Road ee him free rein, and away darted the animal, ading the forest aisles with the ease of an old ex- perienced trailer. Once the timber was left behind, and the level fore stretched away toward the mountain-capped orizon, then the race had fairly n. “On! on! Flash! Do your best now, beauty!” whispered Dick, patting his own animal on the neck as he flew over the yielding turf; ‘‘extra feed for you, old boy, if you fetch me within lasso’s length vor ying ruffian. d now it was a race in dead earnest! CHAPTER IV. THE ROAD-AGENT GALLANT. \ On—on over the prairie sped Wild Ivan, with his beautiful prize clasped close to his breast, his steed _urged down to a dead run under the cruel torture of the Mexican epee Nor did he have aught to keep him in the idle save the stirrups in which his booted feet rested; he seemed a part of the flying animal, so fautlessly did he keep his seat. And swiftly in pursuit came the young knight of the road, Deadwood Dick, his own spirited black urged to his utmost 7 pace It was a wild, strange race through the shadows of night that began [0 steal silently over the earth—an exciting race to both pursuer and pursued. “On! Flash!” ee Dick, assuringly; ‘‘you are doing handsome, old boy, and we will soon overhaul this accursed prairie pets whoever he may be, But, next to you, Flash, I must own that I would like to own the horse he rides, for it is a well-bot- beast, On, Flash! on!” _ And the nobie black seemed to understand what was devolvent upon if, for away it beunded afresh, with ears laid back and head outstretched, and eyes ure ene 3 And id Evan, A he glanced back, now and then, erceived that the road-agent was gainin; reept- by. though yet he was over a ankbot be. rd. “Curses on the fellow!” the youth muttered, using the spurs more savagely; “he seems bound to ove eme. Yes, and he is.Deadwood Dick, and I owe him one for relieving me of my purse on the Cheyenne s road. I wonder what can bring hina so far out of his scene of SS Steet Maybe it’s got too hot for him around Deadwood, and he has come up here to sojourn while it cools off?” Then, the young outlaw cast a malignant glance down into the face of the pt pen captive in his arms—a glance so impregnant with evil passions and cruelty, ea pe ol ith shuddered, 8 “Oh! but it will do you no ee to tremble, my fair cousin!” he leered, mockingly.. ‘‘Nor need your heart flutter with tho hope of escape, for I will eut your throat from ear to ear before Twill yield you up to this hounding road-agent, or any one, whomsoever. You are mine! mine, and you shall see how carefully 7 will rd you. Only a year ag0 ou _refus my offer of marriage—scorned the and that though blood-stained would have fought fire and all the furies in your defense. And your refusal made me what I am—a boy fiend—drove me recklessly into the depths of crime and disgrace, upon you, and how little vengeance would dawn so but I swore to be reven, villain laughed, mockingly, while he urged on his foaming steed, with voice and spur. On flew the pursued, ard on came the pursuer, now gaining rapidly, for who. the horse of Wild Ivan had oxhausted its endurance and was momen- tarily losing, tho black charger of Deadwood Dick was apparently as fresh as at tho beginning of the chase. And it was not the intention of the road- And the you agent to spend tho entire strength of his animal. Across the pommel of his saddle lay a handsome Evans rifle in the grasp of his gauntleted hands, and mure than once:during the race had its muzzle coy- ered the flying outlaw, but each time it had been lowered, while an expression of vexation would come into the piercing black orbs of the pursuer. ae as he might, he could not obtain a sight withont — isking the life of Wild Ivan’s captive. “J am going to venture one shot, anyhow, ifit - kills or nol” muttered Deadwood Dick, at last. “£ guess old Posey, here, can reach out that far;”* and again the rifle came swiftly to shoulder, and the un- wavering gaze of the road-agent crept along the sights. The next instant there was a flash and a re- rt which aroused the prairie echoes, and the bul- et sped on its vengeful mission. It struck the arm of the flying outlaw at the elbow, shattering the bone and throwing it out of joint; and so sudden was the shock that with a howl o! pain Wild Ivan released his hold upon Edith, and she went head-foremost off onto the ground. Wild Ivan uttered a string of frightful curses as he found his prize slipped from bis grasp, but a glance baekward discovered that Deadwood Dick was bear- ing down too close upon him to risk dismounting te

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Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. ani i wetake the girl; therefore, with his pistol-hand use- less, nothing remained but flight, and cursing furi- ously the youth—a human fiend, indeed—drove the spurs deeper into his animal’s bleeding flanks, and shot away into the thickening gloom, Deadwood Dick did not follow further than to the t where Edith had taken her unceremonious tum- ble. Here he reined in Flash, and dismounting, found Edith sitting upon the gee rubbing her head with her hands, which she had managed to ex- tricate from their bonds. : “a! did you get hurt by the fall?” asked Dick, roarig ite bounding forward. : “No, thanks to you—only my head received a slight oruise,” replied Edith, faintly. Then, for the first, she perceived the mask upon her rescuer’s face and an exclamation of surpriso and alarm escaped her lips. i ef What! can it be possible that you are an out- law, too? My Well, yes, miss—a sort of one, as men look at it. My warfare, however, is against men, instead of wo- men}!’’ was Dick’s Jeasant reply. ‘I am the so- styled notorious road-agent Prince of the Black Hills —Deadwood Dick, at your service,” : ** And you don’t make war against women?’’ ** Proudly I say no, miss—nor ever did!’ “Then you willlet me go free, if I wish?” “ Assuredly, and it will afford me great pleasure to conduct you to whatever post you may name, from which you, can find transportation to jyour home, wherovor that may be.” “Oh! sir, ! thank you!” cried Mdith gratefully. ‘But I pow not where to go. I have no home that - I know of. For several years I have been a prisoner in the power of a cruel uncle and aunt, who sold my home and Broan me away while my father was ab- sent on a tour through eons “Indeed!” Dick gave vent to a prolonged whistle. **So there has been a plot afoot against you, eh? Who was the young cuss who was carrying you , Edith hesitated. It might not be well for her to make this road-robber her confidant. She was wholly ignorant of the t: fad .of aman he was. He might be worse than Wild Ivan for all she knew. “That was the chief of the outlaws who attacked our train, and massacred the emigrants,’ she re- plied, evasively. “So? Ithought Bill Blood was chief of the Bro- therl-ood. But popes he has knocked under as all o* us shall have to do, some of these days. I fanci.d you knew this young chief, personally, though I am unable to tell why.”’ Edith did not reply, only by a shudder. ‘“*T was a witness of the massacre,” continued Dick, ‘‘but being alone and unaccompanied by my men, I was unable to render any assistance to the train, for it would have been certain death for me to have shown my lone hand where the odds were so overwhelming. But I and my boys are on the trail of this Brotherhood of Death, and it was to visit de- struction upon it, that we came so far north, I generally hold forth around Deadwood.” = “Yes, I have read of your exploits in that neigh- borhood,” Edith replied. ‘‘ You have a very charm- ing wife, I understand?” “Yes, miss; and Deadwood Dick's dark eyes lit u handsomely—“ one of the dearest little women that ever set foot iu this wilderness, is my Leone. If I could prevail upon you to go to our ‘ Castle,’ as we call it, nothing could afford me greater pleasure than ' to present you to her, I am positive you would love my darling when once you knew her.” _ “Perhaps. Iam one to make friends very easy,” said Edith, with a smile. Indeed. noone could very well help being friendly toward Edith, she was so pretty and innocent. The seventeen years that had passed over her head pavelcped her beautifully. They had perfected her lithe little form into an admirably rounded contour—had imparted to her sweet roguish face the tints of perfect bodily health. Her eyes were soft | thoughtfull d bewitching in their hazel hue; lips ripe and red as a cherry, and hair of chestnut brown, and to} and wavy; itis little wonder that Deadwood Dic! gazed at her with something akin to admiration— She was so bright and beautiful. “Without complimenting you, I should that no one but a heartless ruffian could be other than a friend to you,” he said. ‘“‘Butcome! nightisfalling ~~ around us, and we must. necessarily moving, a You say you have no home. Let me then offer you the hospitality of my home, until you can determine upon your future movements.” Thus spoke JJeadwood Dick, as he stood leaning upon his rifle in the gathering darkness; and simple- hearted Edith Stone gazed at him ones e was so wholly different from anything she ever eee robber to be, that she felt she could free- y trust him. What was this strange fluttering in her heart, when she gazed into those eyes that chee so ene, through the holes in the black mask? Why was it that his presence seemed so pleasant to her, though he was naught but a stranger, whom she had known but afew moments? Ah! this was a question she could not answer. “You are very kind, sir,” she replied, looki at the ground—‘‘so kind that I fear = shall never be able to repay Set Of course had I ' another place to £0, it would be preferable to me; rather than to go into an outlaw’s stronghold. But alas! I see no other way than to aecept your kind in- vitation. In the course of afew days I may come to a decision what is best for me to do.” bes “Very well, Miss—” : “My name is Stone, sir—Hdith Stone.” “Very well, Miss Stone: any time you may choos. to leave us, I will furnish you an escort either to — Deadwood for Bozeman, from whence you will find - trains departing almost every day. Now, then, I guess we had better set out for the Castle. These plains are not safe, once night sets in,”’ “T am ready, sir, as soon as you cut these bonds . that bind my feet.” “Ah! | didn’t I think of them before?” and with asweep of his knife Deadwood Dick severed the ith would have offered some objections to h going afoot, only that he arranged the saddle an placed. her in it, and then stalked swiftly away into the night. Wlash followed at his heels, and thus it — ~ was that Edith found herself being borne off under the protection of a road-robber—the last of all men = whom she would at any other time have accepted as an escort, ¥or several hours Deadwood Dick led on without pausing, over broken prairie that finally ended among the mountain foothills, where low, scraggy patches of timber predominated. Here he halted, and waited for Edith to come up, She saw that the steady march had fatigued him, by a heaving of his chest and the shortness of his _ reath. : ! “You should have ridden in my Sere or the — horse could have carried us both, and thereby saved you so much labor,” she said, anxiously. But he shook his head with a smile, ; “ Rather than have Flash do double duty, I would undertake the burden myself!’ was the reply, ‘and “as for my riding and allowing you to go af that ox is out of the question. We have not a great way — further to go, and then we will be at the Castle.” —_- After a short rest he led the way into a deep and narrow canyon, whose rock-sides rose perpendicu- larly to a great hight. The bottom was covered — with heayy timber, through which Flash picked hic way easily, seeming to take pains not to go undor limbs low enough to harm his beautiful ch hates When hours had pee as Edith supposed, Dead: wood Dick stopped beside a ledge of rocks that tow ¥

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10 " Wild Ivan, the Boy Clavde Duval, ered heavenward, and seizing a rope that dangled down from far above, he gave it a violent jerk, then turned te Edith. , Mes “You will dismount here,” he said, assisting her to alight, ‘*Rub Flash down well, Ceripo "—to « dark, dwarfish tellow, who had suddenly emerged from the glooin, ‘t and see that he has proper care,” The man nodded, and led the horse up the pass, * As he disapp2ared, Edith was greatly surprised to seea large open tub or car descend at her feet, into which Deadwood Dick hanced her to a seat, } “This is my chariot!’ he laughed, seeing her ‘amazement. “It is « car lowered by means of a huge crane, from the plateau, two hundred feet above. Thisis someof Cambre’s ingenuity. Cam- bre’s my lieutenant, you know.” Edith didn’t know, but accepted the explanation with good faith, Z The car now began to rise slowly, ..d continued to ascend for several moments, finally stopping in mid-air, Overhead » huge arm reached out, anc! to this the car was stispended. The arm now. how- ever, began to swinys, around, the bucket descended and was peek set down in the center of a large jevel plateau, on which a reflector from a lamp set in a niche in the mountain-side threw a flood of light. Edith saw a score or more of men grouped in dots here and there—dark, masked men, and she trem- bled when she thought of the strange position sho was placed in. ‘Here we are!’’ Deadwood Dick exclaimed, pleas- antly, as he helped her from the car, ‘* at Castle —, four hundred feet above the plains, high and dry. Come this way, Miss Stone; I see Leone, now, com- Ing to meet me!” nd Edith followed, little dreaming that her ad- vent was to be the cause of much bitterness—of sor- row, jealousy, and pain. CHAPTER V. THE CHEROKEE GIRL AVENGER, * Jim Crow shot a man, An’ shot him all ter pieces, An’ all thar was left o’ him War a cupple little greasers, So hop along, skip along, Do just so—’* Anp here the singer suddenly ceased and peered around him, as if expecting the approach of an enemy... Bul he evidently found the surroundings to his satisfaction, for he resumed his occupation, w istling merrily. It was rather an odd scene to which we introduce the reader. Through the heart of a tree-environed dell at tho bottomof a deep mountain gorge, noisily rushed an infant stream of water on its way to the great prai- ries tothe north. A man sat upon the bank gazing iy. into the waters, a quizzical expression upon his ? face. He was a lank, long individual, well along in life— uydeniably a mixture of Yankee and native Mis- sourian, and about as comical a looking genius as one will often meet. Sallow and angular in feature, with hair, eyes and beard all of a decided blonde cast; legs and arms Jong and unwieldy; and attired ina dress of homespun, fancifully relieved by gay ribbons; such was a pen picture taken at a glance, aan well armed with revolvers, knife and rifle. is only occupation, as he sat perched there upon the bank, per pe to be-watching the water, which rushed swiftly down the gorge over its rough rocky bed. creating weird musie that echoed and re-echoed up the dull gray walls that towered on either hand. “Yas, Chris Columbus diskivered America!” mut- tered the uncouth individual, refiectively, ‘an’ got _ put inter ther jeeographies fer doin’ it. ‘Twar a great lift fer Kit, an’ he wore his laurels like an ugly mule wears a sour expression onter his coun- fenance. An’ now thet I, Josiah W. Hoge, ex- eluded member frum Le; gislature, poet 0’ Powder River Range, an’ own cousin ter Wawkeen Miller an’ sech shinin’, flickerin’ lights o’ ther tical cee as Moar, Shakespear an’ Oakoy Hall, hev iskivered an infantile streamlet, I ken’t see but w’at I shed enjoy ekal honor wi’ ole Kit Columbus an’ his crew. “No, thar can’t be no doubt but you’re ther fust diskiverer uv this riverlet, Josia’, an’ when ye’ve fol- lered it tew its source, as Moar sez: i *** Yer fame shall rise ter mount'ins hi’, Whar buzzeth the bee, an’ flyeth the fly.’ “A great feller was thet Moar— Hello!” Josiah suddenly ceased his the sound of footsteps greeted him. Glancing quickly behind him he saw a female fig- ure glide from the undergrowth and approach him, But what was most alarming, he perceived that she earried a cocked revolver in her hand. ready fer in- stant use. “Holey Jerusalem!” burst from the poet’s lipss ‘‘who in thunderation ar’ this petticoater? An In- jun gal, true’s Mary hed a little Jamb, whose fleece war whites as snow, an’ eve: here—’ Fearlessly the girl came forward, and paused by the poet’s side, her fierce black eyes glaring down at him in eviden: anger. She was nota full-blooded Indian girl, but % half-breed, as was apparent from her feature? and complexion, which was light and ciear, In face ax form she might have been called handsome, but in her jetty eyes there was a stern glare that was a repulsive feature in itself. She Was clad in the costume of an Indian princess, and wore jewels upon her fingers that must have cost large sums. Her whole attire was characteristic of elegance, and the rifle at her back and the silver mounted revolvers and scalping-knife in her belt w+ all of improved pattern and finish. To Josiah she appeared rather a savage-looking queen, however. “Ugh!” she articulated, in better English than is generally: encountered among the half-breeds, and > scomled darkly upon the hunter—for, despite his cal mania, Josiah was an excellent hi rapper. ‘“ Ugh!” “ Yes, ma’am; “gh /” replied Josiah, rising and doffing his hat. ’ ‘What your ughship have?” A startling burst of laughter | ee from the girl’s lips, and for a moment her face was lit up by a smilc; but the next instant its expression was as dark and stern as before. “Wha d’ye larf at?” demanded Josiah indignant- ly. “ What d’ye cum here for—what d’ye want—who on ‘arth be you?” “Tam Sue!” was the al ‘Sue, eh? Any relation ter Eugene Sue? S’pose not. Ha‘ a gal once named Sue—she also sue: me fer thr britches 0’ promise, an’I cum purty nigh hevin’ ter sew boots in a penitentiary, ter boot, Composed a few lines onto her, too, thusly: **Oh! fickle gal I loved so well, Thou’rt homelier than a liberty bell; Yor heart ar’ altogether peth, Ter sum poor man you'll be the death. But 'twon’t be me—it won’t be me; Tain’t sich a fool as I uster be!’ “Them lines usec] her entirely up, an’ she died 0’ Cerro Gordo pete meningitis—did, fer a fac’.” “Like all the pale-faces, your tongue wags on & pivot,” was the half-breed girl’s grim comment. “Oh! ye don’t like that style o’ ephusiun, hey? Wai, re’s anuther. Tune, ‘I Want yer be an An gel’; “Oh! T hev got a brother, Whose name ar’ Avalanche, Kin fight like cross-eyed Injun, An’ screech like a Comanche, He’s'scrumpshious on his mi Kin draw the briny tears, As he sits an’ tells ther story Of how he lost his ears.’ oetical effusions, as unter and ~ wt ie Y. View "4 es St Od 2 et a a ~ a 2 wy ms

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_ Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duvas, 11 “Ugh! worse and worse!” cried the girl. “‘ White hunter a vig fool! Better go herd cattle.” “*Ken’t see it, my— “* Darling chit o’ walnut shade, Whose beauty God in glory made.’ * Ken’t see it, Aman wi’ my poetical perpensities kin do better than herdin’ swine an’ horned critters; asides, I’ve diskivered a riverlet here, an’ ther fame ©’ ther thing will emulate me ter a seat in ther Sen- ate. But, by ther way Miss Susan—hain’t related ter Susan B, A.,I s’pose? What ar’ yer business with me? My namear’ Josiah William Hogg, at yer service—Hogg in all cases being spelt wi’ two or more ‘g's’! “Ugh!” Tt hunter’ words seem d to arouse the girl into her old state of anger. ‘Suv is a Cherokee i Her father was a whi.e xrsder—her mother a herokee queen. Sue comes hither on the trail of . an payee whe has ruined her -fe and then fled, leaving her with - fatherless bahe. Sue drowned tLe puny brat because it was /.;. Then she fled from the revervatisn, o vis: \ongeance on the head of her ps e-face betraye , You, white hunter, must tell me where he is!” “Oh! Lordy gracious!” gaspe Josiah,in genuine amazement. ‘I don’t know, gal—d n’t know no more about yer erg nor did the boy ’t stood on ther burnin’ deck!” “‘Wagh! the white hunter lies! EP» is trying to Tool Sue, becuse she is a Cherokee, But he shall tell, or she wili “hoot him, and take his scalp!” And up came the revolver on a level with the poet’s thead, much to Josiah’s consternatio . a Now, lookee heer, gal, thiur’s no use o’ yer gittin”™ wp on yer eare, fer I swo./ ter gracious I don’t know nothin’ about yerfelle . "ell me his name, an’ I'll think ef I ever stumbled across him; that’s fair, now, ain't it?” i “Yes, fair,” replied the girl, slowly. ‘You are a man with a long tongue, yet Sue will trust you. Ivan Stone is his name. Itis to hunt him down to death that the Cherokee girl left her ple and came here where the mountains grow wild, and the pale-faces are plenty.” “Tyan Stone, hey? Wal, gal, I never heerd o’ sech e feller; that’s truesas the gospel. But as Moar sed— “*No man frum the ’arth tew above Kin ’scape ther tickle o vengeful love,’ an’ now, ef you'll jump inter harness wi’ me, we'll hunt up this Stony chap, tergether. I’m sum on ther trail, 7 tell ye, an’ ef ye'll just show me whar ter find this ’coon, I'll show him ‘to you, blamed if I won’, What say you? Shall we enter inter part- nership?” “Hark!” suddenly whispered Sue, clutching the poet by the shoulder; “listen! some one is coming up the gorge. Quick, come into the bushes!” And without wating for Josiah to rise, she drag- ged him across the dell into a clump of underbrush, “ Jeewhitka—”’ gasped the astonished hunter, but her hand was clasped forcibly across his mouth. “Sh! not a bit of noise, or Sue will scalp you!” was her warning. Then they crouched ey in their covert, and waited, the eyes of Cherokee Sue gleaming savage- iy. The echo of a horse’s feet rung through the gorge, growing plainer each moment, and soon a horseman came into view, riding at a swift gallop. He was none other than the young chief of the Brotherhood of Death, the ad iend, Wild Tvan! Astartling hiss escaped the half-breed girl’s lips, as La ploreing, gaze fell upon him, and she trembled, iolently. s he!” she ed aise savagely, “he, the young devil who wrecked my life!” “'Thunderation! is that the weasel? Hold on—just let me put an electric liver-pill inter his constitu- “ay *‘No! nol’? Sue checked the impetuous poets movement. “The time has not come, let him go. We will follow, we will track the wolf to his lair, and there rapes him, Then, you you shall see the Cherokee girl’s vengeance.” “You're a osh-dratted fool!” declared Josiah bluntly. ‘Not much would I let him slide off that way. As Danye: Webster sed— | ; “Send yer bullets tair an true, | Sock ’em in, cl’ar all way thru: which ar’ jest w’at I shed do. Let the cuss escape; an like’s not ye'll never git yer purty eyes Jue on-ter him ag’in. Let me squinchellate him, “No! Sue has said it. She will follow likea shadow. The white hunter can go with her, if he will hold his tongue.”’ Wild Ivan te swiftly up the gorge unaware that oneof his bitterest foes was crouching so close upon his trail. He had not returned to his stronghold aft@r losing Edith Stone upon the pra~ rie,but had camped in among the foothills until day once more dawned, coosing to thread the mountains by daylight rather than by darkness. And too, he half feared to return and announce to the Brotherhood the loss of his captive. ‘Without interuption he was allowed to pursue his way, and when he had vanished from view a- round'a bend in the gorge, Sue turned to Josiah quietly. ‘Come!’ she said her eyes Shinin in a eculiar way. “‘Itis time foi us to go. Will you ollow where the Cherokee girl leads. h “Ter ther death, gal, as ther feller sed when he tied hisself ter ther rear uv a lightning express train, because he hadn’t no money ter pay his fair. As Burns sed: \ “**Man proposeth and woman disposeth;” so ef y’u’re disposed ter foller that young gentleman I propose ter do likewise, Off brakes, ring ther bell, an’ off we vo; I’m reddy.” “T will go ahead, ‘Cheroke. Su- said; “you fol- low at my heels, without ~ word.” “Karect. As Jim Shakespeare remarked; “**On! on ter greet ther battle, Check wi’ fire ther »e’s advance, Let ther bullets pand rattle, An’ ye’ll see the cusses dance.” ‘Without reply the balf-breed girl stole from the underbrush, and stealthily made her way up the gorge, her soft footsteps arovsing no echo—her movements like those of a cat. : Evident it was t a glance that she had been reared’ in Indian cunning, and care had been taken in her — education to make her at homeupon the trailaswell — as off. Her ti as firm and swift, and her care ae dcapta: tis -odaiily, Hostel 5 oe n lespli is oddit; 08 0} was no “slouch ” upon the trail, tiher: 4 > He handled his huge feet as lightly as did hig dusky companion, and his eyes penetrated every re- — cess in the walls of the gorge— alert for hostile sounds, . Thus the two followed swiftly but silently up the. — gorge through which Wild Ivan had ridden on his — way to the stronghold. “Many horses been up this way last night,” = Cherokee Sue, as they passed over a tch 0} sand, in which was a confusion of imprints of horses* feet. ‘ te yonder they take to the creek;” and sha pointed aliead to where the walls of the canyon nam en in to the water’s edge. ‘‘Rapids up there, — 00." “How d’ye know?” demanded Josiah, nowdubioug as he saw that his calculations of being the first dis- eoverer of the stream were all knocked endwise, “*Pears ter me you know a tarnal zight fer bein’ am mie gee there,” was the response. “Sea “Know rapids up there,” was the mse. : foam—that tells. We'll have to wade.” : “Thunderation! that’s too bad, Jallers did hate ter git wet feet,” ; Hf ; i ace he ears were on thes

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12 They soon came to the place where it was custom- for the outlaws to take to: the stream, and the -breed girl led the way into the water without hesitation, Josiah finally following suit with many . ejaculations and poetical quotations. The water was only aLout knee-deep, but very swift and muddy, so that it was with considerable difficulty that a footing was maintained. Several times Josiah went down, sousing himself all over, but Sue oe up boldly. But the further they went the swifter and deeper aor the stream, the roaring water now reaching to their waists. Finally the gir] stopped, her attitude one of listen- ing—her ayes wild and gleaming. “ What's up?” demanded Josiah, shivering in his eold bath. “ Lookin’ ter see “f ye can’t find deeper water?” “Ugh! no! we must turn back,” was the low, cautious response. “ There are horsemen coming down the stream !"* CHAPTER VI. THE ROAD-AGENT HUNTERS. Our upon the boundless prairie, not many miles from where had occurred the massacre of the train, in a little grove of cottonwoods that hid the course of a deep, yawning chasm from view, was a camp- fire burning brightly, around which were grouped two-score of men, attired in the picturesque costume of the frontiersman, and armed with repeating-rifles and handsomely-mounted belt-weapons. A few were grizzly old borderers, with long beards and wrinkled faces, but for the most part the camp- ers were young men whose ages ranged all the way from seventeen to five-and-twenty years, He in command was a tall, handsome fellow, with fair complexion, hair and mustache, steel-gray eyes and well-cut features, while his form was strik- ingly developed in muscle and sinew. aptain Norris Setan had been educated by an offi- cer of the regular army, and was a perfect scout and ranger, often venturing into danger where older heads would have hesitated to go, but ever co’ out crowned with success. It was his quiet never to have lost a battle, and he had participated in many, both among Indians and their worse brethren, the white savages who infested the re- ion. sin Captain Setan’s command he counted two of the first scouts on the border—Jolly Jack and Scott Sherwood, both of whom were * ae in the thirties, and pe ugly cenarioneet trailers, who had won their name in the Lava Beds war. Jolly Jack was a great strappin; framed and muscular, with a round of jovial i ey ape brown eyes and eral disposition of geniality. 2 Sherwood was a grim, tactiturn fellow, who never - made many words over an affair; an excellent scout and plaiusman, and a thorough good fellow, once _ you knew him. He was dark of complexion, with an immense sweeping mustache of Jetty hue, black eyes and hair, and a moody, grim expression of counte- nance, that was becoming in him. He now sat upon along log in front of the fire, smoking his pipe and into the dancing blaze, evidently in a deep ~ reverie. Close at hand was his inseparable compan- ton, Jolly Jack, while the remainder of the men were ~ lounging around in various attitudes. Captain Norris had just come in from the Meee &e oe ae arabe and stood leaning against a tree, close i e fire, “Tt wouldn't be a bad idea to station a guard, - boys,” he was saying, in his pleasant, cheery way. “To my notion, these prairies abound with roving ds of red-skins, even though Sitting Bull has gone north,” “That. maa be, capt’in,” coincided sony Jack, with a nod of approval. “I saw plenty of Injun signs ne route to-day, though I said noth- ing erbout it.” ¥ fellow, iron- eardless face, hair, and agen- tudes an’ Bry. Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. * And I saw the same,” added Sherwood, quietly. “Tl vouch that there’s plenty o’ Sioux in this vicin- ity. OEY We could not remain here many days without hearin’ of ’em!’’ “Then we must ave sentinels ted!” cried Setan, quicl:ly, ‘* We surely wish to lose no men by the savages, “ben we shall need them all to com- pete with Sir Deadwood Dick. Kellogg, you may Shoose men besides yourself, and guard the camp. I ee ge are relieved at midnight.” , four of the band were stationed off Sooonnae in the forest, where-the light of the camp-fire could not reach them. Captain Norris paced to and fro ia front of the fire, nervously impatient at something, though he spoke not for a long time. Finally, the veteran Mountain Mike, broke the si ee tak ' ‘ous: time we heered from Rivers, ain’tit, cap- ~ n? “Yes, pasttime. Weshould have heard from him two hours It isn’t six_hours’ ride to the hill and he has been gone twodays. I cannot accoun for his delay.” ‘“*Mebbe he got nabbed on the trail!"’ * Bosh! Lem Rivers is too smart to be caught gnome, He will probably turn up before another lay.” “T hope so,” growled Sherwood. ‘I’m tired of this camping down, here and there, waitin’ fer some one else to spy out the game.” “Them words fits my dickshunary to a capital dot!” added Jolly Jack. ‘‘ We ain’t seer a red nig- ‘gur, even, ter shie our respects at. It’s almigh monotonous to one o’ my ealiber.”” And this Lod tahoe She was manifest in nearly every face upon which the firelight fell. “T know it, boys,” was Setan’s quiet reply, ‘and I don’t like it any better than the rest of you, ButI have followed Deadwood Dick up into this country for the purpose of capturing him, and obtaining the reward of two thousand dollars, the price offered for his delivery to the proper authorities, at Dead- wood: and J’m qoing to do it, if [have to accomplish the task alone and unaided!” ‘Bravo! With that spirit you'll weather "int, and we'll help ye!” cried old Mike, enth ically. At this juncture there was the tramp of a horse's feet, and to the astonishment of the camp, an old grizzled individual, mounted upon a scrawny mare, and followed_ by a vicious-looking billy rode leisurely into their midst, using as little cere- mony as though he belonged to the Pacey “ello! who in blazes are you, pier im, and how do you come here?” cried Captain Setan, an exprea- sion of merriment in his eyes. ‘“‘ Where d'ye cum treWhoaaat Prud 1; jes’ stop, wull yer" : O8-a-a ence, 3; jes’ Dp. shouted the odd rider, Sling back on the Aine with all his apparent strength. ‘Good-mornin’ gentlemen—tho’ et do appear kinder duskish. Se: anything ‘round these parts uy a young, ornery specimen 0’ Eve’s rib, who war ketryla’ off a gal, ag war 2 af as a sunfiower in December?” “No! nothing of that sort has passed this " the last two days,” ass Captain Norris, in’t, eh? Wal, thet’s too bad. Ye see they hed a massyker down hayr, a few miles, thes arter- noon, an’ me an’ the gal got slighted—thet ts, warn’ duri' oe killed. A young robber Cag Beat off ther gal, an’I got kerried off on ther back uv old Prudence Cordeliar, heer. So I’m huntin’ for ther lad—Wild Ivan ’s his name, an’ he ar’ ther new cheef uv thor Brotherhood 0’ Death,” 4 ‘Indeed! this is all news to me. Who are you, old man?” t ‘“Me! What! didn’t ye nevyer heer tell o’ Old Avalanche. ther Great Injun hilator—ther o1 ; devastatin’, ructive hailstarm 0’ subversion, w'at enor like lightning thru these boreal lattl 01 ngitoads—ther giant snow-slide o’ 42 ar shia

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EE ad , Wild Teun; {he Boy Claude David: be eel weery—tner t cantanke! o' extermination? Didn't ye rous, roarin’ hurricane evyr heer tell o’ this [fees acheevement? bby Se I hev ther honer ter the! et sam. t same Avalanche—t e extirpator—thet game unhealthy disease; an’ this ’ere’s ed hoss, Prudence Cordéliar, an’ thet ‘ar’s my oat, orence Night-in-a-gale—both o’ *em a o’ ther t fa- muss meteorical wheel o’ Annihilation, thet swoops around like ther secont hand on a three-dollar lot- tery watch!” * Hurra! here’s a curiosity!” cried Jolly Jack, and a general laugh ran through the ranks of the road- agent hunters. “Old Avalanche, eh? It seems to me I’ve heerd of you before, pilgrim,” replied Setan; “ but I cannot Say just where. Who and what is this Brotherhood of rain of which you k?? “Great Zebulom Zackariaher! hain’t ye heerd about ‘i: m, nuther? Must be ye’re strangers in this Jattytude.” af we are, comparatively, Where we have camped, here, ends our knowledge of this northern couvtry. We come from Deadwood Cig “Phew! ye don’t say so? Wal, Til figgered! What on ‘arth fetched ye up hayr?” “ We are road-agent hunters, old man, in search of one notorious rascal and outlaw who calls himself Deadwood Dick. We've chased him up here, and are now waiting for one of our spies to report his whereabouts.” ‘Moses in the ‘bullrushes! An’ ye’ve got an ijee ye're goin’ ter capture this wood Dick, hev ye?” “Yes. Once we find his stronghold, we'll spend a lifetime but what we'll take him.” “Wal, stranger,ef ye cotch that pestiferous galoot, why, may I be eternally blistered wi’ ther heat frum urgatory—that’s all!’ bi th f “Case how’s you'll never lay yer paws onter him —never ! and the Annihilator emphasized his decla- ration by sae euslanve Cordelia a dig in the side, which caused the worthy beast to sudaunly rear up behind, much to the disgust of the goat, who stood in close proximity to the iron-shod heels. At this juncture the sharp report of a rifle and a savage yell came echoin i the forest aisles. “B eaven! the -skins have attacked the guards!” cried Setan. “Great ham-bone that dislocated the jaw of old Venus!” cried Avalanche, simultaneously, and the next moment he galloped into the timber in one di- * rection, while the eccentric goat shot.off in another. “Steered out, by Cbristmas!’’ declared Jack. “Par from it,” Fen’ replied Sherwood, “You might be proud if you stood in that old target’s shoes. He’s a ‘hailstarm,’ as he says!” “To arms! boys, to arms!” cried Captain Norris, and his order was instantly obeyed, ‘* Kick out the fire, and dodge into the gloom.” No sooner said than done; then the road-agent hunters waited breathlessly for the issue. The wood was wrapped in profound silence. Not a step was heard, not the rustle of aleaf. A dead blank seemed to have fallen, that was sugges- tive of imminent peri]. Each of the rangers stood with rifle in hand, waiting for the enemy’s onset. But no further attack was made, and this deepened the mystery. The night was densely black witbin the grove; a hundred lurking savages might be con- cealed within the shadows. Nor was the Jeast sound heard betraying the whereabouts of Old Avalanche. Evidently he had cleared out, as Jolly Jack had intimated. “ Mebbe it was only one of the guards firing off his m at some suspicious object,” suggested Norris, wing uneasy “Mebbe not!” was Scott Sherwood’s grim’ re- a chorus of his rifle, and a shrill screech of pain resounded on “That tells the tale!’ the scout sald, etme ot i 5 a 5 2) E i a PB eany, upon one: a hei eep your eyes and use ir revolvers: at ahart. range, boys?” ordered Sherwood: quietly; for Captain Setan was. suddenly missing from their midst. “‘ Have you seen the cay e “Here I am,” Setan repli frem the proune where he lay. “Go on, Scott; I leave you in com. ma in God's: phe tatiee be the ope Reeth kon, scout deman inging 0) side, ~ But there came ok none e barbed sh- ft their brave ‘cay _ with brotherly affection; most of them had followed his lead for several years: during which time he had — been a faithful friend a fearless captain. = “The boys take it hard,” whispered Jolly Jack, as he stole back to his comrade’s side. “ What took — him off—a bullet or an arrow?” ; . Sherwood did not reply; he was too full for ut-— terance. But his fingers tightened fiercely about 71.3 rifle, sr his dusky orbs peered into the gloom, — searchingly, ie _And thus matters stood at the end of an hour, Neither the Mevebegiee hunters nor their savage seen foes chan their position; the darkness was — growing even denser; the silence that wrapped the — grove was grim and eae B a," Every ea? stood ready for instant action: Sher- wood stood by the side of fallen captain, like an avenging shadow. ee i i “Great ham-bone that dislocated Venus’s lower — jawi” cautiously exclaimed a voice, and turning, the ~ ri aaigaarer the form of Old Avalanche standing — yy. , “W'at on ’arth’s tuk ther canting down?” “He is dead,” replied Sherwood, hoarsely—“killed by an arrow!’ eee. “Zebulom Zackariaher! is that so? Poor feller! — didn’t captur’ Deadwood Dick, after all, Any o’ the rest pone under?” on “No. ve ie, = Mags ¢ Se aren dy thar’s about twenty million o’ Purple — Eye’s. re nisgurs layin’ around loose in these yere — woods. I killed six by way o’ amoosement me: hayr.” y a Why don’t they pitch in an’ find what kind o' — material we're made of?” queried Jolly Jack. — “Dunno! *Pears ter me they're waitin’ fer a 8} nal, w’at ain’t a-comin’,” oe . ‘**A signal?” 2 “Yas. Ishedn’t wonder ef I devastated the sun — of a gun as war ter give the signal, an’ theyre wait- in’ fer him ter be ressereckted.”* P prereee, * Are we surrounded, then?” Tirta “Bullrushes in Moses. yes—on every side. ret iy this great Norweegan snow-slide 0’ og ition — wouldn't make a punctuation pint in the arnal — A rifle cracked at this instant, and was follo by the startling death-yell of an And ¢ arose pon the air of the still autumnal night fiendish yells and exultant war-who

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14 and a cloud of arrows and volley of bullets came in upon the beseiged whites, while from all sides pour- adense swarm of the vengeful red-skins, heir howls making a perfect Pandemonium. “Stand firm, boys!” rung out tle clear voice- of Scott Sherwood; ‘make every brii'et count—then club your rifles and use yourknives. “ou age! cour- age! and we'll sweep the cussed imps iron the face ©’ the earth!” : CHAPTER VII. JEALOUSY VERSUS LOVE. Edith Stone, as we have said before, followed Deadwood Dick across the plateau toward a cav- ernous opening in the mountain-side tittle think- ing of what misery, jealousy and pain, her coming was destined to cause, or else she would never have shown herself within the road-agent’s strong- hold. As they advanced, a slight girlish figure * came forward from the gotto, and paused in front of them—a wild-looking but beautiful creature, with fair complexion, shining eyes, and waving reddish hair, and a handsomely rounded form— ust the one a road-agent could truly worship,and t eadwood Dick sprung forward and caught her in a rapturous embrace, coveriny the ripe rosy lips with passionate kisses. “My beauty !’’ heexclaimed, ‘‘I am glad to get back.” “And Iam glad to have you back, Eddie; but what female have you brought here?’ and the young _ wife shot an inquiring glance toward Edith, who Btood by, a curious spectator. “This is Miss Stone, a young lady whom I rescued from a young cuss who calls himself Wild ivan—the new chief of the Brotherhood of Death, cf whom I told you last night. Miss Stone, thisis my darling little wife—my Leone!” : And es he spoke, Harris gazed at her he loved so wa with proud admiration. ith the two girls standing in his presence, he roula see how much prettier—at least, in his eyes— was Leone than Edith, how much more womanly and bright, “T am happy to meet you, Miss Stone,” Leone ‘paid, advancing and extending her hand; but there _ wasaring in her voice that impressed Edith un- favorably. ‘‘¥ trust we shall be friends, for I have none of aay sex for companionship—but, then, whom eee for more than my Road-Agent Richard, - here “None other, I should say,” returned Edith, can- didly. ‘Yow seem to think a great deal of each other.” “Which wa do,” assented Dick. ‘Leone and I could not get along without each other. But, come —let us go to the Castle, where no doubt we will find foes awaiting us, for I am as hungry as a starved wolf. _ And offering an arm to each of the girls, the Prince of the Road escorted them through the cavernous entrance into an immense grotto that pierced the mountain with great chambers and cells like a ver- . The floor and walls were smooth me. In the first chamber along row of rudely-manu- factured tables were stretched across the floor, from which two negro waiters were clearing the remnants of the resins meal. “This is the general eee for the boys,” Dick explained, as they went along. “ Besides, each one of them has a separate apartment for sleeping, ‘asin this grotio there are a hundred or more natura! cells, several of which we have arranged into dun- ‘geons for ths accommodation of prisoners. Kk it that you rommit no offense so that we shall be : | ied ta tock you up, Miss Stone ’~-with a gay | nett 1 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval, “Please take that advice to yourself, my charm- ing cavalier,’’ spoke Beone, just a trifle bitterly; but Dick noticed it instantly, and shot her an amused glance, though he made no reply. : After passing through several airy chambers, which were unoccupied, they struck into a narrow passage, turning off of which they entered Dead- wood Dick’s own svit—four rooms in all and con- nected by natural archways. The first room was made to answer the purpose of oe and par- lor, and was tastefully arranged with neat furniture and carpet, while a bright fire burned to one side, the smoke escaping through a hole overhead. While Leone was in the adjoining apartment pre- pane the een repast, Deadwood Dick seated imself and chatted pleasantly with Edith, He ex- plained to her the interesti ints of their wild aerial retreat; also that it co d be reached only by two routes—one ‘by coming up im the car, and the other by a precipitous rugged mountain-path that led ten miles before debouching among the lower gorges. ; Raith in turn narrated a few events of her west- ward journey; and the longer she conversed with the gentlemanly young road-agent, the more favor- aie she was impressed with his appearance. eir tefe-a-tete. was at length interrupted by the announcement that supper was ready, by one of tne colored waiters. ‘ Graciously Deadwood Dick conducted Edith to the white-spread table, taking a seat directly opposite. A repast of corn-bread, roast venison, and light wine was upon the board, in addition to fruit and sweetcake, much to Edith’s surprise, for she little expected to find these luxuries in a road-agent’s, camp. s Where is Leone, Sam?” asked Dick, quickly no- ticing the absence of his wife. “Dunno, Mars’r Dick,” replied the negro, with a ; ‘spec’ she’s done gone off to her room a-ory- r! rs a Crying ! Deadwood Dick was out of his chair in ling. ‘‘ What in the deuce was she erying “Certainly,” replied Edith, and then he hurried away. Eath saw with her keen ee how matters lay. Leone was jealous of the attention her husband had innocently paid _to her, a stranger, as a due courtesy to a guest. Of this there could be no doubt. And yet Edith could not see what cause her hostess had to be jealous. She had no more than expressed her honest gratitude to Deadwood Dick for saving her from a horrible fate, to which she would have undoubtedly been consigned had Wild Ivan succ3ed- ed in carrying her to his stronghold. And if it was ali that had fired the passions of the little wife, was she to blame? Deadwood Dick hastened te-vard Leone’s room, @ pained and yet amused expression about hs mouth, “The little jealous chit,” he muttered; ‘if this is the way matters are going I shall be sorry—” He pushed into Leone’s chamber, which was tastily furnished and hung. A bed stood in one cor- ner, but Leone was not upon it, as he had expected. Nbither was she in the room. “This is strange,” Dick mutte juitting the plac’, and running along a passage that led to the eneral rendezyous-chamber of thesroad-agents, “I on’t see where she can have gone.” —- In the main room a number of the band were gathered about the tables, engaged at a game of ecards. 1 ‘*Has my wife passed this way toward tho pla- Cambre?” was-the question Dick put tothe leutenant, in some Sea 3 Figeed re ¥

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- tled. Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. “No, captain. Hasnot been in this direction since ‘ou went with her and the other gal,” replied lambre, respectfully. The young chief turned back, a frown visible upon his brow, for he had removed his mask on reaching the plateau. “I’ve half a notion to let her get over her sulks, and return when she pleases, dashed if I ain’t!”’ he muttered; but then vender remembrances flashed across his mind, and with a pain of anxiety tugging _ at his heart he kept on, One after another of the grotto honeycombs he explored, by the aid of a blazing torch, and at last, jn the remotest one of the whole lot, he found the object of his search—Leone! She was lying prostrate upon the cold, damp, socky floor, enveloped ina cloak of furs, and sob- bing bitterly, her little figure violently agitated with her emotion. Harris knelt by her side and placed his hand gen- tly upon the throbbing head—the little head with its wealth of brick-hued hair he loved so well. “Leone!” he said, tenderly, “ what is the matter? Why have youcome here in this damp, lonesome place, crying? Come! let me help you up, and then you must tell me the cause of your grief.’ ‘There was no answer—only the prostrate girl'sob- bed the harder. And sitting there by her side, Dead- wood Dick cursed himself for not having allowed Ivan Stone to carry off his prize. But he reproached himself the next moment, when he thought of the sweet, gentle, confiding maiden he had just left. Still she was nothing to him—not a millionth part as much as his jealous little darling here, who lay sob- bing before him. “Come, darling,” he continued, raising her head and shoulders into his arms, and kissing away the tears that trickled down the whitened cheeks, “ look up, won’t you? Don’t cry so. What have i done? Are you jealous because [ chatted with that stran- er? Oh! Leone! you shouldn’t be, for you know shat Tlove you better than my life—that I worship the yery ground you—” “Stop!” she cried, so suddenly that he was star- he had struggled from his arms to her feet, now; her tears had ceased to fall; she stood there, with white, passars face and shining eyes, and he wondered that he had never known how royally beautiful she was before. ‘Stop, Edward Harris!” she repeated, sternly; “let this matter drop here. You return to your supper.” Then she turned and swept be Dick did not attempt to follow her this time, but took another route back to thle chamber where he had left Edith. He saw that it would be useless to reason with her. He felt that she would return to a sensible view of her foolish freak and be sorry; and with these thoughts he returned to the supper-table. Vdith was waiting, having eaten nothing while he Was absent; so they ate in company. Very little was said, however. Edith was somewhat constrained in her speech, renie:nbering what had occurred; Dick was grim and out of humor, and resolved that Leone should Ree further cause for jealousy if he could elp it. 3 _ After he had partaken of the repast, he left Edith and went off into the men’s quarters. At least, Leone should not have cause to say again that he lingered at the side of their fair guest, ith amused herself for a while in looking over some books, of which Deadwood Dick had quite a collection. Leone came in ntly, and. helped Sam to re- move the tea service. Her face was very pale, and her eyes red and swollen, Edith saw it in a moment, and gMding quietly to Leone’s side she threw her ain’t you, dear of the youn ». Oh! don’t » _ arma impetuously around her neck, “You are angry—fealous of me. Leone?” she said, ssing the white li wife. “Jealous, and without cause, ’ at ber, almost angril 18 be, please. You have nothing to fear from me, and Iam sure your husband loves you dearly,” Leone put ber off almost fiercely. : - “Don’t!” she said, depreeatingly, and there was a menace in her tone, “I want nothing to do with you. Leave me—go/” i And she stamped her foot imperiously. Fright- — ened at the eas gleam in her oye, ith turned away and began looking over the books again. A fear now assailed her that the jealous wife in her oe might do her harm—might murder her while she slept, And the more she thought upon the subject the stronger grew her fears, until she was all.trembling and agitation. What should she do? Something, surely. before it should be too late. And but one plan offered itself. = es She would go to Deadwood Dick and make known her fears, and he would:protect her—he, whom she Sag he se grand, and handsome, above all men. With this view in keeping, she left the chamber in which they had dined, and spec: through.the dark —- and «partments of the grotto. But not king the main route, it was nearly an hour ere she saw a light to one side, and found herself in the ren- dezvous chamber, where the whole of the band, un+ — a ane it ue with exception of outposted guards, were thered, eeedith stopped in the center of the room, terrified — at the many masked faces turned toward 5 - But Carlos Cambre, De: eA ¥ er. adwood Dick’s gentlémanly ~ lieutenant, came quickly forward to henraker $753 a me, miss; but you are looking for some one, & r “Yes, sir. I was ais Mr.—” = ‘*Harris—Deadwood Dick?” * “Yes, sir. Where can I find him? I thought he was here.” ws : “*He went out, just a epee Pass through — Snes: yonder, and you will find him on the — plateau. / “Thank you!” and Edith hurried away, glad to escape the gaze of so many curious eyes that gleam- ed through the masks, She soon eme! onto the wide level plateau. To her great surprise, she perceived that day had ale ready dawned, and the morning sun was lazily rising out of the hazy prairie horizon, far to the east. 2 From the plateau a person was afforded a fine view _ of the landscape—the mountains that rolled away — until they merged into the prairie, which rose and — fell in little hilis and hollows like the restless waves’ — on the ocean—the at deep trailing canyonfar,far below, and cascades and mountain-torrents that — ured their waters into it. All this, as revealed un- — er the mellow morning sunlight, seemed inexpres- sibly lovely to Edith, who was a great i ts beautiful scenery. 1h Deadwood Dick stood at the edge of the plateau, gazing moodily down into the canyon, below, aa id not hear Edith’s approach until she laid her little white-hand upon his arm, : “Mr. Deadwood Dick!” . He started at souud of her voice, and gazed down : a iy. ; j “What! you here, Miss Stone? I thought you were enjoying a comfortable sleep.” “he “T was afraid to go to bed, sir, your wfe re me so rudely, She hates me, and I fear will do me injury. 2 Pooh! Leone would not harm a mouse. She's little jealous, that’s all. It is the first _I had Jearn that she was of a jealous nature. There, now, back and you will find sleeping accommodations the room next to the dining-room. Have no f that Leone will trouble you, for she will soon over her spunk,”” : ri 4 But these words did not agree with the Prince’s real opinien, Something told him that Leone ha taken matters more deeply to heart than he ha Senge roe ge she was not so easily conquered. jousy. -

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Bee we : 4 “1 llid cheeks ot g desperate rance out of sight, with ave been more assured in leaming eyes, he might fis belief. CHAPTER VIL FIGHTING LIKE DEVILS, ‘YEs, some one was coming down the stream, as the two trailers could plainly hear the splash of horses’ feet in the water, and, too, but a short dis- tance off. ‘ ““We must turn back!’ repeated Cherokee Sue, and throwing herself at full length, she al- the rapid stream to bear her away. Having no other mode of bee, at hand, Josiah followed her example, although he was loth to get more drenched than he was. And they were not a moment too soon, for Wagner and twelve of the Brotherhood appeared in sight. “I’m mighty sure I heard voices!” the lieutenant was saying, while he peered around, inquiringly. ~ “*Can’t be that some meddlesome hunter followed Tyan, can it?” “Might be, easy enough,” replied Blue Bob, with anoath. ‘Don’t see any one, tho’.” “What d’ye think *bout ther boy’s story 0’ losin’ the gurl?” demanded one of the outlaws, as the band followed down the bend of the creek. - “Reckon he’s honest enuf, thar,” was Wagner's _ response, “He knows *twon’t do well fer him ter play shenannigan on us, fer he’s watched.” Presently the Brothers left the stream, and gal- loped swiftly away down its banks, through the ‘morning sunlight, s As soon as they were at a safe distance, two drip- ping figures also crawled ashore, and proceeded to wring the muddy water from their garments, . “Gol darn the skunks,” muttered Josiah, grimly, “T allow thar’s more: action than poetical grace in this ere thing, as ther feller sed when he rid the steer ter town. Isay, you Cherry Key, w’at’s yer natteral views onter ther matter?” _ “Ugh!” replied Sue, grimly—‘ water notbin’—do ranger good. Drove back once, Try again:—mebba succeed this time.” f i What! ye ain’t goin’ ter stem thet creek ergin, aire ye?” “Ught yes. Sue will go alone, if white hunter am afraid,” “@it out. Who sed I was afraid?” = “Good! come! We keep on tryin’ till we get through! Ugh\”’ And the half-breed girl again began to wade care- fully up the swift course of the Little Madrass, Josiah _ dogging close at her heels, as if his life depended upon keeping her in view. _ “Great ham-bone thet dislocated ther whale’s jaw - wat masticated old Jonar! hayr cum ther yelpin’ red whelps—hayr cum ther ornery famished Arabs 0’ ther perarie!” yelled Cld Avalanche, as the red- kins poured in swarms from out the black night. “Lay fer em, boyees!” _ But the little band of road-agent hunters needed -nourging. They fought like very devils. The crack cf revolvers—the groans and shrieks of the dead and : 5 Gegibe yells of the infuriated savages, and the fe sal ne cries of the rangers—all combined to make hideous, Foremost in the flight were Old Avalanche, Scott ‘Sherwood, Jolly Jack and Mountain Mike, and their _ blows were dealt with aA aon ey but surely the Indians dropped off, and but for their superiority of numbers they must have _been signally defeated. But for every painted de- mon that fell, there was an instant substitute. _ Nor were the red-skins the only sufferers. One by one the rangers went down, their life-blood dyeing ‘woodland leaves, their groans inaudible in the emonium of horrible screeehes, Lee, Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. _ And had he, as Edith turned back toward the | Still the mad Aght waged on. tio, seen a slight figure dart into the gloomy en- Scott Sherw saw how matters were going, and that there was no limit to the savage horde—thas there was no hope for life or victory, unless the: could make a and escape, And how was to be done? The answer soon came, and in an unexpected manner, High above the pie of the savages came a startling series of shrieks and screams, followed by howls of surprise and consternation, and one side of the red-skin circle suddenly parted; and then, by the ligh¢ of continuously flashing weapons, was seen the strange, scrawny beast of Old Ava- lanche, taking a lively part in the affair with his heels and teeth, and driving the frightened enemies before her; and Boing cape service was the vicious, ugly goat, of whom the Annihilator took so much pride. Avalanche saw the two additions, Sherwood saw them, and the blood-blinded rangers saw them, and a great yell of joy welled out upon the night—a yell that bespoke encouragement and victory. And the little band now seemed inspired with re- newed strength, for they made a mad, flerce rush upon the bloodthirsty foe, and fought with clubbed rifles and ringing blades of steel, “Furra! hurra!” bellowed Old Avalanche, from the bottom of his lungs, as at the same time he split open an Indian’s head with a murderous tomahawk —that’s it, beauties! Let ’em hev, Prudence; baste it to em, beautiful Florence! Whoopy! lay fer’em, b’yees—they’re sellin’ out cheap, now. Only a hun- dred or so left, an’ we'll close out ther lot at cost, Great Zebulom Zack! yes!” Suddenly there was the crack of several rifles from beyond the red-skins’ ranks, and part of them were obliged to turn and defend themselves from an attack in the rear. This gave the desperate road- agent hunters an advantage, and they foHowed it up flercely—some, even fought who were tottering on the verge of the grave, from streaming wounds, Tt was a terrible scene, a terrible hour! “Courage! boys; help jisat hand!” rung out words of cheer in the clear, stern voice of Scott Sherwood; “strike true and fast, and victory is soon to be ours. “Great ham-bone that lodged in ther whale’s. di- gestive organs, yes!” shouted Avalanche. ‘ Wipe et to ther dasted ornery scullions, Hey, Prudence, e durn’d old beast? at dye say? Less squeal- in’, if ye please, an’ more beef-steak. Thet’s it! Jis- tribute yer heels superflewous!”’ The firing continued on the other side, which gave our friends renewed hope, while it also tended to alarm the savages, full a hundred of whose number were stretched out under foot. Following up the advantage, the rangers were now the attackers, and with desperate resolve they pressed forward. All were more or less wounded, with the exception of Old Avalanche, who had uot as yet received a hurt, Soon the red-skins began to find quarters unpleas- antly close, and just asthe victorious rangers were faced se a final stroke, there was a yell froma score of savage throats, and a general scatter. Nietery was awarded the little band, but at whas co! P : Of their once formidable band of forty, on twelve remained to tell the tale of the bloody bat- tle. The rest were lying dead among the bs ile how hardly distinguishable for the blood and smoke that smeared their faces. Twelve were left, counting in Sherwood and Old Avalanche—fourteen. coun the Annihilator’s two animals, who had done such praiseworthy service. : And after the savages had fled, they stood stari at each other through the gloom, grim and silent. Sneha won, tee he ald, wiping the parepin “We've won, mai e Hs ng the ation and powder-grime from his face. “ Only: afew are feft, however, and we had best bury our deait, and then skin out. There’ll be more of the red de- mons down on us before another night!” “You're just talkin’, NER Cra

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Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 17 hearty voice, and turning, the rangers beheld four figures Rete gs 8 j “Red Kit e@, by thunder!” Sherwood ex- claimed, springing forward and grasping the hand of a man of giant proportions. “Yes, Red Kit, sure enough, boyee. But what in the name o’ John Rogers, ever brought you up here, Sherwooa?” “We came with Captain Norris, Kit, in search of Deadwood Dick.” “Youdid? Wal, may I ever be mother-in-lawed, That’s the identical object that fetched me up hayr this rhrergrytod cuss,”” “You're fishin’ after the reward, then?” *Nary. I’m fishin’ after my gal, Alice. When Deadwood Dick vamoosed. my gal also disappeared. So, natterally, I concluded thet ther dasted galoot kidnapped her. an’ ef I find thet he did, gol darn his picter, Pl manufacture him inter coyote food.” “who have you got with ye, thar?” “ Well, they’re ruther a split up lot. One’s a fel- low called Tornado Tom; anuther is a gentleman called Darrel, an’ t’other’s a queer sorter chap who calls hisself Tom Jefferson Jaggers; dunno what his rofession is. Picked him up ack here a ways—got he other two at Bear Trail.’ “Great ham-bone that floored Jonah!” cried Ava- lanche, springing forward. ‘‘Reckon aforesed Jag- gers aire one 0’ my party, as got massykerd. Give us yer paw. How d’ye git ressereckted? War deader'’n a door-sill, last I see’d 0’ ye.” daggers laughed quietly. “Tt seems you and I both played dead, old man,”’ replied the long, gaunt individual, with light hair and cadaverous face, whom the Annihilator had singled out. ‘Also another of the lot—Colonel Graf- ton Stone.” . Here an exclamation of surprise escaped the foreign-looking gentleman Red Kit had called Dar- i but whose real name he afterward affirmed to be tone. For traveling use he assumed the name of Darrel as a disguise. . “*Stone—Colonel Grafton Stone, did you say?” he repeated, excitedly. ‘That is what I said,” repeated Jaggers, indiffer- ently, though all the while he was sharply scrutiniz- ing the other with his little ferret eyes. * And was this Stone accompanied by his wife and one whom he calls his daughter, sir?” “He was. His wife was killed, and the youn lady carried off by a young robber chief, whom overheard his companions call Wild Ivan,” The man Darrel started violently, “ Tyan, you say—Wild Ivan?” “ Yes ae” “By Heaven, this makes two valuable discoveries, ¥ikton,” Darrel said, turning to the young frontiers- man, whom Red Kit had designa as Tornado Tom, ‘We are in possession of important clews, at least, and have ground to work on—more than we have had, previously.” “Right, Mr. Darrel. The difficult part of the un- . dertaking is gradually dissolving, and if the girl is not dead, I’m bound to find her, Poor Edith!” “Tam led to believe that this Grafton Stone is a ve offender, from your conversation!” remarked laggers, in an inquisitive way. “"So he is, He is the abductor of my child, and the forger of my name.” “Indeed! then he is more of a criminal than I ex- | pg though I had not formed a very favorable des of him. Should think you would have adver- tised him. “SolIdid. I advertised him in the East, but have neglected to do so out here. I will pay that man who will oause his arrest, however, five hundred pine her as much more for the recovery of my fost child.” : “You will? Very well, I will remember your case, Tin the meen time Red Kitand the rangers were «n. | met Leone in one of the out those of the valiant little band en inv the battle, from_among the dead huge pee -was_ hollowed out, and r fellows were laid, handsome — ng the last to be consigned to the Jolly Jack then made a pathetic and effective rayer, after which the grave was filled in, cov orever from sight of man those whose lives ha been fuii of deeds of valor—whose death would bring sadness to many a home and fireside. Sherwood then turned to those gathered around ‘m. “Mates!” he said, hoarsely, “we have done our last work for owr loved friends, There is no more we could do if we were to stay, Therefore, I pro- pose that we get out of this.” “And whither will ye go?” asked Red Kit. “Into the Hills. Our work lies there. We should have been there this morning, only that we were Aye the return of Rivers, our SF “Well, where you go, goes Red wi replied_the plant, “for ef Mr, Deadwood Dick's got my gal, he's he very nabob I am purtickler anxious to see.” “So be it, then. who intend going into the Hills, be kind enough to say so. Jolly J you go and see if the horses have been disturbed.” Jack hastened to obey. Old Avalanche had See and mounted Prudence Cordelia, on whom and the goat he was la many voluble praises for their valuable assistance, ‘Great Moses in ther bullrushes, Prudence! I’m jest proud i conduct—an’ 0’ hg ae too, Flor- ence, dear! hy, it war sublimely beauchitul ter see ye mow away ther red scullions, an’ make yer ee 8 as fit representatives o’ ther great Annibvae ion!’ oy Jack soon came running back, somewhat ex- c ' “They're gone—every durned beast!” he cried, with an oath, “Bout as Lexpected,”’ said Sherwood. ‘ Weshall have to walk to the Hills."’ There was no help for it, and without delay, the whole party set forth. But as soon as they were well out of the grove, it was discovered that the An- nihilator had deviated from the main course, and was speeding away to the southwest, on the back of his war-horse, Prudence. Strange to say, Florence Night-in-the-gale had still remained with’ the command, which was sufficient argument to convince one and all that they had not seen the last of the eccentric old fellow. What were his plans or intentions, no one could ess. or Atier a day’s steady ee the little band reached the lower foot-slopes of the Black Hills range, where Tom Jefferson J: rs took leave of them, followed by Mr. Darrel and Tornado Tom. Ina gorge, where loneliness and gloom were notice- able characteristics, Sherwood ordered the camp _ pitched, and it was while the men were busy in pre-. parations, that something occurred of a Startling nature. gaged sorti who had f. say 3 therein the CHAPTER IX. MATTERS AT THE GROTTO—JAGGERS! Arter Edith had gone backinto the cavern, Dead wood Dick paced to and fro across the plateau.a _ dark frown upon his brow, a nervousness in his tread that Von obs great mental agitation. an “ Curse the hour that ever induced me to the girl here!’ he muttered, a trifle fiercely. ‘It looks like the total wrecking of my happiness. I cannot have her here, where she will constantly be a thorn _ in Leone’s path. What am I to do, then?” aires Tr was a knotty problem, but one <i was posi- tive, and that was, that the fair girl must be some- — how removed from the le. for full an hour Dick gpa the pisteayy tae he returned to. the to, grim and mary He passages, talking with Car

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Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. los Cambre, but passed on without deigning to notice her. She was looking pale and ard. In his own luxuriously-furnished chamber he was undis- turbed; yet several times, while in a drowsy state, he was conscious of some one bending over him— conscious that a pair of warm lips were pressed to his in a passionate caress; but when a few minutes later he would rouse up and look around, the owner of those lips would be gone. But it gave him unbounded satisfaction that she still loved—his red-haired, heroie little Leone—that she had not allowed her mad jealousy to uproot the love in her heart; and when he finally left his couch, it was with a strong hope that the barrier between them had been broken—that the cloud of doubt no longer obscured the horizon of their life. In the adjoining room he found Edith engaged in reading from his books. She looked up with a winning smile as he entered, pee a crimson flush went rioting over her pretty ‘ace. “Tam looking at the picture-books to pass away - time,’’ she sail, making room on the rude settee be- side her. “Tt is terribl y lonesome here without any one to talk to. Won't you sit down?” “No, I think not, Miss Stone. My wife is jealous, you know, which ought to be explanation enough.” “Oh! yes, Thad forgotten. But surely there can be no harm in your speaking to me?” “ Not as we look at it, Miss Stone; but she might see volumes of meaning in one single word. Jeal- ous eyes are not noted for correct interpretation, you know.” “T don’t know,” replied Edith, with a little laugh, “for L was never if? ous, unless—’” She looked quickly down’ at her book and began ’ to finger the leaves nervously, while Deadwood Dick passed on, seeing her painful confusion. “ie saw howit was, with his quick intuition. She would have said, had she completed the broken sen- tence: “Unless it is of your wife—Leone!” And this was the truth of the matter. Edith ws secretly in love with the dashing, gal- lant Prince of the Road. Dick could not believe it had gone quite so far as this: yet, what was he to understand by her blushes. her hesitation, and last of all, this uncompleted “unless ?? It looked asif he had unwittingly entangled him- self in a web of intricate weaving, from which there was no visible means of egress, Three days passed, and it was the morning of Edith’s fourth at the Castle. _ Inthe last two days she had only caught an occa- ~ sional glimpse of Deadwood Dick as he flitted in and out of the grotto. Leone came at meal-time and ordered the arrange- ment of the repast, and then departed, corey: deigning her fair guest a glance. But on this fourth morning she came in, a set look in her eyes; her lips expressed a firm resolve, * Your name is Edith Stone, is it not?” “Yes, ma’am,” Edith replied, wondering what was to come next. “Well, then, Edith Stone, know that your coming here has been the means of forever parting me from my husband. He is a base deceiver, and you are the one who has won him away; so for your reward take this!” * And springing fiercely upon ‘poor Edith, the infu- riated wife drove a glittering knife at the unsuspect- ing girl’s bosom, But before it touched the flesh, a hand wrenched it to one side—and turning, Leone beheld a tall, lank stranger by her side—a man in sidan gray eyes gleamed a light that made her 5 mble And that man we have met before, in the name of Thomas Jefferson Jaggers !” 3 At this same moment, while Deadwood Dick was } pacing the piteaa outside the grotto, he béhad Cambre, his lieutenant, approaching with a dozen of the band at his heels. Surprised, as he had issued.no orders for their de- pate from the grotto, the young chief ge ae in he center of the plateau and waited for them to come up, his brow darkening. “How is this, lieutenant; where bound?” he de- manded, seeing that the outlaws were armed. ‘* Who gave you orders to leave the Castle?” *“No one, captain,’” replied Cambre, flushing un- oy beneath the stern gaze of the Prince of the Road. ‘It is not our intention to leave the strong- hold, but it becomes our painful duty to put you un< der arrest!” Deadwood Dick leaped back with an oath. x What! put me under arrest? Are you crazy, man? “No, captain, I never was more sane than now. nf is by Madam Leone’s orders, and they are imper- ative.” *“ Who commands here, I’d like to know—Leone or Deadwood Dick?” “Leone, at present, captain. You are our prison- er, and I hope you will not put us to unnecessary trouble. Probably a few days will fix things.” “No! It will never fix things!” Deadwood Dick cried, his eyes blazing. ‘‘I am commander here, yet, Tl have you know. Back to your places, every mother’s son of you! The first one that moves to lay a hand on me is a dead man!’’ And out came the young chief’s revolvers, in a twinkling, and to a level, at full cock. *Gol’ he commanded, sternly, his voice hoarse with passion, “‘or your blood be heads!’ “No, captain, we will rere go!” replied Cambre, 2 een you go with us. At him, boys! take him alive The road-agents sprung determined]. y forward, and threw themselves upon their chief—he fired three -| shots, each of which meant a death; then they over- powered him, by force of numbers, and bore him to the rocky floor, where he was securely bound, hand and foot. : “ Qurse you, you have dug your grave, to-day. lieutenant!’ came from Dick’s lips, as he realize that he was indeed a prisoner among his own men. “One traitor lieutenant paid the penalty of death in Deadwood; the second shall as surely follow. Re- member!” “T will not forget it, captain. I am sorry, and would not have you call me a traitor, for no truer man to the band than I will you find. But you haye wronged her, whom you should love better than life, and we as men could not refuse to obey her orders!” Dick made no reply, and without further ado he was lifted and borne into the grotto. Along through damp rocky passages he was carried, seemingly into the very heart of the mountain. Presently a cell was reached, which man’s in- eas and workmanship had converted into a ungeon, Inside this rock and iron-bound prison the youn; chief was carried, and laid upon a bundle of furs, af- ter which he was disarmed, and his bonds removed, a collar to which was linked a stout chain that com- municated with a ring in the wall, being placed about his left ankle, as a substitute. on your own , Then the road-agents along with Cambre, retired from the cell, locking the door after them, Thus was Deadwood Dick made a helpless prise oner, at the mercy of his young wife, whom he had not seen for the last two days. A torch had been left burning in a crevice of the Ae he could see that bis cell had been prepared ‘or him. There were furs for him to lie on, and furs upom the roeky floor. Also, a few chairs and a rude stand ' relieved the place of some of its cheerlessness, . __ cell was one of the remotest in the grotto, and S ie of out of the way of all discovery, in a dark by-way¢

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therefore there was no hope of being liberated by any one who might be opposed to his imprisonment, ~—Kdith, for instance. And it was with a heavy heart, and a bitter soe toward Leone, that Deadwood Dick threw himse! upon his couch, and anxiously waited for something to occur that would relieve the monotony of his un- pleasant situation. ri It was indeed the ferret-eyed Thomas Jefferson Le pei who had saved. Edith’s life by warding off the descending blow of.Leone, as in her jealous she would have committed a murder, She started back with a cry of alarm as she per- ceived that it was a stranger who had interfered. ‘““Who are you?” she gasped, growing faint and at wee whee ao oh want?” us want a go eal, young woman!” Jaggers re- lied coolly. “As to who I am, I’m ealled homas Jefferson Jaggers, the Sleuth-hound of Cin- |- einnati!”” ; “You are a detective, then?” Leone almost screamed. “ Exactly, ma’am; but you needn’t yell loud enough to inform them road-agents out on the plateau. I am an officer of the U. S. Secret Service, if you wish to know so bad, sent here to obtain a reward offered for the capture of Deadwood Dick.” A smile. passed over Leone’s features, for she doubted not that even then the prince of the road was incarcerated in his lonely cell. “You are bold to come here,” she said, trying to escape the grasp which he had placed upon her arm. , Release me, sir, or I will scream for assist- ance!’ “Not yet, my dear; and if you seream it will be your last vocal demonstration. Remember! for I mean allIsay. Why were you attempting to knife this young lady justnow?” _ “Because I Ate her!” replied Leone, in a flerce tone. “She is an adventuress, who has come here and—and stole away the love of my husband, Ill kill her!” ae ; “Not just at present. The pil is under my charge, and so are you. Now I want you to in- form me where I can lay my hands on this gay and festive road-agent husband of yours—Mr. Deadwood ick? “ 1'll do nothing of the kind! Find him if you can; T'll not tell you.” 3 ee ‘Sen giad you can, miss,” Jaggers said, turning to ith. “T don’t know,” replied she, falteringly. Had she Known of Dick’s immediate whereabouts, she would have hesitated at giving the information. “Queer that neither of you have any idea what has become of the rascal,” Jaggers growled with asneer, “But I'll iap him, never fear. And once T have ae bagged him, I'll call upon Scott Sherwood and his band to help me take the remain- der of the gang. Until then you are both my pris- oners. “Oh, no!’ Leone replied mockingly. ‘‘ Your fine game won't work, for you can’t get us away without going out onto the plateau.” “Hang the plateau. Lie tis ‘ou have not explored the grotto sufficiently well to know that there is an- ether mode of ss. Come along, now, and if you ive even one squeak, it will be your death-warrant. oung lady, you are the Edith Stone whom Wild Ivan attempted to carry off from the massacred opps you not?” “Oh, yes. sir. And Iam soglad you have come,” replied Edith. “Will you take me back to Cleve- 8 , Sir? “Still better, Miss. Stone, I will take you to your father, who with a scout named Tom S2cton, or Tornado Tom, is in these mountains, sones nere, in search of you. But, come, let’s get out of this be- fore these road-agent devils discover us. Come, young woman,” — ‘ f still retaining a grasp upon Leone’s arm, se * _ Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. iv secret service man pushed along out of the room in- to a dark passage which Edith, who followed close behind had never penetrated before. Jaggers led on through a series of tortuous, nar- ia Dansanee high of ceiling, but exceeding rough under foot. Finally he stopped before a nichein the wall, pushed Edith in first, and then following with his prisoner. After several hundred yards, windin, travel, they suddenly emerged onto the woode mountain-side, down which led a path, evidently worn by bearsin their descent for water. Down this the detective hurried his puZes as ir anxious to quit the neighborhood in a hurry. ‘Atter he had disapperared, a man rolled out of @ clump of bushes close to the grotto-entrance, and stood gazing around him. And that man was none oth¢r than the redoubtable Old Avalanche! CHAPTER X é The Boy Fiend and Alice—Evalanche Explores We will return to that date when we saw Wild Ivan passing ae the water-course of the Little Madrass, on his way to the stronghold of the Brotherhood, and will follow him thither. After plunging his horse into the rapid stream a6 the junction where the shores were formed of mountain walls,he stemmed the watersfor perhaps a mile, along a lenely gorge, the stream gradually growing deeper and swifter, until a rapids was Teachedin a part where the channel was wide,stee and filled with huge rocks, against which the ma waves made a dim of weird music, and dashed themselves into foaming caps. The rapids were about a half-mile in length, and after passing safely through them, the bo out- law soon arrived upon the shore on which was situ- ated the camp of the Brotherhood. Several of the band were panes oregh | around @ camp-fire as Wild Ivan rode up, while a dozen or more were in the saddle, ready ‘or departure. “ Where tiie lieutenant?” the Boy Fiend asked, as he perceived that Wagner and Blue Bob were among the rest. ‘* What’s afoot, now?” : ““A band o’ road-agent hunters ar’ among ther foothills, capta‘n, an’ I thou to look after them,” replied Wagner. “ But where's ther ye took from the train?” Wild Ivan flushed angrily at being thus question- ed, but told his story in a light that created belief in the minds of his listeners, Without any comment, reported ‘ht it best agner set out from the camp on his mission, fol- — W: lowed by his chosen Brothers. Later, they forced Josiah Hogg and Cherokee Sue from the channel, as we have previously shown. Wild Ivan dismounted from they had goné, and entered a caye among the c where some half a dozen of the band were playing os cards, while others, still, were stretched upon the ae on their blankets, fast asleep. ‘Hey, thoritatively; and in answer to his call, a man with long gray beard, and at, 3 “Here, you old rascal. ss this wound upon my right elbow, for it has been cared for only once since ‘hice eve. Be careful, and cause me no pain, or I’ reak your thick skull.” ; “ Yes, ehief,” the man replied, with ap bleness, and hig veg. Semi a portion of the you outlaw’s sleeve, he dressed the shattered arm, wii a skill few could equal. Once the troublesome limb was bandaged and sup- _ 2 mself aa poi in a sling, the Boy Fiend was hi and rising, hi man sharply. But none of the Brothers paid him the least atten. his horse as soon as” piercing eyes, appeared. — nt hum- e glared around him, observing each P. Bostwick, where are you?” he cried, au- —

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Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. Red Kit’s girl, they call her. Where is she, Bostwick —the girl?” - “Tn thar, captain,” the surgeon replied, pointing to an inner cave that opened off from the one, Without waiting for ceremony, the outlawed youth strode into the chamber, and glanced around him. Upon a couch of skins in one corner Alice La Rue was half-reclining, but she sprung to her feet the moment she beheld her enemy, for she knew that Wild Ivan was her enemy even when he had been in- itiated to chieftancy the night of Bill Blood’s death. A gloriously fair, beautiful girl was she, with a soft, creamy complexion ae waving hair like en sunshine, and eyes p: wondrously of 6 blue depths of heaven, while in her face sweet- ness of temper and the sunny nature of innocent girlhood were expressed, and yet those calm, blue eyes had power to transform to a deadly glitter, when her anger was aroused. She sprung to her feet now, her fair face flushed, See compressed, her eyes gleaming darkly. “Ha! is this the fair creature who holds the secret of Red Kit’s treasure?” said Wild Ivan, mockingly, ashe advanced, “By my soul, has are pretty!” “And you are ugly and repulsive!” flashed Alice, scornfully. ‘‘ Why do you come here to torture me, you Piet) villain?” ‘‘Torture you? Ismy presence then such a source of excruciating agony? Once you didn’t think so!” At this the girl turned white. “You need not throw out your hints, you wretch!"’ she replied, trembling as she spoke. ‘I know you full well, even though you wear that mask.” *Oh! you know me, do you?’’ the Boy Fiend re- torted, a little surprised. “Well, so much the bet- ter. You can better Judge what mercy to es grea “T expect no mercy from you, cruel brute that you are. Iam only a helpless girl and powerless to defend myself, but there is One in Heaven—an All- wise Ruler, who will her the wrongs inflicted upon the weak and innocenf!” “Possible? Well, maybe you’re level, there, m beauty; but as long as I’m doomed for the fryin’- n of Satan, anyhow, what use is there of my ietting Be now? A few more tough crimes added to my tal lets, won't make the sulphur smoke any denser, nor the flames tickle any the harder!”’ Alice shuddered. “You are a demon, I believe!’ she cried, marvel- at the baseness of one so young in years. Yes—a fiend, they call me,” was the laughing response. ‘‘ Maybe I deserve the title of the Boy Fiend, for I’ve been stee) in crime since [ ran away from the Cadet school. That was before I came to the Black Hills, and met and fell hopeless- ly in love with you.” “Ugh! the thoughts of being loved by such as ou are disgusting!” cried ce, putting up her nds, deprecatingly. “Yes, perhaps. But I love thee still, my lily of the forest, and now that the oppor—” He did not finish the sentence, but stepped for- ward a e, his evil eyes gleaming triumphantly. “Back! monster—touch me not!” cried Red Kit’s daughter, commandingly, and her hand dropped among the folds of her dress, ‘‘ Keep off, or it will be the worse for you.” . “Oh! you cannot frighten me by pretense of drawing a pistol, my heroic maid!” sneered Wild Ivan, sarcastically. ‘Such ruses won’t work.” And the next instant he had leaped quickly for- - ward and caught her around the waist with his un- . ee jured left arm, while with his whole force he en- pene to bear her back against the couch of rs. But nerved to Beaporarcn the girl struggled bravely; they weaved back and forward, each work- ing forthe mastery. Thus the struggle continued rhaps five minutes; then suddenly there was Pinging report of a pistol, and the Bey Fiend his hold and fell prostrate upon the floor. instant Alice bounded across the floor | as the and out into the quarters occupied by the Brothers, thence info the open air. ‘ With yells of astonishment, the outlaws gave chase, yelling for her to stop. She reached the outside and glanced quickl around her, undecided how toact. Four or five fel- lows, who had been lounging around the camp-fire, saw her, and leaping to their feet, were hurriedly ap- preaching. Sai avenue of escape seemed cut off, except one. The Little Madrass, with its rushing waters, lay at her feet, and upon the shore was beached a canoe. With a cry of defiance the heroic girl bounded forward, pushing the boat out into the stream and springing in, g care to throw herself on her face in the bottom. The strong current caught the frail bark as in a puty, grasp and bore it away with alarming ve- ye A swarm of ruffians, howling like demons incar- nate, poured out onto the banks, the Boy Fiend among the foremost, for he had only been moment- a stunned by a bullet-wound, close upon his tem- le. ® ‘Catch her! stop the boat!’ he yelled, swearing furiously. ‘‘A hundred dollars for that young wench’s head!” Spurred to exertion by this offer, three of the Bro- therhood sprung upon horses and plunged them into the stream in pursuit, while others sent bullets after the flying craft. But all in vain. Very naturally, the water moved faster than was within the power of the horses, and the canoe kept pace with the water, so that pursuit was utterly useless, seeing which, the ruffians returned to camp, - Wild Ivan was in a terrible passion, and acted like amadman. Finally, he mounted his own beast and turning into the stream, set off down the Borge. Twice within the last twenty-four hours he had lost a prize, and this last was the worst blow of all, for it would depreciate him in the eyes of the Bro- therhood, with whom he desired to keep on amiable terms, as their chief, for a while at least, In the mean time, where was Alice? : As soon as she could no longer hear sounds of ar suit she sat up in the canoe, and seizing a idle, managed to keep it near the center of the turbulent stream, which bore it on with Breet by fac On—on the bark sped, with its fair burden; then, on rounding a bend, she beheld to her horror the foaming, roa: xapie. She had not thought of them before, but now the peril of her situation dawned upon her in anin- Stant. Alice was no coward, and with a firm hand on the paddle, and standing erect in the little eraft, she steered her way with the skill of an experien raftsman, dextrously avoiding covered rocks that wae more to be feared than those protruding out of water, wore She was midway in the roaring rapids, and peer- ing ahead for rocks, when she suddenly discovered tco human heads and faces upon the uneven surface of the water—heads from which the eyes were protrud- _ ing strangely. And a shudder of terror t over her when she ee that they were coming toward her—up the stream ! Great ham-bone thet kerflummixed old Joner!” exclaimed the Annihilator. as he down the hill in the direction in which de' ve Jageers had — gone with his two chai “ Hayr ar paige ter smell arter—sumthin’ ter chew yer cud on! 3 iE ter Thomas Jefferson Jaggers a-totin’ of two females — out frum a hoel in the mountain, ¥ hoel lead to, in the name of Zip Coo Sas a cattycomb, 3 pia - ents e old man approached the fissure like passage, and peered ahead All was dark and silent wthis_ hes

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Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 21 “Quare kind of a place. Lucks as ef thar might speerits abide in thar—speerits clothed in flesh. At tennyrate, long legged aggers cum out o’ thar, an’ that looks as if he war redky in’ them gals. Old Ava- lanche, ye devastatin’ old disease o’ ther peraries— ye destructive Injun eppydemick, shall ye run yer smellin’ horn inter thet crypt? ye whistle like a bullstifferous boreal breeze 0’ extarmination inter thet burrer 0’ hog-gobblins an’ decayed speerits?”’ Evidently such was his final conclusion, for he pie d stealthily forward into the dense gloom that led the narrow (eer isin “Zebulum Zachariaher an’ all the he-rines 0’ mod- ern Grease! this ar’ wuss than livin’ in ther sun- shine 0’ an Perpesne countenance!” growled the scout, as he felt his way along, occasionally falling rostrate ever some unseen rock—“ blacker ’n a ro in a total eclipse o’ the sun. Not quite so as I encountered up in Idaho, onec’t— no! not quite. Et war actooally so consarned thick wi’ blackness that my old mare Prudence got stuck, an’ thar we sot as immover’ble as a ‘Yy mule, un- til ther sun riz an’ penetrated ter us, an’ thawed erway ther night. An’ ther black reflections o’ thet night didn’t wash off our countenances fer a week— fact, by gracious!” And the old man chuckled ip f to himself as if he hugely enjoyed the thoughts o such a situation. For some time he worked his way along, cautious- ly, but at last he came to a standstill. Footsteps were approaching, from within the mountain, and coming nearer each moment. The passage was very narrow at this point—two persons could not pass without touching each other. The Annihilator pee this, and with a grim chuckle drew his knife, and awaited the enemy’s coming. One or the other must die. 3 Nearer came the man; he was growling some un- intelligible words to himself, of whose import Ava- Janche was ignorant. At last they were but a pace apart; then the veteran guide leaped forward and bore the astonished road-agent the ground, There was a short struggle, then a hollow groan, and springing nimbly to his feet, the Annihilator continued his journey. He, now, however, exercised more caution, and his footfalls were soft and stealthy as a cat’s. — Leaving the narrow passage soon after his en- counter with the road-agent, he sped along through a large chamber, where the echo of his tread was alarmingly loud. But he kept on, passing from one chamber into another; seemingly there was no limit to this inner-mountain honeycomb. The darkness was intense, but his eyes became so used to it that he could faintly distinguish objects a few feet before his face. Suddenly he made a discovery as he entered a narrow corridor. Far ahead shone like a star a jet of light. It was at the end of the passage, evidently, and redoubling his stealth, the old man hurried on until at last he was within afew rods of it, Thenhe was able to determine whence it came, ? CHAPTER Xt. OUT OF BONDAGE—MERMAIDS. “Great ham-bone thet wrecked ther constitution ov old Joner!”’ came involuntarily from the Annihi- szator’s lips. ~ Just in front of him was a natural dungeon in the rocks, whose entrance was grated by a door of stout iron bars. : The light emanated from a torch within this cell, which, thrust into a crevice of the wall, showered its bright light down upon a figure stretched upon a couch of skins—none other than the imprisoned Prince of the Road—Deadwood Dick. And Old Avalanche recognized him at once, though sevcral months had elapsed since he had last seen him, while making a descent upon a Dead- wood saloon. : ~ “Great Zepulom Zackariaher! et’s ther dasted , aS FP road- young mt chief, sure’s bald heads ar’ pe+ coolier ter 0 men!” the old adventurer mutte: rifle, and g meditatively to- y “Deadwood ick, sure’s thar's feel- in’ iner mule’s bind feet. Wonder what in ther world the young cuss is a-doin’ in thar, all penned up like a squirrel? He’s gota bracelet onter one o’ his lower wristlets, tew. Luks powertully, as if he war a prisoner. Wonder ef et would doth devastatin’ disease an: ter interview his lordli- hess. S'’pect ‘twouldn’t be any harm, onless he raised a boreal breeze!” It was several moments before he could decide whether it was best to apprise the young chief of prese: or not. Certain it was that Deadwood Dick was imprison. ed, and if not by his own band, whose then?—if this was not his stronghold, whose was it? of the Brotherhood of Death? No! the old man was sure that their haunts were located a few miles fur- ther east by north, as the crow flies; this then must be Deadwood Dick’s own stronghold, or else he was a captive in the power of some other mountain nh gang of outlaws—for the northern wilderness was thic! infested with roving bands. The old guide thought over matters in his grim, uiet fashion; then stepping forward, he paused be- ‘ore the iron Laer taking care to let his hands rest near his pistol belt. “ Hello! you otek Great ham-bone that. Sie ged up old Jones windpipe! what aire ye doin’ thar? One’d a’most think ye was a prisoner!” Deadwood Dick leaped quickly to his feet, arous- ing from a drowse, into which he had fallen. His first impression was that Leone had come to taunt him, and he steeled his heart to meet her calmly, but a second glance at the rough, grizzled face out- side the grating, convinced him of hiserror. — « Oo are you?” he demanded, coming to the limits of his chain. What do you want?” “One questyun at er time, Mr. Dickey 0’ Dead- wood, an’ ye shall be ans’ered, ef et takes till Grant the our next presidency. In ther fust place I am e general Caren pent o’ that great acheevement notable as Old Avalanche, ther Great Injun Annihi- — lator—ther awe-inspirin’ hailstarm o’ extarmination — —ther dread infectious devastation ephydemic o” ther poranies. Probably read 0’ me in ther primmer an’ hymn books, ain’ e? Ive two other wheels o° ther ibilation, who aire not present! in gear wi’ ther main construction, namely—my old mare, Prudence Cordeliar, and my rambunctious genus ey do: “How did you come here? im inter this consarned aveuas ‘ommis s’archin’ fer a gal named Alice La Rue, an’ anuther *n’ named Edith Stone!” > “ Are you indeed Old Avalanche, the great scout?” cried Deadwood Dick, in surprise. ‘TI have often heard of you.” ; ; “Ye have, eh? Wal, I presume so, and 7’u’re re- gen hain’t slouchy, my gay young cockolorum. — ut, what aire ye doin’ thar—rustycakin’ for yer health, or studyin’ astronomy?’ s “T ama prisoner, old man—in my own stronghold. The men whom I deemed true as steel, have turned against me, and you see me locked up here likea common thief!” replied Dick, bitterly, his handsome __ face darkening. . “Phew!” Old Avalanche whistled, in surprise. — “4 prisoner, hey? I allus sed thar warn’t much — *onor amung thieves, an’ as thar aire aus an illus- tration ter a case, luk at ther time w’en I an’ Jim Sykes war_pannin’ gold out over at Spearfish last — summer. Jim war a fust-class pilgrim all cept his. fingers, He would let 'em becum magnetic—thet — aire, w’en they layed onter a thing they stuck thar, ef ye warn't cluss by ter help him disentangle "em,

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23 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. An’ one day he got ’em froze fast ter my rifle, a white shirt, an’ fifteen ounces o’ pure ariferous, an’ hevin’ ter suddenly depart fer Deadwood, he nater- ally war compelled ter take em along. Hain’t seen him since.”’ Deadwood Dick laughed heartily at the old veter- an’s story. He enjoyed hearing such yarns, and the companionshiv 0% just such odd characters as tnis notorious Annihilator. ‘ “That was bad, old gent. But are you not risk- ing a good deal in coming here? If any of my band should discover you, you’d get bounced away in double quick time.” , “Yas, no doubs; but this ’ere devastatin’ eppy- demic ain’t on ther sick list yet. S’pose liggly you'd not be averse to leavin’ thet cell, eh? *Peal's ter me ye’d sagaciate better out inter open air, whar a bo- real breoz> c’u'd git at ye an’ purify yer gizzard.” “Tt would be agreeable, it’s a fact,” replied Dick. brightening a little. ‘But it is useless to think of getting out, when there are two locks between me and liberty.” ? Old Avalanche did not reply. He was busily en- gaged in scrutinizing the padlock, which, with a stout-linked chain, fastened the gate. After a mo- mentary survey, he produced a piece of wire from a buekskin pouch at his back, aud bent it in the shape of a key of the skeleton pattern. It failed to work on the first trial, and he was rebending it, when the -sounds of footsteps came echoing #-vough the cavern, * Quick! get out of sight!” whispered Dick shrilly, anid obeying the injunction Avalanche. glided back into the blackness of the corridor through which he had come. And not a bit too soon, for in another moment Carlos Cambre appeared, bearing a repay ai Sede of roast buifalo-hump upon a server, and a bowl of fragrant coffee, which tickled the nostrils of the hid- ing. Annihilator tantalizingly. nlocking the door, the lieutenant entered the cell and deposited the tray upon the table, and then turned to Deadwood Dick, who had resumed his re- clining position upon the couch. “There, captain, is your meal. Wedo not mean to starve you, even though we hold you in durance,’* Oambre said pleasantly. “You might as well withhold the grub and done with it!” was the cold reply. ‘I am a prisoner, and bread and water will do.” “If will speak to my lady, and mayhap she can accommodaie you!” sneered the other, as he backed _ out es the eell. “ We are not at all particular what e eat.’ then he would have locked the door, had not he received a stunning whack beside the left ear that stretched him prostrate and insensible upon the hard, rocky floor. “Moses that got bull-dozed!"exclaimed Avalanche, rubbing his fist dolefully. ‘Thet feller’s head war harder ’n ary niggero’s c’u’d ever be, by gracious! _ Nizh orbout dislocated a knuckle fer me; fact! An’ - now, Dicky, boy, ef ye wanter escape an’ ackumpny ther great extarmination breeze, why this aire yer chance.” “Yes. Oambre has the key to my manaczles in his hand there, wiih a dozen others, Give it to me and I will fres mysel’,” replied Deadwood Dick, now once more himself that liberty was athand, ‘Then we will quit this accursed place forever.” “Ye won’t rejoin yer band, then?’ queried Ava- Janche, as he took possession of the keys and freed Dick’s limb of the chain and band. “No! Nevermore shall these men call me Dead- wood Dick, their chief. Once, old man, I had a band of as daring, faithful spirit: as ever rode a horse, but they were gradually killed off until the last one was gone. I added to my force, at each loss, sueh men as I thought would serve me true; butit’s aa old - Western saying, credited to Jack Barronnett, ‘ that there’s no settin’ hen’s nest wi’out a bad a in ir,’ and it has come true in my case, But I forgot! There is one whom we must not leave behind us-~ one who claims my protection.” ‘* Yer red-headed wife, hey?” ‘*No! she has a claim upon me no longer, Ava- lanche, It was by her orders that I was imprisoned in this dungeon, and it was the last'act of her love forme. Hereafter our lives must be changed—our paths must cap an In going with you from this rotto, I leave all behind for ber use. Would to God could bury the past within these walls, too. Bus that cannot be. Come! we will go for Miss Stone, and then leave the cavern by the way you came.” “ Great ham-bone that corrupted Joner! Ther gal ain’t hayr, boy, ef et’s her ye mean;’’ and then, in as few words as possible, the Annihilator related what is already known to the reader—how he had seen Jaggers, with Edith and another female, with red hair, descend the mountain side. It was startling intelligence for the road-agent chief, for, although he had firmly resolved to for- ever separate himself from Leone, he did not wish any harm to befall her. i “And this Jaggers—who is he?’ he demanded, ee R ; “Zebulom Z.! I hain’t ther infernalest idear, boyee, onless he’s a detective, which he looks like. T kinder smelt a rat when he war wi? our train.” After a little more conversation, beadwood Dick decided to go in search of a rifle, only lacking this, by having appropriated Cambre’s belt weapons. He was not gone long, soon returning with his own complete outfit, which he had fortunately discovered in his own chamber. Ther, with Old Avalanche, he set out on his de- parture from the grotto. On the way, the Annihilator, in his quaint style, related all of importance concerning the massacre of the emigrant-train, and the battle of the road. agent hunters with the Indians, dwelling particu- larly upon the astonishing prowess of old Prudence Cordelia and Florence Night-in-a-gale. Finally, they emerged ‘from the one onto the mountain-side, much to Deadwood Dick’s surprise, sane had never known of the existence of such an outlet. . After a short consultation, in which it was decided to hunt up J rs and his two companions, Old Avalanche struck into the bear-path trail, that ran obliquely down the mountain-side, and trotted brisk- _ ly along, Deadwood Dick following at a safe distance behind, for he did not wish to encounter Leone, It_was a discovery of a startling naturé that Alice La Rue made, and for the moment she could not credit the perfectness of her vision; but it did not take her long to assure herself that they were really human heads and faces, there upon the misty re of the rapids, and live heads and faces, 00. For as her canoe glided closer, a voice—unmistak- ably that of a man—sung out. lustily: “Hello! whar ye goin’. gal? Seen anythin’ 0’ a couple o’ miser’ble jackasses as were fule enuff ter stem this yere stream? Hold up! don’t git skeert. We're human, w’at’s above water. This critter aside me aire Susan B. Anthony, a Cheroky gal, an’ I’m Josiah William Ross Wallace Hogg—ther great poet - o’ ther Powder river range; Hogg in all cases ’ xin’ spelt wi’ two g’s!’” Alice screamed, and endeavored to guide her cauoe - to one side, in order to avoid coming in contact with the two frightful bodiless objects, but they antici- deg her, and also changed their course to intercept r. er, “Ye needen’t be erfraid,” reiterated Sosiah, biow- ing and spluttering like a oise, while Sue’s eyes gleamed like coals of fire. ‘‘We ain’t no elerfants, nor merm’ids, nor nuthin’ 0’ ther kind. We're jest

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€ . Wild Ivan, the Boy. Claude Duval. “* She's got bed ag’in’ hi Ter ther wall she'll firmly pin him, An’ wi’ skulpin’-knife she’ll skin him, Ther dirty beast he is!’” And the hunter gave a huge laugh, in which Sue joined, much to Alice's horror, for they appeared so strange and grotesque that she could not well be- lieve them human. With almost superhuman strength she forced the canoe to one side, hoping against hope that she could get past them. ‘Keep off! keep off!’ she screamed, and raising her paddle she swung it aloft, and brought it down fiercely upon the four hands that would have grasp- ad hold the edge of the canoe. There was a how! of pain, and the next moment she was safely out of reach of the two water-figures, a ne swiftly along through the misty, spray- ng rapids. 3 e rocks now became fewer, and the water less swift, and finally the canoe glided along so serenely that she took her seat, and managed its course at ease. “Thank God Iam out of that peril—out of Wild Ivan’s cruel clutches!” she gasped, as she was borne along, and she couldn’t see no gigns of pursuers. “Tf I can only get out onto the prairie where I can get a glimpse of the sun, I shall know which way to start to find Deadwood.’ For perbaps an hour she floated around, having only occasionally to use the paddle to keep the canoe steady. Presently the gorge began to grow a trifle wider, and in afew moments more her boat glided alon; between two level tree-fringed shores, upon one 0} which she was horrified to discover several eure which were dusky and undis ble on accoun of the falling night, flitting about and arranging, camp, while others were building a rousing fire. And one man was at the water’s edge, making his ablutions. if She cou'd not hope to pass without discovery, CHAPTER ‘XII. IN THE GLADE—CHOOSING FOR LIFE AND DEATH. Op Avalanche and Deadwood Dick descended the mountain-side rapidly. The old scout found that Jaggers had not kept to the old bear-path, but had Phen and gone more directly down the declivi- — a, leaving a trail, however, that was easily ollowed, Dick followed at a short distance in the rear, as ae on the alert, perhaps, as the Annihilator him- se “Thet Jaggers is a cuss!” Avalanche remarked, as they went along. “He ar’ a pestiferous beast, noted fer as many pecooliarities as a frolicsome goat—like my Florence Night-in-a-gale. fer illustra- tion; thet is, ef he’s a detective, an’ sumhow et strikes me he is,” ‘What grounds have asked Dick, thoughtfully. “Ken’t eggsactly explain, boyee, only I've got a cohsarned ijee thet he belongs ter thet set o’ durned scullions as make er livin’ by pryin’ inter other peo- le’s bizness. I once knowed one o’ them feéllers up n Wyoming, an’ he war a teetotal cuss, ef evyer thar was one. “His name was Tom Plummer, an’ yer put him on ther trail 0’ ennything. au’ he was bound ter rut et out. But he got arter thet young road-agent, Jack Sheppard, Jr., an’ one mornin’ we found his head a settin’ on top 0’ a fence-post, but couldn’t find nary a shadder o’ his carcass! “ “Jack Sheppard, Junior, eh?” —_ Dick, as they came to a halt, at a motion from the guide. ‘“*Ionce read in a yellow-covered book of Jack Sheppard the Laney wens Is this Junior a chip from the old ock?” you for such suspicion?” Pe ake Zebulom Zack, yes. He beats all cusses | true cussedness thetevyer I lit onter. But, drop- ise ae ee oot thet subject. hayr we be at a lattytude an’ ongytoad constigeous ter our beasts an’ birds o’ prey. he to ahead, cooped down inter this hicket, ef ther old hoss kicks geograffically, an’ I ruther think she do.” se fe do you think they’re in this thicket?’’ de- manded Dick, peering into the dense wilderness of young maples, which were grown so closely ther ricer er & passage between them exce gly ““Why dol?_ Waal, as ther hen sed o’ ther skunk, Ismeli’em., Just open your nostrils an’ inhale a” 0’ thes ’ere boreal atmosphere.” Deadwood Dick obeyed, but could scent nothing but what was peculiar to the woodland—nothing calculated to be! thau themselves. ‘ay the presence of humans other “Ye don’t smell nutbin’?” questioned Avalanche, watching narrowly, ‘* Wal, thet’s because yer pow- ers 0’ perfumery aire faint. Now, w’en ye've lost yer ears, like this devastatin’ old disease 0’ ther pe- raries, yer smellin’ faculties wull me more acute. Now, / smell terbuccer smoke, which tells me thet Thomas Jeff. J. aggers aire in thes ‘ere thicket— so come erlong, an’ we'll investigate matters,” “But hold, scout; if this man is a detective, Ima; be the very chap he is searching after; besides, et desire to come in contact with Leone, my “Bosh! fiddle-dee-dee, boy; you'll cum around all right wi’ ther gal; an’ as fer thet Jaggers, he'll not give away any ovhis free lunch while yer uncle’s soarin’ in ther boreal atmosphere. Come along; none o’ yer funny bizness;” and the next momen the manttilatar had plunged into the thicket, Deadwood Dick followed with some reluctance, for he dreaded a meeting with Leone; with Jaggers it was different. He was a man, and could be cealt with accordingly. He dreaded to meet Leone, for fear he should be harsh and cruel, where heretofore he had been kind and loving—for her one act had imbittered his heart toward her, and he no Jonger looked upon her as a true, faithful and loving little wife. Avalanche pushed ahead through the brush and thicket of saplings with grim determination, and at last came into a very small opening in which, as he had prophesied, Jaggers and the girls were seated— the detective puffing away reflectively at his pipe, while Edith and Leone were occupying positions in — front of him. But he sprung to his feet with a curse as the vete- ran Annihilator and Dick made their debut, and there also came a cry of astonishment from Edith and Deadwood Dick’s wife—the first a cry of sur- priseand joy—the other a cry of surprise, wonder and indignation. ‘Hello! halt, there!’ commanded Jaggers, draw- ing and cocking a pair of formidable-looking revoly- ers. ‘ What'do you want? Ha! by my soul! it is Old Cea ae e guide!’’ ““Yes, contagious eppydemic—ther whoopin’, roarin’ boreal disease o’ devastation w’at patrols these ere hemis- ferrical lattytudes an’ longytoads.” And the old man stalked fearlessly forward, fol- lowed by Pi Barris, despite the fact that the muzzles of the two grim six-shooters were leveled upon them threateningly. a “Well, what brings you here?” again demanded Jgegers-his tone not the most pleasant i le. ‘And who is that young fellow with you?” - “T can best answer that last question pilgrim bed replied Dick, fearlessly exposing himself, “I am Thomas Jeffersonian, et’s thet same old — that notorious young reprobate people call Dead- — wood Dick, the Prince of the Road, at your ser vice.’ Had a bomb exploded at his feet just then, or an angel descended from cloudland, the detective could not have been more astonished. : “* Pou Deadwood Dick?” he gasped, turning white me and red by turns, TT. “ - s - Fed a” Ce ge

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24 “T happen to represent that amiable young gen- man,’ was the laughing reply, something of Dick’s old reckless self returning at the moment. J apparently, the intelligence affects you disagree- al ONG, young man; on the seep Ss it affects my ourse quite agreeably; forif you are wood Dick, then I, as a detective of the U. S. Secret Service, and by that power vested in me, do arrest you for high- way robbery and high-handed murder!” ering which, the Secret Service man ailvanced a pace, then paused—hesitated, as he caughta glimpse of the strange fire that burned im the eye of Dead- wood Dick—a fire that seemed poisonous, ‘Great ham-bone thet dislocated ther larnyx of Old Joner!” came from the Annihilator, “‘ Jest punc- tuate whar ye be, Tommis Jefferson, ef ye valley thet aire cranium ther Lord bequeathed ye. Jest step onter a period or a exclamation p’int, an’ let thet suffice, ef ye don’t expressly desire ter rub yer constitution ag'in’ a s ; fer I’m tellin’ ye thet Dick's a cuss—a regylar, dubbel-axion compressed brick, infused wi’ ther essence o’ distilled devil an’ white lightnin’! Why, sir, thar’s the time over in Deadwood, when old Nig Warley spit in his face, "ca’se Dicky hayr refused ter absorb moisture, an’ jes’ ’s true ’s ther boyee stands thar, sir, all he did war ter wink thet left eye o’ his’n, an’ Warley war knocked stiff wi’ a stroke o’ paralysister, and kedn’t move till Dick winked his right eye, when he war all Might ag’in, fact! S nly one person laughed, and that was Dick. He stood facing Jaggers with that pe. dauntiless- ness characteristic of him, one hand laid upon a re- volver butt, the other hanging by his side. He was calm and cool, even when facing death. Jaggers stood undecided—EKdith and Leone had rung to their feet, the former pale and anxious, the latter watching even as the eagle watches its prey before making a downward swoop. Avalanche occupied a side position in the scene, and his hand also gripped a revolver, for he was resolved that no harm should come to young Harris, to whom he had - taken a sudden liking. “ Well, what are you going to do about it?” de- manded Dick, after a full minute's silence. ‘‘The situation is becoming monotonous. If you have an idea woe would like to take me, why sail in and do it—if you are confident that you can!” “You are my prisoner. Five thousand dollars is the price set Upon your head, and I have been sent out here to arrest you for your various crimes!’ re- plied Jaggers, impressively. ‘‘ You will find it to your advantage to yield without attempted resist- ance. “* Yes, marm !"’ was the laconic reply. ‘‘ Wouldn't ‘ou like me to bind and gag or geen and go and de- ver myself to the Deadwood authorities, statin; that you were entitled tothe reward. Wouldn't tha’ be nice, now?” And Deadwood Dick’s wild laugh literally made the welkin ring. “Task nothing of the kind. All I want is that you offer no resistance. As a gentleman, you will grant my request.”” ~ “Oome on, then, and test the qualities of a thor- ough Black Hills gentleman, if you think to find fools plenty, sir detective,” replied Dick, coolly. _ “That mau who will tamely yield to another, be he villain or saint, is a coveandiy dog, in my opinion.” _ “Great ham-bone thet perpared Joner’s obituary! an’ mine, too!” declared Avalanche; “a feller's ‘ken’t hold his own side o’ ther whiffle-tree ain’t cast fer these peraries, Tommis, I'd advise ye ter adopt old Horse Greeley’s advice—only be sure an’ turn yer heels terward ther settin’ sun.” “Tam not taking advice at present, old man!” daggers replied stiffly. ‘Come! sir Dalnceits will you are up without useless resistance?” : ‘When the crows come home, yes!” nded - Dick, with a chuckle. ‘‘ Now, see hree, di ive, this case is P You, as a representative of ite * feairous of adding my name to yeur Met | Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. of conquests, and I, as a free and easy-going road- 4 ‘h, flor ts Stns the treachery and baseness of yonder woman, my ou are elected to death, Ag must chaw lanche will shuffle them; then we will each draw until one of us gets the ace of spades. The other man must then place a revolver muzzle in his mouth, Whereupon the lucky winner will pull the r. aggers bowed. He was desperate—some' seemed to tell him he was going to win; it was life or death, anyhow. Old Avalanche shuffled the cards, and placed them upon an old stump. j “Thar ye aire, gentlemen. Pull away, an’ ther ey go, with ther unlucky one as don’t git ther spades. if rs reached forth and took the top card, with alaugh. It was the Queen of Diamonds. Deadwood Dick took the next, and thus the draw- ing continued. The‘pack began to diminigh in size very rapidly; still that fatal ace of spades Femained undrawn. ‘Great ham-bone thet wrecked ther constitoochin o’ Joner!”’ gasped the Annihilator, watching with most intense interest. “Pull thet spade, Dicky, ef ye aealy oe stars an’ stripes. Don't eae Jeffer- sonioan ¢ or ye're a& goner, sure’s 's insects in thes ’ere A M “Tt matters little to me who it, old man,” re- lied Dick, carelessly. ‘As TI said before, life no onger holds that fascination for me that it once did, We've all got to contribute to the great eternal debt, some time—a few hours, days or years make but lit- tle difference to one whose life another has rend eet eee c *‘Thet’s ther moral an’ the religious truth, boy,” replied the Annihilator. ‘“‘T’ye known incidents whar henpecked husbands would go an‘ swaller bed-bug p’izen or arsenic, or sum sich, est ter relieve ‘em o’ their domesticated deefikilties, Sad aire the fate o’ ther man who hitches himse!f inter harness wi’ a female woman—sadder'’n a two- year old bumble-bee w’at’s bin takin’ a Turkish bath in sour buttermilk, or a South Car’liny *tater-bug thet’s underwent a course o’ bulldozin’ by Kansas grasshoppers—y7s, sires /” Edith and Leone were intensely interested and most anxious spectators. Leone perceived now, for the first, that her seal : ouey and unwomanly act rendered Deadw Dick perfectly reckless—that he was angry, and _re- garded her as little better than a traitor; and ther came the sweeping knowledge of her wild passionate love for him, and the fear that she had gone too fa; —too far for her to hope for redemption. But what could she do? Jaggers had bound her hands amd feet, and she was unable to move. desperation she turned to Edith, who stood close b Ayes pale and trembling, hoping against hope that Dead: wood Dick would draw the fatal ace of spades. “Girl!” Leone whispered, an awful horror welli upinte her eyes, “‘ you love that man—my husband; I know it, so make no denial. For the love of God, then. snatch away the cards, and prevent a murder, Quick, or you be too late!” Edith heard and heeded, even though she was growing faint and dizzy. : She sprung forward todo the act of mercy—the last act for him she loved so well, but, grim and im- movable, the Annihilator stood in her path and put her back, pote or “Wo ye don’t, gal.” he said, in hig rough Soe ae Ree en Ss Se BS TS ete pees Ms SOE ae may ge OE ey ea

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‘Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duvak _ way. “No foul gougin’. Don’t be oneasy, tho’, eet ee ther Pg oe sure ter flop ther ace, you Three cards lay upon the stump, and it was Dick’s draw. Coolly, self-possessed, fearlessly he picked up one. Ne was the three-spot clubs. Jaggers drew the next, and there was a devilish jubilance in his face as he held up—the ace of spades / All saw it; Deadwood Dick bowed his acknowledg- ment of defeat, not changing a ned, le in color; Avalanche groaned—he had so missed his calcula- tions; Edith and Leone both screamed, the latter bursting into violent sobs. “You have won!” Deadwood Dick said, calmly, drawing and cocking one of his revolvers, ‘‘and my life shall pay the forfeit. Leone, my wife, may you Jead a happier life with some one else, and find a truer mate. Miss Stone—Avalanche, fare thee well, and remember the poor fool clothed in the guise of Deadwood Dick!” Then, there, when the setting sun was shooting its last lingering wee of light into the thicket glade, the young Prince of the Road thrust the revolver muz- zle into his mouth, and motioned for Jaggers of the U. 8. Secret Service to pull the fatal trigger} CHAPTER XUI. SAVAGE ALLIES—FATHER AND SON—REUNION. Asour the same hour that has witnessed the events last described, Wild Ivan, the Boy Fiend, was gallop- _ ing through the level tract of country at the base of the mountain foothills, mounted upon his thorough- bred black, his dusky face dark and grim, his if iS set in firm compression, his ge gleaming evilly, What was he doing here so far from the padre eet the Brotherhood. Surely some mischief is afoot, And ere Jong its nature became manifest, for when the night-shades were gathering around him thickly, and the young moon for the first thrust its crescent up over the western horizon, he drew rein in an Indian encampment, in the heart of a little motte of cottonwood timber on the P le. A bright fire burned in the center of the camp, which was surrounded by some six or eight s! lodges, and gathered around the fire were at least a hundred savages, emiong whom two appeared to ex- ert the power of chieftaincy. All were clad ia half- eivili: garb, and well armed, and it was evident they were a party of loafing vagabonds detached from some other tribe of red-men. But the two chiefs seemed to recognize Wild Ivan, and one, who age wonderful English for a red- skin, welcomed the Boy Fiend heartily. ‘Panther berry glad to see you,” he said, making room upon a log by the fire. “ Been keeping braves in waiting for thre days—eber since got whipped by road-agent hunters.’ “Yes, I expected to find you here,” replied the oung outlaw, running his eye over the assembled raves, “And I have come to talk with ye about thee same road-agent hunters. We must clear them ut! > ‘Ugh! Boy chief speak trufe berry much. White . dogs kill many ob Panther’s braves. He take um scalps. He roast ’em!” “Good for you Rivers!” the young Fiend replied, enthusiastically, ‘and I have still another plan. You are of course aware of the existence of the so- ealled Brotherhood of Death?’ pas Panther heard much about de pale-face “Well, [have been elected chief of said Brother- hood, in the place of Bill Blood, deceased. But I don’t like their style, and as they have an immense treasure somewhere, I propose to lay them all out, and then hunt the treasure. sten!’ md then, in a low tone, the Boy Fiend unfolded his plot to the chief, who listened, eagerly, occasion- ally giving vent to his approval by @ grunt or a nod, 2 Half an hour later, Ivan mounted his horse aad rode back over the route hehadcome. Ococasfonal- y as he se. si by his thoughts were rudely in’ n pas: through a teh of timber his horse eae Baie selon by the reins, and jerked ck upon its haunches, nearly unseating the rider, Quickly he drew a revolver, but it was knocked from his hand an instant later, while a man stood be Bis side, one of the same deadly instruments in hand, leveled, and at full cock. ‘“‘ Hold on, young man!” cried the stranger, resolve expressed in tone. ‘‘ None of your pretty capers. Just be quiet and reasonable, and all will go welll” The Boy Fiend started violently at sound of the man’s voice, and bent forward, endeavoring to peer into the face which the darkness hid from view, “Oh! you needn’t look co sharp; it’s me—your fa- ther!” declared the unmistakable voice of Colonel Grafton Stone. “I’ve been on the hunt for you ever since you massacred our train, and killed your own mother!” “Wal did the old lady turn up her toes, then? WellI’m sorry, but it couldn’t be helped, you know!” was the young wretch’s indifferent observation. “The Brotherhood of Death never do things by halves. Pity they hadn’t wiped you out at the same time, you old villain!” . “You are kind in your wishes,” sneered the elder Stone. “They would have undoubtedly killed me, had I not played ’possum, as Avalanche did. _ But, boy, have you geen the girl?” * The girl?” . “Yes—ha! I remember, now; you took her from the train, before I fainted. What became of her?” — “Oh! you refer to my amiable cousin, eh? Well; I know nothing of her. I got chased, and had to drop her. A young devil named Deadwood Dick ap- propriated her, I expect!”’ Meike “The devil! I would not have lost her for a for- tune. Indeed, a fortune is dependent upon her re- — covery.” é “How d’ye mean? I fail to comprehend,” the oung outlaw sai rly. . eats? eee 1 will tell you. When my — , then y brother went to Europe, he was only well-to-do im the world, and left behind him his daughter, atthe — time placed in a private boarding-school, where she was receiving the finishing touches of her education. In Europe Milt was most fortunate in Spee ; aa Res two years had secured a fortune of a million ollars. “Then I became envious, and laid a plan to rob — him of a part of this wealth. Of our family there — were three brothers, Milt, William and myself, and — Milt proved to be the least scoundrel of the three, Bill came West, years ago, and as Bill Blood, a ruf- — fian, achieved a reputation second to none. My ped- igree—well, it is not wholly spotless.” Sie “Yor oncé you speak the truth,” replied the Boy — Fiend, with a heartless laugh. “ You are a devil on — earth, and I’m no better!” Se 3 “ Well, however that me continued the eol- onel, “as I said before, I ned to obtain some of — Milt’s wealth which, as I looked at it, was rightfully — mine, “He had left me in charge of his estates, on his — departure for Europe, and by fom his name I converted them all into cash, stole his daughter, and brought her to our home in Cincinnati, and thence to Cleveland where you first met her. Milt returned and got wind of my villainy, and set officers on my — track; so I had to clear out and come West. You remember the Foung scout, Tornado Tom, who met | the girl in Cincinnati and fell in love with her? He — is along, also.” - “Yes, curse him. Had he not turned her you head, I might have stood a better chance!” grow: @ youth, savagely. “Well, never mind, my son, Wh your coe rar tion, we can yet get the girl, and I will blee ‘the : 4 52° 2 the oy ioe S2y)- 1 Ne eet +

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26 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. purse of Milton Stone to its utmost limit, while you can take sweet revenge upon her for jilting you.’ “Good! old man; it shall be as you say, But you must first accompany me to my stronghold, where I have other work to do.’’ After some further conversation, the vile father was mounted upon the back of the horse behind his viler son, and the twain rode away toward the mount- ain stronghold of the Brotherhood of Death. We left Alice La Rue drifting down the Little Ma- drass, in sight of the camp upon the shore, and in a state of alarm at her situation. Her recent escape from peril had left her quite unmanned, and now she was again thrown into a state of excitement, Were those upon the shore enemies? This was a question of great moment to her. Friends she would gladly greet, but enemies she had no desire to encounter, For a moment she checked the progress of her canoe with the paddle, at loss how to act, If she at- tempted to pass the camp she would be discovered. She could not retrace her way up the stream on ac- count of its swiftness; the opposite bank was high and beetling, so that she could not scale it. At last, in desperation, she drove the frail craft forward over the waters with a strong stroke, re- solved to make the venture of passing. But the man at the water’s edge saw her, and gave a shout that brought his companions to his side. ‘Hello, thar!” shouted a man’s voice; “slow up, gal. Whar ye goin’?” The thought suddenly flashed across the fugitive’s brain that they were a part of the terrible Brother- hood, and with firm, compressed lips she used her paddle the faster. On over the water the canoe shot, yielding grace- fully to the fair rower’s strokes. : **By Jerusalem!” cried Jolly Jack, who with Sher- _ wood, Red Kit and the other road-agent hunters, stood upon the bank and gazed in wonder at the flying oarswoman, “ Et’s a durned likely-lookin’ white gal, sart’in sure. What on’arth kin she be doin’ up in this outlandish region?’ No one answered; all were too intent in gazing at the beautiful maiden in the boat, But suddenly, as Alice half-turned her white, scared face toward them, Red Kit gave vent to a yell that made the mountains ring. “s “It’s Alice!” he cried, dancing around excitedly— “it’s my gal—Alice, surer *n preachin’, Stop her, some one!” And the next instant the hunter leaped out into the stream, and swam desperately in pursuit of the canoe, yelling at the top of his inngs. Cheering him on, a number of the rangers set out on a run along the shore, adding their shouts to the howls of the swimmer, and thereby increasing the terror of poor Alice, who, ignorant that she was pur- “sued by friends instead of enemies, exerted herself to the utmost to keep her frail craft under swifter motion than her gy * Keep ‘er a-goin’, Kitsie!” roared Jolly Jack, from the shore. ‘ Ye'r bound ter win ther race! Great Columbia! whar’s the gal?” _ Alice was suddenly and mysteriously gone from her seat in the canoe. **She’s laid flat, Injun fashion!” called back Red Kit. ‘ But I'll soon let her know she can’t fool wi’ her daddy.” ~ Rapidly he swam on, and unaided by paddle, the canoe merely rode along with the waves. Soon he was near enough to grasp a hold of the : _ shell, and the next moment he gazed over into it with an expectant grin, : , But a yell of astonishment simultaneously pealed from his lips, as he made the startling discovery that - the canoe was empty and— Alice was gone! ana where was she gone? question none of the rangers could solve, be- four cause none of them had seen her leap swiftly from the boat into the stream, over which the shroud of night had fallen; none saw her, and consequent! she was enabled to reach the shore, which at this point she found accessible. Once an terra firma she breathed freer, and pausing she wrung the water from her garments, Across the stream which had here attained con- siderable width, she could distinetly hear the yells of those she imagined to be her enemies, “Thank Heaven I have escaped again,” she mur- roured, shivering from the effects of her cold bath. “J only hope I can reach the prairies before day- dawn; there danger is not so thick as in these mountains.” After assuring herself that no one had witnessed her escape, she stole silently away down the shore, which gradually grew wilder and was covered with thickets and scraggy timber. The darkness was intense and it was only by a sense of feeling that she could drag herself along, but she Kept on, resolutely, resolved to move until her strength gave out. And it was not long until this climax was reached; and, utterly fatigued and exhausted, she was forced to pause and rest. Dropping upon the leaves at the foot of a great cottonwood, she soon felt the drowsi- ness of coming slumber stealing over her, and un- able to shake off the spell, it was not many moments ere she was sound seieee. How long she had slept she knew not, but she awakened with a start, to find herself in strange sur- roundings. She had been reclining upon a bundle of blankets, near a ruddy fire, that sent out great warmth, and over the fire a haunch of savory veni- son was roasting, emitting a peculiar flavor that ted her sensitive nostrils most agreeably. The cooking process was under the charge of a sturdy, bewhiskered man, seeing which she glanced around to discover a group of a dozen others, in an- other portion of the camp engaged in earnest con- versation, One of these men came hastily forward when it was seen that she had aroused from her slumber, and she had the satisfaction of seeing that they were none of the Brotherhood. And the nearer the man came the more familiar grew his looks, until at last she sprung to her feet with a glad, joyous cry. “ Father! father!” “* Guess so, gal!” and Red Kit clasped the fair girl in a loving embrace. 2 Didn't never expect ter see ye ag’in, my rose- “But, how came I here?” Alice demanded, in won- derment, “The Jast I remember was of dropping down he a pile of leaves under a great tree, where I must have fallen asleep.” } “So you did, gal, an’I snook up an’ fetched ye inter camp,” re lied Red Kit dancing and capering about like an animated school-boy. Then followed explanations in general between parent and child, both of whom were overjoyed at their reunion. Grim Scott Sherwood and Jolly Jack soon came up and were introduced, and from the first it might have been noticed that Alice’s wondrous beauty and _ winning ways had made an impression upon the for- mer, for his eyes lighted up when she chatted to him, and something of his habitual grimness wore away, CHAPTER XIV. NOT DICK—THE PARTING. “ Houp on, for the love of God do not kill my hus- band, sir!” cried Leone Harris, as Tom Jaggers step- ped forward to perform his part of the death duel. * Have mercy—spare him for my sake!” “No, madam !’’ replied the detective, a grim smile of triumph overspreading his features, ‘I ca desist, even for your sake. ere is a reward of thousand dollars offered for the head of Dead- Pua =; n Ae a Teme! 3 igi

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- her as encouragement, Wild ivan, the Boy Claude Duval, ‘27 ea ea and who has a better right to earn it, an I?’ He sprung forward, and made a pass at the pistol, whose muzzle was within the teeth of the young road-agent, but simultaneously there was the sharp report of a pistol, and the Secret Service man went to the ground in a heap. He gave only: one gasp—then his features grew set in expression, his eyes glassy, and limbs rigid, and he was dead. But who was the assassin? This question was evidently answered as Old Ava- lanche restored a still smoking revolver to his belt. “ You!” cried Harris, grimly. “Great ham-bone thet Joner chawed ther meat from, yes!” replied the Annihilator, screwing his visage into a comical grin. ‘“ Et went ag’in my na- tur’ ter see ye drapped out o’ time, so I jest con- Paes ter electrify thet detective cuss, No offense, ope, “Certainly none.on my account. But it was hardly fair play, takin’ the feller off in that style.”” * Ken't see it so, boyee. *All fair in love or war,’ they say. Anyhow thet’s w’at Sial Clisby told my brother Josiah, w’en he kicked him down-stairs be- cause he had.stayed too late a-courtin’ Matilda Jane, an’ Josiah sed he waz pretty well convinced afore he reached ther fust landin’ thet it war.” "Is he really dead?” asked Edith, coming timidly forward, and gazing sorrowfully at the stiffening form of the Secret Service man. “Yes, Miss Eda—de'der’n a baked clam aire thet representative o’ ther U. 8.8.5, I put a punctuation p’int right in over his left temple, an’ he flopped his trump keerd immegetly. Oh! I’m a rooster, gal— a great devastatin’ disease thet a like a small- sized warthquake over these boreal lattytoods an’ longytoads. Sorry ter displace ther regylations o’ Tommises callender, but I hed ter give Dicky hayr a life insurance policy, ye parseeve. An’ ef them pretty eyes o’ yourn don’t lie, I speculate you ain’t at all sorry ther boyee’s still among ther saints on earth. Hay, little gal?—an’ ther same ter you, Mrs. Deadwood Dick.” Edith blushed, and her heart beat faster, for she was conscious that the eyes of the young Prince of the Road was upon her. Why wasit, that whenever she was in his presence her whole being was thrilled with such a strange ecstatic feeling—a grand over- powering sensation of joy—a sensation of happiness almost sublime? Poor girl! Hopelessly she had allowed herself to drift on, not for a moment reckoning the cost—her mad love for this youthful outlaw burning brighter each moment, and gaining strength when it should have been crushed out of existence. Ay, she blushed at the words of the old scout, but it was the blush of love—and her eyes lit up won- drously, as she replied: “T am very glad, indeed, that he has escaped so terrible a fate, even at the cost of another life!” And the glance that she darted at Deadwood Dick thrilled him, strong as was his command over his emotions. If men are ‘the sterner sex,” it is some- times rather hard to frown down the fascination of a pretty woman; and so Dick found it. Before him were two women—girls, rather, of opposite temper- saments; Leone, he loved with a tender, never-tiring devotion; Edith, he saw, loved him with girlish im- petuosity, and while he was secretly pleased, he was resolved that no word, look or action should be given and God knows I never yet willingly broke it—that T will leave them alone—them, the people. But if they strike me on account of the past, I will strike them back—to the.death/” “ Bully Ike fer you, boyee! Great ham-bone thet demoralized Joner! course I'll bear ye witness, an’ any one’t sez ye ain’t the durndest young galoot as ever rid a jack-mule, ’s a dasted ornery liar, an’ hayr’s ther great Norweegan snow-flake as kin back it—ther orful, cavortin’, rampcgeous Avalanche o’ annihilation thet cum down ter inoculate ther disease o’ extarmination hayr’bouts, on the back of O Rory Borey Alice.”’ Deadwood Dick bowed, and restored his revolver to its holster, while he draw a keen knife in place. eae forward, he quickly cut Leone’s bonds, and assisted her to rise. “ Thank you,” she said, simply. Something warned ewig make no display of emotion. “ You are very ind. Then, when tears were swelling into her eyes, and she would have turned away, Deadwood Dick spoke to her—in the cold, measured tones she had feared— expected, yet hoped would not come—from him whom she now realized she loved—worshiped, ** Leone,” he said, detaining her by that one word, “T would speak to you before you go. Right here our paths in life must diverge; you to go one way, and I another. You need not ask me why, Leone, for you know full well. Your jealousy led you into the commission of an act that no true, loving wife would have done. I did not mind the imprisonment —it was only the sting occasioned by the thought that you had put me there. Had it been for your mood would willingly have remained there a life- me.” Here the voice grew hoarse, and a moisture gath- ered in his eyes, while Leone burst into tears. “Oh! Ned, Iam sorry—so sorry. Forgive me and take me back—oh! for the love of God, do not de- sert me!” _“In our separation I am not deserting you, Le- one!” Deadwood Dick went on calmly, though it was perceptible how much he was agitated. “ lt was you who deserted me. I, too, am sorry, for my own sake and for yours. We were very happy together, until—until—until—” “This girl came and stole your love away from me!” burst forth Leone, hotly. ‘*Oh! that the thing was dead!” that she was the cause of this unhappiness. * Miss Stone did not steal my love away, Leone,” Dick went on, ‘That woman never was born who could win my love from you. You were blindly, in- sanely jealous, and owe this parting to ourself. I will shoulder part of the blame, and so let us part, At the grotto heey can find a home, and you know where my gold isconcealed. ‘ake it and my bless- ing, for it is all I have to give you.” “Oh! my God! do not leave me, husband,” sobbed Leone, piteously, falling upon her knees and bowin her head upon her hands, ‘I am sorry, and acknowl- edge my fault. But Ilove you as muchas I ever did, and it will kill me if you leave me.” “J fear no serious results, or I should not leave you. You are yet young, and life opens up a bright future for you; for in leaving you, I give you you maiden liberty Marry whenever it pleases you, and have no fear that I shall ever enforce my claim.” “Tam thankful to escape death, my friends,” he said candidly. ‘‘I would not be human, if otherwise. It seems that my life of late has been one continuous series of escapes, and surely I ought to be thankful to my God for all extended mercies, and I am, Henceforth may no spot be put upan the name of Edward Harris, for from this day he is no longer a road-agent—no Jonger an outlaw, if his fellow-men will let him alone. Avalanche, please bear me wit- mess to this declaration. “Tf they will let me alone, I pledge my word— ; * oe ee : i y wrest the weeping girl wife, he turned to Avalanche: = “Old man, I am grateful to you, and would like to continue our acquaintance. Butas it is your duty to see to the safety of Miss Stone, I will leave you till you dispose of her.” ; “ Karect, Dicky, but I want ter see ye ag’in, in a few days, fer I’ve a speculation I want ye ter jine me in, whar thar’s heeps o’ fun an’ money, Meet me ten days frum now at Bell Creek ford, at sunset Then we'll cuss and discuss matters at length.” “ Well then, #0 be it, Now, good-by.” re It was Edith’s turn [now to cry, for she well knew — ; Then, after imprinting a kiss upon the forehead of

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a8 ‘Nf =~" Wild ivan, the soy Claude Duval. © : en rarer SIP ES tet cm 9 a eR YE GREENE, Saying which the young man gave his hand to the | rocky foothille were reached, when they paused tor r Annihilator, whé wrung it heartily, and then to] rest. Edith, who was weeping softly to herself. As they did so, the old scout listened intently, and * Good-by, Miss Stone,” Dick said, scarcely return- .: = —_ came over his face, while he sprung is fee ing the warm pressure of her hand. “I am sorry your visit to the West has resulted so inauspiciously,}| “ ae is it?” asked Edith, alarm driving away her ef. “Dunno, gal. Keep still—here!? was the reply, and hope that you will soon forget these painful matters,”” and the next instant he had pee away into the w. derness of bushes, like a dark shadow, Edith did not reply. She was too full for utter- ance, and as Dick passed on to Leone, her sobs broke In a few moments he came back, grim and myate- rious, his tread as soft as a cat’s, ia pay and she wept as though her heart would reak, : Dick took Leone’s hand in his, and again kissed her upon the forehead tenderly, “Do not cry, little woman,” he said, even though there were tears in his own voice, ‘ Bear up, and God will bless you, as I always shall. Your wants shall ever be provided for, and I will some time write to you. ere, now, cheer up, and for the sake of our little future Deadwood Dick, be brave!” Then came a last passionate kiss and yearning em- brace; then as the shadows thickened in the valley and crept up the mountain-side, Deadwood Dick was gone—gone, and left behind him two sobbing women, who loved him with a wild love that was in itself a worship, It was some moments after his departure, that Avalanche broke the spell in his rude, uncouth way: “Come! come! gals! Great ham-bone thet bull- doxed old Joner! thar’s no use a-bellerin’ over one gone ’coon. Thar’s plenty o’ more trout in ther stream o’ matrimoney, an’ two sich likely-lookin’ females oF ds aire, orter know how ter snatch ’em bald-headed. Moses in ther bullrushes! I’ve seen od hearts bu’sted inter infinity, an’ then patched gether jes’ ’s good as new, Thar war old Sally Usher, fer instance, She war trotted inter ther Cu- pid’s harness twenty-three times, an’ each husband got divorced afore they had their hunnymoon out, on account o’ ther excessive length o’ her tongue. But ther gal kept a stiff ape lip, an’ last I heerd uy her, she was ’rastlin’ wi’ Judge Binkerton, up in Yankton, fer her twenty-fourth!” Neither Edith nor Leone made answer to this little “speech. Both were too wrapped up in their own sorrow to pay heed to his words, The sobs of the agonized women were so pitiful, that Old Avalanche was forced to turn away, a moisture in the eyes that perhaps had not been dimmed with tears before in many a long year. “Don't cry, little woman,” he said, approaching and laying one great, horny palm upon Leone’s head—“don’t take it so much ter heart. Ther boyee loves you, I’m dasted sart’in, an’ I an’ him aire goin’ ter be tergether a gude deal in ther fu- ture, an’ ef thet devastatin’ eppydemic ken’t per- guade him thet ye’re a repentant luvvin’ pugel, why See Florence Night-in-a-gale kent but “Oh! sir! will you then send him back to me?” the poor thing demanded, looking up imploringly. ei oe tears coursed down her fair cheeks, * You will x Ary ; “Yes, gal—great ham-bone thet kerflummixed Joner, yes. If I don’t use my influence on ther boy, - may I be eternally bulldozed, Thus sweareth an declareth Old Avalanche Hogg on this ther twentieth » day of October, 1877, Addy Dominix,” “Oh! thank you, thank you!” Leone cried ey “If you will, I will bless you. Oh! Eddie, why did you ever leave me?” And her sobs burst out afresh, “Thar! thar! no more cryin’, gal. Cheer up, an’ git back ter yer grotto. I'll give your spouse a good _ Spankin’ an’ send him back ter ye,” Then taking. Edith by the arm, he silently mo- tioned her to follow him, and they quitted the thicket _ glade and hurried on down the mountain-side, leay- Leone to her own grief, alone, alone! _ Without a word, for his mind was too busily oc- cupied for sree te Annihilator led on through ‘Gee blackness of night—on until the ragged, te * What is it?” Edith repeated, “ Injuns/” was the startling announcement, “ Je juns all around us!” " CHAPTER XV, THE BROTHERHOOD No MoRE—“ InNJUNS.” Witp Ivan and his father rode rapidly away toward the stronghold of the Brotherhood, *“You spoke of this Tornado Tom in a casual way,” ee the Boy Fiend. “ Why did you mention im: “ He, in company with my brother, Milton Stone, has come to this country in search of the girl, Edith, Theard of them as being in Deadwood, and that was @ week ago,” “They were not on your trail, then?” “No, but were scenting after me with the perse- verance of a pair of bloodhounds, I expect acper else than that I shall stumble over them when I expect it.” “ Well, after we again get the gal, we can laugh at them,” replied the youth as he urged on his double- burdened steed. ~ : After a long ride through the gorge, and then eee the rapids, the camp of the outlaws was reached. The Brothers outside the cave ted the return of their chief with a scowling nod, but those gathered around the tables, inside, scarcely noticed him, so apparently engaged were they in their games, Old Blue Bob, however, saluted with a grim smile, He, of the whole lot, admired Ivan. Wild Ivan led the way into the inner cavern, and here he and the colonel were supplied with food, after which the young chief left his parent to the en- joyment of his pipe, while he rejoined the Brothers at the card-tables in the outer cave. : “ Well, mates, what’s the word?” he asked pleas- antly, accepting a hand which Wagner had dealt him, witha bow. “How has things went, and what is the prospects ?”* “Durned poor, captain,” the Heutenant replied, half-savagely. ‘* We never hed sech dull times when ill Bl war boss. He allus hed sumthin’ a-stew- ls oe. thar war booty ter be had for ther work for —that’s | et. “ Well, you mustn’t get discouraged, old fellow. ¥ know things lie rather stagnant just now, but I have laid a trail for you to follow, and there’s heaps of money at the end of it!” “Eh? Say you so?” and the outlaw’s swarthy face lit up with enthusiasm. ‘Out wi’ it, captain, fer we're all ears fer good news.” “TI thought you would be!” said Ivan, a cynical smile curling his lips. ‘But, before I tell the good news, summon the rest of the boys, as what I have to sag? concerns them also,” * lue Bob was dispatched after the remaining out- laws, and soon they were in the cave and given seats at the table, then, capt’in, give us yer infermation,” re minded Wagner. “Bxactly,” replied the Boy Fiend: “*but hold! we cannot go thirsty over such luck. Blue Bob, in the chest in (rates cave you will find three quart-bot- tles of old Bourbon whisky, which I dare say be- longed to your former chief. Haul them out ere, along with glasses for the crowd, and we will wet owr whistles,” - Accordingly Blue Bob brought forth.

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iy) ind and the glasses were filled all around, with the ex- ception of Wild Ivan’s, “A little pure cold water for me, Bob,” he said pushing the bottle aside. ‘* My brain gets confused when I swallow that liquid poison,” His glass was accordingly filled with water; then rising, proposed a toast in a neat little speech, which was heartily drank, all around, when a re- sounding cheer was rendered for the young chief, To which he bowed his thanks. “ Now, boys,” he said, Ill out with what I have to say, in a few words., As you all know, the two girl captives we should have had, have escaped, but one of these—she whom we got from the train—we may have re of retaking. You have all heard of Deadwood Dick, have you not?” A general murmur of assent came in answer to the question. A “ Well, the girl is in the power of this same Dead- wood Dick, who, with his band of road-agents, are hiding in this same mountain range, And, mates, it must be our object to capture and put to death these road-agents, with the exception of Deadwood Dick, whom I can deliver up to justice, and receive a large reward for.” * How large, captain?” “The whole amount of rewards offered for him by the government and.private citizens figure up to the tune of ten thousand dollars !” A yell of astonishment eame from the assembled ruffians, ~ “ This is not all we shall gain, my boys!” the young villain went on, watching the faces around him that were flushed from the effects of the strong liquor. “They have in their possession money to the amount of over a million dollars, results of their gen- eral outlawry and mining, which shall be ours, and go into our treasury!” Again a cheer went up from the Brotherhood. and at a notion of Ivan’s hand, the glasses were all re- filled and-drank off with a great gusto. “This will swell our big chest wane in ther cor- ner, ‘til it bu’sts, captain!” cried Wagner, pointing to an iron-bound box which the Boy Fiend had never noticed before. “Then that is the treasury, eh, lieutenant?” “You b-bet!” was the thick reply, for the man was rapidly succumbing to the influence of the aged whisky, “‘ an’ yere’s w’at k-kerries the key; but, it’s a-all right, ye kno’, ’c-’case the b’hoys ain't ‘feared ter trust me.” “Of course,” assented the young villain, conde- scendingly; ** you’re honest as the day is long. But, come! fill up again; only one bottle is empty; let’s have a bilarious time on our success that is to come; fill uP 1 fill up! I say, and drive the cursed care away And then, while the outlaws were freely guzzling down the strong liquor, Wild Ivan struck off into a ' wild, rollicking song of the mountaineer. But little the Brothers of Death heard of his mel- ody. One by one they dropped off into what appear- ed to be a drunken sleep, until, with Wagner's tum- ble from his seat, the last had yielded to the resist- less power of the liquor, teen the Boy Fiend broke out into a wild fit of ughter. “What! you have not murdered them?” cried Col- onel Stone, advancing from the inner cavern, “* They are not dead ?” ‘No, not quite, old man, but they don’t lack much ofit. Til guarantee they'll never see sunrise. But, come! let’s secure this treasure, and then depart, for this aenorarore is poisonous!” oe n a pocket of the senseless Wagner's gar- ments, the young Fiend produced a key, which fitted the great iron-bound chest, and in a moment he had the hasp off, and the lid raised, so that he could gaze m. But a howl of tnee comet him whentfhe discover- Giineds the box was emp Ue Had he been cleverly a“ Wild Ivan, the Sy laude puval, Nae With curses on his lips he at length prepared te leave the plage. “We will get out of this,” he said, “and wont ae thing just as it is—dead fools and all. me He led the way out into the open air, and selected two superb animals out of a dozen that were grazin along the shore. These were duly mounted, an father and gon set out down the stream, prairie- ward, “Now for the girl!” said the Boy Fiend, as they ushed on, ‘I would like to her, just now. ouldn’t I tame her though?” “You would kill her, in your savage ferocity !* was the colonel’s reply. “‘Tnjuns! all around us!” repeated Old Avalanche, in his grim way. ‘“ Great ham-bone thet diseombob- erated old Joner! I didn’t s’pose thet we'd encounter many 0’ them, fer we licked ’em like blue blazes, t’other — “Oh! wi shall we do?” cried Edith, tly al- armed. She had never seen an Indian, with the ex- ception of a few vagabond reds whom she had met on the way. ‘‘ What shall we do?” ; “Do? Moses in the bullrushes! Why, we'll jest git onter our muscle, an’ go fer em like a great de- vastatin’ eppydemic o’ cholericmorbus. e')l an- nibilate an’ exterminate ’em like all creation, Ef I put a cow 0’ my electric whispers in their crani- um, they © a spasmodic ’arthquake has struck 'em,”’ “Then you haveno fear?” asked Edith. “Fear? Noaher and ther shark, no! ye nevyer see’d Old Avalanche afeard o’ any thing short o’ a reflexion uv his own mug, which ar’ frightful, I'll allow. Once on a time, a woman 0’ the female sex see’d me comin’ to’rd her, up in Yankton, an’ she war struck wi’ a fit 0” wane appopplexy—thet aire, she war purty drunk, an’ tuk me fer King Bacchous, or some other sich name, an’ durn my ears, ef she didn’t faint clean away. . “ So fur, in fact, thet she didn’t cum to, an’ they hed ter pos’pone ther job o’ revivin’ her till the da’ of ressureckshun. That ain't a sarcumstance, tho’, A feller in Denver, once, got so skeered at my ugly phiz, thet he war cured ontirely uv ther St. Vitus dance at which he had bin waltzin’ fer twenty years.” At this juncture the loquacious old veteran sud- denly stop) and peered behind him, at the sams time drawing his knife. Edith trembled in fear, for she felt that the mo- ment was at hand for a deadly conflict. But what was her surprise, the next instant, to see the Anni- hilator suddenly bound high into the air, and turn- ing a complete k-somerset, land direct down in a Fons of bushes, which grew a few paces in front of er, What did this eccentric move mean? She could not solve the problem, except that the scout had seen an Indian concealed there, and had taken this method to surprise him. ; A violent struggle was going on, and the hard breathing of the contestants was sufficient evidence that they were closely matched in strength. But at length there was a ap groan, and the An- nihilator emerged from the bushes, a grotesque grin elongating his comical face. : “Great ham-bone thet kerflummixed old Joner!* he gasped, swinging a reeking scalp in the air. ‘““Whoop! hurray fer Noaher an’ his shark. One less pensioner on ther U.S, Government; one moré- stroke 0’ vengeance fer these lost ears.o’ mine!” “Oh! mercy! what is that?" demanded Edith, as her eyes fell upon the bloody trophy of the battle. “Thet's a red-skin’s skulp, gal—a kinder wig wi’ which natur’ adorned him. - But see here, gal we must be gittin’ out o’ this, or thar’ll be squ nach Can ye shute a pistle?” “T can try, sir. Oh! let’s hurry!” “Gon't git in a persp: — . = i AOS ne i ad I ventured ter lift i, — alations 0’ business pretty soon, iration,” Warned Avalanche, -

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30 a merry twinkle in his eye, ‘tor et might result dis- astrously. Hayr's a pistle; take if, an’ w’enever ye see ared hellion, let him haver right thru his Abece- darian, kerslap. Don’t hev enny skumpassion on ther greasy variets, fer they’re not fit fer a‘skunk ter wipe his feet on. Cum on, now!” He handed Edith a cocked revolver, and then led the way on through the wilderness of bushes—on through the blackness of the night that had wrapped tho earth in a dense shroud. * Keerful, gal, keerful; don’t step as ef ye was an elerfant cryin’ ter create a favorable impression, Fust ye know ye— Great ham-bone thet foundered old Joner!. Zhet's yer game, is et, ye durned greasy nigzero!” and then followed a terrible struggle and thrashing around through the- bushes. “ Grab me by ther shins, will ye, ye red pot scul- lion! I'll show ye, Z.will. Luck out fer yer shins, l, fer thar’s Injuns under fut. Thar, dur yer asted ornery picter, I'll bet ye’r’ beyond sayin’ kit- tyehisms. Hayr, gal,’ and again the scout grasped Kdith by the arm, and they pushed on, Suddenly Edith’s revolver cracked, and with a wild death-yella painted savage fell at her feet, his life-blood spreading ovor the leaves. “ Bully fer ye, gal! Disembodied his speerit fust pop! Sorry he ree tho’, fer itll fetch swath- ers 0’ ther cantankerous Babylonians down on us ” True enough, the red-skin’s death-cry was an- swered by yells from a score of throats, and the sounds of rushing feet were heard approaching. “Here, gall’? criod Avalanche, leaping to Edith’s side and forcibly slinging her behind his back, “ Thar now, slap yer embracers around my gullet, an’ freeze ter me like forty hornets after a Georg’y nig- ger, I’m goin’ ter-break out o’ this deeficulty, an’ bu’st thar harness, now, you bet!” ‘And the next moment, with a revolver in each hand, and Edith on his back, he was bounding swift- ly down the mountain-side! CHAPTER XVI. 4 THE END. On leaped the veteran scout, grim and resolute, hound to go through if it lay within his power—on with mighty springs and leaps; and right and left vhe revolvers cracked with deadly effect. Suddenly the flying Annihilator burst into a little glade where two men were cooking their evening meal over a bright pn ely apparently unaware of the close proximity of the red-skins. “Hello! Great ham-bone that debilitated Joner!”’ eried Avalanche. astonished at the unexpected spec- tacle—* white folks, by the skylark o’ St, Peter. >.“ Sayee! ye durned ejotts, settln’ thar like a hatch- in’ hen, gif up an’ dust, ef ye vally yere golden tresses, Thar’s a hull squirt uv Injuns behind, com- in’ on like astreak o’ greased electricity erlong ther back o’ a sheared mule. Bounce, I say;” and then on bounded the scout, like a rubber ball, across the _ glade toward the opposite side, “Wither! father!’ suddenly screamed Edith, catching a glimpse of the two men by the camp-fire. “My child—Elith!” came back in joyful tones of recognition. ‘Come, Elkton; Heaven be praised; the old scout has rescued my child!” _ And the two men grasped their weapons and came swiftly in pursuit. while, close in their rear, swarmed a horde of yelling Indians, thirsty for the blood of vengeance, Fortunately the darkness was too intense for the enemy to gain anything like an accurate aim, and their bullets rattled harmlessly over ths fugitives’ eads. “Great bam-bone thet floored old Joner!” gasved the Annihilator, as Elkton and Milton Stone came alongside, ‘things begin ter look ripe fer dis- section, don’t they? Thank heaven, thar’s the Lit- Madrass, anyhow.” na Wild Ivan, the Boy Clatide Duval. “ “Then we can hope for aid!” cried Elkton, “for the road-agent hunters are encamped on the other side. See! yonder is their camp-fire!’”’ and he point- ed to the opposite side of the creek on whose banks they had suddenly emerged, *““Whoop! ye durned ornery pimps o’ Satan! Cum erlong now ef yer want ter breathe an unhealthy at- mosphere. Hello! ahoy, there, rangers! ef ye’re in a mood for wras’lin’ wi’ red niggers, show yer hand over this way!” Not a moment the three men paused, but plung- ing into the stream, they struck out for che other shore, which they reached in safety, just as the savages burst into view on the bank they had left, Sherwood, Jolly Jack and his followers had heard the Annihilator’s shouts, and came forward te meet the fugitives and conduct them to camp, wher while hurried explanations were being given, an preparations made for defense, Milton Stone took me to embrace his long-lost child, who had passed + through so much trouble since last he had seen her, ; “Them Injuns have got ern almitey grudge ag’in’ us whites,”’ remarked Old Avalanche, as the yells of the red demons on the opposite side of the creck made the night hideous. “They’re goin’ ter put theyr fust fut for’ard ter oblitcherate us, an’ we've got ter luk s! or they'll do et.” ‘*Let the devils come!’ growled Scott Sherwood, in his rough way. ‘‘ We've got plenty 0’ powder an cartridges, an’ hain’t stingy of ’em, neither. There is fifteen of us, and if we ain't good for a dozen reds apiece, we’d better go into bankruptcy!” Guards were, by Sherwood’s order, posted all around the camp, and the fire was put out. The yelling of the red-skins had ceased, and a strange silence hung over the night, suggestive of death. All the sounds peculiar to the mountain and forest had become inaudible; a faint prairie breeze wafted silently up through the walls of the lonely Tze. eee the cusses are creepin’ up on us,” sgid Old Av- alanche, impressively. ‘‘I know ’em better’n I do my A, B, C’s, They're a dasted pestilence on ther face 0’ this toadstool.” “Stand ready, boys!” spoke Sherwood, grimly, “Strike true and hard when the time comes. Am other victory like that of the other night, and the : hounds will not be so fast to fight!” we And soon the moment arrived! With yells that were deafening the attack began © from the land side, and a fierce battle ee in which the road-agent hunters fought like demons possessed. . But they had fearful odds to fight against. The savages numbered full three-score, or more, and were Coney oer on by the shouts of three men in their midst—white men, too, judging from their voices, and Old Avalanche made it business to single them out, as he fought on. Down went the howling red-skins before the ran- gers’ terrible repeating-rifles like chaff before the wind; now it was easy to see how the battle would end. < F ** At ’em, boys!” yelled Sherwood, striking death at every blow. “Capture those two white men and the disguised chief by their side. Aha! Tom Rivers, __ I recognize you, you traitor!” (3 But, the battle raged on fiercely, and when death had met the last savage, but one captive had been taken alive. And he was the Boy Fiend—Wild Ivan! He was securely bound toatree inthe center of —_ the camp, and then the victorious rangers rebuilt . — thes Ro ea and set to work at clearing away the While engaged at the work, Milton Stone suddenly uttered a cry of pain, and knelt by the side Me Colo- nel Grafton Stone, who had fallen in the battle. He was nor quite dead, and he ap brother he had so deeply wronged. “Forgive me, Milt,” he gasped, faintly, ‘and bray for me and pA , yonder,” with a motion to’ < WildIvan, “ We have both sinned—and—? e “ + *

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Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude duval, 31 The death-rattJo in his throat checked further ut- terance, and in a moment he was dead. Milton Stone uttered a silent prayer over his body, then turned away, weeping. The dead were all cleared away, and decently bu- ried, for Sherwood was not the man to leave even a oe without a grave. And, then, our little band gathered about the camp-fire, and ‘ counted noses.” Only one of the rangers had been killed and four wounded, which, altogether, was a lucky termina- tion of a battle against such odds, Edith and Alice were safe, and the whole party soon were in excellent spirits. But, unexpectedly, something occurred, which caused another commo- tion, There was a wild yell, wrush of feet, and two fig- ey sl flying into the camp—a man and an In- ian girl, “Too! roo!” shrieked the Cherokee girl, andin an instant she was at Wild Ivan’s side, a gleaming knife in her hand, a wild fire burning in her terrible eyes. The young Fiend recognized her, and a groan es- eaped his lips, but it was his last, for the next mo- ment the knife sunk into his black heart, and Sue swung his reeking scalp on high, uttering a triumph- ant war-cry. “ Great ham-bone thet foundered old Joner!” cried Avalanche, s ringing forward. ‘Josiah Hogg, my brother, true’s hens lay hen fruit!” “ Hags-actly, old hoss,”’ returned the poet, with a gun) smile. “But you're ther last coon I expected er stumble onter. See hayr,’ and he pointed to Florence Night-in-a-gale, who stood meekly at his side; “d’ye own this tarnal critter? I found ’im back heer a ways, an’ he seemed ter recognize me, on account o’ them old days up_at Death Canyon, when Wild Edna warther trump card. As Morasez—”’ “Phar! thar! none o’ yer poetry, Josiaher.” re- monstrated the Annihilator; imploringly. “Id rather be rotten-egged, any time, than ter hear it.” “Which shows yer poor appreciation o° ther fine arts,” grumbled the eccentric brother, Explanations were now demanded of Sue’s strange eonduct, and in his droll way Josiah gave them, ponding up with his avowed intention of marrying the girl. “Ye’d better hitch yerself ter an Injun squaw!” commented Avalanche, in disgust. ‘“Ye’re about er fit associate fer ’em, wi’ yer poetical perpensities, you aire!’” The body of Wild Ivan was removed, and Josiah and Cherokee Sue were invited to the hospitalities of the camp. After it was found that there were no further signs of attack, a sentinel was stationed, and the rest turned in for sleep. The next day Josiah _ and his dusky companion set out for the North. A week was spent very Lae ie in the camp of the road-agent hunters, who had not yet given up their vain hope of capturing Deadwood Dick; but, then, came a terrible blow which none had expected —which caused a feeling of grief in the camp. On awakening one morning it was discovered that Edith was not in the lodge where she and Alice usu- ally slept, and Tom Elkton caused a search to be made, And Old Avalanche was the first to discover a clew. Upon the bank of the rushing, roaring Little Mad- wass, he found a ribbon Edith had worn upon her thair, and also a handkerchief, inside of which was a bit of paper. R In haste the old scout hurried back to the agonized Bic. and the paper was read aloud to the anxious clustered around, : THE BAD, “Do not look for me, for the water will not give its dead. You willsay Iam foelish, but I could n give him up, 1 loved him so. I would rather die, for could not live without him, and be happy. Ava- lanche knows—it’s about Deadwood Dick. May God forgive me, as 1 know you will, Poor papa. ‘Eprra.” This was all, but it was enough to send a shock of sadness through the camp. One day later, a sad and sorrowing man. Milton Stone started for Deadwood, eastw: bound, while poor Tom Elkton, in whose heart had found firm root a bhai devotion for Edith, plunged deeper into the wilderness, seeking for fresh adventure to drown out his sorrow. Old Avalanche and his goat also took their depar- ture, amid the good wishes of all the rangers, who. had learned to regard him as a sterling friend. And about a week after the camp broke up, and the unsuccessful road-agent hunters set out for Deadwood. Shortly after their arrival, Sherwood married Red Kit's dousheety Alice. Their love-making was rather short, but both found a choice in each other, and it is for us to hope that they may ever be supremely happy. At sunset, ten days after Old Avalanche bade adiew to Deadwood Dick, he might have been seen ridi leisurely through the timber skirting Bell cree! ford, on the back of his faithful mare, and followed by his eccentric goat, Florence. At the edge of a little opening in the timber he suddenly drew rein, and gazed upon a striking tableau before him. In the center of the open epace, standing: proud erect with foldeg arms, is that weird youth in blac! —Deadwood Dick, while at his feet kneels a humble, penitent girl, with eyes be acca pleasingly. And their words are audible to the old Annihilator . words which cause moisture to dampen the cor- ners of his eyes, Cespite himself. “No, Leone, it me. I may seem cruel and heartless, but—” “You will take me back some day—I am sure of it,” she said, rising, the light of faith and love gleaming in her eyes, ‘* And I will wait for you. Kiss me, Eddie!” cannot take you beg donotask ~ Quickly he catches her in his arms, and coversher — face with burning kisses—then puts, her almosv sternly away from him, and blinded with tears she comes toward where the Annihilator has halted. He places his hand upon her arm, and intuition teaches her who it is, even though she raises not her eyes, “Cheer up, gal, and be hopeful. Things aire workin’ fine, Great ham-bone that choked ol Joner, yes! It won't be eRe, : Oh! God grant that it may not be long!” she sobbed, as she moved on. Poor Leone! ka Deadwood Dick was seated upon his black stallion, and red.traces about bis eyes betrayed that he h been crying, when the Annihilator joined him, “Hello! ye’re_ here, eh? Great ham-bone, that’s one good thing, fer ] hey somethin’ to say.” AG Then followed a long conversation between the — two men, and night had long fallen when, after shaking hands, as if to seal some compact, the headed their horses southwestward and gallope away, quitting the scenés of this narrative, which had brought to three hearts such bitterness any} pain,

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LATEST? AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-GOLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. THE Deadwood Dick e Library e @xtracts from the New York Evening Sun. TWO REMARKABLE HEROES. In only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a above all rivals in the eyes of the public for which they movel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera- have lived, and for which one of them has died. gure has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor in more than one reader will have to think a moment over the land, now knows Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good beal bet- Shis remark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit ter than it knows its catechism, and millions of young strikes home. minds absorb the thrilling incidents of his career in his But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending ghat will be news to many when it is added that litera- | solving of impenetrable mysteries. jure; traced from the dimly distant days when Adam Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracke 2 @ mere child down to the present day, would show his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when the Price 5 Cents. buy One and You Will Buy the Rest t few heroes that in the eyes of boyhood would be victims are thoroughly undone, the millions walt hungrily ven judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest for the next volume, whigh on every Wednesday appeat, roes known to American literature, or, to promptly re- with the certainty of the Wednesday itself, and a new seu veal them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr. ‘| of delightful thrills go thrilllng away from Maine to Call- * * * The modern heroes of fiction for young America, fornia. who are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and of There are the volumes each se crowded with thrills and yFrhom the Deadwood Dicks are much the most important heart-tugs that if were madness, to hope to do justice to * * it is but natural that their * * * should bear them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be- arey, the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left tween them, behind in the race, To abandon the Idea of giving a few extracts causes In- It ean be easily believed, therefory, that the two Dicks finite pain, but if once a start were made in that diree- 80 firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature tion, it would be cruel to The Hvening Sun's readers to fi boys and young men, that their position is assured stop, and it is therefore better not to relate one single * * and that they stand to-day head and shoulders Baventhte, Suffice it to say that the stories are clean ané well written, DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. Deadwood Dick, the Priace of the Road 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job % The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick's Defiance 84 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike % The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective § Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras *® Death-Face, the Detective 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo # The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Adventure Edna, the Girl Brigand 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road ® Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebed 1 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick | 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp in Danger 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Roguee li Jim ai Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to | 44 seh Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's Deat ame %@ Deadwood Dick’s Eaglés; or, The Pards of Flood | 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme Bar 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 8 Buckhw:m Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claim 34 Gold Rifle, the Spat bainorey 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane Road-Agent 46 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo | 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective aetna Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the | 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect ule. ives Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 51 Sierra Sam’s Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough 9 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance Ranch Watch-Hye, the Shadow 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double | 58 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen Cross 54 Denver Doll as Detective %@ VUanada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport % Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke | 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss for Liberty 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped %& Deadwood Dick as Detective 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy’ % Gilt-Kdge Dick Fortune 9 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve | 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 2 Chip, the Girl Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner % Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission Boss Bob, the King of Bootblaeks 62 Spotter Fritz: or, The Store-Detective’s Deco aye gs Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorg: "3 | 63 ae Beigure Road-Agent; or, The Miners 0 ul af ras City 3) Bune Bill; er, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 64 Colorado Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Catéts ia Sama, the Boy Road-Agent j Kings M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), $79 Pearl Street, NEW YORK.

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THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. Cleveland, Ohio ze , z RAS ce a4 Spear ® ats Gopyright 1878-1884, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter, Mar. 15, 1894 No. 5 Vol. I WILD_IVAN. as gaward L. wr AUTHOR oF ** DEADWOOD DICK,”” RTC. "Oly \

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Jopyright 1876-1884, by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter, Mar. 15, 189 'p \) § ‘THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. Vol f ‘No. 5 Cleveland, Ohio : V ol. £ The Boy Claude Duval. eo F rar gawa abl. Whee , AUTHOR or ery DEADWOOD DICK,’ = 9 BEC, oe

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cd _ || BEADLE’S FRONTIER SERIES {50, Per Copy. : 1. The Shawnee’s Foe. 2. The Young Mountaineer. 3. Wild Jim. 4, Hawk-Eye, the Hunter. 5, The Boy Guide. 6, War Tiger of.the Modocs. . The Red Modocs. tvon Hand. Shadow Bill, the Scout. Wapawkaneta, or. the Rangers of the Oneida. Davy Crockett’s Boy Hunter. The lorest Avenger. Ola Jack’s Frontier Cabin, Ou the Deep. . Sharp Snout, The Mountain Demon. Wild 'Tom of Wyoming. The Brave Boy Hunters of Kentucky. . The Fearless Ranger. . The Haunted Trapper. Madman of the Colorado. The Panther Demon. . Slashaway, the Fearless, Pine Tree Jack. . Indian Jim. Navaio Nick, The Tuscarora’s Vow. Deadwood Dick, Jr. A New York Boy Among the Indians. Dendwood Dick’s Big Deal. Hank, the Guide. Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. . Squatty Dick, The Hunter’s Secret. . The Woman Trapper. The Chief of the Miami. Gunpowder Jim, Mad Anthony’s Captain. The Ranger Boy’s Career, . O14 Nick of the Swamp. . The Shadow Scout. Tantern-Jawed Bob, . fhe Masked Hunter. . Brimstone Jake. . The Irish Hunter. . Dave Bunker. . he Shawnee Witch, . Big Brave. Spider-Legs. 4 54, i 50. Barry Hardskull. 51. Madman of the Oconto. 52. Slim Jim, 53. Tiger-Eye, The Red Star of the Seminoles. .55. Trapper Joe. 56. 57. 58. 59, 60. 61. 62. 63. The Indian Queen’s Revenge. Eagie-Eyed Zeke. Sear-Cheek, the Wild Half-Breed. Red Men cf the Woods. Tusealoosa Sam. The Bully of the Woods. The Trapper’s Bride. Red Rattlesnake, The Pawnee, 64, The Scout of Tippecanoe Old Kit, The Scout. The Boy Scouts. Hiding Tom. Roving Dick, Hunter, 69. Wiekory Jack. 70. Mad Mike. 71, Snake-Eye. 72, Big-Hearted Joe. 73. Whe Blazing Arrow. 74, The Hunter Scouts, 75. The Scout of Long Island. 76. Turkey-Ioot. , ii. The Death Rangers. . 78. Bullet Head. ; 79. The Indian Spirit. 80. fhe Twin Trappers, 81. Lightfoot the Scout. 82, Grim Dick. 83. The Wooden-Legged Spy. 84. The Silent Trapper. 85. Usly Tke. 86. Fire Cloud. 87. Hank Jasper. 88. The Seout of the Sciota. 89. Black Samson. 90. Billy Rewlegs. 91. The Bloedy Footprint. 92. Marksman, the Hunter. $3. The Bemon Cruiser. $4, Hunters and Redskins. 95. Panther Jack. 96. Olid Zeke. 97. The Panther Palefnce. 98. The Scout of the St. Lawrence, 99. Bloody Brook. 100. Long Bob of Kentucky. \ BEADLE’S FRONTIER SERIES are always in print and for sale hy ail Newsdoaiers; or will be sent postpaid to any address: Single copies, 15e. 4 ARTHUR WESTBROOK GO. Jota Soreecemaimon |

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THE Deadwood Dick: e Library e DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road 2 The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflance 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 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Rufflan 10 garth oll, “a Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in 11 Jim Bindsoe, Jr.,the Boy Phenix; or, Through to 12 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles: or, The Pards of Flood Bar 18 Bacehovg Bill; or, ‘The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifie, the (Sharpshooter 45 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 17 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Gu 48 Idyl, ee tet Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 qhotograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 20 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 21 ee Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double ros 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 28 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Kdged 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 as ‘oss Bob, the King of Bootblacks Peedweod Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s ich 81 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Bage 82 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent ' 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective LATEST AND BEST.c | : HANDSOME TRLSOLORED COVERS, 82 Pages. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest? For Sample Cover See @then Side, 33 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob's Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bi Serie ; 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 86. New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras ¢ 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 39 Deadwood Dick's Doom; or, Calamity Jane's Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream: or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, ‘The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, *Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 48 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of ae 44 Detective Josh Grim; or, The Young Glad) a Game € 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme _ 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy ee in ae ty 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's 48 Dick Drew, the Miner's Son; or, Apollo Road- -Agent 50 pia Sam's Double; or, The Three Female Detect 51 sierra Sa Sam’s Sentenve; or, Little Luck at Rough — 52 The gists pores or Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 583 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport “ Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss _ 7 Deadwood Dick Trapped 8 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy’ 8 Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Di: «’s Pard; or, Bliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadword Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter (ritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco 63 The Drvective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- fomndo 64 Colorado harlie’s Detective Dash; 5 oF, * Sie Cattle ngs 4