Deadwood Dick Library (v. 1) (1899 05 31)
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Yovyright 1878-188, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar, 15, 1899 3 M.J.IVERS & CO., P ishers, aa , = Issued Weekly, | Me J TVERS & CO. Lablishers, — p,ice 5 Cents. f 7 0 . dul (James Sullivan, Proprietor eo 0! . ‘ May 31, 1899. 379 Pearl Street, New Y $2.50 a sear, » . BY EDWARD L. WHEBUER. Be i fn er bed é i{ \ —4 ‘HOLD! *'TAND, YOU RUF#SIANLY. CREW, OR, I'LL MAKE BUZZARD FOOD OF youi'
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443 448 453 459 465 471 476 481 491 496 500 508 515 522 529 5384 539 544 549 554 561 567 572 578 584 590 595 600 606 612 618 624 630 636 642 648 ers, EDWARD L. DEADWOOD DICK, JR., NOVELS IN THE HALF-DIME LIBRARY. Price 5 Cents per Copy. * 16 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. — Deadwood Dick, Jr.; or, The Crimson Crescent Sign. Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Defiance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round. Up. Deadwood Dick, Jrs, Racket at Claim 10, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dog Detective. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Compact. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protege. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocq. Deadwood Dick, Jr , on His Mettle. : Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago, Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney, Island. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smug- lers. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. Déadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durango. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dazzle. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dollars. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at San Francisco. For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5¢. per copy, by the pu M. J. IVERS & CO., 379 PEARL STREET, New York Crry. 4 WHEELER'S 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. — %64 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand. z 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection. 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days. 787 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Defied. s 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Devie 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. 822 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 Gule 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Hole H 863 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Bombshell. 870 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Mexico. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decoy Duck. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Silver Pocke' 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-Decke 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Dollarville. 934 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Flush Flats. 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Shake-Up. 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double 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.
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CRE TO OO * LT at . Ae 3 SAS, — . M. J. [VERS & CO., Publishers A o No. ] Ai mee ger a (James Sullivan, Proprietor,) : Price 5 Cents, Vol. I, e, ay 81, 1000, 379 Pearl Street, New York. $2.50 a Year. : ——— i DEADWOOD DICK’S EAGLES; °* ercon san | BY EDWARD L. WHEELER.
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Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; The Pards of Flood Bar. BY EDWARD L, WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “ DEADWOOD DICK,’’ ‘‘ DOUBLE DAGGERS,” “BUFFALO BEN,” ETC., ETO. CHAPTER I, FLOOD BAR, Tur spring rainy season had set in in the Black Hills country—that dull, monotonous period which every miner dreads next to an attack from the In- dian marauders, for there is no working with com- fort in the chil), drenching rains that are peculiar to that wild, rcugh country of gold. Miners’ faces grow clouded upon the clouding of the sky, and if you are in search of long faces, and he prance ” who are beset with the bluest order of “blues,” look down into camp on one of those monotonously dull, wet days, and you will certainly be “ Eurekaized,” for you have found more than the acme of your expectations. $ Outside is the gray, sodden sky, from which the rain falls with an ease and steadiness which is pro- voking in itself; the rain-soaked earth; the roaring, rushing mountain streams swelled into great tor- rents; and the grim, rough landscape, so lonely and cheerless on such days as these. : Within the rude log-cabins you will find a dozen or more miners gathered disconsolately about a crackling hickory fire, listening to the ceaseless pouring of the rain, or mayhap one of their number enlivens things by spinning a yarn. At Flood Bar, the new Golden Egg of the Black Hills, the rainy season was in its second week, and the miners were naturally not in over-jubilant spirits. In the aforesaid time very little work had been accomplished; indeed, but a few days of pay-_ ing work had yet been accomplished at the Bar, By. the five individuals who composed the popula- ion. Flood Bar is in the northwestern por-ion of the Black Hills, where Professor Jenny failed to find the least signs of gold, but it is not the purpose of the author, because of certain reasons, to give the exact location of the, thus far, greatest miue in the coun- try of gold. This narrative is to be of Flood Bar and the Flood Bar-ites. The place in question comprises a bar, or neck of land, running into a turbid, rushing mountain stream—a bar of sandy land of no great size, yet so richly impregnant with gold as to be indeed a “ Bonanza,” ' From down a wild, unexplored gorge, or ravine, our the waters of this stream, known as Squirrel reek, and sweeping majestically past lood Bar, roars on down a dark, narrow canyon into the depths of the mountains, where it branches into numberless tributaries. The five persons who, at the introduction of our story. populated llood Bar, were named respective- ly—James Belmont, Old Buzzard, Squirrel Sam, a Vandegrift, and Miaco Rullon. Belmont was a Virginian, of some forty years of age, and a quiet, retiring fellow, whom everybod liked. He was a thorough-going miner, a good shot, and when once “r’iled,”’ a rough customer to handle. Old Buzzard was a stumpy, wrinkled old plainsman, and a good hand at yarn-spinning. It was a part of his business to keep a scout about the Bar, and sup- Py. the camp with meat. He was the discoverer of ood Bar; the remaining part of the‘ population” had straggled in one by one. - Squirrel Sam was the eccentric man of the lot. He ever spoke, : “Mountain-side was now jival Deadwood. Dick’s Eagles. This did not signify that he was a mule, for he had been heard singing at a distance, several times, which was evid: nce to the four remaining ‘‘ pards’ that he was not dumb. But, it became a mystery, when, after unmention- able efforts, they were obliged to recollect that they had never been able to draw a word from him. What his secret was—why he refused to use his tongue, was a problem that none could solve, He was a stalwart, handsome fellow, of one-and | twenty, judging from his looks, with a bold, good natured face, eyes of brown that never quailed be. neath the strongest glance, and hair light and curl ing. His form was supple and muscular, and he ever went armed and ready for combat. A skillful miner. he was, and, moreover, a dead-shot, for on several occasions, when vagabond reds had attacked the Bar, right gallantly had he shown his prowess, Hooper Vandegrift was another eccentric. A very pious sort of old gent of the very Quakeriest per- suasion he appeared. and was the cause of much amusement among the five pards. Miaco was a dwarf who had one morning been found floating down the creek, bound in a skiff of birch. He had been liberated, and as he had drifted into the secret was offered a home at Flood Bar. But, ORR eats: to his B arta or where he came from, could be coaxed out of him. Thus you have the “ pards ” presented, in brief; in the future we propose to make their better ac- quaintance. The eres each occupied a separate marques, which had been purchased from a band of roving Sioux, who had no doubt stolen them from some of the soldiers stationed in the Black Hills. But each evening they generally assembled in Miaco’s. tent, for a chat and a smoke, Buzzard was absent to-night—a wild, tempestuous night, with rain and crashing thunder, and only four of the pards sat hugging the fire in the dwarf’s tent. Hooper Vandegrift was ensconced upon a log, with his pipe in his mouth, watching the fire, grimly. e, : The others were grouped around carelessly, Squirrel Sam reading hard at a yellow-covere novel which he had somewhere run across. * It’s queer what has caused Old Buzzard to stay so long,” commented James Belmont, as he finished scouring up his aU. sheath-knife. ‘His grim old face must have frightened off all the game to-day, or else something has happened to him!” * Reckon he take care of himself,” put in Miaco yawning. ‘ He’s smart old rooster, with an cye on : every side for danger, is that Buzzard. Reckonhe has scented more Injun sneak-thieves.” “Verily, [hope ro‘! objected Vandegrift, with a genuine ‘“‘ah-um”. of Quaker origin. ‘The Lord will not see fit to visit, molestation upon his lambs to-night. Thy intimation thou shouldst have with- held, Miaco.’ Oh! dry up, Hoop!” the little Texam replied, in disgust. ‘' Yer //ce’s and thows are not endurably this weather, Blast it, I hope old Jupiser. Plavius will cheese it, pretty soon, or we'll hev so build a second Noah’s ark.”® “Yes; between the rain and the unwelcome visits of Gray Wolf's Vagabonds, our stay at Flood Bar, has been more unpleasant than profitable. What is it, Sam?” } For Squirrel Sami had ceased his reading, and was listening intently. s “It's Old Buzzard returning,” said Miaco, rising, ‘‘for [hear hoof-strokes coming down the gorge. He's comin’ like a dubbel-j’inted comet, too, fer some cause. Of on? aceord the miners rose and stepped with- out the tent. The night was inky black, and tho rain fell with an ease that was wonderful—f.llin straight, large Sadie that counted where they fell. No wind was now blowing. and the air wasmwarmer. The dismal roar and sighing of the pinos upon the — ed by the rushing and
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Kew Se a ee eae Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. pee a | » yoaring of Squirrel Creek, swollen into a river of tremendous volume, As the four men stood outside the tent, and list- ened, swift, ringing strokes of steel-shod feet were heard coming down the north gorge, out of which the rising stream poured. * Rec’on ‘iain’t Old Buzzard, after all, tho’!”? ob- served the dwarf,after a moment. ‘* His hoss don’t strike like thet. ’Pears to me I kinder suspect who thet feller is.” “You do?” exclaimed Belmont, turning. ‘* Who, ray?’ PM I ain’t a-going to tell ye, fer I ain’t sure about it!” was the reply. ‘‘ Wait, an’ ye’ll see.” The little lantern over the entrance to Miaco’s marquee cast out but a faint illumination over the jseads of the miners, yet it enabled the lynx-eyes of Squirrel Sam to make a discovery which he pointed cut to Jim Belmont, and the others—simply a little water at their feet—yet it told them that the flood water of the roaring stream was creeping up and rapidly submerging the bar. | . ‘We're in furit, sure enough!” assented Belmont, glancing at the black sky. ‘‘The ground is thor- ‘oughly soaked, and this rain now but adds to the volume of the stream. After this horseman comes up we must get off the bar or be swept away; for the flood will increase till midnight.” Nearer and nearer came the hoof-strokes, and pre- sently a horseman, with a lantern swung about his neck, was seen spurring madly down the valley, urg- his steed with whip and spur. “Thet’s not Old Buzzard, no more’n IT am,” said Miaco, as soon as he caught a glimpse of the horse and rider; “nor *tain’t none o’—” He did not finish the sentence, for all had to leap back to avoid being trampled down by the horse, as it rushed swiftly by, across the bar. “That man is an outlaw, ll wager my life!” cried Jim Belmont, ‘‘and his business down hyar is to find what kind uv a place we’ve got.” “Verily, I believe thou art in the right groove, James!” agreed Vandegrift, with a devout “ ah-um |” ‘sThe Philistines are all around us, and verily, our lives Age on a thread!” : : “ Thet feller was Flying Floyd!” said Miaco, after a moment of thought. “He is Deadwood Dick’s lieutenant, and they call him the Sky-rocket. Don’t know what he can want down this way, however, since it's whispered— Butnever mind just what, now. Our greatest enemy at present is the water. Tf won't do to leave the tents here; we'll rev to take 7em along with us back onter ther rocks.” "© Tl go and see if the way of retreat from the bar is clear,” said Belmont. ‘The rest of you tackle the tents.” - : So saying, the Virginian hurried off. The only re- treat from the bar, except by water, was to follow back and scale a rocky bluff—indeed, this was the only reliable outlet from the Squirrel Creek gorge which the miners had yet discovered. After pass- ing over the bluff trail for a mile or more, a descent brought you into one of the many short but beauti- ful valleys for which the Black Hills country has al- ready become famous, In this valley a half-dozen colonists had built their homes; of them, more anon, Jim Belmont was gone but a few moments. When he returned, the others had the tents down and bundled, and ready to leave the bar. “You can’t git off that way!” the Virginian said, pointing over his shoulder toward the bluffs, with a grim expression revealed upon his face by the lan- tern-light. ‘All of Gray Wolf’s red Vagabonds are hugging the bluffs, waiting for us to coine off the bar, so that they can riddle us with their pea-rifles.” “Then, what in thunder are we going to do?” de- manded Miaco, “Verily, we hath no choice but to surrender our- selves into the power of the Philistines!’ put in the er. _ ‘Here comes Buzzard now,” exclaimed Belmont, Pe! ieee > a f as a horseman dashed out of the gorge and drew rein before them. “Hallo! where you been all summer, Buzzard?” The little old man sprung out of the saddle, and shook himself in his wet garments before replying. “Great ham—I mean, good heavings!” he ejacu- lated, with a shiver, ‘‘ ef thes ain’t one 0’ ther durned-- est storms, then chaw ther essence out uv a red nig- ger, as was ther exclamation o’ Jumpin’ John Rogers, w’en his wife baptized him in ther coal-seut- tle. Wet? Shouldn’t wonder a bit. I’ve hed the badness soaked cl’ar outen my durned old karrack- ter in thes equinocksyel rain o’ Ploopiter Juvius. But bizuess, b'ys—bizness before pleasure, as ther muskeeter sed ter ther fat victim who war tryin’ ter sleep. w’ena hull nation war callin’ fur him ter cum an’ stop remonetization. Ef ye vally yer auburn tresses, scoo/, fer ten mile above hayr air a water-~ stoppage, an’ w’en it bu’sts, things” thes direction.” “But we can’t get off the bar over the bluffs,” protested Belmont. ‘‘ The Vagabonds aire thar, an’ we couldn’t raise the ascent and live.” : _ The old scout whistled his surprise, and, then, turn- ing upon his heel, walke& away toward the end of the bar, to see how much of it was submerged. When he came back, his ready wit had formed a plan of extrication from their dilemma. There were two giant linden trees growing close to where ed were standing, whose densely leaved tops would not only furnish a safe refuge from the flood, but shelter them from the gaze of their Indian enemies, who held the bluff. In a few words Buzzard explained his plan to the others, and it was accepted. First, the parapher- nalia of the camp, including the tents, bunks, cook- ing utensils and mining implements, were hoisted up among the branches, and then the five pards of Flood Bar ascended, also. The rain continued to pour down without cessa- tion, and the addition of thunder and lightning made the night more wild and cheerless. “Tm glad ter see ther fireworks, b’yees,” said Old Buzzard, in answer to some remark, ‘‘ Et speaks o’ fair weather comin’ afore long.” hum down in Louder roared the river below them; it was filling - up the whole width of the gorge from wall to wall. « By and by a loud roar was heard in the distance, and Buzzard turned to his companions. “Hang on now, my rosebuds, fer ther dam hes bu’st, up ther gorge, an’ it’s goin’ ter give these trees about all the wettin’ they can stand up under!" They heard it—a roar almost deafening; the mad sea of waters was rushing toward them. CHAPTER II, DEATH BEFORE—DEATH BEHIND, Tue valley before mentioned, which lies east of Flood Bar, was one of wondrous beauty. It had a smooth prairie bottom of half a mile’s width. from which charming slopes stretched away gently up- ward until met by the gray rock of the mountains. Noble groves or mottes of timber dotted the vale, and several modern residences, built of quarried stone, stood down near these mottes. surrounded by lawns and outbuildings, and everything to make a home comfortable. fe The home of the Waltonbys was perhaps thé pret- tiest, and one, after days of rough, tiresome travel through the Black Hills country, would have been surprised to stumble unexpectedly into this remote but well populated valley, where half a'dozen ven- turesome colonists had chosen themselves pores and had worked their very hardest to beautify an pers their possessions. Mr. Waltonby had once been a rich man, but speeu- lation and private claims had impoverished him te such an extent, that but a few thousand dollars had been left him. With this he had joined his fortunes with a colony, and brought his family into the — ills, F He had built his comely residence, and had taken Ef ' e =:
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f - and though SS eriere talener ae Pos 4 Deadwood Dick's Eagles. ee + pains to make its interior, and the extensive grounds around it, as handsome as his limited means would permit. af A stranger ay etd the place, one of these wild wet days of which we have been writing, was struck by the inviting appearance, and drawing rein . at the edge of the grounds, surveyed the residence with some curiosity. He was a man of an age somewhere. between twenty-five ani thirty years; with a heavily-bearded face, dark, gleaming eyes, and hair th:t fell half- way down his back: “tis form was stalwart and muscular, and his dress that of a mountaineer, “So this is the home of Cyril Waltonby, eh?’ the Stranger mused, interrogatively. ‘‘He has a pretty place, I must admit, and Pll wager my life that he dreams not of my coming here, in his peace and security. I wonder if my disguise will bear close Seru‘iny, for I should not want to be recognized un- til my plans are better matured.” So saying the stranger dismounted, and hitching his horse, strode toward the house, As he epee upon the veranda, a young woman came out of the open door, and the two stood face toface, The young lady was perhaps seventeen or eighteen years of age, and formed in nature’s most perfect cast. In face she was not what a critic would call beautiful—rather ordinary in feature, with soft brown eyes, and hair like a reflection of sunlight. Her dress was plain but neat-fitting, and there was grace in her movement, and something that was charming about her. “Miss Ida Waltonby, I believe?” the stranger said, saleing his slouch-hat, “T am Ida Waltonby, es, sir,” the girl replied, shrinking back, as if by intuition that the man was oy disposed. ‘* Who are you?” “T go by the sobriquet of Red Lark, my dear pong. gr And I have a ali for you, by and by. But, first let me see your father, whom I have important business with.’ “My father is in bed, sir, and it will be impossible for you to see him!” replied Ida, unhesitatingly. “Te has an attack of his heart-trouble and will not be disturbed,’ Red Lark uttered something suspiciously like an oath under his breath, and paced to and fro across the veranda. “T must see your father,’ he said at last, stopping before Ida with a savage scowl. “Go tell him that the cat’s leaped the gate, and the dog’s chased. her into the woods, where she is hiding. He will *"” Wer- stand, I guess.’’ Entering the house, Ida hurried up-stairs to her father’s chamber and gave the white-faced, suffering man upon the bed the message sent by the stranger, Red Lark. ihe words seemed to have an electric effect upon Mr. Waltonby, for with a gasp he sat up, his eyes 4 plaring wildly around. : “Where is he?’ he vaca “Show: him to me. By the gods! I will kill the devil-possessed wretch !”” “The man is down at the door, papa; had [ not best send him away?’’ demanded Ida, greatly terri- fied at the sudden rupture of affairs, ‘‘He is your enemy, Lam sure; please let me send him ey “Y-e-8, y-e-s, he is my bitter ener daughter, the blow is destined to fall, sooner or later, I must postpone it—must, for your sake and that of my wife, your mother. Go tell him IT will not see him—that I defy his power to do the worst, Tell him never to show his face here again.” uboRy, Ida obeyed her parent’s dictation, and delivered his message to the bearded stranger. Red Lark received it with a sardonic smile, and without a word strode down the yard, vaulted into the saddle, and spurred on up t e valley, through the ‘drenching rain. : His coming—what did it signify to the Waltonbys? “Hold! stand, you buzzard food of you!” if rufflanly crew, or Pll make , - a The challenge was delivered in a resolute, ringing voice, by a young man, and the scene was rather a dramatic one, Mountains all around, with forest-crowned peaks, and in the center a little table-land or plateau. A score of grim, flerce ruffians stood at bay, near the center of this, facing a pair of leveled revolvers, in the hands of one who commanded, as above—a youth. in years, though in bodily development a man. His stature was about the average of that of Western men, and every limb and muscle was like iron, His face was smooth, with the exception of the upper lip, which supported a slight mustache. He was every bit a handsome man, and yet one whom one might justly fear as an enemy. Behind him, as he stood confronting the ruffian band, crouched a young girl, not yet seventeen, who was the possessor of a rare, dusky beauty, and a ae of marvelous perfection. Indian blood mixed with American evidently coursed through her veins, but the taint would have scarcely been detected by an observant eye. ‘*Back, you devils!’’ cried the young American, again, his aim ree not a trifle—tcome not a step nearer, or you shell die, one by one, as long asT have powder or power, This girl is mine, by right of rescue and a and I'll keep her, you bet yer little souls!’ A growl went up from the ruffians and their leader, a large, burly man, of dark, swart face, gleamixg, bloodshot eyes, and a monstrous sweeping blac mustache, He was a human brute of repulsive aspect as one willoften meet, and with such a crowd of backers, few men would have dared to face them as this young American was doing, with so little ap- parent trepidation. : “ Give up the girl! She b’longs to me an’ I'll have her, or cut yer cursed head off!" shouted the leader, inarage. ‘* You thief, you'll find when you try ter pick a flower frum our posy-bed that ye’ve got in- ter ther wrong hornets’ nest.” “Oh! no, sir ruffian; Iain’t at allafraid of you, or I'drun. I’ve seen lots of blustering bulldogs like you, and never gof bit by one of them yet. Come on, if you’re hankering after any of my traffic. ‘This girl’s goin’ back to Deadwood Dick’s pees where she’ll get good care. And, by the way, my hearties, watch sharp, lest Deadwood Dick gets you'd bes name is after you, for he is not far away, and his ringing steel and bullets to such as you,” And so saying, Flying Mloyd, the PE ra at of Deadwood Dick, seize the maiden in his arms, and, still covering the ruffians with one pistol, began retreating step by step, backward, along a narrow ridge of hog-back, which ran out from the table- land, and on each side of which yawned a frightful chasm, whose bottom must have been fathomiless, judging from the dark depths. - ‘ ‘The devils mean to try our worth, miss!’ Floyd said, glavcing into the seared face of the maiden, He had found her struggling inthe grasp of Bi John Wolf, wpon tumbling accidenta’ y a wn aA mountain side into their camp, and had, in his dauntless way, gone at once to her rescue, with the result we have seen, “They are as ferocious as wild beasts, but will have to work if they get us as their prey. “Oh! sir, I fear that we can never escape them!” ; exclaimed the girl, in a voice of marvelous sweet- . ness. ‘Those men are @ score to can you hope?’ “‘Talways hope, miss. Never yet gave up the ship when there was a plank to ging to, Those ruffians will not shoot, either for fear they might also hit You. or they wish to take me alive—probably the atter, knowing as they do that I belong to Dead- wood Dick’s band!” The girl gazed searchingly into Flying Floyd’s eS, 5 ves, “You really belong to Deadwood Dick’s band?” she (uterrogated qth dilated may oie. Ss ! Tam now afraid of you,” : Tae your one, How
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Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. a I eR i “Yndeed? But without cause, young lady, for no female ever found molestation or can justly speak ill of Deadwood'Dick or his men. I belong among them, as lieatenant since the Prince’s return to the hills, and though it is rumored that Deadwood Dick is again upon the road, 1 can vouch that it is not to recklessly rob or plunder.” These words were spoken while dt bee rapidly along through the deepening twilight, which over- hung the picturesque mountain landscape. The course of the remarkable ridge, or hog-back, now radually curved and ran betw.en two ranges of owering peaks, but the chasm still yawned upon either side, Ahead the view was obstructed, beyond a certain distance, by the curving. The grade of the ridge was slightly ascending, but the back was smooth, and rapid progress could be made. In some places, however, the footing grew so narrow that it was almost rp Saas er to save one’s self from totter- 1g over into the abyss. lying Floyd, however, passed these places, with- out difficulty, and safely. He was sure-footed asa mountain goat, It was a narrow, dizzy path, which none but a man of nerve would have undertaken to traverse; yet, Flying Floyd hesitated not when he thought of the pretty burden in his strong arms, ds while his gaze was fixed upon the dogging out- aws. Step by step he advanced, not knowing whither the ridge trail would lead him, but bound to take the brunette captive out of peril if it lay in his power. Big John Wolf was one of the worst wretches of ruffian type anywhere along the border, and. as leader of a rufflan crew, had won a widespread notoriety for his cruelty. He was said to never for- get nor forgive an enemy, and Flying Floyd was aware that the mountain outlaws meant to follow him until they had a suitable opportunity to capture and he him. To kill him outright was evidently not their desire or intention, On, along the Gey hight hurried the intrepid lieutenant, with rapid strides, scarcely noticing the frightful abyss that yawned upon either side, to fall into which meant certain destruction. ‘With Big John’s outlaws, however, it was differ- ent. They weakened in such places as this, and where Floyd walked boldly across, many of them re upon their hands and knees, is put them behind, out of gunshot, and by quickening his stride Deadwood Dick’s lieutenant ead them there for a time. But his burden wasa solid weight, and before a mile had been passed over, began to tell upon his strength. Still he Ne bravely on, encouraged by the assur- ance, that if he was not gaining, the outlaws were not, either. They were dogging Perererisely. be- tind, but made no extra efforts to catch up with m. As he hurried along, and turned this important fact over in his mind, it dawned upon him like a flash that perhaps there was a cause for their not beingin a hurry—that, perhaps a trap was lying in wait for him, at the end of the hog-back into which they calculated he must fall. ‘“1t’s something, I'll guarantee!” the young man thought, glancing over his shoulder, for he had now turned his back toward the outlaws. ‘‘ Danger is the word. Young lady, you have not yet told me your name?” rare ““My name is Nolie, sir—Nolie Waltonby. Iam as ‘ou may have guessed, partly an Indian, For years ane een a prisoner in the band of Big John, ‘and never until to-day, have T been beyond the eamp, from which 1 kindly rescued me. Thereis a secret about my birth, but I won’t speak of that, now.” ‘‘No; conversation now is difficult; but I thank ‘ou for your confidence inme. Iam known as Fly- ng Floyd, Sitter that little or nothing was said. Deadwood Dick's lieutenant kept determinedly on, his eyes gaz- ) ee ~ ing steadily before him. On—on; then he stopped, abruptly, and began to retreat. He had found the outlaws’ trap! And a triumph- earvelt from them told that they were aware of the ‘act. The hog-back had abruptly terminated { Below and beyond its end for the space of forty feet yawned a gulch frightful to contemplate. Beyond this space or break in the path was a con- tinuation of the ridge. Rapidly Flying Floyd retraced his steps for per- haps thirty yagds; then with some inward excla- mation, he ¢. asped Nolie closely in his arms, and bounded forward at the very top of his speed. The daring lieutenant was about to attempt the leap- ing of the frightful gulf ! CHAPTER IL WHAT THE FLOOD BROUGHT. Wuar a frightful position was that ocoupled by the five pards of Flood Bar, with the knowledge that an awful wave of water was rushing fiercely toward them from the dam down through the wild, sinuous gorge! The roar of the storm was drowned by the seater one of the in-coming flood. The jar of heavy hunder and the vivid glares of Heaven’s ye nics, made the night and the situation all the more wild and awful. In the tree-top the five miners crouched, hugging hard to branches, for they were fearful that the tree would be snapped in twain by the shock of the water, or mayhap be uprooted, and carried on down the gorge. “*Lookee out; she’s comin’!” sung out Old Buz- zard, from the very topmost branch, ‘Hear her roar! Great ham-bo—I mean great Jerusalem! et reminds me uv the roar w’at emanated frum a young buffler bull I heer’d on_once, w’en he sat down onter a Canady thistle. Hold ter yer consti- toochins, my posies—clin to yer cross like a red- hot grizzly, an’ never let et be sed thet water washed ther Injun hate out. o’ ot ealendar! Moses thet in ther—I mean holy Moses! Hayr she comes a- yoopin’!” } And it was even s0. With deafening roar, outrivaling Heaven's own artillery, the water came bulging in a great roar into the wider ravine, which the miners had christ- ened Flood Bar—came leaping on like some angry . monster wrought to the pitch of fury by the war- ring of,.the elements. The miners peering from their retreat, saw all this revealed by the flash of the lightning—saw that the great flood was nearly as oe as they, and then, with muttered prayers, waited. x Squirrel Sam was the coolest man of the lot, for the reason that in all this awful roar and din he never spoke a word; and neither did he seem to quail beneath the borrors around him. Old Buzzard, though a “leetle skeered,” as he afterward expressed it, was brave, and his words of cheer encouraged the others, On came the remorseless sea of boiling, foam- capped water; it struck the tree with a jarring vio- lence, and bent it half-way over, while great clouds of spray shot toward the leaden-hued sky. One maonient the whole tree would be buried beneath a iant wave; the next the water would sink half-way own its trunk, Fortunately the: ordeal was quickly past. Tn five moments the great flood had ae its force, and the waters only swashed and gurgied at the foot of the tree. But to those in the branches it had been a fearful ordeal—the worst pull by the strong arm of death that they had ever experienced. One of their number, old Hooper Vandegrift, had been washed away, and the ppb tJ our were more dead than alive. It was accordingly some time after the falling of the waters ere either of the sure vivors spoke, Old Buzzard finally broke the silence, © Waal, feller-citizens, how do. we stand? Are we
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¢ Deadwood -Dick’s Eagles. still hayr. or aire we sum’ars else? Aire we aire we, or aire we not aire we? Ail on duty please answer ter roil-eall. Ar’ ye thar, Jim Belmont?” ‘Present, all except a piece of my cheek, which a stick gouged out and appropriated!” grimly respond- ed Belmont. Squirrel Sam and Miaco?’’ ‘* Both here!” replied the dwarf. * And Hooper Vandegrift, the man of ‘thee’s’ an’ ‘ thou’s g hd *Ts gone,” said Miaco, pay. “The end of a floating otras him, and knocked him clean out of time. Poor cuss hedn’t time ter say his kitten- kissems. *Spect he never know’d what struck ” “Then thar’s only four on us, eh?” “'That’s all.” “Waal, ther squintuple popylation o’ Flood Bar war a leetle too large, ennyhow, an’ one demise ain’t ter be regretted, w’en thet same demise war no less a chap than an agent o’ Big John, the outlaw.” ** What! do you mean to say the Quaker—” “Was no Quaker at all, but an agent thet Big John sent down heer ter rob us 0’ our a’riferous, But I kept a watch onter his grab-hooks ter see thet he didn’t get anything.” _ * By Jove! this is surprising news. find it out?” “*T do not propose to tell that. Let ét suffice ter say that I found et out. I hev a way o’ diskiverin’ things w’ich sum folks don’t know nothin’ about.” Still hearing the water upon the bar below, the miners concluded not to venture down until day- light came. : So they remained in their relative positions throughout the whole wild, drenching night, which had been so strangely eventful. Morning at last dawned dully and gloomily, with a slight cessation to the rain from a pour to a nasty drizzle, As soon as it was light enough, the four tree-top refugees began to look around them, before Bcadendth to terra-firma, which the water still cover- ed in patches, and would until the creek fell. “The Injuns hev_got stormed out, or else thar warn’t none!”’ said Old Buzzard, scanning the bluffs to the east, by aid of his field telescope. ‘Aire ye sure that thar war Injuns, Belmont?” ** So sure, thet I was induced to prick one’s throat wi’ ther end of my bowie-knife,’’ was the grim re- sponse of the Virginian. ‘‘Guess the feller never knew what struck him.”’ ** Waal, I guess the varmints konkluded we war washed off, an’ so “Il wait tilla more auspishus time ter visit ther Bar. Ther dirty Vagabonds aire ther dastedest, orneriest set 0’ pilgarlics thes side o’ Jor- dan. Great interlectual ham-bo—I mean great gran- daddies! ef I war as mean as a Vagabond dog I'd hide my hed betwixt my legs an’ hire out fer a mu- seum curiosity.” “a! by all thet’s wonderful, I’ve made the big- gest discovery of any o’ ye!’ here shouted Miaco, 2s eee B “Took! look! a cabin! a cabin!’ He pointed toward that end of the bar which nosed out into the river, or rather the western end, for not only had the flood added greatly to the size of the bar, but had made it an island by cutting in close to the bluffs and wearing a channel through, thus dividing the river into two courses, which joined to- gether at the southern termination of the bar. The miners gazed quickly in the direction indica- ted, and to their astonishment beheld, perched safe- ly down upon the extreme western end of the bar, a ng cain, allin perfect shape, and intact, as it had been fetched by the flood. For it must have sailed down upon the rush of water, else how came it here? The door was shut, and the two. windows which were visible to the miners from the tree-top, were securely blinded by strong oaken shutters. Whether this habitation was tenanted or not was : a question, and one which was of vital import2nce to _. the four miners of Flood Bar, And they proposed ; ie ¢ How did you to investigate the matter, and accordingly descended to the ground, “ By all ther legal technicallities uv ther Blackstone judisdiction, this aire one o’ the funniest o’ funny things!” said Old Buzzard, as they all stood upon the ground and gazed toward the mysterious visitor, ‘“Who evyer heerd o’ a cabin sailin’ down thru ther mountains an’ landin’ at one’s feet, when ye war jest in need 0’ one? Great ham-bone thet chalked old Jon— Imean great grandaddies! Wf thes ain’t an age o’ wonders an’ blunders, may my old carkuss be utilized fer fertilizing purposes!” “Tt is remarkably strange, indeed, and a miracle how the habitation ever rode the torrent without be- ing totally wrecked,”’ averred Jim Belmont. * But. come let’s go for the old caboose, and see what’s about her.” The dwarf Texan, Miaco, being in the lead, went ahead, and Belmont, Old Buzzard, and Squirrel Sam followed at his heels, A covering of eee mud had been landed upon the Bar, which with puddles of water, here and there, made the walking exceedingly disagreeable. “T hope the flood has not washed away all our gold,” said Belmont, with a look around at the deso- late aspect. “Things seem rather dubious, just at present. ‘*And we can_prepare to roost in the mud, fora week!” growled Miaco. ‘ Ha! great God, J’m shot!” They had approached to within a score of yards of the mysterious cabin, when the dwarf reeled and fell, simultaneous with the crack of a rifle. * Great ham—I mean holy lava 0’ Mount Pisgy?” einoulated Old Buzzard, catching the wounded iaco by the hair of the head, and starting back in the direction of their formercamp. ‘ Back action, ye durned galoots, ef yo don’t wanter teetotally wreck your constitution against asnag. Thar’s hor- nets in that condemned nest, wi’ sharp stingers jes’s sure’s thar’s music in ther argumentive een uy a horse-wi’-long ears!” An instant retreat was made, for the one shot was evidence enough that the mysterious cabin had an occupant, who was averse to receiving visitors at so early an hour in the day, if at ail. ho this occupant was, or of what breed or nationality, they had no means of, learning. Some- one, certainly. who bore them no friendly feeling, or else the shot that wounded Miaco never would have been fired. ~ Mico was not severely hurt—only a slight perfora- tion through the side, from which the blood flowed copiously, but not a serious or dangerous wound. They soon had the flow of blood stopped, and the dwarf was able to walk around. Camp was azain pitched, and the four pards began to feel themselves more at home, only for the presence of the myste- riously-inclined individual in the cabin, which Old Buzzard had christened Noah’s Ark. “T don’t see that we can do anything more than to keep an eye on that. shebang, and let her alone,” said Belmont, that night, as they all sat in the door of Miaco’s tent. and gazed off toward the forbiddi structure, ‘ We ain’t strong enough to make arus' and bu’st in the door, an’ ain't got a cannon to bom: bard et with, so what is there left to do?” ‘* Nothin’ but keep watch,” replied Miaco, “though I would mightily like ter know who’s inside. Reckov they'll hev ter come out, for long tho’, fer grub, onless they’ve got an extra stock of pervisions aboard.” “Great ham—l mean Jerusalem Jinkens! don’t fret about thet!” «said Buzzard, feller up in Montana, who war cornered in ther eend uv acanyon fer sixty-nine years an’ three hundred an’ sixty-four days an’ twenty-three hours, perzact- ly, an’ he actooaly subsisted on water all thet peer- yod, ‘ea’se he war afeared ter cum out fer fear ther njuns would get him. Also orce knew a man who lived ter be two hundred an’ four years aged, an’ after he got ter be thet old, he nevyer eat anything fer ther next century,” t 4 “Tone’t knew a_ i
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Deadwood Dick's Eagles. "9 } As there was no telling in what way things might aha:e during their future stay at Flood Bar, the four pards concluded to nightly post a guard, for, not know ing hares about what force might be concentrated within the black cabin, they thought it a necessary precaution to be ready for an attack at a moment’s notice. “Tf thaire’s enny virtue in bone-aches, an’ premo- nishuns, an’ spasms down yer back-bone, I’m bettin’ high thar’ll sum day or other be high times hayr in Flood Bar, jest on account o’ thet Noaher’s Ark. Durn my old sow’s last litter o’ pigs, but ther great equatorial snow-storm o’—I mean, this great Buz- zavd wull dissect them w’at’s in ther pesky ranch,” Flood Bar one month later. Notas we have seen it_before, but now a lively mining excitement, with white tents pitched upon the Bar, upon the barren, rocky shores of Squirrel creek, and even upon the bluffs and mountain-side. But the only cabin visible was that Black Cabin of the Bar, whose mystery remained unsolved. Since the influx of miners to the Bar, several attempts had been made to break into the old pile of logs, but without avail. The blinds and door and walls were »erforated with rifle loopholes, and every attack had een met with fire from the inside, with more or less loss of blood to the miners. A couple of hundred of these eager, excited humans were there, of the male sex, who were toil- ing for gold in Squirrel aan every foot of the Bar had been leased by the Four Pards, at an enormous figure, they only retaining enough of the soil to keep them busy. Every foot of the Bar was undergoing a search with pick, pan, and shovel; miners were working close around the Black Cabin, but no one after the several repulses, made bold to pry into the secrets of the mystery-enshrouded habitation. Miners were posrening in the bed of the two creek eikanela: and up the mountain-sides, and even into the dark ravine through which Squirrel creek poured down from the north. Belmont had started a weigher’s business in his tent; Buzzard derived profit by bringing game into market; Miaco, who really was the best scholar and business man of the *‘ pards ” kept office, and bought and sold “claims” for the firm of Belmont, Si uirrel Sam, Buzzard and Co., Miaco being the * Co. And things stew livelier daily; rumors of big strikes at Flood Bar brought in men from every part _of the Hills, and women, too;.two enterprising indi- viduals had built a hotel; a stage-line was started from Deadwood; saloons had their inauguration -hops in under canvas tents; gamblers ph 4 their vocation, and last but not least, report wafted into Flood Bar upon one morning’s breeze, a name, well known in every part of the country of gold— a name the mention of which was a harbinger of excitement and peril— Deapwoop Dick! CHAPTER IV. 4 DEADWOOD DICK’S BULLETIN. ‘Wnen the name of the great road-agent of the Black Hills became whispered about, in Flood Bar, there was an unprecedented excitement. For a con- siderable period the Black Hill-ites had suffered no molestation from Dick’s men. This was while Dick was up in Idaho, and down at Del Norte, as related in ‘Omaha Oll,” Pocket Library No. 33. But it seemed that the dashing Prince of the Road was back again, and people hugged close to _ their pocket-books, and regai their neighbor more sharply, lest suddenly he should dissolve into a.road-agent. A crowd of miners were sitting in Old Buzzard’s tent, one night, when a comrade digger of gold _ rushed in with a flushed face, and panting breath. great y excited, and Fela d his ‘*say”’ ‘it plainly for the reader’ ‘“‘T war coming in from. the Musquekang valley, whar I’ve been on bizness!” spoke this miner, Jer Judson, by name, “when I hed an adventur’. I war comin’ thru ther dashed lonely woods, just be- yond ther bluffs, an’ et war gettin’ duskish, like, when I heerd a clatter o’ hoofs, an’ lookin’ ahind sa aes a dozen horsemen comin’ after me, at u . ‘““Natterly, I war ruther narvus, an’ knowin’ thet *bwas no use ter run, I dodged intera clump of man- zintas, an’ squatted “bout as low as I know’d how. On cum ther horsemen, rippyty scoot, and a whol-‘ lopin’ their hats inter ther air, an’ yellin’ as ef Bed- \ lain war let loose. I war beginnin’ ter breathe a} notch easier, when I thort they war goin’ ter pass, - but they didn’t—nary a bit! ey jest yanked their . hosses out ter ther side o’ ther 10ad, an’ nailin’ up a big bulletin-board, wich four on *em hed carried between ’em, ter a tree, they pasted an advertise- ment onter it, then mounted an’ galloped away, whence they hed cum. Gentlemen, one o’ them cusses war him—ther reckless road-agent devil— Deadwood Dick!” ‘Great interlectual ham—I mean, jaws o ther ae thet swollered old Neptune!’ ejaculated Old Buzzard; ‘‘ ye don’t say so—ye don’t aver on yer reliryus honner, thet ye see’d ther great original Dicky—ther pet galoot o’ ther 19th century ?”* ““Tjest do, bet yer slippers on that!” declared Judson. “ An’ I purpose thet a party on us go back an’ see w’at thet notice on the bulletin-board says.’’ “J sécond ther perpetual moshun system!” gs- sented Buz, Accordingly a dozen men were picked out, includ- ing the three pards, Belmont, Buzzard and Miaco, ne a out to inspect Deadwood Dick’s bulletin. oard. eof aa Sam being absent from camp, of course could not be included. The weather bad now settled into mild, gentle spring, and the nights were growing warm and beau- tiful. A flood of moonlight lit the path for the party, * causing them to look sea eRe ite and weird, as they tramped over the rugged bluffs. The scent of wild fragrant flowers, and newly-budding trees, was borne deliciously upon the evening breeze. “Don’t know :s I ever saw this Deadwood Dick!” Belmont remarked, as they trudged along, for as the distance was but a matter of a couple of miles, they had taken no horses. 4 - “Youll fe Bon to areas a peeaas time, ds e once gits agrudge against you,”’ Miaco suggested, “though he ain’t half so desprit a cuss as folks make him. _ Leetle by leetle a small lie gathers strength and credence, until it finally becomes a monstrosity and an undisputed fact among the peo- le. is In due time the party arrived in the woods which Judson had mentioned as being the place where he had seen the road-agents. It was a gloomy pine forest, through which a tolerable stage trail had ~ been worked through to the Musquekang bic i be- ond, And justsuch a place it was as might suit he ideas of a full-fledged road-agent, for a place of operation. “Té warin hayr, up a. ways furder!” explained Judson, casting his eyes around him in rather a doubtful manner, ‘Hope ter gracious ther pesky aloots won't be layin’ fer us. “Spect they went ack inter ther Musquekanz.” i “Deadwood Dick wouldn’t tech sich a sorry-look- in’ passel 0’ pilgrims’ as we, anyhow,” declared Old Buzzard. ‘‘onless he war purty sure thet we hed d what todo with. Oh! is cme ef I I've chasin’ a hoss-fly across a perary, power 0’ his eyes, fer he’ nesmes
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3) tention, and punishment to the offender, _the proprietors, M em ae *Yas, this is the place,” assented Judson, as they all paused before a bulletin-board, which had been nailed up to a ue tree by the roadside, Upon the board was pasted a bill, which had been executed by a printing-press, and which Jud- we had seen Deadwood Dick’s road-agents post ere, And the following is what the miners from Flood Bar read, with not only surprise but wonderment: . “Brack Hrs, May 3d, “ To all whom it may concern :— “Thave come back to the Black Hills, after an absence of several months. I have not come back to rob and plunder vovest and hard i eel cach bah men, but as Deadwood Dick, the Road-Agent, to wage @ warfare ayainst crime and ruffianism, and the advocates thereof. The Black Hills needs a thorough ureing and cleansing of the murderous wretches and ruffians who swarm within its haunts. and 7’m the one to do the job, with the assistance of my men, and all Lask'is the good will of the honest ot of the population,and their occasional co-opera- ion, That of the Government I am sure of. : “* The friendship or good will of my future foes, I neither crave nor aol ae As they have dealt with others, so shall they dealt with. By the decree of the law we are yet outlaws, and road-agents. “ Before the end of our campaign, we hope to be ee men once more. That is what we’re working for, “So, look out for us, ye evil doers, and stand not in our path, ye Doubters, for we shall recognize all friends as foes who stand up before us in opposition, “ SIGNED: Deapwoop Dick AND HIS Eaaurs, “N. B. My men are ail among you, many in num- ber, bound to me and each other by solemn oath and therefore invincible, though invisible. “A case of wrong against honest men by any one of my men, reported to me, will receive prompt at- We war only against evil-doers. Drapwoop Dick.” This was what the miners of Flood Bar read, and if they were amazed itis little wonder. Deadwood Dick was again on the trail as both Road-A‘rent and Regulator, and that things were going to be lively again within the scope of the Black Hills, they well knew. Whether the good the dashing Road Prince would do would offset the bad, and the enemi2s he would create, was a question for time to answer, not for the men of Flood Bar to decide. In a@ large majority of cases they had known, or had had experience with Deadwood Dick and while many of the miners sided with the reckless Road- Agent, more cursed him, and swore dire vengeance upon his head, should he ever give them an oppor- tunity to pay him an ill turn; so that it looked bad for Dead wood Dick in his pues campaign against the ruffian element—as if he would have as many honest men to fight as of the evil-disposed. AlJl over the Black Hills were these bulletins posted, at the entrance to every town or mining strike, aud often the daring dozen rode straight into a town to do their work, distributing their heralds broadcast in the very faces of their enemies. One of the principal resorts of Flood Bar was a large circus-shaped tent kept by two enterprising men from Denver, who had drifted here with the human tide. The place was floored and well-lighted inside and bore the name of the Inter-Ocean Saloon, although, besides the saloon, it was a concert-hall or pavilion and a gambling-den, where all sorts of d games were run night and day, As there was no similar pee in Flood Bar, of course the Inter-Ocean received the general share of the patronage, and, with good order a part of the time, and Deadwood City prices, the proprietors were reaping a rich harvest. The concert every evening was a great attraction, essrs. Hallowtom and Miles, ce ca rn) inging down “stars” from Donver to fastés of the dirty, rough tniners, Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. | Mherranch!” On such occasions many of the females of the Bar came in to listen to the music, quickly departing after the concert was over, for it was a poor place for respectable women. One evening a short time after the posted declara- tion of Deadwood Dick, we will look in upon the In- ter-Ocean for a few moments, Inside all was a bustle and excitement. A large crowd is gathered, and while waldoy. for the ‘‘ star” of the evening to appear, the gamblers offer their greatest inducements to attract the wary and un- wary to their fold for the purpose of fleecing them, A large gang of roughs were, under the effects of flery beverage, growing hoisy and boisterous, and Messrs. Hallowton and Miles tried several times to quiet them down. Their efforts were, however, un- availing. There was half a hundred of the gang, and under the leadership of one of the roughest customers in all the Black Hills. Big Hank eg te was this man’s name, and he had, on coming to Flood Bar, at once asserted his rights as ‘*champion,” “ boss,”’ and ‘*bully,” and as no one had ever had either the courage or muscle to dispute his assertion, it became a settled fact in the mind_of the people that Big Hank, with his a devil-disposed back rs, eould lick the town, i h burly bully double assurance of his power and prowess, and made him naturally more bold. And as with him boldness was. but. the precursor of bru- tality, he became @ pompous, bragging nuisance to the town, The card upon the concert boards to-night was Miss Lucille Desmond, who purported to be a New York opera-singer, but, if she did hail from further away than Denver, that dirty crowd was mistaken in its guess. The impression was that she was a Deadwood “ high-kicker,” or a stage-struck Hoosier gal, whom Messrs, Hallowton and Miles hoped to reap a harvest from. erefore the surprise of the audience, when the singer stepped before the curtain, At » glance she was anything but a can-ean dancer or a Hoosier girl, this fair, intellectual girl, with her creamy complex- ion, her dazzling bright blue eyes, and long auburn hair, and a form that rivaled the shape of Venus in symmetrical grace, and a wild hoarse cheer went up from the motley assemblare beneath the grect pavilion, which nearly frizhtened her out of her composure. But she soon regained her confidence, and stepping forward with a gentle courtesy, burst out into such a grand straia of exquisite song, that the attention of every person beneath the canvas was enchained as by a spell. eee like it had ever been heard in the Black ills, Her voice was as pure as the tone of a silver-bell, and as sweet as the voice of a bird, Flute-like ia their intensity, her wild, pe notes reached far beyond the tent, even, in’ without. And her audience listened spellbound, for wes Bey for the most part, never heard anything ike it, She sung once, and was about to retire, but a per- fect pandemonium of yells called her back, when a shower of wild mountain-flower bouquets fell at her feet—pouches of gold and silver were hurled in upon the stage without number, and the night rung loud with cheers and encores, For these rude and often- times ruffianly western miners have a great heart sean them. I never yet met a mis:r in the far est. Loudest in the encores was the bullying rough Big Hank Hagen. The man’s eyes had been fasten greedily upon the songstress all through her singing, oe ee ee to devour her like some ravenous w ast. “ Hurra! hoop! Medpe dette !’ he bellowed, swing- ing his hat above his head as he stood mounted upon a deal-tadle, ; _ ‘More song, me lady—more oe ae ® chose, which gave the- the black, stormy night ~ -
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4 ° Deadwood Pale and scared, for she was not used to such demonstrative audiences. Lucille again responded, and again and again, until, feeling faint and giddy, she turned to leave the stage. But, with the agility of a panther, Big Hank leaped from his perch, the deal-table, across onto the stage, beside the terrified girl, with a yell that would have done credit to a ‘omanche warrior. “Hold up, my sweet gal—don’t be so fast ter f° ontil ye’ve sold me a kiss from yer purty lips!’ the bully cried, throwing his brawny arms about her waist with a triumphant leer. _ ‘*Help! help!” screamed Lucille in horror, while sh. struggled frantically to free herself. But no one appeared to have the assurance, if they had the disposition, to help her, for Big Hank and his men were p Segre in foree to-night, and interference meant a free fight. So no one stirred to help the poor girl—all stocd and gazed upon the scene with- out offering assistance. ** Help! help!’’ she i cried, as Hagen’s whisky- scented breath fanned her cheek, *‘Are there no men among you who will help me?” > “Ay! ay!’ cried a stern, ringing voice, “ Dead- wood Dick ts with you!” CHAPTER V. THN DEVIL’S HOLE—DEADWOOD DICK BEGINS HIS CAM- PAIGN, We left Flying Flood about leaping the yawning abyss—a distance of many feet to the continuation of the hog-back beyond. But what man could ever hope to leap over that gs space, with such a burden in his arms as the dusky girl whom the brave lieutenant carried? Fl ya knew that positive death lurked behind him, and that there was promise of it in front. Yet he hesitated not, for he had often been face to face with the grim monster, and had grown, as it were, somewhat reckless of the consequences, On—on he bounded, at the top of his speed. The gulf lay just ahead, a great gap in nature’s furrowed face; across it he must leap in safety or—die! Death must surely follow a fall into that black abyss. Nearer and nearer he bounded toward the brink, and when upon its very edge he gathered his strength and made the fearful leap, while a yell of combined indignation, increduility and horror went up from the pursuing outlaws. They had not fora moment im- agined that the daring road-agent would ever con- template such a thing as trying to leap the abyss; they had proposed to corner and capture him. p into the air and Sraccrully forward like a rocket shot the lieutenant, with his prize clasped in his arms; with dilated eyes and bated breath the outlaws watched him, in wonder at the powerin his limbs which impelled him so swiftly through mid- air. But, alas! only too soon he began to sink, far short of the goal he had aimed to reach, and down! down! down! he sunk into the black misty depths. out of the sight or hearing of man, With cries of eonsternation Big John Wolf rushed forward to the brink of the precipice, and gazed over, down into the blackness, But nothing could they see. A dense fog poo their seeing twenty feet below the brink, “Reckon et’s good-by Flyin’ Floyd, and ther gal, too!” growled Rig John, angrily. ‘‘ We war darned fools we didn’t shoot the cuss, an’ git back ther gal. As et ar’, thar’ll be red devils to pay w’en Red Lark comes back an’ finds ther gal gone. He’ll rip an’ sw’ar like a suck-tornader, an’ ef some o’ you fellers don’t get broken skulls, I’m mistaken!” Then the outlaws turned and filed back along the hog-hack, to the plateau from whence their pursuit of Flying Floyd had called them. — Where were the lieutenant and his dusky charge? In the few seconds he was flying through the air toward the opposite side, he had ample time to per- ceive that he had miscalculated his powers—that he was going to fall far short of the brink, and be plunged into the awful abyss, whose depth might he Dick’s Eagles. , dense darkness, in search of footing. ) fathomless. It was a horrifying thought borne to both Floyd and his charge at the same time; but then they began to sink sO rapidly that their breath was taken away. Down! down! down, through an atmosphere damp and thick—down, second ai second without ces- sation, but seemingly faster and faster—into the very bowels of the earth, as it were, and yet still on and downward. When they struck, Nolie was unconscious, and a dead weight in hes Floyd’s arms, who, by a won- derful exertien of will. had kept his senses. Instead of being dashed to jelly upon a hard, rocky bottom, as the road-agent had expected, they were pl into a deep, round lakelet or well of water, which fully broke the force of their fall, and thereby saved their lives. As soon as they rose to the surface after their watery bath, Floyd struck out blindly through the ~ n olié was still a dead weight upon him, and be was nearly ex- hausted when he finally succeeded in finding a low, sandy shore, and getting out of the dark, bubbling water. Tt was a great relief, and he could but thank God that the result of his leap for life had been no worse. What the future had in store for them in this dark” pit he had no idea; but it was his intention to find out as soon as possible. If the chances of escap we eas ill-favored as the place was ill-smelling, Lope of life was indeed slender. And the sluggish: ness of the waters suggested the thought to him that this strange mountain lake had no outlet, "x Laying Nolie upon the sand, he proceeded to wh. the water from her garments, and then from his ~ own; after which he took a tin case from bis et and produced some matches which the water had not spoiled. . By pean around along the shore he was soon successful in ermal | an armful of fagots, which — he ignited, and fanned into a bright blaze, that lit up the surrounding scene with wonderful distinct- ness, and he was able to discover something about their situation. ? surface. “ A narrow shore ran nearly all around the water basin, but otherwise this singular body of water was walled in by giant mountain-sides that no human power could scale, eae: After making these observations, Floyd gathered _ more pine fagots, of which there was a plenty ; had tumbled down into the abyss, and replenished the fire, after which heset to work at restoring Nolie to consciousness. By the application of water, and liquor from his canteen, he soon had_her in full possession of her senses and speech, and they stood at the fire to dry their garments, while a hay be expression was wrought upon their two faces, both of which were handsome in their different types. P “We're in the Devil’s Hole!” exclaimed Nolie, with a frightened look in her eyes. ‘‘How did we — ever get here alive?” “ “ By eect into the lake we saved ourselves,” Floyd replied. “Do you or Big John andhismen _ know aught of the place?” “No more than that it is said to be bottomless." “Which was but a conjecture, as you see that we have found a bottom. But the next thing istotind — a wey out of the place.” 2 y Sh “ae But maybe there is no way out. What — en? _. : se ‘all probably be compelled to
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“10 ES Sree home here for the rest of our natural ives, . “But what would we live on? We should starve for want of food.” “Not if we could manage to subsist upon fish, which abound in great plenty in this remarkable mountain lake. e have enough wood here to last for years, so that I think we could manage to get along somehow. But before preparing sor a life- jong eere we must discover if there is no way to es- eape. To play Robinson Crusoe in the bowels of the earth is not any part of my calculations, if we can get out.’’ “Deadwood Dick is with you! and the audience gazed breathlessly on as they beheld the road-agent epring upon the stage, a revolver in either grasp— the same daring, resistless Deadwood Dick, whose fame and deeds had been heralded throughout the land—handsome, dare-devil Prince of the Road, who never hesitated to face death in defense of a wo- man. Straight pon the stage he sprung, with the eyes of nearly all Flood Bar turned upon him as he eaizht Big Hank Hagen by the throat. “Help! help!’ the bully bellowed, releasing his grasp upon Lucille and turning upon the road- azent; *’whar aire ye, pards? Roll up—pitch in, an’ we'll grind thes ’ere cuss inter ashes!” But though their leader thus appealed, not one of the rufflan’s crowd moyed; they stood as if riveted in their tracks, with too little assurance and faith in their own prowess to attack the man who, perhaps, of all men, was the most feared by these denizens of the Black Hills. Not a move they made, nor didithe ‘‘ honest ” element of Flood Bar, for they were secretly rejoiced that Big Hank had at last found his master, for the two men were now fight® Seep npenately with knives—fighting for life and ea I _ A breathless silence crept within the great pavil- ion; not a breath scarcely or a sound save that of the two duelists and the clashing of their knives; every one stood watching with intense interest, for a great deal poponaed upon the issue, Should Big Hark go under, Flood Bar’s greatest nuisance would be disposed of; at the same time if Deadwood Dick were to fall, the Hills would be rid of a scourge greater than death itself. These were the two opinions, and more were there who sided with the bully than wi h the road-agent. The contest was waged with unabated fierceness. ‘Big Hank had received several ugly cuts, which mide him furiously mad. Dick was bleeding freely from his adversary’s attempt at carving, yet he was ‘apparently not the least angered. That same reck- less coolness and composure were his, in battle or out; he feared neither man nor devil; he fought with ease and composure; even there was a faint smile resting upon his countenance and emanating from his dark magnetic eyes. Among the erears who had just arrived, were Old Buzzard and Squirrel Sam, watching the contest with great enthusiasm, for both were enemies of the bullying Hagen, who had in different ways taken pains to cross them. _.. The old scout and hunter, however, was the most _ affected by the sight, fora grin continuously lit up ply rotesque countenance, and occasionally he would give vent to his feelings by a yell of delight in such moments, for instance, as when Dick would tantalize” a vein of his adversary. Squirrel Sam, no matter what were his feelings, never spoke, but occasionally a smile of exultation _ would linger about his mustached mouth. “Great arithmetical ham-bo—I mean great Jo- ‘hosephat!”? roared Buzzard, dancing delightedly about, ri the road-agent parried the brute blows _ and put in some extra fine thrusts. ‘ Old Moses who in ther rushes did vegetate! at him, Dickey, ye dasted skunk! Put in yer work, ye little disease o’ destruction! Make ther pilgrim bite ther end off’m t Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. hes own constitoochin. Actooally seed a feller u in Montana, one’t, gents, w’at ked swalier bigs turn inside out, an’ then outside in erg’in.”’ Clash! clash! went the knives of the duelists. The blood ‘from their wounds stood in little pools upon the stage, or ran its way across and disappeared in a chance crack. Blood soaked their eaeeiens and spotted their faces, and still they battled on, each determined to kill the other. Of the two, Big Hank was the weaker, for it was perceptible to all that his strength, courage, and resolution were giving out; but Deadwood Dick did not seem to be weakened by his terrible loss of blood; he was, as it were, made of steel—no give ous in him. How long would both hold out? How long could it last? ‘Hoop! yip! hooray!” shouted Old Buzzard, prancing around within the limits of a table-top, on which he was perched; “game is thet same Dickey, gentlemen—game cl’ar ter ther eend o’ his fingers an’ toes; yes, sir-ee/ He’s a great cavortin’ lamb frum ther old buckin’ flock, J tell ye—a sto nenane skewrupshus galoot, w’at kin teetotally diskount any hyena ye evyer see’d. Three cheers fer Dick Harris, gentlemen, off ye don’t object!” And these miners of Flood Bar evidently did not object, for, immediately after the cld man’s pro- posal, the pavilion rung with a great triple chorus of cheers. “Thet’s ther style o’ tic’set ter vote, gentlemen!”’ continued the irrepressible scout—‘ ther very same ticket, you bet yer brass jewelry. Great ee as ham-bo—I mean Jehosephat, yes! My name is Buz- zard, feller-citizens, an’ Mr. Chairman—Benjamin Baltimore Brewster Buzzard from_ Bumble-bee county, Gopher State, an’ reddy am I ter sw’ar by ther star-bangled spanner on Deadwood Dick.” In the mean time Deadwood Dick was bringing matters to a close, 3 The burly bully, Big Hank, was fast growing weaker, and it was only the matter of a few mo- ments, ere he must succumb. = Dick could, as it were, have slain him easily enough, but this was not his intention. He wanted to merely cow the wretch, and make him docile. A few more blows, then Big Hank staggered back, threw up his hands and sunk upon the floor, He was done for. His wounds, none of which were poe. serious, had overcome his ferocity, and e was aware of his defeat. ‘*Bnough!” he gasped, and then fainted outright, amid uproarious cheers for Deadwood Dick from the crowd. Which the young road-agent received without visible manifestation, as he restored his knife to its sheath, and turning, assisted the now almost un- conscious Miss Desmond to her feet, and con- ducted her behind the scenes. The crowd yelled for him, but he came not; they continued to yell, which had the effect of bringing out Mr. Miles, one of ithe proprietors of the Inter-Ocean, who respectfully announced that Deadwood Dick had already taken his departure. * : CHAPTER VI. ELIJAH SWAIN, HISTORIAN, FTC. Yus, Deadwood Dick was gone, and these people of Flood Bar had to content themselves with the knowledge. But when the men got together, on the following day, and discussed_and rediscussed mat- ters, if was made a universal decision that, if the young road-agent brayo ever showed his face in lood Bar again, he should not be suffered to es- cape. And with this object in view, a party of the “good and honest” men of the Bar formed them- selves into _a band of Vigilantes, swearing death to Deadwood Dick and his men. On the following day a crowd of loafers were lounging about the tent of Old Buzzard, listening to the old eccentric’s yarns concerning his exploits in the past, and smoking up more poor tobacco than would stock an ordinary tobacco loft. » ;
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Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. While they were thus lounging, and watching the blue-shirted miners of the Bar at their work in the broiling spring sun, they were interrupted by a comical-looking individual who had approached, and was endeavoring to attract their attention, by gesticulations with a blue cotton umbrella. He was of the medium stature, with a face hid be- hind a mass of bricky-red hair and beard, his nose and gleaming eyes being all that was visible of flesh about his countenance. He was clothed in cordu- roy breeches and yest, and a long faded swallow- tail coat while his feet were incased in heavy bro- gans, and a battered plug hat ornamented his red unkempt locks. His make-up was generally con- ducive to laughter, while the redness of the end of his organ of scent was more than assurance of good health; it suggested ‘‘ bummer.” * Waal, waal! Jehosephat an’ ther ham-bone o’ old Joner! Whatd'’ye want?” demanded Buzzard, a rim suggestion of fun lurking amidst the stain of terbaccy ’ juice in the corners of his mouth. “‘ Wa’t for d’ye stand thar pide ata o’ thet umbreller at us, an’ never saying anything? Be ye ag’ost, a hog- goblin, or an automater? Or beaye tongue-tied, or got dumb! For ther Lord’s sake do say sumthin’ ter reak ther mernotonous state o’ ther siltywation., Sing, orate, grunt, or ask us ter come an’ see ef et looks damp an’ liable ter rain water ter drink. “An ef et don’t rain water, they keep an excel- lent substitute in ther shape o’ prime old mountain- dew, a couple 0’ doors above here.” ‘Yas, don’t mind ef I do treat, boys,’’ was the A ab ara Wad ina tone that was purely Yankee. * But, first, let me interdooce ter yeou a few ites o’ my business heer, fer ye must see I’m a business inclined man. My name, sirs, ar’ Hlijer Swain, o* Swainville, Swain county, Maine. I have graduated in five colleges of the State, an’ hev branched out into life as a historian and biographer. I have writ- ten several histories of the United States, an’ of all ther prominent men o’ ther day,.none of which hey yet been puf upon the market because I ordered them ter be withheld. I will contract to write up any 0’ yer biographies, gentlemen, at five cents a line, an’ not write less than a thousand lines: an’ if your life has been uneventful, I’ll add a few terrible adventures and hairbreadth escalpes for a slight ad- vance on the price of the biography, an’ ef ye want ter be killed off at ther end, I shall be glad to ac- commodate ye, hev Spores funeral ceremonies and a thirty-eight foot marble shaft erected at yer he’d. Anythingin my line ter-day, gentlemen?” “Guess not,’? replied Buzzard, with a wink at the erowd. ‘'Reckon cin history wouldn’t sell ver well, Great deplorable ham-bone, no! I'm too well known, I tell ye! Whar kin ye perambulate, frum ther north pole ter ther south—frum ther east pole ter ther west, whar ye will not run across ther name an’ fame of Old Avalanche, ther great Injun Anni- hilator—ther great boreal disease o’ annihilation and extinckshun—ther terrific an’ original eppydemic o° these lattytudes an’ longytoads! for Avalanche am I, feller-cittyzens, an’ no mistake—ther notorious, no-eared pestilence of ther Nor’west. No! no! guess ve kan’t ‘rite my hist’ry ter-day, fer et’s faithfully nscribed on ther mem’ry 0’ every feller w’at’s seen an’ read 0’ me, ’twixt heer an’ ther line o’ ther equa- tor.” ' * Wal, et ar’ too bad, I sw’ar!’” commented Elijah, dolefully, ‘‘ but one disappointment hedn’t orter dis- courage one strong-minded man like me, nohow. Ken’t 1 make yer biographical records, gentlemen, ter-day?” But these men of Flood Bar shook their heads. They had no desire to become famous, and have their lives carried by history before the eyes of fu- ture generations. : “Well, there’s no use 0’ goin’ around wi’ one an’ tharfore I combined 11 ets as an honor fer ther good my biographies one the rising generation. Tharfore, gentlemen, do ye know uv any new cases o’ suisancide or murder, or any defunct bodies I can sit on, and thereby derive my commission from the Govern- ment? “Guess ye’re bound ter be disappointed in thet line, too, Elijer,” replied the Annihilator,facetiously. © Fain’t seen nary a corpuss layin’ around loose fer a month 0’ Sandays. “Spect ef ye keep in ther reer eend of Deadwood Dick, tho’, that ye’d be liable ter ind suthin’ ter set on, ef more’n a dead coyute.”’ “ Oh?! I don’t inelude the animal kind,” said Elijah, stiffly. ‘I deal only with defunct corpses 0’ col lateral humans.’ And then he turned and walked out upon the bar, where a hundred or more,men were busily engaged with an and shovel. A laugh of derision followed him, for so green and awkward appeared he, that the risibilities of a saint might have been aroused at sight of him. “i tell you what!” said Jim Belmont, to Old Buzzard—now, by his own confession, the veritable Old Avalanche—as the eccentric individual tramped away, ‘thet feller is either crazy, an idict, or is some sharper in disguise. I am inclined to the latter theory, for that is all bosh about his being a biogra- pa so forth, I'll bet he can’t read his A, B, is!) ‘Oh! great marrow.o’ ther bone w’at old Joner swallered, thet’s nothin’, Jimsy — absolutely no more’n a pizmire in an ocean o’ merlasses. Once know’d a feller w’at got rich takin’ ther fotygrafts 0’ Soo Injines—fact, by gracious. An’ soon old Stick- in-the-Mud Varnt the art, an’ lastly, they tuk thar artist’s picter as he war performin’ jimnasticks w in oe atmosfere, wi’ a tight cord around his neck, : “Well, if there ain't sumthin’ about that feller, concealed from us, I'll eat a fat Greaser,”’ replied Belmont, and the Virginian meant it, too, for he had a keen eye for observation and reading charac- ter, that rarely ever led him wrong. But, as if innocent of all these suspicions against him, Elijah Swain continued faithfully on around Flood Bar, making his proposals, and, strange to say, really taking a few contracts, or some were there among the miners who be- lieved they were geing to be eternally made famoug by this modern solicitor and historian, whose per- suasive argument led them to telieve and invest. That night was a hot one for early spring, with a clear and hazy sky, and very little air stirring. Af- ter the cessation of all labor, the miners might have been seen sfrewn about the Bar and along the tented creek shore, engaged in cleaning their weapons, smoking their pipes, or washing out a clean shirt, for as yet the a mond-eyed Chinaman had not made his advent at the Bar, and conse- quently every miner who had no family was his own, laundryman. Avalanche, Belmont, Miaco and Sq) irre] Sam were lounging in front of the latter’s tent. watching with indifferent curiosity the tide of humanity about them, when Belmont spoke up, Seedy “Listen! listen! What woman on the Bar has such a voice? Even Miss Lucille Desmond cannot equal itl’ ‘It is perhaps she,” suggested Miaco, as all hands listened eagerly, ‘‘fer she air the best singer I know of at the Bar now.” “No, it’s not her,’ replied Belmont The words of the Soe uke of it weren’tno — e
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12 Deadwood Dick’s Eagies. Flood Bar, as it were, was spell-bound by the en- chanting melody, it died out in a strange, wild, mournful shriek, biood-curdling and demoniac. The Four Pards exchanged glances, “Thar’s somethin bk declared Belmont, scratching his head thought ly ““an’ ’'m wonder- in’ what, ‘Pears to me like ase they’ve got a crazy person penned up in thet cabin.” “ Or sum’ wild beast,” suggested Miaco. ‘Great ham-bone w’at performed old Joner’s last resident’s message, no!’’ replied Old Avalanche, n disgust. ‘ Yo don’t suppose a wild annymal kin ene ) age ‘“What is your opinion, then, old man?” demand- ed Belmont. ‘‘I have been watching you, and see that you have formed one.”’ “Th? w’at aire thes aoe destructive eppydemie’s opinion, ye ask? Waal, I hev jest rented et out, an’ n’t tell ye. Thes heer old cavortin’ disease aire goin’ ter know ther secrets 0’ thet cabin, or slip an eccentric, sure pop, Old religious an’ antediluviam ham-bone, w’at war ther last sickness uv old Joner! Ef thar’s humans in thet Noaher’s Ark, this notori- ous snow-flake aire eet ter find et out, an’? make *em pull down their blinds.” No more of the singing shrieks were heard in the cabin, however, that night, and Flood Bar's people's minds again were quieted into repose. But something occurred on the following night, which threw the little town into a turmoil of excite- ment, for on awakening in the morning, it was found that the Bar and its inhabitants had been robbed / Yes, robbed of all the dee or currency upon their persons—not only one but all—every min in the mines! Inthe dead of night the robbery had been silently performed, while slumber held the people in its deep trance. . Cleaned out of thousands of dollars’ worth of pre- cious gold and greenbacks was the little town on Santas Creek, and as there were no pretensions of religion there, of course the profanity among a cer- tain class was great, Deadwood Dick, agreed these miners, was the rob- ber—Deadwood Dick who had declared himself the friend of the honest man, and the enemy of outlaw- ry and ruffilanism.- Who else could the daring act be attributed to? “Don’t b'lieve nothin’ o’ ther kind!’’ was the sole response of old Avalanche, when he was questioned concerning his views of the case; ‘*’twarn’t Dickey at all, no more’n ’twar President Hayes, or sum other high-toned offis-holder. No, sir-ee, Vl bet ther - sharpest tooth in my old jaws thet et warn’t Dick. Great unsophisticated ham-bone w’at equilibriated old Joner! thet same cayortin’ pestifferous Dick wouldn’t no more steal bec honest earnin’s, than he'd bu’st his inderwidual b’iler!"”’ But these Flood Bar-ites were not all of the veteran Annihilator’s opinion, and fierce and vindictive was the spirit against Deadwood Dick. Large rewards were offered for the dashing out- law, and the Vigilantes were on the alert. ‘The great Lucille was booked for another concert, that night, and it was expected the dare-devil road- agent would be present, Therefore, the Vigilantes were on hand, in disguise, ready to nab the sehing pace upon his appearance, But they were destine obe disappointed. Neither Deadwood Dick nor any one resembling him was seen in the great mass of humanity, and Lucille sung on to-night without mo- lestation, for Big Hank Bagen, though present, was too peo. used up to show his prowess again, when he found that the songstress had at least one friend in the mining-camp. But with all the ruffianly des- ata bitterness of his evil nature, the Flood Bar ully now equally loved and hated the fair singer— loved heras well as he was capable of loving any one or anything, and hating her because of her ter- _ ror of him, 7 ¢ _ And knowing that she feared him, he yearned for _. greater triumph over her—yearned to. possess lor aud crush her proud spirit as the Texan horse-tamer eed frightens the young wild horse into submission te his will. Hagen sat in an obseure corner of the saloon dur- ing the concert, and watched with evil in his blood- shot eyes, a peculiar vindictive smile lurking about his coarse mouth. When she a for the last time he arose and glided from the tent, a gee expression upon his sinister countenance. He still had the use of his left arm, and springing upon a horse that was standin, at the door of the saloon, he shook the reins, an gallo ed along the creek shore to the ford to the ar, just below the rising eastward bluffs. Here he dismounted and concealed his animal _be- hind a thicket of firs, while he himself crouched in hiding, and waited. Below him and across the waters of the creek gleamed the lights from a score of miners’ tents that were located upon the Bar, while further on, upon the opposite shore, were more of these canvas habi- tations, saloons and stores, similar to those which had been erected upon the eastern shore, along which ran the trail leading into the an er canyon, where several paying quartz lodes h een discoy- ered, Big Hank had not long to wait; he expected the eat Lucille to soon come along and pass over the ong foot-bridge to the Bar, where she procured boarding and lodging with a miner’s wife, and soon he heard rapid footsteps approaching. But they were clearly not those of a lady—too heavy, quick and elastic for such. A man was com- ing to cross the ford—who? “ CHAPTER VII. THE ENTRANCED ANNIHILATOR. ‘“* Qurse the girl! why don’t she come?” the bully muttered, impatiently; “and who is this cuss com- ing along to skeer my bird away? Blast him, ’ma notion to salivate him through ther pate an’ chuck him in the creek.” But on the new-comer’s closer approach, Hagen concluded not to adopt his proposal, for the man was the silent member of the Pards of Flood-Bar— Squirrel Sam. Handsome and maniy looked the young miner, as he strode along with head erect and eyes glancing around, and Hagen secretly envied him his good looks. But Squirrel Sam was not mo- lestei, as he stepped upon the long, shaky suspen- sion foot-bridge and passed over on the Bar. “The next will be tha gall’? Hagen muttered, as he continued to crouch in his concealment, and lis- ten to the sounds upon the sfill night. ee T kin only git my clutches upon her, onc’t, never fear but she’s mine, safe enuff. These Black Hills hes got plenty o’ safe nooks ter hide a gal in, an’ I'll be ther owner uv as erty, a piece o’—” He stopped and listened. Footsteps were again approaching, and this time they were light and rapid, which indicated to the scheming villain that the fair songstress of the Inter-Ocean establishment was at hand, | And crouching like a panther in his lair Hagen waited—waited until the footfalls sounded just in front of him—then he leaped to his feet aud out from his cover, with a yell of great triumph. But that yell turned to a growling curse, as he beheld, instead of the expected Lucille, no less a person than Deadwood Dick standing facing him. Yes, Deadwood Dick, who had punished the bully ‘of the Bar, a few nights before, and for whom the miners of Flood Bar now offered large sums, If Hagen was astonished, Dick was probably not less so; yet he was instantly upon his guard, with a revolver in bis hand, ready for use, “Hello! what do you mean? Have highway robber?” the Prince asked, his tone tinged with sarcasm. ‘‘I expected to find your carcass ly- ing in some hole, hereabouts, depend Npoy the prncpoatty of some philanthropic soul to bury it.’” “Oh! did ye?” sneered Hagen, recoverin: ¢omposure, somewhat, although he could no Penge Re eee but ‘ou turned © his __
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Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. ; feel aeaay when Deadwood Dick had the drop on him. ‘Waal, I ain’t dead yet, ef yedid accidentally carve mesum. Didn’t take me for a weak calf, I hope? Ef ye did, thar’s whar ye make a mistake, fer, Mr. Deadwood Dick, or whatever-yer-name-is, you aire my prisoner.’’ ‘*Your prisoner? By what authority?” Dick ce- manded, coolly. “None o’ yer danged bizness—'cept that, 1 want ye ter surrender, or I'll bu’st yer jug fer ye, in style, an’ give ye ter the Vigilantes.” “Oh! don’t—please don’t!’ mocked the road- agent. ‘I know you wouldn't harm a poor innocent liftle thing like me!” Big Hank did not reply except with a curse, as he leaped forward to seize his enemy}; but there was a howl of rage, and a sharp flash and report, under which Hagen went to the ground, “There, you brute, I guess maybe you'll keep uiet, now, for a spell!” Dick muttered, spurning the body with his foot. 4 Then he turned away, and crossed the foot-bridge . onto the Bar, moving with exceeding cautien, for to be caught Bepping by the now indignant Flood Bar- hee ees battle, and a hundred chances to one, of leath, He had not been gone ten moments when the songstress came along in company with Messrs. Miles, of the Inter-Ocean establishment. They saw the dead bully lying by the roadside, and Miles gave a breath of relief. “One good riddance, thank God!” he ejaculated, devoutly. ‘*Some one’s made a funeral for one of the worst ruffians in the territory, Flood Par, I’m sure, will feel relieved.” Old Avalanche, Belmont, Miaco and Sam were sitting in the dwarf’s tent, later the same evening, smoking and spinning yarns, as was their wont when there were no fights or excitement outside to attract their attention. : “Ketch Deadwood Dick” the Great Annihilator was saying. in contempt at some previous remark; “no, sir-ee! nary a ketch of a feller who signs the eend o’ bis luv-letters wi’ thet same notorious name,”’ : ; “Well, if Deadwood Dick much longer evades the law and justice, it?ll be far beyond my expectations,” said Belmont. ‘‘Why, every other man in the Bar, nearly, has now joined the Vigilantes, and sworn death to the dare-devil road-agent.” ‘ ‘1 don’b care a durn ef every uther galoot, an’ every other galoof’s next-door-neighbor, hes j’ined the Vigilantes; thet hain’t signicafistic thet they're a-goin’ ter sift their fingers through Dickey’s beauti- ful hair. Great Centennial ham-bone thet eo pen old Joner! et aire my solemn wish thet éf they don’t let ther.boy alone, w’en he’s offered ’em fa’r induce- ments, thet he'll pitch inter ’em, an’ lick ‘em like thunderation. Grasshoppers an’ religyus buzzards! Ef Dick do evyer git his back up, ag’in, I tell ye things’ll smoke, an’ ye kin bet yer constitoochin on’t. Why, sar, 6f ye war let heer uv sum 0’ ther wonder- ful exploits Dick’s did, yer hair’d fly up on end so quick thet et’d jerk yer scalp off—fact, by gracious! Once know’d uy a similar sarcumstance, up in Mon- tana. After ye heer et ye ken’t doubt my word in sayin’ thet *twar wonderful, Ther case war sumthin’ like this: A feller had lost his first wife an’ married asecond. But he still luved ther fu’st, an’ used ter go set on ther top o’ ber stun every day, an’ whittle up pieces o’ rails as offerings sacrificial ter her speerit. One day, whilo sittin’ thar, he felt a cold, clammy hand lain onter his cheek, an’ his hair stuck upon end so quick thet ther electricity uv ther mo- ment completely ripped off his sealp, jerked his neck out o’ j’int, an’ dislocated his back-bone. They buried ther poor galoot next. day, an’ his ashes aire now soaked inter lye, deep down in Terrance Firma, or ye _ kin call me a liar!” : Avalanche,” broke in Miaco, “I do solemnly be- er) 7 +. oy 2 ety ey eee, is lieve. meaning no ’fense, o’ course, thet ye aire ther ~ wu’st liar in existence, 1 once knew a feller who told a lie a minnit ery day fer sixty years, an’ then con- tinued ter work dubble time ther next forty; but, darn me ef I don’t b'lieve ye kin beat thet.’* “ Hain’t apa ter try, Liliput. Great forsaken ham- bone, no! I ain’t one side o’ a buffier-Lull ter ye, w'ich aire useless, Ha!—? ; ‘The old man here started, and stopped abruptly in chis speech—became rigid and motionless, his face as pray. as granite rock. Not a muscle moved in his ly, and hif breath came very slowly. — « In silent wonder his three companions looked on Tn no manner could t ey account for the strange change that had so suddenly come over the old man. But a voice, seeming to come from among them, soon spoke, and the words produced full as much mystery as the Annihilator’s antics. ‘Lay down, Avalanche!” the voice commanded, ~ sternly, and to the astonishment and amused mysti- fication of the three spectators, the veteran scout. got Seaaed upon his hands and knees, and rollea over on his back with a disapproving snort, , “None of your growling, Alva!” cautioned the voice of the unseen speaker, from another portion of the tent. “won't have ft, Shut your fly-trap and your eyes, and tell me what you taste?” “Tarant'ler-juice, by ther great ham-bone!” was ~ the quick response. “ And what do you smell, Alva?’ “ Wricasseed mud-turtle and clam salad!’ was the reply. * Ab! two very rare dishes, old man, which is con- ” clusive that you have seen better days. Now then, raise yourself to a sitting posture, and cast your eyes about you, and tell me what you see,” said the ~ same cool, stern voice, which now seenied to come down the smoke-hole of the tent. - f : Accordingly, the Great Annihilator rose to a sif- ting posture, and gazed on er side with apparent sharp scrutiny, although the three miners noticed ~ that his eyes had a vacant, glazed look. ; “Well! well! what do you see?” again demanded the mysterious voice, coming directly from in under Belmont’s chair, and causing the Virginian to spring to his feet in consternation and surprise. Ve **T see th-the Black Cabin!” was the response of Avalanche, slowly. ae Belmont, Miaco and Squirrel Sam now pricked up their ears, for the dialogue was growing more inter: esting to them. > ‘*Can you see inside of the cabin, old man?” Oy “Great ham-bone, yes!” : “Ah! that is good. Tkere is a mystery solve since you have the key, Avalanche. you see inside the Black Cabin?” ‘* A man—an or’nery-lookin’ galoot, too.” Todeed! Deseribe him.” 3 “‘Antediluvian ham-bone, yes. Guess I recky ther figger-head, now. Seen him down ter sou’. Big cuss, wi’ dark bazzoo, black.eyes and black mus-— tache. Dressed in ther toggery o’ a herder frum Texas |" * Armed, I suppose?” ; “Moses in ther bullrushes, yes. More‘'n fifty- ‘leven hoels in ther side o’ ther wall, heart high, — wi’ ther snoots o° rifles an’ revolvers stickin’ inter ‘em. | Asides, thar’s a hull arsenal o’ tools in his bc “Ts this all you see?” * All, pard, ’eepting ther furnitur’.” ; “ Be careful, Alva, don’t lie to me lest I knock you down with my finger. Look sharp, and see if you: can’t discover another room.” a Avalanche was now seen to bend forward, and men keenly around, a scowl upon his furrowed fore- ee 41 f cee. “Yes!” he replied, presently, “ there’s a door wat opens inter ernuther room,” PASS “Ah! that’s more like it. Unlock that door and — look inside. Take a careful survey. There, now; what do yon see?” ie ae : ues yu > you must 5 hom da _
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14 “Great repinin’ ham-bone w’at got snagged ag’in, ther larnyx uv old Joner! et’s a Injun critter!” ex- claimed Avalanche, with a sniff of disgust, which, for some strange reason, caused a broad smile to illumine the face of Squirrel Sam—‘‘a reg’lar old eayortin’, bucking she-male squaw, an’, holey dara- ‘in’-needle uv old Cleopatra, she’s got the maddest _ kind 0’ ‘jims!’” ‘“*Ts she old and ugly?” ‘Moses who did through, ther rushes rush, yes— uglier an’ ornier lookin’ then my Florence Nightin- gale, or e%en old Samantha Snodgrass who lives up at Yankton. Mitey, but she’s humbly, gentlemen, aire thet Samantha, an’ she’s been known ter fright- en away ther birds an’ bufflers fer ten year on a stretch, jest wi’ her old becoming mug.” “Stop, old man; you're getting clear off track. Has this Indian woman a mad look?” “You bet yer a’riferous she hes! Looks madder than a wassup w’at’s hed his stinger tuk.” “Ts she a prisoner?” *Shedn’t wonder.” “Well, now look around you, and perhaps you may see something more that is interesting. Do you know who is questioning you?” “Dol? Ham-bone w’at war cremated by old Jo- ner, yes. I see ye even ef Lain’t lukin’ at ye. I ' know yer voice like [J do tavant’ler-juice. You aire Deadwoot Dick!” Belmont and Miaco uttered an exclamation at this disclosure, and Squirrel Sam simply squinted one eye, and nodded for the others to be still. **You hi. the nail plum on the head then, Alva!” replied the voics of the invisible inquirer, tiis time coming from ths earth at the Annihilator’s feet, “Tam Deadwood Dick, whom Flood Bar Vivzilantes long to clasp in their fond embrace. But_ they haven’t got me yet, Alva, and when they do Ill let you know. But. look! it strikes me that, there is another apartment to the Black Cabin, which you Lave not explored, is there not?” “Darn my old mule’s capacity fer oats, but ye’re right. Yonder is another door, but it aire heavily barred, au’ I’m gittin’ ter old an’ weak ter bu’st doors.” “Pshaw! You lack confidence. T will reassure you.” * The eyes of the old man roved along ths canvas siding-of the tent, and finally stopped, aad the three watching miners saw a pair of magnetic black eyes and part of a face peering in through a slit in the canvas, But the face disappeared, a moment later, and the voice continued: j “You feel stronger, now?” Great ham-bone, yes. [| kin lick enny man w'at sez ther Aunibilation ain’t the greatest achiovement in the hull world, an’ part o’ Canady.” “Well, d’ye see the room, now?” “Yes. Thar’s a gal in et—purty as ary lialac ye ever seed!” ‘Hal that is the kind of news we are in want of!”’ returned the voice, now tinged with excitem nt. “This girl—has she red hair?” * Great hifalutin’ ham-bone, yes—redder thanary rum-cuillered nose ked be. Ther galis crying, now, ' wi’ her head buried atwixt her hands.” ne “Ab! and have you everseen her before, Alva, and know you her name?” : “Ay! down in Del Norte J last saw her, for she is Leone Harris, ther wife 0’ Deadwood Dick)” There was a smothered imprecation from without the tent—then Avalanche suddenly started in his ~ mesmeric trance, his hands clutching. _ “Wire! fire! the Black -Cabin is afire!’’ he Sd breaking the spell and springing to his eet, “Fire!” cried Deadwood Dick, through the aper- _ ture in the canvas; then he was heard dashing _ away. “Fire!” yelled the crowd of miners, rushing by», And all was excitement ina moment. Look at me, and | ther grease wich had riz on top o’ ther water, de« foimew =o Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. * CHAPTER VIII. THE BURNING CABIN—ELIJAH SWAIN AGAIN—THE SEN’ SATION—DEADWOOD DICK’S HEAD—ADMISSION 30c. Yes; burning was the mysterious Black Cabin, ot at least so said these excited denizens as they rush: ed pell-mell across the Bar. Belmont, Avalanche, and Squirrel Sam leaped out of their tent, and glared around them. The sky was reddened by a mighty illumination from the cabin, which was all ablaze. The timbers of which it had been built were old, punky, and in- flammable, and a thousand sparks ascended heaven- wardat every puff of the evening breeze, while the flames roared and crackled furiously. ‘* it aire good-by ter ther old crib as sure’s there's contrariness in a she-mule’s hind hoof!” ejaculated Old Avalanche, who had come out of his trance, and while thoroughly himself again, had forgotten near- y all concerning the mesmeric power Dick had thrown over him. -‘Great Norweejan ham-bona thet did old Joner strangulate—ef thar’s any one in ther Ark, they’re bound ter go to Canaan a-whoop- “Tf the cabin has the occupants you named in her! tantrums, ’'m reckoning Deadwood Dick will ose a wife—Leone, ye called her,” said Miaco, as he too, came from the tent. “What? what d’ye say, Stub, about Leone?” ex. claimed the Annihilator, excitedly. ‘‘ Whar is she? who's seen her?”’ “None has seen her, old man,” replied Belmont; “but, according to the revelation you made in your trance a few moments ago. she is a prisoner in yon- der burning cabin. Whois this Leone—Deadwood Dick’s wife?” “Great forsaken ham-bone, yes—she war his wife, an’ ther sweetest lump o’ sugar outside o’ a merlas- ses cask, But she got stole away while we war down at Del Norte, an’ hitherto we’ve bin unable ter find a trace o’ her, Yas, Iremember now—I see’d Dead- wood Dick peekin’ in at me, an’ ketchin’ my eye, he quick throwed me into a mesmeric trance, wich war easy fer him, he hevin’ done it afore.” The four men joined in with the crowd which was pouring over on the Bar from the shores, and push- ed toward the burning cabin. They soon gained a place as close as the terrible heat would permit, and hen stood watching the conflagration. There was no aid which could be given, had the Flood Bar-ites been inclined to give aid, which they were not, “D’ye kno’ ef any one’s got out uv ther old erib, yet?” Avalanche asked of a bystander, for the old man was shuddering each moment when he remem- bered that possibly Leone, Deadwood Dick’s wife, was being consumed in the roaring furnace, “Yas—two gals and an old Injun woman escaped, ther gals goin’ first, and ther squaw a-chasing ’em, wi’ screeches like an ugly painter.” “ Which way did they go?” “Down ther canyon gulch, an’ hid, so thet they ken’t be found.”’ “Do you know how the cabin came afire?” put in Belmont. * Waal, I dunno, but the story’s about thet a ga- loot hed two girls shut up in thar, wi’ a crazy sqiaw ter guard ’em, an’ thet, gittin’ tight oa Flood Bar whisky, he concluded ter cremate ’em iu ther latest approved style, wharfore he sot the cabin on fire.” “Then he escaped too, eh?” \ ‘““O’ course—don’t suppose he'd go inter the she- bang after thet, ter cremate hisself, do you?” “Don’t know but he might,” the: Annihilator re- plied, placidly. “‘Knew a feller once who got a stove hot fer ter set his mother-in-law upon, an’ for- got hisself an’ sot down kerslap onter it. Wal.a romance war thus begun. Settin’ on ther stove nater’ly fried the fat outen him, an’ ther oilly sub- stance run all over the floor, so thet his wife hed ter mop itup, An’ she throwed ther moppin’s ina hole. at ther back door, an’ an oil-locater kim along, sev’d é {
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Deadwood Dick's Eagles. 15 * Marea erude petroleum ter exist thar, an’ offered | to hunting and mining again, with the conviction er thet fried chap a thousan’ an’ royalty fer ther claim. Did, by gracious!” 3 i “At itagain,. old man,’ here interposed Miaco. ii In| Heaven's name! whenever will ye cease ter ie? ‘Like yerself, Stubby—only when ther old angel Gabriel screws down my throttle, and shets off my superflewus steam. Hooray! Great degenerated ham-bone w’at give old Joner connipshun fits! See ther old Ark w’at Noaher built blaze up, an’ shute her sparks upward like ginnywine Norweejan snow- flakes toward the hevings!”’ ** Yes, et’s a-goin’ fast— Great God!” cried Bel- mont, leaping back, as there was a great puff with- in the burning cabin, which shot a myriad upward— then a report. not unlike the roar of a hundred can- n ns—an explosion of sant powder, which tore the cabin into bits, hurling in some instances great logs to the opposite side of the Bar. Nearly all the crowd were blown prostrate, and in some instances killed, or more or less injured, Avalanche was among those to suffer apparent. death. He was found outstretched, with no signs of ie about him, his old face mantled by a grim pmile. “He's a goner!” said Belmont, gazing respect- fully down at the veteran Indian-hater. *' Guess *twon’t be his odd expressions our ears will hear arfter this, pards.”’ “No, the poor old feller. But he nevyer expected ter git layed out.so soon!” replied Miaco, ‘An’ a right sensible old galoot war he, too.” ‘Hello! w’at hey yeou heer? Glory be unto—ther enap who made mea subject ter sit on!” and fol- lowing the words came the person of Elijah Swadn, W.S. Coroner, and so forth, ‘* Bizness is revivin’, ‘ents—times aire gettin’ better; ther mortuary aire tScomin® more reconciled an’ puttin’ ets work on in Letter shape. Just sot onter two men, back heer, an’ rendered a verdict, wich war ten dollars in my pocket; one feller got kicked, wi’ a flying log—ther other tried ter stop a cavortin’ windy-shutter. Step aside, gentlemen, an’ let me set onter this unfortu- pate man.” ‘ **Ham-bone w’at explored ther mammoth cave uv old,Joner! no ye don’t!” velled Avalanche, sitting upright so suddenly that the business-inclined Fli- jah’s hair nearly stood up on end, ‘ Guess I ain’t yeddy ter be sot onter yet, ef ther old leggislater knows herself, an’ she ruther opine she do. Git out o’ this, ye lunatic, or by all ther bulls w’at Moses rid w’en he cavorted around thr’w’ ther rushes, I'll pul- rerize ye fer land plaster. — @/t /” And seeing that the little old man was in earnest, Filijah quickly obeyed, and was later seen searching around in hopes of finding more defunct persons, The cabin burned to the ground, and nothing but 4 glowing bed of ashes was left to mark its former site. Gradually the crowd ma egrs and went back 10 their respective roosts for the night, Avalanche had not been injured—only momentari- ly stunned. The old knight of the trail and war- ath seemed to bear a charmed existence—at least 26 was always lucky enough to escape death, no matter how great the danger or severe his in- juries. Long life on the border had made him reckless and ii is this class who ever seem to bear a charmed, in vulnerable life. . That night a rumor was spread about that Dead- wood Dick had been killed. A brawny bummer heralded the news broadcast, and it was pretty enerally believed. But when a week had passed yy, and nothing of the noted Prince of the Road had been. heard, it was regarded as a fact. And the Wlood Bar-ites breathed free. During the week, Avalanche had searched far and wide, in the vicini- ty of Flood Bar, both for Deadwood Dick and for poor abducted Leone, who had escaped from the lack Cabin, and sought safety in flight. Butit had been a fruitless search, and he finally settled down that Deadwood Dick had indeed passed in his cheeks. As to Leone, he could form no conjecture of whereabouts, i During the week another “grand” hotel, built of slabs and boards, went upon the eastern shore of Squirrel Creek, which was now considered the first _ street of the town. It was called the White House. and because of being comfortably furnished, and setting forth a better array of grub, received the greater share of the regular and transient patron- age. In short, it was a “first class” boarding- house, such as you find in all mining-towns. In one of the“rooms upon the second floor, and looking down onto the picturesquely-tented Bar, sat a man at the close of a mild spring day, when the miners were trudging infrom their work, and night’s early twilight was stealin Boe over the landscape. The sun had so far gone down in the west that onl. a faint radiance flushed the mountain-top, whic rose stately and grand on the opposite side of the Bar, and rolled away in gorgecus pine-fringed piles as far as eye could reach. Perfume of exquisitely sweet-scented May flow- ers Wafted down and greeted the nostrils of the man we have mentioned, as he sat by an open casement, and with his feet elevated upon a chair-back, pulled silently at a heavy pipe the flowers’ perfume by t bacco, He was one whose age might have been anywhere between twenty-five and thirty-five, dark of on ion and swarthy, with a black ugly-expressione: eye, a sensual mouth shaded by a heavy jetty mustache, and hair like the raven’s wing. His dress was rough and coarse, with no pretensions to dandyism, and upon his head he wore a herder’s slouch hat. ‘Curses upon me!”’ he growled, as his eyes roved over the scene below, and at last rested upon the former site of the Black Cabin. ‘Why was I such a cursed fool as to get drunk and fire the old shell. when it contained my two prizes, whom I value mcre than life? But they are gone now, and the cevil only knows where they are. I hope old Mar- keesa did get *em, and chaw *em up, though by some crazy freak she might have befriended them. only plan is to watch and wait, Chance might ergain lace em in my power. And, they sa: eadwood ick is dead, too, which is a great relief to me, for if he were alive I should not care to walk boldly in the streets of Flood Bar. His wife, Leone, he loved too much, to ever give over her chase. “ Ah, life has been eventful since I left Del Norte; and, Hawk Harrington, you can call yourself lucky that you are not dead ere this!” “Ay! that you can, if you have Deadwood Dick dispelling the fragrance of he scent of bad-smelling to- upon the enemy list!’ replied a cool, polenta 5 voice, so close at hand, that Harrington whirle around with an oath, and beheld a stranger, loung- ing against a table, to his left, with all the compos- ure of a statue, s Aman of trim build, with a dusky face that was purely Spanish, adorned with a well-waxed mus- tache, an evil-shaped mouth, piercing eyes, and the man himself dressed rather neatly. He was well armed, however—-‘‘heeled,” in the language of the Black Hills. _ “What do you want?” Harrington demanded, ris- ing, with an angry color in his cheeks. ‘You will please remember J’ve paid for this room!” “Oh! have you?” was the Spaniard’s reply. “TI didnse ienoye but you’d ‘stood ’em off,’ again, as usual, “Who are you? what brings you here?” again re- peated Harrington, angrily. “Who?” said the other, reflectively—‘ well, I don’t know as it makes any difference to you, as m: name isn’t concerned in any business; particularly. However, you can know me as Carlos Cambre!”” “Gambre, eh? Guess I never heard the name. What do you want?” i ; “7 can soonexplain, I want information of elther
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* former is dea ié Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. % Deadwood Dick, or his wife, Leone, and was sent to you as being the person who might be able to assist “Who sent you?” “That unreliable sower of ill to men, Darne Ru- mor.” replied Cambre, with a peculiar laugh. “Then the Dame misled you,” was Harrington's comment. ‘I know, now, absolutely nothing con- cerning those fie sy though it is reported that the . The girl has been 4 prisoner in my power, but escaped, about a week ago,” “ And you don’t know where she can be found?” “No, or I should hastento repossess myself of her. What do you want of her?” “Enough of her heart’s blood that she may never ee again—and the same applies to her hus- and, **You are a villain!” Harrington said. “ Correct, and you are a a eae If you get the girl again, hunt me up, and Tlimake you an offer for her!’’ the scheming Spaniard said, as with a pat- ronizing smile he bowed himself from the room. “Oh! yes, I am liable to do just what vou propose, ina horn!” the Del Norte herder muftered, as he turned his attention down upon the Bar. “‘The girl was a very tigress, and I never dared to attempt the accomplishment of my aims, for fear she’d d my eyes out. But, by Heaven, I am not throug with her yet. V’ll humble and degrade her, or T'll break her accursed neck, before I go back to the Sou’-west.” Flood Bar the’next day was struck with a sensa- tion. Before day-dawn acanvas pavilion had been stuck up on the old site of the Black Cabin, and Late upon giant banners were huge, life-size por- raits of Deadwood Dick, and a red and white poster containing the following: “STARTLING CURIOSITY! “Wonprer oF THE NineTEENTH CexTURY! “THE GENUINE HEAD OF DEADWOOD DICK, Preserved in liquors. On exhibition, now, within this Pavilion! “The head of the greatest Road-Agent that ever lived! Recently captured and killed near Flood Bar. “COME ONE! COME ALL! “ADMISSION ONLY THIRTY CENTS!” And when they awoke in the morning, these peo- ple of Flood Bar, they saw the great, glaring ost- e's, heard the noisy harangue of the crier outside of the entrance, and, very naturally, all grew excited. For the head of Deadwood Dick was not to be seen every day, either dead or alive! CHAPTER IX. OUT OF THE PIT—AVALANCHE’S IDENTIFICATION. We must now return to Flying Floyd, Deadwood Dick’s lieutenant, and his dusky charge, Nolie, whom we left beside the strange lake in the bowels of the mountains. After Nolie’s restoration to consciousness, they sat cr stood around the fire which Floyd had _buils, un- til their clothing had become thoroughly dry; then, they retired for rest by lying down close by the em- bers, and when they awoke it was still dark, with only a faint reflection from the sky coming down into the abyss, but even this made it a trifle better than on the day before. “ We now have all the daylight we can haye down here!” Floyd said, looking to his watch. ‘It is al- ready long past sunrise, up in the outer world. So if there is no escape from this living tomb, we shall not be troubled with too much light!” * Oh! is it not a gloomy prospect?” sighed Nolie, burying her head in her hands. ‘I believe I’d rather malts remained with the outlaws!” shaw! It won't do to get discouraged yet. ; There may be a dozen ways out of this pore, f which we have not a discovered, Wait, and Iwill — corral some of the fish that seem to abound in this — lake, and we will see if they are palatable.” { He accordingly protsaded to little shallows or. bays to find them liter: infested with a species of - the finny tribe not unlike the salmon. couple. were soon in hand and dressed, and while there were. few bones, there was a great abundance of fine deli- _ cious meat, which, when Floyd had succeeded in- roasting, he served up on bitsof flat rock, which had to answer the purpose of plates. f The meal, though consisting of but one dish, was hearty, and amply appeased the appetites of our two inter-earth Robinson Crusoes. er After the meal had been dispatched, Flying Floyd lit a resinous pine cone for a torch, and accompanied by Nolie, set out around the lake in search of some mode of escape. ‘There must be some place of escape for this water, more of which is constantly being added to the lake,” said Floyd, as they marched along. ‘* The volume of yonder spring is considerable, and this ee would soon fill up were there not some outlet for che water.” “True, there should be some opening,” replied Nolie; ‘‘ but it may be too small to admit of our es- caping through it.” They moved along, scanning narrowly the walls of rock upon their left, as the shore curved along. ‘Tf there is any break, I think it is across the lake yonder, where the low ledges overhang the shore,” Nolie said, po‘nting over the dark water. ‘‘Let’sgo around there and see.’” : They did go around, carefully scanning the route Oey went. he ledges in question bulged out from the main wall, shelf-lize, and so iow down that a person was obliged to stoop down in order to get under them and a'ong the narrow, sandy shore. t “Here, if anywhere, 2 he will find the outlet we are seeking,’’ Nolie said, eee ahead of them, “You can go under the ledges, and explore, while I remain here.” i preeney, leaving her behind, the lieutenant ~ erept in under the great stretch of natural shelving, _ and along by the aid of his little torch, making a careful survey as he went. For some distance he found no signs of any outlet, and was wing |dis- couragod and impatient, when he came to where the water bad worn its way out of the Devil’s Hole. It was a large round tunnel in the solid rock, vrai : a trifle downward from the surface of the lake, and ~ through which the superfluous water of the basin found exit, As he stood at the mouth of this aper- ture, Floyd perceived that a person could enter it. standing half-erect, but whether such a passage could be continued any great length of time or not, was to remain an unsolved question until the two For ho eee de prisoners should choose to make 6 trial, - loyd went back to Nolie, and related the success of his explorations, and the probability of their being able to make an escape from the pit of darkness, é It was gladsome news to the poor girl, and she shed. tears of joy as they hurried back to camp. 3 “Oh! then, when shall we start to esca) op sho _ asked, gazing trustfully up into the road-agent’s — eyes. ‘I would so like to get out into the living world once more.” 5 ‘“As soon as we are ready, my dear young lady, we will attempt the passage!”’ Floyd responded, stir ring up the fire, «3 “ First, however, we need to prepare a supply of this palatable fish food, for we know not how long it will be ere we can again get food. Even when we are once out of this pit, into the mountains, dan- ger lurks everywhere in the mountains, for the new red-skin chief, Half Moon and his dirty Vagabonds are roaming about, preying and offering greatin- dignities to all suai pers they chance upon. Be-— les, ere we leave this place, I would know the story — i 7
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~ ef your life, which must be an interesting one. Be not afraid to confide in me, forI am your friend, and any advice or assistance you may need from me, will be heartily granted.” , “Yes, you are very kind, but I know not if I ought to make you my confidant,’ Nolie replied, gazing thoughtfully into the fire. ‘I will, however, trust- ing no harm will come therefrom. Itis but a short story, yet much of importance is connected with it, ‘or me, ‘‘ My mother was, and if still living, is, an Indian woman, or rather a half-breed, between American and Sioux, fully cultured, and of fair education. When a cone woman she was the princess of her tribe, and the sabi Hew of many valuable land and money gifts from both the settlers and the Indian agents, because of the peaceful influence she exerted among the tribes. When in heryouth and beauty, a handsome, dashing cavalier came from the East, and induced her to leave her tribe and wed him, which she did, All her property and valuable trinkets were sold, and the cash turned over to her husband, which amounted altogether to a great sum of ready money. Well, Markeesa and her pale-faced husband dwelt in Minnesota for one year, during which time one child was born, myself; then the husband ran away with Markeesa’s money, and she never saw him again, : “Time rolled around, until five years ago, when my mother learned where my father was living in the East. She wrote to him, but received no answer. Wo then confided our trouble to Jackson Sterling, an In- dian agent, better known as Lark, and he prom- ised to act for us. He wrote to my father, but what the contents of his letter was, I shall never be able to tell you, for he did not tellus. But aftera month he got a letter, in return, and immediately there- after, we were taken prisoners. I was taken to Big John’s outlaw stronghold, at that time over on the Yellowstone. Since that time I have been kept with them, and never have seen any one I knew or could appeal to for relief. My poor mother was taken off to another dismal mountain prison, where, I have since learned, she went stark mad. That is, sir, the secret of my life.” “And a strange bit of life’s reality, too, I should say,” Flying Floyd remarked, thoughtfully, as she finished. ‘‘ This Indian-agent traitor—what did you say was hisname?”’ “Red Lark—or Jackson Sterling.” “T think I haye heard Deadwood Dick’s men men- tion him, as being a second-class desperado. What was your father’s name, miss?’’ 3 Cyril Waltonby. My name is Nolette Waltonby —a name given me by my poor crazed mother.” “ Waltonby! Waltonby!” Flying Floyd muttered, reflectively. ‘Where have I heard that name? Somewhere in these Hills, and not long ago at that. I won’t be positive, but 1 am impressed with the idea that there is a settler in the Musquekang valley, by the name of Waltonby.” , “Ah! then can it be that my father has come back to the West?” the girl cried, a strange, dark flush mantling her brow. “ Would to God Zcould find him, sir.” “And, why? You could do nothing with him, to . prove yourself his child.’ “Yes, Tcould, Ihave my mother’s marriage-cer- tificate from the chaplain at Fort Laramie, And even if I cannot get back Markeesa’s money, I can accomplish one remaining object of my life,” “What?” “ Revenge! ora Waltonby shall feel the hand of vengeance strike heavily upon him for the great wrong he has done.” i * Yes, you have that satisfaction left, if you can effect no compromise. But, we will first see what we can do. Maybe I can be of service to you in ar- ranging matters. We will now eat and sleep until another day, and then attempt to leave this Devil’s dead-fall.” Accordingly they spent the day in rest and con- € \ v Deadwood Dick’s Eagies. tamer versation, and, when night fell, reocecupied their hard couches by the embers, Early the next morning they wereastir, and equip- ping t Ives with torches, and roasted fish, they set Out upon their venture for escape. On arriving at the outlet or water-tunnel, F; Floyd took the lead; and they cautiously ente the passage, advancing step by step, and watching. with sharp scrutiny the sides above and aroun them. The water splashed beneath their steps, and paused strange echoes to reverberate arou them, For what seemed almost an interminable space of time they kept on, all the while gradually but sensi- bly descending. But, at last, after several hours, ie Bt in- to a deep, rugged canyon, and Flying Floyd gave an ejaculationef surprise and joy. *“* Cheer up, Miss Nolie, for luck is ours. I know just which way to turn now to take us out of the mountains. If we had horses to ride, we could reach Deadwood Dick’s stronghold in hc tee of hours, By foot, in about twice that length of time.” Great was the sensation in Flood Bar! Far and wide was heralded the news that for the small. sum of thirty cents, the head of Deadwood Dick could be seeu—thirty cents only to view one of the greatest — curiosities of the Nineteenth pepper t Jack Barronet’s Telephone and Tally-Ho § - line to Deadwood was one medium to ulate the news, and brought in double loads of excited visitors to see the head of the notorious road- ent, *Fand the general verdict rendered was that the head had once stood upon the shoulders of Dead- — wood Dick, : The proprietors of this novel enterprise were two — sharpers who had received their initiation into the, — way of making money during the early days of Cali- — fornia’s harvest, and they took great pride in pre- — senting their prize for public inspection, although they were reticent as to how they came into posses- sion of it. z, When Old Avalanche heard the news, a grim ex- pression came came over his features. ‘ “Don’t b’lieve et’s Deadwood Dick no more’n — you or Iam!” he said, to Jim Belmont, the Vir- ginian. ‘Great ham-bone w’at abused ther constitoochin — uy old Joner! How d’ye suppose any feller human — *d ever git his bread-mixers around ther head sup- _ porter o’ Dickey? Lord, ef I war assure o’ etarnal ~ salvation as Lam thet Dick’s at this very moment — not fur off, a hugely enjoying ther joke, ’'d go an’ — insure m life, swallera dorg- button, an’ make work ~ fer, thet Elijer Swain.” te “But you'll find you are mistaken when yougo _ and view the head,” said Miaco, who had al visited the show. “It looks just like Deadwood Dick’s fotygraff, w’at they’ve got stuck up onter ther canvas.” re “Well, we can better tell when we look with our — own eyes,”’ Belmont replied. ‘‘ Come on, Avalanche, and we'll take a squint at the elephant.”’ “Great surrepticious ham-bone, yes,” the Anni- — hilator replied, cheerily, although there was a lin- gering of doubt in his mind and voice— we'll hey = ter go see ther sarcuss—‘go ter see ther anymals,’ as ther pious folks allus say, when, ef ther truth war — known, all they care about is seein’ thersarcus. But, talk about sarcusses—ye jest orter’ve seen ther — Annihilation, when et war all together. Royal — American ham-bone! b’iled thunder an’ concen- — trated lightnin’ warn’t skeercely nowhar. Ef et — warn’t fer ther hard times, I'd hev a histr’y writ uv — ther great exploits 0’ we three—would, by gra- — cious!” "ae By this time the two men were at the “Museum,” — and, paying their fee, they entered the crowded — pavilion. As they did so, their hearing was greeted on every side with the exclamations from many lip. ~ - oh a
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= f A , © eavortin’ lightnin’, Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. “Yes, et’s a fair shake! Et’s Deadwood Dick’s head, sure enough.” Avalanche and Belmont pressed forward. The head was inclosed in a large glass globe, filled with brandy, and placed upon a pedestal, where all could view it. It had been cut off close to the neck’s connection with the shouldefs, and had a very life-like appearance. The face, with its clear, handsome features, high forehead, and long raven hair, were all too nearly like tiose of the dashing highwayman for a doubt to be given that this was not the head, * “T cave!’? Old Avalanch> said, turning away with tears streaming down his face. ‘‘Et’s my boy, Dickey, an’ no mistake.” CHAPTER X. ; HARD-CHEEK, THE TRUMP CARD, Axp Avalanche, as well as the_people, accepted of itas a verdict that Deadwood Dick had played his last ecard, and that it was his head whom the two California sharpers were exhibiting to hundreds of spectators daily. ; “I'm sorry fer you, old man,” said Jim Belmont, as he led old Alya back to camp. ‘‘No doubt ye thought a heap o’ ther road-agent cuss, an’ all that, but | s’pect et aire a blessing ter ther Black Hills thet he’s pegged out.” “Great hifalutin’ ham-bone that old Joner did hifalute! then ye ain’t no pard o’ ther great boreal eppydemiec, ef them aire yer movalistic views 0” * ther case, No, sir-ee! Dickey war jest the very q tintessence o’ human natur’, electrified by a dose Game war ke as ary young rooster thet evyer matched spurs, an’ ef ye couldn’t lick a feller-mortal yerself, because yer j‘ints an’ hinges war gettin’ old and rusty, Dickey war the Jad wat could do thet same perlite little job fer 2, *Yos, we'll admit that ne was good-hearted and generous in some ways, but he was daring, impudent and merciless in others.” “No, he warn’t, no sich a thing!’ the old man - replied, dancing up and down indignantly, “Tl bet my old j’int, Florence Cordeliar Night-in-a-gale, thet Dickey war jest as squar’ a pard as vegetates thes side 0’ ther river Jordan—I’ll bet my old he- goat ag'in’ all ther govynorment bonds ye kin skeer u The two men sauntered back toward camp, On their way they came face to face with Carlos Cambre. Jim Belmont had of course never seen the Spaniard to know him, but Avalanche had, and recognized him immediately. ler intention o’ rendering a verdict, but jest erbout thet time, ther jury had a different ijeer o’ ther ease =O! no, Careless, ther great devastatin' eppydemic airelive, an’ as ready fer a skewrup as evyer et war.” : “Well, I can’t say as it is any pleasure to me to know it,” Cambre replied, grimly. “You know I and you never did have an over-stock of love for each other, old scurvy.” * No—leastwise, we never sucked each other's fin- gers, wi’ ther delusion thet they war sugar-plumes, my idee ed galutorious skunk!” the Annihilator said, with an ejection of tobacco-juice which, had not Cambre jumped to one side, would undoubtedly have dyed his dark countenance the color of tan-bark. “No, geelorious Cucumber, ef war nevyer our lot to luv each other beyond ther friendly salute o’ a pair o’ knuckles, an’ ef ye want any o’ ther aforesaid, I’m bettin’ I kin give ye a full measure.” “Pshaw! don’t get belligerent, oldscarecrow. I’d scorn to lay a hand upon a man of your years, when you are entering your second childhood. Don’t talk of fighting at your age. Isee you have just come ee show, yonder. That isn’t Deadwood Dick's ead!” * “Th? itisn’t? How d’ye know?” “Tt makes no difference how. Why, Deadwood Dick is in this very town, I’ll wager every cent I pos- sess.”” “An wouldn’t stand ther least chance 0’ losin’ at that, would ye? Doubt ef ye’ve gota U. 8. penny in yer age a wile ye’re talkin’. How about Mdith Stun ‘“Ob! she’s alive, and here in Deadwood, watching for Deadwood Dick.” “Bully fer her! She'll keep right on wi’ her funny bizness.ontil she gits her head cut off like Dick’s. Shedn’t wonder ef ther great Annihilation might be able ter take a hand. Ther gal lost my respect fer her, by her cavortin’ up at Eureka.” “She’ll have Deadwood LDick’s life-blood, ere the year dies, and I'll help her quaff it!” the Spaniard returned, with a savage fierceness that surprised even Avalanche, for he had never mistrusted that so much of fiendish evil lurked in Cambre’s nature. “Ye will, willye? Great ham-bone w’at paralyzed ther constitoochinal system of old Joner! I'd like ter see ye, would I! Bet my interest in ther moon thet yo'd find et ther ww’st dose ye evyer cum across, Know’d a professional blood-sucker, once’t, who sucked ther devil blood outen Injun braves, an’ squaws, an* made ’em peaceable an’ serene as a hoss-fly on top uv a speckled toad; yes, sir-ee, you bet! Lheerd 0’ the chap, an’ give him jest ten dol- lars ter cum an’ extract sum 0’ thet devil-blood outen my tonguey an’ pugilistic old mother-in-law. But *twar no use. He broke his jaws ther very fu’st try, an’ a hull Injun nation mourned bis loss. No! no} don’t yo’ try ter drink Dickey’s blood, Careless Cu- cumber, or yell git a dose o’ physic w’at’ll go through your systematic construction wuss’n lead ‘““Well, maybo I shall take your advice, Alva, and again, maybe I shall not. Anyhow, look out for me, should I ever get the drop upon you, for I love you just the same as ever. Adieu, old ell!” And the Spaniard stepped to one side, passed, and stalked on toward Hast Flood Bar. Avalanche watched him until he reached the bridge lead! oe to the shore; then hurried on to inform Bel- mont. A perplexed expression mantiled the Annihilator’s face, for he was in one of the ee puzzles of his life. His eyes told him the exhibited head was that of Deadwood Dick, but his heart rebelled against such an idea, and here, too, was another and no less aman than Cambre, declaring that Dick still lived. But sober thought had decided in all minds, except that of the old war-path veteran, that Deadwood Dick had at last come to the end of his adventure~ some career. and that it was his head which the two California sharpers had swimming in their glass jar, in under the pavilion. | One evening Messrs. Hallowton and Miles hada ”
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a Saas * Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. new ‘star’? upon their boards. poneesueny. a large crowd was attracted. The star was a ¢ be val boxer, a epee by the way, who had ned considerable fame up at Hayward City. He had there cleaned out the town, and his arrival in Flood Bar might have been assurance that he was ready to measure strength with the ites of that place. But as he could dare no one to box with him, he Si osed another Jine of sport. His name was Blue Bin and he invited the crowd outside, where from his improvised spring-board he astonished the na- tives by some of his remarkable feats in jumping. Once he measured a distance of thirty feet, again, thirty, and a third time, thirty-three! “Thar ye aire, gentlemen!” cried this long. lathy individual, as he stood and gazed triumphant] around, “I ain’t no bettin’ man, myself, but rh wager a gold eagle thar ain’t a man in the crowd kin ekal my leap!” “Great illustrative ham-bone, thet did old Joner instruct!” ejaculated Old Avalanche, who was one of the spectators, ‘I wish my hinges warn’t so Lee stiff and rusty, young feller, or I'd try yea whirl,’ “ Hurra! wake up. Do ary man want ter leap wi’ me?” sung Blue Bill, capering back, and snapping a jugsier's staff of gold eagles into the air. “ Hayr am, plain, homely, an’ honest disposed, willing ter bet one gold eagle I kin beat any man in the crowd jumping frum ther spring-board.”” “PN take you!” cried a voice, and a slim, spind- ling youth, with beardless face, pushed forward. “Put up your stakes and go ahead.” Two eagles were acenrane deposited in the hands of a bystander, and Blue Bill trotted back a score of yards from the spring-board, in order to get a good start; then he came bounding forward as swiftly as a frightened hare. Up the spring-board—then like a meteor he shot forward through the air, *mid wild shouts from the crowd, and then struck down upon a fine soft bed of sand which had been raked up purposely. Where he struck he remained firmly rooted to the spot, and a measurement was quickly taken. “Thirty-five feet!” cried the verdict, and the crowd cheered Justily. The stripling looked rather grim as he heard the announcement, but did not hesitate. He meant to try his best, whether he won or. lost. With a wave of his hand to the vast audience, he ran back half the distance Blue Bill had, and then leaped ahead with determination, On—on—up the spring-board, and then came the leap—one which caused the spectators tu give a gasp of wonder, 2 Then the stripling struck lightly down in the sand, and the measuring man ran forward. “Thirty-nine feet and a half!” he shouted, and then the crowd took up the cry, and the night rung loudly with acclamations of applause. “Tt’s a cheat! it’s alie! I'll bet a hundred dollars Tean beat the spindle-shanks!”’ bellowed Blue Bill. ‘“*And I'll take you!” accepted the victor, making a-Cep-sit. “Go ahead, and if you'll jump a hun- dred fe.i, 71 make a point on you. My name is Fred Feather!” ** And I'll lay you ‘way behind, sure’s mine’s Blue Bill!” the boxer cried. “Oh! yes, ondoubtedly ye will!” commented Old Avalanche. ‘‘ Lord! Great hara-hone thet censured old Joner. Ef my Prudence Cordeiiar war only hayr, how beauchifully she ked get away wi’ thet brag. Why. et’s a solf-cast, actocal fact thet se once ‘jumped cl’ar over herself in endeavorin’ ter catch & oss fly w'at war buzzin’ obont. w'en ve get used to it, gentlemen.” “Which -drawins the long bow, or jumping, old man?’ questioned Miaco, who bad come up to see the snort. ; *Tain’t nothin’, “tended goal—dead | i9 For, with a shout, Blue Bill had sprung forward like the wind, every nerve and muscle exerted for the contest. On, up the i phee peaeaey with panther- like agility—then the leap and the announcement of the distance. “Forty feet!’ cried the man of measure, amid great excitement. > ; Not a word said Blue Bi now, but there was an evil glitter in his eyes. He stood to one side, and watched d Feather come bounding forward; then, just.as the youth bounded into mid-air, Biue Bill pulled a pistol from his belt and fired. There followed a wild scream of agony, and the stripling tumbled_to the ground, far The crowd stgod at bay as it were; no one moved to avenge this heartless murder. ‘Not until Blue Bill was about to move away, and then, while a murmur of indignation ran through the crowd, a young man sprung forward. “Hold, you assassin!” he cried, confronting the villain, his eyes flashing and his face flushed. ‘ You are not to escape so easy.” ; “Who are ye?” growled Blue Bill, partly raising hi§ revolver. “TVi— _ “No, you won't!” cried the other, quickly knock- ing the weapon upward. “ Youhave got to fight in a different style, to pay for Fred Feather’s life, or my name isn't Hard Cheek, nor I don’t deserve my reputation for being a Trump Card!’ CHAPTER XI. THE ROAD-RIDER’S VICTORY—CAMBRE ACCUSES. “THREE squeals for Hard Cheek!’ roared Old Avalanche—three yoops fer the young. galoot as kin lick thunder an’ blazes out 0’ Blue Bill!” ' And evidently agreeing with the old_man’s spirit, the crowd gave a hearty hurrah, which raised a flight of reverberating echoes from the Bar, where the scene was nena) ia Blue Bill began to look a trifle dubious, as he saw the spectators form in a ring around him; he saw that he was elected to fight, and that he had an op- Ronen By no means despisable for his muscular strength. For this youthful avenger who had styled himself Hard Cheek was a fellow of rather striking ap s ance. He was of medium hight and well built, with iron-like limbs noticeable for their swelling muscular contours, a smooth, round face, rather bronzed by the sun, yet which was capable of ex- pressing humor or-anger in a soup dee It was a face not frequently met with, handsome, bold, manly and prepossessing. One striking feature of his appearance was, that his head was as smooth as his face, so far_as hair was concerned, the applica- tion of a razor having removed the wig with which Nature had adorned him. So that bis skull was left as glossy and shining as the bald spotin an old man’s head, which gave to him a rather humorous appear- ance. : His attire was rich and elegant, consisting of a light cassimere suit throughout, with patent-leather shoes upon his feet, and a late-styled silk hat upon his head—or rather upon the ground, now, it having been knocked off in his impetuous rush to intercept Blue Bill. The two men stood face to face, eye to eye, stern resolution evinced on the bitter hatred on the part of Blue Bill. The former at length spoke. “Drop your shutin’-iron, Mr. Blue Billian!” he said, coolly and authoritative y. ‘‘ We ain’t a goin’ fer ter decide the funeral in thet way. I have a good sci ir of knuckles, and you have the same, wherefcre, we will use them, disclaiming the use of — mechanical death. Don’t git skeered, now, sweet Pillian for I he ven’t the least idea but you ought to. “Wither, Stubby, my ray o’ sunshine, But, luk; ; be able to polis ie off in the most scientific man-. ‘bayr cums ther galoot like a streak o’ greased votes on their way ter meet ther inwestigatin’ committy.”’ yest ner, you being an old hand at it. However, now’sa good chance fer me ter learn, an’ ef ye do hit m ort of his in- art of Hard Cheek, and
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thet sight, 20 ther cheek, et’s harder’n a brick, an’ kin stand yer racket!” “Hurray! Great ham-bone w’at philosophized wi’ old Joner! thet’s ther kind o’ talk, me darling! make him b’lieve he kin lick ye, an’ then let him be surprised w’en he gits a glimpse o’ ther inaccessible banks ter Jorden,” said Avalanche. **Oh! he'll fight, never fear!” replied Hard Cheek, with a little laugh, ‘He dassent run, an’ I'll soon fix him.” And so saying the Trump Card edged closer to the enraged boxer, with a tantalizing little laugh. He wished to, little by little, arouse Blue Bill, as the matador arouses .his bull. And he succeeded ad- mirably, for at last, with a howl of rage, the profes- sional bi xer sprung forward, his huge knotty fists doubled, and a glare of devilish hatred in his eyes. Then commenced a battle—a hot contest with the only physical weapons God bestowed’ upon man; @ epee fight—for Mais and vengeance. The crowd gazed breathlessly on. They admired this intrepid youth; to see him come off victorious was their strongest wish. And from the way the battl» started off, it was pretty evident that their wish would be gratified. For Hard Ch°ek proved himself a master of self- defense, He planted his blows with a decision and accuracy that told, every time. and by the time thirty rounds of blows had been struck, Blue Bill’s face presented an appearance more resembling a battered piece of beefsteak than a human counie- nance, Quarter!” he cried, ores back, blood stream- be out of his eyes and nostrils.“ Hold on! I beg!” ut in that same instant he had drawn a revol- oe ae fired, with the muzzle turned toward Hard eek. But his aim had been unsteady, and a bullet through his adversary’s coaf-sleeve was the only re- sult. No! not the only result, for there was, the following morhent, a sharp rifle report, and Blue Bill eee ed dead in his tracks, while a posse of armed horsemen dashed boldly up onto the Bar, with wild shcuts. “The road-agents! the road-agents are upon us!” cried the crowd, and instantly there was a scatter- ing in every direction, pa t was indeed a portion of Deadwood Dick’s strong band, who had boldly entered Flood Bar, with Fly- ing Floyd at their head, And the Flood Bar-ites, who had no love for out- laws, only retreated a short distance, then halted, and began to edge, cat-like, toward the enemy, Of the road-agents there were somewhere in the néighborhood of two-score, all heavily armed; of those ‘‘ Ites ” upon the Bar, probably four times that number, but very few of them “heeled.” Near where lay the dead bodies of Blue Bill and Fred Feather, the road-agents drew rein, and stand- ing up in his stirrups, Flying Floyd glanced over the ee of grim, bearded faces around and on every side. ‘*Men of Flood Bar!”’ he cried, ** we do not come here to fight—neither do we come to despoil you or yours. We come to view what is said to be the head of our late commander, Deadwood Dick. I do not ‘ou create one the results wish a disturbance, and if Torward, boys.” ‘be upon your own head. The word was obeyed, and in a body the band | moved forward and stopped before the tent wherein the two Californians were exhibiting the head. One of these sharpers was exhorting to a crowd as the road-agents came up, and it was to him Flying Floyd spoke, in his 2 Smecar yet firm voice:, * Sir—exhibitor of the head of Deadwood Dick, we, his followers, have come to look upon his face, which you claim to have: preserved life-like and natural. ou will confer a favor by bringing it ont, where we can see it, and decide as to Its identity.” e “Reckon not, eapting | replied the’ Californian, with agrim chuckle. “It costs thirty cents to see Reckon et would cost about twelve dol- | a Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. lars a head fer ye, seein’ ye aire road-agents, an’ pak een O° tin,” “We pay no license, no toll, no fee, my friend!” was Floyd’s response, “‘ and it is a certainty that we shall never pay you a cent to view the head of our late chief. Fetch it out, at once, or we'll trample your ranch so deep into the ground that it'll take you longer to excavate it than it has the ruins of ompeii. None 0’ yer lip, either, or there'll be a dead rascal ving where you stand, to keep company with Blue Bul, back yonder.” With a growl the Californian vanished within the tent. and Flying Floyd turned to his men. “Might is right, in this case!” he said, with a smile, ‘although it will somewhat decrease these devils’ receipts, I reckon.” The exhibitors were a long time a-coming, but they came at last, ies the glass case between them in which swam the head of Deadwood Dick. A ery of indignation and sorrow went up from the lips of the road-agents—a wail of grief, as it were, formany there were in the band who had serve under the Prince of the Road during his first cam- paign in the hills, and loved him with an undying rotherly devotion. : ‘Tis, indeed, the head of our chief, mates!”’ cried Floyd, a tear glistening in either eye—‘ he whom, 1 am sure. €very one of us loved and respected, e would have fought fer him alive—why should we hesitate to avenge him when he is dead? A question arises—how came his head in the possession of these two rascals? Does it not point to them as his mur- derers? “Ay! of course it does; and they who take oe ane die also, saith I, Flying Floyd. Seize them, oys dozen of the road-agents leaped from their sad- dles and rushed toward the two Californians, who hadd.opped the glass case and drawn their revol- vers. And undoubtedly their capture would have been effected but for another occurrence just then, There was a wild shout, and the whole multitude began to rush forward, tas as they came. Flying Floyd saw in an instant that the Flood Bar-ites had opened upon them, and knew they would have no merey upon the followers of poor Deadwood Dick. ‘*To your saddles!”’ he cried, sternly, all his blood aroused—‘‘ Forward! Shoot down every mother’s son that opposes you, for they opened the affray of Bieta see ur ‘ s nd right valiantly the road-agents responded b: poser A bullets true and fast against their assail- ants. Tor five minutes there was an incessant roar. of revolver shots, intermingled with dying screams; then the road-agents burst from the , and, leav- ing half their number dead and dying upon the Bar, dashed away at breakneck speed up over the bluff, and away out of sight, But if a score of their num ber ae had left upon the battle-field, twice as many of the enemies of Deadwood Dick had fallen. And a doubly-bitter feeling was excited against the road-agents, Hard Cheek soon was a general favorite about Flood Bar. He was an expert duchario, and- could manage the ugliest cayuse with the greatest ease. He was equally a good shot; pela and miner though he appeared to have plenty of cash, and had no néed to sift golden sands for a living. With Ava- lanche he soon became famous friends, and where was one, the other might easily be found. But that Hard Cheek had enemies, before long be- came apparent, His free and independent way, and “cheeky ” assurance, while it amused some, anger- ed others, and then the fact that he would not sub- mit to bluffing or excess of tongue, generally led into a row, in which the rightly-termed Trump Card always was a “trump,” One eranings a few days subsequent to the battle _ was in the Inter-Ocean, watching the scenes transpiring around him, whed on the Bar, Hard Chee &
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Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. he was accosted by an old man whom he had sey- eral times before noticed on the Bar. An old man, with snow-white hair and beard, and @ perceptible stoop in his shoulders, attired in rags, and leaning upon crutch and cane. And this was what he said: “Good-evening, my son. Could you do an old ynan a favor?”’ Sse “A favor, is it?’ said Hard Cheek, staring in sur- wise. “‘ Well, it depends somewhat on what the avor is to be. If ye war ter ask me to put a tele- . fone-roof over sum loafer’s eye, or speak wi’ m revolver phonographically inter another galoot’s ear, I might, perhaps, oblige you. But, ef ye war wantin’ me ter vote for you for President, or ter lend ve a milyun ter b’ild an elevated railroad wi’, Idon’t judge ye've tackled the wrong man, nor ther right, elther. I’m bu’sted, by thunder!’ “Ah! but the latter is also my case. Iam sorely in need of money. I must have money !”” “Yas, I presume so; but thet don’t say I’m yer bank to draw on. Who are you?” 5 “T am—Carlos Cambre, in disguise!” replied the man, in a whisper. . “Oh! you are, eh?” Hard Cheek sie goat eying Mr. Cambre speculatively. ‘t Why the isguise?”? “ Because I did not wish you to recognize me, and get the drop on me.” Oh, you didn’t? See here, ain’t you off the track?’ “Nol Why do you ask?” ‘Because it kinder "pears ter me as how you're mistaken in ther chap ye’re talkin’ to. Greet Cesar! Bet my life you've been drinking.” ‘No, [haven’t. Nary a drink for a week. But drunk or no drunk, you are Deadwood Dick!” “The devi'l, you say!”’ “No. pen IE Deadwood Dick. I know you, for all ‘our altere appearance, You can’t make the Red fot Harris business work any longer.” Hard Cheek calmly lit a cigar, as he gazed at the eee Spaniard. . | “*Ts there a mad-house near here?” was his next’ + eceney question, “ Not that I know of. Why?’ “Why, I didn’t know but you had just escaped.” “Bah! Deadwood Dick, bah! Don’t try to stuff sae, for I won’t hold another mite, What I want is money, and if you give it to me, Pll let you go on your own hook; otherwise, I shall introduce you to these gentlemen of Flood Bar, who love you 8o well.” e “You don’t say sol” “ Yes, Ido, and the next act upon your programme will be aerial suspension by the windpipe.”’ ‘* Well, now you do hit me precisely,” Hard Cheek said, with enthusiasm. ‘I never tried hanging yet, and would really like to take a trial. Supposin’ you just go over and whisper to some of them gentle- men, that I am anxious to swing from the most con- yenient tree at once!" ; . Cambre swore the most horrible Spanish oath up- on his list. The cool, provoking nonchalance of this shaved-head youth was beyond comparison. “But, the money?” he reminded. ‘You have lots, and must divi e, Or I will betr#y you, as sure’s my name is Cambre.” “Go long and do it then; I’m waiting with all patience for you to do it,” Hard Cheek laughed, mockingly. . Yor a few moments the ex-lieutenant hesitated. Me was wondering if, as the Trump Card had said, he were not off the track. No! he would rot have it 80, and raising his voice he shouted: ‘Help! Hep! Deadwood Dick!” CHAPTER XII. DEADWOOD DICK’S SUCCESSOR. Among the improvements which were being added 1o the Wlood Bar, was a printing-press, which turned cut a dirty. little six by ten sheet, containing the news of et, Bey A yes e Bar, aud such other information as | 21 ee could be gleaned from thé Deadwood papers, which were pipers inon thestages, This Miner's Progress considered itself an enterprise of much importance; had its staff of reporters, who furnished “ accurate and vivid’ descriptions of every street-fight, brawl or wholesale slaughter, and having a large sale ai twenty-five cents apiece, it managed to exist as a newspaper. On the morning of the day, in the evening of which Hard Cheek encountered Carlos Cambre at the Inter-Ocean, the Mines Progress contained the fol- lowing item: ‘““Roap-Acenrry. A new staris said tohave dawn, ed upon the horizon, to replace notorious Deadwood Dick, whose head stili continues to attract attention at the museum. This time it isa woman, whois said to have one time been Deadwood Dick's wife, al- though they have not been living together for some time past. This female robber is beautiful, refined, and well educated, but a very devil-cat of reckless- ness. She is at the head of Dick’s old band, and swears to spare no pains to reap a harvest of ven- poatics upon her enemies, of whom she has a num- er. So ye enemies of Deadwood Dick, look out lest ie ee ane by this female serpent of the Bi ills, The cries of Carlos Cambre through the Inter- Ocean saloon, of course created considerable excite- ment, for almost anywhere in the Black Hills, the name of Deadwood Dick was an omen of illto come. The crowd quickly approached; all games were for the time suspended, and a murmur of wonder and excitement ran riot peace “Where is he?—where is Deadwocd Dick, you ga- loot?” shouted Joe Hallowton, one of the proprie- tors, as he elbowed his way forward. ‘‘ Show me the road-agent cuss.” “Deadwood Dick's dead, long ago!” shouted the © crowd. “Got his head cut off mit his neck!” “Died frum a cut in his thrut!”’ “Got his head on exhibition, over yere in ther museum.” 3. “Too thin! Dick’s speerit aire roamin’ wi’? angel — Gabriel, long ago.” And a dozen other exclamations of a correspond- ing nature. ee ‘Whar is this man?” repeated Hallowton, draw ing a revolver which carried a fifty cartridge. “*T want ter see him an’ play Fourth o’ July wi’ his royal ribs.”’ ‘Here! here he is! shouted back Carlos Cambne, pointing accusingly toward Hard Cheek. “There’s your man, wi’ his hirsute possessions shaved off, and his handle changed to Hard Cheek. Thar’s fier huckleberry, an’ I'll bet my ducats the man’s Deadwood Dick.’ “Oh! yes, without doubt!” Hard Cheek assented, with a grim little laugh and a grimace. “That galoot Deadwood Dick?” said Hallowton, as, backed by bis crowd, he paused in front of the youth and surveyed him eritically from head to foot. “That galoot ther Sek ed kuss? Oh. no! that ain’t he, my friend, an’ I'll bet my shanty on’t.”” ‘No! that ain’t no Deadwood Dick, no more am 1!” cried a great, lumbering miner, fresh in from — Deadwood City; “nary a bit of it. Reckon I know thet same Dick, fer he owes me acouple o’ hundred, w’ich he cheekily borrowed at different times w’en he tolled the stage,” . “T say it is Ed Harris, and I’m positive of it!” Cambre protested, ‘‘and I command you, citizens, who have the Pome to arrest this man and deliver ni up to the proper authorities. I stand the charge.” “Ho! ho! Reckon we ain’t stickin’ our fingers inter unobstrusive pie, just for your sake, Mr. Cam- bre!’? Hallowton replied, scornfully, “Ef ye want ter take ther chap, go ahead an’ take him, fer ] won't — Nor 11” ohimed in the crowd. &2P f n ~y ” ~ ioe ae bet yer life “Hard ities
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22 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. Cheek ain’t Deadwood Dick no more’n old Sittin’ Bull aire Presydent Hayes!” “Great ham-bone, no!” put in Old Avalanche, just at this moment coming up. ‘‘Deadwood Dick aire up on the shores o’ Jordan, pannin’ out golden wings fer ther use 0’ angels. Just got a phonograffic tele- gram frum him. Hey, Cheeky, my fragrant poppy, war they tryin’ ter make ye out a cavortin’, buckin’ road-rider?”’ “Well, yes, it kiader looks sol”? the Trump Card replied, with a smile. ‘“Shouldn’t wonder if they’d succeeded, ef ther argyment had cum from any one but this zaloot,” with a wry glance at Cambre, who, seeing that defeat was his, had turned, and was stalking away. And trom thence on, Hard Cheek was a citizen among citizens, and all thoughts of his being Dead- wood Dick were dissipated, Cambre, however, hung like a shadow upon his trail, and could not be shaken off. Evil was there in the Spaniard’s heart, which needs must be let out. Ke was living at the big hotel upon the eastern bank, and Edith Stone, the girl-fiend who was his evil-genius, lived with him, Ske rarely ever came forth, and when she did it was only to take a morn- ing gallop for the benefit of her health, which was rapidly declining. fe The night of Cambre’s defeat, he returned to their suit of rooms, ina very ay Sebo Edith was evidently waiting for him, for she glided forward from a dark corner—a wild, unearthily gleam in her dusky eyes. She had grown strangely ale and thin, and less pretty than in the days when ick had met her up in the Black Hills. “Well?? she demanded, confronting Cambre, fiercely—‘‘ what news do you bring, this time?” “Good, in some respects—bad in others!” he re- ee seating himself. ‘‘I have found Deadwood ick. As I told you I have suspected—he is the Hard Cheek, who is becoming so popular here.” ‘Ha! then he és alive!’ she hissed, a wild, half-de- moniac expression upon her countenance. ’ ‘Yes, he is alive, and so is Leone Harris, She is at the head of Deadwood Dick’s band.” “How do you know?” “Tread it in the paper.” * And does Deadwood Dick know that she is lead- ing his band?” ; *T cannot say as to that, for the news only came out in this morping’s paper. Besides, I have no posi- tive proof that this Hard Cheek 7s Deadwood Dick, and if he is not, Dick is undoubtedly dead, and that was his head the Californians had upon exhibition. I accused Hard Cheek of being Dick, and called down the crowd upon him, to-night, but they cleared him by a unanimous decision that he was not Dead- wood Dick. So, as the matter rests, it is hard to de- cide whether he is our enemy or not,” “Oh! that the hour of my vengeance would come!”’ the girl hissed, as she paced up and down the room, like an enraged tigress. “Ah! Deadwood Dick you deyil, the day will come when it shall be in my pow- er to rend your hard heart as you have rent mine.” “Yes, there is at least one chance Jeft for ven- geance, even if Dick is not alive. Through his wife we can strike him a blow. So take comfort, and while we are waiting for our opportunity to nab Le- one, we will also keep a vigilant eye upon the move- ments of Hard Cheek.” F The retreat of Deadwood Dick’s men wasin alittle valley-pocket, some twelve miles northwest of Flood Bar. In the pocket, which had but one means of access, through a narrow gap or natural fissure, the outlaw-hunters had built them a, village, consist- ing of perhaps a score of cabin-dwellings, a general store-house, and a jail or ercos cabin, which had Lee constructed especially for the accommodation risoners, each an advocate of death to ruffianism, This great force was divided into five divisions of twenty each, and all but Lieutenant Floyd’s command was scat- tered in other parts of the Hills, where they carried out the declaration of war against outlaws, accord- ing to Deadwood Dick’s will. * Each member wore a silver badge on which was engraven the words— “Drapwoop Dick's Haauns.” In the village we will now go, to see what is oceur+ ring there, one day later. Some of the Eagles were lounging lazily in front ox their cabins; others were strolling about, perhaps accompanied by a female, for a large per cent. o£ the men were married and had families. In front of one of the prettiest cabins, two women were sitting upon camp-stools, bathed in the fresh. morning sunshine, and talking as they sewed upon some light dress fabric. - One of them we have often met before, and by her supple form, her beautiful face, and her sh ining eyes, we might recognize her as Leone Harris, the wife of Deadwood Dick, had we not her wealth of brick-red hair for further proof and identification. Yes, it was indeed Leone, still looking fresh arid lish, despite the trouble she had passed through; eone, whom last we met under (hose distressing circumstances (in No, 49) which robbed her of her infant son, and separated her from her husband, whom every one now believed to be dead. And very sad and grief-stricken was the little woman now at times; then, at others, she would grow fierce and resentful, and long to strike a blow for every drop of Deadwood Dick's blood. Flying Floyd it was who had found her roaring alone in the mountains, and recognized her by @ eA description Deadwood Dick had enthusias- ically given of her. He had brought her home to the village, and in the absence of Dick, the men had heartily acknowledged her as their chief and queen, : The companion sitting by her side was she whom Flying Floyd had rescued from B’g John’s ruffian band—Nolie Bk rant only legitimate child of the Musquekang valley herder and farmer. Since their escape from the Devil’s pit, Floyd had never found it convenient to take her to her father, for the lieutenant was really in love with the dusky beauty. and he knew that the case was not urgent. And ib was she who was speaking, . “T must prevail upon Mr. Floyd to take me to my father’s home, so that I may,see him whom old Mar- keesa taught me to hate. I can induce him to give me back the stolen wealth which rightfully be- longs to me, I will then return here and stay as long as you will permit me.” “Which will be as long as yon. choose to stay, sweet sister,’ Leone replied, ‘“‘for your company is acomfort tome. None of the other women are so near to my nature as you, andI shall ever wish to have you near me. But, I fear that will not be long, for if my eyes are not telling me wrong, there is another who soon will claim a larger share in your love than I shall dare to hope for; and there the lucky one comes, now,” sie added, pointing up to- ward the gap, ffom which a horseman was just en- tering the pocket. It was Flying Floyd, and the soft flush that crept into Nolie’s dusky cheek, betrayed that an interest had been awakened in her heart for the andsome, dashing lieutenant. _ ‘ c “Mr, Floyd has never said anything ynore than commonplaces, to me,’’ she replied, conscious that her heart was beating with delicious little throbs. “No, perhaps not; but his oe speak where his lips are dove petals: Oh! I know all about it, olie. He will propose, ere long, and if you think you can Jove him, such as he is, you had better ac- cept, for he is a good, true man. I took poor Dick Br is was the main rendezvous of the whole of _ Deadwood Dick’s Road-agent or Regulator band, as he was, a hunted outcast, and I don’t think I shall — ‘ _ which now comprised nearly a hundred members, ; ever regret it. For though they tell me he is dead, I shall never cease to love his memory.’ -" ’ ‘ : rite ere:
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" & ~ By this time Flying Floyd had ridden up and dis- mounted. “Back, my lady,’’ he cried, ombrero to Leoue, and then to lbeen speedy?” “ Yes, lieutenant; in fact, you never seem to idle away your time. How are things in Flood Bar?” “Lively, and growing more so each day. I think ‘n time this section of the hills is destined to lay Deadwood and Custer in the shade.” Z : “Tndeed? Did you hear ae concerning Di- vizions Three, Four, Five, and Six?” ‘Yes. They are all working well, and the people ere just beginning to realize their worth. Last week Jivision Four captured the whole of Outlaw Tom's gang, and delivered them up into the keeping of the military at Reno. And {see the affair was credited, Ly the Deadwood Pioneer, as one of the good deeds cf Deadwood Dick’s men,” “Ah! that is good. What prospects are there of your getting at Big John and his gang?” : ‘“Oh! we shall fetch them by and by, I have in- trusted the matter to my sub-aid’s keeping.” “Did you find out anything concerning the errand mon which I sent you?’ Leone asked, gazing ({houghtfully away. “Yes, my lady. Carlos Cambre and the woman, Vidith Stone, are both in Flood: Bar, and that they inean to strike at your life upon the firs; opportu- nity, Tan certain.” : Probably, if they know where I am.” * Oh! they do. for the Frogress has announced that you are with us.” “Well, we can consider that pair included as ruf- vans, and I give it as my order that ae hang them up. the very first time you meet them. If I meet them, I shall shoot them asI would an offending \eolf—for what else are they than human wolves? Did you learn anything of Hawk Harrington?” ‘No more than that he is in Flood Bar—waiting yor you also, without doubt.” “Yes, and for him Ihave a bullet laid up. Poor \Tora! she, who was a prisoner with me, under Hawk gaa gtOn power! I wonder whether or not she is alive?’ “Probably alive, but hiding. Now, Miss Nolie, if you are ready, and I think you are, I will order inother horse, and we will ride down into the Mus- quekang sisi and interview this rascally parent of yours. I think I can talk turkey to him!’ CHAPTER XIII. LURIED TREASURE—HOSTILITIES AGAINST HARRINGTON. Mr. Wattonpy, the Musquekang valley farmer, and his daughter were returning to their home through the gloaming of the = following the licutenant's return from Flood Bar to Deadwood Dick's village. They had been to an intermediate stage station, a few miles to the eastward of their residence, where business had kept the farmer until late. But, mounted upon swift, reliable steeds, they net no fears but they could reach their home in safety. The road or trail lay through the bottom of the valley, which was matted by a dense growth of young trees, and consequently it grew dark within tis forest, ere it was really dark outside upon the clear land, . “Go lang, Sula!’ chirped the farmer, as he urged slong 1is horse. “I don’t like to be out late of 1ights, any more, for my recent illness and the fact of Deadwood Dick’s robbers being around, makes me nervous,” “But, papa, you do not think they are here in our valley, do you?” questioned Ida, in alarm, “There is no telling where they may not be, Oaughter,”’ was the reply. ‘Because of our pretty home, they may suspect that they could realize a ayly, doffiing his ies “Have I not : aioe haul of money by raiding us.’ yh! dear, to think of those awful men, makes me shudder.” _ Cyril Waltonby suddenly drew rein, ee Deadwood Dick's Eagles. . 28 ‘* What is it, father?” Ida asked, anxiously. “Nothing, child, except that I wish you to rde on home, alone. It is but half a mile yet, and it will not take long for you to accomplish that distance on the back of your noble steed.” “But what will you do, papa?” “Oh! Lam going to see Joel Garner concerning cutting some timbers for me, and as this is much the nearest route to his house, I will start from here. Tell your dear mother I will be home ina couple of hours, without fail.’’ ' “Won't you let me go with you, papa? Ishould enloy the ride so much.” “No, not to-night, Ida,” the farmer replied, and smiling a good-by, he spurred his horse into the oe oa! , and was soon hidden from view by the shes, i When out of sight he slackened the speed of his horse to a walk;“‘and as he rode slowly along, fell into a fit of reg “I don’t think the child suspected me of an un- truth, as sharp as she is,’? he muttered, glancing sharply around and listening. ‘* No, there she goes, now, homeward bound, so 1 need have no fears of de- tection. Get up, Cherry, forI am anxious to learr if my treasure is still resting intact.” And so saying he again spurred on into a gallo riding with a grace and ease not often observed in men past the middle age. For perhaps half an hour he kept on through the dark woodland. his steed seeming to know well the night-enshrouded path; then the farmer drew rein, and dismounted at the foot of a pine-tree. which stood a few rods away from the trail. Firs glancing cautiously around to see that no one was immediately near, he pulled away a great_mass of leaves which the wind had evidently drifted against the 'tree’s base, and reaching down into a hole ~ among the ¢ arled roots, he pulled out a safe of tin, which was Jocked with a tiny padlock. f “Thank Heayen the money is all intact!” he mut- tered, hefting the safe. ‘ My dream was fortunately alie. I don’t know howI came to dream of Mar- keesa, for she is far away —unless— unless Red Lark has let her escape as_he intimated in his words to my daughter. Yes, the money is here—all of Mar- keesa’s wealth, which she intrusted to me after our marriage.” Fitting a small key into the lock, he raised the lid, and glanced in to see that all was satisfactory. Ap- parently it was, for he relocked the primitive treas- ury, replaced it in the hole, then covered the leaves _carefully over. “There!” he muttered; ‘it. can now remain there until I die, when my will will disclose its hiding- place to my wife and daughter, Ida. Now I will re- turn home, lest suspicion be created, by my ab- sence, = f Night at Flood Bar, with an air most stifling in its heat, even though it be yet but May, a spring-time month. All the population are lying around loose, oe of doors, fanning and drinking, and drinking and anning. Old Rvalanche and Hard Cheek were sitting upon the balcony of the Inter-Ocean, watching the crowd ie the single street below, and across on the Bar, where cosey frame structures were fast replacing the canvas abodes, Squirrel Creek had been obstructed by See dam, just above the Bar, which backed a level lake of water far back into the dark, narrow canyon, where the chief mining interest and attention were turned. Upon this lake or pond the soaring reddish moon threw a strange soft radiance, and dwelt with ie effect upon the picturesque landscape and scene elow. Avalanche and the shaved-headed Trump Card were calmly enjoying their cigars, and ae to the strains of music diffused by a San Francisco German band, now and then exchangiug a few remarks,
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24 But something occurred, presently, which revived their interest in animate things. A man came strolling through the veranda, and descended the stairs to the street below. Instantly Squirrel Sam, who had also been sitting upon the balcony, arose and glided softly after. : “Thar!” quoth Avalanche, with a screwing-up of his mouth—‘'I told tis Thet ’are Squar’l Samuel hes got a secrit, an’ I knowed it, an’ that fu’st chap, wich aire Hawk Harrington, aire concerned in et. Just place yer right fut before ver left, Hard Cheek, and pedestrianize along wi’ yer uncle, ef ye’ve got any desire to precipitate yerself ag’in’ an ’arthquake o’ fun, fer fun aire thar in this arid atmosphere, you bet! Mebbe we won’t be uv an use, and mebbe, ag’in, we kin put in a little work fer Sammy.” ““Mebbe better you let ther galoot fut his own stockin’s!”” suggested Hard Cheek, speculatively. **But ll go, an’ we'll hear ther musick ef we don’t make er cent.” Accordingly the two eccentrics arose, and started down the stairs in the wake of Squirrel Sam, who was by this time hurrying “43 the street, closely dog- ging the footsteps of Hawk Harrington, the San Lu valley herder. What the mute miner wanted with the herder was the question which puzzled the minds of both Hard Cheek and the Annihilator, and bound were they to keep on until they acquired the solution. Hawk Harrington was presently seen to enter a newly-orected cabin at the upper end of the town, and Squirrel Sam was seen to take refuge behind a clump of trees, with the evident intention of watch- ing the cabin. But he came forth as the Annihilator and Hard Cheek approached, a hard look upon his handsome features. “Hello! aire thet you, Sam’l?” Avalanche saluted, ood-naturedly. ‘* What's up wi’ yer ducks? Hain’t turned road-agent, hev you?” : The miner shook his head with a smile, and then, for the first time that he had ever been heard in Flood Bar, he spoke: “No, not exactly playing road-agent, my friends, but keeping watch of that devil in man’s disguise, who just entered yonder cabin.” ‘“You mean Hawk Harrington, eh?” “T do. most decidedly—the man butcher, outlaw, . Perhaps you have wondered, since I have been amon; yor. why I remained literally mute. I may as well tell you that it was be- cause of avowl had sworn—a vow of vengeanca against that man—never to speak until [had killed him. ‘The vowI have broken, but I shall kill him all the same.”” “An ef ye want any help, ye’re’s a part o’ ther great Annihilation left, w’at kin lend ye a fluke in ther most liberal manner, fer 1 owe that same pil- ae ascore, in ther settlin’ up 0’ Deadwood Dick’s ebts of gratitude ter his enemies, But what are ye down on Hawk Harrington about, Squar’l?” _ “Because he brought desolation upon me and mine!’’ Sam replied, a dark shadow coming over his countenance. “If you care to hear, I can soon in- form you of my hatred for the accursed wretch and you will say that my hate is not without a cause. “A short time ago I was a happy man in my snug little home down near Virginia City, Nevada, I had a wife and two pretty children, aged three and one; also, my home was 6 happier by the presence of my sister, a beautiful girl of eighteen. Thus, with a liberal mining income, I had things pretty much to my liking. ‘But one day, when I was absent, my home was raided, my money stolen, my wife and children mas- sacred and_scalped, an ps ce carried off into captivity. I returned to behold the fearful sight; then I swore before God never to rest until T had killed each and every one concerned in the tragedy. It was a part of my oath never to speak to mortal man or woman until my vow was fulfilled. And never have I until this moment. “By investigation I found that the chief marau- thief and kidnapper. 3 Deadwood Dick's Eagles. ders were Bannock Indians, and that this Hawk Harrington was their temporary leader, for havi seen my sister, he had resolved to Repo oe an got the reds to assist him. ‘The Indians I killed and scalped ere I came here, and now I want Hawk Har- rington, to complete the list. That he has my: sister in yonder cabin, or somewhere close at hand, I am almost certain. She wasin that Black Cabin, I have since learned, and escaped with another girl on the night of the fire. But believe he has recaptured er. “Great ham-bone, w’at enlarged the swallerin’ capacity uv old Joner! Then that cussis just sp’ilin’ fura beng. Are ye with us in ther celebration. of our festivities, Cheeky?” “That I am!’ Hard Cheek replied, with enthusi- m, ‘““Then come along—forrard—march!” And swinging his hat, the Annihilator led the way pS the cabin, followed by Sam and the Trump CHAPTER XIV. THE TRUMP CARD'S GREAT SHOT. Ir was but a matter of a few rods to the cabin which Hawk Harrington had entered, a few mo- ments before. « Straight up to the door of the cabin the three men marched, never thinking for a moment that the con- cealed ruffian-herder might shoot them down as they came. It was a good solid whack that Old Avalanche gave the door, and then he and his companions list- ened intently. “ What’s wanted?” was demanded by gruff tones from the inside. ‘* Who’n the devil be ye?” ‘“Who? Great uproariously-demented ham-bone . w’at kicked up a row in ther stummick uv staid old Joner! Iset possible ye don’t recognize us? Jist come out hayr, Mister Hawksum Harrington, ferwe wanter ter interview ye on ‘portant bizness relating ter ee erates ebbe we'll heres yea present of a big bonanza, or p’r’aps we'll give ye a seat in the House on the floor P “Get out, or Pil put an ounce ball through ye!” “Oh! pshaw! ye wouldn’t do sech an inhuman actas that, woul he beloved Hawk? ore wouldn’t o back on yer relatives, would ye? Kim out and cliver an address. Thet’s all we want 0’ ye, beloved Hawker o’ female beauty—jest ter speechify ter us w’ether et aire ter be silver or greenbacks—w’ether et ar’ ter be Sittin’ Bull or old Grant, next term!” There was no response from the inside, but from sounds of things slamming about, it became evident — to the three men that the San Luis valley herder was literally “ getting up on his ear.”’ “Oh! he’s b’ilin’!” observed Hard Cheek, with an appreciative grin. “But won't eens till we snatch him bald- headed" nted the great Annihilator, with a grim laugh. ‘Cum! cum! aire ye ever goin’ ter appear before us, you artistic son-of-a-polar bear— you pin-feathered goslin’?” The answer came in a rather sudden if not unex- ected way. A bul’et from an unseen source whist- ed so close to Avalanche’s ear, or where had once ~ been his ear, as to cut away a lock of hair that the old scout had trained down to hide his loss. “Whew! that was a cluss one!” mildly remarked Hard Cheek, glancing around. ‘‘Cum frum inside, rec “Yas, that’s ther cumeth thet bullet. Hawk Harrington has opened his batteries onter us, Cluss shave, too. but nothin* like sum w’at this old disease o’ destruction hes bin through. Once I war so nigh ter heaven that I hed really got ter ther shore o° ther eternal river. But ther ferry-boat had bu’sted her b’iler an’ war laid ~e up fer repairs, so I got tired o’ waitin’ an’ kim back — ter dwell among ye—solid, actooal fact, by gracious, — oved dew- | them ther Oh! yes, that war a sassy bullet, my drop, but not a dasted sarcumstance ter / reise location from wither tm
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Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. Great Annihilator has dispatched as messengers 0’ foreign glory. Once molded a bullet that went clean thr’u’ sixteen Injins, and afterwards served ter fill ther gums uv an old maid up in Yanktown, Dakoty. Et war made 0” gold, ye see!” “Tt is advisable for us to git out of this, and not make a target for the ruffian’s bullets!” said Squirrel Sam, as soon as the irrepressible Annihilator would let him drop in aword. ‘He probably has loop- holes in the walls, and could defend himself against a dozen, instead of two or three.” “Then what are we to do, insuch a case?” demand- ed Hard Cheek. “T don’t know just yet. We'll retreat under cover and consider.” ‘Hold on! don’t guv up yet! Mebbe ther galoot will wanter accept. Aire ye thar, beloved Hawk?” An angry growl was the only response from the in- stide, and that growl human and savage. ‘*Oh! yes, I see ye’re thar,’’ continued the scout, '*S"pose ye ain’t made up yer mind ter cum out and Jet us heer frum ye on ther great political an’ finan- vial gee i! “No! git out, curse you, or I’ll send another bullet ,iquar’ inter ye!” i af Great ham-bone thet enraged Joner! ’tain’t no \ise—” He paused a moment; then in a whisper added: ae ey struck an ijeer! Don’t speak loud on- esst ye she'd frighten et away—Cum back 0’ ther rouse, an’ I'll tell ye.” ‘ Hocondinghy the three men crept around to the \vack side of the house, where there was_ but little epace between the logs and mountain walls of cold atay rock. Darkness had increased into night by this time, and the great moon was beaming all its mellow . splendor down over an earth’s whole landscape. *‘ What’s yer plan?” Hard Cheek demanded, when ee ps quartered behind the rude dwelling. ‘“ Out with it, “You bet! nevyer know’d ther Annihilation ter keep an ijeer ontil some one else had conceived et, ilid ye? Great automatical ham-bone thet distressed ld Joner, no} my ees ter smoke him out!’ *? “Smoke him out?” “Yas, thet’s ther sentence I phonografically Bpake . «smoke him out, just ther same as ye would a koon out uv a tree, or an old skulemarm out o’ ther sikule’us. I’ve bin thar, boyees, when I war a leetle shaver, knee-years old. Used ter smoke out ev’ry skulemarm reg’lar once a month. So git-reddy wi’ } er shootin’-irons, an’ Tl show ye how ther great suman ferret bounces her game,’ ; Following the Annihilator’s directions, Squirrel yam and Hard Cheek hurried away to the nearest stable for straw, while Avalanche watched the cabin. ‘They soon returned with fine hay, which was still better for their purpose. By the smoke escaping from the chimney, it was evident that a large was burning within the aaa which all the more favored the purpose of our riends. Seizing a bundle of hay in one arm. Avalanche allowed Hard Cheek and Squirrel Sam to boost him up to the roof of the cabin, And while he was stuff- ing the hay into the chimney, he made a discovery which caused him to send up a yell of rage, as he leaped off from the roof to the ground. While he had been ascending to the roof. Hawk ‘Harirngton had softly stolen out of the front door, ene blag bounding down toward the dam of Squirrel reek. i “He’s gone! Great everlasting ham-bone thet saflummixed Joner! he’s gone! An’ be kerries a ‘big bundle in his arms. w’ich looks Jike a female!” shouted Avalanche, as he reached ground, a distance of twelve feet. “Give me a rifle and I'll wing him!” cried {Hard theek, eagerly. ‘ Bet my dirty shirt I kin knock _ bim so stiff he'll never as much as wiggle onec’t.” “No} no! you shall not shoot!” Squirrel Sam re- TPs pote sg CE es a plied, quickly. “It would be risking yonder maid- en’s life, and she is my sister. Come, our legs are as strong as his, and we can s00n chase him down.”” _ “ Ay! ay! hyar we go like a great roarin’, cavort- in’ thunder-starm o’ terrificossity an’ subversion—a purely Norweejan snow-fiake o’ cantankerous re- tr-bution!” shouted the old veteran, as he nimbly led the way in pursuit of the flying ranchero of the San Luis valley. On—on with the speed of a prairie deer: the burly herder bounded, sure-footed and yet reckless, as he made his great flying leaps; and on—on followed his three foes, at the top of their speed. Harrington Was a swift and easy runner, and it soon became evident that he would not berun down so readily as one might suppose. From the cabin tothe dam, the dist nce was some- Wee over two hundred yards, and sloping down- ward, Aaa was equally in favor of pursuer and pursued, On reaching the bank of the dam, nothing would be left the fugitive but to plunge into the water, or stop and fight back, Atleast, sothought Avalanche, but he wasdoomed to disappointment. On reaching the shore. Hawk Harrington gave a yell of defiance; then was seen to leap into the skiff, and pull rapidly out over the calm moonlit waters of the dam, into the shadows of the canyon walls, A groan escaped Squirrel Sam, and something sus- piciously like a curse found expression from the lips of old Avalanche, at the provoking defeat which stared at them. -* Hard Cheek fortunately, was the coolest one of the three. He neither seemed excited nor angered. He stop upon the shore of the dam, and drew a revolver from the leg of bis knee-boot, where he habitually carried his weapons. He cocked it, and then glanced searchingly out over the waters, which shimmered like gold in the brilliant moonlight. Hawk Harrington was pulling desperately toward shelter in the canyon; he bad Squirrel Sam's sister between him and the pursuers; in three mirutes more he would be out of the reach of bullets. Hard Cheek took this all in at a glance, and hesi- tated, Avalanche and Squirrel Sam were watch- ing him eagerly, intently—hoping almost against hope, f oth were expert shots, but neither would have — for a moment dared the attempt of picking off aman who covered nearly the whole of his person with a human shield, and that shield the very one they were trying to save. ‘Quick, or it will be too late!” Squirrel Sam gasp- ed excitedly. Somehow he put faith in the unerring aim cf this sport. At on, fer ther sake o° ther great ham-bone that delivered from peril old Joner!” assented Ava- Janche, craning his neck forward, his fingers work- ing nervously, as if he would like the opportunity of putting in his leaden mark, also. “You'll take the risks, eh?’ Hard C’ eek interro- gated, still watching the departing skiff with the aze of a lynx. “It’s a mighty oncertain thing w’ether I'l] kill the one or two of ’em.” - “Go on!” Squirrel Sam. replied, a dark, vengeful expression fitting upon his countenance, °* Petter both should die now, than yonder hell-hound should live. Fire!’ 3 Hard Cheek needed no second invitation; be evi- dently had no love for this Del Norte nan, though he made no expression cf actual enmity in wo! He raised his revolver —a shining. gold-mounted affair of the Derringer pattern—and glanced alon; the tube, between the sights. All he could see o} the person of Hawk Harrington was the rvffian’s arms as they worked desperately at the paddles, and 4 pateh of bis skull to one side of the maiden’s neck, and just back of his left ear. was effectually screened. __ F Hard Cheek seemed scarcely to take aim ere hi SiS. ae es aa ee Than. ? youn vrte @ Wgest to ohn ee e} Otherwise he —
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> i te 7 ae Bee - 26 a ulled trig,er. A tiny flash, a sharp, ringin re- Fort. that echoed and ieachoea between the canyon walls. He had fired upon the very eve of the skiff’s dis- appearance between the walls, where the gloom was dense, and nothing of the result of the venture could be learned for some time. There was no auswer—neither a death-yell nor a shout of defiance. But, by and by, the three men gave a great shout of joy, as they beheld the skiff drifting back into the dam, with a slight girlish figure standin, Le right in it, waving the slouch sombrero of the herd- er, who lay dead over the stern. Theshot of Hard Cheek had been a, most remarka- ble one, and turning as he beheld the results, Ava- lanche gazed long and earnestiy at the young sport. But, whatever he thought he did not just then ex- ress in words, for the skiff touched shore, and Bouirrel Sam sprung forward and caught his sister in his arms with a yell of delight, which even a Co- manche vocalist might have been proud of. ., CHAPTER XY. WHICH IS A CHAPTER OF EVENTS. Ir was a gladsome reunion, that of Squirrel Sam and his sister Nora, but it would have been a far hap- pier One, had the miner’s wife and child been alive to have participated in it. But they were dead, and if was but meager satisfaction to Squirrel Sam that Hawk Harrington lay dead at his feet as an offering of vengeance to his slaughtered ones, The bullet, ¢xamination proved, had penetrated to the brain through the skull just back of the left ear,'‘and as soon as the first greetings with his sister were over Squirrel Sam turned aad thank- ‘ed Hard Cheek very heartily for saving a life so precious to him; while he and Avalanche declared the shot to be one of the most remarkable they had ever seen. i’ 7 “ Great ham-bone that eulogized old Joner!” the old veteran observed, enthusiasm beaming from his wrinkled countenance—‘‘ thet were shutiu’, you jest bet yer Amerikan birthright. Nevyer see’d but one cuss as ked do as well, an’ thet war Deadwood Dick, in his shutin’ fer ther Big Bonanza mine, upin ’Reka, It aire an actooal fact, thet he put twenty-four lead ils ag’in’ one spot on ther bull’s-eye and_ rung the ell ev’ry time. Then thar war Buffler Benjamin, he war a Boos shot, but I reckon, Cheelry, thet ye .and Dick stand at ther head of fee class.”’ “And you must allow me to thank you, also,” said Nora La Grange, putting forsh her soft little hand. “Had it not been for your opportune shot, I should in all probability, have b:en subjected to one of the most horrible fates that this dead ruffian could have conceived. Thank God, I have ever been able to hold my own, since he captured me, brought me with another lady into the mountains, and shut us up into the cabin, which later was borne hither on the flood.” * This other lady—who was she?” Sam asked. “She was Deadwood Dick’s wife, and so sweet a little woman, that she often was a great comfort to me,”’ Nora replied. ‘‘We were shut up in a room together, with a mad Jndian woman in the room be- tween us and liberty. Thus we were unable to es- cape, until we fought our way out on the night of the fire, Leone escaped, I guess—at least, we got separated, and I was recaptured by a couple of Hawk Harrington’s tools.” “Well, I thank God that that devil in human shape is dead,” said Squirrel Sam, candidly, “ for it takes a great load off of my mind that_my vow of vengeance is complete. What shall we do with the worthless corse?” * Chuck et in ther dam, an’ let ther fishes nibble ot it!” advised Avalanche, . “Nary!” putin Hard Cheek, peremptorily. ** I'm _ sost about wy thes qpinton that, thet ’ar corpuss:b Rennie oe Deadwood Dick’s Eagles,~ ” longs ter a feller about my size, who ae around’ ther circle under ther name of Hard Cheek, the original Trump Card.” ‘How so?” demanded Squirrel Sam, in some sur- prise. ‘‘1'Jl admit that you shot the cuss, but is that any saying that his corse is yours?” “T reckon ther defunct herder air mine!” was the te response. “T’ll leave it ter Avalanche, ef yo @.”” “Very well. If Avalanche says ae are to be pos- sessor of the body, I have no aie ion,” the miner replied, with some curiosity. valanche and the sport accordingly stepped to one side, and the latter whispered a few words, which were inaudible save to the old man, “it’s all right,” the Annihilator nodded, as he returned, his countenance bearing a surprised ex- pression, while Hard Cheek bad kept on down the Street into town. ‘“ Ye mought as well leave ther karkuss lyin’ whar et is, fer [reckon ther boy’s en- titled ter et about as much as any one. “Very well; then he shall have it,” Squirrel Sam replied: without question, ‘‘ Let us go back into own. Which they accordingly did, on the way meeting Jim Belmont and Miaco, who, upon learning the miner’s story of his past wrongs, congratulated him _ warmly. After they were all back in Miaco’s tent, enjoying a venison feast in commemoration of Miss Nora's eed Squirrel Sam drew old Avalanche to ona side. “This Hard Cheek, scout—is fe not the noto: rious Deadwood Dick?”’ was the miner’s interroga tion, “What? Hard Cheek my poor Deadwood Dickey who got his head amputated? Guess net, Mr, Squar’l. T don’t reckon you're on the right track.” ‘Then who is Hard Cheek?” ‘“*Can’t tell ye, pard, fer it’s ag’in’ all ther princi. ples ae, me in my category. So ax me no ques tions and I'll tell ye no lies.” And this was the sum total that could be squeezed from the old veteran of the Indian war-path. What he knew concerning the young sport of the mines, he was evidently determined to keep locked within his own breast. In the mean time Hard Cheek, after having left the party at the dam, had tramped back toward town, his head bowed as if he was in deepest thought. But no words on his part expressed these thoughts, whatever they were. On reaching that part of the shore street where the business was mostly concentrated he was about entering the Inter-Ocean, when he was tapped on the shoulder by a small boy, and an unsealed note was slipped into his hand. ie be Mr, Hard Cheek, ain’t you?’ the boy asked. “Yas, Ireckon so. Where did you get this?” the Trump Card demanded, in some curiosity. “Oh! a lady give me a three bits ter fetchit,” was the ah “What kind of a lady, boy?” if A red-headed lady, sir, as purty as a purty pic er. : “Ah!? Hard Cheek smiled at the boy’s earnest- der “Are you sure such a lady gave you this, oF You bet Iam,’’ was the response, after which | the lad skurried away. Stepping inside the Inter-Ocean, Hard Cheek open- ed the missive, ane hastily perused its contents, a smile in the mean time breaking out about his lips. Tt read: ; “ Froop Bar, May 6. “Mr, Harp Camek: 1 tame pene eee your dis- 1ises, and know you to be Deadwood Dick, my he
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- Deadwood Dick's Eagies. the bluffs, to-night, for I want to see you once more, lam now at the head of your band, and your work of war against outlawry is steadily going on. Come, I beg, for I am eager to see you once more, on earth, for we know not what moment one or the other of us may be stricken down. Come as soon as you get this. ONT.” This was all, yet if seemed to have much weight wih the young sport, for he gazed at it long and thoughtfully, reading and re-reading it. “She says she has penetrated: my disguise,” he muttered, thrusting the note in his pocket and go- ing out into the open air, _‘*I wonder how she came to guess my identity. Ibelieved no one had any knowle: ge of my secret except Avalanche, and not he until foment though he may have been sus- picious. I will go and meet her; God ever bless er, He tooked first to the condition of his weapons, then hastened to the only livery-stable in the town, and hired a horse. So that in ten minutes he was leaving the town behind him, and riding over the rugged bluffs to the eastward, . His oe in the saddle was that same old reckless ease of Deadwood Dick’s, even though his face was changed beyond recognition by vhe loss of his mus- tache and hair. The moon was still throwing her ghostly flood of whitish light over the earth, as the horseman ap- proached the deep, dark forest, at the edge of which he expected to find his wife—his Leone, whom he still loved as when first they wedded. “Poor girl!” he muttered, as his Spies glanced back over the past, which had been such a thing of horror— she has had it hard enough, since she linked her fate with mine. Never have we been at rest, in pee and security, because of my reckless life and the bitter enemies I have made. But ‘thank God, my men now are fighting bravely for me and in the defense of justice, and some day I hope to be pronounced a free man.” Dick, as he galloped fearlessly up to the edge of the dark, frowning forest had little suspicion of foul py, He had not a thought that he might have een misled. His wife had valled him—that was enough. . » But ashe approached the designated spot, there was a whir, and a lasso settled and drew taut about his arms and waist, and he was a prisoner. ‘The next instant, he was jerked bodily out of the saddle. and struck upon the ground with a force that momentarily stunned him, When he recovered he found himself securely bound, hand and foot, so tightly that it pained him to move a muscle. And, bending over him, with devilish triumph ex- pressed on their faces, were the two whom he knew to be his inveterate enemies—Carlos Cambre and Hdith Sione, ? “Ha! ha!’ the ex-lieutenant laughed, demoniac- ally, “‘so we have got you, have we, Deadwood Dick —got you right where we must needs use you. Do you recognize us?” “ Yes, as two devils in human sbape, Sir Spaniard!” Hard Cheek replied, angrily. ‘‘ You are both pos- sessed of such angelic purity, that I marvel I did not see through you ere I came.” ‘Hal ha! ‘twas rather a clever ruse to entrap you, sure enough. We really didn’t expect you, for “e gave you credit for more sense than to believe you would willingly come and deliver yourself right nto our power.” Deadwood Dick bit his lip in vexation, that he should have, indeed, been so easily duped. Could he have had a moment's warning of danger, he felt positive he could have avoided capture. ** And do you know what your capture means, Ned Harris?” asked Edith Stone, fiercely. = “Wo, young woman, Thave not the slightest idea of what it does mean?”’ was the reels / . “Then, you vile wretch, know that it means death . to you—hell on earth, while there is aught left of 2% your body to burn at the stake. Look at me, man— do I look as if I would hesitate to torture you? DoT tremble, as though | had some obnoxious job before me? No} ‘twill be a panacea to my aching heart to see you burn all up into a crisp! It will be glorious satisfaction, to appease my appetite for vengeance onyou. Oh! my hour cf triumph has come, Dick—- come, as I swore it should. Youspurned the honest affection and broke the heart of one who worshiped you. Then Iswore to have your life, and that of your accursed red-haired wife. She will follow you.”? “Yes, Mr. Deadwood Dick, it is morally certain that you have*got to die, and we have prepared for our death by burning you at the stake—Indian fash- on, you know!’’ Cambre put in, with a smile of tri- umph. ‘Suppose we won’t have the divine pleasure of hearing you beg, eh?’’ “No, I don’t think you will.’ Hard Cheek replied with a chuckle. “‘T ain’t one of the begging kind, 1 guess you'll find, if you search back to find my pedi- gree, Besides, death and I know each other too well to get frightened at our respective shadows!”’ “You do,eh? Well, you’ll perhaps have a chance to get better acquainted, then. ou acknowledge yourself to be Deadwood Dick?” “Yes, if you are any better pleased by the ac- knowledgment. I am willing you should call me Deadwood Dick, Buffalo Bill, or Texas Jack—any- thing to please you.” Edith Stone and Cambre withdrew after a few moments, and apreared to be holding an animated conversation, He lay in the moonlight and watched them nar- rowly, poe at they, really meant to carry into execution their threat of burning him at the stake. He had little doubt now but that it was in their evil natures to do it, but whether they would or not was just then a problem he could not solve. Cambre he saw presently begin to gather leaves and dry twigs about the base of a young iron-wood sapling, which he concluded was to be his death- stake. : And he had assurance of it when Edith Stone ap- proached and spoke: ‘*Deadwood Dick, I have come to give you one chance more for life. Wed me and take me East to live, and we will omit this burning-at-the-stake busi- ness, and ever live happily together. Which shall it be—will you accept me, or. what you will find ten times more unendurable—a horrible death?” ° “Death—a thousand times death, in preference to linking: myself with youl Go ahead—you’ll find I am not afraid to die!’ Without a word the female fiend turned away and assisted Cambre to gather more leaves, When enough were collected, Deadwood Dick was lifted bodily and bound to the stake, so tightly that the blood could barely circulate through his veins. Then the leaves and inflammable material were heaped around him, and, with a fiendish laugh, Car- los Cambre lit the fire in several places. CHAPTER XVI. THE GOLD OF MARKEESA—A SCENE ENDING IN A TRAGEDY, At about the same hour, something interesting was going on in the Musqu: kang valley, at the home of the ales. The night being warm and breath. less, the family were sitting upon the veranda of their handsome home, the two ladies engaged at some delicate needle-work, which the full lightof the moon allowed them to execute, while Cyril Walton. — by sat close .at hand, smoking his brierwood pipe. — He was nervous, habitually, oe for he cons stantly glanced around him, as if he expected a blow from some unseen foe. “Hark! who is coming down the ems for I hear the sound of hoof-strokes?” said Mrs. Waltonby, a little, matronly-looking woman, as she stopped. in her work. ‘*I wonder who can be abroad to-night.”
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28 “ft is Deadwood Dick's roat-egents, maybe!” suggested Ida, in alarm. ‘“‘ Papa said that they were somewhere in this part of the hills.” “Nol! ‘tis not the read-agents ” said Cyril Walton- by, gazing up the moonlit valley road, where four mounted persons had just come into view. ‘* There are but three men and a woman, and agents never venture out in such small numbers. It is possibly some wayfarers, who have set out for Deadwood in the cool of the night.” The ia i of riders came on down the road at a dashing gallop, but halted and dismounted upon the lawn before the Waltonby mansion. Two of these night-riders were te oe 3 Floyd, and Nolie Waltonby—the others merely a protective body-guard which the lieutenant, had brought along. They remained in the back-ground, while, with Nolie upon his arm, Floyd advanced to the veranda, and tipped his hat to the ladies, after which he bowed coy to the farmer, “Tf we mistake not, we stand before Cyril Walton- by, do we not?” the lieutenant asked, eying the farmer with an unflinching gaze. “Yes—i am Oyril Waltonby, sir. Of whatservice can I be to you?” ‘‘Of considerable, if you play a fair game, now, where heretofore you have p layed a dishonest one. Do yourecollect this young lady, sir?’”” one do not, I don’tthink I ever saw her before, “Yes, you saw her when she was but a babe in her mother’s arms, for, Cyril Waltonby, she is Mar- keesa’s child, and your only legal daughter.” Had a bomb exploded then and there, no more as- tonishment could have been depicted, than at this strange declaration of the lieutenant. **My child!” cried the farmer, leaping to his feet, in evident astonishment—“ my daughter! Impossi- ble, sir! there is some mistake.” “ There is no mistake, Cyril Waltonby—no mistake at all!” Nolie cried, stepping. forward. ‘As Mr. ter of old Markeesa, Floyd has said, I am the cane your only legitimately wedded wife. Do not try to deny me, for ‘tis useless. Even as your minion, Red Lark, let Markeesa escape, so did he, by lack of vigilant watchers, let me escape too, and I am here to claim my own. have proofs—certificates of your first marriage, and of my birth.” “Papa! papa! is this true—can it be true thatI am—’’ and Ida Waltonby burst into tears and wept in concert with her poor horrified mother. ‘ Oh! es, it must be even so. for the ruffian who called imself Red Lirk, was_ here, and told me to tell you that ‘the cat’s leaped the gate and the dog as emer her il the woods, where she is hiding.’ Oh! apal papa x nd the port young thing wept as if her heart would break. % “It is all a lie—a damnable plot to ruin me and mine!’’ cried the farmer, furiously. ‘ Get yougone, you accursed impostors, or I will shoot you dead in your tracks.” “You will do nothing of the kind,” replied Flying Floyd, decisively. ‘* My men already have you cov- ered, and it needs but a word from me to send you into eternity. Idon’t wané to harm you, however, unless you refuse to give this young lady her rights. Then I shall string you up to one of these trees, as you deserve hanging more than any one I know of.” “ Ourses on you!” Cyril Waltonby hissed, biting his lips until they bled. ‘‘ What do you want?” “Til tell you what I want,’’ replied dusky Nolie, in her clear, ringing voice. “I want the heavy sum of '- gold which you stole away from Markeesa, my mother—every cent of which was hers, individually. I want this, and then I will never again molest you, nor your family here.” *T have not the gold; I won’t give it to you!” “Then you shall hang to yonder tree!’ “1 What you wouldn't hang your own father, “As quickly as I would a horse-thief, when that Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. Fim ———s father is such a wretch as you!" Nolie replied, “ You are a wretch, unworthy of any compassion—a th>r- ough scoundrel and the associate of scoundre! y try to deceive me, who know you so well?” ** But I haven’t the money!” “Where is it, then?” ide Perhaps a rope around his neck might jostle his memory?” suggested Floyd. “Bah! don’t think you can scare me!” exclaimed Waltonby, with a sneer. ‘Iam not to befrightened. Hang me, if you like, but you’) not find the hiding- place of the gold.” “No! we won’t hang you,” Floyd replied, tri- umphantly. ‘‘ We'll take you fo a cave in the mountains, and starve the life out of you.” “ And not get the gold, either!” **Well, we can try the plan, at least. Once and for all—will you yield?” “No! a thousand times, no!’ the infuriated farmer cried. ‘It is buried where even the devil himself cannot find it!” “ But a devil has found it!’ cried a voice, shrill and yersig and at the same moment a wild- eyed, haggard Indian woman emerged from the bushes that fringed the lawn, and stood revealed in the bright moonlight. “Yes, Cyril Waltonby, a devil has found the gold, and here it is!” And, with a horrible, fiendish laugh, she held aloft the tin box in which was the treasure that had been buried under the roots of the big pine tree! A wild, grotesque squaw was this woman, with matted hair and tattered garb, and the fires of in- sanity burning in her eyes. ‘And as he anes at her, Cyril Waltonby turned alternately livid and white, w ile from his lips came the one word; ‘““Markeesa!” “Yes, it is Markeesa!”’ replied the maniac wife ‘‘Markeesa, who hates you worse than the red-man hates snakes. She saw you the other night, and you had not been gone an hour ereshe had the gold. ere, my child, the gold is yours. Markeesa has no fur-her use for it, for she is going to meet her people in the happy hunting-grounds,”” Hurling the box to the ground at Nolie’s feet, the frantic squaw quickly drew a alae and, before she could be prevented, sent a bullet crashing through Cyril Waltonby’s brain. Then, pressing the muzzle to her own temple, she fired, and fell a corpse upon _ the greensward. Thus had Markeesa avenged her wrongs in death, CHAPTER XVII. A FEMININE DUEL—AND CONCLUSION. As the fire ba fe to blaze up brighter and brighter, and to grow hotter and hotter, Deadwood Dick realized that he was ina fix, in dead earnest—that nithing short of a miracle could save him. : Come! you had better get to praying, ef you wanter, afore you ascead in a cloud o° smoke ter ther hot place above!” sarcastically suggested Cam- bre; “ you’re bound to fry and sizzle, and by an’ by you'll make delightful music fer us ter dance by!” “ Willl? Bet a nugget my orchestra won’t use a ats squawk!” Hard Cheek (Deadwood Dick) replied, “Humph! You'll change your tune in the sweet by and by.” ‘Will you marry me or die the horrible death that is staring you in the face?” demanded Edith Stone, as she wat hed the crackling fire. “T would die fifty such deaths rather than m: ont Dick replied, with a heroic firmness. ‘ Deati as no terrors to me, compared with a life with one like you.” & * Then—' She did not finish the sentence, for at thismoment the crack of a rifle broke the stillness, and Carlos Cambre, with a cry of mortal anguish, fell to the ground, v4 4 “Tm killed! I'm killed!" he groaned, as Edith Loe
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Deadwood Dick’s Eagies. Stone ran and knelt by his side. ‘Some one has shot me. Hal there they come—look out!” With his last gasp of life the dying villain pointed veyond the stake, where two riders were just dashi out of the timber—one Leone Harris, the wife 0: Deadwood Dick, and the other a road-agent whom she had brought along as , ease As she saw them, Edith Stone uttered a fierce ery, en upright, with a revolver clinched in her and. Leone was upon the spot in a moment, to confront her enemy, while Chasteau, the guard, quickly re- leased Hard Cheek from his bonds and tore him out of the fire. “Stand, you fiend!” cried the wife of Deadwood Dick, hurling a long, narrow sword at the feet of Edith, and retaining a similar one in her own hand. ‘Pick up your sword and stand on your guard, for it shall be your life or mine!” “Yes, mine or PB replied the desperate girl, seizing the hilt of the blade in her grasp. ‘We are bitter enemies, Leone s, and either you or I must die—and it will be you, for I am an expert swordswoman, trained by my father.” * And if I cannot master you, I am willing to die!” Leone replied, firmly. ‘‘ You and I cannot live in the same country, and, if I kill you, Iam sure that God will forgive me, because I am ridding the earth of a very wicked woman,” With blazing eyes, and lips compressed, and with swords firmly clinched, the two girls—for they were yo. but girls—attacked each other with a furious zest. Their play was quick and their strokes powerful, the ringing of the tempered blades making echoes in the depths of the forest. It was a strange, exciting combat between two in- furiated women—weird in the extreme as viewed un- der the powerful rays of the mid-summer night’s moon. Deadwood Dick or Hard Cheek, and the guard, Chasteau, stood at one side and looked on without in- terference, for Dick reposed confidence in Leone’s skill to at least save herself from dangerous ap ae Parry and thrust and feint and lunge, but neither Eeineé a point, until at last Leone got ina blow upon ver adversary’s left arm. Edith followed with a blow at Leone’s neck, which was dexterously dodged and parried, and then came the culminating thrust, which ended the battle, and with a aise scream, Soe back, with the blade run through her heart —de ‘“*Dead!” pronounced Chasteau, coming forward, and bending over the stricken girl. ‘The man, here—her companion, is also dead. My rifle-bullet laid him out in style.”’ “Dead?”? echoed Leone—“ dead? Then some of the wrongs of Deadwood Dick are avenged, but I have yet to huvt down his murderers, before my mis- sion is fulfilled.” ‘No need for that, my angel-on-earth,” said Hard Cheek, perping forward, and clasping Leone in his ans, “for Deadwood Dick is here!” + ‘What! You—you Dick—my Dick!” the wife ex- claimed, shrinking back, inastonishment. “‘No!no! it is impossible—it cannot be!” ‘Tt is, nevertheless, I in flesh and bones,” was Dick’s laughing assurance. ; “But, I thought you dead—that it was your head _ they had on exhibition in Flood Bar,’’ persisted Leone, between tears and laughs of joy. “‘I have mourned your loss, oh! so bitterly, my dear, dear lusband!’ ' “You darling, Ido not doubt it, and Iought to be eshamed of myself for so long deceiving you and the public. The head was one the sharpers had taken somewhere, because of its resemblance to me. Un- fortunately—for the men—TI greatly resemble many Western men, and this leads to mistakes. You re- member bow Gasild Hawk, your brother, suffercd € i f lynch-law_ because of this resemblance. This last case may have been similar. It struck me at the time of this head’s es eee in Flood Bar, to let one believe me dead, and so I adopted the vole of Hard Cheek, which enabled me to be utamong my fellow-men with more safety. 1 was sparen for you, until the report came that you were wit my band. Since then I have been watching Hawk Harrington, and only to-night I sent his spirit flyin to the mastei who owns it—the Devil, ‘Thus, wit his. death and the death of Cambre and Edith Stone, oe I believe, the worst of our personal foes. e pane we still have as an enemy—” “And I recif6n enemies are after us now, ea tain!” spoke Chasteau excitedly, pointing across the moonlit bluffs, towhere a horseman was approach- ing at furious ee “Yes, something has gore wrong,” Dick replied, going to his horse which was standirg near; but he quis ly exclaimed: * By Heaven! the man is Oid valanche!”’ : “ And what means his coming?’ demanded Le- a rani “How did he know that we were 2) . “That we must leave to him to tell. Get to your horses, for it may be aati) so important that it will be necessary for us to light out immediately.” They accordingly mounted and ranged alongside, leaving the bodies of Cambre and Edith Stone lying where they had fallen, for there was no time to bury them now, Avalanche soon came furiously up. pee ones cayuse back upon its haunches. The animal was white with foam, and a wild steely glit- ter shone in the veteran’s eyes—-a grim expression stone grotesque little countenance. : “What is the matter?’ Deadwood Dick (emanded, anxiously. ‘Why do you come in such haste?” * Maticr ?” gasped the Annibilator—“ haste? Great antiquated ham-bone that bucked ther larnyx uy old Joner’s godfather! Why, ain’t ye heerd ther news? © { eopges ye’d slid off on account 0’ it.” “T do not understand you, You speak in riddles. What do you mean?” Dick replied, in greatest, won- derment. ‘* Are you crazy or drunk?” “Neither, Dickey, b’yee. But thar ain’t no time fer tit Spl aig palaver, as I uster tell old Florence ~ Night-in a-gale, when she’ tter oratin’ ter a bull million or two of Ii juns. Strike spurs and light fer yer stronghold, fer a tkousan’ heeled cutlaws, callin’ *emselves ‘ Turks,’ aire after ye. They’ve* consollydated, an’ got it inter their infarnal noddles thet ye*be-Hard Sheek, an’ Hard Cheek be you, wharfore they've rid inter Flocd Bar—an’ thar they ~ come, as sure’s thar uster be electricity in ther hoofs uv old Prudence Cordeliar, my mare.” As he ceased speaking, the old scout pointed out toward the moonlit bluffs, beyond which nestled the infant city of Flood Bar—but a good, healthy infant, after all, was the lively little mining-strike. A band of perhaps a hundred horsemen were just coming into view. Deadwood Dick watched them for a moment. All were rough, Cesperate-looking wretches of the blood and butcher-knife order, and in their lead was Old Roxby, the Deadwood Regulator! They evidently had struck a fresh trail, for they were coming on at top speed, shouting and curs ing, rendering the night hideous with their inferna cries. 3 “What d'’ye opine, Dickey. my rosebud?” de- manded Avalanche, watching the éxpression of the ex-road-agent’s face, as its handsome outlines were revealed in the moonlight. “Well, I think itis high time for us to be getting out!” Dick replied, with one of his old-time reckless Jaughs. “Come! follow me! fancy is pretty securely hidden from ordinary routes of travel.” ‘ “Yas, we'll foller, you bet yer life,” the Anvihila- We can soon lose ~ ourselves in this timber, and let the man-haunters — ass. Then we will away to my stionghold, which — and jerked his ~
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t 30. Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. ee tor replied. ‘‘Great ham-bone thet humiliated old Jouer! Never see’d a feller I'd ruther foller than ye, Dick, my Posey. Once knew’d a gal in Yankton, howsomever, Who war so ’andsome thet ther power uy her beauty ’d make ye trot right along behind as docile as alamb. Hername war Mehetible Swiggle- swister, and she claimed to be a hundred and third cuzzin ter Abraham Lincoln.” Dick perceived that the Turks, as Avalanche had zalled them, had evidently not discovered the where- abouts of their prey; accordingly, he led the way into the timber, and galloped fearlessly down the forest aisles, which were lit by zigzag streaks of moonlight, Leone and Chasteas following in single file, and Avalanche bringing up the rear, Being familiar with the “lay-out” of the timber, Dick in a short time had safely eluded the Regu- lators, and then they all started for the village of the road-agents, On the way, Leone related all through which she had passed since the night of death down at Del Norte. When she had been left lying upon the river shore with a fiery death staring her in the face, and old Avalanche did not return (as related in No. 49), she had rolled into the water and floated down- siream, her clothing ke>ping her up. Later, she had been eed by Hawk Harrington, whose prisoner she had been ever since until the burning of the Black Cabin upon the bar, when, bewildered and nearly demented with her long capivatys she had fi.d into the mountains, and, later, found protection in Deadwood Dick’s Own village. Arrived at Deadwood Dick’s village, they found all quiet and serene. Lieutenant Floyd had returned with Nolie Walton- by, from the visit to the Musquekang valley farm- house, where the dusky beauty had regained Mar- keesa’s stolen wealth. And it was but a natural caneeee that after all the perils and adventures they had passed through, Nolie should give her heart, hand and for- tune to the handsome lieutenant, who pleaded long and earnestly for a place in her affection. So there was a rousing wedding at Deadwood Dick’s village, and Miaco was brought over from Flood Bar with his old fiddle to furnish the musie for dancing. Jim Belmont and Squirrel Sam and his sister were also present, and a joyous event was the celebration of the nuptials. There were girls from the Bar, and ex-road-agents without number, and stoga boots and delicate pink slippers united in the Cotillion, the Lanciers, the good old Virginia Reel and the “ break-down.” ; ene is little more to add to make this story com- e 2. Jt turned out that the Turks were not after Dead- wood Dick at all, but in quest of a band cf mountain horse-thieves, So that no more molestation has been offered the Trump Card of our narrative, in his seciuded valley home. where he resides with his wife, and surrounded by men who have sworn to serve under his flag until the end. It was in one of Dick’s explanatory moods that he a‘lmitted the identity of himself with Elijah Swain, the Historian and Coroner. Truly, Deadwood Dick bas in the past been a man of many faces and many disguises! Floyd yet remains with Deadwood Dick, a stanch brother and Heutenant, and in his married existence inay he find unalloyed happiness! Squirrel Sam and his sister, soon after the wed- ding, left for the Colorado mines. And not seldom dy Dick and Leone, reunited in a happy home, receive visits from their warm old Hie and advocate—Old Avalanche, the Annihila- tor, THE END, Half-Dime Singer's Library 1 Wnoa, Exma! and 59 other Songs, 2 Caprain Cur¥ and 57 other Songs, 3 Tue Garnssoro’ Har and 62 other Songs. 4 Jounny Moraan and 60 other Songs. 5 pu Steixe You Wire A FEATHER and 62 others, 6 GeorGE THE CHARMER and 56 other Songs. 7 Tae Berit or Rockaway and 52 other Songs, 8 Youne Fenian, You’rE Too Frese and 60 others 9 SHy Youne Girt and 65 other Songs. 10 I’m rHE Govzrnor’s OnLy Son and 58 other Songs, 11 My Fan and 65 other Songs. 12 Comin’ Toro’ Tun Rye and 55 other Songs. 18 Tae RowicKine TriseMan and 59 other Songs, 14 Op Dog Tray and 62 other Songs. 15 Wuoa, CHARLIE and 59 other Songs, 16 In TH1s WuEar By anv By and 62 otner Songs, 17 Nancy Lure and 58 othér Songs. 18 1’ THE Boy THar’s Bounp To Biazr and 57 others, 19 Tae Two Orpxans and 59 other Songs. 20 WHAT ARE THE Witp Waves Sayine, Sisteat and 59 other Songs. 21 InpIGNANT Potty Woe and 59 other Songs, 22 Tue Otp Arm-CHaIR and 58 other Songs. 23 On Conny Istanp Beacu and 58 other Songs, 24 OLv Sion, THE Hor-Corn Man and 60 others, 25 I’m in Love and 56 other Songs. 25 PARADE of THE Guarps and 56 other Songs, 27 Yo, Heave, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 28 "Twiii Never po To Gin rr up So and 60 others, 29 Buve Bonners Over THE BorpeEr and 54 others, 80 Tar Merry Lavauine MAN and 56 other Songs, 81 Sweer Forert-mu-Nor and 55 other Songs. 82 LerrLe Basy Mine and 53 other Songs. 38 Dz BAnszo AM DE INSTRUMENT FoR Mz and 53 others, 34 Tarry and 50 other Songs. 86 Just ro Pieass THE Boys and 52 other Songs. 36 SKATING ON ONE IN THE GuTTER and 52 others 87 Kotorep Kranxs and 59 other Songs. 88 Nit Desprranpum and 58 other Songs. 89 Tue Giri I Lerr Bexrnp Mx and 50 other Songs 40 °Tis sur A Litrim Fapep Fiower and 50 others 41 Prerry WaiLHeiamt and 60 other Songs. 42 DaNcING IN THE Barn and 63 other Songs. 43 H. M.S. Prvarore, compere, and 17 other Songs. Sold everywhere by Newsdealers, at five cents per copy, or sent post-paid, to any address, on re= ceipt of Six cents per number, : | BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, 98 Wintram Stremr, New York. :
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SMTP MELLEL MTL YY TY TALOGUES ax» SPEAKERS. <1 PES a ae PUBLISHED BY DIALOGUES, No. 1to41. M. J. IVERS & C0., SPEAKERS, Nos 1 to 25. JAMES SULLIVAN, Prop’r, ee 379 Pearl Street, New York. THE TRADE SUPPLIED BY imine The American News Company, ICICI ir AND ITS BRANCHES. | UTR) atP TEE OTD Tae SEE EEE ETE CRE TED EEE TUE Die OC) SE SPE Tee SEC S08 0 TE TLE Ee DE ETE EE USE PUL EE TEC AUD TEE SUE REE SUE AEE GEE ODE SOE TUL AEE LED TG0 GOD EE COE LEE SUB SUCHEN EE S00 OED AOD GEE SOU SUE TEE OUD TD SUD CEE SUE SED CDE SUE SUDO SUE DED G00 CED S00 OTE TTD ONE GUD G00 TUE TLE ALD | Dir PUPP CTT TOE EE PCE Ute Ce Ett Ste BEE IEE CUR AEE CED CUS SEE Ut COL EUL SPE SUE OUD Gt TET OD TU LM tte ee EE itt Pn ne eeeee et Wiiteay 7
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1s : x SSX No. 12. SOP <Zby Vy MRD RECITg Noy B AS’ Sco oi BEST ‘AUTHORS: A CHOICE COLLECTION OF Beautiful Compositions | Carefully Compiled for SCHOOL, LYCEUM, PARLOR, AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENTS, BY — LY FRANCES P. SULLIVAN, “Issued Quarterly, June, 1886. Subscription, 50 Cents per Year. M. J. IVERS & CO, PUBLISHERS, |S se NASSAU STREET,N.y. alee &, 3 1 MY Nacs ase IE Entered at the Post @ffice, Y. N., as second class matter, oe isa
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SMART TOASTS FOR THE SMART SBT. Vest Pocket Size. 64 Pages. Sewed Book. Up-to-Date. By Mail, Postpaid, 12c. per Copy. BEST LINE OF HAND BOOKS PUBLISHED. “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, etc. VAUDEVILLE JOKER.—Best Jokes by Eminent Vau- deville Artists. BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—Society, Visits, Introdue- 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, Toiiet, Kitchen, Larder, etc. , BOOK OF BEAUTY.—Beauty of Form, Color, Head, Hair, Complexion, Skin, ete., with chapters on Perfumes, Cosmetics, ete. BOOK OF VERSES.—Comprising Rhymes, Lines, and Mottoes for Lovers and Friends. THE LOVERS’ CASKET.—s 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. “COON” YARNS.—Best Jokes Relating to Our *“* Dark- er-Skinned Brothers.” ; “TRISH” Joker No. 1.—The Wittiness and Whimsicali- ties of “ Pat’ at His Best. “VARIETY * JOKER.—Good Things from all the Na- tionalities: ‘ 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’ 5 CENTS PRICE 1 Dandy Rill’s Doom. By Oll Coomes, 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 'l'exas Jack. By Ingraham. 11 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By H. B. Stoddard. 12 Brimstone Bill’s Booty. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 13 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. 14 The Ticket-of-Leave's Trick. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 15 Wide-Awake George. By E. Willett. 16 Wide-Awake Ned. By B. Ringgold. 17 Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn, By Noah Nuff. 18 Adrift on the Prairie. By Oll Coomes. 19 Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post. 20 Giant Pete and his Pards. By Harbaugh. 21 Yellow Hair. By Ingraham. 22 The Snow-Trail. By Harbangh. 23 Old Grizzly Adams. By Dr. Powell. 24 Woods and Waters. By Whittaker. 25 A Rolling Stone. By W. R. Eyster. 26 Red River Rovers. By C. D. Clark. 27 Buckskin Sam's Wild Ride. By Ingraham. + 28 The Sword Prince. By F. Whittaker, 23 Snow-Shoe Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. 30 Paul De Lacy. By C. D. Clark. 31 Round the Camp-Fire. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 32 Fancy Frank's Drop. By Ingraham. 33 ‘The Boy Crusader. By Capt. F. Whittaker. \ 8 Kit Carson. LIBRARY. PER COPY. 34 The Chase of the Great White Stag. By C. D. Clark. 35 Old Tar Knuckle. By Rover Starbuck, ° 36 The Dashing Dragoon, By I’. Whittaker, 37 Night-Hawk George. By Ingraham. 88 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. Harbaugy, 45 Bronco Billy. By Ingraham, 46 Dick, the Stowaway. By Charles Morris. 47 The Colorado Boys. By J. E. Badger, Jr. 48 The Pampas Hunters, By '’. C. Harbaugh. 49 Nebraska Charlie. By Ingraham. 50 Jack, Harry, and Tom. By F, Whittaker. 51 ‘om Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C. D. Clark, 52 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Harbaugh. 53 oe the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles orris. |. 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. By §. W. Pearce. 58 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost. By Ingraham. 59 Tim, the Mule Bov of the Mines. By Charles Morris. 60 The Young Trail Hunters, By ‘I’. C. Harbaugh. 61 The Tiger Hunters. By J. EB, Badger, Jr. ¢ 62 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. By Ingraham. 63 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker, By Ro,er Starbuek. 64 Young Dick Talbot. By A. W. Aiken.
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e2ee THE Deadwood Dick e Library e BSOVOLO LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS. 82 Pages, Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest Extracts from the New York Evening Sun. TWO REMARKABLE HEROES. In only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a @ovel statement when the faes is here recorded that litera- ture has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps move than one reader will have to think a moment over this vemark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit strikes home, But it is mest essenWally a half dime novel statement that will be news to many when it is added that litera- ture, if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam was a mere child down to the present day, wowld show but few heroes that in the eyes of boyhood would be even judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest teroes known to American literature, or, to promptly re- yeal them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr. * * * The modern heroes of fiction for young Ameriea, who. are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and of whom the Deadwood Dicks-are much the most Important > * * it is but natural that their * * * should bear away the palm of popularity, andsuchas * * * be left tar behind In the race. It can be easily believed, therefore, that the two Dicks are so firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature for boys and young men, that thelr position is assured » * * and that they stand to-day head and shoulders above all rivals in the eyes of the public for which they have lived, and for which one of them has died, American boyhood, and that is a tremendous factor in the land, now knows Deadwood Dick, Jr., a good beal bet ter than It knows its catechism, and millions of young minds absorb the thrilling incidents of his career in his everlasting warfare against crime and his never-ending solving of bmpenetrable mysteries. Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when th~ victims are thoroughly undone, the millions walt hungrily for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appears with the certainty of the Wednesday itself, and a new set of ar seat thrills go thrilliag away from Maine to Call ‘ornia, There are the volumes each so crowded with thrills ang heart-tugs that it 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 i finite pain, but if once a start were made in that df tion, it would be cruel to The Mvening Sua’s readers stop, and It Is therefore better not to relate one single adventure, Suffice it to say that the stories are clean and well written. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. i Dea¢ wood Dic, the Prince of the Road 3 Tue Louble Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance 8 Tu Buffalo Demon; or. The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol % Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval § Death-Face, the Detective ? The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza 3 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian (9 Omaha Ol), the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger ll Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to Death {2 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar : 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 18 Deadwood Dick on Deck: or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo if cacti Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Guleh 18 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 90 Watch-Eye, the Shadow %1 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross ™ Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief % Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty 1% Deadwood Dick as Detective %5 Gilt-ldge Dick 58 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve ¥ Chip, the Girl Sport %8 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune ® Boss-Bob, the King of Bootblacks 30 hye jhe Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s ule! # Blonde Bill; or. Deadwood Dick’s Home Base # Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent ) 38 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Beb’s Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of tiie Sierrag 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Las Adventure 40 Deadwood Diek’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues 44 ioe Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator’s ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam’s Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect- ives 51 cen eae Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anch 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 53 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; er, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Deteetive; or, The Messenger Boy} Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Deco: 63 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa fras nity 64 Colorado Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cat Kings ) M. J. [VERS & CO., Publishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 379 Pearl Street. NEW YORK.
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Bopyright 1878-1884, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 18%, THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. No. 12 Cleveland, Ohio Vol. I “FOLD! PTAND, YOU RUBFIANLY_CREW, OR, I'LL MAKE BUZZARD FOOD OF oul”
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Oe Deadwood Dick e Library e LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRLGOLORED COVERS, 82 Pages. ~~ @ Buy One and You Will Buy the Best For Sample Cover See @then Side. 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 5 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 6 Death-Face, the Detective 7 The Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick's Bonanza 8 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand 9 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian 10 Omaha Oli, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger 4 11 Jim ENCE, Jr., the Boy Phenix; or, Through to eat 12 cei ie Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood ar 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the SHA pen eter 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 17 caren Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the. Knight of the ule! ,8 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 19 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 20 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 21 i Dick's Device; or, The Sign of the Double ross ' 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief 28 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke j for Liberty ~ 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Kdged Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker ; or, The Secret Twelve 27 Chip, the Girl Sport 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 29 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 80 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch 81 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base 82 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob's Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 85 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Pa 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sier 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the R 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloguist Detective. A Romance of Rogue 44 ne Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam's Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner's Son; or, Apollo Bill, Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 4 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female De' ives 51 age Praag Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rougl ne 52 The Girl Sport; or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 53 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll's Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy’s Fortune 4 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: b 63 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa fras oe ; 64 “ce arlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Catt Kings a