Deadwood Dick Library (v. 2) (1899 06 14)

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fopyright 1878-1885, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter, Mar, 15, 1898, z M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, No. 14. Issued W oe: iJumes Sullivan, Proprietor,) wos 5 cue Vol, lI. June 14, 1899. 379 Pearl Street, New York. $2.50 a Year Om, The Boy Dotective of the Black SSS {Whe gun:was handed tq Gold Bifle—in a moment he had sighted it, fired, and.somersaulted back unon his feet,

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EDWARD L. WHEELER'S DEADWOOD DIGK, JR., NOVELS IN THE HALF-DIME LIBRARY. Crescent Sign. Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood lick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 476 481 491 496 500 508 515 522 529 534. 539 544. 549 554 561 567 Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, 572 Deadwood Dick, 578 Deadwood Dick, 584 Deadwood Dick, 590 Deatlwood Dick, 595 Deadwood Dick, 600 Deadwood Dick, 606 Deadwood Dick, 612 Deadwood Dick, 618 Deadwood Dick, 624 Deadwood Dick, 630 Deadwood Dick, 636 Deadwood Dick, 642 Deadwood Dick, 648 Deadwood Dick Continent. 654 Deadwood Dick lers. 660 Deadwood Dick, 666 Deadwood Dick, 672 Deadwood Dick, 678 Deadwood Dick, 684 Deadwood Dick, 690 Deadwood Dick, 695 Deadwood Dick, 700 Deadwood Dick, 704 Deadwood Dick, 710 Deadwood Dick, For sale by all newsdealers or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, 5c, per copy, by the publish- | Deadwood Dick, Jr.; Deadwood Dick, Price 5 Cents per Copy. or, The Crimson Jr’s, Defiance. Jv.’s, Full Hand. Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, Jr 8; Qorrals Jr.'s, Dog Detective. Jr., in Deadwood. Jr.’s, Compact. Jr.’s, Inheritance. Jr.'s, Diggings. Jr.’s, Deliverance. Jr.’s, Protege. Jr.’s, Three. Jr.’s, Danger Ducks. Jr.’s, Death Hunt. Jr., in Texas. Jr., the Wild West Vidocq. Jr, on His Mettle. Jv., in Gotham. Jr., in Boston. Jr., in Philadelphia. Jr., in Chicago, Jr., Afloat. Jr., in Denver. Jr.’s, Decree. Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, Jr., at Coney Island. Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. Jr., in Detroit. Jr., in Cincinnati. Jr., in Nevada. Jr,, in No Man’s Land. Jr., Aféer the Queer, Jr., in Buffalo, , Jr.’s, Chase Across the , Jr, Among the Smug- Jr.’s, Insurance Case. Jr., Back in the Mines. Jr., in Durango. Jr.’s, Discovery. Jr.’s, Dazzle, Jr.’s, Dollars. Jr., at Danger Divide. Jr.'s, Drop. Jr., at Jack-Pot. Jr., at San Francisco, 716 Deadwood Dick, 722 Deadwood Dick, 728 Deadwood Dick, 734 Deadwood Dick, 740 Deadwood Dick, 747 Deadwood Dick, 752 Deadwood Dick, 758 Deadwood Dick, 764 Deadwood Dick, 770 Deadwood Dick, 776 Deadwood Dick, 782 Deadwood Dick, 787 Deadwood Dick, 792 Deadwood Dick, 797 Deadwood Dick, 802 Deadwood Dick, 807 Deadwood Dick, 812 Deadwood Dick, 816 Deadwood Dick, 822 Deadwood Dick, 828 Deadwood Dick, 834 Deadwood Dick, 840 Deadwood Dick, 845 Deadwood Dick, 852 Deadwood Dick, 858 Deadwood Dick, 863 Deadwood Dick, - 870 Deadwood Dick, 876 Deadwood Dick, 882 Deadwood Dick, 891 Deadwood Dick, 898 Deadwood Dick, 904 Deadwood Dick, 910 Deadwood Dick, 916 Deadwood Dick, 928 Deadwood Dick, 984 Deadwood Dick, 940 Deadwood Dick, 946 Deadwood Dick, 951 Deadwood Dick, 957 Deadwood Dick, 965 Deadwood Dick, 971 Deadwood Dick, 977 Deadwood Dick, 980 Deadwood Dick, 992 Deadwood Dick, 998 Deadwood Dick, 1005 Deadwood Dick, 1011 Deadwood Dick, 1018 Deadwood Dick, ers, M. J. [VERS & CO., 379 Pear Street, New York Crry, Jros, Still Hunt. Jr.’s, Dominoes, Jr.'s, Disguise. Jr.’s, Double Deal. Jr.’s, Death- Watch. Jr.’s, Doublet. Jr.’s, Death-Blow. Jr.’s, Desperate Strait. Jr.’s, Lone Hand. Jr.’s, Defeat. . Jr.’s, Resurrection. & Jr.’s, Dark Days. z Jr., Defied. Jr.’s, Double Device. Jr.’s, Desperate Venture. — Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. Jr.’s, Royal Flush. Jr.’s, Head-Off. Jr.’s, Rival. Jr.’s, Boom. Jr.’s, Scoop. Jr.’s, Proxy. Jr.’s, Cluteh. Jr,’s, High Horse. Jr., at Devil’s Gulch. Jr.’s, Death-Hole Hustle. Jr.’s, Bombshell. i Jr., in Mexico, Jr.’s, Decoy Duck, Jr., in Silver Pocket. 2 Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game. — Jr.’s, Double Drive. — — Jr.’s, Trade-Mark, Jr., at Tip-Top. Jr.’s, Double-Decker. Jr., at Dollarville. Jr., at Plush Flats. Jr.’s, Shake-Up. Jr.’s, Double Drop. Jr.’s, Right Bower, Jr.’s, Ten-Strike. Jr.’s, Gold Dust. Jr.'s, Oath. Jr.’s, Death-Doom. Jr.’s, Best Card. Jr., at Gold Dust. Jr.’s, Big Play. Jr., Branded, Jr.’s, Dutch Pard, Jr.’s, Big Four.

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FL Pe >) ig ork, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 189% ew Yi N & CO., P ist Office, Entered at Po: by Beadle & Adams. 78-1855, Vopyright 18 Vol. Il. Price 5 Cents. 2.50 a Year. $ ublishers, Proprietor,) New York. Ss ‘earl Street, (James Sullivan, J. IVER 379 P M Issued Weekly. June 14, 1899. 14 No Sharpshooter ) > = Ss o 2 = J A b S & © a H Wheeler 2 L TE.

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Gold Rifie, THE SHARPSHOOTER ; oR, The Boy Detective of the Black Ranch. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, ,. AUTHOR OF THE FOLLOWING HALF-DIM® LIBRARIES: Nos. 1, 20, 26, 28, 32, 85, 39, 42, 45, 49, 53, 57, mrc., nro, CHAPTER I. THE CHARMED GOBBLER—GOLD RIFLE’S SHOOTING. Tue bright hot summer on the plains had gone, followed by its next brilliant-hued neighbor, autumn, and winter had spread her mantle over the prairies and mountains of the Far West — showered her feathery-white flakes down so copiously that the wilderness was, as it were, impassable except with the aid of snow-shoes. ; A terrible storm had fallen furiously over the Northwest, for four days preceding Christmas, and when the bright, yellow sun slanted her rays across the plains of white, after so_ long an absence, it seemed like a loving smile on Nature’s deathly face, and millions of sparkling diamond-like particles were born in the glorious illumination of God’s shining countenance. ; The day promised to be a fair one, with clear skies, and warmth enough in the sun to obviate the bitter wintry sting which bit the nose of the early trapper, and caused all the animal kingdom of the mountains and prairies, to keep as much to shelter as possible. The streams were all frozen over, solid, and everywhere stretched that desolate waste of purest white. ery little of life had there been on the frontier during the last week—I mean out on the wide savan- nas, where the snow had fallen to the depth of four or five feet on the level. Most of the wild, roving spirits who make the plain their home—trappers, hunters and outlaws—had hied themselves either to the settlements, a few of which were scattered along the course of the Northern Pacific Railway, in Dakota, or to their individual retreats, wherever ey might be. There was one little settlement where a larger share of this floating population had gathered, dur- ing the protracted storm—a statfon where the steam horse of the rail stopped for wood and water; and too, which was a trappers’ trading station, from whence peltries were shipped by car-loads to the East. From its insignificance, perhaps, the place had never adopted any high-toned name, but whenever mentioned, was called the Settlement, which an- swered all purposes. Its only life and commerce were in the skin and furtrade. Fifteen or twenty dwelling cabins, and a tavern block-house and smithy was all there was of the Settlement. Away to the south but a matter of four miles loonie up the Fort, garrisoned with soldiers, under the command of General Maynard, and around if were scattered a few settlers’ dwellings, prominent among which was the neat farm-house or “‘ quar- ters’ of General Maynard. Thus, the territory adjacent was settled sparsely, but this did not prevent frequent raids by Tiger Track’s outlaws, and the roving tribes of red-skins who hunted on the plains and in the mountains, not a dozen miles westward from the Settlemen At the Settlement, on this crystal clear all was a buzz of, excitement. The event of the great holiday was to be a turkey shoot, and not only the trappers and citizens of the Settlement, but the military from the fort, under Acting Captain Bass, had promised to be present and take a hand, - orning, Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. » = They were as handsome, well-behaved and well- drilled a squad of Uncle Sam’s boys as held a fort in the territory, and naturally great expectations were born of their participation in the ‘‘shoot.” At early after-dinner hour, they had arrived with their band, on the spot, and all in the Settlement were congregated on the white snows of a level oe a few hundred yards north of the station. here were men, women and children, of almost every cast of countenance and attire; some mounted upon horses—-others standing calf deep in the snow. By noon the excessive sharpness of the weather had melted beneath thesmiles of the sun, and it was quite comfortable out, except under foot. Besides the soldiers from the fort, there were present many hunters, trappers and scouts who had won and lost fortunes in the fur business, The range for shooting was three hundred yards, with Remington rifles, breech-loaders, sixteen shot. A turkey was to be “‘stooled”’ at the far end of the range, and each man who had entered to shoot, at the cost of a * quarter,” had three chances to knock the bird over, if he could, and carry off the fowl as his prize. Of course some unlucky ones must be the losers, but that was where the sport came in; and the mar with the steadiest nerves and best practice stood the best show, The ‘tshoot’”? was under the management of a couple of backwoodsmen who had raised the tur- keys, and had taken this method of securing a good round price for them. About two o’clock the sport commenced, with a and blare of music from the military band, which had volunteered its services for the occasion. An old epee named Strong led off on the first fowl, but failed to disturb a feather, or even the composure of the turkey. The white covering of the prairie made it bad for good shooting, and as a conspquenee the f ;wl] at the end of the range stood a good show of not being hit at all. “ By gracious!” exclaimed the man Strong, as he heard the anmouncement that he had not created a gobble from the turkey, “thet aire ther wu’st shootin’ I evyer did, fer a fact. I’m generally sum, w’en et cums ter turkey shutes, ef I do say it, an no one ll allow as Zeke Strong ever lied jest fer bein’ famuss.” “Get out, Strong! You’re no good as a shot, and everybody knows it!” retorted Jay Toleman. a youth rising twenty years, the son of the chief trader of the Settlement, and an acknowledged crack-shot. ‘‘ You're ’way off yer groove when you tackle anything beyond a mink-trap.” “Oh! you needn’t blow, you young cuss of a bull- ourp!”’ growled back Strong, angrily, for he did not ike to be told that he was behind the average. “T’ve seen them as ked shute ye cl’ar out an’ out, an’ not half-try. Thar’s thet Tiger Track, ther out- law—I’ve heerd sed he could brush a speck off ’m a fly's eye-winker at a distance of three hundred ou old snake, if you yards.” “Oh! shut up yer dyin’, don’t want to git knifed. I hain’t in no mood fer yer chin, ter-day. I cum here to win on cussed turkey, an’ I’m goin’ ter do it, that’s me!” Toleman said, with a contemptuous glance at the poor shoot- ing of a trader who had overloaded his corporosity with corn-juice, Jay Toleman was, as mentioned, the son of Jacob Toleman, the proprietor of the trading-post in the Settlement, The elder Toleman was a rude, ruffianly customer, and it was but natural that he should bring his son up to his own standard, And Jay Toleman, as he approached his majority, had developed _into a des: rate character, who was equally feared and hated y the border men. He was reckless, rufflanly and revengeful, and carried with him a conceit that made him the more disgusting to those he came in contact with. a If he worked, it was in the dead of night wnen no, a

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, one knewit; yet he always had plenty of money, and suspicions had often been aroused that be got it un- fairly, though just how no one, of course, knew. He was frequently away for several days from the Set- tlement, but noone knew whither he went—few cared beyond a natural curiosity. 6 was of medium hight, stout of limb, and rise ly developed in muscle, with a face that was darkly indicative of his evil nature. : ; There was nothing to attract in his make-up, yet he had the name of being quite a lady’s-man, when he Cr dug in society, such as the far frontier afforded. S Some half a dozen peeyyers followed Strong in his attempt to knock over the turkey, but beyond the loss of a few feathers, the bird remained unharmed, Jay Toleman at last took the stand with a satisfied amile, and raising his long rifle, shot. the turkey’s. head off, with as much composure as though he had been firing at random. > A cheer went up from the soldiers and the crowd, as an Indian brought in the neatly decapitated bird, for it was an extraordinary shot, considering that several expert marksmen had failed. “There! didn’t I tell ye?” cried young Toleman, looking triumphantly around. ‘I cum ter clean out ther turkey-coops, an’ that’s my first shot. Hay, down there—put up another turkey!”” Another bird was speedily put up accordingly, and several shots were fired, some of which brus ed the bird, but failed to knock it over. When it came Toleman’s shot, he settled the mat- ter with one bullet. And so the shooting went on, the young crack-shot winning every time, much to his own elation and the disgust of the crowd. Such shooting was beyond the average—incomprehensible. Many of the ty Ol refused to shoot against such odds, and withdrew from the contest, but there were enough others confident in their skill, to keep the en/ree full, and the shooting hey ee But Tolman won every time, and at last the only remaining fowl was put upon the stool. He was a * monstrous turkey gobbler—the largest any of the spectators had ever seen. He had a body several times larger than that of the average domesticated goose, and theowners announced his weight to be Seventy-five pounds! He truly was a noble and aristocratic old fellow, with a disdainful gobble, as he took the stand, and a cheer went up for him from the crowd.* The excitement over the handsome fowl was intense, and large sums were offered the owners, for the bird, alive, all of which were declined. The backwoodsmen declared that he was only to be had by the lueky shooter. And a hundred or more chances were sold on him, both men and women entering for the sport. The last one on the list of entries, was the young bully of the settlement, Jay Toleman, and yet he bragged that he shouid be the one to tumble over the giant gobbler, During the prevalent excitement, a horseman had approached from the west, and sitting in his saddle, Boe nes. surveying the crowd, and the prize gobbler. He was not one long to remain unnoticed, for soon many curious glances were leveled at him. About twenty years had passed over his head, but these years had been busied in perfecting and devel- oping what was now a handsome form, stont, pli- able, and athletic, capable of celerity, great strength and endurance. . There was grace. too, in the body and its carriage, pleasing to the eye. In face, the young stranger was ordinarily good-looking, in the way the world looks at beauty; it was a plain, every-day face, at a glance, tanned brown by exposure, with round fea- *The turkey-shoot, and this big gobbler, are all facts, according to the veracious papers of Yankton, Dakota. AUTHOR, Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. . 3 tures; yet study might have revealed outlines in the face, in the hazel eyes, and the firm mouth, de- noting many manly qualities worthy of possession— expressions of character that were noble and hon- est; of ambition to obtain eminence, of courage, of fearlessness, and of firm will that was unchangeable whenin the right. : The stranger was cladina serviceable hunting cos- tume of buckskin, liberally fringed with mink fur, a round mifik cap, and knee-boots upon the feet. He was mounted upon a wiry little white shan of fiery spirit and wicked eye, and his saddle and its accouterments were handsome. In his belt were revolvers, a knife, and field telescope, at the back of his saddle a bow and quiver of arrows were attached; while, resting across the pommel in front of him, was a gold-plated Remington repeat- ing rifle. It was a remarkable-looking weapon, the barrel and all the steel parts being heavily plated with gold, and polished until they shone brightly. The sight at the muzzle of the barrel was set with a flashing diamond! Toward this young stranger and his remarkable rifle many inquiring glances were leveled, but he ap- peared quite undisturbed, and watched the shootin, for old King Gobbler, which was now begun, bu under rather unfavorable auspices at the best. fi For a gray pallor had gradually stolen over the — heavens, and a fine powdery snow was sifting down, rendering the shooting uncertain, as the target was * dimly discernible at a distance of three hundred yards, Shot after shot was fired without the least reward, for the King Gobbler stood proudly upon the stool, with his great fan-tail outspread, and oecasionally emitting a gobble of indignation as the bullets whizzed past. Rapidly the contestants thinned down to a little bunch, and still the turkey remained untouched, and the excitement grew in its intensity, What mystery was this? asked these astonished eee Was the old Gobbler possessed of a charm- ed life It was an enigma, and wh’n even Jay Toleman fin- | ished the last of his three shots, unsuccessfully, loud expressions of wonder were heard on every sides, while the young bully cursed and swore in a fright- ful manner. d “ String’s over, fellers!” cried one of the owners of the gobbler, “‘Mhree hundred aud thirty three shots plugged at thet aire turk, but nary a ore tuk effect. Allow me ter remark, gentlemen, that thet fowl has bin put up at five different shoots, but nevyer got hit yet. e bears a charmed life, an’ is two years old. Any one else wanter ny their luck fera quar- ~ ter, aside frum them as has shot?” ’Hayr! Til shoot again!” growled young Tole- nore tendering a quarter. ‘‘Iwas too nervous be- ore.’ “Can't help that, young feller; you're not entitled ter ernuther shot, no more’n the rest. Sum feller as hain’t plugged come for’a’d. Hey, you gold rifle chap, can’t you hit thet gobbler?” ‘Guess so,” was the reply of the stranger. ‘‘Thet ain’t half a shot; can stand on my head and knock that gobbler’s phiz cff.” i A loud yell went up at the ext aordinary boast. “Oh! you needn’t laugh and smile in your sleeves, fer I can do it!” asserted Gold Rifle confidently. “Tl bet you fifty dollars you can’t!” shouted Jay Toleman, who had been imbibing whisky rather freely, and was getting immoderately excited. “I'm ther best shot on ther border, as ye can see by my pile of turkeys here, an’ I'll bet ye can’t hit that_old re Tyra sak yonder, ef ye try a month o’ Sun- ays!’ . aT ain’t on the bet myself, but just to show ye that you've been brought up out o’ your sphere of useful- ness, and the wonders that can be accomplished by scientific ere Tl put on my spurs and show ye,” Gold Rifle said, sliding from his saddle, rifle in hand. “ How much is the bill of fare, boss?”

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4 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. ““T'wenty -five cents, young feller,” replied one of the managers. “Whew! That knocks me down to par, then!” Gold Rifle said, with a wry look. **Bu’sted, ye see; hain’t seen a quarter fer am age. Tell ye what ri do, though; I'll give yea verbal mortgage, afore the crowd heer, on my rifle. Ef I shute the gob’, both rifle and goh’s mine; ef I fail, the rifle’s yourn.” “Agreed!” eagerly accepted the managers. “You're to stand on your head.” “Tf you like, and will furnish me a piece of board to keep my head from sinking into the snow.” The preparations were made amidst the greatest excitement. Bets were made, some having courage enough by the Gold Riflo’s coolness, to bet that he would win, althonzh the majority were next to positive that his attempt would be a grand failure. Even if he were so expert as an equilibrist, that he could balance himself on his head, how would it be possible for him to flre a rifls with any accuracy? he question was not long to puzzle the won- derers. Gold Rifle, as the young strangor had been quickl named, rapidly made preparations for his feat. large, wide piece of board was packed down upon the snow, and upon this Gold Rifle took his position. An Indian boy stood closs by, with the gold rifle, which was coeked and ready for use. After glancing at the dimly discernible gobbler, and smiling at the applause of the crowd, he knelt upon the board and raised his body in to the air, and in a moment was perfectly balanced on his head, his feet erect in mid-air, his hands free, The rifle was handed him—in a moment he had sighted it, fired, and somersaulted back upon his feet, while will and loud rung the huzzas when it was seen that the bullet had dropped the King Gobbler! Later the fowl was brought in, and it was found that his head had been severed from his body, And Gold Rifle was victor. CHAPTER I. A VILLATNOUS ACCUSATION—JOSH HEMPEREILL. “* Het1o, Toleman! whar aire ye, now?” shouted | the man, Zeke Strong, who was hugely overjoyed that some one should be found to carry off the big popeler aside from the young bully. ‘ Hain’t ther est shot on ther border now, aire ye?” Tm. a little off to-day,’ was the reply, in rather a crestfallen manner, ‘‘ but I kin do more surprisin’ _ feats than that.” , The enthusiasm over Gold Rifle’s wonderful shot was intense.* Captain Bass. of the military, came forward and locked arms with the young stranger, and led him around and introduced to him sich as would be eli- eile acquaintances, for Captain Bass was but thir- Yy, anda prime good fellow, who liked to see every- body social with everybody. While they were making the rounds, three men _ were standing apart from the main crowd, some- -what, and engaged in watching narrowly the young sharpshooter, upon whom nearly all eyes were level- ed, in admiration. Bat the eyes of these three men emitted only glances of suspicion and hatred; evidently the Boy Sharpshooter was not a stranger to them. One of the trio was Jacob Toleman, the father of |. the young bully. He was a little, dried-up, villain- ous-looking man, with ill-attendance to his personal habillments, and a furrowed, evil countenance that spoke buf too strongly of excessive drink. He had a shrewd cast of eye, however, which would have impressed one with the opinion that he was clever at plotting or bargaining—a man of few scruples. he second of the trio was Omerhaun, the gun- * Indeed, many of the far western papers wrote glowing articles on it, giving of course the hero’s true name, while we only deal for the present with the title by which he was so widely known. é _ } accuse him o’ being Tiger Track, } ‘ pe a smith, who manufactured or repaired firearms in’ his smithy, which was situated i119 dark, gloomy gorge, not far to the west of the settlement, ) was a man something very nearly after the pai.ern of Jacob Toleman, except that he was stouter, and had even a more disagreeable, hang-dog look than the trader, Boover Legree, the third of the party, was, at a glance, a first-water border ruffian, bristling with weapons, dark, wolfish-looking, brawny—one of the heavy villains, sometimes so admirably represented on our principal theater stages. Besides his personal appearance, which was brutak and tp in the extreme, he possessed all the requisites of a rufflan—was a whisky-guzzler, a very wildcat on a fight, and of a quarrelsome nature, Few men cared to cross him, for when enraged he was a fearful man to handle, He was considered by some to be very rich, having done, and still doing the most successful trapper business in the Terri tory. Hach of these three men eyed the young sharp: shooter with savage glances, occasionally exchang: ing confidences. ‘The kid's the very image of your man, Toleman,” Legree said, with an oath, which he always used in speaking as a “finisher” or “starter. “Kent ye ce sie in his durned countenanec., cl’ar ag ran **¥ dunno,” replied Toleman, dubiously. ‘‘ Mebb¢ you’re right, but I can’t see much resemblance.” “But the gun gives him away, I tell ye,’ put in Omerhaun, ‘I made thet plating an’ put et on thet gun, five years ago, when we war in Kentucky. Don’t ye suppose I’ve got eyes, ye fool?” “Well, suppose that is Walter Wagner’s kid— what then?” ‘*Sure enough—what?"’ sneered Legree, biting flercely at his brigandish black mustache. ‘‘If the young feller inherits.a whit of Wild Walt’s dare- gem disposition, he’d be a hard customer to at- ack.’ “Voe'r’ richt, Boover. Wild Walt war wuss ner any ainter; an’ I kin see a dozen p’ints o’ our old cap- ‘in in ther young galoot yonder. Jest ye watch him more, will ye? He’s ready ter jump out o’ his hide inter a fight, under a minnit’s notice.” “Yes, he has undoubtedly been trained by Wild Walt, and knows his P’s and Q's. recognized us?” “No! He war ter young, an’ then we've all changed our titles since five years ago. But I'll bet ther boy war sent heer on our trail, Wild Walt "ll never forget ther past.” ““O’ course not. We must blot et fer him, tho?!” replied Toleman, gumly. ‘Ten thousand in gold ain’t ter be sneezed at,” : “Td like ter sneeze at et, ef *twould put et inter my coffers!” averred Legree. ‘‘ The boy’s got to be tumbled over, or we're no good.” D'ye s’pose he “Pye a plan worth a dozen o’ yourn!” Toleman, — senior, said, digging with his fingers among the roots of his hair, in a speculative yay ““You notice about the feller, yonder, a slight re- semblance, in form, to the outlaw, Tiger Track?” Both Loeree and the gunsmith started, and gazed at Gold Rifle, who was now standing conversing with Capt. Joe Bass, “Thar is some resemblance in figger,’’ assented Legree, ‘“An’ Tiger Track’s face, ye know, is allus behind amask, What else d’ye want ter make an outlaw out o’ the boy, yonder?” i eet you old rascal, what ye plumbin’ after “Tl illustrate,” replied Toleman, with an evil smile, ‘Ye see, that cuss yonder may’s well be put out 0? ther way, as we couldn’t make him tell w: Wild Walt is, no-more’n we ked a grindstun. Thare- fore, et’s our line duty ter put him whar he ‘ll be an angel, instead uv an enemy. I'll get Jay, my son, ti ne Oo f and by joinin” in

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Kees Mee LS G2 vesthmony, we kin soon hev him higher’n Ha- Tran, Stee? en we'll buy his carcass, tie et ter thet hoss ec’ his, an’ ther hogs “ll natterally pull fer ther retreay o’ ther lad, as [ ken see et’s a smart ani- mal. We'll foller ther trail, an’ in thet way mebbe come across Wild Walt?” ‘‘A darned good plan!” assented Legree. “T'd give a big pile ter git a tug at our rascally capt’in’s threate, choke me, ef I wouldn't.” : he plan seemed to satisfy the trio for in the course of a few minutes Jay Toleman was motioned for and given instructions by his father, Awhile later, the Boy Sharpshooter, Gold Rifle, was still conversing with Captain Bass, when the two Tolemans, Omerhaun, and Boover Legree sud- denly approached, and stopping in front of him, Jay Toleman cried: ‘Ha! ha! Mr. Gold Rifle, yer jig’s up, fer we four hev recognized you as the cuss who attacked us with a dozen outlaws down on Sleighton creek last winter. You are Tiger Track, the outlaw.” ““You lie like a thief!” replied Gold Rifle, atly surprised at the accusation. ‘* My name is Kit Wag- ner, and I come from beyond the Clay Bottom Stream!” “Bah! ye ken’t lie ter us, you whelp!” here inter- osed Legree, “We k yer jig’s up. chow ye, an’ ‘ellers, grab thet ctiss, ef ye’r’ after wantin’ Tiger Track, the outlaw and trapper’s foe!” Words like these acted like magic upon the honest but much-abused trapping element. - They came forward, grim and threatening, backed by the soldiers. . But quickness here proved superior to force. With a muttered ejaculation, Gold Rifle sprung ~ upon his white mustang, which stood close by, and “~~ swinging his rifle right and left, regardless as to whom he hit, he dashed furiously down through the parting crowd, and over the southern snow-covered prairie, toward the distant fort. A yell of rage escaped the Tolemans and their friends, and running to their stacked guns the sol- diery possessed themselves of them, and sent a storm of lead after the daring sharpshooter. He was by this time on a line with the turkey stool, and though none of the bullets struck him, oe horse was hard hit, and dropped dead beneath im, Pausing only long enough to take some papers from his saddle-bags, the fugitive kept on over the snow-covered prairie at a rapid speed, nearly equal to that which his horse had made, for there was a erust formed over t»e snow sufficient to bear up un- der his weight, which was indeed fortunate for the ae ithout looking behind him, Gold Rifle ran on for ~ tion, some distance, as fast as his legs could carry him. Perhaps ten minutes elapsed, and then he paused and looked around. He was ina shallow valley or depression in the prairie, and had stopped at the edge of a dark motte of blasted pine timber. From his position he was unble to look back upon the settlement and shooting-ground, because of the intervention of the swell he had descended. For several seconds he stood gazing around him, along the valley, and into the dismal stretch of tim- ber, hardly knowing which way to turn. While he was standing thus. a man with an ax on his shoulder came tramping out of the wood, “Hello! Gracious! who're you?” was the saluta- ‘* Look kinder as if ye war lost, or skeer’d or in aperdickament, stranger. I swow ef ye ain’t a picter o’ my aunt Sallie’s boy, Jim. Jim’s a preech- er now. an’ they dosay he’s sum on slingin’ Gospel. What's the matter, stranger?” ‘*Oh, nothing of much account,” Gold Rifle re- plied, “I’m trying to dodgea pack of fools who are laboring under the delusion that I am Tiger Track, the outlaw. Was just considering which way _T'd best go.’ “Ye don’t say so? Waal now, that’s tew bad, I WOW to breeches, I *tarnally hate ter see one feller y ‘Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. =o newer = sot onter by a big passel 0’ roughs, for ‘tain’t right, Ef every man war only like my unkle Ike used to be up in New Hampsher’. an’ allus used ter say his P chai every Sn afore he retired. S’pose ye’d like ter find a hidin’-place from them chaps w'at’s arter ye, eh?” “ - “Yes. and I must be moving.” replied Gold Rifle. “ Although I’m not Tigex” Track, I do not want them fellows to uet hold of me. Goodby,” : “But hold up, stranger, Two headsar’ better’n one, ef one on *em’s empty. Jest ye tote yer carcass along after me. Ain’t often I kin doa feller a turn, an’ I allus improve sech chances. Cum alo: now, without a word, an’ I'll show ye a coop so safe that ye’ll be ha serge Ye see I’m a man 0’ charac- ter, an’ I ain’ f so green as I look, tho’l am fresh frum Vermont.” And it occurred to the keen eye of Gold Rifle that he did look most ridiculously “green,” for he was Sey old-school Yankee, from his boots to the top of his h or five inches, ; He was ata ED hee a powerful man. but so awk- ward and unwieldy as to create a belief that he could be easily handled, But this belief would have gradually died out to an chservant eye. In face the man was extremely homely and ludicrous. while He waz a good Cbristian, ead, a distance of some six feet and four | es about his dress and manners was preserved all of ~ the original and outlandish ways of his forefathers. . in the Yankee’s And as he followed trustingly footsteps, Gold Rifle could but smile at the apparent clumsiness of the great fellow. “Dunno much about you, stranger.” the words came next, “but I reckon ye ain’t so bad, or ye'd show et in yer countenance. My name’s Josh Hem- erhill. Yeremember the Hemperhills wara great fomiily up in Vermont, no doubt— mother’s son of *em—men of sound moral an’ man- ly character, sir! Ye kin find their autobiographies anywhar in thet State. Bein’ ther last male o’ ther family, ther hull avalanche o’ manly character nat- erly descends onter me. None o’ ther Hemperhills war afraid ter work—couJd chop wood an’ drink hard cider from morn till night an’ never squeel, I~ tell ye. An’ as a mano’ character, et behooves me ter foller in their footsteps; so I kim out heer an’ hired out ter General Maynard for ten dollars a yon an’my board. General’s a ‘tarnal good feller, — ut when ye cum ter his darter, I swow she’s jest old peaches! Ruther sweet on me, too, fer she allus tellsme she admires characterinaman. But, ¢ at men, every darn it, ther old general went an’ hired an inane : an’ he’s tryin’ ter cut around Miss May wi’ his gib- berish; but I’m solid in my b’lief thet she won’t: eae good healthy character fer an Irish hod- carrier. “Of course not,” declared Gold Rifle, barely re- pressing a laugh at the Yankee’s earnestness. “No woman of souad mind will stop to think of choosing between an ean Hibernian and aman of your — : atte quali cations.”” x is pleased Josh hugely and he talked an inces- saut flow of nonsense as h» led the way rapidly through the motte and ascended to the prairie on the other side of the shallow valley. But, talki did not interfere with his rapid locomotion, as Gol Rifle soon found. * 5 Evidently there was much in the fellow which had never been brought to light. In a measure he was ignorant of his own strength k rairie again, Gold _ “ looked back toward the settlement, and saw that he | and powers, On rising to the level was pursued, as he had surmised. A score of the beeeore had joined the now mount- ed soldiers, and all slope into the valley. ‘ “We shall have to run for it, Josh!” the shooter said, “or those fellows will catch us, ands were now descending the miles to the general’s.”” up with = “No they won't; but we'll run, as et’s yet two

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Spreeera ai: Scenes They did run, and Gold Rifle had to exert himself fo keep up with the clumsy Yankee. On over the hard crust of snow they sped like a couple of startled deers, their heads bent forward, and poiuting toward a handsome farm-house which was visible in the white dazzling expanse. Perseveringly the two men kept on, with a mile be- tween them and the pursuers, and at last they’ Rounded into the yard that surrounded the general's -J0USe. And the pursuers still came on, CHAPTER II. DELIVER, OR DOWN GOES YOUR SHANTY. “ Hare we are, Dare 58 at General Maynard’s, an’ a gosh-darned fine feller the general is, too. Clean essence from his forefathers, an’ as squar’a feller as ever chawed his cud. Bet my character ag’in’ ther best bushel 0’ potatoes as ever grow’d, thet ther gene- ral wull give you a warm welcome, but ye see I ken’t jest say ho’t’ll be with Miss May, fer she’s cl’ar * gone sweet over me, an’ hain’t got an eye-winker fer any other feller, *less et ar’ thet dratted Irisher. Now, ef I befriend ye, like a man of character should, stranger, ye’re not to stick yer finger inter my pie, ner luk sweet at her, ner try ter coax her ar- ter ye, ner any conducements likely ter disturb my future prospects.” “You need have no fear of me, Josh,” replied Gold Rifle, smiling.” ‘I don’t think I shall be likely sa Ve og ther harmony of your courtship. Lead ahead, Josh accordingly led the way up the front steps of the elegant farm-house, and into a spacious hall, - which in grandeur was beyond anything Gold Rifle had ever seen, The walis and ceiling were beautifully decorated, and the floor carpeted richly, and furnished with mirror, hat-rack and coat-case. Josh led on, and they entered a grand parlor, where a cheery fire was blazing brightly, and casting forth a moderate warmth. Here iu this parlor, were all evidences of wealth and taste, The apartment was richly furnished— with handsome chairs, tables and sofas, with costly carpeting upon the floor, and chandeliers pending from the ceiling. Pictures and portraits decked the walls, while strewn about here and there were many adornments. In a word, the parlor was equal to many of our grand eastern salons, even if beyond, as you may say, the scope of civilization. And it is not unfrequently in western travel, that the tourist stumbles upon these oases in the desert— homes where beauty, wealth and refinement reign. Looking around, Gold Rifle took in his surreund- ings at a glance, and inwardly felt that he was in the wrong place—that he was unfitted for entree into such a palace. A young lady yb Neca at a piano, idly drum- ming the ‘keys with her white fingers, while an old, white-hatrad, white-bearded man was ensconced in a great cushioned arm-chair near the fire, engaged in perusing a paper, He was probably among the sixties in age, but fine-looking man wit 1al—firm, erect of carriage, an large of build—one born to command. His eye was still true and unflinching, and his hand trembled not, showing that his nerves were still under control. He was attired ia the costume of a General of the Regular Army, and near at hand a sword was hang- ing unsheathed, which looked as if it hadseen a good many hard battles, The young lady at the piano was the person whom the eyes of Gold Rifle centered upon, after he had given General Maynard a searching glance, She was about eighteen years of age, aurpassingly pretty; graceful. womanly in mold; her features were clear, regular and delicate, with cheeks tinted with the glow of health; a mouth sweet an 1 tempt- _» ing, and eyes of hazel hue, shaded by heavy lashes. r Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. Her hair was lighter than brown—a sunny shade, and worn in its wondrous wealth down. over the shoulders in an unconfined mass, Her attire was neat and stylish, and gazing at her in her budding womanhood, Gold Rifle felt his young heart beat faster, and a flush of enthusiastic admi- ration came involuntarily over his own good-natured face. Both General Maynard and his daughter looked. uP in surprise as Gold Rifle and’ the eccentric Josh emperhill entered the room. But both exhibited Cee courtesy when Josh had introduced his young charge. “‘General an’ Miss May, this ’ere’s a chap they call Gold Rifle, as ye mought jedge frum his gun hyar. Ifound him in a fix, pursued by ther sojers 0’ your command, an’ all ther trappers an’ roughs this side o’ Dakoty line, an’ bein’a man of solid basis character—a trail wich descended frum old Nebnehadnezzar Hemperhill, who died ir fifteen hun- dred an’ forty—I fetched him along wi’ ther insur- anee 0” poaccnens Why, sir, thet same lad, he tells me, stud on his head and shot a turkey ter-day.”’ General Maynard bowed, and gazed at Gold Rifle eA * Your name—what is it, young man?” he asked, * What is this Josh is telling?” ““My name is Kit Wagner, sir,” the Pay Sharp- shooter replied, ‘‘ though am I more generally called Gold Rifle, after my gun, here. As to what your man here has said, it is mainly true. I have been and am now pursued by those who participated in to-day’s turkey shoot, at the Settlement. cause I won the last turkey it seems a feeling of enmity was created against me; and a young fellow of about my own age, whom they called Toleman, ac- cused ma of being Tiger Track the outlaw. His as- sertion was confirmed by a quartette or so of his pals, and to save being lynched by the crowd I had to make adash for liberty. Back here apiece I met our man, and he insisted upon my coming here. ut Tthink I had not best trouble you. If Igo at once, I may succeed in outwibtting the pursuers, et. Be eos you deny that you are Tiger Track, the out- Ww his tones kindly yet stern. la ‘Most assuredly Ido. Inever heard the name of Tiger Treek until a couple of days since. My home is beyond the Clay Bottom Stream, and I am a stranger, hereabouts.” “Well, well! This is rather a remarkable case!” the general observed, watching Gold Rifle as the hawk watches its prey. ‘You don’t look exactly like an outlaw, young man; and yet, in this decep- tive life, we are all liable to make mistakes. What do you think about the matter, May?” and the white haired veteran turned to his daughter inquiringly. ““T believe what Gold Rifle says, papa,’’ May May- nard replied, with a slight color in her cheek, as her gaze met that of the young sharpshooter. “I am sure he does not in the least resemble Tiger Track, who you remember chased and tried to capture us, but a month ago.” “My opinion. exactly, dear. You say your name is Wagner, sir?” * Yes, sir.” : ‘T had a friend by that name, years ago. Now ‘oung man, I hardly know what to say for you, for see your pursuers are coming hotly toward the house; and they are angry, too, for many indignities have been heaped upon both soldiers and beeper by Tiger Track and his outlaws. I don’t believe they'll accept any explanation from even me, and it will be necessary for you to try your luck at escap- ing. “But, believing you to be what you represent, f shall not let you go without friendly assistance. May, my dear, you may take this young gentleman to the Secret Corral, and give him a choice of the horses. Josh, you may remain with me, and we will keep the rabble out of the house as long as possible.” ‘ ‘ f : I a

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Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter, = @ Ce Gold Rifle arose to follow May Maynard, but first turned to the general, a suspicion of moisture in his eyes. “You are a good and noble man, sir,” he said, shaking the extended hand warmly, *‘ and if it ever comes within my power to do you a good turn, be- lieve me I shall improve the chance. Ithank you all for the interest you have taken in me, and maybe it won’t be long ere I can repay you.” “ Nothing of the kind is required, young man, al- though I commend your spirit. Right is right, in this world, and I have fought for it the whole of my life, and shall continue to do so as long as I have breath. Good-by, sir, and God grant you success.” Then Gold Rifle turned and was about to follow May from the parlor, but he was once more inter- rupted by the Yankee, Josh, who pulled him mys- teriously to one side, his rude countenance a puzzle of combating expressions. “Neow, you see heer, stranger,” he began, in a hoarse whisper—‘“ aire you a man o’ sound moral an religyus character? Be ye proof ag’in’ ther smiles an” fascinashuns 0’ ther female sex? Ef yeain’t let me warn ye, that the devil fisheth best for the soul of man when his hook is baited with a lovely woman. Neow, young stranger, ef ye’re a man 0’ honorable character, ye won't look cross-eyed ner git spoony on my gal, Miss May, while she’s esquartin’ ye ter- liberty. Ye won’t whisper soft sentimental nonsenses inter her ear, ner feed her on oF tee “Certainly not, Josh. Youshould put more confi- dence in me than that; and then, too, Miss Maynard is almost a total stranger to me.” ; “Yas, that’s so, sure’s preechin’, but, I swow ter breeches, ye ken’t put no dependence in boys an’ gals nowadays, as ye uster c’u’d. They lack ther solid basis character. Thar, fer instance, ar’ thet Trisher, Pat Dolanizun—hedn’t bin here three howrs afore he war castin’ sheep’s eyes at Miss May. Now, Seana mind how ye conduct verself, fer if I ever find thet ye tried ter win ther affections 0’ yon gal - away frum me, I’ll skin ye alive!” And with a tragical scowl Josh turned away, and Gold Rifle accompanied May, The pursuing trappers and soldiers had by this time come up and drawn rein.in front of the farm- house, and knowing what was required of him, Gen- eral Maynard stepped out upon the veranda, fol- lowed by Josh. All the soldiers, except Captain Bass. were drawn up in line, while the rest of the party, composed mainly cf trappers and traders, were scattered about, presenting rather a warlike spectacle. Cap- tain Bass, unable to restrain his men, rode forward and joined Josh and the general on the veranda. ‘Order, here!” Maynard cried, a fire in his eye, and the true military ring still in his tone. means this disorder among you privates?” “It means that we’re after an outlaw and thief— the ruffian Tiger Track, and he’s in your ranch!” re- plied Lieutenant Grey, a bitter outlaw-bater, who was leading the military in the place of Captain Joe Bass who had refused to act against Gold Rifle, whom he believed to be an honest man. “Order!” again thundered the general. ‘Tis false, the charge you Pee against the young man, He is no more Tiger Track than T am, and I com- mand you to withdraw immediately to the fort.” * But we decline!’’ retorted Lieutenant Grey. with a sneer. “If you'll cover a traitor, general, we won't, and we’re Just the boys as is going to stretch up Tiger Track to the handiest tree.” * “You cannot have the lad—he is not here!” said _- the general, seeing that it was useless to argue with 80 many insubordinate spirits. “You lie!” replied Grey, fiereely. “You are a traitor to your country, yourself, and you'll deliver up the boy, or we'll tumble down your shanty.” “T have not got the young man about my pre- mises,”’ declared the general. “Any three of you are welcome to come in and search!” **We won't come a step, you old cuss!” shouted ‘‘: “moments, “ What .- -ain’t likely ter git a glimpse o’ him ag’in in a dog’s the lieutenant, drawing a pistol. ‘‘Deliver, or down — goes hes shanty sad “Til defiver nothing!” replied Maynard, ‘“ You are at liberty to come and search, for by this time your intended victim is far away.” And turning on his hee] the veteran tered the house. With an oath of rage Grey raised his wea) at the retreating form, but before he could pull the fatal trigger, there was a sharp report, and a bullet from Josh Hemperhill’s revolver dropped the would- be assassin dead, A cheer of approval went up from the. soldiers at the brave act, and motioning to Joe Basse to head them, they ttftned upon the Tolemans and the other ‘ traders, and drove them off at the point of their bayonets. his ended what might have been a serious mob. Jn the mean time May Mayrard had led the way out of the parlor, into a kitchen, and down a steep pair of stairs into a deep cellar. Here she paused, and searching around for a few roduced a candle from a shelf, and light- ed it, By its illumination Gold Rifle was enabled to see his surroundings, and all he beheld were the heavily-planked walls of the cellar, i HAE Isee no-way of escape from this hole,” e said. “Because you are not in the secret.’’ May May- nard replied, with one of her pleasant little laughs. ~ “Here "—and she led the way to one side of the _ bea a Please push heavily against these two anks. = Gold Rifle did so, and to his surprise they fell back, leaving an aperture of considerable size. Through this he went, according to May’s orders, she follow- ing and closing up the hole. hey were now in a dark underground passage, about eight feet by eight in width and hight. “This passage runs about two miles in under- ground,” explained May, as they hurried along over a hard ground floor. ‘It was constructed so that in the case of an Indian siege we could have some mode of escape, and it has an opening into a small prairie valley. Its existence is a secret except to my father and myself, and peor Josh, who thinks I am. dead in love with him. Ha! ha! ha!” They soon arrived at a Bein in the passage where it was vastly wider, and here several handsome horses were feeding, attended by an Indian groom. May made hurried explanations to the young say- age, and then ae Gold Rifle a warm pressure of the hand and bidding him God speed, she hurried back toward her home above the earth, while the young man selected a fine steed from the corral, and mounting, rode on through the wonderful avenue of _ escape, until he suddenly rounded a bend and rode | out trons behind a rock that hid the outlet of the Passage, into the light and freedom of a little prairie valley. officer re-en- m to fire CHAPTER IV. LEGREE SHOWS HIS CLOVEN-FOOT “‘ CHARACTER.” Unper the charge of the soldiers the trappers end traders must perforce retreat, and they were driven quite back to the Settlement ere they were left poser and the soldiers withdrew toward the fort. By this time a larger share of the trappers had come to disbelieve the story of Gold Rifle’s being — Tiger Track, but there were a portion left who ac- _ cepted the word of the Tolemans for it. consultation was held between Boover Legree, the gunsmith Omerhaun, and the two Tolemans as soon as they arrived at the Settlement, in the cabin of the latter. . “It’s a defeat all around,” Legree growled, striv- ing to dampen his ferocious spirit by frequent quafts of whisky from a en sa which sat upon th table between them, ‘Ther boyee’s gone, an’ wi

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age, and that knocks all our prospects o’ gettin’ the forfune back fram Wild Walt.” **T don’t b’lieve the feller ever left old Maynard’s house!” sneered Jay Toleman. ‘That gal o’ May- nard’s put him away, while ther old cuss cum out- side an’ -harrangued to us!’ “Mebbe ye’re right, but ther galoot’s slid out afore this time.” ee ae “Of course,”’ assented the gunsmith, lighting his pe. “That young cuss is smarter than yon think ‘or. He has got lots o’ Wild Walt’s blood in him, and I'll bet you won’t easy get ahead of him.”’ “We must contrive to, somehow. Where does ~ this Clay Bottom Stream lay, which he mentioned?” “West of here,”’ replied Jay Toleman. ‘‘I have been there several times fer beaver, but didn’t get enough to make it pay. It is about thirty or forty miles, I reckon. over hill an’ plain.” “Hal then it is somewhere in the neighborhood of Tiger Track’s stronghold, is it not?” ““Yes—neer where the outlaw is st san ter hold his quarters. A story has been told frequently of a Black Ranch on the prairies, which is surrounded by a fence of plank sixteen feet high, and assumed to be the retreat of the outlaws. But I guess no one knows the truth of the matter.” “Tm not done with Tiger Tract et, by a long shot!’ oathed Legree. “ The prize i ‘ e stole from my cabin on Lent creek ten years ago must be re- | y' stored to me when I get a grip on the ru’ yy “The Tiger Track.of ten years ago, and the Tiger Track of to-day cannot be the samo,” muses d Jacob Toleman, ‘for the the claimant of the title to-day is represented to be scarcely more than a youth. Yet his skill in handling his men in a fight, proves that he must have been under the training of the older outlaw, who took the field shortly after our band broke up and scattered.” ““Tt matters not. I b’lieve thet Agnes Wagner igs still in the power of the Tiger Track outlaw band. and if evyer God sees fit ter put her in the power of Boover Legree, she'll find that she has a hard task- master in the man shescornfully refused ere she be- came Wild Walt’s wife.” “That has been a matter of long standing, Le- gree, and I marvel that you still remember it! “Tshen't ferget my grudges till dirt’s piled on top o’ me!” replied the ruffian trader, nada 8 Two days passed by in the snow-bound northwest. The weather was biting cold, and the snow still remained upon the oceanlike savannas, a winding- sheet for nature. The winter had set in, in dead earnest, to all appearances, and it was to be asevere one, Very few hunters or trappers ventured far be: their respective shelters, and matters on the p were temporarily at a standstill. Only Jay Toleman had summoned up courage to venture forth into the wilderness of snow, giving as his reason that he had a ‘‘ gang” of traps out, upon the South Fork, which must be looked after. ~ Qn the second day after Christmas, the border- ‘ruffian trader, Boover Legree, mounted his horse, and rode down over the heavy crust to General Maynard's. He often made it a part of his business to call at the farm-house and chat with the pretty May May- nard, although his visits were ever unwelcome the general and his daughter. - But, as he had never shown any of his villainous _ or disagreeable nature in their presence, and was as polite and gentlemanly as could be expected, his - visits had been tolerated, for, being an influential man upon the border, the general was not desirous of crossing him. To-day, one of the keenest, frostiest of the prevail- ~ ing cold snap, the trader found May Maynard alone ‘in the cosey parlor, the general having ridden over to the fort, on business. May was looking her loveliest in a stylish suit of some delicate brown material, with more color than ‘usual to her cheeks, and a brighter luster in her Tains Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. hazel eyes. Gazing at her—at her lovely syiph-like form, her 5 half-framed by her falling wealth of sunny hair, one could but be impressed with the glory of har budding womanhood, And the evil eyes of Boover Legree were fastened upon her while she sat at the piano, as he stood for a moment unobserved in the doorway leading into the parlor; he was contrasting her ex- uisite beauty an wealth of oe pisos charms with that of the woman whom he had mentioned in the presence of the Tolemans-—Agnes Wagner. ‘She is a fine woman and the possessor of beauty which is rarely found. Ah! but I'd give a kiny’s ransom to possess her, and make her furnish light to my cloudy old heart. And, what’s to hinder?” and here a devilish glitter darted into the rufflan’s eyes, “ what’s to hinder? Maybe I can win her con: sent, and I have the plan all ready. Once [ get a Ba my power, Agnes Wagner can go to the evil.” ® The villain stood several moments, gloating over his intended victim, then stepped boldly into the room. ree wheeled around with a little scream, as she er his heavy tread, her face grown suddenly pale. “Oh, Mr. Legree, is it you? You frightened me by our abrupt coming.” } “Eh? frightened ye, my dove?” the trader said softly, as he took a seat near the piano, “I got lonesome up at the Settlement, and so ventured down here, where it is erie Besides, I have a mission of mercy to fi . Halha! Sounds strange, does it not, to hear an old tough like me talkin’ uv mercy? Well, ye see, I’ve got a heart after all, an’ hain’t quite so bad as I’m cracked up to be. Ye re- member that feller we war after Christmas—ther one wi’ the Gold Rifle?” ‘Ves! yes! What of him?’ May demanded eager- ly. “Iwas pies thinking of him when you came in, wondering if—” “Tf what?” ‘*Oh, no matter what? What you have to say of him, Please say quickly, for I s have to excuse myself from entertaining any one to-day.” “Well, *tain’t much I’ve got ter say 0’ ther chap,” ee replied, carelessly. “Ye see how it was. He got shot afore he kim in hayr, an’ he’s layin’ at ther precipice o’ death nowin my old trappin’ cabin up on ther Clay Bottom Stream. He's give up ther ghost, and sent me fer ter tell ye, as he wants ye ter come; and so forth, and so forth!’’ “What! Gold Rifle dying, and asking for me, Mr, Legree?” May exclaimed, in great agitation, ‘“ Im- possible!” “°Tain’t impossible, no sech a thing, my lady. I sone cum frum there, only stoppin’ fer a minnit at he Settlement, He hes bin callin’ fer you fer over half a day, sayin’ as how he had an important secret ter confide ter ye.” J ‘ ‘* Where is this cabin? Could you direct ms to it?” “No, fer ye’d soon get lost in ther wilderness of snow. But, ef you'll see my escort, I’ll soon have you at ther boyee’s bedside.” gloatin Cre raceful carriage, and her pretty face, — May arose from her seat and paced to and tro , across the soft carpet a few moments in greatest iia eck of mind. She was half-inclined to believe. that Legree was lying to her—that hisstory was only an invention by which to entice her away from home into his villainous toils, ; ; Her father had often warned her of him, and bade her not to trust him in the slightest, and as she thought of these warnings, she resolved to resist, and not believe his story. os De “Tf only on Christmas dav you were Gold Rifle’s bitter enemy, how comes it that you are sent by him - on this mission?” she asked, stopping short, and gazing sharply at the trad cs er. . Legree flushed, and shifted uneasily in his chair, — 4 see * f ae

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~~ . please take your departure Sone. tee. “Why—why you see—” he began; then stopped as he caught the stern glance of May’s eyes. “Enough!” she said, with a contemptuous laugh. * Do not imperil the future of your soul by lying any further. I know your little game, now, Legree. Gold Rifle is no doubt in safe uarters, ere this, and as for your deliberate lie it has utterly failed. We have been warned that you would show your cloyen foot, and it has now come fo There, Boover Le- gree, is the door through which you came, You will “No, my pretty dove, I'll do nothing of the kind at present!” the trader replied, with a frightful leer. “Since you've found me out, partly, we may as well become better acquainted. hen I leave this ‘ere ranch, I’m goin’ ter fetch you along with me!” “Don’t you dare to lay a hand on me, villain. I am in my father’s house, and I command you to leave instantly, or I will call the servants, and have you forcibly ejected.” “Hal ha! ha!’ and Legree laughed loudly—‘‘that’s pretty well done, Miss Maynard. Your vocation should be that of an_ actress, Why, to my own * y knowledge, you do not keep servants other than that. Yankee, Hemperhill, who is as green asa cabbage- leaf, and araw Irishman who knows enough to get up hash, and that’s all, Do you for one moment imagine that Ihave the least fear of them? If so, you are mistaken. I can lick both of them at a time, “Then, shure, an’ ye’ll be doin’ what _ye niver did before!’ exclaimed a voice, and the Irish cook, Pat Dolan, step into the parlor, with a grin of delight at an anticipated fray. ‘Allow me ter interdooce mesilf to yez, Mister Legree —I’m Patrick Dolan, late- ly from the ould counthry—sacred be its name.” Legree started to his feet with an oath, as he be- held a brawny individual, fully as heavy as himself, and a man evidently of true grit. Dolan was a representative Irishman, with the pe- culiar expression of Hibernia written all over his countenance, and the intelligent Irish sparkle in his eyes, He was not a handsome man, yet possessed a kindly bearing which would have won him friends almost anywhere, “You see I am not unprotect:d. you ruffian!” wey : cried, triumphantly.* “Bul, vill fight for me “Arrah! an’ it’s yersilf as spakee the swate truth now!” assured Pat, advancing. “Shure, an’ hasthe gisth guieiuens bin a-givin’ ye any o’ his slack, me lily?” “Yes, Pat, he has been threatenin, off, and I have ordered him to leave he refuses to go.” ‘*Ah! thin T'll make him go, me little shamrock. Shure, an’ ef the Yankee has got the character, be- dad Pat Doolan has got the Irish arm, an’ out goes the a ee av a blackguard,” * : And flourishing a club in his hand, the impetuous son of the Emerald Isle sprung toward Legree, who was evidently waiting for him. But the club was of no use, for in a moment the ¢wo men were in a bear-like hug, waltzing here and there over the carpet, Pat endeavoring to work the trader out into the hall and thence out of doors. But LceTee. was a man cf great strength, and he bens all his energy in trying to erush his adver- sary. Pat however was made like iron, and all the efforts to carry me © house, but of the trader were for a time unavailing. “Och! yo murderin’ shnake!’’ roared Pat, prims in his glory, “Tl chow yo how they trate yer kind over at Bailyrack, on their ould soil. Shure, it’s sore heads I’ve given many & bla’guard, an’ I’ve not lost the twist o’ me wrist yit. Hooray, is ‘ret yer style?” —as e made an attempt. to bite-‘‘ochi I am no hog that would be after bitin’. Be dacent, an’ Pl kape up this jig ontill Pie heart is sore as the nose av Widow Donovan's pig.” _ Around and round, twisting and squirming, the two men went for several moments; then Legree by 4 a= 9 spi a dextrous movement oe away his left hand = andc a Pata blow in the forehead that felled him ~~ to the “oor. ‘then the ruffiar, with an oe , Sprung ve you without—? Linacre Pte pe by the stalwart ‘form of Josh ae eS “Without adoubt, Mister Legree, Oh! yeneedn’t — look—et’s me, ef Tam as green as a eters Yd re fae << Now, sir, you git, or I swow ter breeches ef I don’t, - sock et ter you fer kill. I ain't a-foolin’, nuther, “1 : you git | Witn a frightful oath Legree turned and walked out into the hall, an expression of malignant hate upon his eoantenance. “Remember, May arene Iam not through with you, yet, nor you either, you accursed Yank!" he cried, as he left the house, mounted his horse and rode away. Josh returned to the parlor and found Dolan just a wry expression of coun- crawling to his feet, wi tenance. ‘ ‘The bla’guard—the spalpeen—where is he?” was ~ the demand. “TJ pnt him out, Pat, darned ef I didn’t! Jest as easy as chawin’ cheese. Ye’re a good fighter, Pat, but thar’s ono essential ye sadly Jack, an’ that’s good solid basis character!” - CHAPTER V. = INTO THE WILDERNESS—JOSH’S NOVEL LOCOMOTIVE POWER. For several days after Legrco’s ejection from the Maynard farm-house, things moved along in their own channel, 7 Little was done outside of the old gencral’s quar- ters, for he was a humane man, and not t_eone to — eause either man or beast to labor out in the bitter cold and freezing weather which prevailed. So that serie this time of little-to-do, eccentric, uncouth Josh Hemperhill had plenty to occup) time within the farm-house, for he paid Miss iy the strictest attention, and in his own way tried hard to make a successful courting, Aliso, he was busied in keeping a weather-eye upon bis rival, the Irish- man, lest he should ta seedof fascinationinthe eye of Miss Maynard. ate And so it happened that the two men-servants were quite a bore to poor May, whose maiden tastes and ideas took quite another channel from t is and siours she had not the heart to offend by re- — sisting the ridiculous protestations of Josh’s love, or —__ the little gallantries of Pat Dolan, she was i thoroughly disgusted with them. - Y In one of these unenviable frames of mind, sha — applied to her father, the white-haired old general, for eae 3 sure, unless a A some prete the poor_fellow, turns. The somewhere for a while, and 1'll order Dolan. ¢ .

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~ “Yon don’t mean it fer sart’in, do ye, Miss - preachin’ ar’ full o’ glory! Lordy! Miss May, 10 to think that he was “‘ hitting one ” at the “ blarsted Trisher.”” Calling him one side, with a roguish glitter of fun in the expression of her hazel eyes, May approached him on her proposed plan. “ Josh, you have quite a notion of liking me, hav- ‘ou? ih? why, bless A heart, yes, Miss May. I swow to gracious ef ye didpv’t cum near takin’ the breath cl’ar away frum me.” “That is because you were sppropristine. Dolan’s Ste Josh, which is very wrong. ow would you ike to have me make pies for you to eat, Josh?” **Oh! Jerusalem! wouldn't that be O, K.?” and the Yankee’s face lighted up with a beamin, grin. ay “Why shouldn’tI, Josh? You’re a great good fel- low, and ought to have all the pies you could eat. You know the Fourth of July isn’t a great ways off.”’ : Fact, by Jimminy. Hedn’t luked that fer ahead, “c ‘* And the glorious Fourth isan auspicious day for celebration of the nuptials of a happy pair, Josh?” ‘*Hey—how’s that, Miss May?” “Tsay, the Fourth of July is a happy occasion for one to get spliced.” ‘““Whew! Jewhitaker Jowsharps, yes! ider than a brick there, Miss May!” ** Yes, and I see you appreciate my candor, Josh. Not many young ladies would exchange all these little confidences, but I believe that you’d do almost Sores for me, as you seem to love me—and— and—’ Yer sol- ‘So I do—so I would, Miss May—sure’s “ie cae ma man of character—ther solid double basis, duplex article—an’ I’a wade through fire an’ blood for yer sweet sale!” “Oh, no, Josh!’’—with a little outburst of merri- ment—‘ I don’t want you to wade throughanything but snow. Now, will you promise me to do me a favor?” “On course I will, Miss May—anything ye’re a mind to ask. I’m allus a generous chap, ef lama leetle bit green. Thar were ther hull Hemperhill family, down ter old Nebuchadnezzar himself, who war noted for their generosity—old Neb once give his right hand away ter an old maid named Jones, an’ she died an’ left him a fortin’ o’ a milyun. Yer see ther streak o’ character dated back ter ther Antedi- luve itself.” “Yes, Josh; and now I tell you what I'll ask of ou, You remember the young fellow you brought re—Gold Rifle?” “Yes, Lreckon. What o’ him?” “Well, I want you to go and hunt him up, and de- liver to him a note which I shall give you, Youmay have to be absent a week, or even a month, before you find him; but after that you ean have a whole winter to yourself in his company. With your wea- pons aed supply yourself with food, and have jolly sport. ‘Yes, Miss May; but sense I’ve got a hankerin’ arter you, I kinder hate ter go away.” “Pooh! Don’t bea baby now, or I shall say you’ve ‘lost your character, Josh. “Then Pll go, Miss May, darned if I won’t! W’en Xe sling a shot at my character, like ther Hemper- ills'of the olden time, I’m on my muscle.” So it was arranged that Josh should depart at once, and he was furnished with a fine equipment, consist- ing of a fur-trimmed suit of bu in, a Bharpe’s army rifle, pistols, kuife, hatchet, snow-shoes and cooking utensils, and by the time he was ready to start, he had a horse-load of tra: Best of all. he was supplied with numerous articles of food, among _ which were several] of the coveted pies, which Dolan had spent time in preparing for New Year's, now but two days distant. Then mounting his horse, Josh bade a sorrowful adieu to the farm-house, and its occupants, all ex- eept Pat, to whom he gave a parting scowl, and set et . Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter, out over the white prairie into the western wider ness, May Maynard had some doubts about sending him adrift in mid-winter, for it seemed cruel to her, but when assured by the general that Josh was a good shot, and not the one to either starve or freeze, sho felt better,and her young heart beat faster, and a little beauty-flUsh came upon her cheek as she thought of Kit Wagner, the Gold Rifle, and the sur- prise that would be his on the reception of her sealed note, which it was Josh’s business to deliver, - And Josh, as he rode away further and further into the snow-bound wilderness, wore rather a grum ex. pression of countenance. “Neow et jest lucks to me like a kind uv a fraud!” he soliloquized, shutting one eye, ee a § swow ef I d-n’t b’lieve thet Miss May’s jest b'in a- humbuggin’ me, ter git rid o’ me. But mebbe I ain’t right. Leasthow et looks crooked thet she’d want me to kerry a billy-doo ter thet aire Gold Rifle chap, ef she keers a plug o’ terbaccy fer Josiah Hemperhill.” : The snow over which the Yankee directed his course, was formed into a heavy crust, capable of safely bearing up the weight of a horse;* it was easy traveling and there was chance to make good progress. Josh, however, with a bitter doubt tugging at his honest heart-strings, was in no hw to return to the farm-house, from which he had been banished inso neat a manner. “Tl hunt up thet Gold Rifle an’ keep my agree- ment with Miss May, anyhow,” he muttered, “‘ fer thet’ll add ter ther strength o’ my character, I'll bet a copper thet Mias May’s laughin’ in her sleeve, now; but, sech is life, as old unkle Nebuchadnezzar used to say, when he corraled bugs on his pum’kin vines. An’ thar’s that blarsted Irisher, too—hain’t got no more character’n a lame gander, an’ he’s Rinne too, ter think he’s got ther hull field ter himself! But, I'll bet Miss May “ll set back his im- perdence, fer I still b’lieve she hain’t got eyes ferno one else but me.” Knowing that not enough snow had fallen since Christmas to obliterate a trail, Josh decided to re- Lent to the little valley in which Gold Rifle had de- uched from the secret. passage, and here there were chances that he could strike a trail that would bap siseask bring him up to the sharpshooter. After about a half-hour’s ride he descended into the valley in question, and found a faint horse trail sure enough, leading from the vicinity of the pas- sage along the valley to the westward. “That's Gold Rifl>’s trail, kerect,” Josh muttered, running his eye along the valley, ‘“‘ but the next thing ar’ ter foller it. Ef it doan’ pay. out, Vil swow se 1 don’t foller it, an’ overtake Mr. Gold Rifle in a On looking at thé sun he saw that it was declini toward the western horizon merialy, but he resolve to yee on and accomplish what distance he could before night came on, for the open prairie was a poor bivouac-place, and he hoped to reach some convenient motte of timber in time to camp. Therefore he rode on through the clear winter’s afternoon, never deviating from t' Nain trail which the hoof-strokes of Gold Rifle’s horse had made upon the crust, riding ata swift gallop, as he had done, Although Josh had been but a year in the Far West, mingling among its strange men, he had picked up a considerable smattering of prairie and wooderaft. He knew an Indian sign when he saw it, and had, on several occasions, scouted about and fetched in valu- able information to the fort. Consequently he had less fear in going into the wilderness than though he had no experience. ; arkling: e * Dakota papers remark upon the thickness and strength of the snow-crust during the mid-winter of which we write. Ubon the plains its like was never known even by the oldest hunters and trappers. bbe ‘ * PA

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Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. But now, as he rode along, his mind would back to the Maynard farm-house, and to the conclu- sion that he had been designedly banished from the light of May Maynard’s beautiful eyes. . “Ft’s a durned, doggoned shame,” he muttered, tan’ Vil tell Miss May so, see’f I don’t. She orter hev hed sum respects fer a feller’s feelin’s, even ef I did kum frum Varmont. Reckon I’m as good as any gineral’s darter, ef I am green and gawky, Thar ‘war old Saltpeter Hemperbill, fer instance, who in hes boyhood war calkylated to be as gawky as they make’em. But thet ar’ feller bad ther true solid basis character, and darned ef he didn’t rise up ter be trustee o’ ther Skimmerville school—an’ now they do purtend ter say he’s runnin’ for Congress. So much fer character.” Following the course of the valley for a couple of hours, Josh then ascended to the level prairie, still directed by the snow trail. This he followed as rapidly as possible, and just at dusk sighted a motte of cottonwood timber ahead, which promised shelter for the night. ; , He was considerably fatigued, and without thought of danger, he rode briskly forward and entered the woodland, where but little snow had fallen upon the ground, although the branches and boughs were heavily laden with the flakes, Dismounting in a well-protected spot, the Yankee turned his horse at liberty, and began. making @reparations for an evening camp-fire, when he was suddenly and rudely interrupted. There was a chorus of savage yells, and he was quickly seized, thrown to the earth, and bound hand and foot. As quickly as he could collect his scattered senses, he looked around, and discovered that he was in the power of a band of red-skins, some twenty in number, who wore war-paint upon their faces, and were of a savage, repulsive aspect. Moreover, Josh saw by their head-dress, and the fancy carving upon their cheeks, that they were braves of the Sioux nation. i Without offering any verbal explanation, the red- skins dragged their victim along through the wood- land by the heels, taking extra pains to take all the stones and stubs in their path. At last they reached a temporary Indian encampment of seven lodges, and Josh was placed, under guard, by a roaring camp-fire. ee In the course of an hour he was visited by a large, ‘portly chief, accompanied by nearly the wholo camp. The chief was well known to the Yankee, for he had once participated in a hunt for the big war- vior of the Sioux nation; and this chief was Sifting Bull. A fugitive from the Black Hills country, there were months when his whereabouts were really un- known, and these months were spent in dodging among the motte-islands of the great savannas of northern Dakota. - “Wagrh! Sitting Bull has seen the white Yankee before,” the chief said, a sudden wave of recognition assing over his grim countenance, so horrible inits Gecorative paint. ‘He chas d the Sioux warriors from the fort, ere the snows of winter made the plains white. Soren Bull does not forget.” “ “No, ye’re darned right!” Josh retorted, with a grin, as he thought of the mentioned occasion. ‘*Ye’re durned right, old Chair-bottomer. An’ now thet ye’ve got me, 1 calkylate ye'll be after skulpin’ me, or roastin’ me?” “No! Sitting Bull has even a better sport for his warriors. A wild young buffalo bull has been cap- tured, and shall take the Yankee toward the setting sun. Sitting Bull has said it.” . Along lariat was fastened about Josh’s feet, and he was again dragged through the timber—this time to where the western side of tRe motte met the prairie. Here the lariat was fastened to the hind legs of an untamed bull. and Josh was ready for ranid transit, Only about teu yards of rope intervened between him and the heels of the bull, and things promised to be mutually interesting. The whole eats of savages had by this time gathered upon the prairie, and at a signal from Sitting Bull, there was a wild chorus of savage screeches, and the young bull gave a snarl of terror, _ and plunged madly away into the night, out overa - boundless expanse of prairie, and Josh ruthlessly along in the rear. CHAPTER VI. HUNTING THE BLACK RANCH. On over the wintry plain plunged the terrified young buffalo, with snorts and bellows, and at every bound of the strong young animal poor Josh was jerked along, at a terrible speed—now on his back and then orn“his belly, in and out of hollows, over hummocks, and through bushes—it seemed that his infuriated war-horse would never stop, In vain he endeayored to sit up long enough to grasp the rope with his hands, which were now free, but each time he was jerked back, and subject to the agony of his wild ride. It was fortunate that the snow-crust covered most of the rough spots over which they went, or he could not have retained his consciousness, during the first ten minutes of his journey. But, despite the snow, his clothes were torn and his skin blistered. ; The motte island encampment of Sitting Bull and his warriors was left far behind, and the buffal@was heading due westward toward a long line of timber that grew upon the shores of the little Acder. _Although it was a dark night, the groundwork of white had the effect to make objects at a con- siderable distance visible to the naked eye; hence, Josh discovered their approach to the timber when they were yet some distance away, and was now as- sailed with double fears for his personal safety. Of ecurse, should the bull attempt to pass through the timber, all hope of his escaping alive was lost; to be dragged along through the timber would be almost ins death. ate ragging poor Nearer and nearer to the timber they approached, and Josh’s hair began to stand on end at the pros- pect ahead of him, when there was a sharp, ringing rifle report, a bellow of pain, and the bull went crashing forward to the ground, The impetus of the fall nearly jerked the wits cut of Josh, but_ he soon recovered to find the buffalo floundering in death-throes at his feet, ~ With his unloosened hands he soon had his feet at liberty, and rose to gaze around him. 3 He was not a hundred Reeall from the edge of the timber, and yet he could see nothing of the where- abouts of any person from whom might have come. The bullet had struck the buffalo. in the lower part of the neck, and penetrated to the eart. “Waal, I'm ther luckiest. cuss afoot, darn m socks ef I gin’t!” Josh muttered, finding that his strong Sharpe’s army rifle was still lashed to his back, and his belt weapons all intact. “Reckon all I’m lackin’ ar’ a boss an’ grub, an’ I swow ef i'm goin’ back ter ther general’s, ontil Miss May gits luy- sick over mi arms. No, siree: thar’s too much o’ ther old Nebn- chadnezzar Hemperhill solid basis character in me, fer that. Wll bet ther gal’s a-sobbin’ arter me now, these females are so capricious, unless—unless uae a gosh-darned Irisher is puttin’? on his graces. it, why didn’t they send him out byar, too?” “Because two 0’ a kind is f00 much even fer good nature..to tolerate!” spoke a pleasant voice, — and a handsome form loomed up. iti is the dark- pert Hello! I'll be jugged ef et ain’t the Yankee, osh! he death-shot — and sends fer me ter cum back ter her | ay: w a ¥ 5 € And no less a personage than Gold Rifle advanced to the side of the dead bull “Yes, an’ yer thet Gold Rifle chap I’m huntin’, fer!” cried Josh, with a broad grin of delight. ‘How dye do, anyhow? I'm as tickled ter see ye ast

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12 would be ter see my boss, wich I left, back heer in ther hands of old Chair-bottomer—Sittin’ Bull.” “Ah! then it is to the red-skins you ow® this ride, eh? and a smile illuminated Gold Rifle’s face. “T thought so, when I heard you one Iknew Sitting Bull was somewhere around on the plains, but was ignorant of his exact whereabouts. But, whatever brought you out here so far from the fort?” “Jest in search for you!’ Josh nted, with a scowl, as he thought of May Maynard and the Irish- man. ‘*‘Yesee, Miss May sent me fer ter fetch ye a peter, an’ she’s goin’ ter marry me next Fourth o’ What, Miss Maynard marry op Josh?” ‘*On course she is! I swow ef I ain’t ther luckiest *eoon in this kentry. Promised me this very morn- in’ afore we parted.” “Get out! You shouldn't take what she says to. heart, Josh. She’s only foolin’ ye, I guess.” ; “Darnation, no! She’s legitimately engaged ter me, an’ we’re goin’ ter hey frostin’ an’ firecrackers on ther weddin’-cake. An’ ef she trivs ter go back on me, TN sue her fer britches o’ promise, I swow ef won't. ; * Well, I wish you much joy already, Josh!” Gold Rifle said, with a smile. “ But you sa¥ Miss Maynard sent a message. Come along to my camp in yonder Peed, ae oe wea it.”’ s kee aah gcordingly, the young sharpshooter led the wa; oyer the prairie toward the gloomy line of tiniber, and Josh limped after him as fast as he could, for he was decidedly stiff from his rapid ride over the prairie. Never in all his boyhood’s coasting experi- ence had he ridden so fast over the snow with noth- ing between him and the snow but his clothing. It was something novel in its way, yet quite uninter- esting to the person concerned. They soon arrived at Gold Rifle’s camp, which was “pitched in under the shelter of the timber, and con- fetene to the bank of a medium-sized stream known as the Little Adder. A fire was burning brightly within a lodge of buffalo-skins, and it was a welcome sight to half-frozen Josh. ' ‘Here we are!” Gold Rifle cried, as they entered the cheery lodge where was warmth and the odor of cooking meat. ‘‘Now give me the letter from Miss Maynard, and you can warm and repair dam- * “*Seems ter me ye're in an awful h ter git a * letter frum one ye ain't got no claim to,” grumbled Josh, taking off one of his serviceable cow-hide-boots and pprcddicing acrumpled envelope. ‘‘Thar it is, but I give ye ter understand thet ther gal ain’t yours no more’n the name o’ Hemperhill is.” “No, of course not,’ Gold Rifle replied, receiving the note and tearing it carefully open, thinking the while of the sweet and pretty daughter of the gen- eral, who had helped him to escape, and whom he was with, in thought, constantly. -The note was penned in a Jelicate, mra~eful hand, and ran as follows, With the heading of date, place, ete.: “Mr, Wacner:— ‘Dwar Sir:—I send you this note by our man-ser- vant, Josh Hemperhill, with the request that he will deliver it safely to you. In it I wish to make myself so bold as ‘o extend you an invitation to a social - gathering which will take place at our quarters “on the 16th of January, that being the eighteenth _ anniversary of my bir'h. Your presence would be @ source of much pleasure to father and myself. Josh you can keep with you until you pay us the desired visit, Very truly yours, At ; ““May Maynarp.” A flush of joy stole over Gold Rifle’s face as he “perused the above—joy becaise of the honor con- ferred upon him by the Maynards, and because he was given the opportunity to call uvon and form a had thus far’ een his privilege, Gold Rifle, the Sharpshvoter. more Km SN me a aa ‘with pretty May than Se SONI, em “Tll go!” was his instant resolve, “and havea good time. If between now and then I cannot clear myself of beiag Tiger Track, it is curious. I have me ae thing pretty well seasoned for cooking ready. ¢ “Waal!” growled Josh, as the young s shooter slipped the note into his pocket—* what did my gal write ter eo Cap? °S’pect she guv ye an in- vite ter our weddin’, eh?’ r “She give an invitation to a birthday gathering, Josh, the sixteenth of next. month. To-morrow the first—New Year’s. And I mean to make the moments count, too.”’ : ‘*Ye don’t say?—an’ did she put in any kisses or luy poetry fer me?” *Nary, Josh! She said you was to remain with me, until I get ready to go back to the general’s. So now, you’ve got to follow the trail I lead, for the next two weeks.” “Allright. I’m ther chap as kin do it, ef I do say so. I swow ter breeches ef I don't believe I could outwaJk yea!” r “T haven't the least doubt of it, Josh. But we won't try. Now, then, it is necessary that hes should know my business, as we are to be together. Look at this, and you will understand my callin here upon the pend fh and pulling aside a strip o! the fur with which his buckskin suit was ornament- ed, the firelight glanced upon a plate badge of soli gold, with a star in the center, and an inscription o! e plate, in beautiful design, which read: U. 8. GOVERNMENT, TO C. A. WAGNER, In recognition of faithful services as a detective spy. Upon the other edge was an inscriptive date— March, 187—” “Waal, by gosh, ef ye ain’t one o’ them detective chaps!’’ Josh exclaimed, in astonishment, ‘* Who'd ever 'a’ thought it? Thar war my old unkle Nebu- chadnezzar, who war once in thet line—uster set for a hull hour on a stretch, a-tryin’ ter detect w’ether mice got into ther grannery or not.” “Yes, I am a detective,” Gold Rifle confessed, *‘and my business here is to break up Tiger Track’s outlaw band, and clean out a certain nest of deviltry” known as the Black Ranch—the stronghold of 1 same Tiger Track, by the way.” “Phew! ye don’t say so! Neow, why didn’t ye show yer cullers ter them galoots as war after ye, ther other day?” “ Thatwas because I did not care to have my busi- ness publicly known When I do, I shall Apply to General Maynard for co-operation in exterminating the gang. I believe there were men among those a chased me, who are members of Tiger Track 's and,” “Ye don’t say so! Waal! waal! an’ what are ye goin’ ter do, now, since you’ve added in a man like me, o’ solid duplex basis character?” * “T am hunting for this Black Ranch. Very few upon the Dakota frontier know where it is, yet many strange stories are told of if, and the mysteries about it. Itis said to be somewhere upon these prai- ries, but that a man might look for it a lifetime and not stumble uponit. Yet, believe that [amupon the trail of it, and hops to find it, ere long. Youcan — accompany me, and may be of some aid.” at The evening meal of roasted deer-meat was now served up, and both Josh and the young detective did it ample justice. The fire was then replenished with fuel, and they turned in for the night. 33, Early on the following morning they were astir, — and after eating what was left from the evening meal, Gold Rifle furnished two mustangs from a _ bough-shed, in the timber, and both he and Josh — mounted and set off, Gold Rifle inthe lead, io headed their course, after. leaving the timber,

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+ a hid ‘finally Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. re 2. due north, and rode eee crust holding w beneath the strokes of the animals’ feet. Josh fol- lowed close behind, for, although he was large, awk- ward and clumsy, he was by no means a poor horse- man, as Gold Rifle saw at once. About the middle of the forenoon they came upon a single trail, headed in a CE poeta: Re pean a evidently several days old, and had partly ed up, si : “Where do you ’spect thet aire trail leads ter?” ked Josh, as he drew rein a'ongside Gold Rifle. ““White or Injun?” “White!” was the reply; ‘‘don’t you see the horse was shod?’ “*Who’s been along heer?”” “That I don’t know. If I knew who is absent from the Settlement, I might better determine. Now, you see, the course we are following, I have no doubt is the true one to the Black Ranch, and yet this other trail probably leads there, too. Now, you must follow one, and I'll take the other.” It was accordingly arranged that Josh should fol- low the northwestern trail, while Gold Rifle kept straight ahead. He rode rapidly, and in three hours came up with Josh, where the two trails merged into one. The northwestern route was only a roundabout way, to throw off scent. > “We have the straight trail’fore us now, eh?” Josh demanded. “Yes, I should say so. If nothing happens, we may sight it before dark.” _ ey rode rapidly forward. The formation of the prairie was now perfectly level for miles to come, and the snow-crust stout, so that they were enabled to make fair progress, The afternoon wore away toward darkness; the sun sunk to a level with the ocean of white, and awa; to the north, on the crest of a prairie billow a dark speck grew visible to the searching gaze of the two horsemen. At first it was no larger thana pea; then it grew steadily until it had assumed and was gradu- ally assuming larger ‘pronordons, the further they advanced toward it. In half an hour they were near enough to define a great barn-like edifice upon the towering crest of a distant prairie billow, surrounded by a high fence of plank. And Gold Rifle oi) vent to a shout of joy, and ae — as he beheld all this, motioning Josh to stop, also. . ““That’s the Black Ranch and stronghold of Tiger Track, undoubtedly,” he said, “and that is all we want. ra know at present. The next thing is to find g-place, for I’m satisfied we'll have a chance to fight outlaws, soon!” JCHAPTER VII. A BOY IN CAMP—A STORY OF MAMMA AND THE BLACK RANCH. Upon the day salir Gold Rifle’s discovery of the Black Ranch upon the prairie, an Indian pon made its way to the Settlement, and came to a halt on the village square. It was not riderless, for a boy of some six or seven years, well wrapped up in furs, was seated astride of the saddle. One by one the villagers were attracted to the spot, and gathered around the lad with the greatest curi- osity. Ata glance the waif did not belong either at the fort or Settlement, yet here he was, alone and unaccompanied; and from whence did he come? He was fat and chubby of his age, with a stolid boyish face, a firm-set mouth, peculiar to see in one so young, and eyes as black as coal, and having the sparkle of the diamond, ? He did not appear to be frightened, as money, a crowd gathered around him, but, rather, seemed to w tch the men with interest, singling out, with the wonderful intuition of childhood, the faces that were good and those which were evil. At first the villagers were at a Joss what to do, but an old trapper broke the ice by approaubing les of ques- the little stranger, and beginning a sei tions, Fete = name, now, It js Mamma Mabel!” “Well, my little man, who are you?” was the first interrogativ i3- e, : ‘I'm Jack!” was the reply, without any show of - bashfulness; and, too, it was spnatent, that the lit- tle fellow was intelligent beyond his age. “Jack, eh! Well, what else—Jack what?” “Dunno!” was the reply. **Don’t know where pan live, do you?” ** Yes, I do—at the Black Ranch. Mamma is there —b’en very sick but gettin’ better. Mamma’s avery nice woman.” = ‘* As you are evidently a nice little fellow, who is your mamma?” “Mammia’s my mamma, sir.’’ . ** Of course, you little man, but what is your mam- ma’s name?” “Dunno; fordot mamma’s name.” __ “ That’s ta9 bad, You a your mamma’s at the Black Ranc What kind of a piace is that?” “Great awful big house with high fence around!” exclaimed Master Jack, raising his hands high aloft a signify how big he meant, but could not ex- Pp ain, { “Ah! awful big house with high fence around? Boys, that corresponds with what we have previous- ~ Well, my little mau, what do ly heard of the place. how many men is they do in this big house, an there?” The boy hesitated, and looked thoughtfully around, “Dunno what they do—lots of men; more’n they is here,” he replied, at length. ‘Men got guns.” “What does your mamma do, boy?” V “Mamma she lays to bed most all day an’ cries, an’ at night they lock her up in the room.” “Ha! what is this. you little cuss?” cried a iy “Hell and furies! How’d you ever get this far away from home?” and the ruffian trader Jaid a heavy hand upon the waif’s arm, and he began to ery in affright. : ‘Hold! stop there, Jacob Toleman!”’ cried an au- thoritative voice, and General Maynard rode for- ward. ‘Get away, you villain, or rested and put in irons, What right have you to lay hands on that boy?” ff. yee, and Jacob Toleman pushed forward, eit: zs e ll have you ar- . “The right of a proerice and guardian—tlie right of a grandfather!” retorted the trader, defiantly. “The little devil has wandered away from home, z and I'll see that he goes back in a hurry.” : ‘Phen you have to do with the outlaw’s Black Ranch, eh?’ demanded the general, sternly, “No! the brat never saw the Black Ranch nor~ any one else. - It is all a cussed lie about there being. % such a place.” “Oh! I dare say you know all about it. But we — will not trust to your testimony in this case. The child is too young to know the meaning of a lie,and we will believe him in preference to you, whom we all know 50 well, Step aside, sir, and let me question — the lad! At first Toleman hesitated, and was inclined to_ disobey, but the drawing. of the general’s sword had the effect to make him retire. The general then _ rode closer to the winter-waif. “Your name is Jack, eh, little fellow?” ‘* Yes, sir.”’ * And your mamma’s name—”” “Dunno; fordot.” «She is a prisoner in the Black Ranch?” “Yes, sir.” use “Do you know this man?” pointing out the elder Toleman. < “Yes, He bad mau! He comes'and say very bad, wicked words to mamma, dat make her cry.” ‘ ‘Ha! and is there any one else here among this crowd, whom you have seen at the Black Ranch?" “No!” replied the ae ee a glance aroun “Tiger Track he’s very 2 Tiiiun to send me off here, I fought mamma to mamma, so she git °

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14 General Maynard started violently in his saddle, _ and gazed eagerly at the boy. “What! what! Mabel—Mabel what, boy?” and the veteran was terribly excited “Speak! what is the remainder of your mother’s name?” “IT don’t know!” the boy replied, growing fright- ened. ‘Name jest Mamma Mabel!* “Mabel! Mabel! my God, canit be possible!” Gen- eral Maynard muttered, running his hand across his’ eyes. “ Gentlemen *—turning to the curious crowd, “*T believe that Iam on the eve of a discovery that will enlighten me concerning a lost one who has been dead to me for the last ten years. I therefore claim the right to this boy, until I Jearn more defi- nitely what [ wish to know. Are you willing I shall take him with me?” “Ay! ay!’ was the rousing shout in concert, for the ponerel was highly respected by the large share of the settlers. “The boy is yours.” “and, my men, I may call upon you to assist in attacking this unknown nest of the outlaws, the Black Ranch. Can I rely upon your aid?” “Ay! ay! general!’ was the eager response. “ We're with you, heart and soul.” Then General Maynard rode away toward his farm-house, leading the horse which bore Master Jack, by his side. When they arrived at the farm-house, little Jack was taken to the parlor, where May gave him a loy- ing welcome, and before an hour h assed he was q ite at home, eancuEe he occasionally mentioned “mamma,” which showed that she, whoever she a was, had a deep hold upon his childish affection. be ae _ plain about you, by and by. wedded a man of - Nothing was said on the subject to the boy, but May and the general had a long talk about her and the Black Ranch. “Tt is undoubtedly my Mabel,” the old man said, bowing his head in his hands, ‘‘ who has been lost to me these twenty years. Poor Mabel! to think that she is languishing in a barbarous prison, when she might be here, a comfort to my declining years,” ““and who is this Mabel?’? May Maynard asked, tad interest. **You never told me of her hereto- ore. “ Because I did not wish to bring op the past. May, you little know all the disgrace I have suffered in my younger years, and I may as wellgive you a brief of the story, to-day. Mabel was my first and only daughter. Don’t start, my dear, for I will ex- Mabel, as I said, was _my first daughter and also my only child by mar- riage. Her mother died upon giving birth to her, and Mabel was placed under the charge of a compe- tent nurse. ated the succeeding seventeen years, I must confess that I was little with my child; war, to- gether with a multitude of other matters, kept me away for a most part of the time. Yet I had a handsome home onthe Hudson, which I had inherit- ed, and was able to’ rear my child in luxury and give her all the advantages of education. At the of seventeen she was the belle of ‘her social cir- - ele, and I began to entertain hopes of her making an eligible match. “About this time I saw a chance for gigantic cs, pee uatone in Western railroads, and disposing of a my Eastern property, moved away to this coun- try. “And it was the curse of my life, forin three short months I had no daughter, she having secretly questionable character, and had a . Iheard afterward that he became the chief of _aband of robbers. For the recovery of my child I searched and toiled until the outbreak of the great _ war between the North and the South; then having z _ nothing to deter me, I rejoined the army and fought _ until victory was ours, and I had attained the hon- ors of seneralship, which, thank God, I never dis- graced. Justa yearor two before the war I took hot dr ocis youas my own child, from the death- bed of a gallant old officer of the regular army, and _ have reared youunder my name, as you were such _ an exact image of what my Mabel once was, Your Gold Rifie, the Sharpshooter. real name is May Faulkland, but you are welcome to mine own, until you make a choice of a husband, and may God grant that your choice be crowned os dear but di believe it possibl “Yes, dear papa; but do you believe le that the Mabel of whom this little boy speaks, can be your long-lost daughter?” - ‘Yes, May, I do candidly believe that the oe of the Black ch, and my long-lost Mabel are the same. Indeed, the child, yonder, bears a striking Fog tls to Mabel, as she looked when last Isaw er.”” “And, do you know, papa, there is another, whose features resemble those in yonder portrait—whichis of your lost daughter, is it not?” “Yes, that is a correct portrait of Mabel; and to what other do you refer?”’ “To the young man who was flying to escape the mob, on Christmas—Gold Rifle.” “Hal is thatso? I did not notice, Iam sure.” “Yes, I was struck at once with the resemblance between the two, but I did not speak of it, as one often meets pers: ns resembling each other who en- tertain not the slightest degree of relationship.” “Well, if this isso, I should like to see the young man again, for he may indeed be the child of my daughter by her outlaw husband, for it seems to me that the name of Wagner is not foreign to my mem- ory. Whether or not I have heard it in connection with the name of my daughter’s husband, Ido not know. After leaving home she was called Agnes. He changed his name, doubtless, after he becamsa an outlaw.” _ ‘* Well, what do you propose to do in this case, be- lieving that Mabel is indeed alive and in the mysteri- ous Black Ranch?” “Do? why, I shall organize a company out of the trappers and hangers-on at the Settlement, and start to the rescue at once. And, white I think of it, *twould be a good plan tostart at once, while Master Jack’s horse's trail remains distinct. No doubt by it, and the little fellow’s direction—for he is observ- ant and as keen as a razor—we can find the den of Coes anal much trouble. And then we must UKE Uh | ‘Oh! *twould be glorious fun, papa!” May cried, with a/zest. “I should love to be along. CanI go, please—can I? I can dressup in my male hunting costume, and you know that I’m a eapital shot. May Igo?” : % Yes, child, even though it may be to instant death, for IT fear to leave you here alone and unpro- tected, with two such heartless wretches hovering at the Settlement, as Jacob Toleman and Boover Legree. Yes, get your outfit in readiness. at once, for I shall start as soon as I can ride back to the Set- tlement and equip my men.” “Why not take the soldiers, pare “Because they would be of little or no service in this kind of work. I want men who will know what Imean when I say jigit/ Such are found among our hunters and scouts. As I said before. get your- self ready; arm yourself thoroughly, and provision and clothe yourself fora long siege, for it may be months ere we get back from our journey.” Then the general arose and left the parlor, to or- der his horse, and May also hastened to her room to prepare for per expedition into the wilderness, which she was confident would be a source of great delight to her. For she was a lover of the ride and hunt and wild life incident to camping out; had on more than one occasion scoured the plains in search of game, and proven herself an unerring shot. { And it was a pleasurable thought to her, that, by going now, she might be able to do good to a suffer- ing sister; then, too, way down in her young heart there was the least bit of a hope that, tn the path of their journey, they might run across the young sharpshooter, Gold Rifle. For the young hunter and scout was constantly on | her mind, and haunted her dreams, until sho 2

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2 Gold ‘Riflo, the Shaxpaliooter. 15 — pais to listen expectantly for his footstep, and ream sweet dreams of him, in whose face there was so much that was noble. First of all she provided herself with and donned a semi-male hunting-suit of buckskin, which had done her service in many a prairie tournament, be- fore, and fitted her to perfection. Then she armed herself with a Sharpe’s mid-range rifle, and revol- vers and knife. Her horse, a handsome bay animal was then brought around by Pat Dolan, and the saddle-bags equipped with a good stack of cold meats and other provision for the coming campaign. By the time all this was accomplished, the general arrived at the farm-house with twenty men whom he had enlisted in his service at the Settlement. They were mostly trappers and fur-traders, a rough, but kindly-disposed band. The general had been careful in selecting his men, for he well knew that a great deal depended upon their skill and trustiness. A well-stocked larder ever being a fact in the May- nard mansion, fhe band were all provisioned there before starting, for little of the game kind was to be found for the searching in the snow-bound wilder- ness. AtJast everything was in readiness, and with the white-haired old generalin the lead, and May by his side, leading the horse of little master Jack, the cav- aleade set dff over the snow-crest toward the Black Ranch —for General Maynard had secured the 8 rvices of an old trapper who had seen the famous outlaws’ den, and was confident he could guide the party to it without trouble. CHAPTER VII. GOLD RIFLE’S DARING VENTURE—A TRAP THAT CAUGHT— FROM LIGHT TO DARKNESS. From the Black Ranch it would have been com- aratively an easy matter to have detected the two horsemen as they stopped in full view upon a crest of white. Gold Rifle was well aware of this, and having but little doubt that their rash advance had already been discovered, he knew it would be neces- sary to hunt a place of refuge; hence his words at the conclusion of a late chapter. Glancing sharply around he sought and found a place which he knew would better answer their pur- pose, in case of an attack, than the open prairie. It was a small motte of a few scattering cottonwoods, which grew around a buffaio wallow; yet it com- manded a view on all sides, and was the best cover "to be had in the vicinity. “Tf it were not that we were obliged to leave a snow-trail,”’ the young detective said, as he and Josh made haste to take possession of the motte— aut it. were not for this, we might evade the cusses et.” “How d’ye kno’ they’ve seen us yet?” was the Yankee’s demand, for he was one who believed in looking on the best side until it came to the worst. “T don’t know for positive but it looks very likely. } You notice that there is a high tower rising from one corner of the Black Ranch? I have no doubt but that is a watch-tower.” “Waal, mebbe ye’r’ right. But, what's ther use of eutlaws coming out here? I swow ter breeches ef they ain’t, foolish ter think o’ fightin’ men o’ solid * basis character like me an’ you!” “ Correct; but that makes no difference with them. They fight all men alike and | reckon they're pretty rough customers to handle. Nor do I believe that they confine their depredations and doings alone to outlawry in this country. To me, itstands to reason Shat they could not exist upon the few pelts.they capture and dispose of--they wouldn’t fetch more _ than enough to supply the ganz with bad whisky. And, then, the surrounding expanse of territory for ‘miles and miles offers no great inducement for raid~ ing and plunder, No, sir; there is a deeper some- thing behind a’! this outlew an ; , poset nd I’m the - one that is going to unravel the ball or bu’st, you hear me! Already I’ve got my mind glued onto the business, and I’m going through with it.” Turning their horses’ heads while the: versing, € ney rode away to the motte, and dismount- ed. Here the ground was less covered with snow, and with easily extemporized shovels of bark they soon had a ae space cleared to earth on which to build a fire andcamp. This operation piled the snow up around them so as to quite hide their camp, and kept off the sharp cutting wince. ld Rifle had in his saddle-bags a piece of raw venison, yet, large enough to last for a couple of meals, and they concluded to use this first, and re- serve their other provendéer for the future. Leaving Josh to prepare the evening meal, Gold Sher left their snow fortifications, and scouted about 6 camp. He could find no signs of enemies in the neighbor- hood, nor were there any signs of approaching out- laws from thé‘Ranch. This wasarelief to the youn sharpshooter, for he had no desire to fight agains’ were con- odds of twenty to one’ In the direction of the Black Ranch all was quiet; evidently the outlaws had not discovered their ap- proach Scouting through to the western side of the motte, the young detective made another important dis- covery, namely—the existence of a deep, sluggish stream of water. It was now frozen over, with a glassy-like surface, caused by an overflow and freeze. That it was deep and still water, Gold Rifle determined by the banks which were full to a level with the grounding. This stream ran through a deep and extremely rarrow valley which opened abruptly down from the west- ern side of the motte—a sort of channel through Nature’s cold white face, and by following its course as far as eyesight would allow, Gold Rifle came to the conclusion that the stream ran in its northerly branch not far from the site of the Black Ranch, for along both edges of the valley grew fringes of a ~ species of sage-bush, and these he could see a long oak the direction of the ranch. sturning to camp he found Josh ready to serve up their meal, and while they partook of the venison he related his discovery of the stream. “7 believe it’s the only way I can approach any nearer to the outlaws’ nest than I am now,” he said, thoughtfully, ‘‘ for to go over the prairie is cer- tain discovery. Luckily, I am provided with a pair of good skates, and if the stream goes by withip gunshot of the ranch, I’m bound to get that near, anyhow.” ' “Yas; but whar’m I goin’ ter sport while ye’re doin’ this?” questioned Josh, with a grim look. “Dye calkylate I’m goin’ ter foller at yer heels, an’ run the risk o’ gettin’ my head blowed off? Ef I am aman o’ character, I hain’t hankerin’ after losin’ my tdp-knot.” ae Sing ‘Oh! no danger about you! It will be your duty to stay here and take care of the horses and the camp. You can keep an occasional iookout to pre- vent g's surprised az:d capured, and await my return, which will be immediately after I spy out all that is requisite to my plans. If the cusses get me in a trap, why probably you won’t see me at — all, and. had better go back to the fort and give the alarm.” 4 Darkness was by this time enshrouding the earth and Gold Rifle determined to cover the distance be- tween him and the Black Ranch while it lasted. For, he argued, the place would be less on guard should he arrive at the dead of night, and he would have a favorable opportunity to get inside the walls, Looking carefully to the condition of his rifle and revolvers, he bade Josh adieu, and asbes tre camp paused long enough to affix to his boots a handsome pair of regulation skates, and then he darted eee “i away over the glassy surface of the river like a The course of the river was very tortuous and de- ceptive, and it} soon became apparent to the young detective that to reach the Ranch he must accoms 7 , ‘ e) — ee owes,

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A ee nner vere plish about twice the distance that would Haye been necessary, had he gone overland. But he cared not for this, as the skating was excel- lent, and he enjoyed it hugely. Every stroke sent him nearer and nearer to his destination. In two hours’ time he concluded he must. be in close proximity to the Ranch, and accordingly slackened his speed, finally coming toa halt, With his skates still fastened to his feet, he left the ice, and cautiously ascended so that his face was on a level with the prairie. He gazed around. It was a dark, moonless night, yet he was able to est Aap objects at a considerable distance, the snow lighting up the ground, dimly. ; The Black Ranch now lay to the north-east of him several miles, but by the line of bushes which fringed the valley, he saw what he had before surmised— that the stream and valley wound close to the Ranch on the northern side, but just how close he was yet unable to determine. Going back to the river he resumed his journey on the ice, making strangely weird music with his ringing skates. The remaining distance he accomplished in an- other half hour without much exertion, and found himself in an abrupt bend in the course of the stream, just around which was the Black Ranch, in close proximity to the banks. The high plank fence, in fact, ran out t> the very edge of the bank, and only the upper part of the ranch could be seen over its top. After he had brought himself as near as he dare, without exposing himself, he sat_ down and took off his skates, and secreted them in the butt of a hollow log which ended up through the ice. Wrapping his precious rifle in oil-cloth he also seereted it in among the bushes, reserving for use only his revolvers and knife, for in close quarters he knew these would answer his purpose’ better than a rifle. — His next move was to creep stealthily up among the fringe of hen-sage, and lying low, make obser- vations, 2 All about the place was deepest quiet. gre There were no lights, no sign of life—nothing in sight to tell that the grim structure within the black painted fence was inhabited by humans. 3 Nor was there a sound of nature afloat on the night —unless, maybe, it was the snap peculiar to all bod- ies of ice on a sharp night. ‘There was no light in the tower which arose a seore of feet above the main building at the south- western corner, and after watching for some time without seeing any one, Gold Rifle came to the con- elu jon that there was no sentinel posted to-night. Satisfled on this, he crept from his concealment rapidly over the snow toward the fences. This was fully fitteen feet high, and he knew that if he could once get in its shadow it would be one strong point gained in its favor. ; And his rapidity of movement soon brought him safely there, and he stood up alongside the fence and listened. * The same dead, ghostly silence still prevailed up- on the prairie and around the Ranch, and the young detective could but draw the conclusion that the ‘place was wrapt in slumber. Still, with this knowledge, very few men of older ~ years than Gold Rifle would have cared to venture so boldly under the very shadow of such a death den as was the Black Ranch by Tepates Alter listening to assure himself that no one had been disturbed by his coming, Gold Rifle sat down and took off his boots and hid them in the snow where to find them again, for at present time of action their crunching onto the crust was danger- ous. As a substitute to protect his feet from the cold, he drew upon his feet heavy fur moccasins, which were among the mysterious contents of his _ haversack, He was then ready for business, and first of all, _ made'q tour of inspection around the mighty feuce, stopping now and then and endeavoring to peer be- “mission to perform—this is to rescue Gold Rifie, the Sharpshooter. tween the cracks, without avail. The darkness ine / side preventing his seeing anything of the interior. —. Upon the southern side he found two ponderous / gates, made like the fence of heavy plank, and bar-/ red on the inside. Here, evidently, was the only en- trance and exit of the Ranch. | Here, also, Gold Rifle saw the fresh imprint of horses’ hoofs, showing that some one had recently + entered the yard from off the prairie, Going all around the Ranch, he arrived at the spot he had started from, and throwing off his outer, or hunting, jacket, he set silently and noise lessly to work. 3 i With his stout hunting-knife, he cut out in squaré cakes a large space of snow-crust, taking cure to work under the dark shadow of the fence, These cakes he made about two feet square, and when pried out they had a solid thickness of about five inches, and were all a person would care to carry. After cutting over a hundred of these, a task which occupied fully an hour, he carried them close to the fence, and hea piling them up in order of a stairs, until he had elevated them so that by standing on the last step he could just peer over the top of the fence. : ss In two minutes after the completion of his novel snow-stairs, he had drawn himself up on the top of the fence, and giving a hurried glance, he drépped lightly down into the yard—and into the grasp of half a dozen men who had ail the time been crouch- ing in a black shadow. ji ‘ In vain the young Getective fought to free himself from the iron grasp upon him, and to get at one of his revolvers. But he might.as well have tried to raise the earth. He was borne down upon the snow, and bound se- curely, hand and foot,.and then carried between four brawny outlaws into the Black Ranch, which was a monster building, roughly constructed, and repellent in its midnight color, In through a series of halls and entries, and then finally the captors - halted in the center of a long wide apartment, fur- nished only with rude settees. Gold Rifle was placed on one of these, and allowed the privilege of sitting Bp. The room was brilliantly lighted with chandeliers: containing lamps, and the young detective had a chance to see who his ore were, Oae he remembered of having seen.at the Christ- mas turkey shoot, and heard addressed as Jacob Toleman—one of the foremost in denouncing Gold Rifle as the outlaw, Tiger Track. The others were masked, but that they were some of the trader’s pals there could be no doubt. The trader advanced now, a devilish expression of jubilance upon his face. “Hal ha! you young hawk, you didn’t escape us so nice, after all, did ye?” he leered. ‘‘You put yourself in our man-trap neatly. Now then, I don’t intend ter spend much breath over ye, but I’ve got a few questions ter ask ye. Ye’re Wild Walt Wag- pp Mere we know. Now then, whar’s yer ad? “Find out and you'll know!” retorted Gold Rifle. “Tl not tell ye.” “ All right; we won’t tige you. Search him, boys, and then cast him into the pit without bonds, He ean’t never git out—that’s bin proven.” A hurried search of Gold Rifle’s clothing was ac- cordingly made, and an old letter found and handed to Jacob Toleman. He tore it open and perused it eagerly, his villainous countenance assuming a more th expression. When he had finished he said: “It’s a couple of months old, but here’s what it says: 2 4 “Dear Son:—When this reaches you T shall have left our mountain home, and taken the gold to a safer hiding-place. On my return I have a great mother and my wife from captivity. Only yesterday. your dear

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Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. ee T got an inkling that she whom we have so long mourned as dead, is living and a prisoner in Tiger Track’s stronghold. If yon can de anything, do it quickly, for our mutual sake. Your FarHer.”’ “So ye thought you’d come and search for yer mother, did ye, boy? Well, we’re goin’ ter give ye a chance among the human skeletons as keep you company in the pit, D’ye know where Wild Walt is?’ ‘No! I wouldn't tell if I did!” returned Gold Rifle indignantly. ‘ He’ll be the death of you yet.” No more was said; the four men pounced upon him, and though he struggled with all his power, they bore him to a well-like opening in the center o: the Se and pitched him over into it head-fore- most. Down—down—down went the young sharpshooter into the black depths, and the four ruffians turned away with horrible chuckles, as though the work were nothing unusual to them—a sort of by-play to pass away time. CHAPTER Ix, IN THE BARTH—GOLD RIFLH’S ACTION, Wuen Gold Rifle found himself going down head- foremost into the pit of darkness, he felt sure that he was going to his death, yet had the presence of mind to make a desperate attempt to turn over, so that he would strike upon his feet. Whether or not he succeeded he never knew; all he realized was a terrible jar, then a blank came and he knew no more. How long he lay in this condition of course hé could not tell, but at last there came an avakening: He opened his eyes. Everything that had passed. came clearly to him, and in a second he knew that he had been cast into the pit beneath the Ranch. For many minutes he lay Pe ttectty. quiet, fear- ful to move lest that act should bring to him the discovery that some limb had been broken or mis- laced. He could fee] no soreness as he lay upon he ground, and after awhile came to the conclusion that he was not hurt at all, and with an effort rose to his feet. He now found that he had sustained no injuries: otherwise than a severe shock which had made his. lower limbs rather stiff, and that he was still better than half a dozen dead men. He stood for many minutes at loss what to do. Around him all was Stygian gloom. He could not even see his hand in front of bisface. Above, many hundred feet it seemed, was a tiny round speck of light, and this he knew emanated from the room of the Black Ranch, from which he had been hurled into the pit. 2 He was in a hole, deep down in the bowels of the earth, which was intended as his tomb. That others had died here was plainly evidenced by the terrible stench that prevailed—a deathly, sickening odor of decaying bodies. A horrible place it was,and a shudder escaped Gold Rifle as he breathed the foul atmosphere. “Ugh! he muttered, half-fearing to stir; “this is: about ther worst dose of perfume I ever got. What's: to be did? that’s the question before ther Investi- gatin’ Committee. A feller can’t remain long in this: stench and live; and as long’s I'm hull-bonea yet, T ain’t a-going to say die. The first requisite is a light,, and I have the very article of production in my.coat- sleeve pocket. which is handier than a pocket. in a. shirt. Glad them chaps were kind enough to leave: =, hands and feet free.” ending over, he fumbled in his capacious right coat-sleeve, which contained a leathern pocket, and. soon produced a half of a sperm candle and some: matches, One of these he struck upon his sleeve and then ignited the candle, and had a bright light, _ which illuminated the buttom of the pit with star- thing distinctness, ; been given reason to expect. He was in a tomb, at he saw was but evidence of what ke had wis 1? deep down in the bowels of the earth—a place of the dead rather than the living. All around werestrewn skeletons, skulls and haif-decayed corses; close at hand lay a body that apparently had not yet entered into decomposition—that of a man past forty years of age. At one side of the pit was a deep hole in the bot- tom, with a body half-dr: into it, and close at hand lay a shovel and a pick. To Gold Rifle, the meaning of this was quite plain, The stench rising out of the pit being too great in the Ranch above, a man had been sent down by the outlaws to bury the dead, but weakening when the job was half-complete the fellow had backed out, and left his tools behind him, And to Gold Rifle this was next to a reprieve, for he knew in an instant that the pick and shovel meant life and liberty to him. Sticking the candle into a thumb-denture tn the wall, he seized the shovel and began rolling the de- eayed bodies into the grave. It was a trying piece of work, and any man but one with iron nerves must have fainted in the stench around. But, work- ing for life and liberty ever lends to man extraordi- nary endurance, and at last the job was finished; every corse, or evidence thereof, was rolled into the grave, and the dirt piled copiously upon them. As a natural result, the stench in the pit became less and Jess offensive,'and in half an hour, the at- mosphere below was quite breathable. At least, it seemed so to Gold Rifle, after the sickening ordeal he had passed through. His candle was burning low, and havirg !ut one more in his pocket, he knew that he must necds get to work toward escaping. He had already formed his plans; for his hands and brains had each been busy. He would cut a spiral stairway of steps around the pit, from the bot- tom to the ae It was fully thirty feet to the floor above, but what of that? Life, liberty, vengeance, all awaited his exerticns, He had faith in his suc- cess to work out bis fully-formed plan, by aid of the shovel and his hunting-knife—for, strange to say, the outlaws had not deprived him of his weapons, So commencing, he cut a deep indenture into the round siding, and worked from that, step by step. he ground was of tenacious clay, but this was.all the better for him, as it made bis staircase of éarth all the stronger. ~ With all bis strength he worked away, throwing the soft dirt into the bottom of the pit, and thereby effectually shutting out the scent of the dead bodies. By the time his candle was half-spent, he had two cireles of his stair-case completed, and was about half-way up from the bottom of the pit. Although much fatigued by his exhaustive labor, he did not. pause but kept determivedly on, for he knew that he must needs canes the remain distance while his light held out, and he calculate, the candle, eh was a whole one, would last abou six hows, in all. The hour and minute hands of his watch pointed to the hour of twelve, but he was unable to tell whether it was noon, or midnight, not knowing how long he had been insensible. Believing by the state of his stomach that it must be noon. he paused long enough to seraps of venison which were in his haversack, He then went on digging resolutely, and worked until he found that he must yield to exhaustion, and rest. Ho Gere Rear ig ceased his work, and digging out a deep hole iu the dirt, ensconced himself in sf ond went off into a sound, refreshing sleep, first, how-* ever, blowing out his candle, en he awoke a couple of hours later, he felt greatly refreshed and strengthened, and set to work again. Fortwo hours he Jabored, and then, when- he was within ten feet of the opening into the room above, his candle wholly expired. 3 But this was not so great a disappointment now, | ‘as suffelent light for his purpose came down from ‘above. Right here he dug out, in addition to his ae artake of the —

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48 Gold Rifle, tae Sbarpshooter. staircase, a large, deep pari in the earth siding of the pit, in what he concluded was the northern side. He spent severa! hours in its construction, for he meant that it should be large enough so that ¢2wo persons could move about handily. : Two persons—for with remarkable daring his form- ed plans now included the rescue of his mother, and escape by way of this very pit! After he had completed the little cave he proceed- ed to complete his staircase, working carefully, and with as little noise as possible, for there was now danger of being overheard by the outlaws, should any of them chance to be in the room overhead. Therefore, though swiftly, he worked silently, and in the course of half an hour he had attained a 3tanding position from whence he could grasp the floor.rim above with his two hands without fa went so that it would be an easy matter to draw himself up out of the new half-filled pit. But this he was not anxious to do immediately. He had been caught by the outlaws once, and if he was to be caught again, he meant that it should not be for lack of precaution on his part. Finishing the last step necessary, he returned to his little cave, ten feet below, and sat down to rest and listen. From here almost Sts going on in the room overhead could be distinctly heard. Some time elapsed before Gold Rifle heard pay sound; then came the tramp of heavy-booted feet, and a man peered over into the pit, with a strange, hollow laugh. Directly afterward. the lights in the room were turned low, and Gold Hifle heard the fel- low tramp away. “Humph!”’ he muttered, ‘‘I guess the coast is ‘clear now, and I can go up safely. Reckon that chap was a guard, and it will be my duty to silence him if he gets in my way. The room above evident- ly is not used excapt on occasions when the band meets to try a fellov-mortal for some offense, and chuck him down into the pit.” Leaving the shovelin the cave, and arranging his knife and revolvers in a convenient position, the young detective set out on his daring venture. Vs the power of his strong young arms he drew himself up out of the pit into the room. He was now free in one ssnse—free from imprisonment in that deep, darksome earth-dungeon It will bs remembered that he left his boots in the snow, outside of the great fence; therefore he could now move nearly noiselessly, clad in his thick, warm moccasins. . : Gliding into one corner of the room where the - shadows, were the thickest, he et pals down upon one of the rude settees and waited. 3 had as yet not fixed upon any plan of immadiate action, but he could not remain long undiscovered. Indeed, he now heard the clumsy-footed guard coming back, with pune curses upon some object which he had ropnped. | “Kn’t be I drapped it inter ther pit!’ he growled, tramping into ths room, and approaching the black hole in the floor. ‘‘ Wouldn’t ’a’ lost thet plug 0’ ter- bacey fer a counterfeit dollar, ’ca’se thar ain’t no more in ther Ranch, ef old Jim Bender, the quirter- master, don’t lie, Kinder *spect Jim’s hid ther weed fer his own use, and wants ter make ther b'yees go wi’out, durn his old hide, an’—” “Halt! One move or word and you die!” came a low command, accompanied by the click, click, of a revolver lock. ‘Stand perfectly still, without look- ing either way, or over you go into that pit, eend over eend, as sure’s thar’s strength enough in six fellers to put you thar.” The guard obeyed with a muttered curse. He dare not disobsy, when he felt the cold muzzle of a revolver touch the back of his neck. With the strong deer-thong straps which he al- ‘ways carried in his pocket, Gold Rifle securely bound the ruffian’s hands behind him, and then wheeled him around so that they faced each other. ‘There ye are, my man!” he said, with a chuckle, “taken a prisoner just as nice as you please. “Ruined my wife, and afterwy our— send you where they have brimstone hash for board. Now, then, since you’re my prisoner, I have a per- fect right to subject you to a rigorous course of questioning which may not be at all to your hiking, but which you must swallow and digest as you would a sugar-coated pill. ‘* And also you must answer every question, and if you don’t, and go a-tryin’ ter yell, or tall loud to at- tract attention, or any dodge games, down goes your shanty into that pit o’ the dead, like a double- distilled thunderbolt! D’ye hear?” The man assented by a nod of his head. He knew it wasn’t his trump flop, yet. CHAPTER X. Couldn't have done it better yourself, could There! take care you don’t speak loud, or I’ QUESTIONING—FALSE HA’R—PLAYING GUARD—A CAP> — TURE AND ESCAPE INTO THE CAVE. “‘Wett, then,’’ continued Gold Rifle, gliding away, and closing the door which the guard had lef! Cons and also turning on a greater power of light from the lamps, ‘‘ the first question I shall ask you is what is yourname? Answer in a low prompt tone, and you'll not be harmed.” ““My name’s Mose Renfrau!”’ was the sullen re- sponse. ““Mose Renfrau, eh? Do you belong to Tiger ee Ate fo Gang 2 “ No—I belo: 0 Gang 2.” “What’s thaty” “The gang w’at works inside. The outlaws ar’ No. 1, and hev nothin’ ter do wi’ us fellers.”’ Seth that’s the lay-out is it? You're a guard then?” “Yes. I have charge of the whole building—a beat, through every hall to see that all is right.” “Do you ever enter the rooms?” **Ov course; I hev ter give ther signal and they let me in,” £ “What is the signal?” “ Go fiud out—I'll not tell ye.” “You won’t, eh?” Gold Rifle reminded, seizing him and forcing him forward toward the hole of the pit— then down ye go, end over end.” The fellow’s face assumed a white, scared look as he was confronted by the yawning abyss, and he trembled in every limb. “Yes! yes! Til tell” he gasped, his teeth chat- tering, ‘‘only don’t shove me down in that grave. What is it you want to know?” ‘The fae you spoke of.” “Well, it is five successive light raps upon the door. One feller never speaks ter ernuther, durin’ workin’ hours.” Gold Rifle gazed at the guard sharply, to see if he was lying, but he was evidently not, judging from his countenance. But, one thing did not escape the lynx eyes of the yor detective—a ragged e of hide where the hair and beard met above the ear. “See here!” he exclaimed grimly, “‘ you ain’t ther 1 chap ye seem at all. What means this?” and with _ his hands he jerked off first a long false beard, and then a bain BY hair. “What kind of a crooked game are ye tryin’ ter play, anyhow?” The man swore roundly in French, and his eyes looked like balls of fire. ‘Shorn of his hirsute pos- sessions, he appeared a man of thirty-five, smooth: faced, and the very phatograys of all that was evil. “You may as well out with it,’’ said Gold Rifle, ‘‘ for I know that you are not here wi houtan object. You are under disguise, and have some plan afoot, or you would not be here. Needn’t be afraid to tell me, for I'm_a detective, and don’t want any- thing more to do with you than can be helped. What are Pe here for, you rascal?” ; “To kill Tiger Track, the outlaw!" replied the man, fiercely. Purpose, and still Tiger Track lives.” ‘What wrong has he ever done you?" murdered her ta = Vs ee ee OL eee “I have been here a year for that.

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Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. 13 t rid ofher. Do you not think I ought to hate m? ; “T should 7 yes. And now, are we to be friends or enemies? ou evidently care nothing for the band, except to accomplish your object; lam here to rescue my mother who has long been a prisoner in Tiger Track’s power. You can let me have your ee as guard until I get her free, and then assume his disguise again for your own plans.” Peet ea but where will I y during all that e “ Down in the pit. The dead are all far under the ground and there is nosmell. You can remain there, and I will lower = down provisions. Ifa day goes by without your hearing from me, you can come up by aid of a stairway I have cut into the earth. You will find your trappings in this room.” They talked at considerable length, and after giv- ing Gold Rifle all the information possible, Renfrau consented to be lowered into the pit, on condition that Gold Rifle would not forget the food This the young detective promised. and procuring a long, stout rope, he lowered the Frenchman into the pit. He then donned the wig and false beard, after which he closely resembled the man whose place he was usurping. The first round he made of the beat he was watchful and ready for defense, should his assumption be detected. He passed several men in the long halls of the Ranch, but none of them paid the least attention to him. After making half a dozen rounds, according to Renfrau's directions, he repaired to the cook-room and got bis morning meal, which consisted of veni- son and corn-dodgers, for which he had a strong relish. So strong, in fact, that he managed to store away five of the dodgers ‘in his pockets. These he dropped down to Renfrau on his return to the audience-room. Of the elder Toleman he had seen nothing, and no one mentioned him. The outlaws he found to occu- y quarters in the southeastern pr of the build- fig, where they remained, hardly ever venturing oO any other parts. A day and a night passed, and still Gold Rifle re- mained on guard duty. The larger part of the day he was allowed to sleep, as there were plenty astir throughout the Ranch; night was when his services came into requisition. Although he had been nearly all through the Ranch he had not stumbled upon the room which contained the imprisoned Agnes Wagner, his long- lost mother. Renfrau had told him that she was somewhere in the great building, but even he did not know exactly where. But there was one discovery he had made—one which no one outside the outlaw clique had ever sus- pected. Tie Black Ranch was in reality a counterfeiters’ den, where base coin Was manufactured and finished for the market. Gold Rifle had been in five rooms devoted to its manufacture, the first being the molding, the second the sizing, the third the stamping and the fourth the weighing and perfecting room. The fifth apartment was the store and boxing-room, and also the office. As near as he could learn, without betraying him- self with over-inquisitiveness, Gold Rifle concluded that the Lh oa Be had been going on for nearly six months, during which time over twenty thousand dollars’ worth of spurious coin had been success- fully “ fiooded,’’ and _ still the counterfeiters had twice that amount on hand for future use. They only worked at the dead of night—from elev- en o'clock until day-dawn; then the counterfeiting- rooms were locked up, and the men, some eighteen or twenty in number. scattered to their various rooms throughout the building. There was a bar in ove room, and this was the in general resort of all within the Black Ranch. Moreover, Gold Rifle learned that a squad of ten men constantly acted as pickets in the yard outside of the building, and a man kept watch in the tower. And he saw that it would be next to impossible for him to escape, unless it was as he had designed, by tunneling out in under the Ranch. This he réSolved to do, as soon as possible after his pees s the imprisoned Agnes Wagner. For the day following he had no occupation, and in these hours, when there was no danger of their being discovered, both he and Renfrau worked. at the tunnel, for the Frenchman saw that it might serve him as an avenue of escape, after he had com- pleted his meditated vengeance on Tiger Track. aie a Pee ee shetg ge ld — resum- e gua uty, bu nfrau kept on ing. In one of his rounds through the billac est the second floor of the Ranch, the youn detective heard a frean, and approaching close to the door nearest him, he paused and listened. There were voices inside, engaged in conversation. It was evi- dently a man and a woman, and the man was speak- ing, in the unmistakable tones of Jecob Toleman. ‘There! there! shet up yer blubbering, woman, over thet brato’ ourn. Et cum ter ther Settlement, an’I had it braiped, as I told you I would, ef you ever tried any games to escape. Ireckon ye'll find out after awhile thet ’'m master / When stole ye away from Alf King, or Boover Legree, as he’s now known, I thort I war gettin’ a lamb, ’ca’se ye allers appeared so while ye war Wild Walt’s wife; but I soon found ther difference!” ““Yes, you brute! you found that I was yet a wo- man, and would fight for my power, It’s now niany years, Dolph Carew, since I saw the light of the outer world, but God be praised. I believe it will not, be much longer. I am inspired with a faith that I shall either dis, or be rescued from this terrible in- earceration!”’ 2 ‘*Hal ha! you are getting wild again, Aggie—out o’ yer right mind. hy, you old fool, who do you suppose could rescue you from this imp: able prison? You are here for your life—my wife, my slave, if I choose to make 4 “Your wife? God forbid! The bonds which you forced upon me were but a horrible mockery in the sight of heaven, for I have a husband living. No! no! you need not leer and scoff, for Wild Walt still lives, and I shall be again his ere long. Something tells me so, and I cannot drive off the impression. It clings to me by day and by night.” “ An’ ‘Il hev ter keep a-clingin’, fer all ther good it will do you. Isee Legree a few eh thy an’ he’s as hot as ever at Tiger Track fer stealin’ ye. Legree is a very devil!” “But an angel, compared with you, you wretch!* was the retort. : “JT know I’m not an angel!” replied the villain, with a malignant chuckle. ‘“ Indeed, it is one of the greatest delights of my life to worry and torment you—to make your existence a foretaste of hell. That is because I love youso. But I cannot tarry longer, now, for I must away to other work. Gen- eral Maynard, your father, I may as well tell you, will soon make an attempt to take this Ranch, with the vain hope of repossessing himself of you. He has but a handful of men—one to our three—and in- side of twenty-four hours from now, if they an- proach near, their bodies "ll make coyote fodder. So good by, you she-tigress cub, and may your dreams hereafter not be so silly. Your days are doomed to be spent within these dismal walls, and when you die I shall cremate you, and retain your ashes asa souvenir, in a glass case at the head of my bed!”’ With a horrible laugh the ruffian turned, and Gold Rifle heard him coming toward the door. He stepped to one side, an expression of grim de- termination upon his face, bis eyes gleaming forth the pent-up anger that was in his breast. “Tl beste the inhuman beast one rap,” he mut- tered, seizing a hickory walking-stick, which stood near. “If 1 cin’t drop him, I’ve got a knife to finish him with, aside from as noisy a pair of revolvers as ever cracked. I dare not use them here, how ever.” .

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20 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. arene j —— Nearer the ruffian came, and Gold Rifle seized his stick firmly, There was much depending, now, andshe resolved to be the victor when he had the chance, The key turned in the log, the door opened, and_the elder Toleman, or Dolph Carew, as the prisoner had called him, stepped out ix-to the hall, Then came a whiz and a whack of the chib, and without even a groan the old ruffian dropped to the floor. 3 Gold Rifle did not pause to see if he was seriously hurt or not, but seizing him by the heels, dragged him back into the room occupied by the prisoner. “Come!” he said, turning to her and beholding a pale, sickly-looking woman of eight-and-thirty years. ‘If you would escape from this living death, come with me, for Iam your son, came to rescue you, my ee ed mother!” And he advanced toward her with outstretched arms. “My son}”’ she Baan ne aaa him, her eyes te oriously with a new-born hope; ‘“‘my . can this be true, or am I going mad—mad—mad?”’ “ You are not wrong, dear mother!” the young de- tective replied, kissing her tenderly, ‘‘forif you are Agnes Wagner, the wife of Wild Walt, I am your son, whom you bave not seen since he was a little boy: But come, dear mother, we must not tarry here, for you probably well know the men who sur- round us!” “Oh, God! Ihave not prayed to Thee in vain for aid, and You have sent mea noble gift which over- whelms me with gratitude toward Thee. Yes, come, my son, for I would not longer tarry in this horrible confinement. Is he dead?’ with a motion toward the senseless rffian. “No, { think not, so I will lock him in this room, that he may have a taste of what you have experi- enced, here!’ Gold Rifle said, ae He hastily gathered i. a bundle of wraps and elothing, which: caught his eye, and then led the way out into the hall, locking the door after them, Then they cautiously descended the stairs, and made their way through a labyrinth of halls, most luckily not encountering any one of the enemy. On reaching the pit room, Gold Rifle by Renfrau’s assistance, succeeded in getting Mrs. Wagner safely down into the little cave in the side of the pit; then Gold Rifle went to the cook room and succeeded in capturing a large haunch of venison, already roasted for the morrow’s meals. This he took down into the little cave, and then Renfrau received back his disguise and went on guard duty above, the same as af first, promising to warn the young detective in case of danger. After slicing up the venison, and secreting it about his person, Gold Rifle set desperately at work in tunneling toward the river-shore, which Renfrau had already well started! CHAPTER XI. OUT OF ZBARTH—ON THE ICE AND A RACE FOR LIFE— IN THE PATH OF AN AVALANCHE. DrrermineD now was Gold Rifle to escape, for he had a dear mother to care for, and he worked away with a will. The dirt was now light and loamy, being so near the surface, and he made rapid headway, When it was about morning, he ceased his labors for a few ‘moments, and with Mrs. Wagner partook of some of ‘the venison he had captured. He then went at it agein, and by noon he conclud- _ 6d by a gurgling sound just in front of him, that he was almost through. So he paused, and went back to the little cave in the dirt, at the commencement of the tunnel, where he had left his mother. He _ found the guard, Renfrau, here, also, waiting anx- - jously to know the result of the labor. ; “TL guess I’m aged through,” Gold Rifle answer- ed, to his inquiry, ‘but whether I shall come out above or under the ice, [do not yet know. I shall not break out until darkness again, How is it out- | side?” — “Sharp and clear, with moonless nights. You'll get off, easy enough, an’I wish ye God speed, an’ the leddy too.” Tne guard then took his departure, and Gold Rifle and his mother waited anxiously for the coming of darkness. During the time intervening, they found much to say to each other, and Mrs. Wagner was preatl: overjoyed to learn that her husband was alive an somewhere in the West. The knowledge was con- soling to her, The afternoon passed quickly, and when by his watch he knew it was srowines dark, Gold Rifle led the way into the tunnel, and on reaching the spot where he had left off di ging, he set to work to break through the remaining dirt. It was an easy matter, for a few shovelfuls of dirt only were taken out, ere a dull light shone in. Peering out of the aperture, he gave an exultant lit- tle ery, for his calculations had been so correct, that they would come out fair and even upon the ice. In five minutes he had the hole large enough to admit of their egress, and they breathed the pure air of freedom. Before them stretched the night and a snowy wil- derness. .. } And they had now to depend upon their feet to bear them away from the terrible den that had so $ long been Agnes Warner’s prison. “Oh! God be praised,” she murmured, as she gazed out over the boundless view of crystal white, and upat the heavens, where a few pale stars were twin . “This is the grandest, most grateful sight that has greeted my eyes for many eg ears. It seems like coming out of a dark world into,a brighter one.”’ ‘ “And so it will be to you, dearest. mother, for I shall and others will strive to make your future life most bappy. and bright. You will remain, please, while I skulk around the neighborhood and get my boots and rifle, which I left outside the fenee ere attempted toenter the Ranch and got caught. won’t be long.” ah “But = are going into peril again, my son.” “No, 1 am_ not risking much, dear mother, and will soon return.”’ / So saying Gold Rifle creptfrom the hole out into the open air, and along in the shadow of the creek bank, Above him towered the shadows of thegreat. Ranch surrounded as it was by its black, high fence, Everything looked about the same to the young etective, as when he had entered, nowsome scout forty-eight hours before. Stealthily he crept along the bank several yards and then came upon his rifle, securely hidden in the 3 sage bushes, Leaving it, he crawled along over the snow to- ward the fence, near where he had scaled it, for it was here he had buried his boots. It was a daring venture, but he was aware that he must havethem, in order to escape. Inch by inch he crept along, ex- _ pecting. every minute to get a challenge, or a bullet n his brain. + . But luck was with him, and without evident dis-— covery he found and ulled onhis boots. Hewas about to retreat, when his eye caught sightof anob- tee close at hand, and his heart gave a jump when ¥ he saw that it was a medium-sized frame hand-sled, — with a lasso attached, It had evidently been left there by some Ranch | hand; yet, it occurred to Gold Rifle, might it not be preg Jt was just the very thing he wanted to draw his mother upon, still he hesitated and lay upon the snow, watching with the eyes of a lynx. ‘*Reckon a feller can’t more’n try, anyhow!’ he — muttered, at last. ‘‘an’ ef I am discovered, I caleu- lat> wi’? my skates on I kinoutrun’em.” ~ AS ae Creeping forward he grasped the lariat and began preety aoe tow. the river, pulling the sled behind him. Without accident he reached the ice, and securing his rifle and skates, he advanced along :

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¢ +» around poor Mrs Bs up to the hole. Here he found Mrs. Wagner await- ite anxously. 4 “Had you any trouble?” : “No, but I opine we'd better be gittin’ out of this, lively. *T'won’t be long before there’ll be a rumpus in the enemies’ camp. You get on the sled, while I am | putting on these skates, and we'll soon be “ Hark! listen! a shout!’’ exclaimed Mrs. Wagner. breathlessly, pointing into the hole. Quickly Gold are sprung to the opening, and listened for a repe- tition. It came booming alo: ment later, in a hoarse, rdsman, Renfrau: | * Fly! fly! they’ve discovered yer flight—look out fer em, a good seven dozen strong. Fly! “As I expected!’ Gold Rifle muttered, with a prim contraction of his brows. ‘‘ We've got to git, in shape.’ ny He Anished buckling on his skates, then placing through the tunnel, a mo- eep voice—the voice of the Mrs. Wagner upon the sled, he wrapped her warmly | in the blankets he had fetched from the Ranch. Every minute now seemed an hour until they should get started. ‘ ¥ “* Now hang on!” he said, ard seizing the lariat he started down over the ice, drawing the sled behind him. The track lay before him like a monster reach of glass, and a spirit of joy was the young sharp- shooter’s, as he was able to dart away trom the out- law den, at a much faster speed than he could go on the snow. _ . He could hear the shouts and curses of the out- laws, and knew that they had discovered his escape, and the route he had taken, but he resolved to dis- tance them, nor give up in the attempt. ‘They've got only one possible chance to head us off,” he muttered, ‘and that’s below here, ‘a couple of miles in the sharp bend of the river. By coing overland on horseback, they can are get there ahead of me. But, not if I can help it.” He set his teeth hard together, and darted on over the smooth surface like'a Sying bird, never pausing once to look back or around him. Not until he was approaching near to the bend; then he came to a h alt. “What is the matter?” inquired Mrs. Wagner, anxiously. “Is there danger?’ % * Yes. to advance further on the river. A whole gang of the outlaws are concealed around a bend down yonder, and we shall have to leave the ice. He was not long in making the decision, but pulled the sled up onto the strong snow crust on the west- ern side of the river, ; “You had better let me get off and walk,” said Mrs. Wagner, anxiously. “‘I have considerable strength on occasions like this.” “No, no; you sit still. I can make better time drawing you than if you were to walk. The erust holds up perfectly under my skates, and I shall keep them on.’ It was too dark to see anything of the enemy, so he set out over the prairie at a brisk speed, the stiff crust answering nearly the same purpose as the ice for skating For several hours he toiled on, pulling his precious prize behind him, determined to keep a-going as long as his strength held out. t - But at last he was obliged to succumb to fatigue, and came to a halt in a small belt of timber on the top of a prairie crest. : “Pm goin’ to stop here till daylight, anyhow,” he said, puffing and panting fromy his. over-exertions. “1 don’t reckon the devils will get my trail before that time. We must have come fully eight miles from the river, if not more.’”’ 3 ' He did not build a fire, although the night was _ cold, for this would be certain to attract his enemies to. the spot, but. Nigga all the blankets snugly . Wagner, he threw himself. flat a Bpon the oe ie downward, and went off into a au Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. pa yae 21 sound sleep, trusting to his instinct to arouse him in case of danger.* Gold Rifle slept on japan Ss until close upon ) day-dawn, when he awoke ready for the day’s labor, come it in what shape it might. Arousing his mother, who had not suffered much from the cold, he gave her some of the venison he had fetched along, and they both satisfied the crav- ing of their appe' fe We will wait a little longer, till the darkness en- tirely clears away, for I want to get a view of the pipe Or re Pronnaty Gold Rifle said, ‘This must be the high P pe for several 1 es around, as I remember, and I can see the outlaws if they are anywhere on the prairie within eye-shot. The mountains of the Little Panther range cannot be far back of us.” ‘“‘ And is there where you are going, my son?”’ “Tf I am pursued, yes. Otherwise, I shali eut around and make for the fort, of which your father has command.” _ The darkness cleared away rapidly now, and the light of a clear, crisp day dawned over ’the snow Iderness, Atid the ate that was presented to the view of Gold Rifle was little more than he expected. The outlaws were at the spot where he had left the ice, some five miles to the eastward, and were eg starting out upon lis trail. He raw this much, yy aid of his glass; but he also made a discovery that was in a degree encouraging. There were but about a score of the pursuers, all told. The remainder of the outlaw gang had evi- dently taken another course. “Can you see the Black Ranch, my dear?” Mrs. . Wagner asked, coming out to the edge of the tim- ber, where Gold Rifle was standing. “One corner of its roof—no! it’s the tower of the Ranch, ’way off yonder. The remainder of the place is hidden behind a prairie swell, greater than this. But come; we must not tarry here, but must recommence the race. The outlaws are already be~ Saree where we left the ice, and I wish to reach the mountains ere we stop again.” Mrs. Wagner again resumed et ee ee the sled, and seizing the lariat, Gold Rifle set out briskly to the westward. - No halt was made, but he pushed determinedly on toward a high mountain peak which loomed up before them in the distance, looking like a giant specter in its sheet of pure white. “There's a cave half-way a that mountain-side, if I remember!’’_the young detective said, as they advanced, ‘‘for I think that is the Elk or Barth- aoe peak I’ve heard old Alva Lanche tell abou own at Yankton. If we can get in the cave, we’ be all right, and can fight off the varmints until they git ree = in peared. ‘The heayens suddenly became overcast with a dull gray color, and snow hegan to fall fast and thick, every flake counting. being as large near- ly a a nickel, Evidently a severe storm was at and. * } A stern expression came over Gold Rifle’s features, © and Mrs. Wagner noticed it at once. 7 * What is it?” she questioned. ‘‘ Will not this snow cover up our trail?” : “ Yes, and us, toe, unless we strike cover inside of — two hours.” was the disquieting reply, “Et’s goin’ ter be an old snorter, such as ye read about!” * Many of my readers will say, doubtless—‘' Wh; Ishould think he would have frozen, lying there % But my answer is, no! Several winters ago. I had occasion to try the experiment, at the suggestion of an old woodsman, for we were out where neither shelter nor fire was to be had. I laid down, and be- ing fatigued, dropped into asleep which lasted un mows when { was awakened, very much refresh- | ed, not feeling the cold scarcely at all since tried to study ont the reason 0: ing, but gaye it up as a mystery, my not freez Thave often in the course of a half-hour, a new change ap- er oe

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22 i He increased his walk to a run and kept on, while the white flakes came down in dense clouds, cover- ing them perfectly white. n—on, resolutely yet doubtingly, and at last the: arrived at the foothills of the mountains, but to their disappointment not:a tree was there to offer them shelter. And the snow came down faster and faster; it had already fallen to the depth of a foot, and still no si of cessation. : : ‘*Get off and let me assist you!” Gold Rifle said; “we shall have to try and hunt up the cave, up in the mountain-side, or perish in the snow!” They began the steep rocky ascent, which was nearly perpendicular, and gained an altitude of fifty feet or more; then stopped with white, scared faces, as they heard a strange humming, rushing roar above them—something awful in its import. ** My God, we are in the path of an avalanche!” Gold Rifle exclaimed. CHAPTER XIl. ON TH2 PRAIRIE—RUFFIANS AND RED-SKINS, THE man whom General Maynard had engaged as guide into the Black Ranch country was in many re- spects an ‘“‘odd’un’’ on the side of human character. e was evidently along in the forties, strong and muscularly built, with a quick sharp glance for every new object, and_a habital watchfulness about himself, lest he should be stricken by an enemy, or should betray himself. % He was one of those old roving spirits who had spent a lifetime on the border, and seen rough life in nearly all its different phases; was a man of . liberal education, evidently, but uncouth and eccen- tric of speech as a general thing. Little of his face could be seen for the heavy beard that swept nearly to his belt, and at a glance into his black, gleaming eyes one would say that he was not the man to brook insult or much offense. He gave his name to General Maynardjas Old Steuben, and by this title he was made known to the whole party. After leaving the farm-house the cavaleade struck into a sharp gallop and headed due westward into the pure white of the snow-bound West. * All of the party were mounted upon steeds whose powers of endurance had had many a test, and whose speed was hard to equal; and therefore there was a jolly spirit prévailing. Perhaps, more than all else, it was because pretty May Maynard headed the band, looking gay and bright in her artistic costume—for she was now & main among them, and every man could have well wished her their captain, Old Steuben rode on in advance, grimly silent and uncommunicative, except when questioned. ~ The man seemed to have some burden resting upon his mind, some secret which caused the reserve which was one of his personal peculiarities. May noticed this, and her tender young heart kin- dled toward him, for his quiet withdrawal from the Sd of the men looked as if none were friendly to m, “ Are you lonely without company, sir?” she ask- ed, gallo ing forward to his side. “I should think you would be,” “Wh? lonesome, my leddy? No, I don’t reckon IT am, more’n usual. Kinder natural to me, ye see— , this preference for solitude, *Tain’t many ladies as comes ter talk ter an old nut like me.” __ “That is because they are so blind as not to see that men ofttimes are found under the rudest cover- ing, sir,” was the reply. : “God bless ye, young lady, fer thar’s *4ore truth in ’em words thun ye’d suppose, Thar was a time when Old Steuben hed as much style “.s any o’ ther boyees, but life on this frontier ll yoon take ther polish an’ starch out o’ a fellar.” 2 May could but be impressed with his words, and _ saw that there was a sound, deeply-sensible man, up¢er the rough exterior of Old Steuben. They traveled along swiftly in the afternoon’s sun- é Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. ow A light, et ae picturesque sight as they trailed over the white winding-sheet of the prairie About sundown they came in sight of a ‘‘ prairie island,”’ or motte of timber, several miles ahead, and General Maynard ai ene to to the scout, who ap- proached respectfully ‘“* You see the timber ahead, scout—would that not ae fe an admirable camping-ground for the night?” “Yes, general, if it is not already occupied by the” enemy. Them ‘ar mottes ar’ ginerally occupied, in sech weather, by red-skins, or ans o’ sum sort an’ theyll be sure ter fight fer their grounds.” “True, but I don’t fancy the notion of camping down in the open. Is there not another of these islands where we can find shelter by a few hours ° more of brisk ride?” ‘*Most likely, sir, and we will strike off a little more to the north, paket gradually in that direc- tion. But here, let me call yer attention ter sum- thin’ w’ich I reckon hes escaped yer eyes. D’ye know thet we’re follered?” “‘ Followed ? no! by whom, pray?” ; “Dunno, sir, fer my eyes won’t reach fur enough ter let me find out. But thar they are, about six miles back in the rear—jest in plain sight, now!’ ~ All hands turned in their saddles, and gazed back over the ocean of white, in search of the sail of life, and, sure enough,:two horsemen were seen far in the distance, on the crest of a prairie swell. “They’ve follered us frum ther Settlement!” said Old Steuben, ‘‘an’ I reckon they’re up ter sum deévil- ny, or they'd hurry an‘ ketch up.” *I cannot imagine who it is, unless some of Tirer Track’s men were in the Settlement when we left,” said General Maynard, anxiously. ‘Your idear is probably kerect!” replied the scout; ‘‘anyhow, they ken’t do us no harm as long as they keep at sech a distance—thet’s a fac’!”” The cavalcade now turned their course to the northwest, and made a wide detour around the motte General Maynard would have chosen fora camp. Sharp Old Steuben kept a weather eye upon the island for some time after they bad passed it, and although his eye-search was unrewarded by a glimpse of enemy, something seemed to tell htm that enemies were there. And if they were red-skins, he was well aware what that signified—they would be followed and attacked. “TI guess we'd better not camp to-night,” he said, addressing General Maynard, ‘‘ but had better push on while there is darkness to cover us.” ‘And why not camp, scout?” “ Beca’se, general, we’ve got a leddy among us, an’I kno’ ye wouldn't want her ha’r fingered by a red-skin’s greasy fingers!” “Great heaven, no. Why? doyouapprehend dan- ger from Indians to-night?” ; ; ‘*Mought heer frum ther red rips ef we war ter git in range 0’ ’em.”’ “ Well, then we must keep moving and keep out of their way, for a charge on us and consequent loss of numbers must now be avoided if possible. On, men! i, cs halt be made until an hour before day- — reak.” And on galloped the cavaleade swiftly over the winter’s snow. Night now began to settle down rapidly, and with dense darkness. What few orb stars appeared in the heavens were insufficient to make light below. A ghastly paleness rising from the snow was all that afforded the travelers light by which to guide their course, when once night had drawn her shroud closely around. 3 2 Old Steuben now withdrew from the cavalcade at General Maynard’s suggestion, and waited for a cou- ple of hours upon the trail. } This was for the purpose of learning whether or not they were followed by either the two strange horsemen or by other foes. 5 Panals But his two hours of watching and waiting result- ed in no discovery, and he rode on and overtook the

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Gold Rifle, the Sharpthooter. cavalcade about midnight, at the edge of a belt of cottonwoed timber. “Well, what is the news?” General Maynard de- manded, anxiously. ‘“ Did you see anything of the enemy?” “No; I guess we have outwitted them, sir. Hev ye bin in this timber?” ** Yes—or I sent three of the boys, here, and they made a thorough search, without finding anything in the enemy line.” “Well, then we mought as well stop hayr an’ rest, fer thar’s no tellin’ w'at ter-morrer ’ll bring forth,” \ | They accordingly rode into the heart of the motte, where no snow had fallen, on account of the dense ene of tree-tops, and a camp-fire was built to keop off the cold of the night, I “ We must post three sentinels around the border of the motte!” said Steuben, “to insure safety, and prevent any one getting into the timber unknown to us. I for one will stand guard. How is it with you, Cotton?” addressing an old grizzled trapper. “All right, I’m willing—” “And I will act as third sentinel!’’ announced May Maynard, eagerly, as she stepped forward rifle in hand, “I would enjoy nothing better,” fae young leddy, it’s ruther out 0’ yer line, ain’t et? “No, sir—it’s just what I like, and I'll wager you can't go out on the prairie, and slip in past me, except I see and challenze you.” “Tet her go,if she will,” Said General Maynard, coming up, with a smile. “I'll wager she’ll take eare of herself,—and us, too, for she was not brought up without training!” ‘All right—just as ye say!’ replied Old Steuben; “put I'd not ‘low et, ef she war my gal. Too el this puttin’ a purty gal up fer an ‘Injun target.” May took the station assigned her, however,— had ber own way, just as she usually did—on th eastern side of the motte, while Steuben ‘took the southern, and Cotton patrolled the northern and western sides. The wateh was a lonely one, but May Maynard was -far from a coward, and she paced silently along the edge of the wood, stopping 0 listen at the slightest sound, and investigating the cause, as far as she was able. After awhile Old Steuben got to meeting her at the southern end of her beat, and the exchange of a few words was the means of driving away ithe loneli- ness of the hour, and making the watch endurable. “Seen anything?’ asked the scout, once, when they met. “ Better look -peeety, sharp, fer my bones tell me thar’s Injuns hard by, watchin’ for a chanee ter pop inter the motte, but dunno fer sart’in. Ef ye see anything outside of ther timber line, w’at’s ‘ot legs or moves, blaze away as a signal ter ther hoys in camp, *T'won’t do ter let’em know we’re small in numbers, so fire off one o’ yer revolvers several times after each rifle-shot.”’ “Oh! Dll attend to that, never fear. But, I want you to answer me a question, which is of much in- terest to me. Do you know a young man by the name of Gold Rifle?” “ Gold Rifle?” ““Yes—I believe his real name is Kit Wagner.” “Yes, I reckon I know him—orter, at least. What about him?” “Oh! nothing much,” and the darkness hid the blush that swept over the fair sentinel’s face. ‘*I didn’t know but you xa have seen him lately.”’ ““No, I hevn’t seen him fer a dog’s age, teas he's got a new lay-out on the string. Wher" did you ever see him, leddy?”’ “He came to my father’s house, Christmas, for protection from a gang of trappers who were pur- PD) suing him under the delusion that he was the outlaw, Tiger Track, Josh, our farm-hand, fetched him in, and we helped him to escape.” “ And the raseal stole sumthin’ afore he got away, too, didn’t he! a thief)” Ohi ye might have knowed he war 28 —- ‘““ What! Gold Rifle a thief? Impossible, sir, Wo missed nothing.” ‘But he stole sumthin’, howsumdever—yer leetlo heart, m, leddy,. an’ I knowet. Didn't I tell yo he war a thief, eh?’ “You are incorrigible, sir, I did not ask becausc ‘| I was in love with him—I mean—I mean—” “Just what you say, Miss May; an’ ef ye'll take an ole cuss’s ’vice, like me, ye’ll eep right on a-luy- in’ Gold Rifle, fer he’s a gcod lad, an’ as a border de- tective, he’s a-goin’ ter make a bit,” They now separated. and resumed their beats. but the old scout’s words had left May Maynard’s heart in a little flutter, and it beat and throbbed faster when she thought of the young shooter—and how glad she would be to see him again. . She little knew that at this same hour he was bur- rowing like a prairie dog in the earth beneath the Black Ranch, working for liberty. * But in her thoughts of him, she did not forget that the safety of the camp was depending on her waich- fulness, and she kept a sharp eye out upon the snow- white prairie, onto which she could look but fifty yards or so, because of the darkness. 3 It was well glong toward morning, the darkest part of night, when she saw two men riding directly toward the motte; and at thesame time a fierce vin- dictive yell went up from the southern end of the motte, followed by a rifle report. Instantly May fired at one of the approaching horsemen, and with a curse he tumbled to the ground, but the other pressed on toward her, “What is the matter?” demanded General May- nard, as he and half a dozen men came running out of the timber. Ruffians!”’ said May, slipping a fresh cartridge into her breech-loader, “Red-skins, and old Sitting Bull at thet!’ cried pls Sreuneen dashing up, and then away again in an instant, ; CHAPTER XIil. ; A LITTLE SCRIMMAGE AND A BIG STORM. “Did you fire, May?” asked the general, for a mo- ment at a loss what todo. “TI heard a rifle report.” “Yes, I fired, and dropped my man, sir,” May re- plied, her eyes ae “Here comes the other fellow, and V'll lay him out. providing he doesn’t stop on hail! Halt! you ruffian, “alt /’’ and her gleaming rifle bore directly down upon the approach- ing horseman. But he heeded not her words, and despite her ring- ing rifle-shot his horse See forward to the edge of the motte, and the man slid from the saddle. “You needn’t hev bin so cursed imperdent!” he growled, limping a trifle, w’en a feller’s tryin’ ter warn ye o’ ther red-skins. Most humans w’u'd been lad.” ator Legree!” cried May, stepping back in arm, “Yas, my daisy; but _ye needn't be afeard 0’ me on ’em old scores, fur I’m heer fur a different pur- pose, ter-night, Gineral, git yer men tergether, and £0 quick ter ther southern end o’ ther motte, fer thar’s nigh about a hundred o’ Sittin’ Bull’s gang thar, an’ Old Steuben fightin’’em off. That's w’at’s ther matter. Come ahead, you louts!” and away leaped the trader, with rifle in hand, to ass'st in re- pelling the attackers. Seeing that his purpose was evidently honest for the present, General Maynard ordered bis men to follow his example, while he and ~ May hurriedly brought up the rear. There were now loud yells in the direction of the southern end of the motte, that were fierce and say- age, and were followed by an accompaniment of rifle reports, which echoed fitfully out upon the night, ies three minutes they reached the battle-ground, to find Old Steuben assailed on ey side by a swarm of copper-colored varmints; but the arrival, of the scouts turned the tide somewhat, and it was desperate, a@ hand-to-hand conflict on every side—a

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24 - determined struggle for victory on the part of both reds and whites, “ Sock et to’em, boys!” yelled the guide, Old Steu- ben, as he did wonderful execution with both knife Soe heal let the skunks hev et fer all ye’re wo One by one the savages went down, until full a_ score had fallen. General Maynard had sent May back into the trees, for he feared for her to join in the battle, and he fought in the midst of the affray. But the struggle eould not last forever, and at last there was a signal whoop, then the savages quickly ceased fighting and withdrew out upon the prairie, leaving their dead, but dragging their wounded after them. ‘Hooray! thet’s ther kind o’ medicine ter give ‘em! shouted Old Steuben, dancing delightedly about—“thet’s ther kind o' bull-dozin’ ter guy ther red ripseallions, Hurra! fer ther victory we’ve won é And nS trappers all accorded with the sentiment y a yell. Morning was now dawning in the east, rapidly, and the whole party remained upon the battle- ground until the day was light enough to see how the fleld lay. Then it was discovered that some twenty-five of the red-skins had been killed, while Sitting Bull and his remaining warriors had withdrawn to the prairie, a mile away, where they were grouped down, evi- dently awaiting action on the part of the whites. “They mean to follow and torment us!” said Gen- eral Maynard, turning to old Steuben. “Sitting Bullis one of the worst demons on the frontier to battle with—a dogging cut-throat of snakish ani- mosity!” “Yo're right, thar, ginerall’’ agreed Steuben; “foot an’ hand, thet old Bull's a hard’un. But, "tain’t goin’ ter benefit us ter stay hayr. Let’s git one ot ees Ef them cusses foller, we kin lend ’em a hand.’ Accordingly arrangements were made to leave the motte, and continue on toward the Black Ranch, which Steuben declared could not now be over a half- day’s journey further westward. While preparations were being made,]there was a li‘tle commotion, occasioned by Old Steuben, who had threateningly confronted the man Legree, who |. mg declared it his intention to accompany the bri- gade. The eccentric guide and trapper had confronted the trader, upon sexing him for the first, with flam- ing eyes, and an expression of countenance which was savage, “ “Ha! hal Alf King, so you're here, are ye—here where your foes are thickest, and pause life hangs on athread? Good! I’m glad of it—I want ye, present- ly—want to pay you a trifle I’ve owed you for years. ut not now—we have no time to arrange duels over individual disturbances. General Maynard, you will please keep watch over the wretch, for he is a man of ming to deal with and must not escape. Shoot him down if he attempts it!” “Who in ten thousand demons are you ?” growled Legree, fiercely, with half a notion to spring forward and annihilate the cool guide, yet somehow fearing to attempt the job. “Tt matters not who or what I am, you wolf. Iam one who will do the world a favor by ridding it of you, forever!’ was the reply, as the guide turned away. The cavalcade now mounted, and Legree was ‘placed between two mounted guards, “You'll have to submit to this, or go over and join Sittlag Bull,” the general said, in answer toa growl from the ruffian trader. *‘Noneof us trusts ou behind our backs, and we_can do no less than Keep you under watch. You shoufd have stayed at the Settlement, where there is larger scope for your villainy, for if you joined us, with the hope of steal- ‘ing away my daughter May,(you will be disappointed by finding her wide awake, and fully as alive to her q b = Con sone 2 a 4 - Bat nt ¥ Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. own interests as we are. So your mission will be en- tirely unrewarded, unless by some act of treachery you get a bullet tee skull!” The guard who had n leff on the southern end of the motte now returned, with the announcement that the red-skins had made no move to change their quarters yet, but were evidently eating their morn- ing meal. “Now’s our time, then, to get out!” he added, “and git a start.” “ Correct!” agreed Steuben; ‘‘come ahead! Look out fer danger, and foller me.”” He led the way through the heart of the motte to the northwestern corner, and theuce out onto the rolling prairie beyond. “We're goin’ ter hey a thunderin’ storm, by-an’- by!’ he said to General Maynard and May, who rode on either side of him, after giving a speculative glance atthe sky. “ Et’ll be a snorter, too.” ‘*Why do you judge so, scout? Isee nosigns upon the sky, which is as pughe and beautiful as the smil- ing countenance of God can make it.”” : _ ‘True enough, general, but I’ve got a barometer in my bones by w’ich I ken foretell as correctly as a elock ean tick. In about two hours—no, say four, = ae longest, ye’ll see a change, wi’ snow-flakes a-fallin’.’ . “Then it behooves us to find a place of shelter as soon as possible, does it not? These heavy storms BBOF pleasant things to meet upon the open prai- rie; “Right ye aire, general, and we must trust ter our luck in findin’ a motte, fer I don’t know o’ any, very contiguous to the Biack Ranch.” : They moved along—on over the white glistening snow-crust into the wilderness, at a jog trot. For the animals had received but comparatively little rest and were less high spirited than on the previous day. A sharp look-out was kept in the rear, and it was finally discovered that the savages were org reg stealing along in the back- ground at their leisure, with no apparent destre to overtake the enemy, x, t. “They’re goin’ ter find w’at our lay-out is, furst!”? — said Steuben, “an’ then try an’ nonpluss us. But I reckon w’en et comes ter snow, they'll hev ter gita big spy-glass twill find us.” “T fear their consolidation with the outlaws whom we are going to attack!” said the general, uneasily. “© We'd be in a hard fix, then.” “Don't ye fear, general, fer sech wont be ther case, at all, fer I've heer'd thet Old Sittin’ Bull hates ther outlaw Tiger Track, like ther Old Nick hates holy water. He’ll quicker putin a dig fer us, first, an’ then try ter bounce us, afterward.’ On—on over the glistening waste of white the party advanced; then, after a couple of hours came he change which Steuben had Bespin ee quick clouding over of the sky to a somber leaden hue, and a few feathery flakes of uncommon size began to descend penieeney: ; In ten minutes after the first flakes had begun to fall, a perfect hurricane of snow was descending and the brigade were wrapped in a ghostly mantle- ag they urged on their horses through the terrible storm. . “ Never saw anything like this before, I declare!’? General Maynard growled, with a head-shake. “I’m of the opinion that we're in for a hard time, before we get out of this. I wish I’d left you at home, May, where you’d have had comfort and warmth, in- stead of peril and cold to submit to.” xe “Pshaw! papa, you needn’t_ wo about me!” May replied, with a little ripple of laughter, ‘‘for I'm warm, and allright. Iprefer this wild sport to being penned up in the house. Don't fear but what I’d complain if T had any cause.” ea “T don’t b’lieve you would, you’re such a plucky little thing!” the old officer replied, riding ahead a little to join Steuben. ; Cpa “Do you think there’s any danger of our bein; snowed under, scout?” cas Seales

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“over May’s mouth. you cum yer screechin’ now, ef ye don’t wanter get ee 4 _ Neow, see hyar, Miss May, ye’r’ -Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. “ Dunno, gineral; ken’t tell about thet, fer thar’s no tellin’ what is what, ner when sech a storm as this is goin’ ter quit. Reckon ef et snows us under, thar’s pittie o’ us ter dig out, sumhow.” And it did look exceedingly as if there was danger of their being snowed under, for the falling cloud- bursts of snow were gaining in ground depth with astonishing rapidity and making the labor of the horses severe in the extreme. But they kept on, under the urge of the scout— toiling along through the pine storm, whose denseness was something unparalleled. It was growing darker, too, which looked as if the heavier part of the storm had not yet fallen. On consideration, it was decided that it would not do to stop now—they must needs keep a-going, at least until the storm abated. “Bin out in a few storms, myself,” observed an old trapper by the name of waa ‘but durn my old picter ef Levyer heerd tell o’ ther beat 0’ this, Why, feilers, ef et don’t Ee afore long, we’re goin’ ter re entombed alive, afore our time.” i “ An’ hev a fuaeral all ter ourselves, boys!” chimed in Old Steuben. ‘ One thing we orter be thankful fer—thar ain’t many wolves an’ buzzards around, this weather, ter pick our bones.” = In the terrible blinding storm, it was hardly possi- ble to advance in regularity, and so they scattered somewhat, each one picking a path for himself. It ‘so happened that the trader, Boover e, was left eee Me and unnoticed by the rest of the brigade. But with a fiendish expression of satisfaction he fol- lowed on, now and then chuckling to himself as he heard May Maynard’s clear silvery voice ringing out through the storm, and muttering a curse when he thought of the scout, Old Steuben. “Tif thet cuss knows me, an’ he do fer he .called me by name, I do not know him—can’t think of an enemy of the past, whom he might be—unless—but *shaw! that man is dead long ago, although Jake Toleman believes to the contrary. And the girl— Jove! she’s a queen to even what Agnes Wagner used to be, and ef I don’t possess her ere the storm ceases, may I never be able to raise a villain’s hand again. find the man laughed low and crafty at some meditated plan of action. He lagged behind all the rest of the brigade, but watched those ahead of him as well as the storm would permit. And he saw, with great satisfaction, that May Maynard was gradually falling behind the rest, her steed having grown contrary and lazy. She evi- dently was unmindful of the fact, and had forgotten the existence of a wolf in the fold. But Legree was not unmindful; he was watching her as the hawk watches its prey—with a gleaming, sinister eye, : He had come from the Sett’ement with the pur- pose of capturing May Maynard fully fixed in his mind; Omerhaun had fallen by the daring beauty’s fire; but he would not—no! the victim was dropping nearer and nearer, unsuspectingly ignorant that she was not keeping up with the rest. Until she felt a strong grasp laid upon her shoul- der, and looked around to discover that she was alone with the villain Legree her only companion! The brigade had left her behind! ‘*Help! help!’’ she screamed. CHAPTER Xiv. DEATH OR VICTORY IMPENDING. “Guss ye, et won't do ye no good ter screech fer help!” growled Legree. rudely clapping his hand “Ye'll find ye’ve fallen inter ther claws of a tiger!” <n “T fear you not!” replied May, indignantly, “‘and I defy you. friends are not far away, and will answer my ery.” _ ** Will they, tho’? Mebbe so an’ mebbe not. Jest along wi’ me, or you'll be sorry; none 0’ . teroncet,” % 2% — And turning his horse’s head sharply from fhe trail as it ran in a northerly course, he gave the beast a cruel jab of the spur and seized May’s rhor- oughbred by the bits, ut when his horse hounded madly forward, May’s balked in its tracks, and as a result the trader was jerked backward from the saddle onto the snow. ; “Ha! ha! ha! That’s the time you didn’t make a int!’ May exclaimed, with alangh. Then she put er hand to her belt for a revolver, but to her sur- prise she did not find one there. They had all bcen removed, and her knife also. 2 _ “Ha! ha!” chuckled Legree, rising from his plunge into the snow, “He laughs best who laughs last, mit dove with clipped wings. I’ve got ye jest as completely in my power as I hed before!” “No, sir-ce, you hain’t!” exclaimed a voice, and who should ride in upon the scene but Josh Hemper- hill, the Yankee. “ W’en et cums ter pass thet a man o’ no character, or wisdom, or book ’arnin’, snags hisself ag’in’ a man o’ solid basis, dubble-dupiicate | character, as represented by ther Hemperhill fermi- i ly, he allus gits hisself in a box-trap deefikiity. aracter aireone o’ ther prime ackomplishments o’ ther H. family, frum old Nebuchadnezzar down to yer ’umble sarvent, an’ we’ve bin a healthy, prosperous race, Hello! darn my socks! Iswow, et ain't Miss May and thet cuss I boosted once ore! And the eccentric Yankee covered the trader with his revolvers, while a grin of triumph spread over his countenance. “Ob! Josh, is it you? I am so glad you have come!’ May cried. “* Yas, Lreckon ye must be sum’at tickled, seein’s ye war in a fix,” Josh replied, with unusual grim- ness, ‘Danger ginerally alters ther opinions 0’ ther female line. Fer instance, ye war orful tickled when ye got rid 0’ me by sendin’ me off after Gold Rifle, but I notis Josh cums in mighty welcome about rescue time!” **Oh! Josh, not quite so bad as that, But, did you find Gold Rifle?” : “Reckon so, an’ lost him ag’in. Darn his picter, he left me in a motte ter wait fer his return, but ther ieee got a leetle too hot, an’ so I slid out fer ther “And what became of Gold Rifle?” 7 “Dunno. Started fer ther Black Ranch, an’ didn’t cum back. Guess as how he got gobbled up by ther — ruffians, or mebbe he’s all hunky, But, where's the rest 0’ ther folks—how’d ye git out hayr?”’ ‘“'There’s more ahead, toward the north—” “No, they’re here, now!” exclaimed a voice, and General Maynard and the brigade rode oa 2 ' “ What's the cause of this delay, May, my child?” “There’s the cause, papa!” May replied, pointing _ to Legree, who was cowering under the bearing of © Hemperhill’s pistols. ‘The villain tried tocarryme — on ai failed when Josh came up and showed his and,” : ; “Ha! is this so? Josh, yow’re a trump! Boys. seize the accursed ruffian and bind his hands, and leave him alone here on the prairie, without his : horse, If he gets out without freezing or starving, it’s all the punishment I care to give him.” 3 The order was executed to the letter. and Legree _ was left alone in mid-prairie, while the brigade re- sumed its course, with Josh in company, May rode by his side, and when no one was near, uestioned him concerning Gold Rifle, who wastow the center of allinterest toher. — mene “Do you think Gold Rifle was captured by the outlaws, Josh?” “Dunno! Guess he’s smart enough te” hoe his- own row.” ° “What did he say when you gave him the ‘etter?” “Sumthin’ about yer invitin’ him ter yer\ rthday 3 n' eta. eetle ter strong ter suif my notion, an’efy don’t

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Gald Riflo, tis Sharpshooter. stop, I’ll hev ter sue_yer fer breeches o’ promis’, | ed my camp, early this mornin’, which war ther wow ter gracious ef I won’t!’ Nee ‘ “*Josh you silly fellow, I hope you don’t imagine for a moment that there is any engagement existin; between us, or that Ilove you? No! no! you musi not be so blind and foolish. Ilike and respect you as @ friend and all that, but as for narrying you, I could nof think of such a thing.” “Then ye aire fishing after Gold Rifle,eh? Ye eaikylate he'll fit yer ideas better’n me, eh?”’ ~T don't know, Josh; but don’t you think we’d elie! a better match, he being nearer my own age?” a Yas, mebbe ye’r’ right, an’ I won't kick so hard ef ye aiu’t a-goin’ ter let Pat Dolan, the Irisher, inter yer good graces.” : “TY promise that, Josh, for Pat’s at home, and we're off here, and liable to be for some time.” ; The snow-storm continued with unabated fury, and it grew more and more difficult to urge the horses along, for at every step they sunk deep in the feathery bed. ) The cavalcade was wandering on, not knowing ex- actly the direction all were going—wandering on, to keep from being snowed under, with scarcely an object now, unless it was to find a place of shelter. Some of the men were growing very much fa- tigued. and a large number Of the horses threatened to play out before long. “Hark! did you hear that?” demanded General Maynard, as a terrible roar in the distance was dis- tinctly audible, and fairly shook the earth. “What does it mean, Steuben?” “Thet war an avalanche w’at hes slid frum top ter ther fut o’ Earthquake range which av’ off ter our nor’west, thirteen or less miles. Heerd ’em afore, an’ seen ’em, too. <A big mass 0’ snow gits piled up on ther mount’in side, an’ a spring o’ water in the eak loosens et, an’ down she comes lickety scoot. ope no one warn’t going up them mountains then, ao eb would be a sure funeral ter thet unlucky fel- ler. Josh at this juncture rode forward in his eccentric way, to give some intelligence, “"Miss May tells me ye’re s’archin’ fer ther Black Ranch, gineral. Ef thet’s so, ye’d better go keerful, _ as ye may bunk up ag’in’ it, kerslap, afore ye know et. ’Tain’t fur ahead,” and then Josh related what pe a of Gold Rifle’s attempt to penetrate the anch, “The rash youth undoubtedly has received death at the hands of the outlaws for his reckless venture.” said General Maynard, anxiously. ‘He should never have attempted such a feat, except with plen- |: ty of aid near at hand to back him.” “Oh! he'll git thar all the same, an’ don’t ye for- it et!” put in Old Steuben, quickly. ‘I know afew eet o’ thet lad, an’ll bet ny rifle he goes through ef it’s through fire an’ water. , “TI hope so, truly, scout, for I believe him to be a nephew of mine, But, you have heard Josh’s advice. Had we not better come to a halt, lest we do run un- expectedly upon the Ranch? Such an event would be a disaster to be avoided if possible.” “T think I remember a motte of timber a mile fur- ther east, and we will make a closing attempt to find it. If we fail, so be it.” So they kept on, and the day drew toward a close. But Steuben was right, and just when night .was ee thickly, they found a small motte of cottonwoods, whose densely-matted branches had revented the snow from reaching the ground, leaving a fine camping-spot for the toil-worn brig- ade. Asearch of the timber revealed no enemies, and a rousing camp-fire was built, and-all gathered around it to partake of their evening meal. “T don’t judge we'll be molested here,’’ Steuben said, “‘unless some belated voyageur like ourselves accidentally stumbles along in this direction. The outlaws will keep close to their den this weather.” “Ye'r’ wrong thar, 1 swan ter gracious ef ye ain’t!” put in Josh, ‘‘fer a gang o’ ther salamanders invad- means 0’ makin’ me skedaddle. I lit out, an’ they after me, ontil ther snow came, w’en they couldn’t see me no longer.” fest “Then, sumthin’s ther row. Mebbe Gold Rifle found and escaped wi’ yer daughter, general, wich called out ther roughs?”’ “God forbid that they are out in such a storm as this,” replied the general, with a shiver. The evening was spent in warming and eating, around the great fire; then all turned in to sleep, ex- cept Steuben and another scout, who stood guard at the western and northern sides of the motte, About midnight the snow ceased to fall as abruptly as it had come, and in half an hour the sky was clear and a few stars hung pendent in the heavens. All around the motte lay a wide long wilderness of purest white piled upon white, while over it and all nature a strange quiet prevailed—not a sound to break the monotony of the weird dead winter scene, or the midnight hour. . But the quiet of the night did not make Old Steu- ben less on thevalert than usual. He knew that they were just as liable to be Seite as if thero were no snow upon the ground. Now and then he would pass through the camp, to ascertain if all were sleeping right; then back to his post he would go, faithfully. Tt was getting along toward morning ere he dis- covered any signs which he calculated were of the enemy. But at last his sharp eye caught a glimmer of light out upon. the western Prairie, guch as might have emanated from the torch of some night-traveler. It was ae for some time, and then totally disap- peared, “Well, scout, what doesit mean?” It was General Maynard who spoke, he having come oub from the camp 80 silently that Steuben had failed to hear him, * Do you think that enemies are approaching?” “ Guess it luks thet way, gineral. “Spect some o’ the outlaws, or else red-skins aire makin’ fer this yere clump. In which case thar’s bound ter be a rumpus. Hey ther boys hed enough sleep?’ «Probably ; shall I awaken them?’ “Yas, an’ tell ’en ter git ther pop-guns ready, fer thar’ll be work inside o’ half an hour. What is it, Dave?’’—this to the other sentinel, who had returne: from the northern and eastern side of the motte. “ Any signs o’ danger?” “Reckon s0; thar’s a band o’ fellers wi’ torches approachin’ ther motte from ther east, and I reckon. as how it’s ther outlaws,” “Then we're bound ter git it on both sides, eh? Wal, ef we divide up right, we can make et musical fer ’em, they not knowin’ our exact number. Day- break is close at hand, w’ich is fortunate in itself,’ It was nearer than he was aware, and it was soon light enough so that a good view could be had of the prairie for several miles in any direction. The am- bushed scouts were also able to make another dis- covery. Not a mile away, on.the crest of a prairie-billow, was a large, barn-like structure, inclosed within a high plank fence—the Black Ranch, of which they were in search, although it was now white with the fallen snow. “That’s the Black Ranch, gineral,” said Old Steu- ben, ““whar ye say yer daughter is, an’ et’s a tough old place to attacls, I tell ye.” Little Master Jack, who had been fetched along with the brigade, under the charge of anold trapper, was brought forward, and instantiy recognized the building, and gave a shout of delight. ; “Black Ranch!” he articulated. ‘Jack want to see his mamma; she over in big house.” “And, God granting, you soon shall see her, my pet,” the general said, tenderly. The men were all aroused and put in readiness for a coming combat. One party of theenemy wereap- proaching from the east, and one from thé west, each numbering about a score of men, who were un:

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Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. «peta outlaws of the notorious Tiger Track’s and.’ The eastern enemy were the nearest, and it was not until they were less than a mile sway that it was discovered that they were armed with rifles of a long aeune make. This was discovered by aid of a field glass. “ Thet puts a new aspect ter ther case!’ Old Steu- ben said, ‘‘and ef we ever calkylate ter git out o’ this wi’ our skulps on, we’ve got ter do sum o’ ther tallest fightin’ on record. White Injuns, an’ lots of “em at ther same time, aire a dose IJ ain’t fond of.” olf of the men were distributed along the eastern side of the motte, and half along the western; then with fast-beating hearts they waited for the enemy to come within rifle range. Death or victory was impending, CHAPTER XV. QUT OF DANGER—FIRE! Tr was aterrible fact that the words of Gold Rifle expressed, “My God! we are in the path of an avalanche!” Above, the storm-bound mountains rose sheer and deelivitozs; around them the whirling snow was a feathery vortex; above all came that ominous, frightful roar. *. “A what?’ Mrs. Wagner demanded, growing deathly pale; *a—” ‘An avaianche!” Gold Rifle repeated, scarcely above a whisper. ‘‘We are doomed, unless we can get out of the way in four minutes or less!” He stood not an instant idle, but worked even while he spoke. He had kicked away the lately fallen snow until he came down t> the bard-frozen crust beneath. Then with his stout hunting knife he cut out a large block of this crust. Below the snow was soft and unpacked—easy to penetrate. “Quick! quick!’ he gasped—“‘help scoop out a nel with your hands—there is not a second t» be ost!” Neither there was. he fearful hissing rumbling roar was growing louder; coming nearer each mo- ment, with a terrible slide of snow and ice upon its wings. A few seconds when a man is working for dear life. will accomplish miracles. Both Gol Rifle and his mother set desperately, almost wiidly to work in digging a trench below the crust—they worked like mad, hurling the snow out and Peak gat 4 their excavation. ‘The avalanche giided on with accelerating velocity; was not ten qos away, when they lay flat in the trench, and ‘old Rifle pulled the dislodged crust into its former position above them. Then the very mountains seemed to quake and tremble, as the giant mass of snow and ice passed over them, and plunged in a huge bank among the fSothills, with a roar like an ocean hurricane. Gold Rifle’s ingenuity had saved them. For when the terrible avalanche had passed, he reised the cake, and they emerged from the moun- tain-side. unharmed. “‘God be praised, for he has watched over us, kindly!’ Mrs. Wagner said devoutly. ‘‘ My son, do vou think thereis danger of another of those dread- ful snow-slides?”’ “No, mother, dear. Do you not see, the moun- tain has been swept of all the loose snow, and it will require time for more to accumulate sufficient to cause another avalanche, We will keep on up a way further, and [ have hopes that we will find the cave T have mentioned.” mat And with an inward prayer of thanksgiving for their escape. they continued the ascent of the steep mountain-side. Goll Rifle had to lead, and with a heavy stick make indentations in the crust in which to step, or they could not have advanced a rod with- out slipping back a yard or more. . 2 Tn the course of half an hour they arrived in front »>f an overhanging cliff of rock, in which was a large a7 round hole—the entrance to the cave Gold Rifle had spoxen of, _ At first he hesitated to enter, fearing he might be imperiling his mother by taking her into a beat den. : But reconnoissance dispelled this idea, and they entered, to find it a snug little cavern of twenty b: sixteen feet, dry, and not ill-smelling. It had evi- dently been inhabited before, as there were eviden- — ces of tenancy—a broken kettle, a lantern, and fire- wood piled up in one corner. “Hal this is just the place we are looking for,” Gold Rifle exclaimed, gladly. ‘‘ Here we can rem until 1 find my father, or until the storm stops, and then Uli take you to the fort, It’s a good round for- y miles, but we can do it easily in a couple of afoot, by cuti across by a route } have in view.” “Do you think the outlaws are still following us, my dear boy ?” “No, They undoubtedly gave up the chase when they found that the snow was in one sense befriend- ing us. They propably came out unprovided with provisions, and were unprepared for a siege.” Thanks to the capture hé had made in the Black Ranch larder, Gold Rifle knew that they would not want for food fer several days to come, He built a rousing fire out of the dry pitch wood and cones, and soon had a genial warmth pervading the cave. Out of the venison they made a comfortable meal, and then leaving his mother to warm’ at the fire, Gold R'fle left the cave to take a view of their sur- roundings from a more elevated point. But night was drawing near, and it was still snowing, so that he had whatever. He found his mother standing at one side of the . eave, with a fired torch in her hand, and she was ey excited. “Oh, Kit, do come here!” she exclaimed, excited: We “ Here's your father’s name written upon the wall. “Then he must have been here before us,” replied. Gold Rifle, approaching and glancing at the inserip- tion painted upon the rock: ‘‘ Wild Walt, October 10th, 187-. _‘‘He has not been here since October, | probably. Ihave not seen him for two years.” “Oh! that he were here now, for Walt was ever good to me,” said Mrs. Wagner, with a sigh. “ He was a man of guestionable repute when 1 fled with him, and turned out to be an outlaw chief, But I loved him none the less for this, and soon persuaded him to leave the band, and lead an honest, chat life, which he did, until 1 was abducted by Alf King, one of his own men.” Gold Rifle did not consider 1t necessery to keep a guard, as he believed that very few knew of the monntain cave, and less were likely to attempt to reach it in the driving storm that was now pe a over the Northwest. So he Jay down and accepte of nature’s gift of refreshing sleep. He awake1ed about midnight, and stepped without the cave to note the effect of the storm. To his surprise hee found that the sky was clear with a few stars shin- ing and:that the snow had ceased to fall. , ‘To-morrow we shall leave this cave and attempt fo cross the wilderness again to the fort,’’ he said to Mrs. Wagner on his return, “‘so sleep and rest well, so ee ‘ou will be prepared.” ‘ac thing like this would have been said: “Wor, dear mother, I am anxious to get back to the fort and obtain a glimpse of another face there, which has haunted me since overa week ago. "Tis the sweet, pretty face of May Maynard that is ever before me, though why should I[ think of and aspire to her, who is so far above me in education, wealth, and position?” ' ¥ We return to the brigade whom we left in the prairie wilderness, laying low for the coming of the enemy, e added his own thoughts in words, some-_ to return without making any discovery — ¥

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28 General Maynard and Josh Hemperhill had charge of the half-score of men who lay within the motte on the eastern si ie, while Old Steuben with May May- nard—Captain May, as she was called—commanded the western approach, with nine men, The tenth, an old trapper, had been left in the center of the motte in charge of little Master Jack. The eastern gang of outlaws were approaching the fastest, and would soon be within range, while te advancing from the west came on more lei- surely. “When these rascals get near enough, boys, let *em have it!” cried General Maynard, now in spirit for battle. ‘* You can guess the length of rifle range. Don’t skoot their horses, but shoot dead at them. They’re the curse of these prairies and must be ex- terminated.” “Yas, boys, plug et ter ’em ther best ye’ve got writ downin yercatalogue. Put all yer solid basis character inter yer pop-guns, an’ sling it straight at ther cusses an’ ye’re sure to win.” Nearer and nearer the outlaws rode, evidently un- suspectingly, and then, when they were within easy rifle RanRe, General Maynard gave the word, and the crack of half a score of rifles echoed over the wil- derness in white. Then as many men of the ap- 1 dee a band reeled_in their saddles, and four dropped lifeless upon the snow. The others, how- ever, retained their seats—there was a fierce, vindic- tive yell, and the rufflans came charging on like mad, ‘“Lay low? boys—now, one, two, three and fre!” ordered the general, grimly, and again the death- dealing repeaters of the brigade spoke, and six out- laws dropped back out of the saddles, never to fol- low the war-path again. : “Hurray! thet’s ther kind fer ye, boyees—charac- ter-plated, war every one o’ them bullets, an’ luk at their execution!” cried Josh ““-Yes—there’s only ten left on this side, boys, but they’re comin’ like thunder, and you'll have to work quick!”’ cried the general, And he spoke the truth. he outlaws were spurring their animals and goad- ing them on, although it was but feebly they floun- dered through the deep snow. All were masked and armed with rifles and army revolvers, and they were a desperate looking set of men. “T tell ye what!” exclaimed an old trapper, “I've . diskivered one pet ahead 0’ ye, boys. Thet chap ‘thar in ther lead’s none other than the cussed galoot . they call Tiger Track, an’ I know it.” ; “How d'ye know et, Greckel?”’ “Beca'se I war once tuk a prisoner by him, but escaped.” “Lay low, boys!” cautioned General Maynard. “Hark! the devils have attacked t’other side. Hur- ry up—let’s clean out these roughs, an’ join ther rest o’ ther boys. One—two—three—” And again a report of ten rifles rung out, and every sa‘idle was emptied although some of the out- laws were not killed, but mete! wounded, and left dying upon the prairie by the horses which were skurrying away in nearly every direction. ‘ Without waiting to look after the wounded, Gene- ral Maynard and his men hurried to the western side of the motte, where they found a hot contest waging. a maa of bullets had been exchanged, but no one led. Vhe outlaws on this side were a round score, in number, and fiercely_urgedon by no less than the two ruffian traders, Jacob Toleman and. Boover Le- ~ gree, who in some inexplicable way had joined in with the outlaws, Old Steuben had been badly wounded in both arms, and could no longer participate in the affray, but he cheered on the men, and kept them wide awake to the enemy’s weak points. ** You see them two men, Josh!” he said, pointing out the ruffian traders tothe Yankee. ‘ Waal. them chaps aire after Miss May. an’ ef ye don’t puta buz- _ ger in their ears, I'll no longer count ye a pard.” Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. And, in the next charge that was made, both Le- gree and Toleman fell, mortally wounded. Several of the brigade were hard hit, but ny oured such a destructive volley into the ruffians that they ‘turned tail,” to usé a western phrase, and beat an ignomini- ous retreat. “Ticked ’em, by thunder, an’ character's what did their job—duplex, solid basis character, sure’s ’ma relic o° ther characteristic family o’ Hemperhill!” Josh exclaimed, dancing delightedly about. ‘* Miss May, ye’re a good’un an’ no mistake! Ye're solid. an’ ef ye war only ter link yer fate wi’ a man o’ un- doubted character, like me, w’at happiness would ba ours, yours an’ mine!”’ “Tm sorry, Josh!’ May replied, with an effort to keep from laughing; “it is decreed that I shall esteem you as a friend, not as a husband,” “All right, honey, I ain’t going to blubber nor spout feat because ye hev given me ther mitten. Thar's oe of fishes in ther sea w’at’ll bite at characteristic ait. “Of course, Josh, and make you a better wife than T would.” The outlaws continued to retreat until they were out of sight from the watchers at the motte. They did not go toward the Black Ranch, and this looked rather strange, too, seeing that it was their nearest place of refuge. “T tell ye what!” averred Old Steuben, “I’ve jest got an idear o’ what ther row is wi’ them chaps. There’s but a dozen o’ ’em left, an’ they caleylate they ain’t strong enough to hold ther Ranch, wich is undoubtedly empty. So they’re goin’ ter light out an’ quit this country. ’ “Perhaps you're right,’ assented General May- nard, “and after we have gathered in our prisoners we'll attempt to investigate the matter. AJl hands, now, assist in bringing in the wounded.” Tt was a work that occupied considerable time, and eighteen, in all, were brought in, of the outlaws, and their hands and feet bound, and their wounds skillfully dressed. Among them were Legree and Tiger Track—Jacob Toleman, having expired shortly after he had been shot. Onremoving the mask of Tiger Track, it was a great surprise to the men of the Settlement to hehald the sinister, evil face of the dead trader’s son—the bullying Jay Toleman, whom we introduced at the beginning of our narrative, The excitement of this discovery had not yet wholly abated when Old Steuben, who had been on 9 scout, came rushing into camp with lon ag ; es Raneh! the Ranch!” he eried—‘‘it is all afire! CHAPTER XVI. BORDER JUSTICE—CONCLUSION, Ir was indeed true—the Black Ranch was wrapt in flames. The smoke and flames were oie rom. many a window and crack, and the heavy body of snow upon the roof had all melted off. ere Was scarcely a visible spot of the building above the high lank fence but was on fire, and the fire was evident- ly a well-executed scheme of an incendiary, “God forbid that my daughter Mabel is in yonder building now!” General Maynard said anxiously, ‘for no earthly power can save that outlaws’ strong- hold. See; yonder is a horseman just leaving the fare and flying southward. He is evidently the fire- end in this case.” : “Sum galoot, like enough, who hed sum grudge ag’in’ the outlaws!” suggested Old Steuben. I reckon thet Gol darter, gineral, an’ thet’s w’at started the outlaws abroad.” é ; “Ttruly hope that such Siac the case, scout, for to have my long-lost daughter restored to my — arms, would be agine in my old age. Of herI have ever carried: a hope—that we would meet again.” 3 3 “Dye think, general, thet ef ye war terhev yer d Rifle succeeded in reseuin’ yer — one of the greatest joys Icanim-

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\ Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. daughter restored to you, thet ye could freely for- ive her past desertion o’ you, an’ also forgive the at-one-time outlawed husband with whom she fled, providing he had reformed from the past inter a man _o’ men?” “Yes, scout, most freely would I forgive them both and take them to my heart in my declining age, for except my dear May, here, I have no one to love or care forme, But, why do you speak thus, ear know you of my daughter and her hus- band?” **T simply know that Wild Walt will be rejoiced, sir, and embrace an early opportunity to take a place at your family board as your future stay and support. But, enough of this; see, the build is now going rapidly, and soon the Black Ranch will no longer be a thing of existence. What do you pro- pose to do with the outlaws, general?” “T propose to give them an immediate trial, and string em up, if the verdict so decides,” was the stern reply. “I think there will be sufficient evi- dence against them, and I’m satisfied that the: wouldn't have granted us even the mercy of a trial.” All hands stood upon the edge of the motte and watched the burning of the Black Ranch—this place of death and the devil, which had become a rival in the Northwest to what the slaughter station of the inhuman Benders was a few years ago upon the middle border—watched the flames lick up the wood flercely, until the great pile, fence and all, was re- duced to a bed of ashes and glowing coals. Then the party went back to the camp, in the heart of the motte, and preparations were made for the trial of the outlaws. “ General Mayvard assumed the position of Judge at the request of the little band, and opened the court with a stirring speech, relating how the coun- try had lately been scourged by bold, lawless men who had raided, thieved and destroyed homes with- out number; and he wound up with a request that the gentlemen present who knew anything concern- ing the outlaws would step forward and be sworn, and give their testimony. “An old “ vet,”” by the name of Darrel, came for- ward, waS sworn, and declared that Tiger Track and his band had raided his home but a year ago, mur- dered his wife and mother, and robbed him of stock and money. Another man, from Cheyenne, testified that he had seen Tiger Track stab a man to death, in an upp2r settlement, and then escape. Still another testified that he had been one of a train crossing the plains on the previous summer, whicb had been attacked by Tiger Track’s band, fed a hands save himself and teamster were mur- ered. « “This is enough, Gentlemen of the Jury, to satisfy the minds of any honest men, But, if there’s any more testimony, let’s have it.” “There is!” exclaimed a voice, and who should ride forward into the sed where the border court was held but Gold Rifle. *‘ I can testify, and swear toit, if necessary, that I was recently captured by old Jacob Toleman, and Tiger Track’s outlaws, and taken into the Black Ranch, where I was pitched into a pit, where there were many dead bodies, some of them recently placed there, others decayed and nothing but skeletons left. That they were victim; of the outlaws, there can be no doubt, and as a de- tective. I vote that the inhuman scoundrels all be strung up!” * And so they shall be. Gentlemen of the Jury, you _ have heard the testimony of witnesses, You may retire to consider the case.” _ “*No need o’ that, gineral!”’ said Old Steuben, who formed one of the decisive body known as the “Jury.” ‘“ Wedon’t leave our seats fer sech cases as this, but unanimously say * an’so strin, e guilty *em up, ter oncet. Thet’s w’at hey deserve, accord- - in’ ter our agreement—eh, boyees?” * Ay! ay!” responded the Jury. «thon ih the Pang of the law: which we have of = necessity taken into our own hands, I sentence each and every one of the prisoners to be lynched in the southern end of this motte, and may God have mercy upon their souls,” The words were hardly spoken, ere the trappers and traders composing the brigade, Syne forward te : the work. which, according to their views, was justice. In vain the poor wretches begged and entreated— all except er Track, or Jay Toleman, but it was of no use, e resolution of the Regulators was not to be broken. Jay Toleman was the only calm one among the lot, as they were borne away toward the assigned lytich- ing ground, He had a sort of grim, bull-dog defi- ance—did not quail, but rather denounced the cap- tors in the vilest lan of his vile as oat ge The young wretch’s heart was too hardened—his el ne, deeply steeped in crime for him to care for ea Atlast all of the outlaws had been removed to the southern end of the motte, and all of the brigade ex- cept four had gone to witness the “ sport,” for in the remote West, a good old-fashioned lynching is con- sidered by the frontiersman next to the Fourth of July. “« The four remaining behind were General May- nard, Gold_ Rifle, Old Steuben and May. The quar- tette stood facing each other for some moments— capcereney: upon the faces of the general and the scou Gold Rifle stood with arms folded, a half-humorous expression upon his countenance, and a gleam of eps in his eyes. “Well,” he said, glancing from one to another, “I take it, by your looks, that you’re expecting some- thing of me,” “And you’re exactly right,” replied Old Steuben, with alaugh, ‘‘ We’re ex eee eves of you. But first, let us know each other. Kit, my boy, this is pet grandfather, General Maynard, and this young ady, your aunt, | suppose. General, and Miss May, this is your relative, Kit Deronda, detective.” ‘“We are glad to meet you, young man,” the gene» ral said, extending his hand, “and although it is a little surprise at this time, ] must confess that I’ve had an inkling of our relationship, aah leakt by my darling adopted daughter, May. But, Steuben, you say ‘my son;’can it be possible that you are the Wild Walt Wagner with whom my daughter fled, years ago?” ‘ “The same, general,’ and the old scout-guide threw off a wig and false beard, and a handsom looking man of eee stood revealed, % “Then, praise God, for I am reunited to my dear father, husband and children!” cried a yoice, and Mrs. Wagner, so cae lost to loving hearts, rushed into the scene, and fell into the open embrace of Wild Walt. Such a glad reunion! The two men, husband and father, went into ecstasies over the returned one, and while they were engaged thus, Gold Rifle or Kit Deronda, turned to Miss May, who was standing a little aloof. holding Master Jack by the band. “Well, Miss Maynard, this seems to be a gladsome moment, does it not? and it occurs to me, just now that we must be brother and sister, eh, or aunts and uncles, or—”’ = ; “Only by adoption, sir!” May replied, a painful flush rising to her cheek, ‘I have lately found that Tam not General Maynard’s own daughter, but an adopted one—the child of en old army officer, named Faulkland. Therefore [ am an cutsider, but I cannot help feeling overjoyed all the same at the pene turn of events.” 4 “Which shows the goodness of your heart. And I'm right glad, too, that you are no relation to me, — although I would love to havea sister. I suppose this is my little brother whom I have never seen.” After the exchange of a few more w ieee Sg and Gold Rifle joined the others, where Ze a was

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30 ‘JT joined an outlaw band, general, after I fled, ac- Reaneoied by your daughter. In the community in which you lived at that time, I was nearly unknown and the name of detective had been little heard. was a detective on my own hook, and joined the out- laws purposely to ascertain their force, and how to successfully break them up. Iwas made their chief, and known as Wild Walt Wagner. I had not been forty-eight hours with them when I was seen and recognized by a party of hunters, and branded as an outlaw, It was usless now to leave them, as death awaited me outside of their ranks. So I stayed un- til the goodness of my wife, here, caused me to flee from them, with our little boy. I hid myself, but Alf King, one of the men, stole away. my wife, and she was appropriated, later, by Dolph Carew, known to youas Toleman, Jr. With him she came to this eountry, and she has just told me that the wretch forced her to mar im. The little boy, here, is a result of their union But he shall never lack for a father, in me, and now that we are all reunited in one happy family, I see no reason why we should ever part.” After about an hour the pace) wie and traders came marching back from the southern end of the matte, singing in wild harmony a peculiar lynching song: “We've hung up the cusses to a cottonwood tree, Yo a cottonwood tree, to « cottonwood tree, They pee an’ they argied, ut we couldn’t all agree, So we boosted ’em up to glor-r-ry.” “Yas, capt'in, we've suspended them galoots apure wolf reach, an’ they’re out o’ sin an’ tempta- fon.” ** An’ Iswow ter breeches, thar warn’t only one solid basis character galoot among ‘em!” put in Josh. ‘He war thet Jay Toleman, or Tiger Track —tuk his rations as natteral as ary hoss ked do, wi’out agrunt.” “Tf you’ve hung the wretches you’ve done the country a good service,” said Wild Walt, ‘‘ for them outlaws had no a al for fiendish cruelty and devil- ishness, May God, however, forgive them, as we all hope to be forgiven our sins.” 'o which there was a hearty amen. That night when all were gathered around a rous- ing camp-fire, Gold Rifle was importuned to relate all about his adventures in rescuing Mrs. Deronda, his mother, which he did, touching lightly, however, - on parts where he had played the heroic. He re- ’ lated what he had discovered about the Black Ranch, concerning the counterfeiting scheme, and his expe- rience in the death pit. “Whodo you think fired the Ranch, Kit?’ Wild Walt asked. “The guard who aided me to et ag no doubt, for ho was a bitter enemy of Tiger Track. His name he said was Renfrau.” * Do you think it will pay to overhaul the ruins of the Ranch to get at that counterfeit money?” “No. It has doubtless been melted, and could be of no use tous, anyhow.” ~ And so the Black Ranch’s ashes were left undis- turbed, and on the following morning the Me set out for the Settlement, which, in due time, they safely reached, the Maynard party proceeding on to the general’s quarters, glad to get out of the track- ‘less wilderness. May Faulkland had her birthday party after all, and a brilliant affair it was, to which all the soldiers and trappers were invited. Gold Rifle was present, and on that auspicious occasion found time to whis- per his love-dream to the fair May, And it became soar later, that they were engaged; later still, in the spring-time, they were united in matrimony— and they all live almost under the guns of the fort, the two families of Derondas, as happy as the day is long. Fi General Maynard is still grand supervisor of things ? Vets: Gold Rifle, the Sharpshcoter, ie : ar nemrenenamtc tert | at the fort, even in his old age, and finds at the homes of his own daughter and daughter of adop- tion, a double blessing to his declining years. The gold wh'chtyears ago Wild Walt had taken from the outlaws, has been contributed, we 1 to a committee at Yankton for the purpose of erec eg afree school on a grand scale. alt “‘ would not . have the stuff on his hands,” he said. And with Gold Rifle lives as a retainer no less a personage than eccentric Josh Hemperhill. THE END. Half-Dime Singer's Library 1 Wuoa, Eima! and 59 other Songs, 2 Capra Curr and 57 other Songs, 3 Tue Garinsporo’ Har and 62 other Songs. 4 Jonnny Morcan and 60 other Songs. 5 T’'un Strike You Wirr A FEearuer and 62 others, 6 GeorGE THE CHARMER and 56 other Songs. 7? Tae Bevis or Rockaway and 52 other Songs, 8 Young Fetitan, You'’RE Too Fresa# and 60 others 9 Suy Youne Grew and 65 other Songs. 10 I’ rae Governor’s ONLY Son and 58 other Songs, 11 My Faw and 65 other Songs. 12 Comin’ Turo’ Tur Rye and 55 other Songs, 13 Toe RoiicKine IrisHMAN and 59 other Songs. | 14 Otp Doe Tray and 62 other Songs. 15 Wuoa, Cuarie and 59 other Songs, 16 IN THIs WHEAT By anv By and 62 other Songs, 17 Nancy Lee and 58 other Songs. 18 I’w THE Boy THAt’s Bound To Briaze and 57 others, 19 THe Two OrpHans and 59 other Songs. \ 20 Wuar ARE THE WiLp WaAveEs Savina, Sister? and 59 other Songs. 21 InpiaNant Potty Woe and 59 other Songs, 22 lar Orp Arm-CHarr and 58 other Songs. 28 On Coney Istanp Bracn and 58 other Songs, 24 Onip Srwon, THE Hor-Corn Man and 60 others, 25 I’m in Love and 56 other Songs. 23 Parape or THE GusrDs and 56 other Songs. 27 Yo, Heave, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 28 "Twin NEVER bo To Gis IT up So and 60 others, 29 Buug Bonnets Over THE BorpeEr and 54 others, 30 Tar Merry LAvaHine Man and 56 other Songs, 81 Sweer Forart-mz-Nor and 55 other Songs. 82 LerTue Basy Mine and 53 other Songs. 83 De Banszo AM DB INSTRUMENT FoR Mx and 53 others. 34 Tarry and 50 other Songs. 85 Jusr vo PLEASE THE Boys and 52 other Songs. 36 S..ATING ON ONE IN THE GuTTER and 52 others, 87 Kotorep Kranks and 59 other Songs. 88 Nix Desprranpum and 53 other Songs. 89 Tue Grr I Lerr Benryp Me and 50 other Songs 40 °T1s Bur A LirrLe Fapep Ftowsr and 50 others 41 Prerry WarmueLmtna and 60 other Songs. 42 DANCING IN THE Barn and 68 other Songs, 43 H. M.S. Poxarors, comPiete, and 17 other Songs, v here by Newsdealers, at five cents Se osiecar sent ono to any ‘address, on re, ceipt of Six cents per number, 1 BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pusiigne 98 Witrram Street, Now vonr, m

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"THE DIME SPEAKERS, Each Speaker, 100 pages 12mo., containing from 50 to 75 pilecas, Dime American Speaker, No, 1. Young America, “Birthday of Washington, Plea for the Maine Law, Not on the Battlefield, The Italian Struggle, ay ate Our Country, : The Equality of Man, Character of the Revo’n, The Fruits of the War, The Sewing-Machine, True Manhood, The Mystery of Life, The Ups and Downs, The Truly Great, Early Retiring and Ris’g, A. Ward's Oration, Tiue Nationality, Our Natal Day, Solferino, Intelligence the Basis of e War, [Liberty, Washington’s Name, The Seulor Boy’s Syren, Dime National Union and its Results, Our Country’s Future, The Statesman’s Labors, True Immortality, Let the Childless The Rats of Life, Creowning Glory of U.S., Three Fools, ‘ashington, Our Great Inheritance, Eulogy on Henry (Jay, Dine Patriotic Amarica Ae oe Work, oun Kien. of "Self. Preserva- Our Caure, [tion, J, Jeboom’s Oration, A Dutch Cure, The Weather, renege losophy An Old Ballade Penny Wise, Pound Fool- ganas Night's Ls Sat’d’y Night's Enjoy’ “Tn a Just Cane? z, No Peace with Oppres- sion, A Tale of a Mouse, A Thanksgiving Sermon, The Cost of Riches, Great Lives Imperishable The Prophecy forthe Y’r Unfinished Problems, Honor to the Dead, Immortality of Patriots, Webster's Polit’l] System, A Vision in the Forum, The Press, Woman’s Rights, , | Right of the Governed, Sa Ladder, : Woman, Alone, The Rebellion of 1861, Disunion, Speaker, No. 2. Ohio, ' Oliver Hazard Perry, Our Domain. hg Systems of Belief, 1e Indian Chief, The Independent Farmer Mrs. Grammar’s Ball, How the Money Comes, Future of the Fashions, Loyalty to Liberty, Our Country First, Last, and Always, British Influence, Defense of Jefferson, National Hatreds, Murder Will Out, Strive for the Best, eet Rising, Deeds of Kindness, Gates of Sleep, The aes A Hoodish Gem, pone of the Struggle, id Age, Beautiful and ae The Worm of the Still, Man and the Infinite Language of the Eagle, Washington, The Deluge. Speake. No. &. | A Kentuckian’s ap’ | Kentucky oe sae : Timidity is Treason, — The Alarum, Fh en, April 15, 1861, Last Speech of Stepha The Spirit of ’61 A. Doar las, The Precious Heritage, | Great Bell Roland, ee — tet ae ae ed ce A in’s ing Cotton, { yz Christy’s Breech, Rattle Anthern, Let Me Alone, The Ends of Feace, Brigand-ier-General, Freedom the Watchwor ee ae 5 : i o rs Nation, — nion Square Speeches, uty 0 Vistian ies The Union, trots, Our Country’s Call, Turkey Dan’s Oration, The Story of an Oak Tree, | A Fearless Plea, : L-e-g On My Leg, The Onus of Slavery, History of Our ag. A Foreigner’s Tribute, T. F, Meagher’s Address, | The Little Zouave, ye Owe to the Union, Catholic Cathedr Lincoln’s Message, The “ Speculators,”* Dime Comic Speaker, No. 4, Klebeyergoss on the War, 'A Song of Woe, , Age Bluntly Considered, | Ward’s Trip to Richm’a, Early Rising, Par dy, The Wasp and the Bi The Mountebank, Comic Grammar, No. 1, | Compound Interest, I’m Not a Single Man, A Sermon on the Feet, A. Ward’s Advice, Old Dog Jock, Buzfuz on Pickwick. The Fishes’ Toilet, Romeo ai < Juliet, | Brian G Linn, Happiness, i Crockett to Office-seekes , Dogs, Who Is My Opponent? ree Political Stump Speen: A Texan Eulogium, Comic Grammar, No, 2, How to be a Fireman, Farewell to the Bottle, © The United States, The Cork (i Puff’s Ace’t of Himself, | 'The Smack in Schoo! Practical Phrenology, Slick’s Definition of Wifa Beautiful, Tale of a Hat, Disagteca ble Peopl Ppa een le People, rmon, Whai is a Bachelor Like? | Lecture on Locomotion, Funny Folks, Mrs. Caudle on Umbr’lla, Dime Eleeutionist, No. 5. SEC. I. Principriks or ‘'rve Enoncration., Faults in Enunciation; How to Avoid Them. Special Ruleg and Observations. SEC. I. Tse Art or Oratory, Sheridan's List of the Passions: Tranquillity, Cheerfulness, Mirth, , Raillery, Buffoonery, Joy, Delight, Gravity, In- uiry, Attention, Modest, , Perplexity, Pity. Grief, Melancholy, Despair, Fear _ Shame," Semone, Courage, Boasting, Pride, Obstinacy, Authority, Commanding, Forbidding, Affirming, Den ‘ Difference, Agreeing, Exhorting, Judging, Approv. ing, Acquitting, Condemning, Teaching. Pardon ing, Arguing, Dismissing, Refusing Grey “ing, De. pendence, Veneration, ope, Desire, dwve, Ra ect, Giving, Wonder, Admiration, Gratitude, Cu riosity, Persuasion, Tempting, Promising. Affect tion, Sloth, Intoxication, Anger, ete, SEC. TI. Toe Component ELEMENTS on TION.—Rules of Com 0; an ORa sition as applied to Words | ty

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Ro. 12. Sst MRD 3 NECA Py Q 4S’ u SE ay Rete V; BY csp BEST AUTHORS. A CHOICE COLLECTION OF Beautiful Compositions Carefully Compiled for : SCHOOL, LYCEUM, PARLOR, AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENTS, = BY FRANCES P. SULLIVAN. Issued Quarterly, June, 1886. Subscription, 50 Cents per Year. M. J. TLVERS &.-Co.. PUBLISHERS, | Ss6 NASSAU STREBT, N.Y. P Entered at the Post Office, Y. N., as second class matter,

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ee THE Deadwood Dick e Library e i HANDSOME TRL-SOLORED COVERS, 82 Pages. Issued Every Wednesday. Price 5 Cents. Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest} axtracts irom the New York Evening Sun. TWO REMARKABLE in only one sense of the word can it be regarded as a aovel statement when the fact is here recorded that litera- ture has given many heroes to the world, and perhaps more than one reader will have to think a moment over this remark before the subtle delicacy of its genial wit @rikes home, But it is most essentially a half dime novel statement Vaat will be news to many when it is added that litera- ture, if traced from the dimly distant days when Adam ‘was a mere child down to the present day, would show gut few heroes that in the eyes of boyhood would be bven judged worthy of comparison with the two greatest geroes known to American literature, or, to promptly re- yeal them, Deadwood Dick and Deadwood Dick, Jr. * * * The modern heroes of fiction for young America, who are now as countless as the sands of the sea, and of whom the Deadwood Dicks are much the most important ? * * it is but natural that their * * * should bear igway the palm of popularity, and suchas * * * be left far behind in the race. It can be easily believed, therefore, that the two Dicks are so firmly engrafted on the tree of popular literature jor, boys and young men, that their position is assured * * and that they stand to-day head and shoulders HEROES. above all rivals in the eyes of the public for which the) have lived, and for which one of them has died. American boyhood, and that Is a tremendous factor fm 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 impenetrable mysteries. , Millions of boys follow his stealthy footsteps as he tracks his vicious victims to their undoing, and then, when thé victims are thoroughly undone, the millions wait hungrily for the next volume, which on every Wednesday appears with the certainty of the Wednesday Itself, and a new set oF ONS thrills go thrilling away from Maine to Call- ornia, There are the volumes each so crowded with thrills an@ heart-tugs that it were madness to hope to do justice te them collectively and rank injustice to discriminate be tween them, To abandon the idea of giving a few extracts causes In- finite pain, but if once a start were made in that direo- tion, it would be cruel to The Evening Sun’s readers to stop, and it is therefore better not to relate one single adventure, Suffice it to say that the stories are clean and well written. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road The Double Daggers: or, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance % The Buffalo Demon; or. The Border Vultures Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval $ Death-Face, the Detective ¥ 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 © Omaha Oll, the Masked Terror;-or, Deadwood Dick in Danger 1 ae rep Jr.,the Boy Phenix; or, Through to eat ‘@ Deadwood Dick’s Eagles: or, The Pards of Flood Bar 18 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck: or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 7 etl Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the Gulch 18 Idyl, the Girl Miner; ~r, Rosebud Rob on Hand ‘9 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance %0 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 31 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Sign of the Double Oross 22 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief $8 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty % Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Wdge Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker; or, The Secret Twelve 87 Chip, the Girl Sport % Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 90 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks 0 ee aa Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s ule # Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base ® Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent 83 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job 34 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike 35 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues 44 atthe 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 Rferre Sn Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough anch 52 The Girl Sport: or, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise 58 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen 54 Denver Doll as Detective 55 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport 56 Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 57 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick's Pard: or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission : 62 Spotter Fritz: or, The Store-Detective’s Deco: 63 The Detectiv2 Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- fras City 64 bar i Charlie’s Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings M. J. [VERS & CO., Pubiishers (James Sullivan, Proprietor), 879 Pearl “treet, NEW YORK. 4

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LIRA BaD, fopy right 1878-1835 5, by Beadle & Adams. Entered at Post Office, New York, N. Y., as second class matter. Mar. 15, 180h /THE ARTHUR WESTBROOK CO. No. 14 Cleveland, Ohio Vol. II O, Og Rrra ~ Mba gun was banded to Gold Rifewin a in a moment he had sighted it, Gred. and ‘somersaulted

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——————— 9 ee pe FRONTIER SERIES 15ce. Per Copy. The Shawnee’s Moe, The Young Mountaineer. Wild Jim. Hawk-KEye, the Hunter. The Boy Guide. War Tiger of the Modocs ; The Red Modocs. Iron Hand. Shadow Bill, the Scout. Wapawkaneta, or the Rangers of the Oneida. Davy Crockett’s Boy Hunter, The Forest Avenger. - Old Jack’s Frontier Cabin, . Harry Hardskull. Madman of the Oconto. Slim Jim. Tiger-EKye. . The Red Star of the Seminoles. . Drapper Joc. . The Indian Queen’s Revenge. HWagle-Kyed Zeke. Sear-Cheek, the Wild Half-Breed. Red Men of the Woods. Tuscaloosa Sam, The Bully of the Woods. The Trapper’s Bride. 14, On the Deep. 63. Red Rattlesmake, The 15. Sharp Snout, Pawnee, 16. The Mountain Demon. 64, The Scout of Tippecanoe 17. Wild Tom of Wyoming. 65. Old Kit, The Scout. 18. The Brave Boy Hunters 66, The Boy Scouts. of Kentucky. 67. Hiding Tom. 19. The Fearless Ranger. 68. Roving Dick, Hunter. 20. The Haunted Trapper. 69. Hickory Jack. 21. Madman of the Colorado. 70. Mad Mike. 22. The Panther Demon. 71, Snake-Eye, 23. Slashaway, the Fearless. 72. Big-Hearted Joe. 24. Pine Tree Jack. 3. The Blazing Arrow. 25. Indian Jim. 74. The Hunter Scouts. 26. Navajo Nick. oe pie scons, os Long Island. lhe 1 9 76. Turkey-Koot. 3k Dendnood Dick, Jes. The Death Rangers, 29. A New York Boy Among ci Beet eee a : EE cs ee, $0. The Twin ‘Trappers 80. bsg eed Dick’s Big 81" Lightfoot the Scout. Si oe na ean 82. Grim_ Dick. Pilato et peel Se 83. The Wooden-Legged Spy. 32. Deadwood Dick’s Dozen. 94° he Silent Trapper. 83. Sauatty Dick. 85. Ugly Ike. in 34. The Hunter’s Secret. 86. Fire Cloud. 35. The Woman Trapper, 87. Hank Jasper. 36. Whe Chief of the Miami. 88, The Scout of the Sciota. 37. Gunpowder Jim. 89. Blnck Samson, 38, Mad Anthony’s Captain. 90. Billy Bowlegs. 39. The Ranger Boy’s Career. 91, The Bloody Footprint. 40. Old Niek of the Swamp. 992, Marksman the Hunter. 41. The Shadow Seout. 93, The Demon Cruiser. 42, Lantern-Jawed Bob. 94, Hunters and Redskins. 43. Nie Masked Kunter. 95, Panther Jack. 44, Brimstone Jake. ; 96. Old Zeke. 45. The Irish Hunier. 97, The Panther Paleface. 46. Dave Bunker, te The Scout of the St. Lawrence, Bloody Brook r Ss y Witch. Gente ete ae 100. Long Bob of. Kentucky. 48. Big Brave. 49. Spider-Legs. BEADLE’S FRONTIER SERIES are always in print and for sale by all Newsdealers; or will be sent postpaid to any address: ingle copies, 5c. ARTHUR WESTBROOK C0. CLEVELAND, OHI0

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Deadwood Dick e Library @ LATEST AND BEST. HANDSOME TRI-COLORED COVERS, | 82 Pages. Bia Buy One and You Will Buy the Rest! Wor Sample Cover See Othe Side. DEADWOOD DICK LIBRARY. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road * The Double Daggers; or, Deadwood Dick’s Deflance 8 The Buffalo Demon; or. The Border Vultures 4 Buffalo Ben, Prince of the Pistol 6 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval 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 Oll, the Masked Terror; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger 11 stai ou ue Jr,, the .Boy Phenix; or, Through to ea 12 ere Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood ar 13 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 14 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter 15 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane 16 Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo 17 eerie Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight of the ule 18 Tdyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand 49 Photograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance 20 Watch-Eye, the Shadow 21 Deeinoes 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 for Liberty 24 Deadwood Dick as Detective 25 Gilt-Edged Dick 26 Bonanza Bill, the Man-Tracker ; or, The Secret Twelva 27 Chip, the Girl Sport 28 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune 29 Boss Bob, the King of Pootblacks : 80 = on Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gergon’s ule 81 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Zase 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 Party 86 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective 87 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Scamps of the Sierras 88 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo 89 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure 40 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road 41 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel 42 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp 43 The Ventriloquist Detective. A Romance of Rogues 44 ae Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator's ame 45 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme 46 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado 47 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam's Claim 48 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent 49 Sierra Sam, the Detective 50 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female Detect ives 51 cee pone 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 Doil’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss 587 Deadwood Dick Trapped 58 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, The Messenger Boy's Fortune 59 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport 60 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner 61 Deadwood Dick’s Mission 62 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy 683 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassa- ras City 64 Pelrads Charlie's Detective Dash; or, The Cattle ings