Deadwood Dick Library (v. 1) (1899 04 25)

Page 1

Sopyright 1878-1884, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 1809 : M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, peMieee No. ie ea lace MA eee (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) Price 5 Coe . Vol. I, April 26, 1899, 379 Pearl Street, New York. $2.50 a Year. ——— . lle a Sarees SS da. LL. W , py E : heele,, AUTHOR OF > “DEADWOOD DICK," ETC., ETC. DEADWOOD DICK’S ESCAPE.

Page 2

EDWARD L. DEADWOOD DICK, JR, NOVELS IN THE HALF-DIME LIBRARY. Price 5 Cents per Copy. 443 Deadwood Dick, Jr.; or, The Crimson Crescent Sign. : 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10. A471 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral, 476 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective. 481 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protege. 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. 539 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocq. 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr , on His Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver, 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. - 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin. 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 630 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. 636 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smug- glers, 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Insurance Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durango. 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Discovery. 684. Deadwood Dick, Jr.‘s, Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.s, Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. at Danger Divide. 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco. For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c. per copy, by the pub ers, M. J. IVERS & CO., 379 Paart Srreer, New York Crry. : WHEELER'S 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes. 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise. 734 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death- Watch. 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Blow. , 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait. — 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand. 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Resurrection. 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. "87 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Defied. : 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device. — 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Venture. 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Royal Flush. 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Head-Off. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. $22 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Scoop. 834 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Proxy. $40 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Clutch. 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, High Horse. 852 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Devil’s Gulch. — 858. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Hole Hustle 863 Deadwood Dick. Jr..s, Bombshell, 870 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Mexico. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decoy Duck. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Siiver Pock 891 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure G@ 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drive. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double-Decker. — 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr, at Dollarvilie. 934. Deadwood Dick, Jr , at Flush Flats. 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.*s, Shake-Up. 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Double Drop. _ 951 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Right Bower. 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Gold Dust. 971 Deadwood Dick, Jr.‘s, Oath. 977 Deadwood Dick, Jr.°s, Death-Doom. — 980 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Best Card. 992 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Gold Dust, — 998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Big Play. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Branded. ‘ 1011 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dutch Pard. — 1018 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Big Four.

Page 3

SOREN CaP EI ERR PD Re ioe ay rote he, RARE Copyright 1878-1864, by Beadle & Adams, Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter, Mar. 15, 1599, j M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, Aas i No. 7, .2sued Weekly. (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) ares 5 hie Vol. |. | April 26, 1899. 379 Pearl Street, New York. 2,50 @ Year. Phantom Miner;| Or, Deadwood Dick's Bonanza, | Ea. L. Whee, « BI AUTHOR OF ler, “DEADWOOD DICK,” ETC., ETO. \

Page 4

vu 2 The Phantom Miner. © ~ Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza. / A Tale of the Great Silver-Land of Idaho, BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘“‘ DEADWOOD DICK,” “DOUBLE DAGGERS,” “BUFFALO BEN,’ ‘WILD IVAN,” ‘‘DEATH- FACE,” ETO,, ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. * BONANZA” SHOOTING—OLD FACES IN NEW FRAMES, REKA! «do not know that you can find it by looking on the map of Idaho; nevertheless it is there—a pros- perous little gold and silver-mining town, nestling in the mouth of a gulch of the Salmon river mountains and fronting westward toward as grand a prairie ocean as ever existed. Some one had cried * Eure- ka!’ when the wild tortuous gulch’s end was reach- ed; and they had stopped right in its mouth, found abundant mineral resources, and built a city. Nota city of brick or stone, but a city of rude cabins and shanties, which were immediately filled by a popu- lation of two or three thousand souls, who rushed in from the other towns to share the excitement of the new-found Strike. f The width of the gulch-mouth wvuld admit of but two or three streets, running intermountainward, but the houses were scattered here and there, wherever a foundation could be planted. It might justly be called a modern Deadwood city, for it lacks very. few of the features of the Black Hills metropolis, while it adds to the striking active drama, of real life in the mines. A rushing, red-hot city is Eureka! She boasts of the best silver-ore and golden sand in the territory; she counts her saloons, hotels and gambling-houses by the score; she has stores, a church (a rare thing to find in a far-western mining- town), a post-office, and several ore-breakers in full blast; a bank, with a stated capital of half a mil- lion, and other branches of industry, too numerous to mention. As in Deadwood, there are men, women, boys and girls, in nearly all stages of life, and a. few of Eureka’s inhabitants may be considered fastid- ious, whom wealth and refinement has set apart from the main rough mining element. _ Wide-awake, active and prosperous is the condi- * tion in which we present Eureka to the reader. Night has fallen over the city; a few pale stars keep a silent vigil overhead, awaiting the coming of the late moon; the air is pure, and pine-scented, as itis wafted down from the mighty mountains that rear their forest-crowned summits, far, far above. Down prey nestles the city, not in repose, but bustling and lively, with the streets thronged, and the saloons crowded. A couple of men, evidently new comers to Eureka, were sauntering along the main street, smoking cigars, enjoying the invigorating breeze, and watch- ink the restless tide of humanity around them. i wo men, opposite in appearance and age, yet apparently great friends. One a young man, with a fresh, handsome face, bold in expression, and mag- netic black eyes and hair—the latter reaching be- low his shoulders; straight, erect form, which hard service in rough western life had toughened, and a hearing fearless and manly to a fault. His dress ‘was black buckskin with moccasins fancifully bead- ed, to match, and a broad-brim, slouch hat of the same hue upon his head. Unlike those around him, he wore no belt-weapons, probably trusting to his hands for defense in case of necessity. ‘ handsome looking fellow he haturally stared as he sauntered by - . Th Q Ph antom Mine : well along In years, wiry of form and well develope ‘ oR, was, and people - 4 ee —an uncouth, yet comical little fellow, grim of fea- ture and sharp of glance; a man who might be de- pended upon in friendship or feared in enmity. He was clad in pee dere frontier style, and armed with a small arsenal of belt weapons, in addition to a Spencer rifle slung to his back. At his heels trotted, in sullen defiance of the jeers of a crowd of boys, an ugly, vicious creature of the genus capra, who seemed to answer the demand for a dog very ereditably. Many were the glances centered upon the tric as they strolled along, by the observing Eurekaites, and when at last they entered a saloon, over whose entrance was the suggestive title of ‘The Man-Trap,” not a few of-the Eurekaites went also. The interior of the ‘‘Man-Trap” proved to be slightly more attractive than the exterior, being fur- nished after a rude fashion with a bar, chairs and tables, and the walls hung with mirrors and pictures, It was a whisky-trap and a gaming den combined, and was already filled with excited patrons, “Come this way. Dicky,” said the old man, el- bowing: his way through the crowd. ‘“ We've a right ter hev our say in heer, if ther old court knows hersel’. How’s this, eh? Begins to luk like Deadwood, don’t et?” “Begins to savor that way, for a truth,” replied the young man, a faint smile playing from under- neath his slight pointed mustache. “Hardly Dead- wood, after all, though.” “Wal, mebbe not, but thar’s fun here, as old Cleo- atra sed when she tickled a jack-mule in ther left ind fut wi’ her needle. seit oogins o’ fun. Arfter we one’t git a’quainted, we'll be all hunky.” They sauntered around, now and then stopping te watch a game, but finally moving toward: a rear orion of the saloon, where a shooting gallery wag ocated. “‘Hurra! who sez I ain’t ther crack shot of Euro- ka?” bellowed one of the crowd who were gathered around the stand. ‘‘Seventeen bull’s-eyes out of twenty-five, J’m tellin’ you.” “Pshaw, Buckskin; you’re no shot!” replied the keeper, a young woman somewhere between seven- teen and nineteen years of age, and one of the pret- tiest the two strangers had yet seen in Eureka, “You're a blower; that’s your sum total.” “You're a humoug, Noisy Nel,” replied Buck- skin. ‘‘ Ye think thar’s no one kin shute quite so purty as yerself, an’ I allow I can shute clear over you. “You’ve just tried, and have a string of shots to pay for, as a result!” Noisy Nell was very pretty of face and feature. with rose-tinted cheeks, a small shapely mouth of tempting sweetness; flashing, sparkling, brownish- blue eyes, and hair to match, which swept in an un- confined cloud quite to her waist. Her form was east in nature’s happiest mold, symmetrical and graceful. She was clad in a silken Spanish dress. low in the neck, sleeveless and just short enough to expose the pretty ankles and small slippered fect, Buckskin was a brawny customer, with ruffiaw - clearly written in his dark sinister countenance, and gleaming from his bloodshot eyes. . “Thev astring ter pay, hey?” he replied; ‘ wal, est figure thet down on yer slate thet you’ve hung har; an’ I'll bet a three-ounce nugget ag’in’ a kis frum yer honey-tray, thet I kin plum the bull’s-eye more times out of forty than you can,” “Done!” cried Noisy Nell, instantly. “If you win, you shall have the kiss; if I win, I'll fake the nugget, Here. give your stakes to this young man,” and sh# pointed to the younger of the two strangers who had now drawn near, “ Git,out!” cried Buckskin, in contempt; ‘d’ye s’pose I'd trust chat rooster? Not much! Hold my own nugget. “Then you won’t shoot witr me,” repliet Nell

Page 5

The Phantom Miner. —— coolly. ‘I wouldn’t trust you two feet away. Gen- tlemen, is there any of you who wishes to try a string?’ ‘Wal, gal, dunno as it would be any harm ter try,”’ said the el:er of the strangers, stepping aE and ex- amining the target-rifle. “ My name is Old Ava- lanche, miss, an’ my old oe. can’t crawl along a rifle barrel as they once could. Ef thet target thar war an Injun, Ifaney I ked puta current o’ electri- city thru him wuss’n a streak o’ wicked Jightnin’. TJ ye w'at I did do, once. Ther great Annihilation --that is me, Old Avalanche, my goat Florence Nizht-in-a-gale, an’ ole Prudence Cordeliar,my mare, —warupin Montana, huntin’ Injuns, an’ sellin’ their scalps fer door-mats. **One day we run forninst about sixteen thousan’ o’ the pesky varmints, out on ther Ferry. an’ the maneuvered around till they got on ther right an’ left side o’ me, an’ fetched up in ther rear, leavin’ a nat- ural lane ter scoot thru—s, gantlet ter run, wi’ guns coverin me wi’ deadly aim. But thes old devasta- . tin’ opp. demic pegged nary an inch, not for Han- ner! fost raised old Punch-’em-Judy, my gun, an’ let drive a bullet down thet lane, like refined light- nin’, an’ actooally, sir, ther suction or draft o’ thet: bullet war so treemendous, thet et jerked every cussed Injun for’ ad. on his face, an’ broke his nek!” : A roar of laughter went up from the crowd, in which Noisy Nell joined heartily. “Thet war no more’n a muskeeter on ther back uv an elefant ter what I hev seen done, tho’,” remarked the Annihilator, dryly. ‘‘ Yes, gal, don’t mind tryin’ ter fetch thet bell yonder, tho’ ther old man ain’t so young as he used ter be. Thisis my pard, Dead I mean Nedward Harris. He’s sum on ther shute. Yes, don’t care ’f I do.” And the next moment the rifle was at the old man’s shoulder, there was a flash, a report, and an answering ring from the target. . “Thar, That's one fer me,” commented the old man. ‘‘Load up, gal.” 2 oisy Nell obeyed with alacrity, and again the old man sighted and shot, Twenty times in succession he fired, and every time the bell rung. “(ood shootin’, sir,” said Noisy Nell, as the An- nihilator set down the gun, ‘‘I’ve seen crack shots that couldn’t beat it.” “Oh! wait ’til ye see my boyee, heer, shute,” was the grim response. ‘Heer, Nedward, try yer fist.” “Not with the rifle, Alva,’ replied Harris, shaking his head. “ There’s no fun in that for me. Give me about four of those six-shooters you carry.” “Heer they are, then, but I’m afeered you're countin’ toomuch. Thet target are deceivin’, ef my old optics ain’t in fault.” “Oh! that’s all right,” ge Harris, coolly. “Perhaps there is some enterprising individual resent who wants to bet that I cannot put twenty- our bullets in one mark upon the bull’s-eye.”” Then the handsome ex-road-prince looked calmly around him, scanning the sea of grim faces. It was a bold challenge, with a fair chance for winning, and stili no one seemed eager to wager smoney on it. “Guess there isn’t much money in the crowd, or else not much sand, Mr. Harris,” said Noisy Nell. “A fair chance, gentlemen, and success for you al- most certain.” This appeal brought forth a tall, lank, gray-beard- ed man, with sallow complexion and sunken, wild eyes, and a murmur of ‘Red Brand!” ran through the crowd, as he pushed his way through. “Who is it?” Deadwood Dick asked of the fair game-keeper, as he beheld the man’s approach. “No one knows, except that he is called Red Brand, and owns the best claim in the gulch. Is supposed to have heaps of money. His claim is the Big Bonanza,” replied Nell. “Ah! then we will see. Bet, sir, that I caanot do what I offered?” t “Yes, I will bet,” replied Ret Brand, coolly, strok, ing his flowing beard. ‘“‘My Big Bonanza mine against your life, that you cannot put twenty-four successive bullets on the bull’s-eye, in one spot. No living man has done it, or can do it, Iam sure.” “Tecan he as many against the bull’s-eye, on the same spot. No catches?” “No catches, sir.” “Very well, then. Gentlemen, you all witness this wager, I believe. Iam to put eo sueces- sive bullets against that bull’s-eye, in the same spot, and win the Big Bonanza mine; or, I am to fail, lose my life.” * Ay! ay!” responded the crowd. Deadwood Dick turned to Red Brand. “Your name, sir—”’ ‘ “Ts Red Brand!” “* And mine is Deadwood Dick, the ex-road-agent of the Black Hills, at your service!” A ery of astonishment rung through the room, as if the name of the notorious young outlaw were well known in Eureka, “You Deadwood Dick!’ exclaimed Nell, in sur- prise. : “Yes, one and all, I am Deadwood Dick, longer a road-agent. I have come here to Eureka, to lead an honest existence, and be a citizen among you. If you let me alone, Pi let you alone; strike me, I'll strike back, and you probably have heard of the reputation I bear in that respect. We can be good friends, or bitter enemies, just whichever you please. Now, then, if you'll watch you'll see me ware win this mine you call the Big Bonanza.” “Tt will be yer death ef you do!” growled Cal Buckskin, z “Oh! will it? What have you got to say about it?” Dick demanded. ; “None of yer bizness! But mind w’at I tole’ye.”’ “Miss, you will picaee repaint that bull’s-eye freshly, so we can tell just where the pellets strike,” Dick said, paying no further attention to the ruffian. Nell quickly obeyed, after which the handsome ex- road-agent took his position, one revolver in each hand, Old Avalanche holding the other two. Then up came the might hand, and, instantaneously, eps parently without taking aim, he fired. Then his right dropped, and a shot from his left eye Fes bell, . His righb-then followed, then his left, and thus in al- ternation, until the whole of the twenty-four shots had been dispatched upon their unerring mission, Noisy Nell and Red Brand hurried forward to ex- amine the target. They found only one visible spot where a bullet had struck, and that was precisely in the center of the bull’s-eye. Yet every shot hud dis- tinctly rung the bell! Deadwood Dick had won the Bonanza! CHAPTER II. A HAUNTING FORM—THE FIRST BLOW. Loup cries of astonishment ran through the Man- Trap, as Nell made known the wonderful fact that Deadwood Dick had put each of the twenty-four bullets upon one spot on the bull’s-eye. No such shooting as this had the citizens of Eureka ever seen, and the keenest excitement followed. All had heard of Deadwood Dick, and his socks deeds of daring, but none of them could have be- lieved that he was such an expert with firearms. “Hurra! Great bone that domesticated old Joner!"’ yelled Old Avalanche, excitedly, while Flo- rence bleated his approval. ‘Moses in the bull- rushes! thet war ther beautifulest o’ ther beauchi- ful! Why, ther singin’ 0’ them aire purgatory pel- lets ’d be condoocive ter a fit of nonhearativeness ef he don’t wear cotton in yer ears. Dicky, my night- loomin’ serious, ther Big Bonanza is ourn, ‘ “And we shall take it,” said Deadwood Dick, coolly. ‘‘Eh? Mr. Red Brand; did I not win it on the square, and isn’t it mine?” “Yes, you won it by the skin of your teeth, and it is yours,” was the sullen reply. curse is on the place, and you may inherit it.” “I fear not for curses, sir. Ihave been cursed all ; Fay but no “But beware! A.

Page 6

Ta ness, Ars » Gea “scowl upon his face, as he approached the shooting- i si eho him to give up the mine without a strug- tle!” oe ee 80 again.” Then Dick and Avalanche turned away, and saun- tered about, watching the scenes transpiring about them, and observing the many strange faces, Some of them the great Annihilator was able to recognize, while others were not within his memory. There were girl waiters connected with the Man- Trap institution, some of whom were remarkably pretty, while others were quite the contrary. Deadwood Dick was not a little surprised when one of these creatures, a gay, fascinating little but- terfly, tapped him on the arm, and then pulled him aside. ‘‘You are Deadwood Dick?” she said, more posi- tive in tone than interrogative. ‘“‘ You come from the Black Hills.” “Yes, ma’am!”’ Dick responded, respectfully. He hardly knew what to make of it. ‘“‘Isthereany way Tecan serve you?” ‘ *1 believe so; and I can serve you also. You had in your band a man named Carlos Cambre?” “Ha! yes; how did you know that?” ; “Oh! I found out. Cambre is my runaway hus- band!” “ Phew!’ this was a discovery for Dick; * your | “Fe married me in Virginia City, and then desert- oe ed me. “Very likely. He is a rascal at heart, and I have a bullet laid aside to use on him for an injury he did | 6. “And itis of him I came to warn you. He is in this very town, searching for you. e@ may be in disguise and will strike you at first opportunity. So keep your eyes about you. He has.some desperate game afoot.’ “ What nature?” : * [donot know. All the information I can get I will give you from time to time. But beware of him, jest he give you a miss-deal.” Then she turned away, leaving the ex-road-agent ina state of jee aa Oe Later in the evening he went back where Noisy Nell was busy at doing vee in ber business, the eustomers having adjourned to lubricate. Somehow Dick felt that she was his friend—at least she was a girl, and since parting with Leone, he hourly yearn- | ed for female com anionship, when remembrances came back of the happy days he had spent. But, now, alas! those days had dissolved into nothing- and he was an outcast on the world, whifo Leone—ah! he knew not whether she were living or d. “T must hunt up this Cambre,’’ he muttered, a stand, ‘‘He will know of Leone. As a lawyer, dis- guised of course, I can pump him dry. But I must make inquiries about this Red Brand.” Nell smiled pleasantly as she saw the road-agent come up. She admired his cool, fearless ways, and his handsome face and figure, more than a little. “Glad to see you, Mr. Harris. Have you come back to renew your target practice?” she asked. “Oh! no, Miss—” “Brandon, if you please." “Novi have not returned to give the ftes of Eureka any more of my marksmanship. I think they have had a fair illustration that I can get there, with an odd little laugh, characteristic of him. “ But 1 wish to question you a little in regard to this chap from whom i won the Bonanza mine. Is he a dan- gerous sort of an individual?” “Rather a hard customer, sir. Up at Florence City, last summer, he got some hard names, having been Proven guilty of several ugly crimes,” “Ah! then I may be on the lookout for him, and “Right, sir, for every grain of gold you get out of the Bonanza mine, you may expect to fight a bat- lieutentant want of bim? The Phantom Miner. my life, but have weathered the storm, and can do “Very encouraging prospsct, but I'll weather this point, yet. Good-evening to you, If you hear any news for me, just let me know, and if you ever need astrong right arm to protect you, just call upon Deadwood Dick.” Then the outlaw went back to where he had left Avalanche. “Come, pard, is it not time to seek repose?’’ he asked, tapping the old man on the shoulder, ‘‘Re- member that on the morrow we are to take posses- sion—that is, you are, ani your pard Little Alf. I will remain clear of the incumbrance. But it shall be called Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, however, if you like, Come!” “No, don’t git in er perspiration, boyee,” the An- nihilator replied, grimly. ‘‘Thar’s no hurry. It ain’t daylight till et’s mornin’ so don’t sweat yerself inter an appoplectic fit. I’m hangin’ around fer fun an’ thar’s goin’ ter be swads-’n’-swads, bymeby, you listen to yer legal adviser.” “Ha! Here comes the Hastern stage, now!” cried Dick, as the crowd surged toward the door at the rumble of approaching wheels. ‘' Come, let’s go out and see who comes?” All Eureka turned out at ate time}; consequent: the gulch was well lined with humanity, when wit the plunging and snorting of the fractious horses, and the cracking of Jehu’s whip, the rickety old stage rolled up before the door of the Man-Trap, and came to a halt, ’mid the cheers of the multitude. Old Avalanche and Deadwood Dick were among the crowd, and watched with idle curiosity the new- comers who left the stage, which was well loaded down. There were rough miners, and ey in- dividuals who might have safely been classed with the gambling fraternity; men well-to-do, evidently here for speculative purposes; a half a dozen wo- men, most of them eg vailed, But when Deadwood Dick’s gaze became centered upon one of these—a little, cloaked figure, deeply vailed, and evidently frightened among such & crowd, he uttered a little cry, and clutched the An- nihilator’s arm excitedly. d “Look, Avalanche! My God, can the dead return to life?” he Fasped, pointing to the little figure. ‘It is she—Ziith Stone, who you told me was dead— had drowned herself.” “Pooh! boyee, ye’ve got the spinal meningitis in yer eyes. Lord! ham-bone that was ther last sick- ness uv old Joner! thet’s no more her than you be, you Jisten ter yer legal adviser.” “Tt is she! You cannot fool me. figure too well. And that vail is but a flimsy dis- gnise, It is Edith Stone, or her spirit.’ He made a step forward as if to follow her, but the Annihilator held him back with a strong gripe. “Hold 7 hosses; no sweatin’ ag’in, ones knew a feller thet got drowned in his own puddle of sweat. Thet gal ain’t no Edith Stone, an’ Ill bet my fine-tooth comb an’ et’s population on it. But in case it is her, you do not want to see her. Reckel- lect, young fe ler, thet thar’s one little red-haired critter thet’s deservin’ 0’ yer luv, an’ baste me frum North Pole ter South with aged and decrepit eggs, ef ye’re a-goin ter luv enny other gal but her! So ee thet in yer pipe an’ chew it. Jest you ante back inter yonder Iubricatin’ establishment, and UR interdooce myself ter ther girl. thet gored Moses in ther rushes! Ill soon anylize her, /’m tellin’ you!” Deadwood Dick turned rather reluctantly back into the saloon, a strange expression upon his face. “The girl has followed me,” he muttered thought- fully. “I swear it is she, no matter what report Avalanche may bring back. He cannot deceive me. And she has come after me, alone. What are her feelings, I wonder—love or hate? I hope the latter; I can fight it best!” 5 He sauntered along, watching those about him, sharply, for now he might look for a disguis enemy in Carlos Cambre. What could the disloyal ie I know her — Horn of ther bull

Page 7

The Phantom Miner, “Hat by Heaven! the blow has fallen at last!’ he suddenly exclaimed under his breath, as he be- held a man tacking up a large poster against the wall. “Again, Edward Harris, are you an outlaw by the decree of the law! They have pursued you, but you will not flee again. Steel to steel, face to face with his foes, Deadwood Dick will fight. till the breath leaves his body. Once it was a fight for repu- tation—now it shall be a fight for life or death!” There was a gleam in his Hii that boded no good to those who would strike at him—a grinvset expres- sion of his features which, rightly interpreted, meant defiance to the death ! hat he saw to arouse his old bitterness of spirit was the sheriff of Eureka posting a notice of reward upon the wall in a conspicuous place; one of those heralds that haa hounded him—stared at bim from every hand for the last three years, like haunting phantoms. And, in large letters, the poster read, as fullows: “$500 REWARD! By that power vested in me by virture of law, and whereas the Territorial Government of Dakota has repeatedly found guilty ef high-handed murder and outlawry the person herein-named, I offer the above reward for the cap- ture and delivery at Yankton, Dakota, of ‘Deadwood Dick,’ or Edwaré Harris, the road-agent, whose for- mer operations were confined to the Black Hills, but who is now supposed to be in some of the Territories. “ Affixed hereto, by me, Joun L, Pennrneron, on this*the 12th day ot October, 187—, the great Guber- natorial seal of the Territory of Dakota.” Such was the notice Sheriff Jake MeComber posted up for public inspection by the Eurekaites, and it was read and re-read, amid much excitement, by all who were congregated in the saloon, “Deadwood Dick! Deadwood Dick!” passed from every mouth. ‘ “Deadwood Dick!” shouted the man Buckskin. + “Thet very chap was in hyar ter-night, gentlemen— thet very same galoot. He put twenty-four builets out o’ twenty-four on ther bull’s-eye, a-flukin’—” ‘“‘And Deadwood Dick is here, pow!” cried the young: road-agent, advancing fearlessly among the crowd, * You heard me say to-night, pilgrims, that Dead- wood Dick was no longer an outlaw unless forced to be one. HereIam. Leave me alone, and I'll leave ou alone. Come and knock off my hat, and Ill nock off yours; ¢hen. it will be war to the last—muz- zle to muzzle and knife to knife!” Not a man moved for afew moments—scarcely a breath was drawn Deadwood Dick stood confronting the crowd, his face grim, handsome, expressionless, his form erect, a pair of shining revolvers upon full level in his hands. All knew that he would not hesitate to com- mence the game of death, if pressed; he was despe- rate and reckless; as it were, their lives were in his _ hands, Yet Sheriff McComber did not hesitate to do his duty. He stepped forward, a look of resolution on his sunbrowned face. “Tl not knock your hat off, young man,” he re- plied slowly. ‘‘But I must do my duty and arrest you, inthe name of the law. You'll see the advisa- binity of yielding without resistance, for they're all with me here,” with a nod at the crowd. “That's the whole family, is it, eh?” retorted Dick, a faint smile playing sarcastically about his lips. “Well, they’re a fine lot. Better adopt a few more, however, before attempting to arrest me. I give you fair warning to let me alone. If you don’t heed it, abide the consequences.” 2 “Come on, boys! we'll take the braggart, or we'll die a-tryin’. One, two, three, and at him!’ _ The sheriff wasa reckless fellow, whose previous ood luck had made him vain, or else he would never fave made the move, for the first, leap he made for- ward was 2 leap of death, a bullet from one of Dead- wood Dick's revolvers plowing a passage through | his heart. And that checked what might have been a bl affray. The death of the sheriff seemed for the moment to inspire the remaining Eurekaites with a terrible dread, and they shrunk back, their hands clinching their weapons, their breath bated, a lack of resolu- — tion hol them powerless to move. depp And compeehending the situation, Deadwood Dick slowly backed his way out of the saloon, his revol- vers still covering the crowd. a But the moment he issued out into the guleh, he — saw them ee forward triumphantly, and knew they counted upon an easy victory. CEAPTER II. ‘ “ AVALANCHE ENCOUNTERS A PHANTOM. . Drapwoop Dick escaped by making adashthrough — the crowd that still swarmed out in the gulch, and — worked his way along by degrees until he was half a inile up the lone gorge, with the mighty walls of —_ mountain rock rising above him. And with his dis-- appearance from Eureka there disappeared a friend on whom Old Avalanche lavished his affection, for — on his return from an interview with her whom Dick — had declared to be Edith Stone, who was the cause ~ of the parting of Dick and Leone, he found great ex- — citement rife, and then learned of the death of the — sheriff, and the young road-agent’s daring escape. ’ “Bully fer ther boyee! Id do the sameef they — kicked me on ther shins, Great ham-bone! ef they’d let him alone he’d been peaceable enough, but now _ thet they’ve r’jied his angery speerits, look out fer a comet ter ’splode. Wonder where he'll go to?” ; And this the great Annihilator was left to wonder, during the next four or five days, during which — time he made determined search, but could findno — trace of Deadwood Dick. He had either left the — diggings, for safety or else was so securely hidden — in the mountain fastnesses as to render his imme- diate discovery impossible. After the fourth day of search, the old man came to the conclusion that — further effort was useless; then came the remem-— brance of Dick’s right to the Big Bonanza mine. : “T will take persession uv et, an hold et fer ther boyee,” he muttered, and immediately fulfilled His — promise by selecting a dozen miners from the crowds — of idlers who thronged Eureka, and riding tothe mine, which was two miles ‘and a half above the — golden town. There was simply astraight tunnel — sunk into the mountain side, and an easy place to” defend, once possession was obtained. : Red Brand sat in the mouth of the tunnel, smok- ing away at his pipe, as the horsemen rode up, the Annihilator in the lead, “Helio! great ham-bone that kerflummixed old ~~ Joner!”’ cried Avalanche, in “his jocular. way. ‘*Heer’s our man now, me Inds! Hello! Howdy — do, Mr. Red Brand? ee “Tam well,” was the reply, as the miner rose to his feet. *‘ What bringsyon here, sir?” ae? “What? Wal, I don’t reckon et’s hard terans’er — sech a question es thet,” said Old Avalanche, *‘T am heer, wi’ my backers, ter take persession 0’ ther ‘ Big Bonanza,’ w’at Deadwood Dick won at shutin’. — Tam called Old Avalanche, ther great Injun Annihi- lator, tho’ ther acheevement don’t confine itself — hully ter ther _transmogification 0’ ther Injine race. — This ‘ere hoss is my left bower, Prudence Cordeéliar, an’ thes ‘ere beast on my right aire Florence Night-in. a-gale—both of em workin’-j’ints o’ ther great Anni-. hilator, ther awe-inspirin’, devastatin’ eppydemic w'at sweeps like a dose o’ castor ile fizzic thru these boreal lattytudes, Iam counsellor and legal adviser — 0’ Dicky, an’ I venture to put in his claim fer during his absence.” “Your claim shall be recognized,” said Red Brand, calmly, though the old scout detected a fiery gleam in his peculiar dark eyes, ‘ Dismount and foll me, and I'llshow ye what is to be yours.” = 0. = leeficulty ne thes “Yes, cum erlong, boyees, but pull hes readiness, fer we don’t know what sort 0” we're a-goin’ ter encounter. Great ham

Page 8

6 engulfed Joner! ef I was as mean as some men is Bold go an’ sell my head fer a statter o’ Washington, ' which was long and dark. I would. true ’s thar’s soothing influence in a jack- mule’s fut.”’ '‘ The Annihilator then dismounted, and he and his gang followed Red Brand in through the tunnel, It finally ended, how- ever, but in a way unexpected to all except Red Brand; for once more they emerged into the open air and light of day, finding themselves in a deep, natural basin, hemmed in on every side by stupen- dous piles of mountain-rocks, A basin whose bot- tom was covered with a light, fine sand, through which ran a stream of clear, sparkling water, pour- ing down from the crags on one side, and sinking out of sight on the other through a huge crevice in the rocks. And this was Big Bonanza mine. A strongly-built cabin stood at one side of the _ basin, surrounded by little rows of spruce pines, and looking desolate and uncanny in its solitude. “Here we are, pilgrims,’ Red Brand said, waving his hand around him, with a strange smile. “This is Bonanza basin and the place of the accursed. You see yonder cabin. That is the abode of the spirit of Andrew Denham—the Phantom Miner--who is the terror of this region. There is a little legend con- nected with this mine, which you should know. It was discovered first by Andrew Denham, four years ago. He is the only one who ever took away an ounce of gold from here, even though these sands are rich with the stuff. He remained here a year, and panned out an immense fortune; then, one day, he was found dead in front of yonder eabin. Since then the mine has had ten different owners, but never has an ounce of gold been taken away at any time. A phantom was said to Sot the place, and each gang of miners has been frightened away. / bought the mine, and / have seen the elephant. You are welcome to the place, if you are willing to fight inferno and all its legions. Iam not!” “ Saying which, the man turned upon his heel, and strode back through the tunnel toward the gulch. For a few moments after his departure, neither the Annihilator nor his men spoke a word--stood and stared at each other, each evidently waiting for the other to break the silence, At last Old Avalanche 5 made the break. _ * And are ye goin’ ter “ Fate, Ef . ~ son, one of the miners. : : “Great_ham-bone thet wrecked ther constitoo- chin uv Joner!”’ he ejaculated, shaking himself by way of preparing for action. ‘*So thes aire an abode “uv ‘hog-gobblins, an’ ghastly perambulators, eh? A sort 0’ hot-house fer cuityvatin’ speerits; but ef thet cuss calkylated he war goin’ ter skeer yer ‘umble sarvent, he aire barkin’ at ther wrong coon. G'osts! phantoms! hog-gobblins! hurra!” And the eccentric Annihilator executed a jig in the auriferous sand. “Red Brand didn’t lie nary a bit,” said Hi Samp- “Thar is a Phantom Miner, an’ I’ve see’d him ride straight thru ‘Reka, like split, an’ we all blazin’ away at him wi’ our revolvers ter no purpuss. Ye might as well try ter tumble an earthquake.” “Oh! I don’t doubt your word—ham-bone and Joner, no!’ replied Avalanche, “ but when ye make this great devastatin’ eppydemie believe in hog-gob- _ blins an’ sech, jest expect old Gabriel ter play his trump-et card, thet’s all. i stay heer?” asked one. ‘Sartain, L ye don’t want any o’ the a'riferous layin’ around loose, here, jest scoot fer Eureka, as fast as you can, Dm goin erself. We'll stay, an’ we’ll hold ther fort!” __ And stay they did. Cainp was pitched on the bank of the stream, mining implements, provisions and ammunition brought from Eureka; sluice-boxes sunk, and mining begun in earnest at Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza. Another week d by, and no molestation was _ offered tite miners whose number Avalanche had in- The Phantom Miner, creased to thirty, and the rich sand of the basin-bot- tom was panning out immensely. Curious miners and loafers swarmed in from Eure- ka, to watch proceedings, every day, much to the annoyance of the Annihilator, who did not desire to be disturbed; speculators also came and made hand- some offers for claims in the rich basin, all of which were refused by Avalanche. “T hain’t got no say onter thes ’ere mine, gentle- men,” he would say, shaking his head in a way that was at once decisive and resolute. ‘ Et b’longs ter Deadwood Dick, an’ I’m merely keepin’ things a-movin’ fer him, ye see.” ; And when questioned about the whereabouts of the young road-agent, Avalanche would again shake his head, dubiously, saying: ** Dunno nothin’ about ther boyee, gentlemen. He cum hyar all along wi’ ther great Annihilation; but he skipped out, an’ that’s the last I've see’d o’ him. Expect he’ll come back? Waal, thet’s hard to tell. He may cum down on us in a way thet won't fit our ijees. Ye’ve distarbed ther seethin’ caldron o’ an- ger an’ got et bubblin, an’ like’s not et’ll scald ye. reat historical ham-bone! Re dunno nothin’ about ther deadly power 0’ my Dicky, pilgrims! See’d him paralyze a poor cuss over in Deadwood once, by jest winkin’ his eye—fact. by gracious! An’ he's a dose 0’ fizzic ter them as he don’t like.”’ And so the days passed _by—the soft, hazy qu- tumnal days, and at the Bonanza everything ran along in an even tenor. The miners worked indus- triously, and were well rewarded, for the yellow sands were rich with flakes of gold, in some cases panning out a quarter of an ounce to the punful. As yet none of the gold had been taken out of the basin, the miners prctents to keep it in their own possession rather than trust it in the keeping of the Eureka bank, whose officers were rather distrusted by the people. But at last, one night, Avalaache having a con- siderable bulk of the precious stuff, resolved to go into town for the purpose of exchanging it for greenbacks, - He left the camp well armed, and mounted upon the back of Prudence Cordelia, no thought of dan- ger entering his mind. But when he rode into the tunnel, where all was intensely dark, h‘s thoughts went back to Red Brand and the story of the Phantom Miner, and_an unexplicable feeling of dread attacked him. He was not a coward; neither was he of a superstitious turn, yet he had no power to control the strange sensation that crept over him now. His imagination conjured up exaggerated pictures; a clammy sweat unconsciously broke out upor his face and body; he was nervous, and grasp- ed the reins with one unsteady hand, while the other rested upon the hilt of a revolver in his belt. “@'lang, Prudence, ye durned beast; what is the matter wi’ you?’ he growled, using his heels in the place of spurs to urge the sorry animal along. ““Drat the luck. I feel’s spookish as a yearlin cok in fly time. G’lang, Prudence— Thunder! hel- ol? : The latter two exclamations were caused by the sudden bolting and rearing of the mare, accompa nied by terrified snorts. “Be still, you ornery beast! Heavens! ham-bone thet gargled Joner! {see w’at the matteris. Hog- gobblins, as I’m a great disease 0’ devastation!” And what the Annihilator discovered did look de- cidedly suspicious—ghost-like and uncanny, in the dense gloom of the tunnel. Tt was a tall, white robed re, around which clung a halo of bluisix light, moving slowly but surely along toward him, one hand and arm upraised, the fore-finger of the hand, the end gleaming like a human eye, pointing accusingly at the old scout. It was such a spectacle as might make even a fearless man like Avalanche net, and there came rather a whitish expression about his lips, though he sat motionless in the sad- dle, a cocked revolver in his clutch, and a stern ex: pression on his face.. fi ig # Sie

Page 9

~~ The Phantom Miner. “Ghosts, eh?” he soliloquized, a ly — “ hog- obblins an’ evaporating’ speerits, eh? Waal, welll nvestigate this matter right forninst the spot, as the Irishman sed when he went fer ter find ther motive power ina mule’s fut. We'll, ask Mr. Hog-gobblin w’at he wants, an’ef he remains mum, we'll try cold lead as a restorative fer lost speech.” Nearer came the white-robed figure, apparently floating along on the current of air, that drew through the tunnel. And the nearer it came, the more uneasy grew Prudence. Atlast it came to a pause, not ten yards away, and now the Annihilator made the discovery that beneath those cloud-like white robes was the shape of a human skeleton ! And to his further horror he could hear the harsh rattle of the bones, and a faint wheezy unnatural ea sounding far more ghostly than human. Still was the arm of the specter upraised, and the strange forefinger, the end of which glowed like a |. human eye, pointed straight at Old Avalanche, who for the space of a minute was _unable to command his posers of speech. But at last he threw off the spell, by a determined effort, and brought his re- volver to bear upon the phantom. “Hello, thar! What do you want?” he cried. There was no answer, except a horrible rattling of the bones, and a declination of the forefinger of several degrees, until it aimed at the Annihilator’s belt, to which three leathern pouches of gold were attached. “Ohl ye want ther a’riferous, do ye? Ye want thes devastatin’ disease ter give ye a few flakes 0’ fortune, do ye? Waal, here they aire then;’’ and raising his weapon ona Jevel with the specter’s heart, or where such an organ ought to be, he fired—once! twice! thrice! the roar of each report echoing weirdly through the tunnel. But the only result was another rattling of the bones, and that same faint, ghostly langh—unlike anything the old scout had ever heard. His hair now fairly rose up on end! Whav was the meaning of this? Had he indeed tackled something invulnerable—bullet-proof?—a phantom, not of the living but of the dead? An awful horror, such as he had never before experienced, stole over him, and he gazed at the ghostly vision in a sort of fascina- tion, irresistible and intoxicating. The more so, when his anus was riveted upon a pair of little black eyes, which gleamed from an opening in the phan- tom dress—a pair of eyesso magnetic that he felt their overpowering influence—felt that he was pow- erless to move a limb or muscle; it was a strange, awful 7 Se in which, though living, he seemed as one of the dead. He was conscicus of all—conscious that the terri- ble thing came closer—conscious that his waist was lightened of its load, even though he could feel no touch betraying the agency of human hands—con- scious that the phantom swept past him and vanish- ed, and that he was left alone there in Stygian dark- ness, powerless to move or speak. CHAPTER IV. THE GRAYLFORDS—LIEUTENANT CAMBRE. OvtsipE of the mouth of Eureka guich, about a mile beyond where the mining element had pitched its town, was a yalatial country residence, such as’ perhaps could be found in no other part of the wild silver land of Idaho. The-property embraced sev- eral thousand acres of immediate billowy prairie, which was well watered and used for grazing pur- poses, and the buildin and spacious gecands, which were known as “The Oaks,”’ probably on ac- count of a complete hedge-work of these trees which the hand of man had panted around the mansion, ‘ The lawn. sloping either way from the dwelling, was well Jaid and dotted here and there with flower- ing shrubs and beds of blossoming plants, and marked by serpentine walks and carriage drives. Here were shaded bowers, there swings, croquet grounds and the like, and everywhere evidence of y wealth, and an eye for beauty, which had not found - Ys training in the wild West. 4 ‘The mansion was built of stone, which had been quarried from the neighboring mountains, and was imposing in Appearance externally, while the inte- rior was richly furnished. Here resided the Graylfords, one of the richest and most aristocratic, as well as influential families in the territory. They counted their money by the — tens of thousands, and the senior Graylford owned some of the lergest silver lodes in Idaho. He was an inveterate miser, and had few friends among t! e or, toward whom he was harsh and haughty. He_ oarded his money and not trusting to the honesty. of banks, kept it in a large safe in his mansion. Repeatedly had attempts been made by outlawsto . burglarize the Oaks, but Fordyce Gray ord kept a ard over his strong room, and a half-dozen faith- ul male servitors; consequently each attempt had been unsuccessful on the part of the burglars, Of the family there were four, consisting of For- dyce Graylford and his wife; a grown-up son named = and a daughter of eighteen, named Claudine f his children old Fordyce Graylford had xo cause to be proud. : Guy was a reckless, worthless reprobate—a gam- pies, a spendthrift, and, it had been hinted, an out- jaw. ; Claudine was haughty, uncivil and bad in temper; treacherous and deceitful, and though rather hand: some, as the word goes, she had few admirers, — Worst of all, she was a thief. On more than one oc- * casion she had depleted the purse of her old father generally in co-operation with her brother, ae The elder Graylford was a man of some five-and- fifty years at the time of ourstory. Hederivedan > immense income both from his mining investments and extensive cattle herds, but this not satisfying his greed for riches, he ventured into speculation in { : | and about Eureka, almost always successful, in spite of the fact that sharpers constantly laid traps for him On the day preceding the night of the Annihilator’s — encounter with the Phantom Miner, Captain Grayl- ford, as he was called, brought home a new visitor to the Oaks—a distinguished army Officer, he ex- — plained to his household, who must be treated with — the greatest respect and consideration. : The individual in question was a tall, well-formed fellow of twenty-five, with a dark, Spanish face, dark eyesand hair,and a mustache and imperial to mateh, In dress he was faultless and elegant. Lieutenant Cambre, he was called, and claimed to _ be of the United States Army, which of course was not true, as the reader will readily recognize him as Cambre of Deadwood Dick’s one~ notorious band. ‘What Cambre's business was at the Oaks was quite apparent by listening to the conversation between him and Graylford, as they were closeted in the speculator’s office, an hour or so after dinner. 2 ‘* You perceive,” Cambre was saying, * that the scheme is simply immense. It cannot fail, and the investment of a few hundred thousand will pay twenty-five or thirty per cent. the first year, and — after that increase with age. Why, my dear sir, six years ago I sunk five out of six hundred thou- sand dollars in a gigantic railroad project, but that — was because of inexperience. Since then 1 have — doubly retrieved myself, and by this last move I pro- pose to raise myself to independence, It.is a sure ~~ . thing, and capital invested is bound to pay a hand- — some revenue.” Old Captain Graylford gazed at the coolly-s¢hem ing villain opposite him, with a strange gleam in bis — little gray eyes. He wasakeen student of human nature; experience had taught him thesecret of pick- — ing out a villain almost at sight. = “See here,’ he said, bringing his hand heavily down upon his knee, * do you know that J know you — to be an unmitigated rascal and a liar? You are — smart and crafty above the average, but not suf-— ficiently so to fool an old miser like me, who has ~ had dealing with men of just your type throughout

Page 10

tg _ again, ‘ The unfaithful lieutenant The Phantom Miner. 7 RR RE &@ prosperous and eventful life. There is no such project in contemplation as the one youname, and, even if were to invest capital in such a ‘spec,’I should do it myself, not trusting even to my own son or daughter, both of whom are a disgrace to the name of Graylford.” Cambre uttered a fierce curse. Tobe baffled from the hreinning was bine aint © but be was not to be cheated of his prey, even at this rebuff. ** And you dare to insinuate—"’ he began. “T dare to insinuate nothing, sir, but to your face I dare tell you openly that you're a scoundrel and a liar! To be sure, you at first rather gulled me. but after you began to preach on that railro. scheme, that was enough. You are no longer a welcome visitor in my house, sir.’’ “ Oh! well, then wé’ll call me an unwelcome one for the present. I have you completely in my power, Fordyce Graylford, and I mean to make the most of my situation.” ‘Completely in your power?” repeated the specu- lator in undisguised amazement. ‘I should like to know how?” “You would! Well, it will require but a few mo- ments to give you an idea of what I am driving at. I did not propose to enter upon this matter yet, but may as well, to let you know on how little a thread a life may hang. In the first place, I enter a charge against you which the law, except in Utah, pro- nounces a misdemeanor. Fordyce Graylford, you are a dbigamist. You have married a@ second utfe, - while you hare a first wife living!” Ha! has a thunderbolt fallen? The mine-owner leaps to his feet, with a ghastly white face, his form trembling as in an ague-fit, his eyes blazing luridly, * You say this?’ he cried, his breath coming and quick gasps, ‘Then you lie!” no! I do not lie,” Cambre replied non- chalantly.. “I’m always sure of my mer before I show my hand, as the saying goes. {I can produce that first wife inside of twenty-four hours, and her heir to all your wealth, in as many more. Aha! I have got it all worked out fine, old man, and youare in my power!” “Yes—in your power,” muttered the old mine- owner, dropping back into his chair—‘ heavily in oo power. But I defy ee You can do nothing. tis twenty years since all that; time has outlawed the case. She refused to live with me then or to let me have the child. Therefore, I am legally divore- ed, and the result of that first union is not my heir.”” * Ah! we'll see about that,” Cambre said, rising, with a dark frown. pecnaes you are wrong. I will seek counsel, and report at the first opportunity.” He left the mansion, and ordering his horse, he mounted, and galloped back toward Eureka. But while ga oping along, busying his brain over his little scheme, there suddenly rose before him out of a hollow in the billowy prairie. a figure on horse- back—a familiar figure, the sight of whom caused “ Perhaps you are rights then. legal - him to leap up in his stirrups, with an oath, Could this be?—was he really in the presence of the one he most dreaded, yet was most anxious to meet, the dauntless, daring road-prince, Deadwood Dick? It required only one glance to satisfy him that it was indeed the notorious young outlaw, who dis- solved his band and fled hither, where veins of silver run zig-zag through the earth. _ Deadwood Dick as of yore, in his emblematical suit of jetty black, black hat, gloves, mask, saddle- trappings, and horse! A revolver was in the youn; -Toad-agent’s hand, else Cambre would have spurre away. But he knew Dick's marksmanship too well ~ toran any risks, and therefore rode straight on until the noses of their horses touched. ‘*Halt!’’ came in the clear, pure tones of the out- _taw; “you are mine, Carlos Cambre. Right here in my hand I hold a traitor’s death—who deserves it more than you?” ew! white about the 3 lips, ard shifted uneasily in his saddle, ‘*T am in your power, true enough, captain,” he replied, in alow tone. ‘You will never, never for- give me because I had be imprisoned by your wife’s orders, Isuppose. Perhaps I did wrong, and I would crave your forgiveness, only I know you are unforgiving. You have your revolver ready—shoot me. if it will cancel the debt; I am not afraid to die!’ ‘*No, youare not afraid to die,’”’ replied Deadwood Dick, with a low, mocking laugh, “or else I should kill you, which I am not quite ready to do yet. would first use you for other purposes,” “Oh! so you wish to make me your tool, eh?” Cambre sneered, his eyes emitting tigerish sparkles; ‘*T advise you not to trust me too far. Snakes some- times bite snakes.”’ “Oh! yes, 1 am aware of that—especially when two venomous reptiles. of your type collide, But you have your choice—death, or the execution of my. wishes, whichever you will.” ‘What dirty job do you want done?” “No dirty job, wretch! IT want you to color your ale in a little human blood, that is all!’ with a reckless laugh, Cambre shuddered in spite of-himself. He was et Bape to find such a change in Dead- wood Dick. as he turning rygian, just because of the loss of a woman’s love? “Name your work. Dishonor and death have ae hain know not which I shall choose!” he replied, t which there was a contemptuous “ humph!” from Deadwood Dick. “You are mighty pious of late, I see,” he went on, deepest sarcasm in his tones, ‘ Wouldn’t cut a man’s breathing pipe, sooner than you’d look at him, I dare say.” “T can proudly say that I have never been guilty of willful murder yet, sir. Nor can any one truth- fully accuse me of such a crime.” ; “T do not pepane to. The case I wish you toexe- cute is this: [ have learned that Leone, your confed- erate and my wife, is here in Eureka. I came into ssession of the knowledge by merest accident, but id not learn ker whereabouts, for a certainty. She may be disguised or not, just as the case happens Anyhow, she has a babe in her arms—the first child of our union, It does not pighitully belong to her. and she shall not have it! You must steal it, and bring it to me. Do you understand?” “Perfectly! But you spoke of blood. You surely do not wish me to murder 7/?” “Oh! no, I wish you to murder a certain indivi- dual named Deadwood Dick, the Road-agent Prince!” < What! want me to murder you? Are you crazy, “Tal ha! No,I do not want you to murder me, as agg Dick No. 1. I am Deadwood Dick 0. 21" “You are lying!’ he said, decidedly. ‘*‘You are the real Deadwood Dick, and I know it.” “Oh! you do, eh? Well, in case that what you say is true, who is No, 2 Deadwood Dick?” “That I cannot tell. Nor can [tell your object in wanting such party killed. It need not matter to me,*however. I will get the babe, at earliest op- portunity.” . “Very well, see that you do. My spies shall watch you even as you take each step, And if you try to play me false, remember the a sign of the Double Daggers!” Then Deadwood Dick wheeled his horse and gal- loped back toward the mountains, taking a course that would lead him a good dozen miles beyond the mouth of Eureka gulch. While Cambre rode slowly on toward the minin town, watching the easy graceful equestrianism o: the road-agent, and wondering in his mind if it were really Deadwood Dick. “He said he was No. 2, but lied, There are few persons who ride like him. But who is this other pare? here must be two Deadwood Dicks in the eld, I want the original, but must contrive to meet —

Page 11

The Phantom Miner, him when this hcirship business gets ripe, and I can drop him before he drops me. Two Deadwood Dicks! Phew! that promises to make such a little town as this Eureka, exceedingly lively.” And right here Cambre hit upon the truth. Things prenines to be peculiarly interesting for the Eureka- tes, who had never known molestation from those bold fearless knights of the field called road-agents; for before wee of that day all Eureka knew that Deadwood Dick was haunting the town—were told 80 by many a notice posted conspicuously about on trees and rocks— * As ye do by me, so will Ido unto you! “Drapwoop Dick.” People about town read these notices; curious miners paused on their way from work and stared at the threatening posters; speculators and mine- owners read them, and a general feeling of excite- ment and indignation was rife in all circles. CHAPTER V, THE BOSS POKER-PLAYER FROM VIRGINIA CITY *T am the boss poker-player from. Virginia City !” This announcement was made to an enthusiastic crowd of miners and roughs, by a youthful indi- vidual, who was mounted upon a table in the center of the Man-Trap saloon, and stood eying those around him coolly, a couple of gold-mounted six- shooters in his-grasp. There was nothing remarkable about him, un- less it was the cool fearlessness and courage ex- ressed in his face, which was smoothly shaven and andsome. His form was tall and _ well molded, and exhibited to advantage his suit of broadcloth, which was cut in the latest style, and which, with his immaculate , shirt-front, white vest, diamond pin, massive watch- ’ chain and cane, gave him the appearance of a first- water dandy of the mines. His hair was black and worn long upon his shoulders, and surmounted by a jaunty sombrero; his eyes were dark, piercing, mag- netic; apleasantly-shaped mouth added geniality to his appearance, “Tam the boss pokerist from Virginia City!” he repeated, gazing around him and perce. his audi- ence by quick, keen glances. ‘‘ Tam Red-Hot Har- ris, the brother of that interesting and frolicsome individual they call Deadwood Dick. And by the way. here is a little paper I wish some of| you bum- mers would tack against the wall. Its significance will be reaflily appreciated by those in the reward business. ‘or the deliverance up to justice of Deadwood Dick, 1 Red-Hot Harris, the brother of said {Dick, and the boss poker-player from Virginia ye i wil) give—but read the paper; I ain’t goin’ ter tell you. Saying which, the young man whirled about on his heel, and gave the gaping crowd a lfew steps in clog, which brought a round of applause. “It’s nothin’ when ye know how, pilgrims,” he | said, a smile playing about his lips. “Just ther same way wi’ poker-playin’—the game indulged in a few years after marriage. But, lookee, sons ‘0’ sunset. how doth yonder advertisement strike inter yer hearts? Read, and be made wise; then fetch me the man I want!” One of the miners had hung a half-length poster upon the wall of the saloon, and_upon it was an accurately ‘engraved likeness of Deadwood Dick, while below were the words: “64500 Reward.—This will be paid for deliv- erance into my_ custody of the outlaw and road- agent, Deadwood Dick. Rep-Hor Harris, ** At Man-Trap Saloon, Eureka,” All hands gazed, first at the reward notice, then at the lithograph of Deadwood Dick, and then at the peter A tranquil face of Red-Hot Harris, There was a strik’ ng resemblance in the two faces; in fact, the only noticeable difference was that where Deadwood Dick wore a slight mustache and imperial, the face of Red-Hot-Harris was shorn of all traces of beard. The crowd gazed at the two facesand comm upon the resemblance; stared at the cool youth on top of the table, and nodded to each other, know- “« ingly. oT bet the younker’s Deadwood Dick hisself!"* bawled the ruffian Buckskin, “I see’d him over in Deadwood, onc’t, an’ this is ther same chap!” “You're a har, ae the clock!’ responded Red-Hot Harris, coolly. ‘‘ You never saw your ’umble ser- vant in Deadwood or in any other wood. I am Red- Hot Harris. from Virginia City, an’ I can lick thet , man as sez I ain’t—that’s me /”” * Then I'm yer meat, you young bull-dog!’’ roar-’ ed Buckskin, ‘I never take a dare—not even from Satan hisself. Climb down offin that table an’ jerk off, ef yer want ter spag ae ‘in’ a ragin’ torna- der. me erlong, or VU—I-PH—Pu—” He did not finish the sentence, for the words froze to his lips. His bloodshot eyes were gazin straight in- to the black, magnetic ones of Red-Hot Fiamnie as if glued in one position; his hands hung Tigi by his side; not a muscle moved in his face or body. In astonishment the ha)itues of the Man-Trap looked on, unable to solve the mystery. Buckskin was the bully of the ranch, and a muscular, cast-iron fellow, with some bull-dog courage and plenty of cheek, eae, cold show about as many battle-scars as the next one. And, that this youth in dandified garb should hold the bully of Bureka at bay with the simple power of his eye, was a startling ak bagel not easily solved by the rough men of the mines They knew little or nothing of mesmeric influence—the wondrous power of mind over mind, and it was solely by this power that the young “‘ Virginian "—as pilgrims from Vir- ginia ard are dubbed—held the rw in abeyance at his will. As soon as he saw that his victim was powerless to move, act or nna Harris turned his gaze upon the crowd with a bland smile. ; “There he ey Catt gn he said, with a peculitr laugh, which brought back recollections cf Dead- wood Dick, I have whi ped him without the use of fists or firearms, and I'}l guarantee, if he is left un- molested that he'll be mute and motionless for the “ier ten hours, unless I should conclude to dis-spell im.’” “See hayr, younker, be you possessed of the devil?” demanded one old weather-worn veteran, 49; “or, w'at aire ther secret 0’ yer influ‘nee over thet chap? J’d like you ter ’splain.” *Mebbe you want me to fix you out,” Red-Hot said, with a laugh, turning his magnetic orbs upon the old man. But the old chap slunk quickly back into the crowd, He evidently had no desire to become a model of liv- ing statuary, like Buckskin, who stood rigid and mo- tionless in the center of the floor, : At this juncture Carlos Cambre came into the sa- pon a seeing the erowd collected, pushed for- ward, “Hello! what’s the circus here?’ he demanded, — elbowing his way through, importantly. ‘ Hal by the devil and all his legions! Dead—” p “Red-Hot Harris!’ corrected the young gentle- man on the table, coolly—“ the twin brother of Dead wood Dick.” ; Cambre was about to give some retort of denial, but something caused him to desist, and he came forward, with outstretched hand, * By Jove! so itis! Shake, young man; glad to see you! You look so much like this road-agent devil, that it is hard to tell you apart.” : Red-Hot accepted the ex-lieutenant’s hand, and — shook it, mechanically. AaM | “You are looking well,” he said, gazing straight — into Wis obliet eetee: a ects also eae to be a good — r-player, you try mea They: fretne boss, up in Virginia. City,” mes See Dien, CeCe 2 eT vg i who had ‘‘slung” the ‘‘cradle” since the days of Ke

Page 12

10 Harris slid from his perch on top of the table, and Cambre andj he sought a less crowded portion of the room, but to no avail, The miners swarmed after them, bound to see what sport there might be. But they were destined to be disappointed. Nothing oc- curred to arouse their excitabilities; all of interest was 2 quiet game of poker, and occasional funny re- marks from Red-Hot—he invariably winning. At last Cambre threw down the cards in disgust and left the table. Harris was about to follow, when a hand was laid upon his shoulder, lightly but firm- y. | He turned quickly around, expecting an enemy. But he was happily disappointed. A young woman of pretty face and form stood over him and gave him a sign to follow her; then retreated toward the shooting-gallery. Harris arose and followed her, wondering what was to come next. Noisy Nell, for it wasshe whom he had followed, faced him when they were alone. “You must escape from here!’’ she said, excited- ly, her voice lowered to a whisper. ‘“ But I don’t know how. There are no back modes of exit.” “Humph! I ain’t in no hurry to escape!” replied the boss poker-player, staring at her, thoughtfully, ‘Guess no one’s goin’ to give me the bounce.” “Ah! you have not seen the danger then, sir? One of your worst enemies is in this room—Roxly the Regulator, from Deadwood!” ; “ Just sot Roxly, you say? Guess I never heard ° ; “Oh! but you cannot deceive me, as you have de- ceived those men,” Nell answered, quickly. ‘“* You are Deadwood Dick—" : : ‘S$ brother!” he finished, with a little Jaugh, “I am Red-Hot Harris, and no one else, and can’t be made different, if one was to try forever.” “ But the great resemblance belies you, sir.’ “Hang the resemblance. Didn't you never see twin brothers that looked alike? Perhaps I look like the devil himself, but that’s no sayin’ Iam Satan!” Noisy Nell burst.into a fit of laughter. “ Well, you can be Red-Hot Harris, if you like, but don’t try to choke me with such nonsense. Be you whoever you may, there is urgent need that you es- cape from this saloon, unless you wish to try on one - of Lynch’s patent, rope, self-acting collars.” “ Must be you think I am afraid of ’most every one who comes along?’’ the Virginia Cityan said, with a smile of sarcasm wreathing his lips. ‘‘ Reckon they don’t grow many cowards up in Virginn.”” “T did not intimate that you were afraid, sir; in- deed, your past life has shown that you are a stranger to fear. But, for Leons’s sake, and the sake of infunt Dead coo lt Dick, l beg of you run no risks! Let us try and make our way out into the gulch, un- observed.” Harris pened himself upon a card-table, with his feet dangling off, and looking into the face of the pretty proprietor of the shooting-gallery, he laughed outright, the very essence of fun shining from his eyes. you still think I’m Deadwood Dick!” he said, holding his breath to prevent another explosion of ughter. “T know it!” replied Nell, firmly. “Well, by Holy Moses! a feller can’t have no ‘peace of mind lately, ef he happens to have been _ cast in the same mold of clay sum other feller was castin. J rec’on if I looked like George, of hatchet fame, you'd swear I was the old man resurrected, wouldn’t you?” “Oh! no; I should believe your denial then for it would be simply impossible for you to tell a lie!” was the retort, Red-Hot ran his fingers through his hair, reflect- ively. How he was to convince these stubborn Enurekaites that he was Red-Hot Harris and not Deadwood Dick, was a question he lacked the means tosolve. The resemblance was against him; he had only the influence of his fists, weapons and tongue forargument, ; ean . The Phantom Miner. ““ Well,” he said, at last, ‘call me what you like —only, ['d like to have that amiable brother of mine here so I could punch his head for all the trou- ble he is giving me. I suppose this Leone you speak of is some gal Dick has roped in, eh?” nf See is your wife, sir, whom you have foully de- serted “Phew! Worse and worse! Any more of that order, miss?” “You know 1 am_ speaking the truth, Deadwood Dick. And I should think you would yearn te see your baby boy!” ““My baby boy! ha! ha! hal that’s too much to give a feller at onedose. For the Lord’s sake, don’t give us any more uv that peppermint!” “Then Pe deny that you are married?”’ the girl demanded. “Tf I am married, well—I’ll go bag my head, and throw it away. The idea of me taking unto me a wife! Got in love with a gal once, but she flung me over her cold left shoulder, and { forever collapsed on the subject of love.” At this moment the door of the Man-Trap was thrown open, and a man rushed in, bootless, hat- less and in his shirt-sleeves, and in one sentence, he made known his mission. - “Murder! The Oaks has been robbed, and every person but me killed, in cold blood!” he cried, loud enough to be heard all over the apartment. ‘ Mur- der! murder! thieves! robbers!” 3 “Now, miss, Ill .prove to you I’m not the one ou’d make out!’’ Red-Hot Harris said, hastily. e then pushed forward holdly through the ex- cited crowd, and in two moments the reckless youth stood upon the bar, his fine figure erect and Straight as an arrow. : “By the gods! Deadwood Dick!” cried a little, weather-beaten man, starting back in astonishment, **You here?’ “I'm herc—I am, but nary a Deadwood Dick, old man! I’m Red-Hot Harris, the boss poker-player from Virginia City. I occasionally wear a little badge under my vest collar, which qualifies me to do a little in the detective line. A certain few, here, like yourself, find me like unto Deadwood Dick, the frisky road-agent—my twin brother. I’ve got five hundred dollars for that chap who will bring D. D. to me.’ “Too thin!” grinned Roxly, the Deadwood Regu- lator chief; “‘ye’re an ’andsum actor, boyee, bat ve ken’t fool an old stager. Pilgrims, can I rely on ye to take this road-agent?”” “Ay! ay!” chorused a dozen hind ye—lead on!” And Roxly drew his revolvers, preparatory for the coming affray. But he need not have taken that trouble. -Hot apparently was going to offer no pponltion to their wishes. e retained his standing position on top of the bar; his arms were folded across his breast; an expression of cold defiance rested upon his hand- some face, his black eyes burning with that pecu- liar {magnetic fire that had conquered Buckskin, | In one corner of thé saloon, that bullying wretch was just recovering from the effects of his mes- arr a d deli If up!" ‘Harris, come down and deliver yourself w commanded Roxly, advancing a few aacok . ““T am very comfortable,” was the reply of the pocepiarey facing the battery of revolver-muzzles hat were leveled at him, indifferently. “Oh! you’re still game, are ye? Well, we'll soon fetch you. Pards, I’m goin’ ter count one, two, three, an’ ef he don’t bu at the word three, fill his carcass so full o’ holes thet there won't be any room fer blood ter circulate!” “Ay! we're thar /” Ae ete One |” ot r * One!”’ repeated Red-Hot, coolly, A a Nail wo!” coun -Hot. “One more—' : “Hold!” cried a voice, which rung sternly through _ voices; “‘ we're be-

Page 13

The Phantom Miner. the room, ‘Enough, Roxly! If you want Dead- ‘wood Dick, you'll find him conveniently handy in your rear}”’ } CHAPTER VI. CAMBRE SHOWS HIS HAND—DEEPER MYSTERY. CamsBrE left the saloon, after his unsuccessful game of poker with Red-Hot Harris, a dark frown upon his brow. “Ts that fellow Deadwood Dick, or not?” he mut- tered, making his way along the gulch over which night had thrown its dark mantle. “Tl be hanged if Lam not puzzled. If that was the genuine chap I met to-day, ‘this was the Number 2 of whom he spoke, But if that was not the genuine Dick, this must have been him to-night. But, why did he not shoot me, as is undoubtedly his intention? Perhaps he did not wish to begin another career of crime. And perhaps this was not him. Hang it, I never was soset. Iserved long enough under Deadwood Dick, that I ought to be able to recognize him. This Red- Hot Harris has Dick's face, and some of his reckless courage and coolness; yet—confound it I'll give it up. 1am inclined to the belief that it was he whom Imet to-day, Yet he tried to stuff No. 2 down me. I think I see through it. Red-Hot és his brother, and he wants him removed, for some purpose. But, what does he want of Leone’s child? That’snone o: my business. I must first consult with Cathie, and then hunt up Leone. I think she will be glad to see me, though I am her worst foe. Fortunately she don’t know that.” His dark Spanish face would have been a riddle to have studied, with its constantly-shifting expres- sions, as he strode along. Eureka was blessed with one hotel that was called “first-class,” in the mines, It was a large, room, structure, and bore the name of the “ Flag of Truce,” its proprietor a late Confederate, an probabl choosing the name as one appropriate to his senti- ments. Straight to this hotel, which was Mare a quarter of a mile from the Man-Trap, went Carlos Cambre, a waiter showing him toa commonly-furnished room on tbe second floor. : The only occupant of this apartment was a woman of some five-and-forty years—a woman on whom - time had left marks, for her features were wrinkled and pinched, and her hair threaded with gray. Her eyes, however, still retained their fire of youth— were rather sinister of expression, inasmuch as they could at times become fascinating in their glances, Her attire was simple, yet neat, and upon her mar- riage-finger a solitaire diamond ring was worn that had cost a large sum. The woman iooked up from some sewing at which she was engaged as Cambre entered, nodding me- chanically to a chair opposite her. “You are back, I see,” she said, as if the effort to Senvak was ainful. “T suppose you bring the same old stor: No, Cathie, ” the ex-lieutenant replied, ‘‘I do not. I to-day called upon Fordyce Graylford, and broke tueice. ButI fear that your claim won’t pass mus- ter. The old rascal claims that it is outlawed, it be- ing tventy years since you left his bed and board.” “2h! g0 he will defy me, eh?” and: Cathie com- ressed her lips, tightly. ‘Well, we will see about Kr He cannot dispute my son’s right _to the estate, even if 7am outlawed, Please touch the bell on the table, there, Mr. Cambre!”’ Cambre obeyed, and a moment later an elderly entleman stepped into the room, bat and cane in fand, he evidently coming from an adjoining apart- ment, “Ah! did you summon me, madame?” he asked, bowing low. ‘‘ What service can I do you, pray?” “T wish to ask you, Mr. Bolton, if I am really out lawed from claim upon the Graylford property—that is, really outlawed by time? As a lawyer, your opinion ought to be decisive on that subject.” “Ahem! yes, Well, my dear madame, I am in te i1 — clined to the belief that your claim is indeed out- lawed, on account of the great number of years that have passed since you left the shelter of your hus- band’s roof.” ; “Oh! then are all my hopes and expectations to be crushed?” the woman moaned, burying her face in her hands#and bursting into tears. “I believed. after I found that my truant husband was here, f could make him own me, or I and my boy could come in for the pees. after death.” “Oh! I wouldn't be discouraged yet, madame, — Your son’s claim will hold all the property, if you can but find him, unless the old gent hasmade alate wili. I don’t know how the case would be, then: I_ would have to go to Beise City to consult the Terri- torial statutes.” : “That son will not be easy to find, I think,” said Cambre, drumming upon the table, ‘Of course 1 know nothing about who he is, but I have a suspi-_ cion, derived from a word Cathie let drop when I first met her in Deadwood.” ; ““Ah! so you have a suspicion, eh?’ the woman said, gazing straight at him until he was forced to — drop his gaze, a flush of guilt mounting his cheek. “I believe you are playing a double game here, Carlos Cambre.”’ **Oh! you do, eh?’ he replied, a meaning glitter in, his eyes. ‘‘ Well, think what you please. I dow’t craye your employment one iota. You proposed that I should tender my assistance on account of my knowledge of the country; believing I might be a handy tool. But a tool usually executes mechanism, - and, in procuring copics of all your papers, I have pro- vided myself for the hour when my services would be no longer needed.” As he spoke thus, the face of the scheming villain © was lit uw by a smile of triumph. “What? at is this you say?’ demanded the — woman, Cathie, springing to her feet excitedly, while Lawyer Bolton followed her example—*‘ ycw possess copies of my papers, Carlos Cambre?” : Exactly, madam! I saw a big game atstake. I saw that 7 had the matter all in my own hands. stole your papers and copied them.’ « “ Ah! but we have the originals still!’ cried Bolton. gleefully, ** and our testimony will overbalance yours — —you being an ex-outlaw.” . ‘Oh, it’s all right, my friends,’ replied Cambre, — witha energie “T think I can put my fin- gers on the right party, and make him heir, leaving _ you out in the cold, unless you will pay handsomely — ng he interested, lhave my papers—the originals, also— ** You lie!” cried Cathie, fiercely. ‘Oh! no, I don’t; look and be sure of your point — before you show your hand.” + A look of horror overspread her features, and — with Le footsteps. Cathie went to a desk, in — mae corner of the apartment, and unlocked a small rawer. . “Gone!” she gasped, reeling back, as if she had ~ been struck a heavy blow. “Gone?” echoed Bolton, the lawyer, springing for. ward lo ascertain the truth of madame’s statement, “‘Gone!” assented Cambre, with a mocking laugh, ‘and Ihave got them—put away for safe keeping. My dear madam, and worthy limb of the law, allow _ me to bid youa een good-night.” : And he bowed himself out of the room, with a tri- — umphant smile on his lips, leaving the two astonish- — ed victims of his villainy to their bitterest reflections, — while he made his way down-stairs and out into the — gulch street, ; st It must have been fully an hour after the departure of the terrible Phantom Miner, that Old Avalanche spent in the mine tunnel, unable to move or speak, — from the effect of the combined scare, defiance and % robbery, before he felt a return of his stunned senses — and the blood once more coursed through his veins. From some incomprehensible cause he had stiffen- — ed where he sat, but soon was able to move his = 2 t

Page 14

% hands and feet, after which by violent exercise of those limbs he became himself once more. Prudence occupied the same tunnel, “Great ham-bone thet afflicted old Joner,” the old man gasped, when he found that his power of “Rushes thet bull-dozed d Moses! am I or am I not am I, as the lads say? Be I ther dreaded devastater 0’ the p%raries? Aire I ther great eppydemic 0’ ex- ‘tarmination—ther terrific Injun fizzic? Or airela ~ phantom—a ghost—a hog-gobblin’ or discomboweled speerit, frum ther immortal shades uv Tinctarrius?”’ J still to behold his hantom foe, but to his unbounded relief, only blank ; eee was returning. 1.0) An’ whar am I? He peered around, expectin, larkness hovered around. “The dasted critter’s vamoosed, sure’s thar’s fun An’, by thunderation! my gold’s gone! Fact, by gracious! Here I’ve bin made a helpless old galoot by some infernal power, in a jack-mule’s hind foot. - and teetotally skinned uv my a’riferous!” _ & very strange Ml, and less victim—had FS Gi of mysteries! urning Prudence about, the Annihilator rode Basin, and down across the slope to where a camp-fire burned upon the edge of the creek. He was resolved to say nothing con- ce ning his encounter with the Phantom, fe He eep & _ vigilant watch in the future, trusting to his own slowly back into Bonanza _ would let things work their own way, an ’ sagacity to unravel the mystery of the Phantom. - Fortunately, he had none of the others’ gold but his own with him, and no one need know anything ndeed, it would be death to the interests of the mine to alarm the superstitious about his loss, miners, as they would eta uit the claim. _ _ He found most of them still - fire, smokin; s and telli and Little sorry-looking s§ the ‘uly, sne: zic!” cried Little Alf, with a hearty laugh. He had later had _ en- ON in company with Deadwood Dick; tered Teaalanoke’s employ in the mines. ow, tumble off, Annihilator, and spin us an old tearin’ yarn, for you’re the boss on lyin’, ef ever there was a boss. You'n’ old Whiffles orter been hitched tergether, like the Siamese twins, Nick Whiffles ‘was a good shot, by the way. I seen him scrape a pay eine frum a gal’s cheek, onc’t, quicker’n ye say Knickerbocker.” ** Jess so,’’ Avalanche observed, sitting sidewise on Prudence’s back; “‘reminds me uv a time when her t Annihilation war up in Nevada, scoutin’ round. One night I hed a dream, an’I dreampt het Iwar lookin’ inter my darter’s room, in ther bbitt House at Washington. I thort I see’d a big ‘muskeeter crawlin’ upon ther fair face on ther ipa it made my blood b’ile ter see ther cuss ickin’ his chops in contemplation uv a gory feast, J drew my revolver, an’ tuk aim, bound thet et ‘shed be blood fer blood; I pulled ther trigger, ‘there was an orful report, accump’ nied by terrific pcreams: an’, gentlemen, bein’ in Nevada an’ that alin Washington, what d’ye suppose?—what d’ye *pect war the result?” “You hit the muskeeter eh?” from Alf. ' No, ke hit the gal,” declared Keno, % _ “No, didn’t, boyees. Great ham-bone In my The Phantom Miner, sition she had be- fore the spell, while Florence Nightingale was brows ing away at some brush she had dragged into the The old scout wassorely puzzled for once in his ven- turesome life. He knew that he had passed through had been made a help- een robbed of his gold. Then his mind reverted to the fact that he had discharg- _ ed seven shots at the ghostly apparition, and what - human mortal could stand up under such a fire, and every bullet sent unerringly! Ah! here was a lounging about the their pipe yarns, Keno being without rivals when Avalanche was absent. But when he rode into camp on his i cimen of a horse, followed by ish-appearing billy-goat, a shout went up. **Hurral here’sthe great eppydemic o’ Injun fiz- finished the latter er of his journey to Eureka sleep I'd pulled a six-shooter an’ pinned Florence’s tail, hayr, ter a cottonwood-tree, jest as nice as ya please. Ther hole’s thar yet, ef ye wish to make an examination.” ‘“‘Pshaw! thet’s nothin’,” gverred Keno, laying aside his pipe. ‘I once see’d a feller lay a field- glass on top o’ his rifle, an’ shoot clean from Galver ton ter London and knock a fly offin the nose o Queen Victory.” ““T pass,” cried Little Alf. _ I guess it remains fer me ter order ’em up, next time we go to ’Reka," added Avalanche, dismount. ing, with a grim smile, “tho’, gentlemen, I hev beat even thet. I once sent a bullet across ther peraries after a man as owed me ten cents he’d borrowed fer a drink, an’ ther bullet went so fast and attracted . so much friction thet et set ther hull prairie afire. an’ ther fire heated ther bullet an’ got it red-hot, an’ ther rays frum it set fire ter thet feller’s clothes, an’ he was a cremated corpus: before he’d got any- where’s near ter ther bullet, or ther bullet hed got anywhere’s nigh ter him, and—” “Hold on! we pass,” cried both Keno and Alf, deprecatingly. he Annihilator unbridled Prudence, and let her free, while he sat down upon a log and lit his pipe. “ Avalanche,” said Alf, exchanging glances with the others, ** we’ve seen the Phantom Miner!” oo cas Fae the rears Bia aa ¥. “Yes, or what we supposed 6 his ghosts a white floating thing in mid-air, gailie’ aan as ef there was fun in searin’ folks out o’ their wits.” “And by heaven! there comes the infernal thing again!’ yelled Keno, springing to his feet. He pointed directly overhead, where, sure enough, a ghastly apparition was slowly and gracefully floating bers ig the air, surrounded by a mysterious halo of ight! Jt. was far above them and only dimly visible against the inky-black heavens, with no motive pow- er visible. Was it a spirit of the air? Could it be that Bonanza Basin was really haunted by super- natural beings? The thought was Lanes But an exclamation from Avalanche warned the group of theirdanger. The apparition, phuntom, or whatever, was coming swiftly downward | CHAPTER VII. A BLOW STRUCK IN FIRE—WHICH OF Two. Tae words that rung through the Man-Trap saloon were uttered by a strange horseman who tan: ridden boldly in through the open door, and with a cocked revolver covered the crowd of miners and rufflanly characters, who Beco forward against the bar upon which Red-Hot Harris stood so defiantly, The words also caused Old Roxly to lower his aim upon Red-Hot, and wheel partly around, uttering a curse as he beheld the daring rider. Was he wrong? Was this black-clad, masked youth on the horse the genuine Deadwood Dick? Ah! what doubt could there be of it? It was the same outfit he had worn in Deadwood, or one a very exact counterpart of it; the same handsome figure and graceful ease in the saddle. But the two revolvers held in the leveled hands, caused the crowd to shrink back witk fear. Roxly stood for a moment in speechless dismay. “Yes, lam Deadwood Dick!” repeated the same ringing voice—‘ the so-called roac-agent, on whom the world lavishes such a wealth of pure, undefiled affection,” with a bitter, sareasticlaugh. “TI tried to reform, but you would not let me. Your work be upon your own heads; this time it is fire—the next will be blood!" Sternly came these words; then, at a single word, the powerful black horse wheeled and bounded from the saloon, bearing away its dare-devil rider into the gloom of the starless night. “Ten thousand devils! Quick! after him; a thou- sand dollars for a horse!’’ yelled Old Roxly, spring- ing after him in pursuit, with the excited habi(ues of

Page 15

The Phantom Miner, the Man-Trap at hisheels. ‘*Stophim! A thousand dollars reward for Deadwood Dick! Shoot him! A horse! _a horse!” But Eureka did not possess many available horses and these, at the time, were browsing somewhere within ten miles of where they were wanted. So that Deadwood Dick was free to thunder away up the guich on his charger, unpursued, while the mighty walls of mountain rock echoed back his wild Jaugh mockingly. With terrible rage Roxly realized that he was again a subject of defeat. Among those who escaped from the saloon in the rush, was Red-Hot Harris, the boss see Piet He slipped away unnoticed and hurried off into the - ‘darkness, taking the course toward the Deadwood Dick Bonanza, a puzzled expression upon his hand- some, fearless face, and a strange gleam in his black, magnetic eye. “Tt is time for me to be elsewhere!’’ he muttered, striking a match and glancing at his gold watch, “T left the old galoot at eight; it is now nearly ten, and time I was back. That road-agent chap luckily freed me from what promised to be a precarious situation, Thanks be to him! I guess I'll be all right in the future, Ha! a fire, by all that’s holy!” e had now reached the upper end of the town, when chancing to look back, he perceived that sev- ,eral tents and one frame shanty were in flames, near the other end of the town, at the end of Eureka uch, Loud yells of anger, borne on the evenin: Pracaa) proclaimed that the citizens of Eureka ha discovered the fires. Men, women and children were hurrying frantically in the direction of the meee 4 buildings, the light of which lit up the heavens wit a lurid reflection. : 5 “Ha! I remember!” Red-Hot muttered, passin his hand over his brow. “* Deadwood Dick said this blow would be fire, and yonder’s theblow! The next will be blood! Ha! ha! ha! but look: yonder are flames creeping up two cabins at ‘iis end of town! And now men are coming this way, which makes it necessary for an individual of about my size to va- mivose |” He watched the fire for a few moments only, then hurried up the lonely gulch, at a brisk pace. Deadwood Dick had made a threat of fire; now he was executing it. Unknown incendiaries were applying the torch to the dry crisp shanties, without being seen, and the heavens were growing lighter every minute, Men, women and children were rushiag about in confusion; every heart was filled with indignation and fear; consternation and anger were the prevail- ing passions, as the Eurekaites looked helplessly on to behold the conflagration that was destroying their hard-earned homes. A few puny attempts were made to check the flames by the application of buck- ets of water, but there was a strong breezeastir, and all efforts were fruitless. Old Roxly, the Deadwood Regulator, was perhaps the coolest man on the spot, despite the fact of his late defeat. He gathered around him a score of armed miners, and spread them around, promisecu- ously, with the order to shoot the first incendiary seen, without mercy. This ended the conflagration, and Eureka owed its redemption to the hardened old Regulator, who had sworn to hunt Deadwood Dick to death, or pass in his checks in the attempt, No more fires were set, and when the dozen buildings, all told, had burned to the ground, the fiery blush died out of the heavens and darkness once more reigned supreme. A strict watch had been kept at both ends of the . town, but none of Deadwood Dick’s band had been seen to escape, 3 Were they still within the village, intending to strike again when quiet was restored? Many feared that such would be the case, but were happily disappoint- ed; they were not again molested that night, After leaving the Flag of Truce Hotel, on the_ter- - majnation cf his interview with Cathie, Carlos Cam- 19 bre turned into a street which ran crosswise of the gulch and hurried along, a low chuckle occasionally reaking from his lips. : “My scheme has worked like a charm, thus far.” he muttered, glancing sha: ‘ply around to see that no one was within hearing. ‘‘Cathie is in my power, and I have nothing to fear from her. Deadwoc Dick is undoubtedly her «hild, by Fordyce Grayl- — ford, although he knows iv not. The case stands. now between him and these later children of the old miser. Whoeyer will pay the most shall have these Patna th d the villain chuckled again and again at the cleverness of his plot and its prospect of suecess. He kept a sharp outlook upon all sides, not know- ing when he might receive a blow from some unseen enemy. But. his vigilance did not detect a sligtt, trim figure that constantly shadowed him—| shadowed him, unknown and unseen, ever since his + arrival in Eureka. / He went straight to the cottage of John Jones, who _ drove the Kureka stage, and fousd that individual very comfortably ensconced upon the doorsill of his habitation, perusing the latest Portland paper. Jones was a brawny fellow, who had roughed it twenty years in the West since he was a youth of seventeen, and had a big heart, which made him as good-natured as the day was long. He bowed fa- tiliarly as Cambre approached, and made room ~ upon the sill, but the ex-lieutenant declined the proffered seat with a smile. “T cannot sit down.” he said. ‘I came to in- quire when you fetched in a young woman with a baby, on your stage?” z “Le’me see. A young woman and a baby, eh? Wal, I fetched in two last week, three the week before, and one this week; day before yesterday; 80 you see it’s hard tellin’ which you mean.” “IT should say so, But, the onéIhave reference to ~ has red hair, and is only of medium stature—very pretty in form and face.” “Dunno nothin’ ’bout it. Once got my own ha’r pulled fer commentin’ on the beauties of another woman’s capillary possessions.” Seine ‘*Where did you drop all these six women with babies?” Waco: ‘*All at the Man-Trap; but none o’ ’em stayed — there long, you bet!’ Cambre turned away, without thanks for the infor- — mation he had obtained. It looked. as if there might be sofne trouble in finding Leone and her child. Very likely she would remain in seclusion, until she could effect a reconciliation with Deadwood Dick, pe” The first alarm of the fire had just been given when _ Cambre reached the main street; men, women and — children were hurrying in every direction, confused and excited. en ie “Ob! whatif it should be my home, and Leone ~ and Dickie asleep!’ muttered one girlish figure, — that fitted by, toward the flames that were leap- ing s-yward. The words were hardly spoken above — a whisper, yet Cambre. caught them, and his heart gave an exultant bound, “i ‘Here is my elew when least expected!” he muf- tered, springing offin pursuit of the girl whom he now recognized as Noisy Nell of the Man-Trap shoot — ing gallery. “Surely there cannot be two Leones in Eureka, as there are two Deadwood Dicks.”’ nee Noisy Nell soon reached a shanty inclosed hy a rough, unpainted picket fence, which stood in close ~ prose to one of the burning buildings, and Cam re was Close to her heels. i A female figure clasping a very young babe in her arms, stood leaning upon the gate, watching the con — pameeuon, and uttered a little cry of joy when Nell urried up, be “Oh! is it you, sister? T was just ont enjoying the fire. Talways did glory in watching a great fire,” with a little shivering laugh. whee ‘*T feared it was my shanty, and_that you would ~ be very much frightened,” ‘Nellie Brandon replied. opening the gate and stepping inside the yard, whick _ ony er

Page 16

. is this the juvenile Deadwo £4 SS eee she had adorned with a few beds of fragrant posies. “T guess you are not much of a coward after all.” “No; my later life has hardened me—both in body and soul. Ri defy everybody now, and stand upon m 5 uoapone with bitterness rooted in her tones; it was gc she was losing jaith in the world, and its eople, people “ And yet they say that Deadwood Dick, your hus- band, is the cause of this fire. There was a young man in the Man-Trap to-night. ae himself Red- Hot Harris, whom I and everybody else took to be Deadwood Dick. Roxly, the Deadwood Regulator, undertook to arrest him, when in rode your husbani on his jetty horse, and attired in his costume of black, and ordered him to desist. Then he told them this blow would be fire, and the next blood, after which he made a dash, and te er A AS what became of this Red-Hot Harris, sis- r ‘*He eseaped when the crowd rushed from the sa- {oon in search of Dick. He claimed to be your hus- band’s twin brother, is a very counterpart of him, and offers five hundred dollars reward for the deliv- orance of Deadwood Dick into his hands,” Leone looked puzzled. 0 * Was not this Red-Hot Harris my husband, then?’ she asked, eagerly, her flushed face showing how much she was interested. “Oh! no. I believed so, at first, but not after I saw the man on horseback. It was the same dash- ing, handsome figure you have so often and elo- quently described to me.” “ A flush of proud joy—genuine enthusiasm, swept over Leone’s pale face, She was somewhat changed since we last saw her (in Wild Ivan, Pocket Library No. 14); her form had lost some of its roundness, but still retained all its old grace of motion; a maturer expression was given to her pale, pretty face, and a softer light to her eye—though there was ever worn about her lips a haunting expression of pitiful regret and sorrow. She had never ceased to love her outlaw husband; she felt that her love was a thousand times stronger now that she had his and her baby boy in her young mother’s arms—the little, plump, crowing cherub that was the very picture of Deadwood Dick; and she never spoke but in a loving, endearing way of him who had so cruelly deserted her, for was she not in a measure to blame? Nor had she given up hope of a final and happy reunion. > “ Perhaps the horseman was my Eddie,” she said “but Ican hardly believe that he was the cause of this fire. He swore that he would no longer lead the life of a road-agent, andI never knew him to break his word * “And do you think he would dare to ride sc boldly into the saloon?” Nell asked, wonderingly. “Dare? Why, miss, Deadwood Dick would dare ride into the very gates of the Infernal Regiors, if he had any business there!’ said a low, insinuating voice, and Carlos Cambre stepped into the presence of the two girls. ‘‘Good-evening. Mrs. Harris! This is rather anwnexpected pleasure to meet you here.” “Why, is it really you, Mr. Cambre?” and Leone one out one hand, which he pressed warmly. “TI id not know you were here, when I came.” * Did you not? Well, you see lam; and Deadwood Diek and that old scout, the Injun Annihilator, are i here. Presently old friends will meet. Hello! od Dick?” and the ex- jieutenant attempted to take the little bundle of hu- manity in his arms, but the youngster set up such a ‘piteous how], that the man shrunk back. “Yes, this is my son,” Leone said, hushing Master Dick's screams, ‘and he is all I have left to depend upon. Mr, Cambre. what became of Edith Stone?” he ex-lieutenant stared, “Why, did you not hear? She drowned herself in Little Madrass, al} for the love of Deadwood The Phantom Miner. : aoe Ven AaOL rs sar are A pained, regretful expression came upon Leone’a ace, “Poor child,” she murmured, a tear glistening in either eye; ‘1 was wrong in being so harsh to her, She could not help it; hers was infatuation, while mine was love. Poor Edith!” “She is better off now, Mrs. Harris.. It is a dan- gerous thing, sometimes, for two women to worship the same man.”’ “True, very. true. Mr. Cambre, my dear friend, here, tells me that there were two men in the Man-Trap saloon to-night, who looked like my hus- band, one calling himself Red-Hot Harris, he being undisguised, while the other was rigged out Jike the Prince \of the Road, and called himself Deadwood Dick. Which was Deadwood Dick?” : “That's a conundrum I will not agree to answer, dear lady. Undoubtedly Deadwood Dick in this case was Deadwood Dick. I thought at first that Red-Hot Harris was Deadwood Dick, myself, for the two are near counterparts, but I don’t believe he is Dead: wood Dick’s brother; infact, lam positive that he is not, As the matter now stands, there appears to be two or three Deadwood Dicks in the.field-—” ‘One of whom takes pleasure in presenting him- self for yout inspection!” cried a clear, ringin, voice, ‘Carlos Cambre, remember that on the 26t oe a ovember you are doomed to die the death of a og!” . } — CHAPTER VIII, GHOSTLY MYSTHRY—A WARNING, Ir would be_hard to describe the feelings of the miners and Old Avalanche, when the mysterious Phantom Miner was seen descending. They were ree at the weird spectacle, and stood rooted to the spot, unable to flee or speak, until, by a great effort, the Annihilator mastered his fright, and heh ayellof horror, which aroused the others, and all fled across the basin pell-mell, toward the tunnel, At the mouth of this they stopped, and gazed back toward the spot they had just vacated. Tité Phantom had descended to the ground, and in his robes of oe white and surrounded by that unearthly halo of bluish light, was stalking about camp, examining things in general, “ Great ham-bone thet waz the last sickness of old Joner!” exclaimed Old Avalancbs, so overcome with the mystery and terror of the sivuation that he was forced to sit down upon a convenient rock. ‘ Boys, this is ther fust time ther great Annihilator’s ever bin skeered. Aire it the devil?” “Give it up,” replied little Alf Coyle. *’Tain’s nothin’ human, I'll sw’ar!”” “On course it ain’t!” declared Keno, contemptu- ously, wiping the perspiration from his brow. “It’s a ghost, thet’s what it is. Allers knew thar war sich things. Proved it once, too. My old mother-in+ law kicked the bucket, about six years ago, up in Minnesoty, an’ fearin’ the old hornet woulda escape confinement, I drawed six load 0’ big stun onter her grave, an’ darn my socks ef she didn’t rise right out 0’ thet grave, an’ chase me six mile thru the woods, till I fainted.” “Good! sarved ye right,” declared Old Avalanche, “Learnt ye ter let mother-’n-laws alone, I guess, Got learnt cuthin’ o’ ther kind once myself. Tried ter p’izen ther old woman, an’ she chawed off about an inch o’ my nose. Boyees, d’ye parseeve w’at thet hog-gobblin speerit iz after? He's snoopin' eround, seein’ ef he ken’t find sum more a’riferous, true’s thunder!’? ‘ “Some more? Then he tuk yours, eh?’ demanded Keno, suspiciously. “Yas, boyees; may’s wellown up. Met ther ‘tar nal thing in ther tunnel, an’ it petrified me sriffer’n a poker by jest lookin’ at me, an’ after skinnin’ me 0’ every grain, swooped off an’ left me. When re covered, I kim back tercamp, "Lain't n> use talkin — ee See ens

Page 17

eee) The Phantom Miner, we rer pilgrims: et’s a genuine speerit. I plugged seven chunks o’ lead right at it, out o’ my revolver, an’ ther consarned thing larfed jest asif et enjoyed thet sort o’ fizzie—did, by gracious!” “Old man, ef I hedn’t seen Bit do sum good shootin’, I shouldn’t be surprised. As it is, I'm tee- ey, knocked way out 0’ all calculation.” « Thar goes our a’riferous cuss-durn, the sperrit!’’ growled Coyle, as the Phantom was seen to ap- proach a large box, in which the miners kept their gold, and lift the lid. ‘Oh, great Jerusalem! jest wait till I sight him,” and the young miner threw his 4 ng-barreled rifle to his shoulder. But Old Avalanche interfered. “Don’t dispense your fizzic yet, boyee,”’ he said. *One bullet. wouldn’t effect thet hog-gobblin no nore’n would a flea-bite. We must creep down ter ther camp, and make a rush upon et, or our gold is gone whar ther woodbine twineth. Come, now; down on yer horizontal, an’ do sum o’ yer tallest wigglin’, an’ when ye hear ther Annihilation yell out ‘scoot,’ jist lay fer thet Phantom wi’ yer revol- vers, ax’ put moar holes in him than ye’ll find in a pair o’ yearling socks.” Ready to obey one whom they knew to be fear- less, the miners threw themselves upon their hands and knees and crept toward the camp, resolved to make one more attempt to extirpate the Phantom. It was still there, evidently sampling the contents of the strong-box, which the miners had negligently left unlocked. The halo of bluish light still saurround- ed the ghostly figure like a shroud; everything about the object seemed unearthly. Closer and closer crept the miners, old Avalanche at their head. Now they were only a dozen yards from the mysterious Phantom, when slowly the ap- parition soars upward into the darkness—is gone! while the astounded miners creep on to their camp- fire, speechless and horrified at what they had seen. The strong-box they found to be rifled of every grain of gold, as they had expected. The Phantom was a thief as well as a spirit, then. * Boyees!” the Annihilator said, wiping hisdamp- ened forehead. “I’ve been thru more infarnelated scrapes an’ adventur’s than most feller humans o’ my age, but Vil be hanged ef I ever hed enny genooine hog-gobblins ter wras'le wi’ before. T hed sum doubts, awhile ago, thet this war no speerit, bub I’m satisfied now. Et aire the pure quill!’ “ Exactly!’ added Keno, decisively. “It are a genuine floatin’ evaporated soul, right fresh out 0’ the regions of Tinetoarius!”” “Which settles itthet Little Alf Coyle ain't a-goin’ ter stay in Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza any longer,” announced that individual, venturing to light his, pipe, now that the Phantom had gone. “I propose we evacuate.” “Nixyl” Thes great devastatin’ Injun eppyzootic o’ ther peraries aire goin’ ter stay an’ fight it out on this line if it takes all winter. An’ I'll paste thet fe. loot beauchiful thet dares go an’ desert!’ eried the old leader, The miners exchanged glances. They knew the veteran would not hesitate to back his words—that it would be certain death to that one who made the first move to desert. _ “I’m with ther Annihilator,” said Keno, promptly. “1 can make my five dollars a day heur, an’ thar ain’t no ghosts goin’ ter scare me away.”’ “T’ve just bin’ studyin’ on an ijee,” said the An- oihilator, slowly. ‘* Why not go an’ set fire to yon- der old cabin? Red Brand sed thar’s whar ther Phantom Miner held his quarters.” “Yes, an’ look! thar’s ther cuss-darned poe now!” cried Alf, pointing toward the cabin. Wit dilated eyes, the miners saw the Phantom slowly de- scend out of mid-air and enter the old vine-wreathed habitation. -. * Now’s our time, lads!’ whispered Avalanche ex- eitedly. ‘Ther bird’s caged, an’ we'll cremate it. Snatch a toreh an’ kim along. Ther old shell’s dry, ao’ ’li burn like old been-zeen!” seh é z : oo. | ~ oie a eee ys He plucked a burning brand from the fire, and_his’ companions did likewise; then in a body they rushed toward the old cabin, looking wild and weird under ts flaring Corian Not sa was spon eas ie e€ so many fiery drago hey plunged on, ani last stood Lg the side oF the cabin, which was fast yielding to the ravages of worms and decay. The work of setting the fire in half a dozen places was but of a moment; then the miners dréw back at a safe distancé, and watched the flames run madly through the crisp dry vines that covered the cabin walls. They crackled, and lea) high toward the heavens, luridly illumining the black night. Eagerly the miners watched the spectacle, believ~ ing that they had successfully triumphed over the Phantom—had ed it in this fiery tra “Ha! hal” laughed Little Alf, gleefully, “it’s good- » by, Phantom Miner, now. Hark! don’t ye hear him trying in yonder furnace?”’ ‘He’s a gone goose, I reckon,” replied Keno, “on less ye ken't scorch speerits, I never hed enny 'speri: ence in thet line, myself.” “Scorch nothin*)” suddenly cried Avalanche. “Zook!” and he pointed toward the burning cabin. The vines had nearly burned cri and the flames were beginning to creep over the dry logs, when all at once that mysterious apparition of the Phantom ap} upon the roof, which was sur- rounded by leaping flames. A wild, awful shriek; theu the thing began swiftly to arise, and floa like a cloud off w heavens, until lost from view. The startling words of threat caused Carlos Cam- bre to wheel about, his hand seeking a revolver in his belt. But he peu and hesitated, when his eyes rested on the black knight of road-agents—the familiar, somber-clad Agate of Deadwood Dick. “ You?" he gasped, allowing his hand to drop to side. “Yes, I!” replied the young outlaw, ‘‘I saw you here, and came to seeif you have forgotten your mission.” “N-no! of course not,” the ex-lieutenant faltered, quailing beneath the other’s stern gaze. * But, you must give me time.” ® “Until the 26th—your death-day!” was the cool, stern answer, - “Dick! oh! Dick! Is this really you?” Leone had put her babe into the arms of Noisy Nell, and sprung cer nih forward—stood before the man in black, hopeful, and oh! so fearful he would repulse her actvance. e looked down at her a moment; then Pies his arm gently around her, drawing her close to him, “Leone, again we meet—-unexpectedly, for I su posed you far from here. But, we must part. My. oath must remain unbroken. Is that the—our bey?” “Yes, that is our Dick,” Leone said, reaching for the babe that he might more closely inspect it. “See, Dickie, thisis yourpapa! Oh! Eddie, heis all I have left, now, since you deserted me. Oh! my husband,” and ber voice was lowered to a whisper, ‘will you never come back?” “* Some time, peerless!” was the low reply, then he — turned and strode away into the darkness. Cambre soon followed. Hesaw no way of steal- ing the child at present, and besides, he had work to attend to elsewhere. 7 After he had gone, Leone and Noisy Nell stood in — and watched the progress of the their front yar flames for some time. But at last they grew tired of into the blackness of the overcast the glare, and retired into the shanty, which was _ Nellie Brandon’s home. There were but a couple oF y and — rough rooms, but-these were neatly furnishe cheerful. Leone seated herself before a low fire which burn s ed upon the hearth, clasping infant Dick close to her breast. There were tears in her eyes, for the words of Deadwood Dick had been more painful th: forting,, They had illy-fed the craving desire jan com- within —

Page 18

ald her breast-~she could scarcely believe that it was re- ally so. Yet, who else could play his part so fault- lessly? Ah! it must be he; but yet so cold and changed from the once loving Deadwood Dick. She was crying softly to herself, when Noisy Nell came and seated herself by the fire. “What! erying again, Mrs. Harris? Please don’t; you will cry your pretty eyes out, some of these days.” 2 On! I cannot help it, Nellie. You don’t know about it, for you were never the mother of usband’s child, and that husband estranged Oh! it seems, sometimes, as if I ae ou agit s a loved from you, not live this life much longer, without him. were never in love, Nellie!’ “ Never,” the girl answered, staring moodily into the fire, “I’ve been roughing it alone for ten years —since I was eight, but no one ever seemed to care for me, unless some rough attempted to make him- self familiar, when he generally got paid back in his own coin, I’ve seen those I think I could have loved, but they were such as don’t often notice girls in my position, Guess there ain’t much attractions about Noisy Nell.” _, And then there came a bitter little laugh from the girl that was sad to hear, “Oh! do not despair. Pretty girls like you can- 0 not always escape observation and admiration. I % hope, however, that you will find a happier lot than Thaye. Oh! lam utterly wretched and miserable. I care not to live unless I can have my darling back again.” “How did you come to part, dear sister? You promised to tell me your story, but never have.” “No, because it is painful to rehearse the scenes I try to forget,” replied Leone, closing her eyes wea- rily. She soon roused, however, and told her story in a pitiful way, that affected Nellie Brandon to tears. : But she did not screen herself in the recital—told Hy as it was, even to holding Deadwood Dick blame- ess, * And do you know,” Nellie said, after she had lis- tened attentively to the story, ‘‘that, after what I have heard, I do not believe that was your husband at the gate to-night? It was some outlaw who has an inkling of your history, and is working up some heinous plot, using Mr. Harris’s name asa shield to his identity. Isaw your husband in company with Old Avalanche, a couple of weeks ago, on the night of their arrival in Eureka, but I do not believe that this was he whom we saw to-night.” aa - “Then is not Red-Hot Harris and this man the * same? I am sure the former is not Dick’s brother, for I never heard him mention that he had one, He has a sweet sister—Mrs, Anita McKenzie—in Dead- wood, but I never saw, or heard him speak of having a brother,” = “Thardly think Red-Hot Harris was this man to- night, for he would hardly have had time to have changed his costume after escaping from the Man- . Trap, until this so-called Deadwood Dick came - ‘along. There is a mystery somewhere, which I can- ~ » not solve.” : “*T believe I would like to see Old Avalanche; he might explain.” “Hardly, 1 think, for even he knows nothing of the whereabouts of your husband, not having seen him since the first night of their arrival here.” At this instant there came a timorous knock at the door: then the sound of retreating footsteps. ‘What does this mean?” exclaimed Nellie, picking yee paper that had been thrust under the door. “Hat mercy! Listen, Leone; it is a warning to - you: “Wy, without delay. If you have male friends, seek them. Above all, beware of Carlos Cambre. He is scheming to steal your child, to deliver into _ the hands of a man—Deadwood Dick No. 2. Never _ teave the babe unprotected. Will report further, ~Snon, EVRCTIVE,”? Ce oad The Phantom Miner. CHAPTER IX. A CLEW @F CRIME—FLERING ¥ROM FOES, On the mornifig succeeding the fire, when the ex: citement of the night’ was somewhat subdued, the Eurekaites gave their attention to the matter of the murder and robbery at the Oaks. Cornell, the man servant who had brought the re- port, accompanied by Murrill, a newly appointed sheriff, and Roxly, the Regulator, with a posse of armed men, set out forthe scene of the massacre, ag soon as day dawned, to investigate matters, for, al- though Fordyce Graylford was a miser and not a general favorite, his influence was not to be despised. Little information could be obtained of Cornell concerning the affair, more than that immediately after dark, on the preceding night, a band of masked outlaws had surprised the bousehold while they were at supper, and had shot them down without mercy, he, Cornell, being the only one to escape. The out~ laws did not seem to have any particular leader, but appeared to understand their work as if it had pre- viously been planned out. On their arrival at the mansion, the servant’s statement, was found to be correct, all except that Fordyce Graylford was not dead, but seriously wounded, His wife, son, and-daughter and five ser- vants lay dead where they had been shot down, The old speculator was wounded in a dozen places, and faint and exhausted from a pt loss of blood, but had managed to drag himself about from place to place, leaving a gory trail wherever he had gone, e seemed relieved when he saw that friends had come. . “Do Bi, suspect the author of this fearful tra- gedy, Captain Graylford?”’ asked Murrill, the new God only knows who can have struck me such a blow. But that he is numbered with the dead, there is one I could suspect, for he has several times of late threatened my life.”’ “Ah! perhaps we've already struck a clew. To whom do you refer?” “To my son, who lies dead, yonder, suspect him, now.” : - “Ah! he may be the traitor; there is no telling. Men, remove these bodies and see that they are pre- pared for burial. Roxly, you are a good surgeon; dress the captain’s wounds.” And after ene he orders the sheriff went over to the stark, stiff body of young Grayiford, and went through the pockets of his clothing. He fad once been in the detective service, was - shrewd, well educated, and quick to draw correct conclusions, Atleast, it proved so in this case. From among other things taken from. the young man’s pockets, he soon selected a smail note, pen- ned in a bold, graceful hand. Tt had been written on the day before, and ran as follows: “The men willcoms. Itis best T should not ac- company them. Look out for yourself about nine in the evening. CAMBRE,”’ “Ha! ha! Cambre,” muttered Murrill, scratching his head. ‘ As long as [have beenin Hureka I never before heard that name, Hither it is an assumed one, or else this Cambre is a new arrival, Let me see. I will keep this matter close, and work up the case without. publicity, I feel like trying my hand in the detective line again.” He put the Paper in his pocket, and helped r_.aove the bodies. The old speculator was fixed up as best as could be under the circumstances, and left - in eare of a couple of competent nurses. The aims of the outlaw-ruffians had been, no doubt, to mur- der the household, and then rob the safe of the hoards of money which eget er Graylford was sup- hee to 1S deco oe But in this they were baffled. hey had blown open the safe, but, according to the old speculator, had found no booty, as he had several days before buried his treasure where no one could But I cannot | find it except himself. Thus had the outlaws real nothing but blood for their crime.

Page 19

_ friendship. They shall have all they want of if. ‘sift the matter to the bottom. The Phantom Miner. Se ceienemel Sheriff Murrill went back to Eureka, and made careful inquiries after a man named Cambre, but amid the seething populace of the infant Deadwood, no one knew aught concerning the individual in question, But Murrill was not baffled. He was possessed of great patience, and one failure by no means discour- aged him, He resolved to watch and wait, trusting to luck and his own keen powers of perception to If a Cambre there was in Eureka, he was satisfied he could find im. Later in the day he shouldered his rifle, and set off up the gulch, having in mind to shoot a deer if one came within range. But a couple of hours’ wanderings among the mountain crags put him all out of the notion of game, and seating himself upon a natural rocky platform, he drew the little R ece of paper from his pocket, and scanned the few ines, eagerly. This was a game that.was wellworth capturing, if Graylford offered a reward, which he undoubtedly would. “Cambre! Cambre! I amsure I never heard the name, Sort of a Spanish one, I should say. And what now becomes necessary, is that I should dis- cover the whereabouts of this individual, He is the author of this murder at the Oaks, and Graylford’s son was in league with him, but accidentally got into thetrap he had helped to lay, Thisnotesays, ‘Look out for yourself about nine in the evening.’ Cor- nell states that the attack and massacre were made at seven; which accounts for matters a little, Hang it! Iwish I could find some one who knows this Cambre.” ‘Wishes are often unexpectedly realized!’ said a cool voice, close at hand, and Murrill glanced quick- ly around to behold a person seated astride a bowl- dex directly in his rear, where he had evidently been for some moments a listener to the sheriff’s muttered soliloquy. “I happge to know this same individual you are in quest of.” si “Wh! you do?” exclaimed Murrill, staring curi- ously at the handsome black-clad figure, whose face was masked and shaded by a broad sombrero, *“ Who are you. pray?? “It hardly matters. I am one whom the world drives before it—an outcast, a wanderer, and an ex- road-agent chief.” “*You are Deadwood Dick!’? Murrill exclaimed, growing a little uneasy, for he perceived that the oung outlaw’s hand rested upon a revolver, while e dared not reach for one, “Yes, Deadwood Dick, if you like it that way,” was the indifferent reply. “The man that strikes back when struck at. Don’t fear; I shall not offer ou harm as long as you mind your own business. You know how the. other sheri departed. Tt was all because of rash hot-headedness.’ be You say 60 because you recognize no law, young mon, ‘““No more I don’t. But didn’t I offer to make amends, and become an honest, loyal citizen, if the vople of Eureka would accept of me? Yes, you iow: I did, and they chose my hate rather than m: Which do you prefer, sir?” Murrill reflected. He had no grudge against this youth. Why should he enlist against him, when ap- parently his friendship would not be despised? “T prefer your friendship. We can more advan- tageously become friends than enemies, I think. I have nothing against you, and if it is agreeable, we can_be friends in earnest.” as ‘Tt is agreeable, decidedly,”” Deadwood Dick said, sliding down from his perch, and extending his black-gloved hand. “I have so few true friends in the world, that I am anxious to add to the list. I think you are one whom TI can trust.”” ‘Implicitly. My friendship im lasting, and you will find me ready to strike in defense of a friend,” “1 ask no one to fight my battles,” replied the ex- road-agent, proudly. “* my life Thave had to de- | 47 pend upon my own muscle, I can fight the battle on alone.” **You look at matters on the wrong side,” Murrill said, when he had listened to a part of Harris's eventful history, ‘‘ You can easily quit this sort of life by going East, where you are unknown Take my advice and go. Hunt up your deserted wife and boy, and leave this western sod forever.” But wood Dick shook his head. “No, I could not live away from the Wem I should die out in the tame Eastern States. Besides, how long do you suppose I'd remain unmolested by the bloodhounds of the law?” ** Perhaps for years—”’ “Not a month, I'l vee? my life I’m not un- known there. Chicago and Cincinnati, even, have entered into competition.in the race for the rewards set apes my head. No, I shall remain in the West, and fight it out on this line to the end. I see that counterfeits are being shoved on the market—that is, sham Deadwood Dicks, We have one here in Bure the same individual who rode into the Man-Trap saloon last night, and afterward fired the town. I wish to meet this chap, and learn where he obtained the right to use my copyrighted handle?” “Then you say that was not you?) “Swear to it, if necessary. Saw part of the fire from a distance. Was in the saloon at the same time this bogus Deadwood Dick entered.” “Hal then you were, after all, Red-Hot Harris?” the sheriff exclaimed, shrewdly, The road-prince laughed. “Bah! Red-Hot Harris claims to be my brother, but he is not. I do not possess one of those branches of relation. He looks so much like me, that he hag to manufacture some yarn to prevent being strun: sy in my place. My wife’s brother passed in hi checks thus, on account of a great resemblance to me, As it happened in Deadwood, you may have heard of it?” : “Yes, at the time. Resemblance to a criminal 1 should say would be undesirable. And, now, about this Cambre! You know him, eh?” “Ought to. He was a lieutenant in my road-agent band, before I left them.” ‘ : “Ah! that is good, Do you think you would know him, at sight?” “Certainly, T owe him a grudge, and shail not forget him. You want him in connection with this massacre affair, eh?” “Yes.”? Then the sheriff showed him the paper, and related what he knew on the subject of the attack and murder, “Cambre and Graylford’s son were undoubtedly in the plot,” Dick said, after listening attentively. “Oambre is sly and wary, yet I know him to be a villain. You have proof enough to hang him, Fol- — low up your clew, after the description I have given you, and let me know the result,” “When will I see you again?” “Impossible to say, as my movements are uncer- tain. A letter left on this rock, however, will reach me. This is Deadwood Dick’s post-office!” . Then, after afew more words and a cordial hand- shake, the two men separated, Murrill descending into the guich, and tramping off toward Eureka,” which lay some six miles below. e ct: Roop Startling and crushing was the intelligence the note brought to poor Leone Harris—that the only — man she had thought her friend, was in reality an enemy, And it was his intention to attempt the kid- x napping of her babe, that the innocent ‘hing might be delivered into the hands of this Deadwood Dick No.2 Who was this Deadwood Dick No.2? Wh did he wish to obtain possession of her child? All ie these questions flashed across ber mind with light — ning rapidity, when Noisy Nell finished reading the strange missive, ues ‘Oh, Nellie!” the poor young wife exclaimed,

Page 20

Pies ' trom Eureka, found the is coursing down her pale cheeks, ‘‘ What shall I do? Where shall I go? hat does it all mean?” “It means that there is more deviltry afloat than we have imagined. I did not like thelooks of that Carlos Cambre. He is a villain,” replied the girl. “Ah! it seems so, but I never thought him other than a friend before. But now that I think of it, he has several times said things to me that were un- warranted and ungentlemanly. Ah! since the death of my brother all the world has tried to deal me a bicw. Nellie, do you know what I begin to believe? —though God knows the suspicion may be an un- just one.” “No, sweet sister—what?” “This—that my husband hates me, and by doing away with the child and then with myself he intends to free himself of marriage bonds, so that he will again be at liberty to woo and win.’ “Surely you do not think him so base as this, Mrs. Harris?” : ° “Maybe Iam very wrong, but I cannot see how else these things can_be. know of no earthly eens who could wish to.harm me through my ild, is “Ah! you are greatly at fault,my dear. Dead- wood Dick is no such a villain, I am well satisfied, from what little I saw of him, Perhaps this Dick No, 2is some one who has a grudge against Dick No. 1, and takes the method of striking at him Le eae “ Ah, Nellie, you are an angel!’ Leone said, laying Master Dick upon the bed and embracing her friend, “You can see things in a truer light than I course my Dick is no such villain, and I have deeply wronged him by my unjust suspicion, But, what shall I do? It is necessary that I should find another place, as I will no longer be safe here. My poor ba- y Dick! Canit be that your young life is to be be- set with perils and be forever haunted like that of your fearless father? Oh! Heaven forbid! In the morning I will take you to the Big Bonanza Mine, where Avalanche is, and he will pee you.” ,8o they remained up through the long night, watching for the first streak of light in the eastern sky heralding the a aga of dawn. i Morning came at last, cloudy and dull, with a prospect of a long, drizzling rain, such as the au- - tumnal months bring. Nell was the owner of a couple of saddle-horses, and mounted upon these, the two girls rode through the town, and up the gulch in the direction of Dead- wood Dick’s Bonanza, ponies. was seen of Carlos Cambre, and a hope entered Leone’s heart that she would yet escape him. Once under the protection of Old Avalanche, she felt that she would be safe. But alas! how sudden hopes may be blasted, and their fruit destroyed. They were yet a quarter of a mile from the en- trance to the mine, when, on looking back, they be- hell Cambre poms furiously on in pursuit, his animal covered with flecks of foam, He was not to be defeated! CHAPTER X, A FEMALE DETECTIVE—INVASION, TrAr night following the flight of Leone and Nellie Man-Trap saloon filled to overflowing, both with miners and men-about-town, vogether with the new-comers fetched in by the eveningstage. Almost every type of character, from the negro, all through the various imported foreign races, down to the plain-faced Yankee, was repre- sented within the crowded whisky den. Drinking, gambling, fighting and general carousal were, as usual, the order of the evening, in which all _ mands were occasionally forced to participate or “ante out.” And then, like enough, that unlucky Andividual who refused to share the “fun,” would be followed and mauled by the drunken crowd, os is how they do things in * brown style ” in the ively little unmapped city of Eureka, The Phantom Miner, ~ Deadwood Dick was among those within the room which constituted the saloon, but he was in deep disguise as a pout miner. He had a desire to see the wife of Carlos Cambre, whom it will be remem- bered, he encountered on the first night of his ar- rival in Deadwood. He knew she would aid him materially in discovering Cambre himself, if he were in hiding or disguise. He spied the petite little figure ere long, flittin, about and serving drinks to the thirsty patrons o: the establishment. : It was some time before she passed where he wee lounging at a table, and he had a chance to hail er } i “Whai is it?” she demanded, coming up with a number of beer glasses upon her tray. * Bring mea glass of light wine; also one for your. self. I wish to talk with you a while.” “Who are you ?” she questioned, looking him over, suspiciously. ‘‘ What do you want of me?” “You will learn in time. Fear not, for Iam Dead. wood Dick!” She gave anervous start, as if the intelligence sur- prised her; then nodded her head and went away. Tt was fullan hour, and Dick was growing impa-~ tient, when she reappeared bringing the wine. “Indeed! have youcome at last? You must im- agine a fellow’s appetite is not strong!” he said, “Tt is probably not stronger than that of these thirsty brutes around us,” was the reply. ‘I knew Lor wanted news more than beverage, so I let you wait. . *“And have you news that will interest me?” “T just have, Lhave a story—or part of one—to tell you. But, first, what do you want to know?— what brought you here?” : “Curiosity —longing for adventure — want of news,” he replied, with a smile from his jetty-black orbs. ‘* Where is your so-called husband—Carlos Cambre?”’ t “About town somewhere, plotting mischief, as usual. Went up the gulch to-day, after Noisy Nell and Leone—’ “What?” Deadwood Dick exclaimed, starting vio- pee Ff ‘Leone, you say—surely not my Leone—my wife ; “Yes, your wife, Mr. Harris. She is here; has been here for a couple of weeks. Cambre has got a pick afoot to steal her babe, and deliver it wp to this eadwood Dick No. 2, whoever that may be. warned her, and saw her and Nell Brandon ride up toward Bonanza“Basin. Cambre followed, and I would have done likewise, only that my attention was called to matters here.” , eee you do not know what became of them, en?” “No, but I think they were far enough ahead ta reach the Bonanza before he overtook them.” *“Thopeso, He is a worse villain than I ever be- fore took him to be. He wes concerned in this oe PEON massacre case,” “He was the head instigator of it!’? Martha re. plied. “Iknow all about it. He and Graylford’s son were in the plot together.” “Ah! you seem pretty well posted upon every- Tape. How do you know so much?” “T improve my spare time in shadowing my faithless husband and ng into his secrets. TI find that there is a pet on the tapis, in which you are concerned, eannot give you the full ee ea now—not till I learn more. It appears hat this Fordyce Graylford has a wife and son living by a first marriage, He deserted his first wife—or she deserted him, it is hard to tell which —and wedded again. Now this first wife turns up, and as soon as she can produce her son-heir, whom she has traced here to Eureka, she intends to la: claim to the property—or, rather, intended to. Buf, something has happened which will for a time check her progress. Cambre entered into her service a few weeks ago, and has, while helping her trace u hig missing~heir, learned the whole story, and

Page 21

stolen all her papers—ma -certificate, birth- Led eat and so forth—with the intention of taking he game into his own hands.” “But what has all this to do with me?” Dick de- manded, wonderingly. ** You are the jirst and only lawful son of Cathie and Fordyce Graylford |” replied Martha, in a low tone, that her words might not be overheard. “Git out! what are you trying to give us now? My parents are long since in their grave, for which Iam grateful to God, that they may not know the evel to which their son has sunk,” Dick replied. “T have reason to think that you never knew vour true parents, sir, but cannot at present give you any further information. Cambre holds the trump card inthe possession of those es rs, and Ishall try to get them from him. He believes you to be the heir, and will probably try to negotiate with you, when you meet. But, don’t mind him. Leave the matter to me, and all will yet come out right. See here!’ and turning her back to the crowd, she partly opened the the bosom of her dress The glimpse Dick caught of a gleaming silver badge caused him to start. ““You are a—” , “Detective,” finished she, with a sla little laugh. ‘You probably wonder how I came in pos- ‘session of this badge. My father was one of the shrewdest and most successful detectives on the border, and on his death, the honor of an appoint- ment was conferred upon me, because I had on several occasions materially aided him in capturing rogues. Thus I have the power to aid justice, even though but a woman. In my vocation here, 1 have chances to detect villainy, quite often.” “Doubtless. But this is all a great surprise to me, and] am naturally interested. I must now go and look after my wife, Leone, for should harm befall her, I could never forgive myself. I trust this matter in your hands, and when you learn ae thing, and wish to communicate, give a letter » Sheriff Murrill, and he will drop it in Deadwood Dick’s post-office.” Then the young outlaw stalked toward the door of the saloon, looking strange in his rough dirty mining suit, and bushy red beard, But he was des- tined not to escape unnoticed. A brawny Californian, who had got more liquor aboard than was good for his peace of mind, step’ zgorward, and intercepted him, a broad grin widening his flabby, stubbly countenance. “Hello!” he exclaimed, pitching forward with a drunken leer, and extending his huge rough hand, “howdy do, Mr. Joaquin Murieta. How ’n thunder did you ever find yer way down here? Remember the time I b’longed wi’ ye?—I’m Jim Salibuster the eat watermelon 0’ Quincey Flats—” He did not have time to finish the remainder of his information, for Deadwood Dick pushed him quick- ly aside, and made a leap for the door, just ia time to escape a bullet from the revolver of Old Roxly, He had evidently been suspected and the Cali- fornian used as a delay-post and frap. But this tailed, for when the crowd swarmed out of the saloon Deadwood Dick was nowhere in sight, “Oh! heaven, we are lost!” Leone exclaimed, as she beheld Cambre spurring madly toward them. “*Ah! my poor baby boy, your battle against the mae) has indeed begun! How, oh! how will it end? “Do aot despair, dear sister,” replied_Noisy Nell, * for there is nothing to fear, for you. Ride on, un- til you reach the eutranes to the mine. You will not go amiss. for the sign ‘‘ Deadwood Dick’s Bonan- za,” will guide you toward the tunnel, Ride fear- legsty through, and in the basin, beyond, you will find Old Avalanche.” ** And vou, Nellie—* *Y will meet this villain, and turn him back, There! ere! don’t cry’ I’m not afraid ofhim, Icanshoct Q ip and rage, as a bullet from her revolver ph straighter than he, and ‘Il show him the style of girls ie grow in Boreka, Go on now, and trust ia &oa ; Sayin desert you.” him around facing the coming horseman, while acne pushed desperately on toward. the Bonanza — es, d Noisy Nell waited with cool composure for the out- law to come wp, one of her fair hands grasping the bridle reins, and the other a small silver-plated re- volver, which covered Cambre’s | depen She had spent nearly all her life amid scenes of peril and excitement, and had grown to take things Se and indifferently. Few were there that knew her, in Eureka, who cared to insult her or provoke her anger, for she sent her bullets true, every. time, and had laid out more ruffians than any other female in the rushing little city. Cambre she believed to be an arrant knave. yee feared him the least of all those whom she en- countered, although she could not tell just why. He rode furiously up, but reined in when he per- ceived that her finger pulled the revolver-hammer back to full-cock—and that the weapon never qua- vered a particle. He had heard of her prowess, and concluded it wisest to stop and hold a parley. ** Well?” he interrogated, his face flushed with an- ger, ‘‘ what do you want?” “What do tion for question. I want to pass. Are you # highway robber, thet you block the way?” “If you choose, yes. You are in pursuit of Leone Harris and her boy. You ought to know that she is not without friends, and T will tell you further that any attempt to steal her child will be useless. You cannot go any further in this direction until she has had time to reach Bonanza Basin, where she will find a protector that you will not care to face.” you want?” she returned, putting ques- — euieh she reined in her steed, and whirled — | 4 ‘ he ex-lieutenant uttered a furious oath, and ~ dropped his hand toward his belt. At the same time there was a flash and a report, followed by a howl oe ierce is arm near the elbow, causing a stream of th spurt therefrom. “That’s the ticket poe get!” she cried, with a eqol laugh. “That isa short-trip ticket. Try any more such pretty moves, and I'll give you one that will take you to piset ory on lightning time. Face about, ap) ne the spurs, and away you go, Eureka- ward, or I'll make a case for the coroner's investi- gating committee !’’ Cambre uttered a fiercer curse than before. He would have drawn a weapon and killed the girl, only - W But one al- that he knew that she would kill him. ternative was left, and that was to obey her com- — fist at Nell, with an expression of savage ferocity — upon his countenance that would have frightened a less fearless girl. “Go along, now, and get out of range as quick as — possible, lest I be tempted to bullet-doze you yet!” — she exclaimed. “And mind that you don’t have mand, So he turned his animal around, shaking his 4 % lood to lite business up this way again. while I'm around, or ~ there’ll be one clock stopped.” oy “Oh, Vl have revenge for this, you she cat!” the — baffled villain cried. “ k out for me, for your life shall pay the forfeit, of I’m a liar!” a “Bah! spitz poodles are to be feared, for their bite is poisonous, but not such mongrel curs like — ou. Any time you want anything of Noisy Nell, ei know where to find her.” el, He did not reply, but dashed down the gulch to- — ward Eureka. Nell watched him till he had disappeared from view around the bend. Then she turned her own some anxiety about something. ‘He does not mean to gi Di Soe

Page 22

80 The Phaatom Miner. She rode on, and fifteen minutes iater stood in the | sound through the soft sand, warned them that tminer’s camp in Bonanza Basin. Leone was there pore arrived safely, and Old Avalanche was ha! tickled to death over her and young Master Dick, The old man was very fond of children, and he held the little bundle of humanity upon his knee, as proudly as if he were its grandfather Leone and Nell were given the hospitalities of the camp. It was a snug, secure little spot here in the basin; it reminded Leone of Flower Pocket, the home of Harry Redburn and Alice, whom Dick had once taken her to visit, The day passed quickly, and night once more threw her shadows over the land. me grew un- easy as darkness approached, for it brought to her a foreboding of danger. And it came. One of the miners returning with the announce- ment that a crowd of armed, masked men were swarming into the basin! CHAPTER, XI. A “SCRIMMAGE ’’—THE PHANTOM AGAIN, Tur supposition was that Cambre had come with a gang of roughs to make an attack upon the camp, probably with the intention of capturing its supply of previously-mined gold, and Leone or her child. _ “Great ham-bone thet old Joner gnawed on!” ex- claimed the Annihilator, instantly springing to his feet, unmindful of the baby who was reposing in his + lap, that youngster being under the painful necessi- ty of taking a tumble to the soft sandy earth. “To arms, boyees! Gather yer spitzbergins and perpare fer lively music. Hoo-o-ray! I’m ther very disease w’at desires ter innocculate etself amongst a passel o’ ther enemy—ther great roarin’ flukin’ snow-starm o’ Norweejy—ther great awe-mnspirin’ terrific eppy- demic o’ demoralization an’ electric annihilation, w’at sweeps thru ther northern lattytudes an’ longy- toads like a dose o’ powdered fizzic thru an’ elefant’s eonstitoochin!”” The miners gathered in a compact body, and look- ed to their weapons. The fire was kicked out, and the blackness of the night became more intense. All around lurked a thousand shadows that might easily screen ambushed foes from observation. . The two women were thrust into the single tent, and this was surrounded by half of the men, while the other half, under command of Keno, by Ava- Janche’s orders, withdrew to the further side of the guich. When the attack should begin, they were to - circle around the basin, to the tunnel entrance, there- ¢ : by Lad the escape of the enemy. When this arrangement was made to his satisfac- tion, Avalanche, with Florence, the fost, pee sg his side, crept off to reconnoiter. Not a sound had been given during the last ten minutes, betraying the presence of enemies in the guich. They were doubtless waiting for the coming of midnight, or else were creeping up from all sides, meaning to attempt surprise. Old Avalanche Ye along with less noise than a eat would have made, using his eyes sharply, and occasionally pausing to listen, for although his ears were shaven off close to his grizzly old head, his ‘sense of hearing was just a: acute as when he pos- =f these ornamental appendages. He oe stealthily along, and not less cautiously followed his companion, the billy-goat. The animal seemed endowed with sense and knowledge almost human, sometimes; it had learned the requirements _ of the prairie and forest trail, and on more than one occasion had it proven its worth to the satisfaction - of its dauntless master. Steady, Florence, gal; not much noise as ther ’skeeter made when he fell down-stairs and broke his : ik. Keerful, like,’’ the veteran cautioned, as they ‘skulked along. ‘Ef these ornery skunks don’t git alibasted in short-meter, ye can call ther Annihila- fiom a condemned fraud. How I'd like ter entwine my old claws in sum ha’r, jest about this precise minnit—’sh /”” Both stopped stock-still, and listened. A dragging some one was approaching, And it was no doubt an enemy, as friends were not expected, now. Evidently the comer was also on a reconnoissance, for the sound of his movements betrayed an attempt at stealth. “Watch out, now, my beloved j’int!” whispered the old scout, softly, ‘an’ we’ll errupt this varmint’s constitoochin, in less time ’n et takes a bumblebee ter sock his’stinger inter yer cheek. Just you creep around and get in his rear, while I hold ther front in | solid shape,* Florence seemed to understand the words, for with a sniff of assent he turned abruptly to the left, and made a wide detour through the darkness, in order_to get around behind the enemy. Avalanche © crouched upon. his knees, in the dense gloom, pa- . tiently, well knowing that not many moments would elapse ere he would be signaled to attack, or be at- tacked. And it came sooner than he had expected, and very much differently. : 3 There was presently a loud shrill bleat; a vicious “ba-a-ah!” it was, then like a meteor the form of the goat came plunging through the air. A vain at- tempt the old scout made to avoid the calamity, but vain it was, for the sledge-hammer head of the ani- mal struck him full inthe stomach, and rolled him over and over like a rubber ball. = In the darkness Florence had mistaken his rictim, wrongly supposing Avalanche to be the enemy. It was several] minutes ere the old man could com- mand breath sufficient to speak, but when he could, he rolled forth such volumes of oratory to the poor ‘oat as would have astonished a Phillips or even a ebster. We will not attempt to put it down, for now a wild shout arises from a different portion of the basin, and there is a roar of fire-arms that breaks in upon the stillness of the night. Forgetting all about the injury done his bread-bas- bet, Avalanche scrambled to his feet, and, rifle in hand, plunged away toward the sound of the con- flict, which appeared to be at the camp, or in close proximity to it. Florence was close at his heels, apparently regret- ful of his mistake, and bound to be revenged upon the enemy for his deception. The two circled around, and reached the camp from another side, a few moments later. The firin had ceased, and he found that after a feint of attac the enemy had withdrawn, probably only to prepare for a fiercer and more determined onslaught. Of their number those in the camp had no idea, except that there were swarms of them all armed with rifles. ‘Great ham-bone thet fractured the jaw of old Joner!”’ the old scout exclaimed. ‘ Let’em cum, ef they wanter encounter a small-sized tornader—a cotchin’ disease o’ ther pra’ries. I’m thet disease— Ian’ Flor’nce, my goat, an’ Prudence, my mare— we’re thet great eppyzootic. Lordy, my trien¢s, I jest wish ye knew o’ allo’ ther terrific exploits we three ’ve bin thru! It'd fill a book bigger’n a dozen Bibles. Sum noted historian once attempted ter in- ‘derdoose us into the psalm-books, but they thort et war sacriliggious t r our names.”’ “T’ve read o’ a pesky old skinflint by your name, sumwhere,”’ said Keno winking one eye 9nd ingulf- ing a huge quid of fine-cut. - “ P’r’aps et was you.” ust now a rifle report rung out, and one of the miners dropped in his tracks, with a groan, Then came a:series of triumphant yells, but no attack. The enemy were mene and picking off aman whenever opportunity offered. Thus matters stood at midnight. Neither the outlaws nor the miners had apparent- ly gained any advantage, for several had fallen on either side, making the loss about even. ; The positions were not changed, worth mentton- ng. The suspense of waiting was more harrowing toe the miners than would haye been a pitched battle, eee ae eres

Page 23

The Phantom Miner. Oe rn All were men who had fought life and foes with a strong hand—just that sort of men who would at time rather fight than eat. ut matters could not forever remain thus, and a short time after midnight, an attack was made in earnest, from the north and south side of the basin. The half of the men under Little Alf Coyle took things coolly, and fought with a desperate precision that told upon the enemy, who wilted rapidly under a deliberate fire. Nothing as yet had been heard from the men un- der Keno, eg a signal had twice been given for assistance. Their delay appeared unaccountable Finally the enemy withdrew again, greatly weak- ened in numbers, and when they renewed the attack they had consolidated their separated forces into one body, on the south side. Then on they came once more, with evident determination to sweep all before them, without further delay. Little Alf’s men had suffered a loss of over half their number, and the forces now stood four to one, if not more. But bravely the miners met the onset, striking for life and liberty with a decision that was in itself heroic. Revolvers were used in the — of rifles, and the conflict became hand-to-hand. Slowly. but surely, the weaker party was driven back toward the northern wall of the basin, and they must have suffered total defeat, only that when all seemed lost, there was a shout of encouragement, and Keno and his men attacked the outlaws in the rear, mowing them down like grain before the reaper. Unexpected by the ruffians was this timely aid. They made a feeble attempt at resistance, but in vain. They were shot down without mercy, not a man escaping the death he so richly deserved. Victory was awarded the brave miners of Dead- wood Dick’s Bonanza, but at what cost! Out of a gang of thirty men, thirteen had pulled their last Se Nor was this all, : uring the last attack the defenders had drifted away from the camp, which was left for the time unguarded. As soon_as the last shot had been fired, Avalanche and Little Alf hurried toward the tent, where the two girls had been left, but, to their horror, found that they were missing. ? Ex-Lieutenant Carlos Cambre was the instigator of the attack upon the Bonanza miners, but he took no part in it. He left all the management to one Jean Jago, a confederate in crime, while he remain- ed just outside the tunnel-entrance, in Eureka gulch. His orders had been to kill off the miners, take pos- session of the mine, and the two girls, Leone and . Noisy Nell. As soon as the victory was complete, he was to be thus informed by a messenger, when he would come in and take command. Outside in the gnich he waited for the messen; to appear, but in vain. Midnight came, with the sounds of the desperate battle; two o’clock, said the hands on his jeweled watch, and the sounds of con- flict were hushed in the basin; still no messenger, “Can it be that the fools have let that handful of dirt-diggers whip them?” he growled, angrily. ‘Jt must so, or I should long ere this have been in- formed. Curse the luck! I will have to go and see for myself, I expect.” He waited a few minutes longer, and not being re- warded for his patience, he turned into the tunnel and hurried de It did not take him long to reach the basin, and he discovered that all was as he surmised. He saw the miners, hurrying about with torches, conspicuous among them being Avalanche and his goat. This told him that his men were extinct or had been taken prisoners. “ They are searching for some one or something!” he muttered. “‘ Perhaps it is the two females? Some _ of my men may have smuggled them off, and are waiting for a chance to escape. In that case the will bring them to head-quarters, so 1 will get out, 21 - en ee lest Ibe seen, and this crime be thrown upon my good name.” He laughed sarcasticaily at the idea, and then turned back into the tunnel, and after a brisk walk of a few moments he gained the end opening out in- to the gulch, and was about to step out, when his aze became riveted upon an apparition so frightful, that he was rooted to the spot, and a deathly pallor came over his dusky features. That mysterious spirit of the air, the Phantom Miner, stood only a few yards away in all its ghostly weirdness, and sur- rounded by the unearthly halo of bluish light, which was suggestive of the flames of burning brimstone in Ate mbre had heard of the Phantom-—heard hardy muners tell of encounters with the specter—seen men who claimed to have spent weeks in trying to kill or capture the thing; but he had never before seen it himself, and therefore his terror. He trembled in every limb, but was powerless to move, and a clammy perspiration broke out upon his face, as he perceived that the ghostly thing was coming nearer and nearer in a slow, gliding motion, one finger of the outstretched hand pointing direct- ly toward him, and the end of that finger shone like a tiny bull’s-eye. Nearer and nearer came the Phantom, until but a few feet only intervened between them; then there was a oer rattling, as of skeleton bones, and a low, unearthly erp? such as male emanate from stich a creature as this, Thoroughly horrified, Cambre stood like a statue, his terror expressed in his glaring, tigerish eyes. He was no coward; but, rather, was possessed of bull-dog courage. But even that wilted before this thing, be it ghost or devil. Words came, after a pause, in a low, sepulchral voice, hardly above a whisper, yet loud enough for the ears of Cambre. eo. “Man, thou hast burdened a, soul with crime — dyed thy hand deep in the blood of thy fellow-men, Retribution will be thine. God’s holy hand shall smite thee. Make what reparation thou canst, while life remains, Give up the papers thou hast stolen unto me, or the fire of vengeance shall shine in the jee and a thunderbolt shall plow the earth at t eet.” The words sent a deeper horror into the heart of Cambre. He was positive that he was standing in the pres- ence of some supernatural being; he believed the words, and that, unless he obeyed, the penalty would be a Sudden and frightful death. “T have not the papers here. They are locked up in my room, in rekal’? he. gasped, in terror, “Here is the key, or | will bring them to you!” “Bring them!” returned the Phantom, tersely, “Put them in thy purse, and we will meet again.” Then, to his great horror, the specter began to rise slowly, and he saw it float up into the blackness, and disappear from view. What great mystery was this? Were things not earthly coming to populate this earth? “God forbid that we ever meet again,’’ the terri- fied villain muttered, as he leaped into the gulch, - and sped away. CHAPTER XU. ‘(THE KIND OF A MAN I AM!’’—RED-HOT'S ADVENTURE AND ENCOUNTER WITH DICK No, 2, Nor yet was it morning, when Cambre sighted a the city, yet all the saloons, stores and gambling- dens were in full blast. Cambre’s terror, owing to his long run, had some- what abated, by the time he reached the town, though traces 0! gh still were visible upon his swarthy visage. He had never before experienced such a fright. s ““Ourse the thing,” he muttered, biting flercely at his mustactié, *‘ how did it come to knowthatt _ had possession of the papers? By Heaven! 1 would — ¥

Page 24

Sw f a 22 believe it was no ghost at all, only that I saw it float so mysteriously up toward the sky, with one hand stretched heavenward, as if pointing to its abode. Curses, 1 say; I'll not surrender those pa- pers—never! Graylford will soon die, then there will be no one to dispute my right to this fortune. Let Deadwood Dick go to the devil!” “Oh! no; not to the devil yet, my larkie!’’ cried a sarcastic voice, and a horseman wheeled out of an alley directly in front of the ex-lieutenant, whose words had been spoken loud enough to be heard, “ Not to the devil, by any means. The devil wouldn’t disgrace his domains by taking in two such villains as you and I, Cambre. Our souls were scorched, long ago. So you were going to let Deadwood Dick go to the devil, eh?” And there was an ominous click! click of the re- volver the road-agent held in his hand, “Oh! nol-no! I did not mean you—I meant the other Deadwood Dick—the real one}”” “Ah! but I am the 7¢a/ one!” “The devil you say! Then I meant the other one —the counterfeit.” “Bosh! That's too transparent now, you accursed rogue. You are playing two trumps ina deck, eh? T’ve a notion to plug the daylights right out of you!l”’ And there was a jerk in the speaker’s arm, as though he meant to put the threat into execution. But Cambre put up his hands. “Don’t shoot! don’t shoot!’ he eriad, supplicat- ingly. “Ihave been faithful to your interests, and tried to capture the brat—’’ “ Tried f and failed, eh?’ “Ves I took sixty men—I alone escaped death!’ “You ought to have gone with the rest. Why didn’t you steal the brat before the girl got out of town?” “Because some unknown person warned them, and they fled before I had the opportunity.” “They are all at the Bonanza mines, then?” a Yes, and it would require an army to dislodge them.” ‘‘T care not how many armies it takes, You must steal the brat, and fetch it tome. But, how will I know when you get it? Let me see. There is a ost-ofice in Eureka. You may post a ietter in- ‘orming me that you have the child, and where to meet you. Address it to Slippery Sim.” “Very well. But, I see no way ican possibly get the youngster—” “Which makes no difference tome. You must get him, or on the twenty-sixth of November you ie,” Deadwood Dick No. 2 said, grimly. ‘Remember. But ‘erga days remain in which to accomplish your work.” Then the black horseman turned his animal’s head, and rode leisurely away, while Cambre kept on toward the center of the town. ‘Curse the luck! matters are pressing all around,” he muttered, his dark face growing darker, ‘If it were not that I hope to make a spec’ out of this Sie ial business, ’'d pull up and clear for another part. In the mean time, while the two were engaged in conversation, a figure had glided by them and sought the Man-Trap saloon, which was crowded with drunken roughs and miners, The figure, when revealed under the flaring lamp- light, was that of the boss poker-player from Vir- ? ginia City, the counterpart of Deadwood Dick, who called himself Red-Hot Harris. Fearlessly he entered the saloon; and sauntered papeut, watching those around him with an eagle lance, a young man managed the shooting in the ab- sence of Noisy Nell, and to him the poker-player finally went, seeking amusement. He tried a few shots, and missed the bull’s-eye every time; then turved away in disgust. Martha Cambre saw him, and, when general at- tention was called to a rough-and-tumble fight in another part of the saloon, she glided to his side. The Phantom Miner. “What! yon here again?” she said, laying her aS upon isarm. ‘1 should not think you would are.’ “ Hello! what struck you, miss?” Red-Hot ejacu- lated, staring at the little figure and pretty face, in evident amazement. “I rather guess you're barkin’ up the wrong tree.” “‘Oh! pshaw! you can’t pull coarse wool over m eyes,’’ Martha retorted, witha laugh. ‘I’m no fool, een you & in't? the poker-pl aid 1 u ou ain’ the er-player said, perplex- edly. ‘Well, by Jove, Gore's - screw loose some- where, Who are you?” ““Tam Martha Cambre,” the deserted wife of Car- los Cambre replied, with a merry twinkle in her eyes. ‘You are Deadwood Dick!’ The poker-player groaned audibly; then muttered a curse. “ By Heaven! again is this confounded brother of mine thrown up in my face. I say, girl, supposin ou had a sister who was not as good as she migh 2. Would you like it if people were to constantly take you for her?* “No. But you are no brother of this Deadwood Dick. He totd me so while here to-night, And now, who are bane en fa Dick, or his double? Itisa question I must know—and you can answer it."” Harris whistled a few notes from a quaint moun- taineer’s song, whirled around upon his heel; then stared straight at Martha, ert “Tam -Hot Harris,” he said, positively. ‘‘If any one else knows better whol am than I do, my- self, why I'll drop the name, and apply to Congress for a new one.” “You are Deadwood Dick,” the little detective Foret enone “Do you know what happened at onanza mine to-night?” j “ How should I?” with a blank look. “Well, Carlos Cambre went up there with a band of men to attack the mines, and steal the baby from your wifs, Leone!” Martha Jooked sharp at the pokerist, Just then, ex- pecting some sign of emotion, But the face of a earved statue was never more placid than that of Red-Hot Harris. Nota visible start betrayed that he was in the least interested. “Carlos Cambre went and Carlos came!"’ he said. with a smile. ‘“‘He came alone. Sixty dead and dying, didn’t further his aims.” oe caus re kin riddles, He got whipped, then?” adhy *“* How do you know?” **it makes no difference.” And the young gentleman turned away, as if the ~ conversation was growing monotonous. He kept his eye upon one man in the room, and that man was Roxly, the Regulator, who was watch- ing him as the hawk watches its prey. Puzzled was thisknight of the Deadwood regulation arena, yet almost. positive that the man he wanted was Red- Hot Harris. ¥ Suddenly the eyes of the pokerist gleamed angri and he elbowed his way through the crowd, a pat. clearing immediately when it was seen that he held a be of six-shooters in his hands. traight up to the bar, and onto it leaped the youth, occupying the position he had once upon a Boras occasion, though then he held no weapons in hand, “ Gentlemen!” he cried, his voice rin, ~ .g out clear- ly, ‘there is a little matter I wish to settle, here in your penny When first I came to Eureka, I eda five hundred dollar reward paper upon these walls, meaning it should stay there. Some meddle- some loafer has insulted me by tearing it down. TI want to see that chap, and bu’st his head-—that’s the — ‘sind of hairpin 7 am!” Not a murmur came from the crowd, as the youn, bravo was speaking, but when he had finished Ol Roxly step sion about his mouth, * You, was it?” Red-Hot exclaimed, a sternness ip e \ te d forward, a grim, puckering expres- vil

Page 25

me! The Phantcm Miner, his glance that ‘forcibly reminded the Regulator of Deadwood Dick. *‘‘ Well, sir, I am surprised that you, a pretended dabbler in justice, should be guilty of such a dirty mean act. I believe even a hog would hesitate to commit such an insult to the nation.” Roxly laughed, sareastically. “Yes, I did it,” he replied, with a grin of triumph, * because I knowed it was on: intended ter give us fellers ther vlind staggers. D’ye want anything o’ me, younker?” “Decidedly, yes. Please make a ring feller-citi- zens, and we'll have this bizness through with.” Red-Hot leaped to the floor, and jerked off his jacket. and belt, and laid them on the bar. “Hello! what d’ye intend to do?” Roxly demand- ed. “To fight you, and black both of your eyes, smash your nose, ram your teeth down your throat, polish off your chin, and generally demolish you,” replied Red-Hot, grimly. “'Come! strip yourself.’ “No, Ithankyou. We'll try other} weapons than fists,” the ator sneered. “I’m no prize-fighter.”’ “Nor I, but I ain't ‘fraid to try you a whirl. That’s the kind ofa man /am! If you acknowledge your- self a coward, don’t come and see me.” A shout of laughter echoed through the saloon, for even rough and Villainous though were most of the crowd, they were the very ones $9 ‘e such a dare-devil character as was this Red-Hot Harris. “Hurra! bully fer ther lad!’’ yelled Cal Buckskin, enthusiastically, “Don’t ye see, geelorious _pil- rims?—thar’s a leak in Roxly’s constitoochin w’at’s et all ther sand run out!” * Oraw-fish!” yelled another. ‘ He caves!” repeated a third. *Bulldoze him!” camefrom a fourth, and thus it ran faround through the crowd, until growing des- perate, the Regulator stepped into the ring, without removing his coat or belt. ‘No shamming now!” warned Red-Hot, as he spat on his hands. “If you try to use any of those implements in your belt I'lltake your life, instead of some of the conceit out of you. One, two, three, now, and here you come, like a full-grown African lion after me.”” Both men sprung forward and toed the mark, and then began a bout of parrying and thrusting, rik wheat 2 both to the spectators and the parties concerned. Roxly. it soon became evident, was no slouch at the business, for he was wary, defensive, and agile asacat. But he was no match for Red-Hot Harris, the “boss” from Virginia City, which soon became evident from the battered appearance of his ene- my’s countenance. Both of Roxly’s eyes were soon nearly swollen shut, and his nose mashed out of shape. But he grew desperate the more he was pun- ished, and sprung forward to clinch in a death-hug. Foolish was this attempt, however, for Red-Hot coolly rained a shower of blows down into his bat- tered face which staggered him back. Still he was undaunted, and rushed forward, but a terrible blow from Harris’s clinched white fist hurled him back against the bar ina heap. With a curse he drew a revolver, and despite the fact that he had been warned that such an action would be his death-warrant, he sent a bullet, well- aimed, toward the pokerist’s heart. so cry of indignation came from the crowd at this neture, But Red-Hot only laughed contemptuously, and plaeed his hand upon his heart. ““My heart is too hard fer such leaden pellets to penetrate, gentlemen; and as for you, you cow- ard,” turning to Roxly, who had regained his feet, **vour life sball pay the forfeit.” ‘He leaped upon the Regulator and bore him to the floor, and in another moment the revolver was ES to the temple, and there came a report. ounded was Roxly, but nof dead! ' Then Red-Hot sprung to his feet, and swung the still smoking weapon above his head. “Does any man want to say I didn’t do it fair?” he eried, his eyes bI . “Speak out, and Vil show ye the kind of aman Lam!" f A cheer rent the air. : “Hurra! ther boy did it fair—jes’ ’s fair as ary man ken do!"’ came the Tesponse from a dozen cael facto Sateen on poate: ffeneral | Wal e youn, eri pa a manifest, and drinks were ordered ali around. Harris did not imbibe, but donning his jacket and belt, betook hint8elf from the saloon into the guich. It was just then the darkest hour before the dawn of the coming day. It was intensely black. f Very few were now abroad; one horseman wag ‘ riding leisurely through the gulch, and at him Red- , Hot gave only a casual glance as he hurried toward ; the Bonanza mines, or in the direction in which they were located. His mind was too busied with ,other Est ce to notice that he was followed, and that, too, by the lone horseman. He was not aware of the fact until he saw a noosé settle over him, and draw taut above his waist, a ae arms to his side, and jerking him to e ground. The next moment he felt arevolver-muzzle pressed __ to his temple, and a full-masked face bending over “Hatha!” cried a voice, evidently a ised one, ‘*so thisis my man, is it? Good-morning, Dead- wood Dick Number one! Sorry tosee you in such a pu ht, but there was no other way to get at you, ow_me to introduce myself—your double, Dead» | wood Dick Number two!” A curse escaped Red-Hot’s lips. “What means this foolery?’ he demanded, an- grily. “It means,” replied Number 2, with a chuckle, “that you are my prisoner. I have been awaiting the opportunity to capture you for a long while.” CHAPTER XIII. RED-HOT IN DURANCE—A BOLD PLAN. THE announcement caused a flame of deeper an- ger to flush the cheek of Red-Hot Harris. He saw hat he was wholly in the power of this Deadwood Dick No. 2, whoever he might be, for aside from his hands being pinioned to his sides by the lariat, ge cocked revolver stared him threateningly in the ‘ace. and Twill attend to it, to the best of my ability, for ou.” f **No, thank you. I am not& business man, and therefore not_incumbered with cares that devolve upon such,” Red-Hot replied. ‘But, see here; if Caer hold me a prisoner with the idea that you are 10lding Deadwood Dick, you are greatly in error Deadwood Dick, the road-agent, perished neaely a month ago. So you see that you are not holding onto the trump pant, as you imagine.” wit “The devil!’’ No. 2 ejaculated; ‘but I do not be- lieve this trash. I have a test at my retreat, that — bring out the truth of the matter. Come; rise to your feet and march along before me. No funn: business, now, or I'll pee you out of misery in style!* — “Well, Isuppose there is no help for it,” Harris © growled, rising to his feet, ‘“‘ Whither away, you cuss?’ “Straight ahead, up the gulch. Turn only on or- der, and ctsentpt Satie ne weapaee and nly be right. Forward!” _ + ed-Hot stalked off, biting savagely at his lip while No, 2 followed closely behind, keeping h VE Fe, Os ital Pe

Page 26

, : 24 of the lasso with one hand, and grasping bis revol- ver with the other. Bound was he that the boss poker-player should not escape him, if. vigilance could prevent. it, The march was a long and tiresome one. They left the gulch a mile above the Bonanza mine, strik ing a defile much narrower and more tortuous which led upward into the mountains. All aroun were steep beetling crags, yawning chasms and dizzy declivities; and over the mountain a dense pine for- est: cast its shadows. Day dawned, and tinged the peaks rosy red; still the tramp continued, nor did it end until noon, when they entered a mountain cave, far above the level of the western plains. There was only one apartment to it, and this was rudely furnished with rough stools, a table, and sev- eral piles of skins, showing that it had some day | been tenanted by a hunter or trapper. Indeed, one of this species of individuals sat before the fire now, engaged in roasting some bits of venison—a tough, blear-eyed, villainous-looking man, of five-and-forty, in whose face the word “cut-throat” was plainly written. os ‘Here we are at last!” the bogus Deadwood Dick cried, as they entered the cave. * Wake up, Corkus, and disarm this fellow and bind him. He is I have been planning to entrap.” “Eh! ish dot der forward and serutinizing Red-Hot critically. dot Deadwoodt Dick?” “The same notorious reprobate!’’ No. 2 laughed, | _ tauntingly. “The amiable gentleman I have prying to counterfeit.” ‘You're a liar!’ replied Red-Hot, as hotly as his name might haveimplied, “‘and if you’ll give me my freedom, I can lick thunder out of both of youin less time than it takes to say Eureka!” “No, I thank you!’? No2 replied, with a sarcastic ing when matters in smile. ‘Iam not risking any een my hands are sure, Dll soon show you that I let | things mature before I y Corkus deprived Red-Hot of a]l the weapons on his person, and pushed him away into a corner where there were plenty of skins to lie upon. This done, he and No. 2 retired to the portion of the cave where the fire was burning, leaving the un- lucky poker:player to his reflections, In the Bonanza mine great excitement prevailed, gn the discovery that Leone and her babe, and Neil Brandon, were missing from the tent. Only two sur- mises could be made concerning their absence— either they had become frightened and fled in ter- ror toget out of the path of the flying bullets, or else they had been captured by some of the ruffians, and spirited away. This seemed the more probable, and search was immediately made in the basin which resulted in the discovery by Little Alf and Avalanche, of Nellie Brandon, Ting insensible, not far from the camp. An ugly-cut upon her forehead, over the temple, had evidently caused her uncon- sciousness, “Great ham-bone thet paralyzed the larynx uv old Joner!” the Annihilator ejaculated, picking the slender form from the ground, and bearing it tender- ly towardcamp. ‘ 's settles ther question, as ther oyster shell sed w’en it went down ther Irishman’s throat. Mrs. Leone an’ ther piccaninny hes encoun- tered a condemned snow-starm o’ deefikilty, an’ bin wafted away on sum boreal breeze.” “Bt looks kinder thet way,” replied Alf, dubious- ly. ‘Ef the leetle woman’s run off with, here’s what's goin’ ter search fer her.” _ “Hayr, too, I’m tellin’ ye!” replied Avalanche. ' “Deadwood Dick shen’t never say thet ther cavortin’ old devastatin’ disease o’ these lattytudes, didn’t act Jevil wi’ him an’ his’n, Why, thet desarted wifé o’ _ his’n is sweeter than all ther molasses an’ shugger _ in ther hull world! Never see’d only one sweeter female, an’ thet was Wild Edna. She war actooally 80 sweet that the honey on her lips would form into tho bird | oy?” Corkus replied, coming | “Vas | erlon The Phantom Miner. shugger crusts, der, at the fort Water was dashed into Nellio’s face, and her hands gently chafed, but it was some time ere she recover- ed consciousness sufficiently to tell what had occur- red, She seemed dazed and bewildered, but a swal- low of liquor from Keno’s flask seemed to right her memory, and she glanced around her with a shud- and she’d trade et for balis an’ pow- er. * Are they gone?” she gasped, “Bet yer life—gone whar ther whang-doodle twineth an’ the woodbine—” “There! don’t quote enny rimes, please!”’ growl- ed Avalanche, in disgust, ‘‘ especially, if you can’t do it skientific. No,miss,thar ain’ta live outlaw risent, cept w’at’s layim’ around dead. Whar’s Mrs. Leone?’ “Oh! she’s gone! she’s gone!” Nellie cried, burst. ing into tears. ‘‘ We ran out of the tent to escape the danger of being cut down by the bullets, and two men saw and followed us. One man snatched the babe from her arms, and fled, She ran scream- ing in pursuit, and I would have followed her, only that the other man struck me, and I knew no more.”’ “Then, thar’s bizness fer ther great firm 0’ Ava- lanche, Goat and Mare, hullsale Injun Annihilators!”" declared the old man, fiercely; ‘* We three ken find that innercent baby ef enny mortal can. When all ther macheenery o’ ther acchievements gtis inter mo- tion, I tell ye there’s bound ter be 4 rapture sumw’ar ther ecrater.” ‘Oh! sir, I fear you cannot find her,” sobbed Nellie, piteously. ‘‘Those men may have dragged her away and murdered her. I believe it was Carlos Cambre’s intention to do so.” “ Wal, we'll hope for the best,’’ the Annihilator said, soberly. ‘‘ We'll wait till daylight, and then en- deavor to start up a trail.” ‘ The rest of the miners now came flocking irregu- larly into camp, with the report that there was no | one alive within the basin except themselves, nor any signs of the missing Leone and her child, Which forced the conelusion that she had been pope off by the two ruffians, to imprisonment or eath, Under the cover of darkness graves were dug, and the dead outlaws and miners were consigned to their last resting-places. After this duty was performed, the miners all athered around the camp-fire, and waited for day- 3 renee was not thought of after the excitement at night, Morning came, at last, with a cold, drizzly Novem- ber rain, which in this region is about all the winter that the inhabitants experience. After the morning meal Avalanche saddled Pru- dence Cordelia, and prepared for his departure. Noisy Nell having concluded to go back to her post in the Man-Trap, was comfortably mounted upon the old mare, the Annihilator having volunteered to give her passage as far as Eureka, where he and Little Alf proposed to go first, having left the mine in Keno’s charge. : Cathie, the discarded wife of Fordyce Graylford, ~ was very much discouraged after she found that she was powerless to do anything on account of the theft of her proot-papers. ith Bolton, her lawyer, she still retained apartments at the Flag of Truce, hard- ly knowing what she was waiting for, now that her hopes and intentions had all been dashed by the treachery of Cambre, Still, she was a persevering woman, and was determined not to give up while a chance re- mained, Bolton had met her in San Francisco, and becom- ing interested in her case, had volunteered to el her prosecute it, he having been promised a liber fee should she succeed in obtaining her rights, They had first gone Fast and procured necessary evidence, after which they had tracked Graylford to Deadwood, and then to Eureka. eae : Cathie’s only hope was in the discovery of a lost 2

Page 27

Ay The Phantom Miner. . gon. If she could find and enlist him in her cause, he could, on Graylford's death, claim the pie rty. But this lost son was not so easily found. He, too, had been traced to Deadwood, but on their arrival _ there, they found that he had lately emigrated to parts unknown. : The day after the battle at Deadwood Dick’s Bon- anza, Bolton rushed into Cathie’s room pell-mell, like some overjoyed schoolboy. 3 “Good news, so cheer up!” he cried, dropping his beaver, and seating himself with a business-like cross of the lower extremities. ‘‘ Deadwood Dick, or Ned Harris, is here in Eureka!” Cathie looked up, a hopeful; anxious expression upon her face. “Really, truly?” she demanded, as if she doubted the fact. ‘‘ Are you sure?” iS ‘Yes, lamsure. There are evidently two Dead- wood Dicks, according to all report, and then there is another fellow, who calls himself Red-Hot Harris, who looks as much like your notorious son as your- self, and you very much resemble him.” “Yes; but which of these three is my son?”” “Ab! that’s the stick. No cone seems to know which is genuine. But I shall keep watch, and en- deavor to find out.” *T have a little more hope, then. But did you hear from Fordyce?” “*Yes; he is no better. The man in attendance who pretends to have an extended knowledge of surgery, eye that he cannot live the week out. wounds and old age cannot but use him up.”’ “ Poor man,’’ Cathie said, wiping away the tears that had risen to her eyes. ‘‘ But that he would curse me, I would gotohim. Ah! that we had never parted! But he was so miserly and cruel that I believed life with him would be an endless torture.” “*Tt will be necessary,” the attorney said vely, ‘*for you to go and see him before he dies. Perhaps he might be willing to conciliate. I will keep in- formed of his condition, and take you at the right time, In the mean time, I have work on hand, This Carlos Cambre, it appears, has a wife living here in Eureka, who isin the detective business, having put the harness on her own back when her father died. She accosted me to-day, and we had a long talk. She knows all aboutour business here, and Cambre’s theft of the documents, which keep us from work- ing. We are going to attempt to break into his room to-night, and resteal them.” “Oh! God grant that you may be successful, sir,”’ ne lady orotate as Bolton took his hat and arose 0 depart, “If nothing happens we shall get them, unless he happens to have them concealed on his person, which we doubt,”’ he said, retiring with a bow. That evening about the hour Cambre was sup- oe to be at supper, Bolton met Martha near the an-Trap saicon, and they hurried away. Cambre had rooms in a lodging-house at the fur- ther side of the village, and got his meals at a restau- rant some distance from his rooms, so that the plan of the two eee to be successful, if they could only find the villain out. When in sight of the lodging-house, Martha left Bolton, and went to see if the ex-lieutenant was at a neighboring restaurant, where she hoped to find him, She soon returned to the attorney with the an- nouncement that he was there, drinking with a half- dozen of Deadwood Dick's old band, who had just arrived on the evening stage. ‘“Now, come on, and the papers are ours!”? she said. ‘“T have a duplicate key of the room, filed to fit from an impression. Get your revolvers in readi- ness, and follow me.” They hurried up the street, and entered the build- ing, sap ed a pair of stairs to the second floor, It was a general lodging-house, and no one of the two or three persons encountered noticed them. Martha led the way to Cambre’s room, and for recaution knocked upon the door; end ‘here was a log from within | i CHAPTER XIV. AN_ ASTONISHING DISCOVERY—THE GIRL ROAD-AGENT. Rep-Hor Harris was left lying in one corner of the cave, and was not again molested during the day Corkus brought him a slice of venison and a cup oi water, at dark upon which to appease his appetite, which had been keenly aroused by his long tramp, Ashort while after, Dea’wood Dick No. 2 came, anc seated himself near the prisoner, as if fora talk. fe was still attired in the jetty suit of buckskin, with gloves, bat and mask to match, which made om such a clever imitation of the genuine Ned Har- Ss. “Well?” Red-Hot interrogated, angrily, manag- ing aes himself upon his elbow, “what do you wan “What?” the other replied, coolly, watching the so-styled poker-player with a strange, intense gaze —‘‘what? Well, 1 got tired of taiking to old Cor- kus, and thought I'd come and let you amuse me, Iam sometimes weary of the old wretch’s stories.” “Well, Iam sorry to say you’ve clumb the wro: tree, for amusement!” Red-Hot replied. ‘Iam no’ in much of a mood for conversation.” “‘Oh! you ain't? But I reckon you will become interested, by and by. Do you know what I have brane you here for, sir?” **No: 1am sorry to say that I hay'n’t the slightest idea, sir road-agent.”" “Well, then, I will tell you. Deadwood Dick. when you left your wife. and came here, I found our wife was about to follow: so T came also. My eart was filled with bitterness, which gradually dis- sipated into resolve. I have lately found that she is ~ : the mother of a child—yours as well as hers: and this discovery caused a definite plan of attack against you. Ned Harris, cz will find that you have one to deal with, who will fight out this duel—yes, exter- minate everything in my path that is human, to at- tain my object.” “Humph!” Red-Hot drawled, coolly. ‘‘I really do wish, if you must talk, that +R would say some: thing more interesting tome. I care nothing about your guarrel-with this notorious Deadwood Dick, nor your contemplated revenge, If you know any new points about poker or keno, I shall be pleased to hear from you.” d No, 2 evidently would have been relieved if he could have given vent to a round oath; but for some reason he withheld it. The cool indifference of this boss poker-player, was-extremely provoking, and conducive to feelings of an unpleasant nature, “Hang the poker,” he growled. ‘* What 1 want is for you to acknowledge that you are Deadwood Dick, and then I will surprise you.” - * You'll wait till your teeth decay, I’m thinkin’, before / shall vere anything of the hind!’ retorted Red-Hot. ‘Did I not tell you that Dead- wood Dick is dead?” “* Yes; but you lied.” ‘ “Did? No, I think not. Deadwood Dick ts dead: Edward Harris lives !” : “ Ah! I see,” No. 2 said, comprehendingly; “‘and you are Edward Harris?” ? “Tam!” was the reply. “Then ke 5 this attempt at deception—this Red- Hot business?” “The name was suggested by hearing a fellow call me a red-hot customer to deal with. When ILleft the Hills, I dropped the name of Deadwood Dick—buried it as we bury the dead, intending never to use it again. But I find that_to be an impossibility. 1 came here as Harris, and they recognized me, and I braved them down. ‘Then I shaved off the hair that had grown upon my face, and reappeared as Red- Hot Harris. The character, by considerable ‘cheek- ing’ and ‘brass,’ was partially successful, _T guess: BF pr the Eurekaites are convinced that Iam Red Hot — Harris!” ph pba & I knew you were Deadwood Dick— the eyes of love are harder to deceiye than those of uninterested curiosity-seekers,” oe Pia : 3” bi

Page 28

} xs Harris started, and gazed keenly at the speaker, a wrinkle disfiguring the placidity of his forehead. ‘* What do you mean?” he demanded, suspiciously. a y heaven! can it be you, Leone, in disguise?” There was a bitter little laugh of sarcasm; then the answer: i **No, not Leone; she would have more leniency on you than I shall have. Writ a moment and you shall see whom you have to expect merey from.” Saying which, No. 2 arose and glided away into the darkness of the cave, It was some ten minutes later when a slight, girlish figure reappeared and stood before the ex-road-agent; and he started vio- lently, and uttered an exclamation of astonishment: “My God! is that you, Hdith Stone?” * Yes, it is I, Ned Harris—the girl who loved and still worships you—the girl who has schemed for many long days, and now has you in her power. Dick,” and the beautiful girl-woman came closer, “you are mine now. forever, In this mountain ee must spend the rest of your days with me!’ ‘‘My Heaven! I thought you were dead—drowned in the Little Madrass, girl,’ Deadwood Dick replied, gazing at her wonderingly. “But, instead. see you before me, as foolishly and hopelessly blind as you were before.” “No, not hopelessly, Dick. You are mine, now, beyond all other claim—mine forever. I don’t sup- pose you will become reconciled to your lot for a while, but I can ‘bring you to your oats,’ as the ex- eee goes, If love and feminine persuasion won't 0 it, force will!” “Ah! you are combinin, eh?” Dick said, slowly. ‘* You seem to be consider- ably below what I’d estimated you to be. What force could you use. that you for one moment im- agine would make ‘Deadwood Dick yield—give up his aes his manhood, to lead a doubtful life wit! you?’ ‘*Tt need not be doubtful; you could take me Hast and marry me, As to the force, IT shall soon come into possession of your infant son. You shall then swear, by all you hold sacred, that you will marry me, or Corkus shall cut the brat’s throat from ear to ear, right in your presence. How like you the picture. Ned Harris?” i “T cannot say that I particularly admire it!” Dick replied, in his grim way. ‘Neither do I believe I have any cause to fear in that direction.” “Why not?” “ Because you would not have done such an infa- inous act as that. Besides, you have not got the child yet, and are not ane to get it.” “Don’t be surprised if I bave it in my possession before to-morrow this time. As to the other part, that brat shall dieif you remain obstinate. and your red-headed wife shall follow suit. Don’t imagine I ‘fear to do this, or anything else. A desperate wo- man is sometimes worse thin a desperate man. I am desperate, and determined that you shall be mine, no matter at what cost. I gave up my father, friends and a grand home and luxurious life, all for you. and do you imagine I will let anything balk my designs? No! I would kill you, even, before I would eG et you to that other girl.” Dick did not reply. He saw that she was terribly in earnest, and he wondered how he was to find ex- trication from this dilemma, which involved not only himself, but his darling Leoné, whom he now loved tenfold more than ever before. __Old Avalanche and Little Alf conducted Noisy Nell to Eureka, and set her down in front of the gene Then they stabled Prudence Cordelia, and with the eccentric goat following at their heels, wandered about town, using their eyes and ears, and instiga- ting inquiries after Leone. But they were not successful. Nothing had been seen of her, and they finally arrived at the conclu- force with infatuation, ' sion that she had not come back to town. ‘Great ham-bone thet choked old Joner,” the An- PN EE a = The Phantom Miner. ies nihilator at last grunted, when they gave up the search. ‘Ther great snow-flake’s struck a snag an’ collapsed, Ireckon. I ken’t see w’ich way ther boreal breeze kin advantageously waft now.” “Nor I,” replied Coyle. ‘But I’m pretty well satisfied the woman never cum here, or else she could be found,” $ “Great ham-bone! I s’pose you’re right; an’ yet T orfully hate ter give up ter the noshun thet she's becum crow fodder!’’ ; “Oh! no fear fer that, She’s plucky, an’ got grit enuff for sixty common gals. Eh? Avalanche?” “Wal, [ruminate she hes. But speakin’ o’ spunk an’ grit, ye jas’ orter see’d a gal yer ‘umble sarvent one’t went ter court, wi’ sum intentions ter ask her ter shoulder part o’ ther eppydemic’s harness fer lifetime. She war a Hoosier gal, an’ great scriptural ham-bone thet—” ‘Sh! steady! eae see them two fellers a-comin’ down ther gulch?” Little Alf said, pointing out from the crowd two men who were coming into the town from the direction of the Big Bonanza. ‘ D'ye see ’em? ““Yes—two rough-looking piers evident! inaerone wi’ a bag o’ sumthin’ slung behind his ack. “Karect! an’ don’t et enter yer organ o’ phre- nology, thet thar mought be sumthin’ in thet bag as would suit our fastidgeous tastes?’ was the query, and the young scout watched the approaching men narrowly. * Jaws o’ ther whale thet_masticated old Joner, e’re a sharp ‘un, boyee. Mebbe thet very same eee contains an infant prodigal or whatever you eall it. ’Twon’t do ter let them men go unobserved, that is sart’in,”” ““O’ course not. “We'll let ’em slide by, an’ then we’ll foller,’’ Coyle said. j The two men drew back behind a clump of bushes, and allowed the two miners to pass, which they did. Both were large, burly-looking fellows, evil of coun- tenance, and huge of muscle. Neither looked too good for the commission of almost any crime. “They’re genuine ‘toughs’ of the blood and butcher-knife order,”’ Coyle muttered as they tramp- ed by. as, reg’lar old cavortin’, buckin’ hyenas!” as- sented the Annihilator, with a grunt. ‘Cusses ter lick wi’ brute force, but no more’n a bundle 0’ chips ef ye git ther drop on’em, or work skientifically. Ef ‘tain’t Deadwood Dick’s offspring they've got in thar, et’s sumthin’ they’re mighty keerful uv. See what a grip thet ‘coon hes got onter ther bag.” “Yes, ther kid’s in thar, no doubt. Come, let us saunter along and see whar they go to. Sech game ain’t picked up peat? day. Keep ther goat bebind, or ther de’il will be to pay.” “Not much, I don’t,” the Annihilator replied, grimly. ‘‘Whar wafteth this boreal breeze 0’ de- struction, wafteth one or more 0’ ets pecooliar j’ints. Leave Florence Night-in-a-gale? No, siree! I’m telling you.” : “Allright; cum along then or they’ll—by thunder they’ve escaped us, now, Where are they?” While they were speaking the two ‘“‘ toughs” had mingled in with the crowd that swarmed in the gulch, and were lost from view. Cursing their own peo pat th both Coyle and Avalanche sprung forward er elbowed their way along in pursuit, but all in vain, Their pe eareful efforts failed to discover the pair of villains, or where they had gone to. Like shadows they had vanished. It was a bitter disap- pointment to our two friends, who had calculated upon an gat victory. ‘““We're dished again,” Coyle said, hopelessly. “‘We may’s well bang up the fiddle and the bow.” “Great ham-bone, no/ We'll not give up, yit. Thar’s thet Careless Cambre; the babe will doubtless be delivered inter Ais hands. It tharfore behooves Ee ter keep our optical masheenery glued onter — mm

Page 29

vn a Ee ge Pe TT Nes, The Phantom Miner. 27 They wandered about aimlessly during the day— not really aimlessly, for they were constantly look- ing for Cambre, whom Avalanche had once seen, and thought he should be able to recognize again. Little Alf was a Rood poker-player, and so they went into the Man-Trap saloon and am them- selves for a while. Noisy Nell came around to their table shortly, perhaps because she was very favor- ay impressed with the looks and apparent worth of Coyte. And his good opinion of her was not lessened by she fact that she occupied so undesirable a position within one of the worst haunts in Eureka. He saw that she was modest when modesty was called for, and brave and fearless when the case demanded; and to say the little scout admired her, would be ony. drawing it mild. e e was nota bad-looking fellow himself, twenty- five summers in this wayward world having dealt with him kindly. “‘Hev ye seen anything o’ Careless Cucumber?” Avalanche demanded, as she came up. : “No. He has not been in here since I came,” the girl replied, glancing searchingly around her. ‘* Have you found any tidings of Mrs, Harris?’ * Nary a tidy, my gal. Saw a couple o’ ‘toughs” —one kerried a bag on his back, in w'ich a baby might have been concealed—but they flung us.” “Those same men came in here and lubricated,” Nell announced, “‘and then went out again.” “The deuce they did! An’ did one tote a °’ sumtbin’ on his nigh shoulder, w’ich mought ‘a’ bin a Lee or a condensed ‘arthquake?” “Yes! “Which way’d they go?’ “Tcannot tell. I did not watch them; only no- ticed them by chance.” Avalanche and Little Alf rose to their feet simul- taneously. 4 “We may trap ‘em by visitin’ the different sa- loons,’’ Coyle said. “ Just my ijee, perzactly,” the old man assented. “For’a’d, march—you take the lead—the dirt allus goes before the broom.” “Thank you.” Alf smiled, bowing to Nellie, and leading the way toward the door, ‘A slouch some- times follows the broom, also,” They went out, and made a round of all the sa- Joons, without result, until they were issuing from the last one, when they came face to face with Car- los Cambre, CHAPTER XV. THE PAPERS—EYES MIGHTIER SOMETIMES THAN THE SWORD. Marraa Camsre and Lawyer Bolton shrunk back in alarm as a voice from within the room responded to the little woman’s.knock. A shrill halloa it was; in a woman’s voice, evidently; but it told the two counterplotters that their coast was not clear as they had anticipated. 4 “What shall we do? This is a dence of a scrape to be caught in,” the disciple of Blackstone gasped, clutching Martha by thearm. ‘Our gameis balked; let us escape.” “You can go, if you want to,” Martha replied, calmly, ‘TI ain’t quite so far gone as to back out now,” and as if to carry out her assertion, she took e little shining revolver from among the folds of her ress. ‘*Halloa! w’at the debbil you's want?’’ came again from the inside. “I cum along out dar, pu’ty soon, an’ mop de floor wid you sassy brats.” ; * Ah! that is explanation,” Martha said, in a whis- r. ‘*There is some negress inside, evidently car- ng for the room, Come on.” She glided forward and opened the door, which, as she had surmised, was unlocked. Another moment and she and Bolton were inside the room, with the door locked behind them. An old negress, with a face as black as coal, and ES * fry hair white and woolly, was engaged in sweeping the ‘room, and putting things to order. But she stopped stock-still, rooted to the floor with horror, when she beheld the intruders, and the pair of revolvers the worthy attorney and counselor-at-law held leveled toward her. “Oh! de Lordy sakes alive! Oh! goodness gra- cious!” she gasped, sinking back upon the floor, with a jar heavy enough to convey the idea that she was a small-sized earthquake. ‘' Don’t shoot, marster— don’t hurt a poor of6 woman w’at can’t help herself. I be’s innercent—‘deed I is, for shuah!” “Yes, you’re an innocent old idiot, sure ae Bolton replied. ‘‘Just you keep quiet, and we'll not hurt you. But if pee appeal for assistance, I'll make perforated card-board out 0’ you. (o on, miss, and see if you can discover the papers.” “You had better stand near the door with your back against it!’ Martha replied. ‘My villainous husband may be along at any moment, and it would be dangerous for him to discover us in this room, I will turn things topsy-turvy to find the papers.” She was as good as her word in this respect. She set to work, first, and went through the con- tents of a large old-fashioned desk then a bureau and washstand, but without satisfactory result. The carpet was then ripped up, and every con- ceivable place minutely examined, where the lost documents could ssibly have been concealed, But they were not found, much to the two counter- plotters’ dise ppointment. “T think there is a secret compartment in this old desk,” Martha said at last, pausing before the strue- ture of walnut, which was an oddity in the way of curious pigeon-holes and drawers. ‘“ But I do hot know how to find it. Is there anybody in the room below or those ad olning, old woman?’ “No, missus. Dar’s berry few in de buildin’ at this hour.” “Good. Let me out, Mr. Bolton, and I will go down and procure an ax with which to knock this old shell apart.” Bolton obeyed by unlocking the door and letting her out into the e. With an injunction to fly for safety if Cambre should put in an appearance, she hurried away on her errand. 7 Sa toe tot so > 7 P Tr: (os, She was not gone long, however. soon returning with a heavy ore bar as a substitute for the ax, which she could not find. “Now, if Carlos will only stay away for a little while, we will have a chance to learn if the papers are here,” she said. “Yes, it will take but a short time to find out,” Bolton answered. “* Atleast if we cannot find the papers, we can wait here for him to come, and force him to give them up to us.” 5 “Ah! but Lam afraid we should have our hands full, there. acteristics of the stubborn bull-dog and the cunning wory fox, would be a hard customer to force.” At his request she surrendered the bar to. him, while she took his revolver and stood guard at the door. He then attacked the old desk with a will, and soon had it lying apart in different sections, without creating any great noise. - Sure enough a secret drawer was discovered in which were a package of papers, tied in an oil-silk wrapper. There was also a quantity of money, tt , no doubt, also belonged to Cambre. This was al “ The papers! epee Bolton cried, leaping — forward and seizing them in his grasp. ‘ Victory is ours at last.” “Don’t be toosure. My father always taught me never to hope until I was su7eI had something to hope for, sir,’’ Martha said, coming forward. ‘olton tore off the wrapper and hastily glanced them over. “They are here,”he said,exultantl ones, and the copies Cambre drew i ‘om them)’ Such villains as he, combining the char-— —* the genuine

Page 30

a8 Avalanche and Alf Coyle uttered not a word as they faced Cambre in front of the saloon, but push- ed by him as if they did not recognize him—which the scout, Little Alf, did not, never having seen him before. But Cambre recognized the Annihilator by the goat; and, too, he recognized him as the same in- dividual who had once knocked him downin front of Deadwood Lick’s cell. ** Hello!" he cried, following up, and slapping the old man on the shoulder heavily. * Hold up, old rackabones, if ye don’t wanter git plugged, I recog- nize you.” “Oh! you dol” Avalanche said, turning around with a ‘‘six” in his grasp, full cocked and ready for use, “ Ye recognize ther great equatorial pestilence, do ye?—ther great distructive eppydemic o’ ther per- aries—the Norweejan snow-flake o’ boreal Annihila- tion? Wal, thet ain't nothin’ singyler, since I recky you. Guess thar’s a picture ‘rubbin’ etself ag’in’ your visage, ain’t thar, 0’ how beauchiful I laid you out, not more’n a month ago? Ham bone thet pre- pared ther obituary ov old Joner! I ’spect yer wanter see yer uncle on thet score, eh?’’ “Oh! nol” Cambre replied, smiling graciously, as he saw the Annihilator had the drop on him. “TI just chanced to recognize you, and wanted to ask youif you had seen Deadwood Dick, lately?” “Nixy; hain’t seen ther lad since the day we arriv’ in Eureka. But, ef ye wanter fight, et’s all Tight. Hayr’s what kin accommydate ye.” ‘Oh, no, thanks; my inclinations don’t run in that channel,” the ex-lieutenant. replied, turning away. “Now, then, boyee, we’ve potter keep our orbs on him!” Avalanche whispere to Coyle. ‘I bet he gits the baby afore midnight, unless we intercept it, wich we must try to do.” “Yes, the papers are all here,” Bolton repeated, ' counting them over—‘‘the marriage-certificate, the birth-certificate of Cathie’s child, and others of minor or greater imvortance.” “Tam truly grateful to God for this success,” Mar- tha said, reverently; ‘but come, Jet us hasten from this place, before my husband returns, or he will fillus. Ha! the negress has escaped—how negli- gent of me!” True enough, while Martha’s back had been turn- ed, the wench had made her escape. * Curse the black-and-tan,’”’ Bolton exclaimed, an- grily, ‘It will not do for us to try and esea ab “Very truly spoken!”’ interrupted a cool, sarcastic voice, and Carlos Cambre’s commanding form stood in the doorway, accusingly. ‘It will not do for you to try to escape with those papersin your possession. thern, and you can depart in peace,’ “Td drop you, if I had the ‘drop’ on you!” the attorney growled, At this juncture Cambre’s gaze rested for the first on Martha. He reeled back with a frightful curse, as if he had been dealt a heavy blow, as he beheld her piercing glance leveled at him, sternly. “Martha! here!” he gasped, his face growing first white, and then flushed, “Yes, Martha is here!’ the deserted wife replied scornfully; but in the second of Cambre’s surprise he had lowered his aim, and she quickly took advan- tage of this opportunity to cover him with her re- volvers—‘‘ here, but not to claim you fora husband. ¥ou are a das ly wretch, even below my con- tempt. Step aside and let us pass. No; go down ahead of us, orI’ll blow your brains out!” He growled not unlike some fierce wild beast when he us where he had failed, in aliowing them to gain a point, Ry won't 20!” he declared stubbornly. “You will!” Martha assured, triumphantly, and back came her revolver-hammers, click! click! to full-cock. ‘One, two—” watics Cambre uttered a fierce curse, and leaping along the passage to the head of the stairs, madea mighty spring. A flash from Martha's revolver followed The Phantom Miner. SS reece ennaee a him; then they ran forward and found him ying on the landing below, with his right arm broken, and a bullet-wound in his leg. But he clutched a pistol in his left hand, and there was a gleam of desperation in his eye that foreboded evil. “Halt where you are!”’ he cried, Jeveling the wea- pon, ‘tor I'll fire as long as there’s a cartridge left, if it costs my life!” ‘*Come!” Martha said, pulling Bolton back. “We will be tempting death in trying to passhim, We can better escape from a window.” They hurried back into Cambre’s room, locked the door behind them, and found that the one window, over whose surface cobwebs had been allowed to collect, was neither shuttered nor barred. Thesash was easily taken out; and several bed-quilts twisted and knotted together, furnished a mode of escape to the ground, so that in a few minutes the two were on the soil below, and hurrying away through the night’s gloom. ‘ “Now to the Flag of Truce to_ apprise Cathie of our good luck,” Bolton said, as they hurried along, * It will be cheer to the poor woman.” “Well, I hope so,”’ Martha replied. ‘TI must re- turn to the Man-Trap to resume my duties there, If you should bein need of my fucther services, do not hesitate to call upon me.” xe Cortely not,” he replied, They walked along until in front of the Flag of Truce, and there separated, It was a painful subject to think upon for Dead: wood Dick—this puzzle of how. he was going to es- cape from the cave, and prevent the terrible trage- dy Edith Stone had outlined. He was helpless in his bonds, which were of thong# of buckskin, and from which he saw no way of ex- tricating himself. All his weapons lad been ta’-en from him, and he was whol the power of this desperate young woman—this girl whose love for him had utterly made her mad on the subject; for from the bottom of his heart Dick believed she was insane. Hecould not think otherwise, when he re- 3 membered her as the gentle, winning girl he had most unfortunately become acquainted with in the Black Hills. Then, no one would have suspected that the temper of a fury was possible to her, she seemed so sweetly innocent and confiding; now how. she was changed! Rough and Dass anre with a tendency to evil, she must be insane; indeed, it would be rather a consoling reflection that she was, Dick thought, rather than that she was in the full possession of her faculties. But he was aware that in either case she would do as ane had promised—she was desperately in ear- nest, He lay a long while after she left him, turning the subject over in his mind. The darkness in the cave was intense, the little fire on the oppose sideilluminating a radius of only a few feet. He could'see nothing of Edith or her tool, the man Corkus, and concluded that they had turned in for the night. ‘“Now would be my time to escape, if prcian the. : prpenes muttered, rolling off his bed of’skins to the hard, rocky floor, ‘Ah! that I were only out of this! There és a land in this great wide West where J I could settle down in quiet, without much fear of _ being molested on account of the bitter past. With my boy, I could weary through a life that thus far has presented a hundred-fold more of bitterness than pleasure Leone? Ah! why dothoughts of her constantly arise before my eyes—why do they haunt me? Have I not parted with her forever? After be- ing cast off as I cast her, very, very few_women would come back, even if I begged on bended knee.” Yet he realized that he did not fully know Leone, He had learned some new characteristic of her each of the happy days that had followed their marriage, and yet knew comparatively little of her—only knew that she was hae of Bh eee one fair dhe knew vision at whoso shrine he worshiped, : oo aa ‘

Page 31

The Phantom Mines, Ce now that he must escape to protect her life, and that of their babe—must was the word that best fitted the oceasion. Failure meant death to her,and the same to the prvenee of his fyture happiness, He had resolved, now, to go back to her, and ask forgiveness, and if she ‘still loved him—if even only a tenth part as much as he did her, she would grant the boon, for the sake of their baby boy. Edith glided suddenly upon him, in the midst of his thoughts, like some haunting shadow. “Oh! Dick!’ she cried, kneeling beside him, and throwing her arms about his neck, with a passionate outburst of tears—I love you so, oh! do please take me to your heart, and let us fly from here, to some spot where we can live as man and wife, in the fullness of our love. For the love of God, do not again put me off, for I do not want to commit this awful crime I have threatened.” ‘Nor need you,” he replied. ‘‘I do not love you, and life with you would be a torture.” * Ah! you love the other!” she cried, with almost tigerish ferocity, a terrible gleam reddening her eyes. “ Yes, I love the other,” he replied, firmly, ‘tand always shall.” ms tem “hen she shall die, and the brat, too.” “But their death will not make you any the bet- ter off,” hereasoned. ‘‘Ieannot marry you, in either case.’ “What! would he see them murdered beforo your eyes, rather than give up your future to me?’ “Yes, ratherthan become a bigamist, and promise devotion to a mad-woman!” “A what?” she gasped, shrinking away from him, « A mad-woman—a maniac, for ae are no less, Were you in your right mind, ith, you would never think of such a crime.” ‘Mad! mad!”’ she repeated, staggering to her feet, and pressing her hand to her forehead, as if it ached —‘* yes, eho i I am mad—mad in Jove; but sane enough that no other woman shall ever possess you, my Prince. I will look to that with a perseverance that will some time astonish you.” ¥ Tt will be useless. Your life will be only spent in vain. “So it shall be then. You will know no peace— »that may in a measure appease my hunger for your love. I will haunt you day and night, like some ter- rible phantom. But, bah! why this parley? I can still win you by love, without resorting to harsher measures. See! Iam going to free your limbs un- til morning, that you may rest better. Do not try to escape, however, for Corkus stands yonder in the mouth of the cave with an Evans repeating rifle, and can put twenty bullets into you in Jess time than it takes to count them. So adieu, With a long bowie she cut the bonds about his feet, leaving his hands still confined. “Thank you,” he said. “Acts of kindness and confidence often produce great results.” “Bah!” she retorted with a sarcastic laugh. “Don't think me a fool, or that you can deceive me. Maybe, by some of the infernal power you are said to possess, you ean succeed in outwitting me. ButI will follow you to the very ends of the earth. A very tigress you will find me, if you try to play any gemesonme, Remember!’ Then she turned and'swept away with the imperi- ousness of a queen, Deadwood Dick lay still for several hours after her departure, well-knowing it would be useless to seta to escape, until Corkus zrew sleepy, and relaxed his vigil. But he worked silently at the bonds which confined his wrists, If he could but free his wrists, he had no fears but that he could escape, s “Tho suis of mail I wear beneath my clothing makes me bullet proof, unless the cuss should ha. pen to aim at my visage, when I cannot say as to its qualities against resisting lead, though I’ve been called *hard-cheeked’ and ‘brassy!’ he muttered, arrim smile playing over his features. Diligently he ‘worked away, first soaking the thongs in a Httle pool of water which ran at his feet, and then endeavoring to stretch them, It was ? slow process, but eventually successful, for in couple of howrs he rejoiced in the freedom of both hands, “Now, I itis a safe time to make an ebae to quit this place,”’ he muttered, tightening his belt, ~ and peering around into the gloom to see if his But apparently they had not. The intense black- ness that reigned supreme within the cave had pre- vented his being seen, The fire had died out. and the only light was afaint leaden glow in the diree- oe : rked the cave’s entrance. “fT wonder if the villainous rd is asleep?’’ Dick queried, hesitating before ing. ‘I hope it don’t come to a tussle, lest he should crush me in a hug, for he is as stout as a cinnamon bear. _{f I can only enchain his gaze for a moment, I am almost certain that I can mesmerize him.”’ He stepped cautiously toward the entrance, his ‘footfalls softer than those of acat, His fists were ~ doubled on the defensive, in the absence of other weapons; every herve was strung, every muscle drawn hard; his whole mind devoted to the work before him. Closer and closer he moved, until he caught sight of the shadowy outline of the sentinel, standing sta: tionary in the entrance, grim and silent as some rock-carved statue. His head was turned the other way, but Dick cared not for this, He stopped in his tracks and threw the whole force of his mind into his gaze, which he directed at the guard, And not long had he to wait for the effect, Soon the man shuddered, and turned around, his bloodshot eyes coming instantly in contact with the gleaming orbs of Deadwood Dick, His gaze became xed, tion which It was no use for him to resist. He could not break the spell that came over him, from the pecu- liar influence of the road-agent’s all-powerful gaze. Like a statue he was rooted to the spot, immovable, of his own will, and powerless to speak “Va! hal’ Dick laughed, in a another victory. Now, the next act on the schedule is to get out of this, find Leone and my boy, and then forever quit this place. I know of one spot in low voice, “this is” : ; this great, fair earth, where even the hounds of the’ # law scent teh a there I will go with mine own wife and chil 2 CHAPTER XVI. PRIZE UPON PRIZE, Onp AVALANCHE and Little Alf were not far awa; and begin life anew!” atthe time when Bolton and Martha left the vig rg lodging-house. They had seen Cambre enter, an were crouching in the bushes, not far away, waiting for the men to come with the babe, as they calen- jated they eventually would. “Great ham-bone thet deceived old Joner!” the — Annihilator exclaimed, as first they heard the pistol- shot, and later saw the man and woman descend the bed-quilt ladder to the Found and hurry ee “Old Moses thet perambulated through the bull-— rushes! Reckon thar's bin a tussle in thet aire dor- ee mitory, an’ Careless Cucumber hes got his crop full. Thet ain’t enny 0’ our hash, tho’. Ther percise in» derviduals we're wantin’, at present time, aire ee two galoots, oue o’ whom hes got a bag slung over along afore a great while.” “Likely,” assented Coyle, sees end of a piece of plug tobacco reflect: argue that we had better git inside o’ thet barn or away at the vely. “But I dormivory, as ye call it, fer it'll be easier nabbin’ our larkies thar than out hayrinther gulch, whar there’s _ chance fer bullets ter skip arround so free.” Accordingly they crossed the the big Jodeine-honse, which was dark and gloomy. On the first landing they found Carlos Cambre lying, groaning and cursing alternately over his inas ee . t & a a 5 #3; ulch, and entered — “: Ser, his shoulder. Shouldn’t be surprised ef they'd be —

Page 32

30 ; The Phantom Miner. Silify fo move, on account of the painfulness of his wounded leg and broken arm. “Hello! heer’s a sojer dying on ther deserted bat- tle-rround,”’ the Annihilator cried, bending over the _villsin, ‘By ther reat allegorical ham-bone, it’s Careless Cucumber, sure’s there’s condoocement ter - yeason in ther argumentive end uv a mule. / tell ye, et takes old Prudence Cordelia ter persuade a feller thet she’s tickleish in her hind hoofs. Lord! she’s scattered more gory brains over ther peraries 0’ thes pecooliar lattytude than all ther extinct Injun-fight- ers uv ther age. Many’s the time she’s slung a | pene off a-reachin’ out wi’ them hindmost tenpins o’ ern.’ “ello! what are you doin’ here, pilgrim?” little Alf demanded of Cambre. ‘Seem ter be kinder out v/ tune, Jedgin’ frum yer music.” - “T've been blown full of holes by a pair of knaves —a man and a woman!” the ex-road-agent replied, with a fresh torrent of blasphemy. ‘ They’re up- stairs, somewhere, now. I'll give you a thousand dollars, if you will go and capture them, an? set me back the papers they have stolen.” “Oh, will ye? Sorry ter say yer pigeons hev fled, my gallus coon—eseaped by aid 0’ a bed-quilt lad- der, an’ flown away,” the old man said, ‘* Would ve like us ter assist ye ter yer palatial domi- cile?” * Yes, help me somewhere to a bed, and send for a doctor,” Cambre groaned. “I've more’n forty chunks 0° lead in my carcass.” “Pooh! subtract thirty-nine frum ther sum given, an’ ye hey ther right figzers, ter a dot. Never know’d a rascal yet thet could tell ther truth. Thet, LM tier way, war a great trait in the Hogg family. ar wasn’t a Hogg in ther hull collection 0’ Hoggs thet ked tell a falsehood ef they were ter try, ’ca’se ye see, old Jerry Hogg, ther originator uv the? ju- venile Hoggs, war a Methodist preacher, an’ we aon up ter regard ther truth as a thing more sacred an terbaccer or tarant’ler juice.” “Do you mean to say that I lie?” Cambre demand- ed, in a well assumed Se. “Oh! no, my dear reless;.I nevyer yit war guilty o’ callin’ a feller a liar. But, I sw’ar, you look Strangely like this great destructive eppydemie, when he pulls ther long bow!” “T’'d shoot you, if—” “You had the drop, w’ich you ain’t!’’ was the grim response. ‘Alf, take ih oe sarpint’s fangs, an’ we'll garry him up-stairs, before them galoots cum wi’ ther babby!” “Puries; what do you know about it?” the ex- Heutenant demanded. ‘All about it, geelorious Cucumber—thet ye’re ex- pectin’ ther consignment into your grub-hooks uv one male infant prodigy, by a couple o’ as ornery dasted galoots as evyer absorbed ther moisture from _ Vitginia barley. But fate ordained thet our desires she'd ruminate after thet same kid! wharfore we embraced the prisent opportunity to wisit you, an’ take persession uv it, accordin’ ter law.” Little Alf deprived the villain of his weapons, and _ then they carried him up to the room Bolton and igi had recently ransacked, and laid him upon a © bed. Avalanche, then, with a skill that years of frontier life had perfected, set the broken arm, and dressed the wounded leg _ Thisrelieved the unlucky plotter of some of his pain; buthis rage was more intense than ‘the pain ~~ when Avalanche securely gagged him, so that be _ could not utter a word. - This done, the two men seated themselves to await the coming of the two kidnappers. __ And, fortune favoring them, they had not long to ‘wait. Heavy footsteps were soon heard ascending the stairs, and presently two burly miners—the same the two scouts had seen before—entered the roo: _ elosing the door behind them. The next momen they were ‘‘covered ” by the revolvers of Avalanche his companion, be ee | “Move an inch, without orders, and you’re both dead corpuses!’’ Little Alf exclaimed, sternly, “Great salubrious ham-bone frum which old Joner manyfactered broth, yes!’ put in Avalanche. ‘ Hf er don’t want ter expeeryence the eternal electric Joke, Jes’ becum stationary, or I'll demolish ye sure’s this great devastatin’ eopsdemie luvs fun. Tl forever transfix ye wi’ glory, eattytudes, an’ sich scriptural punishments!” The two ruffians stood stock-still, glaring around them in astonishment, Such a trap they had not expected to fall into. “Oh! we've got you!” Coyle joined in, triumph. antly, ‘without a doubt, so just hand over yer wear pons, and done with it.” “Fork ’em over,”’ added Avalanche. Seeing that they were in the power of the twe scou's, the r 1ffians obeyed the command, by deziver ing up a pai’ of revolvers and a krdfe, apiece, “* Now, then, be kind ernuff ter open thet ba. , ana gently remove the baby,” ordered the Annih ator, coolly. “No roughness, now, or I'll salivate ye ~7i lead fizzic fer all ye’re worth.” With an angry growl the larger of the two mon slung the bag from his shoulder, and deposited it up- on the floor, Then he untied it, and took therefrom a little bundle of humanity, Spparentiy fast asleep, with & bandage tied over its little mouth, to prevent its screams. It was Deadwood Dick, Jr., sure enough, and Ava- lanche received it into his arms with a grin of de- light. Coyle assisted him to remove the bandage, but as the eperation did not awaken the little thing, they came to the conclusion that it had been drugged. But its respirations evinced the fact that it was rapidly wearing off the effects of the po- tion, The two ruffians were now bound hand and foot, after which our two friends quitted the lodging- house, Avalanche having restored the babe to the bag, and slung it over his shoulder, to prevent at- tracting the attention of anyone they might meet. “Now, we'll go back to Bonanza Basin, wi’ our prize!’ he said. “Ill go on ahead, while you _ Noisy Nell on ther back o’ my mare rae ence. “Why Noisy Nell?” Coyle asked. ‘Why? Great ham-bone! won’t she hev ter be ther mither o’ this youngster till we kin find its gin- wine mother? Wish ter gracious my Florence Night- in-a-gale war uy ther tender sex, so we ked derive sum lacteal benefit out o’ him fer thes little cuss, As et is, ye’ll hev ter fetch along a bottle o’ milk, I *spect, onless et ken chaw venison.” “Dye think et can?” 3 “Dunno. My experience wi’ ther babylenians ain’t werrey much. Better ask ther gal w’at babies eat; she’d be apt ter kno’ sumthin’ about it.” \ ““Who? Miss Brandon?* “*Yas—women-folks ginerally take more ter in- funts than men; they orter know.”’ - After a few more words Avalanche tramped away up the lonely gulch, while Alf turned back on his errand, He first got Prudence Cordelia from the stable, and then went to the Man-Trap ofter Nellie, whom he foud at her old post, and who was ap- parently very glad to see him. They soon were out of the little town of Eureka, for Nellie had consented to go and care for Leone’s babBy until Leone herself could be found. On their arrival af Bonanza mine. they found that Avalanche had already got there ahead of them; and to their surprise, found Leone there also, with her babe in her arms. She told her story to all, as they gathered about the camp-fire.. She had pursued the two ruffians who stole Master Dick until they had puzzled and lost her in the intri- cacies of the mountain. Then it had taken hermany long, weary hours to pick her way back to the mine, where she*°* at last arrived, only a few hours prew ¥ Sere

Page 33

gious to the arrival of Avalanche with the Alf and Nellie. That was a happy night in Bonanza mine—happy to Leone, in particular, because of something that promised her future happiness—the arrival of one, at the darkest hour before day-dawn, who of all men they least expected to see—the Prince of the Road ot is ose bygone days in the Black Hills—Deadwood ck! He came stalking unexpectedly into pau: his form erect and face calm; he stopped in the playing firelight, and 5 around him, his eyes resting upon Leone and her babe, The little woman had grown deathly pale at first, but she threw off the faintness that had attacked her by a mighty effort, and rose to, her feet, trem- oling violently, an ae look inher eyes. Nellie had taken Master Dick, and the husband: and wife stood once more face to face. : **Teone!’’ Deadwood Dick said, opening his arms, “T have come.” She gave a low, glad cry of joy, and springing into his embrace, burst into tears, But they were tears of ecstatic joy; how shall we ever attempt to de- scribe the ch dei and love that then filled those two reunited hearts? Tenderly Deadwood Dick caressed her; it seemed now that life once more had a future; that he could ever be supremely happy in the love of this glorious little creature whose undying affection had so well stood the test. He had never known the depth of his own love until the hour of this gladsome reunion; he realized how he had wronged, and pained her; and now with her clasped close to his fast-beating heart, he swore asilent vow that in the future b; kindness and strong true love he would atone for all their mutual unhappiness in the past. Leone was happy, Dick was happy, and so were all about the camp-fire, when they saw ,the young ex-outlaw and his true loving wife reunited, ter the first rapturous greetings were over, due explanations were made all around, Deadwood Dick coming in last on thelist. y : _“ And what hev ye bin doin’ wi’ yerself. since the Fee TJeft ye, on our arrivalin Eureka?” Avalanche asked of the Prince.” “Well, I will tell you. I fled from the town, after laying out the sheriff, and hid fora couple of ueys in the mountains which flank one side of this gulch. The first day I spent thus I made a discovery--dis- covered the man, Red Brand, robed in ghostly robes and parading upon a rocky plateau. The hour was just at dusk, and having heard, previous to our com- ng to Eureka, of the Phantom Miner, I put this and that together, and came to the conclusion that Red Brand and the Phantom Miner wereone, Of course I grew interested, and from my hiding-place I watch- ed. “By and by two burly men dragged the toggery of a large balloon out upon the plateau, and over a natural gas geyser close at hand, inflated the con- cern, which was of goodly size, and attached to it a car capable of holding four or five persons. Wher all was in readiness, the two men let go the grapnel, and sprung into the car, and rose slowly upward. Then I saw the secret of the whole business, plain “enough. 4 “ A rope was attached to the car upon a windlass, and also to Red Brand, around his body, in under his feet and arms, so that when the full length, of about a thousand feet, had spun from the reel, he was raised upward and borne through the air. In the night his means of flight through the air is a mys- tery, unless the observer has an eye keen enough to enetrate far toward the heaven, where, in what is nown as the semi-connter-current—meaning four eurrents blowing toa, center—the balloon is drifting. ‘The balloon rises or lowers _ at will, by use of a lever escape-valve, and ballast; if allowed to rise above the concentrating current, it moves north toward the place of starting; if lowered below the said cur- #6n6, ib goes sou’westward toward the prairies. In j_ * 5 The Phantom Miner. think this successfully explains what has been # mystery to the ites of Eureka.” ‘‘ and this Red Brand is the Phantom?” “ Was, until adopted his role. We accidentally mes. one day later, and he told me of my knowledge 0; his secret, though the Lord only knows how hs found itout. He,declared his hate for me, and oro- posed thau we fight it out.” f , “Tf I won, 1 was to Phatnomize it in his si~ra. Well, we dueled, and Lavon !” A piercing scream came from Noisy Nell. ‘* And was he killed?’ she ga: H “Yes, young lady, I know—he was your father and I have in trust for you a thousand dollar in gold, which he had secretly mined from the basic.” “And you, then, are the ghost thet robbed us!” Avalanche said, “Yes, by the mesmeric power which I possess, ¥ mesmerized you in the tunnel, and later robbed the camp. It was to try the experiment. You may have observed what seemed to be a finger of my hand, the end of which glowed like a human eye. It was sim- ply an ingeniously-contrived bull’s-eye-lantern, one side appearing like an eye, and the opposite, by means of a small but powerful reflector, casting around my person a phosphorescent halo,” Then Dick made further explanations, mentioning that the skeleton shape and rattles were all inge- nious contrivanees of Red Brand’s originality; also all concerning Red-Hot Harris and Deadwood Dick No, 2, which caused a great deal of surprise, This is all known to the reader. He also explained the secret of his invulnerabilit7 by exhibiting a suit of mail worn beneath his garb, which he had found on the body of Red Brand. A week was spent in Bonanza Basin, quietly, no intrusion from the Eurekaites making it necessary for Dick to fly, Happy was he with his wife and child, and a prime favorite in camp. During the week old Fordyce Graylford died, and by Bolton’s arrangement, Dick and his new-found mother, Cathie, were present. ‘The old man relent- — ed in the last hours, and asked the forgiveness of his wronged ones, and made over all his BrOD eee at Dick’s request, to Cathie, Dick did not wish any of it. Though the story of how Cathie had left him with the Harrises in infancy, and the proofs, seeme all genuine, he could not quite make it seem that. she was his mother, and he avowed it his intention — to still retain the name of Harris. * ee ae At the expiration of the week he made a sele of — Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza to Little Alf and Keng nauts, one morning he sailed away over the silver Jand of Idaho, in his balloon, the ‘ Leone,” for a land of the West, where he hoped to bury himself forever, and the bitter rae Later, Keno married Martha Cambre, the little fe- ei ae Se ee ee as babe, and | the daytime the Phantom is not seen abroad, aud z ; Bill; then, with his wife and child, and the two aero. 4 male detective, who had obtained a Jegal divorce — from her rascally husband, and at the same time Nellie Brandon took the name of Coyle. Cathie Graylford, also, after a period of mourning, took — Bolton, the attorney, for a permanent legal director, Cambre suddenly Cisappeared from Eureka, and — with him went a fit associate, bullying Cal Buckskin while Roxly returned to Deadwood, disheartened over the unfruitfulness of his mission, so nearly re sulting in his death, With Deadwood Dick went that ‘‘devastatin’ ep: demic,” Old Avalanche, and his goat. Prudence — was left behind, for want of room in the oon, They are supremely happy, Dick and Leone, but f occasionally there rises before the vision of the ex- outlaw, like a haunting of the future, the malignant ) face and aeiacne Hoos eed eyes of the Ritter of all his foes, Zdt une! : Nor is this the end of Deadwood Dick's career, we — have. sey written to a happy conclusion of tip Pranvom ote THB END, ee

Page 34

SE? Wo. 12. ypARD RECAP, sere ath eee BEST AUTHORS. A CHOICE COLLECTION OF Beautiful Compositions Carefully Compiled for 7 SCHOOL, LYCEUM, PARLOR, _|| AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENTS, —e BY es FRANCES P. SULLIVAN, issued Quarterly, June, 1886. : Subscription, 50 Cents per Year. M. J. IVERS & CO,, PUBLISHERS, |9S se NASSAU STREET, Ny. se, | * > Entered at the Post Office, Y. N., as second class matter. << es

Page 35

Swart Toasts FOR THE SMART DBT. Vest Pocket Size. 64 Pages. Sewed Book. By Mail, Postpaid, 2c. per Copy. BEST LINE OF HAND BOOKS. PUBLISHED. Up-to-Date. “YIDDISH * YARNS.—A Collection of Hebrew Jokes, Stories, ete. GENTS’ LETTER WRITER.—A Perfect Guide to all kinds of Correspondence. ~ FAMILY PHYSICIAN.—Family Diseases and Their Treatment; Rules of Health, ete. BOOK OF DREAMS —Their Romance and Mystery, with a Complete Interpretation Dictionary. HOUSEWIFE’S MANUAL.—How to Keep House; How to Dye, Cleanse, ete. VAUDEVILLE JOKER.—Best Jokes by Eminent Vau- deville Artists. BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—Society, Visits, Introduc- tions, Dress, Balls, ete. FORTUNE TELLER.—Fortune Telling by Cards, Tea or Coffee Grounds, Eggs; Palmistry, ete. BOOK OF 100 GAMES.—One Hundred Games for Social Parties and Home Amusements. COOK BOOK.—Economical, Practical, Excellent. LADIES’ LETTER WRITER.—How to Write; When to Write; What to Write. RECIPE BOOK.—For the Parlor, Nursery, Sick-room, Toilet, Kitchen, Larder, ete. BOOK OF BEAUTY.—Beauty of Form, Color, Head, Hair. Complexiou, Skin, ete,, with chapters on Perfumes, Cosmetics, ete. BOOK OF VERSES.—Comprising Rhymes, Lines, and * Mottoes for Lovers and Friends. THE LOVERS’ CASKET.—A Treatise on and Guide to Friendship, Love, Courtship, and Marriage. “GERMAN” JOKER.—“ Dutch” Jokes and “Gags” by best ‘ Dutch * Teams on the Stage. “ HAYSEED” JOKER.—The Doings of “Our Country Cousins * in a Humorous Way. “TRAMP” JOKER.—Good ‘‘ Handouts” in this Book for Professional and Amateur Entertainers. “GOON ” YARNS, —Best Jokes Relating to Our “ Dark- er-Skinned Brothers.” “TRISH” Joker No. 1.—The Wittiness and Whimsicali- ties of “* Pat” at His Best. E “ VARIETY ” JOKER.—Good Things from all the Na- tionalities: ‘* Pat,”’ ‘‘Alphonse,” ‘““ Haus,” ** Jona- than,” ** Moses,” and * Ebenezer.”” The above books are bound in handsomely illustrated lithographed covers. Price by mail, postpaid, 12 cents per copy. M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, 379 Pearl Street, New York City. ' BEADLE’S BOYS’ LIBRARY. PRICE 1 Dandy Bill's Doom. By Oll Coomes. 8 Kit Carson. By A. W. Aiken. 4 Willie, the Reckless Rider. By Stoddard. 5 Old Grizzly in the Rockies. By Ingraham. 6 Deadwood Dick asa Boy. By E. L. Wheeler, 7 Wild Bill. By Ingraham. 8 The Prairie Ranch. By J. E. Badger. 9 Roving Joe. By A. H. Post. 10 Texas Jack. By Ingraham. 11 Charley Skylark, the Sport. A B. Stoddard. 12 Brimstone Bill’s Booty. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 18 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 14 The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick. By J. E. Badger, Jr. <5 Wide-Awake George. By BE. Willett. 16 Wide-Awake Ned. By B. Ringgold. 17 Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn, By Noah Nuff. 18 Adrift on the Prairie. By Oll Coomes. 19 Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post. | ~ 20 Giant Pete and his Pards. By Harbaugh. 21 Yellow Hair. By Ingraham. 22 The Snow-Trail. By Harbaugh. 283 Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr. Powell. 24 Woods and Waters. By Whittaker. * 25 A Rolling Stone. By W, R, Eyster. 26 Red River Rovers. By C. D. Clark. 27 Buckskin Sam's Wild Ride. By Ingraham. 28 The Sword Prince. By F. Whittaker. 26 Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. 30 Pavl De Lacy. By C. D. Clark. 31 Round the Camp-Fire. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 32 Fancy Frank’s Drop. be Ingraham. 38 The Boy Crusader, By Capt. F, Whittaker. 56 CENTS PER COPY. © 84 The Chase of the Great White Stag. By C. D. Clark. 35 Old Tar Knuckle. By Rover Starbuck, 36 'The Dashing Dragoon. By F. Whittaker. 37 Night-Hawk George. By Ingraham, 38 The Boy Exiles of Siberia. By T. C. Harbaugh. 39 The Young Bear Hunters. By Morris Redwing, 40 New York Bill, the Dodger. By Edward Willett 41 The Settler's Son. By Edward §. Ellis, 42 Walt Ferguson's Cruise. By C. D. Clark, 43 Rifle and Revolver. By F. Whittaker. 44 The Lost Boy Whalers. By 'T. C. Harbaugt 45 Bronco Billy. By Ingraham. 46 Dick, the Stowaway. By Charles Morris. 47 The Colorado Boys. By J. BE. Badger, Jr. 48 The Pampas Hunters, By 'T. C. Harbaugh, 49 Nebraska Charlie. By Ingraham. 50 Jack, Harry, and Tom. By F. Whittaker. 51 ‘fom Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C. D. Clark, 52 The Boy Deteetives. By T. C. Harbaugh. 53 Harry, the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles Morris. ‘ 54 California Joe. By Ingraham. 55 Tip Tressel, the Flatboat Boy. By Edward Willett, 56 The Snow Hunters. By Harry De Forrest. 57 Harry Somers, the Magician. Ky 8. W. Pearce. 58 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost. By Ingraham. 59 Tim, the Mule Boy of the Mines, By Charles Morris, - 60 The Young Trail Hunters. By I’. C. Harbaugh. 61 The Tiger Hunters. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 62 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. By Ingraham. 63 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker, By Roger Starbuck. , 64 Young Dick Talbot, By A. W. Aiken.

Page 36

PVVSSVVSVSSESSVOVUS Deadwood Dick Library @ LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS. 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents. Buy One and You Wiii Buy the Rest? ¥xtracts from the New York Evening Sun. TWO REMARKABLE T™ only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a movel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera- ture has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps more than one reader will have to think a moment over this remark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit atrikes home, But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement shat will be news to many when it is added that litera- dure, if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam vas a mere child down to the present day, would show ut few heroes that tn the eyes of boyhood would be even judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest laeroes known to American literature, or, to promptly re- veal them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr. * * * The medern heroes of fiction for young America, who are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and of whom the Deadwood Dicks are much the most important * * * jt is but natural that their * * * should bear way the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left far behind in the race, It can be easily believed, therefore, that the two Dicks re 80 firmly ¢ grafted on the tree of popular literature for boys and 3 ung men, that thele position is assured * * and thac they stand to-day head and shoulders HEROES. above all rivals in the eyes of the public for which thep have lived, and for which one of them has died. American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor tm the land, now knows Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good beal bet- ter than it kaows its catechism, and millions of young minds absorb the thrilling incidents of his career in his everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending solving of impenetrable mysteries. Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when the victims are thoroughly undone, the millions walt hungrily for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appears with the certainty of the Wednesday itself, and a new set He BOT Aa thrills go thrilllng away from Maine to Call. ornia, There are the volumes each so crowded with thrills and heart-tugs that 1t were madness to hope to do justice to them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be- tween them, To abandon the idea of giving a few extracts causes In- finite pain, but if once a start were made in that direc: tion, it would be cruel to The Evening Sun's readers to stop, and it is therefore better not to relate one single adventure. Suffice it to say that the stories are clean an@ well written, DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road % The Doyle Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflance & The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 3 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 4 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 % Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 9 Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger +8 | od Pinas; Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to eat, 4% Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood ar %8 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team i4 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter % Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 uroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo wv kine Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the ulc. 38 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 4® Pkotograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance Watch-Hye, the Shadow n oe aoa Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double ross 9 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 8 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty % Deadwood Dick as Detective ® Gilt-ldge Dick 88 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve W Chip, the Girl Sport 3 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 3 Deadwood Dick's Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon . Gulch & Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob's Boss Job 84 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 35 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, ‘"he Picked Pavey 386 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierrag 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick's Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 48 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues 44 Boece Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claina 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect- ives 51 more Sars Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anc 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 58 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll's Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco: 63 T poets Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sacsa ras Cit 64 pig ce arlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Ontéle ings - M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 279 Pearl Street. NEW YORK.

Page 37

sopyright 1878-1884, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 189, j wy THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO, T No. ‘ Cleveland, Ohio \ ol. I Ea. L. Whee AUTHOR OF Ter, py DEADWOOD DICK’S ESCAPE.

Page 38

Page 39

Sevyright 1878-1884, hy Beadle & Adams. Mntered at Post Ofiée, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. r. 15, 1899.) ok ase “DEADWOOD

Page 40

Deadwood Dick e Library @ DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road % The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol _ § 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 Ruffian 10 Omaha on, Cr Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick n Dan 11 sin Budo Jr.,the Boy Phenix; or, Through to ea 12 pea Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood 13 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 17 sigh mS Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Ich 18 lay “the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob's Reappearance 20 Watch- -Kye, the Shadow 21 Pree oce Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double 22 @anada | Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 23 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-ldged Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker ; or, The Secret Twelve 27 Chip, the Girl Sport : ack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 29° Pees Bob, the King of Bootblacks 40 Deadwood Dick's Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s _ 81 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 82 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 82 Pages. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest! — For Sample Cover See @thes Bide. 83 Tony Hom, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob's Boss Joo 84 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick's Bi 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadw ood; or, The Pic 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective : 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of nee 38 Wild Frank, the. pacrans Bravo Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Re 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; ‘or, The Black Hills Jeze' 42 The Arab Detective; or, 'Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogu 44 ape Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator’: 45 The Fr nonter Detective; or, Sierra Sam's Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jac« in Slt 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Clai 48 Dick Drew, the "Miner's Son; or, Apollo ill, i Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 at Sam's Double; or, The Three Female De 51 sierra Sago Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rout Ane . 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise ; 53 Denver Doll’s Device; or, ‘The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll's Partner; or, Big Ruckskin the Spor 66 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 aati eae Detective; or, The Messenger Boy 59 nena eri Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the S 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Mine: 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco: 68 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of S: fras City 64 Golarads Charlie's Detective Dush; or, The G Kings